Clarke and Lexa have a tough couple days (courtesy of Raven and Octavia)
Lexa and Octavia: round 2. Clarke decides to visit a friend.

The day started off slowly for Lexa when she was informed there wasn't going to be any training that morning. She is still very confused and conflicted about what happened with Clarke but the one thing she knows for sure is her girlfriend doesn't want to see her, so all she can do for now is pass the time and patiently wait for their next meeting.

Lexa has breakfast in the not too crowded dining hall; she spots a couple of her fellow young warriors and makes small talk with them until they leave. When she finishes a few minutes later she heads to the exit, already making plans for what she is going to do for the rest of the day when suddenly she comes face to face with two high ranking brunettes.

"Ge-general; Miss Reyes" Lexa greets the pair at the threshold.

"Warrior."

"Lexa."

After a brief awkward second of silence and a nod of respect, Lexa moves forward with the intention of leaving the room but instead she finds herself stuck in the middle of both women. At first she thinks it is just an embarrassing accident so she wiggles a bit in an attempt to detach their hold on her. But a glance at both women is enough for her to realize what is actually happening.

Octavia and Raven are applying pressure to Lexa's shoulders which prevents the young brunette from advancing.

The action transports Lexa back to the years when she attended community school and happened to witness the small groups of Skygirls who used to bully and belittle anyone who dared to cross them. 'Apparently what Indra said is true, Skypeople never really change.' Lexa concludes in frustration. It takes every ounce of restraint for her not to lash out – because she doesn't want to disrespect their authorities – she only pushes forward trying to free herself from their hold but just at that exact moment when she is pushing with all her strength, both Raven and Octavia move away causing Lexa to almost fall flat on her face.

"Careful."

"Watch out."

Raven and Octavia quip among mocking giggles as they watch Lexa struggling to remain upright.

Completely flustered and irritated, Lexa stomps out of the tower sure more than ever this is going to be a very fucked up week.

…

After walking around the streets of the city to clear her mind, Lexa heads to the training field to rid the tension from her body and to her surprise she finds Esiry already practicing.

"Lexa!" The girl puts her spear down on the floor and sprints to greet her friend with the traditional arm holding. "I didn't know you were back."

"Yeah, I arrived very late last night and this morning you weren't in your room; I thought you weren't in Polis."

"No, no; I just need to wake up earlier every day for my training." Esiry displays a proud smile before complementing. "The general asked me to be her second."

"Oh wow! Congratulations." Lexa is surprised by the news, and a little jealous to be honest; there is no one more deserving of that position that herself but she knows Octavia would never have chosen her; given her "special" circumstances– or if Clarke will ever allow it.

"Thanks; but how about you? How did it go? How did your parents take it?" Esiry bombards Lexa with her questions.

"Um…" and just like that, Lexa is sadly reminded of her misfortunes.

"Whoa, what happened?"

…

Octavia and Raven are talking animatedly during lunch in the dining hall; where they dragged a disgruntled Clarke along with them to keep her distracted.

"Where is that pretty servant of yours?" Raven suddenly asks looking around the place.

"Who?" Clarke looks at Raven having no idea who she is referring to.

"You know, the one who serves the food here."

"Sava?" Octavia supplies knowingly.

"Yeah Sava, where is she?"

"She's at the army's dining hall now" Octavia offers with a smirk, eying Clarke.

Raven gets very curious now. "Why is that?"

"Well, you see; Clarke didn't want anyone here to get her into trouble with the girlfriend." Octavia wiggles her eyebrows snorting when Clarke huffs.

"Huh?" Raven stares at them confused "why would she…" it takes her a few seconds to put things together. "Ooh, OK got it.," she chuckles at Clarke because she is unable to hide her annoyance.

"She gives amazing massages" Octavia informs, "but only Clarke gets the special ones."

Clarke had enough of her friends teasing "would you please stop that."

It was only when the laughter died down that Raven dared to comment. "Maybe you actually need some of those special massages Clarke."

"Or maybe pay a visit to old friends, like…" Octavia leans closer to Clarke "… Niylah?" She nudges Clarke for effect.

"I'm not doing that," Clarke retorts with indignation "don't you get it? This is not a fucking game of who sleeps with whom; this is a relationship we are talking about, MY relationship. We just need time and space to figure this shit out." She raises from her seat not without chancing a glare at her friends, "if you think that's ever gonna solve anything you are nuts; I know exactly what I'm talking about." Saying that Clarke storms out of the dining hall.

"Hmm," Octavia resumes her eating, adding in the process, "We have to do something."

Raven eyes her with a brow lifted, "what do you have in mind?"

…

"LEXA!" Esiry yells all of a sudden. "Why would you do that?!"

"I don't know." Lexa moves her head from side to side "I just… it just sort of happened."

