Chapter Text
Once Pike was secured in lockup, Kane left for the Peace Keeper's camp. Once the night watch spotted his flashlight, he was escorted to Indra's tent. He couldn't understand how things had gotten so out of hand, how Bellamy was so blinded by his anger and fear. He knew the loss of Gina, that Bellamy felt responsible for, had broken him, but the idea that he would lash out in such a way baffled him.
Kane was interrupted from his thoughts when the guard ushered him in.
Indra paused at the conflicted look on his face. “What is it, Kane?”
Kane took a deep breath, unsure where to begin. “We may have a problem.”
Indra just looked at him, wasting no words.
He found his voice. “A small group of Skaikru tried to attack your army tonight. Lincoln managed to stop them before they left Arkadia and they were arrested.”
Indra's eyes narrowed. “Why would they do that? The Commander sent us to protect you.”
“I know, and we told our people that. Pike had them convinced you were here to attack.”
“It sounds like it was dealt with. What is the problem?”
“We have an election tomorrow, and there is a slight possibility Pike will be elected Chancellor.”
“Even though he was arrested and wanted to attack an ally? People would vote for him?”
“I don't know, and that's why I am here. Perhaps you should disband your army.”
“You know I can’t do that. The Commander ordered me to protect you from an Azgeda attack.”
“We can't let Pike start a war with Trikru.”
“Then you should execute him before the election.”
“I can't do that, his supporters wouldn't stand for that.”
“If you won't, the Commander will. You are part of the Coalition now. When she does, how will his supporters react?”
Kane’s eyes widened as he hadn't considered that yet.
Indra pressed on. “They sealed their fates when they conspired to attack a Coalition army. That cannot go unpunished. You took the brand as Leader of Skaikru. So lead them. You don't need an election to do that.”
“The people won't stand for it and I won't be a dictator.” Kane objected. “If the Commander executes them it will only breed distrust and hate for the Coalition.”
“So what do you suggest?”
Kane gave a heavy sigh. “I think we have to let the election play out. It is Skaikru's way.”
“And if he wins? Are you prepared to accept the consequences of his actions?”
“Let us hope it doesn't come to that.”
The next day Pike won the election, pardoned himself and the others, rejected the Coalition and set out to finish what he started.
They expected to defeat an army of 300, with just ten people, but plans don't last long in battle. The scouts in the trees held their fire and remained hidden, per Indra's orders, and let Pike's people pass. It wasn't until Pike fired the first shots that arrows rained down on them from behind and it was over before it could really begin.
Two Trikru were hit, but Pike and the nine Arkers were quickly turned into pin cushions. Their armor protected their torsos, and only two died immediately. The others were rendered impotent by arrows in their arms or hands. The infantry, covered by the hidden archers in the trees made sure the guns were out of reach and the Arkers were secured. The Trikru put those who still lived on their knees and Indra looked down at each of them, stopping in front of Pike.
“Why have you attacked my army? We were sent to protect you.”
Pike refused to talk so she moved on to Bellamy. “Does your sister know you came to murder us? To murder me?”
“I'm just trying to protect my people, you could have attacked us any time. That's what you do.”
“But we didn't. Our archers in the trees let you pass because Skaikru is part of the Coalition now. We didn't attack until you fired the first shots.” Indra ordered their wounds wrapped. “We will see what the Commander decides to do with you.”
The guards at Arkadia grew tense the longer Pike was gone. Kane waited by the gate, torturing himself for warning Indra, but more for failing to convince his people that peace with the grounders was possible and that joining the Coalition was the right choice.
Clarke and Lexa rode side by side sharing smiles and banter when a Trikru rider approached. The mood quickly shifted as the rider explained that Skaikru attacked the army sent to defend them and that Indra was holding them prisoner awaiting the Commander's justice.
“I don't understand, how could my mom and Kane let this happen?” Clarke asked.
“We will know more once we talk to Indra.”
Two guards stayed with the cart carrying Nia's body while the rest escorted Clarke and Lexa quickly to the army's camp and to Indra's tent.
