More Than Divergent

29. Friends and Foes

I've walked through these halls everyday and after all this time I still get lost. That wasn't the case today. I made split second decisions before I could register I was making them. Tris' screams pulled me to where I needed to go. I had ignored every call Eric made behind me as his voice got further and further away.

I rounded the corner and the chasm appeared in front of me to reveal what I feared the worst. There across the bridge I watched as Tris bit down on someone's arm. In a few seconds I threw myself forward and barreled into the body closest to me. I heard the groan coming from the one I knocked down and turned around to see reality hit me in the face harder than his fist did. Al. Al our friend. Al was attacking Tris. Al was attacking me. It took me a few seconds after he swung at me to push aside what he meant to me. That didn't relationship exist anymore. Al was taller and stronger than me but he could never put enough force behind his hits. He was slow and hesitant, so he could barely react as my elbow was forced back into his temple dropping him to the floor.

"Theo watch out!" Tris' voice strained from the edge of the balcony. I was pushed forward into the floor and my face hit the metal grating. My hair ripped me back and I clawed at the hand gripping my hair.

"Looks like it's time for you to pay up stiff" Peter's voice was venomous and chilled me to the bone. He was pushing me forward trying to get me over the railing when I put my foot up stopping the momentum. I felt my hair being torn from its roots when I turned my head to face him. A quick glance to see as Drew was now struggling to get to his feet and Al stayed down on the floor looking stunned. I slammed my head into Peter's creating space between us. Wasting no time I began pushing him back with everything I could give. I just needed to get to Tris. Peter was the only thing in my way.

Peter caught my foot as I swung to hit his side. His whole arm swung backward and hit my throat. I then became very aware how much my body ached. My throat was at the mercy of Ila earlier today and now every breath felt like fire. Peter wasted no time wrapping his hands around my neck and squeezed. I fought back as the energy drained out of me and black spots danced around my vision.

A scream ripped through the chamber and I fell to my knees. My coughs and gasps raked through my neck and before I could try to attack Peter, he and Al were gone. Tris' grip was about to slip when I finally stumbled over to her and pulled her up by her pants. She quickly became lighter and I realized I hadn't lifted her. He stepped over Tris who tried to catch her breath and Eric crouched down in front of me. Worry veiled his face as he held my chin in his hand.

"Tris" croaked through me as I tried to push past Eric but he held me back.

"Get her out of here" Eric spoke to behind me as I tried to stand up but slipped. Eric's then pulled me up and another arm wrapped around my waist. Eric said nothing else and walked away. I knew it was Tobias by the way Tris looked over at me. I pushed off of him and Tris pulled herself up using the railing. She lost her balance and collapsed to the floor.

"Come on" Tobias left my side when he realized I was trying to get to Tris. He picked her up easily cradling her in his arms. I gave him a reassuring look that I was ok and we left the chasm. Tobias walked slower so I could keep up because I refused to let him help me.

I opened the door to his apartment and Tobias went directly to his bed. I sat down by the counter and watched as my brother began to nurse my friend. My steps felt hollow as I walked over to the sink and wet a towel. I handed it to Tobias as he came into the kitchen.

"Are you ok?" Tobias took the wet towel from my hands and looked over me.

"I'm fine" my voice groaned. "She's not" I looked past him to see my friend unconscious. "Go" I shoved him toward Tris. I mentally checked my body and tried to see how hurt I was. My throat was the only issue.