A/N: Just a short announcement. I finished "Conquer Yourself". I posted the last chapters on Wednesday. I'm still working on the new modern day AU but hopefully it'll be ready soon to post. "Divergent Guardian" will probably be posted once a week, just like YAMATW was. I hope to update "A Series of Kinky Events" soon. But those who know me already know that I won't post for the sake of it. Quality over quantity, folks.
Enjoy!
20
Tris' POV
After Max returned from speaking to Johanna on the phone I tell him that I want a meeting with everyone sooner rather than later. But since tonight was exciting enough we leave it for tomorrow.
"Can I borrow your phone?" I ask Max. He nods and hands it to me. I look for Hana's number and call her.
"Hello Max," she answers and I can hear the smile in her voice.
"No, it's me Tris," I say.
"Tris? Why do you have Max' phone?" she asks confused.
"Max, Four and I went to Amity," I start saying but she interrupts.
"Why?" I sigh.
"For a picnic," I say sarcastically.
"Don't take that tone with me, young lady," she scolds.
"Sorry. Liam informed me of another sacrificial site. I went there to check it out and thought of taking the boys with me," I say.
"I'm right here," Max says but not too loud.
"A sacrificial site?" Hana asks surprised.
"Yes. We need to have a meeting, but not tonight. I'm too tired. We'll meet tomorrow night at Liam's. Please call Evelyn and mom and I'll ask Four to inform Uriah and Zeke to come as well. Max will call Johanna."
"What about Liam?" she asks.
"Ask Evelyn to tell him and if he throws a tantrum she should tell him to fucking suck it up or I'm going to be really pissed," I say.
"I don't think we should bring the boys," Hana says.
"Do you want to explain to them why they were left out? And need I remind you that you told them about me?" I ask.
"I had too," she says defensively. I'm not pissed and I get where she's coming from.
"Mom, they need to know and better yet need to prepare themselves. Something bad is going on and maybe we'll need more manpower than ever before. In case Zeke has the night shift in the Control Room tomorrow tell him to call Max to arrange something. It's important everyone comes," I say.
"Alright. Watch yourselves," she says and we hang up.
"You heard what I said. Max you call Johanna and Four you'll inform the guys."
"What about you?" Max asks.
"I fought a Chimera. I'm done for tonight," I say with a grin.
"That's convenient," he says with a chuckle. They both contact Johanna and the Pedrad brothers and we soon arrive back at the compound. Max parks the car and the three of us get out. I get inside and to my misfortune I see Eric coming toward us.
"Care to explain?" Eric asks and looks at Tobias and Max. I glance backwards and then turn around with a cocky grin on my face.
"I was in the mood for a threesome," I say and walk passed him, leaving him speechless for a second.
"You could get kicked out for this, Stiff," he calls after me.
"Why? 'Cause I fuck them and not you? A bit petty, even for you, Eric," I say and keep walking.
"Don't listen to her, Eric. She's delusional," I hear Max say. "Four, go and beat some sense into that girl," he says. I know he doesn't mean it and I know Tobias would never hurt me, even if he could. I hear footsteps behind me and pick up the pace but then he grabs my arm. I know it's Tobias; I recognized his scent.
"I know," I say and keep walking.
"I haven't said anything," he says as he walks beside me.
"Let's talk when we are alone," I say. From the corner of my eye I see him nod. We take the stairs that lead to his apartment and once we're inside I brace myself for the lecture, but he surprises me by crashing his mouth over mine and kissing me passionately while his arms snake around me pulling me close. We're both breathless when we part and smile at each other. "Didn't see that coming," I say with a chuckle. He smiles and then frowns. Here we go.
"You shouldn't have said that," he says sighing but still keeping me close.
"I know. But in my defense, I didn't plan it. It just came out that way," I say and he shakes his head.
