Chapter 11

Riley's hand fell to her sides without much effort. They were sore from the continuous contact with the punching bag. The tape she used around her knuckles was starting to fall off.

The others were scattered around the room doing various training exercises that Four and Eric instructed them to do. The fighting mats had been full throughout the day. Riley was nervous every time Eric called for more people to fight. Although she had gone the other day, people were starting their second and even third turn in the ring. It was only a matter of time before she found herself back on the mat with someone new. 

One of the rings had Will and Al. They had been going head to head for over five minutes, but Al was lucky enough to get a hard punch to Will that sent him straight into the ground. Her attention then shifted to Tris. She was watching another fight intently. "Tris," Riley approached her. That's when she noticed one of the people fighting on the mat was her friend, Christina. Christina was struggling against Molly. "Why is she fighting Molly?"

The two were significantly different, both in size and fighting style. "Eric paired them," Tris spoke nervously. "You got this, Chris."

Christina fell to the floor, and Molly got on top of her. It was hard to watch, and Riley wanted to step in and help. But she couldn't. It was against the rules. "Stop," Christina crawled away from Molly. "Stop. I am done."

"You need to stop," Eric marched closer to her. Christina looked up with blood dripping from her nose and mouth. "Okay," he nodded to himself. He then extended his hand for her to take. "Let me help you." Riley was confused by his actions but did not speak. Beside her, Tris had the same reaction.

"Thanks," Christina took his hand, and Eric pulled her off the mat.

"Alright," Eric shouted. "Let's all take a break." The group all stopped their actions hearing his voice, eager to rest for however long possible. Riley stayed beside Tris as everyone headed for the kitchens. Eric was leading them, as he always did.

The silence that followed was heavy, but Riley kept an eye on Eric. He was confusing to her, going between being hot and cold with her and others. It wasn't until he put his hand on Christina's back that her body tensed. "Tris-"

"I see it." Tris had also been watching them.

Riley pulled her jacket closer to her body, and as her foot stepped onto the bridge, Eric moved. He quickly grabbed onto Christina and threw her over the side of the bridge. Riley gasped and froze in her spot. "Grab the rail," Eric instructed her. Christina didn't let go. "Or don't." Eric yanked his arm back, causing the girl to grab onto the rail. "There are three options. First, you can hang there, and I will forget your cowardice. Second, fall and die. Or third, you can give up and join factionless."

Christina let out a faint noise as she held tightly onto the bar. Riley struggled to watch and grabbed onto Tris's arm as a way to stable herself. Tris's left hand came over Riley's. "Come on, Chris." Eric sent her a harsh glare but didn't address her.

The bar was growing wet from the water above, and it was causing waves of fear to crash over Riley. Christina's hands were slipping, and it wouldn't be long until she let go. "Time." At the sound of his voice, Tris and Riley both ran to help Christina. Edward quickly accompanied them. The three swiftly pulled Christina onto the ledge. "Dauntless never give up." Christina held onto the two girls with all the strength left in her. "Now, go eat. Four has the rest of the day planned for you."

Riley held onto Christina and began guiding her as far away from Eric as possible. "You did good, Chris," she reassured her.

"Yeah," Tris muttered. "I couldn't have done it." Christina didn't speak but had started to regain her strength enough to walk on her own. "Are you okay?"

"Yes," she breathed. "Thank you."

"Of course," Riley smiled down at her. "I'm glad you're okay." They walked into the next room, and the smell of food was strong. "You'll feel better after you eat."

"I'll find us a table," Tris wandered away from them and began searching for an open spot.

"Riley," Christina mumbled. "Did Will see?"

"No," Riley spoke. "Al took him to get ice."

"Okay, good. Thank you."

Tris stopped at an area and waved them over. "Over here."

