*~Freak show~*
The circus was in town and I was determined to save my money up so I could go see it. I had never been to the circus before, and this was the perfect time to go and see it. I had always heard the circus to be dazzling and bright, like heaven where everything was perfect. The best part was people kept talking of a new act that the ringmaster had up his sleeve.
*~* Ed's point of view.
My alarm clock was ringing like the fire alarm in my school, I nearly lost my hearing because of it, but I didn't complain. If it weren't screeching like a banshee, I wouldn't have woken up. I quickly leapt out of bed in one swift motion and -as fast as I could- got dressed in a button up, paper slacks with suspenders, long black socks and army boots, and my normal grey newsies cap. My golden hair tied back in a braid with my matching eyes, glowing with determination's fire. In all my twelve years of living, I had never been this excited. In what seemed like forever, the bus I had been on finally stopped down the street from "The Black Dove Circus". Luckily, I had gotten there early enough to get a good seat. It was in the middle of a huge clearing and it looked just as I pictured it. Enormous tents, posters of past shows, people practicing their acts, elephants lugging caged animals to their appropriate spots, and customers (like me) looking for a good show. I eagerly trotted into the big top to find a good seat. Very few people were seated leaving me a front row chair in the middle. I didn't care if a clown squirted water on me or a lion or tiger got too close. These and more were the reasons I wanted a front row seat. I wanted to be dazzled and amazed up close.
It took an hour-long wait, but eventually more and more people flooded in and took their seats. Not a minute after all seats were filled, the ringmaster entered, stepping into the shimmering spotlight, and gave his audience a diamond like smile.
"Ladies and gentlemen" he announced in a superior voice, "Children of all ages. Welcome to the Black Dove Circus!" He was wearing the normal ring master get-up. He had his black hair combed back and dark, dark brown eyes. All the women swooned at the sight of him. Suddenly he threw down a smoke pellet, and the lights started changing colors. It was miraculous, what the smoke looked like every cloud and curl was glittering and shimmering with a rainbow of colors. As soon as it cleared, clowns and acrobats entered the arena and entertained us; the clowns made us laugh and giggle while acrobats soared through the big top as if they were actually flying. Then the lion tamers replaced them and tamed their lions and tigers, and even a bear for some. Then more acrobats came and soared through the air on trapezes like the most beautiful birds I could imagine. Then the horse tamers came in and put on a show that made everyone "ooh" and "aw" at their beauty. After they left the arena the attraction that everyone (including myself) was waiting for stepped on to a large platform. The spotlight wasn't on him, but I could see that he (or she) was very large.
"And now my dear audience; the time has come to say good bye, but before you leave we have a parting gift." The ringmaster gave us another spectacular diamond smile. "Jeez" I thought, "he's annoying." He gestured toward the hulking figure on the platform. He wasn't really what I was expecting. He was at least seven feet tall with gashes all over his silver exterior. Yes silver! He was wearing armor; but not anything like the armor one reads about in fairytales. He was almost menacing if he weren't a performer. I leaned forward in my seat with large, curiosity struck eyes. He had a spike in the middle of his fore head with a jagged mouthpiece. He had three large spikes lining the middle of his shoulders and a tattoo of a cross with a snake curled around it. Atop the cross was a crown with wings floating above it. He had black leather gloves and two sharp metal protectors on his elbows. Around his waist, the hulk wore a black loincloth. His appearance though striking wasn't the strangest part of him. The eyes of knights in fairytale pictures are always black and hollow, but not so with the creature. He had glowing white orbs and the irises of his eyes were outlined in crimson. The ringmaster strode over to the giant and to my surprise and everyone else's they shook hands. The giant looked a little less scary after that and a little human too; but I don't think anyone else under the big top recognized that but me. The ringmaster then turned to the audience and said in a voice that made even me have ice cycles tap dance up and down my spine.
"This man is our parting gift, well his performance is anyway. This is our own personal 'Freak Show'! " He then motioned for the rest of the lights to be turned up. They made a loud echo one by one, as they came up. His armor glinted in the light almost blinding me. A very large weight was revealed with two heavy looking chairs on either side of it. The giant scanned the audience as the ringmaster asked for volunteers. As soon as he said, "I need a volunteer" I jumped up and down and flailed my arms feeling, and most likely looking, like an idiot. He spotted me and said, "You in the paper boy cap come on up here!" I gave an ecstatic squeal, hopped into the arena, and rushed over to the minor annoyance of a ringmaster. He bent down eye to eye with me and asked a few questions, "How old are you, sport?" I raised a brow and answered in a British accent (sort of like little Timmy from a Christmas Carol) "Twelve years old sir." He frowned and raised a brow. "All right Mr. Smart-aleck up on the chair." I gave him a smug grin and took my seat on the chair. I glanced back at the giant and gave him an ear-to-ear grin. He looked at me and blinked a couple times then looked the other way. As soon as another volunteer got on the other chair the giant lifted us up and over his head in one quick motion. The crowd went wild, as he lifted us over and behind his head and balanced it in the middle of his back and neck (or where it should be). The crowd cheered, "Freak show" and let go a thunderous applause. I glanced down at him to see what he looked like up close. He looked…sad, but expressionless at the same time. How emotion could be displayed through armor was beyond me; but I thought to myself, he needs a friend, and I wanted to join the circus after the spectacular show I saw today. And, I knew exactly what I was going to do to get in.
"Mister in the armor," asked while tapping on his shoulder. His helmet creaked as he turned toward me.
"Yes young man?" he replied politely. Whoa, he had more manners than I did, I was certain of that.
"Um…d-do you need an assistant?" I asked hesitantly.
"An assistant? Well maybe, but I don't think it's a job for a kid."
