Ontari's dream
She was standing in a room she had never seen before. In the middle of the room were two thrones side by side. Sitting on one throne was a woman she had only seen once before in her life and it was when she was very young. She had just discovered she was a Natblida and that night she had seen a woman in her dreams telling her that she would be alright and that someone would come for her soon. That person never came as Nia had taken her into her custody and slaughtered her parents.
Besides this woman was someone she had never seen before and she was immediately on guard. Both of these women were dressed in what reports of the Skaikru were wearing. She looked around the room she was in and noticed it was more of a temporary throne room than an actual one. She looked back to the woman in front of her and realized that she was being watched very carefully.
"Ontari kom Azgeda it has been a while my child." She followed the voice and saw that it came from the woman she had seen only once.
"Who are you? I mean I have a faint memory of seeing you once before but you I don't recognize." She looked at both of them and saw they had a slight smile on their faces.
"Well Ontari, I am Bekka primheda and this is Ash. She was the original Wanheda." Ontari looked at the other woman. The original Wanheda. She had so many questions but reigned herself in.
"Interesting. Why now after all of this time?" Becca let a small smile appear.
"Things are changing in the world Ontari. Certain events have been set in motion and it has come time for you to leave like you have started to plan for. The commander needs to know the truth about that night." She sucked in a breath as her mind flashed back to the night in mention.
She had not forgotten that night and the oath she made with the other two people there that night. Echo and Roan and her made a pact that night to do what they could to do right by the woman that had held the commander's heart. She shook her head as she tried to refocus on the current time and place.
"How will I know where to go?" She asked as she started to pace.
"I will guide you along the way. Unfortunately you won't be leaving for a week. You will be joined by another member of Skaikru soon but he is grief stricken and you won't be able to save him. A lot is going to happen for you in a week's time but you are strong Ontari. You will know when the time is right." her mind was spinning with this information.
"I will let you rest now my child. I am sorry that you have been alone for so long. You will soon be reunited with your family. You will only hear from me one more time along your journey. You know how the flame works by now. I have to be careful reaching out to the other Natblida that don't have the flame." She nodded understanding what she was talking about.
"Thank you Becca." She bowed as she drifted away from the room and saw she was back in her room. It was still night outside and she had a couple hours before she had to retrieve Nia's pet.
She settled back into her bed as she closed her eyes once more. She had a clear mission in front of her now. For the first time in a while she felt content with these orders and the way her life was turning around.
TonDC
Just before sunrise
Clarke had been awake for what seemed like forever by this point. She had slept as much as her body had allowed her to, well as much as Wanheda thought was necessary. That had been a very unpleasant argument to wage inside her own head. She had just decided to stay awake after that and could feel the extra energy already being provided by Wanheda. She had been sitting at the table for 10 minutes now when she heard Lexa stir for the first time.
She watched from her seat as Lexa registered that she was alone and she smiled at the look on her face. She felt touched by the fact that her not being there when she awoke meant so much to her love. Lexa finally found her and she saw the panic disappear as quickly as it had reared its head.
"Are you okay Ai hodnes?" She smiled and felt her heart skip a beat.
"Yes, Ai hodnes. Wanheda decided to wake my ass up early this morning. I am still upset with her about it but it is what it is now." Lexa chuckled at her response as she made her way to get dressed for the day.
She had chosen to be safe than sorry when it came to her gear today. She looked down at herself and realized that she was in the same gear she had worn in the mountain. She shook her head to clear her mind of the images that still plagued her mind. She was not technically lying to her just not telling her the whole truth. She had been awoken by Wanheda but not because of excitement.
She had been having a rather nasty nightmare again. She was standing on a battlefield in gear she did not recognize. She looked at her hands and saw that they were hers but older. She looked to her left and saw Lexa but she was older as well. Scars covered her face and the normal softness that was always in her eyes was gone.
She turned away from her and looked across the field in front of her. Bodies lay everywhere and it was not just from one clan. It was from multiple. At her feet lay members of Skaikru and Sankru. The normal green grass had been stained red. She looked back at her arms and saw she was covered in the stain of war once more.
"Ai hodnes, our last obstacle approaches. It is time for us to finish this." She heard Lexa's voice but it was free of an emotion.
"Glady, Ai hodnes." Her own voice spoke but there was a tone of deathly calm to it.
She felt her own arms grip tighter on her dual swords and they ran head first at the approaching army. They moved swiftly as they cut down members of all clans. She had many questions as she watched what was her but not her cut through allies.
She watched as Lexa and her exploded in blinding lights of red and white. She watched as they moved faster and faster till they got to the middle of the army. Everything slowed down at that point. She watched as a spear was thrown and implied her thigh. She watched as another impaled Lexa as well. What was she watching? The swords came next as they sliced through their gear and black blood spewed from both of them.
"Enough!" she heard a loud gruff voice yell.
Everyone stopped and made a path for this man. She had never seen this man before but she could feel the recognition hit her.
"We should have known it was you who turned against us Roan."
"You both let the power you two have go to your head. Look around you at the carnage you two have caused. We were at peace."
"Peace." She coughed up blood as she spoke.
"There was never Peace. Every day we were attacked. We finally had enough. Everyone was in the way of Peace. We did what was best." Lexa said.
"Well look where that got you. Yu gonplei ste odon." She felt the cold steel of blades being drawn across her neck as she struggled to breathe. She saw the same happening to Lexa as she fell to the ground.
She was pulled from the dream by Wanheda and was standing on a hillside now. She was confused and pissed. She turned to look at Wanheda and saw Ash was there.
"Ash what the fuck was that?" She reached for her neck and felt the faint trace of a scar that should not be there.
"That was your death in a future timeline. I was not lying when I told you I was a version of your future." She fell to her knees as she tried to grasp the reality of the situation.
"In this timeline you and Lexa were not liked by the Kongeda. They didn't not support your bond and tried to come at you from every direction. You had enemies that were once allies. You both tried to figure out how to approach this and came to the conclusion it was time to face it head on." She felt her breath catch in her throat.
"You both took on the whole might of the Kongeda. You moved from clan to clan starting out with Azegada and ending here just outside Trikru lands. Roan had brought together everyone that was left for one final stand. You both had burned through what power you had and when those spears struck it signaled your downfall." The thought of this scared Clarke to her core.
"Why show me this. What good does it bring me, showing me what I could become." She asked through tears.
"I think Wanheda wanted you to see what one possible outcome could have been. I don't foresee this outcome coming to fruition Clarke." She looked up at Ash.
"How can you be sure about that. I barely even understand what being the vessel for her means. I barely know how to control her power." Her voices waivered again as she dropped her head. She felt a hand placed on her shoulder. She looked up and saw Ash was kneeling in front of her.
"I say this because things are already different this time. Believe it or not you already have a following among the Kongeda. This test will help cement your place down here. I have seen every different timeline for you and this one is different then all the others. You are doing the right thing Clarke." She was stunned. Her mind felt like it was going to explode.
"Did she really have to fucking wake my ass up that way. I could have done without that?" She heard Ash chuckle.
"Wanheda works in mysterious ways Clarke. You already have shown more control over her than I ever did." She raised an eyebrow at her.
"After Becca died the bloodlust that I know you have felt became more prevalent for me. I spent most of my time researching as much as I could but the bloodlust would consume me and I would wipe out villages. When I was finally killed it felt like I was set free. I saw the power of Wanheda as a burden because my other half was ripped away from me and she wasn't there to balance me out." Ash took a breath and Clarke could hear the waiver in her voice.
"I do not envy you Clarke. I know you didn't ask to be chosen but if I can I will help. Both of us still have a lot to learn when it comes to her power. I am just glad you have Lexa to balance you out. You saw what could happen to the both of you if you both let the bloodlust consume you." Clarke felt a chill run down her spine. She hopes she would never have to experience that again.
"Thank you Ash." She saw the smile being given to her as she came back to reality and started her day.
