The Unlucky Ones

[23] - Beating

[Tobias]

" HEY, WHERE WERE YOU THIS MORNING? " Christina asks when Tris walks into the training room.

I noticed she wasn't there this morning but i assumed she was just running late. I guess she never even showed up. She squint's over at the blackboard to where I haven't written a name yet.

" I got held up, " She says.

That statement is ominous in a way. But I choose to ignore it. I stand in front of the chalkboard, writing a name next to hers. Molly.

" You okay, Tris? You look a little… " Al says.

" A little what? " Tris asks sharply.

I look back at her. She's harsher today than she usually is. Something happened. I can't ignore the fact that something happened. I step away from the board, allowing her to see that I've written a name next to hers. I can tell when she reads who because she smiles.

" On edge, " Al says.

Tris' fight is the last on the list meaning she has to sit through three other fights before her own. But something tells me that she's excited about her fight. She's jumpy like she's waiting for the fight to start before it can. Edward and Peter fight second to last--good. Edward is the only one who can beat Peter. Christina will fight Al, which means that Al will lose quickly, like he’s been doing all week.

" Go easy on me, okay? " Al asks Christina.

Christina shrugs, smiling.

" I make no promises, " Christina replies.

The first pair--Will and Myra--stand across from each other in the arena. For a second they both shuffle back and forth, one jerking an arm forward and then retracting it, the other kicking and missing. I lean against the wall and yawn. Tris stares at the chalkboard next to me, an eyebrow cocked. She seems to be trying to predict who will win each match. I look and copy her. It doesn’t take long. Then, when I look back, she's biting her nails. Is she nervous? Christina lost to Molly, which means she’s good. She has a powerful punch, but she doesn’t move her feet. If she can’t hit her, she can’t hurt her.

As expected, the next fight between Christina and Al is quick and painless. Al falls after a few hard hits to the face and doesn’t get back up, which makes Eric shake his head. Edward and Peter take longer. Though they are the two best fighters, the disparity between them is noticeable. Edward’s fist slams into Peter’s jaw, and I remember what Will said about him--that he has been studying combat since he was ten. It’s obvious. He is faster and smarter than even Peter. By the time the three matches are done, my heart is pounding in my chest. I'm nervous for her. Tris walks to the arena without looking at anyone or anything but the center of the room. Molly stands across from her.

" Was that a birthmark I saw on your left butt cheek? " Molly asks, smirking. " God, you’re pale, Stiff. "

I cock an eyebrow, looking around the room. Peter laughs, even with an ice-pack on his jaw. I look back at the Arena. Some of Tris' earlier anger has faded, but it seems as though it came right back with that comment. What happened this morning? Molly will make the first move. She always does.

Molly starts toward Tris and throws her weight into a punch. As her body shifts forward, Tris ducks and drives her fist into Molly's stomach, right over her bellybutton. Before Molly can get her hands on Tris, she slips past her, her hands up, ready for Molly's next attempt. Molly's not smirking anymore. She runs at Tris like she’s about to tackle her, and Tris darts out of the way. Tris blocks her next punch with her forearm. Molly grits her teeth and lets out a frustrated groan, more animal-sounding than human. She tries a sloppy kick at Tris' side, which Tris dodges. While Molly's balance is off, Tris rushes forward and forces her elbow up at Molly's face. She pulls her head back just in time, and Tris' elbow grazes her chin.

Molly punches Tris in the ribs, causing her to stumble to the side, recovering her breath. There’s something Molly's not protecting. Tris watches Molly for a few seconds. Her hands are too high; they guard her nose and cheeks, leaving her stomach and ribs exposed. Molly and Tris have the same flaw in combat. Their eyes meet for just a second. Tris aims an uppercut low, just below her bellybutton. Her fist sinks into Molly's flesh, forcing a heavy breath from her mouth. As Molly gasps, Tris sweep-kicks her legs out from under her, and she falls hard on the ground, sending dust into the air. Tris pulls her foot back and kicks as hard as she can at her ribs. Tris is losing control.

I start walking forward. I don't want her to hate herself like I did after I hurt Eric. But, then again, I gained so much confidence too. Molly curls into a ball to protect her side and Tris kicks again, this time hitting her in the stomach. She kicks again, this time hitting her in the face. Blood springs from her nose and spreads over her face. Another kick hits her in the chest. Tris pulls her foot back again, but my hands clamp around her arms and I pull her away from Molly with irresistible force. Tris breathes through gritted teeth, staring at Molly’s blood-covered face, the color deep and rich and beautiful, in a way. She groans, and I hear a gurgling in her throat, watch blood trickle from her lips.

" You won, " I mutter. " Stop. "

Tris wipes the sweat from her forehead. I stare at her. I can tell that I look alarmed. I am alarmed. Something happened today that provoked this behavior. Something big.

" I think you should leave, " I say, placing a hand on her shoulder. " Take a walk. "

She shakes her head.

" I’m fine, " She says. " I’m fine now. "

I watch as she walks away, probably to cool down. I walk over to the chalkboard, circling Tris' name for a victory. I look over at Peter as he stares down at Molly on the mat. He's not laughing now.