Beyond Fullmetal

Chapter 1: Return

A Fullmetal Alchemist/Batman Beyond Crossover

By: Legato Deathscythe

Disclaimer: I don't own FMA or any part of the DC Universe. This is a direct sequel to "The Alchemist, The Plant, and The Detective" so if you haven't read that first you should. Also takes place after the events of "Return of the Joker" so you may want to watch that for perspective.

The drive from Wayne Manor to the Amestrian Botanical Gardens was not unexpected. Terry was aware that the former head of research for what used to be Resembool Industries had, like Bruce, gone into seclusion. He had been rather surprised when he had read the file in the computer on Dr. Pamela Isley. He hadn't expected someone who had once been known as Poison Ivy to just fade away. Much like Victor Fries, she was one of the old mans enemies. Though Bruce made it sound like he was going to see an old friend.

It was some sort of business meeting that Bruce decided to take to the doctor. Resembool Industries had been one of many companies that had fallen to Derek Powers hostile takeovers many years before. The only reason the Amestrian Gardens still stood was that they weren't part of the company. The death of Resembool's founder had seen to that. Terry reminded himself to read up on that particular piece of history.

He pulled the car up to the front door and let Bruce out. The main green house for the gardens was more then impressive. It had stood here almost unchanged for forty years. Many various types of plants were kept within, many of which had ended up endangered over the years. One of he Amestrian Gardens missions was to preserve as many plant species from extinction as possible. It was one of the more successful organizations in the field.

A familiar head of dark red hair approached the pair as they walked in, "Terry? What are you doing here?"

Terry smiled at the girl, "Hi Iris, Mr. Wayne has a meeting with Dr. Isley."

Iris Elric turned to Bruce and extended her hand, "Grandmother told me you'd be coming. It's not often she takes personal meetings."

Bruce smiled, "Your grandfather and I worked together on many of the humanitarian missions his old company spearheaded."

"Grams always said Grandpa could never stand to know people were suffering if he could do something about it," Iris said.

"That's very true. Edward Elric was a good man," Bruce said.

Iris smiled, "That's what Grams tells me. It's a shame he never got to see Dad or me grow up."

They walked further into the greenhouse towards Pamela Isley's private lab area. Bruce was surprised by how little had really changed. The only difference he could tell from the last time he had been here was the partition that blocked Isley off from the rest of the workers. With what Bruce knew about Pamela's condition it made sense. She would eventually have to go into seclusion, possibly even fake her own death some day.

They entered the lab, Iris closing the door behind them. In front of them stood a woman who couldn't have been older then thirty if you asked Terry just by looking at her. He had been prepared for this though. Poison Ivy's file had been very specific about her condition. He wasn't disappointed when she turned around and, instead of a woman who looked as old as Bruce or Commissioner Gordon, he saw someone who could pass as younger then his own mother.

Pamela Isley smiled at the two men, "Bruce, it's been a while."

"Yes it has," the old man replied. Idly in the back of his head he wondered why so many other people seemed to be outside of time and he was falling apart.

"Iris, thank you. Why don't you take Mr. McGinnis around and show him the rest of the garden," Pamela suggested.

Soon the younger people were gone, leaving Pamela and Bruce alone, "Time has been kind to you Pam."

The smile seemed almost rueful, "Depends on your definition of kind I suppose. I've already had to bury my child. It's not something I look forward to having to do again anytime soon."

"I heard about the accident, I'm sorry," Bruce said.

Pamela smiled, "I just wish Edward had had a chance to know him. He would have been so proud of Marcus."

Silence fell for a moment between the two. Pamela broke the silence, "So that's the new kid?"

Bruce couldn't help but smirk, "Yes. He still has a lot to learn, but I think he's more then up for the challenge."

Pamela's smile never wavered, "He's got a large cape to fill."

"Maybe, but he is defiantly his own man. You heard about the Joker's return?"

