The group of remaining initiates stood crowded at one end of the room, anxiously waiting as Amar scribbled something onto the chalkboard in his hands. After a few seconds, he turned and lifted the board back above his head and onto the nail, stepping aside as he did so. The room fell silent while everyone searched for their names. It was crowded, but I had only to tilt my head up a little further to make out the list.
My name was in the first slot.
I could feel the eyes of everyone in the room on me, but I could only continue to stare at my name and the number next to it. My average simulation time; the most that I'd been able to last, was two minutes and thirty seconds. Banks was second; with his time being four minutes and ten seconds.
Between the two of us, I didn't think the difference was too notable; the real problem came when my time was compared to everyone else's. It was then that things were conspicuously uneven. Dan was third, with an average of seven minutes, and then Grace at eight minutes and ten seconds.
"Woah, nice job Sage," Grace said in awe.
I couldn't think of anything to say, so I just nodded as I continued to stare at the board. I wasn't sure how to feel; on the one hand I was happy to see that I was still ranked first, but on the other I knew this would definitely draw unwanted attention to me. It was the best I'd been able to do though; my mind couldn't take more without completely distorting the simulation.
Banks, who'd been at the front of the group, turned slowly and searched through the crowd; his eyes immediately landing on my own. Unlike Billy, who practically had smoke coming out of his ears, Banks appeared almost delighted at the outcome. Shoving brusquely past the crowd of initiates, he stalked forward, not stopping until he was only a foot away from me.
I stayed in my place, crossing my arms and silently daring him to try and move me. My body itched for a fight, but if he wasn't going to attack, then I couldn't find it in me to warrant punching him in the face. Though I normally preferred peace to senseless fighting; in this instance, I almost wanted him to try and hit me. It was easier for me to handle things physically, and with all the fear simulations I'd had to endure these past few days, I really just wanted the release.
But he didn't appear hostile, not at all. The feeling of deja-vu flooded my body as his frosty blue eyes studied me; like he had before, when we'd first arrived here and he'd snuck up behind me at the water fountain. Like then, slow and unnatural, he pulled his lips into a wicked grin. I hid the shudder than ran down my spine, and continued to glare. Why did he look so pleased? He'd been so upset when he'd lost our fight, I figured this would be no different.
"Congratulations," he said softly, the eerie smile never leaving his lips. He almost appeared playful. I knew better though; my candor-trained ears caught the malicious undercurrent in his voice. "Enjoy it while you can."
I didn't have time to react, because as soon as the words had left his mouth, he'd already turned and walked out of the room. I bristled and tried to go after him, but only managed to take a single step before a hand grabbed my shoulder and pulled me back. I turned, expecting to see Dan, and was surprised when I realized it was actually Billy.
"What do you want?" I snapped, shrugging out from under his grip. Banks was getting away and I wanted to catch him before he got too far. I needed to know what he meant when he'd said, while you can.
"How the hell did you do that?" Billy hissed, his hands clenching at his sides.
"Do what?"
"Don't try playing mind-games with me, I know you understand what I'm talking about," Billy snarled, jabbing a finger at the board and then at me. "How did you do that? Huh? Did you cheat?"
"You can't cheat in the simulations," Grace protested in my behalf.
"Yeah. I mean, I know you're not very smart, but that's common knowledge Billy," Dan agreed.
"Shut up, I wasn't talking to you two," Billy said, and I noticed that a vein in his forehead was pulsing slightly with his elevated pulse. "Don't you see? Don't you all see? He's obviously got a trick up his sleeve. There's no other possible way he could've gotten out in that time!"
A trick? Hah, yeah, I supposed I did have a trick. Not one that would do him any good though; even if for some crazy, hypothetical-reason I did have to tell Billy my secret, it wouldn't help him. Ever since we'd started stage two of our initiation, he'd been steadily falling in the ranking's list. It would take a miracle for him to catch up to where he'd once been.
I snorted, and then before I changed my mind and decided to take out my frustrations on Billy rather than Banks, I turned and stalked out of the room.
"Ignore him, he's just upset that his rank is so low," Grace said when she and Dan had caught up with me.
"Yeah," Dan agreed, "some people just can't stand to see others do well."
