Taut muscles grew stiff under Harley's shaking fingers as she wrapped a white bandage around Bryan's leg. He was grimacing in pain, keeping noises hidden by biting his lower lip. Miller was by his boyfriend's side, clutching his hand, watching in equal pain as Harley did her best to keep his bleeding bullet wound under control. Clarke had shoved bandages in her hands, ordering she joined where he rested and wrapped it up while she brought her mother back by shocking the chip out of her head. Harley hadn't questioned it, knowing Bryan needed better medical attention, but for now, it was the best he could get until they were back home.
"Sorry, I'm sorry!" Harley continued to apologize as she tightened the bandage. Blood was already seeping through, but she hated the small sounds he made with each action.
From where Bryan tried to remain still on his back, he let out another groan before shaking his head and squeezing Miller's hand. "It's fine," he reassured her in a tight tone. "Do what you have to do."
What you have to do. The words echoed in Harley's head and she shut her eyes briefly to remember what had only happened moments ago. She was still taunted by the image of the man she shot, and even Murphy telling her she had to. Harley drew in a deep breath, securing the end of the bandage with a clip. Bryan heaved a sigh of relief. "Maybe you shouldn't fight," Harley suggested, helping alongside Miller to sit him up slowly. "You aren't in a well enough state."
"Bryan, she's right," Miller agreed. "You'll only make it worse."
Mouth opening, Bryan prepared to either argue or accept this, but was interrupted by Octavia who had been peering over the window with her sword in hand. "Uh, you guys should see this."
Eyebrows creasing, Harley stood, joining Octavia at the wide open window and taking a look outside. Her jaw dropped at the sight. Dozens upon dozens of people, both grounders and sky people, were climbing up the outside wall of Polis' tower. Some were using ladders, others only their hands. They looked like ants from the height difference. Harley was on the highest floor of the tower, but they were so full of adrenaline and determination from the chip, they were fearless and didn't mind if they dropped.
Octavia gritted her teeth before cursing under her breath. "We have to warn the others," she commanded, sheathing her sword and heading straight for the doors. Miller quickly threw Bryan's arm over his shoulder, and Harley followed behind them, making sure the injured male wouldn't trip or fall as they rushed to the throne room. The heavy doors they approached were swung open by Octavia, allowing them access to the new scene. Abby was wide awake now, staring at Clarke with astonishment. Harley couldn't help but assume Clarke had another very bad plan.
"Whatever you're doing, you'd better do it fast," Octavia stated quickly, almost breathless.
"Why?" Bellamy asked. "What happened?"
Almost like she didn't believe her own words, Octavia responded with disbelief. "They're climbing."
The group shared a look of shock before they all dashed to the balcony. Wind blew into the throne room from the shattered doors, it made Harley shiver with the reminder they were at the top of the highest building with no way to get down. She hadn't had a fear of heights in her life, but she was sure anyone would be even slightly scared in a situation like this. Harley reminded herself to breathe despite the dizzy feeling creeping up, forcing herself to steady her focus when both Clarke and Abby came rushing back in.
"I'll need help," Abby announced, speaking directly to Murphy and Harley. "I need my medkit and Ontari."
"For what?" Harley questioned as Clarke took a seat at the throne, but dashing forward quickly to grab the large bag Abby carried everywhere. "What are we doing?"
Wheels squeaked as Murphy pushed a table besides the wooden throne while Abby stroked her daughter's blonde hair in a comforting gesture. "We're putting the Flame in her head." The pieces fell together quickly as Harley brought her the medkit with wide eyes. She knew there were skills they learned in Mount Weather with blood transfusions, and in this case with Ontari's nightblood, but this was too dangerous.
However, it was their only option.
"Harley," Murphy called from where he struggled to lift Ontari. "A little help."
The others were running around when more orders were throne around, searching for grease to spread to stop them from climbing in. Harley reluctantly went to give Murphy a hand, understanding why he had needed one when she had her arms wrapped around Ontari's limp legs. She was a complete dead weight, limbs loose and swinging as Murphy wrapped his hands under her arms. Together, with a few grunts, they managed to settle her on the top of the table with a short thud.
A set of two IV's was quickly set up by Abby, who held the final needle close to her daughter's arm. "Balcony's greased," Pike interrupted them, throwing a now empty bucket to the side, making it clang. "No one's getting in here."
"Good," Bellamy says in relief. "There's enough lamp oil to cover every window and floor except in the Commander's chamber."
"Then that's where the fighting starts." Pike nodded to Bryan and Octavia. "We'll dig in there."
A still wounded Bryan limped after Pike, grimacing as he stepped off the ledge and following Pike after a reluctant Octavia. Harley eyed him in concern, watching pitiful as Bellamy patted his shoulder in encouragement. She sent her gaze to Octavia, who was storming after Pike with a dark look. "Wait, Octavia!" Harley called, passing Murphy to catch up with the other who whirled around at the name. "Do you want me to come with you?" She asked, her tone gentle while looking at her in worry.
