Author's Notes: So here is the second consecutive chapter of Return Of The Eds, I noticed that some of you have commented on my dialogue in the reviews, thanks and may I say that this chapter has me emphasizing on that particular point.

In other news whether you want to hear it or not, I have just checked the two brand new fanfiction that I published and am very glad to see them received so well only after a few hours, just wanted to say that's all.


Chapter 9: Confrontation

'Cold' that was the first thought that entered his thoughts, his eyes were closed, he was too lazy to open them. No his eyelids were too heavy, thinking about It, his mind came back to how cold the freaking place was, 'Jesus, who the hell turned up the air-conditioning?' *CREAK.* 'what the hell?' *CREAK* GROAN.*

He heard the sounds again and felt a slight sway in his surroundings as if his bedroom was moving. 'Bedroom?' he questioned in his thoughts and then remembered that he left his house heck the country yesterday. He tried to open his eyes at this realization and that's when he noticed that something cold has been falling on his face for awhile now.

Eddy's eyelids slowly opened to see snow, lots of snow, he slowly tilted his head forward. It appeared that he was positioned on his back in a seating position; he looked forward to find pieces of metal. Then he realized what happened, the crash, all he remembered after the plane ripped apart: he was sitting next to Ed on the far left of the three rows and Double D was in the far right next to his mother who was in the other row on the far right.

They were going down fast and actually spinning, they hit part of the many mountains and elevated land forms hard; he actually saw Double D's part of what was left of the plane rip off. He couldn't even scream his friend's name as a piece of scrap metal hit the guy next to him square in the face sending blood and brain matter across his and Ed's face.

Eddy was shell shocked, speechless while Ed began to panic, actually trying to and succeeding in ripping off his seatbelt, they hit something and the window next to Ed gave out letting the jet stream come true and Ed with his ripped seatbelt went through the window. Ed wasn't going without a fight though and promptly hung to the window, forgetting everything Eddy tried grabbing his arms but they hit solid ground at 70 kmph and Ed was gone. A few more bumps, screams of terror and unidentifiable squishy noises followed by a very sharp pain later and he was out.

Eddy started to panic as his memories sink in, he turned to his left "AAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHH" he screamed out as loud as his weak lungs allowed and in a raspy voice as he came face to face with the corpse of the unlucky passenger next to him.

The man had a piece of iron planted deep inside his face; his head was turned to Eddy's direction as if he was looking right at him. Eddy tried shuffling away but then felt pain akin to when he challenged Rolf for that urban ranger badge last month only it was somehow even more painful.

Eddy looked down to see a piece of iron lodged in his side, he began hyperventilating and frantically grabbed for the thing all the while leaning away from the corpse next to him. Then there was that *GROAN* noise again followed by his environment shifting like he was on seesaw. With his hand still on the metal currently in his side he glanced behind him to see an almost clear view of jagged rocks, way, way, way down.

The temperature must have been in the minuses right now but that didn't stop him from breaking out into a cold sweat. To make matters worse he swore the plane started tipping back, so he did the natural thing and pulled the thing out forcefully, the adrenaline pumping into him at that moment numbed some of his pain or he simply ignored it as his life took priority over pain.

He was eventually successful after three minutes but almost regretted it when blood started pooling out of the wound like a leaky faucet. He undid the seat belt and tried to stand on his seat. The plane made noises as it tilted back even more and Eddy stopped while holding his bloody side, it stopped moving and he cautiously made his way up.

The uneasy climb up the passenger seats was difficult but not far and soon he was almost to the snowy banks of the cliff and as if on cue the plane made an even louder noise before it actually started sliding back.

"Fuck it!" Eddy swore and made a mad dash for the cliff, he jumped off just in time as the plane or rather a part of it landed loudly on the jagged rocks below. The noise it made echoed throughout the mountain, disrupting the sound of the fierce wind and snow. Eddy fell to his knees with a weak triumphant smile but soon fell to his hands.

