A/N: Disclaimer: I don't own the Divergent world. I only own Pazia. (Pronounced: Pah-ze-ah.) All outfits are on my profile. This story is set after Four and Eric became Dauntless but the year before Tris became Dauntless.

Rating: M

Word Count: 10, 141

Dauntless reviews are always appreciated!

This was previously chapters 5 and 6.

Battle Scars Honorary Mentions Ch 5 - Reviewers: Sarcasmes and Snowball A. K. A. WinterWolf!

Sarcasmes - Thanks! Sorry for the long wait!

Snowball A. K. A. WinterWolf - I am glad you love my story so much! Sorry for the wait!

Thanks so much to Atsirk Enoh, Jaimeebiggs0, Ali07241997, Raven1300, sweetsweetsacrifice, JJgirl9, ironwidow, KoreanLove1998, KrisDawnRulez, Sarcasmes, Angi Marie, Snowball A. K. A. WinterWolf, Aaltje, proofreadyourshit!

Battle Scars Honorary Mention Ch 6 - I would just like to send a thank you to saffronautumnbulljones and Ain'tEasyBeingBreezy!

Just FYI, this is the longest chapter I have ever posted. So...I suggest you reward me with a review. Just sayin. AND, I might be inclined to type out a Eric/Paz lime if you do...

Chapter Four

Previously on Battle Scars:

'I miss you Jett, why haven't you come to see me yet?'

...

"Our trainer told us who we hang out with could affect our score and rankings." Izzy explains, lowering her head a little.

...

I lower my head again as I walk past him and leave the room.

The fog falls over my mind again and this time I welcome it like an old friend.

...

"Initiate!" I flinch a little and Jett cuddles me closer, twisting his fist in my hair. "Get up and get over here!" Eric barks, and I can tell he is in a pissy mood again. I sigh and pout, popping out my lower lip. Jett laughs, tugging on my lip.

...

"Hey, can I get these colors done in my hair?" I ask the blue-haired lady and she nods, a grin on her face.

"Sure, how do you want them?" I tell her and she grins at me. "You are in the right hands."

"All right Initiates! Time to get up!" I jerk awake as Eric's loud voice registers in my brain. "Get up! Get dressed! Now!" I sit up, wincing as the lights hit my eyes. I rub my eyes sleepily, taking the chance to stretch and yawn. I raise my arms over my head and arch my back, sighing as my back pops.

"What the hell is going on?" I ask irritably, getting out of bed and crossing my arms. Eric snaps his head around to meet mine, his mouth open to answer me but he pauses as his eyes roam over me. His steel eyes darken as his eyes sweep over my bare legs, where my shirt is hanging off my shoulder and linger on the necklace hanging at my throat. Silence falls in the dorms as everyone else looks at me. "Well?!" I ask prissily and Ellie snorts above me. "Take a picture, it'll last longer!" I snap at Mike as he ogles my bare legs. I am only dressed in a black shirt that barely reaches past my thighs.

"We don't have time for this!" Four says, stepping forward and only casting my hair a cursory glance. "Get dressed!" He barks out and we start moving. Ellie swings down from the top bunk and pulls on some clothes. Once again, I grin as I notice how cute and delicate she looks with her spiky pixie cut. I ruffle her hair and she ducks away, rolling her sapphire eyes. I seem to have developed a fascination with her adorable shorter copper hair.

I pull on a pair of clingy black pants with cuts spaced out down the legs and a black tank top. I sit on the bed to pull on my black and white shoes and tie them. I get up and my phoenix necklace swings out to land on my chest. I run a hand through my hair and smirk at Tabby. She glares venomously at me and I wiggle my fingers mockingly at her. She scowls and turns her back on me while I silently laugh.

My hair has a subtle purple on it and it only comes out under the lights so no one can see it...or at least it would be like that but I wanted more. I also got red, orange, blue, green and yellow streaks spaced out in my hair. I have also been allowing my natural curls loose, so my hair is curled, glossy and colorful. As the rest of the transfers get dressed, I lounge on my bed making comments to fluster them, Ellie laughing beside me.

"Whoa Andy, who knew you looked good without a shirt?"

"Taylor! You aren't a boy with long hair after all!"

"Ander! Do me a favor and keep the shirt off. I prefer the view that way!" And so on.

By the time they are all finished, the only ones who aren't blushing are me and Ellie. Tabby has high spots on her cheeks that are more from anger than embarrassment. I have a satisfied and smug smirk on my face as I hop off the bed and we file out of the room. As soon as I am in the tunnels, I start to jog to the train tracks. Ellie and Ander easily keep up with me, used to moving quickly in the dark tunnels. We are as comfortable in the tunnels as the Dauntless born.

Behind me, I can hear a few of the other transfers stumbling and cursing as they try to keep their feet in the dark. I don't bother to stop and help them though. Why should I? They never bothered to help me when I was feeling down. Ellie, Ander and I make it out to the tracks a few minutes before the rest do.

I notice it is still dark out with no hint of the sun. The sky is a velvety black only broken by the twinkling stars. I allow my head to fall back as my eyes drink in the sight. Behind me, I can hear a group jogging out of the tunnels and I know it isn't the rest of the transfers. They couldn't jog through these tunnels without falling down.

I don't bother to turn and face them, instead I look at the piles of guns and trigger guards and the stacks of boxes beside it. I read it and see it says "PAINTBALLS." I grimace, not liking this. Even though I have been advancing in the fighting, I still suck at shooting a gun. I turn and face the Initiates and run my eyes over Zander, Josh, Dean, Izzy and Sasha.

Sasha smiles at me but I don't return it. Zander makes his way over to me but doesn't get the chance to say something as Ander and Ellie step in front of me with venomous glares. I grin at them but can't say anything as, seeing the rest of the initiates make their way out of the tunnels, Eric moves forward.

