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The 100 have been on the ground for three months, and throughout that time duration, the kids all became resilient and solid. All of them proved to the council on The ARK, their old home from the sky, that they would survive, no matter how challenging or crucial the course was. Chancellor Jaha pardoned all the infractions and sent them to Earth to see if they were survivable. It was, and the kids used it to their full extent. They built a camp with tents, a smokehouse for food, a large tent for the hospital, and the drop ship for the Center point where major negotiations and delegations were made. They even met people, an outlandish group that inhabited the planet before them. There were deaths during those months, whether from the elements of disease or warfare, but all in all, everyone worked together as a team to keep things in order. Without that diverse balance of characters, then everything would go downhill. The Earth had been destroyed by a nuclear holocaust ninety-seven years before, and now the planet was survivable. Of course, there have been significant mutations in animals and plants due to radiation exposure. However, they were not harmful or threatening to the 100. The mutations served the new habitants beneficially.

It was a warm, early autumn day, and the group gathered firewood for the upcoming winter months. The past summer was hot and humid, with only a few downpours. Winter was unpredictable because no one knew what they were up against. Would there be enough supplies? Enough food? Enough warmth? These were the group's new worries. Blankets were salvaged from the dropship when it crashed onto the ground and found from the bomb depots, and more were made from the furs of the animals that were used for food. Food was hunted, rooted, picked, and preserved in the smokehouse. Nothing was wasted; each object and article desperately needed to be repurposed.

Bellamy Blake and Clarke Griffin were the driving leaders of the camp. Clarke was sensible and reliable, while Bellamy was trying to figure out what was best for the center, but it often backfired. Their perspectives were oppositional, yet the people still confided in him. Maybe it was all that cocky charm Bellamy possessed or that deep down, he cared about their well-being. Whatever the reason, Bellamy's tactics seemed to be working. On the agreed decisions, everything went smoothly. Sure, he was an ass when the 100 first arrived on Earth, getting everyone to take off their vital wristbands as a symbol of their new self-independence. Leadership was thrown at him, and at the time being, he thought rebellion was the best thing. Then, over the passing weeks, he and Clarke had to establish laws for the 100 to survive. Their non-mutual chemistry proved to be essential and needed. Plus, he was twenty-four, the oldest of the 100, and he was only there so he could watch over his younger sister, Octavia. He promised their mother, who was floated after the discovery of Octavia, to care for her. But, for a year, O was in Confinement due to her birth. Bellamy would do anything for his sister, and if it meant doing something entirely wrong to protect Octavia, Bellamy would do it. Come hell or high water. He wished it was settled on different terms, but what was done was done.

"Bellamy?" It was Clarke who ascended from the dropship. Clarke was a friend to Bellamy, but she thought they were more when they dropped to the ground. When she realized he could never have feelings for her, she was broken-hearted but had moved on to Finn. In this world, Clarke didn't want to be alone. She still clung to the hope that he'd see her way and display some romantic affection, but so far, nothing. Yet, Bellamy will always have a piece of her heart, regardless of feelings and emotions. At least, I can have that little part of him.

"Yeah, Princess? What do you need?" Bellamy said crisply, watching Murphy and Monroe cut up deer meat for the smokehouse. "Hey, watch where you are cutting Murphy. You are getting that shit everywhere, and we have to eat that." His dark eyes cascaded down to the fallen meat on the ground.

Murphy gave him an annoyed stare and mumbled, "Whatever you say, boss." Yet, Murphy continued to get blood and bone all over to irritate Bellamy, who shook his head and grumbled in annoyance at the guy. Bellamy and Clarke had exiled Murphy after Charlotte passed because he had chased her down, wanting retribution. He was nearly lynched for doing a murder he did not commit. It was Charlotte who did the murder, but she was so unstable Clarke was going to pardon her. Bellamy was also developing a sibling bond with the little girl before her death. Naturally, he felt torn and vowed that something like that would never happen again. Murphy could not forgive what Bellamy did to him, even though Bellamy was pressured to kick the block from where Murphy stood while he was being roped. Bellamy did apologize, but Murphy still had bile with him. Nonetheless, Clarke believed in giving chances to reborn one's ways, but Murphy was still Murphy. Bellamy believed that he would never change.

"I want you to go with Finn and Jasper to get medicinal seaweed. I need it for Raven, who has accidently cut her hand with scrap metal in her tent." Clarke gazed up at the young, handsome man, her eyes frozen, and wondered why she had to break his heart. If only . . .

"Alright. It looks like we must hunt anyway. It appears that the food is on the low end." He turned away from Clarke and walked towards his tent. He had to get his bow, arrows, walkie-talkie, hunting knife, and rifle. With everything that he needed, Bellamy exited swiftly out of his tent.

"Finn! Jasper! Come on! We are going hunting, and the Princess needs some seaweed. Get your crap and follow me! Bring your guns in case we run into any Grounders."

+

The three men walked out of the camp's safe havens into the wilderness. They hunted down a few two-headed deer, a large jackalope, and a tusked boar. Then, they hiked up to the river for the seaweed for Raven. Finn was the one who spotted the long, green plants swirling in the icy, dark water.

"Who wants to step in first?" Bellamy asked, a rare note of lightheartedness slipping into his voice. "Jasper, you do it."

"Why should I do it? Why can't Finn do it, or better yet, you, Bellamy?" Jasper asked bitterly, his eyes focused on the river. "It does not look very inviting."

"Because I said to. Don't make me push you in." The deep penetration was back, and Bellamy shot him a warning look. Scared of him (just a little), Jasper followed his order and stepped in. He gasped as the water brushed against his legs.

"How much does Clarke want of this stuff?" Jasper implied that he, Bellamy, and Finn had caught the seaweed, their knees soaking. They gathered it in leather pouches to carry it back to camp.

"Knowing Clarke, she'd want about twenty pouches filled," replied Finn as he continued to wade in the water, grasping for seaweed. "You can never have enough." The plants were slippery, and they all struggled to capture it without falling into the cold water. Jasper was mumbling about how frigid the water was, and Bellamy told him in a clipped tone to get over it. What a whiner, Bellamy thought with annoyance. The kid needs to grow some balls. What the hell does my sister see in him?

"The Princess always needs perfection," Bellamy retorted sharply. "Is there enough of that stuff to fill twenty bags?" Bellamy was getting impatient and exhausted with the two of them. But when wasn't he impatient?

"I think Finn was exaggerating, Bellamy. We bought six. I think it'll be enough, but you know how clumsy and arrogant everyone is." Jasper finished collecting and tied the two pouches he had tightly. He plopped them in Finn's backpack.

"Whatever. Let's get back to camp. I cannot trust Murphy alone in the group. He goes maniacal when somebody's pissed him off." Bellamy threw his rifle over his shoulder, grabbed the legs of the deer and the boar, and started carrying them. "Jasper, carry that antlered rabbit and try to keep up."

"Why is Bellamy so pissy today?" Jasper whispered at Finn as they trailed back. "He is out of it." Bellamy walked in front of them, way ahead, and shouted to keep a faster pace repeatedly. He had things to do, and his time was not to be wasted, whether it was necessary or not.

Finn just shrugged his shoulders and continued walking. "Let's just listen to him before he loses it." He could not wait to get back to camp and see Clarke. He missed her. Suddenly, the three stopped dead when they heard a cracking noise. The noise

grew a little louder, but suddenly it stilled. It sounded like footfalls, but they couldn't be so assured. The less the men knew, though, the better. They didn't want to get into another predicament with the Grounders. Though it was not that bad of a battle, it was terrible to go through. There would have been infinite casualties if the kids were not prepared like they were. One of the hopes was that no other contravention would occur between the two peoples. So far, nothing exhumed, but the kids were always on guard with the Grounders and vice-versa.

"What the hell was that?" Jasper jumped excitedly, dropping his gun, which made a loud clatter when it hit the ground. "Oh, crap!" Fortunately, the safety setting was on, and no shots were accidently fired. Bellamy and Finn both shot him an expression that told him to keep his mouth shut. Jasper has always been a little on edge since their first day on Earth. Well, anyone would be if they, too, got speared.

"Jasper shut up. And watch your gun. You could have shot me or Finn. As for that noise, it might have been a Grounder," snapped Bellamy. "Prep your rifles and standstill." He got into a shooting position, and the other two repeated his stance. Their eyes were round and focused on the seemingly tranquil forest surrounding them. However, its restful beauty was a betrayal as it took innocent lives. Bellamy chose that today would not be a day to get killed.

After several minutes, the guys relaxed, believing it was just an animal running through the grass. Nonetheless, Bellamy told them to keep the guns at bay and watch every step.

When they returned to camp, safe and sound, Clarke quickly grabbed the seaweed and returned to the hospital tent, where Raven was waiting on a cot. Finn followed her, and Jasper went to work on making gunpowder with Monty in his tent after he dumped the kill at Murphy's feet. As Bellamy started to walk to the food station and then to his tent, which was the largest among all of them, he heard someone call his name.

"Bell!" It was Octavia, who wore a wine-colored tank top, black pants, and her usual combat boots. Her dark brown hair was loose and fell on her slim shoulders. "Clarke was getting nervous about you guys being gone for so long. She was about to send out a search party. She was worried about you guys getting speared by Grounders. Or killed." Octavia gave her older brother an arched brow, and she stood with her hand on her hip. "I was too, big brother."

"Don't worry, O. If any Grounders come, we will shoot them, and there will be no more. You know I got this." Bellamy gave her a reassuring smile. "Now carry this meat back to Murphy and Monroe and tell Murphy not to get it all over the place. Or he can eat it from the ground." He handed Octavia the poor dead creatures, and she carried them (well, dragged) swiftly away. He smiled at his little sister, remembering both the joys and turmoil of raising her and watching her grow up. Now, she was a feisty and beautiful eighteen-year-old with a mind of her own but was also very down-to-earth. She was the one who first stepped onto the Earth as the 100 descended from the dropship. So free and completely ecstatic. The kids were mystified by the beauty of the world and the secrets it came with. Octavia embraced the warm sun and felt exuberant as she breathed her first breath of natural oxygen. She never felt more alive before that moment.

Bellamy knew he smelled like a dead animal and was grimy. He decided to wash up at the small pond. He continued to pace back to his tent to grab some clean clothes so he could wash the ones he had on now. He kept the rifle hoisted over his shoulder just in case he came across danger.

One could never know. Then, he started walking towards the gate. Clarke saw him leave and decided to follow him, but she only wanted to find out where he was going. When Bellamy spotted her, the sun reflected her long, blond hair, which, for a split second, made him stop. But he just groaned impatiently and thought, what does she need now?

"Bellamy, where are you going? You just got back," Clarke stated, eyeing the clothes he carried. Bellamy just took a deep, throated groan. She was a little taken aback by his unfriendly reaction and frowned. Does he need to be so cold and cruel to me?

<

"I am just going to wash up. In case you haven't noticed, I am dirty and need to get rid of this crap on me." As if to emphasize, Bellamy wiped some sweat off his forehead. "I will be back shortly."

"Okay, well, just be careful. We will contact the ARK later today, and we need you, Bellamy." Clarke turned her heel and ran back to the tent. When she spoke to him, she gazed into his dark brown eyes as if there was still hope for them, but she knew there wasn't any. What was left, was anger, and she frequently wondered if she caused it. If I had stopped Finn from kissing me, I wouldn't be so miserable. Otherwise, Bellamy wouldn't be like this. Clarke thought miserably, with tears in her eyes. Bellamy spotted the two of them kissing away by the trees, where a group of glowing purple and blue butterflies fluttered around them. For Clarke and Finn, it was a gorgeous and serene scene. For Bellamy, it was like his heart was ripped out of his chest and shattered. He wasn't in love with Clarke then, but he did have a little crush on her, and maybe that could have blossomed into something more. But once again, he was deceived because he thought Clarke was taking a liking to him, with all the flirting and smiling. Now, he believed she played with his mind and heart just for her desires, so as a result, Bellamy kept his distance. Who needs her? He had thought. His primary focus was to keep the 100 intact and no romance. As he heard, a massive group of young women in the camp found Bellamy incredibly attractive and a desirable piece of eye candy, but he didn't want anyone. Why? Well, he thought none of them were worth his time, and he was a teenager once and knew how driven and foolish hormones can be. One day, a girl can be all over you, and the next, like you were nonexistent. Bellamy did not need any of that. When the right girl comes along, then I will know and take her. She must be very spectacular and worth it. Until then, I just need to keep these kids from killing one another. Because of Bellamy, most of the 100 were alive, and he intended to keep it that way. Nonetheless, he did happen to find girls in his bed but felt nothing for them: just a temporary relief and an alpha male high.

Bellamy found the small pond a few ways from the camp, where all 100 were used for cleansing and washing. He stripped off his t-shirt and pants, removed the boots, and stepped into the cool water. He went waist-deep and splashed the cool water down his sculpted body, getting every inch possible. He was running his fingers through his black, curly hair when he heard the same cracking noise as before with Finn and Jasper. He swiveled his head, scanning the area, looking for anything unusual. The cracking became intense and closer. This time, he knew it was not an animal. Somebody was out there indefinitely, watching him. Quickly getting out of the water, Bellamy pulled on his underwear and grabbed his rifle, and with the water dripping from his hair, he yelled out. "Whoever the hell is out there, come out now, or I will shoot!" His fingers were on the trigger but froze when he saw what was in front of him, his eyes wide with surprise, his breath knocked from his lungs. What the hell?

There is only one reason why Bellamy Blake would drop his gun, and this was it.

Chapter Text

A slender, petite figure emerged before Bellamy; her long, sun-kissed, wavy blond hair danced in the cool breezes. She was silent and continued staring. The girl seemed afraid and a little embarrassed to be caught red-handed. Bellamy stood there, eyes wide, mouth opened, and completely dumbfounded. Finally, he spoke up, yet his voice was shaking.

      “Who are you? Where did you come from?” He asked, his voice even. He looked her over, and although he knew it was rude, he couldn’t help it. She was beautiful, more beautiful than any of the girls on the ARK and hell, even the Princess herself. Her skin was tanned, and her complexion was smooth besides the tiny scar on her high cheekbone. Her hair was blond but more golden and shimmering than Clarke’s, with thick waves that touched the bottom of her scalpels. What really captured his gaze was the young woman’s eyes. They were penetrating, an unusual color, and he felt he could lose himself in them.  However, no sound came from her, and Bellamy was growing impatient.

      “Please, speak up. Or go back,” he ordered. “I just need to know your name.”

      “My name is Lyfe, and I am Anya’s adopted sister and former 2^nd in command,” the beautiful woman spoke with a voice that sounded naturally seductive but sweet. “I left the tribe because violence, a brutal bloodbath if you want to know, was the only way in life for them, and I never want to kill anyone, right or wrong. Anya’s parents adopted me right after they brutally murdered my parents, who had the same perspectives as I do. They taught me, along with Anya, to be a warrior, which is a requirement to sustain living in the tribe. So, I had to go along, but I didn’t hurt a soul. Every time I went on the excursions, I watched in horror as the brutality unfolded. And I couldn’t do a thing to stop it. I never wanted that lifestyle, and because of this, my adoptive parents preferred her over me, and therefore, she became an ice-cold murderess, taking pleasure in that fact. I recently left because I just turned 21, the age in which you could leave the tribe.” Lyfe sat on the rock, her lean legs stretched out in front of her on the river’s edge. Her eyes, the color of new spring violets framed with long, thick, and dark lashes, and shadowed with charcoal, penetrated Bellamy as she scanned him. Much to her delight, she liked what she saw. A tall, muscular man with eyes as dark and mysterious as the earth, curly black hair that she could rake her long fingers in, and a sprinkle of freckles across a smooth, tanned face. His chest, arms, and legs were crazy defined, the veins peeking out from under the skin. They seem to be more prominent due to the chilly air. Bellamy glanced behind him for a split second as his clothes still were in a heap fifteen feet away from the water, and all he stood in were a pair of briefs. He looks so uncomfortable.

     Did this girl just share her life story with me? Kind of weird to tell a total stranger. But . . . maybe we are not.

    “That sounds very horrible, and I am sorry, but how do I know that you are not here, telling me this, and you are actually working with Anya to plan an attack on my people? People who were rightfully sent to the ground to try to start a new life.” The last part wasn’t true as Jaha took away everyone’s rights and sent them unwillingly, but Bellamy had every right to be suspicious of this girl. She came from the enemy but must have been telling him the truth, for Lyfe carried no weapons. If she were going to attack, she would have done it already. All she had on was the black deerskin tank top, matching leggings that accentuated her slim hips and legs, black leather studded fingerless gloves, and black combat boots, much like his own. She was short, shorter than Clarke and Octavia, but strong like both. She seemed to glow in the bright sunlight, as it caught the highlights in her hair and bought out the colors in her eyes and cheeks. The front side of her wavy hair is one she wears in a braid, then accented with small black bird wings at the end. She dressed like a Grounder but definitely didn’t act like a Grounder. I still need to keep my guard up, just in case.

    “I never went to battle with her, fighting with or against God knows what. I did watch it, but I backed off. That was enough to sicken me. Your people have done quite well and are getting accommodated to the natural resources. Even the way you hunted today without the poor animals suffering is astounding. Then you fished for seaweed like you own the river. The camp also looks very well civilized for being on the ground in a brief period of time.   They must have a great leader to inspire them.” She smiled at Bellamy, showing even white teeth. Wow, I never seen such a beautiful smile.

   “Well, Clarke keeps them working. She can get bossy, but she’s good. I make sure they do the job right. If not, then they have to answer to me. But, how’d you know that we set up camp?” Bellamy crossed his arms across his bare chest and shivered a little from the chill. He took a few steps forward towards Lyfe. She lost her breath for a second, then swallowed. He is sexy and, certainly, the best-looking man I have seen. He is almost perfect.

   “If you are cold, Bellamy, please wear your clothes. Don’t let me keep you,” She said sweetly, then looked away to give him privacy. Bellamy gave her a surprised look, then smiled because she was concerned about him and was respectful. Usually, the girls want me to take my clothes off. He quickly put his clothes and boots on, but out of the corner of her eye, she saw how his back muscles flexed as he slipped his shirt over his head. What would it be like to feel him? To touch his hard, perfect body? Lyfe could not imagine it, but thought it would be amazing, to say the very least. A bubble of laughter escaped from her throat, a sound that was rare to hear in her own ears. To Bellamy, it sounded wonderful, like when Octavia clapped her hands for the first time. Surprised by the small outburst, Lyfe apologized. “I have not laughed in such a long time. I can’t remember the last time that I did.” Yet, the smile never left her beautiful face, and her eyes still danced.

   “It’s alright. Now, how do you know about the camp?” He asked again as he looked her over once more. My God, she is lovely to look at. “Have you been watching us, Lyfe?” Bellamy was getting more relaxed, but he still had concerns for the 100. Most of the kids had demons, but for the time being, they were alright. Murphy is the one to look out for, he thought. He’d snap at you if you pissed him off.

   “To be honest with you, Bellamy, I have been watching you and the camp ever since you crashed. Your ship looked like a giant shooting star in the sky. I wanted to help you, I truly did, but I was still with Anya’s tribe. If she knew what I was doing, it would have been tragic for you and my fault. She and Tristan would have killed you and your people. I can’t let that happen, but you seem very strong yourself. You look like you could very well hold your own,” explained Lyfe as she pushed a strand of hair away from her face.   “I will not harm you if that is what you are worrying about, Bellamy, or anyone else for that matter.” Lyfe noticed that Bellamy’s eyes were locked on hers, and she looked at the sparkling pond so he wouldn’t see her flushed cheeks. She didn’t realize that he had seen the color rose along her profile.

   “Well, we have vital protection and security against the Grounders, Tristan, and Anya. If anyone comes to the camp, we have no choice but to kill them. Yet, I have reason to believe that they’ve been around. So, Anya is your sister?” Bellamy was softening, and he knew it. It was so unlike him, but this girl was captivating and warm, and he was powerless to stop his growing attraction. Damn you brain, and crazy ass hormones.  Going insane over a girl. Get over yourselves.

   Lyfe nodded and said, “She is more like a stranger to me, always has been, and always will be. I want nothing to do with her or her sick tribe. I want a new life, not violence. I do not want to keep you from your life, Bellamy. So, until we meet again, goodbye.” She turned and started striding towards the west. Bellamy noticed that Lyfe had an adorable walk, her hips just slightly swish-shaying, and he had the sudden impulse to run to her, pick her up from the ground, gaze into those glittering eyes, and hold her close.  His hands feeling the shape of her body, tasting her lips, ruffling her soft hair, caressing her smooth skin, tasting her perfect mouth (again) . . . but he held back. She seems so down to earth and is beautiful. I’d be stupid if I let her slip away.

   “Wait,” Bellamy called to her, and Lyfe stopped and turned at him, a confused expression in her amethyst eyes. Pacing up towards her, he gave her a radiant smile, and his eyes were solemn and caring. Bellamy felt like a giant rock was lifted off his shoulders, and the world became sharper and true. He had to find out more about this unusual creature because she was having such an effect on him.

   “I’ll be surveying the camp’s perimeters tonight. When I am done, would you like to meet me back here?” Bellamy asked hopefully, his eyebrow raised. He didn’t know why he asked but he felt like he had to. Maybe I am rushing into things, he thought. I won’t let her go, though. She is an absolute stunner.

   “Sure. How about when the moon is at its highest peak?” Lyfe replied with her pretty smile and impulsively gave Bellamy a hug. Just what she had thought, Bellamy was strong, and his touch was way better than amazing. It’s like heaven. His hands instinctively went around her slender waist; he held on like a vise, and her mind and heart fluttered to his gesture.  Feeling a bit alarmed, she pulled away, breaking the contact and the moment. She then felt embarrassed, blushed, and her heart hammered. To calm herself, she let a deep exhale escape. I hope he doesn’t think I am loose because I am not. She thought with a smirk to hide her feelings. Bellamy saw this and thought she was a million times more striking when she smiled. There was something very special and unique about Lyfe, and none of the other girls possessed that. At least, to Bellamy, they didn’t.

    “I am sorry. I have no idea what came over me.” She backed off and just looked at him, her eyes sinking into his. Bellamy didn’t seem freaked out or mortified by the gesture. If anything, he seemed more at ease. For the first time in a long time in his life, he felt happy and relaxed. All of his problems all of a sudden seemed trivial and unimportant.

“It’s okay. Really, Lyfe, it is,” he consoled her and told her that it was not the first random hug he had gotten. Jasper had hugged him once for when he switched places with him when Murphy was acting like a monster, nearly lynching him. I should’ve kicked Murphy out for good that time. Third chances, my ass.

    “Well, Bellamy. I’ll be here tonight. See you then.” Lyfe was gone in a blink of an eye. Bellamy stared after her for a long time, figuring out why he was getting his emotions all mixed up, especially when he had to look after eighty-four others and several other complications. Yet, he could not lie to himself either. He was undeniably attracted to her, and couldn’t fight it, and he didn’t want to fight it. The possibility of having somebody excited him in more ways than one. What will happen if the others find out? He thought tentatively. The truth was, he didn’t know, and he wouldn’t care what they thought. I need a life just as much as they do.

    Just as Bellamy was about to grab his old clothes and the rifle, he seen Monty running his way. Had he seen Lyfe with him? How could he? She was out of eye and earshot by now. He looked behind him towards the trees just to be positive that Lyfe was gone. All that was in the distance was the sky touching trees with their brightly changing leaves. Unless, Monty was watching the whole thing unfold, but it seemed unlikely. Bellamy decided not to mention anything and let Monty do the speaking. If he did say something about Lyfe, Bellamy wasn’t sure on how to explain it. Yet, Monty was too focused on his running, which relieved Bellamy. Wasn’t this the guy who ate a pinecone because it told him to? Weird nuts will do that if you consumed enough of them. I’ll just say that he was hallucinating on those Jobi nuts if he did see her.

   “Clarke is about to contact the ARK, Bellamy. She cannot start without you and wants to do this before the day is done. You’ve been gone for hours. Where’d you go? I thought you were going just to wash up.” Monty seemed to be overly frantic, and Bellamy wanted to slap him back into reality, but he didn’t. No, he had more control than that.

    Bellamy cut in, with an aggravated sigh, “Monty, shut up. I needed time for myself. Running you around, along with the other criminals is not easy. Now, get back to camp. Tell Clarke that I am coming.” He narrowed his eyes and gave the guy a scowl, meaning he wasn’t messing around. “Get going!” He ordered fiercely.

    “It’s just that she wants to talk to her mom. You do not need to be so uptight, dude.” Monty took off and left Bellamy by himself. He sighed and muttered, “I am gone for like what? Two hours and the whole damn world is in chaos.”   He then realized with a jolt that he had nobody to talk to in space except to tell Jaha what was happening. It has always been him and his sister since their mother got floated, then he made the mistake of taking O to a dance to enjoy something in her closed-off life, and she got locked up right after. Now since Octavia was grown, he no longer had to constantly watch over her and was responsible for her own actions. She hadn’t made any poor choices since the group landed on the ground. He had raised her as best as he could but often thought he could have done better. A terrible and sad feeling came over him then. Bellamy was alone. I don’t wanna be here anymore if there is nothing for me. Yet, maybe there is now.

    “It certainly took you long enough, Bellamy. What kept you?” Asked Clarke as she adjusted the headphones and mouthpiece so they could communicate the ARK.

    “Don’t worry, Clarke. I am here now, so let’s get this over and done with,” Bellamy said indifferently as he slouched into his seat next to Clarke.

    What has gotten into him? She thought with concern and gave him an admiring gaze. I hope nothing is wrong.

After the ARK was contacted, Bellamy continued watching over everyone and chopping wood so they could cook food that night. His mind and heart were not on the usual tasks, though. He could not stop thinking about the girl he met at the pond and how mesmerizing and beautiful she was. How the hell can a girl do that to me? Drive me crazy? Clarke doesn’t even have that effect. The 100 did not seem to notice his mood change, and if they did, then none of them said anything. Bellamy ignored the stares of the giggly girls as he worked, the wood dropping on either side of the trunk. He’d then seen Finn conversing with Clarke, reviewing a map for possible expansion. Those two, he thought acidly. They certainly do look happy together. Whatever. It’s not my concern anymore.

    “Finn! Come here!” Bellamy barked at him. Clarke’s eyes widened in surprise, and he wondered what he wanted. He waited until Finn was nearly face to face with him, for he was two inches shorter. Bellamy studied him for a moment or so. Finn stood there waiting, with his arms crossed and his feet apart. His expression was that of a pouty little kid not wanting to follow directions.

    “Yeah, Bellamy?” Whenever Bellamy told Finn what to do, it frustrated him. He always ordered him around, but Bellamy couldn’t do everything himself. Finn understood that. Yet, this time, Bellamy didn’t seem at his throat. In fact, he was at ease and had a devilish half smile, bringing out the perfect mole by the corner of his mouth. The tip of his tongue flicked over his top lip, which freaked Finn out. What the fuck was that about? Bellamy saw that Finn was uncomfortable, so he said in a firm, controlled voice,

     “I am giving you tonight off for surveying. I will take over your shift and check out every inch. Just substitute for me for Clarke, Finn. Make sure everything is in order. Do not screw it up. Otherwise, you are dead. Got it? ” His eyes had a mysterious, playful gleam to them. Which was weird to Finn because he never had that look before. What is wrong with this guy? He thought. Did he get ahold of those crazy nuts?

    “Y-you sure, Bellamy? I don’t mind doing the job, but if you are positive. Thanks.   And I won’t screw up.” What’s he up to, and why the hell is he so damn eager to go out there tonight? What is out there?

     “You’re welcome. Now report to Clarke.” Bellamy started to go to his tent to prepare for his night.   “Oh, don’t expect me until the early morning.” Bellamy watched Finn go back to his Princess. Let him have Clarke. I am looking for a queen. Lyfe could certainly fit that, and I hope she will.  

   While everyone was fast asleep in their tents that night, Bellamy grabbed everything quickly and tried not to wake anyone up. He didn’t have the time to explain that he’d taken over Finn’s job or what was really going on. But all that mattered to him now was the girl he met that afternoon. I know this could be dangerous, but I will take that risk. I need some enjoyment in my life. And with that thought, Bellamy exited the campgrounds.

Chapter Text

    The night was absolutely perfect, if a little chilly. Although the moon had not reached the center of the stars, Bellamy was impatient.   His heart hammered quickly and hard, and he paced up and down the pond’s shoreline, looking for Lyfe. Was she coming? Had she bailed on him? He was about to turn back to camp, have Finn reassigned to his job, and just forget about the whole damn thing. Bellamy was not one to be fooled. He was betrayed once on the ARK and nearly got killed for it. Clarke betrayed him the first day on the ground. Never again will he be degraded by anyone.

    Finally, Lyfe appeared into the full moonlight, her beauty radiating from it.  The beams reflected in her golden hair, bringing out her other unique features. She walked up to Bellamy and smiled. “Hi,” she said as she walked up to him. Then she stood a few inches before him, gazing into those dark, desirable eyes and watching the moonlight illuminate the tiny scar above his lip. I want to kiss that little imperfection.

    “Hi. I didn’t think you were going to come tonight.” Bellamy had a smile of pure relief and hope. Lyfe is more beautiful than I remembered, he thought. She looks so perfect standing there. She wore the same clothes as before but with a sleeveless white fur vest over the black tank. Her deep blue eyes were lined and shadowed with charcoal. The moonlight reflected in them, making the little starbursts shimmer.

     “Why wouldn’t I come, Bellamy? I was anxious all damn day. I wanted to meet you.” Lyfe wanted to run her fingers down Bellamy’s strong jawline but refrained. I may get to do that. Tonight, he looked perfect. Wearing a faded blue shirt, black pants, and the same combat boots, he looked, well…no words could describe how hot he looked. Absolutely perfect.

They sat at the water’s edge, reflecting on the shadows of their past lives. She leaned against his biceps, just for human contact. It was then that subconsciously, Bellamy took Lyfe’s hand into his as she wept after telling the story of how she grew up with a monster in the tribe and her parents’ deaths. I do not know if I could forgive them for that. When she looked back up at him, she could see the tears forming in his eyes.

    “Oh, Lyfe. I am so sorry. I still can’t get over the death of my mom, and I blamed it on Octavia. It wasn’t her fault, but I was just so upset about it. Damn it. I wish things went differently back on the ARK. It was my fault that she got Confined, and the Chancellor nearly died. But I was trying to do what I thought would make her happy. Octavia is the best thing in my life, and now I cannot protect her anymore. Now, besides taking leadership over a group of dysfunctional kids, I wonder if my life is just that.” Is that my true purpose?

     “Octavia has the best brother in the universe and is so lucky to have you. You were only watching out for her, doing anything you could. She loves you.”