"That was something I wasn't expecting. That monster back from the dead, using Tim like some unwanted specter. Strangely enough though as shocked as I am, I'm not surprised Joker pulled something like that off," she said. She turned and went to a thermos of tea and poured a cup for both her and Bruce. He accepted it and a seat at one of the chairs she had in her area.

"I wish I had thought about it. It would have spared Tim so much pain over the years from having that mad man in his subconscious," Bruce said, looking into his tea.

"Are you two back on speaking terms?"

"It's getting better. Seems the last four years I've had to face all the things I did wrong. If it weren't for Terry, I'd probably still be hiding away in the manor waiting to die," Bruce admitted.

"Well, if he's your protege, then I suppose I'm going to be doing a lot of work with him. Tell me about him," Pamela said.

–

Iris showed Terry around the garden, explaining the work they had been doing there. Terry took in all the information as best he could. The garden seemed to be involved in many different projects towards environmental reclamation. There were several projects that the expertise of Dr. Isley was very much needed. Terry had to admit he was impressed.

"Grams spends a lot of time working in here. Sometimes I wish she'd get out and maybe try to meet someone. It's been over forty years since Grandpa died," Iris said.

"Sounds like she was really in love with him," Terry commented.

Iris nodded, "When he died he left her a silver pocket watch. I've never seen the design on the case before. It's of a dragon intertwined with a hexagram. She showed me inside it once. It has a picture of them together and "Don't Forget – I Love You" engraved in it. All she would tell me is that it was where the best part of her heart stayed."

The pair continued walking around. Terry said, "I read about your grandfather's work. He seemed to be very dedicated to his cause."

Iris smiled, "'Be Thou for The People,' that was his philosophy in business and life. Grams told me he always believed that in order to obtain anything, something had to be exchanged. For his wealth, he exchanged his dedication to the people around him. He never took a dime for himself if he thought it could help feed someone who needed it more. He built this place after cleaning up the toxic waste dump that had been here before. Death in exchange for life. Grams and him were really successful in that. I suppose it was better for her then a life of crime."

Terry smirked, the identities of the old Rogues gallery weren't exactly privileged information. He slid his hands in his pockets as he spoke, "I guess he did the one thing Batman couldn't do. Get Poison Ivy to turn her life around."

Iris smiled, "Yup. He got her to put her skills to good use, and she hasn't looked back. He's in everything we do here really. He built this place, set it on it's mission. It was a shame when Powers stole the company but he couldn't take this. This is our home as much as it is our mission."

They began their trek back to their older counterparts, passing through the lab until they could here laughter beyond the door. Iris smiled, "He must have said something good. I never hear her laugh in one of these meetings."

"They do have a history," Terry said, not going into what that history was.

"I suppose. Still, she's usually very formal about any agreements she signs," Iris said.

When the two young people entered into the room Pamela was leaning against her work bench while Bruce was lounging in a chair. Neither seemed any worse for wear, which was a load off Terry's mind. Pamela saw the pair and smiled, "Good, you two got back just in time. We were just discussing the project we'll be working with Wayne Enterprises on."

Iris was understandably confused, her grandmother never agreed to anything after one meeting. Terry however was less so. He knew that this was less a full on negotiation and more a nostalgic visit. Bruce had been talking about putting more of Wayne Enterprises resources towards humanitarian efforts since he reassumed control of the company. He had many old deals with Isley and Elric in the past, this was going to be more of a gab session then a meeting from the start.

They went over it all, Terry committing most of he important parts to memory. He'd be doing a lot of the foot work for Wayne on this he could tell. Bruce had been giving him more and more responsibility within the company since the old business man took over. Terry figured it would do well in the long term. He'd need those resources if he were to keep wearing the mask. Even if he didn't, it would be a way to do some good for the world outside the suit.

Before they left Pamela stopped them, "Here, some herbal supplements of my own mix. Those should help your joints and heart more then whatever medications your doctors prescribed. Also, my own tea blend. I know you Bruce, and if Mr. McGinnis is anything like you you both keep rather late hours. That should be more help then coffee."