He was feeling weak as the adrenaline left his body; he soon noticed the red almost below his snow covered hands. 'Oh yeah I'm bleeding, shit I'm bleeding! He started to panic and remembered all that medical mumbo jumbo Double D was always yammering about. The first thing he had to do was

"Stop the bleeding." He said. But what could he use? "Shirt!" Eddy answered his own question and took off his undershirt and tied it around the wound. He didn't know if he did it right as the white of the shirt turned red. He needed to find Double D fast so he could fix this and..and Ed, Oh God Ed! Eddy put on his shirt and placed a hand over his wound, he took a deep woozy breath and shouted

"ED, DOUBLE D!" His shout seemed to echo across the entire mountain.


Eddy' eyes shot open, his breathing was heavy for a second before it was normal again, he calmly sat up and surveyed his surroundings. His bed was a mess which means that he was tossing and turning in his sleep, Eddy sighed in his hands before jumping out the bed to start his daily routine. A few hours later he returned with a frown, he wasn't happy with the dream he had, jot that it phased him as much as it did years ago when he would wake up screaming, heavily panting with sweat running down his body.

No he has outgrown the terror it caused but that doesn't mean he liked it and he could only accredit the vivid nightmare to the meeting he had with Lee Kanker yesterday. Eddy spat the foamy toothpaste into the sink with disgust. Speaking of which, he couldn't help but notice through the searing anger he felt towards her that she didn't look too bad physically. Definitely mature, womanly even, sexy?

"Well shit" Eddy chuckled "never thought I'd use that to describe her." He laughed again at this.

On a serious, objective note though, yeah he isn't afraid to give credit where credit is due and to her credit, Lee looked well, sexy. Not to get it twisted, he isn't attracted to her, he was just stating a fact he observed in their meeting and the fact that she looked nothing womanly 5 years ago sparked this internal debate.

In fact, if he wasn't in control of his emotions then he would have probably been shocked out of his mind to even do anything but stare at her. To his credit though and ego, she was staring at him for a long time, a grin crept on Eddy's face as he flexed his muscles and posed in the mirror "I still got it." He stated smugly.

Since he's on the subject matter, holy shit May Kanker! Eddy scoffed as he strolled out of the bathroom in his boxers. He scoffed again, he did not expect her to look like someone out of Baywatch, see it wouldn't have been bothered him so much if he thought of her as just another pretty face but remembering what she looked like kinda threw him off. Eddy knew Double D was caught off guard by her appearance too but had a better time concealing his surprise, smug bastard. He took out a white and black polo shirt, black faded jeans and white sneakers.

Eddy did something different today; he actually packed his own lunch today with ingredients he bought from the local store. His sensei had made all three of them go on a stringent diet; the cafeteria food he and Ed bought on Monday was just a guilty pleasure because it was the first day of school. He had to maintain his diet to do his rigorous training; he owed his sensei at last that much.

His lunch wasn't anything special; it contained food from the five basic food groups, a ham and cheese sandwich with lettuce and tomato, fresh potato chips, melon juice and nuts with raisins. He had worst in Tian Shan and the potato chips were just a guilty pleasure, hey it's been years since he ate one remember.


Since Ed was in the hospital mending his mental injury only Double D and Eddy walked to school today.

"So Eddy have you given any consideration towards the club I have chosen for you yesterday." Double D asked. He wore his black ski hat, a purple dress shirt, white pants and black shoes.

Eddy stared at him, he almost forgot about that but he shrugged "sure I'll give it a shot." He answered with a neutral expression.

Double D couldn't tell if he was excited and hiding it or was actually uninterested 'I suppose it doesn't matter' he mentally shrugged.

"You really gonna explain to Nazz and May about the Ed situation sockhead?"

Double D looked to Eddy who had a stern look which meant that he was serious.

This prompted Double D to give an equally stern expression before answering simply "yes."

Eddy let out a sigh. "I hope you know what you're doing Double D."

"Come now Eddy, it's not like I'm going to reveal everything. Although I suppose a little clarity would do them well, to be honest I was a little unnerved by his behavior yesterday." Double D admitted as he gripped the strap of the messenger bag.

"Tell me about it" Eddy added. To tell the truth Eddy was more freaked out and just a little bit scared for his friend. That's the real reason why he warned May to stay clear of him, he realized that was a stupid mistake and once Ed came to he would solve his own problem with her on his own.

Eddy wasn't going to apologize though, after all she tackled him out of nowhere for no good reason, anyone would be in a state of shock from that especially when they're hot chicks you don't know. Eddy scoffed at his thoughts again.