    “Thank you. I know that she does. But maybe everything that has happened was for a reason. But, what reason, I don’t know, Lyfe.” Bellamy looked over at the stunning girl beside him, his fingers still interlaced with hers. Maybe that reason is her.

    Sensing his strong, intense stare trying to overpower her, Lyfe kept her wishes under control, but her heart was thrashing, threatening to crack her ribs. “You’re most welcome. As for leading, those kids look up to you, and you inspire them. Like any great leader does. But what inspires you though? Don’t you have anyone, Bellamy? Surely, a man as strong, sweet, and, might I add, good-looking might have a few girls around. I could have sworn that the one day I saw you with that blond in the woods, you had something with her. She seemed to be totally lost in you.” Lyfe grasped Bellamy’s hand tighter, a gesture of knowing that she was supporting him. Yet, she wanted to be much more than a support string. She had a feeling that Bellamy wanted the same thing.

   “No, Clarke is my co-leader. She thought we could be more, but no. She is smart and the Princess, but.” “Bellamy shook his head, black dreamy curls shaking. “I have kids to watch and no time for anything like a romance.” Yet, Bellamy had a playful, sparkling look in his eyes when he gazed at Lyfe. Her heart began to thump hard again, and she felt flushed. Get a grip, girl. Control yourself.

   ”What?” Lyfe asked. “Why are you staring at me like that, Bellamy?” Lyfe was a little confused but figured out his little game. He wants me to make the first move. To see what I’d do. But I am just gonna play along.

    “Nothing. Like I said, no time.” Bellamy could not resist teasing her, and he knew that Lyfe was enjoying it. She gave him a doubting look, knowing that he was up to something. You think you have me in your power, don’t you, Bellamy? She took him in, her eyes fixated on how his shirt molded to his chest and biceps, like a second skin to the muscles. He grinned when he caught Lyfe looking at him; her expression was sweet and trapped. Like a child getting caught for stealing a treat.

    “Like what you see?” Bellamy toyed with her as he flexed a muscle in his upper arm for good measure.

     “Bellamy, everyone has a body, and I was simply-”

     “Checking it out?” He toyed again, showing that same little smirk that curled his lip. “It’s okay. I am used to it, and I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t checking you out.” Lyfe felt the hairs on the back of her neck prickled and realized that no man had given her this kind of effect before. It left her breathless. It felt glorious, and she thought about the possibilities. Breaking from her reverie, Bellamy asked her why she was given the name Lyfe. He thought the name was beautiful.

     “My mother wanted her child to be good and caring. And to be the change in the hellish tribe. She hoped that I would be, and so I am trying to, not only for her but for me as well. I don’t want to be evil like Anya or the other Grounders. I don’t want to harm others. If I stayed, my days would have been numbered. I am glad that I left. I am never going back there again, Bellamy. Never.”

      “I am glad you left too, Lyfe,” Bellamy said quietly. She looked up at him then and saw that he was looking at her with solemn eyes and a small smile. As to add magic to the effect, the moon shimmered on the pond, creating a soft, romantic setting.   Looking up at the dark, starry skies, Lyfe sighed deeply. She was happy to be here with this man.

      “Do you believe in wishing on stars, Lyfe?” Bellamy asked, following her gaze. The stars looked like millions of sparkling, tiny diamonds stretched across the black sky. Yet, right next to Bellamy was even more precious than any diamond. If wishing on stars will get me what I want and so desperately need, then hell, I will wish until the last one burns out.

“I wouldn’t even know what to wish for,” she replied, breaking away from the sky and meeting his gaze. His eyes had that sparkle, warm emotion, and the need for love. He really is the most handsome man I have ever seen.

      “I do,” he whispered, his lips just ever so slightly touching her shoulder, and his breath sent chills down her spine.

      “Bellamy…” Lyfe whispered as she turned to face him. She did not know what washed over her, but the next thing she knew, Bellamy was lying on the ground with her on top of him. Soon, the both of them were kissing passionately. Bellamy kissed all over her face and neck, pulling off the vest. His fingertips caressed her arms while she ruffled his hair. She is like velvet to the touch.  She lightly grazed his collarbones, shoulders, and neck with kisses, moaning ever so softly but still very desirous. He tastes sweeter than the wild rose wine I found in the bunker. I can get drunk on him. And I want to. Anyone who doesn’t see what a great and sexy man Bellamy is they are blind. Lyfe continued kissing him heavily, and his hands, gentle to her skin, slowly caressed her back and slender hips. His fingers felt the definition of her spine, causing tiny shocks for the both of them. He looked up at her as she was still over him, his chest rising with quick breaths. She looks like an angel in the moonlight, he thought with a smile that could melt anyone’s heart. He carefully sat up, which made Lyfe sit up on his lap. The heat rose between them as Bellamy took her face in his hands and drew her closer. He started kissing her again on that perfect mouth, his tongue stroking its curvature and tasting its intoxicating sweetness. Oh, my God, Bellamy thought. This is what I have been waiting for. This one girl. He let out an elated and satisfied moan. Another wave of pure excitement washed over him, and he gently rolled her over and got on top of Lyfe. Although Bellamy was considerably larger than she was, his weight didn’t feel pressurizing. She forcibly pressed her lips against his, murmuring his name and demanding more, and he fulfilled her desired request. For once, Bellamy’s constant worry for others dissipated as he looked into Lyfe’s eyes and slowly pulled away. Lyfe wiped off the little beads of sweat that clung to his face with the tips of her thumbs. After a moment or two, Bellamy continued his deep kissing and thought about how a girl, with her given background, could be so lovely and kind. I guess there is a true beauty among the evils.      

     Out of breath and trembling, Bellamy and Lyfe collapsed side by side. After the both of them caught their breaths, she turned to her side to face him. She gently rubbed his soft lips, then kissed him on that scar that she had her eyes locked on from the first moment she saw him. She gave him such a smile that it nearly blinded him and made him dumbfounded.

    “You are so beautiful, Lyfe. “ Bellamy kissed her temple, then her mouth again, and held her close in his arms. “Kind. Loving. Perfect.”

     “I could say the same thing about you, Bellamy.” She cuddled closer to him, taking in his scent, strength, and magical spell.  Could this get any better? “So, Bellamy. You think you still don’t have ’time’?” Lyfe teased and played with the button of his blue t-shirt. Her fingers slipped down the collar, and his flesh felt hot and wet to her soft touch.  He exhaled a sharp breath and knew from that moment on that Lyfe was the one he was waiting for. It was for the best that he and Clarke didn’t work out. Finn has a princess, but now, I have a queen.

      “Oh. I don’t have the time, but I will make the time for you, Lyfe.” Then, he took her into his arms and held her under the stars and moon.

Everyone noticed Bellamy’s major mood change the next morning. He went from being cocky and pissy yesterday to being smiling and carefree. In fact, it was almost gagging. Clarke knew that there was this side of him, and Octavia did as well, but no one else in the camp experienced it. However, they were also confused about why he shifted. Some of the kids whispered among themselves as Bellamy strode past them. Along the corners of his eyes, which seemed to have a new life to them, scanned their curious faces. Let them think what they want. He thought with a smirk. I am a happy and lucky man. God knows that I need to be.

     “Hey Jasper!” Where are we on that gunpowder?” Bellamy entered Jasper’s and Monty’s tent, and Monty jumped up in surprise. They needed to refuel the rifles, and Bellamy needed to ensure they had enough. However, he was very pleasant about it and shown his enthusiasm.

     A stunned Jasper replied, “Monty and I made about ten pounds, which will refuel all the guns and will have plenty left over. Here, take a look.” Bellamy inspected the black contents in jars. He smiled his approval at the two as they shot each other with very apprehensive looks.  Jasper and Monty were bewildered at Bellamy’s unusual behavior, as they were used to him being a dick. What the hell has gotten into him?  Jasper thought. Did he hit his head this morning?

   “Great job, guys. Keep it up.” Bellamy gave Jasper a friendly slap on his back, then left the tent, with Jasper and Monty staring at him incredulously. Both of the guys gave one another puzzled looks.

    “A long way from ‘whatever the hell we want,” said Jasper, remembering the first day that they landed on Earth. “Why do you think Bellamy’s acting nice? That is some nutty behavior coming from him.”

    Monty just shrugged and replied, “Who knows? Bellamy is Bellamy.” He went back to building a walkie-talkie with a camera video so that both recipients could see each other when they communicated. “Yes! Damn, I’m good!” Monty exclaimed excitedly. “It works!” He high-fived Jasper and gave him a quick hug.

   “You, my friend, are a genius.” Jasper ran out of the tent to test out the new toy, and to Monty’s satisfaction, it worked. “I can see you, Monty!”

   “Dude! I see you too! Let’s have some of my moonshine to celebrate!”

That night, Bellamy gave Finn the shift off (again), so he can not only examine the campgrounds but see Lyfe (again). He left like lightning, and Finn did not say a word. He shook his head in total confusion but left it at that moment.

    “Clarke, do you know what is wrong with Bellamy? He gave me the night off again. Is he up to something?” Finn was at the medical tent as Clarke checked Raven’s cut, which was healing nicely. Clarke shrugged her shoulders in answer, but she got a little concerned whenever Bell took off from the camp. After all, the camp couldn’t function without him. I need him here. She thought disapprovingly. What if something goes wrong?

    “Bellamy is acting weird,” Raven interjected. “The hell should I know? At least you get to be with Clarke.”  She both gave them a naughty look. “Well, gotta go fulfill the King’s wishes of finishing up the bullets. Otherwise, he'll shoot me. But, I don’t think he’d noticed the delay.” Raven got up from the cot and said with a chuckle, “Finn, you are a lucky guy tonight.”

    “True,” Finn agreed with a wide grin, and Clarke playfully hit him in the ribs. “Shut up, Finn.” He still had the salivating grin. Ugh. Men.

    What could Bellamy be up to? She thought, for she had no clue. Could be almost anything.

   The second night meeting was better than the first. Lyfe had taken Bellamy to her cave, a recess hollowed in a mountain. It was furnished with a large, guarded fireplace with a lush, black fur rug in front of it, an old wooden table that somehow survived the Cataclysm ninety-seven years before, with its matching chair, and a queen-sized bed made out of pinewood with deerskin sheets and fur blankets and pillows. There was a small fur rug beside it on the rock-hard floor. Besides one of the cave walls, there was an antique wardrobe cabinet that stored all of Lyfe’s clothes and shoes. On the opposite wall, was another table, topped with glass bottles filled with herbal medicines and healing potions. On the walls were hand-drawn pictures of wildlife, flowers, and landscapes. Plus, a very detailed portrait of Bellamy. It was of him in his guard’s uniform, and his black hair was gelled back.

    “You drew all of these, Lyfe?” Bellamy asked. He studied one of them. “They are quite good.” He gave her a half smile, and his eyes held interest. Man, she can really capture my personality,   he thought with a smirk. Very talented.

   “Thank you. Sorry about that one, Bellamy. I couldn’t resist it. Someone should capture your handsome profile, though.” Lyfe gave him a cute little grin, than took Bellamy’s hand and led him to sit on the rug before the crackling fire. The flames felt wonderful against the nightly chill, and they cast shadows across Bellamy’s face, bringing out his freckles. He looks so very spectacular. Bellamy watched her, too, taking in everything about Lyfe. She is unreal. Like a wonderful dream, except that I am awake. She looked like a princess, no, a queen, as she sat with her knees bent on the side, and her face was completely absorbed on Bellamy. Her light golden hair was partially held back with a slender black suede ribbon, its strong contrast bringing out the highlights. The yellowing in the flames brought the color out in her violet eyes. How can anyone be so pretty?

    “You know that pretty soon, your people will have to know that we are together.” Lyfe focused her eyes on Bellamy, who never took his gaze off of her. “But, if we don’t, it may cause tensions. I can help you out with the camp. I know lots of medicinal treatments and could keep on guard with the Grounders. I can also help with the hunting, even though killing a helpless animal doesn’t make me content.  I am just worried about the group holding my past against me, even though I rebelled.  I come from the enemy and that is how the kids will perceive me. For the first few days, anyway. I understand the dangers of Anya’s tribe and the survival of your people. What Anya did to Finn and Jasper was wrong, and she should be punished fully. Yet, she can easily retaliate and bring thousands of skilled warriors to slaughter the camp. Tristan, and she will take great pleasure in doing so. As for telling them about our relationship, it may be too early yet, but eventually, it will have to happen.” Lyfe gazed into Bellamy’s dark eyes, searching for understanding.

     “I understand Lyfe. Tell you what.” He ran a finger down her jawline, revealing the smooth, soft skin as he caressed it. “I will take you back to camp in a few weeks. Hopefully, everyone will calm down and accept you. It will be hard for them, but they’ll get over it. If not, well, I’ll kick their asses. As for the Grounders, I have trained gunners, and Jasper is one hell of a sniper, so they’ll have to go through hell if they want to get to us. Until then, let’s enjoy one another right now. I only want you.” Bellamy laid down on the soft rug, taking Lyfe with him. He got on top of her, took off her shirt, and began kissing her.  His skilled hands and fingers skimmed over the top of her slender thighs and sides.   As he was doing this, she peeled off his shirt, revealing a strong body. In the firelight, his skin glistened, and she let her fingertips graze over his defined chest. He was warm yet sensuous to the touch. She wrapped her slim, strong legs around his waist, her hands tangled in his dark hair. Somehow, through the kissing, he untied the black ribbon from her hair. It cascaded onto her shoulders, and she felt his lips on the hollow of her neck and his warm, shallow breath in her hair. Lyfe let out an enticed purr and licked her lips. This man is too good to be true. So sweet and caring. And possibly dangerous. I need the danger. Then, she felt Bellamy’s fingers on the buttons of her pants, realizing he was unfastening them. She pulled them off in one swift motion, and done the same to his, and rolled him on his back. She touched the hard rock muscles of his inner thighs, which felt warm, to her fingertips, and she, ever so lightly, brushed her lips against them. The fine hairs tickled the tip of her nose, and despite herself, she let out a small, provocative yelp. Lyfe continued her way up, her warm, moist breath and lips slightly flowing onto his crotch. Bellamy felt electricity shoot all over his body in response to her tender touches and kisses, her breath taking control and numbing his mind. Damn. I want her right now, and she wants me too. Bellamy took over once more, and his kisses got wetter and more intense as he worked his way down her small, slender body.  Every inch was covered with them. “Please.” That one word slipped out of Lyfe’s mouth, and that was all that Bellamy needed to hear. With only the shadows of the cave, the roar and bright flames of the fire as oblivious witnesses, Bellamy and Lyfe became one. To both of them, nothing else could be more perfect and beautiful than this moment.

     “Don’t let me go, Bellamy. Please, don’t let me go,” Lyfe whispered, looking at him, her eyes shining with desire and emotion. The flames of the fire reflected in Bellamy’s eyes, and she could swear that she could view his soul. She buried her face in his chest, feeling the rise of his heartbeat. To hear another heartbeat is like taking your first breath all over again. She kissed the spot where his heart would be. She spread her arm across his chest, and her hand rested right above his nipple. She laid her head on his strong shoulder and closed her eyes in elation. I finally found happiness with Bellamy.

     “Don’t worry, Lyfe. I have no intentions to.” He kissed her gently all over her face, then her lips with a little more force. Lyfe tasted better than anything he had ever tasted in his life, and he hungered for more. And he was going to make damn sure his desires were fulfilled. With a stupid ass smile across his face, his arm tightened around the small of her back, and he kissed her once more. “I promise. I won’t let you go.”

Chapter Text

    “Bellamy!” Octavia entered his tent a few mornings later, uninvited. He had only come in half an hour ago from seeing Lyfe, but now everyone, including his sister, was suspicious of his whereabouts. “Nice to see you too, O.” He said with a tired glint in his dark eyes and rubbed them gently to get the blurriness out. There is no time for sleep when you work all day and fuck all night. Wouldn’t have it any other way, Bellamy thought with a dirty smile. Octavia pretended not to see that and continued her purpose of being in his tent.

    “Where the hell have you been the past few nights? And don’t tell me that you’ve been surveying for Grounders. You left your gun and walkie-talkie here last night.” Octavia crossed her arms, her green eyes shooting bloody daggers at her brother. “There isn’t any danger, is there?”

    “No. Did Clarke send you in here?” He asked critically as he went to lay down on his bed, a combo of furs and an air mattress. He stretched his long legs out before him and placed his hands behind his head.

    Octavia shook her head and replied in the same tone, “No, Bell. I am worried about you. I do not know what is going on, and there are a million possibilities of what could happen. Grounders, acid fog, serious injuries. If you get lost and hurt, we will lose ourselves.”

    “Octavia, do not worry about me. I think I know my way around the woods pretty well.” Then, Bellamy smiled. “It’s funny, O. You always tell me not to worry about you, but now you are doing the opposite. I guess I raised you right.” He remembered the good times that the two of them had and the bad. Yet, it was those that made the Blake siblings strong and resilient.

    “You did, Bellamy. Mom did her best as well, given the circumstances. I was just worried about you. Is everything okay?” Octavia’s features softened, and she sat on the edge of the bed. He is hiding something from me, just by the way he is avoiding my questions. I thought we shared everything. He seems very happy for whatever it may be..

    Her eyes glanced around the vast tent and settled on something unusual. She was transfixed on a piece of paper propped against a rock on the metal crate used as a nightstand. Bellamy noticed that Octavia was glancing at a sketch of Lyfe that he tried to capture but wound up looking a little distorted. Yet, it was still very recognizable. He quickly snatched it, and tucked it under his arm as if he didn’t want her to see it.

    “Bell, what was that? Did Clarke give that to you?” Octavia asked suspiciously, tilting her head a little. If she did, then why? There is something definitely going on that he doesn’t want me to know about.

    “It’s nothing, and Clarke didn’t give it to me.” Bellamy’s response was curt but not unkind, and that closed the door on the subject.

    “If you say so. Are you sure nothing’s going on, Bellamy? I am just worried.”

    “Everything is fine, O. You’ll find out soon enough,” he reassured his little sister and gave her a hug. Octavia loves me so much. Bellamy thought. I am lucky to have her.

    “Well, I better get back to work. The meat won’t preserve by itself.” Octavia hopped off the bed and started to trot off to the smokehouse, but she stopped and turned to look at Bellamy. “I love you, big brother.”

    “I love you too, Octavia,” Bellamy whispered. “Now, get out. I was up working all night and need a nap.”

    Suddenly, a commotion broke in the camp, and Bellamy immediately got out to investigate it. It was Murphy and a kid named Del arguing about the rising heat in the smokehouse. Smoke was coming out of the roof at an alarming rate, and Octavia ran quickly inside to extinguish it. Bellamy pushed his way through the crowd, which was speculating the situation. He got in between Murphy and Del, who accidentally punched Bellamy right in the jaw, which was intended for Murphy. It made a loud cracking sensation that vibrated throughout his face. Del was immediately remorseful as Bellamy gave him a death glare and rubbed his jaw.

    “Son of a bitch!” Bellamy swore. “What the hell, Del?”

    “Sorry, Bellamy. Murphy’s being an asshole,” Del apologized lamely. “It was meant for him.” Del gave Murphy a dirty look. “Again, I am sorry.” He shrank a few inches when Bellamy towered over him, making him look fearful and domineering. Please don’t kill me, Del thought shakily. Kill Murphy.

    “Save it for the Grounders, Del. What the hell happened here?” Bellamy still rubbed his throbbing jaw, and a bruise was forming. “The damn smokehouse could’ve exploded, and people would have gotten hurt, or worse. Lucky I got here to save your ungrateful asses.” He then averted his gaze to Murphy, who was cackling like the idiot he was.

    “Del was adding too much wood to the fire in the smokehouse, and I just told him to stop,” explained Murphy cryptically. “Someone has to run things around here while you are away, Bellamy. Who knows what the fuck you do when you are out during the night? Perhaps, pounding a Grounder.” Murphy had an evil smile across his face, which seemed to bring out his prominent eyes and nose. Del just rolled his eyes and took off somewhere, maybe to his tent. Coward, Murphy thought. Can’t take the blame.

    “Fuck you!” Bellamy spat at him. He can’t possibly know about Lyfe, can he? “The hell you will run things, Murphy, and I do my job out there. Risking my life for you. If I didn’t, then you all would be dead. But I guess you don’t care about that, do you?” Bellamy snapped. “You and Del stay away from one another the rest of today. I do not want any fighting in the camp. Do you understand?” He stared Murphy down because he knew Murphy couldn’t stand up to him. Well, not anymore.

    “Yeah, whatever, Bellamy. The commoners must work to satisfy the King and the Princess,” Murphy retorted vehemently, and Bellamy had to keep his cool so he wouldn’t attack him. He was not going to stoop down to Murphy’s sick level. Besides, he had other things on his mind that were far better than Murphy. The guy’s a monstrous dick.

    “Everyone! Get back to work! Show’s over!” shouted Bellamy to the thickening crowd. The kids descended and went about their business, groaning and mumbling.

    The rest of the day was rough, as the kids were slacking off with the camp’s duties, and Bellamy and Clarke had to keep everyone in line. It was very tiring for both of them, and their own work was behind schedule. Ah, fuck it, he thought with annoyance. While the group was cooking meat on the bonfire and everyone had calmed down, Bellamy started to slip away to his tent. He was getting ready to do surveying (in other words, seeing Lyfe) again. Just before Bellamy stepped in, Finn stopped him in his tracks, blocking the tent’s opening outside.

    “Pulling an all-nighter again, Bellamy?” Finn pressed accusingly. “You have been doing that A LOT lately. I am guessing that I am off again, as are the other surveyors. What is really going on?” Bellamy tried to walk past him, but Finn blocked him, moving along to Bellamy’s footwork. What the hell is this? Bellamy thought bitterly. A dance contest?

    “Let me go, Finn. I have a job to do here,” he growled at him. His eyes, dark as the night, shot unemotional stares as he looked down at Finn. “Move it!” He seethed, his voice dark and deep, and ready to push Finn to the cold, hard ground. At this point, Bellamy didn’t give a damn.

    “Not until you tell me what the hell you’ve been doing out there at night. And do not give me shit about the Grounders. They have not been around lately, and I highly believe that there is something going on with you.” Finn now had his arms crossed, and a stubborn line clenched his jaw. He would not let Bellamy leave the camp until he had some answers. We may be here all night.Bellamy took a sigh of defeat and could see that Finn was never going to shut up unless he knew the truth about Lyfe.

    “Come back inside with me in my tent, Finn. But I am only telling YOU this for now. The others will know tomorrow.” A group of kids stared at the two men silently, and a few snickered. Great. Now, it’s a free-for-all.

Finn listened in total disbelief and shock as Finn told him about how Lyfe met, how he had been gone all night from spending time with her, and eventually, the fact that they were deeply, madly, and passionately in love. After Bellamy finished telling him everything, Finn collected everything all at once. Man, Bellamy Blake. You sure are confusing. He thought, shaking his head, then running a hand through his long hair. Is he fucking serious?

    “How long have you been seeing her? Clarke doesn’t know, or Octavia?” He asked, and Bellamy shook his head. “Two and a half to three weeks, but it feels like a lifetime. As for Octavia, I wanted to tell her this morning, but I was afraid to. She might get upset, and I don’t want to lose her, Finn. Besides Lyfe, she is all I have.”

    “Dude, that is intense. You of all people, fallen for a Grounder-” Finn stopped when Bell gave him an intense scowl.

    “Former Grounder,” corrected Bellamy in a brusque tone. “And Lyfe is the opposite of Anya. Total opposite. She hasn’t hurt anyone, and the very thought makes her upset. I couldn’t believe it at first, but it happened so fast and unexpectedly. I didn’t want to stop because I desired something that I never had. When you meet Lyfe, and see her, you’ll know what I mean. I feel like my life has finally rewarded me. God knows that I need to be happy once in a while.” Otherwise, what is the point of living? Of breathing when you have nothing to breathe for?

    “Former Grounder,” Finn repeated, trying to get used to the idea. “Sorry. It is just that all of this sounds completely dangerous and unbelievable. Like I said, I can’t imagine you with someone whose former tribe wants us all dead. Yet, maybe there is hope to settle the dust with them. If you love her, Bellamy, and are happy, that is all that matters. You went through hell all your life, as we all did, but if you found somebody who can put a smile on your face, then I guess it’s all worth it in the end. Lyfe sounds too good to be true, in my opinion, and if she comes to the camp, she might be a great help to us. Given her background, the kids may not be so nice to her, especially the girls, and they might feel threatened. Especially if you say, she is impossibly attractive. I hope you realize this is a huge risk, not just for you but all of us.” Finn knew it didn’t matter what he said to Bellamy because he would do the opposite anyway. It was still worth a shot.

    “I just want to know something Bellamy.” Finn’s usual carefree, fun-loving eyes were serious for a moment.

    “What?” Bellamy asked as he was grabbing everything again for the night. Jasper and Monty were still excited about the rifle, the dagger, and his walkie-talkie with the video camera. Bellamy had to admit it was pretty cool and very necessary. I gotta give them credit for their smart brains.

    “You could have any one of the girls in the camp, who would all drop their panties for you in the instant they see you smile at them. What makes Lyfe different from them?” Finn asked. “I don’t know if the Grounders will revolt because of this. They fight for no reason, Bellamy.”

   “The girls here are all the same, Finn. Spoiled, selfish, and stuck up.” When he saw Finn frown at that, he added, “Except for Clarke. Lyfe is beautiful, smart, sweet, kind, and will take a bullet for you. She has helped me in more ways than one. Besides my sister, she made me into a better person. Now, I can’t imagine my life without her. I promise you, Finn. It is going to be fine. No Grounders, no war. No chaos. Now, I need to go.” Bellamy pushed Finn aside gently, then turned to face him. “Remember, not a word about this, Finn.” Then, he was off to meet his Queen.

    “Not a word, Bellamy,” Finn said quietly and went to help out Clarke with ARK communications. The ARK was constructing a plan to return to Earth. The resources and oxygen levels were running dangerously low, and there was no choice but to live on the planet or die in space. One of the many major problems was that so many people would have to make a life-and-death decision. Another was to figure how to launch the ARK without it exploding in midair. The pressure was on the engineers, especially Sinclair, who dedicated his whole life to ensuring that all stations had adequate oxygen levels and resources to live by. So far, only Clarke’s mother, Abby, Kane, and Jaha were all for it. The rest of the ARK were tied and were unsure of their future.

As Bellamy and Lyfe lay in bed at her cave, listening to the nightly sounds of nature and the fire crackling, she rubbed the bruise he had received earlier. Her gentle fingertips caressing the large black and blue mark made Bellamy’s heart race. Then, as if to make it magically better, she started kissing it, her mouth finding the sharp edge. She really is amazing.

   “Does that hurt?” She asked in a concerned, sweet voice. “My poor Bellamy.” Lyfe kissed his bruise again and continued massaging it. “I should put some ice on it so it doesn’t swell.” As she was about to get up from the warm bed, Bellamy grabbed her wrist and pulled her gently back. He gave her a kiss on the side of her mouth and cemented her to his body. Her bare breasts that touched the side of him felt warm and inviting.

   “Believe me, sweetheart. It looks worse than it is. Those kids can get a little chaotic. Nothing wrong with it, but they should use it outside the camp.” Bellamy took a deep breath and sighed. He gave Lyfe a playful and seductive look on his handsome face. His hand crept up her leg and gripped her thigh.

   “Do you want to know what will make me feel a whole better, baby?” He asked, his tone husky and deep. She felt his hand go up her stomach and felt it go over her right breast. It just felt right and trusting to have Bellamy embrace her like that. Her body pulsated at the touches, and she felt weak with desire.

    “What will make you feel better?” She asked, yet she knew what his answer was going to be. She nuzzled the curve of his neck, the tip of her tongue tasting the saltiness of his perspiration. Even that tasted delicious on her lips.

     “This.” Bellamy got on top of Lyfe and she left out a stream of rapturous giggles. She felt his hands all over her body, caressing ‘special’ areas that made her feel light-headed, and his soft lips grazed her warm skin. She felt him nipping at her hipbone and very slowly worked his way down, then back up to her jawline. His fingers traced the inner lips of her vagina, the warm dampness flowing up his hand, and he could feel it traveling up his shoulder. Bellamy continued satisfying both himself and her. He squeezed a little too hard, and Lyfe stiffened for a split-second.

    “Oh, are you okay, Lyfe? I am sorry if I am making you feel uncomfortable. If you want me to stop, tell me,” Bellamy said very concernedly. He always thought he was careful and not too rough, but sometimes things do happen.

    “You are doing just fine, baby, and I feel so wanted. Don’t stop now,” she reassured, the life dancing in her violet eyes. “I want more.” Bellamy continued his caressing and kissing, each one more ravenous than the next. His body connected and disconnected to Lyfe’s uncontrollably, and he had absolutely no intention of stopping. He breathed once more into her clitoris, and Lyfe couldn’t help but let the aroused, suggestive moans escape. Finishing up with his need, Bellamy kissed her lips again. When he looked down at her, she cupped his face in her hands and kissed him, filling his mouth with her erotic warmth.

     “Better, Bell?” She asked as she ran a hand through his hair and played with his curls. “My God, are you affectionate tonight. I love it. So, did that make you feel better?” She kissed him on the side of his mouth.

     Bellamy nodded and said, “Lyfe, I love you and want to always be with you. For the rest of my life. I did not think I would fall in love in my life, but here you are. And with someone who came from a merciless group. I looked beyond it, though, as it didn’t matter to me. You are everything that I want and need, baby. Without you, I am nothing.” Bellamy kissed the tiny scar on her cheek, then her mouth, and held her tight and close to him. She trembled under his touch, and her heart screamed for more.

    “Nothing,” he repeated solemnly. He tipped her chin, pulled her face closer, and kissed her.

    “Oh, Bellamy,” Lyfe whispered, her voice quivering and a tear rolling down her cheek. “I love you too, and you are the best thing that has happened to me. I want to be with you forever, too. Until the moon meets the sea and infinity.” To prove this, she devoured him with sexy and explicit kisses, her mouth and tongue never parting his. When she was done, she was panting heavily, and sweat rivulets streamed down her face. Damn, she’s good, he thought, out of breath as well.

    “So, are you ready to come with me to the camp tomorrow? And meet everyone?” He asked as he brushed a tendril away from Lyfe’s delicate face and licked off some of the sweat on her forehead. “My bed won’t be as comfortable as yours though.” She nodded with a smile and kissed him. “I am ready, Bellamy,” she said. “And I am positive that I will adapt quickly to the bed situation.”

