Hey dear readers! Back again with a new chapter. Hope you're all ok and staying safe, where ever you are. So we are nearing the end! I actually don't know how many more chapters are left as I keep coming up with ideas lol, but it's not too far into the future. As always, thank you for your patience and enjoy what I have written for you. Till next time!

"A dart?" Clarke exclaims. "They fucking drugged her?!"

"That's what the evidence indicates, it happened just outside of our territories", Miller fills her in. "It's consistent with a kidnapping scenario. I was informed there were traces of a fight that had taken place. Blood, pieces of ripped clothing, broken branches and plants. She certainly wasn't an easy catch."

Clarke closes her eyes for a couple of seconds imagining how everything had transpired. "You can bet your ass she wasn't", she lets out bitterly.

"She definitely took down some rebels, that much I can tell you. They haven't found any bodies yet but I'm certain we will. I'm sending out another group to help with the search. We will not stop until we find some evidence that leads us to their location", Miller comments.

"OK", Clarke nods firmly. "You continue with the search and also have troops standing by ready to be deployed as soon as Octavia gives the order."

"Count on it". After acknowledging Clarke's commands, Miller assumes a softer and more friendly demeanor before calling out. "Clarke?" He waits for Clarke to look up at the camera before broaching his personal feelings. "You're going to get her back. We are all gonna make sure of that. You're getting her back."

Clarke can't help but smile faintly. "Hope you're right Nathan." A warm feeling flooded Clarke's chest, she is lucky to have friends like this. "We will be in touch. Stay alert."

"Commander." Miller assents with his head and then ends the call.

Clarke remains standing in front of the black monitor, the images of Lexa engaging in combat still invading her brain. 'This is the first time she…' Clarke suddenly remembers. Her heart aches for Lexa, knowing how hard it must have been for her girlfriend to have to kill others now that she is just an ordinary grounder girl. She places her hand onto her chest to ease the now familiar heaviness inside her. 'Hold on my dear, I will get to you.'

…

At the heavily guarded tent that works as her prison cell, Lexa can barely stand straight. The pillory she is now attached to, holds most of her weight and the shackles cut into her wrists. She gulps some saliva in an attempt to ease the dryness and discomfort in her throat. She's exhausted, she's hungry, and her body throbs everywhere; nevertheless, she wills herself to stay awake, she wants to observe her surroundings, be aware of what's going on. She can't afford to lose consciousness again, fearing she may lose a potential opportunity to escape.

"Tired?" A rebel woman sent to check on Lexa laughs mockingly from the entrance.

Acknowledging the stranger's presence, Lexa does her best to assume an upright position. Then she looks at the woman contemptuously and laughs throatily before letting out "This is not my first experience in one of these," she moves her confined hands making the irons jangle slightly above her head.

The woman grunts with disdain at Lexa's attitude. She stomps into the tent, holding a small bucket in her hand. "Let's see how much of that big mouth of yours will remain after this," she spits. She stands behind Lexa and slowly pours a liquid onto her back.

The coldness of the water hitting Lexa's skin causes some discomfort but is instantly replaced by a burning sensation permeating into her wounds, unavoidably making her scream.

It's saltwater.

The woman laughs out loud. "That's more like it!"

Lexa writhes, swallowing her cries… 'Inhale, exhale. Inhale, exhale' she mentally repeats all the while evoking the techniques Titus taught her to put up with the pain she was enduring. The fight, the whipping, and the lack of food are taking its toll on her body. She has always been good at dealing with straining situations but this is a lot… and her new upbringing doesn't help much. 'Be strong… Help will come soon'. Lexa clings to Costia's promise for dear life. 'I have to stay strong for Clarke'.

…

The subsequent evening Octavia and her team return to Polis having already swept the area nearby. They didn't come across anything as Octavia had expected, but this gives them the go-ahead to make a proper search this time in the company of the army and also joining forces with the rest of the clans.

Octavia, Bellamy, and Myrreh discuss just that, all the while warning passerbyers it is not safe to be outside and to return to their villages.

As they get closer, they notice the long line of individuals waiting to get inside the city. Due to the current situation, only Trikru members who live there can enter and they must be carefully identified and searched.

