Chapter 11

Kazana has lived factionless her entire life, having been found by the rebels who strive to live without the faction system she becomes their new secret weapon. The plan is clear, choose dauntless, pass initiation, infiltrate the system, but what can she do when a certain leader sees through her façade? AU No War, One year after Tris' initiation.

Disclaimer: I do not own Divergent. *muffled sob*

6 months prior to initiation

The bread in her hands had the consistency of a brick, dry and tasteless; it was a welcome discomfort to Kazana. It filled a void that was only too natural to her; Edward was not quite as beholden as he picked at the crisp dough.

"This is an abomination, there is an abomination in my mouth right now" a distinct look of displeasure marring his features as he slowly chewed. Kazana glanced up from her pitiful meal, her mouth stuffed to the brim with what remained of the bread. "Weh iyor nugunna eedat" she shrugged, wiggling her fingers in his direction.

Edward shot her a look of disgust, a laugh erupting from him as he held his food out of her reach.

"What was that my lady? I'm afraid my weak ears could not discern your regal dialect!"

Kazana scowled at him and struggled to swallow some of the food wedged in her throat, "Well. If. You're. Not. Gonna. Eat. That," she repeated slowly, grappling at his hands with renewed force.

Edward's chuckles increased as she attempted to climb over him for the remainder of the loaf, he knew not to push her too far, even he was smarter than to challenge the girl who was now referred to among the factionless as 'The Lethal Weapon'.

Her attacks ceased as she felt a wad of dough lodge itself in her throat, Kazana's face began to redden as she hacked up the offending substance. Breathing a sigh of relief when she spat it on to the ground and inhaled a fresh gust of air, once calmed she looked up to find Edward staring at her in complete horror.

A few moments of silence passed between them before his face broke in to a grin, he literally hooted with laughter, an uncontrollable honking sound as his eyes shone with mirthful tears. Kazana could not contain her giggles at the very sight of him, such moments were a rarity.

"You-you you're so-" Edward fell on to his back, body shaking from the force of his laughs. Kazana mimicked the movement and shuffled up next to him so they both stared up at the darkening sky.

Finally catching his breath he turned his head to look at her with a wide smile.

"You're a complete savage," he chortled, she turned to face him with a proud smirk.

"Absolutely wild, what would your mother say," Edward froze, smile dropping as he realized the error of his words.

He watched her with a mixture of shame and pity, she turned away from his gaze.

"Kazana I'm sorry, I wasn't thinking. I-" his words halted as she held up a hand and inhaled deeply, turning to him with a neutral smile.

"You've no reason to apologize Ed, it doesn't bother me," she reassured, a cool nonchalance in her voice. He studied for a few moments, wary that she would close herself off from him.

"It's just we've never discussed…I wasn't sure whether it was a touchy subject for you...," he spoke carefully gaging for her reaction, but she simply fixed him with an eye roll and a crooked smile.

"Nothing to be touchy about, I was born parentless, I've never known anything else...it helps when you don't know what you're missing."

Edward felt a painful pang in his chest as he watched Kazana shrug and look down to fiddle with the thread of her trousers, a dark curtain of hair shielding her face from him.

"I'm so-"

"That's enough! I said don't be, it's fine! I'm fine! Everything's fine!" she snapped, immediately regretting her outburst as she watched his face fall.

She sighed and moved closer to him, bumping his shoulder with her own and shooting him a cheeky smile.

"You know if you're really sorry you could always part with that abomination…"

8 years prior to initiation

Kazana grimaced as she crouched in a secluded alleyway and spat out a mouthful of blood, gagging on the steely taste that belonged to another. Having had the one place she could call home destroyed in The Purification, it was a struggle to find somewhere that would provide sanction in the after-burn of the event. Shadowed figures watched as she stumbled through the streets, narrowed eyes following her every movement as what survivors had remained strived to protect their hideouts.

A pained whine caught Kazana's attention, inclining her head towards the direction of the sound her eyes fell on a young woman who cradled a bundle of blankets in her arms. Two more children clung to her tattered robes, thumbs in mouths as they gazed back at Kazana with curious eyes.