"All right Initiates! Everyone grab a gun and a box of ammo." His voice is husky but still dark and the combination makes me tense up in the most delicious of ways. For a second the group stares at Eric so I roll my eyes and make my way forward again, Ellie and Ander following. I pick up a gun and sling it across my body, grabbing a box of ammo and slipping it in my back pocket. Behind me, the rest of the initiates make their way forward to grab their gun and ammo.

"Time?" Eric asks Four and he glances at his watch.

"4 minutes. When are you going to memorize the schedule?" Four asks and Eric grins at him.

"Why should I when I have you to do it for me?" He shoves Four's shoulder and for a moment I see a comradeship there that I haven't seen before as Four rolls his eyes. A loud whistle growing louder makes me look to the side. I spot a circle of light growing brighter and bigger the closer it gets. A wide grin spreads across my face as I get ready for the train to arrive.

As it starts to speed past me, I start to run, letting out whoop of excitement. Ellie, Ander and I push ourselves to run faster as the train roars by. We wait and run just for the hell of it, letting out whoops of excitement at being so close to something that could kill us oh-so-easily.

Behind me, I hear echoes of my excitement. Finished with running, I reach out and grab the handle, effortlessly swinging myself in and landing lightly on the balls of my feet. I turn and move to the side as Ellie, Ander, Eric and Four launch themselves in. The not-so-simple act always astonished me with how graceful someone can be when it is done right. Even Eric's hulking mass is light as he lands and the power in the action makes a heat start up in the apex of my thighs as I suck on my lower lip. Eric meets my gaze head on and his eyes darken more than normal as he watches me suck my lip. I release it with a pop and smirk playfully at him as I lean against the side, right by the door. Ellie leans beside me, stifling a small yawn.

The rest of the initiates swing in and move over to where our two trainers are as I stay by the door with Ellie and Ander. I ignore Dean's gestures for me to move away from the door and instead lean against the wall. The wind whips my hair around and I pull it back and over my shoulder. Small tendrils escape and I watch as the multicolored strands dance in the wind.

Ellie shivers and cuddles into my side, seeking my bodies warmth. I smirk at Ander and he flushes, rolling his eyes. I open my mouth as I silently laugh at him. He massages the back of his neck as he studiously ignores me. Four starts to speak and I look up, my dark blue gaze meeting Eric's icy blue. He doesn't look away and neither do I. I hold his intense gaze and listen to Four at the same time.

"Listen up! We are playing a game of Capture the Flag. We will have two teams with an even bunch of both Dauntless born initiates and transfers. One team gets off first to hide their flag then the second team will do the same. This is one of the Dauntless traditions so I suggest you play this seriously." Four says, crossing his arms and pulling his shirt tight against his chest. For a second I look away from Eric to admire the sight.

A small smirk crosses my face before it is gone. When I look back at Eric, anger is harsh in his eyes. I know my eyes are dancing teasingly as I smirk. He glares back, he large arms crossed over his chest and projecting an aura of an alpha male. Like always, the display makes me shift, trying to subtly rub my thighs together to relieve the tension. Now it is his turn to smirk at me before turning away.

"What happens when we win?" Tabby asks, sitting beside an uncomfortable looking Izzy. "Does that get us anything? Like will it help our rankings?" She asks and I snort, shaking my head. She glares at me angrily. "What?" She snaps and I shift forward, my feet planted firmly on the floor of the train and feeling the power of the working metal. It does nothing to calm my raging hormones.

"Nothing." I shrug a shoulder and run a hand through my hair as I lounge lazily back against the wall, Ellie latching onto my arm. "That just sounds like something a Erudite would ask." I say, sneering at her and she flushes. "Not something a Dauntless would ask." I gaze pointedly at her and she starts to get up, anger flaring in the depths of her hazel eyes.

"Like you are so much better?! You think we don't see how Erudite you still are?" She spits back but Zander holds out an arm, preventing her from moving forward.

"Leave it." Josh orders, his voice hard and the others nod in agreement. She stares at him for a second before dropping back to her seat. I smirk at her and she clenches her jaw, her eyes flashing with pent up anger and...hurt. I raise a surprised eyebrow and she flushes, looking away at Zander. He shakes his head and she flinches. Interesting. It seems Tabby has a crush on Zander. A cruel smirk twists on my lips for a second. This will without a doubt give me the upper hand in our next sparring match.

"To answer the question, you get to win." Eric says disdainfully. "Anyone got a problem with that?" He asks and we all shake our heads. I exchange excited glances with my two friends, seeing it reflected in their eyes. "Good. One thing to remember, these aren't just paintballs. Inside each ball is a small dart that will provide a simulation of what the pain of a bullet will feel like." Eric continues but someone interrupts him.

"That's pretty cool. How does it work?" Sam (a former fellow Erudite) asks curiously, his grey eyes alight as his mind whirls behind his pretty face. I look at Ellie and Ander, rolling my eyes. We all know this isn't going to end well as a cruel smirk crosses Eric's face. Lightning quick, he grabs a gun and shoots it, hitting Sam in the leg. He collapses with a pained grunt, clutching his leg.

"Like that." Eric says threateningly, turning around. "Anyone else?" He asks smoothly, the low rumble of his voice making warmth spread through my body. I shift and his gaze catches it, his eyes locking with mine. I curse my body as a smirk spreads across his face. My eyes are dilated with lust and goosebumps ripple across my body. His eyes darken with anticipation as he turns away. "Good. Four and I are going to be the team captains." He continues, seemingly unaffected and Four steps forward. He doesn't fool me. I see the way Eric has tensed up and pride washes through me, knowing I am the cause of that tension.

"Divide the transfers first?" Four asks and Eric shakes his head. "All right, we will be dividing the Dauntless born first. Eric will go first." Four says and Eric holds his gaze for a second. Hostility burns between them before Eric nods stiffly.

"Alezander." I watch as Zander joins Eric and hope I don't go on Eric's team.

"Dean." I frown. Now I wish I could just sit out this game.

"Howard."

"Josh."

"Izzy."

"Sasha."

I tune out after they go through the five false friends.