Bruce thanked her as Terry accepted the offered goods. When they were in the car ad heading back he asked, "I get the feeling there's more to the story then what the books say."

"There always is," Bruce answered as he looked out the widows.

"Care to tell me about it?"

Bruce didn't answer immediately. When he did all he said was, "Unlike a lot of other things in my past, it's not my story to tell."

–

Batman flew through the dark skies of Gotham on patrol. The car was handling well, repairs from the bazooka blast it took going in to take out Joker had been fully repaired. He took his time to patrol the center of Gotham. It was a Friday night, and Jokerz were always most active on the weekends. Gordon had called in earlier asking him to avoid the docks that night, there was a sting going on she didn't want Batman involved in.

Bruce was keeping watch in the cave, but he was only half listening in. It was a quiet night so he was taking some time to refine some of the designs for the next upgrade of the suit. He kept the radio channel open for anything that might be important. He was also monitoring the police band to keep an ear open on the sting. For him it was just business as usual.

–

Directly across town from where Batman was patrolling, and away from where the Gotham Police Department's sting was going down, another warehouse was full of activity. Though if you looked within you'd have to wonder if someone was getting ready to start a war. Black clad soldiers were arming and loading hover carriers. Before them was a large construct of metal and circuits none of them could really understand. Only the scientists and techs tasked with operating it knew for certain.

They were however thrown off guard when the device activated and indicated an incoming traveler. Within the construct, energy fluctuated and with a burst of light formed what appeared to be a gateway. Looking at the gateway, one could almost call what they saw beautiful. The way the energy danced across made it look like ripples on a pond.

Two cloaked figures, one in red and another in green stepped from the gateway. The troops were understandably thrown off guard. They surrounded them and aimed their weapons at the pair. The one in red looked to be a well built man of some sort. The figure in green was obviously a woman of generous endowment and shapely form. Red lifted his right hand, which made it look like he was surrendering. The soldiers didn't notice it was made of pure metal.

SNAP!

In a moment everything exploded behind the soldiers. Another snap and the weapons trained on them were little more then molten metal on the ground. The green cloaked figure threw out several small objects. When looked at closely one would see they were seeds. The soldiers didn't notice, racing to kill the intruders. Green clapped her gloved hands, a circle of some kind on the palms, and set them on the ground. Several soldiers found themselves trapped by tightly constricting vines. Several tried to attack head on, swinging knives at the pair. Red simply kicked out, blocking blades with his right arm and punching with his left.

When Red clapped his hands and placed the left on his right arm, the soldiers attacking were stunned to see a blade of two feet appear out of no where. Red charged, slamming his left foot into rib cages, slashing out at others. A quick snap destroyed another of the carriers as men flooded from it. As they cleared a path from the gate, several soldiers in blue uniforms stormed through.

It was over quickly, the surviving men in black rounded up and restrained. Hover cars and troop transports slid through the gate, all filled with blue uniforms. Red and Green stood still as a middle aged woman with blond hair and glasses approached them. She was rubbing the back of her head with a metallic left hand as she approached the pair, "Geeze guys, ever hear of something called restraint?"

Red answered, "You know me, always got to make an entrance."

The woman laughed at that, "Oh do I know you, you freak."

Red chuckled, "Brigadier General Hughes, set up our holding position here. I want every prisoner interrogated and all intel sent back through to Central as fast as possible. We need to find their base of operations ASAP."

"And what pray tell will you be doing?"

"Grapevine and I will be heading out to make contact with local government. We know the attacks on our world aren't sanctioned by any government on this side. I plan to make contact with any allies we may have here," Red said. He and Grapevine turned and headed out of the warehouse, shouldering on some rocket packs that two troops handed them.

"Be careful," Hughes shouted at the pair.

"Hey, it's me," Red said, the tone of his voice very confident. You could almost hear the smirk he was wearing under the hood of the red cloak.

When the two were out of earshot Hughes muttered, "That's what worries me, Ed."

