A/N: This is the first chapter of the second installment of my series Second Chances. It took a long time for me to actually finish this, thanks to a complicated RL summer. A really annoying complicated summer. I didn't want to write a halfhearted first chapter just because I was pressed for time, so I decided to take things slow and just focus on doing it right. Now I'm finally back on the swing of things, and able to write to my hearts content. This chapter takes place around the same time of the beginning of the epilogue. I'm not going to give specific dates, because they don't really mean anything at this point. So yeah, let's get this show on the road.
Edit- There are pairings I just couldn't fit them in the summary- eventual EdxWin, Roy Riza, AlxOC
Disclaimer- Fullmetal Alchemist is property of the great Arakawa-sensei and BONES, and does not and never will belong to me.
Chained Circle Chapter I. Beginning
Once upon a time there lived a little girl who had nothing. She lived by herself at the edge of a mountain surrounded by woods in a little house and despite her hardships she was as content as she could be for she was unaware of what she was missing.
As it happened one day she found a man lying unconscious in the middle of the woods she took him in and tended to his wounds staying by his side until he awakened.
When he did, the man revealed himself to be a traveling magician who had somehow fallen ill during his journey and thought the woods would be his grave. For her kindness he presented her a present; a magical rock that would grant her every wish…
At first the girl didn't touch the stone. What could she wish for? She didn't know of anything beyond her woods. Finally one night she decided that the one thing she wanted in this world was a family…
A king and his horseman stopped at the woods, their carriage had broken down and they entered the small house seeking refuge. Finding the girl on her own he took her and raised her as his own, along with his three daughters. And so it was that the girl who had nothing, grew into a beautiful princess…
She didn't think she'd ever need the stone again, until one day a young scholar came to the castle seeking to take a place in the king's court. He was a handsome and kind lad, as smart as he was clever. The young princess found herself wishing that this man would take notice of her. Not long after he came to the palace the scholar confessed his love for her and eventually they were married. Once again she was happier than she could ever be…
A horrible plague broke out devastating the country. While the king and scholar were laying on their death beds, the princess ran to her room to wish for a way to save her father and lover from the terrible plague. Almost immediately the plague disappeared and the entire kingdom was saved from the terrible fate…
One day the scholar, now her husband, asked her how he and the king could have been revived so quickly from the plague and she confided her secret to him. He asked if she could use her power just once. Foolishly the girl agreed, and handed over her greatest treasure….
The princess began to see her mistake as she watched her lover wish for more each passing day. She watched in fear as he wished for all the knowledge in the world, then the ability to make unlimited supply of gold. One night he told her that what he really wanted was immortality and while she begged him not to make such a foolish wish he did not heed her words and took the stone from out of the cupboard. Consumed with guilt for his greed, she took the stone from out of his hands and ran outside to the courtyard of their beautiful home and then towards the woods all the while wishing to banish herself and the stone from the world, as she ran she turned herself into a ray of light that flew through the sky…
To this day it is said the princess rides through the night sky on her magical rock; the shooting star, waiting to grant her wishes to those lucky enough to catch a glimpse of her.
"And that is all for today,"
A little red curtain fell over the stage obscuring the wooden princess feet from view, taking some of the yellow fabric stars with it.
A big adorable awwwwwww" filled the audience; a group of young kids, age ten at the most, their faces filled with disappointment now that the puppet show that had enthralled them so had come to an end.
Edward Elric looked away from them towards the horizon searching for any signs of the man that had told him to wait at this particular place. Apparently he was in a theater district of some sort. The port was surrounded by dozens of street performers in the middle of their own gigs. There was apparently a museum around here also; a relocation of the old Aquarian art; he remembered the guide who wouldn't shut up about it his first time walking through.
"Tell us another one, pleeeeeeaaaaase!" The girl whined in a pitch so high Ed thought his ears might bleed as she begged the freak--I mean, puppeteer for another story.
Not that Edward was one to make judgments, but the man was practically wearing a dress, at least he had the decency, to hide his own shortcomings with some normal clothes.
"Another one?" the puppeteer asked.
"Nobody could tell stories like yours, Rezelle!" Rezelle, even his name was girly.
Though he had to admit he agreed with the kid. It had to be the most whacked out story he had ever heard; a princess in the sky for Pete's sake. Obviously this guy knew nothing of astronomy and these poor kids would grow up deluded, their hopes riding on falling space junk.
