Six

Chapter 1 - Grey Clothes and Black Eyes

I roll over with a groan as I'm woken from my deep slumber by the sound of a stampede of heavy footed Dauntless rushing around outside my apartment. I close my eyes, hoping to drown the sound out and manage a few more minutes in bed. As my eyes begin to close, it registers. Today is choosing ceremony day. Today is the day when I become scary instructor Six as I begin the train the transfer initiates that will arrive for the first time today. I start to wonder if we will have an Abnegation transfer, but that thought is quickly dismissed. I have been, and quite possibly will ever be, the only blur of grey that has dropped into the net. However, I now see my transfer as an act of cowardice and not an act of bravery. I came here to escape the evil grasp of my so-called father and his belt. I pull my favourite t-shirt over my head, and as I slip it down, my hand runs over the scars that have never healed. I have recently gotten a tattoo to hide the physical scars, but nothing can hide the mental and emotional scars that I have acquired over the years. I slide my t-shirt down the rest of the way, as a knock on my door brings me out of my torturous childhood memories.

"Hello?" I yell, realising that I have only managed to dress my top half, with my bottom half mostly exposed.

"Six? Are you ready?" the familiar voice of Shauna rings through the door.

Shauna is one of my two friends here in Dauntless. Her and Zeke. Me and Zeke have only recently started to see eye-to-eye since my time here. He wasn't very impressed when it was revealed that I only have six fears- the lowest ever in Dauntless history- but that soon changed when I kicked Eric's arse during the fighting stage of training. I may have looked like a small 'stiff' back then, but I certainly never acted like one.

"Yeah!" I reply. I was never fit for Candor. I can lie through gritted teeth too easily.

I quickly grab my trainer pants, pulling the garment up my toned legs, grabbing my trainer jacket the second that my pants reach my hip. I throw my hair into its signature high, tight ponytail and take a quick glance in the mirror. I no longer see the young and terrified little girl that I used to be. I now see a strong young lady, ready to take on anything. I smile and walk towards my apartment door, opening it to reveal Shauna and Zeke.

"Hey Six" Zeke says quietly. I think he is intimidated by me, but he will never admit it.

"Zeke." I reply back, simply. I'd rather him stay scared of me. We cannot be left in the same room for any period of time. It's just too awkward. Plus I've heard rumours saying that people think I would break Zeke's nose if we're left alone. I'm not that harsh!

"You ready to train some new transfers?" Shauna asks as an attempt to break the tension between me and Zeke.

"As ready as I'll ever be."

We head towards the net, passing through the cafeteria on the way. I pick up a banana muffin as we make our way through. People back away as I walk near them. You wouldn't know that I was a stiff two years ago.

I nibble on my muffin as we continue to walk, arriving at the net to hear the radiating voice of Eric erupt. The sound of his voice makes me want to cringe, or vomit, I haven't decided which yet. He is a vile excuse of a human being- if you can give him that title.

The booming of his voice stops, with the familiar silence following. Not even two minutes later, laughter breaks the silence. I soon see the reason behind the laughter. The first initiate is tumbling through the air, with the colour of their clothes coming as a surprise.

Grey.

I watch in shock and admiration as the grey blur hurtles towards the net, where it settles.

I quickly regain myself as I hear laughter emitting from the net. I head towards the net with Zeke, offering my hand, which is quickly taken. As I pull the figure, I see their- his- eyes. The mixture of black and ocean blue come together to create a storm. I have to look away to avoid being sucked into their trap. I regain my composure once again, as I guide the eyes- and their owner- out of the net.

"A stiff jumping first! Unheard of!" I hear the deep voice of Zeke from behind me. Only two stiffs have ever joined Dauntless. Me and the unnamed figure in grey clothing stood before me. A stiff jumping first is completely unheard of, as Zeke stated. But I can't agree with him. The words that escape my mouth next surprise me.

"He left them for a reason, Zeke." I almost yell.

I turn to the grey clothing, and I finally notice him. He is about a foot taller than me. He owns a hooked nose and an unusual set of lips- a spare upper lip complete with a full bottom. He looks pretty strong for someone from Abnegation. Hopefully he will stay here. I start my speech to him.

"what's your name, stiff?"

"Tobi..." he starts. I see that he is struggling and understand completely. Abnegation names don't seem to fit here at Dauntless. I feel the need to encourage he a little.

"Think about it," I say, a rare smile etching its way onto my face. I remember when this was me. I gave permission to my fellow initiates to call me 'Stiff'. No way were they finding out my real name. A new place, a new start. "You don't get to pick again."

"Toby." He replies, confidently.

"Toby..." I here Zeke from behind me. "Make the announcement, Six,"

I then remember that he is my initiate- this transfer from Abnegation is my responsibility. I automatically feel the need to protect him. He is the only thing I have from my home, other than the tedious memories. I turn towards my felloe Dauntless who have gathered to see the pool of initiates that will be arriving this year.

"First Jumper- Toby!"

As the crowd start chanting and cheering, I turn to Toby. I place my hand on his back, ushering him into the crowd.

"Welcome to Dauntless." I say as the blood curling scream of the second initiate fills the air.