An 8 year old Kazana took cautious steps towards the family, body trembling as the woman's head snapped up. Her eyes, wide and hollow amidst a gaunt face, narrowed in fear and anger, "you can't stay here!" she spat.

Kazana retreated back, tense and fearful as the viciousness of her tone broke the charged silence. "I didn't want to stay I just-"

"You get away from here! We have little enough food and shelter as it is, go! Shoo!"

Breaking in to a run, Kazana strived to distance herself from the woman's hatred. She threw herself in to an abandoned alcove, sliding down the crumbling wall, and finally allowed anguished sobs to wrack her body. She buried her shaking hands in to her hair, bitten fingernails digging in to her scalp as the pain swallowed her whole.

It wasn't the cold, hunger or exhaustion. It was loneliness, and it overwhelmed her.

"Mummy."

Present day

Eric wasn't looking at her; he was looking in every direction but hers. Kazana watched him shamelessly with narrowed eyes from her place at the breakfast table. What is his problem?

"-so I just decided to shoot the duck and eat the dauntless cake myself," Wes declared, poking the distracted girl beside him.

"Sorry what?" Kazana asked, slowly drawing her eyes away from the other table.

"My dream? I was telling you about how I became the beloved tyrant of this city, bringing infinite wrath in my wake, adored and feared by many," Wes sighed dreamily, suddenly lost in his beautiful, if not slightly insane visions.

Vesper looked on with her mouth agape as everyone tucked into their food.

"Am I the only one who is highly disturbed by this boy?"

Mia leaned over from her place further down the table.

"Perhaps you are just highly aware of him, it is common knowledge that one side effect of attraction is to be very much in tune to the object of your desires," she gave Vesper an expectant smile, as if to be congratulated for such a revelation.

Wes grinned, suddenly very disinterested in his fantasy as Vesper's face flushed a light crimson.

"Shut up Nose."

Harry vs Lisa

Mia vs Solomon

Jared vs Fay

Bernie vs Kaz

Kazana winced as she saw the name that was written alongside Mia's, what friendship they had was weak, but it still bothered her to see the vicious glint in his eye as he sized the former Erudite up. Her worries were quelled for a moment as she watched Lisa take to the ring, there was a confidence about her that was entirely new and she wondered whether the previous night had played an important factor.

The fight was drawn out for longer than expected, Harry wasn't ready for the onslaught that Lisa gave him and it was only after she began to tire, beating at him with desperate punches, that he finally tripped and knocked himself out in the process.

Peter sniggered at the display, but nodded in approval as Lisa dragged herself out of the ring, panting wildly.

"Well that's new," he snorted, proceeding to circle Lisa's name, her face broke in to a victorious smile.

"Smile all you want, you're still ranking bottom," Solomon sneered, jumping onto the step where Mia was already stood dejectedly, her eyes cast down.

Kazana felt her fists tighten as she watched him stalk around her arrogantly before taking up a ready stance, how she would love to give him a real fight, and by real fight she meant kick his ass.

One vicious hair pull and Mia was on the ground face down whilst Solomon kicked her repeatedly in the face and ribs, his teeth gritted and a crazed pleasure contorted his features as he battered the girl senselessly. It wasn't long before she slumped on to the ground in defeat; he continued to beat her anyway.

"Enough!" Peter shouted, his expression one of confusion and shock. Kazana snorted to herself, as if you're any better.

Jared put up no resistance as Fay ripped in to him during their fight, his head jerked up in surprise when Tris burst through the entrance and down the stairs. Fay used this to her advantage and knocked him to the ground with a final blow.

"Late again, Stiff?" Peter drawled.

"Important matters, I had to deliver a message. I'm here now, what have I missed?" she asked.

"Nothing worth seeing," he shrugged, eyes flickering to Kazana's direction. Kaz grinned openly as she saw Solomon's face twist in a scowl, but frowned as she watched him whisper directly in to Bernie's ear. Her opponent nodded and finally met Kazana's gaze with a dangerous smile of her own.

The two girls took to the ring, Bernie ran to take her place, feet bouncing back and forth in anticipation. Kazana moved calmly to stand opposite her, never letting her eyes stray from the girl's face, never giving an inkling of how she'd attack.

