Updaaaaaaaate! I had a really hard time writing this chapter. I kept writing it out, saying "No, that doesn't sound right..." Then deleting and starting over. Sorry if it's not that good. I tried my best.
Disclaimer: I do not own Fullmetal Alchemist.
Chapter 11
~Tara's POV~
She had blown it. Tara couldn't believe she had been that stupid. It just slipped. It came right out before she could stop it. But now she had to pay the price. And Tara wasn't sure she could do that.
The rest of the train ride was filled with silence. Tara had moved away from the rest of the group, settling herself in an empty seat, her back to Ed especially. She couldn't bear to face his anger, which she could feel on her back like fire, burning into her heart. She was going to tell him, she just didn't feel like it was the right time. Now she was scared because she knew how he was when he got angry. Tara just prayed that she wouldn't get hit again. Not by Ed.
Tara hardly registered it when the train came to a stop. Edward exited first, followed by Armstrong and Al, who had been casting glances at Tara and left almost as if he felt regretful, or nervous. Tara waited a few minutes before exiting herself, just in time to witness the arrival of Second Lieutenant Maria Ross and Sergeant Denny Brosh. Not even the sight of two of her favorite military members in real flesh and blood could make her spirits rise.
Armstrong departed with the group and headed back of to Central command. The group then made its way across the streets of Central. Tara became lost in her own thoughts. Why was she here in the first place? How was she going to go back? More importantly, did she even want to? Everything seemed so out of place. She had an overwhelming desire to stay, but at the same time, she shouldn't have been there. She could easily alter everything in the story, probably for the worst knowing her. Her body trembled at the possible outcomes. People, innocent people who shouldn't have been touched in the original story harmed, even killed..
"You're awfully quiet. I haven't gotten your name yet."
Tara's head snapped up and she let out a startled gasp as she was jerked away from her internal conflict. Lieutenant Ross was smiling down at her, eyes curious, but kind. The rest of the group had fallen silent as Ross waited for a reply. Brosh was staring at her, the same curiousity lighting from his eyes. Alphonse looked at her and nodded slightly in encouragement. Ed simply stared straight ahead and kept walking, his expression unreadable. Tara looked down at the ground and mumbled, "My name is Tara Rishimane."
Ross must have been satisfied, because there was no reply. Her head low, Tara slowed down until she was behind the rest of the group. She stayed that way until they came to a familiar sight. The first branch library. Burnt to a crisp. Tara couldn't help but smirk as Ed and Al both gaped at the sight in front of them. They would find their answer soon enough. "Patience, guys, patience.."
Tara gulped as she realized she had voiced her thoughts out loud. Ed was now staring at her like she had two heads. Tara shook her head and groaned. Making up a quick excuse, she turned. "I'll meet up with you guys later." Without waiting for a response, Tara ran off into the streets. She needed to be alone. Desperately.
~Edward's POV~
Ed watched the girl run off. Something was wrong with this picture. No one just knows about everything that's happened to them. Especially this girl. They had never seen her before! She couldn't just know!
That was the final straw. Ed was going to get to the bottom of this. Starting right now. "I'll see you guys later too. Al, stay with Ross and Brosh. I have something I need to do."
He started off when a clanking sound behind him made him stop. Al leaned down next to him and whispered, "Brother, are you going to follow her? You've been acting strange since the train battle. I know what she said was weird, but-!"
Ed had pushed his brother away roughly. Al recoiled slightly, and Ed immediately apologized. "I need to find out whats going on. Stay here and keep the two so called "bodyguards" busy, okay?" He ran off in pursuit.
~Alphonse's POV~
Al groaned inwardly. This couldn't mean anything but trouble. Especially when it came to his brother. He had rather..violent.. ways of settling things.
Ross came up from behind him. "What was all that about?"
Alphonse saw no reason to lie, so he told Ross and Brosh about the girl, and what had happened the past few days. He explained why both Tara and Ed had seemed so tense, explained the train battle, and even the mysterious man who had saved Tara from death.
Ross and Brosh were both shocked. They stared at him, eyes wide and jaws dropped. Al shrugged. "We were going to ask Tara about it herself, but I think brother's already trying to take care of tha-"
A distant scream cut him off. Both military officials snapped to attention. "Sir! We should investigate!"
Al couldn't agree more.
~Tara's POV~
"Ed.. Stop.. Please! You're hurting me..!"
Tara gasped for air as Edward held her up against the wall of the building, his arm pressed firmly against her throat. His eyes were cold and narrowed, and his automail spear was pointed directly at her neck. He hissed, "Not until you tell me who you are and what you're doing here. I want a straight answer. Now."
To her horror, tears began to slide down Tara's face. Her hands were as white as sheets and they had ceased at clawing at Ed's arm in a desperate attempt to make him let go. She could feel her conciousness slipping slightly, and she was suddenly afraid for her life. Though she knew that Edward wouldn't voluntarily kill another human being, something inside her told her that this rage was much greater than anything she had felt before. No. This wasn't rage. This was fear. Tara's eyes widened as she finally realized. Ed wasn't angry. He was scared. An unknown person who knew everything about you? Tara would have been scared too. An unknown person who knew everything about your past, your life. A threat. Tara posed as a threat to him. A threat to his brother, who he would do anything for. Tara realized it all now. She pitied him, and kicked herself for not realizing it before. So she made a decision. "Ed.. put me down. I'll tell you everything. I promise.. Please.. let me explain.." She choked out.
Ed glared at her. "How do I know I can trust you?"
Tara's gaze dropped. "You can't. I can't make you trust me. It's your own choice."
Several minutes of Ed staring into her eyes passed until he finally loosened his grip. Tara breathed greedy lungfuls of air, her head swimming. She slid down into a sitting position. Ed towered over her, and she bowed her head. She was ready. Time to spill.
A clanking sound and two sets of footsteps announced the arrival of Alphonse, Ross, and Brosh. Tara gulped, but narrowed her eyes determinedly. She raised her head and looked them all in the eyes. Then she opened her mouth and began to tell her side.
"My name is Tara Rishimane. I am fourteen years old. I grew up with my mother, father, and older brother, until they all died. I then went to live with my stepmother, who abused me. I was beaten, humiliated. The only joy I had was going over to my best friend's house. When I went to school a few days ago, I received detention. At the desk, I found a transmutation circle. It looked so real.. so I touched it. Nothing happened at first. But then a light began to glow, and a gate was opened. You already know what that is." I glared at Ed, who stared equally back at me. "I met with Truth. He told me that he had in fact taken something, but I don't know what it is. Knowing my luck, I'll find out at the worst time possible. And then, I woke up, and you were there. And you know the rest from there." Tara looked at them.
Ed scoffed. "That explains nothing. Where did you grow up at? Was it in Amestris?"
Tara cringed. This was it. The big shocker. She just hoped they were ready. "No, Edward. It wasn't Amestris."
Ed looked at her, eyes narrowed.
Tara glared. "I'm from the other side of the Gate."
Confession time! She finally tells them what's going on. Reactions? You'll have to wait! Review please!