𝗟𝗜𝗙𝗘 𝗢𝗥 𝗗𝗘𝗔𝗧𝗛?, 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝟭𝟬𝟬 (𝟯)

𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐲

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chapter forty, Nonbelievers

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Nova stands near Madi's bed looking down at her, still impersonating Violet while Clarke sits in the chair in front of Russel while he stitches her chip back into her neck just like he did to Nova. "After the execution, we found more graffiti. Who knows what poison those escaped prisoners are spreading. One of them already killed Simone. If this continues, they are going to come for us. Right now, their rebellion is at a tipping point. Must crush it tonight. Get everything back to normal." Russel rants as he puts in the last stitch in the back of Clarke's neck. Nova continues to look down at Madi and sees she's beginning to wake up.

"When our people see all of us returned at once, they will fall to their knees" Russel sighs and Nova looks over at him with a deadly look in her eyes wanting to kill him right then and there but she knew there was a plan that she had to follow. "We should've killed you first. Once we're free, you will burn" Madi declares and Nova tilts her head in confusion as she knows that can't be Madi talking.

"Well, that's a little dramatic" Clarke says before Madi begins to fight against her bonds. "Uhh! You will all burn! You will not get rid of us! We are eternal!" Madi screams and Nova locks eyes with Clarke who's eyes are watery but she keeps her composure for the sake of Madi and the others.

"Guards, bring the Doctors" Russel orders and Nova turns her head towards the door that opens wide and Abby, Jackson, Raven, and the Guards enter. Abby freezes when she sees Clarke. Raven locks eyes with Nova and looks her up and down shocked that Nova's really gone, or so she thought. "She'll tear out the IVs. We have to take her again" Jackson says as he rushes to Madi's bedside. "I know what you're doing, Reyes. You think you're smart enough to get rid of me? If you don't stop, I will kill this child" Madi states and Nova definitely knows something is going with the flame in Madi's head.

Just as Madi says that Jackson places a syringe in her arm, drugging her and making her fall unconscious. "That's better. Thank you. There. How do you feel?" Russel asks as he looks around the room. Abby sees Clarke's face and begins to cry. Nova notices no one really cares for her so she looks away from the rest of the group and grips her fist tightly. "Peachy keen Josephine. Oh, stop it. I'm not her" Clarke scoffs and Nova sighs as she turns her head back to the group. "Yeah, you missed it, they were so easy to kill" Nova states as she tilts her head and Raven furrows her eyebrows as she looks to Nova.

"If it's too hard for you to continue, my healers will take your place. They're already familiar with the process. It would be no trouble" Russel states and Abby raises her hand, "No. I can do it" Abby declares as she wipes a tear from her cheek. "Good. Remember, this was the deal that saved you from the pyre. I'd hate for that to change" Russel says and Nova holds back her harsh comments and urge to kill Russel.

"Well... we have business to handle. See ya!" Nova cheers as she brushes last Raven and Clarke, Russell, and the Guards leave after her. "Meet with you soon dad" Clarke says and Russel nods his head as him and the guards walk the opposite way. Clarke grabs ahold of Nova's arm and brings her into a room. "Are you okay?" Nova asks looking to Clarke who is obviously thinking of Madi. "Madi..." Clarke breathes out and Nova places a reassuring hand on Clarke's shoulder and looks into her eyes. "Raven's smart, she will save Madi" Nova states and Clarke nods her head repeatedly trying to believe Nova's statement while Nova was trying to also.

"Okay" Clarke whispers as she lets out a sigh and clears her throat as her and Nova lock eyes once again. Nova forms a smile on her face as she looks into Clarke's eyes. Clarke leans in and places her lips onto Nova's making the kiss more passionate but slow. Shortly after, Nova and Clarke pulled away mutually. "I'm going to go with Russel and see Murphy and Emori. Let's hope they don't accept this immortal deal" Clarke says as she rests her hand on Nova's cheek.

"What will you do?" Clarke asks. "I- I'll figure it out" Nova says and Clarke nods her head as she pecks Nova's lips on her way out. Nova was left in the room alone and a tear slid down her face. No one cared that she was dead. Even though she wasn't that's what everyone else believed yet no one cared. Abby or Jackson didn't even give Nova so much as a glance. "Ugh" Nova groans as she rolls her eyes and wipes the tears from her eyes.

A couple hours later Nova met back up with Clarke and the guards and Clarke let Nova know what had happened to Ryker and that Murphy and Emori accepted the deal for immortality. They made there way to the great hall where Priya and Delilah's parents were at. "Priya. There you are. I've been looking all over" Clarke greets before she lets out a sigh and Nova tilts her head looking to Priya. "Josie. Violet. I heard you two had quite the adventure" Priya taunts and Nova smiles forcefully and looks to Priya. "Yes, very fun times and we can tell you all about it, but first we need your help with something in the Machine Shop" Nova states and Priya furrows her eyebrows.

"What did Ryker do now?" Priya asks as she takes a few steps forward. "More like what didn't he do. Dad asked him to wipe one of the prisoners, but he's completely lost his nerve. It's embarrassing" Clarke says as she rolls her eyes, living up to her role as Josephine. "He's never wanted to face the reality of our situation. Let's go" Priya says as she looks between Clarke and Nova and all of a sudden Echo jumps out of the hiding place and takes out a Guard. Gaia and Miller start taking out Guards and Blythe Ann joins in and takes out a Guard herself.

"Guys! Let's go!" Priya shouts and rushes towards Nova and Clarke. Nova wastes no time in lifting her head and kicking Priya straight in the face knocking her down to the ground. "I knew it" Echo says as she rushes to Clarke and hugs her. Gaia and Miller walk over to Nova and both pull her in for a hug. "We missed you" Gaia whispers and Nova smiles as she sinks into the hug before letting go. "You can come out now" Echo says and Nova turns her head towards the bar and sees Theo come out of his hiding spot.

"Theo?" Nova questions as Theo starts approaching her. "Nova" Theo says and pulls Nova in for a hug. Nova chuckles a little bit as she's a little shocked at the sudden hug from Theo, "Oh.. Okay" Nova jokes as she hugs Theo back and soon pulls away. "What are you doing?" Nova asks. "He helped us with everything. He killed Ryker for me and told us things about the primes. He wanted to help because he didn't think you deserved what happened to you" Echo explains and Nova locks eyes with Theo who sends her a nervous smile. "You helped my people?" Nova asks and Theo nods his head. "I had to" Theo whispers as Clarke walks over to him and embraces his hand which he accepts, "Thank you" Clarke greets and Theo nods his head.