Divergent: After The War

Pt.1

We enter the great hall, people in blue and green flooding out across the vast space. “You know the plan; we’ve got to split up now. Uriah, hang around with those guys by the buffet table. Christina, there’s some nice looking ladies in the top left corner. And Tobias, you can stay with me.” I give each person a knowing look, and watch them sulk off into the masquerade. I tighten my mask, gently pressing my fingers onto the pale blue fabric. My dress is horribly large, an old one of a Dauntless lady, who used to be Erudite, with long, weaving bits of darker blue throughout. The darkest blue reflects the light though, and draws attention away from my face. Christina is wearing a similar dress, but in contrasting blues and her dark hair is swivelled into a bun. She’s chatting with the fair haired girls in the corner, as instructed.

Uriah stands majestic, by the piled high buffet, in a light blue and horribly velvet tuxedo, that thankfully makes him look less fashionable than the general Dauntless guy. Then there is Tobias. He has not moved from my side, his fingers entwined with mine. His suit is exactly colour matched to my dress, his mask covering half of his nose.

“Tris, I’m not sure this was such a good idea.” He looks at me, true concern spread across his face. I shake my head, though I’m more nervous than ever. I lower my voice, and speak. “We have no choice. It’s either get an insight into Erudite plans, or risk killing off the rest of the faction. I think I’d rather stay here.” I shoot him a glance, but quickly smile and start to chart with some passing Erudite. “Oh hello! It’s such a spectacular evening, the lights are the perfect tone, and it makes all the attire of the people of our faction reflect in the most interesting way!” I smile, putting on my most intelligent tone. Then Tobias elbows me – too far, possibly. But by the judgment of these Erudite, I guess not.

“I know! It’s so astounding! And you’re dress is so symmetrical! I guess we best introduce ourselves! I am Katarina, this is Joseph and that guy over there sulking at the paintings is Micah. And you guys?” Katarina extends a hand, adjusting her thick rimmed glasses. I hate how despite being in masquerade, half of the clueless Erudite are still wearing glasses over their masks. Joseph does the same to Tobias, as I introduce us under pseudonyms. “It’s so pleasant to meet you, Katarina! And you, Joseph. I am Willow, and this is…um-“ Tobias saves me my introducing ‘himself’. ”I’m Jonah, great to meet you.” He smiles, but gives me a look. It says Willow? Really, what are you, a tree? Katarina and Joseph chat to us for a while, and then leave to tell Micah about us. We decide to split and join the others in absent minded groups. I flamboyantly skip over to Christina and plaster a smile on my face. “Hello guys, I’m Willow!” I say, shaking each person’s hand whilst they murmur their names; Lila, Christopher, Oliver, Sheila and Millie. Then, pretending I‘ve never seen her, I smile at Christina. “Hello, I’m Holly. Nice to meet you,” She shakes my hand, politely.

“So, um, what do you guys think about this whole war thingy? It’s nice to have such a lovely party like this to cool off the tension of the faction.” They all nod, and start on their full fuelled intellectual arguments. “It’s certainly understandable. Abnegation have been letting the society slip for years, it’s good that the faction has took action. And those Dauntless, I can’t believe they were stupid enough!” I’m fuming at this comment but I keep the smile firmly on my face. “Well, have you heard any news about it? I’ve been so absorbed in a book that such knowledge has not reached me yet.” They all laugh, as I rub my knuckles nervously. “I’ve heard that the war has stilled, am I right?” Lila says, looking to her companions. They nod at her, in perfect synchrony.  “I think they are planning another attack. On a smaller scale, however. There’s a bit of friction between the leaders, and there is a lack of the Dauntless traitors. We have a big threat from the Factionless though. Those guys are hardcore!” Oliver says, chuckling.

The others giggle as well. As they were murmuring sadistic jokes about the Dauntless between them, and whilst I was talking to Oliver and Sheila with Tobias, Uriah had suddenly appeared. “There seems to be a grouping over here!” He says, slapping Tobias on the back with a hearty laugh. “Am I invited to join?” They smile and shake hands as he introduces himself as Cal. “So, Cal, what made you transfer?” Oliver says, scratching the back of his head. “What makes you think I transferred?” Uriah asks, trying to pull off a look of confusion. With a face so strongly defined with already showing laughter lines, it’s not particularly easy.

“The tattoo behind your ear,” Oliver mutters, pointing to the snake. “Oh, the Dauntless just weren’t intellectual enough for me. I thought that-“ Uriah’s stopped mid-sentence with the shatter of glass. The chandelier has been shot – it’s easy to tell, since it’s hanging on one screw above my head. I stuff my hand into my deep dress pockets, pulling out the cold, hard metal of my gun. I spin around, Tobias copying every aspect of my action, as does Uriah and Christina. Gasps spill across the grand hall. Stood in front of us, is a young man in masquerade. Except his mask, which is red. An Amity – the people who are meant to be calm. “Prior, drop the gun,” he grunts, staring at me. “You three as well. I have several more people outside. I’ll shoot if I have to.” I don’t drop the gun, but instead walk up to him, point the gun at his head. “Take off your mask,” I say, as Uriah and Tobias block him from an escape. “Beatrice, I’m sure you’ll be devastated when you see who I am.” He smirks. I shove the gun deeper into his skin. “I don’t care.” I say, even though I’m doubtful since he knows my name. He lifts a hand, and peels the mask off with ease. And there, stood in front of me, is Robert. I can’t believe he’d do this – he was one of the only friends from Abnegation I still liked. “Elijah!” he calls, and three men – fully armed – burst through the door. I hear the bullet shooting to my upper arm before I see it. Then everything goes black.

TO BE CONTINUED.

{The continued story is the one in the Dauntless compound – it skips a lot, but as it progresses, all is revealed. Not all from the last story will be revealed in the next though. It may end up as nine or ten stories, hopefully(:}