One week later
The day before the Battle for Mount Weather
The past week had felt like a month's time had passed for Clarke. There had been so much, that had moved quickly after she received word from Bellamy about a missile being launched. This sent both Lexa and her into crisis mode. They immediately left for Tondisi to try and warn the people there. They had just made it to the war room when the got the message that it had been launched.
They had to make a hard choice to secretly leave for their safety. They watched from a hill far away as the missile came and struck the center of the town. It caused both of them to fall to their knees in pain. As they were trying to make their way back to the camp, they ran into Lincoln who told them that he had spotted snipers in the trees. They quickly made their way back to camp and had to kill a couple snipers and reapers who had been sent to kill them as well.
When they walked back into the camp they immediately took stock of the damage and began helping to rescue people that had been trapped by the debris. It took them two days to rescue everyone they could. Only Octavia knew the truth about the missile heading for Tondisi. That was a whole issue that Clarke had to deal with. It wound up getting settled after she planted Octavia on her ass and asked her if she remembered what she had told her when she asked her to become her general.
Since that day both camps went into overdrive to prepare for tomorrow. Bellamy had found the fog controls and secured a way to reverse its function with the help of Monty. Raven and Wick got detailed information from him about how and where they would go at the dam to knock out the power for the complex. Lexa gathered all of her generals and went over the plan she had come up while talking with Clarke.
They had debated long into the night everyday on the possible outcomes for this battle. When they weren't going over the battle plans, they were training. Lexa, Indra, Octavia, and Her all went into the clearing that they had found not far from camp. Lexa had decided it was best that they avoid the training grounds as to avoid a possible repeat of what happened last time. Lexa didn't hold back when it came to training her. She was a quick learner and yesterday had managed to finally plant Lexa on her ass. She smiled at the memory of the shocked expressions of the other three when Clarke had planted her.
She stepped outside her tent with all her gear ready to go for the final day of preparation when she was met by Lexa. She stopped immediately and looked into her eyes. It didn't matter what was going on during the day, one look into her eyes made her calm and warm. She smiled at her trying to figure out what Lexa could be coming to find her so early for.
"Good morning Klark" Lexa smiled at her.
The way she said her name with that hard K made her shiver. No one had said her name like that before and it made her feel special and cared for.
"Morning Lexa. What do I owe the pleasure of this early morning visit?" she asked, still trying to figure out what was going on.
"I figured we could take a walk this morning to clear our heads. We both have been under intense scrutiny from everyone lately." Clarke could tell Lexa was hiding something but wasn't sure what it was.
"That would be nice. I was coming to find you anyway and see if you wanted to do some light training." Clarke smiled at her and noticed Lexa fiddling with her hands.
"Okay then let's go, we should be back before lunch. I made sure to tell Indra this time so she doesn't worry this time." She smiled as she turned and started walking.
No matter how much she was trying to hide it Lexa was off today and she knew it. This past week had been rough for both Clarke and her. First a missile had struck Tondisi and left it in need of severe repair. Then there was the diffusing between both of their respective generals that had to be handled. Indra was ready to go on a warpath and had a hard time listening to reason. Clarke had to put Octavia on her ass to listen. This had been the most stressful week of her life in a long time.
She knew that if Clarke and her hadn't been able to settle both camps, the battle would have been over before it had begun. Clarke had to go make her mother see reason once again when she caught wind out what Bellamy had been told the targets were. Lexa had to calm her generals from doing something rash and attacking Skaikru for their believed attempt at siding with the mountain men to wipe them out. By the time both camps were under control Lexa was fuming and Clarke was close as well.
Throughout all this Clarke and her had still managed to spend more time with each other. Their training sessions had quickly become her favorite part of the day. Clarke was improving quickly and was starting to pass Octavia in skill. Clarke was no longer training with Octavia to test skill. She was now exclusively training with Lexa and her only.
They had just cleared the edge of the woods and were not able to be seen when Clarke grabbed her arm and stopped her. She turned and looked at her and saw the question forming before it was asked.
"Lexa are you okay? You seem off this morning." She just looked at her and saw the worry behind her eyes. Her heart skipped a couple beats at the care Clarke had for her.
"I will be okay. There is just a lot that we have to prepare for and there is so much that needs to be done to ensure that I don't lose you or our people." She turned away at what she just said. She was struggling to control her own feelings for Clarke.
Clarke's mind short circuited for a brief second. There was no way she had heard Lexa correctly. Her words rang in her ears like a song. Lexa didn't want to lose her. Clarke knew that she cared but she didn't know it was like that. She turned Lexa back to face her and tilted her head up so she could look into those deep forest green eyes that she had come to love.
"Lexa, I am not going anywhere. We will do everything in our power to protect those we care about. I don't want to lose you either." She saw the worry start to slowly fade at her words.
"We are in this together, Leska. I would not want anyone else on my side for this." She took a deep breath before she said something she was wanting to say for a long time.
"You have been there for me when I have been so pissed off and frustrated at my people, you have helped me make decisions that have slowly started to help my people thrive. I can't thank you enough for that." She gave her a reassuring squeeze on her arm before walking ahead.
Lexa smiled and slowly started to follow. She knew that she was losing the fight to not pull Clarke close and kiss her. Her walls had come completely down for this girl that fell from the sky. She made the mental note that she was going to take a chance later before she might have to make a decision that could cost her this. Her duty was to her people first and foremost and she hated that it might cost her the one thing that she had come to love.
They walked a big circle around both camps while staying out of sight. It gave them time to just relax and distress after the week they had had. They made it back to her tent just as the sun was reaching its peak for the day. Clarke followed her inside which did not surprise her. She had taken to spending all her free time that she had by her side. It caused some rumors about them to spread throughout the camp and when she had caught wind of them, she had Indra quickly quell them. She had enough on her plate right now that she did not need a rumor getting to Azgeda.
