Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters from Twilight or Divergent. Those rights are reserved for Stephanie Myer and Veronica Roth.
Writer's note: Thank you Goddess, Roxhall, and Navywife for your reviews! Having just a bit to rest is so important, especially when running for your life. Hope all is well and everyone has a great Friday! Thanks for so much support! Don't forget to follow, favorite, and review!
Bella woke up, her lashes fluttering a little as she looked around. She was in a room in Johanna's main house, laying in bed. "What?" She was a bit groggy.
Johanna smiled, standing from where she was sitting. "You're awake, that's good."
"What happened?"
"You passed out dear." Johanna said softly. "You're not dehydrated like I thought."
"I've been hydrating all day. It's been hot." Bella said and sat up, testing her strength and she seemed fine. "What's wrong with me?"
Johanna smiled. "Jasper and Four are outside helping your parents, and the Priors get ready to be moved. I don't know how much time we have before Jeanine tries to come for your parents and the Priors. Four said he has contact with the leader of the factionless and he'll take them there. They are very well hidden and not even I know who the leader is."
"Okay, but what's wrong with me? I fainted." Bella said, frowning.
"My dear… you're pregnant." Johanna said softly.
Bella shook her head. "That can't be." She said, confused.
"It's true. Mariah came with the ultrasound machine. Don't worry, we were discrete. She initially wanted to use it to check your heart and when it was fine. She checked other places and discovered the baby." Johanna explained. "Here." She said and handed Bella a black and white photo. "This is your baby."
Bella took the picture and looked at it. "So little…" she murmured. "I don't understand how this is even possible. We're given injections when we arrive at Dauntless."
"It failed. It happens. You're Divergent, so I assume serums metabolize different in your system." Johanna explained. "I've seen it happen a couple times before." She said with a nod. "For now, you should rest for the day, let me get you food."
Bella shook her head. "I can't lay around Johanna. My parents, I have to see them. I need to go- "
"No. What you need to do is wait for Tori. Eric said that she will get you and Jasper out of the city."
"That means going over the wall. There's nothing out there."
"I don't know. Eric seems to think that maybe you stand a better chance." Johanna said softly.
Bella shook her head. "No. I'm not leaving the city and letting Jeanine burn everything I love to the ground. I'm Dauntless. I'm not afraid to go up against her."
"You're also with child. My dear, you need to take it easy."
Bella looked at Johanna. "I can't think about anything else right now. I want nothing more than to be safe with Eric and have this child. Right now, I must fight back with whatever time we have left in this world and this is the way it must be."
"You'll be risking your baby."
"I know." Bella said, swallowing. "I know Johanna, but... I can't do this alone. Not without him."
"Bella, my dear you are both brave and strong. You can do anything by yourself when you set your mind to it. Don't let Jeanine ruin this for you." Johanna tried to be convincing.
Bella looked at the picture, the small little blip of the love that her and Eric shared. "I can't let him do this alone."
"He's not alone. Jasper is backing him, even Four despite his initial shock like me is backing him. I will back Eric. It's okay to rest. Stay hidden like Eric said and we'll get through this." Johanna said with a small smile, reaching a hand out and patting Bella's arm.
"Johanna… I still have to try." Bella said, looking up from the picture. "Tell no one, not even Jasper and Four about this." She said. "I don't want this getting out."
Johanna frowned again. "Bella…"
"This is my decision." Bella said with a nod. "I know it seems like I don't care, but I do. I can still be useful. I'm strong, like you said. I need to get to my other friends in Dauntless."
"It's best we wait for them to come to you. What if Jeanine finds you there? Jack Kang is about justice and right now, he's thinking what Jeanine is saying is truth."
Bella shook her head. "He'll have to be told. The others need to know the truth. They use truth serums, they can use them on me and Jasper and they'll know the truth then."
Johanna pursed her lips. "I don't like this."