"Come on," Riley nudged her friend. "Let's get you something to eat."

~~~~~~~~

"The Dauntless fight to protect every single life inside the fence without fail," Four addressed the group. They had been walking up the stairs for what seemed like years. "This is the reason for training the way we do, to teach you not to give up." Riley took a sharp breath. "And we find out who has what it takes." The top was only feet away. "It has been quiet for years, but that could change at any moment." The group started to slow down once reaching the top, "we have to be ready for anything."

The silence took over as they made it to the top. It was incredibly high in the air, but luckily the girl wasn't scared of heights. "What do you think is out there?"

Christina grinned, "monsters."

Riley let out a chuckle as she started past the people farming. The horizon seemed to be never-ending. "Amity farms."

"I know that," Tris responded. "I meant past that."

Al spoke up, "places that never recovered after the war."

Tris didn't seem satisfied with the answer. "Do you know?" The question was directed at Four.

Riley glanced at her brother, but he wasn't looking back at them. "Let's just say they built the fence for a reason." That seemed to answer her question, but it left Riley with more. She wondered what was out there and if people were living in whatever was left. The chances were slim. There was no way they would survive, but it was still a weird thought to process. The rest of humanity was inside the fence she now stood on. 

With the sun starting to set, it created an orange glow over the crops. It was beautiful to see. "It's so," she stumbled with her words, "peaceful." 

The others seemed to agree, but Will turned away from the ledge. "I'm surprised you didn't pick Amity," he addressed her.

"What makes you say that?"

"Probably because you're so kind," Christina answered.

Al laughed, "and friendly."

"Why did you pick Dauntless?"

"Why did you?"

Riley glanced at her brother, who was now looking back at her—clearly hearing the conversation that was going on. Luckily, he stepped in. "Okay, let's getting going."

"Seriously," Christina muttered under her breath. "We just walked all the way up here."

"You'll be fine," Will placed a hand on her shoulder. "Worse comes to worst. I'll carry you."

Christina smirked, "I may take you up on that."

"Gross," Al moved past Will to Riley's side. "Get a room, you guys." She laughed at the statement. At this point, she was used to the constant flirting between the two. It was clear they liked each other, but neither made a move to act on their feelings. There was a silence after his comment, and the group began marching back down the many flights of stairs they had previously walked up only a few minutes prior. 

~~~~~~~~~

Riley gripped the metal knife in her hand tightly. Christina was on her left side throwing her weapons. The only sound was from the clanging of metal hitting the floor and the soft thuds when it hit the board.

Raising her arm, she threw the knife. It landed in the middle of the board, away from the circular targets on the body. If the target were a person, the knife would be lodged in their gut.

The next one Riley threw hit the wooden part.

She sighed in disappointment, knowing she was not good at this. Tris, however, was excellent. Her knives continuously hit the center target. "You're really good at this," Christina commented.

Tris only smiled. Her confidence had been increasing, and it was reflecting in her attitude. Riley enjoyed the change. She liked Tris and enjoyed having her around. "It's in your wrist," the voice was Eric. The girl turned to him, a questioning look on her face. "Try extending it more." His fingers danced over her arm.

"Oh," Riley felt the heat rise to her cheeks at the feeling. "Thank you." Eric nodded and stepped back. His attention went to the others.

"He likes you," Christina whispered so that only she would hear.

"Christina," Riley glared at her. "Stop it." She brought her arm back, and with Eric's words ringing in her ears, she extended her wrist more. The knife went flying into the wood, directly on the target line. It was her best throw yet.

"That was pathetic."

Riley glanced over her shoulder to see Eric speaking to Al. "It slipped."

He didn't seem to care, "then go get it."

"What," Al said. "While they throw knives?"

Riley pretended not to listen as she threw another knife at the target. It landed in the center. "Are you afraid?"

"Of getting stuck with a flying knife? Yeah."

"Everybody stop," his voice was loud. Riley let her arm fall back to her side. "Stand in front of the target." Al hesitated but knew he had to follow Eric's orders. The tall, lanky boy began shuffling towards the target. "Four, I need a hand here." Riley's brother stood by his side in an instant. "You're going to stay there while Four throws knives. And if I see you wince, you're finished." Riley could see the fear in Al's eyes. "One thing you will learn is that orders are not optional."

Four picked up the knives from the table and stood by Tris's side. Riley wanted to do something, but knew she couldn't. There was nothing to be done. All she could do was watch and hope that Al stayed in Dauntless with them. "Stop," it was Tris. Riley's eyes widened. "Anyone can stand in front of a target. That doesn't mean anything."

Eric glared at her, "then it should be easy for you to take his place."

Tris's steps wavered as she moved to take Al's place. Riley looked at Christina, and the two shared a nervous glance. Once Tris took his place, Al was quick to walk back to the group. "The same rules apply." Riley watched as Four lifted his arm and threw the knife. It landed against the wood by her leg. "Come on, Four. You can do better." Four grabbed the next knife. He waited a moment before launching it. This knife landed inches away from her head. "Closer than that."

"Do you want me to give her a trim?" Riley nervously ran a hand through her hair.

