Seizing Bullets

The Trikru Warriors quickly put Arkadia back together again and ensured that the doors remained closed. They weren't sure what awaited them. ALIE and her followers had left but Lexa was not prepared to take any chances, should they decide to return. She was keen, however, to get to Luna. Clarke was focused upon what lay ahead with the chip but it felt reckless for them to leave Luna vulnerable without any knowledge.

There were two Nightbloods from Lexa's generation that could mount a significant challenge to the title of Commander. Lexa had known this when she had spared both Ontari and Luna but they were calculated risks, and she had not felt their bloodshed would have been just. They were decisions she did not regret but now, they were possibilities for ALIE. They could be targets and ALIE had shown she would break people any way she could.

Her unease over the plan grew, as she knew what this might hold in store for Clarke. Clarke was set on the plan and Lexa agreed that it was their best way forward, but she wished they had any other way. While Clarke would take the chip, she was to work with Raven to try to find a way of utilising the Flame in this fight. It seemed ridiculous to both she and Raven that the first commander would not have provided the Flame with some defences. Bekka Pramheda had known of ALIE; she created her. She knew the flaws and the ambition that lay there and so leaving the Flame vulnerable to be simply taken would have been folly. There had to be a way forward, and Raven was sure she could find it.

'Heda,' Aden said, breaking Lexa's thoughts.

She turned slowly to greet him as he looked up eagerly at her. The Trikru Warriors were still working away at the grounds as she surveyed them, while Skaikru worked to get the settlement back on its feet. If they left for Luna, they would not be able to take everyone. Travelling in so large a group would give away their plans and position instantly and so she had to make sure they were prepared and had sufficient defences in place.

'What is it, Aden?' Lexa asked.

'Wanheda is ready.'

Lexa nodded and Aden began to turn but Lexa called out for him and he quickly was smiling at her, ready to help. Working with the Nightbloods had always been the hardest part of her duty. She knew what they were destined for. She and Titus has raised them to be able to slaughter each other. When she had first become Heda, she was haunted by what she had faced on Ascension Day and training the young Nightbloods had been incredibly difficult. All she saw was what awaited them. She had eventually learned to remove her own emotions from the tasks at hand of training the future. Her duty to her people had to come first.

'Aden, our people are still not safe.' Lexa started.

'Under your command they will be.' Aden said confidently.

Lexa studied Aden, knowing she must choose her words carefully.

'Aden, there may come a time when my life is threatened.' Lexa said slowly. 'We face a new threat that will test all of our ways. Will you follow your Heda?'

'Of course.' Aden insisted.

'Even if I call upon you to break our traditions?'

'What do you mean?' Aden asked, confused. 'Why would you?'

Aden looked horrified for a moment at questioning her but Lexa's lips twitched slightly into a smile. Aden instantly relaxed, knowing he was not to be scolded for his boldness at questioning his Commander.

Aden always wanted to serve his people. He'd been the most keen of the Nightbloods. Lexa had regretted it when she had first met him; he would prove a devoted and honorable commander but she wished that none of this would ever fall to him.

'This new threat can take charge of minds. Nobody is safe but it wants the Flame.' Lexa explained. 'To protect our people, the Flame must be protected above and beyond anything or anyone else. Do you understand?'

'Yes.' Aden said slowly, but his eyes reflected a deep conflict; he understood what was coming.

'You must stay close through this.'

'I will.' Aden vowed.

'But you must protect yourself.'

'I will do my duty to our people, Heda.' Aden promised earnestly.

'Even if it means leaving others to die.' Lexa emphasised.

She watched as Aden hesitated. He nodded, but Lexa hoped it had not cost all of his strength to do so when she had one last request to make.

'And if my own allegiance is threatened - if ALIE may control me - or if my life is put in danger, then you must save the Flame-'

'Heda-'

'Even if the price is my life.' Lexa finished.

Aden looked crushed. His eyes glistened and he looked away. Lexa smiled softly down an placed a gentle hand on his shoulder. He finally looked up at her, the resentment in his eyes softening albeit only slightly.

'Aden, having black blood is a burden few can imagine but you have the power to save our people. My life cannot matter more than all of theirs.' Lexa told him quietly.

'But you're-'

'Just one person.' Lexa said, cutting him off again. 'And one that has serve her people, and only wants to see them live in peace. Would you deny my wishes? If I was destined to fall under the control of ALIE would you allow me to become her plaything?'

'But Raven was saved.'

'If I fall to ALIE while I hold the Flame then there is no coming back for anyone.' Lexa said.

A tear rolled down Aden's cheek and Lexa stood up straight again, brushing it away for him.

'Death is not the end, Aden.' Lexa replied. 'Do not spend your life in fear of something that must pass over us all.'

'But you...' Aden's voice faltered, clearly nervous, 'you couldn't stand it after Costia's death.'

Lexa smiled proudly at Aden.

'The pain was great.' She admitted. 'It was a tribute to a great love. In that misery, I wanted to never hurt again but I was wrong. Now I would be proud to die shattered because I loved with all my heart and served our people to the end.

'I listened to Clarke's torture. There I was again...only I had to hear it.'

'But your love was worth it?' Aden asked.

Everyone in Polis had seen her love for Clarke. It wasn't something she had even tried to hide. She was proud of it. The only care she took was out of respect to Clarke. Aden had watched on that day when she had dueled Roan and he had witnessed the power behind their emotions for one another, even though neither were ready to admit it.

'It's always been worth it.' Lexa answered. 'Remember what matters, Aden, and you will be able to do your duty.'

Aden nodded again, his eyes blazing with determination but he swallowed tightly. Lexa knew what she might be asking him but none of them knew if they could even afford hope at this point. They had to be prepared for the worst, as ALIE was sure to try to bring it upon them all.