She heard Lexa come back to where she was and she sent her a smile. She knew she would have to fill Lexa in at some point but she had other matters that were more important right now.
"Have you eaten yet?" She shook her head in response.
"Not really hungry. Nerves have my stomach in knots right now." She said as Lexa made her way to the entrance of the tent.
"Something light then?" She knew that she needed to eat something so she agreed.
She tried to focus on today but that dream had her all messed up. She couldn't shake the images and how they made her feel. She wondered if Lexa ever saw things like that but she didn't know if what she was experiencing would be able to be easily explained.
"Clarke, are you sure you are okay? You are awfully quiet this morning." She looked at her love and saw the genuine worry behind those green eyes.
"I wasn't lying when I said Wanheda woke me up. She decided to show me something and it rattled me." Lexa was now next to her and holding her hand.
"What did she show you?" Could she do this? Could she bring this up before she would be fighting today. She looked at Lexa again and saw that Lexa was getting more and more worried. She took a breath before she started.
"She showed me a glimpse of an alternate timeline for us. It was not good. I don't want to explain everything right now because I don't want you to worry, Ai hodnes." She tried to smile at her to show her she was okay but it didn't work.
"Do I need to postpone today?" Clarke raised an eyebrow at her.
"No. I want to still do this and it wouldn't look good if you had to. This isn't the first time something like this has been brought up Lexa. I am just glad Ash was there to explain it this time." Lexa nodded as the food came in. They both thanked the guard as Clarke munched and the nuts and berries that had been brought. Something light indeed she chuckled.
"Clarke, what do you mean this wasn't the first time?" She paused as she looked over at Lexa and saw the gears turning in her head.
"Well when I first met Ash she told me she was a version of myself but from a different timeline. I didn't know she was Ash at that point. She looked like all she did was fight a war." She popped another berry in her mouth as she gathered her thoughts.
"Apparently in that timeline I lost everyone I had ever loved and was in a constant state of war. She didn't elaborate much on that front. This dream I saw both of us die Lexa." She heard the gasp come from her love.
"I have been reassured that what I was shown won't happen though. Apparently I am doing everything right." She tried to put some sarcasm in her voice. At least it got a chuckle from Lexa.
"I'll have to talk to Becca about this. Maybe she had some advice for the both of us. I really don't want either of us to die, Clarke." Lexa smiled as they continued to eat.
They finished their light meal just as the sun was starting to peek through the crack in their tent. Clarke knew it was time. Lexa offered to braid her hair and she agreed. She looked in the mirror after she was finished and was impressed. Lexa had braided her hair to where there was none falling in her face. Everything was tightly braided and woven into a unique design. She knew that she wouldn't have to worry about her hair distracting her.
Lexa nodded after Clarke was happy with it and mentioned that she was going to make sure everything was in order. She gave her a quick kiss as she made her way to where Lexa stored the war paint. She had asked Lexa how she did it and it took her a couple tries to get it right. She had decided to change it up just a little now that she was known as Wanheda.
She kept the left side of her face the same as Lexa had originally done for her. The right side of her face was now donned with a wing that was upside down and red. Instead of reaching toward the sky the feathers of the wings looked like they were bleeding and running down her face coming to a stop at her chin.
She looked in the small mirror Lexa used and was happy with the final outcome. It fit all three of her different personas she now had. The left side symbolized her true self and the leader of Skaikru. The right side showed her more aggressive side. The side that was connected to Wanheda. The side that if she gave into she would have trouble coming back from.
She double checked everything was in place and stilled as she heard someone come into the tent. She quickly turned around and started to draw her weapon when she saw it was Octavia. She relaxed her grip on her weapon.
"Damn Clarke." She looked at Octavia closely and saw was stunned.
"I am guessing you are here to escort me?" She walked closer to her friend as she nodded.
"Nervous?" Clarke looked at her friend and she could feel Wanheda starting to show herself slowly.
"Not anymore. Let's go." Her voice had gone deathly calm as Wanheda settled inside her mind and exited the tent.
TonDC
Fighting Pit
Clarke had settled into a deathly calm as she made her way to the pit. She could hear a dull murmur from the crowd as she approached. She could tell it was louder than what she was hearing but she was focused on her task at hand. Four fights. Four chances to win. Four chances to prove herself. She approached one edge of the pit and saw Falmir already waiting for her. She tuned back into the noise that was around her and noticed the lack of noise. She raised her head and locked eyes with Lexa. She had her commander face firm in place but one look at her eyes told Clarke everything she needed to know.
She jumped down into the pit and heard a roar come from the crowd as she raised from her crouched position. She could feel the energy as it permeated across the crowd. She took in the people around and saw the four people she trusted the most were standing on the stage next to Lexa. She saw the mixed expressions on all of them. Octavia and Lincoln gave her a nod of encouragement and the rest of Skaikru were not good at hiding their worry. She couldn't blame them all they had seen of her fighting was catching guards in the mountain unaware and that wasn't even a fair fight.
She looked back at Lexa as she unsheathed her sword and flexed her hand trying to work out the stiffness that had built since she woke up. She nodded at her letting her know that she was ready. Before Lexa spoke she heard Falmir speak.
"So the Skai girl who slew the mountain finally showed up. Too bad, I was really hoping you liked that pretty face as it was and would decide against this farce." She stayed silent and just stared him down.
"Nothing to say for yourself Wanheda?" She could feel Wanheda itching to be released. She mentally told her to wait.
"So be it." He nodded at Lexa as he drew his saber.
Lexa raised her hand to silence the crowd as she stepped forward. Clarke stayed tuned in on Falmir as she listened to Lexa.
"As you all know Wanheda has asked for Na uf en yij and the request has been granted. The first fight of the day will be Wanheda, Skaiheda Klark Kom Skaikru." A roar came from the crowd. Maybe Ash was right she thought as Lexa raised her hand once more.
"Versus Falmir kom Lowada." All she heard were the screams coming from the same women that booed her yesterday. Interesting she thought.
"The first to land what would be a killing blow is declared the winner. If Wanheda beats four of my generals she passes the gauntlet. If she beats eight of them she will have one more fight against me after the third day of fighting." That news whipped the crowd into another frenzy.
"Only a few have made it to five wins in the gauntlet and only one person has made it to seven wins. That person was Onya kom Trikru." At the mention of the fallen general a chant for her broke out. Great now Clarke knew where the bar was at and that would be a tough bar to pass and live up too.
"Now if both of our fighters are ready we can begin." Both of them nodded at her at the same time.
"Then let Na uf en yuj begin." She said as she lowered her arm to signal the start.
Clarke vs Falmir
She started pacing back and forth like a caged animal waiting to strike. She watched Falmir as he stood there waiting for her to make the first move. Clarke knew they were on somewhat even ground as neither of them knew how the other fought. She flexed her hand again on the hilt of her sword as she never broke eye contact.
She let a ghost of a smile appear on her face as Falmir started towards her. He started slow but his pace picked up quickly till he was in a full out spring towards her. Fool she heard Wanheda say as she waited for the perfect opportunity. She had already seen where this man was weak and she knew where to strike. He favored his left side as she approached her. Perfect she thought as he was now 50 feet from her.
He brought his sword up to deliver a blow and as it was coming down she blocked with her sword and brought her right knee up into his stomach as she moved past him. She followed through by bringing her sword down and slashed at his back cutting through the light armor he wore. She saw the blood start to seep from the wound. That caused the crowd to go into a frenzy.
She watched as he turned around and if looks could kill her, well he would have attempted to kill her with them.
"That was a lucky shot, Skai girl." She smiled as he went on the attack again.
She knew better than to wear herself out as she had more fights today. She blocked each sword swing and brought out one of her daggers from her back as she blocked a swing from his sword. She moved past him again and went to slash his back again and like she thought he blocked this one but she followed through with the dagger in her right hand and used it to slash his forearm. More blood came from the wound as she continued to attack now.
