41 - ALLIANCES

[ ALLIANCES ]

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   Sayah's eyes scanned around Polis as she stopped beside Bellamy and Clarke. People were everywhere, crying, sobbing, in pain, helping their loved ones up or mourning over the ones they lost. It guiltily reminded her of Tondc after the bombing.

   "She'll be okay." Clarke spoke up, noticing how Bellamy's eyes drifted around in hopes of finding Octavia. "Octavia can take care of herself."

   "That's not what I'm worried about." Bellamy replied.

   "She won't be charged." Sayah furrowed her brows. "Everyone will say Pike had it coming." And he did. She wanted to add.

   "Maybe we all do." Bellamy frowned.

   The trio had another glance around at the broken society. "How do we tell these people that the world is ending, after everything they've been through?" Clarke questioned.

   The world was ending. Sayah had found out by Clarke when she had explained it to her and Bellamy on the way down from the tower. That radiation levels were rising and soon Earth—their home, wouldn't be survivable anymore. For anyone. It was something to think about. Which was always good when it took her mind off of John Murphy.

   John Murphy, who was with another girl right at this moment. John Murphy, who was back in Sayah's life for a mere few hours and suddenly had to be pushed back—no, down, far, far down, into the back of Sayah's mind again.

   There was no time for explanations regarding that situation. Sayah had to remind herself, that there were bigger things to worry about. There were always bigger things to worry about. No time to be selfish.

   "We don't." Bellamy answered.

   "We can't." Sayah corrected. "Not yet."

   Bellamy nodded in agreement. "Not until we know Alie was telling you the truth."

   "It was the truth." Clarke argued.

   "Still, keep it to ourselves until we know what we're dealing with and how to stop it." Bellamy's eyes glanced between the two girls.

   "You're afraid of how people will react." Clarke realised.

   "Can't blame you, Bell. There's no commander at the moment, these people are left alone, facing the aftermath of Alie. . . it's not looking good." Sayah pursed her lips.

   "Yeah." Bellamy agreed. "Besides, I could use a break from keeping you alive." He said to Clarke. Sayah smiled at his words, holding in the urge to groan out a "Same".

   "You gave them back their pain, Clarke. Let's not add to it by telling them they're gonna die in six months." Bellamy spoke seriously again. Clarke nodded quickly in agreement.

   "Good." Bellamy inhaled sharply. "Once everyone's down, we go home, we get to work. We didn't survive this long just to let a little radiation take us out."

   "Thank you, for keeping me alive." Clarke said to Bellamy and suddenly Sayah felt like she was in the middle of something she shouldn't be witnessing. Before anyone could say anything else, a woman wailing loudly caught their attention. She was holding a man's shoulder who looked like he was meditating. . . Oh.

   Clarke rushed over to the woman quickly and Bellamy and Sayah shared a look. "She doesn't make it easy." He mumbled before the duo followed after her.

   "He didn't fall." Sayah heard Bellamy state as they approached the man.

   Clarke stood up from where she crouched down, a look of realisation on her face. "He chased me in the City of Light." She paused. "Lexa killed him."

   Sayah opened her mouth to speak, but suddenly her eyes darted around to see everyone looking at Clarke. Chatter and murmurs grew loud at the sight of her. "Wanheda." The woman muttered as her crying ceased and she got to her feet, backing away slowly. "You did this." She spoke in Trigedasleng as people began to crowd them.

   "Yep. Definitely doesn't make it easy." Sayah muttered as she glanced around nervously.

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   "Good. You're down." Clarke said to Kane and Abby who approached them cautiously. Sayah eyed the several warriors who stared at Clarke — or in this case, to them, Wanheda. "We have to go." Clarke informed them. "The rover's in the north woods."

   "What about the wounded?" Abby questioned.

   "Grounders don't want our help." Bellamy answered. "Our people we'll treat at Arkadia."

   Suddenly, a voice crackled through Bellamy's radio. "Hello? Bellamy, please come in." Raven.