"Something on your mind Eddy?" his words snapped him out of his thoughts but Eddy kept looking forward as the school entrance came into view.

"Nah, nothing's wro-"Eddy stopped talking as he saw a peculiar blue haired girl leaning against the entrance. He swore he saw her before.

Double D caught on and looked before groaning while covering his face with his hand. Eddy looked at him confusedly before glancing to the figure, they were a good distance away but he could make out her features. She dressed provocatively dark and appeared to be smoking but what stuck out was her blue hair.

Wait a minute, blue hair then it started making sense, why Double D seemed tired upon seeing her.

"Is that who I think it is?" Eddy said while a smirk grew.

"I'm afraid so Eddy." They then began to walk.

Eddy could see the anxiety in his friend's eyes but unlike Ed he knew Double D could handle himself so he decided to see how this would play out and not come to his defense if she tries something.

Marie Kanker, it wasn't a surprise that Eddy would be curious what she looked like since her sister's are basically babes now (yes he can admit that, he is a man after all). The figure came into view more and her appearance made Eddy raise an eyebrow, piercings were the first thing he noticed, red lips, blue eye shadow her pale skin seemed to be complimented by them. She was wearing tight jeans and a blue jacket that seemed to show her curves and Eddy could come to the conclusion that she too was hot, in a weird gothic way.

Marie saw them into view and immediately threw her cigarette away before fanning the smoke away and ate a mint she had in her pocket. Didn't need the guy to be repulsed by her ashy breath, not that she intended to make an impression but even if he had changed at his core he was still the Edd she knew that much she could tell.

As they came into view Marie lingered to one side of the double doors which attracted some wary stares from some of the students, a glare caused them to hurriedly walk pass with their heads held down in fear. Double D and Eddy walked up the steps with Eddy purposefully stopping two steps behind Double D as Marie seem to be blocking his path.

"Morning Double D" She said with a smirk but then looked over at Eddy who had his arms folded with a curious expression. "Pipsqueak" she acknowledged to him.

Eddy expression became one of boredom and he sighed before walking to Double D's side "see you in class sockhead" he then walked up to the door, Marie allowing him to pass. Eddy stopped midway opening the door and looked at her noticing what looked like a tattoo by her neck. He scoffed with a smile before going inside.

Double D followed suite but was barred by her hand, the smirk returned.

"Excuse me Marie." He said dryly.

"No way hot stuff" she teased. "Not until I get some answers."

Double D sighed and Marie's grin grew when she thought that he had conceded after all he still maintained the pacifist attitude and you better believe that Marie will kick his ass appropriately if he tried to force his way through.

Her grin went away when Double D leaned in close and sniffed her clothes then backed away, not really offended by the smell, more like backing away to get a better view of her.

"You smoke cigarettes Marie?" He asked curiously albeit with an emotionless face.

Marie scowled "yeah what's it to ya?"

Double D shook his head "that is disappointing." He stated simply.

Marie's anger rose "so? It's my life. You trying to say that makes me less of a person because of it!?" She asked loudly while getting in his face.

He didn't flinch even though she was glaring at him a few inches from his face. "I would never say that I am better than someone Marie and you are entitled to your own decisions." He paused and she swore the smallest of smile graced his lips

"For as long as I have known you, you have been persistent, strong willed and stubborn, you had a lust for life that I would never admit all those years ago that I actually admired."

Marie was taken aback by his 'confession,' she was confused and her cheeks tinted red a little and the fact that he said it unwavering with a straight face made her feel even more anxious.

His face became somewhat saddened "I find it disappointing that the head strong, no nonsense girl that chased me around those years ago is now slowly killing herself with that piece of cancer stick." Without looking he pointed directly at the discarded cigarette, Marie glanced at the cigarette and she instantly regretted even smoking knowing that he would disapprove.

Marie glanced back at him to find that he was gone and before she could say 'what' the door behind her closed. Her head snapped around and the feelings of, anger, hate and humiliation welled up inside of her

"That motherfucker!" she yelled before storming into the school.

