*** Means there's some sort of time skip or that the scene has changed.
"Don't be leaving the dorms tonight Iss." Issy pulled back and looked up at him. "I'm serious Issy, don't leave the dorms. Don't worry sis, it'll be fun." Issy huffed and rolled her eyebrows. 'Great, another cryptic answer.' She thought as she entered the dorms.
Issy did as Declan said and climbed into bed wearing a pair of leggings and a loose top. She laid down and stared at the ceiling, willing sleep to take her, even if it's only for a few hours. Her mind is thrown back to all of the cryptic comments that were made earlier on. They gave the excuse of being tired but Issy could clearly see that some of them like Uriah, Zeke, Christina and Jason were so hyped up they were bouncing on their feet. Her brothers held the same troublesome smiles they wore when they were hiding something. The only ones who seemed to actually have a reason to go were Tris, Will and Josh. Tris had an early meeting, being an ambassador to Abnegation, Will had a shift in the Weapons Lab and Josh once again had stuff to take care of. Issy drifted off with her mind running every possible idea of what could be wrong.
The smoke makes her eyes water as she runs through the hallway, skidding around the corner. It grabs at her lungs painfully making it hard to breathe. The fire licks at her sides, devouring the place she once called home. High pitched screams pinch at her heart. She spins around looking for the source. The more she moves up the stairs, the further away the screams seem. She barges into a room as the screaming gets louder –
Issy jolts her awake, gasping out Reece's name. She runs her hands across her face and through her hair. The hairs on the back of her neck prick up as she feels eyes on her. Warily, she glances up and is shocked to see Eric stood on the raised platform in front of the door. His mouth is parted as he gazes into her eyes, his fingers hovering over the light switch. He opens his mouth to say something but instead shakes his head, turning on the lights and shouting for the rest of the initiates to wake up. They wake up startled, someone banged their head on the bed above them by the sounds of it.
"Get up and dressed!" Eric shouts and Issy jumps out of bed, landing swiftly on the ground. "Be at the tracks in ten minutes." He storms from the room as some initiates scurry around and others groggily get out of bed. Issy pulls a pair of black jeans on over her thin leggings. The nights have been getting colder so she swaps her loose top for a red long sleeved top, a dark grey zip up hoodie and her standard uniform jacket over the top. As she ties up her combat boots Bree sits in front of her all dressed and ready. Noah plops himself next Bree and pulls her into his side.
"Time check?" Asks Cody as he zips his jacket.
Alec grabs his sister's wrist, pulling it to his face. "Six minutes to get to the tracks."
"Are we ready?" Issy looks around at her friends.
"Yeah, let's go."
When they arrived at the tracks, they were immediately swarmed by Lilah, Flare and Hec and a few others. Issy noticed a few Dauntless Members standing around as well as the rest of the Dauntless borns. A shoulder nudged her own and she looked to Alec who nodded his head in another direction. Her eyes followed the motion, spotting her older brothers, their instructors and the Dauntless borns' instructors along with Zeke, Uriah, Christina and Jason out of a crowd of other members. The group were more or less split into two, talking in low voices as Four and Eric smirked and glared at each other. As more of the transfers arrived at the tracks, more of the Dauntless members that she didn't know wandered back into the compound, wishing them luck. 'Luck for what?' Issy wondered. She looked around for any clues as to what they'll be doing in the middle of the night. The Dauntless borns seemed to be almost buzzing with excitement but when Bree had asked Sam why, he had shook his head and laughed. She saw that both Eric and Four had a big, black duffel bag by their feet that clinked when it was moved. Issy accidently caught Four's eyes as she analysed them. Four smirked, nudging his shoulder with Hugo's and mumbling something. Hugo turned with a big grin on his face, not the kind of grin that she'd be laughing along with but the kind that sent a shiver down her spine. That grin meant business and damn, she'd rather not be on the opposing team to him in what ever they're doing tonight.
The remaining members walked over to where the initiates, both Dauntless born and transfer were stood. Four and Eric carried the bags over and stood at the front of the group.
"Time check?" Eric peers over Four's shoulder as Four checks his watch.
"Three minutes." Four raises his head to look at Eric as the latter grins. "When are you going to learn the schedule for yourself?"
"Why should I when I have you, Zeke, Blake and Declan to remind me?"
They both haul the bags onto their bags when a sharp whistle sounds in the distance and a spot light comes from around the corner. The train.
"Get ready!" Four calls out as they prepare to run. As soon as the train approaches they all sprint along side of the train. Their instructors jumped in first and the remaining members lagged behind the initiates, making sure everyone got in. In the train car Four and Eric are stood in the middle with the bags in front of them.
"Listen up!" Four shouted. "We're gonna play a game called Capture The Flag."