They both looked over to the table and saw plates of food had been set there for them. They looked at each other and shrugged, figuring Indra saw them coming back and had the food brought to them. They set down next to each other and started to eat in comfortable silence they both had started to come to enjoy.
"You know Clarke the more you keep following me in here after anything we do, people will start to think that something is going on between us." Lexa really didn't care if Clarke was with her all the time. She just kept thinking of what everyone else would say.
"Let them think what they want Lexa. We know the truth and why should what anyone else thinks matter to us?" Clarke knew her people thought something was going on between them.
When she went back to camp earlier this past week to deal with her mother again, both Raven and Kane cornered her and asked her what was going on between them.
"Well Clarke that could be dangerous. We already know that Mount Weather has pegged us as targets and they have seen us together. They don't know what is going on between us. I have enemies to the north and not that far from your Camp that would love to kill me especially if they thought someone was close to me." She knew that she would love nothing more than to be with Clarke. It's just the way the last person she loved was taken from her is causing all this. She was just trying to warn Clarke.
"Well we will handle them just like we are Mount Weather. Together." Clarke set her fork down and took hold of Lexa's hand.
"Lexa I am done worrying about what other people think. If I want something I am going to take it. Right now there is something I want, I just don't know if it is the right time." Clarke started to blush. She was tired of dancing around her feelings anymore.
"What is it that you want Clarke?" For the first time in a long time Lexa was nervous. She had told herself that she was going to act on her feelings earlier but now she was sitting there waiting to see where Clarke was going.
"You." is all Clarke said as she pulled Lexa close and kissed her.
Lexa went stiff at first but slowly relaxed and returned the kiss. She couldn't be happier in this current moment. She pulled back slightly and looked at Clarke. She had a smirk on her face that was just daring her to respond.
Lexa rose from her chair and pulled Clarke up with her. She walked forward till she felt Clarke hit her backside on the table in the middle of the room. Everything seemed to slow down for the both of them. They searched each other's eyes for any regrets or doubt and nothing could be found. Lexa went for more. She snaked a hand behind Clarke's neck and pulled her in for another kiss.
When her lips made contact with Clarke's, a small moan came out at the taste of her. This was everything she thought it would be anymore. Her other arm moved behind her back to pull her closer. She wanted to fell Clarke as they fought for dominance of their kiss. She pulled back again and looked into the darkening eyes of Clarke. She smiled at her and it was returned.
"So I am guessing you want the same thing Lexa?" Clarke breathed out in a hush tone trying to calm her rising excitement.
"I have wanted that since you first walked into my tent." She leaned down and kissed her again as if to confirm her own words.
"I am glad then Lexa. I would love nothing more in the world for us to be together. We are stronger when we are working as a team." She was pulled close as she spoke. Lexa didn't want this moment to end.
"Then from now on Clarke, we are together. You are right we work well together. That has been evident by the past week." As she spoke she felt the weight of what was looming come crashing down on her. She just agreed to be with Clarke no matter the ramifications of this.
She would worry about that later. For now she was going to enjoy the calm before the storm with Clarke. She smiled as she thought about the step they just took. She knew she would have explaining to do and that they needed to keep it to themselves for now.
"Clarke we should keep this to ourselves for now. When we are alone we can be ourselves but when we are with our people we have to be able to put our feelings to the side and be the leaders they want us to be." Lexa knew that Clarke could handle this. She had already seen how Clarke carried herself while in public when she needed to be the Leader for her people.
"I think we can manage that. I know how you are with your reputation, no need to let them see how caring you actually are." She poked Lexa in the side and smirked at her. The reaction that pulled out of Lexa made Clarke laugh.
"I am caring, Clarke and my people know that. They just like to see a strong commander and if I were to become weak they would find another. That is how it has been for years. I know that Titus thinks love is weakness but you have shown me otherwise. You have shown me that it is okay to love and be loved." She walked them back to the table so they could finish their meal before the generals arrived to go over the plan of attack one last time.
"Are you saying that you love me Lexa?" Clarke sent her a look with one of her eyebrows cocked upwards. She was already figuring out that teasing her was fun.
"What if I was Clarke? Would that change anything between us." She asked as she popped another grape into her mouth.
"Not at all Lexa because the feeling goes the same way. I think I have loved you since I laid eyes on you. There was just something about you that made me want to say to hell with everything and figure out everything about you. I walked out of here that first day and I knew I needed to get to know you better." She smiled as she finished her meal. She knew any moment the generals would be here and they would have to switch personas again.
"Then I think that is exactly what I am saying, Ai hodnes." She chuckled at what she had just said because Clarke was still learning their language. She could tell Clarke was trying to figure it out as Indra walked into the tent. Both Clarke and her stood a little too quickly and she saw the look of wonderment on her face.
"Heda the generals will be here shortly. Are you ready to go over the plan again?"
Indra looked at both of the women standing in front of her. She saw their reactions to her unannounced entrance and to her it looked like they were guilty of something. Lexa to her credit recovered quickly while Clarke took just a tad longer but still put her assumed leader face on. Indra smiled at how quickly she was learning. The time Lexa was spending with her was rubbing off and it was a good thing.
"Yes Indra we will be ready." Lexa said, moving to sit in her throne. Clarke just stood there still trying to figure out where she should go.
"Clarke you have gotten better about putting on a face but you still have work to do." She turned and looked at Lexa with an eyebrow raised.
"Is there something you would like to inform your general of Heda?" She knew that she had walked in on something and she wanted to make them both sweat a little. It was fun to keep them on their toes.
Clarke turned and looked at Lexa. Not five minutes ago they had agreed to keep their new relationship a secret but now that Indra was here she was unsure of what they should do. Lexa motioned for Clarke to come next to her. She walked up to her and squatted beside her throne facing away from Indra. She turned her head and looked at Lexa.