She moved closer and swung with a sword and it was met with a clang of steel. She followed through with her dagger and stabbed him in the side this time. Falmir let out a grunt as she pulled the dagger out and brought her knee up and aimed for his stomach again. She felt him move and instead of connecting with his stomach she caught his groin. She heard the sound of pain come from him as he went down to a knee.
She pressed her attack and jumped on his back and rolled him over till he was on the other knee. She brought her dagger to his throat and pressed it lightly into his skin to draw blood.
"I win Falmir." She heard him drop his sword in defeat.
"Wanheda is the winner. I believe I speak for all of us when I say that was faster than most of us anticipated." The roar from the crowd signaled they agreed but were impressed.
She let go of Falmir and sheathed her weapons as she moved in front of him. She locked eyes with him as she extended her arm to the general. She saw the war waging behind his eyes. She knew his pride had been hurt but he still grasped her arm as she helped the man up and pulled him close.
"You are lucky I left your face alone. Wanheda really wanted to mess it up and send you home with a nasty scar." She whispered to the man.
"Thank you Wanheda. I was wrong about you." She nodded as let go of his arm.
She felt alive. She knew she was lucky and not every fight was going to be that easy. She looked up to where Lexa was standing and saw an eyebrow raised. She nodded at her before she spoke.
"Elira kom Igranron come forward." Lexa boomed out from her position on the stands.
She watched as Elira came through the crowd and waited for Falmir to make his way out of the pit. Once he had scaled the ladder out she jumped down into the pit and she felt the ground shake under this woman.
Her eyes immediately went to the double bladed polearm she was wielding. It had two blades on each end that faced opposite directions and were connected together by a long pole. She watched as Elira twirled the polearm around her body like it was a toy. Well shit. She thought as she gathered herself to go again.
"You will have to get in close again. She has you out matched when it comes to reach. You won't be able to take her down like you did with that other Jackass." Clarke let out an involuntary snort which caused Elira to raise an eyebrow at her.
"You most likely will bleed in this fight. I am still only giving you a fraction of my power. I don't want you to burn out like what happened to Ash." She heard the break in Wanheda's voice which was odd.
"Ste yuj Klark." She shook her mind as she felt a little more of Wanhedas' power course through her body. She lifted her gaze up to meet Elira who had stilled.
She flexed grip on her sword and rotated her wrist a couple of times to loosen it up. She settled her mind and took a couple of breaths.
"Seeing as Wanheda came away unscathed the second fight begins now." Lexa's voice boomed over the crowd.
Clarke saw out of the corner of her eye Lexa pointing at her. She nodded in response and saw Elira do the same. She saw her arm come down as she tuned out the crowd.
Clarke vs Elira
She stood her ground as Elira approached. This woman walked with a confidence that she knew all too well. The woman was cocky because she could outreach most opponents. Clarke knew she would have to go on the attack this time. She started jogging towards the woman with her sword ready to go. If she could get in close she could win.
She turned her jog into a spring as she got closer. She saw Elira start to spring her polearm around as they headed for a collision. She saw the swing coming and quickly dodged to her left and swung with her sword aiming for the exposed side. Just as she was about to connect she saw the other blade come up to block her as Elira quickly moved the polearm in her hands. She felt the clash of metal as it reverberated through her arms.
She spun around the back of the taller woman trying to stay in her blind spot. She got slashed quickly with her dagger and cut the back of the woman's thigh. At this moment she was thankful for her knowledge of where arteries were located. She watched as the blood started to flow out of the right thigh. She quickly made her way around the woman again as she spun around to try and land a blow. She struck out at the other thigh but her move was expected this time and she felt a foot connect with her chest as she flew backwards. Her head hit the dirt and she rolled over coming to a stop on one knee.
She saw Elira come at her and went to block but with her vision still unfocused she misjudged and felt the steel of the woman's blade tear through her sleeve. The pain was instant. She let out an involuntary scream as she quickly moved away to assess the damage. She could feel the blood coming from the wound. It was deep but she still could move her arm. She looked back at her opponent and saw that she was frozen in her tracks. She followed her gaze and saw the puddle of black blood that was starting to form underneath her.
She shrugged and went on the attack using the distraction to her advantage. She ran as fast as she could and launched herself at the woman. She felt Wanheda's power course through her as she leapt over the woman and brought her sword down slicing her face from just above her right eye and coming to a stop and the bottom of her chin. She landed and skidded in the dirt. She stuck her hand out to stop her fall.
"Now Clarke, go for her legs."
She ran full sprint at the woman with her sword and dagger in her hands. Just as Elira was going to swing down at her she went to her knees and slid between the woman slashing at her thighs. She felt the blood hit her face as she turned mid slide and got to her feet. She saw Elira stumble. This was her chance. She quickly got to her feet and charged the woman. She lowered her shoulder and collided with her lower back causing the taller woman to get knocked off her feet.
She tumbled off her and landed on her knee. She could feel more power start to course through her as she got to her feet and went on the attack again. Elira had got back to one knee as Clarke was on her again. She jumped on the woman's back and the added weight caused her to falter and stumble as she was trying to stand. Clarke quickly brought the dagger to the woman's throat and pressed with the point of her dagger to draw blood. She heard the woman's weapon hit the dirt.
"Wanheda wins again." The crowd went into a frenzy as Clarke started to apply what pressure she could to the woman's thighs.
She saw Nyko jump into the pit and head for her. She heard him slide to her side as he pulled out bandages. She grabbed the waterskin at his side as she cleaned the area trying to get as much dirt out of it as possible. They quickly wrapped the cuts tightly to stop the flow of the blood as a couple of the warriors came into the pit to assist Nyko. She tied the bandages off as she stepped back to let the warriors help lift the woman.
"Good fight Wanheda." She heard the woman say as she made her way out of the pit. She saw Nyko still standing beside her. She raised an eyebrow at him and he just pointed at her arm. Oh right. She held it out for him.
"You have Natblida?" She heard him ask and she nodded as he cleaned her wound.
"Then it is true. You are truly Wanheda." She nodded once more as she felt the bandage being applied. She looked up at the sky and saw that the sun was now halfway to its peak for the day. Holy shit she thought.
She felt the tug on her arm and looked back at Nyko. He pointed to the water skin and she went to hand it to him but he shook his head.
"Drink Wanheda." She nodded and slowly drank from the skin.
"As customary, there will be a break before the last two fights of the day. Return her in one hour and we will continue. As it stands now Wanheda has won two fights. Two more and she passes the gauntlet." Lexa's words broke through her mind and she heard the crowd start to chant her name as they dispersed. She capped the water skin and handed it back to Nyko.
"Mochaf Nyko." He nodded at her as he made way to leave the pit. She looked at her arm and flexed her hand in and out of a fist making sure she could still feel everything. She looked up as she heard her name being called out in her head. She immediately recognized the voice and looked at Lexa. That was new she thought as she made her way to the ladder.
She sheathed her weapons as she reached the base of the ladder. She started to climb and felt a twinge of pain as she gripped one of the rungs of the ladder. She shook her head as she continued to climb out of the pit. As she came out of the pit she was met with multiple pairs of shoes. She looked up and saw seven people waiting for her. She climbed the rest of the way out of the pit and locked eyes with Lexa. All she wanted to do was pull her into a hug but she resisted as there were to many people around.
"Well done so far Wanheda. In one hour we will continue. Use this time to get any wounds that need looking at, attended to." She saw the relief behind the green eyes and the pride there as well.
"Sha Heda" She said as she nodded at her love. Lexa nodded at her and turned to go check on her general.
"Holy shit Clarke that was amazing. Where did you learn to move like that?" She heard Monty ask as she watched Lexa enter Nyko's tent.
"Being trained by The commander has its perks I suppose. I would also say that having a spirit inside my mind helps as well." She smirked as they chuckled at her.