"You don't have to like it, Johanna. You just have to let me do my job." Bella said. "I don't know why they need so many Divergents to open up the box, but if Jeanine isn't satisfied then she'll be back. Eric won't be able to protect Amity for long. It's time we bring the fight to Jeanine. I need soldiers for that and I'm not willing to risk the peace here in Amity any longer. If I stay longer, then… I'm afraid it will happen."
"I told you I- "
"You shouldn't have to be a soldier, Johanna. Let me." Bella said and then she pushed aside the blankets and got up, testing her legs, and she felt fine. "I'll do everything to protect this city from Jeanine. Trust me."
Johanna studied Bella. She was fierce and brave, she put others above herself. She was Divergent. All the characteristics of each faction, combined into a single person. "Okay." She finally gave in. "But you have to be careful."
"I will." Bella said and then she left. She found Jasper outside talking to Emmett. When she walked up, Jasper looked at her, instantly worried. "I'm okay."
Jasper was frowning. "You passed out on me."
"I know and I'm sorry."
"No, don't be sorry. What's wrong?"
"Dehydration." Bella said quickly. "We need to get with Four."
"Four is on his way to take your parents and the Priors to safety. There was no time. Intel says that Jeanine already wants to tear Amity apart looking for us. Caius says he heard from a little birdy that we were here and escaped detection."
"So fast?" Bella said with a frown. "How do you know already?"
"Because, when you were unconscious, Four managed to hack his palm pilot and get a message to Eric and Eric sent back one. You were out for a while." Jasper explained.
Bella sighed. "Okay, we need to get to Candor then. We meet up with Tori, Chris, and Will. Check on the others."
"We'll be arrested immediately." Jasper said. "Are you sure?"
"Yes." Bella said with a nod. "Jack Kang is an honest man. We convince him to use truth serums on us then we tell the truth and get Kang on our side along with the Dauntless survivors there. If Four can get the factionless on board then I say we strike Jeanine first. We don't wait for her to destroy any more of our city."
"Count me in." Emmett said.
"Em, no. You have to stay here." Bella said, looking at him.
Emmett shook his head. "I'm big and strong, I can help. Promise Bella, I can be of some use."
"You can stay here and protect Johanna and the others. I'm afraid Jeanine will tear through here and Johanna won't have a chance to defend." Bella explained.
Johanna walked outside. "We'll be quite alright. Take Emmett with you, I would feel safer with him there along for the ride." She said, her eyes insisting.
Bella sighed. "Fine. Let's gather what we need and leave immediately."
Jasper nodded. "Alright. Em, get a pack together, water, jerky. We'll meet back here." He said and Emmett nodded before trotting off. Jasper looked back at Bella. "You sure you want to do this?"
"Positive." Bella said with a nod.
[Candor]
Candor was a beautiful place to visit. They had the library commons that anyone could access and of course they had the auditorium that housed the choosing ceremony each year. More importantly, this is where all the trials were held and where disputes were settled. The main building was tall, built in white with shining windows that reflected the sun, but you couldn't see in. The Candor symbol was etched on the ground outside, and the steps that went up to the main doors, was made of a white stone as well. Bella, Emmett, and Jasper arrived at Candor and Christina was the first person outside to greet Bella.
The two girls hugged each other tight which made Jasper smile then he looked up at Will when he approached wearing a sling. They did a side hug and then focused back on Bella and Christina.
"You're going to get arrested." Christina said when she pulled back.
"We know." Bella said. "We have important things to talk about and we need not only Dauntless survivors, but also Jack Kang."
Christina nodded. "Well let's get inside before the Dauntless drones catch you." She said and ushered Bella, Emmett, and Jasper inside.
Once inside, it was even grander, the marble floor and high sculpted ceilings detailed exactly how rich the Candor faction was. They were honest people, who worked honestly as well. The Candor symbol was on the big marble floor in black, contrasting the two Candor colors.
"This is Emmett by the way." Bella said, motioning to Emmett.