"Should we tell Indra and Octavia about our new relationship?" Lexa leaned over and whispered to her.
"I think it wouldn't hurt as long as we make it absolutely clear that this information goes nowhere. I know there are a lot of things this could cause but whatever you want to do Leska, I will follow your lead." Lexa nodded at her and she stood back up and turned around to face Indra.
Indra noted where Clarke was standing and knew that she already had her answer. Lexa had found love again. She knew that she should be afraid of the ramifications of this but she knew that both of them cared for each other and would watch each other's back.
"Indra could you please have Octavia come in here. We know she is just outside." Indra smiled and turned around and stuck her head outside and told her to come in.
Octavia walked in and looked at where Lexa and Clarke were positioned in the room and she knew something had definitely changed between them. Lexa told the guards outside to not let anyone in till she said different. She knew this must be important if Lexa wanted to not be disturbed.
She watched as Lexa stood and took a hold of Clarke's hand and together they made their way in front of them. She looked at Clarke and saw the blank face she had put up. She watched as the face slowly fell on both of them as they relaxed to themselves. As they got close to them they moved closer to each other as if drawn to the other. They stopped just in front of them and they both wore smiles that stretched from ear to ear.
"We figured that it would be wise to let our most trusted generals and friends know of some new developments. Clarke and I have decided to be together. This needs to be kept secret and no one outside of this tent is allowed to know till we deem it safe." Lexa said while never losing the smile on her face.
Octavia looked at the both of them and then at Indra to see her reaction and was surprised by it. Indra was smiling and not just a small one either. That threw her for a loop because of the facade Indra carried. She shook her head then looked back at Clarke. She was still wearing her smile while waiting for their responses. Clarke had changed since they had come down here and it was for the better
"Lexa, that is wonderful news. Took you long enough." Indra laughed as she pulled her onto a hug.
All three of the women were stunned. Lexa had thought that she would be the one to explode. Clarke thought she would be dead for even thinking of having feelings for Heda. Octavia couldn't process what she was seeing and her mouth hung wide open. Indra released Lexa and moved in front of Clarke. Everyone heard the audible gulp come from her throat.
"Clarke, I must warn you that going down this road will put a target on your back. I know you will do everything in your power to protect her but if you don't you will wish you had been killed when that drop ship landed." Indra had put her stoic face back on as she threatened Clarke. Once she nodded in understanding it fell and she smiled.
"I am happy for the both of you. I had my doubts about you Clarke but so far you have done nothing but show how much you want to live and work with us. You have shown that you are a warrior and a leader. This will only make you two stronger." Clarke was still stunned from what just happened.
Of all people Indra was the last one that she thought would approve of this. She shook her head and looked over at Lexa, who was showing shock as well with a hint of embarrassment. She smiled at her and turned to her best friend. She saw the state of shock she was in and slapped her shoulder to return her to normal.
"Octavia are you still with us?" she was now smirking along with Indra and Lexa.
"Yeah just trying to process the bombshell you two just dropped. I hadn't realized that you were that close. I mean I had wondered what was going on when I saw Clarke following you like a lost puppy but I would have never guessed there was a mutual attraction." Clarke just sighed at her friend. She felt Lexa lean over and whisper to her that she told her so. That remark earned her a playful slap on the shoulder.
"Now that you both know, I hope you two realize that this must be kept to us four only. I have already warned Clarke of the dangers of us pursuing this and she still wants to continue. I know what we are asking of you two will be hard." Lexa gave Octavia a very pointed look, knowing that she shared almost everything with Lincoln. Octavia shot her hands up in defense and just agreed to not tell Lincoln.
"Sha Heda." They both said and bowed to her.
Lexa and Clarke looked at each other, smiled and let out a breath of air. That part was done for now. They knew that whatever was going to happen from here on out would be new for the both of them. She felt Lexa let go of her hand and immediately missed her touch. She looked at her and noticed she had slipped back into Heda mode as she looked at Indra. Clarke realized that the generals were probably outside pissed off that they were being kept waiting. She sighed as she tried to mentally prepare herself for this war council.
She walked over to her spot just to the right of Lexa around the big table that had been set up. It had a map off the mountain on it and the surrounding area. Once she made it to her spot she felt the touch of someone to her left. She looked up and saw the smile on Lexa's face and the nod of reassurance from her. Clarke smiled at her and nodded back thanking her. She put on her best stoic face that she was still trying to master as the first of the generals came into the tent.
The generals filed in one by one, Clarke never broke her gaze with each of them. Indra stood to Lexa's left, Gustus stood next to Clarke which calmed her just a little. Gustus was like a father to Lexa and he had been assigned to watch over her when she was not with Lexa.
Nyko was the next one to enter and he stood beside Indra. Lexa had informed her that he was her best healer outside of their capital. She had worked with him to share the different ways of healing, explaining that if they knew more ways to heal more people would survive.
Ryder came in next and stood by Gustus. She didn't know much about this man but from what she had seen he was trained by Gustus and the big man had a soft spot for him.
The remaining generals came in and took their respective places around the table. She had not met most of them enough to learn their names. Most of the meetings had been quick and easy. They were mostly for information gathering and getting updates on the progress on various things. She knew this one would be the most difficult and she would face the most scrutiny. Her eyes scanned the room looking for Octavia. She found her posted by the entrance to the tent standing guard. She saw the slight nod from her and she let out a hush sigh.
"As you all know we go to battle tomorrow with The Mountain. They have held a dark cloud over our people for centuries. Tomorrow with the help of Skaiheda we will bring down the mountain and finally be free of their reign of terror." The general started a war chant at their Heda's words.
Clarke smiled inwards at her confidence and how much her people loved her. She knew this was off to a good start.
"Over the past three weeks, Skaiheda and I have worked tirelessly to put a plan in place to ensure victory. As some of you know Skaiheda successfully had one of her own people infiltrate the Mountain and work to bring it down from the inside." All of the generals nodded in agreement at the feat Skaikru had been able to accomplish.
