the paths we take

a/n: this is a sequel to my old fic 'the choices we make'. it's a divergent, eric x reader fic, i honestly don't know if i'll finish it, but i wanted to continue it a little. 'tcwm' was originally posted to my ao3 account (thedevil_andgod). this first part is in 3rd person POV but the rest will be from Alex's POV as per the first instalment.
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the train approaches with a thundering noise, firing full-speed down the tracks. on board are the new dauntless initiates, ready to begin their new journey to becoming members of the warrior faction.

alex young stood side-by-side with her boyfriend, eric coulter; one of dauntless' leaders, and a training instructor for the newbies. as both had been transfers from other factions, they're in charge of this years transfers. uriah and zeke pedrad were dauntless-born, and so were in charge of the dauntless-borns.

uriah grins at alex; 'can you believe it's been a year since this was us?' she shakes her head, newly-blonde hair falling down to brush her chin.

'crazy, right?'

'don't go easy on them, just 'cause you remember what it's like,' eric warns the two sternly, eyes cool as ice. alex smirks and threads her fingers through his. 'they ain't gonna know what's hit 'em,' she quips, determinedly. uriah hums his agreement and holds one hand up. untangling her hand from eric's, alex slaps her palm against her friend's.

the train nears, whistling cheerfully - it rumbles past the roof of the compound, and bodies come tumbling onto the harsh gravel. alex scans the fresh pool - noting the blues, the white-and-blacks, surprised to see a red-and-yellow clad ex-amity among them. eric's raises his pierced brow and smirks at zeke.

'ready to go, little brother?' uriah nods solemnly. the initiates gather in a clump a few feet away from the ledge upon which all four dauntless are standing, some looking nervous, others pale and downright nauseous. clapping his hands together, eric commands the attention, and so begins initiation.