"Now for the transfers." Eric grins at Four. "You go first." Four watches him blankly for a second before nodding.

"Paz." Eric's smirk vanishes and Four gets a faint look of smugness. I move over to Four's group, not bothering to pick up my feet and stepping on a few people. I unfold my arms as I stand by Four. Josh, Sasha and Izzy give me looks but I do my best to ignore them. As they finish picking their team members, I see Tabby was taken by Eric. Ellie is with me but I smirk dangerously at Ander and he pales.

"Are we sure we can't switch teams?" He asks randomly. Eric's head snaps around, his eyes glinting darkly.

"Is my team not good enough for you, initiate?" He growls, getting right in Ander's face. I tense possessively and step forward but Ellie places a hand on my arm. I stop, watching Eric and Ander warily. In a fight, Eric would win but I would never stand by and let that happen. Ander is mine now and I won't let him be harmed. Same with Ellie. When you are mine, I take care of you and they understand that. Ander meets my gaze over Eric's shoulder for half a second and I relax. He is conveying a sense of reassurance and I trust him to know what he is doing.

"It's not that. It's her." He points at me, his Candor showing in his blunt words and Eric turns to look. "She's gonna kill me." Ander finishes and I flash a bright smile at odds with my tense body and meet Ander's gaze.

"You know it!" I raise my gun. "I'm gonna shoot you in your cute ass so many times..." I threaten and he groans, running a hand through his hair. Ellie giggles into her hands and he gives her a betrayed look that only causes her to laugh harder. A genuine grins spreads across my face and Eric watches me, his expression going blank.

"Damn Paz!" Ander exclaims and I snicker, finally relaxing a little.

"That's enough!" Eric snaps, interrupting the easy camaraderie and my smile vanishes. As we get ready to jump off the train, I move by Tabby, a wicked smirk curling on my lips.

"Hey, good luck." I tell her, a teasing glint in my dark blue eyes. She glares at me as I finish my sentence. "You're gonna need it." With that, I follow Four as we jump off the train. I tuck my head in and roll on my shoulder, smoothly popping to my feet as we land and smirk at the other gaping transfers. Ellie does the same and their amazed gazes encompass the two of us.

"Since when can you do that?" Josh asks and I flash him a flirty grin as I move by Four.

"Wouldn't you like to know?" I ask and turn to Four. "Where to first?" I ask and he watches me as he crosses his arms.

"Where do you think we should go?" He asks and I look around the flat land we are on.

"We should head to an area that is sheltered. It has to have buildings or trees, something to keep us from sight." I say, my arrogant personality falling away as a serious look over takes my features. I bite my lip as I scan the land. "We need some place complicated." I muse and then my eyes light up as I think of it. "Navy Pier." I announce, facing the group and propping my hands on my hips. "They have a maze there, it is the perfect place to hide our flag. It's that way." I point and a Dauntless born with orange and purple tips in his ash-blonde hair snorts.

"How would you know? What did you do? Memorize maps for fun?" He asks and I look at him with genuine confusion, once again my Erudite showing.

"Yeah. Haven't you ever done it?" I ask and he raises an eyebrow.

"I'm Dauntless sweetheart, not Erudite." He says pointedly and I laugh.

"Understood." I turn to Four and raise an eyebrow, unconsciously mimicking the Dauntless born boy. "Well?" I ask and he smiles in approval.

"Navy Pier it is."

XXX

As we start to walk east, I fall into step beside Four and ignore the looks Dean, Josh and Sasha are throwing me. I used to forgive easily, but that was before my Father ruined that for me. Now I don't forgive or forget. As we walk, I look around and when I see how close we are to Erudite headquarters, I feel a quick pang of longing for my home. In my mind, I can picture the endless library shelves full of books, quiet atmosphere and...my Father.

Abruptly I am fiercely glad I am no longer in Erudite.

We walk farther and then over a bridge and once we cross the bridge, everything changes. The buildings are crumbled and broken down, a lake of broken glass, twisted metal and concrete. As we walk, the only thing I can hear is the muffled crunch of our feet on the ground. The silence is eerie and unbroken except for our walking. The hair on the back of my neck prickles and my senses are heightening response to my agitation.

The buildings end in front of a marsh and I can see the towering form of the old Ferris Wheel. We are silent for a moment as we look at it but I lead us past it, Four keeping pace with me. I watch him out of the corner of my eye, seeing his smooth walk and the way he keeps a constant watch of his surroundings. He stays tense whenever someone is behind him, like he is afraid of getting hit.

It must be true. He was abused like I was. In that moment, I promise myself that I will get to know Four. Maybe not now but when I am a full Dauntless member.

"See something you like?" Four asks and I am thrown when I realize he is joking.

"Maybe I do." I nudge his shoulder with with mine. "Would that be such a bad thing?" I ask and he huffs a little laugh, looking over at me.

"Probably." He teases and I punch his shoulder. He massages it, approval at the force in his eyes and I snicker at him. Settling into a comfortable silence, I watch my surroundings. The buildings are bare and empty, windows closed and signs gone.

If I had to guess, I would say the people here left of their own violation. We walk past the carousel and continue deeper into Navy Pier. We reach the faded red arch that shows us the maze I was looking for. I pause and Four pauses with me as we wait for the rest of the group to catch up.

"This is the maze." I tell Four in a low voice. "Inside is a large maze and plenty of places to hide both the flag and ourselves. You guys are going to have to follow me, I memorized the maze and one wrong turn from an idiot means one less initiate." I tell him seriously and Four nods, the green glowing paint stained flag hanging out of his back pocket. I bend down and pick up a stick. "Once we are inside, we will go this way." I quickly draw the maze from memory and draw a line through it to show the way. "We should hide the flag at the center of the maze. It will not only make it harder for them to get it but make it harder for them to get out without our help." Four nods.

"Once we make it to the center, I will have the initiates surround the flag and you and I will patrol the maze to see if Eric's team makes it to us. Understood?" He asks, his dark blue eyes serious but with a glimmer of excitement showing in their depths. I hold out a hand and he clasps it, his hand strong and warm in mine.