"Hey, I'm not just any kid, I'm Edward Elric!" I bragged as I tried my hardest to make my small chest look bigger.
"Right…well I suppose I could hire you, but the job won't be easy." He warned as he set the weight down as gently as he could. "But I'll need your parents' permission before you travel with me." I paused and looked down at my feet.
"Sir, my parents are both dead." I told him, still not meeting his eyes. There was a long pause as the audience chatted and left. The ringmaster approached us and asked sarcastically "Are you planning on staying?" I wanted to throw something at the arrogant twit! I would've punched him in the eye and taped his face to the ground if the "freak" didn't step in and say.
"He's my new assistant, Roy." He put his hands on my shoulders and the sheer size of them made me feel self -conscious about my small but wiry build. 'Roy' as the giant called him, was looking at the giant as if he was a mental patient. "I'm serious Roy." Roy sighed and said 'fine, whatever' then walked off to tend to more pressing matters. Probably off to flirt with the dames or something like that.
"Nice braid by the way." The giant said leading out to my new home.
*~* Ed's point of view
I had been to almost all the places the circus had to offer. I saw the animal cages and learned that the giants name was Alphonse. 'Must be German' I thought to myself. He showed me the trailers and he showed me the main acts beside him. They greeted me and warmly shook my hand or ruffled my cap. Last but not least, Al's trailer. It was brightly painted, with stars and fireworks all over it. On the front, it had a painted portrait of Al holding up the earth like the titan Atlas, in Greek mythology. As he led me through the front door, what I saw I couldn't believe. The place was nice. It had a small kitchen equipped with a few cabinets, an oven, and a sink. In his living area, he had a little black couch with a few tan striped throw pillows on each side. Above the couch was a window with simple navy blue drapes. There was a crucifix hung over the television set backed up to a wall. Wow the circus must pay some big bucks, because this guy looks loaded!
"So…I'm not meaning to sound ungrateful or anything like that but where am I going to sleep?" I asked fiddling with my index fingers a bit.
He looked at me and chuckled a bit. My face instantly burst into a heated red circle with eyes. Steam was rolling off my head like a simmering vegetable.
"Oh, are you okay?" He came up and took a feel of my head. I nodded and said:
"Maybe I could sleep on the couch...please?" I begged looking at him with big puppy dog eyes.
"Sure, let me go and get a blanket and pillow so you can take a nap."
I would have objected if I didn't feel like I was about to collapse from all the walking we did.
As soon as he set them on the couch, I snuggled up in a mound of red blanket and fell asleep instantly.
~*~ Al's point of view.
I don't think I've ever seen anyone fall asleep that fast before. It was almost unreal. I wonder what he'll say when I tell him about my past. I hope he doesn't panic and quit. Then again, I couldn't blame him if he did. I would if I were him.
~*~ Al's flash back
Blinding light woke me from my slumber. I winced and turned away only to find that I couldn't tell if I was still intact with my body. It almost hurt, not being able to feel my arms or legs. My limbs were bound to a metal table. I didn't know where I was. Was I dead? No, at least I didn't think I was. A door creaked open from somewhere in the blinding, white room.
"Well," Someone said "I think we did a good job on this one don't you think?"
"A very good job," said the other "do you think it knows speech?"
"Well let's see if it's capable of killing first. If not we'll just dispose of it."
Killing? What were they talking about? Who was I supposed to kill? Their conversation turned into murmuring then silence. My metal clasps clicked open and the table shifted me into a sitting position. The people calling me "It" came up and looked me over.
"W-who are you people?" I asked terrified of the answer. They both raised a brow and scribbled something down on their clipboards. One of them looked up at me and smirked.
"Well," He said, "Let's see if you have a killer inside of that hollow shell of yours, hmm?"
It had been ten years since they broke me. It didn't even take them that long. God I feel so pathetic and disgusting and…and wrong. I hated myself so much you would think it was a crime. In fact, I think I should just let someone win and kill me to put me out of my misery. I'm just a sick dog waiting for the pound to put me to sleep. These tormented games are the only reason my "Master" is keeping me alive. And it would be so easy to kill me too. Only God knows how much blood and dead glass like eyes I've seen in the past years. The ring was dark and desolate with bloodstains smeared on the walls and ground, and that was from the past week. I watched as they carried another dead carcass away to be burned to ash. I was the only one of my kind. The only one who won so easily it wasn't even funny. My master called me a "Mild mannered monster" and I can't blame him when he did. I was a monster without a doubt.
The crowd around the ring cheered my name, "Monster"! Some cursed because they lost their bets on my opponents. My master soon came into the ring and announced the next competitor. In other words more victims for me. I tightened my grip on my crimson colored sword as the other wooden gate creaked open. I switched into my fighting stance and examined my enemy. He was about my size with an equal amount of dings caused by many battles. He gave me a smirk mixed with a sneer. I let out a sigh and waited for the bell to ding his end. The bell rang and he charged at me with a fire burning in his eyes. Heh. What an amateur. I dodged his attack and cornered him. He was breathing harshly and glaring at me. Best to put him out of his pain, don't you agree?
After what I thought would be the last round in this eternal hell, my Master called out another competitor, and the worst part was that he was an audience member.
"Are you insane?" I hissed at my Master. "This is an innocent man. If I kill him, someone will find out and the Gladiator fights will be outlawed, with all evidence exterminated, including you!" He raised a brow at me but I didn't back down.
"You think I don't already know that?" he argued, "I know I'll be killed but you won't, trust me on this one." What the- since when did he of all people start to care what kind torture I'd be put through? I forced my boiling anger aside and concentrated on my target. He wasn't that muscular, more of a pretty boy than a fighter. He gave me a playful grin (which really freaked me out) and casually walked up to my master and…shook hands? This day was getting weirder by the second.
