Hey, there dear readers! Hope you still doing fine. I'm happily bringing a new chapter to help you pass these weird times. This one introduces us to the shithole little by little; more action will ensue as we progress in future chapters. Hopefully, you will enjoy it! Now I leave you to it so I can continue writing!
Lexa returns from her exploration excited and exhausted. She was so caught up in getting acquainted with Arkadia -and beyond- that she became unaware of the lateness. She takes a short cut through the forest and hopes Clarke isn't frantic with worry due to her delay. Lexa walks her horse slowly through the trees because the vast natural surroundings are interrupting her view. Suddenly she feels a change in the atmosphere. 'Someone is watching', she realizes and immediately grips onto the reins of the horse and attempts to make an escape, but her path is abruptly blocked.
A large group of fully armed Ice Nation grounders encircles Lexa.
Lexa recognizes the clan as rebels and immediately imagines their intentions. She is sadly struck with the notion that her life is in danger. She's aware there is hardly any chance of her escaping and a confrontation is inevitable. Dying is not an option for her, 'I can't do this to Clarke'. With that thought in mind, she swiftly dismounts her horse and draws her sword, ready to fight. Her blood runs cold in her veins as she realizes this will be the first time in her new life that she will be combating for real. All those years of practice will finally be put to a test and she will certainly wound someone this time. The prospect is unexpectedly unnerving and it makes her hesitate. 'This is not the time Lexa', she tries to push aside the values and new teachings she learned in her new life. 'You are a warrior, you gotta fight for your life, you gotta fight for Clarke' and it is that last reflection that causes a transformation in her, a complete switch in her demeanor which prompts her to raise her arm with the sword in hand in a gesture of defiance and charge at her adversaries with a battle cry.
Prepared, they respond to the advance with the same force, engaging in a furious exchange of blows. They made a mistake though: underestimate the teenage girl.
Lexa hits them with strong and fast strikes that the warriors can barely contain. They are lucky if they can even scrape her when they attack three or four at a time. Lexa's nostrils flare with unleashed fury as she attacks relentlessly, her heart hammering inside her chest just like the old days in battle with merciless enemies. However, the first time she sinks her blade inside one of her combatants something within her being seems to disturb her, leaving her briefly shaken.
Taking that opportunity one rebel warrior manages to slice open Lexa's sleeve and another attempts to grab her but she dodges the hold and regains control of her arm causing the man to only clutch a piece of Lexa's clothing.
Luckily Lexa snaps back into her previous aggressive mode, counterattacking with no clemency.
One by one they fall to the ground and there's no sign of this stopping anytime soon. The ice nation rebel in charge of the group who is close by watching the scene in a concealed spot takes a dart from his pocket. He's about to angrily load it into a blowpipe but seems to change his mind last minute when he remembered Echo's instructions. 'I need her alive'. Huffing, he exchanges it for another one. He carefully makes sure to take the proper stance and only then does he loads the dart into the blowpipe and aims it directly at Lexa's neck.
Lexa feels a burning sensation and her hand immediately flies up to where the dart penetrated her neck. 'Fuck they poisoned me'. She protectively steps back, still holding her sword up. She begins feeling dizzy, her surroundings become blurry. She faintly hears a man yelling and all her attackers stop advancing. 'I can't die… they better have only drugged me' Lexa thinks as she leans her back against a tree in search of stability. 'Calm down, everything is gonna be OK, you can handle this. You can survive this.' With that final thought, Lexa feels consciousness slipping away from her body as she slowly slides down the tree onto the ground.
…
Loud gasps and expressions of shock can be heard as Octavia displays the two items in her hand.
Clarke doesn't move from her place, her head spinning with a thousand images and scenarios. Her worst fears just became reality and she was unable to speak a word, her muscles are failing her.
Noticing Clarke probably needs a few seconds to process this, Octavia assumes full general mode and orders immediately in a commanding cry. "Red alert, ring the alarm now, red alert".
At that moment the sirens blare over all of Arkadia at maximum volume. The main gates close and soldiers and warriors begin to create their tactical formations as rehearsed for situations like this.
"Raven, I need you to connect me with Polis first, then with the other clans, except Azgeda" her jaw twists before she enunciates. "I will only leave a brief and clear message for them".
"I'll let you know when I have Polis on", Raven informs as she starts running to the operations center.
In the distance, a paralyzed Abby watches the actions unfold in front of her.
"Abby, we need to go to the meeting room, c'mon". Kane attempts to get his wife's attention to no avail.
"What's going on?" Bellamy suddenly appears next to his wife, concerned.
Myreeh looks at him with a scowl plastered on her face and replies. "They kidnapped Lexa… Azgeda rebels".
