TOBIAS:
The ceiling is moving in waves. My eyes follow them back and forth, changing directions once they meet the wall, like a bumper. When I keep my eyes stagnant, each little beaded texture creates a 3D effect, caterpillar-like creatures wriggling across the white plains.
The light in the middle of the ceiling turns on, burning spots into my vision. I turn my head to look away.
"Wake up, Stiff," I hear Zeke's voice say. Foot steps bend the wooden floor. "Christ, you reek of urine."
"How long has it been?" my voice raspy and weak.
"Four days," boredom practically oozing from his lips. I feel him tug at my wrist ties, unknotting them one by one. Once free, I roll out off of the bed and try to throw a punch, overestimating my strength. He grabs my arm and pulls me into his knee, knocking the wind from my lungs. I fall to the ground, breathless.
Zeke grinds his heel into my back, holding me in place. 'I'm trying to help you," he growls, "Not that you deserve it."
I sigh, and nod slightly in compliance. I'm in no condition to fight. He pulls me up off of the floor and pushes me towards the door, keeping a hold onto the back of my shirt collar. We enter a makeshift common room inside of an old factionless building, sunlight shining through boarded up windows. I can smell a homemade campfire burning near by. My stomach rumbles.
Zeke pushes me sharply to the left and shoves me into a small bathroom, locking the door behind me. I survey the room: no windows or vents. There's a toilet, bathtub, and metal rack, already stocked with a towel and new clothes. I check my pockets, remembering the keys to the truck that were in there, but they're gone, along with the guns.
I hear a pounding on the door. "You have ten minutes to clean yourself up. Don't waste your time," calls Zeke. I quickly undress and turn on the water to the shower. I pause briefly to let it drench me, but hurry to clean my whole body. Zeke was right, I do stink of piss. The water soon turns cold, rippling my skin in little bumps. I rinse the bubbles down the drain and wrap myself in the towel left for me, shivering as I dry myself off.
The grey shorts that I put on are one size too large, and the black t-shirt has a hole in the sleeve, but it's no time to complain. Zeke opens the door and pulls me out of the room. He marches behind me as we go back to the room that I was tied up in.
"It's nothing personal," he says, as he kicks the back of my knees, forcing me to kneel. I feel something cold clasp around my ankle.
"Marcus will be in soon to talk to you. Don't do anything stupid." He leaves.
I stand, metal rattling with my movements. I look down to see a chain attached to my right ankle. I pull it, testing its tension and following the end of it to the wall. I grab the chain and pull as hard as I can, but the bond doesn't budge. I sit on the edge of the bed, dejected.
I hear the door open, Marcus walking inside.
"Apple?" he offers, extending his arm out to me.
I accept. I'm starving. He stands in front of me, watching as I eat.
"There's more where that came from if you can tell me what I want to know," he says. "I know you can be stubborn sometimes, but I know who you really are, Tobias," he pauses. "You're scared. You try to rebel with little statues and acts of forged bravery, but inside, you're still a boy."
I try to ignore him. He's wrong. This is how he starts, first by attacking you with words, and then with his fists.
"I want to help you grow up, Tobias. I'm your father. It's my job."
"I don't need you," I spit, losing my temper.
"Oh, but you do. You see, I'm your way out of here, and if you were smart, you'd listen closely, act respectively, and respond promptly," he smiles. "Now, what did you do with the serum?"
I stay silent.
"Don't test me Tobias. Where is it?" he says through his teeth.
I refuse to respond. He will never find out where it is because I will never tell him. I can see the frustration on his face. He's not used to people refusing to do what he wants. "Zeke! Christina!" his voice roars with anger. They rush into the room. "Get him on his knees," he demands.
I stand, preparing for a fight. I lash out my foot at Zeke as he approaches, but he catches it and twists. I fall to the ground, landing on my bottom. Christina grabs my left arm and Zeke goes for my right. I throw a punch that connects with Zeke's rib cage, feeling satisfied as he tackles me. They flip me over and pull me to my knees, facing Marcus, each holding on to my biceps.
"This is for your own good," Marcus says as he begins to undo his belt. I struggle against Zeke and Christina's hold, but lack the energy. The belt slashes me across the chest, burning into my skin. I try to pull away. It connects again, hitting my collarbone, as I let out a cry. I get a glimpse of Marcus's eyes, pleasure ridden and black. Another whip strikes my chest; another yell escapes my mouth. He swings it one more time, but it hits Christina's hand that is holding me still. She winces, but keeps her grip strong. I feel a tear fall onto my shoulder.
"Let's try this again," Marcus speaks, similar to a growl. "I'll start with an easy one. How did you find out about the serum?"
"David," I say, between pants. I want to go home. I can see Tris's face in the back of my mind. She looks scared.
I'm jolted back as Zeke twists my arm upwards. "Focus, Tobias," Marcus warns. "Did you do something to David?"
I shake my head.
"Then why is he not answering my calls?" he asks.
"I don't know," I moan.
He whips me with the belt again, this time hitting me just above the eyebrow. "Don't lie, boy."
Blood pours into my eye, but I snarl back, "The last I saw, he was sending the serum off to you."