"Well if you really believe that you'll wait until tomorrow," Rezelle told them causing the whining and complaints to escalate but after being promised there would be a floating castle in the next story, the kids dispersed chattering excitedly as they went. Those poor, confused, souls.
Edward got up and stretched. He didn't really care all that much about effeminate puppeteers or the confusion they spread. An important meeting (which was supposed to have started a few hours ago) was currently the most important matter at hand and he was growing more impatient by the second.
He pulled at fistfuls of his hair in frustration. "For Pete's sake! I don't care if you're the busiest man in all of Amestris, two hours late is crossing the line! Damn it!"
A few passerby, the majority being mothers with children, turned to look at him with disapproval.
"Ugh," he sighed letting his head fall backwards against the bench, and staring at the glorious sun-filled sky. "I just want to get the heck outta here, already."
While any other state alchemist would feel like the luckiest guy in the world to visit the newest tourist spot, Ed didn't find anything new in New Aquaroya; at least not anything that the old one didn't have. Besides it wasn't as fun without his brother around.
Besides, the faster he got out of here, the faster he could finish up his mission and take a real vacation.
After a few uninteresting minutes the person he had been waiting for appeared. Though, it didn't do much to improve his mood. He didn't feel any shame as he all but glared at the man, as important as he was with his gray suit and gray slicked back hair.
"I apologize for my lateness." he said before Ed could open his mouth to chew him out. "I had quite a bit of an emergency to deal with. My daughter took ill at the most unfortunate of times."
Edward instantly felt the guilt rise. "Whatever the case, it's something that couldn't be helped." he assured the man.
The man nodded. "My chauffeur shall drive us to the museum if that's alright."
Edward nodded as he followed him to the black car, where an older gentleman was already holding open the door for the two of them.
The ride would be short and thankfully, so, since he didn't think he could stomach being in a car after skipping both breakfast and lunch in order to be on time for this meeting.
Not that he had been overly excited about it, or anything. It was just something that had to be done.
Council had clearly indicated that they wanted regular updates on what he found. So far, he had nothing but one lead. The same one that had brought him to this city. Not that he cared about those old geezers and their protocol, it just really frustrated him. His aim hadn't been clearly defined at all other than "tracking down a possible philosopher's stone". This had led him on a wild goose chase all over the country. Only very recently had he realized that this possible philosopher's stone could be floating around disguised as a common jewel, being traded through greedy ignorant hands until someone recognized it for what it was.
Ed glanced at the old man who was riding in the front passenger seat. He had arranged this meeting himself after hearing that this man was in the jewel trading business. According to his lead Lawrence Barnes had apparently (and probably literally) struck gold when he acquired an assortment of stones with a description of magical properties all too familiar for Ed's liking. He couldn't be sure of anything, but if the stone had indeed fallen into Barnes' hands, it would have to be taken back and destroyed. That was a given.
When they arrived at the Geraldine Barnes Museum of Amestrian Culture and Historical Art, the man was kind enough to show him a few of the exhibits that were apparently famous. Edward wasn't surprised to see that the ancient relics exhibits looked just like every other ancient relic display he'd seen during his stay at New Aquaroya. He tried not to make his boredom too obvious as he was lead to a private hall with set tables. Here he was rewarded for his efforts with tea and biscuits.
"So…" Edward started after all the formalities were over and the polite small talk couldn't be dragged out any longer. "Rumor has it you've recently acquired a valuable item for your collection. Tell me, is it the real thing?"
The older man didn't skip a beat, "Ah yes, I was wondering why a young scholar such as yourself would arrange to have tea with an old museum owner. Most people just get straight to asking for the price."
Edward wasn't sure if he was being complimented or insulted. He decided to stare into his empty tea cup rather than show this momentary weakness. At least he was polite enough to arrange for a meeting instead of confiscating the thing.
"Price isn't the issue here," he said finally. "As long as it's the genuine article."
"Those are confident words. Well it certainly was the rarest find. Greater than any other artifact in this place," Barnes said pointing out at the various exhibits in the large hall. "Ever since the day I got it, I've had various amounts offered to me but none have come close to the value. So I'm sure you'll understand why I can't just let you see it until we come to an agreement. An object that powerful is certainly worth a fortune."
He turned and signaled to some assistant to come and bring over a box which he opened to reveal a stack of photographs and handed one to Edward.