Bellamy's mouth drops, he can't believe his ears; he wants to ask questions but words fail him. His mind is occupied with what Clarke must be going through now. "Clarke", he suddenly reacts and runs toward his friend.
Clarke remains in the same position and is still unresponsive.
"Clarke, tell me what you need, just say the word I'm here for you." An anxious Bellamy says as he wraps his arm around Clarke's shoulder.
Octavia also approaches Clarke to begin planning their strategy. "Clarke meeting room" she signals with her hand for Clarke to follow her. When her friend doesn't respond, she and Bellamy exchange looks.
"Clarke?" Bellamy tries once again.
"We have to go Clarke, now!" Octavia calls out louder this time.
That finally snaps Clarke out of her stupor. She stares at both of them with glazed eyes.
And just when Bellamy is about to ask if she's OK, Clarke's eyes rolled to the back of her head and her knees gave in.
"Clarke!" Abby screams running toward her daughter.
Bellamy catches Clarke before she hits the ground.
This creates mass confusion; everyone is panicking as they surround Clarke.
The last thing Clarke registers is Bellamy lifting her in his arms before she completely loses consciousness.
…
Indra is coming back from her routine check of the arsenal – a little late due to her previous meetings to cover Clarke. She is calmly walking toward the tower when she notices a royal guard running in her direction. She immediately knows there is something wrong.
"Counselor". The guard assents with his head, handing Indra an envelope.
Quickly Indra takes possession of the envelope and retrieves the paper inside and reads it. "NO!" She lets out in disbelief. She crumples the paper in her hand, balling her hands in tight fists, her emotions taking over her body. Indra allows herself a few seconds to feel frustrated and uncertain about Lexa's future, then she takes deep calming breaths willing herself to push her feelings down, making room for the much-needed general that served her commanders many years during the war. "Red alert," she exclaims staring at the guard. "Blow the horns, red alert!"
The royal guard bows and dashes to the guard tower.
Indra takes her radio out and contacts the operation center. "Operator, this is the Counselor. Inform the army and young warriors about the situation, they must proceed according to protocol. Stand by for further instructions. Out". With that first step dealt with she rushes to Clarke's bedroom where the most private communication system is located, in search of more detailed information about the events.
The shrilling sound of horns resonates throughout Polis alarming the young warriors. They all run to the common area of the dormitory to await instructions. Among them, a nervous Esiry is expecting some answers. Finally, a messenger comes and notifies them of the events that transpired in Arkadia.
"Lexa!" Esiry mutters and grabs her head in desperation. Even though she is aware war is definitely ensuing, presently she is more concerned about her friend's well-being.
"… and starting immediately you must remain on alert until further notice". The messenger finishes delivering the communication and departs the dormitory leaving the young warriors in shock.
Esiry, more concerned than ever goes to her room to wait for Octavia, hoping she comes soon to fill her in with more specifics.
…
Little by little the darkness Clarke was submerged in clears out as her eyes slowly open. It takes a couple of seconds for everything to come back to her and when it does, she abruptly sits up in an upright position.
"Clarke!" Eric, who has been monitoring his friend at the medical center, goes to her side. "How are you feeling, let me…"
Clarke spares him a short glance before jumping off the stretcher and running out of the room.
…
Octavia, in full combat armor and war paint on her face, is updating Arkadia's council about her conversations with the other clan leaders when Clarke barges into the meeting room.
Instinctively, everyone rises from the table and stand at attention in Clarke's presence.
"Honey, are you OK?!" Abby gets close to her daughter to verify her condition.
Clarke directs her comment to Octavia as if no one else was there. "Lexa's family, we must protect them".
"Already took care of that", Octavia replies. "Sent royal guards to transport them to Polis".
"Alright." Clarke grants and then commands, "lets get the army ready, we're gonna find those fuckers", saying that she turns around to leave the room.
"We are not going after them Clarke, not at the moment anyway", Octavia informs firmly.
Clarke's head snaps back in Octavia's direction at what she considers a challenge. She turns her body fully facing Octavia defiantly, with eyes filled with fire.
Octavia recognizes perfectly Clarke's expression so she takes some measures. "Everyone, out!"
The members of the council leave the premises at once except for Abby who stubbornly stays back to watch over her daughter.
"What the hell do you mean we are not going?" Clarke asks through gritted teeth.
"That's exactly what they want," Octavia explains clearly. "They want you to lose it and chase after them like a madwoman. And when you fall into their trap, you are dead".
Clarke wants to refute her claims but Octavia keeps on talking.