"Well Mr. Alphonse your coming with me now." he said reaching for me to shake his hand. I looked down at my master who gave a look that said, Are you going or aren't you? I gave a relentless sigh and shook his hand. My master had grown a heart somewhere along the way.
"Name's Roy by the way, Roy Mustang." He added leading me out of the hell I used to call home.
*~* Ed's point of view.
When I woke up, I didn't see Al anywhere. I looked out the window to see what was going on and found the trailer moving. I got out of "bed" and went out on the balcony like porch to find that it had been moving the entire time I was asleep.
"Oh, you're awake." Al said from the porch swing on the other side listening to the radio.
"You have a porch too?" I asked walking over to sit beside him. He nodded and leaned his head back closing his white orbs, while letting a contented and peaceful sigh out. I guess it was somewhat nice out. I sat down and crossed my legs, and watched the fields and wooden fences pass by on the bumpy country road.
"Hey Al," I asked "did you ever get lonesome before I came along?" he opened his eyes and looked down at me.
"Well yeah," he replied ruffling my hair in a gentle manner. "I didn't have very many people to talk to apart from Roy."
"How do you know Roy anyways?" I asked sounding as I could've lived a happy life without ever knowing he existed.
"Ha Ha, think he's kind of annoying huh?"
"Only a lot." Apparently, he thought I was funny because I made him laugh.
"Well he can be nice too, he's my best friend."
"Seems like a flirt too."
"Oh he's definitely a flirt, no doubt about that."
I sighed and leaned back on the swing as he continued stroking with the tops of his fingers over my golden locks. I was surprised at how soft his touches could be. It was nice, the radio playing soothing jazz music and the winds whistling by.
"Daw…is you guys having a moment?" Roy asked as he was crossing one of the many large wooden planks that let a person such as Roy visit cars when he pleased. I gave him an annoyed look and crossed my arms as Al stopped what he was doing out of embarrassment.
"Hey Roy, what do you want?" Al asked sounding as if he were only angered slightly.
"Oh just passing by to check up on everybody" he replied still giving us a fox grin. My look of annoyance turned into a sharp glare.
"Then don't keep them waiting like this, go on and check up on everyone else!" I said moving him to the other plank.
"Okay, Okay, since you probably want to talk about some stuff." He said, obviously giving in, he eyed Al for a short moment before walking on.
"Well he's definitely annoying, that's for sure."I said giggling. Al was already heading inside so I trotted in behind him wanting to tell him about myself.
As soon as we got inside, he immediately went into his room and locked the door.
"I'm sorry Ed, but I need to be alone for a little while, okay?" he asked sounding depressed for some reason.
"Yeah sure I'll leave you be." I said saddened a bit. I guess I got lonely just as easily as he did.
~*~ Al's point of view.
I sat down on my bed and let myself cool down a bit. I took a shivering breath in and out while gripping the sheets entangling them in my leather hands. I hated being reminded of my past, especially when Roy was the one doing it. I made a mental note to give him a good talking to when I got the chance. What's worse is I feel so guilty about just leaving poor Ed out there all alone. I sighed once more and swallowed my imaginary heart that made its way to my throat. I cautiously made my way to the door careful not to make too much noise. I opened it to find he wasn't in side. I hesitantly went to open the back door to find him on the porch swing once again.
"You okay?" he asked looking a bit worried. I was touched that he was worried about me. I chuckled a bit and took a seat beside him. His look of worry turned into a look of confusion.
"What?" I asked
"You bipolar or something?" he asked not looking any less confused if not more.
"Uh…no…?" I said now just as puzzled as him.
"Well you're a very confusing man, Al."
"How?"
"Well for starters you laugh at nearly everything I say, plus one second you're all sad and depressed and then you're laughing again."
"You're a funny kid that's all."
"How am I funny?"
"Well for starters you're a twelve year old, and their way of seeing things is funny to most adults, plus you're expressions are cute in my opinion." I said while shrugging.
"Cute?" he asked blushing slightly.
"Yeah cute, all kids are in my eyes," I said resting my arms on the back of the swing.
"Why would you say that?" he asked resting his chin on his fist.
"Well I like kids, and I think their cute."
"Hmm, okay."
"Hey did Roy pass by?" I asked after a minute of silence.
"Yeah, why?"
"Oh I just wanted to give him a piece of my mind that's all."
"No need to." he said getting my surprise as a reply, "I all-ready did it for you."
"Wow, really?"
"Yup, I figured he was the one that made you lock yourself in your room." He said it all as of it was normal as day and night. It was nice having someone think about and treat you like an actual person. Maybe I was going soft, but I didn't care, it was pleasant to have someone keep me company.
"Well thanks for caring." I said squeezing his shoulder. He gave me a smile.
"No problem, I'm glad that your okay." He said grinning.
*~* Ed's point view
"So where's the next stop at?" I asked as Al heaved weights in his section of the storage cart. He rested his head in one hand while lifting a weight in the other. It almost made me jealous, that he could do that so easily.
"I think it was a town called Liorr, or something like that." He replied setting the weight down. I cocked my head to the side, earning me a chuckle and pinched cheek. I rubbed my red face as Al explained what we were doing in Liorr.
"So the people there enjoy a good show but the sad thing is hardly any of them have seen a real circus, so we're here to show them what true entertainment is." he said as he put down a dumbbell in his hand. Then something struck me that I had forgotten before.
"Hey Al, why did you tell me this job wasn't for kids?" I asked sitting on one of the crates with him. He paused for a moment as if going over lines he made up to tell me. He sighed and said:
"Look Ed, when I tell you, I'll tell you, but right now it would only hurt the both of us."