Ed scrutinized it. It was a picture of a glass case housing several multicolored stones. A red ruby shining in the middle of the display. It could very well be the Philosopher's stone.
"That is what you are searching for is it not? Though it might be out of the range of the funds of a mere scholar you'll find I can be a reasonable negotiator."
"I only negotiate with what I can see with my own two eyes. How can I be so sure this picture isn't a fake?"
"I understand," Barnes said, and he again made a signal to his assistant who left the room and came back with the exact glass and leather case that was shown in the picture. "I already showed you in it's my own private exhibit. "Now then, let's see if this convinces you."
Edward stared at the jewels for a moment before shaking his head. Did this guy think he was an idiot or something? "For someone who knows so much about rare stones you have no idea how to store them."
Barnes didn't seem to catch on. "Is there a problem?"
Edward sighed and observed the obvious fake stones again before the assistant took back the case. Looks like he wasn't going to find anything here either. He was tired of dead ends.
He waited until the assistant left, before he started his interrogation. "Something so powerful and dangerous can't be kept around other chemicals much less other jewels. The chemical reaction would be enough to modify the elements as well environment around it. The glass would mean nothing and you'd lose your precious supply. Something you wouldn't want to happen with a magical rock that makes you gold, isn't that right, Mr. Barnes? And if that is the case then why would you sell it in the first place? Could it be that you don't have anything so you're selling a fake Philosopher Stone to the highest bidder? Did you think no one would recognize a fake when they see one?"
Mr. Barnes seemed taken aback for a second, but it melted into amusement."A topic you know very well." he said, his tone completely changing. " Isn't that right, Fullmetal Alchemist, Edward Elric?"
There was a clang of metal and Edward realized his had accidentally broken the delicate tea china when he slammed his hand into the table. Well, this was unexpected."What the hell are you talking about?" he said dropping all formality.
The older man's smile was disturbing. "I usually have background checks done on everyone who is interested in negotiating with me. Otherwise I'd be in a lot of trouble wouldn't I? Word spread so quickly about my Philosopher's stone that of course I knew that the National Alchemist Association would come for it eventually. Though I never expected that they'd send one of the most recognizable celebrities in all of Amestris."
Edward impulsively tugged at his temporarily black ponytail and rearranged the glasses he really didn't need on the bridge his nose. He couldn't help but grin. "Heh, so you found me out. You think that's a good thing?"
Mr. Barnes smiled. "I would say that it is fortunate that I got to meet such a famous person. Though I'm afraid I can't let go you go so easily now that you know my secret."
"Yeah you're in a very difficult situation, but I couldn't care less about your fake jewel scheme," Edward said rising from the table and rolling up his sleeves, as he was sure some twenty something minions would be getting ready to attack him at any moment. "I just can't believe what a waste of time today has been." He said walking towards the door ready to stop anything that got in his way. Just let them try.
"Then let me make it worth your while." The museum owner said evilly. He stood and put his hands in his coat pocket. Edward blinked watching him fish around for whatever.
No minions came.
Then something very unexpected happened. Edward almost gasped when he saw Barnes pull a round red familiar something out of his pocket.
No flipping way. "Is that--?"
"The very thing you have been searching for." Barnes said waving the thing around making it glow dangerously. "The legendary philosopher's stone."
The Fullmetal Alchemist glared at the guy. Still no minions crawled out from anywhere.
Mr. Barnes just babbled on . "…The legendary gold maker. If you join up with me, state alchemist I'll give it to you free of charge."
"What the--" Had the guy lost his marbles?
"Aren't you searching for this powerful stone, alchemist, the N.A.A. certainly is interested enough to send you to do their work for them."
"If you had the real thing all along then why the hell were you selling fakes?"
"Why indeed? I think it was to lure in anyone worthy of helping me make more stones this one is not enough," Barnes swayed as he talked convincing Edward that he was indeed loosing his sanity. I was lucky to lure the great alchemist to me with the simple rumor. But then you saw right through it! With the knowledge you possess you can help me to create more and more. Such a beautiful item much be shared with the world! Think of how many people we can lead to salvation!" he cackled.
