Dauntless Blood

Six

My heart raced as I stood in the group of transfers listening to Eric and my brother talk. I knew Eric was the same age as me, but something kept nagging at my mind. I watch as a boy named Will got taken down by a boy named Peter.

I lean over a bit and whisper in Ryn's ear, "I'm fucking scared.".

She looked at me and nodded, mouthing same. I snap my attention to the ring when Eric cleared his throat.

"Cade," Aiden said, "You're gonna fight Eric.".

I felt my blood freeze in my veins. Hitting Eric? No problem. Fighting till one of us couldn't move from exhaustion? No problem. Fighting a guy who's been in Dauntless two years? Bit of a problem. Losing to said guy and being faction-less? Big freaking problem.

"What's wrong, Stiff," Peter and Tanner shout at me.

"Ryn, duck," I whisper.

Ryn ducked and I gave Peter a swift roundhouse kick to his side. I felt Tanner tackle me, but I easily kicked him off of me and kneed him in the stomach.

Aiden then dragged me to the ring, "Save it for your fight with Eric.".

I take a deep breath and turn to face one of the Dauntless leaders. I heard Eric was ruthless and I knew he heard I had a temper.

"You will fight until one of you can not fight anymore," Aiden said, acting as if he was referee.

I looked to Aiden as he finished talking, then I felt a fist to my face.

"Shit! Eric got her," Peter laughed.

I hold my jaw, flexing it, then I kicked Eric on the side of his head. He stumbled back, then he tried to punch me again. I kick him in the stomach, hearing one of his ribs crack.

A chorus of holy shit echoed the training room and everyone looked at me. I watch Eric hold his side, then I do the honorable thing I've taught myself.

I step out of the fight circle and say to Aiden, "A strong man stands up for himself, a stronger man stands up for others.".

"What the hell does that mean," Peter shouts.

I walk over to Eric and hold out my hand as a gesture of faith. Eric surprisingly takes it, then I help him up.

Eric and Aiden dismissed the group and I head to The Pit.

Was it wrong of me to show I was the bigger person?