I nodded my head in a puzzled motion and decided to drop it. However, somewhere in a deep dark hideous corner of my mind, it kept nagging and reminding me of a slight possibility he might not be what I think he is. The thought was like was a cornered animal looking for an opening to lash out and possibly kill me. A very sick one with a disgusting looking soul and a mad heart. But just because I hear it doesn't mean I listen to it. As tempting as it was I ignored it for Al's sake. No one was ever what he or she seemed to be. I wasn't and neither was Alphonse. We rode in silence for a while after that. He sighed and motioned me to follow him back to the trailer. I got up and walked out of the storage cart only to find I was terrified of going on to one of those planks. Al only noticed when he didn't hear my footsteps trotting along behind him like I usually did. He turned around and came back for me.
"What's wrong Ed?" he asked bent down to eye level.
"Th-those planks," I began stuttering. "I can't walk on them. I'm afraid I'll fall through."
"Do you wanna hold my hand?" he asked holding it out. I hesitantly took it and followed him across the first plank to find it wasn't that bad. He went slowly so I could keep up and he was gentle too. I liked him. Relentlessly the thought wouldn't stop telling there was something inside him that normal people didn't have. You know what? I didn't care. I didn't care if he was a cat lover, I didn't care if he did wear that armor every time I saw him. I wasn't shivering anymore. His armor may have been cold to most people, but to me it was warmer than the shining sun.
~*~ Al
I suppose it wasn't so bad, the town of Liorr. It was beautiful, the food looked good, and it made Ed smile like a child in a candy shop. It hurt having to tell him I couldn't take off my armor yet because I was still getting used to it. I sighed as I set up the last tent with one of the acrobats, Selina. The half lit sky shone very little light, so we lit lanterns around the premises casting nice glow to help us work. I was going to ask Ed if he wanted to come, but when I saw snuggled up on couch I couldn't bring myself to stir him. He just looked so spherical lying there in the moon beams. Other acts and construction workers that Roy hired worked with us to set up. We were almost done.
"Something wrong Al?" she asked after taking a gulp of water. I shook my head and took a beam over to the extras to be used later if something went wrong with the structure. She raised a brow and walked over to me. She had long black hair that was currently tied back into a ponytail and emerald eyes with flecks of sapphire scattered about them. She also had creamy olive colored skin and a sprinkle of freckles across her cheekbones and over the bridge of her nose. I sighed and told her why I was so depressed. Why I was worried about what Ed might say when I told him about my secret. She gave me a sympathetic smile, stretched her arm, and patted my shoulder. Though a hug would do me some good but I was too big to get a hug from someone so small. Since I couldn't feel I wouldn't know if I was squeezing too tightly. If I hurt her in such a way, the guilt would eat me alive. Sometimes I hated this body.
*~* Ed's point of view
After Al got back from setting up, he asked me if I wanted to go into town with him and Roy.
I immediately said yes, made myself decent, and got in the back of the large truck they had. It had a faded blue paint job and wooden sideboards. The bed of the truck was scattered with boxes and small crates. We rode along a rocky country road with passing prairie trees to greet us into one of the border towns in our fair nation. As the hours passed we stumbled upon a border patrol guarding a line of lonesome chain gangers. It was depressing to look at so I averted my eyes to the other side of "Old Blue" as Roy called the truck. One officer motioned for him to stop and pull over. When Old Blue was at the side of the road the officer that made Roy stop came up to ask some questions. I sighed in annoyance; border patrol cops were so irritating. I would've heard a chuckle from sir laughs a lot, but he was asleep. Thank God. His cheek pinches hurt like a bee sting…Only worse. I leaned into his side, which was surprisingly comfortable.
"So what's your business here stranger?" I overheard the copper ask.
"Just out shoppin', sir," Roy responded, "my friend in the back needs some oil for his armor." The officer came around to our seats with a raised brow. He backed up a bit at the sight of Al. I peered out from behind him. The officer had combed back greasy hair, a thick goatee, and was around his mid 30's or 40's. He wore a blue jump suit that had a pen in almost every pocket. He saw me and now looked more curious than taken back.
"Al," I said shaking him gently "Al wake up." His light like eyes flickered to life and looked down at me with up most laziness.
"We at the store yet?" he asked too tired to look at the guard.
"Um… no. We were pulled over and I'm pretty sure that guard wants to talk to you." I said pointing to said man. Al turned his head in a creaky manor and looked at him expectantly. He shrugged, went up to the front and continued talking to Roy. Great I woke Al up for nothing. 'Jerk' I thought to myself. Al shrugged and would have went back to sleep if we didn't hear a loud noise come from the chain gang. One of the prisoners doubled down on their knees for some reason. The prisoner was black and about fifty to sixty years old. I was about to get up and see if he was all right, but when I saw a guard come up to make sure he was all right I settled back into sitting. I still watched them out of the corner of my eye to make sure someone didn't do anything stupid. Sadly, my suspicions were right. On accident, the prisoner coughed up some blood on the officer's shirt. The officer didn't take kindly to this and thwacked him with the butt of his rifle. I suppose if I were a regular boy I would've let the adults handle this situation. Alas the minute someone's hurt I have to do something. So I leapt out of Old Blue and charged at the cop to stop him from hurting the old man any further.
"Stop, You're gonna kill him!" I shouted as the officer pounded at the old man's chest. What he did next probably made Al have a heart attack. He acted on reflex and hit me in the stomach with the butt of his gun, hard. After that, I was knocked out and the last thing I could remember was Al screaming my name.
