I forgot to mention last time that this concept was taken from a musing/rp me and a friend had going. I may get her to help me with some of the later parts in the story. Yay for collaboration! Did everyone see the first episode of FMA Brotherhood (subs are already up O_o)
Disclaimer: I am sure everyone knows I do not own Fullmetal Alchemist.
Chapter 2: First Night
As Ed contemplated the meaning behind the watch the sun had dipped considerably lower in the sky. Ed frowned. If he continued searching in the dark he would most likely miss vital clues. Dejected he made his way back into town and checked into a hotel for the night. The room was small but comfortable and Ed finally took a moment to relax after his stressful few days he'd finally put behind him. Remembering that he hadn't showered since he left Xing the young alchemist made his way into the shower joined to his room. Quickly shedding his clothing and adjusting the temperature he stepped in, allowing the cascade of warm water to carry away the dirt from traveling as well as some of his worries.
Feeling significantly better now that he was once again in order and washed, Ed wrapped a towel around his waist and returned to the room, sitting on the edge of his bed and patting his hair dry. His body felt deliciously warm and he was just beginning to realize how much his muscles ached as well as the tiredness that pulled at every fibre of the teenager. He had wanted to stay up and figure out a plan, but his body, he realized, wouldn't allow that. Yawning, the boy clambered under the covers, quickly falling asleep.
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Golden eyes peered up at the ceiling in a sort of tired stupor. Yawning he blinked a few times letting his eyes adjust to the darkness. Why was he awake? Confused he sat up, pushing the now tangled covers aside and freeing himself from their restraint. The flaxen haired adolescent scanned the room, looking for some sort of outward sign that would justify his sudden consciousness. Satisfied nothing was out of place he settled back down onto the pillow. A few minutes later he sat up again. There it was...A smell, so faint he could have been dreaming it, but no....There is was again. It smelt like scorched wood. Ed groped in the darkness for the lamp at his bedside and finally pulled the string, illuminating the room in a harsh yellow glow.
Ed groaned as his eyes adjusted to the light, and rubbed them vigorously in an attempt to lessen the glare. Looking out the window he noticed that one of the branches just outside his window had been badly singed. 'So that's where the smell was coming from.' He thought to himself than gasped. 'Wait! That couldn't be a fire...It was only the one branch.' Once again his eyes scanned the room, coming to rest on a pair of gloves placed on the table carelessly. Ed didn't remember them being there when he had gone to sleep. He grabbed them up and sure enough, it was the Flame Alchemist's gloves. Ed was starting to feel sick now...What were the kidnappers doing...Why were they goading him like this? Something seemed wrong, why was he being lead to their captive? Was it a trap? Swallowing hard to calm his nerves Ed noticed a small piece of white paper sticking out from the inside of one of the gloves. Carefully unfolding it, the Alchemist read a hurriedly scrawled message: 'If you want the Colonel back go back to the clearing tomorrow morning. Come alone. Tell no-one.'
Crumpling up the paper Edward realized it wasn't even an option not to go. His conscience wouldn't let him abandon his commanding officer. After making sure the window and door were both locked the weary young man returned to his warm bed, but it was a long time before he could fall asleep.