"Sort of- ugh." Esiry rolls her eyes "that was really fucked Lexa, there is no justification whatsoever, I mean who the fuck is Orita! You never even mentioned her in our conversations, jok!" She exhales in frustration, "if I were the commander I would totally break up with you!"

"I know, I know!" Lexa slams a box of daggers and knives onto the floor and covers her face with shame and anger.

Esiry was about to continue with her rant but notices that Lexa has started sobbing quietly. She tones down the attitude. "Hey" she puts a hand on Lexa's shoulder. "It's not the end of the world OK? You fucked up big time but you can fix it, right?"

Still sniffling Lexa verbalizes, "I don't even recognize myself anymore," she looks at her friend. "I was the leader of this nation; I always had a solution for everything, I always knew what to do; but now all I do is make stupid decisions and then cry over them later."

"Oh well." Esiry exhales and slides closer to Lexa. "You're not the leader of this nation anymore; you're not the great Heda who has to save the world Lexa. You're just a young warrior now; maybe you should stop thinking like Heda and be more like the new you?" She offers but then reconsiders "or maybe you should just take the good parts of her; and use it like a perfect balance, you know?

Lexa grunts her discomfort, "that sounds confusing and exhausting Esiry."

"Yeah," Esiry pats Lexa's leg in solidarity before enunciating, "welcome to the new world."

…

The subsequent morning, having finished their regular early meeting Octavia announces with a hint of arrogance "OK, now if you excuse me I have to go and meet up with my youngsters; I have the feeling it's gonna be an interesting training day." Having said that she begins to walk away when Clarke's voice alerts her.

"Octavia!"

The brunette halts and sighs deflated; already expecting Clarke to warn her to be careful with Lexa, so she doesn't bother to turn around to face Clarke. But what she hears next is completely unexpected.

Clarke bites her lip hesitantly before advising. "Just… don't kill her OK?"

Octavia cranes her neck slowly in Clarke's direction, total incredulity on her features. And when she only sees determination in Clarke's face she replies with a smirk and a mischievous glint in her eyes, "As you wish Wanheda."

…

With Octavia gone, Clarke sits on her throne pensive and a little concerned but she doesn't get too deep into her thoughts when Indra manages to get her attention.

"Since everything regarding the law has been settled and the meeting with the clans is not due until next week, I think this is an appropriate time for you to take a few days off and give your mind some rest."

"Ugh" Clarke complains, "I don't need time off Indra, I'm fine."

Indra glares at Clarke in her very "that's bullshit" way of hers.

"OK, maybe I'm not fine; but I can manage," Clarke tries to refute unconvincingly.

"I'm sure." Indra successfully avoids rolling her eyes to counteract "but I strongly believe you need some time to yourself without the burden of your responsibilities as Heda."

"Indra…"

"Perhaps you could go to the ark." When Clarke cringes, Indra offers instead "or maybe you can visit some friends; like Niylah."

"What…" Clarke jerks her head up toward the woman. "Raven and Octavia are the ones who suggested this, right? Oh my god those bitches! I'm gonna…"

"Well Clarke they may have put the idea into my head but that doesn't mean it's not true; you do need some time off."

"No!" Clarke stands up while refusing the offer. "I am not gonna take any days off, I'm not gonna cave into this whim of theirs, and you shouldn't either!"

Because of Clarke's stubbornness, Indra takes another approach. "Look at it this way. At least you wouldn't have to see Lexa for, lets say, a couple of days."

Clarke pauses and mulls over the idea in her head; it does sound tempting to avoid her young lover for at least one or two days. Besides she could catch up with Niylah and relax in the tranquil woods. "I'll think about it," she finally offers without any certainty.

"That's all I ask." Indra smiles knowing this battle is already won.

…

Lexa hurries to the training field ten minutes earlier than usual, but of course Octavia and Esiry are already there.

"Oh look who's here, the heartbreaker!" Octavia exclaims sarcastically as Lexa approaches.

Esiry averts her eyes from the duo not wanting to take part in the awkwardness that will definitely follow.

"General." Lexa shows her respects, but can't do anything about the hostility directed at her.

Octavia takes advantage of Lexa's passiveness to carry on with her teasing. "I hope you're back one hundred percent this time, I mean with all the action you surely got in your village, I'm sure you're feeling strong and energized" she chuckles with a sneer.

Lexa clenches her jaw willing herself not to fall into the provocation, but replying with some boldness nonetheless, "I'm ready to face whatever you put my way, General."

"That's good to hear," Octavia smirks. "Now, you two go and warm up!" She orders Lexa and Esiry.

The two friends stare at each other, promptly doing exactly what they were told to do.

…

It was almost the end of the training day and just when Lexa thought she was free from the worst of Octavia, the General calls her over.

