Born to be Dauntless

Chapter 3

Unlike in the stories I was not up extra early. I had often thought of this day, so I could not believe it was here. Since I'd woken up I'd hugged Kayli at least 6 times. Which is a lot for me. I never hug.

I told her about the letters I wrote to mom and dad and asked her to give it to them when I was gone. I also said that if she wanted to she could read them. I didn't close the envelopes. Of course she agreed to it.

The hours flew by and before I knew it we were on our way to the ceremony.

I noticed that my sister was struggling a lot, but I couldn't help her. My mom was obviously oblivious that I was about to leave. She was arrogant enough to think I would never leave. My dad on the other hand was suspicious. My dad always got me, mainly because he thinks the same. Obviously not the same since you are not Erudite. Okay maybe not but he did get me. I am happy he figured it out before I actually chose; now I wouldn't feel as guilty.

Once we reached the elevator it was already packed with people. My parents got in line. "Can't we just take the stairs instead?" I said. I couldn't really get along with people and I usually got awkward in a large crowd packed together.

"What? We're not Abnegation. I will not give up our places because you want to walk twenty stairs." my mom said with a matter of fact tone. Kayli immediately looked at me. Her eyes were wide and she was looking at me like are you going to choose Abnegation?! I shook my head. She'll find out what I'll choose in a few minutes anyway.

The elevator was crowded with nervous kids and oblivious parents. There was a boy from Amity who looked so nervous he even forgot to smile at his parents. He is cute. Wait what? He had dark brown hair that was neatly combed. He had a long face and wore brown reddish pants and a gross orange yellowish t-shirt on top. His eyes flickered around the room until he looked at me. Dammit I got caught staring. That's a first...

The elevator opened and we followed the others to the room. It looked like a picture I once saw in my dads history books. I remembered the description. "The dutch parliament." I guess they already had this ceremony back then. The room was divided in the five factions. My mom was already looking for a place to sit but my dad came to me. "I think I know what you are about to do." he said with a sad smile. I gave him a quick hug. It was awkward. The last time I hugged him was years ago. He nodded and followed my mother to their place. "Kayli, I do mean what I said." I was twisting the bracelet she made. "When your time comes, you have to choose what's best for you." She smiled and after giving me a quick hug she ran towards our parents. I saw my mom scolding her for running since it is not very lady like. Poor Kayli.

I walked to my spot in the line. I had no idea what the people next to me were called but we had to take these places at formal things. I stood in between two girls from Amity. Maybe that is were my hatred came from. They were always talking and laughing with each other. With me in between.

This year it was Dauntless who had to lead the ceremony. Every year it shifts one faction. Two years ago it was Abnegation. Last year it was Candor. This year Dauntless and next year Erudite. Etc.

Suddenly the room became quiet and a large buff looking guy with tattoos and piercings walked up to the stage. I think I've seen him before. In the test? But that's not logical... Well he is the leader if Dauntless so I guess I've seen his face before.

"Welcome to the choosing ceremony." He began almost sounding bored.

"Welcome to the day we honor the democratic philosophy of our ancestors, which tells us that every man has the right to choose his own way in this world.” He was definitely bored.

“Our dependents are now sixteen. They stand on the precipice of adulthood, and it is now up to them to decide what kind of people they will be. Decades ago our ancestors realized that it is not political ideology, religious belief, race, or nationalism that is to blame for a warring world. Rather, they determined that it was the fault of human personality—of humankind’s inclination toward evil, in whatever form that is. They divided into factions that sought to eradicate those qualities they believed responsible for the world’s disarray.” He said monotone while playing with the knife.

“Those who blamed aggression formed Amity.” That's stupid and ignorant.

“Those who blamed ignorance became the Erudite.” That's not the full reason.

“Those who blamed duplicity created Candor.” That's just normal human behavior.

“Those who blamed selfishness made Abnegation.” If we were all selfless the world would be boring.

“And those who blamed cowardice were the Dauntless.” If the right person killed or at least stopped the person who started it then there wouldn't have been a war in the first place.

“Working together, these five factions have lived in peace for many years, each contributing to a different sector of society. Abnegation has fulfilled our need for selfless leaders in government; Candor has provided us with trustworthy and sound leaders in law; Erudite has supplied us with intelligent teachers and researchers; Amity has given us understanding counselors and caretakers; and Dauntless provides us with protection from threats both within and without. But the reach of each faction is not limited to these areas. We give one another far more than can be adequately summarized. In our factions, we find meaning, we find purpose, we find life.”

I noticed that he struggled with the speech. Not because of all the people staring at him. More because it bored him out of his mind.

“Apart from them, we would not survive.” Also kind of bullshit. I mean the factionless don't live a good life but the are alive.

“Therefore this day marks a important occasion—the day on which we receive our new initiates, who will work with us toward a better society and a better world.” He said while having trouble not to roll his eyes. Most of the people here began to clap but he cut them off by saying: "Okay then the names..."

He began with the Z. So by the time the girl next to me was called, most of the kids had already chosen. Almost everyone decided to stay this year. I glanced over to Dauntless. So far they had two Candor girls who seemed very excited about being together and one nervous looking Amity guy.

The girl who stood next to me chose Amity. Big surprise.

"Ami Doyle." Okay. Let's do this shit. I walked to the bowls and waited for him to give me the knife. I know what I'll choose, so why turn around it? The leader of Dauntless, who's name I suddenly remember; Eric, looked at me with amusement. He must see a lot of nervous faces and then suddenly mine. Even when I was really nervous you couldn't see it. and now I wasn't even nervous, just determined.

He gave me the knife and I easily cut my hand. Maybe a little too enthusiastic because the blood immediately dripped on my blue skirt. Oops. I looked up at Eric and held my hand above the coals. His poker face turned into a small smile as Dauntless began to cheer.