"Understood."

XXX

As Four finishes explaining to the group, I load my gun with the paintballs and snap the top closed. Four faces me, slinging the gun off his shoulders and resting comfortably in his arms. He nods at me and I nod back as I lead the way into the darkness. I wince as someone snaps on a flashlight and whirl around to face them.

"Shut that off!" I snap and startled, Mike does as I say.

"But it's dark in here-"

"Dauntless don't need light." The Dauntless boy from earlier cuts in. "Paz is right. We don't need help even from light. Dauntless can work without it." A blush forming on his cheeks, Mike tucks the flashlight away and raises his gun. I nod my thanks at the boy and he grins cheekily at me. I roll my eyes as I start walking again, Ellie close by my side. I notice Four looking at me and decide to mimic him.

"See something you like?" I ask and a flash of white lets me know he is grinning.

"Maybe I do." He mocks me and I shake my head. "Why haven't you been acting like this during training?" Four asks, his voice lowering and my smile fades.

"I didn't have the strength then." I mummer. "I lost my way and because of Jett I have found my way back." I explain, my eyes trained straight ahead. "I lost the will to fight after I lost that first fight. It...brought back some bad memories." Four glances sharply in my direction but I don't look at him.

"What kind of bad memories?" He asks and I cast him a disparaging look.

"The kind neither of us want to talk about." I retort and he stiffens but leaves it alone. We reach the center of the maze where a tall, creepy statue stands and Four hooks the bright flag on it.

"Everyone gather around the flag, stand with you backs to it and guns facing out. Paz and I will patrol the maze really quick and then we will be back. Protect the flag." Four orders and they nod as we take off through the maze. As we creep through the maze, I am hyper aware of every little noise and sound. I round the corner and lunge backwards as I pull the trigger. I hear a muffled curse as I hit the person but I grab Four's hand and we move away. I find a ladder and climb it, looking down at Four.

"Come on Four. We can't stay on the ground, we need higher ground to fight them." Four nods with a grimace and climbs behind me. I notice the tight grip he has on the ladder and roll my eyes. Who knew the mighty Four would be afraid of heights?

We climb on top of the metal wall and perch on top, looking over the other side. Now more than ever, I am glad I dressed in black. Four stays close behind me as I lead us back to the center of the maze. From our high position, Four and I can see Eric's people before they can see us. I freeze when I see people coming down both ways and we race back the other way. I take a turn and hear a muffled curse behind me and turn to see Four starting to fall, his eyes wide. I lunge forward and reach for his hand but get pulled over with him.

We land with a thud and my breath is knocked out of me as I lay sprawled on Four's chest. His ragged gasps only fuel on mine and our gasps change to muffled laughter. I look down at Four and giggle my fear out of my veins. Four sits up and hugs me to him and I hug him back. Our chests brush against each other as we bury our laughter in each others shoulders and I pull back.

"You okay?" I ask, my voice breathless and he nods.

"Yeah, I'm good." He says and I snort. "Really didn't expect that to happen." He admits and I nod.

"Agreed." We both fall silent as we realize the way we are positioned. I am straddling Four's lap and we are pressed chest to chest. His eyes grow more intense and for a moment, I forget where we are and what we are supposed to be doing. Slowly leaning in, we both freeze as we hear voices. Suddenly realizing what I am doing, I pull back and get up.

Four gets up too and guide us through the rest of the maze in silence. Unsure of what to make of the Incident, I decide to put it out of my mind for now. Feeling someone watching me, I glance back but don't see anyone. I proceed with more caution but don't tell Four. I don't want to be the false alarm girl.

We reach our group and Four steps ahead.

"Eric's team is here." Four says, keeping his voice low and for the first time I see how it can be attractive. "We are going to split up. Josh, Sasha, Izzy, and Raza-" Four points at the Dauntless born boy from earlier. "You will stay here and guard the flag. If you hear someone coming, taking the flag and come find me or Paz." Four splits the rest of the group and assigns me my own group. We nod at each other and then go different ways.

I lead Sam, Ellie, a girl named Misty and a girl named Violette into the maze. We walk silently and manage to take down around five of Eric's guys. I spot two more guys walking towards us and turn to my group.

"Sam and Violette, you two circle around to the left and Ellie and Misty circle the right." I order quietly and they nod before silently melting into the shadows. I go to do the same but freeze when I feel cool metal on my neck. I follow the pressure of the gun forward until I am pressed against the metal wall.

"Drop the gun." I tense when I hear Eric's deep voice but do as he says. "Raise your hands and turn around." I slowly follow his instructions and meet his icy blue gaze.

"Eric." I acknowledge and his teeth briefly flash white against the dark before his smile fades. His large form towers over mine and I can't help my bodies reaction to the blatant display of his alpha male posture. Goosebumps ripple across my skin, my blood heats up and a throbbing warmth begins in between my legs.

"Pazia." He greets me and I bristle, desperately fighting my bodies desire. It's been too long since I have been with a guy.

"It's Paz!" I snap and he grins, amused. His eyes slowly scan my body, the darkness in his eyes making my breath come faster.

"I don't care." He tells me but something feels off. He has a dark look in his eyes and considering he hasn't shot me yet, I think there is something else going on with him.

"Just shoot me already." I demand, tired of being held at gun-point. "Before my team gets back." I add, trying to put him off his game and he scowls.

"You already sent your team ahead. They won't be coming back for you." He retorts, stepping forward and pressing the metal deeper into my throat. I keep my eyes locked on his as I am pressed against the wall. His arms ripple with muscles as he presses lightly against my throat.

"Four and his team are on their way." I bluff and his eyes darken even more, this time with anger.

