Atlantis

Chaoter Twenty-Nine

Faye walked through the city of Polis. It had been a long while since she had walked through the city.

Her peace of the city was ruined when a rider came looking for her.

"I have a message for Faye kom Trikru." A man with black curls and a pale face said.

"Who from, hosa?" Faye asked the rider.

"Nia kom Trikru."

"And who are you, hosa?"

"Rich kom Ingranronakru. She wanted me to tell you she rides for Polis. And expects a meeting with you as soon as she arrives."

"You are Rich?"

"Yes."

"I thought you'd be taller." Faye said. "Tell me, hosa, are you staying in Polis?"

"Only as long as I need to." Rich answered.

"Do you stay with Nia?"

"So she has told you."

"A while ago. I thought I'd meet you sooner." Faye said. The two started walking together through the city.

"I thought I'd never meet you. Nia told me about you for three months. Saying you two were like sisters and that I just had to meet you." Rich said.

"I'm sure she did. How long till she gets here?"

"A week at most. She travels with her brother." He explained.

Faye noticed Rich's stiff body and nervous actions. "What is it?"

"I hear people. They say the Ice Queen has challenged the Commander. I hear them talk of Wanheda. Some call for her death. Is all this true?"

"The Commander fights Prince Roan of Azgeda today. As for Wanheda... Who were these people and where can I find them?"

"I last saw them at the edge of the city. They stopped me and asked about news from the clans."

"Show me."

Rich led Faye through the city. Rich would stop and ask people for directions towards a certain spot he could no name, but he knew what it would look like.

"Wait." Rich stopped, watching a building that stood still was nobody around it. "Those were the men." He pointed to two men lurking in the shadows of the building.

"Are you sure?" Faye asked.

"Positive. They talked about watching her people die. Only words from weak people, but I can tell you think otherwise."

"I have orders. You're free to go now." She relieved him of her side.

"What are you gonna do?"

"Leave now, hosa." Faye ordered.

When he was gone, she approached the men.

"Hello, gentlemen." She smiled at them.

"Scram, kid."

Beating the threats out of the two men and following through with her orders, Faye killed the traitors who meant harm to Skaikru.

A bit extreme for Faye, but for Lexa, it's what needed to be done.

- - -

Clarke came to Lexa with black blood covering her face.

"A Commander from the Ice Nation. Now all of Nia's provocations make sense. And we played right into it. She knew you'd accept her challenge."

"I've never seen blood that color before." Clarke said.

"It goes back to the first Commander. When a Nightblood child is found, they're brought here to be trained, or are supposed to be."

"Nia must have kept her for her own. She must have been waiting for this opportunity." Faye said.

"Your legacy is no longer secure. There is still time to choose a champion."

"You know I can't do that." Lexa said.

"Heda—"

"Leave us." Lexa dismissed Titus.

"Titus is right. You're giving her exactly what she wants." Clarke said.

"Only if I lose. I know you're just trying to help, Clarke, but there's nothing you can do here." Lexa said.

"I can't just let Roan kill you."

"If that is to be my fate, you must. You're driven to fix everything for everyone, but you can't fix this. I have to do this on my own and you have to let me."

"Lexa, you can't expect us to do nothing. If you lose, your wish of succession could be thrown away. Ontari could be the next Commander."

"Heda." Titus had returned. "It's time."

Faye met Lexa's eyes. "Then, this is goodbye. For now."

"You have to do something." Clarke said.

"It's out of my hands, Clarke. I can't do anything until the victor is decided."