Candor or Dauntless: Truth or Dare (Watty Awards 2013)

Part 46: Bloody Lamps

I stumble to him. He's not bleeding, but he's definitely passed out.

Tobias kneels next to me, "Do you know him?" Tobias asks.

I nod, "That's Tanner. The guy who wants to me lead Dauntless." Tobias nods slowly. Tanner groans and moves. I touch his head and my fingers come away with blood. I look up at Tobias and he shrugs.

I wipe the blood on my pants, "We have to get him up and to the Infirmary." I say. Tanner stirs, groaning loudly. He weakly raises a hand to his head and struggles to sit up. Tobias helps him.

Tanner looks around and scowls, "Who hit me?" His speech is now slowed.

Tobias looks away, "I did." He states. Tanner shakes his head, slowly, blood dripping onto the collar of his shirt.

"You're just lucky you came in first, Four." Tanner says.

Tobias turns his head, "How do you know my name?"

Tanner smiles, "I am, after all, the head of Dauntless."

Tanner turns to me, thick streaks of blood streaking his cheek, "So, what do you think?" He asks me.

I raise my eyebrow, "About what?" I ask. He wipes at the blood on his neck, "About my offer." He coughs, "Will you lead Dauntless?" I look down at my hands, Tanner's blood is smeared on my fingers. After a few seconds, Tobias elbows me.

I sigh, "I'll do it. For my mother."

Tanner smiles and stands up, wobbling on his feet. "I better get going. I think I'll need some stitches. Thanks, Tris. Natalie would have wanted it this way." He walks out.

I turn to Tobias, "How did he know my mom's name was Natalie?" I say, thinking out loud.

He shakes his head, "Your mom was Dauntless, right? Maybe they grew up together..." He trails off. I jump up, accidentally kicking the bloody lamp on the floor. It rolls into the door, streaking the floor with blood. Tobias looks startled.

"I have to go. I'll see you tomorrow. At training." I lean forward and kiss his cheek before I can stop myself. I blush and walk out. I step into the cool air of the hallway and walk to the Infirmary. Konnor's sitting at the front desk, a scowl weaved onto her face. I smile in her direction. 'Show the people that hate you, that they don't bother you. It will kill them to see you happy.' That's what Christina always says. She looks startled and turns away from me. I laugh silently. I walk passed her and to Caroline, who's sitting in a chair behind her.

"Hey, Caroline. A man should have just come in. His head was bleeding. Do you know where he is?" I don't mention his name.

She smiles, "Oh, you mean Tanner. He's just through that door." She gestures to the door. I nod and go in. Tanner is sitting on the edge of his bed, wrapping his head in white gauze.

He looks up and smiles, "Hey." He says, softly.

"Hey...I have a question," I say, "How do you know my mom's name?" He goes pale, his arms tighten and he exhales loudly.

"Because," He says, "Because I'm her father."