"Let's hope Max convinces Eric to drop it," Tobias says as he locks the door and we walk to his bed. We change our clothes and get inside. I'm too tired for anything right now. I know I said we would resume our earlier activities but I'm just beat. We both quickly fall asleep and don't wake until the next morning.
The smell of pancakes fills the entire apartment and wakes me up, luring me into the kitchen, where a shirtless Tobias cooks breakfast for us.
"Morning, handsome," I say as I wrap my arms around his waist leaning my head on his muscular back.
"Morning, beautiful. How did you sleep?"
"Very well. Sorry for not staying awake last night, you know," I say and I can feel his laughter through his body being so closely pressed to him.
"That's okay, babe. We have the entire day today. I spoke with Max earlier. We'll all meet at nine p.m. at Liam's."
"Did he say anything about Eric?" I ask and step to the side to see him. He looks at me for a moment and then kisses me softly on the lips.
"He said Eric raged on about improper behavior and whatnot. He said it's not fair that I bang one initiate while the others work their asses off."
"Did Max offer him to bang a few too? Maybe then he'll think it's fair," I suggest but Tobias isn't amused. "Alright. But let's face it. The moment that dick saw us yesterday leaving together he already had his mind made up regarding the two of us," I say and he nods.
"This is why Max told him we started dating and that he knew about it."
"But we just told him."
"I know. But like you said, everything that happened so far was just practicing, no ranking based on that. Therefore I didn't help you in anyway and if necessary your fear landscape can be checked by the entire leader board to see if I helped you in any way, at least the way Eric suggests. Max will make the official announcement tomorrow that he'll take over and he'll also say why. Better the truth is out than people thinking all kinds of things about us and your ranking," he says.
"I guess. We'll talk about it later with Max. Now," I say and snake my arms around his neck. "Good morning, baby," I say and he grins. He puts the frying pan to the side and embraces me and we kiss properly for like ten minutes before we finally let go of the other and have our breakfast.
Just like the day before we don't leave his apartment at all and just enjoy our unrestricted time together.
By eight thirty p.m. we all meet in the garage. Max is already there when Tobias and I arrive, but there's still no sign of Hana or her sons.
"Eric is really pissed," Max comments, but then we see Hana come over.
"Let's talk about it later," I say and he nods. We all get in the car, Zeke, Hana and Uriah in the back, while Max, Tobias and I in the front, just like yesterday. The drive to Liam's place isn't long and I can tell everyone wants answers, but by my unwillingness to engage in any conversation they quickly drop it. We get out and are greeted by Liam and Evelyn. Upon seeing Tobias her eyes widen and I see him signaling her to follow him. We talked before we went down to the garage. While everyone knows that he is Tobias Eaton he prefers being called Four. So, he said he would ask her to refrain from calling him anything else. I doubt Evelyn will deny him that since she's desperate to mend her relationship with her son. I see her nod and a small smile grazing her face, while she reaches out to caress his cheek. He doesn't move but doesn't seem to indulge in any more familiarities with his mother. They soon return and I see a second truck stop close by. Johanna and my mom get out and I run toward my mother to hug her.
"Mom, I missed you so much," I say and breathe in her scent.
"I missed you, too, my sweet baby girl," she says and kisses my temple.
After I hug Johanna and Evelyn as well we enter Liam's house and all go into the living room. The women sit down on the couch and chairs while the guys sit on the floor. I'm the only one standing.
"I called you hear tonight to talk about several things. But first things first, I want to introduce you to Zeke and Uriah Pedrad, Hana's sons and Four," I say and they nod when they hear their names. "They will join us from now on. Hana spilled the beans so if you look for someone to blame, blame her, 'cause it wasn't me," I say and most here chuckle or even laugh.
"Welcome," Johanna says and Evelyn nods, smiling at Tobias. He remains serious and ignores her a bit.
