In My Blood (Eric-Divergent)

First rule

The next morning, I met up with Erin, Jackie, and Keith at breakfast and showed them my new tattoo. I left out the part about Eric paying for it. Actually, I left him out of it all together. It didn't exactly feel right to tell them how weird he's been acting. I mean, I know nothing about him. But from what I've heard, being nice isn't in his nature.

I was better at shooting today, just like Four said. I had shot my target fairly well and with more accuracy than yesterday. Eric was on the rooftop this time, supervising and tossing rude comments here and there.

After shooting, we went straight into knife throwing again, and after a few moments with Four, I finally learned the technique. My intimate encounter with Eric left me too breathless to remember what to do, so I was glad to have Four's wise words of guidance this time around.

But soon enough, I did get to see Eric's bad side. And boy was it scary.
It happened during my second fight, when he paired me with a boy named Darren.

I stepped up into the ring, feeling confident after my win yesterday. But Darren was at least 6 inches taller than my stout 5'2 figure, and by the looks of it, he was more muscle than anything else.

My former Candor opponent smirked at me, running a hand over his shaved head with pride. I knew him from school, and he was a bully. The kind of kid that slammed your locker shut on his way by, or stepped in front of you in line purely because he was invincible.

Everyone stood watching, waiting for someone to begin. But my feet were planted firmly on the white mat beneath me. I knew right away that I'd lose this fight, but my determination urged me to stand strong and do my best.

Be brave, Jasmine. You're Dauntless now.

With a quick step, Darren swung and hit me in the eye, knocking me to the floor.

I got up quickly, my face now throbbing. I launched myself forward, attempting an attack but his foot caught me right in the gut and send me up and back. I landed with a thud at the edge of the ring, gasping for air.

"Come on, I'm just gettin' started." Darren said.

I sat up sliwly, clutching my stomach. When I glanced at Eric, he was staring down at me with menacing grey eyes. There was not a single ounce of sympathy in them.

I got back up, and I circled my opponent as he hopped around eagerly, ready for another hit. When he came at me with a heavy fist, I ducked quickly and stepped to the side.
His next throw came from the right, and I blocked swiftly with the back of my forearm. With frustration, Darren pounced and took me down.

He got on me, my body tucked under his legs as he landed fist after fist in my ribs.

"Fight back." Eric growled.

With little forced, I swung back. Luckily my first landed on his mouth and stunned him just long enough for me to slide out from under him. I whipped my leg back and kicked him in the head as I crawled away and got back on my feet.

Growling angrily, Darren got right up and attacked again, this time punching me in the stomach. I hunched over, my mouth hanging open. He advanced again, landing a right hook in my cheek. Then a left one at my ear. I fell to the floor, feeling defeated.

But when my eyes met Eric's, I could see his mouth moving slightly and it took me a moment to read his silent message.

Don't give up.

With my last bit of energy, I nodded once and jumped to my feet. Turning quickly on my heel, I lunged at Darren, taking him to the floor. Quickly jumping on top of him, I straddled his torso and began my assault.