"Four." He spits out. "Is on the other side of the maze. He's a little busy." Eric smirks and I have to keep myself from scowling. In a flash, Eric lowers the gun and presses me against the wall with his forearm and his body. My breath catches as I feel his hard muscle flexing against my body and he grins darkly. "Four won't be saving you." Eric promises and I push against his arm, realizing someone was watching me earlier. It was Eric and he is pissed. I don't think he liked the sight of me and Four together. Heat stirs in my veins and I freeze as I realize I am arching against him.

"Shoot me or let me go." I repeat breathlessly but he just presses closer and wedges his knee between my legs, hoisting me higher. I catch my breath as his thigh flexes against my core and he smirks. Heat pools and I know we will be doing something I will regret.

"No." He challenges me and I narrow my eyes, trying to hide the dilation of my pupils. A dominant Eric is so fucking sexy.

"What?" I ask and he smirks again.

"I said no." He repeats. "Besides-" I roll my eyes, biting back a whimper as he presses closer and hoists me higher with his thigh. "Are you even sure you want me to let you go?" His voice drops to a low purr and I moan, the husky sound slipping out and his eyes darken, his muscles tensing. His self-control is being tested and I don't think he can hold out for much longer. If I can just give him one tiny push...

"Yeah, I heard you but why won't you let me go?" I snap, shifting my hips against his rock hard thigh and he mockingly raises a shhing finger to his lips, his blue eyes playful.

"Because then I can't do this." He says and before I can ask, Eric is on me. I gasp as his mouth slams down on mine, starting a fight for dominance. My body's reaction overwhelms me as Eric manipulates my mouth against his, teeth and tongue fighting in a dance. The kiss deepens as he strokes his tongue against mine and I let out a whimper of shock.

Eric growls, low in his throat and I moan, pressing closer to him. He growls, the deep, masculine sound rousing me in a frenzy. I grasp his hair, tugging as his hands move to my hips with a bruising force. We are oblivious to everything around us as we engage into a deeper kiss, tilting our heads to the side. Heat floods through my body as Eric strokes the sliver of skin showing my hip and I press closer.

We pull back for a brief second before rejoining and Eric hoists me up against the wall, making me wrap my legs around his waist. He presses closer and I moan as I feel him hard against my leg. I pull back for a second, leaning my head against the wall as I gasp for breath. Taking the opportunity, Eric attacks my neck, sucking and biting as he grinds against me.

My stomach tightens as I feel the pleasure hit me like lightning, stimulating my senses. His spicy scent fills my nose and I go lightheaded as Eric sucks on the skin behind my ear. He growls again as I rake my nails down his neck, and pulls away. This time, I go for his neck, nipping hard enough that the skin starts to bruise. He hisses a curse and pulls my head up as he crashes his lips to mine again.

I run my hand down his chest, feeling the rock hard muscles bunch and shiver against my touch. He groans, gripping my hair and pulling my head back. The kiss deepens again and this time it is both harder and softer; with possessive edge. I nip his lower lip and then pull away, needing breath. I notice Eric watching my heaving chest with a cocky grin and huff a laugh, shaking my head.

Typical guy.

A sound makes me twist around. In a second I have shifted gears, dropping down and darting away, melting into the shadows. Eric is close behind me, his heat distracting me. I press my back to the wall and glance around the corner. I smirk as I see Ander and aim. He yelps as a dart hits him in the butt.

"Son of a-!" He bursts out and I snicker quietly, shooting him again until he goes down. I frown as I realize I am in the center of the maze and the flag is un-guarded. I dart forward, grasping the flag and shoving it down the front of my shirt, only a little tongue hanging out. I climb up the spire and sit, waiting patiently.

A few seconds later, Eric rounds the corner. I wait as he prowls around, ignoring Ander's downed body. I grasp a small rock and toss it farther into the maze. His head snaps towards the sound he takes off, not bothering to look up. Ander growls with pain as he rolls over and gets up. I shoot him in the shoulder again and he goes down, swearing.

"Shit! Mother fucking, cock sucking!" He cusses louder as he rolls over. Zander appears and I shoot him in the throat. He doesn't have time to swear as he goes down-hard. Ander groans, staggering up and I grin evilly as I shoot him again. "NO! What the fuck?!" He shouts, pulling the dart out of his thigh. I shoot him again. "NO! Just fucking- quit it you little shit!" He shouts angrily and I laugh, swinging down and dancing over to his prone form.

"If you want it come and get it!" I tease, waving the flag in front of him before taking off. I wait around a corner and shoot him in the ass as he races past me.

"BITCH!" He shouts and I laugh as I take off. I collide with Four and he steadies me.

"I found their flag. It is in the left corner. I'll cover you. Go!" He shouts and we take off. I duck a paintball, getting little splatters on me as I shoot Dean point blank.

"Fuck!" He shouts, tossing his gun to the ground. I laugh, racing past him, Four shooting him one last time. I spot the flag and swing my gun around my body as I use it to club Tabby down and grab the flag. Four and I cheer, leading our group out of the maze. We hoot and holler, laughing and shoving each other. It surprises me, how close we all feel now that we have a win together. I spot Ander and grin, holding my gun in salute and he flips me off. I laugh giddily, Four swinging an arm over my shoulder and Raza hooking an arm around my waist.

"To the train!" I shout and we take off, leaping over obstacles, laughing and shoving each other as we race happily. Four is right in the thick of it with us, letting loose in the exuberant celebration. The train is already going by and we run beside it, swinging in and collapsing in a heap on the floor, ruffling each others hair, shoving and playfully wrestling. As soon as everyone is in, I calm our group down and raise the other teams red flag and tie it to our green flag. I walk up to Four and sling it around his neck, hanging on to the ends and looking into his blue eyes. He watches me curiously as I scan him and I slowly nod, grinning. Four grins, knowing he has been given the much sought after Brand of Paz Approval.

"Team Badass!" I shout, tossing my fists in the air and we get a resounding cheer in return. I whoop with excitement and jump at my group, Raza catching me and swinging me around. My heart is racing in my chest and I can't stop grinning.

"Let's go zip-lining!" Raza suggests and my eyes light up as I smirk.