    Just before dawn, they left the cave, taking only the medicine bottles, clothes, the drawings in a leather portfolio (including the one of Bellamy), the blankets, and the rugs. The furniture was left in case somebody else wanted to move in, but it seemed unlikely. Besides, the furniture was too heavy to carry across the woods. Before they started the trek, Lyfe got an old book about human anatomy from under the bed. Her slender fingers stroked the leather hardback cover. Her eyes were glistening with tears.

   “This would be a big help for Clarke. My parents gave it to me when I was five. Shortly after that, they were executed,” Lyfe explained as tears rained down her cheeks at the memory of her parents. She wrapped her arms around Bellamy, who ran his fingers through her thick hair and kissed her forehead.

   "It’ll be okay,” he whispered in her soft hair and gave her another kiss. “I will do my best to take care of you, Lyfe. I promise.”

    “I know that you will. I miss them, Bellamy.” She held the thick book up to her chest as if she were embracing her parents in a loving hug. Would they approve of Bellamy? She looked up at him, taking in his tall, muscular frame, his sexy smile, and his strong, tough, but loving persona. Bellamy would give his life to the people he cared about. He had only the best intentions for her and would never treat her poorly. Yes, they would approve.

    The stars dimmed slowly as the sun rose throughout the forest, shafting light through the changing treetops. The sky faded from a deep midnight blue to a dark lavender as the dawn broke. The beauty was both serene and sinister, since dangers lurked unknowingly. At the halfway point, Bellamy abruptly stopped and put down all of the stuff he was carrying. Lyfe got a little alarmed, her eyes wildly scanning the vast area for peril. Yet, there was nearly nothing except a doe and her young fawn sprinting through the thick trees.

   “Bellamy, what is it?” She asked, trying to keep her voice from cracking. A low chuckle rumbled in his throat, and he grinned devilishly. What on earth is he doing? And why aren’t we moving? Has Bellamy gone crazy on me?

   “You know, there was something I always wanted to do to you, Lyfe. Since the first day I have seen you,” Bellamy said in a menacing way as he walked up to Lyfe. He tilted his dark head to the side and smirked. She was uncertain of what he was planning, so she softly asked, “And what is that, Bellamy?”

   Without saying a word, Bellamy lifted her up towards the sky and spun her around. Lyfe let out a squeal of joy, and the colors, the reds, blues, greens, yellows, browns, and oranges around them became more saturated and vibrant. It is as if finding true love made you appreciate the true riches. When the sunbeams caught the highlights in her hair, Bellamy held her up in his strong arms to admire her beauty. She really is mine. He placed her down on the ground, her small feet finding security again. Bellamy gently pinned her down on the trunk of a large spruce, his hands locking on her hips. He kissed her lustfully on her lips, tasting the incredible harmony that Lyfe endured. His arms grasped her tightly, and his breath flowed down her face and neck. She embraced him back, her hands grasping tightly around his body, and never had she felt more alive. Bellamy gave her that gift, and it would be hers forever.

They both arrived at the campgrounds a few minutes before everyone awoke. For Bellamy, this was good, for he had time to prepare to announce Lyfe’s arrival. He did not want any of the 100 in a panic since they might put Lyfe’s past against her. He knew that she wasn’t violent, but they didn’t know it yet. The reactions of the kids’ behaviors were unpredictable, and a riot might break out. She put her things in his (their) tent, looked around it, and went back out into the morning chill. She found Bellamy feeding the fire pit with wood so the camp would be warm. She slipped her arm around his waist after he was done and watched the flames lick toward the clear, blue sky above.

    A few minutes later, Clarke came out of the tent that she shared with Finn. She stopped halfway to the pit and saw the gorgeous woman laughing and smiling with Bellamy. Clarke had never seen her before, so who was she? More importantly, where was she from? What the hell? She thought bitterly. Lyfe caught a glimpse of Clarke from the corner of her eye and walked with Bellamy, hand-in-hand, to meet them. The best thing to do was smile and let them know she didn’t pose a threat. After all, this was her home now. Finn then popped out behind Clarke, and his dark brown eyes locked on the newcomer. His jaw was agape at the sight of Lyfe, the sun catching her golden hair, the amethyst sparkle in her eyes, and he had to blink just to make sure she was real. My God, she is immaculate, perfect, he thought. Finn’s curious eyes skimmed Lyfe’s toned legs that were snugged inside a pair of black leather leggings.

   “Guys, this is Lyfe. She is going to stay and help us out with the camp. She is great with medicinal stuff, Clarke. So I am sure she will make a fantastic aide.” Bellamy said happily. Finn extended his hand so Lyfe could shake it, but Clarke, aware of her beauty, stopped the gesture. So, this is the reason why Bellamy was gone at night. Pounding a Grounder. Finn told everything last night to Clarke. Everything that Bellamy told him. It was either tell Clarke or sleep outside in the cold.

    “I don’t need help,” Clarke said crisply, her arms folded across her chest. Finn raised his brow at her, stunned at her unusual reaction. Usually, Clarke was sweet to strangers. No new girl, helpful or not, former Grounder, or even a pretty one, would compete with Clarke. I won’t be replaced by someone who sleeps with a knife at night. Is Bellamy crazy for letting her come here? Does he want us all dead? I can’t believe he’d be stupid enough to fall-

    “Here,” Lyfe said sweetly, breaking into Clarke’s thoughts. “I bought you something.” Lyfe handed the book to Clarke and explained, “It’s an anatomy reference from the mid-21st century. 2084, to be exact. Bell told me that you are a great doctor, so I’d figured this would help you out.”

    “Thanks,” Clarke thanked frostily, and then she leafed through the antique pages. “Where’d you get this?” Her blue eyes settled on an article about organ transplants. She seemed absorbed in Lyfe as she scanned the contents.

    “It was my parents, who were my former tribe’s healers. They died right after they gave it to me. All they ever wanted to do was to help people. They were punished for being kind.” There was a sadness in Lyfe’s voice, and Bellamy wrapped his arm around her shoulders to comfort her. Please, Clarke. Try to be more compassionate, he thought as he gave her a pointed look.

    “I am sorry to hear that,” Clarke told her half sympathetically. She could be lying for all we know.

    "It is awesome to have you here, Lyfe. I hope you can keep up with Bellamy. He’ll make you work like a horse.” Finn gave Bellamy a knowing look, and Bellamy knew exactly what he meant. Dude, you weren’t kidding when you said she is impossibly beautiful and sexy. Finn thought with a dirty smirk. Clarke saw his expression and groaned. My God, stop ogling. It’s rude.

    “Oh, he has already. But the pay is most rewarding,” Lyfe laughed and glanced up at Bellamy, who had a grin on his fine-looking face, and took his hand in hers.

    “Damn right it is,” Bellamy agreed with a laugh. “Maybe I should give you a raise? You have to work even harder,” He warned provocatively, smirking. Without even thinking or caring, he kissed Lyfe impulsively on her lips. “Now, you owe me for that one, baby.”

    “Stop it, Bellamy!” Lyfe chided playfully. “Not here.” Yet, she was basking in his attention, but who wouldn’t?

     “I’d better get going,” Clarke said hastily, obviously getting disgusted with the indecent behavior. “Come on, Finn.” They left Bellamy and Lyfe alone without saying a word or even a goodbye. She watched as the two scampered off, and Clarke talked in quiet, bitter tones to Finn, pulling him by the hand.

    “Clarke doesn’t like me, Bellamy,” Lyfe realized with a pang. I thought I could make a friend. Lord knows I need one.

    “Give her time. I was skeptical of you at first, but now I love you. Once Clarke gets to know you, she’ll like you.” His hand rubbed her back gently, and the touch was very soothing.

    “Alright.” Lyfe planted a kiss on the tiny scar above Bellamy’s lip. “I love you too.”

    “Let’s get introduced to the other kids. I want you to meet my sister, Octavia,” Bellamy said as he pulled her to the small group of kids gathered around the bonfire. All were silent, and they took in Lyfe anxiously, but no one approached her. Jasper’s eyes grew wide, and he whispered to Monty, “Who is that with Bellamy? I had never seen her before. She is incredible.”

    Monty looked over at Lyfe, and for a moment, shock overpowered him. “I don’t know Jasper. She isn’t from the camp, but Bellamy sure is enamored with her. Shit out of luck for me, as you have Octavia.”

    “True, but I can appreciate beauty when I see it, my friend. Wow.” There was a ridiculous smile across his face. Monty had to agree with that. He looked over back at Lyfe, who was walking towards Octavia. That looks like the girl I saw with Bellamy at the pond weeks ago, he realized with concern.

    “Octavia, I want you to meet somebody,” Bellamy said, steering O by the shoulder. Soon, the two women were nearly face to face. For a long moment, Octavia only stared at the pretty girl who was stealing her brother’s time and giving him happiness.            

Chapter Text

   Octavia regained her composure, and she smiled at Lyfe. Bellamy took this as a good sign. Usually, Octavia fought with other women, but for some reason, she was not cold like Clarke was. Her eyes gave Lyfe the once over, and she could see why Bellamy would be attracted to her. Hell, she’d be attracted to her too, with those violet eyes framed with long, full, dark lashes, light hair that seemed to create a halo in the sun, and a petite figure with well-endowed breasts. Pretty and perfect, and not at all like a Grounder. Octavia thought approvingly.

    “Bellamy has told me a lot about you, Octavia. He told me how sweet and generous you are and how you watch over him,” Lyfe said with a smile. “He is very lucky to have you as a sister.”

   “Well, someone has to,” Octavia said. Otherwise, he’d be lost.” She could tell that Lyfe would make a good girl friend, like Clarke, and was happy for Bellamy, too. He had taken care of her all his life, and now, Bellamy needed his own life. He deserved it more than anyone, and this girl seemed to bring him that.

   The group descended from the fire, and gathered around Bellamy, Octavia, and Lyfe. They all murmured and gawked at the newcomer. What did it mean to them that a former Grounder moved into the camp? Would she be a danger? She was with Bellamy, so she had to be good, though many of the women were pissed off about that fact. Many were confused, and a few were frightened. Also, they started to come to the conclusion that radiation had a ‘beautifying’ effect, as Lyfe was the prettiest thing they had ever seen. How can you not stare at this girl? Yet, whatever Bellamy said and gave one of his empowering speeches, they listened, and this time would be no different. They listened whole heartily.

   “Guys, do not be afraid of Lyfe, as she is not a violent monster like the Grounders. She will help us in many ways, help us hunt, and be a leader who will benefit all of us. She is giving and will put her life on the line to protect you all. Do not put her past with Anya and the Grounders against her. That is all that I am asking. That, and treat Lyfe with respect. Or I will kick your ass. I know I’ve been spending my nights with her, as many of you are beginning to get suspicious of why I took over all the surveyors’ jobs, but I love her. It was worth the risks and the danger. I have never felt like this before, but this is a new journey that I am excited to take.” Bellamy grabbed Lyfe’s hand and smiled down at her. She took in the strange looks from everyone, plus a few envious looks from the women. Yet, the men seem to be entranced. For the most part, though, nobody objected to her arrival.

   Later on, Bellamy was training a few kids to become gunners in the woods. The sounds of practice gunfire reverberated throughout the camp, and while Bellamy was experienced, Lyfe was still worried about him. I don't trust Murphy with a gun because he may go crazy.

   “Please don’t get hurt out there, Bell. Watch out for Murphy,” was what she told him before he left. He gave a low chuckle and told her sincerely and sweetly, “I will try not to, Lyfe, and Murphy will not be a concern. You are so kind and caring to a fault, though. I love you so much. I will see you in a few hours.” He kissed her and hugged her goodbye.

   While he was out doing that, Lyfe was inside the medical tent with Clarke, learning the procedures and how Clarke ran things. She thought it was best to learn in case there was an easier alternative to treating people or something that she did not know about. So far, there was not much of a difference, but it was great to review everything.

   “The most important is to keep everything antiseptic and sterile. We cannot afford to spread any infection or bacterial viruses again. There was an epidemic of a virus where the blood was executed from the mouth and eyes. Thanks to your tribe, fourteen lives were lost. Luckily, Bellamy surpassed the illness and made a full recovery. This camp would not be the same without him; honestly, I’d be lost.” Clarke hadn’t softened her mood at Lyfe, and the possibility of her taking over the camp consumed her like acid fog. No, I will not allow that to happen. She should not have come here in the first place.

    “Look, what the tribe done was terrible, and I hate them for all that they put your people through. However, I had NOTHING to do with their evils. I mostly stayed behind in the caves, working on medicinal herbs while they did whatever God knew. After your ship crashed, I came along, but only to watch, and to see the tribe kill off innocent victims made me sick. I wanted to help you guys while I was still with Anya’s tribe, but she would have killed you all and myself if I did. Especially Bellamy when he was sick; that nearly killed me. You've no idea what that was like for me. It took all of my power not to run and help, especially when I had the medicine to treat it."

   Clarke dropped the scalpel she was cleaning and looked at Lyfe in shock. "You had the medicine, but we all suffered. You could have given it to Murphy, sneaked it along somehow, and maybe there would not have been such a travesty." Clarke was beyond angry that the spread would have been prevented if she had that medicine.

    "You are right," Lyfe spoke quietly, her eyes down. "But when I did try to help Murphy, he wouldn't let me. I completely understood why. When I tried to approach him again, it was then Anya left him out of the cage and released him. I left the tribe because I could not live that life and did not WANT to. Anya’s parents killed mine because they refused to live like violent monsters. I am not like them, Clarke, and I am just trying to find my true purpose in life. Bellamy gave me hope and strength in my darkest time, and I fell in love with him the moment I saw him come out of the ship. It was such a beautiful day that day, and he looked like an angel with that smile, and the sun was sparkling down on him. I had never seen such a beautiful creature before. I was fighting it because I didn’t want to harm him, but my heart would not let me. It didn’t want to break again. So, I am just trying to make this experience as wonderful as it should be,” Lyfe told Clarke most sincerely. She knew it wouldn’t be easy to be accepted in the camp, but she would try. Clarke just had an icy stare, like she didn’t hear any of it.

    “Bellamy was fine before you paraded around him. As we all were. You should have stayed with your tribe. Or go wherever the hell you were going, Lyfe. Now, we are probably a target again because of you. So, whatever happens with the Grounders, it will be on you. I hope you are happy. If you truly love Bellamy, you leave him alone.” Clarke turned on her heels to leave, but before she did, she added, “You are not the only girl Bellamy screwed, so don’t think you’re all high and mighty.” Then Clarke was gone.

    “Lyfe, baby, what is wrong?” Bellamy caught her weeping in their tent on the bed when he returned from the woods. He grasped his hands on her shoulders, but she didn’t budge or look at him. Instead, she sat there, unaware of her surroundings and absorbed in her turmoil.

   “Hey, tell me, please. I promise it’ll make you feel better. It hurts me to see you cry and be upset, Lyfe. Whatever it is, it can’t be that bad.” Bellamy got her to face him, and she continued to cry. She told him about the altercation with Clarke earlier in the medical tent. Bellamy gritted his teeth and shook his head.  "I am sorry about that. Want me to get Octavia to kick her ass?"  There was a sliver of humor in his voice.

  Lyfe shook her head. “No, don't make this your sister's problem, too. It really won't solve anything. How can anyone say that to another person? I know it is going to be hard to accept my past, but I am not a monster. I try to be good, but maybe that isn’t good enough.” Lyfe felt Bellamy take her hand into his and clasp it tightly.

   “I don’t know why anyone would, but she had no right to say that to you, Lyfe. You are here because you want to be here, and I wasn’t fine before I met you. I was a total wreck, and I really had nothing to live for. My life turned when I first saw you.” When Lyfe gave him a skeptical look, he said, “It really did, Lyfe.  You must believe me on that.  I love you, and if you want to leave because you feel uncomfortable, I will also leave with you. Then, Clarke and Finn will take over, and we will be somewhere else. Yet, I don’t think there’ll be a safer place out there.” Bellamy held Lyfe to calm her down, and after a few minutes, the cries subsided, and she rested her head on his chest. The sound of his breathing and his heartbeat soothed her. “And you are not a monster. If you are, then I am one too.” He gave her a tender kiss on the side of her head.

    “Maybe I should have left you alone, Bellamy. Clarke is right. I brought new danger here, and I am sorry for that. How could I have been so blind?” She sniffled and looked into his sad eyes. “Yet, the very thought of not being with you kills me.”

    “Clarke is wrong, Lyfe. If something does come from the Grounders, then I will fucking kill them all. You’re the most important thing to me, baby. If anyone ever dares to touch you or harm you, hell, even look at you the wrong way, then they will have to answer to me. I will not tolerate it. I love you more than anything in this world, and I can’t imagine my life without you. So, just forget about Clarke and just be happy here, okay?”

   “I love you, Bellamy. You always know what to say to make me feel better. And I am happy here, really. It was just so very hurtful.” Lyfe pecked him on the cheek, her lips grazing over his tanned skin.

   “I know, but eventually, Clarke will have to get used to the idea that you are here for good, like it or not. Now, enough about her.” Bellamy took off his shirt and laid down with Lyfe on the bed. She cuddled close to him, so blessed that he was hers. Nevertheless, something still bothered her, so she had to ask.

   “When other girls came to your tent, Bell, did you feel anything for them?” She ran a hand down his hard abdomen and chest.

   “What other girls, Lyfe?” Bellamy responded with a smirk. “I only feel you.” He tasted her sweet lips once more to prove his word and didn’t stop. “Only you.”

    The next few days passed with improvements with everyone. Everyone, except Clarke, that is. She kept her distance, only speaking to Lyfe in clipped tones as they worked side by side in the medic tent. Other than that, she completely ignored her. Yet, she didn’t forget what she had said to her. Now, we are probably a target again because of you. Those words still punched her heart a little bit. Lyfe did not understand why Clarke acted like this towards her, especially when everyone else (including Murphy, who has overlooked her past too, and she knew how he was), was nice to her. Well, if she does not like me, then so be it. It’s her loss. I am done with the drama.

   “I don’t understand Clarke,” Finn told her in their tent. “Why are you hostile towards Lyfe? I still cannot believe you said those things to her. That was very nasty. She is still a human, no matter where she came from. Plus, she is very nice and helpful. Have you seen how the kids have changed for the better? I have not seen Murphy act like a total douche since Lyfe came here. Still, an ass, but not a douche. So, this isn’t like you at all. And Bellamy is happy; before, he was always pissy and in our faces. Look at him now: total 360. ° The man had to raise his little sister, watch his mom get floated-“

   “I watched my father get floated, Finn!” Clarke cut in in an explosive rage. “So don’t use that as an excuse to like her!” She was so upset that her body started to tremble. Why did she have to come here?

  “I am not, Clarke,” said Finn as he tried to put his arms around her. She pulled away, seething. “But Bellamy has never had a life of his own, only Octavia, and she is grown now. He can no longer be her guardian, and he has to move on, Clarke. It is human nature. I had never seen him happy like this, and Lyfe didn’t have it easy, from what he told me. Everyone should have someone in their life.” Sudden realization hit Finn right in the face, and it hurt like hell as somebody punched him hard. “Are you still in love with Bellamy, Clarke? Is this the reason why you are so upset?” Finn asked, barely audible. Clarke was silent as she looked at Finn and then looked away. Her sad blue eyes and the silence said it all. It just hurts so much to see him with her. Why did she have to come here? She is like a living nightmare. Maybe none of this would have happened if I didn’t hurt him. But I did, so now I have to pay the price.

    That night, Bellamy and Lyfe were at the pond under the stars. It was clear, the moon reflecting on the glass-like marine, and the soft winds caused it to ripple. Since it was cold, they opted to stay out of the water. So, instead, they lay together on top of a fur blanket on the grass, enjoying each other’s warmth. Lyfe was frisky that night, as she was kissing Bellamy all over and was acting totally ridiculous. She was in love, so what better way to celebrate than show it? Besides, it was an awesome way to keep warm.

    “Do you know what you taste like, Bellamy Blake?” Lyfe teased as she played with his hair and traced his jawline with her fingers. She gave him another sweet kiss on his lips, her tongue tracing his mouth. He gave her a lusty moan afterward. “Don’t stop, Lyfe. I like it,” he begged. "Aren't we the happy one tonight?"  She gave him another kiss, this time it was longer and deeper. “Don’t you want to know what you taste like, Bellamy?” Lyfe asked again, her voice soft and her lashes batting.

   “What do I taste like, Lyfe?” Bellamy asked as he pulled her closer to him, holding her tight, and kissed the side of her mouth. His other hand caressed the inside of her thigh, feeling the soft suede of her leggings and the toned muscles. She placed her hand over his, feeling the veins in them.

   “You taste like pure joy, Bellamy, and joy tastes best when it is heaven-sent.” She kissed his forehead and smiled brightly at him. “Joy.”

    When they returned to the camp later, some kids were still up, even though the moon was in the middle of the western sky. Bellamy and Lyfe had no idea why they weren’t in their tents; they were not the assigned overseers. Miller and Monroe did that job and were both at their stations. Either something was up, or they were being brats by bending the rules.

    “What’s going on here?” Bellamy asked as his eyes swept over the group, hand rigid on his hips. He wondered if the Grounders were causing trouble again. Or Murphy, for that matter. Yet, Murphy looked way too exhausted to start anything. The kid was even having a hard time sitting up. Well, at least it’s not Murphy causing shit for once, he thought with reassurance.

   “Just chillin.’ Some of us couldn’t sleep because of the cold, and Finn and Clarke got into a heated argument,” Murphy replied tiredly. “Finn is beyond upset, and I am off to bed. Good night, Lyfe.” He got up, gave Lyfe a half smile, and went to his tent.

   “Clarke is very upset, too. In fact, she is pissed.” Jasper added, rubbing his hands in front of the fire to warm them. “Warm up already, damn you,” he muttered bitterly. The flames seem to refuse his request. He pulled back and tucked them under his jacket.

   “Where are they now?” Lyfe asked as she looked towards the dropship, then Clarke’s and Finn’s tent. She saw Clarke freeze in the tent from the light silhouetting her and seemed to be staring at her. But, because of the thick material, Lyfe wasn’t sure. Is this about me? What did I do?

  “Clarke is in her tent, but Finn is sleeping in Jasper’s and my tent,” Monty said with a yawn. Whatever it was, it had to be bad for Finn to come in. I don’t know, man. Jasper and I tried to talk to him, but he wouldn’t say anything.”

   “Well, I am sure everything will be done in the morning. Until then, try to get some sleep. Tomorrow, we are going to be busy with hunting and building homes. We cannot afford lost time. So, get back to your tents.” Bellamy and the kids agreed to build sturdier homes from the trees to protect them from the cold and snow in the upcoming winter. Since there were eighty-four people (eighty-five now with Lyfe), they needed to build forty-two houses, two people in each home. They were all very excited about this prospect. None of them had lived in a solid, earth-bound structure. Now, it was time to do so.

   Things did not get better when the morning arrived between Finn and Clarke. In fact, they were arguing most of the time, and this caused chaos and stress in the camp. Everyone stayed out of their way, but Bellamy had to get to the bottom of it. If this were happening the day after the ship crashed, he would not have cared that much or really give a damn. Now, he knew just how important it was to keep things in order. For things to get accomplished, the kids could not have major tensions. This came from all angles: fights, relationships, and mental instability. Everything had to be balanced. First, he confronted Finn, who was hammering and tying heavy, thick branches for a wall for his home. The guy looked exhausted and distant, and Bellamy felt a little sorry for him. However, the problem had to be fixed or deal with hell.

   “I do not mean to interfere with your personal life, Finn, but the camp cannot run on problems. Now, I don’t know what is going on between you and Clarke, but you seemed fine yesterday—or so I thought. So, what happened?” Bellamy raised one eyebrow at Finn and crossed his arms.

  “Truth is, Bellamy, that Clarke and I have had problems since Day One. And they escalated when . . . I’d rather not say because it’ll make you upset,” Finn said, his brown eyes cast down on the soil. Bellamy started to huff and pace, like he was getting impatient, and his boots crunched noisily on the gravel.

   “Tell me, Finn. What can’t you say? Do not be a coward,” demanded Bellamy, and he shot him that look of leadership. The one look where he got everyone to listen without fail. Finn still hesitated as Bellamy still paced. “Damn it, Finn! Just tell me. I do not have all day!”

   “I am not a coward, Bellamy. Stop getting aggressive. Okay, the problems escalated when you brought Lyfe to the camp.” He noticed that Bellamy was ready to pummel him as his fists were hardening at his sides. “Don’t get pissed. I like her, and she is awesome and incredibly sweet. I can see that you’re finally happy, but Clarke realized that she harbored feelings for you because it triggered them when she saw you with Lyfe. That is why we were arguing and why she hates your girlfriend. She is not in love with me; she is in love with you. She is mean to Lyfe because she is jealous, which is so unlike her man. I know the things she said to her were cruel and cold, but I had no power over that. I wish I had, though, and maybe it would have been resolved. I do not know what else to say, Bellamy.” Finn looked at Bellamy, and much to his surprise, he seemed to understand. Exhausted by the weight of the problems, Finn sat down on a rock and buried his face in his hands. He let out a deep groan.

    “Look, this is not your fault, Finn. I don’t think it's Clarke’s fault either, yet she should not have said those things to Lyfe. I already knew about these problems, but it really hurt her and myself. She came here because she wanted a better life for herself, and I am extremely happy that she is here. I don’t care where she came from because she is a good person. I never thought such happiness and salvation existed. But Clarke needs to move on and get used to Lyfe being here, like it or not. She needs to go on whether it is with you or someone else. I cannot be hers because my heart belongs to someone else and will always be Lyfe’s. I was never hers in the first place. I know you love Clarke, but if she can’t see that, it’s her loss.”

Bellamy needed to speak with Clarke but did not know how to approach the situation. What do you say to a girl with this type of problem? When he raised Octavia, he had to answer her questions about boys, which was always very uncomfortable for him. Perhaps it was because he was always protective of his sister and didn’t want to see her hurt. But Bellamy also knew that Octavia had to grow up, and she would do things that he wouldn’t approve of. Even though they had their little bumps, they were bonded. Maybe he could get Octavia to talk to Clarke and tell her they’d never be together. Yet, he knew it would be better if he spoke to Clarke. Either way, it was going to be difficult. And maybe a bigger problem, he thought.  However, it needed to be done.

    "Clarke, I think we need to talk," Bellamy stated firmly inside the dropship, where she was helping Raven with wiring.  Raven caught the bitter tone, the fire in his eyes, and excused herself politely. After she was out of earshot, Clarke gazed up at him and gave him a sad look.  Normally, she'd be thrilled to bits about Bellamy coming up to her, wanting just to talk.  She missed that so much.  Yet, Bellamy wouldn't let her get the best of him.

    "I know that you have a problem with Lyfe coming here.  What you said to her is truly calculated and cruel, and it won't be accepted."  His arms were crossed, and he gave her a long, stiff stare.

    "Bellamy, I am sorry, but-"

     "What?  I know that you got feelings for me, who doesn't?  That does not excuse your behavior, Clarke.  Anyway, I will get to the point. I will never be in love with you, for I am in love with Lyfe.  I was never in love with you. Yes, I admit, you kissing Finn did hurt me a little bit, but you know what?  I am glad that it happened. Otherwise, I would not have Lyfe.  She is what is keeping me together, Clarke. You really hurt her, and I don't know how to forgive you.  I know that she has a past with the damn Grounders, but I looked past it.  Maybe you should, too." 

      "Bellamy, first of all, don't be so sure of everyone's feelings.  I said those things because she threatens us, no matter your beliefs. You wouldn't be so accepting if Octavia brought a Grounder that she had fallen for."  Clarke was getting increasingly uncomfortable with Bellamy, but what could she do?  Something inside of Bellamy snapped, rage pouring over him.

      "Don't drag my sister into this, Clarke!"  He screamed, his dark eyes flashing.  "I would have overlooked that too if he meant that much to her.  Lyfe is not a threat, but maybe the biggest threat is you.  You know what, princess?"  He said the term with such sourness that Clarke winced.  Good, let her feel like crap.  "I am done here.  If you mistreat my girlfriend again, then I won't be so nice.  Think about it."  He took off, his back to her.  Clarke stared at him, glued to the drop ship's floor.  Tears streamed down her cheeks, suddenly absorbing everything in.  Oh, god.  What have I done?

    Since it was getting late, and Bellamy was tired from his hard work that day (and putting Clarke in her place), he retreated to his tent. Lyfe was already inside and preparing for bed, brushing out her thick golden hair with a bone brush. He stood there for a minute, just so he could admire her. She felt Bellamy’s strong arms wrap around her slender waist from behind, and she purred, feeling his sweet breath dance across her cheek. She spent all day in the medical tent, treating minor wounds and injuries from accidents that occurred while the kids were building their homes. Most, especially the ones whose parents were prosperous, had never handled tools before. So, Lyfe was very happy to see Bellamy and indulged in his embrace. My favorite time of the day. When Bellamy and I are alone. Really alone.

    “Miss me, my Queen?” Bellamy asked playfully as he gave Lyfe a kiss on the neck. She turned around and nodded. She got up and, without saying a word, walked over to their bed with her man's eyes locked on her. She pulled off her top and pants and lay down, pulling the covers over. She looked over at Bellamy with a smile and asked seductively, “Aren’t you coming? I need you to warm me up. It is freezing in here, Bell.”

    Bellamy undressed and got into bed with his Queen. As he looked at her, with the moonlight shimmering in her hair and the way her skin glowed when she smiled, Bellamy knew that Lyfe was the only one for him. And no other woman was going to change that. His hand found the small of her back, and he pulled her closer.

   “I can easily warm you up, Lyfe.” Bellamy breathed, and he covered her with indulgent kisses.

    “Warming up yet?” He asked and kissed her shoulder, his lips lingering on her soft skin.

    “Hmmm . . . a little bit more, Bell.” After a few more passionate and dangerous kisses and a little bit of lovemaking, they both went to sleep, warmed.

     During the night, Lyfe had to get up to use the bathroom just outside the camp. She didn’t want to leave the bed because it was freezing out, but she had to go. Her stomach was cramping, and it growled and lurched. Quickly, she pulled on her pants and deerskin jacket and left the tent. She wanted to be back before Bellamy awoke. The poor guy needed his sleep, as he had been working nonstop.

     “I will be right back, baby,” she whispered to him before she left. Bellamy twitched slightly but didn’t wake. He is really bombed out, she thought with an impish smile.

    “Monroe,” she whispered as she reached the gate. “Let me out for five, ten minutes. I need to go.” Monroe nodded her approval and left Lyfe out into the dark night. When she finished, she started to head back inside, but something caught the corner of her eye, and she heard a noise. It sounded like a horse whinnying, and she saw a flash of white. What in the world? All too soon, the two-faced horse and its rider were at Lyfe’s side. Suddenly, out of nowhere, another horse and its rider appeared on the opposite side of her. She tried to run, but her ankle buckled, and she fell to the ground. Now, knowing that she sprained her ankle very badly, she could not escape. Settled on the cold, hard ground, a tear rolled down her cheek, and she started to plead with the two strangers.