   "Raven, you okay?" Bellamy spoke into the radio.

   "Yeah. Yeah, we're all in one piece." She replied.

   "That's good." Bellamy nodded. "There's something we need you to look into."

   "First, tell me how my friends are." Raven responded. "Did everyone make it? Clarke?"

   Clarke took the radio from Bellamy's hands. "I'm here." She spoke into it. "Thanks to you."

   Sayah quickly grabbed Clarke's wrist, pulling the radio closer to her just for a quick moment and added in, "I'm alive too! I'm not dead. Miss you, Raven." She grinned.

   There was a small chuckle mixed with static before Raven spoke up again. "I'm glad you guys are okay."

   Sayah then shared a look with Clarke and Clarke went serious. "Raven, did Alie ever tell you why she created the City of Light?"

   "No. Why?"

   Before Clarke could answer, a voice rang out. "The King! He's alive! We need a healer!"

   "Roan." Sayah spoke up, glancing between the two.

   "Clarke?" Raven's voice crackled.

   "Fill Raven in." Clarke told Bellamy and Sayah, handing the radio over before she glanced over to her mother. "They need a doctor." She then left to go find Roan.

   After informing Raven of the situation, Bellamy and Sayah returned to see Echo threatening Clarke with a sword at her throat while Azgeda warriors stood behind her.

   "You've got to be kidding me." Sayah muttered.

   "Echo." Bellamy spoke up as they approached them.

   "Hey, Bellamy, Sayah—don't." Clarke told them, hands raised high in surrender. Bellamy marched forward, Sayah behind him, both of them trying to move towards Echo.

   Kane pulled him back, reaching out a little further to grab Sayah. "Don't—"

   "Let her go, Echo. Let her go." Bellamy ordered angrily. Sayah understood his anger; he saved Echo and she repaid him by lying to him and leaving his people to be attacked in Mount Weather. Sayah would be mad too. And now, what's even worse, is she has a sword to Clarke's throat—it's like she's asking for Bellamy to do something.

   "Back off, Bellamy." Echo spat.

   "So this is the Azgeda spy," Sayah raised a brow as she scanned Echo. Echo sent her a dirty look. Sayah simply grinned at her, amused.

   "Your king is my friend. Let us help him." Clarke said nervously.

   "I saw you in the City of Light. I know you destroyed it." Echo replied. "Thank you for that." She pushed Clarke forward towards them. Bellamy caught her quickly. "Look around you." Echo began. "Skaikru did this to us. Because of them, Ontari, your rightful commander, is dead. This imposter stole her flame."

   "No. Wanheda saved us, all of us—Grounder and Skaikru." Kane stepped forward.

   "There would have been nothing to save us from if not for you." Echo argued.

   "Azgeda has no authority here." Kane shook his head.

   "We do now." Echo replied before she spoke loudly, addressing the people around them. "In the name of King Roan, as rightful caretakers of the throne of the commanders, Polis is now under Azgeda rule."

   "Like hell it is." A voice spoke up from behind Sayah. A woman passed her—the Ambassador, and approached Echo. "Where's your war chief, girl?"

   "Our war chief is dead, Ambassador." Echo answered. "As a member of the queen's guard, command of the army has fallen to me, until the king awakens."

   "If he awakens." The ambassador corrected. "Until a new commander can ascend, Polis is to be ruled by ambassadors of the coalition. If Azgeda wants it, they must take it by force." As soon as the words left her mouth, Echo had already swung her sword and sliced the throat of the ambassador. The woman dropped to the ground, blood pouring out of her neck as she gasped weakly.

   "Consider it taken." Echo stated. "No Skaikru leaves this city!" Then she raised her sword high. "For Azgeda!" The other warriors behind her cheered the mantra loudly. Then Echo turned and left without another word.

   "Looks like saving the world will have to wait." Bellamy remarked.

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   "Hey, what are you doing?" Murphy questioned as he approached Emori, who was kneeled down beside a dead body.

   "Stocking up." Emori replied as Murphy crouched down beside her. "What's it look like?"