I felt my frustrations fade as Grace and Dan continued to chatter, and after a few minutes I was mostly myself again. We were just turning a corner when I spotted Finn, Biff, Jude and Ava.
"Hey!" Finn waved and began to jog over with the others.
"Sage, Dan-" Biff called out with a rowdy laugh. "And, uh, girl-who's-name-I-forgot!"
"Her name is Grace," Ava snapped, jabbing an elbow into Biff's side. He didn't seem to feel it though.
"Right, Grace, that's what I meant." Biff apologized. He grinned and then tipped an imaginary hat in Grace's direction.
"Ignore him, that's what I do," Ava said in a tone of exasperation. "Come on. Remember I told you that I wanted to take you to that new store down at the pit?"
Grace nodded, but before they could go I pulled Ava to the side. I needed to know about Randi, I had to know if she was okay.
"Hey, can I ask you something?" I asked in a hushed tone.
"Isn't that what you're already doing?" Ava smirked. She must've seen the look of worry on my face though, because a second later she gave me a wan smile. "Sorry, I didn't mean to sound so snarky. It's a habit. Yeah, ask away, although I think I have an idea what you're wondering about."
"Randi, how is she? I haven't seen her at all today, and it feels as if she's been avoiding me."
"Yeah, I thought you'd say that," Ava sighed. "I'm glad I'm not the only one who's noticed."
"Has she been acting strange around you too?"
Ava nodded, frowning deeply. "Yeah, I don't know why either, but it all started when stage two began."
"Aren't you worried?" I asked.
"Don't be an idiot, of course I'm worried," Ava retorted. "But Randi doesn't do well with pressure, it's easier to just wait and let her tell you when she's ready."
I was about to argue, but then Ava gave me the most deadpan don't-you-dare look, that I had to nod. Her personality was an abrasive one, but for some reason I couldn't help but find it soothing. When I realized why, it was almost funny. A pang of nostalgia hit me; I missed Mara.
I nodded and Ava slugged my arm playfully before turning back to Grace. I watched them go, and then when they turned a corner and disappeared I headed back to rejoin the guys.
"Just the man we were talking about," Jude said. "So you ranked first among all the other transfers?"
"Yeah, why? Who's first in the dauntless born?" I asked.
"Me," Finn answered. "But from what Dan tells me, my time is nothing compared to yours."
I felt the heat rise in my cheeks, and I could feel my hands getting clammy again. "Oh? What was your time?" I asked, trying to keep the topic of conversation on him rather than me.
"Seven minutes and forty-five seconds." I saw him and the others share a look between them, and I couldn't help but feel ashamed.
"Oh." What else could I say? There was no explanation available that could clarify everything and still keep my secret safe. Oh, but how I hated having to see the looks on their faces; like they were suddenly feeling unsure of themselves.
Actually, none of you should feel bad, the only reason I'm doing so well is because I'm defective and don't fit into one faction; is what actually wanted to say. Instead, I shrugged and then started asking about the other people's ranks.
Thankfully, their spirits were easily lifted, and soon we were just standing around talking about the new stunts we'd be doing once we were all real members. Finn's eyes were shining with mischievous delight as he described how he already had the perfect plan in mind; something along the lines of bungee jumping off of the bridge that was built over the dried-up marsh.
We were just about to discuss the type of bribery we might need to get the supplies out of the dauntless armory, when I heard a noise; something that sounded like a mix between a strangled-shout and laughter.
"What's that?" I asked; surprised no one else had noticed it.
"I don't hear anything," Finn said.
I frowned; had I just imagined it? "There, can't you hear it?" I said when I heard it again. It had a slight echo to it, and I figured it must've come from one of the surrounding tunnels.
Finn and the boys shook their heads, but I saw Dan perk up; his ears, like mine, were used to catching the smallest changes in sound, even with the rushing water in the background.
"Oh, yeah, I hear it now," he said, cocking his head to the side. "What is that? It sounds sort of like a yodeling cat," he raised a brow; thinking. "That, or a cow that's trying to brush its teeth."
"Wow, the things that come out of your mouth. Question; do you ever pause to think of what you're going to say before you actually say it?" Jude asked; fighting a smirk as he shook his head in Dan's direction.
"Not generally."
