Edward was getting ready for his so called 'date'. He wasn't sure as to what to wear until a flier from the restaurant caught his eye. It said 'Black Tie Party Tonight'
I guess that settles it then. Black tie it is.
Edward hailed a cab but before it could stop a limo drove in. A chauffeur stepped out.
"This way Mr. Elric", he said whie opening the door for Edward.
This is getting interesting. First, a mystery woman who knows military secrets and now a limousine to one of the most expensive restaurants in the city. Could this day get any more intriguing?
Little did he know that it was going to get worse, much worse.
His date was late.
Considering her big mouth, this is stupid.
Since it was way past time, Edward gave up and was ready to head out. Suddenly, all the men in the restaurant turned their heads to the entrance. Edward wondered what all the fuss was about.
It must be that woman, dressed in her provocative clothes. There goes my hopes of remaining inconspicuous. But still, she was beautiful.
However, he was rudely awakened to the realization that the center of attention was not any lady but four armed men.
A heist?! In a restaurant of all places?!
The men did not stop to look at anyone but made a beehive for the golden eyed, former alchemist
"Mr. Elric, you are under arrest! Please come with us quietly."
"What! What have I done? On what charges?!"
Shit. What trouble did I get myself into?
"On the grounds of espionage and high treason"
"This is ridiculous! I wasn't doing any trouble!"
"Come with us quietly if you know what is good for you," the leader of the group said while procuring a set of handcuffs and keeping his State Alchemist's watch in plain view.
A State Alchemist?!
"There must be some mistake gentlemen. I am here on the orders of Fuhrer.."
WHACK!
All Edward saw was a group of horrified customers, someone waving away curious bunches and the words…
"You talk too much"
Edward woke up and groaned. His head throbbed and his body ached in every place. The air was strong with the smell of almond and a hint of cinnamon.
Deathwight. Damn, I have been poisoned
Edward knew the poison. Fashioned from cyanide and modified with the use of alchemy, deathwight was a poison notorious in the red light districts of Amestris. A pint would put the victim into a drug – like haze with the side effects of memory loss from the last 48 hours. A full dose would outright kill a person.
However this was a very small amount, enough to knock him out but not enough to cause any damage. After all, he could remember everything.
The Monk. His date. The State Alchemists
After I get out, I am going to have a word with that rotten, good-for-nothing Mustang.
Edward got up and surveyed his room. The room was roughly a 8x9 cell with a barred window about a few feet from the ground. Strangely, the bed was fixed to the ground and had straps on either sides.
A mental institution? But then why is my name embossed on the side of the bed?
There on the metal sides was his name, Edward.
Considering the bed and this cell, it looks like it is atleast a few years old.
Suddenly, a thought struck him.
What if this cell was fashioned according to my stature few years ago?
It seemed plausible since his legs almost jutted out of the bed and the window was only a few feet from the ground.
It seems like it. A few years before I wouldn't be able to see through that window.
Memories flooded back.
"Good old times", Edward chuckled ruefully.
However, his reminiscence was cut short as the cell door opened. A man walked in. He did not stand out much. He wore plain clothes and had a plain face, someone who you would forget after some time.
"State you full name"
I don't know what game I am being played into. I'll play along for a bit.
"Edward Elric"
"What do you do?"
"I am a researcher"
"What business did you have in Creta?"
"I was under the orders of the Fuhrer. The details are classified."
That oughta shake him up.
However, the man nodded his head as if it was within his expectations
What the hell?! Does everyone know that I was sent by the Fuhrer? How deep is this?
Suddenly, the door opened. A man dressed in white stepped in.
"Thank you Travis. I'll take it from here"
The plain man bowed and headed out, shutting the door behind him. The white man sat across Edward.
"Hello, Edward. My name is Dr. Tanner. I'll be your doctor for this session."
"What am I doing here?"
"I'm afraid I cannot tell that until I determine what's wrong with you"
"Nothing"
"I hope so", the doctor said while pulling out a notepad and a pen.
What is with his tone? And why am I being so irritated by his presence?