   "Stocking up for what, exactly?" Murphy questioned her, curious.

   "It's not safe for my kind here. It's forbidden." She gestured to her other hand—the one Murphy knew she didn't exactly like. "Did you find her?"

   Murphy clenched his jaw. He hadn't seen Sayah since she brushed him off and left with Bellamy and Clarke. "No. Surprisingly, I couldn't. Thought she'd be with Bellamy and all that but I couldn't even find them—" He stopped when he watched Emori get up and move onto another person. "What's the rush?"

   "I have to leave this place, John." Emori explained.

   "So, what, you're gonna bail on me again?" Murphy asked.

   "I didn't bail on you." Emori argued as Murphy got up and moved over to her. "I came back, took the damn chip because Jaha said he would take me to you."

   Murphy crouched down beside her. "Hey." He nudged her arm. "Come with me to Arkadia." Emori froze as she turned to look at him. She simply scoffed at his words.

   "I'm serious, Emori, okay?" Murphy spoke up. "My people will protect you."

   "Are you sure about that?" Emori asked him. "How many times have they cast you out? Besides, Sayah will be there and you and I both know, this," She gestured between the two of them. "Doesn't look so good to her."

   "It's different now," Murphy shook his head. "They owe me, okay. Plus, I'll sort out the Sayah situation eventually—it's not like she's hiding, she'll want to talk about it too."

   Murphy didn't know if the reason he wanted to go back so badly was the fact that Sayah would be there and he'd be able to talk to her. . . or if it was just that he wanted a safe place again.

Although Sayah was a safe place in general, so it was a win-win to him.

   Emori sighed, glancing around before she gave a nod. "Okay." Murphy almost forgot where he was and who he was with.

   Murphy raised a brow. "Okay?"

   "Okay." Emori repeated before glancing down. "We can still pick up a few things first, right?" She smirked at him as she passed him a jacket. Murphy chuckled.

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   Sayah entered the sacred room following after Indra and Octavia while Bellamy trailed behind her. He shut the door behind them as Kane approached Indra. Sayah watched as they stared at each other for a moment before Indra pulled Kane into a hug.

"Well?" Clarke questioned Bellamy.

"You're not gonna like it." He replied, hands on his hips.

"When you destroyed the City of Light," Indra began as she pulled away from Kane. "There were a thousand Azgeda warriors inside the city of Polis."

"Good timing." Octavia piped up.

"Only way to remove them is by force." Indra explained.

"Then let's remove them." Octavia simply said. Sayah sent her an amused look.

"Slow down." Abby told her. "You're talking about a war."

"Yes. Rocklike, Flokru, and Broadleaf will join Trikru without question, but we'll still be short." Indra nodded.

"This is madness." Abby said quietly. "We should be leaving with the others while we still have time."

Kane shook his head. "They know where we live. If we run, they'll follow." He turned back to Indra. "There are eight other clans. How do we get them to join us?"

"I can do it." Indra said. "But I'll need the flame." She looked over to Clarke.

Sayah glanced over to Clarke knowingly, recognising the look of disapproval on her face. "No." Clarke denied.

"Clarke, the clans will follow whoever has the flame." Bellamy began.

"Azgeda won't." Clarke interrupted him.

"Then we fight." Octavia spoke up and Sayah hit her arm lightly. Someone was too invested in violence. Octavia sent Sayah an innocent look. "That's the point."

"No, it's not." Clarke shook her head. "The point is, there's no time for a fight. We have to save Roan."

"Save him? They won't let us near him." Octavia furrowed her brows. Sayah, Clarke and Bellamy all exchanged knowing looks.

"Wait a second," Abby spoke up, eyeing the trio. "What don't we know?"

"The reason why Alie created the City of Light." Clarke replied nonchalantly.

"Why?" Kane questioned, brows furrowed.

The trio shared a look and Sayah sighed. "Clarke, I think you can do the honours." She said and Bellamy nodded in agreement. It wasn't exactly something you're keen on announcing.

