The Waters of Lethe
Disclaimer: I don't own FMA, just the original characters I've created for this story. I also just like to play around in it's world and torture Ed for awhile.
Author's note: Post series, and very AU. Some movie events may happen, but differently.
Warning: May also contain movie spoilers, bad language, violence, blood, death, and maybe sex.
Summary: Edward has escaped certain capture twice, and he's made it to Cairo where he is employed by a Major Howard to tutor his children. His life has settled into a somewhat pleasant routine and he's let his guard down. Big mistake.
27. Cornered (In Verlegenheit gebracht)
Edward uttered a startled yelp and jumped a few inches off the seat of the camp stool. The air in the tomb had suddenly become very thick and hard to breathe as sketchpad and pencil fell from fingers gone numb with shock. He gulped hard and gasped out, "Wha - what did you call me?"
The hand remained on his shoulder, and the fingers of othe scarred man tightened their grip. He bent down and whispered right into Edward's left ear. "I said 'hallo', Shambalan. Don't be such a stranger."
A low-pitched moan of fear escaped Edward's throat and his breathing quickened as he started to hyperventilate. "I - I don't know what you are talking about, I - um, think you have the wrong man."
"You are lying, Shambalan." The scarred man dug his fingers even harder into Edward's right shoulder, and he flinched away from the pain. He licked his lips nervously, and tried to swallow, but his mouth seemed lined with cotton, and it stubbornly remained dry. He had a strong urge to jump up and run, but his knees wouldn't obey his brain's commands to unlock and let him stand.
"Do you recognize this, Shambalan?" The scarred man growled as he stuck the underside of his left arm into Edward's line of vision. The tattoo on the arm was a symbol Edward knew all too well, the crest of the Thule Society. "I stayed in the shadows at the Society's meetings because I was ashamed of my scarred face, but I remember you and your father very well. I thought you were happy with us, and I was very surprised to hear you had run away."
A white noise began to roar in Edward's ears and tried to push the man's arm away as spots danced in his vision. He tried again to shrug off the man's hand, but it didn't let go, and Edward stammered as panic took over, "I - I said I don't know what you are talking about...leave...me...alone! You've got the...wrong...mmm...man. Now...let...go...please!"
He finally wrenched the scarred man's hand off his shoulder and stood up quickly, overbalanced,and nearly fell. Edward caught himself in time, then bent and tried to pick up his dropped drawing tools, but his hands closed on empty air.
Air! I need air!
Author's note #2 : I've gottten loads of fresh reviews in the past couple of weeks. I thank all who have taken the time to review, and also request you keep 'em coming!