Blue Eyed Man

Chapter 18

Tyler's POV

    I laugh all the way down. I hit the net and bounce. The net is pulled down, and my dad is smiling at me. How he got back here so quickly, I don't know. I guess they did slow the train down so that the transfers could actually get on without dying. Dad has his ways.

    "I would assume you're keeping your name?" he asks me smiling.

    "Oh yeah."

    "First jumper..." He looks back at me before he announces, "Tyler!"

    Miles is actually the next jumper. He's different, but I'm warming up to him. He doesn't seem too bad.

    "Well look who it is," I say as he turns around quickly to face me. He looks slightly scared. "Miles, the second jumper. That's what I'm talking about." Now I'm giving him a proud smile. His face relaxes. "Ya know, you don't have to be scared of me... well unless you're fighting me. Even if I fight you, I promise I won't hurt you... too badly."

    "You're not exactly making me feel better."

    Jumpers continue to come until the last initiate is standing inside Dauntless. Eric is the last one to jump after the initiates.

    "Transfers will stay here with Lauren. Dauntless born will come with me," Eric says.

    Poor Miles looks scared. He doesn't know what to think. This place isn't exactly Amity.

    "You'll be fine," I tell him as Dauntless born begins to follow Eric. He takes us to the dorms where we'll be staying. They suck. They really do, but whatever. I guess we'll just deal with it.

    Soon, the rest of the initiates come in and start picking bunks. Miles is beside me. I appear to be the only person he knows. I know all the Dauntless born, but they aren't exactly my friends, so I guess I'm in a similar boat.

    The transfers change into Dauntless clothes, and we head to mess hall to eat lunch.

    Finally. I'm starving.

    Mess hall feels kinda weird. I typically eat at the leaders' table with Eric, but since I'm an initiate, I can't exactly do that. I sit with Miles. We don't talk much. We mostly just eat. A few transfers talk to me, but our conversations are short. The only person I think I'm going to end up really liking is Miles. He's laid back even though he's scared to death. He shows potential. I hope he makes it through.

    Soon the whole hall is standing and banging cups on the table and cheering. Max has entered the room. Everyone sits back down shortly after.

    "Initiates stand," Max says and he looks down on the crowded mess hall. All initiates stand. "You have chosen to join the faction of soldiers and warriors. You will protect this city and its inhabitants. Make us proud."

    The whole crowd erupts with shouting and cheering. We are soon raised into the air and begin to crowd surf. When I am out down, I am right in front of Eric. He smiles at me.

    "Heard about the choosing ceremony. Way to go, kid."

    From anyone else, I would've glared, but coming from him, at least I know it's authentic.

    "Well, he deserved it," I say with a laugh.

    "Oh yeah," he responds. "That dude is messed up."

    I look around and notice Miles is staring.

    Dang it. Miles doesn't know. None of the initiates will understand. No one can know.

    Eric can see Miles too. His face becomes hard again. I walk away back to Miles. He looks at me strangely.

     "What's going on? Do you know the crazy guy?" He asks.

    He's not crazy!

    "It's complicated," I tell him.

    "Complicated?" He asks. He's not being smart with me at least. I can tell he's legitimately confused.

    "I'm not explaining it. Nothing against you, but I'm not."

    He looks hurt but not very. He's understands.

    Oh yeah. This guy and I are going to be friends.

    "Alright," is all he says.

     We head back to the dorms after dinner. Training starts tomorrow. Many of the transfers are actually crying. Not completely sobbing, but loud enough to be heard. Miles is wide eyed in the bunk beside me.

    "You're gonna be fine," I tell him. "Lauren will take care of you. I have a few connections I can use if I have to. Don't worry."

    "I want to prove myself. I don't want to move up in the ranks just because you have connections," he responds.

    He wants to earn it. I will say he's definitely earned my respect.

    "That's not what I meant. There are people that will be willing to help you outside of initiation training. Put in the time and earn it for yourself."

    He smiles. I can tell he's in. Eric wouldn't be the best option to train him. He trained me just fine, but Miles and I are different. Plus, I think Miles is already scared of Eric. After thinking for a minute, I decide that my dad is probably the best option to help Miles. He is training Dauntless born but would be willing to help a transfer. I mean, he himself was a transfer.
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Song: Warrior by Ledger