A/N - I'd like to go ahead and make some disclaimers before anyone reads this. 1) I'm writing this for Nanowrimo, which means that sometimes quantity is better than quality, I do try to give chapters at least a quick haul over, but if you do see a mistake let me know! 2) Also, due to the chaos of Nanowrimo, some things may get crazy and not really make much sense, or seem kind of pointless. As it is I've wrote this first chapter over probably twice, changing, adding and erasing a few hundred words each time. Please bear with me. Also, critique is welcome! :)
Please R&R!
Full Synopsis - The city of Chicago seems to be at peace, Evelyn's return seems to have gone unnoticed, but has it? Like a ripple in a pond, a small group of protestors has made clear that not everyone is on board with the new governing system. A rebellion begins to grow within the city and then the attacks begin. In search of resolving the unsettling attacks, a political meeting is called at the Bureau. Tobias is bitter about his return to the Bureau but unable to allow himself to back down from his position helping the city, he forces himself to stay. It is this choice that leads him to a ground breaking discovery: experiments they had long thought abolished from the walls of the Bureau, human experiments. Tobias is determined to put an end to it, but at what cost?
Deliverance
Part One: Marked
Chapter One - Dauntless
I would never get used to the stinging, tearing, irritated sensation of the needle repeatedly stabbing my flesh. I felt myself grimace as the tattoo machine reached close to my collar bone, it had been a while. The former Dauntless grounds were not somewhere I was eager to revisit, and yet most of the artists had refused to move from there, choosing to remain in the lesser explored regions of the new city. So I found myself here yet again, exploring the dark reaches of the former Dauntless grounds.
"So explain to me," I begin, "why is it you don't want to leave this place?" I ask the girl who has been working away with hardly a word for the last three hours. "There are lot better places that would bring in more traffic to your shop." I think of the newly rebuilt area we now refer to as 'Memorial Square' standing in the heart of the city over part of what used to be Candor's sector, the new shop fronts and residential areas a booming success with the out of city immigrants and original settlers alike. She gave me a piercing look, pausing for the first time in what seemed like forever before finally answering.
"Despite what you may think, most of the factions aren't lining up for tattoos, and those who are know where to find us." and with that she refocused her attention. "We're almost done by the way." She added a moment later, dousing the inked skin in alcohol and wiping it before going to work once again. I dropped my head back onto the headrest again and stared at the pictures and posters that had lost their appeal in the first ten minutes sitting in the chair. It was common for people to still refer to themselves and the people of the city as faction members, it's probably the main reason why so many went back to their old homes when all was said and done. Even though the truth was exposed and the factions struck down, those who lived here before knew this was a faction city through and through.
I was just about ready to jump out of my skin I was so anxious to be done, my skin irritated to the point I was ready to tell her to quit, when she finally said we were finished and handed me a mirror. The eagle was bold against the irritated, red skin but looked dangerous and beautiful. Despite the the small trails of blood that trickled from the freshly wounded skin, it was clear to see the detail she had put into it, the long hours weren't for nothing. "Perfect." I stated, anxious to get out of the leather seat and moving. I was eager to get running, as far away from these familiar streets as possible. I paid up as quickly as I could and left, ignoring the looks and murmurs that followed in my wake as I easily navigated my way through the old Dauntless quarter.
The happenings in the Bureau those two years ago were common knowledge to the original settlers of this new, free society, and of course - such is human nature - it didn't remain secret for long. An underground sort of popularity came of it, all of us who took part in the wiping of the Bureau were 'heroes' of the people. If the Bureau knew, they'd probably put an end to it, it didn't look good on them for their experiments to be thought more highly of than them - the creators. If the Bureau knew. That was the point of everything that happened, everything we did was it not? So the Bureau would forget. That's why Tris was gone, she saved this city and if anyone should be experiencing it, it should be her.
As my mind moved to thoughts of Tris, I feel my feet begin moving, gaining speed, the smacking of my sneakers echoing off the walls as I take off in a sprint. My lungs burn and my chest aches not only from the running but the tattoo burning with every movement of my arm. I focused on that steady smack of rubber on pavement until the train came into view. I hadn't used the train as a method of transport for a very long time, many hadn't since the new factionless city was built, but it was like riding a bike - I hoped. I got myself parallel to the train and lengthened my stride, propelling myself forward harder, my arms pumping and I eyed the passing carts. I counted to myself, willing myself to do it, as my eyes lock onto the door I'm aiming for, 'two...Three!' I grabbed the side of the door frame and pushed off with my feet, hauling myself into the cart with my arms.