"Just a little off the top." Four threw the blade. It hit just above her head. Before Eric could speak, he threw the last blade. This one sat directly next to her head. Tris stepped away, moving a hand to her ear.

"Points for bravery, Stiff," Eric shouted. "But not as many as you lost for opening your mouth. Watch yourself." Tris looked at him, "we train soldiers, not rebels." Eric turned to the group. "We are done for the day. Get out."

The room cleared relatively fast. Nobody spoke on the way back to their sleeping area. Riley was relieved to know that Tris was staying with them. And also that she had expressed her feelings.

Eric was rude to everyone, but Riley thought otherwise. He was different every time they spoke, almost pleasant. She didn't understand it.

Once back, it stayed silent, but everyone began to cheer as Tris walked into the room. "Alright," Christina chanted. "There she is!"

Riley grinned, clapping her hands together at the sight of her friend. Although she was scared for Tris, she was proud of her. It took a lot of courage to speak up. "You do have a death wish." Tris could only laugh.

Christiana wrapped an arm around her. "I can't believe you said that to Eric."

Edward walked over, "you're the only one to stand up to him."

"Your ear," Riley placed a hand on her neck to examine the injury better. Four had cut her.

Christina noticed the blood, "let's get you cleaned up."

"Hey, Tris," Molly addressed her. "That was really cool."

"Thanks."

Riley was surprised at the brunette's words, and so were the others. "Good job, Stiff," it was Peter.

"Shut up," Will rolled his eyes.

"No," Peter stopped him. "You're famous now, just like your little friend." He pointed at Riley. The red-haired girl stared at him blankly, not sure what he was talking about. "It has nothing to do with Eric. You're in the news. Listen." Peter looked at the tablet, "With the recent transfers of both Beatrice and Caleb, the children of Andrew Prior. We call into question Abnegation's teachings and their values. What caused them to leave Abnegation?" Tris pushed past him and towards her bed, but Peter followed. By now, everyone in the room was listening. "The answer may be in the misguided ideals of the faction. The stealing of resources, general incompetence, and the abuse of their children." Peter looked up at them with a sinister smirk. "Did they beat you, like Marcus Eaton's beat his children? Right, Riley? Where is your brother now?"

All eyes went to her. Riley froze in her place, having no idea what to do. "They didn't hurt anyone," Tris spoke. "They are very good people."

"Right," Peter didn't care. "And that is why you left?"

Tris grabbed her jacket and marched out of the room. Peter took the opportunity to look at Riley. "Anything to add, Riley? About the abuse?"

Christina noticed her friend's worry and spoke for her, "screw you, Peter." And with that, she was pulling Riley out of the room. "He is such an ass."

"Riley," Al and Will ran after them. "Are you okay?"

"Fine," she didn't want to talk about it. Her father was everything people said he was, but she couldn't tell them that. "Tris."

The other Abnegation girl walked down the hall. At the sound of her name, she stopped. "Hey," Tris was only looking at Riley.

"You okay?"

"Yeah," Tris assured her.

"He's an idiot," Christina leaned into Riley.

Will smiled, "that I agree with." They walked together with no destination in mind. Only wanting to create distance between them and Peter. As they turned a corner, Will spoke again. "What is she doing in Dauntless?" Riley looked past him to see Jeanine Matthews and a group headed down the hall. Her blue dress and blonde hair caused her to stand out from the others.

The older woman's gaze locked on Tris, and Riley used the opportunity to slide behind Al. He noticed her movements and stayed still, keeping her out of sight. "Prior," her voice was clear. "You're Andrew Prior's daughter, right? Beatrice."

"It's Tris now," she explained.

Jeanine grinned, "I like that." Riley remained behind Al, not daring to look. Jeanine knew her father very well. Often working together, but they had only met once. "You made a very excellent choice. Despite your parents and test results."

This caught Tris's attention. "You have seen my results?"

"Yes." Riley took a nervous breath. "I am pleased to see that you are smart enough to know your mind." There was a pause, "let me know if you need anything, okay?" As she walked away, Riley slipped to Al's side. Making sure her face was still hidden.

"That was so weird," Christina broke the silence.

"Yeah."

Al looked down at Riley, "everything okay?"

"Fine," Riley faked a smile. "I'm perfectly fine."

"What do you think is going on?"

Will responded, "I bet they are hunting Divergent's." Riley's body tensed at the words. "That was all they spoke about at Erudite."