~*~ Al's point of view
I stumbled out of Roy's truck and rushed over to Ed's side. The guard was restrained and taken into custody. I mentally slapped myself for not protecting Ed. Roy and the cop from earlier, dashed over to Ed and I while asking a jumbled up sort of questions. Roy then sighed because of me giving the closest thing to a confused look. He went around me and felt for a pulse on Ed's neck.
"He'll be okay, he just got the wind knocked out of him." Roy said. He then looked at me sympathetically and put a hand on my shoulder.
"What about the old man?" I stuttered. Roy looked back to where they had taken said person.
He was dead. I sighed knowing Ed would not like the sound of that. I cradled his limp wheezing figure in my bulky tree trunk like arms. His cheek pressed against my breast plate fogging it up a bit.
"C'mon, we'll take him back to your place and patch him up there. You and him can ride up front." I was a bit hesitant to sit in the passenger's seat; the whole volume of it was very small and compact and…well I was a giant hulking suit of armor to put it bluntly. It was basically just a massive dinosaur fitting into clown car. The whole ride home was awkward and cramped, but Edward's state reminded me that it didn't matter; all that mattered was making sure he was okay.
*~* Ed's point of view
My black out was only the beginning of a huge, but easily solved mess. I woke up feeling groggy and tired. My head was pounding and I couldn't seem to get enough air into my lungs. Then I noticed something. My shirt was open and someone was rubbing a cream of some sort on my frail feeling chest. They felt like leather and were extremely gentile. As if they thought, I would break at any moment if they touched me too hard. I relaxed knowing this foreign touch was Al's. I mustered up the feeling to speak.
"Al…" I said in hushed mutter. "What…what happened?" he paused as if this moment were awkward (to be honest it rather was, but I said nothing about the topic).
I heard him sigh and say: "You where knocked out by a cop." It was a struggle, but I managed to sit myself up to look at him. He had a guilty look in his eyes as I recalled what he spoke. Suddenly a question wriggled its way into my mind.
"What happened to the old man?" I asked looking at him with innocence flooding my eyes. He looked at me for a long moment.
"His heart gave out on him." Al said averting his eyes. My heart sank and hot burning tears welded up in to my eyes. His eyes fell into a hollow guilt as he cleaned his hands with a wet washrag. Tears streamed down my pale face. I was so stupid. So, so, stupid. The biggest idiot in the world! I clenched my teeth and fell into my side. I sobbed and sobbed until I felt sick to my stomach and my eyes were on fire. I didn't hear Al leave; he just sat there and waited for me to stop. My sobbing died down into shivering whimpers. There was a knock on the door and heavy clanks fallowed it, but didn't dare look up. I didn't do anything except think of what I could have, should have done. Roy was at the door, he asked how I was feeling Al said I would be okay physically, but I wasn't doing so well in the mental department. I smiled to myself at his words. He really did know what to say didn't he? I heard Roy sigh and say he would tell the others about what happened and that I was okay. I heard the door shut as I sat up.
~*~ Al's point of view
I had never seen such braveness before, especially from a child. I walked over to Edward and told him to hold an ice pack to his chest.
"What's the cream for?" he asked looking up at me.
"It should help the bruise heal faster." I said going to the kitchen to get him a glass of water. The running of the water was a sort of distraction from the miserable child before me.
"Al…" he asked after a short moment. I looked at him.
"Hmm?" I answered distracted with my task.
"I'm sorry. For worrying you that is, I just wanted to help him." He looked down at his lap shamefully, cheeks a flame with embarrassment, his hands fiddling with his loos shirt.
"It's fine. You were just trying to help him." I said coming back with his glass. He took it with shaking hands and lifted it up to quivering lips. I sat down beside him and waited for him to finish his drink while contemplating the situation, one I could tell him a straight up lie and say it was nobody's fault, or I could tell him the horrible truth and say it was the cops fault for being an absolute jerk and that he was probably going to be executed in public. Then again maybe I didn't have to say anything. Maybe it was best to leave him like this.
"Edward I know you may think that this is your fault, but it isn't. I don't think this was anyone's fault except human nature. I know that my sound I bit over sentimental, but…I know you were only trying to help and that's all that matters." I lifted his chin up to face me. His honey and amber eyes were still filled with something I could only see as sorrow and a little bit of hope.
~*~ Al's point of view
"Ed, what are you doing?" I asked as he lazily sprawled himself over my lap.
"Oh you know, lounging…why?" he asked looking at me with golden orbs. Now he was teasing me. I sighed and said, "It's a bit odd, can't you just lie on the couch?" he flipped himself onto his back and looked at me. It had been a week since the incident. He was recovering, slowly excepting the man's death with calmness. He had nightmares once in awhile, but other than that, he seemed just fine. A smirk crossed his face as he said, "What am I too heavy for you?" I snickered and picked him up under his arms.
"Yes that's exactly what's wrong; it was quite a struggle picking you up just now." I said sitting him down on my lap.
"Really? I find that hard to believe coming from someone who can lift up to two thousand pounds." He replied snuggling up under my chin. I chuckled at his actions and wrapped my arms loosely around him.
"Oh my god, that has got to be the cutest thing I've seen all day." Said a very glee filled voice. I turned my head to see Selina, red faced and struggling to keep from laughing, she had her usual pony tail in and a white leotard on while wearing white comfortable looking sneakers. Ed looked at her and slowly slithered out of my lap and behind my tree trunk like arm.
"Hey Selina." I said happily. "Taking over for your brother?"
"Yeah he says he's not feeling well, but as far as I could tell he was just wussing out or something." She said rolling her eyes. "And who's this little sweetheart?" she asked crouching down to Edward.
"Edward Elric." He muttered curling up into a ball. Selina giggled and told us that we would be boarding soon. She walked off smiling as she did.
