A/N I withdrew the chapters previously posted and touched them up and combined them to make less but longer chapters.

Please comment! Sloppy? Too long? Too short? Too quick? Too boring? Perfect? Let me know! Also, I have an idea of the story line, but not really planning ahead that well so... low expectations please?

"Oh my gosh, I'm so sorry!" I scrambled to pick up the boxes that dumped on the floor.

"No, it's okay," the woman replied. "Are you alright?"

"Yeah, yeah, I'm fine." I stood to pass her the items I picked up. The brunette was a few inches shorter than me, appearing about 45 years of age. Her eyes crinkled a bit at the edges as she smiled kindly, balancing her boxes against her curvy hips.

I didn't see how she could restack them to carry the ones I was holding as well. "Can I carry these for you?" Shit, I hope that didn't sound too abnegation. "I don't have anything to do, and I'd like to see more of the compound anyway."

"Oh, well that is very nice of you." She didn't seem fazed by my offer. "If it's not a bother. I'm taking them up to my shop." I followed as she began walking. I wished I hadn't undid my hair when I left dinner, as it now was in my mouth and face. I tried to brush it away with my shoulders.

"Oh cool, what's the shop for?"

"We sell the finest knives in the city," she answered proudly. "Amongst other items. Knives for throwing, knives for fighting, knives for cooking, Chinese stars, anything you can think of." She spoke quickly with enthusiasm for the trade.

"Do you have a Chakram?"

Her eyes lit up, delighted in someone knowing of the ancient throwing circle. "Of course! We have two different types that are sellable." She pressed the down button for the elevator. She turned her head, dark blue eyes sparkling. "But we also have older ones for display, some that are dated back to the 1700's. They're in a glass case if you'd like to see them."

"Oh, that would be a pleasure." I grinned, sincerely for the first time of the day, as I stepped into the elevator. I was amazed that such artifact from over a thousand years ago were preserved through the wars.

We exited on the 5th, only one below. Apparently, Dauntless went even further underground. This new hall was lit brilliantly, unlike the dim halls I had previously been through. There were multiple clothing stores, gift shops, and then a hair salon, before we arrived.

The shop had large glass panels displaying knife collections of different shapes, lengths, and kinds, belts, and some rusted or older artifacts with dates and locations written under them. Kanori's Knives and More. That's what the blinking red letters spelled over the top of the doorway.

"Kanori?" I asked. "Is that your name?"

"Last name. I'm Julie, and there's my husband, Amos." She pointed to a bearded man sitting at a desk, bushy eyebrows pulled together as he sharpened a knife.

Amos looked up upon hearing the door jingle open. "Hey sugar!" He stood and greeted his wife, furrowed eyebrows disappeared into a gentle smile as he towered over her. "And who might this young damsel be?"

"Prancer," I shook his hand firmly. I loved this couple already.

"Eh, so you're a thrower?"

"Yes," I wondered how he knew.

"Calluses," He answered, reading my mind.

It seemed he wasn't all brawn, no brain.

"Come on, let's see what you got."

oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

My arms and brain were heavy with newly learned techniques as I walked through the corridors. By the time I left the Kanori's, most of the shops were closed, but there was a faint echo of loud music from the pit.

The elevator dinged as it opened.

"You already know the answer is no, Eric." Four hissed, not noticing me against the wall next to the button. "I don't want the leadership position." I didn't know whether to let them know I was there, or stay quiet.

Eric was at his heels, responding sarcastically, "You already know I have to ask, Four." I began to relax as they walked away.

"While we're here..." Eric's tone changed darker, "What have you been sneaking around for?"

Four stopped turning, and I froze up again. I was right in his line of view as he faced Eric. "What?" Four face contorted.

"Never mind." Eric seemed to have gotten the reaction he wanted. The man was smart - I realized - and dangerous. He was someone I needed to stay away from. I wondered if his features were carefully schooled, or if his lips held his devilish smirk.

Four seemed to struggle to form words momentarily. "What are you accusing me of?"

"Nothing Four." Eric drawled condescendingly. He strode casually past Four, bumping his shoulder far to hard to be accidental. Eric's tone changed dramatically and forcefully lighter, "On an entirely different subject, I've been tracking the supply levels of weaponry. Our stock seems significantly lower than it ought to be." I was surprised how far their voices carried still clearly down the hall. "The factionless also seem to have gotten their hands on some new arms."

Eric turned back towards Four, now facing me. He told a half step forward, seeming to look down on Four even though Four was taller. "You wouldn't know anything about this now Four, would you?" Eric's voice dripped with the sarcastic taunt.

"What are you accusing me of, Eric?" Four's voice was dark, more forceful as he repeated the same question.

The elevator opened. I must have pressed the button accidentally with my elbow. Or maybe the devil did it. Eric glanced up, his glare landing on me. It was deadly.

My first instinct was to run. Just act natural. I began to step into the elevator.

"Stop!" Eric barked. Or not. He was barreling up to me before I could blink - Four at his heels.

I was frozen halfway through the elevator door. Shit, so much for laying low.

A dared to look up at Eric just as he halted in front of me. "What are you doing out here?" Recognition gleamed in his eyes. "Initiate," he added demeaningly.

"I was just l-looking around." I stood straight and looked him in the eyes, but my voice cracked slightly. Shit. Shit. Shit.

"Oh, just looking around." Eric mocked sardonically. "And what did you hear?"

"I didn't hear much." I tried to sound honest. "I'm not one to eavesdrop." That was a lie. "I'm just trying to find my way back," I almost whined as Eric still glared unforgivingly. "I got lost..." my voice trailed off, getting quieter each time I opened my mouth.

"Eric," Four tried to interfere. "I doubt she meant any harm."

"You can go Four," Eric sneered at the reminder of Four's presence. "Go on," he said when Four didn't move. "You were so eager to get away from me anyway." Eric grabbed my arm, forcefully pushing me back into the elevator with him.

Four tried to protest, "Maybe I shou-"

"Go away Four." Eric's glare turned back to him. Four looked at me apologetically as the doors shut us in.

Eric was silent, his face uncannily blank as he stared at the back wall facing me. I opted to look at the floor instead. His grip on my arm was painful, but I didn't dare move. I'm sure there would be bruises later.

The elevator opened, Eric whipped me around, readjusting His grip, and marched me out briskly pushing me in front of him. I tried to keep pace but kept stumbling. Eric was fuming inside - and me, being the nearest easy target, was going to take the brunt end of his wrath. I only hoped he would be rational.