Esiry is so engrossed with what she's witnessing that she runs into a boy and knocks down his bag in the process. "I'm sorry", she hurries to pick up the item.

"Thank you". The boy takes his bag.

Esiry looks at the boy's face and likes what she sees.

The boy stares back, then notices fresh black stains on one of the straps of his bag. "Oh, you're a Nightblood", he states in astonishment.

"Um". Esiry looks down at her hand and notices a small wound, probably done while she was walking through the woods. "Yeah, I am" she admits. There is no need to deny the obvious.

The boy grins at the affirmation. "That must be amazing. I mean being part of such an elite group and all", he expresses with a glint in his eyes, suddenly very interested.

Esiry can't help feeling self-conscious about it. "Uh, not always", she admits honestly.

The boy chuckles.

Esiry smiles timidly.

"So, um", the boy starts. "I know you're probably busy with everything that's going on since you're a warrior, but maybe we…"

"ESIRY!"

The shouting startles both teens.

"I uh… I gotta go." Esiry quickly excuses herself and runs in fear toward the general.

Octavia waits for Esiry to join her, and scowls at her when she finally does.

They briskly resume walking but after taking a few more steps Octavia smacks Esiry on the back of her head.

"Ouch!"

"Focus!" Octavia chastises the girl.

Esiry rubs her head embarrassed, chancing a glance at the boy before he disappears among the crowd.

The four of them are almost at the gates when Octavia lifts her gaze, recognizing a face staring at her in the distance. "Fuck me." She can't believe her eyes.

Esiry, Bellamy and Myrreh follow Octavia's line of sight.

"Who's that?" Esiry wonders candidly.

"Orita" Octavia responds in distaste.

"Oh".

"Woah"

Myrreh and Esiry let out in unison.

"Who?" Bellamy asks confused.

The blonde girl stands a few meters away, carrying a small knapsack. When she realizes Octavia has noticed her, she waves her arm to let Octavia know she wants to speak to her.

"Now it makes sense", Esiry lets out.

"It does". Myrreh agrees.

"Whatever". Octavia tries to remain impartial.

They all talk like Bellamy wasn't even there. He sighs and crosses his arms in resignation.

After a quick deliberation, Octavia gestures and begins walking in Orita's direction.

The girl meets her halfway. "General", she greets respectfully.

"What are you doing here?" Octavia gets straight to the point.

Although Orita is intimidated she replies to Octavia's question honestly. "I wanna know about Lexa".

Octavia scoffs. "The nerve". She gives the girl a once over. "The commander was very clear with you regarding Lexa."

"I know I just…" Orita's voice wavers. "I just want her to be alright, I need her to be safe. I can't stand here wondering if she…." She chokes up and makes a huge effort to control her emotions before finishing. "Please I need to know, it's the only thing I can do now, please".

Octavia takes an overall look at the girl and notices her swollen eyes and strained features. She also takes note of the new scars on her face and the change in her physical appearance. She has gone through a lot, she can tell… and she undeniably still has feelings for Lexa. Even if she dislikes the girl, Octavia can't help but relate to everything Orita is going through. The desperation for the one you love, the frustration of not being able to do something… the fear of losing them forever. And it's the last part that twists at her heart. "Alright", she concedes and as she glimpses at Orita's face light up she has to warn, "but first I must talk to the commander".

"Yes, yes of course" Orita nods eagerly. "Whatever you say".

"You wait here". Saying that Octavia hurries back to her team and together they enter Polis.

"General", the guards salute Octavia.

Octavia signals for her team to continue on their way. "Connect me with the commander", she orders the guards in charge at the main tower. She then addresses Bellamy and Myrreh. "You can go ahead; I will catch up with you later".

They do as they are told.

With only Esiry left, Octavia freely fills her in. "She wants to know about Lexa"

"Makes sense." Esiry comments also worried about her friend.

"General!" The guard in the tower calls out to Octavia. "We have the Commander on the line".

Octavia rapidly climbs up to the top of the tower and reaches for the receiver. She looks at the guards and silently conveys to them the need for privacy to which they immediately comply. It's only then she starts the conversation. "Clarke?. Um- yeah, we didn't find much but uh… there's something else I need to discuss with you". She briefly pauses in preparation for Clarke's rage and then continues. "Orita is here at the gates. She well, you know what she wants". Octavia can hear the long intake of breath on the other end and can already picture Clarke clenching her teeth. She's even trying to come up with some justifiable reasons that will allow her to give the girl some information but what she hears next leaves her perplexed. "Oh… are you sure?" Octavia needs confirmation. "OK, I will". After hanging up she goes back down and immediately commands two guards to bring Orita to her.