Whether you're crazy or not, you're really pissing me off! Something so dangerous must be erased from this world. Not put on the market." Edward raised his eyes. "Or are you not familiar, Mr. Barnes, with the legends that pertain to that stone? People have died because of the greed and arrogance of—"
"THAT IS THE BEAUTY OF IT!!!" The stone in his hand glowed from red to blindly orange somehow causing the Fullmetal Alchemist eyes to burn as the man staggered towards him, causinghim to throw off his glasses. He heard them shatter somewhere beyond the orange.
"The greed and arrogance of the world it all revolves around THIS ONE STONE. It's also the only thing that can save us in this world…"
The hall looked like a blend of warm colors all swarming as the light drew closer. Even so he could recognize the purple outline at once. A transmutation circle.
Edward started running blindly "Hey cut it out!" he yelled. "I'm an alchemist if I get in contact with that amount of alchemical energy who knows what---"
"…to save my daughter. My beautiful daughter. The voice was right behind him and grew closer even as he moved forward he could feel something pulling him down. Something was cracking under him was it the floor? "My daughter…my beautiful daughter. You'll help me make her better…and then we can heal the world…"
A deafening crackling filled his ears. He couldn't see. He couldn't use alchemy, fearing that reaction would go out of control, not that it probably already wasn't. The unmistakable sound of a transmutation, and a cold yet warm tingling took him over. "Damn it!" he screamed.
It had bugged him when he first arrived but he hadn't paid much attention. He hadn't seen any other people here expect for the assistant. There was no secret plot, there were no minions, just a crazy old man that he had underestimated. He had miscalculated. Man, had he miscalculated.
He didn't remember when he stopped feeling the burning, but he did remember the purple light and the scream of terror as a tall door opened and cold black arms dragged him into darkness.
OooOOoooo
The eyes were all watching him, measuring him as if waiting for him to make the first move. Somewhere beyond the blackness he could see familiar faces, arms, and legs reaching out to him. But he couldn't reach them.
Every time he walked forward he was hit by something; particularly in the face. Though he didn't feel any pain and he wondered why. Even so he stubbornly ran forward despite the blows. Now he could almost reach them. Those blue eyes were so close.
And they were so close….SMACK!!! Edward bolted upright and almost collided with the milky white forehead that floated above him.
"I thought you were dead."
What?
"Can you open your eyes?"
"Winry?"
"I'm sorry." The voice said.
Feeling annoyed that he couldn't pinpoint the voice he opened his eyes.
A face, white skin and chestnut hair. A girl.
"Who are you?" he asked.
"I found you lying on the floor," the girl said as if that was any explanation.
"Who are you?" he repeated, this time stretching out right his hand and finding that it wasn't there.
"Please don't move," she said.
"My arm…"
"It's over here. You were screaming so much, and then you tried to pull it off in your sleep. It looked…painful," her voice, it sounded afraid.
"I'm sorry." he whispered.
"You'll hurt yourself more if you move around. Just stay still," she insisted.
He couldn't do that. The philosopher's stone. That man had it and he would….the bright orange light filled his memory and it all came back to him. It had already happened.
"I couldn't stop him he shuddered. Even when I knew exactly what would happen if I didn't." He felt his head rest against something soft. Her knee?
A gentle hand stroked his head. "I'm glad."
At her words Edward opened his eyes wide and jerked his head out of her lap. He stared into the brown eyes of a teenage girl, probably fifteen or sixteen years old. Then he took in the surroundings. He was in the same room he'd last seen, the outline of the circle was still glowing faint purple. The room was intact. But then what had happened to the old man?
"Everyone is gone except for us." The girl didn't smile but her upbeat tone gave away her joy at the horrible idea.
Edward glared at her, gritting his teeth. "And that makes you happy?"
Now she smiled brilliantly, stroking the strangely teardrop shaped crystal pendant around her neck. "I'm not alone anymore."
He opened his mouth to ask just what she had meant, but she immediately closed the space between them with her lips; soft and yet cold as ice.
Edward fought to push her away but his brain was not working properly. Neither was anything else, for that matter.
Finally he managed to pry away her hands tangling in his hair then finally push her face off of his.
The girl curled back as if in pain but then straightened up again. "Why did you do that?" she asked.
Her eyes were so empty; dull and unfocused and glowing oddly. But it was her twisted smile that confirmed it. She was as crazy as the old man!
The girl stroked back his bangs and he felt a chill up run down his spine. "You'll stay forever right?" she whispered.
That did it. He pushed her away. He just couldn't hang around here lest he'd also go insane.