"Lexa, your turn!"

The brunette walks toward her mentor, preparing herself for what is to come.

"OK," Octavia assumes her combat position and begins speaking, "since we are gonna be here for a while, we may as well include some small talk."

Lexa rolls her eyes at the comment but gets into combat position anyways.

"Right so" Octavia strikes first, her sword clashing with Lexa's, "I get it OK. You screwing your little friend cause well, I've been your age and she's kinda hot," she strikes another blow. "What I don't understand is why did you go through this experimenting stage just when…" she deflects one of Lexa's strikes "… you and Clarke are already a thing? I mean couldn't you have done it before? "

To say Lexa's temper is getting the best of her is an understatement. She throws another blow, one that Octavia blocks with ease.

As they exchange more swings and blows, Octavia continues.

"Also, you have to learn to keep your big mouth shut." When one of Lexa's brows arc, Octavia elaborates, "like you can't go and tell your girlfriend that you have the hots for your best friend; I mean, what fucked up level of stupidity is that."

That works into setting Lexa off; she grabs her sword with both hands and strikes Octavia with a hard blow that causes the general to wince. "Maybe you should start minding your own business, Sky-" she pauses, giving her head a soft shake, "General."

Octavia, pleasantly surprised by this response, purposely looks for a way to get Lexa worked up even more. "Sorry for you but Clarke is my friend and I can get into her business if I want," she snorts at her own choice of words "see what I did there?" Then taking advantage of Lexa's pent-up exasperation she adds with malice. "And by the way I could really do that you know? Get into her business and all…"

Even though Lexa is one hundred percent sure Octavia's words are only meant to aggravate her, she can't help react to them. She strides toward her mentor and attacks her with a series of repetitive blows.

"There you are!" Octavia laughs, making good use of her deflecting and protection techniques-because in this case, she really needs them. "Is that all you've got?"

Hearing the phrase, causes a switch in Lexa's expression, a different glint in her eyes; one that Octavia is able to perceive. Unfortunately that didn't give her the necessary time to react since Lexa –with her characteristic hard swipe- knocks Octavia's sword to the ground.

The training field becomes silent as all the young warriors have their eyes glued to the two women.

Octavia, not letting her guard down, looks around for something she can use instead of her lost sword. She spots a spear resting against a pile of sacks.

Lexa follows Octavia's line of view and immediately advances in order to try and stop Octavia but the short brunette reacts quickly and reaches for the object in a blink of an eye.

"Come here" Octavia taunts, swinging the spear skillfully; measuring every step Lexa makes as she walks around her.

Suddenly Octavia strikes, but Lexa is ready to deflect the attack; which she does several times as Octavia keeps whacking at her.

At some point they find themselves face to face, struggling with their weapons, trying to push each other away.

"No offense General." Lexa says with a bit of effort, applying pressure as Octavia attempts to push her. "But you're fighting like a Skybaby."

Now Octavia is the one who flips out. She growls furiously and in an extraordinary display of ability twists her spear in such a way that it hits Lexa's hand forcing her to drop her sword.

Unarmed, Lexa carefully takes two steps backwards, remembering exactly what Octavia can do with that weapon.

As expected Octavia launches against her, the tip of the spear scratching Lexa's arms and sides. But unlike the last time they found themselves in the same situation, Lexa has no concerns or reservations.

At one of Octavia's particular strikes, Lexa grabs the staff of the weapon and yanks it out of Octavia's hand; the force of the action sending the spear flying to the ground.

"Oh you want it this way huh?" Octavia raises her fists in defensive mode, "lets see if you can do more with your hands than just fuck blondies."

"Argh!" Lexa directs a punch at Octavia's face but she ducks it effortlessly.

Octavia responds in kind, throwing her own jabs and protecting herself from Lexa's.

In just one microsecond of distraction, Lexa clutches Octavia's fist and spins her around, wrapping her arm around the General's neck.

But of course that position is not enough to keep Octavia immobilized for too long. She bends over, gets a hold of Lexa's arm and forcefully lifts Lexa into the air.

Lexa falls flat on her back with a loud thud, her head hitting the floor. She winces but doesn't have too much time to complain as Octavia is pressing down on Lexa's throat with her foot.

"Hurts?" Octavia asks sardonically but her fun doesn't last because Lexa manages to twist her legs and drag the General to the ground.

From that point on they become a mass of limbs pulling, scratching and punching each other at every opportunity.

The young warriors don't even dare to move from their spots in fear of missing a single detail of the confrontation.

The women roll around several times until Lexa gains the advantage and straddles Octavia's waist. She reaches for the practice dagger in her belt.

"Oh no, you don't." Octavia frees her legs, enveloping Lexa's neck with them.

