More Than Divergent

21. Ink Therapy

Eric and I walked to the Pit toward the tattoo shop. Eric kept his hand at the small of my waist and lead me through the crowd. His proximity to me caused a few stares and double takes. I didn't care.

"There" he leaned down and gestured to the tattoo shop. Immediately I recognized the woman who gave me my aptitude test. She hesitated and looked behind me. When I was telling her what I wanted, her eyes kept shifting to Eric. Eric was looking at the art on the walls and then joined us.

"I want it here." I gestured to my left ribcage and hip.

"You heard her Tori" Eric answered her questioning look. She lead me to a chair and I told her what I wanted. I lifted my shirt over my head and exposed my left side.

"This is your first one?" I nodded. "It's going to hurt like hell over the bruises" She examined the location.

"I don't care." I leaned on my right side and exposed my left to her.

"All the way to the hip?" I nodded. She motioned as I unbuckled my pants and pulled down the left side. I lifted the left side of my shirt exposing my bra. "Go big or go home." This piece was going to be big and hurt like a bitch, but I knew it was going to be worth it. Tori had started to work and I endured the pain. Eric had sat in another chair and a man named Bud started a conversation. I didn't say anything, but occasionally flinched. Tori didn't speak either but her eyes kept wondering between me and Eric. Annoyed of her glances I closed my eyes and listened to sound of the machine paint my skin.

"All done" Tori finally said as she wiped any excessed ink off of me. I pushed myself up from the chair and felt my skin pulse against it's new adornment. Eric joined me at the mirror. I looked at my tattoo and smiled.

"Don't touch it, it's too fresh" Eric pushed the hand that reached toward my new tattoo.

"You don't touch it" I smacked his hand and he grinned. My gaze returned to my tattoo. I caught my reflection. The idea of being able to look into the mirror was still new to me. I met my green eyes and then down toward my hip. Flames danced on my hip, curling up toward my stomach and to my back. There, the Dauntless symbol in the center and present. I followed it up and took in the beauty of the Phoenix bird rising from the flames that was forever marked on my body. The tail feathers curve around my waist and it's wings taking flight. The tips of one of the wings curled along my shoulder blade. I loved it. I had always idealized the mythology behind it. From the ashes it rises to begin a new life.

"I'll be back" Eric placed his hand on the small of my back and went back to Bud. Tori watch him leave and stood next to me in the mirror.

"Thank you, it's perfect" I smiled.

"You need to be careful." Her eyes narrowed.

"I will, I won't touch it."

"No, with the company you keep." Her eyes darted to Eric. She walked around and stood in front of the mirror. "Do you remember what I told you?" Her eyes frozen on Eric.

"About being D-"

"Don't" She snapped at me. "Tell no one, say nothing." She left to a backroom as Eric returned. "I need to wrap you up" Tori called from the back room. I walked through the thin curtain and her face was serious. "Get through the initiation and tell no one, not even" She simply looked at the general direction of him "Especially not him"

"Why?"

"If you want to live, take my advice." She finished and walked me out toward the lobby.

"Ready?" Eric had his hands in his pockets and watch Tori curiously.

"Yea I just have to pay."

"Don't worry about until after initiation." he returned his hand on the small of my back and lead me back into the Pit. "Feel better?" he glanced toward my left side.

"It's a start." My fingers faintly touched the bandages.