Alexandra cowered before her father, Marcus Eaton, as he raised the terror of her life. The belt.
Her brother, Tobias, left for Dauntless 2 years ago, leaving her at the mercy (or not) of Marcus and his permanently stained weapon of choice. He had started training to leave when he was 13, teaching 11-year-old Alexandra as well. Tobias helped Alexandra learn to shoot a gun, throw knives, hand-to-hand combat, and even archery, although it wasn't a Dauntless activity. They practiced gymnastics and jumping on and off trains, making their bodies as flexible as they could. The sore muscles and bruises from training blended right into the ones that Marcus inflicted on them.
Tobias had started being beaten when he was four, but Marcus only slapped and punched Alexandra, until Tobias left. Then he took out his anger on her, using knives, his belt, broken glass, anything that left marks. He left her arms and lower legs bare of marks, usually using her thighs and back as his canvas.
Alexandra couldn't wait to Choose, not just to leave Marcus, but to see her brother, make new friends and let loose. The siblings had snuck into Dauntless enough times to observe the wild parties thrown there. It always looked like fun.
Although they had black clothing - filched from Dauntless - they never came into view of people, or tried not to.
CHAPTER ONE: *APTITUDE TEST DAY*
"Alexandra Eaton," a voice called. Alexandra looked around, trying to determine who was calling her name. A blonde, middle-aged woman beckoned her from a doorway. Alexandra got up, wiping her hands on her loose, grey dress, then walked in the room, the woman stepping aside politely to let her pass.
The room was filled with wires, one end of which attached to a dentist-looking chair in the middle of the room, the other end hooked up to a computer. The woman - Alexandra recognized her now, she was Beatrice Prior's mother, Natalie- sat down in front of the computer, motioning her to sit in the chair.
Alexandra sat down nervously. handed her a small shot glass of light blue, almost clear liquid. "What is it?" She asked, eyeing the vial curiously.
"It's a simulation serum. It will put you in a dream-like state, making it easier for the sim to work." She tapped the wires, "These will be on your forehead. They will show me the image of the simulation, so I can figure out what faction you belong in."
Warily, I lean back. Natalie attaches the electrodes to my head, her cool fingers brushing against my flushed skin. "Bottoms up." She says. That's odd. I've never heard an Abnegation say something like that. I shrug and tip the liquid into my mouth.
I notice that the serum tastes like strawberries. Or is it oranges? My brain feels too tired to process anything, so I close my eyes and let the serum take over.
*SIMULATION*
I find myself in a room filled with mirrors. Instinctively, I look away. It's an Abnegation reflex that I can't seem to shake of myself. A robotic voice says, "Choose."
"Why?" I ask. I suddenly notice that 2 baskets have appeared on a table. One contains a hunk of cheese, the other holds a sharp throwing knife.
"Choose." The voice says again. A large dog appears about a hundred feet away. I grab the cheese. The dog starts stalking towards me, growling and showing large, sharp teeth. I throw the cheese, which, with my perfect aim, hits the dog right on the nose. Unfortunately, this seems to irritate him even more, and instead of taking the cheese, he starts running at me, practically foaming at the mouth.
I look around frantically, but (surprise, surprise) the knife is gone and the cheese has disappeared into the floor. I dimly remember Tobias doing this with a wild dog, so I take a chance.
I drop onto my knees and force myself to look at the ground. Tobias explained after that it's considered a challenge if you look a dog in the eye. I close my eyes and brace myself for impact, expecting to be mauled by those sharp teeth at any minute, but after a few seconds I open my eyes cautiously and find a tiny, cute puppy in it's place.
I laugh in relief, until the door opens and a little girl who looks eerily like a younger me comes in. "Puppy!" She squealed, running towards it. Suddenly the puppy is gone and the snarling beast is back. The little girl screams as the dog chases after her. A split second decision is made: I can't let the girl get caught.
I run after the dog and tackle it to the ground, but instead of hitting the floor, I go through it. I find myself on a bus, standing beside a young man dressed in Erudite blue, reading the newspaper.
The headline reads: Brutal Murderer Finally Apprehended.
"Do you know this guy?" The man taps the picture on the front page. The picture is in color, and I immediately recognize Tobias. Even though I know this is a sim, I would never turn my brother in.
"No," I lie smoothly. The man glares at me.
"You do know!" He accuses. "You could save me!"
I glare back at him, my stare icy, making him squirm slightly and avert his eyes. "Well," I say. "I don't."
*END SIMULATION*
When I wake up, I find Natalie frowning at the computer screen, where I see myself talking to the man on the bus. "That...was perplexing. Alexandra, I'm afraid your result is..."