"Let's do it!" I cheer as we all gather around the door. We shove and tease playfully as our stop comes closer. "You coming Four?" I ask teasingly and he smirks as he shakes his head.

"Nah. I'm gonna go with this group back to the Dauntless compound." He says and there are cries of outrage from the other group.

"Why don't we get to go zip-lining?" They question and Eric growls.

"Because you fucking lost!" He shouts angrily and they back away, no longer willing to argue. I grin, exchanging a glance with Ellie. She snickers happily and I laugh, throwing my head back and grinning. The group starts jumping off and I go to join them but glance back.

"Hey Eric!" I shout and flip him off, winking and jumping off, my laughter carried away by the wind. The Dauntless born start running and I exchange a WTF glance with Ellie as we throw cation to the wind and race with them. We hoot and holler, racing past startled Abnegation members, flipping off snooty Erudite as we breeze through and down a couple alley ways. In this moment, I don't even care where we are going. I am just content to...be.

I stumble a little and look over. Ellie grins cheekily at me, pleased she caught me off guard long enough to shove my shoulder. I roll my eyes at her and spot the Hancock Building looming in front of us. Without pause, the other initiates stream into the building and I follow, curiosity lighting me up as all twelve of us race into an elevator.

"All the way to the top!" Raza shouts and I grin, glad I don't have a fear of heights. I feel a flicker of unease though at the thought of what we might be doing up there. I might not have a fear of heights but I do have a fear of falling and one that can be strong enough to paralyze me.

The elevator groans and slowly jerks into movement. I grin, leaning against Ellie.

"Should we introduce ourselves?" I question and they look at me before shrugging.

"Sure. I am Ty. I was from Amity before I transferred." He smiles shyly at Ellie and I raise an eyebrow at him. He has platinum blonde hair and blue eyes. Handsome in a more traditional way but I won't have it. I cross my arms and lean back, propping a leg up.

"Don't even think about it kid. She's taken." I drawl, thinking of Ander. Ty flushes and jumps, shaking his head.

"NO! I- we used to be friends." He mumbles, embarrassed and Raza laughs, ruffling his hair.

"Sure!" The Dauntless born teases, his deep brown eyes teasing. His ash-blonde hair is striking with the purple and orange tips. He seems pretty cool from my dealings with him earlier in the night.

"Right, well I'm Raza." He introduces himself with a smirk. "Dauntless born." He says, casually shrugging. I envy how he takes for granted the easy acceptance Dauntless welcomes him with.

"Taylor." A small voice speaks up. "I was from Abnegation." She says, her dark reddish brown hair in a braid. Her eyes are a skittish green as she looks at each of us. I nod at her, impressed she spoke up.

"I'm Sam, in case you didn't know from when Eric shot me in the leg. I used to be from Erudite." He grumbles and we laugh, teasing him while his grey eyes lighten and he runs a hand through brown hair.

"I'm Mike. Also from Erudite." He introduces himself. His hair is a dirty blonde and he has brown eyes. From the abrupt way he introduced himself, I gather he isn't much of a talker.

"I'm Misty and this is Violette. We are Dauntless." I look at the two Dauntless born critically. Misty has yellow bangs and long brown hair and Violette has purple bangs and honey-blonde hair. They both have similar hazel eyes and I realize they must be either sisters or cousins.

"I'm Dean and this is Sasha." He grins as he introduces the feisty Dauntless initiate and she slugs him in the stomach to our resounding approval. He pulls her into a fierce kiss that has us laughing and whistling. Their eyes collide as they pull away, turquoise (Dean) and grey heating up.

"Get a room!" I shout playfully and Sasha looks at me, hope dawning in her eyes.

"We have one! Not my fault you guys are in it!" She shoots back, a question in her eyes and I let go of my hurt from before and nod at her. She grins, wrapping me in a hug and I laugh, hugging her back. Now I at least have Dean and Sasha back.

"Oy! What about me?" Josh asks and I grin, sticking my tongue out. He laughs and just like that, I have Josh back too. "I'm Josh!" He introduces himself, wrapping an arm around my neck as I lean back against the wall again.

"I'm Ellie!" Ellie says chirpily, waving happily, her blue eyes dancing happily. I run a hand through her pixie cut again and she pulls away, sighing in annoyance. I grin and wrinkle my nose at her playfully.

"And for those of you that don't know, I am Paz." I say, standing in the middle of the group of twelve. Introductions done, we start laughing and wrestling around. Finally the elevator slows to a stop and we burst out on the roof of the building, startling the roosting crows away. I look out over the sprawling, ruined building and feel a sense of awe at the destructive force of time. Broken buildings that once stood tall and proud litter the land inside our Wall and it is humbling to see.

Shouting catches my attention and I watch as Raza walks over to one of the poles. Attached to it is a thick steel cable. On the ground under it is a pile of black slings. I pick one up and feel the rough fabric.

"Whoa..." Ellie breaths and I follow her gaze. The cable winds and weaves its way over and through the buildings and along a lake. Excitement stirs through me as I realize the total danger we will be in as we fly around a thousand feet above the ground.

"I'm going first." I blurt out, anticipation welling in me as I turn to the startled group.

"You sure?" Raza asks and I nod, beaming. He nods, hooking a sling up and I lay in it and let him secure it. "Ready?" He asks and I take a deep breath, nodding. "Okay. Have fun!" He shouts and shoves me. For one dizzying second, all I can see is the ground and then I am flying. I hold my arms out and whoop, feeling freer than I ever have in my entire life. Adrenaline is racing through my veins and pumping in my heart. Everything is brighter as I zip past, louder and more- just, more. The wind whips through my hair, slapping my face and I can't stop the grin from growing on my face as I speed along.

The shaky feeling in my stomach rips a few squeals, laughs and screams from me as I weave in and around a few broken down buildings. I whirl past so fast that I can barely see what I pass by. The wind whips gleeful tears from my eyes and they spill down my cheeks before they are stolen by the wind. I start to slow down and ahead I can spot lights and cheering that grows louder the closer I get. Disappointment flares in me at the thought of stopping but that doesn't last long when I see the Dauntless members forming a net with their arms.