–

Terry had left the car behind on the roof of a building cloaked in case he needed it. Most Jokerz attacks happened where the only indication was a cry for help. It helped him to be able to move quickly, and the suits flight mode defiantly provided the maneuverability he needed. He was looking over the streets, trying to keep an eye out when he heard something approaching. It was only a second before he was passed by two blurs of color.

"Boss, I just got passed by two people with jet packs!" Terry said as he turned round and chased after the pair. He had to admit they were moving pretty fast. Fortunately the suits jets could keep up.

Grapevine was a little startled and only looked behind her for a moment, "What the hell was that?"

Red answered, "Was it black, have wings, big ears?"

"I think so," Grapevine answered.

"Must've been a bat," Red said, completely unconcerned.

"I've got them on visual Boss. You see them?" Terry said as he continued pursuit.

"See if you can get a clear line of sight on them."

When Terry finally got a good view of the pairs backs he zoomed in on Red's cloak. "Any ideas on who these guys are?" Terry asked over the radio link.

Bruce took a good look, and though he recognized the symbol he wasn't willing to say anything, "Not yet, continue pursuit and catch up with them."

The scream for help from an adjacent alleyway wasn't expected. Red heard it and to his partner said, "Time for a detour!" He pealed off towards where the cry for help had come for.

Grapevine just muttered to herself, "When did I sign up for this?" and followed.

–

Iris had just wanted to have a nice night out with her friends. Her grams always pushed her to keep her friends close, to never put work and other things before the really important things. She always assumed that had to do with how her and grandfather never actually told each other how they felt until it was too late. She was just walking home, taking a back alley short cut when a bunch of those damned Jokerz cornered her.

It was J-Man's gang, the one that dressed up almost exactly like the original Joker. Grams had told her about him, and knowing that only made her disgust for the street gang grow. Still, she didn't have any way to defend herself from the big clown that was moving in on her. No one noticed Batman land close by. Bruce had ordered him to observe only, so Terry had cloaked himself. He didn't like it, but Bruce seemed interested to see what the red and green cloaked figures would do.

SNAP!

Everyone watching was shocked as the clown nearest Iris burst into flames. The fire cleared and there he stood, scorched and falling down on his face but still alive. The cocky voice that rang out in the alley drew their attention, "Whoa, he's gonna feel that in the morning."

Terry had never seen anything like that before. No one else had either in the alley either. J-Man was understandably pissed, "Who do you think you're messing with monk?"

Red just strolled in, his hands in his pockets as he said, "Out of work rodeo clowns? Mime rejects? Oh, I know. Drop outs from the Gotham Clown College!"

J-man could barely hold back his rage, "We'll have to put a smile on your face! No one messes with the Jokerz!"

Red seemed to drop his head at that and shook it sadly, "That crazy bastard got himself a following? Boy, things have gone down hill since I was last here. This has to be a bad joke. But then again, Joker never really had any good ones."

Terry couldn't help but grin a little at the scarlet clad avenger before his eyes. He had used the same line on the real Joker to very good results.

J-Man had enough, "Get him!"

The clowns attacked the red clad figure, who just jumped and practically stepped on one of the clowns heads with his left foot. The clowns didn't understand how that was enough to knock Chuckles out but it wasn't enough to dissuade them. A clap of hands that then hit the ground and most of the other Jokerz found themselves sealed in cages of steel and stone. J-Man tried to attack him on his bike. Another clap of hands and a two foot blade appeared from Red's right arm. Just as J-Man was about to run him over he kneeled down, spun, and shoved the blade right into the bikes wheels. J-Man and his bike ended up slamming into a wall. J-Man had turned on his back, putting a hand on his head.

Red walked up to him, setting his left foot on the bike and leaning on it. The voice sounded almost contemplative, "You know, I knew the original Joker. Crazy bastard, always went on about bats. Spent six months in Arkham Asylum in a cell across from him. If he were here I don't know if he'd be laughing his ass off or shaking his head at the horrid punchline. You sir, are no Joker. But then again, I'm no Batman. Which means if I see you again I won't be as adverse to just snapping my fingers and... poof," for effect he did, and burned the flower on J-Man's suit into black powder.