Just like riding a bike, I lied to myself as my chest heaved and I let myself fall to the ground. I sat on the dirty floor, my arms wrapped around my knees and I looked out upon the city that whizzed by. The changes were enormous, the inner most part of the city was a thriving metropolis of shiny glass buildings and bustling streets, people shifting and milling about at all hours of the day. The outer reaches still had faction buildings, colours and symbols that clearly marked how far the developments had reached to date. I hated going through those areas, they reminded me of my father, or of Tris, neither of which generally led to pleasant memories, the reason I stopped using the train as transportation.
The train rounded the bend and began heading towards the outer reaches of the new development, and I began to panic I didn't want these memories today, not when I was so close at coming to peace with it. I pulled myself to my feet and watched ahead for signs of escape, rooftops whirred past, they didn't look that far away, at least no further than they had on that first jump. I stepped back a couple feet and ran forward, jumping as far as I could with the limited space I had.
I shouldn't have jumped.
There was the familiar rush of air, and then there was too much of it, my feet weren't finding the ground. I reached out with my arms to try and grab something, and finally my hands smacked something hard. I held fast with my now stinging fingers. A window ledge. My body smashed against the red brick, and a cry escaped my lips as a pain spread up my right side. I hung for a moment, unsure what to do or where to go from here. I hazarded a look down, to see how far it was to the ground and felt my stomach clench. Even after all this, after everything I had been through it was still the stupid fear of heights that got me every time. It looked like I was hanging from a third floor window, there wasn't concrete below me but rather some shrubs and a whole lot of grass, 'I suppose that's a plus' I think as I evaluate the situation. As far as I can see, if the window is unlocked I might be able to get through it, otherwise I'll need to drop and hope for the best. Peachy.
I bang on the window and there's no response from within, I try and hoist myself up, but the ledge is small and it's near impossible. My arms ache and the ledge cuts into my scraped fingers. I try to wedge the window open with my finger tips but it won't budge. That leaves one choice. With a deep breath I kick off from the wall and let go. I screamed out as I hit the ground, the scream cut short by the air being ripped from my lungs as I hit the grass. Why does no one tell you the ground is ten times harder than it seems when you're walking on it?
My whole body is a mass of aching pain, I lay there for a while, half in a bush and half on the solid ground with no motivation to move. When I finally catch my breath I look up to see a face peering out at me from the window. "Are you alright down there?" it shouts. I feel the urge to shout back a sarcastic remark, did I look ok? I decide on trying my hand at moving instead. I slowly roll over, every movement a tremendous toll on my limbs, I try to push myself up and feel a sharp pain up my arm and my wrist gives out under me. 'Well that's broken.' I think to myself, using my elbow and my other arm to get up to my feet.
Riding the train was not like riding a bike at all.
Johanna tutted as she looked me up and down, I must have been a sight to see, bruised and battered, a cast on my arm, a limp in my walk and my office work attire on. "Well you've certainly seen better days." she commented, turning back to her desk and motioning me to sit down. Her office is filled with knick-knacks, pictures and paintings, little ceramics and carvings, the polar opposite of mine.
"I had a little fall." I responded, wincing a little as I sat down in the tan leather seat.
"So I heard, glad to see you're alive and well." I give a nod of acknowledgement and she plunges on into today's tasks. "The proposal for the reconstruction of the set of residential buildings is in, we've got a meeting with them to go over the specifics. I've also got paperwork that needs to be sent to the Bureau with regards to the raise in Police budgeting. While we're on the topic, I need you to set up a meeting with the Chief of Police to go over the upgraded monitoring of the downtown core on the weekends, the influx of traffic down there makes me nervous. Then I'll need you to help me convince the leader of the little protesting group outside that your mother's return is in no way a threat to this city."
Nothing had been said about Evelyn, it was an unspoken secret until now. The last few days had led to a small group of peaceful protestors outside the office building, but they were annoying and attracted attention. In the semi-fragile state the city was still in, there was no doubt that these protestors would need to be addressed sooner or later. We had thought that my mother's re-entrance to the city would have gone unnoticed, unfortunately, we were wrong and the last thing anyone wanted was more turmoil after the final incidents of the faction led city.
"We'll figure it out." She said quietly. I nodded and was thankful for her return to her computer, silently announcing my cue to leave. I headed back to my small office, to make the calls I needed to and set up the meetings that were necessary to get this city back on it's feet. The other workers in the office stared as I passed their doors, they often did and I'm sure my battered look had nothing but added fuel to whatever thoughts coursed through their heads.
Not many people spoke to me since the events at the Bureau, heck, not many people talked to me before those instances. If it wasn't for Tris my tight knit circle of friends would be practically non-existent. So when I looked up to see Christina loitering outside my office door with coffees in hand, I couldn't help but smile a bit. Christina, my personal hero - not that I'd ever tell her that, but I'm pretty sure she knows. She was the reason I made it through everything, the reason I kept on keeping on. I think about how foolish I had been, wanting to wipe my own memories, how selfish of me to so willingly wanting to give up my memories of Tris. We're close.
