Hello, my dear readers! This time I bring you a chapter packed with action and suspense. It was a real challenge to complete since it's certainly hard to put into words the images in my head. I can only wish I did it some justice. Anyway, I hope you enjoy it and have lots of fun with it. Also, wanna take the opportunity to wish you all happy holidays and 2020 fucking burns, and 2021 turns out to be the best year ever. Now go and read!
YOU WHAT?!
Raven cringes guiltily at Clarke's loud indignant cry.
"Did you actually have the fucking nerve to film me during the most vulnerable moment of my life without my permission?! Clarke steps into Raven's personal space and threatens. "That's insubordination, an affront to your commander, you could be punished for this, you do know that, right?"
"Um, I'm very aware of that" Raven gulps, nevertheless she proceeds to explain her reasons. "But at the same time, I knew this was a very important part of our history Clarke, it was the destruction of the symbol that represented the leaders of the earth for more than a century, I couldn't just let it happen without having a record of it", she justifies. "Look, I know it was shitty of me not to tell you but I was sure you would say no and I didn't want to risk it."
"So, you were never gonna tell me?!"
I was gonna … eventually".
"Eventually?" Clarke scoffs and raises her voice, "EVENTUALLY!"
Raven winces but continues to try to persuade her friend nonetheless. "Clarke you have to understand, this is vital information, if people could only…"
"NO!" Clarke faces Raven. "You are not gonna show that video to anyone, it's an invasion of my privacy. Having it done in front of the clan leaders was humiliating enough for me".
"But Clarke…!"
"That's an order!"
"Fuck", Raven grunts and crosses her arms. "Look, I get you're mad and I'm sorry I did it that way but you have to stop being so fucking stubborn about this and at least discuss it with Indra." Then being tired of Clarke's usual temper tantrums she adds more firmly, "sorry to break it like this Clarke but it's not only about you, this video not only holds our legacy but it could literally stop a war".
"We are not discussing this any further, Raven!" Clarke stops any attempt to continue with the topic and instead adds "and also I'm gonna need you to give me that video. If it's part of our history and legacy as you claim, then it belongs in the archives of Polis, not Arkadia's or with you." She extends her hand expectantly.
Raven looks offended by the outreached hand, but containing her frustration she ultimately speaks out. "I don't have it here right now, it's in a bag in my room. I hope it doesn't merit too much of a punishment to make you wait a few more minutes, Commander". Saying that she shoves Clarke's extended hand away and brushes past her.
Clarke hisses at her best friend's insolence but allows the woman to leave the throne room without a response. 'Like I needed something else'. She pinches the bridge of her nose. Clarke grants herself a few minutes to calm down, giving her time to think logically before going to the door. "Guard!"
A guard immediately runs in her direction. "Yes, Commander?"
"Bring the Counselor here at once".
…
The destination of the commander's army for sure was Ice Nation territory. But finding the exact location of the rebels was another story. Octavia is absolutely certain if they are not exactly in the area then they are close to the border. But to compete with them, when they know their territory like the back of their hands was a challenge. Luckily Octavia was always up for a challenge especially, if she had back up.
"Ingranronakru's army!" One warrior yells.
Octavia looks to her right and effectively The Plains Riders army is approaching them. She smirks, having a good feeling of how this was going to unfold.
….
After a lengthy discussion with Indra, Clarke had no other choice than to consider the possibility of showing the video to everyone, including the rebels.
Clarke had asked Indra for some time alone to think about it some more. She is currently pacing around in her room, the thoughts of how her people will see her in such a vulnerable position has Clarke on edge. A commander is not supposed to express their emotions publicly that much she knows; she actually broke tradition a bit while interacting socially with servants or during her displays of affection to Lexa, but this was something else. This was showing the world her deepest feelings, her heartbreak, her weakness. 'Fuck! not that damn word again', Clarke rolls her eyes. It wasn't really much to think about if she is being honest, if a bit of humiliation meant it brings Lexa back, she would do it in a heartbeat. The problem was the legacy of the Commander and the persona they have to maintain. "What do I do?" Clarke mumbles to herself as she leans against the wall, thoughts of Lexa, and what state she may be in, take possession of her mind. Absentmindedly she puts her hands in her pockets, feeling an odd sense of tranquility inside the chaos and anxiety in her soul. 'Must be the spirits' she concludes, sighing loudly. Clarke's eyes suddenly open wide at the feeling of something, 'What's…'
…
Myrreh walks along with the army focusing on the mission at hand when she senses Bellamy's eyes on her. She looks at him and notices he's staring at her with a dopey grin. "What?"