"Nuclear reactors inside power plants that survived the bombs are melting down." Clarke explained to them. "Radiation levels are already rising. If we can't figure out a way to fix it, all of us will be dead in six months."

"Alie told you this?" Kane asked her.

"Yes."

"And you believe her?" Abby added.

"Raven's looking into it." Bellamy replied like it'd soften the blow. Clarke nodded at her mother.

"I believe her."

"Why would she lie anyway?" Sayah shrugged. "It makes sense."

"Even if it's true, that's six months away." Indra spoke up. "There are a thousand Ice Nation warriors on the street who want to kill us today."

"They won't kill us." Clarke replied.

"How could you possibly know that?" Octavia asked Clarke, annoyance evident in her tone.

"Because we're gonna surrender." Clarke simply responded, and Sayah wouldn't have been surprised if everyone let out tired groans.

Sayah inhaled deeply as everyone sent Clarke incredulous looks. "Have I mentioned how every plan you have works but also. . . basically sucks?"

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"Took you long enough." Sayah mumbled as Octavia unlocked and opened the back door for her, Clarke and Abby. The plan was while Bellamy distracted Echo and kept her talking, the girls would go in and save Roan. So far, so good.

Octavia simply rolled her eyes. "Your king's on the table."

Clarke moved quickly and Abby and Sayah followed after her as Octavia shut the door. Both girls' eyes widened at the bloody sight before them. Sayah let out a whistle. "Damn Via, they were only guards, not pigs to be slaughtered." She glanced over at Octavia who simply shrugged. Abby stood still, eyes still on the healer who had a spear sticking out of his throat.

"Well, go save him." Octavia urged Abby on, who nodded quickly before approaching Roan.

Sayah and Octavia shared a glance. "We could've swapped places. I could've dealt with these. . ." She scanned over the bleeding guards. "Warriors."

"Too slow." Octavia shrugged and Sayah let out a huff of annoyance, nudging her hip playfully. Funny how the girls could always find a way to be silly in serious, life-threatening situations.

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Murphy felt Emori's hand rest on his chest as she stopped him from walking any further, motioning to the group of Skaikru that whispered among themselves. Murphy's eyes searched for a familiar face. Kane, Indra, Bellamy. . . He frowned. Sayah wasn't with them.

"I don't like this, John." Emori turned to him. He didn't either.

"Bellamy's right there." Murphy reassured her. "Just wait here." He told her before he approached them.

"Never a dull moment, huh?" Murphy called out to them as he grew closer. Bellamy's head turned to the sound of his voice but Indra soon scolded him and he looked away. "Bellamy, pay attention." Indra said. "She's part of the royal guard, spies. That's why she's not marked; very dangerous, very loyal."

"Not to the people who saved her life." Bellamy muttered, his tone sour.

"Bellamy, I know how you feel about her, but you can't lose control." Kane spoke. "You offer them technology, guns, whatever it takes to keep her talking. Is that clear?"

"I didn't agree to give them guns." Indra frowned.

"Well, that's probably because you're not an idiot." Murphy said to her. "Now, can someone tell me where Sayah is?"

The trio went quiet as Bellamy shifted his weight onto his other foot. "She's with Clarke, Abby and Octavia, helping to save Roan."

Murphy furrowed his brows. "And what if they get caught?" He asked, eyes darting between the three. His stomach twisted at the thought of Sayah being caught or worse. . . killed. "They're dead instantly. You guys better be ready to fight—"

"It won't get that far." Kane interrupted sternly. "Our objective is to buy time for Abby to save the king." He paused. "And if you want to help, grab a weapon, stand a post."

"Take mine." Bellamy slid his rifle off his shoulder and passed it to Murphy. "Might make her feel better knowing you actually care." He added dryly.

"I do care." Murphy snapped, taking the gun from him without hesitation.

"Yeah?" Bellamy rose a brow. "What about her?" He leaned to glance over Murphy's shoulder at Emori, who stood alone, waiting nervously. She scanned them all quickly once she saw all their eyes were on her. Murphy didn't miss the fearful look she sent his way.

