When I got there everyone was still asleep. I had no idea how early it was. I looked over to the bed where Paul slept and noticed it empty. He must still be in the infirmary. Good. I showered and changed and then slept on my bed. I was awoken shortly by banging on the beds. I looked up and saw Four. He looked surprised to see me but didn't say anything. "Initiates. Up. Time for a game." Everyone groaned. I put on my boots and stood by the door waiting for everyone to file up beside me. Eric came in and looked at me. I saw a look of surprise that was quickly replaced with his normal stoic façade. Once everyone was ready we followed the trainers outside and caught the train. Finally on board they let us know what we were doing. We were participating in War Games and anyone not participating couldn't finish initiation. I paled. Eric didn't tell me. If I hadn't woken up and went to the quarters I wouldn't be here. I knew what we did couldn't continue but I didn't figure he would rather see me factionless. I let my anger consume me. I would need my anger to help me through. The handed us guns and explained the darts simulated a real gunshot. Oh goody, that would feel great. Another initiate, Sam I believe was mouthing off and Eric shot her and I watched her crumple to the ground in pain. At least he didn't decide to demonstrate on me.
Eric and Four started picking initiates and finally I heard my name, but not by Eric, by Four. Eric looked pissed and Four looked pleased to irritate him. I took my side by Four and after what seemed like forever we were jumping from the train. With no one to hold me back I jumped off easily and landed without injury. I was still sore from my injuries but they weren't bad enough that they would hold me back today. We separated and started discussing where to hide the flag and what our assignments would be. Everyone was arguing about where to hide it when I thought of a plan. I knew all of the layouts of every dauntless area. I had seen the giant ferris wheel and I knew where we were. "Hey, there's a tower over there surrounded by a maze. It would be great for snipers and hard to get up to. Some of us can climb up the ferris wheel and scout their flag to find it." Four nodded. "Sounds like a plan. Jenna, you and Sam go take the flag to the top of the tower. James and Phil guard the bottom of the tower in the maze. The rest of you span out and wait for our cue. Dre and I will scout the flag." I nodded.
I didn't like heights but, Dauntless I must be. We walked over to the ferris wheel and I looked up with dread. "Look Four, I don't like heights so let's just get this done." He nodded and followed me up. I climbed about half way, I just kept telling myself don't look down. Four was below me and he didn't look like he enjoyed heights much either. I just kept climbing until I reached a basket and climbed in. Four came up into the basket shaking like a leaf. We both laughed nervously and peered out. I may not like heights but the view was breathtaking, especially at night. I looked over and saw the luminescence of their flag on an old stage not far away. I pointed, showing Four, "There it is. Do you think we can get it?" Four just smiled, "Of course." We climbed down slowly and finally on solid land I felt good again. We took the cover of trees and made our way to their flag. I saw one of Eric's team members and shot him in the arm. He went down, but not quietly. Others started to converge but couldn't see us from our cover.
We made our way closer to the stage when I heard Four gasp and fall to the ground. I hid behind the tree and peered out. I saw Eric, just putting his gun down. He must have shot Four. It was just me now. I followed the trees until there were no more. I had to either find other cover or make a run for it. I saw Eric by the stage and he was the only one still around. I heard screams in the distance and figured they must have went ahead to try to take our flag. I saw Micha coming behind me slowly, she must have followed Four and I. I looked at her and motioned for her to stay back. If I could distract Eric long enough, she could get the flag. I decided to run to the opposite side of the stage. If he could concentrate on shooting me then she could slip in behind and grab it. I gathered all of my energy and ran full out. Eric saw me and started shooting. I could hear darts going past me. I kept running and suddenly I felt a dart enter my leg and I fell down, hard. I grabbed my leg and got up again, continuing to run. I must have surprised him because I heard him yell out, too close for comfort and then he tackled me. I fell to the ground rolling over with him. "Why didn't you just stop?" I laughed in his face, she should have the flag soon. "It was just a bullet wound, not fatal." He smiled as he emptied another dart into my chest. I spasmed and groaned. This hurt worse than most. My chest was not a good place for a sim dart. His laugh faltered when I heard Micah, "I got it!" He looked down at me with a look that made me wither even with the pain, "You did that on purpose." He got up and strode away. Micah came over to me. "You let me get it, thank you!" I smiled. We won, that was all that mattered. I pulled the darts out and slowly normal sensations came back. Four wandered over, limping and helped me up. "I saw what he did. There was no need to shoot you, you were already down." I smiled, "All in the plan. I had to have him distracted and pissed off so we could win." Four looked at me concern etching his features, "You should be careful pissing Eric off. I hope you know what you're doing."
I thought on what Four said, but not for long as it was time for celebrations. We had won. I had helped secure my place in Dauntless even after I was almost out. We all went to the Pit for drinks and had the night of our lives. Micah sat by me and started talking. She was a great girl it seemed and I was glad I let her get the flag. Seemed like she needed the boost. After many drinks and dancing we went back to our quarters to sleep for the night. I had a good buzz with the alcohol but not enough when I ran into Paul. He looked like he had went rounds in the sparring ring with all of our leaders. He was differing shades of purple and blue. He was packing up his belongings into a bag, heading out to the factionless I suppose. He looked at me with murder in his eyes, but Four was there making sure he behaved himself. When he was done he stopped by my bed before he left, "I don't know when or how but bitch I will make you pay for all of this." Four pushed him through the door and he was gone. I knew this wasn't the last I would hear of this. I had no doubt he would make me pay some day. I just hoped I was stronger then and able to defend myself.