"Once Belomi is able to bring down the acid fog. We will be able to march to their front door." She paused as she saw one of her generals looking frustrated as he looked at the map.
"Darko, do you have something that is troubling you?" She asked the man. He was known to raise questions that she may have forgotten to look out for.
"Heda, once and if Belomi brings down the yellow cloud. That would put them on the defensive. How are we to get inside to rescue our people?" She was glad he asked because this was the perfect time for Clarke to go over the plan.
"Skaiheda, you would mind filling everyone in on that plan." She looked at her and nodded.
Clarke had been waiting for her to be called on. Lexa had told her that it would mean more for her to explain the plan since her people had been able to infiltrate the mountain. Clarke took a breath and moved to the right and was now standing in between Ryder and Gustus. They two big men made her look small but she stood straighter to try and make herself appear taller.
"Once the fog is down we will be able to approach the mountain. Reivon and Wick will infiltrate the dam and set explosives to knock out their power. That should allow us to blow the door to the entrance of Mount Weather." She looked around the room and locked eyes with Darko.
"You are correct Darko, they will be on guard and they most likely have a bigger weapon supply than Skaikru have. On one of our scouting missions were we able to find one of the Maunon's hidden bunkers. There was not a lot in there but we were able to find some of the same gas that they had used to capture Skaikru." She felt the whole room tense.
"There was only enough to be used once. After this battle Skaikru will have very little when it comes to the weapons from the old world. I fully plan on making sure we adopt your people's way of living and surviving. Our weapons will be obsolete if I have my way." She gripped the handle of the dagger she had strapped to her side trying to calm her nerves.
"What is to stop your people from raiding the mountain and resupplying your people with their weapons? How can we trust that you will do as you say and get rid of your guns?" One of the other generals spoke now. He had a very valid question.
"Once the battle is over, with Heda's permission the only thing I would want from them is the medical equipment. Everything else can be destroyed as far as I am concerned. I have no desire for my people or I to use guns anymore. They caused nothing but damage and pain and would not last as long as a good sword or bow." The general nodded at her apparently accepting her answer for now.
"We will discuss the question of medical equipment after the battle, Skaiheda." She heard Lexa's voice and looked over at her seeing the unsaid words of how proud she was of her so far.
"Sha Heda." Clarke turned back to the map and continued to go through her plan for the battle.
"If everything goes according to plan the gas should knock out anyone that is in the main tunnel allowing us to infiltrate the mountain and make our way to the holding cells to rescue our people." She took a breath and gave a quick glance over at Lexa. She saw the brief nod and took another breath. This next part weighed heavy on her.
"Once inside all of the guards are killed on sight. If we are attacked, you will have full right to retaliate. As far as Heda and I are concerned no one is to be considered friendly. There are children in the mountain and if it is possible they are to be spared and dealt with after the battle." She fought back the tears that were threatening to fall at the thought of the children in the mountain being slaughtered because of their parents' actions.
She calmed her breathing and looked around the room. All of the generals were weighing what she had just said. All of them looked around at each other and nodded in agreement and looked at Clarke.
"Skaiheda we all do not want innocent children to die. If we can we will move them to a secure location and you can talk to them afterwards." Lexa's voice seemed to calm her from the slow burn of the rage that had been building as she talked about the plan.
"Mochaf Heda." She nodded at her again.
"Once our people are free from the Mountain and it no longer serves as a threat, we will be free to continue working together to thrive if Heda wants it." Clarke knew she would want that especially considering their new relationship.
"The terms of the alliance will be discussed after the battle. As long as Skaikru does their part there should be no problem in continuing our alliance." She saw Clarke nod and thank her as she returned to answer questions that were being asked of the small details of the plan.
"She is a natural leader Lexa. You chose well." Becca said to her.
"She is doing a very good job. The generals seem to be warming up to her."
"They do seem to be responding better this time around. Everyone is looking at her as an equal now. You have done well in teaching her."
"She made it easy. She was willing to learn and was born to lead Becca. It just took a little push."
Becca chuckled at her response.
"If that's what you want to call it. You know tomorrow will be hard and many lives could be lost."
"Yes Becca, I do. That comes with every battle we wage. I have done everything possible to ensure we win the one. Clarke has been a great help in providing details of what she saw while she was held captive." Lexa felt a slight shiver travel through her at the thought of Clarke being held captive again.
"You really do love her don't you?"
"Yes Becca I do. I haven't felt this way since Costia. I am afraid that if something were to happen to her that nothing would be able to stop me this time." She glanced over at Clarke and saw that she was explaining something to another one of her generals. She must have felt her gaze cause she turned and looked at her. A smirk appeared on her face and she turned back to the map.
"You two will make each other stronger and better. I can see that now. I am happy for you Lexa. I think she is running out of things to explain by the way. Enjoy." Lexa looked back at Clarke again and saw her staring at her.
"Does anyone else have any concerns or questions for Skaiheda?" She had to think quickly because honestly she heard very little of what was being asked.
All of the generals shook their heads no at her and all looked calm and pleased with Clarke. Everyone's stance was relaxed and they all had slight smiles on their faces. She was confused by that but would ask Clarke later about it.
"Then you are all dismissed to prepare. We have a long fight ahead of us." She stood and they all bowed to her as they left. Once by one they left till Indra, Octavia and Clarke were the only ones left.
She walked over to stand beside Clarke as the last one exited the tent. She immediately grabbed her hand and felt herself center and relax. Clarke gave her a reassuring squeeze as Indra and Octavia came closer.
"Well Clarke I must say you handled that very well. I have never seen all of the generals agree and come together so quickly. You addressed everyone's questions and concerns and made them feel like their voices were being heard. Lexa you have done well in helping her." Indra praised Clarke for how she explained everything.