Red grabbed J-Man by the collar and pulled him close, "You best get a new gig. Cause I got news for you. Fullmetal is back in town, and I am no where near as nice as the bat. I see you in this outfit again, and I will burn you into an ash so fine they won't even know you were a person when you get sucked up by a street sweeper. Got me?"

J-Man nodded rapidly in stunned agreement as red pushed his left foot down, crushing the gas tank of the bike it had been resting on. He clapped his hands and placed them on the wall on either side of J-Man. The wall itself wrapped around him, holding him in place. Fullmetal walked back to his green clad companion, who had her hand over her eyes and was shaking her head. Fullmetal immediately asked, "What? Was the immolation threat a bit over the top?"

Green just seemed to pray for calm a moment before asking, "How is it I'm related to you again?"

Fullmetal chuckled, "Your father married your mother, and he was my brother so you are my niece. I thought they covered that in grade school."

"That's not what I mean. Was all this really necessary? You were pretty damned reckless!"

Fullmetal laughed out loud. Terry didn't know what was funny, but he was worried. The radio link was dead quiet. He kept listening in as Fullmetal said, "Whoa, how you can sound like both your Mother and your Father at the exact same time I will never know. Do I need to worry about a gauntlet or wrench flying at me?"

A startled but grateful voice called out to the pair, "Thank you."

In a calm voice Fullmetal asked, "What's your name child?"

Iris just stared but answered, "Iris, why?"

Fullmetal turned towards her and said, "Then Iris, I would suggest heading home for the night. Stick to the main roads, it's safer. Or call a taxi."

He turned from her, and him and his green cloaked companion jetted out into the night. Iris leaned against the wall she had been cowering against and slid down. It felt like all the strength had left her legs and all she could do was stare at the back of the scarlet clad avenger that had saved her. She turned her gaze back to the stunned and bound Jokerz.

"I hate this town."

--

The cloaked figures were back on the run after the short stop in the alley. Terry had kept following them as they made there way through the city. Terry was starting to get worried. There hadn't been any more detours. The pair was on a very specific course as they dodged through the city. Terry recognized the path and immediately said, "They're headed right for the manor."

"I've already got the intruder defense system online," Bruce said.

"I'm gonna try and stop them here," Terry said, moving to intercept.

Fullmetal reached for his right wrist and pressed a few buttons on it. Edward had to admit that Gotham had changed a lot over the last forty years. He didn't like it at all. The city had been dark when he had first been there. But now, it was like every trace of the world the city had been placed on had been cut out. In it's place was a mass of metal and concrete without any real soul to it. He really didn't like what this might mean.

"They've overridden the caves defenses!" Bruce alerted Terry.

"How can they be overriding them?" Terry asked. He was getting in range to launch a few batarangs at the pair.

"That's what's puzzling. They had an entry code."

They were getting to the entry tunnel for the car as Terry asked, "How did they get an entry code?"

"I'm working on it," Bruce growled.

The cloaked pair landed on the platform and turned off their packs. Fullmetal began leisurely walking towards the stairs, Grapevine close behind. Terry landed shortly after just as Fullmetal reached the area revealing the Bat-computer.

"What did I tell you, Grapevine. Somethings just never change," Fullmetal said. He clapped his hands and put them to his hood. Blue energy flowed down the fabric, transmuting it back to normal. He pulled the hood back just as Terry jumped down to protect Bruce.

The hood revealed a young man with long blond hair, pulled into a high pony tail. He was wearing thin framed glasses and a smirk on his face as he said, "Bruce, you got old."

Terry ejected a batarang from his wrist as Bruce just looked at the intruder, "It's been a while Edward. You're looking good."

"Trust me, you don't want to go through what I did to end up like this," Edward replied.

"How'd you get back?"

"Inter-dimensional gateway, seems someone is up to their old tricks," Edward said. The woman next to him transmuted her green hood and revealed a woman of thirty, with dark blond hair and blue eyes.