"Alphonse." Ed said. I turned to him watching as he uncurled. "Do you think I'm small?"
"Well, not really small, but I'm sure you'll get taller as you get older." I said patting him on the head.
*~* Ed's point of view
When we stopped at the train the only thing I could think of was how big everything was. As we walked around the train station, Alphonse and I looked around. He said he was going to the city to get some parts for setting up the tents. I happily went with him, glad to be out of the 'House'.
The city was busy with people, cars, and pretty much everything. A lot of people gave Alphonse a strange look, but thankfully didn't say anything. When we got into the store, we had to wait in a very long line, so Al just let me walk around the street since I didn't really want to stand in a long, hot line all day. I walked down the street looking around, taking in every little thing; the buildings, the people, and the statues decorating the main corners telling the city's history. I found a park bench and sat myself down to enjoy the scenery. It all popped with life and vigorous movement. They passed by me without a second thought. I guess it was peaceful enough, but I wished Al was here with me. I think out of all these people, his company is the most pleasant. Strange as it sounds, I miss him…he's been the first adult in a while and I meana while that I felt I could trust. He was a better father -or father figure I should say- than the one who left my mother and I 11 years ago. I haven't even seen Al's face yet and I know he cares more for me than the father I knew growing up! It shouldn't be like this. Mt mother should be alive and my father shouldn't be some wanderer roaming around like a vagabond. I wish my family wasn't so…messy and complicated. I was so confused and lost when my father left us. It was like seeing a stranger in photographs, except he isn't so strange anymore. I hope I never have to see him again, because I don't think I'd be able to control my anger and hatred for him enough to stop myself from ringing his neck like a damp towel.
~*~ Al's point of view
When I got out of the store, I couldn't see Edward anywhere. Odd, maybe he just got side tracked and wandered too far. I set off to look for him hoping that he was near-by or at least all right. I looked and looked, but I couldn't see him anywhere. Now I was worried, what happened to him? Is he all right? He wasn't kidnapped, was he? Oh god I never should have left him alone I am a terrible parent- no. I'm not his father in just his…something? Care taker? Boss? None of those were right. Friend? Yeah that's right, I'm his friend! That sounds right…ish. I was so busy looking for my friend(?) that I bumped into someone.
"Oh I'm so sorry. Are you okay?" I asked him. He was around six foot with golden hair and golden eyes, oddly familiar. Though the beard took away from it a bit.
"Oh don't worry about it I wasn't looking where I was going either." He said in a joking tone. "Do you need any help with those?" I looked down at my grocery filled arms.
"That's nice of you to offer, but I'm fine, I do need help finding a friend of mine though." I said. He smiled and said he was more than glad to help me with finding Edward. We talked as we looked and as we did, I became more and more worried. I didn't see Edward anywhere. I tried my best not to panic. But that was becoming increasingly difficult with the coming results. Still no Ed. Hohenheim, as he called himself, suggested that we split up. So we did and as luck had it, I found Edward slumped on a park bench. It was honestly a strange and unnerving sight. I walked around and sat down beside him.
"Hey there." I said getting his attention. He lifted his head and looked at me his eyes slightly watered. "Something wrong Kiddo?" his brows creased and his lips pursed, but he looked down at his lap and wiped his eyes, as if he were ashamed of himself. He shook his head and kept looking down. I cocked my head to the side, curious and worried for my…friend.
"Okay, if you really say so. C'mon we have to get back to the trailer." I waved for him to come and he did, but rather sluggishly. I wanted to press the subject, but I stifled the thought and settled for the headshake. As we walked along the crowded streets of Lior, I saw him get closer and closer to me, nearly becoming my shadow. When we got back to the trailer, he sat down on the couch and fell limp. His head slack and resting on the back edge of the seat.
"Do you want to come with me to set up the tent tomorrow?" I asked taking a seat beside him.
"Yeah, I'll be there." He said nonchalantly. We sat in silence for a while before a knock at the door interrupted it. I sighed and went to open the door.
"Oh hello, don't worry about finding my friend anymore I already did." I said seeing Hohenheim at the door.
*~* Ed's point of view
That voice. I recognize that voice. I got up and watched Al bring in the man who made my mother hang herself in her own room. He turned to me and raised his eyebrows.
"Well what a coincidence." He said.
"Oh you two know each-other?" Al asked completely unaware of the murderous glare I was giving my…"Father".
"What the Hell do you want?" I asked gritting my teeth.
"Honestly Edward you can't let things go can you?" Hohenheim said. Al was at a loss for words. He didn't know what to say or do. He just sat there and exchanged a worried glances between me and the rat whom I hated.
"I can't let go of anything like that. No one could! I was the one who found her body hanging from the ceiling! Her eyes weren't even closed." I yelled my voice climbing an octave. My eyes stung with molten hot tears. I let out a growl and harshly rubbed them away. "I'm the one who showed up to her funeral and I'm the one who put through the fact that I didn't have ANYONE!" The tears where pouring out now. He was expressionless, just watching me with predator like eyes. I guess Alphonse had enough with this and asked him to leave. He let out a sigh and left as told, but not before looking back at me with predator eyes.
~*~ Al's point of view
He was crying uncontrollably. I never thought that he would do anything like this, clinging to my chest and sobbing his poor little eyes out. I shushed and comforted him the best I could and it worked some. I stayed with him on the couch until he finally fell asleep. I even stayed with him a little bit after words, stroking his head, watching him breathe. When I finally decided to lie down and shut my eyes, I had the worst nightmare I had in years.
It began well; Ed was sitting beside me on the porch swing. He was hunched for word, but he wasn't breathing. I shook him and he turned to me with his eyes rolled back into his skull. Blood started to poor out of his mouth as he moaned in agony. He screamed for help as he clawed at me. His mouth opened too wide for any human to take without their jaw coming off.
