A/N: Hello again! Sorry for the long wait, but I don't think I need to explain to any of you how life goes :D First, I'd like to let everyone know that this story is already finished, and it's a long one, so no need to worry about it being abandoned. My update schedule will be Tuesday/Friday, unless something wild and crazy happens. Second, I'd like to thank BAMCN24 and BK2U for being my sounding boards and my betas. Really, when you work with people you get along with, the back and forth and questions and answers and ideas that all flow, it really ends up becoming more of a collaboration than anything. I may do the heavy lifting, but they both have their place in here. So make sure you thank these lovely ladies too, for they have also brought you an amazing, original story. I also have a Tumblr, MilnerWrites. I am lame and sometimes forget about it, but I will post sneak peeks for the next chapter and whatnot on it, so follow if you like. This story is rated T, for now... (Yes, that means we will go M later on.) Ok, enough of that, and onto the good stuff. Enjoy!

"Sir? It's starting."

Those two simple words sent his heart racing. He waited with the others in front of the screen bank, making sure he was as close as he was allowed to be without pushing the limits. He didn't want to miss any of this. Especially her.

His eyes shifted and he cleared his throat, doing his best to keep a blank face and maintain a calm facade. Only he knew who she was. Nobody else noticed her that day.

"Ziegler. Amity," the first tech called out, and what little chatter there was immediately ceased.

"Yates. Dauntless."

"Waters. Abnegation."

"Walton. Erudite."

"Vance. Candor."

It took roughly five minutes for each of the candidates to go through the aptitude test simulation and for the result to register, the complete database of results transmitting as soon as the live video feed cut off. Abnegation, in recent years, had been their main focus; their screen was the most crowded. He heard a few bets being made behind him and turned to stare at two men who shrank back, stopping their transaction. While not completely illegal, gambling was definitely frowned upon within the compound.

Turning back to the screen in front of him, he waited patiently for any signs of Divergence to appear. Only the strongest would be considered, the others left to fend for themselves. Divergence was never deemed to be a threat in the city until Norton was elected leader of Erudite, the trend continuing with his successor, Jeanine Matthews. It was decided then that a keen eye and constant observation were to be kept on the faction at all times. As in previous years, there would be no involvement unless circumstances were to become dire.

"Pedrad. Dauntless," he heard from down the line ― they were past the point of students going in and out uniformly, and he knew it wouldn't take long for the first signs to appear. It never did. The hesitation registered within the simulation instantly and sent an alert to the Bureau.

"Sir?"

"Wait."

The onlookers all shifted their attention and waited as instructed. As with all potentially inconclusive tests, the minutes seemed to drag on until a decision was finally rendered.

"Sir?" the tech asked again. There was a slight hesitation that made him hopeful.

"No."

That was it. The first 'maybe' had turned into a 'no'.

The aptitude tests were a slow process, and often uneventful. He'd watched them for six years now, and in that time only eleven people had shown enough potential for them to even begin the discussion about a possible transfer. Of those eleven, only two were tapped, with just one having the capacity they were looking for. A slight memory alteration was all that was needed to place the other candidate back into their faction.

He hated waiting, especially today. The people around him were already restless, which meant that at some point they would inadvertently touch him more than he was comfortable with, and he found himself losing his patience.

"Prior, C. Abnegation." His eyes snapped back to the screen in front of him. He watched as the lanky boy took his seat, asking far too many questions that were never going to be answered. Odd behavior for an Abnegation.

They all watched closely, and when the boy ended up with an Erudite result, a woman behind him whistled. "You don't see that every day," she whispered. It was true. Most Abnegation were born to live and die that life.

"Prior, B. Abnegation."

He was certain his heart would betray him if anyone were paying attention. It thumped hard against his chest, pumping his blood faster through his body than it had ever traveled before, the vein in his neck feeling as if it were going to burst. He watched her as she nervously entered the room, and glanced in the mirror a little too long. His eyes shifted to David, who looked uninterested.