"They still don't know much about what is going on, but I hope this will help them to understand our world better," I say. "Once my initiation is complete I will start training them so that they know how to fight fiends. If you guys thought initiation is, or was, bad you are in for a torturous surprise," I say with a grin. "Liam, you're helping me making some men out of these boys, right?" I ask teasingly and Tobias scoffs.
"Sure do," he answers with a laugh.
"To the second topic before the gruesome show starts. I have a boyfriend," I say and they all look at me surprised.
"You have a boyfriend?" Johanna asks incredulous.
"Yup."
"Didn't you say men are absolute scum and not even worth your spit?" Evelyn asks amused and Tobias frowns.
"Yup."
"Who's the poor bastard?" Uriah asks amused.
"I am," Tobias says and stands up leaving everyone speechless. I look around and other than Max and Liam who knew already everyone's mouths are hanging open, their eyes wide and they stutter.
"Four?" Uriah asks incredulous. I see Hana looking from us to Evelyn and then back.
"I know what you think. What devil stung her now to accept this not supernatural guy? Well, it's simple. He likes me for me and that's it. In case anyone has any objections I suggest you share them now," I say and grab Tobias' hand in mine squeezing it lightly.
"You're so young," my mom says, not angry but surprised.
"To fall in love?" I ask.
"You're in love?" Johanna asks smiling. "I'm so happy for you," she says and gets up to hug me and then hug Tobias.
"We are," Tobias answers for both of us and smiles at me.
"Wow, you're already using the L word," Zeke says standing up and hugging me and then Tobias. "Congrats, sis, and congrats bro. But if you hurt her I'm going to hurt you," he says to Tobias.
"Shouldn't you be telling me that?" I ask amused.
"Nah, you're our baby sister," Uriah says hugging me first and bro hugging his friend.
"Thanks, guys," I say.
"How long are you two a couple?" Hana asks as she comes to us, followed by mom and Evelyn.
"Three weeks," Tobias says smiling.
"And you haven't said anything?" Hana asks incredulous.
"No," I say.
"Why not?" mom asks.
"Because it was new and we were still getting to know each other. I don't need an audience or a jury for that," I say a little defensive.
"Alright. I'm happy for you, my girl," mom says and hugs me close to her.
"Thank you, mom." Hana hugs Tobias first and then me, without another word. All that's left is Evelyn. Tobias and she look awkwardly at each other before she dares to hug him.
"Congratulations," she says in a whisper, but I heard her since we're standing so close together. Tobias nods when they let go and then she hugs me. "Make him happy," she whispers in my ear and then smiles when she pulls back. I know that she made mistakes in the past but I also know she's a good person. She always treated me like a normal person, very much like Tobias. She knew from the beginning that I'm the Guardian but she always treated me like I'm a normal teenage girl with normal teenage problems. And I'm really happy she isn't opposed my relationship with her son, although I don't think that would have mattered to Tobias.
"Did you know?" mom asks Liam.
"Yeah, she told me yesterday," he says and smiles a little.
"And you?" Hana asks Max.
"Also yesterday. They told me on our way to Amity," he tells them.
"What about initiation? Won't this be a problem?" Uriah asks.
"No. Max will announce tomorrow that I won't be an instructor for the remainder of initiation. I resign to be able to date Tris properly. Up until now phase two consisted only of exercising going through your fear landscape. Starting tomorrow initiates will be ranked and Max will do that instead of me so that no one thinks Tris got any of her ranking because of me," Tobias informs.
"Will you make it official?" Zeke asks.
"What?" I ask him confused.
"Your relationship," he clarifies.
"Yes," Tobias answers immediately.
"I'm sure the Guardian didn't call us all here to discuss her romantic life. Could we all please get back to the real issue here?" Liam asks and I glare at him, but he just grins.
"Liam's right. You didn't call us all here to tell us about you and Four," Hana says and I nod. Everyone resumes their sitting position while I still stand.
"Yesterday, on our way to Amity, we encountered a Chimera," I say.
"What's a Chimera?" Uriah asks.
