Baby shark doo doo doo doo doo doo

^^ My brain every single day.

SORRY FOR THE WAIT
I HOPE YOU LIKE IT
ILY

*UNEDITED*
*****

'Hey, asshole!'

Emori tensed as a voice sounded from behind her, her hands turning into fists as John Murphy stopped walking beside her, his expression pulling up into a smirk.

'Of course you'd be here.' Murphy smirked as he looked at Brinley, who had stopped in front of himself and Emori. He could see that uneasiness on Emori's face as she stared at Brinley with guarded eyes.

'Wouldn't want to miss any of the action.' Brinley's tone was even but Murphy could see the tense set of her jaw and the tense set of her shoulders – she was worried.

And Murphy knew exactly why.

'Relax, Brin. It's going to be fine.'

'Of course, what could go wrong?' Brinley rolled her eyes as sarcasm dripped from her lips.

Murphy smirked, knowing she'd appreciated his attempt to comfort her all the same. 'Nothing, absolutely nothing.'

Brinley smirked, shoving his shoulder lightly as she looked between Murphy and Emori. 'What are you guys doing here?'

'Came to check out the action.' Murphy shrugged.

'Did you get a say in this?' Brinley tried to include Emori in the conversation.

Emori said nothing.

Murphy frowned slightly at Emori, knowing Brinley was making an effort to include her. 'Bellamy's right there, let's see what's going on.'

Brinley hurried ahead, Murphy not far behind. Emori was slower, reluctant to get too close to what was happening.

'Hey.' Brinley breathed as she slipped into the small circle that included Marcus, Bellamy and Indra, Murphy not far behind her.

'Never a dull moment, huh?' Murphy said for way of greeting.

'Bellamy, pay attention.' Indra fought to keep Bellamy's attention, watching as it drifted to Murphy and Brinley briefly. 'She's part of the royal guards spies, that's why she's not marked. Very dangerous, very loyal.'

'Not to the people that saved her life.' The words slipped from Bellamy's lips before he realised, sounding far more bitter than he'd intended.

Brinley sighed, shaking her head. 'You shouldn't be doing this.'

Bellamy's jaw was tense. 'Brinley-'

'No. If you can't separate your feelings from this-'

Murphy watched the two with interest, getting the feeling that this was something they'd discussed before.

'It's fine – '

'No, Bellamy, it's not-'

Marcus held up his hand to Brinley, who snapped her jaw shut and crossed her arms.

'I know how you feel about her, but you can't lose control. You offer them technology, guns, whatever it takes to keep her talking.' Marcus spoke lowly and quickly to Bellamy.

Brinley caught the horrified expression on Indra's face before she spoke. 'I didn't agree to give them guns.'

Murphy scoffed at Indra's words. 'Well that's probably because you're not an idiot.'

'It won't get that far. Our objective is to buy time for Abby to save the king.' Marcus tried to reassure them. 'If you want to help, grab a weapon and stand a post.' Marcus' gaze drifted to Murphy and Brinley. 'Both of you.'

'Take mine.' Bellamy handed Murphy his gun, his eyes meeting Brinley's briefly.

'I got this.'

Bellamy started to walk away, but Brinley caught his wrist. 'Wait!'

'I can't-'

'Just be careful, please.'

Bellamy nodded, squeezed her hand, and stepped forward into the Lion's den.

Brinley backed away slowly, eyes searching for Murphy who had conveniently disappeared.

Brinley found both Murphy and Emori at the mouth of the tunnel they had entered through. Murphy still held Bellamy's gun, a strange look of resignation on his face.

'The hell are you doing?' Brinley called, watching as Murphy tensed. He knew he'd been caught.

'Brin-' Murphy's voice was soft as she approached them.

'You weren't even going to say goodbye? You fucking asshole.' Brinley sounded annoyed.

Murphy's expression transformed into one of surprise. 'What?'

'Please, I am well versed in the way your mind works John Murphy. You could have atleast said goodbye.'

'You knew?' Murphy frowned.

'I saw the decision on your face the second Bellamy handed you that gun.' Brinley rolled her eyes. I know it's not safe here right now, not for anyone and especially not for Frikdreina.' Brinley's eyes went to Emori for a second. 'If you're leaving – leave now.'