"Who's your friend?"

"My niece, Patricia," Edward said. He approached Bruce and extended his hand to shake. Bruce returned the offered hand. Both men seemed a little tense as they spoke. Edward was hiding something behind a mask of bravado, Bruce had a feeling he knew what. Edward broke away and looked at the masked figure.

"So, he anybody I know?" Edward asked, indicating Terry with a nod of his head.

"New kid," Bruce said.

"As much as I'd like to get caught up, I'm unfortunately here on business," Edward said. He spoke into his right wrist, "Alphonse, upload briefing to bat-computer.

The digitized simulation of his younger brothers voice at ten replied, "File transfer in progress."

Trish just shook her head again, "I still say that's creepy. Why don't you change it to something that isn't Dad's voice?"

Edward shot a look at her, "It wouldn't be the same, Trish." Trish just sighed at Fullmetal's eccentricities.

The screen displayed a map of the world they had come from. Edward started, "Three months ago, an unknown enemy started attacking major cities in all of the five major powers. Amestris and Xing were able to beat them back with minimal losses. Our defense treaty with Creta had Western Headquarters intercepting several assault fleets as they attempted to land troops there. The ships involved have the same pattern. They appear, and attempt to etch a transmutation circle into the city in question."

Terry took a moment to raise his hand and ask, "What's a transmutation circle?"

Edward looked at him and smirked, "Have you ever heard of alchemy?"

Terry nodded, "The grandfather of modern science."

Edward nodded, impressed the kid didn't mention the more fantastical stories, "In this world alchemy became little more then hidden mysticism. It's basis in science was lost, and ended up relegated to the same place as magic users. Hidden, not commonly known of or believed in, but still kept active by individual practitioners. In our world however it became the basis of everything. Allowed us to reach a level of technological advancement approximately twenty years ahead of this world at the same time period.

"The transmutation circle being etched into the cities is familiar to those who've seen it. I honestly hoped I'd never have to see it again in my lifetime. Bruce, you recognize the circle I'm talking about," it wasn't a question.

Bruce nodded, "So they're trying to create the stone again."

Edward's shoulders sagged, "No, they pulled it off. Two cities in Drachma, one in Auergo. They managed to create no less then three Philosopher's Stone's. Any survivors are rounded up, and the individuals converted into Red Stone."

Edward didn't wait for the question he knew was wanting to be asked, "A Philosopher's Stone is an item of incredible alchemic power. It has the ability to allow an alchemist to bypass equivalent exchange. Basically get something for nothing. The thing is, that it takes human lives to create a stone. I spent four years searching for the thing, I'm the most knowledgeable on the subject within the State Alchemy Corp. One point eight million people, all with their lives stripped from them and their souls compressed into red crystal. Red stones are similar to the Philosopher's stone, but incomplete. They still offer a substantial enhancement of ability, but no where near the power.

"A week ago, another fleet of these attackers tried to take Central. We beat them back, and managed to take control of one of their ships. When we accessed the database we found everything we needed. Schematics, inter-dimensional coordinates, the works. We started locking on to any gateway on this side and sent alchemist supported troops through to try and stop them. Several simply have trackers on them, so we can try to find where the base of operations is."

Bruce spoke up, "Who do you think is responsible?"

Edward smirked, "The computer we accessed didn't give a proper name for the commander, just a codename. Demon's Head."

Terry actually cursed at that, "I thought she... he... it was dead."

Bruce shook his head, "Ra's can't seem to stay that way."

Edward raised an eyebrow for a moment, "What do you mean she?"

Bruce answered, "When his body couldn't be supported by the Lazuras Pits any longer he transferred his consciousness into his daughter Talia's mind. He effectively killed her to stay in this world."

Edward was disgusted, "I can relate to how sick that is. My father and his first wife used the stone they created four hundred years ago to pull off a similar trick. It also explains what he may want with multiple stones. A new body. Again, something I can relate to."