"I must say Clarke that was something to watch. Are you okay?" Bellamy asked as he moved closer than she felt comfortable with. She took a step back and sent him a look and he got the hint.
"Well I have a cut on my forearm, a couple bruised ribs, and a sore shoulder from knocking that woman over. I would say that I have been lucky so far. Overall I am fine." She shrugged as she started to walk towards Nyko's tent.
"Clarke, why are you doing this?" She stopped in her tracks at Bellamy's words.
"Why would you put yourself in a position where you could be seriously injured?" She spun around and faced him and she could feel an anger start to rise but she mentally told Wanheda to back down. Thankfully she listened.
"I am doing this to secure us a place down here. The more the Kongeda respects me the better chance we have at joining and thriving down here. I am doing this to prove to them that we belong down here." She took a breath trying to calm herself down.
"I already am in a position where I have a target on my back. I am known as Wanheda to the clans and that puts me in the crosshair of a lot of people. There is a legend among the clans that if someone kills Wanheda then they can control death." She heard the breath of each member of Skaikru being sucked in.
"Word is spreading as we speak about what happened at the mountain. Once word reaches certain people, people will come for me. I know the risks of what I am doing. This will make me be respected among The commander's generals and I will have earned my place here." She saw Lincoln nodding in agreement with her words.
"Then why come here where I...I mean we can't protect you." That did it. She was on Bellamy faster than anyone could blink. She grabbed him by his jacket and lifted him and pinned him to the side of the building they were next to. She saw the fear on his face as she could feel Wanheda taking over.
"Belomi kom Skaikru, I am Wanheda and I do not need your protection. I am doing this to protect my people. I told you once to lose your feelings and this will be my final warning." She saw him nod his head at her and she released him and he landed on his ass. She turned and saw the look of shock on everyone's face.
She brushed past them and felt Octavia and Lincoln on her heels. She made her way to Nyko's tent and could feel the eyes on her from everyone. She stopped outside of the healers tent and looked at her generals.
"Wait for me here. I won't be long."
"Sha Wanheda." they bowed at her and she turned to enter the tent.
She entered the tent and saw Lexa standing next to her general talking to her. Both of them looked up at her as she came closer. Elira tried to sit up further but Clarke just shook her head. She came to the other side of her.
"How are you Elira?" She saw the raised eyebrow and chuckled.
"I am okay. Not the first time this has happened. Thank you for helping Nyko."
"It was only right since I was the one that did it." She smiled as she looked up at Lexa.
"Do you happen to know where Echo is?" Lexa raised an eyebrow at her.
"Sha, she should be near the armory. She said something about getting a weapon fixed."
"Mochaf Heda." She saw the unanswered questions written on her face. Clarke nodded at her love and left the tent. It was hard to not say what she wanted in front of so many people.
She made her way to the armory with her generals on her tail. She knew Bellamy listened to Echo or at least tried to.
She walked into the armory knowing she would have to be back at the pit soon. She looked around through the small amount of smoke that was leaving through the roof and found her target. She walked close by and could tell a conversation in Trigedasleng was being had. She let out a small grunt announcing her presence. Echo turned around at the noise and went still.
"Wanheda" she said as she bowed.
"I need to talk to you alone." The blacksmith understood and bowed as he went past. She stopped the man and told him just to wait outside, that she wouldn't be long.
"After our fight today I need you to put Bellamy through the paces. He is still holding on to feelings for me." She saw Echo raise an eyebrow at her.
"Interesting Wanheda. He told me that he held no feelings for you but I could tell something was off." She sighed as she leaned against a table.
"What I tell you doesn't leave this tent."
"Sha Wanheda."
"On the ark he ran a fighting pit of sorts. All of the teenagers took part in this club. It was our way of rebelling against the adults. At first I didn't take part in them because it wasn't my style. I came by one night after me and my mother got into a fight about my studies." She saw the confusion on her face but she continued before she lost the reason she was telling this story.
"What I didn't know was that if you were there you fought. I was shoved into the middle of the circle and was forced to fight. I got my ass handed to me. After that Bellamy took an interest in me and started to work with me so next time I fought I would win." She started to pace as things fell into place.
"As the training went on I started to notice I would pick up on things quickly and would be able to pick on calls for certain people. I wound up running through fights one night and no one would fight me because I beat everyone. Bellamy was the only one left." She stopped and looked at Echo and she could feel Wanheda start to stir.
"We fought and it was even at first but then something happened and he turned into someone else. He knew my weakness and knew where to strike. I stood no chance at that point. The fight was called quickly after I hit the ground. I had blood coming from every pore on my body. I had broken arms and legs. My ribs were busted and I could barely move." She started to feel the rage build. She told Wanheda to calm down.
"He didn't even register that I wasn't moving. He beat me so badly that I couldn't go to my mother for help because everything would be exposed. Raven and Wick took me to engineering and they found my dad. He took one look at me and knew immediately what had happened. He didn't say a word as he worked quickly to try and fix anything he could." She saw Echo was angry but was doing good to hide it.
"Once he got me cleaned up, he called my mom and told her that I had gotten into a fight and needed help. She of course had questions but my dad had already come up with a pretty convincing story and she bought it. I was out of commission for 3 months while everything healed. I did my studies in my room and kept to myself vowing that would never happen again."
"One night I was staring out one of the windows on the ark when I felt Wanheda for the first time. It was brief but she said my time was coming and that Bellamy would never hurt me like that again. It is why I can't take care of him myself. If I do he will not live." That revelation stunned Echo.
"He has been marked by Wanheda correct?" Clarke nodded.
"It's why I can never fully trust him. I almost hurt him today before I came here. I don't want to lose anyone else but if he keeps this shit up I won't be able to stop myself." She took a breath.
"I know we still don't trust each other Echo but he listens to you. I don't know what happened inside the mountain and I don't need to." She was stopped by Echo kneeling in front of her.
"I will do what you ask Wanheda. I promise Bellamy will be dealt with and he won't bother you anymore." She placed a hand on her shoulder.
"Mochaf Echo." The woman rose and Clarke extended her arm out to her. She felt Echo embrace it and she let a small grin appear.
"You have already proven that you are trying to better yourself. Thank you for what you said to my mother." Echo nodded as they let go of each other.
"I will do my best to prove I am worth it to Heda and your trust. I am tired of looking over my shoulder. You have proven that you are worth protecting just as Heda has." Clarke smiled as she heard the horn sound.
"Shall we." Echo smiled.
"Sha I believe I need to prepare to kick your ass Wanheda." Clarke snorted as they left the tent.
"We shall see Echo."
Clarke vs Borthal
If she was able to equate the pulse of energy she felt as she walked back to the pit she would have to relate it to what she imagined the soccer game she watched with her dad would be like in person. She was hit with a pulse of excitement as everyone watched as she made her way through the crowd. She toned out the noise as she neared the edge of the pit once more. She could feel the subtle throb coming from her wound and for some reason it was calming. She rolled her shoulders as she reached the rim of the pit. She looked up and saw her love.
Their eyes met and Clarke gathered the strength she needed as she leapt into the pit again. Her feet impacted the ground and she could feel Wanheda return once more. She felt the fire start to spread throughout her body as she rose and drew her sword. She tested her movements as she ready herself. Shit she thought. She felt the stiffness and the pull of the bandage come from her jacket. Fuck it. She shed her jacket as the slice in the leather was proving to be a burden. She grabbed the daggers from the back and slid them into two spare sheathes she attached to the back of her pants.
She looked up at Lexa and she saw the raised eyebrow and just sent her a smirk. Clarke heard boots hit the dirt on the other side of the pit as Borthal landed. She laid eyes on him and saw the cocky smirk that was always there. She couldn't get the image of the first time she met Murphy out of her head. He was about as close as you could get to someone from the ark without actually being there. That made him dangerous in her mind. Too easy to blend in, too easy to face into the ranks of Skaikru.