Esiry stares at Octavia expectantly. "Where are you taking her?"

"The commander wants a word with her".

The eyes of the teen are bulging out. "That doesn't sound like a good idea".

"Tell me about it…" Octavia shrugs.

Both warriors entertain their own thoughts for a while until the guards return with Orita.

Octavia assumes her position as General before directing at her "follow me".

…

The whole way to the tower was done in complete silence.

When they reached the meeting room, Octavia ordered the guards to leave.

At that moment, Indra comes out. "Is this her?" She questions while scrutinizing the girl.

"Counselor", Orita lowers her head.

Once she receives confirmation from Octavia, Indra moves fast, using one hand to push Orita's face into the wall and the other to grasp her knapsack. Snatching it from Orita she passes it to Esiry then proceeds to frisk the girl. When she's finished, she abruptly turns Orita around. "Don't try anything stupid or you'll discover I'm not as merciful as the commander" She admonishes, waving a finger in the girl's face.

Orita gulps and nods fearfully.

Having everything settled and clear, Indra opens the door and signals with her head for Orita to enter the meeting room.

Unlike Arkadia there's no big table in the middle, the meeting room in Polis is simply a big space with chairs around and the war table at one side.

Clarke's back is facing the entrance when they enter. As she becomes aware of their presence she slowly turns and faces the door, immediately connecting her eyes with Orita.

Orita impulsively glares at Clarke in a challenging manner, pursing her lips with contained anger even when the war paint over the Commander's eyes makes her feel a bit intimidated. She knows she needs to bow; she knows Indra will likely force her to do it if necessary and it won't be very pleasant. But she simply can't give in. Orita's head is spinning, debating whether to let the superiors punish her for disobeying or compel her body to finally submit to the commander.

Surprisingly Clarke decides for her. Never taking her eyes off the girl, Clarke removes her pauldron and places it on a nearby chair.

Everyone in the room is aware of what this means. Especially Orita.

That's all the permission she needs to stride toward Clarke.

A fuming Indra is about to run behind Orita but Octavia stops her by placing a hand on her midsection. When Indra gives her the evil eye, Octavia only has to shake her head from side to side for the older woman to get the silent message. "She needs to vent".

Even though she doesn't like it and as traditional as she has always been, Indra relents and lets Clarke handle it.

Once Clarke is within arm's reach, Orita pushes her with both of her hands.

The push causes Clarke to take a step back in order to regain her balance.

Orita doesn't stop there, she pushes Clarke again but this time she is also spitting at her. "That's why you took her away from me? To have her kidnapped at the first opportunity? Huh?"

Clarke swallows a comeback; her body is buzzing with rage at the mere presence of this girl. But she believes she deserves whatever accusations Orita is throwing at her, so she puts up with the attacks from the teen.

"You were supposed to protect her, you are the fucking commander, you were supposed to take care of her", Orita continues pushing Clarke.

Clarke closes her eyes. Every word spoken by the girl is like a knife being jabbed into her heart.

"She would be here right now if it wasn't for you. She would be with her family … with me." Orita now hits Clarke repeatedly in the chest with both her fists "I hate you Clarke of the Sky people. I hate you."

In a great display of practiced self-control, Clarke allows Orita to release all her frustration without retaliating against her.

Orita eventually stops attacking Clarke, brimming with emotions. She remains immobile for a few seconds, her whole body shaking, losing strength. "I…" she attempts to speak but her voice fails, instead her throat is overtaken by uncontrollable sobs.

Clarke puts her hands on Orita's elbows to prevent the girl from falling. She already humiliated her during the challenge and doesn't want her to go through that again by being on the ground in front of her.

The scene manages to move the strong women witnessing it.

Eventually, Orita calms down enough to realize that she has been holding onto Clarke's body. She immediately pulls herself away from Clarke turning on her back to dry her tears and regain composure. Orita then spins around to face Clarke once again, recovering her voice, this time less aggressive. "You're gonna bring her back".