“Heda,” Indra acknowledged the Commander with a tilt of her head as Lexa entered the tent followed by Clarke.
“What has happened, Indra?” Lexa demanded.
“Ten Skaikru came to attack our army with guns. Two of mine are dead as are two Skaikru. The others have arrow wounds and are being treated.”
“How could this have happened? Kane would never allow this. I'd like to see my people.”
“I gather that Kane isn't in charge anymore. Pike is.” Indra explained.
“The prisoners talked?” Lexa asked.
“Only Bellamy, just some nonsense trying to justify his actions.”
“Bellamy did this?” Clarke asked befuddled.
“Take us to the prisoners,” Lexa ordered.
“Heda, there is something you should know first. But it is for your ears only.”
Lexa nodded and ordered a guard to take Clarke to the prisoners and allow her to check their wounds.
Once Clarke left Indra filled Lexa in on what Kane had told her before the election.
Clarke was escorted to the prison tent. She quickly surveyed her people until her eyes fell on Bellamy, who she rushed to.
“Bellamy, what the hell happened?”
“Clarke? What are you doing here?”
“I came with Lexa to deliver the Azgeda Queen’s body. Lexa killed her for the attack on Mount Weather.”
Bellamy's eyes widened for a moment before Clarke went back to her question. “What the hell happened to make you attack the Army sent to protect us?”
“They could have attacked us at any time and you know it.” He said stubbornly.
Clarke just shook her head. “You were there when Lexa ordered Indra to raise it to help defend Arkadia.”
“It wouldn't be the first time she betrayed us, Clarke.”
As Bellamy spoke, Indra then Lexa entered the tent. Lexa's cold gaze settled on Pike.
“Pike, you led this attack?” Pike just glared back at her.
Clarke cautiously approached. “Please, help us understand why you did this, if it is a misunderstanding or something we need to know. Don't let all of Skaikru suffer because you were too stubborn to talk.”
Pike looked at Clarke, “who's side are you on? You really think talking to these savages serves a purpose? Violence and strength are all they understand.”
Clarke looked to Lexa, “can I have a moment alone with my people?”
A split second look of concern flashed in Lexa's eyes before she nodded and ordered the guards out. Indra was about to object but was silenced by the look Lexa gave her and the pair exited.
Pike looked surprised for a moment and then raised his bound hands. “Quick, untie us. Do you know where our weapons are?”
“Why would I do that? You attacked an army sent to defend us. Please, just explain what's going on.”
“As your elected Chancellor I order you to free us.” Pike demanded.
“Chancellor? You won the election and are trying to start a war?”
“They started it, I am just trying to finish it. Untie us now.”
“If I did that I would be a prisoner too and you would probably get yourself killed. It was Azgeda that attacked Mount Weather, and Lexa brought Queen Nia to justice as she said she would. It was over.”
Bellamy butted into the conversation, “you don't get to say when it is over, Clarke, you aren't in charge here, and that's a good thing. People die when you are in charge.”
“I'm just trying to save us.”
Pike brought the attention back to him with a half laugh. “It looks like you are more interested in befriending the enemy than protecting your people.”
“We are allies, not enemies. We have peace. We don't need to be fighting, don't you get that?”
“You are naive if you think they understand what peace is. Now untie us or I'll be forced to consider you a traitor to Arkadia.”
“I can't do that, we are part of the Coalition. Something you are jeopardizing. I can't save you if you won't work with me here.” She looked back at Bellamy. “Please tell me war isn't what you want.”
“We are already at war, don't you see that?”
Clarke shook her head and fled the tent, only to be quickly replaced by the guards.
Inside Indra's tent, a guard interrupted the silence that had settled between the leaders to announce Wanheda. Lexa nodded for them to let her enter.
“So Clarke, did you learn anything from the prisoners?” Lexa asked with a harsh tone.
“Pike was elected Chancellor and they don't believe that we are at peace.”
Indra and Lexa exchanged a glance before Lexa spoke again. “So tell us, Clarke, have you figured out a way to save your people yet again?”