Lexa smiled at this. Receiving praise from Indra was rare and the fact that Clarke had gotten it twice showed how much she had warmed up to her.
"Thank you Indra. That went better than I had hoped. The only thing that would have help is if Lexa had chimed in a couple of times so Indra didn't have to speak up." All three of them were smirking at her as she was stunned.
"Clarke what are you talking about? I must apologize, the first commander decided to make her presence known and was talking to me." A blush was creeping up her face at her embarrassment for being distracted.
"Well that would explain why you looked off in a different world and why you never took your eyes off Clarke." Her head whipped towards Octavia.
"Explain Octavia. Did anyone mention it?" she was concerned and some panic was creeping in. If anyone had suspected anything about them, it would not be good.
"No, Clarke did a good job of keeping everyone's focus. I only saw it because I was watching the whole room." She relaxed slightly. She would have to be more careful when among a large group.
"Thank you Octavia for keeping watch tonight. You may continue with whatever else you had planned for today." Octavia nodded and bowed to her and took her leave wanting to go find Lincoln.
"Indra is there anything else I should know about since I was busy?"
"No Heda. Clarke covered everything and did well." She smiled at them proud of both of them.
"Then you may also take your leave. Thank you Indra." She nodded and bowed and left the tent leaving Clarke and her alone once again.
Lexa immediately pulled her into a kiss needing to feel her on her lips. She felt Clarke return it in earnest. She pulled back slightly and pulled Clarke closer and rested her shoulder. Her breathing slowed and she sank into her embrace. These meetings took everything out of both of them and to add that she had the unexpected visit of Becca her mind was taxed for the time being.
She grabbed Clarke by her hand and led them over the table and they sat down never letting go of the others hand. She looked up and met blue eyes that were studying her intently. Her heart always seemed to speed up when her eyes were trained on her.
"Lexa, there is something we need to discuss when it comes to the battle." she saw a small flicker between Skaiheda and Clarke.
"What is it Clarke?" She knew that this must be important for her to wait till everyone was gone.
"There is one possibility that we have not discussed for this battle." She felt Clarke's hand start to get clammy and her pulse quickened.
"What could we have possibly missed Clarke? We have taken into every angle that we are aware of." she could tell this was eating at her. She racked her brain to try and think of something they had missed.
"Once we knock out their fog and power they will be desperate. They will try anything and that includes offering one of us a deal. They have done their homework on us. They know you have people to lead while I don't." she could feel the shaking coming from Clarke. Where was she going with this?
"If it comes down to that, I need you to promise me that you will take that deal for your people. I will survive if it comes to it. I will find my way back to you." She looked into her eyes and saw the tears forming.
Clarke was willing to sacrifice her own people in order for her to continue onward like her people would want. She was expected to look out for her people first. That was her duty and she knew it. For the first time since she ascended she regretted having her role. She could feel her own tears starting to form at the realization that she would have to take the deal if it came to it.
She stood and pulled Clarke into a tight embrace. Her tears were falling on her shoulder. This hit them both hard and they had just admitted how they felt for each other. Was this some cruel twist of fate?
"Clarke, I know this is the last thing you want to hear but you are right. That is what is expected of me and it is tearing me apart at the thought of having to take that deal." she was still holding on tight. She felt like if she let go Clarke would run.
"Lexa, your people out number mine significantly. You have to put us aside and do what's best for them. I can already tell you my people will look at it as betrayal but I won't. This will be the hardest thing for us but we will make it." She was now staring into her soul and Lexa could feel the weight of the world collapse on her shoulders once again.
"Then if that is what you wish it will be done. If it comes to that then I will do what's best for my people. I hope it does not come to that but you do raise a good point." She tried to smile and find any positive from this but there was none.
"I figured it was best to figure this out when no one was around. It would have been harder to control my emotions then." Clarke was trying to join in trying to find a positive but was also struggling.
"Sha Klark, that would not have been easy. I am glad you thought of this scenario, it shows that even when we think we have looked at every outcome there is always at least one more that has not been accounted for. I am proud of you Clarke." She beamed at her love. She had come a long way since she first landed on Earth.
"I need you to promise me something though." she had wanted to ask this later but now seemed like the perfect time.
"What is it Lexa?" She was curious now.
"After this battle is over no matter what happens, I want you to come to Tondisi and find me. You will need to bring Octavia and Lincoln with you. His banishment will be lifted and this will make it easier for us to continue yours and Octavia's training." she was nervous about asking this.
"I will Lexa, wherever you go I want to be there. I am putting Kane in charge so I can do exactly that." Clarke beamed at her.
"Thank you Clarke. I know that this will be difficult but I want you by my side from here on out." She was glad Clarke agreed to her wish.
"Now how about we go for a run to clear our minds and get away from the looming battle?" Clarke smiled at her and nodded her head.
They grabbed their gear just in case they ran into anything and headed out of the tent. They found Octavia with Lincoln and Indra. All three of them agreed to come with them, all needing to get away for a few hours. Clarke looked up at the sun and they had a couple hours before dusk. She realized that they could do a big run and come back just in time for her to do a quick check in on Camp Jaha before she ate for the night.
Once they were all ready to go Clarke and Lexa set the pace and took off into the woods falling into the rhythm they had come to establish when they went for runs. Clarke looked behind her and found that the others were keeping up with them as they wound through the trees. She looked over to her love and smiled. They shared a knowing look and smirked at each other. They would not make this run easy on the others.
Camp Jaha
An hour later
Clarke was making her way back to check on her people after she had just got back from running when she felt a familiar presence beside her. She stopped and turned and saw Indra, Octavia, and Lexa. She looked at Lexa and Indra and raised an eyebrow at them.
"Not that I am complaining Heda, but what are you doing following me?" She smirked at her trying to stay formal considering people were around.