Murphy clenched his jaw and let out an agitated sigh, turning back to Bellamy. "Bellamy, listen—"

"I got this." Bellamy said to Indra and Kane, ignoring Murphy's attempt at an excuse. He made his way over, and Murphy cocked the gun, following him and standing behind a large pillar as Bellamy walked right over towards the enemy. Murphy eyed how thousands of warriors surrounded Bellamy and his gut screamed at him to run. He didn't want to leave—Bellamy needed his help. Sayah needed his help. But how could he help them? How has he helped them at all? Besides saving them in the tunnels and not letting Ontari die, he was useless. Sayah didn't know he was here, only Bellamy, and maybe he did want to prove that he wanted to help, maybe he did want to prove he loved Sayah. But was this how he did that?

Murphy clenched his jaw, glancing up at the sky before closing his eyes and letting out a sigh. He couldn't prove it if he was dead. "Sorry, Bellamy." He muttered before turning away and running back over to Emori.

"What is it?" She asked quickly, noticing his fast movement. She had been ready to leave, he could tell by the way she seemed to bounce on the tip of her feet. Always ready to move quickly if need be. Always ready to run.

"Do you know what I said about being safe with my people?" He asked her. "Yeah, your plan was better, let's go."

She paused, tilting her head slightly. "And what about Sayah?"

Murphy's lips parted. Stupid, stupid boy. "She'll be at Arkadia." It wasn't a definite answer. It was a prayer. She was strong. Bellamy was there, Octavia was there, Clarke, Abby, Kane, Indra, and a few other guards with guns. She would survive.

And Murphy, Murphy was scared. He couldn't stay here, he couldn't be brave—not even for her. He hated himself for it. But it was the truth.

Emori simply sighed and nodded before beginning to walk away, desperate to leave the city. Murphy slowly followed her, eyes darting back to the others one last time before he muttered a curse under his breath and rushed after Emori.

He was a foolish, scared little boy. He wouldn't blame Sayah if she didn't even love him anymore.

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At least I'm not gagged. Sayah tried to look on the bright side of being caught and locked up in a cell with the others. Her wrists were chained to the wall, next to Octavia—who was unusually silent—and all she wanted to do was sleep. But of course, her mind went working again. She wondered where John Murphy was. If he was still alive. She nearly laughed. Of course he was alive.

   For some reason that boy always escaped death. She wish he knew how strong he was—he doubted himself too much, doubted people's care for him, doubted his self-worth. She wished before she had seen him in the arms of someone else—however that worked—that she could've told him. Told him that he was worth it all to her. Even if she was to die in this cell with the others.

   The rattling of chains caught her attention and her eyes focused on Abby, who was slowly making her way towards Clarke. Both Griffin women were on the ground. Abby brushed a strand of hair out of Clarke's face and behind her ear—the gesture was so motherly, so right, and Sayah wished she had gotten that as a child. She looked away after a few seconds.

   She heard small sobs from Clarke and quiet words be exchanged between the mother and daughter before footsteps grew loud and suddenly Echo appeared at the gate, guards flanking her sides. The gate was unlocked quickly and Echo entered, a stoic look on her face—one quite familiar when it came to her. Sayah mentally noted that if she ever saw Echo smile in the future, she'd actually faint.

   "Wanheda, on your feet." A guard ordered and Sayah's eyes darted between them anxiously.

   "Where's the king?" Clarke questioned as her chains were unlocked, she got to her feet carefully. "Hey, I need to see Roan." She directed her words to Echo.

   Echo didn't reply, only nodded to some men who swung a bag over Clarke's head. Sayah stepped forward. "What are you doing?"

   "Hey. Hey!" Bellamy called out.

   "No!" Abby struggled in the guard's grasp as Kane let out a "Hey!" The guards began to carry Clarke out, who struggled and yelled out loudly in their arms.

