Osu Throu Daun Ogeda || We Fight Together || A 100 Fanfiction

LIV

- Jordan's POV -
It's been a few hours now and I have decided that I need to carry on with my leadership and duties. I move through the dim corridors of the bunker, each step slow and deliberate. My breathing is labored, and the weight in my chest feels heavier with each passing minute. I didn't realize my journey from upstairs would not mix with my health, but here we are anyway.

As I enter the main chamber of the bunker, I see people of the clans—hundreds of people—filing in under the watchful eyes of Octavia and the other guards. The tension is palpable. Arguments break out in small clusters, fear and desperation making people reckless. Octavia, standing tall at the front, keeps a firm hand over the process, barking orders and maintaining control.

I approach her, leaning heavily against the wall for support. I didn't want anyone to see my sudden weakness, but it is quite impossible to hide. The fatigue is bone-deep now compared to yesterday.

"Heda." Octavia says, turning as she notices me. Her eyes immediately flicked to my state. "Are you feeling okay?"

I wave a hand, dismissing the concern. "I'm fine. I came to check on the process... and to speak with you."

Octavia steps closer, lowering her voice. "You look worse than any other time I've seen you injured, which is nearly every time I see you, Jordan. You seem like you should be resting."

"I don't have time to rest." I say, my voice rasping slightly. "Neither do you."

Octavia frowns, crossing her arms. "We're sticking to the original plan. A hundred people per clan. It's chaos, but we're holding it together. Some are still trying to push for more spots, but I've made it clear—no exceptions."

I nod, though the effort makes me sway slightly. I grip the wall tighter, closing my eyes for a moment as another wave of dizziness washes over me. When I open them again, Octavia is watching me intently.

"Jordan." Octavia says, her tone softening. "What's going on? You're not just tired. There's something else."

I meet her eyes, exhaling slowly. "It's not exhaustion. My body... it's failing. There's lead in my blood and my body can't keep up. My body's rejecting everything. I don't have much time."

Octavia's face falls pale, the color draining as the words settle over her. "What are you saying?"

I look around at the bustling chaos of the bunker, the clans fighting for survival. "I'm saying that you need to be prepared to take over. I won't be able to lead them here. The second Praimfaya passes, these people will need guidance, and you're the only one in the bunker I trust to keep them united. You know and understand our ways, you're a warrior... need I say more?"

Octavia blinks, caught off guard. "You want me to lead the coalition? But I'm not... I'm not like you."

"You don't need to be like me. I don't even know what the hell I'm doing. Most of this has been with advice of the past commanders and Lexa." I say, my voice quieter now. "Plus, you've already proven that you can lead as well. The clans respect you, they listen to you. And they'll need that strength once they're locked in here for years. You've always been a warrior, Octavia. But now, you need to be a leader."

Octavia's mouth opens and closes, struggling for words. "I don't... I don't know if I can do it."

"You can." I say, feeling my legs readying to give out. "You have to. I won't be able to."

Octavia steps forward, reaching out instinctively as she sees me falter. "Jordan, sit down. You're—"

But before she can finish, my legs give out entirely. The world tilts, and I feel myself falling, my vision swimming as my body hits its new limit.