"Lexa was the bait never the objective Clarke; it was you they wanted all along. This is a power game; they just want to get on your nerves and hit you where it hurts, expecting you to take unnecessary risks and make the wrong move that would give them the upper hand. So, now what you must remember is not to lose it, cause if you fuck it up, you die. And if you do, they are closer to taking over Polis which at the end of the day is what they are after."
Against that argument, Clarke has nothing to say. She gulps angrily trying to contain her frustration but ultimately, she needs to vent. "And what do you expect from me huh? That I sit here and do nothing while my girlfriend could …" Clarke stops unable to complete the sentence, not wanting to even think about that word, not wanting to contemplate what that word implies… not again.
Octavia offers a sympathetic expression, conveying in it that she completely understands what she's going through. She walks slowly towards Clarke and placing a hand on her shoulder she offers with sincerity. "I expect you to trust me. I'm your general for a reason, Clarke, let me do my job." When Clarke only stares at her, Octavia explains further. "I have a plan. But first, we must take you to Polis. There, in privacy, we can strategize and elaborate the next course of action with cooler heads."
Clarke rubs a hand down her face and lets out a harsh long breath. She remains silent for a few seconds, considering Octavia's words. She's furious, she's scared, she's confused… and a whole lot of emotions are creeping deep within her soul and she doesn't know what to do with them without Lexa. She's about to succumb to those emotions and break down but suddenly a voice in her head brings her back from that state. 'Enough!' That simple word worked in grounding Clarke. She takes a long deep breath regaining her composure and with a new perspective, she replies. "OK then, lets do as you say, General." She concedes with a firm nod, "take me to Polis".
Octavia responds with the same respect adding immediately after, "alright then commander lets go".
"I'm coming with you!" Abby interjects out of the blue.
Both women are startled by the voice, having forgotten the presence of the doctor.
"I'm gonna get everything ready". Octavia excuses herself to make arrangements for their departure.
Focusing now on her mother Clarke expresses in a rather stern tone. "They need you here mom".
"You need me more". Abby counters with finality.
Clarke sighs long and hard before approaching her mother.
Abby is intimidated by the strong vibe Clarke is generating, nevertheless, she stays put for whatever decision Clarke makes.
Invading Abby's personal space, Clarke stares at her straight in the eyes for a couple of seconds and without warning, she hugs her mother tightly.
Abby is completely taken aback by the gesture but that doesn't stop her from reciprocating. She sighs relieved that she was wrong. 'despite what's going on my girl is not gone, she's still there.'
When Clarke pulls away, she makes a gesture with her head, a movement Abby takes as a silent thank you. With that Clarke leaves the meeting room in search of Octavia.
As Abby exits too, she's met by Kane.
"What happened?" The man asks as he follows his wife who continues walking ahead of him.
"She's sticking with Octavia's plan; we're going to Polis".
"You're going with them?" Kane questions alarmed. "Abby you can't, you're the commander's mother, you're a target too".
"If they wanted to capture me, they could have done it a long time ago Marcus. I've gone to Azgeda's territory plenty of times." Abby dismisses Kane's apprehensions and then adds. "They haven't because they know it wouldn't pull a string on Clarke's will, that's why they waited for someone who could, and they found her," she finishes bitterly.
Kane purposely ignores the last comment knowing it is a sore topic for Abby and instead carries on with his concerns. "Still I think it's safer for you to stay here. Things are gonna get ugly." He attempts to persuade his wife.
"Oh, I'm very aware of that".
"There will be casualties and wounded Abby, we are gonna need you here to lead the medical team".
"I'm gonna lead better at Polis, that's the center of it all", Abby replies. "Eric is completely capable of managing the medical team here by himself".
Frustrated and scared nothing seems to convince her, Kane takes Abby by the arm and pleads. "Don't go Abby please, stay here with me I'm begging you."
Abby stops instantly at his desperate request. She stares at him with kind eyes and caresses his face tenderly before stating with conviction. "My loyalty lies with the commander of the thirteen clans and in combat, with my daughter". Having said that she pecks Marcus on the lips and hurriedly walks away to get her stuff.
…
"You're gonna first go and check out this area", Octavia points it out on the map that is on an improvised war table to a group of soldiers. "Once you arrive at these coordinates, you're gonna find a hidden door on the floor right next to a tree and…" she pauses briefly to address her brother. "Bellamy, how many weapons approximately do you have stored there?"
"Wha…" Bellamy looks baffled. His first instinct is to play dumb but soon realizes it is pointless. "How do you even know about it?"
"Cause I know everything Bellamy, I'm the General". Octavia shows off while at the same time issuing a warning, "we will deal with your little secret later but for now, I need you to give me an answer".
Begrudgingly, Bellamy provides all the information required.
