Blood in the Water

Chapter One

Edd never wondered why he had taken to the water as easily as he did - though it was not, in fact, easy at all. It was perhaps the only artistic, poetic thing about the young man; his attraction to water stemmed from its closeness to both death and life. Though his body was comprised of mostly water, it would take less than a teaspoon more to drown him. Though the water made him feel weightless and free his muscles burned with such fury when he pushed himself to fly faster than the rest.

Though Edd was a man of science, the water was his liberation. The competition and the infamy simply came with his passion…

It was a cold Tuesday afternoon - the school's final bell had chimed over an hour past, many of the students had gone home and the swim team did not practice that day. Eddward practiced every day and had no worry of his class work, it had all become too easy for him and the lack of challenge drove him to exert himself in other ways. The pool was not heated and the air was cold, it sank into his bones and created a light tremble that he pushed past. It was beautifully numbing to both his body and his mind.

That day was perhaps worse than most days however. Today he swam not only as a way to burn energy so that he could sleep that night, but to get out the frustration of persistent memories. Dark thoughts he tried to keep hidden from everyone around him, especially himself.

A new girl had started at the school that day - Edd wondered what fool started in the middle of a semester however it was hardly the point - a cute little thing named Cally. She was nice and bubbly, a perky little body that was sure to guarantee her a spot on the Cheerleading team. She shared third period with Edd, apparently she was some sort of Math whiz, even had the gall to sit beside him.

She attracted a lot of attention and inevitably the question came up as she leaned in to whisper to another student, "What's up with that guy?"

Perhaps she had asked because of the dark aura Edd kept around him as snugly as his leather jacket. Perhaps she asked because she had queried him about his hat and was answered with nothing more than a little glare. Most likely it was because he had gathered his things and walked away when she pushed her desk closer and attempted to 'reach out' to him. However he had not left before hearing her whisper.

There were few who did not know why Edd was the way that he was. Fewer still challenged his aggression or cynicism as those who did would come to regret their decision.

None had forgotten except for himself, when he was able.

He wanted to forget the pain and darkness. He had come so far and worked so hard to get here. He did not want to remember, however he knew that if he did not let them flow they would eat at him once more.

#

Edd had tried to warn Eddy. They were getting involved with the wrong people, they were trying forces that were beyond the scope of their childhood pranks. Even Ed seemed nervous about it. Despite Edd's warnings and logical arguments he was shot down every time.

"Stop being such a pansy Double-D!" Eddy had said, "What, are you not confident that your plan will work?"

"Given our previous track record Eddy, I would make no such promises to the outcome of this endeavor! These are not neighborhood bullies, I am afraid that we are getting in over our heads." Edd had stated firmly.

It was the summer before their Freshman year of High School; Eddy was once more following one of his brother's credos - "The best way to get popular is to get in with the Seniors." Always admirably (or stupidly, Edd could never decide which) loyal to his brother's word, Eddy had charged headlong into finding the biggest and most 'popular' incoming Seniors.