She watched as he stood stock still as he rested his hands on the hilts of his weapons at his sides. She had a feeling that besides Echo, this would be her greatest test today. She studied him as she waited for Lexa to start the fight. She noticed that he had moved his weapons to his waist. Interesting she thought. She knew it would be easier for him to draw them this way and in turn would allow him to start his attack quicker. She flexed her wrist that held her sword as she heard the crowd quiet down. It was time she guessed.
"It is time for the next fight." The crowd roared at her words. She heard the chant of Wanheda break out as well. Well then she thought.
"If both warriors are ready then we can begin." She heard Borthal unsheathe his swords and nodded at Lexa. She rolled her shoulders and did the same.
"Then begin." She heard Lexa say as her mind zeroed in on Borthal.
"I really don't like this guy and he hasn't even said a word." She heard the disdain come from Wanheda as she felt her power course through her.
"I would let you loose but I don't want to expose us to that yet." Clarke said as she started to pace back and forth. She heard the sigh come from Wanheda.
"Then let's do this shall we." Clarke couldn't control the smile that came on her face as she flashed teeth towards Borthal.
Her little show had the desired effect as the smile dropped from his face.
She could tell that depending on how her opponent reacted to certain things is whether or not she would go on the attack or wait. She wanted to see what this cocky bastard would, so she waited. It didn't take long for her to get her answer. She smiled as he charged straight at her.
"Overconfidence will be his downfall Clarke." She kept the smile on her face as he got closer.
She waited till the last minute and he was already mid swing before she moved. She sidestepped to her right and stuck her leg out as it caused the man to stumble. Clearly he was not expecting how fast she could move.
"Don't toy with him Clarke. I know you want to wipe that smile off his face but don't allow yourself to become cocky." She knew Wanheda was right.
She waited again as he came at her. She blocked the first sword as she spun around the man. She swung with her sword and felt it be deflected by the other blade. She pressed her attack trying to keep the man on his heels. Swing after swing was parried as he had an extra sword. She knew she would need to change up strategies to be able to win.
She felt a foot connect with her legs as she was caught off guard. Her back hit the dirt hard and she rolled to her left as a sword came down towards her. She put some distance between herself and Borthal. She could feel a bruise starting to form but ignored it for now. She watched as she made a new plan.
"Is that the best you got, Borthal." She taunted as he looked at her.
"My mother could fight better than you." She smirked as she got her desired result.
He charged at her and she could hear the laughter of Wanheda ring inside her head. She waited till the last moment for him to get close. She stepped to her right, dropped her sword and pulled out both of her daggers. She quickly swiped with the one in her left hand as she spun. She felt the blade tear through the man's pants as she spun and connected with her right dagger on his opposite leg. She moved faster as she felt the fire burn inside her.
She pressed her attack and got in close to him. She moved quickly as she slashed at his side aiming for a spot about mid side. She would slash with one dagger and stab with the other as she danced around the man never giving him enough time to react. She could see red soaking his clothes. She had been careful not to hit any major arteries after what happened with Elira.
She continued her lethal dance and saw that Borthal was slowing. She came around to his front and sent her foot straight at his left knee. She heard the crunch and his leg buckled backwards and he went to one knee. It was over and she knew it. Borthal still tried to stand and fight and she smiled at him. She deflected his sword and stabbed his forearm. She caught his sword as it dropped from his hand. She blocked his next swing and disarmed him of his other. She held the sword to his throat as his hands went up in surrender. She smiled and pulled the dagger that was still in his forearm out and she heard the soft whimper that came from the man.
She looked at him as Nyko came up to them. She flipped the sword in the air and caught it by the flat of the blade and handed it to the man handle first. He nodded at her as he took his weapon. She regretted not taking into account his pride as she felt the blade cut through her skin. She looked at the man and saw that he was moving again and she felt a pain shoot through her calf. She looked down and saw a dagger sticking out of it.
"Yu don nou koma"(You have no honor.) She said to the man as her fist connected with his face. She watched as the man slumped over completely knocked out.
She reached down and pulled the dagger out of leg. She knew she probably should have left in but Nyko was already handing her bandages and something to clean the wound with.
"Wanheda, once more has been victorious. Borthal disgraced himself with his act after the battle was over. He will be dealt with accordingly." Clarke heard the crowd go into a frenzy as a couple of the gonas came into the pit to help Nyko.
She cleaned the wound on her calf first and wrapped it. She flexed the muscle as she stood on her tiptoes. She felt the pain shoot through her but could tell it was dulled.
"I can mitigate some of the pain Clarke. The more we work together the more I will be able to help. I am not saying that you won't be able to feel pain. Over time it won't necessarily affect you like others as long as you don't burn out and give into the power I offer." She tensed at Wanheda's words. She really didn't want to have that conversation right now.
"Then don't cause me to get to that point. I am still learning what exactly you being with me means. I have felt you this whole time. I am honestly afraid to let you loose. I have seen what your power can do. I will not fall to you." She mentally prepared herself for whatever retort would be coming as she cleaned the wound on her hand.
"I believe you won't Clarke, you are different in this life. You are stronger than what you saw." She sighed as she handed the materials back to Nyko. He nodded at her as he continued to work on Borthal.
"How many times have you been through this with me?"
"10"
"Jok." She was not expecting that answer.
"Each one was different but ended the same. With yours and Lexa's deaths in war. No matter what I tried it never worked and you both would succumb to the bloodlust and rage." She looked up at Lexa as she took in Wanheda's words.
"What has changed this time that makes you sure it won't be the same."
"You have. You forgave Lexa quicker than the other times and you have started to forgive yourself. You may not realize it but you making that plan with Lexa caused a ripple effect to happen. You never brought up that possibility before. Every time you felt betrayed and it severely affected you. It changed you and sent you down a dark path."
"Then work with me instead of trying to control me. That is the only way I see this working. We need to trust each other. I will need your help against Echo. She is different from the others. This is our first test to see if you actually mean what you say." She heard movement beside her and saw Borthal was being helped up. She felt Wanheda agree with her and she let a smile show on her face at the minor victory. She looked back at Lexa and nodded as she retrieved her sword.
She winced as she gripped the handle. That could be a problem she thought as she turned back to face the crowd. She could Wanheda with her and could feel more fire course through her as she closed her eyes. She could hear animals that were miles off, she could smell rain in clouds that were far off, she saw a faint red glow and looked to where it was and realized it was the outline of Lexa. Her eyes snapped open and found that she was looking directly at Lexa again. What she saw should have been impossible. She saw the faint glow still hovering about her love. She shook her head trying to see if it was just an illusion but she had no such luck. She saw the raised eyebrow and just smirked at her love.
"It is time for the last fight of the day. Echo kom Azgeda come forward." Clarke heard the chorus of boos that still persisted as Echo leapt into the pit and landed with a cat like grace. She saw the red glow start to grow but then subsided as Lexa quieted the crowd.
"This is both a challenge for Wanheda as it Echo. Both are looking to prove their worth to the Kongeda. Gon daun kom koma(Fight with honor)." She heard the slow beat of a staff being pounder from the generals that were still standing around the pit. Slowly more people picked up the chant. Before she knew it everyone was chanting for Wanheda.
"I think it is time. Allow as much power as you think is necessary. We do this together." Clarke thought she had felt power earlier before Echo came to the pit but she was wrong. Everything around her focused and became clear. Her mind tuned out the chant, she felt the nagging pain from her previous wounds start to fade. The fire that had become a constant spread to every extremity as she started to pace. So this is what power feels like she thought.
"If Wanheda and Echo are ready." They both nodded at her.
"Then begin." Lexa lowered her arm for the final time today as they both took off at each other with a war cry.