“No, only you can do that. Only you can end the cycle of violence.”
“You would let the guilty go without punishment?”
“I would only ask that you treat Skaikru as you did Azgeda, only punish the leader who defied you. Pike attacked and should suffer the consequences. But the others were just following orders. You didn't kill Echo or any of the others who participated in the attack on Mount Weather. You went straight to the source of the problem and no others needed to die. Let me take the other prisoners back to Arkadia along with Nia's body and whatever message you wish. We will hold a new election and I will make my people see that participating in the Coalition is not optional. We are part of it now, aren't we?”
“Very well, remind Skaikru that they are part of the Coalition and that anyone who stands against us stands against us all. If Skaikru chooses to stand against us, I will have no choice but to call upon the armies of the twelve other clans to address the threat. Indra, except Pike, prepare the prisoners to move out.”
“Sha, Heda.” Indra said before leaving.
“Thank you, Lexa.” Clarke said softly with appreciation in her voice.
Lexa tilted her head forward slightly in acknowledgment. “Not knowing the situation in Arkadia, I will stay here until after the election, once it is done, bring the new Chancellor here so we may talk.”
“I will, it may be a few days. I need time to convince my people that the Coalition is what's best for us.”
Clarke offered her arm and Lexa grasped it. The women stood close, their gazes locked in the candlelight. Eventually their eyes began to wander, memorizing the features of the other. Lexa spoke in a soft tone she reserved for Clarke alone. “Be careful. You have been away a long time and clearly there are those in your camp who consider us the enemy.”
“I will, and I'll see you soon.”
Clarke tugged lightly on Lexa's arm and their lips crashed together. Their eyes fluttered shut and forms melted into each other for a long moment just as the kiss deepened they heard the sound of Indra entering her tent and jumped apart as if the other burned them.
“They are ready, Heda” was all Indra said, mercifully.
The early morning sun filtered through the elevated ring of Alpha Station as the prisoners, Clarke, Indra and a few guards approached the treeline.
Indra addressed the Arkers, “you have been given a second chance, don't take it for granted. The Commander can be merciful to her own people, which you became when Skaikru joined the Coalition. Breik em au,” She ordered. The guards carefully freed the Arkers one by one and pushed them out into the clearing. Clarke followed them on foot. The cart with Nia's body, Indra and the other warriors waited in the safety of the trees.
Upon spotting the returning Arkers calls went out within the camp. As Clarke left the trees the guards went on alert.
“Hold your fire!” Bellemy yelled.
Clarke walked steadily behind the others, who kept looking back at the trees as if expecting an attack at any moment.
The call to open the gate went out and Clarke surveyed the crowd until her eyes fell on a very tired Kane. Murmurs started to fill the air and the gate swung closed. “Where is Pike?” Someone yelled. Another shouted, “it's Clarke, she's back!”
Before the crowd descended into total chaos Clarke stepped up on a crate. “Everyone gather around and listen up!” Once the majority of the Arkers had gathered she raised her hand for silence.
“Last night Chancellor Pike and nine others attacked an army of grounders that was here to protect us and now five people are dead. Two grounders were killed when Pike opened fire. Two of ours were killed when they defended themselves and minutes ago Pike was executed for his crimes against the Coalition.” Chaos of murmurs, anger and questions broke out and Clarke let it go on for a good minute before she raised her hand again and eventually the crowd got quiet enough.
“I spoke with the Commander and she agreed to free the rest of our people. The Commander has a message for all of us. We are part of the Coalition and that anyone who stands against that stands against us all. If we choose to stand against the Coalition, she will have no choice but to call upon the armies of the twelve other clans to address the threat. We have a clear choice. We can choose war or we can choose peace.”
“They don't know what peace is!” Someone in the crowd yelled.
“They are all savages!” Yelled another.
“They betrayed us at Mount Weather! And then blew it up with innocent people inside!”