"Skaiheda, I wanted to come along and see the progress for myself. I want to see how well Kane and Indra had been able to work together." She kept her stoic face firm on her face and Clarke knew she was being serious.
"Sha Heda, I must warn you that Abigail is still in charge for the time being and may not give you the most warm welcome." Clarke knew what would most likely happen but she was curious to see how Lexa would deal with it.
"Mochaf Skaiheda, we will deal with that if it comes to it. Now shall we continue?" She saw the small smirk form on Lexa's face.
"Sha Heda." She turned and continued making her way to the gates of Camp Jaha.
Clarke was nervous now more than ever. She knew what Lexa was doing and it worried her. She was honestly afraid of what her mother would say when she came into camp with the commander and her general. She was hoping everything would go smoothly and quickly but when it came to dealing with her mother it was never easy.
They approached the gates with Octavia and Her at the front followed by Indra and Lexa. The gates slowly opened revealing Kane and Abigail standing in the middle of the camp. She saw her mother look at who was with her and saw her face go through a mix of emotions but finally landed on a mix of anger and relief. It was a weird thing to see.
For the first time, Lexa was able to look at the Skaikru camp. She saw a farm that looked like it had been improved a little bit. She saw a couple more buildings being built from wood and remains of anything they had been able to find. She saw Raven standing beside what she assumed was her shop. Overall it looked like Kane had taken anything and everything Indra was able to provide to heart and tried to work to improve their camp. That was a good sign that Clarke chose correctly.
They came to a halt once the gates close and she felt the sudden weight of not being welcome hit her full force. She saw the anger on Abigail's face no matter how hard she was trying to hide it. Clarke and Octavia dismounted from their horses and Indra and her were quick to follow suit. Lexa found herself standing to the left of Clarke as they approached her mother. Her hands were behind her back just as Clarke's were. She saw Clarke digging her nails into her palm trying to keep herself under control.
"Hello Kane, Abigail. Can we talk in your office?" Clarke said as calm and flatly as possible. Lexa knew it was taking everything in her power to stay calm. She had improved greatly and that made Lexa proud.
"We can but only you and Octavia are allowed." Abigail said staring daggers at Lexa. Lexa never broke her gaze determined to win this stare down.
"That is not going to happen Abigail. We came here to make sure everything was progressing well for tomorrow. You are aware that we are on the eve of a battle that will change how we live and survive for the foreseeable future?" Lexa watched as Clarke seemed to grow in height as she straightened her back and squared her shoulders just like she had in the war council.
"I am fully aware of the fact that we are preparing to survive yes. If you ask me this battle is just her brainwashing you into a false sense of security just to betray us and wipe us out." Everyone felt the change in mood around the camp.
Lexa felt the rage starting to radiate off Clarke. She locked eyes with Clarke and saw her normally bright blue eyes had gone a dark shade of blue and she swore to herself. This was not going to end well.
"You would be wise to watch your words when talking about Heda, Abigail." Her tone has changed from a calm flat tone to one that had gone lower than normal and made her hair stand up.
"Heda is here to observe our progress to make sure we are ready for tomorrow. We have this alliance because out of our necessity to survive and our common enemy in Mount Weather." She continued to watch as Clarke became more agitated. She knew something in Clarke was struggling to be let loose.
"If you care so much about our people Clarke, and you want to lead us so bad then why is this the only the second time you have been here since you had me locked in the air lock?" Lexa had to hide the shock at Abigail's words.
"It takes more than just being a face for people to see. I have been working and learning ways to help our people survive. I have been making the tough choices for the betterment of our people. What have you done Abigail?" She saw Clarke start to shake. She needed to do something fast.
Lexa looked over at Octavia and saw the same realization on her face. She nodded at the girl and took a step forward. As she walked in front of Clarke, Octavia moved behind her to try and calm her down.
"Abigail, I believe that there are more pressing matters to attend to than to berate your daughter who has done everything she can to make sure her people survive. As far as I am concerned you are just a woman who is struggling to deal with the fact that your daughter is a better woman than you are." She saw Kane's eyes look at her in surprise then she saw Abigail's arm twitch. Lexa smiled at her.
"Before you do anything rash Abi, you should know that me coming along was to watch you and see if what Skaiheda had been telling me was true. It is good to know that she was telling the truth." She turned around and looked at Clarke. She saw the dark blue fading and returning to her normal shade. She let loose a small smile for her eyes only.
"Kane, I would suggest that you talk to Abi and inform her of our ways. I will excuse her blatant disrespect only once because she is naive. If it is to happen again, my hand will be forced." She spoke sternly to the secret runner of Camp Jaha.
"Sha Heda." He nodded at her and grabbed Abby by the arm and forcefully pulled her to her office.
She looked at everyone else that had gathered and found Raven.
"Reivon, how are things progression with Wick?" Raven walked forward and cocked her eyebrow at Clarke and Her.
"Everything is ready to go. Just say the word and we can head out." She said with a flat tone. She knew that it would take a while before Raven fully got over the Finn situation.
"Good. Do you have the radios ready to go as well?" Raven nodded at her.
"That is good to hear Raven. Can you start to mark with the names of the people they will be assigned to?" Clarke said now standing beside her, fully calmed from her earlier ordeal. She had retained her stoic leader face and now looked more like herself.
"Yes Clarke I can. I'm just glad you didn't have to plant your mom on her ass again." Raven smirked at her as she turned and headed back to her shop.
Clarke just shook her head at the back of her head and turned her attention back to her people.
"Skaikru, it is good to see that you have made vast improvements since I was last here. Tomorrow we face our undecided future head on when we take down Mount Weather. This is our chance to prove to not only ourselves but to Heda, that we are not completely incapable of surviving." All of Skaikru roared in approval of her words. Clarke already had her people behind her and they were willing to follow her.
"I know a lot of you don't have a lot of fighting knowledge, that is why you have been assigned to teams that will infiltrate the back lines of Mount Weather. You all know your role for tomorrow and we will succeed." Another roar went up from the people gathered.