"HELP ME AL, HELP ME PLEASE I CANT TAKE IT ANYMORE HELP, HELP, HELP PLEASE!" He said the last please in a high-pitched scream. I woke up in a cold sweat so to speak. I was vice gripping the sheets and breathing like a mad man. As soon as I steadied my nonexistent lungs, I heaved myself up. My mind was still racing though. You'd think I'd be scared for what that meant, but I wasn't. I only wanted to know where Ed was. He wasn't on the couch. He wasn't on the porch, oh god where was he? I went across the planks one after another, trying to find the little boy I had come to care for. I went to Roy's trailer to ask if he had seen Ed, and as luck had it, I saw Ed rushing out.
"Edward! There you are! I was worried for a second that something happened to you." I said scooping him up into my massive arms. He apologized and said that he wanted to talk to Roy about what happened last night. I'd ask him why he didn't talk to me, but I already helped him go to sleep. I was satisfied with the outcome for the most part. Sure Ed had old wounds open up, but I did show that I could care and comfort him in these kinds of situations. That alone was enough for me. He said I didn't have to carry him back to the trailer, but I insisted that it was no big deal.
~*~ Al's point of view (flash back)
The days past and the days seemed to melt together in an odd and mundane pattern. It was calm yes, but that was the problem. I didn't have anything to do. You could take a look at me and say I was depressed; however in truth I was just bored. I was in the storage cart of the trailer-train, as Roy called it.
"Hey, there you are. I've been looking for you everywhere." A voice said. I paused and closed my eyes hoping they would get the hint and leave me alone. They didn't of course, they came closer and knocked on my metal head a few times.
"Yes Roy?" I said irritated. He chuckled and sat down beside me.
"Why are you all the way back here?" he asked resting on his elbows. I shrugged.
"Dark corners comfort me. They make me feel…safe." I said distantly. I was still getting used to the whole freedom thing, so I was often in the back of my head. He nodded understandingly.
"So… why all the way back here? Why not in your trailer?" he asked glancing up at me. I sighed and said: "It's too bright."
"Well c'mon, I'll help you renovate it." He said giving me one of his heart breaking diamond smiles. I gave in seeing as I didn't have anything better to do anyways. As I followed him through the trailers and planks to my home, I kept on asking myself why I didn't bring something to shield my eyes. It was blinding and hot. I didn't like it at all; I liked the darkness, the cool shady places of the ring. When I got into my trailer it was a bit better, but not by much. It was still hot blinding and…white. I let out a groan and shielded my eyes from it. Roy turned to look at me, "What's wrong?" he asked.
"Nothing…" I murmured, my eyes dimming.
"Does it bring back bad memories?"
"…yes." My voice was breaking like glass. My hollow sockets now held nothing but shade. Like my insides. I wanted it to be dark again.
Please just make it stop. I thought to myself. I hated the light. The things it did to me were terrifying and gruesome.
"Well here let me help." Roy said as he came closer, throwing his jacket over my head. I gave him a startled yelp. He let out a laugh and asked me if I was any better. I nodded and thanked him. I suppose he wasn't so bad.
It all began with a single word. Just one word and it all led to this. Al and I were sitting on the porch like we usually did, me leaning on him, he would be stroking my head with the tops of his fingers. It started out peaceful and sunny. When the hours started to drip by I got bored and maybe a little antsy.
"Hey Al?" I asked him. His head creaked as he turned to look at me.
"Yes?" he said. His glowing eyes studying me.
"Is it alright if we go into town for a while?" He chuckled and said sure, "My book was getting a bit slow anyways." As we walked along the planks I glanced at Al a few times, I know this may seem weird, but I like to watch him move around. For the noises his armor made or for how careful he was with almost everything and everyone. Every once in a while a bird would land on him, and he wouldn't shoo it, oh no, he would keep it there and watch it. He would quietly ask me to go fetch him some bird feed, I would get for and he would beckon the little frail boned creature to eat out of his palm. In some ways he was like a statue, unmoving and placed. The only signs of life were occasional blinks or if he were reading at the time he would flip pages.
As we walked along the cobble stone side walk my mind began to wander as well as my eyes. We stopped at a candy store and looked around.
"So what do want?" Al asked me. I shrugged, "I'm not really craving anything right now."
"You sure? I could get you anything you want." He said looking down at me. I smiled at him and said; "When my mom died she left me a lot of money, well not a lot, but enough for me to take care of myself, well I never really spent it on candy or anything, I just spent it on the essential's after a while I just…lost the taste for it."
He was silent as he looked at me. Then he turned around and scanned the side of the little shop. His massive body nearly taking up half of it, as he scanned the sides of the building he asked me what kind of candy I liked.
"Chocolate I guess I haven't had any in a while so I can't remember." I said scratching the back of my head. "Look Al you really don't have to get me anything." He grabbed about seven candy bars and two huge bags of gummy bears.
"I know I don't have to get you any, but I want to." He put the goodies on the counter top. "You're too serious for your own good sometimes. You need this." He cupped the back of my neck and rubbed my temple with his thumb. The old woman behind the cashier chuckled to herself at the display, she rung up the sweets and bid us good bye with nice crinkled smile.
As we walked along the streets got quieter and quieter, the people thinned out and the buildings got dimmer and dirtier.
"Maybe we should turn around. This part of town doesn't look all that safe." Al suggested looking around nervously.