The crowd devolved into yells of anger and fear with no clear focus. Her attempts to gain their attention back failed and she looked to Kane for help. He yelled at the top of his lungs, “everyone please listen, we have a lot to think about. Per the Exodus charter, as Pike had not yet named a new council, I, as head of the guard, am Chancellor pro tempore until we have an election in two days. Now get back to work!”
The crowd slowly started dispersing and Clarke got down from the crate as Kane walked over to her. “We have a lot to talk about. There are grounders waiting beyond the treeline to deliver Queen Nia's body to us. Lexa killed her for the attack on Mount Weather. Indra is with them.”
Kane nodded. “I don't want to keep them waiting but now is not the time for grounders to be at our gates.” He waved over Sergeant Miller and told him to get a couple cool-headed guards to go retrieve the body and build a pyre but not light it yet then led Clarke to the council room to debrief each other. Once they shared information Clarke made her way to Raven's workshop.
“Raven,” Clarke said with tears in her eyes.
Raven looked up from her project. “Clarke?” She asked as began to stand and winced in pain. “We thought you abandoned us.”
“I am so sorry. I just… I couldn't see the faces of the people I saved at Mount Weather.”
“Did that help?”
“I think so. I just couldn't have anyone depending on me. Or looking at me like I was a murderer.”
“Stay away from Jasper then. He still blames you.”
Clarke nodded, “that makes two of us.”
They stood in silence on opposite sides of the workbench for a long moment. “Well don't just stand there,” Raven said, “come give me a hug.”
Clarke breathed in relief and hurried around to Raven and wrapped her in a tight embrace. “I missed you.”
“Of course you did. I'm awesome.” They laughed and cried a little and when the tears dried up they parted. “So, time to hurry up and save the world?”
“We probably should.”
“What happened now?”
Clarke went on to explain about Nia and Pike. Raven explained, through tears, about Gina and her relationship with Bellamy. They parted so Raven could check on Bellamy in medical and Clarke went in search of old friends. The search was interrupted by Kane’s voice over the camp wide loudspeakers.
“As many of you know, Chancellor Pike is dead. He and a small group went to attack the Grounder army sent to protect us from Ice Nation attack. They killed two grounders and when the grounders fought back, all of our people were injured with two fatalities. The Chancellor was executed by the Commander for the attack, but thanks to the fact that we joined the Coalition, Ambassador Clarke Griffin was able to get the others returned to us and I’m told they will recover. Per the Exodus Charter the role of Chancellor pro tempore falls to me. In two days we will hold another election. Tonight we will burn the body of Queen Nia of Ice Nation who claimed responsibility for the attack on Mount Weather which killed 49 of our people. She was killed by the Commander for the attack and the body given to us as proof of the Coalition's commitment to us. Those who stand against one of us, stand against us all. Make no mistake, we are part of the Coalition now. No matter who is elected Chancellor we will have to either accept our place in the Coalition or prepare for a war we cannot win. Those of you who came down on Mecha or Alpha Stations will do well to remember the army that surrounded us before Clarke Griffin was able to make an alliance with the Commander, though that alliance did not survive the war with Mount Weather, remember the size and zeal of that army. Intel we have gained from being part of the Coalition suggests that the full force of the Commander's army is three to four times that. I say this not to scare you, but to give you a clear picture of life on the ground. Being part of the Coalition is our best chance to not only survive, but to thrive.”
The sound of slow, sarcastic clapping came from behind Clarke. She turned to see Jasper there in the hallway.
“The mass murderer is credited not once, but twice for saving people. How ironic.”
“Jasper,” Clarke spoke with tears pooling in her eyes.
“Spare me your apologies Clarke. Or should I call you the Angel of Death? Feeling bad doesn't bring anyone back.”
“You are right. It doesn't. I wish it did.”
“If you had just waited another minute I would have killed Cage.”
“And then what, Jasper? Wait for them to shoot you? Do you really think that would have saved Maya?”
“Don't! Don't say her name! I was going to save them.”
“I wish you could have, but the truth is there were too many of them and they would have killed you, and my mom and all of our friends to get enough bone marrow for them to survive.”
“Float you, Clarke!” Jasper pushed past her running in the direction of the cantina.