'I-I-' Murphy stuttered.

'Just promise me one thing?' Murphy nodded. 'Come back. Come back and visit me, please.'

Murphy nodded quickly, a promise in his eyes. He still looked a little stunned as Brinley approached him, wrapping him in a hug so tightly he struggled to breathe for a moment.

Suddenly her lips were at his ear, whispering lowly and quickly. 'I need you to come back and visit – soon - there's something I need to tell you – something big.' The words poured from Brinley's lips before she could censor herself.

Louder, Brinley said. 'Be safe John. Take care of each other.'

Murphy cleared his throat, managing a response through the confusion and worry that her words brought him. 'Don't miss me too much doll face.'

'Wouldn't dream of it.' Brinley blew him a kiss before her expression turned sombre. 'May we meet again.'

Murphy's confusion deepened at the slight waver in her voice, but he repeated the sentiment nonetheless. 'May we meet again.'

Brinley watched the two go for a moment with a heavy heart before she turned heel and hurried back into the action, ignoring her father's curious look.

'- I'm sorry I couldn't tell you to bring the girl, but I was following orders Bellamy.'

Brinley cursed as she watched the scene unfold, seeing Bellamy's face harden slightly.

'I wish it was that easy.' Bellamy's voice was surprisingly controlled.

'I know how it feels to lose someone you care about to war, but we do what we do for our people. You slaughter us, we slaughter you. That all went away in the city of light, but it's back now. So here we are.' Echo watched Bellamy carefully.

Bellamy said nothing.

'What are the terms of your surrender?' Echo sounded bored.

'We recognise Ice Nation rule, and you honour Lexa's coalition, including the thirteenth clan.' Bellamy didn't miss a beat.

Echo didn't even pause to think. 'No.'

'We'll give you guns, and show you how to use them.' Brinley could see that it pained Bellamy to say the words, could see the distaste on his face, and she worried Echo could see it too.

'Trikru accepts this?' Echo's eyes narrowed slightly in suspicion, and Brinley's heart quickened.

'They're not happy about it.' Bellamy grudgingly admitted, as though it weren't already obvious by the look on Indra's face.

'Not much they can do now though is there? Not without an army.' Echo's tone was calm, calculating even as she watched the reaction from those around her – and in front of her.

Bellamy tried to hold Echo's gaze, he did, but guilt settled heavily in his stomach as he dropped his eyes for a single moment, trying to hide the shame in his expression.

Brinley knew it was over then.

'You were there.' Echo accused, continuing loudly when Bellamy said nothing. 'Then you know why everyone hates Skaikru and why we can never accept your terms.'

Bellamy was getting defensive now. Brinley cursed quietly as she stepped forward.

'The alternative is war, is that what you want?' Bellamy shot out harshly, obviously unhappy with his dirty secret being laid out for all to see.

'No one wants war. Lay down your guns and we'll let your children live.' Echo's tone was firm. 'I'll give you time to decide.'

Brinley saw Bellamy shift his body weight slightly and she jerked forward.

'I wasn't done talking.' Bellamy grabbed Echo's arm tightly.

Brinley rushed towards the two, taking advantage of the distraction Echo and Bellamy had created. Bellamy was already on the ground; Echo holding a knife to his throat. 'You are now.'

'One more step and I slice him open.' Echo's eyes met Brinley's right as Brinley reached the pair, Ice Nation warriors closing in behind her. 'Interesting, you remain loyal to him even after he chose someone else.'

Brinley had stopped moving at her threat, but still her eyes narrowed and her tone filled with poison as she spoke to Echo. 'Don't pretend to know anything about us.'

Echo stared at her before calling loudly. 'Guns on the ground, or he dies!'

Brinley's heart sank as she heard the sound of guns falling and felt rough hands capture her. She could only hope and pray that Murphy and Emori were long gone, because if there was no hope for them now, atleast Murphy might have a chance at survival.

*****

Brinley knew they were too late as they entered the room in which Roan's bruised and beaten body was lying on an uncomfortable looking slab.