"Let's begin with the easy questions"
"Sure"
"Are you from Resembool?"
"Yes"
"Do the names Rockbell, Alphonse, May, Mustang and Promised Day mean anything to you?"
"Yes. They are the ones dear to me"
The doctor nodded and wrote something down.
"Now Edward, why were you in Creta?"
"Like I told Travis, it's classified"
"Under whose orders?"
"The Fuhrer himself"
"I'm afraid you are wrong."
"What do you mean?"
"I'll be straight with you Edward. You are experiencing what we call as post-traumatic stress. Your losing of alchemy seems to have had a detrimental effect on your brain. You have received no orders from the Fuhrer. In fact, you were declared as missing two days ago"
He procured out a flier and sure enough his name was on it as missing with the official seal from the Fuhrer's office.
What in the world?!
"I demand that I speak with the Fuhrer himself"
"Of course" The doctor banged on the door three times. Travis entered with a phone and handed it to Edward.
Edward dialled the number with trepidation. He did know that he never got used to losing alchemy. Day – to – day tasks were becoming tedious and frustrating for him. However, he dialled the number with a certain hope. Hope that he hadn't completely lost it.
The phone rang on the other end. Someone picked up the line.
"Hello"
It was the familiar voice of First Lady, Riza Hawkeye. Edward's spirits rose.
"Riza its me, Edward."
"Edward! Where have the hell you been for two days?!"
From the back someone cried, "Is that him?!"
The familiar voice of Mustang spoke on the other end.
"Where have you been?! I give you a break for a few days and you disappear. You have put this office in a clutch of explaining!"
Edward was shocked. So far, everything was happening according to what the doctor told him. Dr. Tanner took the phone from him.
"Hello, I am Dr. Tanner from Alche Facilities. We have Edward in custody and assure you that he is safe."
"Thank you doctor"
"It's a pleasure to be in the service of the Fuhrer"
"What do you plan on doing now?"
"We'll keep him under observation for a few days and then discharge him."
Edward grabbed the phone from the doctor.
"Mustang, is everyone safe? Is Winry ok?"
"Everyone is safe, Fullmetal. I am not in charge of babysitting though. I've got more important things to do."
"Like what? You will probably be lazing around while everyone else does the work, anyways."
"Cannot do that, Fulmetal. I am the Fuhrer now."
The line went dead.
I am glad that everyone is safe but what is this sinking feeling? Have I been hallucinating all the time?
Edward's hands shook. The phone fell from his hand and landed with a clutter.
The doctor spoke. "Do not worry Edward. We'll make sure that you are alright. You will be moved to your living quarters now."
The doctor went out and Travis stepped in. For a man so plain, his voice was surprisingly husky.
"I'll have to blindfold you. This facility is top-secret."
"I am a former state alchemist. Nothing is top secret for me."
"I'm sorry. I am under orders"
The man blindfolded Edward and led him down across a long corridor. A few turns later, the man opened a door and led Edward inside. After switching on the lights, the man locked the door shut behind him.
Edward untied his blindfold and was astonished at the sight before him.
The room was not some sparsely furnished area. It was equal to that of a suite in a palace. It even had its own bar.
What the hell! It looks like a king's chambers.
Edward noted that the windows were barred shut. He tried peering through but could see nothing.
Must be tinted
Edward saw some ventilation ducts at corners of the room. Then Edward saw the bed. It was a king-sized bed with satin sheets and feather pillows.
Holy hell. It looks like something a king would live in. I guess, I've got no choice but to take a nap.
Edward settled down and soon fell asleep, dreaming about the events that unfolded that day.
Meanwhile in the Fuhrer's office,
"Did they take the bait?", asked Mustang.
"Yes. We have confirmed that Edward has been moved to Room 407", reported Fullman.
"Good, the success of this mission depends on whether Edward figures out his accomodations"
"He will, Roy. Have some faith", remarked Riza.
"I know. I have faith in him. I am just worried about him"
"Don't worry, he'll be fine. He can take care of himself"
"I hope so"