A piercing scream erupted from the girl as she went to latch herself on to Kaz, arms flailing. The unusual approach threw her for a moment, but she landed her fist with ease in to the open target that was Bernie's chin.

Disappointment flooded Kazana as she watched her fall ungracefully on to her arse; Eric had ruined her for any other opponent. She scolded herself immediately at the thought, stop glorifying him, you fool!

Scrambling to her feet, Bernie threw an aggressive punch towards Kazana's face, who defected it with ease, Kaz had not expected the girl to sink her teeth ravenously in to her blocking arm.

Before she had time to slap the girl away, she felt Bernie's desperate hand grasping on to her ponytail, wrenching it to the side.

"Fuck her up Bernie!" Solomon crowed and it occurred to Kaz then that he must have whispered words of advice in her ear. So she wanted to fight dirty.

Kazana used the arm that was not currently being gnawed at by a psychotic abnegation transfer, to wrap her hand calmly around the girl's neck. She squeezed riotously, causing the girl to loosen her grip on Kaz's hair; Bernie's face began to purple as she took a step back trying to escape Kazana's hold.

They locked eyes and Kazana did not need a mirror to know her eyes were burning, her face contorted in complete loathing, Bernie shrunk under her malevolent gaze. Kazana gripped the hand on her hair, and bent four fingers back until there was an audible snap.

Bernie fell to her knees with a Banshee like scream, cradling her broken hand to her chest as angry tears flowed down her face. Kazana felt no remorse as she looked over to Peter, one eyebrow raised.

"Urm…I think that's…that'll do for today. I want everyone here on time tomorrow, we'll be doing something a little different, and can SOMEONE SHUT HER UP!" he shouted, flinging his hand in the direction of the girl whose wails still echoed off the walls.

Peter stormed out of The Pit, followed by Tris who shot Kazana a fond smile before leaving. Wes regarded her for a moment after they left, and then fell to one knee, head bowed and fist clenched to his heart.

"Tyrant Queen, I am at your service, I bequeath my life to you in the pursuit of knowledge so that you may teach me your wicked wicked ways!" He looked up at her for a moment with a cheeky wink before returning to his original position.

"What sort of queen am I? Without my chariot?" she laughed but was cut off when he grinned and proceeded to throw her over his shoulder.

"TO THE FEAST, WE GO!" He bellowed, zooming off towards the food hall.

Eric was stalking from one side of the wall to another when Kazana approached the secret training quarters at 8.32pm that evening. Her calm yet confident steps only served to anger him more as she neared; he'd been like a livewire all day, just waiting for the spark that would set him off.

"You're late." He snapped, a quick once over had him noting she had opted for a more conservative outfit for their session, if that gave him displeasure, he sure as hell wouldn't acknowledge it.

She looked startled for a moment, but relaxed against the wall to look him dead in the eye.

"Sorry Sir," she sassed. Eric felt his groin twitch at her sly tone, lust and resentment had been searing inside him since their heated fight.

He pushed the stone away as he had done the previous night but blocked her way with a single arm; Kazana looked up at him, a retort ready on her tongue but was stilled by his stony expression.

"Talk to me like that again and see what happens. I'm still the leader here, and you're still just an initiate, one wrong move and you're out. Is that clear?" his voice was a cold hiss, the defiance in Kazana's face melted away leaving a rare vulnerability.

Her body felt alive with that same energy she felt course through her whenever in his presence, why does it have to be him?! She nodded, he retracted his arm slowly and Kaz darted to the far side of the room, eager for the distance, a chance to clear her head.

"I want to see how you handle a gun," he slid a black case towards her.

What confidence she'd had seemed to have left her as she met his impervious stare, their interactions from the previous night had given her a false sense of security. Despite his constant coldness, she'd begun to sense a certain sort of…intimacy between them, and now she felt like a fool.

Crouching down to open the box she assembled the weapon with swift fingers, trying to ignore the way his eyes burned into her as she did. In a matter of moments she held a loaded gun in her hand, Kaz rose and avoided Eric's gaze as she came to stand before one of the targets.

Deciding that she did not want to push him any further that night, Kazana did not pull the same stunt she had with Solomon, holding the weapon in both hands, she raised her arms and pulled the trigger.