Eric kneeled over, unzipping a bag and pulled out a simple silver gun. "Choice of weapon." He held it up for everyone to see. Someone from the front, Issy saw that it was Korey, snickered as he eyed the gun. Eric appeared bored as he raised his arm without looking and shot Korey in the leg. Gasping, Korey collapsed into the wall and slid to the ground, clutching his leg. Eric rolled his eyes as Korey tried to pull it out. "Neuro Stimdart. Simulates the pain of a real gun, only lasts a few minutes. Don't bother pulling it out, the head will drop out as soon as the pains over." The said dart drops to the floor. "Two teams. Four and I are captains."
Four nods his head to Eric. "Your turn to pick first."
"Alright." Eric nods as he looks at the crowd in front of him, his eyes drifting over each initiate before they settle on her. "Issy." A small shiver runs through her from the way her name rolls off of his tongue. The crowd parts as she makes her way to Eric and stands behind him, taking out a gun and a box of ammo so she goes. She didn't miss the small smirk playing on his lips as she past. Quickly she glances to Four to gauge his reaction. A frown takes over his face with a small eye roll.
"Bree." Issy looks to her friend put out, she had hoped they'd be on the same team but by the way Bree is smirking she'll be fine. There is silence in the cart as Eric decides on his next choice.
"Alec." Issy's head shoots up as her brother's grin mirrors her own, grabbing a gun and walking over to her. From the back of the crowd she sees Declan fist pump the air. The frown on Four's face shifts into a scowl, obviously not pleased. Issy zones out as the rest of the names are called out. Zara is the last person so by default she goes on Four's team. Issy looks to her own. Lilah, Noah, Flare, Luke and Sam is on her team. Issy smirks, she can work well with them all. Her smirk flips into a frown as she spots Kayden and Korey on her team as well. Internally she shrugs, she'll work round them for now. Cody, Hector and Ollie join Bree and Zara on Four's team with Charlie, Jess and the remaining Dauntless borns that she found are called Meg and Crystal. The member that stood towards the back split up and equally joined the teams. Dec, Hugo, Jason and Lynn joined Eric's team, her brothers coming to the twin's side and Hugo wrapped his arms around Issy from behind, placing his chin on top of her head. Zeke, Uriah, Christina and Lauren joined Four's.
Eric smiles grimly as he turns to Four. "Your team can get off second."
"Like the last time where I won?" Four questions smugly causing Eric to growl. "Don't give me any favours." Before Eric can say more Four and his team jump out of the train.
"Bastard." He hisses.
Hugo holds Issy as he makes her waddle forward with him as Declan and Alec follow them to where Eric is stood. "Don't worry Eric." Issy can hear the mischievous tone in her brother's voice. "This one," Hugo leans back and points to Issy. "Doesn't lose. And I'm willing to bet a shit lotta points that we won't tonight." Her brothers all smirk at her. Yes, she didn't lose once back in Erudite but in Dauntless she has, much to her annoyance.
Issy rolls her eyes. "Hate to remind you and myself but I did lose to Kayden if y'all can remember that far back."
"Doesn't count." Dec quickly dismisses it. "And plus, you were close to winning that anyway."
Eric smirks at them, at Issy and looked out of the open door. "Get ready to jump!" People shuffle behind her as Hugo lets go and moves to the back of the cart. One by one they jump from the train, transfers roll as they land and most of the Dauntless borns and members take a few steps to steady themselves. Eric, Issy notices, makes it look so fucking easy like he just stepped down from a platform. 'That cocky swine.' She internally grumbles. They walk a while further with the Ferris wheel in the distance. Eric turns around and stares at each initiate in turn.
"What's the plan?"
"What?" Korey asks confused.
Eric rolls his eyes annoyed. "We play Capture The Flag to test you on your tactics, team work and how well you can work under pressure. You have to come up with the plan to hide the flag, protect it and find the opposing team's flag before they find yours. Myself and the other Dauntless members are here to make sure none of you pull any idiotic shit. Now, what's the plan?" Eric huffs as he is met with silence until Kayden speaks up.
"We split into two teams: offence and defence. Defence hide the flag and offence go find Four's flag."
"Now that's more like it. But who's on which team?"
"I'll go on offence." Alec speaks up.
"And I'll go on defence." Issy adds, ignoring the raised eyebrows from Dec and Hugo.
"Anyone else?" Other voices call in and soon the teams are set. Joining Issy on the defence are Lilah, Flare, Noah and Sam along with Lynn and Jason. Alec is joined by the rest of the team including Eric.
"Alright!" Eric reveals a bright green flag and quickly hands it over to Jason who shoves it into his jacket. "Move out." Eric's team starts stalking towards the Ferris wheel as Four has a history with placing his flag there.
Most of the defence team watch them go while Lilah and Issy glanced at their surroundings.
"Hey, so maybe we should tie the flag to that pole and stand around it?" Lilah had pointed out what once would have been a telephone pole but half of it had fallen down over time. It was placed in the corner of a building shaped like an 'L'. It would be easy to protect as there's only one way to it and that way is littered with rumble and bushes.
