Lightning Only Strikes Once - Clexa

Chapter 40: Sorry's Not Just a Word

They do not go anywhere that day. The Skaikru bury Pike and the others who died when the station fell. Lexa attends, and is glared at by most of the Farm Station as they commend the souls to the ground. Although both Clarke and Octavia have already told them it was Maunon weaponry, and although they have examined the darts and seen they are unlike weapons used by the twelve clans, they are still unsure. Octavia's statement that she saw the Mountain Man running away has gone a long way to dispelling any outright suspicion , but they still do not like her attendance at this Sky People ceremony.

When they ask who will speak for Pike, one of the men with guns goes to stand, but Lexa goes instead, forcing him back into his seat with the power of her gaze. She knows a little of Skaikru funeral customs.

"Today, your leader, Charles Pike, died for my protection ," she says, letting her voice carry. She does not bother with the pretence of timidity she showed with Pike – the sooner these people realise she is a leader, the better. She showed her mask of weakness and innocence only to Pike. For many of Farm Station, this is the first moment they have to get Lexa's measure. Her only concession is that she does not wear warpaint. Everything else about her, from braided hair to leather armour to her expression, radiates command and control. "When he was hit, his first action was to move me so that his body blocked mine. He took shots for me. He sacrificed his life for me. He was a hero, who will not be forgotten. I will owe him – and his people – my gratitude in this and all my lives." She lets sorrow show convincingly on her face, and places the dart pulled out of her body by Octavia on the grave.

The sorrow is for hurting Clarke. She feels no sorrow at all for killing Pike. Despite her speech, he will not be remembered, not for long, not by her. He doesn't deserve to be.

There's a pause, and then everyone choruses, "May we meet again."

They believe me, Lexa thinks. Most of them believe me. The lie is better than the truth – they would prefer to think he died a hero, earning them the protection and fealty of a powerful leader , than think he died for no reason at all.

Lexa finds Indra at the edge of the clearing they are using for training. She and Linkon are arguing quietly. Lexa assumes it is about the death of Pike, and moves closer to hear what they are saying. She needs to know their thoughts.

"At least let me and my Seken carry some of your burdens," Indra growls, "if you will not allow me to split them between the gonakru."

"I can carry my share," Linkon says stubbornly.

"Show sense, skat!" Indra glares at him. "You will lame yourself if you continue at this pace. I do not need to be a fisa to see that you are limping. You should have stayed in TonDC."

Lexa has noticed Linkon still favours his injured leg, but had not thought much of it – he knows some healing and surely would know if he were able to travel. Now she reconsiders. It makes sense to her that he would come even if he believed he should not for his health – certainly it would take a lot more than a leg wound to prevent Lexa accompanying Clarke if she was going somewhere dangerous. She clears her throat. "Indra. Linkon."

They both immediately straighten and face her, no sign of their previous argument on their faces. "Heda," they chorus.

"No doubt Octavia has filled you in on this morning," Lexa states, allowing no emotion to colour her words.

"I informed my Seken that if something was not meant for my ears, I had no desire to hear it," Indra replies crisply. "You are my Commander. I do not question your actions."

There is a slight pause, and then Linkon says in a low voice, "No more do I, Heda."

Lexa looks at him. "That is a new development," she comments, almost amused, though she hides it under her usual indifferent mask. "From what Indra tells me, normally you do nothing but question."