Choose. He knew the simulation was telling her what to do, but she stood still. He wished he had headphones like the techs did; she was talking and he had no idea what she was saying.

"Sir?"

"Wait."

His eyes were glued to the screen when the meat and the cheese disappeared; this had never happened before. He looked again to David, who wouldn't dare show any sign of relenting this early. But it was her, and he felt his hopes climbing higher.

He watched her submit to the dog, then chase after it when it threatened to attack the little girl. He thought for a moment that he was wrong. What could be more selfless than sacrificing oneself? The simulation moved on. She was on a bus, a horribly scarred man confronting her. He wished again for headphones, and momentarily thought about snatching the pair off the head of the tech in front of him. Finally, he saw her speak up and the simulation ended.

It was obvious that the Dauntless woman administering the test was panicked. They spoke very briefly, both of them looking scared. But Prior, B. ― Beatrice ― held her head high, and put on a brave face before she left the room.

"Sir?" The tech turned around. "Inconclusive."

"Which?" David asked.

"Only Candor and Amity were ruled out."

He watched David's face, searching for any sign of a 'yes', but saw nothing. "We'll wait."

"Sir," he said before he could stop himself. "I disagree." She had tested positive for three aptitudes — something that he had never seen before.

"Not now." David turned and shot him a look, and he stood down.

The rest of the candidates revealed nothing interesting, which left the boy from Dauntless ― Pedrad ― and Beatrice. The crowd dispersed, and he waited patiently for the signal from David. "Come," he said, and Four stepped forward, letting the council members, the people David trusted most, exit first. He and the other Bureau representatives followed silently until they were all secured in a conference room. David turned to his council. "Tell me what you think." Four knew better than to speak first.

"I don't think the boy is worth our time," James said. "The girl, however, shows promise." Four felt his hopes rise. David looked at each representative — from the simulation expert to the Bureau's top scientist to the lead physician — trying to read their faces. His gaze lingered on Four before he moved on. "Yes. But how much promise?" The council members all looked to David, nodding slightly; they were already giving up the fight. They would concede and end up agreeing to whatever David said without a second thought. If he wanted her, Four knew he was going to have to fight for her.

"A lot," Four asserted. "Three aptitudes? When has that ever happened? You have to pull her out, David. She could be what we've been looking for all this time." Four saw the scientist — Bethany — nodding from beside him.

"Four." His eyes drifted between Four and Bethany, and he instantly knew from David's tone that he was going to be dismissed. "The Government is being very… selective now, and you know that. I just don't think we should use one of our pulls this soon."

"But, Sir―" Bethany interrupted. David held up his hand, and the two of them relented. It was clear by the looks on their faces that the remaining council members and designated representatives had already sided with David.

"Thank you for your time," David said, looking at each of them. "Perhaps we'll have better luck next year."

Four stood rigidly in place until everyone headed back to their jobs and respective offices, trying to keep his anger under control. He couldn't just accept this. He wouldn't. His strides were long and quick as he stalked down hallway after hallway until he was standing in front of David's door. The security guard positioned outside tipped his head, but didn't dare say anything to his superior. Four knocked hard. "Come in."

He half-expected to see some of the other council members there, but David was alone. "Four," David said. "What can I do for you?"

"You can pull her out." His voice was authoritative and mildly intimidating, somewhat risky considering his subordinate position. "She is the closest thing you have ever had to what you are searching for, so I don't understand."

"And you never will," David said firmly. "Now, please get back to your position."

Four felt himself getting hotter, and his hands were clenched so tightly his fingernails were digging into his palms. "No," he said. David looked up from the tablet in his hand. "I have a feeling about this one. I think she is it. David, please."

"Four, I don't think you are hearing me. The Government is stepping in now. All of this," he said, waving his hand around, "It's in jeopardy. They're already talking about doing a reset. Again." Four felt himself pitch forward. Even though he had no ties there anymore, that was still his city, his home. Those were still his people.

"I don't… Why?"

"The other cities are failing. They've been failing. They aren't going to continue to fund us if any more mistakes are made. I can't risk the failure, Four. I don't want to be responsible for the city undergoing another reset."