…
Later with the team checking to make sure there are no rebels close by, Bellamy heads home to say goodbye to his family.
"Any news?" Myrreh asks as soon as he crosses the threshold.
"There's a team in charge of sweeping the area. Once it's completed Clarke is clear to go. I'm going with her" he notifies.
"I'm coming too", Myrreh says matter-of-factly as she finishes preparing Bellamy's bag.
Bellamy glances at his wife worriedly. "Wait a minute Myrreh, one of us has to stay with the kids."
"Not really. They are gonna be just fine with Emori and Murphy until we get back".
"What if we don't?" Bellamy presents the hypothetical -and very possible – scenario with apprehension.
Myrreh exhales and pauses what she's doing. She stands in front of her husband, takes his hands, and asserts firmly. "If we don't come back then our kids will know their parents fought beside the commander till their last breath. And they will be proud."
At that Bellamy offers a tight smile. It doesn't sound like a consolation but he more than anyone knows some things are out of his hands.
With a soft squeeze of her hand, Myrreh lets go of Bellamy. "C'mon lets give the kids a kiss goodnight before we leave". With that, she hands the man his bag, and both head out of the cottage.
…
A couple of hours later, Clarke, Octavia and Abby ride on a jeep in a convoy on their way to Polis.
"The troops will search under the rocks if they have to for any trace of those bastards, I'm positive they will get information to know where we stand" Octavia provides, but soon realizes her friend is not paying any attention to her.
Clarke is caught up in her own regrets and guilt. 'I should have gone with her, I should have never stopped sending a guard for her protection, I should have asked her to stay'. These thoughts keep repeating over and over again in her mind.
Abby, who is driving, watches Clarke through the rear-view mirror, as she goes through her inner conflicts and feels helpless. She glances at Octavia for her to do something.
"Clarke?" Octavia tries to bring Clarke back from her inner conflicts.
"What am I gonna tell her parents?" Clarke asks out loud mostly to herself.
Abby feels her heart sink at her daughters' pain. She wishes she could say some comforting words but she knows Clarke doesn't need to be mothered right now. After all, she's the commander and they are facing a war, so she decides to let the general handle it as she considers suitable.
"There's nothing to tell them other than what happened", Octavia states resolutely. "This is no one's fault, Clarke. This is not the first time something like this happened to a Commander and sadly probably won't be the last. These people want to play with your mind, twist your arm. Don't let them get to you."
Clarke shakes her head in an attempt to clear her head and become more present to her surroundings. She needs to be alert more than ever. But as soon as she tries to take a neutral stand, her mind goes back to the image of Lexa's face the last time she saw her. She knows Octavia is right, the Commander must try to be as clear-headed as possible to make the right choices…regardless of her personal feelings. "I'll try", Clarke admits honestly. But she couldn't stop thinking about what she was going to tell Jahnisce and Malku once she faces them.
…
"They're here!" A sentinel announces to the makeshift rebel camp.
Echo accompanied by her entourage quickly approaches the incoming group of warrior riders who now look considerably reduced. She's about to angrily demand an explanation to what she considers a failed mission when the group parts, making way for the leader who has a body in front of him on the horse. Echo stops in anticipation and waits for the man to get closer.
The warrior pulls on the reins to make the animal halt. He dismounts easily and then proceeds to unload the body thrown over the horse.
Tension rises among the rebels as they come nearer to get a glimpse of the prisoner.
The man deposits the limp girl on the ground on her back. He removes the bag covering her head.
Echo puts her foot under the jaw of the unconscious girl so she could push the head forward to get a look at her face. When she does, the corner of her lips rises into a wicked smile. "So, we meet again Lexa", she mumbles to herself savoring the moment.
The rebel warriors begin discussing among themselves at the scene.
Taking in their interest Echo turns around and addresses them. "I want you all to take a good look." She points at Lexa's form on the ground. "This is the reward for a well thought out strategy, of patience, of perseverance. Sixteen years ago, we all had to witness wretchedly how some of our brothers and sisters perished at the hands of the usurpers and all because they acted rushed and desperate. They didn't have the will to wait for the right moment to seize what was ours, they didn't think through all the possibilities." Echo then lifts her chin taking a step forward and declares. "Now you are seeing for yourself the results of our efforts. Now we can assert with confidence that we are closer to our objective. Believe me, my fellow warriors, if you continue diligently following the plan, this time with my guidance, I can assure you we won't fail". Saying that she takes her sword out and raises it in the air and proclaims loudly. "For Ice nation!"
Emboldened by her words all the rebels mirror her actions and with their swords held high they shout at the top of their lungs. "FOR ICE NATION!"