"Wow, you look uh... pretty beat up." she said, holding out a coffee for me. I take it and shake my head.
"I took the train." I mumbled sourly. It must have been the look on my face that made her burst out laughing.
"The mighty Four has fallen, literally." I rolled my eyes and proceeded to open the door, my nose greeted by the smell of cleaners and paper. "And by the looks of it, you fell far."
"Jumped for a rooftop on the outskirts of Dauntless." I said bitterly. She gave me an expectant look, so I proceeded, knowing full well that she would have never let me get away with a simple explanation like that. "And I didn't quite make it all the way. I got a window sill and smashed into the wall, and then had to drop to the ground." She cringed as I described it and shook her head.
"Why were you on the train anyways? No one uses the trains anymore." I was quiet for a moment as she made herself at home, flopping down into the grey seat across from me, leaning back and putting her feet up on the corner of the desk.
"I was getting work done," I said, pulling down the collar of my shirt to expose the top of my fresh tattoo. "But there was just so much of her there, everything started coming back like it was yesterday and I couldn't deal with it." We sat in silence for a moment, in my plain, nearly empty office, looking more like an Abnegation house than anything, nothing to even pretend to be distracted by. Grey walls, one desk, two chairs, one computer screen, a small collection of pens in a cup and a lined notepad. There wasn't a picture on the wall, or a card on the desk, if I were to get up and leave, it would be as if no one was ever here.
"So you hopped on the train." She finally finished, opening her steaming cup, carefully pinning the plastic tab back onto the lid. "Like any Dauntless trying to get away quick." She said, looking up and raising her steaming cup in cheers. "To old habits dying hard." I raised mine in agreement and then sipped the hot drink as Christina picked away at her muffin. "So what about this job? Do you actually like this? I mean you were offered leadership positions in Dauntless how many times?"
"I like it." I respond. "I feel like I owe it to Tris to help rebuild the city she sacrificed herself for, even if the people don't know it. Why do you ask?" She laughed and looked at me as if it was as obvious as spots on a leopard.
"Because you're Four! First class Dauntless fighter and Mr. Unapproachable number one." I scoff at her response and she laughs at me. It's easy to see why she befriended Christina, always the cheery one. "Let's be honest, if it wasn't for Tris, I would not be sitting here now!" her laugh fades and we sit in silence for a moment.
"I miss her." I say quietly.
"Me too." She whispers back.
I hazard a look at the time on my computer screen and then look back to her. "You know, they will fire you if you're late every day."
"mhmmm." She mumbled around her mouth full of food, standing and heading for the door as she does. "And if that happens, you'll get me a job here right?" She smiles and walks out the door. "Bye Four!" I hear her shout from the hall. I shake my head, and I can't help but smile.
That had been the highlight of my day. The rest of the day was spent on the phone and in meetings, all of which were either pre-determined or led nowhere. I was beginning to wonder if Christina was right about me, was I really fit for this job? At first it had been exciting and there were meetings and traveling and new people and proposals to make, there was ceremonies and conferences had and everything was grand and new and exciting. The excitement was wearing off, there was a lot of paperwork and repetition, a lot of sitting and listening, none of which I was very good at. But then, what else would I be doing? Was it not right that I became a leader of the people, both of my parents had done it after all, albeit they were twisted and power hungry leaders, they had people rallied behind them.
I thought about it all day, the words gnawing at the back of my mind until it consumed my thoughts. Would I end up like my parents did? I thought of Tris and her uncanny ability to predict things happening before they did, she knew who to trust and who to turn away from, even if at times that was me. Then I look at my own ability to do those things, and they are weak, sure, people listen to me, mostly because of my, well, as Christina put it, my 'unapproachable' nature.
"Tobias." The voice shattered my reverie and brought me crashing back to the building meeting, blue prints, building permits, contracts and mock images of final products. The pictures of which we had seen nearly a hundred times already.
"Yes?" I responded, leaning forward in my seat, trying to refocus my attention to whatever they had been talking about for the last half hour.
"Can you-" Johanna was cut off by the echo of a resounding boom and the terrified shrieks of people. Citizens of Chicago.
I jumped to my feet and raced for the window. Chaos bloomed below us and through the smoke I could make out one thing - a jet black ring solid and unnatural marring the pavement below. That wasn't a result of the blast, nothing naturally occurred in a perfect circle - that was put there by something or someone. That jet black circle mocking us from below, as people screamed and ran, smoke pouring from the building adjacent to us.