It was clear from the look on Clarke's face that they hadn't had enough time – that they'd failed.

'They were trying to kill the king! Check him!' Brinley heard Echo call out harshly, her eyes wild and excited.

'No. We were trying to save him.' Clarke denied as she was pushed to her knees, desperation seeping into her tone.

Brinley was very aware of the sharp metal edging closer to her neck with every breath she took, and she could feel the breath of her captor on her neck. She tried her best not to move as she kept up with the chaos happening around her.

Clarke's words seemed to enrage Echo, who raised her sword and stepped towards her.

'For my queen-!' Echo raised her sword to strike Clarke and then-

'Wait.'

Brinley let out a sigh of relief as Roan sat up slowly, coughing as he did so. As she let out the breath she'd been holding, she felt her heartbeat slow down once Echo's sword moved away from her friend.

Brinley never thought she'd feel relief looking at the Ice Nation King.

'My King.' Echo bowed her head in respect, her tone of voice changing entirely.

'Roan, help us. Tell them we're friends.' Clarke begged the King who swayed and stumbled as he tried to stand, coughing and holding one of his many injuries as he did so.

'You shouldn't try to stand so soon-' Abby tried to speak as one of the Ice Nation warriors tugged her arm harshly, her voice cutting off mid sentence.

'Where's Ontari?' Roan asked with narrowed eyes as he surveyed the interesting scene before him.

'Dead, sire. Killed by them.' Echo's voice was hateful, as were her eyes.

'We couldn't save her.' Clarke corrected echo quickly. 'But we did what we came here to do. Now I need you to honour your promise to protect my people.' Clarke was desperate – just as they all were.

If they didn't do something fast, they were all going to die.

'Yeah that was before your people shot me and killed my commander.' Roan rasped out unkindly.

'We just saved your damn life.' Octavia spat, watching the King with narrowed eyes, seemingly unaffected by Echo's piercing gaze, thought Brinley could see the tense set of her jaw from the corner of her eye.

Brinley was losing her patience. Waiting around had never been one of Brinley's strengths.

The group watched with wary eyes as Echo walk towards Roan, speaking to him lowly.

Brinley strained her ears, forcing herself to concentrate on the sound of Echo's voice.

'-as your mother would have...-

Brinley caught the words but the rest were lost as Echo lowered her voice again.

'Do as your mother would have... and you'll fall just like her.' Brinley's voice was a monotone, but her eyes were fierce when Roan and Echo turned their gazes on her.

Brinley had also never been a fan of holding her tongue.

Echo lunged forward, grabbing Brinley away from her captor and slamming her against the nearest wall. Brinley let out a short cry at the force of the impact, trying to ignore the sounds of protest and a sharp sound of pain behind her, refusing to wipe to defiant expression off her face and drop her gaze, even as Echo held her sword to Brinley's neck.

'How dare you speak against the King and Queen! I'm going to run you through with my sword until-' Echo snarled angrily.

'Enough.' Roan's voice was stronger than it had been before, but he still hunched over in pain.

'Sire-' Echo seemed to be trying hard not to lose her patience.

'I said enough.'

Echo stared at Brinley with a deadly gaze for a moment, one that Brinley returned with a smirk, before she stepped back, taking her place as protector at Roan's side.

Brinley stood still as Roan approached her, forcing her expression to stay blank even as Roan lifted his hand, brushing his thumb across a small cut on her face with a gentleness that Brinley didn't think he could posses.

'That smart mouth of yours is going to get you in trouble.' Roan warned in a low tone, eyes narrowing slightly.

Brinley said nothing as she met his gaze.

Roan's hand moved from her cheek to the back of her head before he moved suddenly, jerking her head in towards him.

Brinley gasped at the sudden movement before feeling Roan's breath against her ear.

'You should be playing nice. He's still your weakness. Don't forget that.'

It was a warning. Brinley knew that. She felt a cold shiver run down her spine at the thinly veiled threat in Roan's voice.

Submit, or Bellamy pays the price.

Roan released her, looking satisfied as he glanced at Echo again.

'Lok em daun.'

*****

Brinley had wanted to wipe the smug look of satisfaction right off Echo's face as the warrior woman personally secured Brinley's chains to the wall.