Clarke doesn't even have to think to reply to that "I will". She affirms solemnly.

Orita gets a little closer and continues. "You're gonna bring her back safe and sound and you're not gonna risk her life in the process, do you hear me?" She utters staring directly into Clarke's eyes. "You're gonna take your time and do it safely and patiently. Promise me that".

Clarke shifts her body in place, feeling that somehow, she is being tested.

"You have to promise!" Orita demands, pointing her index finger in Clarke's face.

Feeling conflicted, Clarke opens her mouth to refute the girl for having the audacity to speak to her that way but instead, she finds herself complying with the command. "I promise".

Octavia and Indra exchange weird looks. They can't believe Clarke is assuming such a passive attitude toward the teen.

And to be quite frank Clarke doesn't believe it herself. But at the moment she doesn't have time to think about it, there are more pressing matters to deal with.

Satisfied Orita nods and starts to leave the room when Clarke speaks up.

"You can't leave Polis".

"Are you gonna take me prisoner now?" Orita questions with a raised brow, while still not changing her attitude.

But Clarke is used to it. "No, it's a mandatory lockdown, for everyone." She clarifies. "Besides…" she adds "Lexa's family is here too, she's gonna need all the support she can get…" Then struggling for a second, she resumes. "It may be good for her to see some familiar faces."

Orita swallows as thoughts run through her head. After liberating a few seconds, she nods slowly.

"Good". Clarke returns the gesture. Then she points out. "Esiry will fill you in and keep you company while we arrange accommodations for you."

Orita frowns at the indication. She knows what Clarke is doing, she's basically asking the other girl to keep an eye on her. She doesn't like it but she won't protest it. Even she knows when to push and when to keep her mouth shut.

Esiry is taken aback by the request too, also understanding the meaning of the order.

"Now, if you excuse us, we have things to coordinate. I assure you we will keep you updated", with that Clarke signals the way out.

No more words are necessary to figure out that Clarke is kicking her out, that her cockiness will no longer be tolerated. But Orita refuses to show defeat. "Commander", she exaggerates her bow to Clarke, glaring at her up and down.

Clarke can only clench her jaw but refrains from reprimanding the girl, wanting her gone from the room as fast as possible.

As Orita crosses the doorway, Esiry catches her attention and says "um, can you wait a bit, please?" When she is acknowledged, Esiry asks to talk with Octavia.

Together, they walk to one side.

"What's wrong?" Octavia quickly asks.

"General, I wanted to know how long I have to watch over this girl?" Esiry asks concerned.

Octavia gives her a quizzical look. "As long as it is necessary. Do you have a problem with that?" She sounds stern.

"It's just…." Esiry hesitates for a second but ultimately reveals what is on her mind. "I don't want to miss the battle, you know? I think it is important for me to go and learn what an actual war looks like and … I really want to be there when you find Lexa".

"Esiry…" Octavia sighs, understanding the sentiment but also setting things straight. "I know it would be important for you but we all have tasks to fulfill and the commander just gave you one. Your duty as a warrior is to do what your superiors demand you to do and do it right. "Understand?"

Dejected but obeying as a good warrior Esiry nods firmly "yes, general". Then she pays her respects to the other women "Commander, Counselor". After that, she walks away with Orita in tow.

When both teens are gone, the three remaining women relax and take a more informal attitude.

Clarke sighs, putting her pauldron back on her shoulder again.

Octavia approaches her slowly, and standing next to her, she says "thank you for saving me the hard conversation with Esiry about her not going to battle."

"You're welcome," Clarke replies giving her a sly smile.

Indra then comes over and in a less friendly tone questions, "what was all that about?"

Clarke tenses up at the query, she thinks hard for an appropriate answer but has no other choice but to reply honestly. "I don't know".

The older woman is not satisfied with the answer but has a sense it's not the most appropriate time to be questioning Clarke, so she let it rest for now.

And Clarke couldn't be more grateful. Leaving the incident behind, she focuses on moving forward, on what really matters. "Call the messenger. We must resume the meeting; enough with waiting."

Octavia and Indra stare at her awaiting her next words.

And when they come, it's like a treat full of determination and vengeance "We are going to search for Lexa, today"