Survival (Fourtris)

Chapter 15

-TRIS-

"I spoke to Jack Kang and Johanna," Tobias says, breaking the silence as we walk through the streets of Chicago. The sun is going down and around us a couple stray factionless are emerging. Tobias puts his arm around me protectively, glancing around before continuing. "Were staying at Candor tonight, as its closer the the hub for tomorrow." I merely nod in response.

As we continue to walk down the lonely streets, we take a left into a spacious alleyway, commonly used in the daylight to get to the Candor headquarters quicker, and apparently night aswell. There would have to be at least twenty factionless members sitting around the edges, hidden by the shadows of dumpsters and the buildings around. One, I notice, is holding a knife. The woman who possess it looks up and sneers when she sees us, showing her few yellow teeth.

Out of instinct my left hand instantly goes to the knife I snuck from Amity in my back pocket. Tobias seems to notice also, as his grip on me tightens.

Once we leave the alleyway, the Merciless Mart is right in front of us. As we approach, Christina comes out the main entrance, running down the steps that lead up to it.

"There you are." she says before coming over to hug me, I stiffly return the gesture. "There are still some bunks left around for everyone to stay in, but because of your panic attack in the sim, Kang has put a couple of cots in an unused room so you can get a proper sleep. Being a 'War hero' has its perks you know." she tells us, making speach mark signs with her hands around the words war hero.

"Where will you stay?" I ask, out of interest.

"At mom's, I want to spend some time with Rose before I go back to dauntless. And I've offered Uriah the couch, he says he hasn't had a sleepover in forever, so he's very excited." Christina says, rolling her eyes.

We start walking up the steps with Christina blabbering on besides us about something Uriah said. Midnight feast? I don't know, I kind of zoned out.

As we walk through the front doors, a woman in a navy blue suit approaches us, high heels clicking on the white tiled floor.

"Miss Prior, Mr... errr.. Four, dauntless leader Mr Harrison Perez is waiting to speak to you. I have been sent to welcome you and take you to him." She says. I simply rase an eyebrow in response, waiting for someone else to take the lead.

"Of course." Tobias replys. We say our goodbyes to Christina and follow the woman through halls and hallways, listening to the echoing sound of her shoes, until we get to a rather sizeable office.

She knocks before entering, motioning us to follow her. When I enter I see Jack Kang, standing by a large window that takes up a whole wall and Harrison sitting behind a desk.

"Four. Tris." Harrison says, standing up from behind the desk and shaking each of our hands. An action that is still foreign to me.

He returns to his spot behind the desk and we sit in a couple of arm chairs opposite him.

"I understand you must be curious about why I asked for you. You see, building a faction up from the ashes on such short notice, especially single handedly, is impossible. Which is why I am asking both of you, to consider a role in leadership." I am stunned. In all honesty, I would consider a leadership role, but last time I was offered one it was my relationship was on the line.

After a while of neither of us saying anything, Harrison decides to continue." I understand you may need some time to think about it, but I will need your answers before the choosing ceremony tomorrow. Of course, I need your word that you will be re-choosing dauntless." he says, looking between us. I finally look over to Tobias. Despite not having time to talk about this particular issue, my choice is clear. He gives me a small nod and I return it.