Ignoring all logical evidence that he'd probably fall back down the moment he stood up, Edward rose to his feet and dove for the automail arm situated a few feet away and painfully shoved it back into its socket.
"Where are you going?" the girl asked as he ran despite the pain of reattachment. "Don't go out that way!" he heard her voice echo down the dark hall. "You can't go that way."
Edward ignored her and ran until he found the exit. He felt relief when he opened the front door and felt the cold air fill his lungs. He could see the setting sun and the lights of the city not to far off in the distance
"I said NO!!!"
Purple light shot out of the ground wrapping around his legs like ropes. Alchemy? She was an alchemist?
"If you stay I'll give you whatever you want." The girl stepped closer and he saw pendant under her neck was glowing brightly. Her smile was ten types creepier in the light. "Why go back out there, when you have me," She extended a cold hand and caressed his face.
"Sorry kid, you're not my type." Edward clapped his hands, again ignoring the throbbing of his arms and focused on building a wall to keep her as far away from him as possible.
"No you can't!" He heard a high pitched whine from behind the wall. "She told me, she said I can have whatever I want! I want you!!!"
As if it were made of dust the wall dissipated and Edward found himself dodging out of the way of several huge icicles coming up from the ground.
"How the hell is she doing that?" he thought aloud as he avoided getting his head smashed by one that grew out of the ceiling. "How is she manipulating the elements so completely? Does she have some sort of—"
Before he could continue his train of thought a giant hand of ice rose from the wood floor and attempted to flatten him. He wouldn't be able to dodge out of the way without breaking several bones.
"I can't let you leave." The girls voice sounded like she was in a trance. "I can't…I WON'T BE ALONE ANYMORE!"
A mountainous glacier materialized from behind her and Edward braced himself for the impact of the ton of ice coming his way.
But then nothing happened for several seconds. For a moment there was pure silence then the shattering of glass.
What the hell?
A high pitched scream, the girl's, most likely. Then a completely different voice, and footsteps descending the stairs. "Desiree? Desiree!"
Edward opened his eyes to see a young man with light brown hair hair and glasses. He was dressed in an elegant suit and would have looked normal if he wasn't leaning over the body of an unconscious girl. "Desiree what has become of you? What's happening here!" he said clutching the pendant that now stood grey against her chest.
He then turned to look at Edward with a look of surprise on his face.
Despite feeling like he was going to hit the floor Edward stood his defensive stance. "What the hell is going on here? Who the hell are you?"
"I'm Mr. Lawrence Barnes the owner of this house."
"What are you playing at?" Edward spat. "Lawrence Barnes is a crazy old man, he just disintegrated half of the third floor just a few hours ago."
"Old man, surely you're referring to my uncle. Please," he said as the blond took a step back ready to attack the guy if need be. "Tell me what is going on here."
Completely confused and caught off guard Edward sighed and let his bladed arm fall to his side. He sighed. "Right, as if I would know…"
OoOoOoOo
It was half past five and the Fullmetal Alchemist found himself sitting in the guest room of the house attached to the Museum of Amestrian Culture and Historical Art. Somehow he was feeling a lot better after lying down on an old couch, while the real owner of the place walked around the room randomly inspecting the artifacts along the wall.
Edward had helped carry the girl who turned out to be his cousin, Desiree, to her own room so she could rest. After listening to Ed's side of the story. Barnes had then explained that one month ago he had come to posses an assortment of jewels that were rumored to be very valuable and how soon after some sort of curse had come over his household.
Something about people who came in contact with the stones getting really sick (stuff like fainting spells, high fevers and corrosive burns on the skin). Not long after a person actually died causing all his staff to quit due to fear of being affected by it.
From his description Edward figured it was a type of poisoning more common to people who had been exposed red water. This led to the assumption that the stones his uncle had stolen from him in his manic state weren't really Philosopher's stones but poorly made copies. Even so the transmutation the old man had produced had caused everything in the room besides the walls to be eaten up by a giant circle still etched into the floor leaving the house itself intact. Though the now melted ice he had to battle afterward had ruined the floor.
"At least these heirlooms managed to survive the transmutation," Barnes said picking up an old vase then inspecting it. "I honestly don't know what to tell you, alchemist. Why my kind uncle would suddenly try to impersonate me and try to sell fake philosopher's stones to clients…" he set down the vase. "It doesn't make doesn't make any sense."
