Barricade- John Murphy

Chapter 27

Season 2

Episode 8:
Spacewalker

"There. Done." Lexa speaks after a bit of silence. "Do you have a mirror?" I ask curiously. "Of course." She says moving behind me before holding one out in front of me. I take it turning my head side to side as I look. Three braids lined the sides of my head, pulled back into a ponytail. The braids stuck out against my curls. "Now, one thing I'm sure you're training with Keran has not given you yet." She says moving in front of me holding a jar of something black. 

"What's that?" I ask confused. "War paint. You will get your justice. And look like the warrior you are while doing it." She tells me and I smile. "Thank you. We're enemies, yet you're helping me get justice against your people." I say softly. "What those men did, is not okay. I do not consider them my people. Especially after Indra got them to confess." She tells me, dragging a brush of black paint across my face. 

"You shouldn't have to do this. But I appreciate it." I tell her and she nods. She's quiet as she paints around both eyes. When she's done, she hands me the mirror again. The underside of my eyes were painted with a swooping design.(Clarkes Warpaint). "This looks amazing. You or someone will have to show me how to do it myself." I tell her. "Of course." She nods. Drums bang outside making me look over. "It's time." She tells us getting up.

I turn to Murphy as I get up. "Finn asked me to kill him." I whisper quickly. "He what?" He asks shocked. "He doesn't want anyone to suffer watching him die like he would." I explain quickly. "Whatever you think is right. I'll support you." He says kissing my head and I smile. "Don't mess up my braids." I tease softly and he rolls his eyes with a smirk.

We walk out behind Lexa, and the grounders stare at me. "Why are they staring?" I ask confused. "That war paint design I gave you means something. Something strong. And powerful." She tells me. "Should I not have this on?" I ask her and she turns to me. "You are every bit a warrior. This paint, and these braids, show them you are powerful. All you have to do now. Is show them why you earned it." She tells me.

I nod my head and Murphy squeezes my hand supportively. I keep my brave face on, even if I'd rather go hide with the others and draw on Murphys hand. She moves forward and I follow behind her. I kept my walk firm, and confident. My gaze was hard as she stops, making us stop. "Hear me now. Tonight will be a night for justice. For everyone. Our people will be avenged. And our new Ally will seek her justice!" Lexa yells in their language.

The grounders around us cheer. "Three of your own. Have smeared our name! They attacked her, and took things from her. Things she will not get back! They will die tonight, as a reminder to all of you!" She continues on. Their cheers and yells turn angry. But not towards me. I spot the three tied to posts and clench Murphys hand tightly. Murphy glares at the men himself.

"I don't think I can do this." I say to Murphy, still forcing my fake confidence. "You can, Goddess. You are so fucking strong. Show these guys why they don't fuck with us." He tells me squeezing my hand in his. I nod my head at his words. I heard a throat clear and turn to Lexa. She holds out a knife to me. "Their deaths are yours. Artemis Kom Skaikru." She tells me. I look down at the knife and reach out taking it. 

"You can make it fast, or make it slow. The choice is yours." She tells me stepping behind me. I turn hearing a cheer which makes everyone else cheer. Right there in the front of the people gathered, is Mira. She pauses in shock at my face, but then smirks and cheers again. I turn back to the men, who seem to have just noticed me there. Two of them look scared, and I assume it has to do with the paint again.