Wanheda vs Echo
Clarke didn't hesitate as she swung with her sword. It was blocked by one of Echo's axes and she could smell the poison as she moved to slash with her dagger. It was blocked as they spun around each other. She locked eyes with Echo and saw a smirk plastered on her face. She shot one back at her as they collided again. Clarke really was wishing she had another sword, as it would have made attacking easier. She swung with her sword again as she stepped to her left. Echo countered and swung with her axe aiming for her shoulder.
Clarke raised her arm and felt the point of the axe pierce her skin as it slid over her forearm. She realized that her arm was in the perfect position to do something. She used the distraction and turned her sword around in her hand and threw a punch towards Echo's face. She felt her jaw move under her fist as she yanked her other arm back. She could feel the axe slip from Echo's grasp but not before it cut further into her arm. Shit she thought, as she wondered what kind of effect this poison would have on her. She remembered Lexa telling her that it would just be one that impared her reflexes. So far she knew it wasn't fast acting at least it wasn't because of Wanheda.
She grabbed the axe from where it landed and the weight surprisingly felt good in her hand. She watched as Echo recovered quickly and drew her sword.
"I am impressed, Wanheda. Not many people can get my weapon from me. Let see how well you can use it while the poison courses through you." She saw the smirk flash on her face as they started to circle one another.
"Echo kom Azgeda, you should know that I am capable of so much more. I am the commander of Death." Clarke raised her arms as she played to the crowd.
"Then show me what you got!." Echo said as she charged.
Clarke felt her coming before she even turned around. She waited keeping her back towards her. She could hear her footsteps as she got closer. She shot out her right elbow and connected with her abdomen. She spun to her right and sliced with her sword and could feel the blade slicing through the skin on Echo's back.
Echo turned around and pressed her attack Clarke defended and made a mistake. She went for a slash with the axe and misjudged how it would swing. Echo saw this and caught her in the side with her axe. She could feel the skin tear as the axe was pulled from her.
She quickly turned and slashed with the axe catching echo in the thigh. She saw the blood come from it and she smiled. Echo swung at her with her sword and she was slow to react. The poison was starting to burn through the small resilience Wanheda provided.
She felt The sword tear through her bicep and she lost the grip on her sword. She scrambled away from Echo and checked her arm. The cut was deep but she still had her arm. She looked up at echo and saw red. She could feel the rage start to take over as fire spread through her trying to counteract the poison. She could feel it failing and she knew if she didn't end this soon she would lose.
She charged at Echo and swung with the axe using both hands to try and get more power behind it. She felt the axe connect with the other one and Clarke tried to pull it away but she felt a boot connect with her chest. She went sailing across the pit and landed hard on her back. She looked up at the sky and saw her vision was swimming. Fucking poison she thought as she rolled over to stand.
"So this is the mighty Wanheda. The one that slew the mountain. You have a long way to go to prove anything to me." Clarke saw what she was doing. She was playing into the hatred that people had for her. She would guess Azgeda would feel the same. She struggled to her feet as the poison continued to impair her movements.
"Echo kom Azgeda, I may have a long way to go for a lot of things but I can promise you, just because today may not go in my favor the next time we fight it will be different." She charged at Echo with a war cry giving it all she had before it was over.
She grabbed her daggers as she leapt at Echo. She felt her arms being caught and then she was flying through the air again. Before she could stand Echo was on her with a dagger to her throat. She looked at the arm but she felt like she was moving in slow motion.
"It is over Clarke. I will help you get used to the poison. I know Wanheda can help but you need a natural resistance to it. You fought well." Clarke found her eyes through the fog and saw a genuine smile on her face. Clarke sighed and slowly raised her hands in defeat.
"Echo kom Azgeda is the winner. That concludes today's fights. As it stands Clarke only needs to win one more fight to be successful." The crowd first booed then cheered at Lexa words. Clarke felt herself being pulled up and could feel her arm being slung over a shoulder.
"You all may return to your duties. Be back here at first light for the next fights." The crowd cheered as they dispersed.
Clarke felt like she was walking through quicksand. She really wanted to figure out what it was made of but her thought we jumbled. She felt her other arm being slung over another shoulder and saw it was Nyko.
"We need to get her the antidote." Echo nodded and pulled something from her side. She took some and put it in her mouth first then gave it to Nyko.
"Wanheda, can you open your mouth?" She nodded and did just that.
The taste was awful and she felt her mouth being held shut so it wouldn't come back up. She fought against her natural instinct to spit it out. She swallowed and felt her mouth being released. She looked up and saw the ladder in front of her. Nyko went first and helped her up as she slowly climbed. She hoped this would pass quickly.
She made it to Nyko's tent with the help of Echo and she thought it was Lincoln but she was unsure. She felt furs and relaxed as she saw Nyko start to patch her wounds. She registered someone else coming into the tent as she started to succumb to the blackness.
Lexa POV
She watched the final fight with great interest. She knew Clarke would lose once she was struck by the first axe. She had specifically given Echo the poison and the antidote to use. It was the first of many that her love would need to build a resistance to. It was the most common among the clans and was a mix of herbs and a drop of snake venom.
She felt pride course through her as Clarke continued to fight as the poison slowly took over. She knew Clarke would make good on her promise to Echo and the thought almost made her smile. She called the winner when she saw Clarke's hands raised in defeat. She dismissed everyone and had to hold back the urge to run to her side to help her out of the pit. She looked at Lincoln and he just nodded at her.
She walked over to Nyko's tent as Clarke was taken inside. She saw Octavia and Skaikru standing outside the tent. She paused and they all turned to her.
"Heda, will she be okay?" She heard Monty ask. She looked at the boy and could tell that they all shared the same expression.
"Sha, Echo blades were coated in a poison that attacked her nervous system and caused her movement to be impaired." She saw the rage start to appear but she held up her hand.
"I knew about this because I was the one that gave the poison to Echo. It is the most common one the clans use and Clarke needed to be exposed to it. She has already been given the antidote and will wake in a couple of hours with a light headache." Everyone but Bellamy seemed to relax at her words. Thankfully Echo came out of the tent before he could say anything.
"Heda" she said as she bowed to her.
"You fought well today. I am glad my choice was not wrong."
"Mochaf." She bowed again and then turned to Bellamy.
"Heda, Ai gaf gon borrow Belomi. Wanheda asked Ai gon hon daun gifa in kom something dei de involves em."(Heda, I need to borrow Bellamy. Wanheda asked me to take care of something that involves him.) Lexa raised an eyebrow at her.
"Sha, guan au."(yes, go) Echo nodded at her and grabbed Bellamy by his arm and drug him away from the tent. She turned back to Skaikru and raised an eyebrow at them.
"Something happened between him and Clarke. You will have to talk to Clarke because it is not our place to tell you." Raven said and she nodded at them.
"Indra will show you to where you will be staying while you are here. You are free to roam as always. You are welcome here in TonDC."
"Mochaf Heda." They all said as they took their leave.
She entered the tent and saw Nyko finishing wrapping the wounds Clarke had suffered. He looked at her and nodded as he tied the last bandage.
"She jos went hosh daun. Em breathing ste normal."( she just went to sleep. Her breathing is normal.)
"Mochaf Nyko." He nodded at her as he went to gather some things.
She looked at Clarke and saw her chest rise and fall. She grabbed the stool Nyko was sitting on and sat next to her love. She looked at the wounds and could see that she had bandages on her arms, thigh and side. Lexa knew that by the time this was over she would have more. She hoped that Clarke would heal as fast as she did. Being a Natblida causes them to heal quicker than people with normal blood.
She was surprised when no one asked many questions when Clarke first bled. She knew the generals would have questions but it would help her claim of being Wanheda. She reached out and grabbed one of her hands. She felt the rough bandage that had been replaced. She rubbed her thumb over her palm as she watched her chest rise and fall.
"You made me proud today Ai hodnes. You will continue to do great things." She whispered as she pulled her hand up to her mouth and left a kiss on it as she gently placed her arm at her side.
She stood and saw Nyko just coming into the tent. He nodded at her as he came in.