I tug on the latch and drop down. I scream and it turns into laughter as I am caught and lowered to my feet.

"Whoa! Let's do that again!" I shout after a moment of silence, prompting cheers and laughter. I have never felt more at home, waiting for the rest of my group and linking arms with strangers in a beautiful display of belonging. I help lower Ellie and she squeals, wrapping her arms around me in exuberance. I laugh, hugging her back.

We catch every member of our team and then travel to the Pit with the Dauntless members. I race through the tunnels with Ellie and my group at my sides and gathered around me. We whoop and laugh breathlessly as we burst through the door, our faces alight and glowing with Dauntless fire. We race to the food, gathering what we want and streaming to a table, shoving others to the side and away as we stick together. We drag two tables together so it will be long enough, a steady stream of loud chatter ensuring no one can interrupt us.

"-screamed like a pansy!" Josh shouts and explode into laughter, shoving each other playfully and cackling.

"And you should have seen his face when he landed! I though he was gonna piss himself!" I add into the commotion, Mike blushing. "Ooohh!" We tease, ruffling his hair and piling on him. It is a display of chaos, camaraderie and acceptance.

And I adore it.

Striding through the tunnels, I can't help the smirk crossing my face.

Ever since I have left Erudite, I have been...off. First loud and crazy then cowering and quiet. I was unsteady and uncertain, unsure of how I should act and who I should be. It feels good to know. I really needed Jett. He has always been able to reach me when no one else ever has. I grin. Jett will be returning to the Dauntless compound tonight. Excitement burns through me, erasing all my fears and doubts. It has always been like this.

Jett and I get together and we become unstoppable. Separate, we are still awesome but when we are together...we could rule the five Factions if we chose. I stride into the Pit and grab some food. I turn and stop as I see Izzy right behind me. She twirls her blonde and black streaked hair around a finger before dropping it as she notices me watching her.

"Hey." She smiles boldly but I detect a hint of nerves behind the gleaming white teeth. For some odd reason, I recall reading a book that told us about how animals pull back their lips to reveal their teeth as a sign of aggression. I dismiss the thought and watch Izzy, cobalt blue eyes meeting a light honey brown. Izzy fidgets a moment before sighing irritably at me. "Why are you so mad at us? You forgave Sasha, Josh and Dean!" She asks, her hands tightening on her tray. I don't bother to verbally respond to her moronic question. Instead, I raise my lip in a sneer, my cold gaze clearly showing her what I think of her stupid question and she flushes. I raise to my full height, shoulders back and chin held high as I brush past her, Izzy stumbling as I shove past her with my shoulder.

I ignore Zander as he watches with hopeful eyes. I just stride past him, unwilling to see Tabby sitting with them like I once did. The only consolation I have is my quick rise through the ranks of Dauntless. I went from being 11 to being in the top 3. The only down for that is Tabby is a spot ahead of me. Her and Ander are constantly outdoing each other.

Last week Tabby was in the top spot and then Ander swooped in and stole it so now Tabby is second and I am third. Ellie is close behind me in 4th place. I find an empty table and slide in, quickly devouring my hamburger and savoring my chocolate cake. I flick my eyes up and sure enough, Eric's icy blue eyes are focused on mine. A fleeting, coy smirk crosses my face before I get another scoop of chocolate cake and slowly eat it off the spoon.

His eyes darken and I allow myself to send him a playful wink before ignoring him.

Loud hooting and hollering makes me look up halfheartedly. (Loud displays are not uncommon in Dauntless. We are the loud and the brave.) A wide grin spreads across my face when I see Jett and his squad entering the Pit. A crowd starts forming around them as they get nudged and shoved playfully, respect in everyone's eyes. It is a big deal to be a border patrol.

It means you are more than willing to give up your life. It is a huge honor to return alive but even more of an honor to return harmed. Simply because it means you were willing to fight and even kill for your Faction. Jett's dark eyes meet mine and I laugh silently as he struggles to excuse himself. He finally breaks through and ducks his head at me, a strand of his dark hair falling in his equally dark eyes.

We watch each other for a moment, smiles fading before he subtly opens his arms. I get up and race to him, slamming into him as I wrap my arms around his neck and bury my head in his shoulder. For a moment, we just stand there. Reveling in the joy of being together again. I inhale his scent, (like sunshine, the coppery tang of metal and the spice of mint.) The scent that is uniquely Jett.

"Missed me?" Jett asks lowly as I pull back. I grin up at him, cobalt eyes glinting at him as I toss my head.

"Nope, not at all. Why do you ask?" I tease, dancing away and he follows.

"Cause you know you did." He flashes a grin and I shake my head at him. Jett slings an arm over my shoulder, his warmth seeping through the cloth to me and allowing me to relax against his side as we sit at my table.

"Why would I miss you?" I ask, ducking out from under his arm. I face him, crossing my legs like a pretzel, folding my arms and tilting my head playfully to the side. I try to suppress my smile but fail as he grins, leaning his forearms on the table and crossing them. His shirt pulls tight against his shoulders and allows me to see the muscles flexing. He ignores me, a grin playing at the edges of his mouth, knowing I hate it when he ignores me.

I pout, tilting my head to the side and trying to catch his eye. Jett turns his head and I groan.

"Jett." I tug on his arm but he doesn't reply. Pouting some more, I survey him before ducking my head and wiggling under his arm, resting comfortably against his side.

"Brat." He mutters, looking down at me. I just smirk cheekily up at him and wink.

"Bean Pole." I tease and his eyes widen with horror.

"Shh!" He hisses, slapping a hand over my mouth and looking around. I laugh behind his hand, loving his reaction. "This isn't funny! If the guys find out-" He cuts himself off as my eyes glint mischievously and my lips curve into an innocent smile. "No." He says sternly. "No, no, no. You are to stay as far away from them as you can. More even." He orders and I nod obediently. He gingerly lowers his hand and I snicker.