    “Say one word, and everyone-” The first figure gestured towards the camp, and Lyfe looked behind her. She realized she had wandered too far from the camp’s vantage point. “Everyone, including your precious Bellamy, will die.”

Chapter Text

   “Miller, have you seen Lyfe walk in? I have not seen her,” Monroe asked, as anxiety threatened to consume her as she scanned the area both inside and outside the camp. Lyfe was nowhere to be seen, and she seemed like she evaporated into thin air. Miller quickly ran from his post, a look of pure panic washed across his face. He searched everywhere, including the pond where he knew that Bellamy and Lyfe often spent their time.  It was a beautiful scene on most nights, but now it just looked creepy and ominous. He turned up empty when he reentered the camp’s gate. He shook his head at Monroe and said, “Nothing.”

   “What are we going to do, Miller?” whispered Monroe. Without Lyfe, Bellamy would go crazy, probably dragging the whole camp down with his seclusion. Bellamy was the one who held the camp together and kept the majority of the 100 alive. He was their guide, their hope, and was greatly needed. Monroe hoped that Miller had a better plan rather than telling Bellamy first. After all, Lyfe might be returning now, but deep down, she doubted it. “I hope this isn’t serious.” Monroe was shaking, and it wasn’t from the cold. How could one girl cause such havoc? Because you idiot, she is with Bellamy Blake.

   “Let’s double check the camp’s perimeters, and if we still come up empty, then we need to tell Bellamy,” Miller responded in calmness, but he was actually scared shit. Bellamy would fire him (and probably kill him) and Monroe for not doing their jobs right, not that they were getting paid, but lots of peoples’ respect, dependence, and their own dignity came with it. Plus, they wouldn’t hear the end of it. Not only that, if someone went missing, then the entire group would embark on a dangerous search party. The forest was so huge, thick, and dense that it would take everyone’s eyes and ears to scope it out. It was a guarantee that there would be a few losses. That is how Diggs and Roma die when Octavia gets lost while chasing a radioactive butterfly.   Yet, Octavia felt extremely guilty about her mistake and the deaths of her fellow campmates, so nobody brought it up again.

   “Hey Monroe!” Miller called as he inspected the ground. “Look at this.” He pointed to the mess of foot and hoof prints, which looked like a struggle. He kneeled down to look better, and his suspicions were right. Now, who the hell would come here?  Monroe gasped and said, “These look like Lyfe’s! Oh, my God, Miler. I think she was kidnapped.” Monroe cried out. What are we going to do? She thought as her eyes followed the hoof prints. “Oh, God! Oh, God!” Monroe was on the verge of a panic attack, and she had begun to pace. Being one of self-control and toughness, this was unusual.

   “Calm down, Monroe! I know this is very bad, and there is no other way, but we have to tell Bellamy. Oh, man. He is going to be pissed and frantic.” Miller heard crackling on the radio, and Bellamy broke through; his image on the video screen was that of pure anger. If it were possible, he’d go through the small monitor and wring Miller’s neck. He had forgotten to shut it off during the search. Oh, fuck, he thought dismally. I am definitely dead. He doesn’t look like a happy camper.

   “Tell Bellamy what?” Bellamy asked through the radio, and he sounded tired and upset. “Miller, what the hell is going on, and where the hell is Lyfe? She isn’t in our tent next to me. She should’ve been back already.” His voice was rising in volume, and Miller heard obscenities through the line as Bellamy swept the electronic over the tent, showing an empty side of the bed. No need for that, dude, Miller thought.

   He waited for a few seconds before he answered. “I think you better come out here, Bellamy, and see for yourself. I think the Grounders captured her.” Bellamy came running out, shirtless, in a split second and met Miller and Monroe where the footprints were. He knelt down to examine the ground, feigning tears and trying to control himself. He pounded a fist, causing dirt to fly and scatter around the mess. “Fuck!!!” He swore loudly, causing both Miller and Monroe to jump up in surprise. Even though this was normal, it still caused a little bit of a shock. He got up, exhaled sharply, and ran a hand through his tousled hair. Bellamy back kicked the ground angrily, sending pebbles and dirt into the cold air. “Shit! Fuck! Damn it!” He swore again, getting it out of his system. He then gave both Miller and Monroe a hard glare. The two shrank under his intense scrutiny.

    “I am going to the Grounders,” was all he said after he calmed down, though out of breath and shaking. “Get Finn and Jasper up, have them bring their guns and weapons, and have them meet me back out here. We are going to barbecue the Grounders. I will not let them get away with this. They should have been dead a long time ago.” He began pacing into the camp when Monroe grasped his bare biceps. His muscles were tensed, and he felt hot to the touch despite the cold. He gave her a rigid stare, pushing her hand off him. “Monroe, let me go,” he seethed through clenched teeth. His eyes were as black as the night sky. Scared of the pensive scowl, she backed away from him.

   “What? Are you crazy?” Monroe asked, unbelieving, a crack in her voice. “Right now? Bellamy, it’s dark and cold. I think you should go at dawn. It’ll be safer, too, because you can see the Grounders and won’t fall into any of their traps. It will be a suicide mission if you leave now.” She looked at Miller for backup support.

    “She is right, Bellamy. Don’t endanger your life. I am sure Lyfe will be okay. If she was one of the Grounders before, they can’t harm-” Miller was cut off by Bellamy, stepping around the prints and breathing hard. He came face to face with Miller.

   “NO!” Bellamy bellowed harshly, his breath in chilled clouds. “The longer we wait, the more danger Lyfe is in. They wouldn’t spare her life because Anya is very vindictive. Didn’t you guys take Survival Skills 101 back on the ARK? Oh, never mind. You were locked up for doing stupid shit.” Bellamy was sweating bullets, and he had to rescue Lyfe. Monroe and Miller were wasting his time. “If you are not going to help me, then I will do it myself.” Bellamy raced back to his tent, pulled his shirt back on, hoisted his rifle over his strong shoulders, grabbed his knife, and put it into his back pocket with the radio. Damn that he was going to wait until the morning light. Oh, God. Please let her be okay, he silently prayed. I cannot live without her. Just let her be okay. I promise I will be a better man if she will be okay.

The loud noise and rushing caused Clarke to wake up and leave her tent. She saw Bellamy, looking like a soldier, going to war. What the hell is he up to now? She thought curiously. What’s going on? What a minute. Where is his girlfriend? Rarely Bellamy is seen without her.

     “Bellamy!” She called out. “What are you doing? It’s the middle of the night.” Clarke ran up to him, her boots kicking up dirt clouds. He stopped to look at her, but then continued walking fast. She had to keep up with him so she could get some answers. She had never seen him so angry before, and it frightened her. Bellamy wasn’t even this pissed off at Murphy when he went insane. He nearly hung him in vengeance. What she heard next split her heart into two.

   “The fucking Grounders took Lyfe when she was going to the bathroom,” he replied in a hurried rage. “I am going to get her, then kill them. Finn and Jasper are coming too. I need you to stay here, Clarke, and make sure the gunners are on guard. I cannot say if more of the bastards are coming, so be prepared. I am sure Monty and Raven will be more than glad to help you out. I cannot endanger you by letting you go. I know you hate Lyfe being here, but she is one of us now.” With that, Bellamy stormed off. As Clarke watched him leave, she hoped that Lyfe was okay. Maybe I have been cruel to Lyfe.  Bellamy really does love and cares for her. Or he wouldn’t risk his life for her. I have been selfish, hoping for something that will never be.  How could I have said that to another being? With sadness and concern, she went back to her tent. Before Finn left, she hugged and kissed him deeply. I also been unfair to Finn too. I have to tell him that I love him when he gets back if he gets back. Because I do love him.

    Miller and Monroe followed Bellamy’s instructions, and Finn and Jasper, though tired, eagerly cooperated.  Finn didn’t like to fight, as he was all for neutrality and peace, but he would do so to protect the ones he loved. Jasper didn’t like shooting a gun any more than the others but would put his sniping skills into action whenever necessary. They grabbed the rifles, swords, radios, and other tools for protection. Then, the three of them embarked on a dangerous rescue mission.

    Meanwhile, Lyfe was shackled by both hands, and by the waist in Anya’s cave. The chains were slicing the skin as they were secured tightly. She was brought here by on Anya’s horse, and she was stripped of her clothing, and was freezing. Her tanned skin shivered from the chilled drafts, and was far from Bellamy, and the others. She cried frantically and her left ankle was badly sprained. Pain shot up her leg every time she moved it, even the slightest millimeter. She couldn’t stand up, so she had to sit on the hard ground. Please, God. She prayed. Just get me out of here. I don’t want to be here. If I ever do get out of here, I will be that much stronger, and won’t take things for granted.

   Anya came into her cave with Tristan with an evil smile on her face. Instinctively, Lyfe scooted back and tried to shrink herself against the stone wall. The chains clattered noisily as she moved. She whimpered as her injured ankle throbbed painfully. Her violet eyes and throat burned like wildfire from her intense sobbing. “What the hell do you want Anya? Why am I here?” Lyfe asked hoarsely and blinked to ease the burning. Her evil sister, Anya, walked up to her, her long coat and Tristan trailing behind her. The evil cold stare never left her dark, painted eyes. She looked down at Lyfe, venom flowing through her veins, and she smiled wickedly.  Tristan displayed the exact same emotion.            

   “I understand that you’ve been staying with the kids who dropped from the sky. And that you have been sleeping and having relations with the leader, Bellamy Blake. Lyfe, that is treacherous to the tribe, and you need to be punished,” Anya told her with grim pleasure, and she circled her like a bird hunting its prey. “It is also a betrayal to your own sister.”  She took out a knife from the side of her pants and ran her finger down its blade, testing its sharpness. A perfect line of red formed from the inside tip to the palm, and Anya wiped it off on the suede fabric of her pants as if it didn’t bother her. How could she do this? She is really, truly evil. Lyfe thought in disgust. Anya was about to slit Lyfe’s slender throat when Lyfe spoke up in a desperate attempt to buy time.

   “Wait, Anya! I rightfully left the tribe, and how I choose to live is my own business. Bellamy saved me; those kids are great; even Murphy changed his ways. He even allows me to help him. They are not a danger nor a threat to you, so please don’t hurt them.  They don’t want anything to do with you or the other Grounders. They came here to earth to start over their lives. Just like me when I left. I love Bellamy, and he is a really good man. He may be tough and hard and have done some unthinkable things, but it’s for his survival and the others.’ Especially for his sister. I can’t leave him because I will die of a broken heart. So will he. If you were truly my sister, you let me be happy. You let me at least try to make my life better.” Lyfe tried desperately to coax Anya to spare their lives, but apparently, Anya had different ideas. She began crying again as Anya slashed her beautiful cheek with her hunting knife. Blood started to ooze out of the wound, and it burned. Taking one of her shackled hands, Lyfe quickly wiped off some of the blood and pushed some of her hair back.

    “Whether you left the tribe or not, Lyfe, your choices still reflect us. Once a Grounder, always a Grounder. Oh, I knew you fell in love with Bellamy long ago when you were still my second in command. I could have killed you that day, but I refrained. Why? Maybe I hoped that you would leave him alone, but I must admit, he is too good-looking to pass up. Hell, I’d fuck him, too, if given the chance and if he wasn’t the enemy. Pity the bastard didn’t die when we infected them with Murphy, so we would not have to worry about him. Or any of the others, for that matter. Damn that, Clarke, for not giving up. Anyway, I know you’ve been seeing him and left the tribe to be with him. You slept with the enemy, no matter how good that is, and that itself is against our laws. When you break the law, you need to be punished. It is common knowledge.” Anya gave Lyfe another deep cut on her cheek, and Lyfe felt its warmth cascade down her face. Crimson drops painted the ground in a star-like pattern. She shook her head, and her hair started to cling to her wounds, and her cold, nude body shuddered from the fright. Then Lyfe exploded in a burst of strong emotion.

    “No, I left because I DON’T want to murder and witness your slaughter while I do nothing! Unlike you, I have a soul, and my parents were killed because they were good people. They should still be here, living, enjoying, and taking life's challenges. Your parents took that away, and they had no right. So, if you kill just because you care and have a heart or for the thrill, then you truly are a monster, Anya. Also, I do not consider you to be my sister. Sisters don’t hurt one another and harm the ones they love. They respect and appreciate what they have.” At that moment, Lyfe thought of Octavia and how she’d do anything for Bellamy. He would do anything to protect Octavia, too. Lyfe wished that her relationship with Anya was like that instead of hatred and fear.

    “Your parents were executed because they were traitors, just like their daughter, you. And I suppose Bellamy was just a plus for you then, Lyfe? You don’t convince me at all, and knowing you, you’ll put our lives on the line for him. If that isn’t being a deceitful bitch, then I don’t know what is.” Anya stooped down and grabbed Lyfe’s wrist, and slashed it. As much as it hurt, Lyfe fought back tears, trying not to satisfy Anya. Blood trickled down her arm as she lifted it to examine the cut.  “I am only abiding by the law, Lyfe. This would never have happened if you left.”

    “Please, Anya,” Lyfe tried begging once more. “I will get everyone to leave, and we’ll go far away from here. You can have this whole area for yourself, the mountains, the trees, even the pond; it’s all yours, and you don’t have to worry about fighting or anything like that. Just please, do not hurt anyone. It won’t solve anything. I truly love Bellamy.” Lyfe watched Anya consider this, but then she shook her head, her blond and black hair slightly dancing in wisps.   All of Lyfe’s hopes and dreams exploded in an instant. “Why are you doing this?”

    “Those kids crashed on Grounder territory. As you know, their flare missiles wiped out an entire village, wreaking all hell since they arrived. They and anyone associated with them must be condemned. The crimes have already been committed, Lyfe. Stop trying to get out of it, and take your punishment like you deserve. No wonder my parents hated you.  You cannot fight to save your life. You are weak, and you are a coward. You are a fault to the tribe and a total loss. I hope you think good thoughts because I cannot imagine what Tristan has in store for you.” Anya smiled at Tristan, who had the same evil glare.   “I am not the only one who decides on punishment,” Anya added darkly, her eyes glinting like coal. Oh, no. Bellamy, I am so sorry I got you into this. I am so sorry. I love you so much and never meant for this to happen.

     Lyfe held the vivid portrait of Bellamy in her mind, his black glossy curls gleaming in the sunlight, his freckles brought out by the flames of the fire, his deep earth-brown eyes sweeping over her as they made passionate love both morning and night and his smile that ignited her soul and heart. She thought about his gentle kisses he made when he thought no one was watching, the way he caressed her face under the pale moonlight, and how his muscled body flexed when he was doing hard work. How his skin felt like heaven when she touched him and gave her the alluring shivers down her spine. She would miss how he spoke, giving inspiring pieces in his deep yet caring voice. Even the way he watched over his sister or yelled at Murphy when he was screwing around. She will miss that as well. Bellamy was the only thing that kept her hopes up and eased the searing pain and emotional breakdowns. She was too weak to fight back anymore, even though she tried with all her power. I’ll never see him again. I won’t be in his arms anymore. Or taste his joyful kisses, breathe in his scent, hear his wonderful heartbeat, lay with him in our warm bed, gaze into his dark, mysterious eyes, or tell him that I love him with every breath I have. Lyfe sadly realized, and her eyes started to water again.  Now, it seemed once upon a dream that Bellamy existed.  I will always cherish our moments together. After Anya sliced her other cheek and wrist, she gave the knife to Tristan. He towered over Lyfe, preparing for what was coming to her. Lyfe looked up at him with pure terror in her eyes and got into a protective fetal position.  She prayed that it would go quickly. She threw up from all the stress she was going through, and she tremored violently.

   “Do what you want with Lyfe, Tristan. Make sure she suffers for her crimes.” Then, Anya swiftly left the cave, and Lyfe knew she was smiling and laughing at her misery. How could she do this? How? Does she really despise me that much? The next thing Lyfe knew was that she was lying on the cold floor, her lean legs forced apart. Her ankle was screaming in white hot pain as Tristan chained them tightly to the wall, just like her bloodied wrists. She tried to wiggle herself out of them, but it was useless. He then forced himself into her, and she tried to fight him off. With her nails, she tried to crawl at his gruesome face, but he forcefully pushed her hands away. He was much bigger and stronger than she, so the attempts failed. He stopped for a minute so that he could speak.

   “You know, Lyfe. You could’ve been my wife and had a great life. I would have treated you like a queen. I would've given you everything your pathetic heart desired and more. We could’ve ruled the land and had everything. Instead, you had to whore around with Bellamy Blake, and all it got you was trouble. How stupid can you be, Lyfe?” He gave a low, sadistic chuckle in his throat.

   “I’d rather be his whore than be your wife. You are a monster to the highest degree. I do not want to rule with you. EVER. Bellamy’s a more devoted leader to his people than you will ever be. So, fuck you, you sick, disgusting, twisted psychopath.” Lyfe furiously spat at him, causing Tristan to roar out, and slapped her hard across her face, which felt like an electric bolt. Lyfe winced at the sting it left and moved her jaw to check if it was broken. Gratefully, it wasn’t, but it caused a few aching throbs. He took the knife and sliced her skin across her collarbone. Blood trickled down in between her breasts, allowing temporary warmth. He would have gotten to the jugular vein, but Lyfe quickly moved, and he missed only by a few centimeters.

   “Damn it!” He cursed vehemently. “This would be a lot easier if you just stop squirming. Stay put!” Tristan forced himself onto Lyfe again, laughing maliciously as he was doing it. How could such a demon exist? Lyfe thought, trying to comprehend such a fact.

   “I will let you in on a little secret here. Anya and I were coming to the camp tonight, and we were going to kill everyone in laceration style. Then, set the camp on fire. Nobody would have a chance to escape. But we figured that if we just took you and killed you, Bellamy would suffer tremendously, painfully rather, and thus it would have brought the camp down. This way will give us even more pleasure and satisfaction. We don’t take it to newcomers. Kindly. Yet, I don’t know what Bellamy has that I don’t, Lyfe. Whatever, it’s not important now as you are mine to finish.” Tristan brought the knife to her throat, and she eyed it. Her breathing became low and shallow.  No, too easy. I will make her death worth it. He thought with malice. Such a shame, too, because Lyfe is such a beautiful little thing.

  “What Bellamy has is humanity, something that you will never have, Tristan,” Lyfe answered his question honestly. And he is kind, good, amazing, and will do anything to protect those he loves. And an excellent lover.” The last part made Lyfe grin, and Tristan grunted like he’d been kicked in the groin.

    “Where is your amazing, loving, and protective Bellamy now? He isn’t here, is he?” Tristan mocked and laughed at the cold fact, and he propped himself onto Lyfe again. She felt his weight crush her small, sparrow-like body. She squeaked out in agony, trying to shield herself from the beast above her.

   “Please, Tristan,” Lyfe begged mercilessly, tears coursing down her cheeks. “You don’t have to do this, as it hurts so much, and I couldn’t help falling in love. Please stop. Nobody should ever be treated like this or go through it. If you were human, you wouldn’t do this.” Her cries fell on deaf ears as Tristan forced himself on her again and then took the knife and began ripping her from the inside of her vagina. The pain that it was leaving was excruciating. Oh, my God! He is destroying me. Oh, Bellamy! I wish you were here! I can’t fight this myself anymore. I need you now. Lyfe could hear and feel the delicate skin tearing, and she gasped in horror and emitted a piercing scream that could shatter glass.  The screams were ignored as Tristan continued to slash and cut, each more painful than the last. How long will this go on?  Good-bye, Bellamy. I love you. Soon, a pool of blood flowed beneath her, painting her body in red, and the last two things she remembered before she blacked out were a loud cracking of gunfire and fragments of bone shattering to the ground.

Chapter Text

    Bellamy quickly rushed to Lyfe’s side, adrenaline pumping through him. His boots crunched the skull bones of Tristan as he knelt down. His pants absorbed some of the blood on the ground from the Grounder and his queen. As he looked her over quickly, he took in the bruises and the cuts, especially the large hand-shaped bruises on her thighs and face. With those, he let out a deep growl that echoed in his throat. Bellamy glanced over at the remains of Tristan and thought with so much anger and aggression, You deserve to burn in hell, you son of a bitch. Bellamy looked back over at Lyfe and placed two fingers on her throat to check for a pulse. Her soft skin felt cold and clammy to the touch. Please let there be one. The pulse was faint, but it was there, and Bellamy took in a collective sigh of relief. “I won’t let anything happen to you, Lyfe. I promise,” he told her in a whisper. “I love you.” He ran a hand through her hair and kissed her temple. Please, baby. Don’t leave me alone. Stay with me. I need you.

   Jasper ran over to Bellamy after he and Finn ensured no guards were coming. His eyes widened in horror, and he put a hand over his mouth. Since Lyfe was nude, he quickly looked away, his face red as a tomato, and he fought hard not to vomit at the graphic scene. Finn could not believe what the Grounders did to Lyfe, as he was fighting his own body’s urge to retch. He swallowed, and his mouth opened into a stunned expression when he saw her. She looked pale and statuesque, and it alarmed him. “Finn, find the key to open these locks! It has to be around here!” Bellamy shouted.  Finn hurried to look for the piece of brass that they so desperately needed, crawling on all fours and knocking down furniture, going through the coat of the now-dead Tristan. He could not find it, so Bellamy used the small hatchet he always carried to split the steel apart. Pulling the chains taught and away from Lyfe’s skin, he axed them hard and quick. The chains fell off instantly, clinking on the ground.

   “Bellamy, is she . . .?” Jasper asked quietly, unable to finish. Bellamy shook his head, tears brimming in his eyes as he scanned her body. “No, but she is very badly wounded, and she lost a lot of blood. Help me out here, guys. We need to stop the bleeding-” That was when Bellamy fully processed the full extent of her injuries. “Oh, my God!” he exclaimed, white anger coursing in his deep voice.

   “What is it?” Finn asked as he bent down to see what was happening. “JESUS!” He swore. “Where is it all coming from?”

    “Tristan fucking raped and mutilated her.” He quickly pulled off his coat and ripped his shirt off so he could use it to apply pressure down there. With a piece of the shirt dipped in the water canteen, he wiped the dried blood off that was caked to Lyfe’s body. Taking a sleeve off his jacket, he wrapped Lyfe’s swollen ankle tightly so it wouldn’t move.  What have those monsters done to you, baby? Bellamy questioned morbidly in thought. Why didn’t I come sooner?

   “We need to get the hell out of here! NOW!” Bellamy scooped up Lyfe; his one arm was under her knees, and the other supported between her narrow shoulders and neck, who was barely clinging to life. She felt like a feather in his arms as he Finn and Jasper ran out of the cave and had to go through a maze of catacombs to get outside. Anya stopped them, her regal and wiry frame stiff, and her black eyes void and lifeless as she tried to stare the men down. They were not compliant.  They all gave her deathly glares.

   “What the hell have you done to Lyfe, Anya?” Bellamy yelled at the Grounder Princess in fury. He was so angry that he was going to kill her too, without a second thought. In fact, after he handed Lyfe to Finn, he pointed the gun at her but lowered it because he’d be stooping down to the Grounders’ level. Bellamy did not want to be defined as a monster, as he had promised that he’d be a better man if his queen made it. Even though he hated the bitch more than ever. Anya didn’t blink an eye and seemed to enjoy his outrage. However, her eyes lingered a little too long on his bare chest. “Lyfe has broken the Tribe’s laws, no matter if she left or not, and she had to be punished to the full extent. All sentences result in death, and it is up to Tristan and me to decide on the death. She got what she deserved. By the looks of her Bellamy, I’d say she has a few hours left if that. So, enjoy them while you can.” Anya said maliciously, showing even white teeth. “She was never one of the tribe anyway.” Then, she let out a dark, maniacal laugh that was haunting.

   “You are so sick, Anya, and you’re not getting away with this. Lyfe did not deserve your sadistic torture. When she is well and healed, I am going to make damn sure that you and your fucking tribe will not harm another again!” Bellamy threatened her. “Oh, I wouldn’t be so sure about Tristan handing out the punishments now,” he added matter-of-factly. Anya blinked in confusion and cocked her head to the side. What the hell does he mean by that? She wondered. She retreated back to her cave, and the men and Lyfe, still unconscious, spotted three mutated horses eating by the eave. They all had the same thought: Get on the horses and ride their way back to camp. It will be a lot faster than on foot.

   “BELLAMY BLAKE!” Anya screamed from her cave, its sound echoing into the night. “WHAT THE FUCK HAVE YOU DONE?! YOU’LL PAY FOR THIS!!!” She started to run back out, and quickly and carefully, Bellamy (with Lyfe), Finn, and Jasper jumped on the horses. The horses sensed something was off and began running full tilt. Bellamy had to cradle Lyfe in one arm and used his other to control the reins. Get back to camp. Just get back to camp. That was the only thing that was on his mind. Please, Lyfe, just hang on. PLEASE!

   “I never ridden on one of these before,” Jasper said as he clutched the reins and tightened his legs around the horse’s flanks. “It sure is bumpy as hell.” Jasper was starting to annoy Bellamy and Finn. Yet, when hasn’t he not annoy them?  None of them had rode a horse, but Lyfe’s survival depended on their speed, and the guys' instincts were kicking in. Finn looked behind him and discovered that Anya was following them and shooting arrows. Geez, what an evil bitch, he thought. Can’t they solve anything without violence? They had to maneuver the horses to dodge them. “Oh, shit,” Jasper muttered as his horse with a bad hind leg jumped over a fallen tree. “Don’t throw me off, dude.”

    “Jasper, shut the hell up and get the grenade ready to bomb the bridge,” Bellamy ordered, keeping his eyes focused ahead. “It will buy us time, and Anya won’t cross.”   As the men crossed the bridge that divided Grounder from the 100, Jasper pulled the tab off the long grenade and tossed it behind him without looking. His aim was trusted as it exploded, creating a shower of dirt and rubble, and bits of the debris fell on the men and left a screaming, pissed Grounder Princess on the other side.

    “The guys are coming!” Miller announced as he spotted them coming close. “Open the gate!” They dismounted the horses and burst through the camp while the kids watched in confusion and shock. Several had seen the bridge explode, and they wondered if they were at war (again) with the Grounders. The kids talked among themselves nervously as the events unfolded. Monty ran over to Jasper to console his anxiety from the night. Bellamy ran Lyfe to the medical tent while Finn went to get Clarke, who came running and coming out of their tent. As she stepped into the canvas, she was aghast by what she saw, her eyes transfixed to the creature on the bed. A very badly injured young woman, with her love bawling in tears by her bedside. His hands covered hers tightly and wouldn’t let go. It was a scene that was rarely seen.

   “I can’t do this without you, Lyfe. You are the only one that's holding me together. I love you. I need you,” Bellamy whispered in sobs, and his forehead touched hers. A few teardrops splattered on the thin blanket that covered her body.

   “What happened, Bellamy?” Clarke asked as she pulled back the blanket and examined the wounds from her sliced face, wrists, shoulders, ankle, and finally, her canal. She had to cover her mouth with her hand to keep from screaming, and her heart sank into her stomach. The gore was indescribable to fathom. This is so wrong on so many levels, she thought bitterly and shook her head. No one should go through this. Who would dare do this? Why would they do this to another person?

   “Tristan and Anya done this to her, Clarke,” answered Bellamy in between sobs. “I had to shoot Tristan; otherwise, he was going to kill her, and I should have killed Anya.  Please, you must save her. You must.” He took Lyfe’s hand into his, kissed it, and whispered, “I am so sorry, Baby. Dear God, please forgive me.” He looked up at Clarke with red, tear-stained eyes, and she knew that his whole faith was enveloped in her medical knowledge. Here was a man who was on the verge of complete shatter, and without her merciful help, he’d be gone forever. This was the perfect time if Clarke needed more experience in becoming a doctor. “I hope I can do this for Bellamy,” she said quietly, too quiet for Bellamy to hear. She told him to leave the tent because his panic was causing Clarke to lose her focus. He stubbornly obeyed, and Finn followed him out into the cold night. I don’t know what I’ll do without her, Bellamy thought with total despair. However, he still hung onto the strong hope that Lyfe would pull through.

   For the next three hours, Clarke operated on Lyfe, with Raven assisting her. Since there was no anesthesia, they had to use chloroform from the supplies to keep the girl sedated. Not that she regained consciousness, but she was still alive. So, there was a chance or possibility that she could awaken. Luckily, the cuts on Lyfe’s face, wrists, and shoulder did not need sutures and only needed to be cleaned out. To do this, Clarke had to cauterize them by heating a small dagger and pressing it to the slashes. It made a sizzling sound as the blade pressed against the fragile flesh. The cuts will also leave no significant scars, just faint shadows. Yet, as she worked on her damaged area, doing careful and intricate stitches, Clarke realized that there was too much blood loss for Lyfe to survive unless she got a transfusion.

  “Bellamy,” Clarke said to him in his tent, where Octavia and Finn were comforting him on either side of him on his bed. He was crying and was mumbling about taking the pistol and shooting himself. She heard Octavia say to her brother in a reassuring voice, “No, Bell! You can’t do that. Lyfe wouldn’t want you to do that. It’ll be okay. Clarke will make her well and strong again. She’s the best. You must have faith.” That raised Clarke’s confidence; she felt certain she could do this for him. It will make up for the poor treatment she gave Lyfe. I don’t deserve their forgiveness, but I will try to make things right.

   “Lyfe needs a transfusion, or she will not make it. The tribe is out of the question to give, although it is the best choice. The matching will be closest to hers.  But,” She was interrupted by Bellamy, who got up from the bed, and said, “How much does she need? I will do it.” He removed his other jacket, which he put on after leaving the medical tent. Clarke’s eyes traveled down the fine lines of his buff arms but looked away timidly.

   “Come then. I will connect you to a tube that will transfer your blood into a bag, and that will be used in her system through an IV. She should come around after the first few minutes. If everything goes right.” I just hope it does. For him.

    Clarke busily hooked Bellamy’s arm to an IV, ensuring the needle was inserted properly in his vein. She tried not to notice her fingertips grazing his warm skin or the way his forearm flexed when the blood was ejecting. Such a strong and brave person Bellamy is, she thought in awe.