Clarke took a deep breath and continued in the same direction. When she got there, Jasper was already at the bar. Whispers started and then as members of the 100 saw her they started to get up. Monty rushed over and enveloped her in a hug. It took a moment but then she hugged him back fiercely. “Thank you, for saving my mother,” he said with a shaky voice. Clarke pulled back and looked at him in confusion. “She went with Pike last night,” he explained with a mix of anger and shame.
She nodded but didn't have time to dwell on it when other members of the 100 joined them. Some turned it into a group hug while others waited their turn.
Once everyone had been greeted and Clarke wiped the tears from her eyes.
“I need something from all of you,” Clarke started, the crowd agreed and she continued. “We need to make sure we stay in the Coalition, to do that Kane must be elected Chancellor. It's how we have peace with the grounders. I need you to talk to your friends and parents and get them on the side of peace, we have lost too many of our people.”
“How can we trust them?” Someone asked.
“Yeah, they abandoned us at Mount Weather and then attacked us there.”
“It isn't so simple. They made a deal to save themselves against an enemy that has been murdering and torturing them as long as anyone can remember. And then Mount Weather was attacked because Ice Nation was making a power play. It was a show of strength to try to take over the Coalition. To defend us, now that we are in the Coalition, the Commander risked her own life to kill Queen Nia who ordered the attack. I came back to bring Nia's body to us to show the Commander's commitment to us as part of the Coalition.”
“Do you trust her?” Monty asked.
“I do now, yes.”
“What's different? What will stop her from betraying us again?
“The Coalition isn't like the alliance we had before. It's not based on a common enemy, but on common goals: peace, trade, prosperity and safety. It makes us part of something bigger.”
“What about our independence?”
“We still rule ourselves with our own laws, the Commander will only get involved when it concerns other clans or external threats. And even then, we will have an ambassador who will have input on how to proceed. Right now, I am that Ambassador, that's why I was able to bring most of our people back home today.”
“Where have you been?”
Clarke gulped and fought back tears. “In the wilderness for three months. Then I was taken to Polis because the Commander didn't want the Ice Queen to get ahold of me, Nia wanted to kill me as a symbol of strength. Polis is amazing. I haven't seen much of it, but it is somewhere I want you all to be able to visit. And as part of the Coalition, we can. There is more to life than what is inside the walls of this camp, and this is the way we get to experience it. This election will decide if we want more war, more death, or if we want peace and to thrive. If you or anyone you talk to isn't sure about staying in the Coalition, please know I'll be around to answer any questions.”
Clarke spent the better part of an hour talking and catching up with members of the hundred before Abby walked into the Cantina. She headed straight for Clarke and wrapped her in a hug.
“Why didn't you come and see me sooner?”
“I knew you would have your hands full with the wounded. I didn't want to distract you.”
“Can we talk now? I hardly saw you in Polis.”
Clarke agreed and mother and daughter headed for Abby's quarters. Clarke humored her mother as she doted on her. For the first time in as long as Clarke could remember there wasn't an active, time sensitive crisis. She needed to get back out among the people and try to convince them that Kane and the Coalition were what was best for them, but she could spare a few hours to ease her mother's mind.
Kane won by a comfortable majority. Hannah Green got 32% of the vote, and was clearly unhappy with the results. After the election Marcus appointed her to the council, saying it was important for everyone to have a voice.
Without much fanfare, Kane and Clarke left with two guards to make the trek to the Trikru army. As they neared they respectfully disarmed and left the guards behind. Indra greeted them at the edge of the clearing. “I hope you bring good news.”
“We do, I was elected Chancellor by a solid majority. Skaikru wishes to remain in the Coalition.”
“Then the Commander will see you now.”
Indra led them to the Commander's tent which had been erected and announced that Chancellor Kane and Wanheda were there to see her.
Lexa bid them enter. She sat atop her throne, but lacked war paint. “Greetings Chancellor, Ambassador.”
“Thank you for meeting with us, Heda,” Marcus said.
“It would seem the election went well?”
