Lost Truths

Targets

The knife flew from my hand and landed just centimeters from the bulls eye. I looked to my right and saw Tris's knife fly and land as close to the bulls eye as mine had. We were doing the best in the class.

Thanks to the classes I had taken when I lived a normal life without factions, I was exceeding expectations here in Dauntless.

Some days I thought of Caleb and my old life, but most days I was happier than I had been in a long time. Dauntless had welcomed me with open arms, and I felt like this was where I belonged.

My knife hit the target dead on this time, quivering from its position lodged in the red circle.

Christina, who I had become close friends with, along with Tris, Will, and Al, grinned. "You're really good at this. Teach me your ways."

I laughed, "Practice makes perfect."

Al was struggling worse than anyone else in the room. His knives never stayed in the target, and most were on the floor below. I winced as Eric came up behind him and started criticizing him.

"Go pick it up." I heard Eric say.

"Are you kidding?" I asked, butting into the talk. "With everyone still throwing knives?"

Eric looked at me sharply. "I was not talking to you. Continue throwing."

I turned and threw another knife with deadly accuracy. While throwing I listened in, and heard Al reject Eric's demand.

"Alright, everybody stop!" Eric called.

We all stopped and went to stand behind Eric and Al, watching for what was to come. Eric told Al to go stand in front of the target while Four threw knives at him. If he were to flinch, he would be factionless. As much as I wanted to help him, I myself did not want to be factionless either.

"Stop."

I turned to see Tris step forward.

"Anyone can stand in front of a target, it doesn't prove anything."

Eric remained neutral. "Well then, it should be easy for yoh to take his place. Same rules apply."

I grimaced as she walked up to the target and Al came to stand with the rest of us with a thankful look.

Four fingered a long, slender knife before releasing it suddenly toward Tris. It slammed into the wood near her hand. The next few were worrisome as well, but it wasn't until Four threw one that nearly touched her head that had me truly anxious. Still, Tris stayed stubbornly still and I silently applauded her bravery.

The final knife went flying through the air and too close to her ear. Red bloomed as she drew her hand up to touch the small cut. At least she was alive and had her faction still.

"Points for bravery stiff," Eric announced. "But not as many as you lost for opening your mouth. That goes for you as well." He glared pointedly at me.

With his dismissal, Christina and I walked from the room together.

"Did you see the blood?" I asked. "Four actually hit her."

Christina nodded. "I wonder if it was on purpose."

Shrugging, I said, "Who knows? The Dauntless are crazy, including us."