   “Does it hurt, Bellamy?” Do you feel dizzy?” Clarke asked him in a professional matter. He shook his head and watched his blood travel down into the plastic bag. He then shifted his eyes to look over at the woman on the cot. Her eyes were closed, her long lashes touching her cheekbones, and her blond wavy hair was messy, unkempt, and caked with dirt. Her skin, usually perfectly tanned, was of a pallor shade, and her face was bloodied and bruised. Yet, Bellamy still found her stunning. Even in the darkest hour, Lyfe looked like a queen. Clarke looked over at Lyfe as well. She is just like us. A human being needing warmth, compassion, and acceptance, Clarke thought humbly. I was so blind that I didn’t see that before. Only because I was so buried in my own pain and desires. When all the necessary blood was measured, Clarke hooked it to another IV and inserted it in Lyfe’s arm. She taped the needle and tube down securely so it wouldn’t budge. After what felt like an eternity, Lyfe slowly opened her eyes, and color and warmth were coming back into her cheeks. She seemed bewildered and confused by her surroundings, and sleepiness consumed her once more. Clarke checked her over to see if everything was alright. It was too early to tell if the surgery was successful. So far, she seemed to be okay, and she checked her ankle for broken bones. Clarke discovered a hairline fracture (along with the sprain) in the center of the ankle and made a makeshift splint out of slender branches, cotton wrap, and cloth bandages. Lyfe then became fully awake and responsive, and her heart fluttered when she saw her loving man by her side. His face was buried in his hands, and he was crying softly. Oh, my. What a wonderful sight to open my eyes to. He is so tender and warm, and he really does love me. I love him, too. Please don’t cry, my baby. Lyfe placed her hand on his arm, and he looked up. The two of them were silent as they gazed at one another. Once again, Bellamy was in a daze by her. So perfect and beautiful, he thought solemnly. Clarke left the tent to give the two privacy but said she and Raven would be back.

“Bellamy,” she breathed in a raspy tone as her small hand touched his face, feeling the intense sweat and grime that had accumulated during her rescue. “Oh, Bellamy.” Bellamy kissed her fingertips when they caressed his lips. Nothing tasted sweeter. He thought he’d never kiss her again.

   “Oh, Lyfe. Thank God you are okay,” he wept and embraced her in his arms. He buried his face in her hair, lightly kissing it. “I thought I lost you.” Lyfe let out a painful squeak as she sat up and quickly laid back on the cot, her head on the soft pillow. “Bellamy, it hurts so much down there,” she said as she saw Bellamy’s contorted expression and looked down towards her vagina.  He swallowed a hard knot that had formed in his throat. “Lyfe, I-” Suddenly, his lips crashed onto hers, and he hungrily kissed her, never getting enough. When he finally stopped, Lyfe was out of breath but was completely enamored.

    “This cannot be Heaven because there’s pain,” She added brusquely. The agony felt like fire shooting up and into her stomach. She placed her free hand on it. “It cannot be hell either because you’re here.” She looked at him with her violet eyes, taking him in. To think I wouldn’t get lost in those dark eyes again. It’s all I ever want to do.

    “I’m so sorry, Lyfe. I wish I had come sooner. Please forgive me,” Bellamy pleaded, and he kissed her lips again. She kissed him back with more force as if she couldn’t get enough of him. Impulsively, she tangled her fingers in his dark curls, enjoying the texture and softness.  And, I almost lost this. He tasted her like he had never before and desired more. Lyfe was right, he realized fortunately. Her kisses taste like ‘joy,’ just like how she described mine. She is truly heaven-sent.

   “So it wasn’t a dream. You really did come and save my life. And it was not your fault, Bellamy, so please don’t blame yourself. I love you and wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for you.” Lyfe took his hand in hers and squeezed it tight. “Was it hard to shoot Tristan? You are not a killer, Bellamy, so please don’t hate yourself for that. You did what you had to, and I am glad the monster is gone. His reign of terror is over. I’d do the same for you, Baby.” She gave him such a loving gaze, her eyes wide with admiration. “And a billion times more.”

   “Honestly, it was the easiest decision I made. When I saw what he was doing to you, I just had to. It was beyond horrifying. And I know that you will do the same thing for me, Lyfe. You are so caring and loving and worth it. Finn and Jasper came too and helped me. They really came through for us, and so did Clarke. I was so scared that I wouldn’t say ‘I love you’ to you anymore, Lyfe. I love you, and I will say it more often because here on Earth, you don’t know when your last breath will be.” He kissed her all over her face, shoulders, and neck.  She let a deep moan, happy to be in his arms again. “You’re so beautiful, baby,” he drawled, nuzzling her neck. “I love you.” She sighed deeply, gazed into his dark eyes, and took his face into her hands. She kissed the broad tip of his nose and did tiny kisses on his freckles. “I love you so much, Bellamy Blake,” she whispered tearfully. “My savior.”

   Clarke and Raven came into the tent at the awkward moment where Bellamy was shirtless (again), and he was lying next to his queen, as they were deeply kissing and grabbing at one another. Raven gave a low whistle at them and snickered.

   “Bellamy! Lyfe just had major surgery and a blood transfusion, and she needs to recover. Can’t it wait until tomorrow?” Clarke quipped as she went to the bedside. The two stopped immediately, and their faces were flushed and red. Lyfe quickly pulled up the blanket to cover up her bare breasts. She felt mortified, but at the same time, a smile was planted across her face. She winked at Bellamy and gave him another kiss. Ah, who cares what they think? She thought naughtily. I went through total hell, and he deserves it.

   “Nice to see you too, Clarke,” Bellamy retorted as he quickly put his shirt back on. “I was just checking out her bruises and cuts.” Lyfe let out a giggle at him. “Sure, you were Bellamy.”

    “Leave it to me to do the examinations, Bellamy. After all, I am the doctor.” To Lyfe, she said, “How are you feeling?”

    “A lot better, thank you,” Lyfe responded in a small voice. “It hurts like hell, though.” Lyfe heard Bellamy growling under his throat, and she knew what he was thinking. She looked over at him and mouthed, “It’ll be okay.”

    “I am so sorry about your pain. I will tell you what procedures I have done and the recovery process, Lyfe.” Clarke smoothed out the blanket and sat down on the edge of the bed. “You probably know what happened back at Anya’s cave, and I am so sorry that you went through that. I cannot fathom why someone would do something such as that. Well, you had five major vaginal tears, along with several minor ones. I stitched them up, but since you did lose a lot of blood, Bellamy donated some of his.” Lyfe looked at Bellamy with her violet eyes shimmering with tears and said, “Thank you.”

    “Anything for you, Lyfe,” he said and kissed her. “Anything.” He kissed her on the soft spot behind her ear.

    Clarke continued talking. “In addition, your ankle is severely sprained and is fractured as well. Your cuts were minor, and they won’t scar. You have to stay in bed for a week, keeping your ankle iced and elevated so it can heel. Keep it wrapped, too, because it stabilizes it.  If you have to get up, then Bellamy will carry you. The tears will heal quicker than the ankle, about five days, and the stitches will dissolve on their own. When you sit up in bed, put a small, soft pillow underneath so it won’t hurt. Now, I feel uncomfortable saying this, but,” Clarke blushed and was unable to finish, so Raven intervened.

    “You can’t have sex until the vagina is strong enough to handle it, and trust me, you two go at it like the world is going to end again. So give it a week. At least now we can get some sleep at night.” That part was true enough, as the kids swore they heard Bellamy’s and Lyfe’s substantial erotic moaning and panting at night.  Not to mention the screaming of their names repeatedly. They had to deal with it or get punched in the face by Bellamy. Murphy attempted to shut them up as he walked into their tent and got left hooked. After that, nobody dared to intervene.

    Bellamy gave the women an amused expression, laughed, and said, “When it is good, it’s damn good.” Raven rolled her eyes and groaned. “Lyfe, tell your man to shut up. He is very annoying.”

    “Hey! I love my very annoying man, Raven!” Lyfe playfully rebuked. “And he happens to be right.”

    “Raven’s right. Intercourse during the healing process will break the stitches, and you’ll go through the same thing all over again. Plus, it may weaken the muscles. Lyfe, you have to stay overnight in the medical tent and for most of tomorrow. So that we can keep an eye out for infection. Any infection can be fatal. If you feel okay in the afternoon, then you can be discharged. You will make a full recovery despite the blood loss and severity.  I am going to prescribe painkillers, but only take them if it’s too unbearable. Let me know if you need anything or if you are having pain during the night, and I’ll come right away. Good night.” Clarke and Raven exited the tent, but Clarke looked back at Bellamy, who was still at Lyfe’s bedside.

     “Bellamy, are you coming?” she asked, her brow raised.

      “Is it alright that I stay here with her, Clarke? We promise we won’t do anything. And if she needs your help, I’ll get you.” Bellamy had a hopeful look in his eyes as Clarke took him in. Bellamy was exhausted; purple smudges were under his eyes, and he looked like he was going to collapse, but Clarke knew he truly loved Lyfe, and she couldn’t deny him keeping him away from her. So, she gave him a small smile and nodded her approval.

     “Thank you. And Clarke?” He asked as she went out of the tent.

     “Yeah?” She turned and looked at him, her blue eyes tearing from lack of sleep. She pushed a strand of her blond hair behind her ear.

     “Thank you for saving her.” Bellamy smiled his gratitude and forgiveness at Clarke, and Lyfe said as well, “Yes. Thank you, Clarke. You are an angel.” To Bellamy, she said, “Try to get some sleep, my love. You need it.” She gave him a good night kiss, then turned over to her left side, stuck a pillow in between her legs, and fell right to sleep.

     “Good night, my beautiful queen,” Bellamy whispered and softly kissed her cheek. He pulled a cot right next to hers, got undressed, and laid on the bed. After a few moments of listening to Lyfe’s delicate breathing and the night sounds, he closed his eyes and took Lyfe’s hand into his. Bellamy knew that he, Lyfe, and his people were all safe and sound for now, but for how long?

Chapter Text

   The next morning, Bellamy rose before Lyfe did, basking in the sun’s glow and the cool breeze ruffling his hair. He still had his job of monitoring the 100 and ensuring that they were keeping up with the building of the cabins. The progress was hard and tedious, but they were on schedule. None of the kids knew how to build a home, only using tablet pictures from the ARK and integral instinct. A few of them couldn’t even construct a proper tent. Already, Bellamy had one wall up of his and Lyfe’s. Measuring the logs and grooving the depths was difficult but worthwhile. The cabins will keep them warm this upcoming winter. Each structure would be the size of an average-sized bedroom from the ARK. Working on the house kept him from getting raging at what happened the night before. He couldn’t fathom what would have happened if he had come a few minutes later. Whenever he thought about it, his brain was about to explode, and he felt bile rise. It’s all over, Bellamy, an empowering thought in his head boomed. It’s all over. She is safe now.

   “Bellamy,” a young boy, no older than twelve, spoke up to him and broke his concentration. “Does this look right to you?” He held up a log, which he was working on, for Bellamy to inspect. Bellamy looked at it, studying and feeling all the grooves. He had to kneel so he could meet the boy’s eyes.

   “Yeah, it is fine, Skye. Just make sure all the logs are the same. When they are put together, it’ll all be even.” Bellamy returned the log to Skye and watched the kid scamper off and back to the cabin he was working on. It was in a shabby state, but it will hold. If his calculations were correct, and nobody goofed off, then the extension of the camp and the cabins would be finished within a month, or so Bellamy hoped.

When he returned to the medical tent a couple of hours later, Lyfe was up, sitting on a small pillow and reading the medical text she had given Clarke. She smiled big when she saw Bellamy. “Hi there.” She looked beautiful in the sparkling sunlight despite the vicious cuts, bruises, and grime. This was his love, his Queen, and no matter how Lyfe looked, battered or bruised, captivating and radiating (always to Bellamy), she would always be beautiful to him.

   “Good morning to you too. Taking a break, Bell?” she asked him sweetly and placed the text on the small table beside the cot. She would give him her undivided attention.

  Bellamy sank down on the edge of the bed, and he gave Lyfe an insatiable kiss, tasting every bit of her mouth and relishing that delicious taste. She reciprocated, and she could feel Bellamy’s heat radiating from him and onto her. She leaned into him a bit. “How are we feeling today, Lyfe?” he murmured as he stroked her golden hair. His soft, warm lips traced her jawline and went down her neck. She could feel his soft black hair brush against her skin. Suddenly, Lyfe burst into tears, and she grabbed onto Bellamy for dear life. Her nails dug deep into his jacket sleeves, and she felt his warm flesh underneath. He was surprised by her outburst and wondered if he had done something wrong.

   “What’s the matter, Lyfe?” He asked, with deep concern furrowing his brows. “Does it hurt that bad, baby? Should I get Clarke? Have I done something?” He kissed her forehead, trying to console her, but she kept sobbing. “Please, tell me.” He took her face in his hands and gazed into her eyes. “Baby, tell me.” They appeared to be vibrant purple due to the redness and tears.  What a mesmerizing color. She drew her face to the side and wept. She sniffled and wiped her nose on the back of her hand.

   “All of this is my fault, Bellamy. If I hadn’t gotten involved with you and your people, none of this would have happened, and your life wouldn’t be in danger. The kids only tolerate me because of you, and now that I am mutilated, you probably don’t find me attractive anymore. I’ve been so damn selfish, giving into my heart and not my mind. I love you, Bellamy, but I don’t want to lose you. A life without you scares me. With all of this disputing, trauma, and tensions, the pain is horrible. Maybe you’d be better off with one of the girls here, as any of them will come to you in a heartbeat. And I should’ve stayed away when Anya told me to. At least you’d be safe.” Lyfe sniffled and wiped her nose on the back of her hand. She looked up at Bellamy, who looked a little astounded. Then he lowered his eyes and shook his head lightly. He placed his hand on her cheek and caressed her cheekbone. He had a smirk on his face, showing Lyfe that he would be hers. He leaned down and kissed her gently on her scar.

   “None of this is your fault, Lyfe. What Tristan has done to you was a merciless act. I am glad that I killed the bastard, and Anya should be hanged. I was already involved when I first saw you come hell or high water. I would have tracked you down if you didn’t come that night.” Bellamy smiled when she gave him a disbelieved look and a raised eyebrow. “I mean it, baby. I don’t want or need anyone else but you, Lyfe. And the girls here are pretty much disposable, with the exception of a select few. You are my world, and I love you, and if the Grounders come for retaliation, then I will fight to the death for you. I will do whatever it takes to keep you safe and protected. Our lives were already in danger when we dropped to the ground. Even on the ARK, life was dangerous. When we got here, all the kids ever did was fight, and now, because of you, they are all at peace. Even Murphy and he was such a cold-hearted dick. Now, he is just a dick. These kids are now your people; you should hear what they tell me about you, Lyfe.” Bellamy took her hand in his and gently caressed her delicate bones. He then took it to his mouth, his tongue ever so gently grazed her knuckles.

   “Go on. Tell me, Bellamy,” Lyfe prompted as he kissed her hand, then went up to the center of her elbow. “What did they say?” She was now curious because she thought everyone secretly hated her. She entered their world without warning, not knowing any of them fully. The only things that she knew were the things Bellamy shared. She brought along the danger when she fell for Bellamy, and she felt a pang of guilt. Not the guilt of falling for the enemy, but the guilt of endangering innocents.

  “Oh, they told me you are such a good and sweet person. Down to earth. Octavia wants you as a sister, and she looks up to you. She is one that normally doesn’t. She has always been a free spirit. Also, you are strong and beautiful and will fight for what you believe in. A great leader, and my personal favorite, damn lucky.” His lips curved into a sexy side smolder. “Damn lucky that I got you.”

   “I am ‘damn’ lucky to have you too.” Lyfe said, smiling at him. “I love you, Bellamy.” She kissed him on the cheek, her spirits picking up slightly. “Do you still find me attractive, though? Beautiful?” She looked down at her sliced-up wrists, which were bandaged. A little bit of blood had been absorbed into the cotton. “Right now, I don’t feel it.”

   “Oh, God, yes,” Bellamy emphasized, and he kissed the cuts on her face and her lips, which felt like heaven. His breath felt sweet on her face and neck. “Fuck that, Tristan, for doing something so evil. And Anya, too. Do you know how much I want you right now, Lyfe? It is taking every fiber of my body not to give in, and I am only fighting it because of the damn stitches, and I don’t want to hurt you. I know you’re fighting it, too, because you are ready to jump me at any moment. Last night and this morning is the first time we went without. You will always be beautiful to me, Lyfe, and whether or not you believe it yourself, you are. I love you, but I guess we can fool around until you’re better.” He looked at her, desire in his dark eyes, and his heart pounded with want. His smile was devilish and sexually stimulating.

   “Hmm . . . . and it’ll be better than ever,” Lyfe teased as she brought Bellamy down with her on the cot. They started kissing one another deeply and uncontrollably. Lyfe got the jacket off of him, and her fingers trailed up his defined arms, feeling their strength and warmth. Bellamy pulled the blanket down so he could kiss her down on her breasts and flat stomach. The tip of his tongue licked little circles around her naval, and Lyfe left out a little squeal. She felt him go even lower as his heat flowed inside of her, making her feel incredible, pleasurable, and light.  How can this man be so damn powerful? She thought in wonderment. He’s mine! A moan of pure ecstasy escaped from her lips, and her whole body purred at his immaculate touch. Bellamy gave her even more to moan as he loved to bite the inside of her firm thighs, her skin moist with perspiration. She felt his lips trail up her body and reach hers. Her hands clutched tightly to his shoulders, and the strong impulse to rip his shirt off, which clung to his sculpted body like a second skin due to sweat, nearly overwhelmed her. If she did, then they would not be able to control their next act. Lyfe wanted Bellamy; she hungered and thirsted for him but was still too fragile to let it happen. Damn you, Anya. Try to ruin my life, will you? Lyfe thought angrily, but she hid it with a seductive smile as Bellamy looked at her. His expression was of pure amusement. “Are you ever pretty,” he breathed. He kissed her hard on her mouth, and she began to tremble in excitement. All that she ever wanted, needed, and lusted in a man was right there with her. When Bellamy tightened his grip on her waist and kissed her right above her bikini line, she let out a deep gasp, allowing his full sensation to take over her body. If this is incredible now, she thought, I cannot imagine what it’ll be like when we actually make love again. The thought caused tingles down her spine.

   “Oh! Bellamy, we should stop before something happens.” Lyfe let Bellamy collapse beside her on the cot, but he continued kissing her. “I don’t want to stop,” he whispered breathlessly in her ear. “I need and want more of you. Don’t you want me too?” His lips just grazed the end of her clavicle, and his dominant voice made her blood pulse quicken in speed, and she swore the civilians outside could hear it.

   “Always,” she replied, barely audible. Bellamy gave her a filthy smirk and pressed his lips onto hers. His tongue slipped through, fully tasting her, and he let out a moan. As he continued kissing her, his hand slid up on the side of her thigh, feeling the hard bruises and tensing at the memory of the previous night. He squeezed his eyes shut to void it out, and unintentionally, his fingers clasped a little too hard. His breath became hard and ragged. Anything to block out the tragedy and guilt.

   “Ow, Bellamy. You’re hurting me,” Bellamy heard her cry out and loosened his grasp. He felt like he just punched her in the heart. Where the bruises were, a new patch of red covered them. Why couldn’t you come sooner, Bellamy? You’ve done this to her. You caused her pain. If you love her, then why did you let this happen? You are such an idiot. A monster. A cold, twisted voice in his head spoke to him. You don’t deserve her.

   “Oh, God. I am so sorry. I didn’t mean to-” Before Bellamy could finish, Lyfe kissed him softly on the scar above his lip, then the mole by the corner of his mouth, and took his face in her hands. “It’s okay, Bellamy. It’s okay. I know you didn’t mean it. I forgive you. But everything is fine now. Our nightmare is over. Here.” Lyfe placed her hand on top of his and brought it up to her hip. She gave him a comforting, loving look. “It doesn’t hurt when you touch the bruises. It feels better, actually, Bellamy.” Her forehead touched his, and she whispered, “Because of you, I am here. ALIVE. And I will be eternally grateful for that.” She traced his jaw with her fingertips and delicately kissed his lips. “I love you,” she whispered. “I love you.”

   “I love you, too, Lyfe,” He said, stroking her cheek tenderly. “I won’t let anything or anyone come in between us ever again. I promise.”

When Clarke came in, she saw the two of them lying on the cot in total bliss. Instead of surprising them, she stood there and smiled. She was glad to see that Lyfe was feeling better. After she left the medical tent the night before, Clarke reconciled with Finn, and now they were back together, like how a couple should be together. She couldn’t been happier, and last night, she showed Finn exactly that.

   “Finn,” Clarke him told the night prior, her eyes watering. “I’ve realized that I was a complete monster to you. I didn’t realize how important you are to me and how much I truly love you until after you left with the others. I was so afraid that I was going to lose you. I couldn’t run this camp without your help and support. I was just too blind in my own tangled emotions that I left you in the dark. I am so sorry, Finn. Can you find it in your heart to forgive me? Or am I too late?” With her hands embracing his face, sweet like a child’s but matured like a man’s, the warmth of his skin nearly burned her. “I love you, Finn Collins.”

   “You can never be too late, Princess,” Finn consoled her. “I will always wait for you, Clarke. May the moon meet the sea and into eternity. I love you, my princess.” Before long, they found themselves under the covers.

   “Hi,” Clarke said as she approached the cot. Lyfe and Bellamy quickly stood up from the bed, disbelieving that they had been caught again. How the hell does Clarke do that? Bellamy thought, suddenly feeling self-conscious about his sweat-soaked shirt. Quickly, he threw his jacket back on, still very much tensed. Because of the swift movement, fiery pain shot up Lyfe’s bandaged ankle, but she just flinched a little. She let out a tiny groan and tried to be brave in front of the two of them. Bellamy has seen this, and his heart shattered to see his Queen suffer. He lightly kissed the top of her head to ease her. If a shooting star lit the sky at that moment, he’d wish all of her pain to disappear. If only one came, he thought sadly. And, blew up all of the Grounders.

   “You don’t have to hide being afraid of being in pain from us, Lyfe. Let it out if you need to. It’s alright.” Bellamy gave her hand a squeeze and saw a single teardrop trickle down her cheek. He caught it with his knuckle before it splattered.

    “I just came to check up on you, to see if everything’s healing alright. I have to peek inside, though.” Clarke glanced over at Bellamy, who was getting off the cot. “I’ll be back after Clarke checks up on you, Lyfe.” He gave a few quick kisses on her lips, and she wrapped her arm around the nape of his neck, holding him back. Her fingers tangled in his messy hair.

    “You don’t have to go, Bellamy. I want you to stay,” Lyfe pleaded gently, batting her long lashes. Bellamy, defenseless by the two women, sat down on the cot beside hers. “Cute. I might learn something, though.” He watched Clarke as quietly and calmly as he could (without raging about Anya and Tristan) as she examined Lyfe’s vagina. His eyes swept over her, making damn sure that she was comfortable and in the best care. Clarke was a little confused that she was very wet and warm but thought nothing much of it. Bellamy has that effect. After a few minutes, she was finished and began to check on the cuts, the ankle, and the bruises. So far, everything seemed to be in proper healing order, and her examination was over.  

    “Well, Lyfe, you are extremely lucky. As my mom would say, you’re a ‘medical miracle.’ Honestly, I was really afraid we would lose you.” Clarke sucked in her breath when she saw Bellamy’s piercing look at her, his mouth in a tense line. She continued on. “However, I am glad that you made it. Everything looks great, and some of the cuts inside have already healed. There is no threat of infection, but like Raven said last night, no sex for a week.” Clarke paused with a slight smile and affixed her eyes back to Bellamy. “But . . . since it is already healing fairly quickly, you can have it two days earlier. However, you still need to stay in bed for a week because of the ankle. It is still swollen, and I have noticed it hurts you because you hardly move it. If you need to get out of your tent, Bellamy will carry you wherever you need to go. Or you could use a crutch. When you wash up, you can take the wrap off and let it soak in warm water. It will heal and feel better as well. Just wrap it back up when you are done. Do not stand on it until it is completely healed. Also, if you ever need or want to talk about what happened, I am here, or any of the other women in the camp. It seems though you have your biggest rock right next to you and may not need counseling.” Clarke watched Lyfe’s reaction as she smiled at Bellamy with such tenderness and love, and her violet eyes were sparkling.

   “You’re right, Clarke. And we are happy that you gave us such good news. I feel a lot better already due to your care. Thank you.” She gave Clarke a warm smile, and to Bellamy, she said quietly, “And because of you.”

    “You can leave if you want, but I’d recommend putting on some clothes before you do. If you need anything else, just let me know,” said Clarke, and she left the tent. Lyfe then called her back in.

    “Yes?” Clarke asked her as she stood in the opening. Lyfe smiled at her and said, “Thank you again, Clarke.”

     “You’re most welcome, Lyfe. I am glad that the nightmare’s over.”

      “I better get Octavia to pick out some clothes for you. She is better at that stuff than I am.” Bellamy recalled that when he and his sister lived on the ARK, O helped their mother mend and make clothes for the residents.   They were not the most fashionable or best quality, but you did with what you had on the ARK. In fact, Octavia had a jumper that was altered for several years so she could wear it.

     “I am not choosy, Bell. Just have her bring the loose black deerskin pants and the matching short-sleeved shirt. They’ll be a lot more comfortable to lay in bed with,” Lyfe said as she gestured to the cot where she lay. “This is not very comfy.” That part was true enough, as the cot was hard and stiff.

    “Okay, baby. I’ll be back in a few minutes and help you get back to our tent.” Bellamy kissed her forehead and took off. Soon, Octavia came in with the garments Lyfe wanted. Lyfe quickly got the top on and very carefully slipped into the pants so her ankle wouldn’t jolt. She fingered, combed her golden hair, braided it to make it as neat as possible, and washed her face with the water O bought. Octavia watched her silently, taking in everything, and then she spoke up.

    “You know, you made my brother very happy. At first, I wasn’t so sure of you, Lyfe, because you were different, but you’re just like the rest of us. Trying to find the will to survive. Bellamy is the only one who truly matters to me, aside from Jasper, if you can believe it, and now that he has found love on this hellhole of a planet, everything is so much better. He is full of life and happiness now, and I have never seen him like this. He was happy when he raised me, but don’t get me wrong, he was always on edge. A lot of it had to do with the fear of the Guard discovering me in the floor. Bellamy took me to a dance one night because he wanted me to experience a regular teenage life, and that is how I was discovered. After that, our mom got floated, Bellamy went from being a top guard to janitor, and I was locked up for the sin of existing. When he heard that I was going to the ground, he fought his way to be on the dropship to protect and watch over me. Until he met you, he was such a dick, always rebelling against the ARK’s politics. Yet, I never agreed to them either. He practically did things half-assed down here. Nearly cost him his own life. You went through a lot in your life, too. It had to be horrible being in a tribe where all they did was kill, and you wanted nothing to do with it. I can't imagine that myself, but I am so sorry about what happened to you last night, and nobody should not have to experience that. So, I am glad you are here, Lyfe, and thank you for giving my brother joy. You are the key to his heart.” Octavia impulsively hugged the other woman to show her deep gratitude, her arms showing the similar strength that Bellamy possessed. Lyfe smiled at the kind gesture and giggled the first time she hugged Bellamy impulsively. It felt like a lifetime ago. Then, she got serious with his little sister.

    “It was horrible with the Grounders, and I rebelled against their way of life. It sickened me immensely, and the memories will haunt me. I left because what they were doing to others was wrong and immoral. Can you imagine your life with nothing but unjustifiable killing? I can’t do that, nor do I want to. Every life has a purpose, and there has to be a solid reason for your time to go. Then, there was Tristan. Just between you and me, Octavia, I was supposed to marry Tristan, but I refused because he was so evil, and I will never love him. Had I done so, it would have been indescribable. It would have ruined me. Plus, he killed other men for even looking at me. Bellamy doesn’t know this, but I do plan to tell him soon. Last night was a nightmare, and I thought I was going to die. If death was the only way out, then I was already. But, my very lost thought was of Bellamy. Like the princes from fairy tales, your brother rescued me, and on a horse! He risked his life and Finn’s and Jasper’s for me. I will be eternally indebted to those brave men and what they went through. Anya was and still is a stone-hearted bitch, and will kill at any given opportunity. She was always like that. When we were growing up, she was mean to me, physically pushing, scratching, spitting, and pulling my hair, and expected me to fight back. I didn’t, though, because I knew I wanted to be good even as a little girl. I just ignored it, and while we were being trained to become warriors, I usually left and started looking for animals and studying plants. I loved doing the nature thing and realized that as soon as I left, I’d dedicate my life to helping others with illnesses and injuries. I helped some of my former people heal after battles, but it also disgusted me. Why help them if they’re just going to harm and kill again? It was then I realized that I was not going to be a Grounder anymore or a member of a damned tribe. So, on my 21^st birthday a couple of months ago, I left the Grounders forever. I was actually planning on heading to the ocean, where a completely different group of souls inhabited. They are led by a woman named Luna, and they are the opposite. I was still with Anya when I saw your ship crash. You came out first, looking so happy and jubilant to be on Earth again. For a few seconds, it blurred as the others descended out. It felt like everything was in slow motion, not making any sense. Then, he appeared. I was deeply entranced when I first saw Bellamy and immediately fell in love. It happened so unexpectedly and fast that I couldn’t fight it. And I didn’t want to. It felt like all of the dead weight on my shoulders was lifted, and my heart was finally healing from the death of my parents. Bellamy might have told you about how Anya’s parents killed mine because they, too, revolted.” Lyfe stopped momentarily to see if Octavia understood. She nodded and told her to go on. “My parents were great people, and I can still hear the screams while they were being executed. Death by a thousand stabs and slashes. It was unfair and unthinkable. Well, anyway, I went out every day to see him in secrecy, and he was the one who initiated first. I should have run, but I didn’t. I just stood there stupidly, weak in the knees. I had a feeling, though, that he wouldn’t raise his gun at me. I didn’t want to pose as a threat, especially with the peace bond. He was angry at first, but he quickly softened. After that first meeting at the pond that sunny afternoon, I knew I had to stay. Bellamy was the star I was wishing on, and nothing else mattered to me but him. He gave me a whole new lease on life, Octavia. If it weren’t for him, I’d be dead. I’ve never been happier in my life.” After that, Lyfe saw Octavia in tears. Her impact from her experiences made her emotional, and O was one who tried to cover her emotions.

“You are so strong, Lyfe, and I now have a new admiration for you. You emulate such compassion and strength that all of us put together. Last night was really hard for Bell. He was absolutely hysterical and upset. I couldn’t even calm him. He even said that if you didn’t make it, he’d kill himself because he couldn’t live without you. That right there shows how much he truly loves you.”

    “Bellamy said that?” Lyfe asked, not fully grasping it. “Wow.” Bellamy came into the tent at that moment. He cleaned up and put on fresh clothes. “I meant every word, and like I said before, Lyfe, you are my world.” He walked up to her and gently kissed her. “I won’t let go of you,” he whispered, his hand on her upper arm, lightly grasping it. She smiled up at him and said softly, “I won’t let you go, Bell.”