He didn't go into detail but continued on, "We came through and took out the force he had setup in Gotham in a warehouse on the far side of town. I've got a whole battalion stationed there collecting evidence, interrogating his soldiers, and effectively setting up a foothold for a counter attack when we find him.

"Bruce, I don't like this anymore then you. Personally I would have preferred to come back and just enjoy a nice reunion. But there is just too much of a threat to both worlds to standby. I was hoping we could use the sensors on Watchtower to track the tags we put on Ra's transports," Edward said.

Bruce nodded, "We had to rebuild Watchtower after the Thanagarian Invasion, but her successor's still up there. I'll put in a call to Metro Tower and get Superman on it."

Edward nodded, then pulled a chip from his right arm, "Here's the tracking frequency. Another thing Bruce, you may want to warn the League members. We don't know if he's transported the stones to this world yet or not, but if he has it's only a matter of time before he figures out how to use them."

Edward didn't need to go into detail about what Ra's al Ghul could do with that sort of power at his disposal. No one in the cave wanted to think about it. Ra's was determined to see this world recreated to his design, and was slaughtering millions in Edward's world to get the power to do it.

Edward stopped speaking and seemed uneasy for a moment. Terry and Trish noticed, though this uncertainty coming from Fullmetal was not something Trish was used to. Fullmetal was determined, confident, and unstoppable. To see him hesitant like he was now was a shock.

"Bruce, is she...?" Edward asked, not able to finish his question.

Bruce also noticed, and understood full well, "She's at the greenhouse."

"Thank you, Bruce. Trish, head back and get Elysia up to speed. I'll have Alphonse monitor the channel in case you really need me."

"Fullmetal, where are you going to be? We're in an alien world, it's not a good idea to split up right now," Trish said.

"Trish, please. I'll explain everything later. Right now, just trust me," Edward said. Trish had never seen the look she saw in her uncle's eyes just then. The need that was in them. She relented but noticed when Fullmetal pulled the watch out he kept in his breast pocket. He opened it and looked inside. When he closed his eyes and seemed to steady himself she couldn't help but worry.

Reluctantly she nodded and went to find the way out. Terry said, "I'll give you a lift."

As he took Trish back to her troops Bruce said, "You said the stones require human lives. That's a considerable amount of ethereal energy to just try to hide. I may know a few people who might be able to help us locate them. Magic users, but their skills may be more helpful in this case then the scientific."

Edward nodded, "Jason Blood still around Gotham?"

Bruce smirked, "I'll see if I can get a hold of him."

"You know how to reach me if you need me," Edward said.

Bruce nodded and watched and Edward left the cave. Defiantly not the happiest of reunions when you had the fate of two worlds hanging in the balance. He couldn't fault Edward for that though. Just like last time, it was Ra's lust for power that cause the problems. Bruce didn't envy Edward, hadn't when the younger man had stayed behind to get his home dimension ready for anything in the future. Now that he was back he'd have to live with the things he had left behind. No, Bruce did not envy Edward at all.

--

In the car Trish just sat as Terry drove her back across the city. She looked out at the technological city and sighed, "It's just so dead here compared to home."

"Never did catch who you are," Terry said, keeping his voice deep.

"Colonel Patricia Elric, Grapevine Alchemist," the woman said.

"Elric? Whose the guy you were with?"

"General Edward Elric, Fullmetal Alchemist. I don't know why he would want to come back here though. It's nothing like home. Hell, I'll bet it's nothing like it was when he was here forty years ago," she said.

Terry however was starting to put some pieces together, "He said you were from another dimension."

Patricia nodded, "Our home is in Central, in the Country of Amestris."

"What's your relationship to him?"

"He's my uncle. The hero of the people, the man who came back from the dead with a warrior of another world and saved Central from destruction. Said he spent four years in a place called Gotham, did his part to make this world better then how he left it. Brought all the knowledge and science he could back with him," Trish said.

"Impressive,"Terry said.

"Still, what could he possibly be up to that would make him risk heading out on his own here?"