Four didn't, either. "I understand. But before you make this final, will you look at her footage again? I think you at least owe these people that much." David studied him for a moment then nodded, and Four made his way to his post.

His watch beeped as soon as he walked into the security room. He lifted his wrist to see David's face. "Go for Four," he said, pressing the green button.

"I've changed my mind. Gather a team. You leave in thirty." He failed to suppress his smile as Amar turned in his chair.

"We got one?" he asked.

"We did. Want to head out with me?"

"Nah. I sent Davis out to fix one of the cameras near the border, so I'm gonna stay here. Take Briggs and Green with you."

"Green? Why, so I can deal with two nervous people?" Four said with a slight grin. "No, thanks. I'll take Jones instead."

"Suit yourself. Got a body prepared?"

"Shit."

This was his least favorite part. He'd never seen it firsthand, but he knew he couldn't extract her without leaving a replacement. It was hell on the families, but it had to be done: the city would fall into complete panic if one of its members just up and vanished. He did double duty, calling Briggs and Jones as he ran down the hall to the morgue.

"Blonde. Female. Sixteen. Thin and short." The doctor raised an eyebrow as he tapped on his tablet.

"Got a Fringe that pretty much fits that description. Why?"

"Extraction."

"Where?" he asked, his eyes widening.

"Abnegation."

"Interesting. I'll have her prepped and waiting in ten."

Four met up with the others just as the body was being wheeled out. He was thankful he didn't have to look at her, not that he hadn't seen his share of dead bodies over the years.

"The bag she's in will warm the body enough that no one will be able to tell she was ever in cold storage. Clothes are in the side pocket. Abnegation, so don't forget to put her hair up. Pins are in there, too. Face usually works best for non-detection, and some blood is included that you can add for effect, so…" The doctor trailed off, but they all knew what he meant. They were going to have to make her unrecognizable.

"Thanks," Four said. Briggs and Jones slid the body bag off the gurney and into the back of the van.

They didn't usually do extractions during the day, but if they wanted to pull her out before Choosing Day, they had to work fast. Abnegation was one of the easiest factions to get in and out of, fortunately, mitigating the risk of discovery. David was with the techs who were keeping an eye on her whereabouts. Four watched the wall loom larger and larger the closer they got.

"Factionless quadrant," Four heard David's voice through his earpiece. He adjusted his route slightly, surprised by her location. "She was sent home early, so you will probably have an hour before she even thinks about heading back home. She looks like she's just wandering around, lost in her thoughts."

"Wouldn't you be if you had those results thrown at you?" David didn't respond. Four pressed harder on the accelerator.

They entered the long tunnel to the city, the lights inside activating just far enough ahead of him that he could maintain his speed. Four drove until they reached the tunnel that would lead them to the extraction point. He parked the van and they all hopped out; they would have to continue on foot through the smaller tunnel.

"Want to do the honors?" Briggs asked, thrusting his hips at the body bag. Four didn't hesitate to punch him right in his mouth.

"Ow! Christ! What was that for?" he said, spitting blood.

"Because you're fucking disgusting. That's a human being in there. Show a little respect. Jones, you do it while this asshole opens the tunnel entrance." Briggs threw him a look, but swiped his card and opened the door.

Four had only seen a woman naked once, by mistake. He had walked into the locker room and happened upon one of the guys who was showing off some pictures of his girlfriend. Four had averted his eyes quickly, but he still saw it. He thought about it sometimes, late at night in his room. He often felt guilty afterwards, but replaced the guilt with memories of his pleasure.

"Ready," Jones called out, and Four came around the van. She didn't look anything like Beatrice, but she would be convincing enough.

"Status," Four said into his watch.

"Factionless still, heading west. Sector three," David responded in his ear. "Five minutes, tops."

"Affirmative. I'll be in contact after we collect her."

They wheeled over a gurney that was kept in the tunnel for this exact purpose, and placed the Fringe girl on it. Her body was no longer stiff from cold storage. Four wondered how long she had been dead.

