Summary:
Edward and Alphonse find themselves in a far futuristic world surrounded by a different race of beings. When they discover the peril of this world and the agony of its people (the hard way) they join a league to fight the evil ruler. FMA/ Jak II Xover
0o0
It was a freezing winter day in Amestris. Silence shrouding Central like the thin blanket of snow that fell softly to the streets below. It was evening, and dark as it normally is in the cold season. Not a soul wandered the empty streets, or so would be thought with first glance of the city. Suddenly, a shrill screech echoed. Bouncing off of the walls like a gargantuan rubber ball. The blood-curdling sound accompanied by a brilliant blue light emanating from a darkened alley to the west. It lasted no more than a moment, and eerie silence befell the city once again.
Edward Elric clutched at his chest as he took in heavy, shaking breaths. His wide eyes fixed on the fallen figure of the creature before him. Its body gleaming in the faint light drifting into the alley from the street.
"Brother… wha-what was that thing?" Alphonse's timid voice echoed from within his armor.
Edward shook his head, "Truthfully, Al… I really don't know. I-I've never seen anything like it before…" He replied, golden orbs still fixed on the twisted creature.
Its metallic figure, lying there on the dusty alley floor. A strange, dark violet substance surrounded it. Edward could only guess it to be blood. Embedded in its disfigured skull was a glowing, yellow gem of some kind. It only scared the two brothers when it popped out of the creature unexpectedly. Edward took a very quick leap back. Alphonse was also taken by surprise evident by the sudden 'clank' released from the suit of armor.
"Wha-What the hell was that?!" Edward practically screamed.
"Brother, look!" Alphonse pointed to the unusual phenomenon, taking place before them.
Ed's eyes widened further as he mentally gasped. As if the creature's appearance wasn't enough. The implied 'thing' was simply disintegrating into the air. Violet-black orbs and particles lifted from the corpse, taking pieces of it with them. It wasn't long before the whole existence of the creature had vanished. The only evidence left behind was the dark stain on the dusty cement, and the yellow glowing gem. Once Edward was sure the area was safe, he took a few careful steps forward toward the said gem.
"Brother…" Al started, holding out a hand to slow his brother's actions.
"What is it, Al?" The young alchemist asked, looking back to his brother.
"Just be careful. We don't know what that is."
Edward gave a nod and crouched down to have a better look at the yellow gem. Its glow and strangely ovular shape made it look further more suspicious. Curiously, the eldest Elric quickly skimmed the top of the gem with the fingers of his right hand. Nothing happened. After he was sure it was harmless, he picked it up and stood, turning to his younger brother.
"What do you suppose it is?" Al asked, walking over to analyze it himself.
"I'm not sure…" Ed replied holding it up to his eyes.
"I think we should take it to the colonel." Al straightened himself.
Edward grumbled to himself, then sighed an exasperated sigh. He turned his immediate attention from his scowling to his younger brother.
"I really hate to admit it, but I think you may be right, Al. Besides that…"
"What?" Al asked, listening intently as though his brother may have something important to say.
"I'm freezing my ass off, "Ed replied, giving a slight shiver, "Let's go."
Al sighed, "Right…"
Ed slipped the suspicious looking gem into the pocket of his red coat. The two brothers emerged from the alley and began walking up the silent streets of Central. The snow continued to fall gently to the ground. The Elrics leaving footprints as they walked, one set of huge armored feet, the other a smaller pair of boots. They led off to the gates of Central Military headquarters.
"Brother?" Al began, "You really don't have any idea what that thing was?"
"Not at all… I've never seen anything like it." Ed replied, watching the ground glitter as they passed under a street lamp.
"Do you think, maybe it could have been a chimera?"
"Not a chance."
"Why is that?"
"I've never seen a chimera with a metallic skull before, nor one with blood of that color. And what chimera pops out one of these when it dies?" Ed explained pulling out the glowing yellow gem.
Alphonse looked forward again. The red orbs within the helmet obviously deep in thought. If it wasn't a chimera, what else could it possibly be?