"Send for me when she wakes."
"Sha Heda." She nodded as she exited the tent. She looked up at the sky and saw that it was a couple hours from nightfall.
She made her way through the camp heading in the direction she saw Echo take off to. She knew something was going on between Echo and Bellamy and she wanted to find out.
Bellamy POV
One minute he was standing outside the healers tent the next minute he was forcefully being dragged away by Echo. He was confused and angry. All he knew was that his name and Clarke had been mentioned. He felt himself being thrown in front of Echo. He stumbled as he tried to catch his balance and take in his surroundings. There was no one around and they were in a clearing surrounded by trees. Well shit he thought.
He looked at the stone cold face of Echo and could feel himself start to sweat. He saw something move out of the corner of his eye but before he could register what it was he was on his side in the dirt. He could feel his vision start to swim as he rolled to his back.
"What the fuck was that for Echo." he said as he tried to stand only to find a foot connecting with his chest.
"Wanheda has warned you twice now Bellamy." he tried to stand again and managed to block the first fist that came his way. He felt the second one connect with his right side of his face this time. He started to see stars as he felt his head hit the dirt.
"You have now been warned by me now. If you want to live, you will heed what I am saying." He looked up at the woman standing over him.
"Do as she has asked and pray to whatever god you wish that Heda does not find out about what you did on the ark. You are now under my watch, not because of Wanheda's orders but because you obviously can't be trusted to keep yourself in check." He swallowed as he saw the flash of metal coming from the dagger she played with it.
"From now on he does not leave your side Echo kom Azgeda. He will serve as your next test as a second that needs to be trained in our ways and what respect means." He saw her stiffen as he heard the deathly calm voice come from the commander.
"Bellamy what is Echo talking about? Do not lie." He knew now that he was caught. He saw the dagger come from her sheathe as she waited. He swallowed as he propped himself on his elbows slowly.
"On the ark I ran a fighting ring between the teenagers. It became the worst kept secret and eventually the council found out about it. They never came to where it was held but forced me to make it available for them." He saw the eyebrow raise but neither of them spoke.
"Every once in a while I was made to rig a fight so one of the council members could win a bet they made against someone."
"How did they make you do this. If you ran this how were you forced to do this?" He looked up at the commander and swallowed.
"They had just found my sister and would threaten to find a way to float her if I didn't do what they wanted. I did what they asked and went about my business. What I did not anticipate was Clarke showing up one night." He saw the slight tense but it was gone quickly.
"She was there and there was a rule that if you were there you fought. I regretted that rule immediately because I knew that if she got hurt I would be in trouble. Her mother may have been quiet on the council but she had some pull with Jaha." He swallowed again trying to remain calm.
"She got beat that night and I made sure to never let that happen again. I started to work with her as best as I could. She was a quick learner and eventually was able to make her way through everyone. She became the star child for a lot of the council members except Jaha. He knew that I had trained her and he could use my sister against her." He shivered as that night came back to him. He saw the look on Echo's face and he knew that she had heard Clarke's side of the story.
"He brought me to the airlock and my sister was in there unconscious. He told me that if I did not beat Clarke in the next fight my sister would die. I reluctantly agreed and made my way to where we fought. I made the announcement that since she made it through everyone else all that was left was me."
"It was the first time I saw one of the council members on the upper deck of where we were. Jaha was there watching to make sure I did what he wanted." He looked away and couldn't bring himself to look at either of them.
"I knew where she was weak and used it to my gain. She didn't even stand a chance. At the first sign of blood something came over me and I couldn't hold back. It didn't matter that the crowd had stopped cheering, it didn't matter that she was in pain. I just wanted to save my sister. The next thing I know I am being pulled off of her and she was just laying there lifeless. Raven and Wick told everyone to leave and they took her away. I never saw her again till we landed on the ground." He could feel the rage coming from both of them.
"I found out later from Raven that I had almost killed her. Whatever she told you is true and why she still lets me live I don't know. I thought that if I could lead with her it would show her that I tried to change but I guess it didn't matter. I thought I had gotten over her from the time we spent training but it all came back when we landed here." He finally looked up at the two women and gulped. The commander's eyes had gone black and Echo was now pacing.
"Where is this Jaha now?" He faltered before he spoke.
"No one knows. He left after you returned him saying something about a safe haven past the dead zone. As far as Clarke was concerned he was good as dead and none of us disagreed with her." He let out a scream as he felt a dagger bury into his thigh. He looked at it and saw it was the commanders.
"You are lucky that is all the pain you will feel." He watched as she ripped it out of his thigh and wiped it on his pants. He could feel the blood coming from the wound.
"While you played a part in what happened, it would be wrong to punish you for something in the past." He let out a sigh knowing he was lucky.
"However, if you step out of line again and do not do what Wanheda has asked, whatever that is. You will have to deal with not just Echo and Wanheda, You will have to deal with me as well." Bellamy gulped as he watched Echo move next to the commander.
"Heda, He ste marked by wanheda. Skaigeda na nou na able gon hold bakon taim he does nou listen Disha gou."(He is marked by Wanheda. Skaigeda will not be able to hold back if he does not listen this time.) He didn't know what was being said but it probably wasn't good.
"Ena den Yu better make sure he does. Taim bilaik Seken falls au kom line den Yu are responsible."(Well then you better make sure he does. If your second falls out of line then you are responsible.)
"Sha Heda." He watched as the commander turned and left.
Once she was out of sight Echo was next to him tearing a piece of his shirt and wrapping his wound. She looked at him and for once she looked worried.
"I am sorry Echo." he breathed out and he felt her movements still.
"I shouldn't have lied to you. I thought I was done with my feelings for her but watching her fight today brought it all back and before I could stop myself I said something I shouldn't have. I thought Clarke was going to slit my throat right then."
"You are lucky to be alive right now Bellamy. You are marked by Wanheda and that is not a good thing. You are on thin ice. Clarke told me to deal with you because if she had to you would not be alive." To say he was stunned was an understatement.
"That night changed the both of you. Clarke became the host for Wanheda that night. She may not have known it but she was linked with her spirit way before the mountain. Now if you mess up it just isn't your ass on the line. I really don't feel like dying when I just got my second chance." He nodded at her as she stood and extended her arm.
"When we aren't busy with the remaining fights we train and keep you away from Clarke for now. It will be the best for both of you. I am required to stay through the next two days which means you stay as well. The rest of Skaikru will be leaving in the morning." He was about to argue when he saw her eyebrow raise at him.
"You are my second now, which means you have to do as I say. I will be teaching you our ways and how to act around Heda and Wanheda. I know Clarke being on that level is shocking but in our culture she has almost the same amount of power Heda does. What she has told you is true. This gauntlet will go a long way to make our people accept yours." He felt like he side for the millionth time.
"I have a lot to learn don't I?"
"Sha Belomi."
"Well show me where I am staying because it is getting late." She nodded as they made their way to what he would come to find out was Echo's private tent.
Lexa POV
She had made it back to camp just as the sun was beginning to set. Her mind was racing as she took in what Bellamy had told her. She knew that impaling his thigh was the wrong move but her rage had consumed her and she was lucky that was all that happened. The news that he had been marked was interesting and would explain why Clarke tried to stay away from him. She was puzzled as to why she still was trying to help but then she realized that was who her love was at her core. No matter what she tried to save everyone. She knew it would never happen but it was what she loved about her. It was ironic that someone like Clarke would become the host of death but it made all the more sense as well. Clarke was kind natured and wanted to keep everything living while Wanheda wanted death and destruction. It was a perfect balance when they came together.
She saw the Skaikru huddle around a campfire talking with some Trikru. She had been informed that they would be leaving for Camp Jaha in the morning as they didn't want to leave Abby unguarded for too long. She had thanked Kane for coming and offered to send some warriors to assist in furthering their plans for winter along. He agreed and thanked her again.