Christina smiled at Emmett. "Hey, I'm Chris and that's Will." She introduced and then Candor soldiers surrounded them. Candor had their own security so to speak, and they were the only ones allowed to carry a weapon.
Bella put her hands up, like she wasn't a threat and Jasper followed suit. They were the only two armed since Four was with the factionless at the moment. "We're not here to harm." She said simply.
One soldier, stepped forward restraining Jasper and Bella, leaving Emmett since he wasn't their target. They took Bella and Jasper's weapons then they were escorted to a large room, where Jack Kang was at. They had rode the elevator up what seemed like forever. The room that Jack Kang was in had many windows that over looked Seattle and the room was dark marble everywhere, even his desk. Jack Kang was a classy looking man. The white and black drab suited him.
"Bella Swan, Jasper Whitlock, you are under arrest for-"
"Wait." Bella said. "It's not what it looks like."
"Tell me, what does it look like? You tried to murder an entire faction and Jeanine Matthews."
Bella shook her head. "You believe in the truth, right?"
"I do." Jack said, tilting his head.
"Then give us truth serums. We'll tell you everything you ask. You give us a trial here that will be fair and overall, the truth will be heard." Bella said quickly.
Jack seemed to think about this. "Alright. We'll do your trial here. Are you sure you want to endure the strength of the truth serum? You won't be able to lie. If you fight the truth, it is painful."
"I understand." Bella said with a nod. "I'm sure I want to do this."
"Very well." Jack said and motioned to two of his personal guard. "Bring them to the judicial chamber, inject them." He said and then turned and went to his desk to grab some things.
The two guardsmen brought Bella and Jasper back out of the Jack's office, down the elevator again then they filtered into another room. Other Candor gathered around and even Dauntless. Christina, Will, Tori, and Emmett were all grouped together, looking worried.
Jasper was injected first and pushed up on a stage. Jack was standing at a white marble podium, as he watched Jasper take the stage after his injection.
"Is your name Jasper Whitlock?" Jack asked, his voice ringing out.
"Yes." Jasper answered.
"Are you Divergent?"
"Yes." Jasper answered again.
Jack nodded. "The attack on Abnegation, was that your doing?"
Jasper shook his head. "No."
"Who's was it?"
"Jeanine Matthews."
"How?" Jack asked, curious.
Jasper nodded. "A simulation. The Dauntless were injected with a serum that placed them in a simulation controlled by Jeanine. They marched into Abnegation and pulled people from their homes, but they didn't know they were doing it."
"And this serum didn't work on you because you're Divergent?"
"Yes."
"Did you hurt anyone?" Jack asked.
"Yes." Jasper said and swallowed.
"Who?"
"Bella." Jasper responded, his eyes looking sorrowful.
"Why did you do this?"
"A new serum developed by Caleb Prior was injected into me. It was able to control me for a time and Jeanine forced me to fight against Bella."
"But you're not under that simulation no longer." Jack pointed out. "Why?"
"Because I fought it. I broke the simulation in time before I could hurt Bella any further." Jasper explained.
Bella looked over at Christina, who looked back over at her with a sad smile.
Jack nodded. "Very well, Jasper you are absolved of your alleged crimes and are proven innocent. You are free to step down." He said with a motion of his hand. "Bella, you're next." He said, and then Bella was injected and placed on stage.
"Is your name Bella Swan?" Jack began.
Bella nodded. "Yes."
"Jeanine Matthews orchestrated the attack on Abnegation?"
"Yes."
"You took no part in assisting her?" Jack asked.
"No."
Jack nodded. "You are Divergent?"
"I am."
"Jeanine was attacked during this. Was that you?"
"Yes."
Jack raised a brow. "Why?"
"She was making the Dauntless start executing Abnegation. I threw a knife through her hand to stop her and forced her to shut the program down and erase it so Dauntless wouldn't become murderers and Abnegation wouldn't die." Bella explained.
"Have you killed a person?" Jack asked.
"I have."