Octavia shook her head. "Stay here, alright?" She responded. "Help them. You'll be safe." Harley didn't like it, but she knew this was the best place for her, so she nodded. Octavia gave her a faint smile, squeezing her wrist before heading for the door once more.
"O!" Bellamy stopped her for a second time. Octavia turned slowly at the sound of his voice, her softness replaced with hard features as she sent a look to her breath, expectantly. "Be careful." His sister gave him a curt nod before finally leaving, following Pike and Bryan out of the throne room.
"We're all set." Abby's statement had Harley and Bellamy turning to face her as she spoke softly to Clarke. "Okay, you ready?"
Nodding, Clarke sat back. "Yeah," she whispered back. As Harley got closer, she could see they were now prepared, tubes connecting Ontari to Clarke. Abby calmed herself at her daughter's preparation, turning the knob that started it all. Crimson red blood flowed up the tube, to the bag as Abby turned the knob connected to Ontari. Harley watched as the new black blood flowed as well, being sent into Clarke's other arm.
It was silent as everyone observed the blood transfusion, on edge, waiting for something to go wrong. But Clarke remained still, making Bellamy smile a bit. "Hey, try doing that upside down," he mumbled to her.
Clarke smiled back, more relaxed at Bellamy's joke before turning to face her mother. "This will work," she said.
"And if it doesn't?" Abby countered, her voice cracking.
"If it doesn't work then she dies. If she doesn't try, she dies with the rest of us when the climbers get here," Murphy snapped, continuing bluntly. He outstretched his hand, narrowing his eyes at Abby. "If we're gonna do this, I'm gonna need the Flame."
Rolling her eyes, Harley mumbled; "Be a bit more compassionate."
But Abby was hesitating, staring back at Murphy who waited not so patiently. "Mom, please," Clarke inputted. "He knows what he's doing. You have to let me go." Abby gives in, stepping to the side and allowing Murphy to take the Flame from Clarke's palm.
The Flame was held in between Murphy's two fingers, glimmering in the sunlight. "Lean forward," he directed to Clarke, sounding much more compassionate and less irritated than before. Clarke became much more shaky as she complied, holding an outstretched hand to Bellamy. He took it, gripping the trembling hand in his own and giving it a light squeeze. Murphy noticed and double checked this was what Clarke wanted. "You ready?"
Clarke nodded. "Do it!" She exclaimed sharply.
"Ascende superious." Murphy's two words had Harley leaning forward, eyes squinting as she watched glowing tendrils erupt from the chip like a jellyfish. It was like the chip was alive. He lowers it to the back of Clarke's neck, and the pins attach themselves to her skin, burying itself underneath.
Harley jumped as Clarke throws her head back and screams in pain. She covered her mouth, horrified by the reaction as her friend grows more terrified before slowly falling slack against the throne. Nobody makes a move, too fearful, before Abby cups her daughter's face, whispering in horror. "No, no, no..." Her hand moves down to check Clarke's pulse.
"Clarke?" Harley whispered, her hand brushing on her arm in hopes she'd wake up.
"Is she okay?" Bellamy questioned desperately.
"Her heart's racing," Abby replied, her eyes flickering to Murphy. "Get that thing out of her head," she demanded. Murphy stood straighter, growing still before slowly shaking his head in a silent protest. Abby's stare darkens. "I said, get that thing out of her head!"
"No. Not yet."
It's Clarke speaking, after she jolts awake. She's much more calm compared to before, and Harley wants to sigh in relief. But she knew they weren't safe yet. Abby cupped Clarke's face, her thumbs tenderly stroking the skin. "Are you in any pain?" She asked softly.
In a equal quiet voice, Clarke responded. "No, I'm okay." She looked forward like an idea had suddenly hit her. "I know how to stop ALIE - I have to take the chip." Harley frowned, unable to process the new very bad idea.
Staring at Clarke in astonishment, Bellamy questioned her like he hadn't heard her right, blinking a few times. "What?"
"I have to go into the City of Light and find the kill switch," Clarke informed them boldly.
Murphy pushed his weight off the rest of the throne. "Yeah, sounds like a great idea," he comments sarcastically.
Harley couldn't help but agree. They've had some stupid plans, but this truly had to be the worst. "Clarke, are you sure?" She asked. Clarke's jaw clenched with a stubborn look as she nodded.
Leaning forward, Abby spoke to Clarke in a serious motherly tone, but remaining calm. "Clarke, listen to me. ALIE wants the Flame. If you take the chip, you're giving it to her. The second someone sees you, ALIE is going to know you're there. She'll kill you." She narrowed her gaze more sharply, desperately attempting to get Clarke to comprehend the danger. "If your mind dies, you die."