   Bellamy was calling out loudly over the other's protests. "Wait! No! Echo. Echo! Echo, listen to me!" Echo simply stared at him blankly before leaving the cell. A guard shoved Bellamy aside. "Echo!" He called out one last time before the cell gate closed shut.

   Sayah let a shaky sigh. All they had to do was hope Clarke was heading to Roan, and that her persuasion skills were well enough to convince the king not to kill her. Sayah tried not to worry.

   Clarke was good at staying alive.

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   "I know you've all come here for an execution." Roan's voice bellowed to the crowd he addressed, the crown of Azgeda sitting nicely on his head.

   Clarke had done it again—saved them all. Sayah used to wonder how she always did it. After a while, you chose not to ask. Just to be grateful. And Sayah was. She wasn't restrained, or gagged; she wasn't even frowning, only squinting due to the harsh sun.

   "But no one else will die here today." Roan continued. "The City of Light has fallen, and there is no commander left to rule us. Until another Nightblood ascends, I—King Roan of Azgeda, eldest son of Nia, grandson of Theo—am caretaker of the throne," He paused before holding up a small object in his fingers. Sayah didn't have to focus her sight to know what it was. "And keeper of the Flame."

   Murmurs and chatter grew loud throughout the crowd and a voice rang out in Trigedasleng. "You're a king, not a priest! This is blasphemy."

   "Not blasphemy." Roan replied. "Order! Until another ascends, Azgeda honours and will defend the coalition of the last true commander—Lexa Kom Trikru, including the thirteenth clan." Chatter grew in volume at the the King's words but Roan didn't falter. "Let it be known, that an attack against Skaikru, is an attack against us all."

   "Suddenly, I wish to bow before my king." Sayah mumbled to Octavia, who let out a snort at her words. Sayah grinned, but it fell soon after Octavia turned away.

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   Sayah watched cautiously as Echo approached Bellamy. "From your king." She said, handing him something wrapped in cloth that Sayah couldn't properly see as she stood beside Octavia. "With this, you'll be safe in any of our lands."

   Bellamy simply nodded and reached out to take it but Echo didn't give it straight away. She stared at him. "You think we'll ever be able to trust each other again?"

   "I doubt it." Bellamy simply replied and Echo's stone-cold facade faltered for a moment, before she took a step back.

   "Welcome back to the coalition." She stated to all of them before walking away. Bellamy watched her before turning back to the others.

   "Time to go." He announced.

   "We'll do our best to keep the king on his throne." Kane nodded to Clarke and Bellamy.

   "We'll find a way to beat the radiation." Clarke replied.

   "If either of you screw this up, we die." Octavia stated. "No pressure."

   Sayah sent her an unimpressed look. "Thanks for the optimism, Via."

   "This is serious, O." Bellamy replied to his sister. "If anyone finds out why Roan helped us, it'll be every clan for itself. The king will fall, and they'll come after us."

   "It's getting dark." Clarke spoke up. "Let's do this." She said before hugging Abby tightly.

   "May we meet again." Abby whispered and Clarke returned the words. As Abby pulled away, she glanced over at Sayah and both of them hugged quickly while Kane and Bellamy spoke.

Sayah pulled away from Abby before turning to Octavia. "Try not to start a fight with anyone."

"No promises." Octavia smirked and Sayah chuckled before pulling her into a quick hug. "Be safe."

"You too, Via." Sayah smiled softly as she pulled away. She shared a quick but meaningful look along with a nod to Indra and Kane before she followed Bellamy and Clarke out of the gate, heading back to Arkadia.

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a/n

alriiiiiight. wanted to get this first chapter published n out of the way

lets try n get sayah to survive praimfaya, yeah?i need sayah n murphy content too but just gimme a sec im working on it :)

ALSO LEMME JUST— I LOVE YOUR COMMENTS PLEASE YOU GUYS ARE THE BEST IT MAKES MY HEART DO THAT WEIRD THING WHERE I WANNA HUG ALL OF YOU

^ sayah after seeing what octavia did to the guards when they went in to save roan