Four - Choosing Day
Another year, another group of initiates. Part of my contract as head of security involves training the faction transfers. I don't mind as much as I make out I do, I get to train the newest members of Dauntless. That's if they make the cut. It's not easy seeing sixteen year olds getting kicked to the curb because they couldn't punch someone hard enough. But it's part of my job, and I don't have a choice.
I'm stood in my usual spot next to the net. Every year, the new initiates have to make the paralysing jump off the edge of a building, through a gigantic hole in what used to be a loading dock, and onto the net in front of me. On average, at least two initiates bail at this point. Sunlight is shimmering through the square opening and bounces off the grey stone walls. The sun is strong today, I see tiny specs of fibre floating steadily in the light. I don't know how, but I envy the spec. To be able to float in air, being careless, must be wonderful. I try to not let my thoughts wander down such a familiar dark path. Other than where the opening is, the room is in darkness, where there are several shadows lurking.
Lauren steps forward, the several piercings in each ear catching the light. She is in charge of the Dauntless born initiates. There is no longer any room on her body for tattoos and her dark tresses are dreadlocked. How ironic it is that the person I would fall in love with would be a plain Abnegation girl. I came to Dauntless for a full adjustment, to never think of home again. I just don't find the devil-may-care look attractive. I find Tris attractive. My heart swells and pain overwhelms me thinking of Tris. I grit my teeth and try to focus. However, me and Lauren were in the same initiation group and even though she is Dauntless born, we are still good friends.
"How you holding up, buddy?" She asks sweetly. Though she looks your typical Dauntless girl, she has a softer side.
"As good as can be expected." Her gaze doesn't falter, she's searching me for a sign of emotion. I look away for fear of exposure.
Eric's voice suddenly booms from above, telling the new initiates what they are expected to do. He asks for the first jumper. We don't hear a response and assume that nobody has volunteered, as usual.
Out of nowhere, a tumbling mess of grey clothes falls through the air and lands on the net. Usually, initiates have many different reactions to the fall. Some scream, some cry and some appear to have been shocked into silence. This initiate had none of these reactions, she lands, pulls herself up steadily and jumps off, landing on two feet.
Now I was the one who was shocked into silence.
Instinctively, I went to the girl. She has dirty blond hair and green eyes as deep as a forest. She looks as if her and Tris could be sisters, if not twins.
"Four, you're hurting me." She pleads, I hadn't realised that I have a grip on her arms. I'm clutching so hard my knuckles are white.
"Sorry. How do you know my name? Why are you here?" I ask.
"I'm here to give you a message."
Authors Note: Hi everyone, I'm really sorry it's taken me so long to update this story. I had a baby! He's only 10 weeks old and my whirlwind life is just starting to settle back down again, giving me time to write. I hope you all enjoy this chapter and I can't wait to hear your thoughts.