"Who?"
Bella swallowed. "Dauntless soldier that attempted to kill me first. He accidentally went over the catwalk during our struggle."
Jack nodded. "Do you know what Jeanine is planning?"
"Yes."
"What is it?"
"There's a box that only a Divergent can open. She's using Divergents around the city to try and open it."
"What's in the box?" Jack asked.
Bella shook her head. "I don't know."
"Who are her sympathizers?"
"Caleb Prior is working directly with her. Anyone that is following orders are just following orders."
"Why?"
"Fear."
"Fear of what?"
"Fear of death." Bella responded.
Jack thought about this. "Bella Swan, you are absolved of your charges and are proven innocent. You may step down."
Bella stepped down off the stage and went to Christina, who hugged her again.
"You're okay." Christina murmured in her ear.
"For now." Bella said and then she pulled away and looked up at Jack as he walked towards her. "Sir… I need to talk with you."
Jack nodded. "Very well. Follow me. All of you." He said with a nod and Bella followed Jack, along with Christina, Will, Tori, Emmett, and Jasper.
Eric watched Jeanine pace back and forward. "What if the box is just old and can't be opened anymore?" He suggested.
"No, it has to be opened."
"All the Divergents we've brought back are dying. Maybe Caleb and Edward don't know if- "
"The formulas are right." Caleb cut Eric off.
Eric looked at Caleb, his eyes narrowing. "You may be one of the elite favorites, Prior, but make no mistake, I will snap you like a little twig if you ever interrupt me again, got it?"
Caleb swallowed nervously, and nodded.
Eric looked back at Jeanine. "So, what now?"
"We need more Divergents. We need… someone who is even more Divergent than these Divergents."
"We're finding nothing over 66 percent." Eric said.
"You haven't found Bella or Jasper. They could be the key. The box was found in the Prior's house. Maybe Bella is the way this thing opens." Jeanine said. "I want her found alive and brought here."
Eric nodded, hoping that Bella was hidden safe and sound still. "Very well. In the meantime?"
"Keep testing the Divergents. They'll have to die anyways, might as well put them to good use." Jeanine said with a wave of her hand.
Eric looked up into the glass room, the last Divergent was still hanging there in suspension, dead from his try at opening the box. He swallowed, thinking about how this could happen to Bella and he couldn't allow that to happen. "Alright." He finally said. "I'll be back in the field then." He said and then turned and left.
In Jack's office, Bella stood front and center, while Jack went to his desk.
"What is it you need to discuss?" Jack asked.
"I want to take the fight to Jeanine. If we wait and let Jeanine just round up Divergents throughout the city, then that's more damage she would do. She had Dauntless crash through the fences at Amity to search for Divergents and according to my contact inside Dauntless right now, she's not going to stop. She's power hungry and looking for ways to gain ultimate power."
Jack listened to Bella and gave a nod. "Your contact, are they reliable?"
"They are."
"Jeanine is plotting to take control over the entire city… what is it you expect me to do?"
"I need the support. I want to combine what's left of Dauntless here and the Factionless army that has been building in order to take Jeanine out, so she can't burn down this entire city. I want to protect the innocent children from her wrath. I want to make sure that we can keep our humanity." Bella said, passion filled her voice.
Jack nodded. "Very well. I will help. I'll lend you what forces we have trained and what weapons we confiscated from the Dauntless survivors when they came here. We'll organize once we get to full strength."
"Thank you, Jack."
"My pleasure." Jack said with a nod. "Now, get something to eat, and get cleaned up some. Rest, before all of this takes place."
Bella gave a nod. "We will." She said and then she turned and left with the others. She was glad that she convinced Jack to help and to see her side of things. She was thankful for Candor's extreme will to know the truth and always tell the truth. She felt tiny flutters in her belly, but she knew it couldn't be the baby because it was too small and she knew it had to be her nerves. She was nervous about taking on Jeanine head-on, but they had no other choice at this moment.