I felt it tugging at the back of my brain, and no matter how hard I tried, I couldn't help it - I ran. Sprinting towards the stairs, I yanked my tie hard, freeing my neck from it's noose and tearing a button off in the process. I took the stairs down two at a time, nearly tumbling over as I reached the bottom. I took off for the door, my dress shoes sliding on the tile as I rounded the corner and pushed through the main entrance.
I burst out into a street full of smoke, vaguely aware of my name being shouted from behind me. I headed for the source of the smoke, pushing through the people, hardly aware that I was stepping over the black circle that had taunted me from above. People were shrieking everywhere, but it wasn't long before I came across bloodied bodies. That wasn't what I had came here for though, I started climbing through the debris, sifting for the source of the blast, anything that might indicate who or what caused it.
I could feel my lungs suffocating as I choked down more and more smoke. I pulled my button down shirt off, and soaked it in the water that flowed from an overturned water cooler and tied it around my face, to serve as a makeshift barrier between my lungs and the smoke. It did little, but at least my lungs didn't feel like they were being scorched with every breath.
Something moves behind me and I snap my attention towards it, I can't see much through the smoke. I hear something again, I'm not sure what it is, I can't quite make it out, but I head towards it, hoping it's something that will be useful. I move towards the corner the sound is coming from, I slow as I approach, blinking furiously as my eyes begin to sting something fierce, but creeping towards the target.
I stop directly in front of a large piece of concrete leaned up in the corner, whatever it was, was coming from behind that. I grabbed the piece with both hands and pulled but it didn't move. I changed my position, bracing myself against the wall and pushing until my muscles strained, I was ready to give up when it finally began to budge. I threw the weight of my body into it and finally saw some results. My chest ached as my lungs searched for oxygen, which was becoming more and more minimal as the time progressed.
Finally the concrete piece gave way, exposing the corner. I stopped dead, it was no bomb, it was no shooter or enemy, but a small child, curled into a ball so small I would have nearly thought it impossible if I wasn't seeing it. She stared up at me in silence, both of us unmoving for a moment. "Tobias!" I heard from outside and I jumped.
"Four! Where the hell is he?! He needs to get out of there! You and you, take that side, Zeke you're with me, this way. Let's go gents, pick it up!"
"I'm right here!" I yell, and I tear the shirt from my face and wrap it around the girl's, knotting it below her disheveled brown pony tail. "That better?" I ask, kneeling down in front of her, and she says nothing but nods.
"Good. Let's go." I grab her easily and begin picking my way back out of the rubble, my throat and lungs feeling scorched with every inhale I take. The little girl's hands have my t-shirt locked in her tiny fists as I pick my way through.
I'm beginning to feel light headed, and I know that it's lack of oxygen beginning to take it's toll. I pause for a moment to try and catch any kind of breath I can, but only succeed in making it worse. I hear a creaking and force my legs to dive, and just in time. A large steel beam comes smashing down in front of us, smashing a hole in the floor, exposing the basement below. I stagger, throwing my shoulder to the wall to stabilize myself.
"Four, is that you?" It sounds like Amar, but I'm finding it a little too hard to focus to be sure.
"Stay there, I'm on my way out!" I shout back, coughing hard as I force my protesting lungs to gulp in the fiery air once again.
I hear more shouts, incomprehensible to me and I feel my limbs getting weaker and weaker. The child that was light only moments ago suddenly felt like the heaviest thing I had ever lifted. I follow the wall, using it to support the weight I feel like I can't carry anymore.
My knees smash the ground and my hand shoots out to keep myself from face planting into the debris. I pulled myself up, using a large piece of concrete much like the one I had pulled away from the little girl. I felt the pressure of her little hand lift and I felt panic, was she still conscious? I felt her hand press against my face, the cool wet fabric against my skin felt marvelous but at this point it did little to help my lungs.
"Tobias!" I hear a female this time, sounding frantic, but closer than the voices before. My casted arm aches holding on to the girl and I'm forced to switch her to my better arm, if I fall now we're screwed. I take a few more steps and I can see that it's getting lighter. I feel a hand clamp down on my arm and I'm half pertified and half relieved.
"Got him!" The owner shouts, it takes a second to focus but I'd recognize that mug anywhere: Amar. Another hand joins on the other side - George. I'm thankful for their guidance out the last few steps of the building, as I stumble, my limbs having never felt so weak.
As my feet hit level ground my knees finally give out and my casted arm smashed against the ground in reflex, sending a sharp pain up through my shoulder, but I don't care anymore. I find myself gasping hard for the clearer air, trying to keep the world from spinning in front of me. I focus on the ground between my fingers. A thick black line under them, the mark of whoever did this, but what kind of person would do something like this?