Bellamy chuckles, "nothing it's just I almost forgot how hot you look when you wear your war paint."
Myrreh throws her head back in laughter, blushing a bit. When she takes in Bellamy's bragging smirk though she counteracts, "I see the prospect of dying turns you on. Remember the first time you saw me wearing it, I almost killed you".
Now it was time for Bellamy to laugh. "Ouch", he replies yet with a smile on his face.
The couple exchange loving gazes.
Bellamy then averts his eyes and takes note of something. "Oh, here they are".
A convoy of jeeps are heading in their direction.
"Skaikru Army!"
Only the lead vehicle proceeded ahead as the rest of the jeeps slowed down and waited for their orders. After several seconds someone climbs down from the jeep followed by the best soldiers in Arkadia.
A Trikru warrior comes and stands in front of Octavia and declares, "The General of Skaikru Army, Nathan Miller".
The whole formation salutes the presence of the man before them.
Miller responds to the respect shown to him and then directs his attention to Octavia, "General".
"Nathan". Octavia nods and signals for the man to walk beside her.
Bellamy comes to greet his friend along with Myrreh; the four of them walking together now.
"So, what's the plan?" Miller doesn't waste time asking.
"For now, let's just gather together and cover as much ground as we can. From there we will see", Octavia informs. "They can't hide forever and they know it. Even if they are armed and ready, I doubt they will be able to face twelve armies, huh?"
Her friends chuckle humorlessly.
"And they better know this is the last time we wanna hear from them". Miller adds clenching his teeth, earning the approval of his companions.
…
Esiry's eyes are bulging out of their sockets as she is both shocked and petrified at what the rebels want from her.
A short time ago, Echo along with some high-ranking rebels made their way into her tent to divulge their plans.
But those plans didn't sit well with the teen. "But I don't want to be a Commander", Esiry protests. "Besides, I haven't been thoroughly trained for that task. I'm so far behind I would never be able to catch up" she reasons.
"This is not a matter of wanting it warrior, this is your duty as a Nightblood!" Echo repeats passionately. "It's your rightful place. It's time your kind reclaims your right to the Commander's throne. That position belongs to Nightbloods only, it has been that way for the last century. It was taken from you by Skypeople and their liberal beliefs!" She then huffs and adds, "and about the training, if that stupid bitch could claim to be one without any kind of knowledge or training so can you."
"But the flame…" Esiry tries to argue but Echo stops her with a wave of her hand.
Instead of addressing the subject presented by Esiry, Echo continues with the previous topic. "There's nothing to worry about, we will teach you everything you need to know. We will help you erase their misguided teachings and give you back the ones our ancestors respected." She then gets closer to Esiry and with a hand on her shoulder she states. "You're gonna restore the order and convince our people this is the way it has to be.
There's a lot on Esiry's mind but she knows it's useless to argue with these people. She simply sighs with tacit acknowledgment, hoping rescue is on its way.
…
A figure riding hard, appears behind the Trikru army.
"Outsider approaching", A warrior warns.
Four guards stop behind the formation, waiting for the newcomer.
The horse slides to a halt in front of them.
"Identify yourself, outsider".
The person removes their hoodie at the request.
"Commander", the guards bow immediately.
"I need to get to the general, discretely", Clarke informs them and dismounts her horse.
The guards don't waste time in showing her the way.
…
Octavia is alerted by one of her guards someone wants to speak to her. She walks to one side of the formation and waits for the person. A couple of minutes later someone pats her shoulder. "Clarke!" She exclaims once she turns around. "What the fuck are you doing here!" She grabs Clarke's arm and pulls her farther away from the formation. "Are you insane? It's fucking dangerous!"
"I know but I had to tell you in person", Clarke reveals urgently.
"Tell me what?" Octavia is utterly confused and intrigued now.
"I know what to do."