"They're real?" Riley remained quiet as the group continued moving. Her mind was now on Will's words. Divergent, it was what she was. And if they were looking for Divergents, that wasn't a good sign.

~~~~~~~~

Riley needed a walk more than ever because her thoughts had been all over the place since seeing Jeanine. Plus, all eyes had been on her since Peter read that news article. Each whispering about her father and the allegations.

Everything else that happened before coming to Dauntless seemed like decades ago. Who she was now was entirely different. Riley had friends, real friends for the very first time. She wasn't scared of seeing her father every night. Being in Dauntless had helped her heal in ways she didn't know she needed. Marcus Eaton, her father, had become a distant memory. She hadn't thought of him in days, but hearing Peter talk about Abnegation and Marcus sent her on a downward spiral.

He was everything the news said about him—a drunk, abusive father who caused both his kids to leave. But Riley did not want anyone to know. It was humiliating to her. It shouldn't be, but she couldn't help how she felt.

Being away from Abnegation was the best thing that ever happened to Riley. But that didn't change the fact she was Divergent. She didn't know what that meant but knew it wasn't good. They didn't like Divergent's. They think they're dangerous, but she wasn't dangerous.

Riley had no idea what was going on. There was so much happening in her life. Between her score on the leader boards, her father, and now Erudite hunting down Divergent's.

She sauntered over the bridge and down onto the ledge. Against her better judgment, she sat down on the edge. Her feet hung over the sides. The pit seemed endless, but she knew there was water somewhere. The entire area was empty, as it always was this time of night. Riley liked that. It was easier to think. "I didn't see you at dinner."

The voice took her by surprise, causing her to jump. She looked to her left to see Eric standing on the ledge with her. It took her a moment to register his words. "Oh," Riley stumbled. "I wasn't hungry."

Eric clearly didn't believe her. "Right." What he did next surprised her. He sat down. He extended his right arm, bringing his hand inches away from her. She noticed the red apple in his hand.

"What's this?"

"An apple," Eric replied.

Riley took it from him. Her fingers brushing over his, "what for?"

"You have to eat something."

A smile formed on her face at the gesture. "Thank you, Eric." It was a kind thing to do, but unlike him. But it also meant he noticed her absence.

"Can I ask why you really weren't at dinner?"

Riley wanted to ask him why he cared but knew it was better not to. "I wasn't hungry." Eric simply glared at her, waiting for the real answer. "I didn't want to be around anyone."

"Why?"

She thought back to Peter and the others. The news article he read to the entire room and the way everyone looked at her. Some were only then realizing she was Marcus's daughter. Riley debated on lying, but Eric could easily tell when she was. "Peter," she nervously played with the apple. "He kind of read some news article to everyone. Now they're talking about me."

It sounded childish out loud, but it was how she felt. "The one about the Prior's?"

"Yeah," she sighed. "That's the one."

Eric nodded, knowing about the article, "you're Marcus's kid, right?"

Riley's heart dropped hearing his name. "Yeah, I am."

He looked at her differently than before. Eric appeared to be more comfortable, and his expression almost appeared sad. Riley wasn't sure what he was thinking. The rumors of Marcus being abusive started when her brother left, but they seemed to increase after her. It only fueled the fire. "I can imagine he wasn't a fan of you deflecting."

"No," the statement caused her to chuckle. "He wasn't. But I had to. Dauntless is where I belong." Eric smiled at her, a rare sight. "I just hope it was the right choice."

"It was," the words came quickly.

Riley stared at the man next to her. The tattoos on his neck stood out against his grey t-shirt. It wasn't his usual attire. It was more casual. Eric opened his mouth to speak again, but another voice prevented him. "Riley?" It was Al. The two looked over to see the boy venture out of the hall. "Ri-" he stopped seeing them. "Oh, sorry. I was just looking for Riley."

"I'm right here," Riley was slightly disappointed Al had interrupted them. She wanted to know what Eric was going to say. And why he was so kind to her.

"Are you coming back," Al pointed towards their sleeping areas.

"Um," Riley didn't too. She wanted to stay where she was.

"Yeah," Eric spoke for her. His attention shifted back to her, "go. Your boyfriend is calling you."

Riley couldn't help but laugh. "He is not my boyfriend." Luckily, Al couldn't hear them. She pushed up from the ground and stepped towards him. "Eric," she turned back to him. "Thank you for the apple." He smirked and gave her a nod. Riley took that as her chance to leave and began heading back to with Al.