"Doesn't seem like anyone else has a better idea." Jason muttered as the rest of the team nodded. As Jason ties the flag so it is easily seen from a distance, the initiates plan who should stand where. Issy and Sam stand on the outer arc with Jason to Issy's right and Lynn to Sam's left. Noah and Flare complete the middle arc and as it was Lilah's idea she stands next to the flag. Minutes past and Issy rolls her shoulders, thankful that she's one of the best shooters in the Transfer's class. A twig snaps ahead and as a unit they raise their guns in that direction. Bushes rustle as a part of Four's team – with Four himself – engage. Zeke, Hector, Meg and Jess run at them. Meg and Jess are quickly shot down, Issy absently hears them gasp as she aims and shoots rapidly. Both teams take cover. Issy along with her team mates find themselves in a routine. Aim. Shoot. Cover Repeat. If Issy distracted herself from her job she would have heard the cries from Sam, Noah and Flare. Issy nearly did a double take as she shot Bree down, she hadn't seen Bree with Four and the others. 'Sneaky bitch, I'm almost impressed.' As Bree goes down she shoots out Lynn as Hec takes out Lilah. Hec moves forward towards the flag but Jason shoots him down. Now it's just Four and Zeke against Jason and Issy. The latter team nod at each other, nodding their heads in a brief understanding and move towards each other and the flag. Quicker than Issy can realise Zeke raises his gun and shoots. Unbelievable pain flows through Issy's knee. Gasping, she goes kneels down in surprise. 'Fuck, if this is what it feels like to be shot with a real gun.' She closed her eyes for a single moment breathing in through her nose and out through her mouth. 'I am Dauntless and Dauntless do not give up.' With new determination and the surprise of the others she stands back up and starts firing. Ollie and Charlie join the fray as darts fly in every direction. Four's team look on amazed as Issy takes hits – she can feel them numbing her body but that only spurs her on – but doesn't fall down. More minutes past and Jason takes down Ollie and Charlie and Zeke fires at Jason. One left. Issy backs up to the flag as Four and Zeke close in. If all three of them weren't too involved in the game then they would have noticed the rest of Four's team stood watching a few feet behind them and those watching from the rooftop of the building around the flag. But Four and Zeke were too busy trying to get the flag and Issy too busy protecting it. Four fires at Issy as Zeke throws himself forward. She dodges the dart and fires at Zeke, hitting him in the chest and he goes out. Four steps forward as Issy backs up. Simultaneously, they raise their guns at each other and Four pulls the trigger before Issy can react. She flinches in response but no dart lands home. She looks at him confused as he glares at his gun, shooting again. His eyes widen as Issy's do and he mumbles one word.
"Shit."
Issy grins. He's out of darts, practically defenceless. She raise her gun, her finger finding the trigger and fires. She is met with a small click. Nothing happens. She looks down at her gun, then at Four and back down to her gun as understanding sets in.
"Fuck!" She has no darts left either.
She looks up with widen eyes as Four gets into fighting stance she's seen so many times in training, gun still in his hands.
"You can always step down and hand me the flag." Despite his voice sounding reasonable she glares up at him, clutching the gun tighter. 'Step down?! Step down?!' She internally snarls. 'Like fucking never!' "It doesn't have to be this way Issy."
A plan suddenly pops into her mind and she begins to pretend to think it over. "Hmm..." Issy notices the exact moment when Four relaxes his stance. Snarling defiantly, she throws the gun towards him at an alarming speed. It hits his face with a satisfying smack as she runs towards him, jumping up and delivering a left hook to his cheek bone. Surprised, he staggers back. Issy steps forward as he takes one back. She grabs his gun out of his grasp as she spins away from him to his side. Issy allows him no time to recover as she flips the gun in her hands – barrel in her hand, handle facing out – as she slams it into Four's forehead. Four gasps forwards when she lands a blow to his stomach and groans as Issy brings the gun behind his knees and takes his legs from underneath him. Before he can move once more Issy once again flips the gun in her hands and purposefully drops it on his groin. Four yelps out in pain as his hands fly to his nuts and he curls up slightly.
"Yeah, no. I like winning too much to step down." She smirks as she finally registers those around her. Those of the defence team and of Four's team were staring at her with mouths open in shock and eyes wide. Issy looked up to see the offence team had join some of Four's on the rooftop, some equally as shocked as those on the ground. Her brothers however, had different expressions: Hugo appeared surprised but bored at the same time, Dec had his usual smug smile and Alec was crouched towards the end grinning. A bright orange shimmering from Alec's wrist caught her eye. The flag, Four's flag. They had won. A grin breaks out onto her face as the twins exchanged smirks. Issy set her gaze on Eric lastly, she didn't know what she had expected but the proud smile – not smug and over bearing – proud smile was large on his face. It widened into a grin when he caught her gaze and winked. Yes, Issy liked winning, loved it in fact, if that was the result she'd get every time she won.
God, what was wrong with her?!
I've been waiting to write that chapter for ages! Sorry if the fight seemed more like note form, I couldn't seem to get it to make sense to me. Advice is greatly welcome.