"What are their names?" I ask and he answers thoughtlessly, stealing a fry off my tray. (Each team has an even number of males and females.)

"Kayne, Cody, Zach, Patricia, and Millie." He answers before freezing.

"Cody! Zach! Patri-" I choke off as Jett slaps another hand to my mouth. Three of the group turn to face us with confusion and the group makes their way over. Jett watches with horror as they slide into the spots around us.

"What's up?" A short guy with amber eyes, and white-blonde hair asks. Jett smiles nervously and I giggle against his hand.

"Nothing Cody." He answers sharply and I manage to pull my mouth away for a second.

"I call him Be-" Jett gets a hand over my mouth again and a stream of obscenities stream from his mouth as I laugh, tears starting to appear in my eyes. Jett tries not to smile but I see one glittering in his dark eyes.

"Don't." He warns. I pull my mouth away again and he tenses.

"Or what?" I challenge and he smirks, knowing I love two things.

1) A good challenge.

and

2) A good bargain.

"Or I won't show you a few tricks to shoot a gun." I pause, uncertain. In spite of my quick advances through the ranks, I am just barely hanging on to the third place spot because of how bad I am at shooting. I eye him before holding out a hand and nodding.

"You won't tell them?" He asks and I nod. He shakes my hand and I grin.

"You've got yourself a deal, Bean Pole." I say casually and his eyes widen as the talk stops at our table. He cringes as his team starts cackling.

"Bean Pole?" One of the girls with blue hair and brown eyes laughs so hard she starts slipping off the bench. Jett watches with horror as his team dissolves into laughter.

"Wha-!?" He splutters, turning to me and I shrug happily.

"I didn't tell them...I told you." I chirp cheerfully and he stares. "Loopholes!" I sing-song, a shit-eating grin on my face.

"I'm gonna get you!" He shouts, lunging at me. I shriek with laughter, scrambling to get away and almost tripping. I quickly round the table and eye him cautiously, holding out my hands.

"Now, now Beanie!" I call and can't stop the small giggle that slips out before I compose myself. "Let's just think rationally-" Jett lunges over the table and I shriek as I dodge, narrowly missing him. I turn and freeze. Jett has a cocky grin on his face as he straightens before stalking towards me. I watch him before squeaking and bolt just as he lunges.

I laugh as he chases and I dodge him. We end up on either side of a table and I am laughing so hard that I can only hold my arms out.

"J-Jett." I gasp, giggles bursting out. "Truce?" I ask and he relaxes a little, rounding the table.

"Never!" He calls, diving on me and I succumb to another round of gut-busting laughter as his nimble fingers find my every ticklish spot. Tears run from my eyes as I squirm in his arms, my head thrown back and and my laughter bubbling out of my throat. After a few moments of that, I run out of laughter and lean against Jett, my stomach aching with the strength of my laughter. We both stumble as we get up, acting as though we are drunk. And in a way we are. Drunk on each other.

"What is going on here?" Eric's voice rings out. I look up, my laughter ending as I see him standing there with his arms crossed. His tattoos seem harsh on his face as he glares at Jett and I. I haven't really spoken to Eric after that kiss. Though kiss seems like such a trivial word compared to what actually happened. Though it doesn't seem like Eric remembers with the icy look he is giving Jett and I. My smile fades a little as his eyes stay hard.

"We were just-" Jett begins as Four walks up.

"Doesn't matter." Eric says harshly as Four eyes us blankly. "3, back to the other transfers." He orders and I stiffen, letting go of Jett to cross my arms. Jett nudges me, approval shinning in his eyes.

"Three? Nice." He jokes and I soften, uncrossing my arms.

"Right?" I tease. "Let's go." I grab his arm and start to drag him with me but Eric steps forward.

"Not him." He says, the shadows casting him in a harsh light. I clench my jaw as I eye Eric and turn to Four.

"C'mon! Why can't Jett sit with me?" I ask and Four raises an eyebrow.

"Jett?" He asks and I grin, leaning into Jett.

"Jethro has to report to his superiors. Not socialize." Eric orders and Jett stiffens.

"I already did. Sir." He answers and I snicker at the faintly mocking tone. Eric tenses and I stop snickering, realizing now isn't really the time.

"Four-" I begin and Jett shakes his head at me. I pause, eyeing him. He nods at my questioning gaze and I grin at him, stretching up to flick his ear and turning back to Eric and Four. "Fine." I mutter and sending one last smirk at Jett, saunter over to the other transfers. I plop down and lounge back against the table, watching Jett. He stands in the soldiers stance, feet shoulder-width apart and his hands clasped behind his back.

"Who's that?" Emily asks. She was Candor, has blonde hair and brown eyes and is in 5 place just behind Mike who is fourth. I shoot her a grin.

"A friend." I answer and turn back, narrowing my eyes as I see Tabby join them. Eric tells her something and gestures to Jett and the slant of his shoulders tells me he is uncomfortable with what Eric is saying. I grab a tray (ignoring the startled shout of whoever's tray I stole) and stalk past them with the tray. I return it and stalk back, catching what Eric is saying.

"-he will be training you." Tabby smirks at me but what I say next has her smirk disappearing.

"Yeah, you would need the help." I sneer and she flushes. I smirk triumphantly and wink at Jett as I breeze past them, hearing Tabby turn down the offer. I slide into a spot at the table and a few minutes later Jett joins me.

"Ready to go?" Jett asks and I grin up at him as we get up.

"Don't you have somebody to train?" I ask, laughter tinging my words and Jett scoffs.

"Nah. She turned down the offer. Thanks for that." He grins down at me, pulling me closer with an arm over my shoulder.

"I haven't the faintest clue of what you mean." I tease innocently and we laugh as we leave. I glance back, feeling the strength of Eric's gaze boring into my shoulders. My smile fades as I meet his gaze, his blue eyes a steel gray as he clenches his jaw and turns away.