Timeless- The Sequel To Dauntless: A FanFic Of Divergent

Chapter 19- The New Rules

A/N: Hey guys! So I'm returning to typing this story, after the conclusion of my other fanfic, and the beginning of an original novel! It's been 6 months, I think. That's a while, I know. Sorry the break had to be so long, but here's a new chapter of Timeless!

Four and I make time early in the morning to go into the gym and decide the pairs for the matches today. "Um, Al and Will?" I say. He nods. "That'll be a good first fight. Christina and Molly, do you think?" I wince slightly, thinking of Molly's large frame. But Chris might have something up her sleeve. "Why not? And how about a little deviousness. Myra and Edward." He raises his eyebrows. I didn't realize you were out to ruin relationships Cal." He pauses for a moment, and a smile spreads across his face. "Let's do it." He says, and I have a brief image of him as a giggling schoolgirl, so I laugh. He joins in, even though I don't choose to share that particular thought. He writes the names up on the whiteboard, adding Peter and Drew to the end of it. "You're leaving out Tris?" I say, questioning his choice. He clears his throat. "There's not a good match for her today." I raise my eyebrows slightly. "Ok." He's leaving her out on purpose, and I know it. Maybe he just wants her to be more prepared, like an extra day might give her a chance against some of these fighters. He's wrong, but I'll humor him, for now. I know better than to say anything.

"We're also taking them out to play Capture the flag tonight." He says. "Paintball version?" I say, excited. I've played it once before, and it's one of the best memories I have. He nods. I press my kips together into a smile. "You can be on my team." He says. "Really?" I say, laughing. He nods as the initiates start to file into the room.

I shut my mouth quickly. They aren't supposed to see us as normal people, or their friends.

"Today we start individual combat." I say. "One of you has the day off, because of the unfortunate number that had the guts to come here and not die." I catch Four's glance towards Tris out of the corner of my eye. He tries to be casual about it, but it really isn't casual at all. For as stoic and quiet as Four usually is, he is exceptionally horrible at hiding certain emotions, at least for those of us who know him. "The fight goes until someone concedes, or cannot continue." Four says. "That's according to the old rules." Eric's voice booms across the room, and I have to physically restrain myself from rolling my eyes and groaning. I wonder what he's got to say this time. "According to the new rules, you may not concede. Ever." Eric says, that condescending smirk coming over his face. Four presses his lips together and I suspect he's battling for what words to say and still keep his job. It isn't fair, it really isn't. Four finally opens his mouth, his eyes sharp. "A brave man recognizes the strength of others." He says coldly, challenging him. I would too, but I've already got a few strikes. Eric steps closer, his entire posture threatening. "A brave man never surrenders." He says, just as aggressively. Four just stares at him, and we both know that he's powerless. The conversation ends there.

The first fight starts off slowly, with Al and Will dancing around each other, occasionally making weak swings. Eric sighs, and because of that, so do I. Here we go. "Stop playing with each other. I haven't got all day." He yells. I see fear in Al's eyes, and he makes a real swing this time. He knows that Eric has the power, and he'd better do what he says, as much as he hates it. It's over in a few punches. A knock to the jaw sends Will sprawling, out cold on the mat. After a few moments, he groans, and Al kneels down to help him. Eric purses his lips. "Get him up, Four." Four tightens his jaw and does, practically dragging him off of the mat. Al looks visibly upset, frowning. He's one of those types, I guess. Doesn't want to hurt people. He's going to have to get over that.

Molly beats Christina without much of a problem. It's a shame, really. I like Christina, and I couldn't say the same for Molly. She's beating her hard, kicking her over and over while she's down. "Stop! Stop." Christina gasps, her nose dripping blood onto the floor. I breathe in sharply, scared now for what I know is coming. Eric walks forward. "What was that?", he says, deadly quiet. Christina gets up, pinching her nose, and not saying a word. "Come with me, all of you." Eric says, and stalks out the door. I share a worried glance with Four, and I think the consensus is clear; Eric won't hurt that girl today.

He stops at the railing of the pit. "If you can hang off of that edge for five minutes, I will forgive your cowardice." She gasps "What?!" Murmurs echo through the other initiates. Four steps forward. "Is this really necessary?" His voice has an undertone of something close to panic, but he passes it off as a threat. Eric smirks "Absolutely. She's out otherwise."

A.N: So yay! I'm glad to be finally finishing this up. The entire series is finished on paper, its just a matter of typing and editing now. Thanks for the continued support, slap dat vote button, and Stay Dauntless :)

-Argo