     Octavia rolled her eyes and groaned. “Okay. I get that I am not wanted here.” She got off the cot and was about to leave. “I’ll see you at dinner tonight, Lyfe. Bellamy, thanks for not acknowledging me. You’re such a gentleman.” Octavia slapped her big brother on the side of the head, making Lyfe laugh. “I’ll see you tonight as well.” Octavia ran off, leaving the two of them behind.

    “Ready to go?” He asked as he picked Lyfe up in his arms. She nodded and nuzzled his neck lovingly. Before he carried her to their tent, he wanted to show her the cabin that he was constructing for them. Lyfe’s eyes widen in total surprise. The cabin was sturdy and was going to be larger than the others, but it only had one lonely wall against the grey sky.

    “I know it’s only one wall-” Lyfe cut him off and praised, “It is astounding! I can’t wait to live in it! It will be a lot better than freezing this winter.” She looked at the solitary wall, but soon it will be complete. Bellamy was working hard on their cabin. “I can’t wait,” she repeated, smiling back at him.

    “Me either, Lyfe,” Bellamy agreed, and his eyes had that playful gleam. “I am gonna work on it more after I put you down in our tent.”

    “You think I could watch you?” Lyfe sweetly asked. “I just want to see how you build a house.”

     “Alright, but I might not get any work done because I may get distracted,” he teased, kissing the tip of her nose.

     “You won’t even know that I am watching,” she chided and kissed him back.

     Bellamy placed Lyfe down on a removed seat from the ship and continued his work on the cabin. Lyfe was quiet and only talked in whispered tones to some of the other women in the camp. It was then, from the corner of her eye, that she saw Murphy and Finn approach Bellamy. They didn’t look too happy whatever it was that they were discussing. Suddenly, Bellamy threw down the log he was working on and cursed. He ran a hand through his curls and rubbed the back of his neck in exasperation.

     “The Grounders will retaliate for last night, at least Anya is. We just spoke to one of her guards, who told us this. What happened to the peace alliance we made with them? Isn’t that still in effect?” Finn asked nervously. “If not, then we are seriously fucked.” Might as well be back in lock up.

     “Yeah, Bellamy. One of the Grounders arched Myles while hunting a few minutes ago. The Princess is taking care of him now. Got him pretty damn close to the heart. She says he may not make it.” Murphy didn’t look like he was shaken up by it or maybe he was, but from where Lyfe was sitting, she couldn’t tell. But poor Myles! He was such a sweet kid if a little pressing. He didn’t cause harm and certainly didn’t deserve that from the Grounders.

    “They violated the terms right after we settled them. The problem was that we didn’t act strongly enough on it. The bridge bought us time, and it’ll take a week for them to get here prepared. I think the real problem is Anya. If we can bring her down, then the other Grounders’ powers will cease,” said Bellamy. “She is not going to get away with her monstrosity. Not after what she had done to Lyfe. Or to us.” He looked behind him to look at the woman he nearly lost. His two most important things were his protection and survival for Lyfe and his people. “Training for combat will start tonight. In order for Anya to be overthrown, fear and procrastination will not be options.”

     Lyfe heard the hatred in his voice for Anya, and she could not blame him. Anya was a monster. Yet, the overpowering guilt washed over her once more. Because of her, her new people would embark in a war again with the life she tried so desperately to leave behind.

Chapter Text

     The next few days were helter-skelter, and the camp's activity was thick with tension and edginess. The training continued, and every time Lyfe saw Bellamy prep the others, it caught her breath in her throat. Even though he was confident and oh so sure, the prickle of worry infected her mind. There was always a great chance of a missed shot. She knew she had to do something before a massive bloodbath occurred. And she had to do it now. Who I am and who I need to be for the survival and welfare of these kids and Bellamy are two very different things. This thought gave her the confidence, power, and strength to do the unfathomable. These were kids, though some a few years younger than she, who were going to fight with experienced warriors. People who actually killed others for a living and took pleasure in doing so. Lyfe will put her life on the brink for the 100, and her deep, devoted love for Bellamy and her new people will be tested. Lyfe was always in the shadows, always wanting to do what was virtuous, but now, she needed to do something that did not reflect her. I need to kill Anya before she kills all of us. God forgive me.

      “Bellamy, I think I want to go the pond and bathe. Then, go hunting for food. My ankle is strong enough to limp on it.” Lyfe watched Bellamy’s expression go from a smile to a grim line, and his eyes cast down. “I’d like to go alone as well since you are busy with construction and running things, plus the training,” she added, gathering a few toiletries to take. Bellamy was cautious and more protective of her now, ever since the abduction and frightening brutality three nights ago.  His eyes were always on her, making sure that she was safe. Yet, he also knew that Lyfe wanted to help the group and had to respect that. He was still greatly concerned for her safety, only because he didn’t want to lose her and loved her. She was going to kill Anya on her own and alone. She didn’t want to risk anyone else’s life, especially the man that she loved. It was her fault that the Grounders were planning to attack, and so she didn’t want anyone else sacrificed because of her.

       “I don’t know Lyfe. It’s very dangerous out there, especially with your sister planning a war. I just don’t want anything to happen to you. It was hell for me when I nearly lost you, and it would be devastating if I did lose you. I can’t live my life with you. Just promise me you’ll be real careful out there and bring a gun and the radio. I know you don’t like shooting, but I will feel much better if you do.” Bellamy kissed her, and handed her the extra gun he kept in the tent.

      “Only shoot when you feel there is absolute danger.” He gave Lyfe excellent one-on-one sharpshooting lessons, vital for protection and survival, when she relocated to the camp. Her former people were afraid of guns, as they believed that one shot would cause Mount Weather to wipe them all out. It was an old legend with questionable truth.

       “I promise, Bellamy. I wish we didn’t have to get involved with Anya. She gets vicious when things don’t go her way. Don’t forget, I was a Grounder.” She saw Bellamy roll his eyes upward, and he whispered, “Yeah, I know. But I don’t care. I never put it against you. You are a good person, much better than I am-“

      “Hey, who kept the majority of these kids ALIVE? And who watches over his little sister and raised her right? We all did things we are not proud of but did because we had to. No one is perfect, not even me. You are a good man, Bellamy Blake, and don’t you ever forget that.” She gave him a bright, loving, and empowering smile, and her arms tightened around his neck. She gave him a passionate kiss and felt his strong arms enclose around her.

      “Well, Clarke helps out a lot, but O is a strong woman now. I guess I've done some things right.” Bellamy gave her a hug and a kiss on her cheek. “Thanks, sweetheart. I needed that.” He continues to plant subtle yet pleasurable kisses all over her face. This woman is so caring and sweet.

       “Hmm. . . you are most welcome.” Lyfe kissed him. “Well, I’ll be back soon enough, Bell. I love you, Baby.” Lyfe said soothingly. I wish that I didn’t have to leave you. After she hoisted her hunting knife and the radio to her hip and gun to her shoulder, she limped lamely out of the tent, and little pricks of pain tingled her ankle, but she tolerated it. Bellamy’s face saddened, and he sighed. She is in too much damn pain. I can’t let her go by herself. He caught up with her in three strides, and Lyfe stopped and gave him a puzzled gaze.

      “Bellamy, what . . .?” Lyfe was quieted by his strong kiss, which caused a murmur as he traced her lips with the tip of his tongue. He gently pulled back, and he framed her face with his hands. “Let me take you to the pond, Lyfe.” When she tried to protest, he whispered, “I love you, and I can see that your leg is still in pretty bad shape, as it has only been three days. I’d be insane if I let you go alone. I can’t lose you again.” As Lyfe looked up at him, she realized he would not let her go, just as he always promised her. How can I hurt him this way? She thought dismally. It breaks his heart to see me like this, and mine to see him depressed. Lyfe pushed back a few black curls that had fallen over his forehead, and she gave him a soft kiss on that little scar that she loved so much.

      “My leg looks worse than it is, Bell. Really. I won’t be gone for more than an hour. I will be fine.” Lyfe lied, and she was trying her hardest to fake that she wasn’t suffering but was failing. She couldn’t stand on her left ankle by itself without it wobbling and having stabs of pain run through it, and subconsciously, she winced.  Bellamy saw this and raised an eyebrow at her. His strong arms encircled her waist so he could help her retain balance. His eyes were full of sympathy, and he sensed that something was wrong.

       “Lyfe, I have been around long enough to tell that someone is suffering, and please, do not deny that you are. Even Clarke said that you should stay in bed until it healed. Even though we don’t take orders from her, I still think we should listen.” Bellamy caressed the healing cut on her cheek. “Please, just let me carry you, and if you still want or need to be alone, then I will respect that. Just do not make it hard on yourself to please me. I don’t understand why you want to be alone, Lyfe.” Bellamy looked deep into her violet eyes to make her understand where he was coming from. Did I do something? Maybe I’ve been too focused on the fucking Grounders and not enough on her. If that was the case, then he deserved her wanting to leave. A million other thoughts shattered his mind, each harsher than the last.

       “Sometimes, Bellamy,” Lyfe started to explain gently, “A woman needs to think by herself.” She saw the hurt in his earth-brown eyes. “It has nothing to do with you, believe me.”   As she looked up at him, he looked like he witnessed a tragic event. “You can carry me to the pond. I need to tell you some things I have been holding off on.”

       “What things?” asked Bellamy, confused. “I guess I will find out soon enough.” Lyfe can’t take any more crap and this camp. She is finally leaving me. I’ll die without her. I better get my shit together before I let that happen.

       Bellamy carried her to the pond, and after Lyfe stripped down to her underwear, she washed up quickly. The water was like ice to her bare skin, so she wasn’t there long. For Bellamy, though, that was more than enough. His eyes locked on the sparkling diamond-like water droplets that clung and rolled down her bare back, and they followed the soft curvature of her body. Bellamy’s eyes widened, and a dirty smile stretched across his face. He was fantasizing about licking those drops off, one by one. All too soon, she turned her head around, snapping him from his wet daydream, and called to him, “I am done.”

       When he placed her down on the grass after she dressed and rewrapped her ankle, he sat down beside her, his long legs bent at the knees. He affixed his eyes on her, taking in her beauty and tenderness and smiling. He was falling more in love with Lyfe every moment. Whatever it is, it cannot be that bad, he thought. Yet, he wasn’t too sure.  

      “What did you want to tell me, Lyfe?” Bellamy asked as he put his arm around her and drew her close. He gave her a kiss on her temple, then her mouth. She looked at him, and then she poured out about her engagement to Tristan and her concocted plans to kill Anya. Lyfe would go to Anya’s cave and convince her that she and Bellamy had broken up, wanting to be accepted back into the tribe. When she embraced her evil sister in a close hug, she would stab her in the heart. Bellamy took this all in and exhaled sharply. For a long time, he was silent, not knowing what to think, but gathered his composure. He shook his head, the curls falling over his forehead, and exhaled.

      “Why didn’t you tell me before about Tristan? I would have understood Lyfe. You know you can share anything with me.” He wiped away the tears that trickled down her face. He wasn’t angry, but he was a little stunned. “As for the plan, it is highly dangerous. It’s not worth the risk. The risk of losing you.  I just got you back, and I don’t want or need to go through that nightmare ever again. As I said before, I will put my life on the fire for you, and if it does come down to war, then we will be well prepared. As we speak, Raven and Jasper are making grenades, bombs, and a minefield just outside the walls. So, we must be careful where we step when we return if the mines are activated. But why did you keep Tristan a secret? Please tell me that you didn’t love him.”  Bellamy deeply groaned and rubbed his forehead.

“Because I was afraid, Bellamy, that something would happen. And it nearly did. He was coming to the camp three nights ago, and he was going to slaughter you with me watching. In your sleep. He was going to kill everyone else after he murdered you. Then, set the camp afire. He believed that you were the reason why I didn’t marry him.  He was purely immoral, and that was the true reason.  And no, I did not love him, never did. I only love you, and will always love you, no matter what. I will love you beyond the moon and sea and into infinity. Even if I didn’t have you, I would have still run. Well, Anya was speculating the grounds, along with Tristan, and when they got close enough, that is when she took me. They thought it is better if they killed me, and your suffering would be more than satisfying to them. It would have brought everyone in the camp down. Lowering all of the defenses. Anya takes pleasure in Sadist acts, and her cruelty will never stop until she is dead. The Grounders’ powers will also dissipate because they’d have no one to follow. Unless they decide on a new leader for the tribe, the majority are only brainwashed into evil, and the rest are pure evil. Do I want to kill her? No, but if it means amity for the rest of us, then I am greatly willing to take that risk, Bellamy. If we go to war, then we are lowering ourselves to be like the Grounders. That is what Anya wants. Is that something you want?” Lyfe looked at him then, with her purple eyes, seeking the answer she wanted to hear.

     “I don’t want to be like the Grounders, Lyfe. You know that, but I cannot let anything ruin our chances of survival. As I said, we are well-prepped for a war with Anya. We don’t want to go to war; you and I know that. And if you act on this plan, there is a great risk that you’ll not make it. I cannot breathe without you, Lyfe, and if you go, then I go.” Bellamy squeezed her tight and kissed her hair, which was still damp. “I love you, and I will be damned if anything happens to you, Baby. How can a king survive without his queen?” He gave her a sweet smile then, and she took his face in her delicate hands. He gave her a soft kiss on her lips and touched her forehead with his. Looking straight into his eyes, she said, “I love you too and our people. That is why I need to do this for us. You have to trust me on this. Everything will be alright, Bell. I promise.”

      Bellamy resented the idea of her going alone, but she was persistent. Whatever she looked at him with those violet eyes with the long, dark lashes, his heart melted, and he gave in. Geez, Bell. You sure have gotten soft these past two months. Then he thought of something that would make him feel better about her decision.

      “I trust you completely, but I do not trust them out there. I am allowing you to fulfill your quest, Lyfe. But on one condition. I need to go follow you and have Miller, Clarke, Finn, and Jasper come along for backup.” When she tried to protest, he added, “They are well-trained to go into combat if need be. Hopefully, it won’t come down to that.”

      Lyfe’s eyebrow raised a little, and she asked quietly, “Why is Clarke coming?” Although she had no problem with the other blond, Bellamy was certain that she’d accompany them. Bellamy scoffed, taking her question as a form of jealousy, which was not the case. “Oh, Lyfe. Clarke is coming just in case one of us needs her medical assistance. You’ll be ahead of us and will not be there to help us out if something does happen.” She is so cute when she is serious.

      “Which is exactly the reason of why you shouldn’t come along. Then, it will be on me. I can’t live with that, Bellamy. I can’t lose you too.” Lyfe linked her arm through his, and she rested on his shoulder. As if she didn’t want to forget his scent, she breathed it in, her heart racing from it. He smells like warm blood and sweat. A perfect combination. He tucked her underneath his chin and kissed the top of her head.

      “Lyfe, we don’t abandon our own, and I promise you, I will be okay out there.”  

       Two mornings later, the day when Lyfe, Bellamy, and the others were supposed to venture out into the wild unknown, Lyfe was throwing up. She didn’t know the reason, but after the violent bursts, and besides the burning sensation in her throat, she felt fine. Of course, deep down, she knew of what it could be, and Bellamy was skeptical about letting her go. In fact, he was totally against it. Nonetheless, she convinced him that she was all right to fulfill the job.

      “Just a bad wild onion from last night. It happens.” Was what she told him after calming him down. Yeah, wild onions, my ass. Lyfe thought realistically. She calculated the time frame between now and the first time she and Bellamy slept together. Yep. Just as I thought, she surmised. When the correct timing comes, I will share the news with Bellamy, but not now. Not until this whole mess has been cleaned up. I pray to God that it will be all over soon.

      Before the small group disembarked on the potentially dangerous trek in the mid-morning light, Clarke stopped in Bellamy’s and Lyfe’s tent to talk to her. She wanted to make amends with Lyfe, and she was not looking for acceptance of apology, but perhaps listening to what she had to say. The last thing that they needed was to be enemies due to Clarke’s tangled emotions.   Clarke was ashamed of herself for the way she treated Lyfe, and she made Bellamy happy. So, who was she to infract between the two of them simply because she acted like a jealous teenager?

     “Oh, hey, Clarke,” Lyfe greeted with a smile. “What’s up?” She was fixing her hair by braiding the sides, pulling them back, and securing them with a thin leather string. Wow, she is so crazy, beautiful, and graceful. Majestic, even. No wonder Bellamy has his heart stolen. She really is the queen. Clarke thought with a touch of envy. No, stop that. You are here to settle things, remember?

     Clarke drew in a deep breath, then slowly exhaled, her lips puckering at the movement. She sat down on the edge of the bed, then quickly got up because of the ‘activity’ that occurs under the warm covers. Awkward, uncomfortable move, Griffin, she thought with blushed cheeks. However, Lyfe did not seem to notice that.

     “Lyfe, I just came in to tell you that I am remorseful for how I treated you and for the cruel things I said. I hope you can forgive me. Not that I am expecting you to. I didn’t want anyone to take my place.” She placed a hand on the other woman’s shoulder, which felt hollow under her palm, yet it was a gesture of truce. Lyfe averted her eyes from the shiny piece of scrap metal she used as a mirror to Clarke's hand. Unintentionally, she stiffened but was not offended.

     “You do not need to apologize because you didn’t know me, Clarke, and because of where I came from. I am used to it. I must admit, though, that it hurt me. If you want to know, some other girls here are not so nice to me. Yet, you are the first to come face-to-face and ask for forgiveness. That takes a lot of courage, and I respect you for that. No one can ever take your place. These kids wouldn’t have survived without you, and you know that. And, also, it was mostly because of Bellamy.” The Queen gave her a little knowing smirk.

     “Bellamy? Why would it be about Bellamy?” Clarke asked in a suspicious tone. What is she getting at?

     “Please,” Lyfe snorted and drew her wide violet eyes upward for drama. “I didn’t miss your expression when you observed him on my first day, then gave me a spiteful look. You were in love with him, which was very obvious. I don’t blame you, though. Bellamy is about the sexiest man alive.” She stopped and sighed dreamily.  “Tell you what. How about we drop everything and start fresh? When we are fighting Anya today, we can’t be enemies with one another. We need to be allies,” said Lyfe, returning to applying charcoal around her vibrant eyes. When she was finished, she turned around to face the other blond. Her makeup was done just over the lids and was lined with black. It brought out her wondrous hue.

      “That sounds awesome, and since you know a lot about natural cures and treatments, how about being my medical partner? I am positive that with us working together, there will be a few illnesses. Think of it as my peace offering for the crap I put you through. And you were right about Bellamy. But Finn has my heart.”

      “Finn’s a wonderful guy who is very lucky. You fixed me up, saved me, Clarke. I am extremely gratified for that, and Bellamy is too. I would love to work with you. We would make one hell of a team, I think.” She quickly got up and hugged Clarke, and Clarke squeezed back hard like they were long last friends. It was then Lyfe, her ankle still a little weak, stumbled to the waste bucket and retched. Damn it. Not again. She wiped her lips with the back of her hand and took a sip of water to clean her mouth out. To get rid of the acidic, vile taste the bile left behind. “Sorry,” she apologized sheepishly. “It’s been going on all morning. I am fine, other than that.” I am far from fine. I don’t know if I am brave enough to go out there today. I am so afraid of what may happen. What the hell have I gotten myself and these kids into? And Bellamy?

     Clarke raised an alarmed eyebrow at her, the realization hitting her, and whispered, “You’re pregnant.” It was more of a question than a simple statement. Lyfe, her eyes filled with affirmation, and nodded.  

      “Please, do not tell anyone,” she begged, as her hand rubbed her forehead. “Especially Bellamy. He won’t let me go if he knew.”

     “He has the right to know, Lyfe. He is going to figure it out if he hasn’t already,” Clarke told Lyfe matter-of-factly. “Though, I think he would be overjoyed, not upset. What I don’t understand is how I missed this when I was examining you.”

       Lyfe looked up into her crystalline blue eyes and said in a firm tone, “I know he will be overjoyed, but he will not let me risk myself out there if he knew. You know that. I will tell him, Clarke. After Anya is gone, okay? If he knew already, he would be completely out of it. He is still not settled about us going out there today. The only reason why he is having us go is because this is something that has to be done. God knows what may happen.   Just promise me you won’t say anything to anyone. And, as for you missing my condition, your mind was completely focused and set on saving my life. In addition, the intense injuries masked it. But, not one word.”   Clarke sighed in defeat and nodded.   It was then Bellamy came into the tent, looking like a handsome soldier with the gun over his broad shoulders and hatchet attached to his hip. The radio antennae stuck out in the front pocket of his pants. His dark eyes darted back and forth between the two women standing a few feet in front of him.

     “Clarke, what are you doing in here?” He asked, clipped, his eyes never leaving their gaze at Lyfe. To Bellamy, she looked flustered and upset, and his face darkened when he glanced at Clarke. What the hell did you do to her, Clarke? He rushed over to Lyfe and put his arms around her, his fingertips grazing the nape of her slender neck. “Is everything good, Lyfe?” He asked softly. His breath felt sweet on her cheek. “I forgot to ask you about your ankle earlier. Will it be all right today? You can always change your mind, baby.”

     “Clarke offered me to be her medical partner, and I accepted, Bell. And the ankle is nearly fully healed, so it’ll be okay. And, no, I am not changing my mind. We are going, and that’s that,” she replied, trying to keep calm, and from bursting out, “I am going to have your child, and I am scared as shit!” But she didn’t and hid her fear behind her glittering smile. Instinctively, she placed her hand on the lower abdomen, keeping her at bay. Bellamy noticed this but said nothing. Instead, he just took her in his arms again.

     “Okay, have it your way, Lyfe. As for the medical partner thing, that is awesome, my pretty queen. I should get sick more often, just so I can get examined by a cute doctor,” he teased, the light returning to his eyes. He kissed her on the lips. She giggled and told him seriously, “Don’t get sick on me, baby. I need you. We all need you. Without you, none of us would be here.” The air clung to the noun ‘baby’ as it clung to humidity, and Clarke took a deep breath as Lyfe looked over Bellamy’s shoulder at her. “Not a word,” she mouthed. She really does love Bellamy, doesn’t she? She is doing her damn best to protect him, Clarke thought with a half-smile.  For a few minutes, the couple were immersing themselves with kisses. Clarke faced the other way, so they had their moment in secrecy.

     “We better get going if we want to return by sunset. You ready?” Bellamy asked. “I just gave last-minute instructions to Monty and Raven so things can run smoothly.” The women followed him out, with Lyfe clasping his hand tightly, and met up with Finn, Jasper, and Miller at the gate.   All of the other kids who were not in the party gathered around them. They whispered in low tones, and all had penetrating, frightened looks plastered to their faces. Raven ran up to Miller and kissed him hard as they started going out. Lyfe heard her say to him, “Be strong out there today, babe.” I hope I can pull this through. For the kids, for the child, for Bellamy, and those willing to sacrifice their lives today. If this fails, we all fail.

    “Don’t get yourself killed out there, buddy,” Monty told Jasper concernedly. He quickly gave Jasper a hug, and Jasper said, “Don’t worry, Monty. Just look after Octavia for me. And . . . remember what I taught you about shooting.” He adjusted the goggles on his head and gave him a brotherly smirk.

   “I won’t,” he affirmed.  “I think Octavia can hold her own, but she will miss you.”

   Octavia gave Jasper a kiss on his lips and whispered, “I love you, you brave guy.” Monty rolled his eyes and thought, How does he get the girls? He should have taught me that, too.

   “Bellamy, make sure you come back with my sister in one piece. She is very special to me, and Lyfe, make sure my brother doesn’t do anything reckless and stupid,” Octavia ordered with tears in her green eyes.   “I love you both.”

    “Don’t worry, Octavia,” Lyfe consoled, embracing her in a hug. “We will be fine, and we love you too.”

    “Remember, nobody leaves the camp today. Just make sure that all of you keep on guard. We do not know what will become out there, but screw fear. We cannot afford to be scared, even though we are, but how you deal with it is up to you. Back down, and you will lose. Stand up to it, and you will be STRONG.” A chorus of cheers and applause boomed out after Bellamy gave his piece. Lyfe had tears rolling down her cheeks and the proudest smile for him. Bellamy hugged his Queen, dipped her down, and kissed her. “I love you,” Bellamy whispered in her ear. Another round of cheers and whoops echoed. “You go, man!” A man’s voice hollered out, and another cried out, “Dude, save it for the bedroom!” But it sounded more like a joke. He and Lyfe busted out laughing, and he spun her in the crisp air. I am so lucky to have and love him, and so will our baby. He is going to be so proud to have Bellamy as a father. I cannot wait to tell him tonight. I can do this! I WILL DO THIS!  The thought gave her much more courage and hope. The gate slowly creaked open, and everyone watched them with great astonishment as Lyfe, Bellamy, Clarke, Finn, Jasper, and Miller marched out of the safe havens of the camp and into the enigmatic world.  

Chapter Text

    Lyfe rapidly hiked in the woods, not looking back. If she did look back, then she’d run back to the group. She would fail at her determined proposal, and nothing would be alright. The confidence that had consumed earlier at the camp diminished, and she was starting to doubt her decision.  What if she did get killed? Then, all of this would be for nothing.  Lyfe wished Bellamy was at her side, telling her that everything was going to be okay. Thinking about him at that moment, Lyfe greatly hoped for his safety. She had to abandon the radio back at the camp so no suspicions arise if confronted by another Grounder. Lyfe couldn’t risk getting caught and captured again.   Anya believed that she was dead, but when she’d found out that she was alive, there was absolute no doubt that she would kill her. Lyfe prayed immensely that Bellamy, and the others were unharmed. Oh, please let them be alright. Watch over Bellamy, as I am out reach for him.

    The bright, sunny morning, which was so promising, broke away into thick black rain clouds that afternoon. Soon, a drizzle covered Lyfe and the forest around her. Perfect, as if I didn’t have enough problems already, she thought bitterly, and pushed some of her of hair back. She continued walking to her destiny, not caring that a downpour pounded, and coldness threaten to freeze her body. It wasn’t until Lyfe stopped under an evergreen to rest, when an unexpected stranger dropped down from the high branches. She let out a panicked shriek, and whipped out her hunting knife. She held it to the stranger’s throat, who leaned against the tree.

    “Whoa there, Lyfe. It’s only me, Verne,” The stranger said quickly, sweat dripping down a broad face. Lyfe put her knife back in its holder, and crossed her arms. “What the hell are you doing, Verne? Scaring me like that?” Her violet eyes, amethyst chips when upset, stared the guy down. Verne was a Grounder, and a warrior, who was one of Tristan’s seconds. Now that Tristan was dead, Verne was on his own. He was not a cold, ruthless guy like Tristan was, but he did have a few ‘kill marks’ on his chest. That was enough to disgust Lyfe, and make her heart drop.

    “To get you to notice me,” he replied curtly.  Verne removed his helmet, revealing a head of dark hair, and moss green eyes. The rain poured onto him, soaking his hair and clothes. A man should be beautiful when wet, like Bellamy, but he looked more odd and scary. He gave Lyfe a sheepish grin, showing white teeth. “Is it true that you left the tribe to be with those sky kids? And you’re screwing with the leader? Who killed ours?” His eyes widen in surprise, and shook his head. “Rebel. I knew you had it in you though, and everyone is talking about it. We were never good enough for you.”

    “I don’t think that is any of your business, Verne,” Lyfe said crisply. “But if you want to know, I broke up with Bellamy, and I am returning to the tribe,” she lied, but hoped it sounded legit. Verne furrowed his brows in confusion, but he seemed to buy it. “You won’t kill though. So, why go back? Why not go to the ocean like you originally planned?” He gave Lyfe a sidelong glance. “Or better yet. We could be together. Now that the competition is gone,” Verne suggested, as he tried to snake his arms around her waist. Lyfe was revolted at the gesture as she quickly slipped away from him.

    She shook her head, and explained in a huffed tone, “Verne, no. I am not going to ‘get together’ with you, or anyone else. I am going back because maybe the tribe still needs my medical expertise. However, it will not make me happy. Now, if you excuse me, I need to be on my way.” Lyfe started to walk past Verne, but then he noticed the gun attached to her hip, and realized that she had lied to him. He jumped in front of her, catching her off guard. “If you aren’t with Bellamy anymore, why do you have his gun still?” He asked bluntly, and pointed to her hip.  “Was it a break up present?” He stood stiffly, his arms crossed, and he expected her answer.

     “No, I stole it, Verne, for protection,” replied Lyfe, the blood pulsating in her ears. “And, how I spent my time away from the Grounders is not your concern, as I mentioned earlier.” She had to get away from him because he was getting irritated with her, and Lyfe could tell that he getting on to her. If he knew what I was up to, would he report to Anya? She shuddered at the thought.

    “Was he that bad that you had to leave?” Verne had a filthy smirk on his face then, and he was chuckling. Suddenly, Lyfe slapped him hard across his face, her nails scraping his tanned skin. When she pulled back her small hand, blood had gotten trapped under her nails. He let out a pained howl, and constrained her forcibly against the tree. Her back throbbed as it hit the bark ridges, and her hands clutched her lower abdomen.

    “Where the fuck do you go off like that, Lyfe? I was only surmising, not meaning any harm. You’ve become quite feisty since you left the tribe. But I like it. You’re not so perfect after all.” Verne clutched her by both of her wrists, and held them above her head. Scowling at the pain, Lyfe stared at Verne, his body stiff against hers. He was hurting her, his breath smelled like alcohol, and it was like being back in Anya’s cave. This time though, Bellamy wasn’t here to save her, so she had to save herself, and the precious miracle inside of her. Acting on survival instinct, not thinking about how afraid she was, she kneed Verne toughly in the groin, and he collapsed to the wet ground. His hands went directly down there, and he held on, cursing and sputtering in agony. Fearing that he’d recover and kill her, or the others, she took out her knife and stabbed him in the right side.  

    "Yu gonplei ste odon," Lyfe whispered to Verne, who gave her the most agonized stare. She pulled out the sharp object, and a wave of blood rushed out, mixing with the rain water. Lyfe looked at the blood encrusted knife, not believing what she had done.  She used the knife because she hated shooting, and she might have not made the sharp shot. Verne gasped and convulsed when he seen his wound. It punctured his lung, and he was having great trouble breathing. After a few more minutes, his body stilled, and his skin pallid, and became cold. Lyfe still couldn’t believe that she actually killed someone, and she did not enjoy it at all. In fact, she kneeled down, and cried, and she cried hard. Her body trembled, and she covered her face with her gloved hands. Never would she thought she would do such a thing. Even if it was for self-defense, and was in the right. “I am so sorry, but I had to protect myself, my child, my soul mate.” She whispered to Verne, her hand on her stomach.. “I wish it didn’t have to come down to this.” To respect the deceased, she placed her hand over his eyes and closed them, knowing that they will never see the light of day again. Then, taking out her knife again, she sliced off one of Verne’s braids, and clutched it in her hand. It was customary for Grounder Clans to remove a braid, to honor the lost. The tears began to flow again.

