Blood on the Coals

by Nimbus3001

Elizabeth Langley is an ordinary Amity girl, until she spills her blood on the coals, carrying with her a deadly secret that has never been heard of or even imagined before. Her trainers are Four and Six (Tris). What will the initiation be like this year? And who really is the mysterious, mean Stiff transfer that pretends to be weak to be Four and Six's favourite initiate?

7. Chapter 7: Blood on the Coals

I have one last look at my house I had stayed in for my entire life. I know I will never see it again. Sadness crushes down on me, but I don't cry. I am too strong for that.

Sighing, I turn and walk with my parents go catch the bus to the Hub. We travel in utter silence, something very uncommon for us Amity. When we finally reach the place in the Hub where we have to part, my father says, "Remember, Elizabeth – no matter what decision you make, as long as you are happy there, we will be proud of you." My mother nods and smiles. I smile to them a sad smile and embrace both of them for a long time.

I let go reluctantly. I know I will never hug them again. Saying one last goodbye, I turn and walk to the line of sixteen-year-olds. I am allocated to my spot, and find myself standing next to a plain Abnegation girl and an Erudite boy, and three places away from Madeleine. Time seems to drag on forever, until finally the ceremony begins.

The emcee for the ceremony always rotates from the leader of Abnegation, Amity, Candor, Dauntless, and Erudite – in alphabetical order. This year the ceremony is held by Erudite's cold leader – Jeanine Matthews.

I zone out Jeanine's speech, and before I know it people are getting called up to the stage. I am somewhere near the middle. I watch as Daphne, Isabella and Grace all remain in Amity. Good for them.

"Madeleine McFlare," Jeanine says with a bored tone. Madeleine confidently walks up to the stage, accepts the knife, and slices her palm a little too deeply. I hold my breath, and watch as she drops her blood onto the flames. A sizzle. Madeleine McFlare has chosen Dauntless. This causes an uprise from both Amity and Dauntless. I see Madeleine's family burst into tears, whilst Dauntless cheer.

All too soon, the Abnegation girl chooses Abnegation, and my name is being called up next. I walk shakily to the stage. I accept the knife from Jeanine, and look carefully at the five bowls. I had five aptitudes, and I have five choices.

Will I be a rebel and transfer factions, or will I stay like a good girl like Daphne did?

I could stay in Amity. I would find comfort there, and I would be with my family and childhood friends.

But no. I have always longed to be free, and I shall carry out my plan.

What about Candor? They always tell the truth, and they are trustworthy.

No. I'd have to blabber to them about my Divergence, and I don't want to die, thank you very much.

Erudite? I could fit well in there.

Nah, they are too proud for their own good. I don't want to turn into an upright Nose.

What about Abnegation – no, absolutely out of the picture. There is no way I am going to Abnegation.

And Dauntless. The brave, exciting faction, which has all the adventure. I smile. Dauntless is my faction.

I make eye contact with my parents. They are both smiling encouragingly. I slice my hand as deep as Madeleine had, and close my eyes. The sizzle of blood on flames verifies my choice: Dauntless.

This is my new home, my new family.