Divergent From Al's POV

Knives

After jumping off trains, next we have to fight against other initiates with the skills they teach us. One horrible memory in the training room was learning how to throw knives. Yes, I couldn't throw a knife. Yet still, even towards the end of the session, I couldn't throw a knife. This lead to Eric threatening me- that I would have to stand in the middle of the target and have knives being thrown at me. At first, I thought he wasn't serious, however Tris said that she would take my place. I saw her bravely pace towards the target, nervous but confident. "Stop staring at me! Anyone can go stand in front of a target!" she said.

"Well, prove that you can do it. Prove you're not a Stiff. Or a coward." retorts Eric with a smirk.

When I was meant to be the target, Four looked reluctant to throw a knife. Now she is the target, he looks more up for the challenge.

Four holds the knife with technique, a strong grip on the handle, as he throws it. Tris screams. It lies centimetres away from the side of her head, which is probably filled with fear as Four throws his next knife. This one makes a straight cut through the air, and lands right on top of her head, no gaps between the knife and the board. "I felt that!" wails Tris.

I let her do this for me. I should be the one there on the board, watching the ever closer and sharper knives fly by, feeling nothing but fear. No hope. Only death.

The final knife. Everybody is now watching, their mouths wide open, some even closing their eyes. The whole act felt as if it was in slow motion. Tris moved just before the knife hit her, which made the consequences worse. She screamed; blood was dripping from her left ear. The knife was jabbed right into it.

One thing that I have learnt from Dauntless initiation is how brave, courageous and how Dauntless Tris is. I like her. I really like her. But I really want to kill her. She is in everybody's way of being at the top of the training board. There are these initiates called Peter, Drew and Molly. They are really good at fighting, although Peter always comes second to Tris. Peter and Tris engage in many fights with each other. But Tris is still the best and Peter isn't. He deserves to be at the top. Especially to a Stiff.