"Don't worry Al we'll be fine, besides who would stand a chance against your strength?" I said easing him. He loomed over me staring me down; "Edward even I have my limits I don't want to run into anyone I can't protect you from." Then as if irony wanted to prove to me the good ol' saying "Yes, dipstick it can get worse" we were attacked. Why? I don't know I stopped wondering why all the crap in the world decided I was the best candidate for dumping it all on. There were at least 12 of them, which made me wonder how much free time they had if they just prowled around in packs.
"Well, well, well. Look at what we got our self's here boys. Couple'a money bags." growled the leader. His arms were decorated with scars and tattoos his face looked withered and beaten from too many fights. He wore rags and beaten jeans with a leather jacket.
"What do you plan on taking from us? Candy?" I said smirking. Al pulled me back holding me against his front protectively.
"If its money you're looking for, we just ran out." Al stated, not wanting any violence. The leader let out a gravelly and dry chuckle before snapping his fingers. The first couple of goons didn't really get that far, all Al had to do was sock them in the face. Well I would say I was surprised, but in all honesty, I wasn't. From all the deep crevices, chinks and scars on his armor it was hard to deny the fact that he could have had rough sand paper like past. The next three were about as lucky as the last, but actually hit Al and almost hit me, but Al beat him to the punch, literally.
"Ed go and hide this is about to get very ugly in a couple of minutes." Al said while blocking another makeshift weapon.
"But-." I started, he cut me off with: "Don't make me say it a second time. I can't protect of us- and you know it, so just go on and get outta here." I reluctantly ran out of sight, or at least tried. One of the gang members caught me by the collar and yanked me over. He had his muscled arms around my neck in a choke hold. I tried to scream for help, but I barely got any air in let alone speak. Al tried to fend them off as best as he could, but when he turned to see if I got away he froze.
"Edward!" was the last sound I heard before I succumbed into the unconscious.
~*~ Al's point of view
Oh, no. Oh god no! Edward! He wasn't moving he was completely limp. I don't kno what clicked or snapped or whatever happened, but as soon as that behemoth let his body hit the floor, I lost it. My gladiator side kicked in after 22 years of suppressing it, and…oh god there was so much blood. The murky monochrome sky loomed and sobbed profoundly as I beat their brains out and tore them apart. They begged me to stop, but I asked them to stop didn't I? No, stop Alphonse. You don't need to think like that you need to get Ed out of here.
"Knock its head off!" one of them yelled.
What? Wait don't-!
Clang! Topple! Roll… if I had a heart it would have stopped. They screamed in horror and some made a break for it while others saw this as a chance to kill something rare. I made a quick grab for Edward (wary of his wounds mind you)and dashed away as fast as my monstrous legs could carry us. The rain hit me and echoed through my armor like thunder. I could last out in weather like this so I tried to find an ally way to hide in. Hopefully one with a roof of some sort.
*~* Ed's point of view
Great clangs pulled me out of my sleep. My vision was blurry and fogged up like warm glass. I could only make out a few colors and as I steadied my thrumming heart I noticed something.
Was that Al? Without a head?! My heart nearly stopped as I processed it. How…what? How was that even possible?! He stopped suddenly. He waited and for a second I thought he looking for something, not that I could tell of course. He didn't even have any eyes for God's sake! He turned and made a horrid screeching sound like a fork on a chalk board. There was a dark trash filled ally way in front of us. I gulped trying to swallow a scream for help. He trudged into it and set me down on the side opposite from him. He leaned against it and…stared at me, or at least I think he did (again no eyes that I can see). I sat there staring at the concave in the top of his neck, not even blinking.
We stared at each other for what seemed like an eternity; me clutching my loos sopping wet shirt and him gripping his fore arm shamefully.
"Well, aren't you going to scream or something?" he asked, his voice pouring out the hole like lava out of a volcano. "Everyone ells does." At that moment everything seemed to move so fast. I couldn't even remember running away, all I could think was how the awful feeling in my head, my stomach, and everywhere ells screamed: I told you so. I ran and ran as fast as my short stubby legs could carry me. I heard clangs and clunks fallowing my and pleas for me to stay and cry's for me to forgive him, that he was scared. I didn't care. I ran faster and picked my feet up off the ground even higher. I made a mad dash for an ally way and held my breath waiting for him to go away.
"Edward, please! You have to understand I didn't mean to hurt you!" Ignore it Ed.
"Please Edward I'm sorry! I didn't mean to lie I was just scared!" Damn-it Ed, ignore it.
"Please Ed I don't want anything to happen to you!" Edward Elric you have been lied to, cheated and beaten all your miserable life, so why? Why in god almighty's name would you want to come out right now run into his arms and say it was okay?! I clutched my head and prayed that he would stop so it would make things easier. The tears stung and my throat hurt like hell. Eventually he stopped and figured I was somewhere other ally. I let out the air in my burning lungs and stared at the sky for a while. Alone again it looks like. I sighed and stood up looking around me hoping no one saw that little episode just now.
I made my way out of the ally, stuck my hands in my pockets and made my way to somewhere ells. The rain settled into a light drizzle and chilled me to the bone. I shivered and scrunched up a bit. I walked and walked hoping Al wasn't around. How could I be so stupid? I knew what all the others did to me and yet I trusted Al. Why? It just doesn't make any sense. Maybe I lov- no. Not that. I haven't said that to anyone since my mother died. I massaged my temples, man I was complicated.
Rrrrrrrmmmmmmmmm! What the-?
I let out a muffled scream as a pair of thick black flesh arm scooped me up and brought me into a cramped space. This is why you never leave the ones you…care for. Yeah care that's the word.
~AU~
Hey there I'm the author of this monstrosity. As you can see this is quite close 20 pages! Yyyaaaaaayyyyyyy! Woo! Yeah…well anyways leave a comment and give some constructive criticism, because hating just leads to more hate hate doesn't make people less stupid it just makes you look like a real douche.