I can't lose you...(editing)#wattys2015

chapter 36 The Challenge

Clarke POV

I had just left the Clans eating dinner with Mom, Marcus and Octavia when I realized Bellamy was not back yet and neither was Echo.

Octavia hadn't seen him so I decided to go ask Miller who was on guard duty at the main gate. As I approach him Bellamy and Echo walk in together. I push down the stab of jealousy I feel, chalking it up to hormones and go to meet them.

Echo spots me first, says something to Bellamy and he looks at me giving me a smile that seems strained.

He gives me a hug and whispers in my ear. "You need to hear what Echo has to say." He says kissing me on the forehead to belie the seriousness of his words.

I hug him back, "The clans are at dinner" I begin.

Bellamy glances at Echo, who shrugs "Maybe they should hear this too."

Echo POV

As we make our way to the mess hall to tell the other clans, my mind drifts back to that day.

****flashback****

I had just managed to free the last of the prisoners and we were waiting for Bellamy to come back when a number of Mt Weather guards come in accompanied by a member of the Tree Kru in full war paint.

"I am Costia, second to the Commander. The mountain has agreed to set you all free on the terms that we stay off these lands in the future. You will all come with me now."

There is a murmer from the crowd but they begin to file out gratefully. Costia hangs back to make sure all prisoners file out.

This doesn't feel right to me. Thinking of Bellamy, I make my way to Costia.

"Are the Skai Kru being freed too?" I ask.

"Who are you?"

"Echo of the Wind Clan. "

Her face changes as she knows my name. "They are not part of the deal she says firmly." Shaking her head.

"But one of their people set us free..!" I blurt out, thinking Bellamy will probably be killed.

"No! The Commander set you free!" She informs me coldly. Then adds, "I am sorry to have to tell you about your sister"

"What about her? "

"She was killed by the river monster last moon."

As I feel Costia's eyes on me I take care that my face is devoid of emotion. I know they killed my sister. She would have never gone to the river on her own.

"I must tell my parents" I say as I follow her out of the mountain, the fate of Bellamy and the Skai people forgotten for the moment.

****end of flashback****

"Are you ready Echo?" Bellamy asks me before he opens the door.

I nod and he leads me inside.

Indra POV
Later that night

A messanger came while we were at dinner to tell me that Lexa will arrive in the morning. No doubt she wants to show the other clans her strength and familiarity with the SkaiKru.

After listening to Echo's story at dinner, it strengthens my resolve to do what is neessary. The other clans appear to share her distrust of Lexa. I can't believe it has taken me this long to see it.

I make my way to Lincoln and Octavia's cabin keeping to the shadows, I have to tell them my plan tonight.

Clarke POV

Bellamy and I have been arguing since dinner. After hearing Echo's story he is convinced Lexa can't be trusted. I am reluctant to just throw our alliance away based on hearsay but despite my arguing there is a part of me that can't shake the feeling that he may be right.

"Bell, I am too tired to fight anymore can we please just go to sleep?"

He looks at me quickly and starts fussing instantly.

"Are you ok? Is the baby ok? Do you need some tea?" He brushes his hand across my forehead.

I smile despite myself, "We are fine Bell, we just need some sleep." I yawn loudly in confirmation.

He visibly relaxes and our fight is forgotten as he wastes no time tucking me in.

The next morning...

Lexa arrives with quite a large entourage but before she can get settled in we hear a shout.

"Lexa, I hereby challenge you!"

Lexa turns to face Indra amid the murmurs spreading through the camp.

"On what grounds?" Lexa demands in a deadly voice.

"You have dishonored us and our alliance with the Skai kru when you made your deal with the Mountain. I refuse to dishonor myself any longer." Indra declares.

Lexa' s eyes harden. "Very well Indra. we shall meet in 3 days time, at the halfway point between our two camps. Bring your second." she says eyeing Octavia, "and your bearer of arms" her eyes meet Indra's again before addressing the crowd.

"The Ice and Desert clans are welcome to oversea the challenge to ensure that there is no dishonor." Lexa decrees.

"What about the Wind Clan? " Echo demands.

"You may watch with the others, but your clan will have no part in this Echo. " Lexa says coldly while she turns on her heel and leaves.

When she leaves Indra turns to Octavia, "Be ready Octavia, you are my second. Lincoln, will you bear my arms?"

"It would be an honor" he replies, taking her hand and bowing so that it touches his forehead.

Indra looks at me. "Heda, I am sorry about this. I mean no disrespect. "

I am at a loss for words. I look to Octavia who stares at me and shakes her head. "Come Indra" she says. "We need to train"

When they leave I look at Bellamy, "Should we be worried? " I ask.

"Only if Lexa wins" he answers grimly.

Great. It is going to be a long three days....

A/N

So I was watching the blood must have Blood part 1 and just realized that when Clarke went to blow the door to Mt. Weather she asked Lexa to push the detonator button together.
It didn't work
Epic fail.
I just thought that was perfect because when Clarke and Bellamy pulled the lever in Mt weather it worked! Why?

Bellarke just works people as if there was ever any doubt! :)