It was clear that Echo enjoyed the control and the power – it was evident in the expression on her face right down to the way she carried herself. The woman was not one to be messed with, yet something about Brinley caused her to get her back up, to act recklessly and without following orders from the King.

Brinley knew how to get under Echo's skin and both women knew it.

Which was probably why Brinley's binds had been secured extra tightly – certainly more tightly than necessary. Too long in the chains would cause Brinley's circulation to be cut off, which was probably Echo's intention.

Brinley had been chained in between Marcus and Bellamy, both of whom Brinley ignored until the bars slammed shut behind Echo and her entourage as they left the room.

Finally, Brinley looked around at her friends, seeing the worry, stress and anger written on all their faces.

'Brinley.' Marcus' voice came from her right and slightly behind her. 'Are you okay?'

'Fine.' Brinley's answer was short. She worked to soften her voice as she spoke again. 'I'm fine.'

Brinley's eyes wandered to Bellamy without her realising, finding him already watching her intently. He was sporting a darkening mark on his cheek bone that Brinley frowned at for a moment, before she remembered the sounds of a struggle other than her own when Echo had lunged at her.

Brinley sighed internally

'Brinley.' Bellamy spoke to catch her attention, noticing that she'd dropped her gaze from him.

Brinley looked back at Bellamy with an even gaze, encouraging him to continue.

'What did Roan say to you?'

Brinley shrugged and immediately realised that it'd been a bad idea as the binds pinched at her skin. She winced before she spoke. 'Nothing important.'

Bellamy scoffed. 'Real comforting. What did he say?'

'He wanted to gloat. Nothing important.' Brinley's voice was firm.

'Brinley-' Bellamy didn't believe her.

'Bellamy.'

Bellamy was clearly unimpressed with her vague responses, his eyebrows furrowing and his dark eyes blazing as he studied her.

Brinley turned her head, ignoring him.

'Where's Murphy?' Marcus asked, trying to ease the obvious tension.

'Gone. Left with Emori.' Brinley answered, ignoring the scoff that came from Bellamy.

Marcus frowned disapprovingly but – wisely - said nothing.

All eyes went to the entrance to the room as Echo appeared, flanked by Ice Nation warriors, looking smug.

'Wanheda! On your feet!' One of them snarled.

'Where's the king?' Clarke stood up from her position on the floor with Abby. 'Hey, I need to see Roan!' Clarke almost begged Echo.

Protests left everyone's lips as Clarke had a bag pulled over her head as she was forcibly removed from the room. Bellamy tried to catch Echo's attention, but the woman simply sauntered out of the room, the warrior behind her shoving Bellamy roughly into the wall as they exited.

The gate shut behind them with a final bang.

*****

It felt like hours that they waited anxiously to see if Clarke returned, even though in reality it had barely been twenty minutes since she'd disappeared, that Clarke reappeared with Echo, looking unharmed.

'Free them.' The words sounded like poison as they left Echo's lips, it was clear she was unhappy with the turn of events.

Brinley caught Clarke's eyes, mouthing are you okay to her friend.

Clarke nodded, a small smile on her face.

Brinley breathed a sigh of relief, watching as one of the Ice Nation men released Marcus, then Bellamy, then Brinley herself from their chains.

Brinley rubbed at her sore wrists, wincing slightly as she did so.

'You okay?' There was a gentle hand on her lower back suddenly and Brinley tensed. She looked up to find Bellamy watching her, relaxing into his touch when she realised whom it was.

'Fine.' Brinley nodded, 'Are you?' Her fingers brushed over the mark on Bellamy's cheekbone lightly.

'Nothing I can't handle.' Bellamy's lips pulled up as he noticed the concern on her face.

Brinley dropped her hand quickly, flushing as she caught Marcus' watchful expression. Bellamy followed her lead, dropping his hand back to his side.

Clarke approached Bellamy and Brinley, speaking quickly. 'I spoke to Roan, we're safe for now. He knows about the radiation.'

'And he just agreed to let us go?' Brinley asked sarcastically, sensing a but coming.

