chapter 37 The Fight

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Octavia POV

The next 2 days were a flurry of activity, tension, training and preparation.
It will be a fight until death with the winner being the new Commander.

My job as a second is to stand ready to jump in if anyone tries to interfere with the outcome of the fight.

Lincoln's job as bearer of arms is to inspect all weapons with the opposing bearer of arms, to make sure they have not been tampered with in any way.

No one will be using their own weapons because of this. They are allowed a sword, two knives a spear, and two more weapons of choice. A total of 5 weapons each. Once a weapon has been taken from the opponent they do not get it back. It is removed from the ring.

Indra and Lincoln are both drilling the rules of the competition into my head so that I am prepared. If Indra looses, both Lincoln and I will be banished and no longer be considered TreeKru.

Bellamy and Clarke have both voiced their concerns about my role in this since I am almost into my sixth month of pregnancy. They haven't said it, but I know they are both thinking of the baby they lost.

I won't be directly involved in the fight and I am confident I will be ok.Lincoln will be nearby and Indra would not have chosen me otherwise.

I have enjoyed getting to know the other Clans, Echo in particular. I think the SkaiKru would benefit from some new allies.

Echo has actually taken the time to teach me some new fighting skills with a spear.It can be used for other things than just throwing. Echo says I am a quick study when I end up knocking her off her feet after our 4th go around.

Indra nods her approval as we begin again.

***The next morning***

Clarke POV

My eyes open early the morning of the fight only to realize Bellamy is already up and moving around in the kitchen.

Before I can set one foot out of bed he walks in bringing me a cup of tea and sits next to me on the bed.

I know that look.

"Clarke I think you should stay here today." he begins.

"We both know why I can't do that."

"Clarke.. "he starts, using that tone I both know and hate.

"No Bellamy. Just stop. I am not staying here. The fate of our alliances are going to be decided based on this!"

He sighs and runs a hand through his hair. "Stubborn princess" he mumbles.

I wait.. 1...2...3

"You are not allowed to leave my side during the fight! Ok?" he finally huffs.

I smile despite myself.

"What?"

"Fine Bell." I say kissing him. "Now that that's settled let's get going." I say pulling him to his feet as he rolls his eyes at me.

~~~~

As we make our way outside we notice people gathering at the gate waiting for us. Bellamy heads to give Miller and Murphy some last minute instructions, as they were to remain at camp with most of the Arkers.

I fall into step with Lincoln and Octavia, knowing Bellamy will catch up.

"Are you nervous? " I ask O.

"A warrior doesn't worry about what they can't control." she replies.

I envy her calm.

We walk the rest of the way in comfortable silence.

When the clearing comes into view the TreeKru are already arriving. We can tell they have been busy as all loose objects, stones, branches have been cleared and are laid in a wide circle.

The arena has been set and the Desert and Ice Clans take their positions equally placed around the arena.

Lincoln and Gus, Lexa's bearer of arms, inspect all the weapons while Lexa and Indra enter the ring.

The second's take up their positions on opposite sides of the ring. The crowd of spectators sits down on logs and stones that have been dragged around the outside of the ring for this purpose.

The master of the ceremony is Andu, the healer. She raises her hand for silence.

"A challenge has been issued by Indra and accepted by the commander. According to our law, the outcome is final and will decide the Commander of the TreeKru. Anyone from the TreeKru who opposes the outcome will be killed as a traitor."

Andu takes a breath before continuing. "This is a fight to the death! Interference is punishable by death and instant defeat! Do you have your weapons?"

They both nod.

"Gonplei!" She yells.

A drum beat begins to sound in a painfully slow rythym as they start to fight.

Lexa POV

When the signal is given, Indra and I circle each other slowly. I have my sword out, three knives are on me and my second has my spear at the ready.

Indra is a fierce warrior, she has her sword drawn too. This will not be easy.

We circle for a few moments before I make the first move and attack with my sword. She deflects me easily.

"You can do better than that Commander!" she taunts me.

"Don't worry Indra, I will make your death quick!" I promise.

Octavia POV

They are well matched, this won't be easy.

They fight for awhile without mishap until Lexa stumbled on a rock and Indra was able to draw blood on her arm.
Lexa backs up in shock.

The grounders start to chant in time to the drums.

"First blood!"

Gonplei! Gonplei! "

"Blood must have blood!"

"To Honor! "

"Indra! Indra! "

To my surprise no one is shouting for Lexa. They must all believe she has dishonored them. Even if Lexa wins, this does not bode well for her.

There is a cheer from the crowd as Indra manages to knock Lexa's sword out of her hands. Quick as a flash Lexa pulls one of her knives and cuts Indra on her arm.

As they back away from one another to regroup Indra tosses her sword aside and also draws one of her knives.

They begin to circle one another again and as Indra charges, Lexa manages to toss her off her feet. As she lands on the ground Lexa jumps towards her with her knife poised to kill but Indra uses her feet to flip Lexa off balance giving herself time to scramble to her feet.

Blood is now trickling down Indra's leg.

They are both now showing signs of exhaustion and the crowd is sensing the end of the fight is near.

As they start to circle again Indra charges once more but Lexa shifts quickly, flipping Indra flat onto her back. She then turns quickly, knife raised and plunges it towards Indra without hesitation.

I can't lose you...(editing)#wattys2015Where stories live. Discover now