Chapter Three:
Standing next to Aurora, now named Rori, she watched as the last person was helped down. The air down below was cold, and Zara shivered.
"I can't believe that we just did that!" She heard Rori whisper, excitedly into her ear, as she saw the man who helped them down turn to the group.
"Alright! Listen up!" He yelled out, and the chatting instantly stopped. "Dauntless born will go with Lauren, we assume that you won't need a tour." At that the group split, easily half of them going with Lauren, who turned and started to lead them to where they needed to go. Turning to look around Zara counted who all was left. There were 15 of them. Her and Rori from Amity, Three from Abnegation, Six from Erudite and four from Candor. She could tell that they were already singled out.
The man continued, " Most of the time I work in the Control room, but for the next few months, I am your instructor. My name is Four." Zara could hear sniffles of laughter from some of the other initiates, and kept her face blank. "Now follow me, we're about to go to the Pit, which some day you'll learn to love." He took off, and the group followed. Turning down the hall a couple times, Zara knew that it would take her a while to learn the lay out of the faction.
Four reached a set of double doors, and threw them open. The word Pit, best described it. It was a cavern, and from her viewpoint, Zara couldn't see the end of it. She could see stores as well as a couple food places as well as narrow sidewalks. The ceiling was all glass and she could see the sun starting to slowly set. Hanging on the walls every couple of steps were lanterns. The noise was a bit overwhelming for Ro, she could barely hear Four as he spoke again.
"Follow me, I'll show you all to the Chasm." He takes them through the Pit, and through the other side of it, where as the noise of the pit went quiet, the sound of rushing water replaced it. The ground drops off a couple feet, and from her spot, she spotted a bridge connecting the two sides. Water sprayed up, hitting Ro's side as Four continued on. " The chasm reminds us that there is a fine line between bravery and idiocy. A daredevil jump off this ledge will end your life. It has happened before and it will happen again." Zara could see a few alcoves, and knew that this would be the perfect getaway whenever she needed it.
"This is so cool!" She whispered to Rori, who nodded, a grin on her face. Continuing their little journey, they were led to a dining hall, where they received applause as they walked in. Zara and Rori were able to snag the last two seats next to the three Abnegation girls, who were talking quietly amongst themselves. Food was already on the table, as well as trays were already in front of each spot. Eyeing the thing of beef in front of her, Zara grabbed on, placing it onto her tray. Grabbing the bread, she slipped the circle of beef onto it, and tentatively took a bite. Besides it being a bit bland, it wasn't terrible.
"You ready for this?" She heard a soft voice speak. Looking up, she could see one of the girls from Abnegation looking at her. Swallowing the bite, she responded.
"Hell yeah! I knew from an early age that I just couldn't stay in Amity, so I'm excited and ready." She spoke, as Rori passed her a water glass already filled. "I'm Ro, by the way, former Amity."
"Elena, former Abnegation. These are my friends, Mack and Tatia." Pointing to her friends, who smiled and waved at her. The girls settled into a quiet conversation as they ate. Talking about their upbringings, and what they're most excited about. Looking up at the ledge at the sound of heavy footsteps, she could see the man from the roof- Eric- surveying the room. His lips curled into a sneer at the sight of her and Rori, no doubt at their still bright clothes. From here, she could point out the multiple piercings as well as the tattoos on his neck. She wasn't going to lie, he was attractive.
Dinner was finished and once all of the transfers were done, Four led them out of the dining hall. Explaining that they were headed to the dorms, where they were to change. Opening the door, there was a slight gasp as they all realized how open the room was. There was a ghost of a smirk on Four's face.
"If you think this is great, wait till you see the bathroom. Now, there are two piles of clothes on the beds, they should fit for now. You'll be able to go out and get new ones tomorrow after training. You'll each receive the same amount of points to spend on whatever, but these will be the only points you get for this section of training, so use them wisely."
Zara and Rori quickly changed, using the other as a shield from the boys. Pulling her hair back up, she pulled the pants up, tucking the bottoms in. It felt weird to be dressed in all black, but at the same time, it felt right. Rori had found them an empty bunk to claim as theirs, next to Tatia and Elena.
"Follow me, we have one more thing to do and then it's lights out." Was it already that late? They once again followed Four, as he led them down the hallway, taking a right and then a left. "Here is where you'll throw your clothes, to sever your ties with your birth faction. You're Dauntless now." An Erudite was first, followed by his friends. Zara was the last one, and with a second glance at the colorful clothing, threw them into the depths of the fire pit. She felt free almost.
Later that night, once everyone had fallen asleep, Zara glanced up at the ceiling. She had tried to sleep, but yet it still hasn't come. Flipping her pillow over, she flipped onto her side. She missed her mother, and family, but she had made the right choice. After flipping over a few more times, she fell into a dreamless sleep.