Variance [A Percy Jackson/Divergent Crossover]

Chapter 15

Nico's P.O.V.

Eric's idea of a field trip and my idea of a field trip are two separate things.

We gather behind the railroad tracks and wait for the train. There are guns piled up next to the track, and I notice a few large crates there labeled 'PAINTBALLS'. My stomach clenches.

"Everyone grab a gun and a box of paintballs!" Eric shouts. The other initiates rush to obey.

Leo grins. "I love this game."

Percy snorts. "Seriously? Of all the death sports and daring feats I envisioned, we're playing paintball?"

"Yes," Eric says calmly. "Now get your supplies and shut up."

We hurry to the pile of guns and snatch one. I dig into a box and put the paintballs in my pocket. I sling the gun over my shoulder so it's strapped to my chest.

In the darkness, a light forms in the tunnel, moving closer to us. A beam of light hits my face and I squint.

The train chugs past us, and the Dauntless form a line and hop on the train. 

Once everyone's in, Four speaks up.

"We'll be dividing into two teams to play capture the flag," he says.

Our heads snap up. 

Percy rubs his hands together. "Oh, Annabeth's gonna be jealous now. She won't be there to beat me."

Thalia smiles. "Nope, but I'll be there to beat you."

Percy groans. "I forgot."

Four silences them with a look. "Each team will have an even mix of members, Dauntless-born initiates, and transfers. One team will get off first and find a place to hide their flag. Then the second team will get off and do the same." The train car rocks dangerously, and Four steadies himself on the door handle for balance. "This is a Dauntless tradition, so I suggest you take it seriously."

"These paintballs are programmed to feel like a bullet every time it hits you. This is to prepare you for Dauntless training," Eric says, eyes wild, "and just for the fun of it."

"Really?" an Erudite girl asks.

Eric shoots her in the leg with his gun, and she cries out. He flashes her his trademark grin. "You'll only feel pain for a few minutes. It's not designed to kill you."

"Four and I will be your team captains," Eric announces. The look he gives Four is a challenge. "Let's divide up transfers first, shall we?"

"You go first."

Eric locks eyes with me. "Percy."

Percy walks over to his side with difficulty. His eyes are filled with hate.

Four scans the group of initiates. He glances at Tris. "I want the Stiff."

Stiff must mean Abnegation, then. Tris' face flushes, but she stands with Four. 

Laughter fills the car. I want to bash their skulls in. She's probably braver than them, but they tease her.

Eric smirks. "Got something to prove? Or are you just picking the weak ones so that if you lose, you'll have someone to blame it on?"

Four shrugs. "Something like that."

Then it occurs to me. He's picking the agile, smart ones. Four is an excellent battle strategist.

"Your turn, Eric," Four says.

"Peter."

"Leo."