“It did, there are still some of Skaikru who will need time to trust in peace and see the wisdom in the Coalition, but I have faith they will come around.”
“And if they do not?”
“I will handle it, Commander.”
“Good.”
Clarke spoke up, “Thank you for protecting us Commander, but I think it will go a long way with some people when this army disbands and goes home. Some did not believe your purpose here.”
“Clearly. Indra, tell the gona they can begin to leave. I will be heading back to Polis at first light.”
“Sha, Heda.” Indra nodded and left.
“Chancellor, will Clarke continue to be the Ambassador for Skaikru? She is welcome to travel back to the Capital with us.”
Kane looked at Clarke, “I can't think of anyone who can look out for our people better.”
Clarke smiled at him and then looked back to Lexa, “I would be honored to continue as Ambassador and to travel back with you.”
“Very well, say your goodbyes and be here before first light.”
“Thank you,” Clarke stopped herself from saying Lexa. “Heda, I do have one matter I would like to discuss.”
“Go on.”
“Lincoln. We were hoping you would lift the kill order on him. We understand he has trouble following orders, but he has built a home with us and with Octavia.”
Lexa paused, looking between Kane and Clarke. “Lincoln is no longer Trikru. There is no kill order on Lincoln kom Skaikru and I will let it be known. As a member of the Coalition he will have the rights of any of my people. If he defies me again, Skaikru will be expected to turn him over for justice. He has had more than enough chances as it stands.”
“Thank you, Heda, I will let him know.”
Kane and Clarke headed back to Arkadia and Clarke made the rounds reassuring her friends she would be alright and then approached Octavia and Lincoln who were sparing. Once Octavia spotted her she started to leave in a huff but Clarke stepped in her way. “I said we were done, Clarke, now get out of my way before I make you.”
“Please at least listen to what I have to say. It affects you both.”
Octavia felt Lincoln's hand on her upper arm and calmed slightly before she spoke. “So talk.”
“I talked to the Commander about the kill order on Lincoln.” Octavia's eyes flashed with anger and Clarke pressed on. “She lifted it, but made it clear he is considered Skaikru, not Trikru.” Both warriors closed their eyes, absorbing the information. “Lincoln, you are a free member of the Coalition. You can go anywhere you want to. The Commander said that if you defy her again, Skaikru would be expected to turn you in.”
“My people hate me,” he said with resignation. Octavia turned and embraced Lincoln.
Clarke gave them a moment before speaking, “We are your people. You saved me, you saved us all. I'm leaving with the Commander for Polis at first light. You are both welcome to come with us, if that is what you want.”
Octavia turned in fury, “we aren't going anywhere with you, Clarke. This fixes nothing.”
“I know,” Clarke said sadly before turning and leaving the couple alone.
The next stop was the one she dreaded the most. She hadn't seen Bellamy since bringing him back to Arkadia, and the fact that her mother might be there made it all the worse. She took a deep breath and entered medical. She saw mostly eyes filled with hatred upon her. She steeled herself and approached the bed Bellamy was in.
“What do you want, Clarke?”
“I want my people to be safe and happy, same as you.”
“Funny way of showing it. Living with the enemy and all.”
“Bellamy, just because it is hard to be around them doesn't mean I don't care. I'm doing the best I can.”
“It's not good enough, Clarke. Our elected Chancellor is dead and then we had a farce of an election to pick the next. What did you do to save Pike? Did you even try?”
“Pike wanted a war, is that really what you want for our people?”
“We have had this conversation, Clarke. We are at war, at least Pike saw that.”
“We all see what we want to see. Please don't do anything to make this worse. I am leaving for Polis to be our ambassador.”
Bellamy just looked away, the anger radiating off of him.
“May we meet again.” Clarke uttered before turning and leaving to find her mother to say goodbye.
The ride back to Polis was blissfully uneventful. They returned in the late evening so there was little fanfare, though people still stopped what they were doing to see Heda pass. By the time Clarke got back to her room she was exhausted and fell asleep in the luxurious bed of furs.