"No it doesn't," Ed agreed. "But where were you this whole time?" He could have certainly used the extra help a few hours ago when said uncle had attempted to transmute him into the floor.
Barnes seemed hesitant to answer. He just hung his head, allowing a shadow to fall over his face.
"I met your uncle at an exhibit two days ago," Ed explained. "I had heard about your new stone collection and told him I was a scholar researching old legends and he invited me here. Though I was convinced he was the real Lawrence Barnes at the time."
"I already told you I don't know what is going on," Barnes said, he ran a hand through his brown bangs, frustrated, "Two days ago one of my staff tied me up and locked me in a windowless room on the top floor. Thanks to my cousin's alchemic barrage earlier I was able to escape." Ed had to admit he was starting feel sorry for the guy, he looked really upset. "I rarely venture out of the house, for most of my life my uncle had been control of all the business in the museum. I never expected him to betray me like this."
Edward unwillingly thought back to earlier in the day when he had been attacked by the old man. The crazy glint in the man's eyes had looked more like was possessed than anything else.
"I don't think he betrayed you. At least not willingly. He looked like he had gone insane, or was taken over by something…he kept talking about his daughter."
"My cousin Desiree, she's suffered from an illness since she was a baby."
"Is that why you were looking for a Philosopher's stone? To save your cousin?"
The young man shook his head. "She's always been very frail. Unlike most kids her age the slightest bump or bruise would cause her extreme pain, to the point that she'd fall into spells of unconsciousness. She's seen the best doctors, and not one of them could do anything. She was always confined to her room for her own safety. Even when somehow I acquired what I thought was a Philosopher's stone, I did not intend to save her. I'd already convinced myself that there is no point. That she'd be better off dead than living such a pitiful life. I'd already watched my mother suffer the same fate. I suppose this is the price I have to pay for my insolence."
Ed tried not to cringe as he took it all in. Ouch. Talk about a depressing family history. Still it explained a few things. Except one.
"Wait a second, if you're cousin never ventured outside then how the heck did she know all that powerful alchemy?"
"My aunt was an alchemist. When we were younger my she taught us some alchemy. Though I'd rarely ever seen Desi use it, not like that anyway."
Edward raked a hand through his hair. The still black locks momentarily tangled in his fingers then slid through.
"Okay this is all highly confusing but let me see if I can make any sense of it. Your uncle thought you had acquired a real Philosopher stone and so he tried to steal it for himself to cure your cousin and…" he sat up straight on the couch, a new thought occurring to him. "Those stones. Why don't you think you were affected?"
"Because I never actually touched them. Besides my uncle, the people who were working on the exhibit were the ones who handle all the donations."
Edward blinked, more confused than ever. "Donations? You didn't buy them from a dealer?"
"I didn't buy them, they were a gift for my personal gallery; particularly from the daughter of a wealthy businessman from Ceres," Barnes explained.
"Ceres?"
"It's a district South of here between Amestris and the border of Aerugo. Like New Aquaroya they are the center for trade in the country. Because of that it's supposed to be the richest state. Though the only time I've ever visited all I saw was poverty."
Of course, wasn't that always how it was; the rich and poor classes living on the extreme sides of the hierarchy system?
"What's interesting is that they got their status by being the lead in the jewel trading business," Barnes continued. "And they acquired these jewels by making them using alchemy. Rumor has that years ago they also managed to create their own version of a Philosopher's Stone, and an actual working derivative, less potent but equally effective. These, of course, would have to be sold on the black market as they break every taboo in the book."
Barnes stopped talking and stared at the wall for a while, but Edward's mind was still on the last thing he had said. An actual working derivative of the Philosopher's Stone? Could it be that the thing that this guy's uncle had used…no it had failed miserably and apparently poisoned almost everyone in the house. So it must have been a fake, after all. Whoever had given those up, probably knew it and wanted to poison the owner of the museum. No…they wanted the stones put on display. Why the heck would they want that?
"So these copies, are failed derivatives and someone's daughter thought they would make a great early birthday present. Either she's a lousy gift giver, or she really hates you," Ed concluded.
Barnes smiled slightly. "Camira Weiss. She's the daughter of one of the sponsors for this museum. I met with her to discuss her plans for a fundraiser she was helping out with. That was the original intent." He put his head in his hands. "What started out as a business partnership resulted in a love affair. Though it didn't last long, she found out that I already had a girlfriend. I guess you could say that I'm not surprised that she would want me dead. Hell knows no fury like a woman scorned."