Kane and Abigail had come back out at the first eruption of noise and saw Clarke talking to everyone gathered. She was walking back and forth talking to them as a whole. From the entrance of the Ark they couldn't make out every word but the roar that would happen every now and then showed just how much their people believed in Clarke. Abby felt the bile rise in her throat at the thought of the commanders words ringing true. Clarke would never be a leader in her eyes and she was going to do whatever it would take to make sure Clarke had no power.
Kane smiled at how well Clarke was doing in rallying her people to march into uncertainty. He knew that this battle could cost some of them their lives but hopefully would result in returning the remaining original people that came down from the ark. He knew that the commander had rubbed off on Clarke and it was a good thing. She was coming into her own and had found her own way in life. He was proud of who she was becoming and he was proud that she had been able to break away from the vision Abby had for her daughter. He looked over at Abby and saw the daggers being thrown at Clarke and The commander. He shook his head at the talking he just had with her having no weight. She was going to push too far and both Clarke and the Commander's hands would be forced. He was not looking forward to that day.
Everyone soon dispersed and went back to what they were doing. Clarke turned and found the green eyes she was looking for. She smiled at her.
"So Heda, do you think we will do okay?" they were making their way over to Raven shop as she asked this.
"With you leading them Skaiheda they will do just fine." the corner of her mouth twitched upwards.
They came up to the entrance to Raven's shop and they were met by her. Raven still had an eyebrow cocked at the both of them. Lexa was convinced that it was permanently stuck in that manner. Raven smirked at them and made a motion with her head to tell them to follow her inside.
Clarke entered first closely followed by Lexa then Octavia and Indra came in next. She kept waiting to see if her mother would show her face again but was pleasantly surprised when it was just Kane that entered next. He closed the door behind him and smiled at everyone in the room.
Lexa looked around the room and was looking over everything. She didn't know what half of the stuff in here was used for or what it did. She walked around the area taking everything in with Clarke right beside her. She eventually made her way back to the center of the room where a table was set up and chairs were positioned around it.
Everyone was sitting around it just like they were in the house the first time she was here. She let loose a smile at the people gathered. She knew that the people in this room would be there for Clarke when she needed them the most. They took their respective seats at the head of the table and let loose a quick sigh of relief.
"First off I would like to thank all of you for doing everything you can to prepare for the upcoming battle. I know these past few weeks have been difficult for all of us. Tomorrow will be no different." Clarke took a breath to center herself. She was about to ask her closest friends to go into tomorrow with no promise of survival.
"Raven, I will need you to distribute the radios before you and Wick leave at midday. We ideally will want to be going into this battle under the cover of night. That should give you and Bellamy enough time to do your parts." Raven nodded at her understanding that she had her time to leave.
"Have we heard from Bellamy recently?" This was the part she was most curious about. They had only heard from Bellamy once since he warned them of the missile.
"He contacted me early this morning. He had been able to get in touch with Monty and together they had found a way to disable the fog. They figured that they would do it when everyone was at dinner tomorrow. That puts you marching towards the mountain as the sun sets. He also told me that he had found a woman by the name of Echo kom Azgeda in one of the cages. She is willing to help get both of our people out of there." As Raven spoke Clarke felt Lexa tense up. Everyone saw the change in her and Raven stopped talking.
"Lexa what is it?" Clarke asked her, concerned at the sudden reaction to the mention of Echo.
"Echo kom Azgeda, is a feared assassin in our lands. She was and still is to my knowledge the best assassin Nia kom Azgeda has. She was the one that dealt a blow to me that rocked my world. There is no telling how long she has been in the mountain and if she can be trusted. We will need to be careful and watch her closely." Clarke felt the tension radiating off her. She saw the commander face in full force and knew this had to do with something in her past.
"Sha Leska," Clarke said using her Trikru name to calm her down a little. She nodded at Raven to continue.
"He has been able to find allies in the mountain that don't agree with what their leader is doing. They have been helping him hide since he was discovered. So far he has not been caught" Raven took a breath before she relaid his last message to them.
"His last words before he had to go was to tell Skai Prisa that no matter what happened he would find her after the battle." Raven looked at Clarke as she said his last words. She saw the shock and confusion cross her face as it did on Lexa's as well.
"What on earth does that mean Raven?" Clarke was agitated and confused. Those words normally meant that someone was planning on doing something stupid.
"He said that he had a plan to try and save the kids that are in the mountain but it could cost him his life. He is hoping that he will be able to save as many as he can before we storm the mountain." Raven was telling a half truth right now. She didn't dare mention to Clarke that he had expressed how much he actually had come to care for her and that after the battle was over he was going to find her and try to pursue something with her.
Clarke took this in for a moment. She stood up and paced back in forth trying to wrap her mind around what Bellamy was trying to do. She wanted to keep them safe as well but if it came down to it she was honestly prepared to do whatever it took to save her people.
"Tomorrow will challenge your ability to make the tough call Skaiheda. Will you be able to make that call when the time is right?" The voice that she had heard twice now decided to speak to her again. She must have jumped slightly because Lexa looked over at her with an eyebrow raised. She just nodded that she was ok and continued to pace.
"If I have to, I will because it may be the only way to save my people. I have already thought about every scenario and prepared for them. If I had to guess I already know the tough call I may have to make and I don't like it."
"You are correct it is not the most ideal choice and it will be difficult but I would not have chosen you if you were not strong Skaiheda."
The woman from the dream she had appeared to her in her mind now. She was a spitting image of Clarke except her hair was longer and braided. Her muscle structure was more defined and toned. This version of her looked older and had gone through hell from the scars on her face but it was her face.