    Bellamy, Finn, Jasper, Clarke, and Miller were not that far behind Lyfe as they marched in the rain. Their clothes were soaked, as well as their hair, and their boots were caked with mud. They didn’t care though, yet it did make surveying a lot more difficult. There could be Grounders, watching the group’s every footstep, hearing every word they conversed, or what they did. Bellamy took deep breaths, and everyone knew that he was overwrought about Lyfe being alone. He had to keep reminding himself that she was doing the right thing, and knew what she was doing. That she was alright. He trusted her, but didn’t trust the danger lurking around her.  However, if she was in jeopardy, there was no way he could save her. Lyfe would probably defend herself, but her tiny frame would pose a problem. She had no radio, so the only contact between them would have to be meeting at Anya’s cave. That was at least a couple of hours from now, and Bellamy was very distraught.

    “Bellamy! Slow down!” Finn called out when Bellamy was too far ahead. “Not all of us has the stamina you possess.”   Bellamy stopped and turned to look behind him. Sure enough, Clarke, Finn, Jasper, and Miller were at least thirty yards behind. He groaned impatiently and waited for them to catch up. When they did they continued the journey. Yet, Bellamy was always a few paces ahead, because the concern for his queen gave him new energy.

    “You know, you guys can try to keep up,” he snapped coldly, as they trudged through the pouring rain. “We need to do this, and we can’t afford delays.” He clutched harder on the rifle he was carrying.

    “Dude, calm down. We all know that you are worried like shit about Lyfe, but don’t lay it on us,” Miller said, matching Bellamy’s tone. “We have girlfriends as well, so we understand.” At that moment, he thought of Raven, and decided to contact her through the radio.

    “Yeah,” Jasper agreed indigently. “I miss Octavia. I walked through the depths of hell to get her back, as you did, Bellamy.” He remembered the day where O got lost chasing a butterfly, and they went out looking for her. Jasper was the one who located her, a heap at the lip of a hill where she had tumbled. She was bruised, and her knee dislocated, but she was alright. Since that fateful day, he and Octavia were inseparable, and gotten Bellamy’s blessing.

     “I know Jasper, and now I am walking through hell again. I am just crazy right now. I just fucking hope to God that Lyfe is okay.” He wiped some of the rain from his face, and moaned. Jasper nodded his understanding. Bellamy turned to Clarke then, who was walking along side Finn, holding his hand. Bellamy didn’t forget that morning where Clarke was in their tent with Lyfe, and she seemed upset about something. Whether or not if it was Clarke’s fault, he needed to know the motive. Lyfe shared everything with Bellamy, but he hunched that something was amiss.

     “Do you have any idea why Lyfe was troubled earlier, Clarke? She seemed upset when I came into our tent.” He asked critically. The question caught Clarke off guard, and she bit down on her lower lip. I promised Lyfe I wouldn’t tell him. Yet, he is staring at me like death. Finn gave her a puzzled glance, and wondered what happened. I thought we were done with this crap?  

    “She was just worried about us being safe out here. She doesn’t want to lose you. That is what she told me,” Clarke supplied with the half-truth.   She didn’t share the pregnancy news like Lyfe ordered, as Bellamy was plenty stressed as it is. He didn’t need any more distractions. I hope Lyfe is in better shape than he is. He is ready to fall completely apart.

     “I don’t want to lose her either,” Bellamy said quietly. Two months ago, he would not have cared, nor would he be the strong, fearless leader he was now. His heart would not have healed, and he’d be forever entombed in the black voids of his mind. Life didn’t matter much to him then, but now it meant everything. This girl, no a woman, thawed out the frozen lock of his angst, and opened his life to new wonders. In the whirlwind of just two months, not that long of a duration, but felt like a lifetime, it was because of Lyfe that such a joyous emotion, stronger than love itself existed. Wholeness. Bellamy never knew that it could happen to him, and he would not dare to let it be taken away.

    Lyfe was now running through the forest, eager to reach Anya’s cave, her thoughts driven on her task. She was out of breath when she arrived, and slumped down along the wall. Her feet ached, and her still sore ankle screamed bloody murder. Yet, she was here, but only this time, she chosen to be. After a few relaxing minutes, she got up and exhaled a long, deep breath. Grabbing the knife from its holster, Lyfe slowly entered the cave to where Anya inhabited. She was like a sleek panther, ready to pounce at the precise moment. I am really going to do this. End it all. Step by step, Lyfe slipped through the catacombs, quiet like a deer, and getting closer to what she had to do. Part of her did not want to exterminate the Grounder Princess, and the other part nagged her to. If my parents were still alive, they be ashamed of me. A life, whether evil or moral is still a life. Yet, she cannot continue with what she is doing. The ending of Verne still painted her mind vividly, his look at her at his last moment was haunting. If Bellamy were here, he’d give me confidence and reassurance, Lyfe thought thoughtfully. I wish he was, holding me. At last, she reached Anya’s headquarters, and she seen her painting a mural on the cave’s wall, by the light of fiery lanterns. It was that simple gesture of human escapism that stopped Lyfe in her tracks.   Anya was painting a moonrise over dark mountains and a reflective lake. It reminded Lyfe so much of the countless nights she spent with Bellamy at the pond. It was so serene, and wonderful, a dark paradise where magic could be made. It was where they met, shared their first kiss, their first everything. Suddenly, the thought of killing Anya sicken her, and she wondered if she would pursue it.

    A peal of thunder boomed outside, and it deafeningly echoed throughout the cave. Anya jumped at the noise, and her paintbrush rolled on the ground, leaving a trail of purple dabs. It landed by Lyfe’s feet. That is when Anya seen her, her eyes dazed, and she was silent. For once, Anya’s dark eyes were not made-up by charcoal, her blond and black hair was simply braided which rested on the side, and she was dressed in a simple black tank top, and leggings. She looked normal, and not at all like a monster.

    “Lyfe, you’re alive?” Anya spoke up, shocked. “I-expected, that you be, gone,” she stammered, and her eyes blinked in total disbelief. “Why are you here?” Anya strode over to Lyfe was standing, and took in her soaked appearance, from her blond waves to the toes of her mud-caked boots. She had to look down because Lyfe was much shorter then she was.

    “Anya, you really think you could kill me? I am stronger then you think. Anyways, I broken up with Bellamy, and I want to be back in the tribe,” Lyfe said to her, looking up into her dark eyes. “I am sorry that I got involved.” God, I hope that sounds affirmative.

    “Oh,” Anya sounded skeptical though, and her slim arms crossed her chest. “From what I seen from you and him a few nights ago, you two were stark raven mad for one another. The way he carried you out of here, well, it is certainly not something you see every day. It was quite cute, I will admit. Also, when I watched you when you were with him at the camp, you seemed so blissful, so very content. Why’d you leave him?” Anya cocked her head to one side, and she was picking up on Lyfe’s apprehension. Lyfe was caught off guard with the same question when Verne asked it. She didn’t have an answer then, and she didn’t have one now. She scrambled her mind for possibilities.

    “It was too stressful there at the camp. I couldn’t deal with Bellamy’s rages.” Lyfe provided, averting her violet eyes to the side. It was anything but stressful. It was her home, and her people. Her Bellamy, who never rose his deep voice at her. Yet, it was the only thing she could come up with, and she hoped it sounded feasible. Anya seen the knife and gun at her slender hips, and she ran her tongue over her mouth. She executed a ‘tsk-tsk,’ and shook her head. Lyfe realized that she was caught up in her lies. Oh, damn it!

    “You’re here to kill me, aren’t you? You never left Bellamy, and that camp. Devoted to the very end. Never thought I see you go against your beliefs. You will kill for the one you love.” Anya said with a raw edge in her voice. Her black eyes flashed and she then pounced at the smaller girl, trying to grab the gun, but Lyfe’s small stature proved to be spirited, and more agile. She quickly moved away, and Anya tumbled to the hard ground. She scraped her hand, but was unharmed otherwise. She got up, rubbed her hand on her muscular thigh, and tried to jump again. She missed Lyfe by a fraction of an inch. If being a former Grounder and now Bellamy’s co-leader taught her anything, it was strong survival.

    “Anya, it does not have to come down to that. You can change your ways and means, and you could learn and deal with the 100. Whether or not you like it, they are here to stay, and there are more coming. From what I heard, there are doctors, engineers, scientists, biologists, all that can help us and you, if you need it. Don’t you want to live in tranquility? If you fight with these people, then there is no doubt that you will lose because their weaponry is far stronger than knives and swords. We can respect one another’s space, we can try again. Bellamy and I do not want to embark on a war. I hope you take this into consideration, Anya,” said Lyfe. Anya looked at her, contemplating her choices. Lyfe than added, “I killed Verne this afternoon coming here. He was going to kill me and the others if I didn’t.” The event made Lyfe sick all over again, and she felt so nauseated.  “Here, this is Verne’s braid. Some things from the past still remain with you.” Lyfe handed it to Anya, and she gotten lost in fully examining it.

    “What?! You actually killed Verne? He was Tristan’s chief second. He was on his way in becoming the next leader of the tribe. Do you know what will happen when the Commander finds out about all of this? However, like you said, you are stronger than I believed. You got more balls then I thought. As for the changes, I can’t say that I am going to abide by this, Lyfe, and I highly doubt that the Commander will too. I am not going to be betrayed by you again.”

    “Well, that is your opinion, as I done nothing wrong. The Commander probably knows all of this already, but she probably thinks it not worth a battle.  But as much it will benefit the welfare of my people, I can’t kill you, like I originally planned. I will not become YOU, and my child will have a mother and a father of whom he will need and learn from. I didn’t have much of that, and I will be damned if my child will have the same fate.” She eyed her stomach, which seemed to be a tiny bit rounder to her. Don’t worry little one. I promise nothing will happen to you.

    “You’re pregnant? You’ve got to be kidding me Lyfe,” Anya said in a disapproving way. “That guy sure moves fast with his women.” When Lyfe quivered at this, Anya continued, “You really don’t believe you are the only one Bellamy has had? Do you, Lyfe?” Lyfe shook her head feeling a little crushed, and replied,

    “No, but it doesn’t matter now. He only wants me-only me, and he only done that to feel something. Even if it wasn’t the best of choices he made. Bellamy changed, and so can you Anya, and if you want, I can help you.”

    “I don’t need any help from you, you deceitful bitch.” It was then that Lyfe realized that her sister will never change, and she will always be malicious. At least I tried to help her repent. Lyfe thought dejectedly.

    A few seconds later, Lyfe and Anya heard shuffling noises in the cave, and male voices. They didn’t belong to the Grounders, so that only meant one thing. Anya gulped hard, and for once she was afraid.  Pure terror reflected in her eyes, and she actually trembled. As much it hurt Lyfe to see Anya suffer, she deserved it.

    “Lyfe, are you okay? Did she do something to you?” It was Bellamy. He dropped his rifle, just like he did when he first seen her. He embraced her in arms, his breath flowing on the nape of neck. Lyfe was overjoyed to see him, and knowing that he was perfectly fine and untouched relieved her. She turned, and lightly kissed him, told him she was okay, then looked back at Anya. Jasper and Miller came running in, their rifles at bay, ready to fire. They pointed the guns at Anya, but Lyfe told them to hold their fire. They looked at her with confusion and blinking eyes.

    “Anya deserves to DIE! Step to the side, Lyfe. I will do this,” announced Miller as he propped his gun up, and held his finger on the trigger. Bellamy and Lyfe stood in front of Miller, still, unknowing of what to do. Yes, they have planned to kill the Grounder Princess, to end the tragedies, and heartaches, but was it the right thing to do?

    “No, Miller. We are NOT Grounders! Even though Anya has done horrible things, she really doesn’t know any other way of life. Killing her will not solve anything, and it wouldn’t be right. I got a better idea. Jasper, you see those loose chains and lock with the key over there?” Lyfe pointed at the corner of the cave where some chains, and a small lock and key rested. Jasper followed her gaze and nodded.

    “Yeah? What about them Lyfe?” He asked, not knowing where this was headed.

    “Bring them over to Bellamy,” she told him firmly. Jasper quickly grabbed the assorted metal, and handed it to Bellamy. As if he read his Queen’s mind, he shackled Anya’s hands snugly behind her back, and she let out a little squeak of pain. She tried to flinch away, but Bellamy held her securely, and a louder pained squeal was let out.

    “Get your hands off of me you trash! You are hurting me!” Anya spat in his face, and had to blink his eyes to get the saliva out.

    “Sorry,” Bellamy apologized, feeling a tiny bit remorseful. “But you knew that this was coming, Anya.” He then glanced at Lyfe, waiting for her next direction. Her eyes were misty, and full of sorrow, but instructed, “Follow me.” They listened to her as they exited the cave, and they met Finn and Clarke at the opening, who had to guard the cave. It was still raining, but Lyfe was happy to see them and gave both of them a hug.

    “Thank you for coming. You are both very brave for helping me. Did you take care of Bellamy for me?” The love for him over-bubbled, and it shone in Lyfe’s exuberant face.

    “You’re welcome. And, we watched over Bellamy for you, though he was a little hard at times. How is everything with you, Lyfe? Are you safe?” Clarke whispered to her and she knew what she meant by that. Lyfe replied with a nod, and whispered back, “It’s fine.” To the rest of the group, she said, “We are going to the cliff.”

    With Jasper and Miller holding on to Anya tightly, Lyfe held Bellamy’s hand, and led them to the same cliff where Charlotte made her doom. They all stopped near the ledge, and Anya looked down into the dark waters below. Are they really going to toss me over? Surely, they can do better than that, she thought. Jasper and Miller still restrained her, and Lyfe, Bellamy, Clarke, and Finn circled around like vultures centering their prey.

    “Get down on your knees, Anya!” Lyfe demanded in a voice that she herself didn’t recognize. Anya stepped back, and hesitated.   Jasper and Miller prevented her from moving anymore, their hands grasping tightly on her biceps. Anya just gave her a fiery expression, failing to obey.

    “I said to get down!” Lyfe repeated with more conviction, and the rest of group jolted a little bit. Anya finally listened and knelt on the soaked grass. A look of fear was frozen in her eyes. Now, for the first time in her life, Lyfe was looking down at Anya, and this was something that she would never have imagined would happened. But it was, and there were others acknowledging this. How far I become.

    “We are not going to kill you,” Lyfe started in an authoritative tone. “However, due to your crimes and slaughter, you are eternally banished from this area. You are to go wherever the hell you want, as long you are nowhere near our camp, your former cave, or inside the mountains. If you are to violate these terms, and harm and/or kill one of my people again, then we will be back here, and one of us here in this ring, will execute you.” Lyfe heard Finn gasped, and he flinched at the possibility. “Do you understand Anya?” Lyfe watched Anya remain silent, not giving in right away. Anya said in a heated voice,

    “Fine! Yet, you think because you are with Bellamy, and have him wrapped around your finger, it makes you a fucking queen,” Anya sneered. “It doesn’t, and you are still the pathetic little girl of the tribe. A disgrace!”

    “Come again, Anya?” Bellamy emotionlessly asked her. Lyfe squeezed his hand tighter, and he looked at her with pure love. My Queen. Always my Queen.   He took over that moment.

    “Carefully remove the chains, Miller. Jasper, hold her still. Clarke and Finn, get ready to catch her if she leaps up and attacks. Lyfe, stay by me.” It was a horrible mistake when Bellamy said this. When Miller unlocked the chains, Anya possessed an overpowering burst of energy, causing both Miller and Jasper to fall backwards. Clarke and Finn were not quick enough, and Anya leapt up, and tackled Lyfe to the ground. It all happened too fast for a reaction.

     “NO!” Bellamy screamed, and he ran over to try to pull Anya off.  However, he lost his footing due to the rain, and he slipped.   He got up, and tried again, but the fight was incredible, as he was having a difficult time trying to grab Anya, who raked him in his face with her sharp nails, and punched him violently in the stomach. He flinched, and groaned deeply, but continued trying to stop the fight. Lyfe was struggling, and it seemed to Bellamy that she was trying to shield her stomach with one arm. Anya’s hands were trying to find the hollow of Lyfe’s throat, because she had no knife to simply slit her, and couldn’t grab the gun or knife that were holstered on Lyfe’s body. They wrestled, and everyone intervened to try to stop it. Everyone prepped their guns, but because it was so confusing, and the risk of shooting Lyfe was high, nobody took a shot.  In addition, the pouring rain made it that much more difficult to see. The two women reached the edge, with Anya being the closest to it. Finn, with one swift motion, kicked Anya off, and she rolled down the high crevice. There was a loud snapping sound, an excruciating scream that can be heard through the thunder, and finally a splash.  Bellamy kneeled down to Lyfe’s side, and made sure she was okay. She was unharmed, despite a few scratches and bruises, but shaken up by the incident. She got up rapidly, and threw herself into Bellamy.  Being safe in his arms again was a treasure, and she didn’t want to leave. She never thought she could love somebody so much.  He pulled her away from the brink, as she looked down below.

    “Bellamy,” Lyfe choked out, and she grabbed his hand. “Is she?” She trailed off, and without saying a word, he nodded. She looked up at him, and let out a tiny gasp.

    “Oh, God! You’re bleeding, Bellamy! Anya injured you! How bad is it?” Lyfe frantically wiped off some of the blood that begun to dry on his cheek. Then, she seen his other hand clutched lamely on his stomach. An enormous bruise had begun to color over his mid-section when she inspected it.

    “It’s not bad, Lyfe. I’m okay. It looks worse than it is, baby. Besides, a little blood and bruising is bound to happen in a battle,” Bellamy said slyly and grinned. He tipped her chin and kissed her hungrily.

    “Whatever you say, Bell. But at least let me clean you up.” Ripping off a piece of her top from under her leather coat, she wiped off the rest of the blood. As he had said so confidently, it wasn’t bad.   

    Clarke, Finn, Jasper, and Miller examined down at the choppy river, and there was no signs of Anya. Lyfe seen Finn wrapped his arms around Clarke, and the tears from his eyes begun to flow. It taken a lot from Finn to do that, but it had to be down in order for peace between two worlds. She then averted her eyes back to Bellamy, and embraced him tightly.

    “Bellamy, I couldn’t-I mean I tried to speak some sense into her, but-” Lyfe rumbled with tears in her eyes. Bellamy cut her off with a kiss, and she gave back, erasing all the turmoil that she encountered, all the trauma, all of the pain. She tighten her grasp around his shoulders, her face burying in his coat. I just want to be here forever, she thought happily. I don’t ever want to let go.

    “It’s okay, Lyfe. It’s all over. All over. You done well,” Bellamy comforted her, and kissed her forehead. “We don’t have to worry about her anymore.” Bellamy kissed her softly all over her face, and she seen the others walk up to them. They all seemed to be in disbelief about the events, but it was expected. Getting rid of Anya in some way or another was the goal of this mission, and it was achieved.

    “I killed someone today, Bellamy. I didn’t want to, but he was going to harm me, and our,” She stopped, and her eyes locked into his. He held her closer to his chest, and he ruffled her wet hair. My poor Lyfe.

    “What?” Bellamy prompted her. “Oh, that Grounder in the woods? Yeah, we seen him lying there when we were hiking. At first, we all thought he was tricking us, by acting dead. Except, the bastard was really dead. Clarke concluded that he was stabbed, and figured that it had to be you because of the small footprints. Don’t worry about it, baby. You done what you had to do, even though it was traumatizing, and I am very proud of you. I love you, Lyfe. For the record, I figured it out already while we were on our way here. So, you’re? We’re?” He had a smile on his face, and his eyes sparkled, and they seem glassy, like he was about to cry.

    Lyfe nodded and said, “We are.” She placed his hand on her tummy under her shirt. Despite the cold, he felt warm.  “I love you, Bellamy.” She kissed him passionately on his mouth, tasting him. Tastes like joy. Bellamy picked her up and spun her around. He kissed her softly on her lips once more, and cupped her face in his warm hands. Miller and Jasper let out a whoop, and Bellamy told them to shut up, and that they should try it sometime, the spinning around in the air that is. Both guys looked at each other incredulously, and Jasper remarked, “You want to?” He had a quirky smile on his face.

    “Dude! No fucking way!” Miller exclaimed. “Besides, Octavia will kill you.” Everyone let out a burst of laughter.

    “C’mon, guys. It’s getting late. Let’s head home,” Finn spoke up for the first time since they came to the cliff, and he seemed to get over by what he had done. Home. It sounded wonderful and there was no other place Lyfe would rather be with her Bellamy.

Chapter Text

The following night, everyone in the camp celebrated the ending of Anya, the ending of her terror and evil.  However, one particular pair wasn’t outside, drinking Monty’s moonshine, dancing around the fire like idiots, and singing the same chant repeatedly, “No more fears, no more tears! What is left is just good cheers!” The kids have been singing that for the past two hours.  No, the pair was in their tent, secluded passionately from the group.  Completely mesmerized with one another, and they were having their own private party.

“So, are you happy, Lyfe? With everything?” Bellamy asked.  He kissed the soft spot right under her jaw and nuzzled his face on her shoulder.

“With you?  Of course I am.  Now, tell me how you’d figured it out, Bellamy.  About the baby?”  Lyfe said as they lay together in bed.  They still haven’t shared the news yet with the group as they were waiting for the correct time.  Bellamy kissed the top of her ear, his breath warm and even.  He pulled away and looked into those violet eyes, still deeply entranced.    My God, they’re penetrating. Just like the first time that I saw them.  He kissed the corner of her eye before he responded.

“My own mother had the same morning sickness and the same worried look in her eyes when she was pregnant with Octavia.  The hands-on stomach was also another dead giveaway.  Plus, I practically delivered her.  If they had known about Octavia first thing, she would have gotten floated with my mother.  It took sixteen years before the ARK figured it out. My mom was floated immediately, and Octavia was Confined.  Fortunately, our child will not have the same fate.  I was so occupied with your day trip that I didn’t see what was in front of me.  I am sorry about that, Lyfe.  I want you to know that I love you and that you are my universe.  I promise to be the best father, too.”  Bellamy stroked Lyfe’s cheek, and she lavished in the tenderness.  And his love.   He then kissed her, sealing that promise.

“Baby, I know you’ll be the best father.  And our child will be so proud of you and will look up to you.  I love you too, so, so much.”  Lyfe took his gorgeous face in her hands and kissed him passionately, filling his mouth with her warmth.  “You know, if it wasn’t for Octavia, in a sense, we would not have met, fallen in love, made peace with the Grounders, and shared a child.  You restored my broken heart, Bellamy.  You saved me from a life of total despair. I couldn’t ask for anything better, or anyone else for that matter.”  Lyfe gave him one of her dazzling smiles and kissed him sweetly on his lips.   When she pulled away, Bellamy looked thoughtful.

“You’re right.  I ought to thank Octavia for that.  She is going to be so excited to be an aunt.  Now, enough talking.  It’s been too long, Lyfe.  And I am hard and tight.”  Bellamy got on top of her again, his mouth connecting to hers.  The loud, raucous noises from outside their tent canceled out, and only the lustful moans were left.  Lyfe wrapped her legs around his waist, pulling him even closer.  She tangled her fingers in his black curls and kissed the corner of his mouth.  She let an erotic sigh when she pulled away.

“Why are you so perfect, Lyfe?”  He murmured as he trailed her jawline.  He kissed the hollow of her neck, the mole on the side of her left eye, the protruding collarbone, and finding her flawless mouth.   Her arm went around his neck, sensation flowing in her fingers from his deep sweat.                 

“Bellamy, I am far from perfect,” she whispered truthfully.  Bellamy looked at her, his dark eyes scanning her whole body, and scoffed.  “No, you are perfect.”   

He pulled seductively on her bottom lip with his teeth.  “I want you.”

He went streaming down her (nearly) flat stomach, kissed around her navel, slowly traveling down to her hips, clitoris, and inner thighs.  “I need you.”  Lyfe let out an intoxicating thrill. 

He grasped firmly on her rib cage, his knees locking on either side of her legs.  He kisses the soft cleft of her breasts, his tongue lightly grazing the nipples.  “I can’t live without you.”

He kissed the slight valley in her chin.  “I won’t let you go.”  Lyfe shivered with every patch of caressed or kissed skin, and a soft, delighted squeal escaped her naturally red lips.  Bellamy found her mouth again, his tongue tasting and relishing the heat it endured.  With one quick thrust, he connected himself to her, and then his hips slowly gyrated.  Lyfe wrapped her arms around his neck, her fingernails gently dug into his skin.  He pushed even a little harder, and she forgot to breathe.   You can forget to speak momentarily, but forgetting to breathe?  She let out a deep gasp of air, and she felt that her mind was about to shatter.  Bellamy chuckled at this but asked earnestly, “You okay?”

“I’m fine.  I just missed this so much, even if it was a few days,” she panted and kissed him on the lips.  He is so fucking incredible.  He smiled at her and kissed her mouth again.  “I love you so much.”

“I love you so much too, Bell,” Lyfe said as he slowly parted away.

He kissed the soft curve of her ear and whispered, “You’re beautiful. Strong.  Sexy.” He kissed the bridge of her nose.  “I cannot get enough of you.”

He went down again, and love bit her hip, his hands grasped firmly on her thighs.  “You have the biggest heart.”  Lyfe let out a heated moan.

He came back up and grazed his lips against hers.  “I am damn lucky to have you, my brave queen.”

Lyfe snickered at his sweet expression and said, “I am lucky to have you, my fearless king.”

Bellamy kissed the tiny scar on her high cheekbone.  “I want to make you happy.”  Suddenly, a question burned his mind, and he wondered if it was the appropriate thing to ask.  The timing was right, and the worst thing that could happen was rejection.  Yet, he knew that would not be an issue with Lyfe.  He let Lyfe finish kissing his neck and shoulders, then slipped down on her side.  He wrapped his arm around the small of her back, and his fingertips made small, intimate circles. Lyfe cuddled close to him, her one leg getting in between his, reaching her arm extending across his chest, then caressing his solid jawline.

"I want to ask you something, Lyfe.  Do you think you can give me the answer that I want?” Bellamy kissed her forehead and entwined his fingers in her light hair.  God, I hope she will say yes.  Otherwise, I’m screwed.

 “Hmmm . . . you know you can ask me anything, share anything with me, tell me anything.  So, what did you want to ask me, Bellamy?”  She caressed the center of his chest and impulsively got top of him, the blanket slipping off her body.  She dipped down and kissed his scar above his mouth, and repeated her question, “What is it?”  She nuzzled his collarbone, ever so slowly trailing the vein up to his jawline.  Her breath wisped beside his dewy skin.

“I want to ask you if. . .Bellamy started to say to his queen, but a tipsy Monty suddenly bombarded into their tent.  Lyfe let out an astounded gasp when she saw him and quickly rolled under the fur covers, hiking them up to her neck.  This infuriated Bellamy to no end.  However, he couldn’t get off the bed since he was unclothed, so he glowered at him.

 “MONTY!  WHAT THE FUCK?  GET THE HELL OUT OF HERE, NOW!” Bellamy raged at him, grabbing a balled-up shirt from the side of the bed and throwing it at him.   He missed.  Damn it!  He thought bitterly.  I thought for sure it would hit him.  Monty blinked at him, not fully understanding what was happening.  “I SAID TO GET OUT!”

“The party out there is for you guys.  It’s in your honor,” Monty sputtered out.  “What are you doing in here?”

"What the hell do you think?  Give Finn the damn honor. After all, he was the one that kicked the bitch off the cliff,” Bellamy fumed, tightening his grasp around Lyfe’s body.  Yet, his nails dug a little too deep into her damp flesh, and she whimpered.  He looked at her, loosened his grip, and mouthed, “I am so sorry, baby.” He fixed his gaze back at Monty and seethed. “Now, get out.   Unless you want to talk like you have marbles in your mouth, as Murphy did for a week,” he threatened darkly.

 “C’mon, Monty.  Get out of there.”  Lyfe and Bellamy saw a hand grabbed Monty by the elbow and pulled him out.  From the shadows on the tent walls, it was Jasper who had to poke his head inside to peek.  “Sorry about that.  Monty’s a little bombed.” 

   “Jasper, get out.  This ain’t no freak show,” Bellamy snapped.  Jasper pulled his head back and stumbled towards the bonfire.  “I’ll be so glad when I finish the house early next week, Lyfe.  I can lock the door and not worry about the uninvited. Or our privacy being invaded.  The kids are getting quite good at coming into tents unexpectedly.  Ours especially. Monty will pay the price tomorrow for tonight, though. Jasper, too.”  Bellamy had a sinister smolder expression across his face, and he tilted his head back on the pillow.  

“Monty and Jasper will forget what happened by tomorrow.  Just promise me you’re not going to kill them, Bell.  But I am excited that we are going to have a door.  Now, what was it that you going to ask me?”  Lyfe asked as she kissed up and down his chest.  Bellamy let out a deep, sexualized moan, and he put his hands over her firm bottom.  All that I ever want is right here with me. God damn, am I lucky!

 “I wanted to ask you if you wanted to marry me?”  He tried to say this as calmly as possible, but he was nervous like a boar getting hunted. He wouldn’t know what he’d do if he got rejected by his love.  Lyfe blinked back tears, and such a question was so wonderful, so magical to hear.  Tristan had forced her to get engaged to him, but she bravely refused. She would never live a life that was focused on pure evil, let alone lead warriors to destroy.  Bellamy was the man she wanted to spend the rest of her life with, and she knew that the first second she saw him.  He was pure, honest, strong, determined, and beyond everything she ever dreamed of.  Not to mention, so spectacularly attractive.  He took her silence for hesitation when she was really thinking about how to respond.  Her purple eyes fixed on his deep brown ones, filled with hope and love.

 “Lyfe, baby, will you?”  Bellamy prompted, his nose lightly pressing against her cheek.  “I know it’s a big thing to ask, but I love you, and I hope you will consider it.  I did tell you that I wanted to spend the rest of my life with you before.”  He gazed into her eyes and kissed her, trying to win her over.  Lyfe was still in total disbelief that such a thing could happen to her.  Her hands flew behind his head, and she pulled his face to hers and she devoured him in a heavy kiss.  Her heart was singing with pure joy.  “Will you, please?” He asked again as he pulled away, his hands around her waist, and he tightened his grasp.