Ed couldn't help but stare in disbelief at the brown haired rich kid. The guy really needed to get his act together, if this whole thing was based off revenge, then he probably did deserve it. But that wasn't the issue here. "And she got the whole stone collection from the artifacts her father acquired," he said.
"That I'm sure of. Her father owns a luxury cruise liner where we hold all our fund raising events. If you want to find out more you can visit it yourself. I was supposed to attend the tonight's soiree however, due to the current situation, It'd be best to stay indoors."
OoOoOoOoOoOo
The phone rang almost nine times before someone actually picked up, three more than last time he had called. It seemed the Central communications office was getting lazier and lazier.
"Hello, Central Headquarters state the department or person you are trying to reach."
"General Roy Mustang. Department SA-23."
"I'm sorry Mr. Mustang has already left for the night."
Figures.
"Can I patch you through to his secretary?"
"Sure why not?" Edward leaned against the glass of the phone booth staring out at the night sky.
So many things had happened and he still had to go and interrogate more people on some ship. That Barnes jerk had informed him that his scary ex-girlfriend would be attending a soiree and he needed to hear her side of the story. Not that he was in the mood to see anyone much less hundreds of strangers.
The voice of Alana Smith, Mustang's newest secretary asked who was calling.
"Oh sorry it's the Fullmetal Alchemist speaking. Yeah, hey I need to get in contact with the General right away. Do you have his home number or anywhere else I can reach him?"
"I'm sorry, sir, I can't disclose that information without the Council's permission."
The heck? "What?"
"State Alchemist Fullmetal, department SA-23, correct? Due to the council's orders you are only permitted to speak with the department that assigned you to your current mission, for the duration of that mission. I'm sorry, sir, but I too have been given my orders."
He hung his head. "Sure I understand." He hung up and dialed the number for the Amestris State Council. After about ten rings he hung up. "Figures, they're even lazier than the State Alchemy division."
Edward Elric knew very well the repercussions of making a move outside of the leash of the Council's command. Even so, he couldn't let his one lead into this whole Philosopher's Stone thing get away. While he wasn't too sure if this is what he was supposed to be looking for, it was highly likely that the rumor's he had heard about the stone on the market was referring to these fakes. Meaning there could be more of them floating around.
Besides, the fact that those fakes could cause sickness and possibly insanity was too much of a problem to be overlooked.
It took about an hour to get to the center of town, Edward grumpily observed that it would have taken considerably less time if all those stupid water canals weren't in the way. Ironically, New Aquaroya was also a city of water; built on a bay a few miles north from the original city.
"Seriously," Ed griped. "You'd think these people learned their lesson after their city sunk like a stone."
After a long while in which nothing of importance happened, he started to hear the cheerful orchestra music. Well, it sounded more like a complicated symphony played by a band of no less than ten people. The music got louder as he made his way past the water side hotels and towards the pier. Certainly he was close to his destination.
Not longer after, he spotted the giant white luxury liner, moored on the dock and a huge line of people waiting to board.
The S.S. Royale certainly lived up to its name. It was a massive vessel of white and silver, lit up with bright yellow lights of the cabin windows. It stood out majestically against the darkening evening sky, making even the expanse of stars stretching over the ocean look dull in comparison.
The well dressed women in their long dresses and hats, arm in arm with men in tailored suits, made him feel like a beggar in his white on black button down and slacks ensemble (matching with his black dyed hair).
Edward let out a low whistle, pondering his next move. Surely they weren't to let a commoner onto a ship like that.
"What gorgeous eyes."
He looked up at the feminine voice, and was greeted with a beautiful sight in return. A woman was staring at him and sparkling in her light blue dress, which clung to her in every right way possible.
Then she got closer, and so did her perfectly outlined curved form. "Like liquid gold. I've never seen anything like it" she said and he felt stupid for a second wondering what she was referring to.
No, really, why was this beautiful woman talking to him?
Wait, no He didn't have time to ponder about it now, he needed to focus on finding a way onto that ship.
He took a step back, and the light blue distraction stopped her approach. "You're obviously not from Aquaroya, I'd never forget a face like yours."
"Is this ship headed toward Rees Island?" he asked.
"Are you here for the auction?"
