A New Life

Chapter 23: Landscape

DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT OWN DIVERGENT, THAT BELONGS TO THE VERY TALENTED VERONICA ROTH.

WARNING: I mention some abuse and other things Tris has been through in this chapter, so this might be hard for some to read.  

The entire compound buzzes with anticipation of the final tests that are set to begin soon. I'm currently sat in the room that Eric had taken me to to go through his fears. I try to tune out the other room just outside that door where, what seems like, the entire faction stands staring at the screen watching as my fellow initiates go through their own personal hell. I tune out the others sitting in the room with me, which is simple because most are quiet and fearing what is to come. I tune out the row of leaders that sit in the front of the room witnessing the worst nightmares of the person in the next room. I tune out everyone and everything, only focusing on what I am about to face. Thinking of ways I can get through this quickly yet safely. I was so absorbed in my thoughts that I didn't even notice Uriah had gone and I was the last left in the room. Uri comes out, pulling me up and wraps his arms around me, whispering a 'good luck' before leaving.

"You ready Tris?" Veronica asks with a soft smile. I nod and start heading through the door with Eric following closely behind. I looked through the window to see Four taking a seat with the leaders and a small smile spreads over my lips. Eric presses the needle into my neck and kisses my head whispering 'be safe' to me before leaving the room. The air in the room changes as does the light and I'm suddenly moved to the seated position. I open my eyes, which I didn't even realize I had closed, and find myself in the box chained to the chair I had faced before. I look around calmly though I can feel my heart hammering in my chest. I looked down to the chains that are on my feet and get an idea. I scoot as far forward in a chair as I can and push my toes against the ground to tilt the chair back, lifting the front legs up. I continue to scoot forward and push the chair back until the chair legs lift out of the chains freeing my legs from the chair, but not from each other. I let the chair fall back to all four feet and bring my legs up to my butt pressing my feet on the seat of the chair. I push up so I'm standing, ultimately raising my arms over the back of the chair detaching myself from it. I hop down with my arms and legs still chained together and look around the glass box. I look up and see the top open, and smirk. I go to one of the walls of the box and sit on the ground with my back against it. I push my feet against the wall across from me and push my back against the other wall wincing at the pain it puts on my left arm, but continuing nonetheless. I push my feet forward and slide my back up the wall following by moving my feet up and my back again until I reach the top of the box and fall out landing on the ground with a hard thud. (Fear 1: Being trapped) The scene changes and I'm hanging from The Chasm again. My heart races to my throat and I struggle to pull myself up.

"Tris!" Christina shouts leaning over the rail holding her hand out to me. "Grab on." She begs. My mind and body fight over reaching for her or not.

"Tris please just grab our hand." Mar says appearing next to Chris. She stretches her hand out and I clench my teeth.

"Do it Tris, we can't lose you." Uri shouts and I suck in a breath before reaching up to grip Chris's hand and let them pull me over the railing. Once over and I stumble forward, past them. I turn back to them, but I am faced with the woman I've never seen before. (Fear 2: Being reliant) She looked at me, staring into my eyes and I raise my brow cocking my head to the side.

"Kill them!" A voice booms out and guilt rushes over me. A gun appears out of nowhere and I swallow hard as I grab it. I raise it to the woman's head and look her in the eye.

"I'm sorry." I whispered before I looked down and pulled the trigger. I turn away before her body hits the ground and close my eyes tightly. (Fear 3: Killing)