I was about to say something on Dan's behalf, but then I heard it again. Faint, and barely noticeable, my curiosity was getting the better of me. I turned and started walking towards the noise.
"Sage, where are you going?" Finn asked.
"Yeah, it's probably nothing," Biff added.
"I know, but I just want to check for myself." I said.
I started off walking, but for some reason with every step I took, I could feel myself speeding up. Maybe I was just being paranoid. Maybe, it was only the sound of a couple of friends having fun. I'd just about talked myself into going back to the guys when I heard it again, and it was definitely not the sound of anyone having a good time. In a dead sprint, I found the source of the noise after I'd gone through a series of twists and turns.
"Stop, stop! Just take the money!" a male voice shouted; panic clear in his voice. "Take it!"
It was dark, and it was hard to see just who was fighting, but I didn't hesitate. The figure on the ground, his arm over his face and his legs curled into his chest, was obviously the victim. He needed help. The second figure, the attacker, was turned around with his back to me, and I used that to my advantage as I barreled forward and slammed my body into his.
Caught off guard, the figured stumbled forward and barely managed to catch himself before he hit one of the rough rock walls. I didn't know if he'd retaliate or not, but just in case, I quickly rushed forward and stepped in between him and the guy on the ground; using my body as a sort of shield.
The attacker cursed quietly under his breathe, but I couldn't hear enough of his voice to identify him. He was under the glow of one of the lamps that hung in the tunnels, and as he straightened and I saw his blonde hair and blue eyes, I realized it was Banks.
"You again," I frowned, crossing my arms over my chest. "What do you think you're doing?"
"That is none of you concern actually," he answered, smirking as he brushed some dust off of the legs of his pants. "It's between that imbecile hiding behind you and myself. So if you wouldn't mind stepping aside."
I couldn't help it; my curiosity had been piqued, and I just had to know who Banks had been attacking. Daring to take a quick peek behind me, I saw that the victim was none other than Marko. He looked completely different from the last time I'd seen him though; the left side of his face was raw, the skin peeling, his nose was running with blood, and even though he'd gotten to his feet, I could also see that he'd sustained some sort of injury to his leg from the way he was holding it.
"I do mind actually," I said as I turned back to Banks; and it was true. I didn't like Marko, but that didn't mean I'd just stand aside like some spineless-spectator while he was beaten to a pulp.
"You really shouldn't dabble in things that have nothing to do with you," Banks chastised with a sardonic smile. "Besides, why should you care what happens to him? He isn't a friend of yours."
I didn't have an answer. I supposed it really shouldn't matter to me what happened to Marko. He'd been nothing but antagonistic since I'd met him; a real thorn in my side. It would probably even do his inflated ego some good to be taken down a peg. It all made sense in theory, but no matter how I tried to rationalize it; I found that I couldn't leave. Whatever Marko had done, it didn't warrant such a savage beating.
I glared at Banks and settled into my stance. I still had a lot of pent up anger towards him, and if he wanted a brawl, then he'd get one. He must've seen that I had no intentions of leaving, because after a moment of silence he let out a long, bored sigh and shook his head.
"You have so much potential, it's quite a shame that you choose to squander it with these naive acts of idealism. Do you think that the actions of a single man will ever make a difference? The world is what it is. It's filled with violence and war, and only the strong can survive," he said as he turned and walked away. "No matter how hard you try Stronghold, you can't keep everyone safe."
I watched him go, and while my face might have appeared calm, my mind was fraught with inner turmoil. His words had stung worse than if he'd actually struck me. He was gone in seconds, and still I couldn't help but stare at the place where he'd once stood.
Too stunned to go after him, I instead turned my attention to Marko, who still lay on the ground. I held out my hand, and he eyed it warily.
"If I wanted to kick your ass, I would've done it already," I said as I rolled my eyes. "Now stop being so proud and take my hand."
"Thanks," he muttered after he'd grudgingly let me help him get up. "Wow, this is embarrassing."
"Because you got beaten up?"
"No, because you saved me," he clarified as his cheeks burned in mortification. "I mean, that guy is a complete maniac, and I realize it wasn't smart of me to taunt him. That I can actually deal with, but you-"
"Would you like me to tell Banks to come back then?" I cut in; sarcasm dripping off of my every word. "Because I'm sure he would love to continue things where they were left off."