…
It had been the most torturous three days for Lexa since she found out about Orita's betrayal. If that wasn't enough, she had to put up with the girl coming to feed her once a day. Unlike the first time, Lexa and Orita remained silent for the most part, not even a sarcastic remark delivered. At one point Lexa began to cough and Orita provided Lexa with a jacket to at least put over her shoulders to cover her back since she wasn't allowed to remove her shackles. It infuriated Lexa that Orita could be such a cold-blooded traitor and at the same time take care of her. Either way, it didn't diminish her thirst for revenge and she continued to think of new strategies to escape… even though they were all futile. But she had faith in the spirits and she knew soon everything would be over, one way or another.
…
At the rebel's camp, everything was running smoothly. Echo and her warriors were discussing their next step when a sentinel suddenly shouts.
"Informant coming!"
They all ran immediately to the main entrance to see what the informant has to say.
The rider stops some meters away and quickly dismounts his horse and runs toward Echo out of breath while trying at the same time to notify them. "They are here. The general and her army are here!"
The news is received with gasps and cursing.
"But…" Echo is about to communicate but then her mind pops out another thought. "Where is the recruit?". She immediately darts out in search of Orita.
The teen is engaged in conversation with other rebels when Echo catches her attention.
"I asked you to be extremely cautious recruit", Echo shouts as she pulls Orita by her arm.
"What?" Orita questions alarmed and confused.
"The army is here, and it's your fault". Echo accuses.
"But we weren't followed", Orita defends herself. "We were very careful, we made sure nobody was close by, not even in the distance, I can assure you of that".
Echo was wanting to rant some more but the two warriors who accompanied Orita intervened.
"It is true, nobody was following us".
"We checked in every single rest stop. It is impossible that someone could have followed us".
That seems to be a sufficient explanation for the woman. "Then what the hell happened?"
"Maybe they actually found us or someone tipped them off to where we were" one warrior supplies.
Echo grunts frustrated and decides there is no time to inquire about whose fault it was but instead needed to find a way out. "Fine, let's focus on our evacuation plan. Prepare the canons. As soon as they are within range begin the bombardment", she orders. "That will keep them distracted for a while".
Two rebels run to deliver the message.
"Now, go and bring the Nightblood, we are gonna need her". She comments adding with a hint of malice. "We will get Lexa too but leave her to the last, she will be our shield".
…
"We have Skykru at the back of the campsite, our warriors mounted on horses on either side and I'm going straight through the front. They are not that many so we have to make sure now we cover every little corner, every passage so that bitch doesn't get away". Octavia shares her strategy with Clarke.
The commander simply nods, with worry written clearly over her face.
"Hey", Octavia calls out. "We are gonna get her, OK? We are gonna get Lexa and Esiry. Leave it all in my hands, I will put an end to this shit".
Clarke smiles, looking more reassured. "I trust you General". She puts a hand on Octavia's shoulder. Then she makes a gesture with her hand to a warrior and her horse is promptly brought to her.
"What are you doing?" Octavia questions alarmingly. "You're going back to Polis in a jeep with security. You already took a big risk by coming here. I won't let you do it again", she informs in all seriousness.
"Sorry, I have somewhere else to be", Clarke replies matter-of-factly and mounts her horse.
"Clarke wait…"
"Don't worry I'm gonna be fine" Clarke affirms, then reassures by adding, "I'm gonna call for you when I need you, okay?" Saying that she applies pressure with her heels and the horse trots away.
"But…ugh" Octavia grunts concerned for her friend but decides to trust her and continue with what's waiting ahead.
In full General mode, she walks to the front of the formation and shouts out the command. "Let's go!"
The army begins to march simultaneously with heavy stomps.
As they approach the rebel camp a warrior suddenly alerts. "General, there is movement at one side of the main entrance."
Octavia rapidly looks through her binoculars and immediately lifts her hand.
The army comes to an abrupt stop.
"It looks like…."
She didn't have a chance to finish her sentence when a cannonball lands in their proximity, debris flying everywhere.
The warriors line up ready for an attack.
"Oh, this is getting really interesting", Octavia cracks her knuckles as she prepares to put her new strategy into action .
…
Esiry – hands tied – is being dragged by two rebels who are trailing behind Echo. She's scared but more importantly, she is concentrating on the perfect time to escape. She can only hope it will be soon because she knows things will get rather ugly shortly.
The possibility of an opportunity suddenly arises.