They walked through the entrance and down the tunnel until they arrived at a door that gave them access to the city. "Anyone?" Four whispered.

"Nah," Briggs said, showing the heat signature scan he just took. Four undid the latch, and eased the hidden door open, pressing a button that released a shelving unit from the wall. Jones threw the Fringe girl over his shoulder, and they crept out into the abandoned building.

"Confirmation," Four said into his earpiece.

"Sector three still. Near Water Street." He pointed to his left, and Briggs and Jones nodded. He took a deep breath, and led the way. "All clear," David said in his ear, and they made their way outside.

Water Street was only a few buildings away. He signaled 5 minutes for the other two to take care of the body while he went after Beatrice.

"Left now," in his ear again. He turned down an alleyway and crept to the end of the building. He was momentarily taken aback by the sight of her, wandering right there in front of him.

Beatrice stopped in her tracks and looked around. She could sense that something was off. She felt it. It had been a long time since anyone was attacked in factionless, but the thought still crossed her mind as she spun around, realizing that she had been lost in her own thoughts for far too long. There was nothing there as far as she could tell.

She let her thoughts drift back to her aptitude test as she walked, kicking pebbles aside. What was she supposed to choose? Dauntless? Erudite? Abnegation? How could a single person be all of those things? It didn't seem possible. The woman had called her Divergent. She had never heard that term before in her life, but if there was a name for it, then there had to be others like her. Were they hiding, too? Were they dangerous? Was she? She shook her head. Deep down she knew that she'd hoped for any result other than Abnegation. She never imagined that this was going to be what she got.

She heard a noise and turned to see someone emerging from an alley, hands held up. She backed up instinctively, taking in his appearance, trying to determine if he was a threat. He was dressed in all black like the Dauntless, only he didn't look Dauntless. He wore things she had never seen before, and there was a blinking light in his ear.

"Beatrice." His voice was deep ― it took her by surprise. It almost didn't register that he knew her name. "Please don't be frightened. I'm not going to hurt you." She didn't have anywhere to go. Her back was to the building, and something told her that if she ran left or right he'd be faster than her, so she stayed put.

"Who are you? How do you know my name?" She was scared, but she didn't let it show in her voice.

"I don't have time to explain everything right now, but I know about you. About your Divergence." She took a breath in and looked around in case somebody was listening. What would they do if they knew? Who was this man? Maybe he was the reason she had been warned and it was already too late. She realized her panicked mistake, and did her best to recover.

"I don't know what you're talking about."

"Yes, you do. I saw you. You didn't choose the knife or the meat."

Her attempt at recovery was blown. She was speechless. Her heart was beating so fast she had to take a minute to compose herself. Beatrice took a few deep breaths, and the man put his hands down. She looked up at him and was instantly, inexplicably drawn into his deep blue eyes. She took in his other features ― his full lower lip and his ears that stuck out a little too far ― and realized that he was not a man like his voice suggested, but a boy who couldn't be much older than she was.

"It's not safe here for you anymore. If you'll trust me, I can take you somewhere that is." His voice was low, but urgent.

"Not safe? But I was told… the woman who administered my test told me Abnegation would keep me safe. What other faction is there?"

"I don't mean another faction, Beatrice. I mean the city. It's not safe for you anywhere inside of these walls."

The world slowly tilted as his words sank in. If it wasn't safe inside the walls, then that meant… "Outside?" she whispered.

"Outside," he confirmed.

He held out his hand, and she looked down. It was large, much larger than hers, but perhaps it was just the gloves he was wearing ― utility gloves that reminded her vaguely of what the Dauntless patrols wore, yet they looked nothing like them. Her eyes took in his appearance one more time, and he was softer now, familiar even. She believed him. He didn't look like any faction.

The idea of going outside the city walls ignited something deep inside of her. She could finally be free of Abnegation's stifling hold. She wouldn't have to worry about fitting in with any other faction and she wouldn't have to worry about being a danger to her family or anyone else. She could just… be.

She took a deep breath, then took his hand.