'I gave him the flame.' Brinley could see the sacrifice on Clarke's face. 'We need to work together to find a way to survive.'

'You did the right thing.' Bellamy's voice was soft.

'I hope you're right.' Clarke sighed. 'Roan's speaking to his people, we have to be there.'

Brinley caught Echo's eyes and scoffed. 'This should be fun.'

*****

'The city of light has fallen, and there is no commander left to rule us. Until another nightblood ascends, I, King Roan of Azgeda, Eldest son of Nia, Grandson of Theo, am caretaker of the throne.' Roan paused and lifted his hand. 'And keeper of the flame.'

Brinley looked at the grounders that surrounded them, watching as they began murmuring amongst themselves.

'You're a king, not a priest! This is blasphemy.' Brinley didn't see where the voice came from, but it was strong and angry.

'Not blasphemy, order.' Roan rebutted. 'Until another ascends, Azgeda honours and will defend the coalition of the last true commander, Lexa kom trikru, including the thirteenth clan.'

The murmuring from the watching crowd got louder and angrier.

Brinley remained on high alert, wondering if anyone would be stupid enough to strike against them.

'Let it be known, that an attack against Skaikru, is an attack against us all.'

Roan watched the crowd for a moment, daring anyone to disagree, but no one did – atleast not vocally. From the heated looks Brinley could see turned towards them, she knew there was plenty of people who found themselves in disagreement with their leader.

Roan turned and left the area, his personal security following him.

'Let's go.' Clarke murmured, signalling everyone to follow her. It didn't take them long to push through the crowd, people avoided them as though they were diseased.

'What happens now?' Brinley walked beside Clarke. 'I assume you've already decided.'

'Some of us stay here, some of us go back to camp.' Clarke spoke lowly, slowing her pace once they had cleared the crowd entirely.

'Who stays?' Brinley asked as she and Clarke came to a stop, the others catching up quickly.

Clarke bit her lip and sighed, turning to Abby, 'I need you to stay here, we need a direct line of communication to Roan, and we need to build trust with the other clans.' Clarke turned to Marcus, 'You're the representative of the thirteenth clan, I need you here too.'

Marcus nodded and Abby smiled sadly. 'We can do that.'

Clarke returned the sad smile.

'I'm staying here, with Indra.' Octavia spoke up, before looking to Marcus and Abby, 'You might need us.'

Clarke looked to Indra. 'Indra?'

'We'll keep them safe.'

Clarke smiled gratefully.

No one bothered to question Bellamy; they all knew he'd go with Clarke, back to camp.

Jaha wasn't attempting to join in the discussion, standing away from them as he stared into space.

'What's your plan for me, princess?' Brinley raised an eyebrow as she watched Clarke carefully.

Clarke seemed thoughtful for a moment. 'You can stay here-'

Brinley's jaw tensed

'-or you come back to camp.'

Brinley frowned.

Clarke could see the surprise on Brinley's face 'You're valuable Brin, no matter where you go you'll be helping. It's your choice.'

Brinley hadn't been expecting that. To be given a choice rather than an order meant more to Brinley than she'd ever admit to Clarke.

Brinley blew a strand of hair out of her face after a few stunned moments of silence. 'Back to camp it is.'

Clarke's smile widened. 'Then it's settled. You'll come back with Bellamy and I.'

Brinley's eyes were drawn to movement. 'Incoming.'

Echo's face was blank as she walked towards them, Bellamy immediately took the lead, walking forward to meet her.

The two stared at each other for a moment before Echo spoke. 'From your king.' She unwrapped an Ice Nation emblem. 'With this you'll be safe in any of our lands.'

Bellamy kept his face expressionless as he reached for the object, but Echo didn't immediately let it go, forcing Bellamy to meet her eyes.

'You think we'll ever be able to trust each other again?'

Bellamy didn't hesitate. 'I doubt it.'

Brinley thought she caught a flash of regret on Echo's face, but it was gone so fast that she thought she'd imagined it.

Echo let Bellamy take the emblem this time, looking at all of them now. 'Welcome back to the coalition.'

Echo watched them for a moment more before she turned and left.

'Time to go.' Bellamy uttered quickly, eager to leave.

