- ARTEMISIA -
"shut up or I'll start calling you artemisia"Sairah puts on her gear, her thoughts wandering through the countless scenarios that could unfold by the end of this war. The prospect of her people falling to Alie, or worse, Ontari, weighs heavily on her mind.
She clenches her jaw at the thought. Just the mention of Ontari's name makes her blood boil. Sairah sighs, hoping desperately that the Flame chooses someone worthy of being Lexa's successor. That's all that matters to her now.
"Let's move out!" Bellamy's commanding voice snaps her back to reality. She quickly grabs her gladius swords, sliding them into their holders at her waist, and hurries to join the others.
She watches as the Sky People hug each other, wishing one another good luck. Sairah's eyes connect with Raven, who takes a few steps closer, making sure she's out of earshot from the others. "I know we're not close and we haven't had the time to really get to know each other... but, please, take care of them." She looks up at Sairah with a pleading expression. "They're my only family."
Sairah slowly nods after a few seconds of staring at the girl. "Don't worry about them, just focus on your part, and I'll make sure your people are safe." She gives Raven a reassuring nod.
Raven nods back, smiling gratefully. "Thank you." Sairah responds with a tight-lipped smile before walking past her and heading straight to the rover that's already prepped and waiting.
It takes a few minutes for Clarke, Bellamy, Roan, Miller, Bryan and Octavia to join her in the vehicle, each taking their designated places before Bellamy starts the engine and drives them out of Arkadia.
-
The group has been driving for at least four hours now, resulting in Sairah slowly drifting into dreamland until the rover hits a bumpy patch, jolting her back to reality.
"There it is," Clarke points at something in the distance that Sairah can't quite make out, but she assumes it's Polis. "We stop here."
Sairah is the first to step out, her boots hitting the ground with a loud thud. She quickly runs up a nearby hill to get a better view of her home, Polis. The sight of the familiar streets stirs a mix of emotions in her. She recalls the last time she was here, just a few days ago, when she was shot by Alie's people.
As the others slowly leave the rover one by one, Roan is the first to speak up, drawing Sairah's attention back to the group. "Alright. This is where we split up," he mutters, walking closer to her. "The entrance of the tunnel is right over there."
"Yeah," Bellamy interjects, shooting Roan a look. "We know where it is."
Roan rolls his eyes at Bellamy before looking back at Sairah, his eyes scanning her face. "I'm gonna need the Flame." Sairah exchanges a look with Clarke, uncertainty etched in her features. She isn't sure if she's ready to let the Flame be put in Ontari. "Look, this only works if they send Ontari out to get it. If they don't see it, they won't do that, not much of a trap without the bait."
Clarke looks at Sairah, waiting for her decision. Sairah keeps her gaze on Roan, trying to read his expression, to discern the truth behind his eyes. She doesn't trust him fully, but she knows he won't jeopardize the plan, knowing she would hunt him down if he did. He knows that too. With a sigh, Sairah finally looks over at Clarke and gives a simple nod. Clarke walks up to Roan, stopping right in front of him as she takes out the box with the Flame inside. "Fine," she mutters, stretching her hand out while keeping a tight grip on it as Roan grabs it. "But I'm coming with you."
Bellamy is the first to speak up, shaking his head. "No way. That is not the plan."
"It is now," Clarke states firmly. "I'm not letting that out of my sight..." She spares a glance at the Flame. "And I'm the only one who knows the passphrase, so you can tell them that without me, Ontari can't ascend."
"Then I'll do it," Sairah says, stepping forward and standing next to Clarke, looking at her with a raised brow. "You're not the only one who knows the passphrase, Clarke of the Sky People." She mutters, sparing the Flame a glance. "Besides, I don't trust you, nor him, with the Flame."
Clarke sighs, shaking her head at the idea. "No, Sairah, you're needed in the tunnels with Bellamy. If there are grounders there, it'll be safer for our people with you."
Sairah shoots her a glare, hating the fact that Clarke is using her just to ensure her people won't kill Bellamy and the others. But she also knows this is their only plan. "Alright," Sairah mutters after a moment. "But get that thing out of her as soon as Alie's dead. Ontari doesn't deserve to have the Flame."
Clarke gives her a thankful smile before nodding. Roan steps closer to the blonde. "You'll need to look like my prisoner."
Clarke nods. "Okay."
"Wait a second." Bellamy shakes his head before giving Sairah a look. "You're not agreeing with this, are you?"
"I am," Sairah states firmly.
Bellamy clenches his jaw, frustration evident. He grabs Clarke's arm and slightly pulls her away. "Give us a minute," he says before walking away with her.
"Sky boy seems on edge," Roan mutters next to her, his lips slightly forming into a smirk. He looks at Sairah, meeting her gaze before fully shifting his body to get a better look. "You know, Trikova, once this is all over—once Alie is dead and our people are back to normal—" He starts. "What do you think will happen with the Sky People? We surely won't be able to live together, especially not if Ontari becomes the new commander."
Sairah clenches her jaw, her eyes narrowing into a glare. "You don't have to worry about that, your highness," she says, taking a step closer. "She'll never have that privilege." She smirks. "And as for the Sky People—don't fill your head with things that don't concern you, King of Azgeda." Sairah scoffs before walking away from him, making her way towards Octavia, Miller, and Bryan.
"Can't believe we're wasting time on stupid arguments," Octavia breathes out as Sairah reaches her side.
"Sky People," Sairah mutters, rolling her eyes.
Octavia looks at Sairah with a furrowed brow. "Roan getting under your skin?"
"You mean trying to get on her skin?" Miller mutters from behind Octavia, causing both girls to whip their heads around with surprise.
"What are you talking about, Nathan?" Sairah raises a brow, a frown creasing her face.
Miller shrugs nonchalantly. "Just saying," he mutters before sharing a quick amused glance with Bryan. "I mean, he's been talking about you non-stop ever since we had him locked up," he reveals. "Never said a word, just kept repeating that he'd speak when he sees you."
Sairah sighs deeply, rolling her eyes. The mere thought of Roan fixating on her in such a way makes her blood boil. Since their kiss, she's struggled with conflicting emotions, uncertain how to navigate her feelings towards him. She felt a mixture of confusion and annoyance, but amidst the chaos of war, addressing those feelings took a backseat.
She was honest with herself—she didn't like it one bit. But she hadn't found the time or the inclination to confront him about it. War had a way of overshadowing personal matters, and right now, their focus needed to be on defeating Alie and ensuring Ontari never took control.
"Didn't know you had secret admirers, Trikova," Octavia teases, her eyes slightly lighting up for the first time since Lincoln's death.
Sairah notices Octavia's shift in mood and is glad her discomfort provides a moment of levity, even if it means enduring Octavia's teasing as long as it keeps her thoughts away from her loss.
"Yeah, okay," Sairah rolls her eyes playfully. "You definitely need a break, Tavia."
Octavia's surprise is evident, but she smiles mischievously. "Hmm, never knew we were on nickname basis, Trikova."
"Shut up or I'll start calling you Artemisia," Sairah fires back, a smirk playing on her lips.
Octavia laughs, the sound echoing faintly through the trees around them. "Alright, alright, point taken."
##

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✓ 2. SHADOW HUNTER ᵇᵉˡˡᵃᵐʸ ᵇˡᵃᵏᵉ
FanfictionIn the aftermath of the Mount Weather disaster, Sairah boldly aligns herself with the Sky People, despite facing initial hostility. She remains undeterred, her resolve unwavering as she seeks to reunite with Lexa in Polis. However, just as peace se...