She strode past them as she made her way to her tent. When she stepped through she was met by Clarke. She was stunned as she saw Clarke sitting on her throne. It was obvious that she was still tired as she was currently asleep on said throne. She smiled at the sight and wondered why she hadn't been informed that she was awake.
"Don't get mad at Nyko. He tried to keep me there and inform you but I told him I would inform you myself." She chuckled as she started to remove her gear.
"Where were you exactly?" She stilled as she looked back at her love.
"Seeing what you had Echo take care off." She watched Clarke's eyes blow open wide.
"Please tell me he is still alive. I know that Wanheda wants him dead and a part of me does as well but I still think he can be of use." She smiled as she continued to undress.
"For now he does. He may be limping for the next couple of days as I may or may not have impaled his thigh with my dagger." She heard her name come from Clarke's mouth as a muffled sigh.
"He is lucky that I can't punish him for his past mistake that I had no control over. Echo is now his Fos with strict orders to keep him in line. If she doesn't she will be held responsible for his actions. Just like I am responsible for you as your Fos." She approached Clarke slowly as she locked eyes with her love.
"Now tell me why my Sekon is sitting on my throne. Only Heda is allowed to sit on that throne and anyone that is found there that is not Heda is to be punished." She saw Clarke's eyes go dark as she got closer. Interesting she thought.
"Well you see Fos I was wanting to surprise you with me being fine but when I got here I fell asleep. It won't happen again." She saw Clarke gulp as she climbed the steps to her throne.
"You are lucky that you are not any normal Sekon, Ai hodnes. The normal punishment for this crime is lashings. But I could think of a more suitable punishment but it will have to wait as our dinner is on its way." She pulled back and let out a chuckle at the state Clarke was in.
"You are a cruel woman Lexa." She smiled as she pulled Clarke close to her.
"You have no idea Ai hodnes." She whispered to her as she kissed her neck. She felt the shiver run through Clarke and she smiled.
"You said something about dinner right. I am starving." She laughed as Clarke tried to distract herself from that way her body was reacting to her touch. She knew Clarke was not ready for that step yet but she was having fun teasing her.
"Sha I did." As if on cue a guard brought the food in and set it on the table and left without even looking at them. She saw the raised eyebrow Clarke was throwing at her and she just kissed it and led her to the table.
"My guards are under strict orders to not speak of anything that goes on in this tent. For all they know you are still in Nyko's tent and I am having dinner with someone else." She heard the huff come from her love and she laughed.
"Well I'm not and neither are you." Clarke stabbed the meat and tore into it.
"A little jealous of that thought now are we?" She teased as she began to eat.
"Sha Leska. I wish we didn't have to hide this but I understand why we do."
"The time will come to where we don't have to hide but we have to play this right. Trust me I would love nothing more than to be able to kiss you when I want and wherever I want. For the first time in a long time I want to show the world that I am in love but I can't because it would be used against both of us." She saw Clarke smile, blush and nod in agreement with her.
"I know Lexa, and I feel the same way. " She nodded as they ate in a comfortable silence just enjoying the other's presence content to stay that way until it was time to retire for the night.
Polis
Murphy POV
He felt the cold water hit him like a truck once more. This bald fuck was really starting to piss him off. He was still unaware of how long he had been here but had done what he was asked. He gave the bare minimum to keep himself alive. He may hate Clarke for what had happened but she was the one that stopped Bellamy from killing him.
As much as he wanted to completely betray Skaikru he couldn't bring himself to turn his back on Clarke. He had come to realize that she was doing the best she could and he respected that. She had been the one to try and work with him before he fucked up and gave the knife to Charlotte. He had known what had haunted that little girl and used it as a way to get back at Jaha through his son.
He let his need for revenge blind him and it wound up with him being banished. Then he ran into the one man he didn't want to see but before he could kill him they were captured and he was brought to this place. Whatever this place was that is.
He moved his arms and felt them rub against the ropes he was still tied with. He could feel his skin being rubbed raw again as he tried to find a way out of his binds. He looked around with the one eye he could see out of. He thought that his answers would keep him from being hit but he was wrong. His left eye was swollen shut and he could feel a couple broken ribs with every intake of breath. The most degrading thing he thought was the fact that he was in only his underwear. He had been stripped sometime after he arrived here.
He laid his eyes on the bald man as he paced back and forth. He watched as it seemed like the man had received some bad news. This was the first time he saw this man like this. He tensed slightly as the man stopped and stared at him. He tensed even more when he saw the whip in the man's hand.
"I need more answers, boy." He tried to prepare for the pain but it was to no avail. He felt the whip tear through his chest and he felt it tear the skin and set his body on fire. He let out a scream as another lashing connected.
"How long has your leader been Wanheda?" Murphy was silent. Is he talking about Clarke? And who the hell is this Wanheda person.
"I don't know what you are talking about. And who the hell is this Wanheda person." He let out another scream as he was lashed again.
"Liar!" The man screamed at him as he swung the whip again.
Scream after Scream flesh tore away from his body as he continued to answer truthfully. He had no idea what this asshole was talking about. He felt a fist connect with him and then he saw black again.
2 hours later
He was awoken once again by cold water but this time he was hanging upside down and backwards. He tried to get his bearings but he heard the crack of the whip and felt his skin tear on his back. He felt it connect again and again. Then finally it stopped and a sigh came out of him.
"I believe you are telling the truth Murphy and I must say you have lasted longer than anticipated. I have a deal for you." At this point he was ready to take anything to make this shit stop.
"If I agree to whatever you want will you stop fucking whipping me? I am tired of this bullshit. I did nothing to deserve this. Espically this fucking last bullshit." He saw the man come in front of him and crouch to look at him.
"I do apologize for that. I lost my temper and yes if you agree it will all stop." This man lost his fucking temper over what and why did he fucking take it out on me.
"Fine what do you want?" The man nodded and stood up. He felt himself being turned and now he was upright and facing the man.
The man had tattoos on his head and was dressed like a priest. He almost chuckled at the irony of what he had been through. He watched as the man took a knife and cut the ropes that held him in place. Murphy fell to the ground hard and ground as he tried to stand. He felt pain shoot through him as something was laid over him.
"I want to teach you. I am in need of an heir to take over my position if I should die. I don't expect an answer now. Think this over and in two days I will come for your answer." He looked up at the man with a glare.
"There is a room at the end of the hall. It has all of the essentials you should need. I will have a healer brought to your room shortly. There are books about our culture that you should read if you chose." He struggled to his feet and pulled the blanket around him.
He could feel the fabric rubbing against his wounds but only flinched slightly. He looked around the room and saw something that surprised him. It looked like a dropship from the ark. There is no way. What the fuck was going on here? He followed the man when he started down the hall.
"You have two options Murphy. Take what I have offered and live out the rest of your days peacefully or refuse and I will send you back to where you came from. Trust me you don't want that." Well shit he thought as he entered the room.
He looked around and shook his head which he instantly regretted. It was a nice size with a bed against one wall. The bathroom was through another door and there even was a fucking kitchen. Well I could get used to this he thought as he slowly made his way to the bed. He saw clothes folded on it.
"The healer will be here shortly. I hope you think about what I have told you." The man turned and left closing the door with a thud.
He didn't even bother putting on clothes as he grabbed the pillow and put it behind his head. He leaned back and felt his skin pull and tug as he tried to move to a comfortable position. He sighed once he was somewhat comfortable. He knew he only had one option and if he wanted to try and redeem himself it was his only choice. He felt the blackness consume him as he heard the door open and someone come in. His exhaustion consumed him as he felt a cool liquid being spread across his chest.
AN: Whew! Time got away from me and I realized that writers block had caused me not to update in a hot minute. I do apologize for the wait. I went back and forth many times on how I wanted to gauntlet to go. I hope that all of you enjoy where this story is going so far. Thank you for the follows and reviews are always welcome. I love reading them and hearing your thoughts.