//------------------------------// // Aptitude // Story: Don't Be Afraid // by Metal Fight Maru //------------------------------// I walk into the test room, shaking. I’m very nervous that I will have to live a life of trying to be as smart as everyone around me. Then I see her. A tall young lady with the most gorgeous hair I’ve ever seen sits on a stool by the aptitude chair, all business. But I know the real reason she stands out to me is her black and white suitdress. I have wanted to be Candor my whole life, and if luck is in my favor, I might just end up in an outfit just like this ladie’s, jumping up in a trial and boldly shouting ‘Objection’. I sigh. One can only dream of the future she wants the most. But she must fulfill it practically. That’s what my mother always says, and I thought I knew what she meant. I hope it means practicality is being honest. The lady looks up, unsmiling. Oh, what a life she must live! I think. She says five words. “Sit down and drink this.” She hands me a small cup, and I gulp it down eagerly. Suddenly it gets dark. I hate the dark. And then I’m standing. Standing in a large room full of... me. There’s literally mirrors as far as the eye can see. Mirror me says, “Choose one.” I look behind me to see two pedestals. One with a basket of cheese, and one with a knife. I think, Grab the cheese. Whatever you do, don’t touch that knife. I race to the pedestals and grab the knife. The second I do, the cheese disappears. No! I think. Why did I do that!? I slap my palm against my forehead, and just as I do, I hear a bark. Not a puppy bark, a dog bark. No. I think. No no no no no no no. Not knowing if I will be able to defend myself from a hostile dog with a knife without hurting it, I run towards the dog with my knife hand extended in an awkward way. As soon as my body makes contact with the dog, I wake up, my whole body sweating and shaky. The Candor lady smiles, “Congratulations, Miss Sparkle.” I feel my pulse rush. This is it. This is the moment I find out what faction I am best fit for. The lady continues, “Your result was dauntless.” And with that, my heart stops, and I faint.