"Funny," Marko said flatly. "No, what I mean is..." he trailed off as he stared at me; trying to read my expression I supposed.
"What?" I asked after the silence between us had grown long and awkward.
"Why did you help me?" Marko blurted. "I don't get it. Why? I wouldn't have done the same for you. If anything, I might have even cheered the guy on."
Ah, the million dollar question; why did I do the things I did? Even if I'd wanted to answer him, I wouldn't have been able too; the answer to that inquiry still alluded even me. So I did the only thing that seemed reasonable, I shrugged.
"You're kind of a nut too huh?" Marko said; though it didn't sound at all like an insult. He smirked and then shook his head at me. "My theory is you've taken one too many hits to the head."
"Is that so?" I retorted.
"Must be, it's the only logical answer there is. I mean, what kind of idiot helps his enemy when he's on the ground?"
I actually grinned; explained in that way, I could see where he'd think I was a little off. "Right, I'm the idiot," I snorted, "definitely not you, the genius who decided to piss off Banks in a dark and abandoned tunnel. Yep, it's definitely me who has a screw loose."
"Okay, okay, so we're both a little fucked up," Marko chuckled.
"Guess so," I nodded. "Tell me though, what exactly did you do to have Banks go off on you like that?"
Marko gave a long and pointed sigh, kicking at the ground with his shoe as he ran a hand through his hair. I waited patiently though; I was really curious since it seemed beneath Banks to jump someone for money. He genuinely liked scaring and injuring people, but to do it for cash was not his style.
"Okay, like I said before, I guess I kind of asked for it," Marko admitted sheepishly. "I was just heading back from The Cage with some money I won from a bet, when I ran into Mr. Sunshine himself-"
"Wait, wait, what's The Cage?" I interrupted; I knew a lot of the layout of the dauntless compound now, but some of the names were still foreign to me.
"The Cage is kind of what it sounds like. It's just a fenced in area where competitors go to fight for money. You can go there either for the entertainment, to actually fight, or to bet on who'll win. Anyway, I was just coming back from there, I'd won some serious cash, when Banks bumped into me and made me spill some of the money. I got really pissed, especially when he was kept walking away and acting as if I weren't there."
"Ignoring people is sort of his style," I agreed. "Is that when you started taunting him?"
Marko nodded. "Yeah, he just kept walking, so I followed him and –well you know– I said some stuff," he frowned at his feet again. "I didn't think he'd react that way. One moment he was serious and completely detached from what I was saying, the next, he was laughing and smashing my face against the wall. I offered him the money I had, but it was like he didn't hear me, or just didn't care."
"Banks is not someone you want to mess with," I agreed.
"I can see that," he shuddered; gingerly running his hand along his raw cheek. "Anyway, thanks again, I guess I owe you one."
"Forget it," I waved him off. "I didn't help you to get anything in return. It's fine."
Again Marko gaped at me; looking as confused as if I'd just told him I had a third arm.
"God you're strange," he said; shaking his head at me again. "Well, like it or not, I owe you. That's how things work for me."
"Okay then?" I said; my reply sounding more like a question than an assertation.
"Now, don't think this is going to make us the best of friends or any crap like that," Marko clarified; though his smirk widened when I pretended to look hurt.
"Why Marko, you have shattered my heart."
"Wise guy," he snorted. He attempted to move and then winced and reached for his leg.
"You should get that checked out."
Marko nodded, but then waved me away when I offered to help him. "Trust me, I already feel emasculated enough without you helping get to the clinic."
I watched him hobble away, and then when I couldn't see him anymore, I turned to head back to the guys. They'd probably be wondering where I was. The echo of my footsteps was the only noise I was aware of for a few minutes; and then I heard it. I was just turning a corner when I spotted a familiar silhouette.
I'd promised I'd wait; but waiting just wasn't my style. Before I could change my mind, I started running. I had to know what was going on; I had to know the truth. She must've been lost in her own thoughts, because Randi nearly jumped a foot in the air the moment I reached her.
"Sage?" I could see her eyes darting around; searching for an exit. But I couldn't let her leave.
"Randi, we need to talk."