5 shots fired, 5 bullets found the centre of the target. Her eyes never drifted from the bull's eye, she simply stood and waited for further words of instruction.

Kazana gasped when a pair of strong arms enclosed around her waist, Eric's solid form was pressed against her back, electricity surged through her body and god he just felt so warm. His large hands guided her hips in to a straighter position; he ran them up to her shoulders where he pressed his thumbs deep into the tort muscles.

Kaz bit back a moan as his fingers applied the perfect pressure to her sore tendons.

"You need to relax," his voice had taken on a gruffer tone and it sent shivers down her spine. "The tension is slowing you down, try again."

Closing her eyes, Kazana relaxed in to him, her heart was beating a mile a minute but she found the adrenaline effective as she looked at the target once more and fired five more shots, each one reaching the same point, but at a much faster rate.

Eric felt the vibrations of the gun through her body as he allowed one hand to drift back down, clasping her waist tightly. She was an excellent shooter, he was hardly surprised, what he hadn't expected was the strong reaction he felt at seeing her fire the weapon, her dark eyes fixed with deadly determination on the target ahead.

He knew how it felt to want a woman, he was no stranger to his libido, but Eric knew better than to think this was just another easy lay. She was powerful, Kaz had worked hard to conceal that from him, from everyone, but he saw her strength now, and he wanted it.

Hence why he stood now with her small soft figure pressed firmly against him. He knew he had to stop, whilst he still had the excuse of 'helping' her, but it was becoming increasingly difficult, especially when she released a breathy sigh and relaxed further in to him. Her raven locks were swept in to a high ponytail leaving her neck exposed to him; he gripped his hands tighter, trying to regain some control. It was then that he heard it, as his fingers dug deeper in to her flesh she released a whimper of pained pleasure, and he felt his last slip of resolve melt away.

Kazana's face flushed with embarrassment as she heard the pathetic sound leave her mouth, but her eyes widened when she felt him tighten his hold in response. Strong, tense muscles formed a secure cage around her torso as his nose skimmed her jaw line, his hot breaths teasing the skin of her neck. The force of his hold had her moaning throatily when she felt herself grinding back into the unmistakable hardness of his erection; they both froze at the sound.

It was clear to Kazana now, just how very cold the stone room was when he released her in an instant, she stumbled forward slightly but managed to catch herself. The gravity of the situation weighed down on her as she turned to find him regarding her, his eyes dark with desire but it soon vanished to the steely mask that Kaz came to resent in that moment.

"Go," he demanded, pushing the rock away and standing as far from her as he possibly could whilst holding it open.

Her legs were jelly beneath her as she struggled to form a coherent thought; he was glaring at her now. Kazana had never met someone who could fire her up the way he did, make her entire body pulse with a burning need she did not understand, and then cool in an instant, so tenacious and unfeeling. She stood rooted to the spot, her eyes staring up at him wide with confusion.

"Fucking GO! NOW!" He roared. Kazana bolted from the room without another word.

Peter had been right; they were doing something different which was why Kaz now stood shivering on the rail tracks beside her fellow initiates, jumping from one foot to the other in anticipation of the train.

When it finally arrived she threw herself on without hesitation, eager to escape the icy morning air, the others soon followed and slumped together on the floor in a lazy pile. Kazana remained standing, staring out the train door at the retreating compound.

Her face flushed when saw an agile muscular form swing in through the open door at the other end of the carriage; suddenly the day trip had become a lot less thrilling.

She continued to gaze resolutely out at the approaching city but was interrupted when a broad arm shot out and slammed the door shut. His warm earthy aroma was enough to alert her to who was stood beside her but she reluctantly turned her head anyway to meet his sardonic look.

"Careful Initiate, at least leave the suicide attempts until after you've been cut," he smirked. Kazana seethed silently at his words but refused to rise to the taunt as she walked away to slump down beside Lisa, who watched their exchange with interest.

Eric took on an authoritarian tone as he addressed the transfers and dauntless borns alike.