"You future Skaiheda will be difficult and dangerous but I can tell you that with Heda by your side you will also enjoy many adventures and happiness. I am here to help and guide you through all of this. Tomorrow will be one of the toughest days of your life and when it is over we will become one. We will become Wanheda." The woman smiled at her. Clarke was stunned but not shocked. She already talked to Lexa about this and even Lexa was sure something was going on that was outside of their control.
"Then I guess we will be seeing more of each other, because I do not plan on falling tomorrow." Clarke smirked at the older version of herself. Wanheda chuckled at her smirk.
"We shall see Skaiheda. Now you should probably get out of your head. Lexa is starting to worry."
She looked over at her love and saw the worried expression on everyone's face. She shook her head and made her way back to the table. Once she was sat down she felt calm even with the circumstances surrounding the current gathering.
"Everything okay Ai hodnes?" Lexa whispered to her.
"Sha Ai hodnes. Ai laik kei."( Yes my love, I am okay.) Lexa looked at her questioning. Clarke was still learning their language and to this point had not spoken more than just a couple words in her language. Clarke just smiled at her and turned back to everyone else.
"We will still proceed as planned. Raven and her team will leave at midday for the damn. Indra and her team will head for the reaper tunnels to secure that entrance for us. Heda and I will be with the army marching for the front door." She saw reality hit everyone at the same time. These were their orders for war.
"War brings out the worst in all of us. You will be someone completely different tomorrow and it will scare you. You must do everything and anything in your power to complete your mission. Skaikru will be seeing their first taste of war and it will change all of you. After tomorrow all of Skaikru will be seen as warriors as they help take down the mountain and I am glad to have met all of you." Lexa spoke to everyone gathered. They may have been goufas here on the ground but they have shown the ability to adapt.
"It is getting late and we all will need to go into tomorrow with clear heads." Clarke stood up and was soon followed by Lexa. Everyone stood up and bowed at them acknowledging them as leaders.
Clarke and Lexa made their way out of Raven's shop and started toward the stable where their horses were being kept. Out of the corner of her eye she saw her mother standing at the entrance to the ark. She could tell from her something was going on in her mind but she did not have time to worry about that tonight. She nodded her head at her mother and turned and continued heading for her horse.
They exited the gates of Camp Jaha and made their way back to where she had been staying for almost the last month now. She glanced to her side and was met by the gaze of her love. Her heart skipped a beat like it always had when she locked eyes with the deep forest green eyes of Lexa. She thought back to the first day she came down here with the purpose of getting to Mount Weather just to survive. Now here she was, in a relationship with the woman who sent 300 of her own people to kill them, about to go to war with said Mountain. She chuckled to herself at how crazy things can change in a matter of a couple months.
They arrived at the camp just as the sun had fully set. She dismounted her horse and fell in step with Lexa. They walked in silence till they were outside of her tent. Lexa nodded her head and she followed her inside. Clarke was sure now that there would be more questions about them than ever before but she could care less. She wanted to see where this was going.
She leaned against the map table and watched as Lexa took off her armor and carefully put it where she stored it at the end of the day. She was now in a black shirt and pants and Clarke felt the heat rise in her. Her mouth started to go dry at the sight. She had seen Lexa like this only once and it was after a long training session and it took everything in her willpower not to act on her feelings right then.
Lexa turned around and slowly made her way over to Clarke. She stopped in front of her and pulled her into a kiss. Clarke could feel the emotion she was pouring into this kiss and she made her feel home. She felt her start to slowly undo every strap that held all of her weapons in place and carefully set them on the table behind them, never once breaking contact with her lips. Next went her reinforced jacket and the weapons on her thighs. She was now in her own black shirt and jeans. Lexa pulled back slightly and smiled at her.
"Stay with me tonight. I want to hold you before we face a war." Clarke nodded at her and she was led to Lexa's bed.
She watched Lexa ditch her pants and shoes and climbed in bed holding the blanket up as if inviting her to join her. Clarke followed suit and shed her pants and shoes and climbed next to her. She sank into the bed and let out a sigh of content. She laid her head on Lexa and pulled her close not wanting to let this moment die.
Lexa felt content for the first time in a long time. Her hand started running through Clarke's hair and she felt like she had finally found her home. She would have never guessed when Clarke fell from the sky, they would be here now but she was happy they were.
"No matter what happens tomorrow Ai hodnes, we will have each other. I won't let you down." she kissed the top of her head and pulled her close to her wanting to hold her all night.
"I know Lexa, I just hope that we are doing the right thing." she tilted her head up slightly to look into her eyes.
"All we can do is what we have planned for. Plans can change in war and we will have to adapt to those changes. I know you are scared Clarke and I am as well. My people have lived in fear of the Mountain for as long as I can remember. Tomorrow we will finally bring peace to everyone and I will make sure to keep our alliance afterwards. I meant what I said to you earlier. I want you by my side Clarke." She kissed her lips and smiled at how natural this felt for them only knowing each other for a short amount of time.
"I want the same thing Lexa." Clarke yawned as she struggled to stay awake. The toll of the day finally catching up with her.
"Rest nau Ai hodnes." (Rest now my love.) Lexa said as she felt Clarke snuggle closer to her. She heard her breathing start to even out and knew she was asleep. She smiled to herself and the feeling of having Clarke in her arms in her bed. She would make sure form now on her tent was now their tent.
Just as she was closing her eyes she heard Becca tell her to prepare for the worst tomorrow and that her duty was to her people. She just told her that she was well aware of that and to let her sleep in peace for once. As she drifted off to sleep she saw an image of Clarke and her swords in hand, fighting side by side.
AN: Sorry for the wait on this chapter. I have realized that in revising my old chapters that I needed to lay the groundwork for a few plot points I wanted to hit. Hopefully everyone has enjoyed these chapters so far. The next one will take some time for me to come out with as we have the battle for Mount Weather. Some of it will be the same and there will be differences. Thank you all for the support and follows on this story. As Always reviews are welcome and appreciated.