Double D was briskly walking to his locker, on the outside his 'confession' to Marie didn't show but on the inside he was berating himself for tricking her with his words. To be perfectly honest this was one of the two things that bothered him, the other one is that his words were true. He actually did admire her for her brash attitude and uncompromising mindset.

It was pure admiration though; he didn't necessarily have feelings for her but cared enough that it hurt him to see her smoking and judging from yesterday her breath smelled faintly of alcohol. His thoughts were disrupted when he could hear stomping just behind him; he 'accidentally' dropped his pen and ducked to pick it up just in time to dodge her hands. This surprised Marie a bit but composed herself as Double D stood up facing her.

"You must think you're really clever don'tcha? Making up that bullshit story on the fly so you could sneak pass me." Her fists clenched ready to hit him over and over again.

"I wasn't lying Marie" Double D's expression softened and to her surprise he had a small smile.

Marie was wide eyed but soon narrowed her eyes 'what the hell's wrong with him.' She always had her guard up against men, Double D was the exception because of nostalgia but after 'sweet talking' his way from her he no longer was.

Double D began walking away again, as he slowed down Marie appeared before him to bar his way, she had a scowl and her voice was low "listen Edd" she began bitterly "I don't know what kind mind games you're trying to play here but I don't need to remind you just how fucking brutal I can be if someone messes with me understand?"

Double D didn't respond but his eyes widened a bit as if realizing something, Marie did a satisfied smirk confident that her message got through.

"I-I'm sorry Marie but can we continue this conversation at another time? I'm afraid that it's almost time for first period." He said looking at her.

Marie was flabbergasted that he ignored her threat and realized that he was looking behind her when his expression changed, she quickly looked back to see a school clock that read 7:55.

"I'm sorry Marie but I need to retrieve my books, so if you'll excuse me?"

Marie turned around with a grin "sorry I ain't moving." She said leaning against the locker with her arms folded. She's finally got him

Double D simple said "suite yourself then" before turning to the locker directly beside him and entered the combination before opening it and blocking her shocked expression.

'He did it again!' she shouted in her mind.

His locker was neatly organized as usual but then something caught her eye 'hmm well, well'

Before he closed the locker Marie swiped his class schedule. She then fished hers out to look at both of them

"May I ask what you are doing with my class schedule?" he asked adamantly.

"Just memorizing your schedule so I can keep tabs on you, duh." She replied as if it was obvious.

His eyes widened and he swiped his schedule from her hand, quickly placed it in his locker and closed it properly. He turned to see Marie using a pen to tick off classes, she had a huge grin

'Drat' he thought now knowing that he has won the battle but lost the war. He tried to make a break for it but Marie's grabbed his arm (more specifically his bicep)

"Hold up skinny….?" She quipped before her expression changed to one of shock.

The last time she grabbed his arm when they were kids they literally felt like wet noodles and to be perfectly clear he didn't dress in a way that showed off his physique. That's why it was a shocking surprise when she felt something that she would never thought Double D would have.

'Muscles, Oh My God! It's like a fucking tire iron' she thought while messaging his arm tenderly, almost as if in a trance. She bit her lip as she stared at his chest 'I wonder what's under the shi-'

"Marie" a sheepish voice called out to snap her out of her 'trance' "could you please let go of me?" Double D's voice was nervous for the first time and he had a good reason, Marie's caress of his arm had garnered them attention and even if she didn't admit it, she was kinda embarrassed. Not because of the stares but the fact that she was thinking of the guy who humiliated her twice in that way.

"Sure no problem" Marie said awkwardly and let go just as first period bell rang.

Double D quickly made his way to his class leaving Marie with her hand in the same position it was when she grabbed his arm. A smirk came over her, now she was even more curious about the all new Double D, in more ways than one. She turned around to see some people glancing her way, some of them whispering.

"THE FUCK YOU LOOKING AT!?" She shouted, causing everyone to disperse.

To Be Continued


Author's Notes: That's it, it's over? Aw come on! Seriously!? These must be some of the frustrated words coming from your collective mouths and yeah I gotta agree that this may have been one of those boring chapters but hey between Eddy's flashback and Double D and Marie's back and forth I already have over 3000 words and if I finished the way I wanted to then it would have been doubled. Hate me if you want but I am going to start establishing their relationship now while revealing parts of the Eds pasts. So until next time.