"Echo!" A rebel comes running. "We can't head to the west, it's packed with enemy warriors", he alerts.
"Fuck". Echo can't believe her luck. "Let's continue in this direction", she points with her finger.
A few seconds later another rebel comes, "warriors are coming from the east".
Echo is on the verge of exploding but she doesn't give up easily. "Then let's hurry, this is our last way out". She carries on quickly to her designated path but of course, someone has ruined that too.
"Skypeople at the back!" A sentinel yells out.
"We are surrounded", Echo's best warrior announces through gritted teeth.
"What do we do?!" another rebel questions.
Echo swallows thickly. This is not how she imagined things going but she has no other choice but to call on her last resource. "Then we stay put and get ready to fight and try to take down as many as we can. As long as we still have the Nightblood and their precious girl they won't hurt us".
In a practiced move, the warriors quickly lined up, bringing their entire arsenal and forming a giant circle, ready to attack.
In the distance, Octavia notices the switch and is instantly aware of what they are up to. She exhales and places her radio close to her mouth. 'Hope this works', she thinks to herself before pressing the button and sending the message. "Now!"
…
Roan is standing directly in front of his communication system, patiently waiting for his moment.
It comes faster than he expected.
"My king!" A messenger enters the security room of Azgeda. "The General of the Commander's army gave the signal. It is time."
Roan nods solemnly and without hesitating presses a button to start the call.
"King Roan", Raven greets, "ready?"
"Ready".
…
A beeping from devices some of the rebels carry alerts them of an incoming communication.
"It's a message from King Roan".
Some meet in groups to watch the message on the screens of their devices.
Echo is also provided with one.
….
Raven connects Roan live with all thirteen clans for everyone to see but he directs his personal message to only his people.
"Brothers and sisters of Azgeda. I'm speaking to you now because I have an important message to deliver to all of you but especially to the rebels who at this very moment are taking part in a nonsensical civil war. I want to make sure you all know you have been living a lie. The flame you're searching for was destroyed. I know you won't take my word for it so I'm going to show you proof of the occurrence that happened twelve years ago."
After the statement, the images of the video Raven took all those years ago start transmitting.
…
The rebels attentively observe in disbelief how the flame is smashed into bits with a sledgehammer not only once but twice. They also take note of Clarke's agony and how despondent she appears; it's a real eye-opener. Some of them were craning to get a view of the screens, asking their neighbors what was happening. When the video ended, and those who could not see were informed, a commotion erupts among the groups.
…
"I am hoping with this irrefutable evidence of the Flame's destruction, that no more doubts remain in any of you. Don't let anyone use you for their own selfish purposes anymore. Surrender now to the Commander's army and show remorse and you may have a chance to be shown mercy in exchange. I can only wish that you make the right decision for the good of our people and for the good of all humankind. May we meet again". With that Roan ends his message and the transmission is over.
…
"It was true, it's really gone". A young rebel lets out.
"There's no point… we have nothing".
Some of them start looking at Echo, not sure what to do.
The woman remains in her same position, her body trembling with rage.
The rebel who came to be Echo's right-hand stands by her side, expecting orders.
Orita remains quiet to one side.
Some warriors start leaving the formation.
After a number of seconds of silence and with fury running through her veins Echo turns her head in Orita's direction and gives the teen her last instructions. "Kill the Nightblood".
Orita nods in acknowledgment and prepares for the task.
Meanwhile, Echo now faces the rebel she trusts the most and with a firm demeanor she utters. "You know what to do".
The woman nods. "You have my word I will take care of that." Then she adds more urgently, "you have to go now".
With a simple assent of her head as a goodbye, Echo sprints toward an unknown direction.
The rebel woman directs her attention to a couple of warriors faithful to Echo and commands, "come with me" and together they march to fulfill Echo's demand.
…
Esiry is completely confused at the whole development. She doesn't know what happened but one minute she was being heavily guarded and now she's being left alone in the chaos of people going in different directions. She takes the opportunity to try to remove the ties from her hands and find a way out. Suddenly she looks up and notices Orita coming towards her.
Orita strides towards Esiry looking intimidating.
The Nightblood looks behind her thinking Orita may be looking for someone else but when she looks ahead again, she watches how Orita removes a knife from her belt and holds it tightly in her hand. "oh shit…"