The One Who's Fallen

Chapter 137

Lexa and I stare in awe at all of the people. Mom presses her hand on our shoulders, snapping us back into the moment. Lexa's shoulders straighten and she turns to face my mom.

"What do you need us to do?" Lexa asks.

"Clarke, you stay with the volunteers and the Mountain people to make sure they all know what's going on. Go through what will happen, what it will feel like, and make sure no one has any allergies to any anesthetics. Okay?"

I nod. "Alright."

"Thank you. Lexa, talk to the Grounder healers. I know Clarke has told you in detail about what's going to happen, and I need you to make sure your people will not be frightened or anything that could compromise anyone's safety. Alright?"

Lexa nods, her expression once again serious. "Alright."

Lexa squeezes my hand one last time before heading off to the Grounder healers, who have all unconsciously gathered in one corner of the room. They're close to the wall, which is a common thing for people to do when they feel scared or cornered. It's done so they can see the rest of the room without having to worry about someone sneaking up behind them.

I think it's a good idea to have Lexa talk to them. She's their Heda, and understands what may be worrying or scaring them.

I walk over to where the volunteers have intermixed with the Maunon. Most of the volunteers are helping make the younger kids smile and laugh, while others are talking to some of the adults or comforting some of the older kids.

I take out my notebook and pencil, once again thankful that I had the forethought to bring it. I talk to people as small groups to tell them all about what will be happening, then in groups of ones or twos to talk about allergies and answer any questions they have.

By the time Mom walks back out of the adjoining room, I'm done and have my notes.

"Is everyone good?" Mom asks as she puts on surgical gloves.

"There are a few people who are allergic to this anesthetic," I say, pointing to the name on my paper. "But I know it's one you hate using, so we should be good. Here's the list of people allergic to it, with their names and physical descriptions."

Mom raises her eyebrows. "Great job, Clarke. Do you know if Lexa's done?"

An unexpected hand on the small of my back makes me jump, but I soon recognize the familiar press and relax into it.

"I am done." Lexa answers. "I have made certain that everyone knows what will be happening. The healers are well-trained, and all of them have had at the very least basic combat training. They should not give you any problems."

"Thank you. Now let's get to work. We've made note of everyone's blood type." Mom says to herself.

"Why does blood type matter, Clarke?" Lexa asks curiously.

"Bone marrow produces three main kinds blood cells, red and white blood cells, and platelets. If the marrow is too different from the rest of the body, it could be rejected and killed off because the body sees it as an invader."

"I see. That is interesting, I did not know bone marrow could do that." Lexa murmurs. "You will have to teach me more about this kind of thing sometime."

"I would be happy to."

Lexa and I watch in the room as Mom does the transfusions. I find it cute how Lexa grimaces at the first sight of the (very large) needle that Mom uses. I don't blame her, really. I knew that she would be using it, but it doesn't make it any easier to see. I really don't like needles.

We help move things along, assisting people who are still a bit loopy from the anesthetics get out of the room so the next ones can come in. It's a bit tedious, but it's funny to see what people are like when they're like that. Especially the kids, they're less hyper, but talk more.

One kid asked me if I see blue as the same color as him, which I had no idea how to answer. Because one, whoa. Two, how does that kid even think of something like that? He's like ten. And three, how would I know? How does anyone know. Lexa has a good laugh at my dumbstruck expression.

"Okay," Mom says after the last injection is a success. "Now all we have to do is go around and make sure everyone's okay before we ask Raven to decrease the circulation of air slightly."

Lexa and I nod, and along with the other healers, we go around and make sure no one's showing too many symptoms of something going awry. Maybe the universe has decided that they've all suffered enough today, because while there were a few mom gets worried about, they all turn out to be fine.

I take out my walkie talkie again after Mom makes sure once again that everyone knows what's going on.

"Clarke to Raven. Come in Raven." I say into it.

"That sounds really official, Griffin. What's up? Is it done already?"

"Yeah, we're done. Can you increase the radiation levels? We want to make sure this works."

"Sure thing." Raven answers. "And... Slowing down the fans."

The Mountain people, well at least the ones old enough to know what's going on, look terrified. The droning swish-swish of the fans in the room slow enough for it to be audibly noticeable. The adults and older kids check themselves and the younger ones' skin to see if there are any boils. The pleased surprise on their faces tell me they haven't found anything.

"It worked." Maya breathes out after checking the last kid. "We're okay."

"Hear that, Rae?" I ask excitedly.

Raven's whoop can be heard through the radio's speaker, making people chuckle and beam as it sinks in. They're okay, they don't have to stay here any longer.

Lexa smiles wide as she wraps an arm around my waist, watching the last of the Maunon cheer and celebrate. She pulls me in for a brief kiss, a silent promise for more later, after all of this craziness is over. I lean against her side, grinning as I see a couple of the smaller kids start an impromptu dance party after noticing how happy older people are.

Aww, cute! Next chapter, Cage... And we see the last Maunon leave their bunker and go up to where their friends and family were killed... Fun, right? Thank you all for reading and for your amazing comments! Stay awesome!