'We'll do our best, to keep the king on his throne.' Marcus stepped forward first, a promise in his tone.

'We'll find a way to beat the radiation.' Determination was clear on Clarke's face.

'If any of you screw this us, we die.' Octavia spoke bluntly. 'No pressure.'

Bellamy was unimpressed. 'This is serious, O. If anyone finds out why Roan helped us, it'll be every clan for itself. The king will fall and they'll come after us.'

Octavia didn't seem worried.

'It's getting dark.' Clarke tried to diffuse the mounting tension. 'Let's do this.'

Abby and Clarke said their goodbyes, embracing each other in a tight hug.

Marcus stepped tentatively towards Brinley, reaching out and squeezing her arm gently. 'Be safe.'

Brinley nodded. 'You too.'

Brinley started to turn away when Marcus' grip tightened and he stepped towards her more. 'Wait.'

Brinley waited.

Marcus' voice was low, meant to be heard by the two of them only. 'It's okay to be happy Brinley.'

Brinley wondered what he meant until Marcus' gaze drifted slightly behind her. Brinley turned her head slightly, following her Father's gaze to Bellamy, who was watching the interaction with a curious gleam evident in his dark eyes.

Brinley turned her head back to her Father quickly. 'I'll be happy when find a way to survive.'

Brinley gently pulled away from Marcus' grip. 'May we meet again.'

'May we meet again.'

Brinley drifted towards Octavia, noticing the lack of interaction between the Blake siblings; intent on making sure Octavia was okay.

Marcus saw his chance to speak to Bellamy and he took it.

Marcus and Bellamy shook each other's hands firmly. 'You turn the page.' Marcus spoke lowly.

Bellamy nodded and made to turn away, but was stopped by Marcus' hand gripping his shoulder.

'You turn the page and you don't look back. You do better today than you did yesterday. You understand?'

Bellamy nodded.

'Before you know it, you'll deserve to survive.' A barely there smile twisted Marcus' face for a moment. If there was one thing the two men had in common, it was the desire to be better, for the sake of the people they cared for.

'I hope so.' Bellamy's voice was rough, aware of the eyes now watching the interaction.

Brinley smoothed out the frown that had formed listening to Bellamy and Marcus' brief conversation, turning back to Octavia. 'You sure you don't want to say goodbye to him?'

'Positive.' Octavia's tone was firm. 'It'll just end in an argument anyway.'

Brinley sighed. 'Just be safe, okay?'

'Worry about yourself Brin.' Octavia's tone turned teasing for a moment.

Brinley smiled at the younger girl, knowing neither of them needed to say anything else.

Brinley nodded at Indra, who nodded back to her quickly.

Bellamy nodded to Abby quickly, only to turn back to Marcus as the man uttered one more sentence to Bellamy.

'Watch out for her.'

Bellamy frowned slightly confused at the words, but Marcus kept his gaze on Bellamy willing him to understand.

Bellamy suddenly understood, nodding his head quickly, his voice rough when he spoke again. 'Always.'

Bellamy turned and walked towards Clarke and Brinley, who were waiting for him, the three beginning the trek back to camp, Jaha walking grimly behind them.

'Can you imagine how happy Eleanor and Aurora would have been to see them together?' Abby's words were quiet, her eyes trained on Bellamy and Brinley who were slightly behind Clarke, walking together.

A sad smile lit Marcus' expression. 'El would have been planning a wedding and Aurora would have been making a dress before they two had even really got to know each other. They would have been ecstatic.'

Abby could see Marcus fighting back emotion.

'Instead, our children inherited the earth.' Marcus sighed.

Abby nodded. 'And now they have six months to save it.'

Brinley, Bellamy and Clarke walked quickly after the guards that were guiding them, each of their minds set on the large task ahead; saving the human race.

'Okay princess. What now?' Bellamy asked Clarke as they exited the fences surrounding Polis.

'I thought the answer was obvious,' Brinley started as she caught Clarke's eye.

Clarke's mouth twitched slightly. 'Now, we survive.'

The group walked quickly, completely unaware that hundred of miles away, a woman fell to her knees as a wave of radiation hit her, melting the skin from her bones.