The Great Five: The Legacies

Chapter 4: Green Mist And A Prophecy? What Could Go Wrong?

After dinner, the bonfire was cancelled, sparing us the depressing fire. Nobody had congratulated Tris on being finally claimed. This sounds harsh but Tris shouldn't be alive. In some people's books, Tris was a mistake. The happiness at dinner had disappeared as quickly as it came.

Tris wasn't happy to be claimed. The second that symbol appeared above her head she ran away, fuming. Tris has always told me that she hates her parents even though she doesn't know them. She hates them for abandoning her, for neglecting her, for never being claimed. Well, until now.

I felt bad. Really bad. I've had a great run with my family and Tris hasn't. It's not fair. Nothing's fair on Tris and yet I still lean on her shoulders. Tris should be leaning on my shoulders because she has more to deal with, but she keeps it hidden away.

I mulled all these things over while I lay on the roof of cabin 3. I traced the green rooftiles with my fingertips, listening to the sounds of the lake.

Off in the distance, I spotted a figure sitting on the beach staring at the water. They weren't being attacked by the harpies because it was 9:30 and curfew was at 10.

Who is that? Should I go talk to them?

My body decided that for me. I slipped on the roof, landing in a crouched position. Only my family and close friends know that I sleep on top of cabin 3 at night. They think it's hilarious but sleeping inside makes me feel claustrophobic. My chest feels like it's going to burst if it's not breathing in fresh, salty air.

When I got closer, I recognised Tris' two messy silver braids and her tough posture. Even if she was upset and angry, her posture wouldn't change.

Tris was sitting on the edge of the beach, her legs folded up to her chest. Her chin was resting on her knees and her eyes were closed. Her fingers drew squiggles in the sand absentmindedly.

I walked closer, trying to not startle Tris but I did when I sat down next to her. Her eyes jolted open, and she looked at me. Tris' gaze was tired with a tint of anger. She looked back at the sea, so we sat in silence for a while. The sea was calm and purple to match the sky. That's the thing I love about the sea. It shifts in colour, which is mesmerising. I will never get bored of watching it.

"Why me?" Tris asked after a while. Her voice was raspy, like she had been crying.

I glanced at Tris. Tears sparkled in her eyes as the moonlight created shadows across her face. I didn't know what to say to my best friend. I'm not great at comforting people.

I shrugged, "I don't know." I put my arm around Tris. "The Gods are cruel sometimes."

Tris rested her head on my shoulder and a sob escaped her mouth. She cried for a while and they only thing I could do to help was hold her. Normally it was the other way around.

I remembered when we were seven and I had tripped, scraping my knee. Tris had rushed to my side and hugged me while I cried. This had happened on many occasions, but now our roles had finally reversed.

Tris sniffled, "I had suspicions you know. I have a star shaped birthmark on my left ankle. I'm good at archery and hunting, I have this stupid silver hair." She gestured at her braids and paused. "But...why do I have telekinesis? Is it a gift?" She stared at the moon; the thing her mother had power over. "How did Alcyoneus invade camp? How did he get out of Tartarus? How did he travel all the way to Long Island without anyone noticing?" Tris sighed. "I hate not knowing the answers to all these questions I have."

"Me too."

Tris studied my face, her eyebrows knit together. "What questions do you have?"

I shrugged again, "I don't want to burden you with them. You already have a lot to think about."