Mulling over Abby's information, Clarke took a second before replying. "The Flame will protect me," she said. "I don't know how I know... But I just know." Clarke spoke so untroubled, even with a slightly smile, so completely sure that the Flame will keep her safe when she takes the chip that Harley couldn't help but believe she was right.
"I believe you." Bellamy returned with a familiar chip in his hand that he retrieved from a dish.
A tear streamed down Abby's cheek. "Do you even know what you're looking for?"
"I'll know when I find it," Clarke declared. She wholeheartedly believed this was the best choice, but it seemed enough to convince Abby.
Abby brought Clarke's head down carefully, pressing a kiss on her forehead before whispering. "May we meet again."
"We will," Clarke said with a nod.
Smiling, Harley gave Clarke's free hand a gentle squeeze of encouragement. "You got this," she said hopefully. "Good luck." Clarke breathed slowly, sending Harley a smile of gratitude as she sat back, giving Bellamy permission with a final nod.
"We'll keep you safe," Bellamy told her, holding the chip up. Clarke opened her mouth, giving him access to place it on her tongue. Her mouth shuts, and her throat bobs as she swallowed it before shutting her eyes and allowing her mind to travel for the City of Light.
━━━━━━━━
Harley wondered what the City of Light looked like. She was curious if it was a place like they dreamed of, or what Earth was like before, with towers and bodies of water. She knew it was a place without sadness or pain, but couldn't picture what it really looked like. Harley pondered if it matched the title. If it was a full city with glittering lights everywhere, and whether or not it was large or small. It had to have been bigger than she assumed, as Clarke had remained still with her eyes shut even when everyone except her, Abby and Murphy left for the Commander's quarters. She must still be looking for the kill switch, even half an hour after swallowing the chip.
It was only Murphy who looked bored. He was sitting on the steps in front of the Commander's throne, chin resting in the palm of his hand with a bored expression. Harley looked at Ontari and Clarke briefly before heavily stepping down and dropping next to him. Murphy was startled at the new presence joining him, but recognized the sight of his sister, especially the features crossed on her face matched with the tilt of her head. "You seem bored," Harley commented. "In the middle of a war. Were you this bored in the woods?"
A snort came from Murphy. "No, but I was bored in the light house," he countered. "With nothing but a video of a man shooting himself."
"So the woods must have been a change," Harley shot back despite the pity she had for him in his time away.
Murphy rolled his eyes. "I'm sure a lot has changed for you too." He was growing irritated quickly, mixing with the guilt, and he hadn't known how to react other than to lash out. "Since when do you carry a gun?" His eyes darted to the holster on Harley's hip pointedly. "And becoming close with your friend, Octavia? I remember sending the note to - Claire? Cleo?"
"Clover." The name came out in correction sharply. Harley felt her hands that were hung in front of her tighten into fists, tight skin pulling over until her knuckles turned white. "Her name was Clover." She made sure to emphasis the word, watching as the taunting face he pulled loosened, turning into both confusion and regret.
Suddenly, a garbled choking sound filled the tense silence between the twins, sending them both whipping their heads behind them. Harley's eyes widened as their gaze meet the sight. Ontari, who was technically alive, was violently jerking on the table. "Abby!" Harley started shouting, forgetting the anger and grief, as she shot to her feet. "Abby!" She called again, following her brother in racing to Ontari's side.
Abby comes the second she hears her name, dashing to Ontari and observing the situation while Murphy pushes Ontari's arms down. The tube that was flowing Ontari's blood to Clarke was slowing down, leaving the blonde in danger with the Flame still in her head. "She's crashing," Abby stated. She leaned forward, lacing her fingers together tightly and pressing on Ontari's chest.
"Crashing?" Harley repeated anxiously. "Is - is she going to die?!"
"No!" Abby exclaimed stubbornly through the chest compression, unable to bear the thought of losing her daughter. Blood flows through the tube again,"No - it's, Clarke's not getting enough Nightblood. Her body is already rejecting the Flame." She continued the pushing, glancing to Clarke before speaking to Murphy. "I need you to take over, okay? Do exactly what I'm doing." She stepped back, allowing him access and rushed to her daughter's aid. "If the blood stops flowing through the tube, Clarke's brain will liquify."
Harley watched closely as Murphy managed to take over, waiting, until Clarke's once still body began to react. She started convulsing as much as Ontari, but with the black blood dripping from her nose along with a white foam from her mouth. "It's not working," Abby said, her voice wavering. "Open her shirt." Confused but complying, Harley quickly joined Murphy in unbuckling the belts holding Ontari's shirt shut.
"She's still not getting enough blood," Abby continued, spreading her medkit on the table which held her metal tools in straps. "We have to increase Ontari's heart rate.
"How?" Harley managed to choke out, not knowing much about medical studies, but figuring more than anything that a heart was inside a person's chest. Which only meant one thing. She stared at Abby in astonishment as she pulled out a silver scalpel.
Murphy takes one look at Ontari's chest and back to the scalpel before questioning flatly; "I'm gonna like this. Am I?"