“Oh, Bellamy!  That is the most wonderful thing anyone has ever asked me.  I love you, and I want to be with you always.  Forever.  So, yes.  I will marry you.”  She said breathlessly, the tears now flowing down her face.  She pounced onto him, wildly kissing him all over.  Bellamy couldn’t believe what he just heard.  “Wait.  You said, ‘yes?”  He asked with a half-smile, and he wiped her tears away.  “I don’t believe it.” 

“Of course I did.  What other answer is there?” She teased and kissed him.  She sat up in bed, as he did, and got on his lap, her lean legs stretched out on either side of him.

“There is always ‘no,’ Lyfe,” he answered and took her face in his hands.  She let out a small giggle and brought his strong fingers to her lips.  She lightly kissed every one of them.

 “Baby, I highly doubt any girl said no to you, and I am not going to be the first.  Unless you want me to break the tide.”  Bellamy shook his head and smiled. “Your last answer was just fine and just what I needed to hear.”  Bellamy pushed her long, golden, wavy hair to one side just so he could graze her shoulder and neck with his lips.  He French’ed her, taking in her incredible taste and heat.  A deep, erotic moan rumbled in his chest, then passed his lips. It seemed like she tasted better than before.  She was truly exultant and finally freed of her old life, and she was now basking in it.  He placed his hand over her navel, feeling the growing firmness of her warm stomach. 

 “I can’t believe there is somebody inside of there,” he whispered, his dark eyes misting.  "We made that child together." His finger trailed down from her naval, then went back up.  He had to blink to get the sting out.  Nonetheless, he was truly overjoyed.  That child is really mine, and I already love him.

 “Nature’s miracle.  I want to see him, Bellamy.  And I bet he will look exactly like you and act just like you,” said Lyfe happily.  “Just six and a half more months.”

 “How do you know it’s a boy?”  Bellamy brought her down back on the bed.  His breath was heavy and hot on her neck.

“Call it a mother’s intuition, Bell.  I just know.” 

“Oh, before I forget.”  Bellamy got back up, reached over the side of the bed to the ground to grab his bag, and unzipped the small pouch on the front.  Lyfe watched him in wonder, her brow furrowed.  Finally, his hand found the object he was searching for and extracted it.  He got up with a devilish smile.  He opened his hand to reveal a small silver ring with a princess-cut black diamond with two emeralds on either side of it.  When Lyfe saw it, she cupped her mouth with her hand and was in shock. She had never seen something so pretty.  The gems twinkled in the filtered light through the tent’s material.  Rings or other jewelry were rare on the ground and the ARK.  In fact, rings were not worn in Grounders’ tribes, just a vocal exchange.  They had no real ceremony.  Wedding bands were made from scrap metal and were reused on the ARK if the owner passed, and only the well-off possessed them.  So, this antique ring to Bellamy was extremely special. 

 “Bellamy, that is stunning,” Lyfe whispered, teary-eyed.  The diamond was so black that it had purple facets sparkling in the dim light.  She held it in the palm of her hand and inspected it from all angles.

 “You want to try it on?”  He asked, but she didn’t have to answer.  Bellamy took her left hand and slipped it onto her left ring finger.  He laced his fingers with hers, and they both looked at the ring. He brought her hand up to her mouth and kissed the top of it, like what the gentleman did in early 20^th century movies.  Then, he studied it, making his wife to be burst out in soft giggles.

“A perfect fit,” Bellamy whispered, and he kissed her lips.   “A pretty girl deserves a pretty ring.”

“It is perfect, baby.  But where did you get it?”  Lyfe asked.  She was curious, nothing more, and she wouldn’t care how he got it.  Bellamy was a good man, and that was all that truly mattered.  She wouldn’t care if he killed a guy.

“When I was searching for things to trade at the Exchange years ago, back on the ARK, I found it.  It was in a box in the darkest, deepest corner of a large abandoned closet.  It still baffles me how that box could be missed.  The other stuff inside had no value, but I kept digging like it wanted me to discover it.   When I did, I was speechless.  I knew I stumbled onto something very expensive and first trade.  Yet, I thought I could give it to my mother, or Octavia so that they had something extraordinary.  But, the ring size was too small for either, and people would be curious about how they got it.  Rich or poor, and in my case poor, on the ARK, you didn’t have anything close to this.  I didn’t trade it either, even though it would feed us for a year because people would be idiots and fight over it.  So, I kept it a secret, not knowing what to do with it, smuggling it onto the dropship in my guard’s uniform, and kept it hidden inside my bag.  When I found you, I knew that this ring would have its purpose.  And now, you are wearing it.”

Lyfe had no words to respond to that except with the most spectacular smile for Bellamy.  She bent over and kissed him tenderly.  Finally, she whispered, “I love my ring.  Thank you, Bellamy.  I love you.”

“I will always love you my queen.  Always,” he whispered back.

Finally, the party, which completely went on without them, died out, along with the songs, drinking games, and the stupid acts of the hyperactive teens.  It was quiet, nothing but pure silence. Soon, they, too, fell silent as they drifted off to sleep.   

The morning light filtered through their tent, yet neither one of them wanted to rise.  Just lying together in bed, warm in each other’s embraces, was perfect, so why break it? 

“I could stay in bed all day with you, Lyfe,” Bellamy murmured as he kissed her hair.  When she didn’t stir but made a contented purr, he nudged her, still asleep in the crook of his arm, her arm extended across his chest.  “Hey, wake up, sleeping beauty.” His thumb trailed the outline of her cheekbone.  “C'mon, baby.”  Her eyes fluttered open, and she stared lovingly at him.  So, this is the man I am going to marry?  She looked down at her finger, the stones sparkling in the light.  How can something so old look so new and shiny?

“You want to stay in bed?” Bellamy repeated lightly.  “It’ll be fun.”  He gave her a smooch on the side of her face.  Then another, and then another. 

“That would be amazing, Bell. There is nothing more that I want. I could do this all day.”  She kissed him passionately on his soft lips.  When she pulled back, Bellamy’s face had a look of play.  “But . . . we both know we can’t,” she added dismally.  “You need to work on the cabin, and I need to assist Clarke in the medical tent.”  Lyfe gave him another kiss, softer, then all over his face.  “You made me the most joyful girl in the world last night.”  She was still crying about the proposal and the ring.  “I love you.”

“I love you too.  When the rest of the ARK comes down and gets situated in a month, we’ll get married then.  All that we need is the Chancellor officiating it.  And Octavia can be there too.  She’ll freak if she isn’t invited.  She’ll probably want to make you a dress, so just let her. ”

“I want her to be there.  I love her like a sister and would love to wear one of her designs.  So, when do you want to tell the kids about all of this?”  Lyfe asked sweetly, and she kissed the mole by his mouth.  A thought pondered her.  “What if the ones that come down don’t like me?  What if they think I am a dangerous threat?”

“Tonight. We will announce everything tonight.  Hey, don’t worry about the ARK.  Jaha loves you and is grateful for all that you’ve done.  He doesn’t see you as a danger at all.  Just like I do.  And if anyone treats you like crap, then they’ll have me to answer to.  Now, let’s do an encore of last night before we get up.” 

The day steadily went on, and despite the wild night, the kids were working hard on constructing their homes.  Now that the Grounders were no longer dangerous, they were eager to complete them.  The fence had to be knocked down so the expansion of the camp can be made, but a new one will take its place.  When he took a break, Bellamy walked over to Monty’s tent.  Monty was working on making a much safer lighting system, repurposing some of the salvaged bulbs from the bunker and constructing them into lanterns.  A lot superior to carrying fire torches around.

“Bellamy!”  Monty exclaimed, panicked.  “I’m sorry about last night.  I swear to God, I didn’t know that you were doing that.  Please don’t kill me.  I got Jasper to take care of.  Please!  Think of Jasper!”  He got down on his knees, made a praying gesture with his hands, and pleaded, “Please, man!  Spare me!”

Bellamy rolled his eyes and laughed.  Dude must have popped too many hypnotic Jobi nuts again.

“Relax, Monty.  I am not going to kill you or Jasper, and you can thank Lyfe for that.  She values you guys too much.  If I really wanted to kill you, I would have done it last night.  However, you are going to make up for your little barge-in.”  He handed Monty two pieces of scrap metal, one silver and one black.

“What do you mean by that, Bellamy?  How?”  Monty narrowed his eyes at him and gave him a suspicious look.

“Well, how good are you at metal welding?”  Bellamy asked with a half-smile.

“I guess okay.  Why?” Monty looked down at the metal in his palm. The material was shiny and, no doubt, from the dropship.

“I need you to make those two pieces of scrap metal I gave you into bands.  The black one needs to be larger than the silver one.  I already measured the sizes here to make things go a lot easier and quicker.”  Bellamy tossed the young engineer two pieces of suede string, one had a much smaller loop than the other, and he caught them.  “I need these by the time the ARK comes down.  No excuses.”  And with that, Bellamy walked out of Monty’s tent, with Monty staring at him.  Are these what I think they will be?  Monty thought as he looked down again at the looped strings and metal.  He wants me to make wedding bands?

As Lyfe worked in the medical tent, sterilizing tools with Clarke, she acted secretively, but a small smile was indeed on her face.  But since Clarke risked her life on the journey, Lyfe decided to share her blissful news.  It only seemed fair. 

“That is so lovely, Lyfe.  I am ecstatic for you!  And your ring, though quite rare, is beautiful.”  Clarke saw Lyfe’s violet eyes grew luminous and vibrant as she looked down at her finger.  “I won’t say anything though.  Bellamy loves his speeches.”

“Thank you.   That he does.  I was quite surprised by it myself last night.  Bellamy is absolutely amazing.  He is hard and tough, but he has this sweet and forgiving side.  He thinks everyone doesn’t see it, but they do.  Yet, it is what makes him a great leader.”  There was a sublime lilt in her voice when she spoke his name.  “I can’t imagine my life without him.”  Clarke agreed that she couldn’t argue with that.

“You really love him, don’t you?”  Clarke asked softly.

“Yes.  With all my heart,” Lyfe replied, locking her eyes with Clarke’s blue ones.  “I never thought I would have unconditional love.”  Or such a special man.

Suddenly, a scream pierced through the air, reaching the tent.  Quickly, Clarke and Lyfe ran out to investigate.  A group of kids circled a young girl holding her forearm in an awkward position.  Both women pushed their way through and saw that there was a long, deep, vertical gash that started in the middle of the girl’s arm and ended at the wrist. Blood was sluicing out of it like a stream.  Clarke kneeled for closer examination.

“How did this happen, Pearl?”  Clarke asked the girl.  She was having trouble focusing and was crying in pain.  “I need you to stay with us,” she added gently. She held Pearl’s arm up to ease the flow.  Lyfe had run back to the tent to grab some bandages so she could wrap and pressurize the gash. During the short duration, she slipped her ring off and put it in her pants pocket so it wouldn’t get dirty or fall off.   She worked carefully and quickly so there would be no more blood loss.  Then Bellamy was working on their cabin, broke through the crowd, demanded that everyone return to work, and checked out what was happening.  His eyes grew wide when he saw the gash.   What the hell happened?  Lyfe and Clarke were trying to soothe the child, and his heart melted when he saw how caring and comforting Lyfe was.  Not that he had never noticed it before, but when she was caring for others, it brought out her real beauty.  It’s what makes her a true queen, he thought happily.

“I was chopping wood for the cabin, but the ax slipped, and the blade landed on my arm. Will I be okay?”  Pearl said in a worried tone.  “Oh, my God! It hurts!”  The blood was quickly absorbed into the cotton.  She looked suspiciously at Lyfe, unsure if she should trust her.  Even though she proved herself well-worthy among most, there were still a few uncomfortable people.

“You are going to need stitches, but you are going to be okay,” Lyfe told her compassionately.  “Can you stand?  Or are you disorientated?”  When Pearl tried to get up, her legs felt like jelly, and she couldn’t retain balance.   She collapsed bottom down on the ground and cried.  Lyfe felt sad for the little girl, her hollowed cheeks stained with tears and her body slightly convulsing.  She shot Bellamy a meaningful look. 

“I’ll carry her to the tent.”  Bellamy scooped her up carefully, trying not to move her arm.   “I’ve got you, Pearl.” Lyfe and Clarke walked on either side of him.  He placed Pearl on one of the cots and she sat up against the tent’s wall, and her body stiffened.  Her green eyes shot between the three people around her.  It was obvious that she was afraid. 

“It’s okay,” Bellamy soothed her and placed his hand on Pearl’s tiny shoulder.   “These girls will give you the very best care.”  He looked over at Lyfe and gave her a small wink.  Lyfe smiled back at him and retained her concentration on Pearl. 

“I am going to need you to hold very still, Pearl.  I am going to massage some of this antibiotic seaweed gel on your arm.”  Lyfe held up a small glass bottle and showed it to her.  “This might hurt a bit, but I need to stitch up the cut.  Clarke will hold your hand, alright?”  Pearl nodded at her.  Lyfe poured some of the gel onto her arm and rubbed it in gently. Then, taking some course black thread that was used for tents, she strung it through a needle dipped in antiseptic and began suturing the wound from the top.  Pearl winced, and Clarke squeezed her hand a little.

“Good girl.  Just keep still,” said Lyfe.  “You’re nearly done.  Bellamy, can you please hand me the bandages?”  When she was finished, Lyfe wrapped her arm up securely but not too tight.  Pearl stared down at her arm.  She grimaced at the thick, white bandages. 

“It needs to properly heal, so try not to move it harshly, and do not do any physical work for two weeks,” Lyfe explained.  Pearl said thank you, but then a new worry erupted in her mind.

“What about the building of my house?  Sara can’t do it herself,” Pearl asked with fright.  Lyfe ruffled the little girl’s wavy red hair that hung loose down her shoulders.  “We will freeze this winter without the cabin.”

“I’ll help Sara out, Pearl.  I am almost finished with Lyfe’s and mine.   Just have to finish the roof and apply mud to the walls.  So, don’t worry,” said Bellamy reassuringly. 

“Thank you, Bellamy,” Pearl told him appreciatively.  “Can I go?  I need to go tell Sara.”

“Sure.  Remember, keep your arm at ease, Pearl,” Clarke told her, and Pearl scooted off the cot and trotted out of the tent.  Lyfe and Clarke smiled at one another, proud that they could work well together.  When Clarke got up to wash the tools, Lyfe fixed up the cot and removed the sheets.  Bellamy aided her with it.

“You have done great, Lyfe.  You made Pearl feel very comfortable,” he told her quietly.  “You are such an amazing sweetheart.  Our child will be very blessed to have you as a mother.”  She glowed at his words.

“I hope you are right, Bellamy.”  Lyfe looked at her ever-growing tummy.  He embraced her tightly and said with a grin, “I know I am right.”   He then looked down at her hands and asked, “Where’s your ring?”

“Oh, I had to take it off so it wouldn’t get dirty or lost.  After I wash my hands, I will put it back on.” She went over to the wide basin, poured cold water in it, and thoroughly scrubbed her hands.  After she dried them, she slipped her ring back on.  She showed the backside of her hand to him and wiggled her finger. 

“That’s better.”  He gave her a bright smile.  “I want everyone to know that you are mine, baby.”  Bellamy wrapped his arms around Lyfe and locked her to his chest.  He kissed her on her forehead and repeated, “Mine.”

“Bellamy!  No need to be possessive; I am pretty sure that they do, or you make sure of it.”  She gave him a little playful look, the delight dancing in her eyes.  “I hope that’s all the medical stuff I do today.  Otherwise, it gets nerve-wracking,” Lyfe said with a sigh, and then she looked down at her shirt, which was soaked with blood.  The bright crimson against white was a strong contrast.  

“You want to change, Lyfe?”  Bellamy asked.  “That can’t be very comfortable.”

“I might have other patients.  I’ll manage, Bellamy.  Why don’t you get back to work?  The cabin won’t finish itself.  And Pearl and Sara do need your help.”  Lyfe stood up on her toes and ran the back of her hand down his face.  “Besides, all that hard work makes you even hotter.”

“I’d rather watch you, but if you don’t want me, then I will leave,” he toyed with a slight smirk on his lips.  Lyfe snickered at his cockiness. 

“I’ll see you in a bit, Bell.  Have fun!”  She brushed his cheek with a kiss and seductively walked away.

After the group finished eating around the fire and were relaxed, Bellamy decided that it was the best time to share the happy news about him and Lyfe.  He couldn’t wait any longer and wrapped one arm around her waist.  She was beaming, her face full of light.

“Lyfe and I have some very important and great things to tell you guys about.”  He looked down at his beautiful queen with such passion and love.   She smiled up at him, tears running down her cheeks.  This made some of the other girls a little jealous.  He was finally off the market, but he was extremely happy.   He couldn’t have had a better girl than Lyfe.

“Bellamy and I are engaged and are going to have a baby,” Lyfe beamed, and her eyes were sparkling.  Some of the kids started speaking in soft tones, shocked, and a few whispered, “I told you so!”  In a quick blur, Octavia shot up from her seat next to Jasper, nearly knocking him off the log, and ran to hug her big brother, who stumbled back a bit, and then she hugged Lyfe next.  Her green eyes were ablaze with complete excitement, and she was practically jumping out of her skin.  She started babbling about details, wedding plans, baby names, and wedding dresses, and becoming an aunt.  O was going a full 360. °   When she saw the ring, she squealed out.

“O, O, calm down!” Bellamy laughed and tried to hold her down by grasping her arms.  “The baby isn’t here yet.”  Yet, Octavia seemed to be still bouncing and rattled on.  Lyfe had to laugh at her reaction, as she never experienced someone else sharing her own happiness.  The feeling was wonderful.

To the rest of the kids, Bellamy added, “We are to be married when the rest of the ARK comes down and gets situated. So, about a month and a half, and please, don’t make a big deal out of it.  Just Jaha officiating it as he does in the sky.  The baby’s due in late spring, early summer.” He looked at Lyfe for validation, and she nodded. “So, that is what we wanted to share with you.  Pretty exciting stuff.”

“A month and a half?”  Octavia repeated with disbelief.  “C’mon!  We need to start on your gown right away!”  She pulled Lyfe away from Bellamy’s secured embrace.  “It finally happened! I am getting a sister! Bell’s okay, but he can be a pain in the ass.”  When Bellamy heard that, he scowled at her.

“Oh, Bell, I am sure Lyfe knows it too.”  She turned to her brother’s fiancé and asked her, “How do you put up with him?”  She saw the promiscuous look on Lyfe’s face and said, “Never mind.”  Then, she pulled the girl into her tent and started to measure her.

“You know, you have such an amazing little figure, Lyfe,” Octavia complimented.  “You’re lucky.”  Lyfe glanced down at her slim body, suddenly feeling self-conscious.  Her breasts started to become fuller, and her legs, which were always pretty, seemed shapelier.  Plus, her stomach, which was always flat and hard, was now a little protruding.  She never really noticed it before but then shook it off because it was imprudent to dwell on it.  Life was too precious to think about such things.  Yet, at the same time, she was creating life, and that is the most wondrous and loveliest experience a couple could go through.   This child is going to have so much love, Lyfe thought blissfully.  He really is.

“Octavia, where will you get the dress's material?”  Lyfe asked.  “Supplies are limited and really shouldn’t be wasted.  Even if it is a special occasion.”

“You know that white deerskin and rabbit fur we’ve been saving?” Octavia asked.  “For winter?  Well, we are going to use just a little bit of it.  It’s going to be gorgeous!”  Octavia’s energy was contagious, and Lyfe broke her guard and followed in excitement.

“I sure hope Bellamy likes it,” said Lyfe with a coy smile.  “All he has ever seen me in are tanks, leggings, boots, deerskin, and leather jackets.  You think he will, Octavia?”

The dark-haired girl gave the blond girl a genuine smile.  “Bell’s heart will stop when he sees you in your gown.  That is if you hadn’t stopped it already.”

As Clarke and Bellamy tried to contact the ARK via video contact a few weeks later, there was nothing but blackness across the screen.  The two of them were confused by the error and tried to get connected multiple times.  Nothing.  Even Monty couldn’t understand it, and he was the one who constructed it.  He concluded that the system in the ARK was probably out of service, or in better explanation, dead.  Now what?  What was happening up there?

“Nobody’s coming down, Bellamy,” realized Clarke with a pang.  “The ARK finally ran out of oxygen, or the engineering corrupted.  I am going to tell everyone that their parents are gone.” 

“Clarke, I am sorry about your mom,” Bellamy apologized, clasping his hand over her shoulder.  “I hope she didn’t suffer.”

“Thanks, Bellamy.  And I am sorry that Jaha won’t be able to bless your marriage.  I know how much it meant to you. ” Clarke looked at Bellamy then, and he was trying to hide his fallen emotion.  He left in a hurry out of the dropship, in a rage of both sadness and hurt.  Clarke should have followed him to comfort him more, but her instincts told her not to.   He is NOT yours to hold, Clarke. 

  In his and Lyfe’s cabin, his sister was donning Lyfe in white suede deerskin.  From what he could see, she looked like an angel.  The flames in the fireplace illuminated her like she was glowing, catching the gold highlights in her thick hair and the sparkle in her smile.  However, he had tears in his dark eyes as he walked up to both of them.  Octavia was so consumed by her work that she didn’t notice him.  Yet, Lyfe did, and she was distraught by his crestfallen appearance.  She cast her purple eyes down and clicked her tongue at Octavia.

“Bellamy!” Octavia shrieked at him.  “Don’t you know it's bad luck to see a woman in her wedding gown before the wedding?”  She tried her best to shield Lyfe away, who stood on the chair that was from her old cave. 

“Octavia, there isn’t going to be a wedding, just an officiate, and there isn’t even going to be that.  Jaha and the rest of the ARK are gone.”  Now, he saw Lyfe shed tears down her cheeks. 

“You sure about that, Bell?”  Octavia asked in a disbelieved matter.  “They can’t just lose contact.  We just heard from them a few days ago.  Jaha said that he’d be honored to confirm your life together.  It’s what you and Lyfe wanted.”

“Well, they did apparently, O.  We really don’t know what happened.  Can you give Lyfe and me some alone time?”  Lyfe daintily stepped down, walked over to Bellamy, and put her arms around him.  In his shirt, she cried softly.  Octavia nodded her head in understanding and paced out of the cabin.  Bellamy led Lyfe to the bed, the same one from her cave, and sat on the edge.  He went with Finn and Murphy to bring it back, along with the table and chair, for when they moved into the cabin.  He took her hand in his and gently caressed the knuckles. The kids moved into the sturdier structures about two weeks ago.  The timing was perfect because the weather dropped to cold temperatures, and snow had fallen.

“Bellamy, all those people.  Gone.”  She cried, looking up at him.  He kissed her softly on her mouth.  Even though Lyfe never met the other Sky People, except through radio contact, she still very much grieved.  Bellamy and the others were now disconnected from their birthright.  But when one journey ends, another begins.

“I know, baby,” he whispered, pulling her to him, his lips in her hair.  “We just have to move on, as difficult as it is.  Let’s hope to God that there was no pain.”  However, there was an indication of despair in his voice.

“I know that this sounds selfish and vain, but what about our vow exchange?  I was looking forward to that.  You were too, Bellamy.”  She brought her hand up to his chiseled face and caressed it.  Oh, how much I love this wonderful and carefree man.  I LOVE HIM completely.

“Didn’t your tribe just do vocal exchanges with one another, and nobody officiated it?”  Bellamy asked.  Lyfe looked at him in puzzlement but nodded.  She could read his mind then of what he was getting at.  They were going to do it themselves, and they didn’t need anyone else to tell them that they were married.  They knew in their hearts that they were meant to be with the other.  Besides, why did they need Jaha when he could officiate it himself?  After all, he was the leader, even if it was just a broken group of kids.   He was just as good as he was and often saw the Chancellor perform ceremonies. And since Lyfe was already in her half-finished dress, it was the true timing.  Her dress was strapless, with fur trim around the deep sweetheart neckline, and had a crisscrossed back of brown suede ribbon that ended at the small of the revealed back in a delicate, feminine bow.  There was going to be a thigh-high slit, also fur-trimmed along with the ankle-length hem, showing off her slender legs, but Octavia didn’t get to that point yet.  The gown was of simple design but very elegant.  The white against Lyfe’s vibrant eyes and tanned complexion was stunning and breathtaking.   The silhouette contoured slightly to her slight but developed curves.  Bellamy smiled and felt like his heart was going to stop at Lyfe’s appearance.  Octavia did a great job on the dress.

“You look like a beautiful angel, Lyfe. I love you.”  He kissed her deeply and very passionately on her lips.  “I will be right back.”  He got up, turned around, and started to exit out their home.

“Where are you going, Bellamy?”  Lyfe called out as she put on some deerskin ballet flats.  “Can I go with you?”  She walked quickly over to him, stopping him at the door.

“No.  I just have to get something, so please wait here, my queen.”  He kissed her forehead and left.  During the small window of alone time, Lyfe fixed her hair by braiding a small section and applying charcoal around her eyes.  She wanted to look her very best for Bellamy.  After all, this was their wedding night.

A few moments later, he returned with a beaming smile.  What is he up to?  Lyfe thought curiously.

“Wow, don’t you look pretty!  Are you ready for the vows, Lyfe?”  He asked, and he slinked an arm around her waist.  He took her by the hand as well.

“Yes, Bellamy.”  She looked deeply into his earth-brown eyes and kissed him.  He nodded silently, pulled her gently outside through the secret exit that nobody used, and led her to the pond.  Bellamy wanted to make this perfect and memorable, and this was the spot where they first fell in love.  Well, where he fell in love, as Lyfe fell in love with Bellamy the first moment she saw him.  It was very cold out, so he just draped his jacket over her slim shoulders to keep her warm.  He didn’t care if he froze as long as Lyfe was protected.  The baby needs protection.  A thin layer of snow was on the ground, and Lyfe wished she wore her combats instead of the flats.  Then, the boots would look ridiculous with this dress.  The image in her mind made her smile, and Bellamy’s heart sang when he saw it.   Damn, she is gorgeous.  The moon and stars that sparkled above them, reflected off the pond, and it shone back in her eyes.  After staring into them for what seemed like an eternity, Bellamy took her by the waist again and held her close and tight.  Oh, God.  I love this woman so much and can’t wait to spend the rest of my life with her.  He gave her a few kisses before he started and hoped he wouldn’t screw it up.

“I, Bellamy Blake, take you, Lyfe, to be my lawfully wedded wife to have, honor, obey, cherish, admire, and love for the rest of my days, and into death and beyond.  Through sickness, health, danger, happiness, tragedy, and accomplishment, I will be at your side, watching and protecting you.   Promising you no absolute harm.  Even though we came from two different dimensions, two different worlds, I knew you were the one for me the second my eyes swept over you.   The only one.  I wanted you to be my queen.  A goddess in the sunlight on that cool autumn day, and the smile that lit up and thawed my heart.  You blessed me with so much and saved me from the depths of hell, and I will be eternally grateful and devoted to you, baby. I really had nothing to live for until I saw you.  Lyfe, you’re the best thing that has happened to me, and you are my world, my universe.  You have helped our people in the most measurable of ways, and you have done it with the strongest heart and mind. They are better because of you.  I am a better and stronger man because of you.   Without you, we wouldn’t have survived.  I cannot bear to be without you and the delicate child that we made.  He is going to have such a strong, beautiful mother to love.”  His hand went over her stomach.  “I love you, Lyfe, and I always will love you.”  Bellamy took her face in his hands and kissed her.  She felt like she was melting in his embrace, and the tears were pouring in waterfalls on her face.  I am more than ready to share the rest of my life with him.  I love this man so much. 

“I, Lyfe, take you, Bellamy Blake, to be my lawfully wedded husband to partake, to honor, to obey, to cherish, to admire, to protect, to rise with, to fall with, to heal, to eternally love, and to share my life with you, for the rest of my days, and into death and beyond. Whatever this world will give to us, I will be right there with you.  I came from a world of malevolence and inhumane horror, yet you didn’t run.  You didn’t care and gave me hope and a reason to live again.  I will be forever indebted to you, Bellamy.  You mended my broken heart, restored my soul, and made me whole again.   You are the only man that I need and desire.  My joy.  You saved me from Tristan’s and Anya’s wrath, healed and aided me back to health, and helped me stop the unthinkable with the Grounders.  I am honored and proud to say that our child will have such an amazing and incredible father to love and look up to.  When you first appeared, it was unreal, like a dream, but only it wasn’t.  You were the shining star I was wishing for, Bellamy, and now, you are by my side.  I cannot live another day without you.  The first few weeks at the camp were difficult as I had to adjust, but you made it worthwhile.  I never thought such bliss could exist, but you are that perfect definition. I will give you my full devotion and love for the rest of my days and into death and beyond.  You are a strong, moral leader for the people, and that is what they deserve and need.  You are my king though, and I love you, Bellamy Blake, and I will always love you,” Lyfe announced in joyful tears, and she wrapped her arms around Bellamy.  He held her tight and close to him, kissing her face, their heartbeats in sync with one another.

“A symbol of my deepest love and commitment to you, Lyfe,” Bellamy said as he dug into his pocket and extracted the small silver band.  “I had to antagonize Monty to make these rings.” He let out a low chuckle but regained his stance. “With this ring, I am now your husband.”  He slipped the ring onto Lyfe’s finger.  He handed her the black one so she could place it on his finger.

“A symbol of my deepest love and commitment to you, Bellamy Blake.”  She kissed the ring and slid it onto his finger.  “With this ring, I am now your wife.”  She kissed Bellamy passionately on his lips, and he kissed her back, matching her kiss.  They were married, and now they felt like nothing could tear them apart.  “I love you.”

“Oh, God, I love you too, baby.  Tomorrow, we can celebrate with everyone.  Would you like that, Lyfe?”  He said sweetly to his new wife.  He picked her up and twirled her about against the shimmering moonlight.  She wrapped her arms around his neck for security, but she knew he would never drop her.

“I would love that, Bell,” Lyfe replied with a kiss on his scar, still clinging to him.  “I will never get tired of kissing that scar.”

“And I will never get tired of you kissing it,” Bellamy smiled and kissed her scar.  “Or of you, for that matter.” 

They stood with Lyfe in Bell’s strong arms for a few minutes and looked up at the stars.  As he trailed his mouth down her jaw from behind, Lyfe noticed something that seemed to be too big and falling too fast to be a star.  Her eyes grew in alarm, and she tightened her grasp on his hands.

“Bellamy, look!” She exclaimed quietly, as loud noise might destroy the romantic, newlywed moment. Bellamy and Lyfe watched in stillness and eyes wide as an object, similar to the dropship but much larger, cascaded from the black ink sky.  As gravity heaved it closer in, they both realized that it was the ARK.  It wasn’t gone as they originally believed; instead, it was landing.  The rest of their people were coming home.