"Okay listen up, today we're going to be visiting the Fence, this is where we guard the city against any possible attacks." He paused when an audible groan sounded from the group, he glared at those who had moaned in protest and they halted instantly, his voice hardened.

"The Fence is where many of you will end up working should you pass initiation, so I'd get pretty damn accustomed with it if I were you."

He shoved open the door and moved into another compartment.

A dreamy flutter sounded by Kazana's ear and she turned to find Orange hair gazing out after him, chin propped up on one hand.

"I just love it when he gets all tough and dominating," she giggled and Kaz felt a flash of red hot irritation at the girl's words, it's just because he riles me up…nothing more.

The city began to fade in to the distance as the train neared their destination, what seemed to be hundreds of black dots lining the vast fence turned out to be the many legions of Dauntless troops, stationed at different points, some with their backs away to the city, and some watching their approach with hawk like eyes.

Kazana leaped from the train with a flip, and landed with her feet planted firmly in the ground, Vesper followed suit and the girls grinned at each other for a moment before heading off after the others. Eric, Peter and Lauren led the way whilst Four and Tris lagged behind the group, Kazana could not help but notice the nervous glances they gave each other as they perused the area.

She stiffened when the familiar scent of cologne travelled up to her.

"Hey man! Didn't know you were on duty today?"

They'd come to a stop and Peter was now pulling Sloane in to a half hug, slapping the older man on the back.

"Well I couldn't miss the chance to show the new initiates around now could I?" Sloane grinned, glancing over the group momentarily, his eyes lingering appreciatively on Vesper who seemed oblivious to the attention. Kazana sighed in relief as she remained hidden behind her friend.

Sloane's arrogant grin slipped slightly as he met Eric's cold stare. "Eric, what a surprise…shouldn't you be off on exciting missions, saving lives, taking lives, whatever it is you do," his voice was laced with bitterness which seemed to make the Dauntless leader smile despite the underhand insults.

"Actually I've got all the time in the world, perks of the job" his smirk deepened as Sloane's fists clenched. Kaz watched the exchange curiously, it seemed like there was some history between the two, but for once she found herself grateful of Eric's power, it pleased her to see the older man's baby blues burn with fury.

He turned on his heel and stalked off to address one of the soldiers, and soon they were all separated in to pairs and to Kazana's great ire, she was stuck with Lemon. On closer inspection it seemed that the crooked patterns in the Fence were in fact stairs and boy were there a lot of them.

After a great deal of climbing, and a number of whining complaints from Lemon, the two managed to get to the top of The Fence, threatening barbed wire lined the entirety of the area and stopped at waist height.

Unsure what exactly she was supposed to do now that they were up there, Kazana decided to just take in her surroundings, gazing out at the Amity fields she saw that the house in which she had stayed before the choosing ceremony was out of sight, this had of course been on purpose.

"Fantasizing about home?" Eric grunted, appearing beside her suddenly and there was a loud sigh from Lemon's direction.

Kazana snorted, "Hardly."

Eric scrutinized her reaction, ready to make another remark when he felt a tug at his sleeve; a strange yellow haired girl was gaping at him like a fish out of water.

Kaz managed to hold back a laugh as she saw Lemon pestering the Dauntless leader with her incessant questions, all mirth flooded from her body as another presence stood behind her.

"Well, well. What a pleasant surprise to see you here," Sloane drawled, again stepping much too far in to her personal space. Kazana did not allow him to stay behind her for very long as she turned her body to face in his direction.

"Is it?" she sneered. Backing away until she felt cool metal digging in to her spine. His smile widened as he took a step forward.

"Mhm, what a naughty little thing you are, hiding away the fact that you're an initiate. You could get me in to a lot of trouble you know, but then I've always found I like a bit of danger."

"Yeah, you know that's funny, I feel the exact same way. In fact everyone here does, we're Dauntless, it's sort of a given," she rolled her eyes and turned to see Eric staring daggers at Sloane who was now leaning in to whisper in her ear.

"You look familiar, it's strange I feel like I've seen you before, I just can't place it" his words were a distasteful buzz in her ear, and it took Kazana every ounce of strength not to flee right there, her heart pounding from his recognition. She could not let him suspect, especially when she now had the Dauntless leader's attention too.