The task of trying to grasp at her dagger becomes difficult for Lexa since strong legs are strangling her. She closes her eyes and concentrates on getting the necessary strength needed to do something. Finally she gets a firm grip of the object and aims the dagger at Octavia's head.

The General grabs Lexa by the wrist with both her hands; the plastic blade almost poking her nose.

They stare at each other, breathing heavily, Lexa pressing forward, Octavia pushing to the side; both struggling for dominance.

Ultimately it is Octavia who wins the struggle, slamming Lexa's hand down.

Lexa disentangles herself from Octavia's legs, immediately searching for her weapon.

Octavia rolls over to the other side as fast as she can to avoid Lexa's come back.

Already in her hand, Lexa sinks the dagger centimeters away from Octavia's head into the dirt as she keeps rolling away. "Damn It." Lexa has had enough. She jumps on top of Octavia tackling her on the ground.

Caught off guard Octavia rotates on her back, elbowing Lexa off her, ready to fight back but she doesn't even get a chance to see Lexa's face.

The blade of the plastic dagger retracts right in the middle of Octavia's forehead, spewing out the red substance it contains.

A choral gasp is heard in the previously silent practice field.

"Dead!" Lexa states proudly as she watches the red ink slipping down Octavia's forehead onto her face.

Octavia is in shock for a second or two at the unexpected turn of events; but then just like that, her face breaks out into a devilish grin. When Lexa stares at her in confusion, Octavia remarks with utmost pleasure, "you're dead too."

At that same instant, Lexa feels something cold running down her neck, she looks down and notices a practice dagger is also on her throat, red ink slipping down the front of her chest.

"YEAH!"

"WOO HOO!"

The young warriors scream, clap, jump; they can't believe what they just witnessed.

And Lexa is just as incredulous as them. She watches dumbfounded as Octavia stands up and offers her hand to help Lexa up. Lexa accepts the gesture with no hesitation.

It is only now that Lexa becomes aware that Octavia is no longer the insolent teen she met sixteen years ago – despite her questionable behavior sometimes. Octavia has become one of the best warriors in the nation; capable of matching her abilities, if not probably defeating her – if she is honest with herself - and the realization makes her oddly proud. 'Who knew the Skygirl would become this courageous leader, this strong woman who could make the sturdiest warriors fear for their lives.' Lexa ponders, extending her arm in Octavia's direction, stating with utmost respect, "It was a great fight, General."

Octavia takes Lexa's arm and shakes it firmly fixing her eyes on hers, before expelling with certainty. "It's Octavia for you."

Both warriors smile at each other in silent recognition of their proven equivalence.

…

Later that day, Raven helps Clarke get ready for her trip to visit Niylah. She carefully chooses the best clothes she can find in Clarke's closet, convinces her to let her hair hang down loosely and even sprays perfume in well placed spots.

"I'm not sleeping with her Raven," Clarke assures somewhat annoyed.

"Yeah." Raven replies now fixing Clarke's collar. "You know that; I know that… but Lexa doesn't." She lifts her brows in complicity. "Give her a taste of her own medicine; it can't be that bad, right?"

Clarke sighs and scratches the back of her neck nervously. She contemplates, wavers but eventually agrees. "Yeah I guess."

"Good girl!" Raven steps back to admire her work "OK, you're ready."

At that moment Octavia makes her appearance. "Hi bitches."

Both Raven and Clarke turn towards her and gasps at the state that Octavia is in.

All color has drained from Clarke's face; but before she can even utter a single word Octavia supplies.

"She's fine."

Clarke's shoulders visibly relax at the words; she tries to play it cool but it is painfully obvious how much she cares for Lexa.

"Where are you going?" Octavia questions, willing to change the mood.

"She's going to visit Niylah" Raven wiggles her eyebrows.

"Oh fuck no way!"

"I'm not…" Clarke grunts, tired of her friend's scorn. "Whatever, lets go," she walks out of her room, followed closely by the pair.

…

"You have nothing to worry about, if something happens I will let you know," Indra assures just outside the gates of the tower.

"OK." Clarke, already mounted on the horse, nods her acceptance. "I'll see you in a couple days." Saying that she pulls on the reins to get the horse to start trotting.

"Take care!"

"Have fun!"

Raven and Octavia wave Clarke goodbye and giggle when the blonde rolls her eyes and rides away.

Exactly thirty seconds after Clarke departs, Indra makes a motion with her head.

An entire squad displayed on cars, horseback, and on foot begin to follow Clarke from different angles.

"Do you think she's gonna…?" Octavia lets the question linger in the air.

Raven shrugs, honestly having no answer for that query.

…

Already at a respectful distance and trotting securely on a well-known path; Clarke wonders if this is a good idea after all.