"I'll explain later," Hana says with a chuckle.
"A Chimera is a being made of different other creatures. Can be demon, vampire, werewolf, witch, you name it," I explain and he nods but I doubt he really got it.
"What happened?" mom asks.
"The usual. It was mainly vampire and I destroyed it quickly. But that's not the interesting part. He said that the Master will return," I say and they all gasp.
"But that's impossible," mom says.
"You destroyed him two years ago," Evelyn says.
"Guys, really? Look at me. Do I look dead to you?" I ask with a raised eyebrow. "Let's stop assuming things. The Chimera said that the Master will return and I believe it to be true. Too many strange things happen lately that we can't ignore any longer," I say and Johanna and Max nod.
"What about the site?" Liam asks.
"Twelve virgins in a circle, chest cracked open, hearts removed and a bloody crow feather," I say.
"A summoning," Johanna says.
"Crow feathers were a symbol of the dragon order," Max says.
"Yes. I think the dragon order has returned and they want to open the Gate again," I say.
"What do you think they've summoned?" Evelyn asks.
"I don't know but no one uses that kind of magic for little spells," I say. "We need to establish focus groups. There are way too many problems and we can't operate all on all fronts. This is why I'm putting Max, Four and Zeke in charge of spying on Jeanine Matthews to find out what she plans to kill the divergent population, Liam, you are in charge of the brainwashed vampires, Evelyn, Johanna and Hana, you research your books for what the rituals could have meant and look for protection spells, mom I need you to be charming and gather intel from dad and anyone on the council. All this shit that is going on must have raised a flag on someone's radar and I doubt the city council isn't at least a bit curious. Find out what they know," I say and she nods. "It interests me especially that no one seemed to be worried that first twelve kids went missing and now the twelve virgins. Those are twenty four people of different ages and presumably factions that are unaccounted for. Why isn't anyone worried? I didn't really recognize anyone in particular, but I doubt they came from outside the fence."
"What about me?" Uriah asks.
"You and I need to finish initiation before we go all badass," I say with a smirk and he mirrors it.
"But seriously," he says.
"I need you to do something an Erudite would love to do," I say and he raises an eyebrow.
"What?" he asks apprehensively.
"Read."
"Read what?"
"The Guardian Chronicles. Read about our history. Zeke and Four won't be able to with the job they have, but I need a fresh pair of eyes to read the text and not be familiar with it. That way you'll ask more questions and maybe it'll jump start our memory," I say.
"That sounds boring," he says.
"You'll learn about every Guardian so far and will know more about it than Four and Zeke and to be honest your work will help me the most," I say. I mean it. We all have read the Chronicles and know the stories. I'm confident that by making him read it he will be filled with questions that we'll have to answer and maybe he finds something we've missed or forgotten.
"Really?" he asks a little excited.
"Would I lie?" I ask and he grins widely. "Okay, then that's settled. Tonight I'm taking you three," I say and point toward Zeke, Uriah and Tobias "on patrol. I want you to get a feel of what the Guardian is doing and how dangerous things are," I say and it occurs to me we might get attacked. "Liam, you come too."
"I thought you forgot me," he says jokingly.
"How can I forget you? You smell badly, like wet dog," I say and he scoffs. We often insult each other, not to hurt the other but to provoke a reaction.
"Bitch," he says.
"Hey," Tobias stands up but I step in front of him.
"Lapdog," I say.
"Kids, please. We don't want to scare the newbies," Johanna says.
"You and me," I say and Liam nods. We storm outside and he turns into his werewolf form and we start to fight.
A/N: How is it that no one noticed the missing victims?
Will the monster fighting team be able to find out what all the sacrifices mean?
Will they be able to stop Jeanine?
How much does Jeanine know? And how did she find out about the vampires?
Is the dreaded dragon order back?
And what about the Master?
Which one of you will try to guess? Who knows, maybe you'll get it right. :)