If looks could kill, Kazana thought, as she watched said leader's eyes slide to hers. His whole body was rigid, jaw tight, the muscles in his arms flexed beneath his form fitting jacket as he stepped towards them dangerously.

"Kazana!" Four's voice called from the top stair, she looked down at him in question as he beckoned for her to follow him. She did not hesitate to do so, oblivious to Sloane's frustrated groan as she hurried away and even more so to the crack of Eric's knuckles.

"What is it?" Kaz asked, though she really didn't care as long as she was safe away from that creepy leer. Four stopped mid-way down the stairs and just gave a nonchalant shrug.

"You're supposed to be seeing everything, not just the top…why don't you have a look around further down."

Kazana watched as he tried to make the sentence seem casual, relaxed. She could have asked why he singled her out when the entirety of the group were gathered at the height of the fence but decided his strange request was a blessing in disguise, anything to avoid Sloane.

Light quick steps had her travelling down the stairs and on to the hard pavement below, the area was deserted and she could just make out the hint of green through the thick metal wiring.

"Psst!"

Kazana whipped around, trying to discern the direction of the voice.

"Oi, Psssst!" her mouth fell open when she saw a familiar tuft of golden blonde hair poking through the metal. Edward was on the other side of the fence.

"What are you doing here?! You're going to get yourself killed!" she hissed, running over to hook her fingers in the grooves. A single blue eye gazed back at her, crinkled in amusement.

"No he's not," another voice piped up and Kazana turned her head to see Evelyn standing some feet away from him.

Kazana gaped at them, "I...what...how-"

"Now is not the time for questions I'm afraid Kazana, I just knew we would not get another chance like this for some time. Tell me everything."

Relaying the details of her experiences so far, Kazana watched as Evelyn's face changed from amusement to shock, anger and then thoughtfulness. She had of course left out a few details from her experiences in Dauntless thus far, but the important parts were there.

"Two leaders of Dauntless are helping you with extra training? Why? Why are they paying you special attention, I told you specifically to stay under the radar!"

Kazana felt her face come aflame with guilt under Evelyn's inspection.

"I tried! I fell behind and it worked but then I was ranking so low I had to make a point, I…I didn't mean for this to happen. Besides Max isn't helping me, Eric is the one training me." She finished, not sure why that would make the situation any better.

"Do you train nights with him? Does he know the full extent of your abilities?" Evelyn questioned.

Kazana nodded. "I do, and I'm not sure he…he knows a lot more than I would like him to," she mumbled.

Evelyn didn't speak for some time, she and Edward shared a look and Kazana suddenly felt more distance between them than just a metal fence.

"Has Eric shown any interest in you?"

"Well I think he was intrigued by my rope cl-"

"Don't be naïve Kazana. I'm asking you if has tried to become more intimate," Evelyn said calmly, Edward looked uncomfortable at the exchange but continued to watch Kazana, awaiting her reply.

"I…no…no he hasn't," Kazana swallowed thickly, unsure as what she should say, all she could picture was the coldness in his eyes as he told her to leave the previous night.

Evelyn scrutinized her for a moment, leaning her head forward to rest on the other side of the fence.

"Kazana I hadn't planned for this to happen, you seemed to have gotten yourself into quite a precarious situation," she sighed. Kazana felt a prickle at the back of her eyes; shame flooded her at the woman's words.

"But it could prove to our advantage." She finished. Kazana looked up at her then, brows furrowed in confusion.

"What do you mean?"

"I mean you have managed to capture the attentions of a man who has direct information to the plans of every faction in this city."

Kaz's stomach churned as she anticipated her next words.

"What is it you are asking me to do Evelyn?"

Edward was looking away now, anywhere but her direction. Thick blonde strands of hair obstructed his face from her view but Kazana could see the way his knuckled whitened as he gripped the metal tenaciously.

The steps above her began to tremble under the weight of the initiate's boots, loud excitable voices cutting through the tense silence that had fallen over them.

Kazana pulled away from the fence but did not back off. She needed to hear what the older woman had to say, she craved for Evelyn's guidance and thought it pained her; Kaz could not leave without a plan, a way forward.

"I'm asking you to seduce him."