He was going to shake his head when he realized, this might work to his advantage and awkwardly modified the motion into a nod instead.
"Yeah, that's right and you must be headed to grand ball in that dress," he said, all the while smiling what he hoped was a charming smile.
He felt like a complete idiot.
For some reason, however, she seemed to find this endearing. "Why aren't you a sweet talker? Actually I was headed to the auction also. I'd never really cared for these things, but with you going I think I can bear it." She winked, making her look lovelier, if that was possible.
'Hey you! You getting on this ship or not," he realized some guy with a clipboard was addressing him. The line had dwindled and it seemed the crowd of people left in front of the ship were only there to see off their loved ones.
"Name please," The man's eyes were scouring a guest list.
"Oh yes, of course," Edward stalled. "My name. Uhm…"
"Jordan," the pretty girl said as she stood in front of him. Apparently she was addressing the clipboard holder who stood at attention at her voice.
"He's with me, okay?" she said.
"Of course, madam." He gestured toward the deck. "Right this way."
Edward followed him and the girl onto the crowded deck of the ship, thankful for the sudden turn of events.
Not long after the ship embarked Mystery girl informed him that aforementioned auction was to take place in the main hall. However, it wouldn't commence for about an hour. She had eventually disappeared into crowd after everyone and their mother had rushed to greet her.
Feeling alone and severely out of place Ed decided that he'd kill time by looking for some food, but quickly discovered it was almost impossible to walk around the crowded ship without almost tripping over the fur coats and long nightgown hems. Not only that, but the passengers seemed to be under the impression that he was part of the staff, after the third stuck up rich person asked him what time dinner was being served he had returned to the deck.
He stared up over the edge of the ship at the moonlit sky. If all went well he could get this mission out of the way and return to Central in a few days time. Then he would have time to stop by in Resembul. Winry was probably just about ready to kill him. Maybe he could pick up a peace offering in this city while he was at it.
He was contemplating New Aquaroya's tool and automail selection when the horn signaled the ship's arrival at Rees Island.
Rees Island was a tourist attraction, a few miles of the coast of New Aquaroya. Apparently it was a gambling hotspot, and resort with it's own chain of very expensive hotels. Edward had read about it in a flyer earlier that week. The soiree Lawrence Barnes had mentioned took place in one of those fancy hotels. Though he wondered if he should stay onboard and check out the auction first. Not just for the pleasant company but because it might help to learn more about the connection between the cruise line and the museum.
"Excuse me," someone said from behind him. "Do you work here?"
Edward sighed. "Sure, why not?" It would be a lot easier to blend in if he just went with it.
He turned to see an old woman dressed in gaudy clothes, and a tall man who Ed guessed was her husband standing next to her. Unlike most people on the ship they didn't look at him like he was the dirt under their shoes.
"Would you be so kind to direct us to the main hall, dear?" she said. "We were supposed to be there five minutes ago, but I'm afraid we just keep getting ourselves lost."
"Uh, sure it's down that way. As a matter of fact I'll take you there.
"Thank you so more. You're so kind."
Ed just smiled as he led the way towards the main hall of the luxury cruise ship. The auctioneer had already started bidding, whatever it was that was up for auction.
He spotted mystery girl from before and she waved him over to sit next to him. She apologized for not introducing herself before. Her name was Carolyn Annette Rees ( "Carrie to you") friend of the ship's owner Mr. Weiss and daughter of the resort owner which explained why everyone seemed to worship her every step.
It seemed like he had made a good choice coming here after all. With any luck he could ask Miss Rees what she knew about this Camira Weiss and then he could finally get some answer.
That had been the plan, but if there is one lesson The Fullmetal Alchemist had learned in his life it's that things never go according to plan. While it probably never fully sunk in he was about to be reminded of this the hard way. That night was just the beginning.
A/N: Whew! This was a very long first chapter. I wanted to give some sort of background information, and set up a few things before acutally plunging into the story proper. Again this took place towards the beginning of the epilogue, around the time Edward wrote his letter to Winry. Hopefully that makes sense.
-The Geraldine Barnes museum of Amestrian Culture and Historical Art is my own invention. Personally, I'm not too fond of the name.
-New Aquaroya is my solution to what happened to the city, as it was supposed to sink a few years after episode 10. I figured they'd all relocate and start anew, since I really liked that town.
I edited this like three times, but I am human, so if there are any mistakes or discrepancies let me know!