Terry had been putting the pieces Patricia had been giving him together the whole drive. The time frame she was talking about seemed in line with what he knew of Dr. Edward Elric. The coincidences were just lining up too perfectly. Terry didn't believe in coincidence.

"You said this was forty years ago?"

"There abouts," Patricia said.

"He doesn't look like he's over sixty," Terry commented.

"I don't understand that either," Patricia conceded.

"I think I know what's going on though. There was a Dr. Edward Elric that did a lot of work around that time. Built up a company specializing in advanced prosthetics and botanical sciences. Did a lot of good work world wide. According to the history he had a relationship of some kind with his head of research, Dr. Pamela Isley," Terry said.

Trish looked at the back of the masked man in front of her and said, "Are you saying my uncle spent four years with a woman that he never mentioned to anyone back home?"

"Not sure, according to the history he died taking a bullet for her when they were attacked by some corporate terrorists. Died at the age of twenty-one. Dr. Isley discovered she was pregnant one month later. Had a son, name of Marcus. At least, that's the official story," Terry told her.

Patricia was stunned and shocked, "There has to be some mistake. My uncle would never do something like that. He'd never give up family."

Terry just shrugged, "If he didn't know, what's to say he wouldn't have come back to your world? If he thought the threat was great enough what's to say he wouldn't make the sacrifice?"

Patricia didn't have an answer for him. She shook her head as they landed in front of the warehouse. When they landed in front of the warehouse that had become a temporary base camp he spoke, "Here, in case you need to get a hold of me."

He handed her something off his belt, it looked like a comm unit but only had one button. She slipped it into her belt with a nod of thanks. She jumped out of the car and turned, watching it speed off into the night. She walked purposefully towards the warehouse door and was met by Elysia. Elysia had a questioning look on her face. All Trish said to her was, "We need to talk."

Elysia lead her to what the Brigadier General had made her office. Forms and transcripts were already littering the desk as they sealed themselves off from the rest of the troops. Trish went and dropped into the extremely comfy chair behind the desk and closed her eyes.

Elysia was about to ask what was going on when Trish said, "Did you know Uncle Ed left a girl behind on this world?"

The expression on General Hughes face proved she didn't. Her eyes bugged out as her jaw dropped, "No, he never said anything!"

"Apparently she got pregnant and had his son. He didn't even know about it when he came back home."

"Oh boy, Ed's gonna be a wreck. You know how he feels about people abandoning kids," Elysia said as she helped herself to a chair.

Trish just nodded, "He seemed pretty shaken when he asked the contact he knew about her. I got the rest from the guy in the suit and mask. Looks like they were pretty close. Did you ever get a look at that watch of his?"

"The one with the curtain of ivy on the case? Just the outside, I don't think he ever showed anyone what was in it. Maybe Roy, but he always kept any hint of his personal life while he was away locked up. I'm not even sure your father and mother know more then that. I always found that odd, he had always been completely open with Al and Winry before."

Trish smirked, "The General keeps things to himself. We both know how he can be. Won't let anyone think he's anything but perfectly alright, just so we don't worry. I always wondered what that cost him."

Elysia nodded, "So where is he now?"

"If I'm right, he went to find that woman. Have we been able to hack into the local information network yet?"

Elysia nodded, then smirked, "You want me to see what I can find?"

Trish smirked back, "On both of them. There are a lot of questions I think we both have and he's not liable to give us the whole story."

"What's the name of this woman that has my Pop so enthralled?" Elysia asked, the glint off her glasses would have made many old friends think Maes had possessed her.

"Dr. Pamela Isley, I want all the info you can get on her. Also see what you can dig up on Uncle Ed from forty years ago. Knowing him he was pretty active, you might even get some info on his codename while you're at it," Trish said.

With a wave of her hand, Elysia smiled, "I'll see what I can dig up, Grapevine."

To Be Continued...

Authors notes: This was a good start I hope. Enjoy folks.

Thanks to Ryan Slicer and datdude.