0o0
The brothers found themselves at Central HQ in no time. The two black iron gates opened and they walked straight through the courtyard into the tall building.
"I sure as hell hope Mustang's still in office…" Edward stopped himself, "What the hell am I saying?!"
Alphonse laughed at his elder brother's antics as they entered the front doors to HQ.
0o0
"What's this?" Roy asked, quirking a brow at the strange yellow, glowing gem that had been tossed onto his desk.
"That's what we came to ask you." Edward replied, taking a seat on the nearby sofa.
Roy picked up the gem, holding it up to his eyes. He squinted as if looking deep within it. He watched the strange, shining movement inside. Flashing across like an electrified fluid. His eyes widened at the strange action of the gem and placed it back upon his desk.
"Where the hell did you find this?" He demanded, his voice stern and serious.
"Oh, no where. It just happened to jump out of the skull of some vicious creature after I took it out." Ed shot mustang a glare.
"No kidding around Fullmetal. Your appearance may fool others, but I know you're not a two year old."
"WHO ARE YOU CALLING SO SMALL HE COULDN'T BE DISTINGUISHED FROM ALL OF THE KIDS IN A DAYCARE CENTER!?"
"You… Now, I'd like the truth please."
"Fuck you… And I am telling the truth." Edward grumbled, turning away from the Colonel.
Roy looked at the gem, then back to Ed. A look of disbelief shrouded his features and he shook his head.
"If you still don't believe me, you can ask Al. He saw the whole thing." Ed added, he looked back at the Colonel and his strange expression, "What? What is it?"
"Believe it or not, Fullmetal, I don't even know what this is," Roy explained, "It couldn't possibly have come from a chimera. Or any kind I know at least."
"I know that." Ed shook his head, "Can't you just take a guess?"
"Anything
I can come up with to explain this is completely unscientific. And my
position doesn't allow such theories."
"Yeah… Thanks for
nothing Mustang." Ed sighed as he swiped the gem from Roy's desk.
He then simply turned around and left.
Roy slumped back in his chair, wondering what in the name of hell the damned thing could have been.
0o0
"So, what did the Colonel say?" Al asked, eager to know the truth about the suspicious gem.
"Nothing," Ed replied bluntly, "He doesn't even know what the damned thing is."
The two brothers continued to walk onward, down along the streets of Central. It wasn't snowing any longer, only the cold wind blew on. The snow was drifting along he stone walls lining the street, and soon, the stone outer walls of the dormitory building. Most of the lights were out now as it was late. The two brothers entered the building quietly so not to disturb anyone who may be sleeping.
"Ah… Home sweet home…" Ed sighed as he unlocked the door to his and Al's dorm.
"At least it's warm in here." Al stated.
"How the hell would you know?" Ed raised a brow, "You're lucky, you don't have to worry about the cold. I envy you."
Ed stopped himself. He said 'Envy'. He shuddered, he hated the very word now. For all he cared, the bastard could freeze to death in his creepy less-than-underwear apparel.
"Stupid palm tree…" Ed muttered under his breath.
Alphonse heard his brother's mumbling and couldn't help but chuckle slightly. Ed gave him a brief stare before flopping onto his bed and sighing.
"Man, I'm so tired. I could sleep for a million years." He mused as he turned on his side.
"Brother… I really think that we should try to research on that gem tomorrow. Maybe it has a linkage to the…" Alphonse was quickly cut off by the sound of his brother's snoring.
"Alright then… Goodnight, brother." Al stopped. He turned off the light and faced the window watching the snow glitter at the base of the building. He sighed as he readied himself for a long night of silence.
0o0
A/N- Okay… that was an interesting chapter. Partially boring, but a rather good start. Trust me all of you gore lovers out there are going to enjoy the onslaught of chapters to come. And they're coming up fast. Sadly, most of the gore will be coming from poor Edward. Aww, poor guy. Neh, oh well. I feel like making a painfully, angst fic
I like reviews. Reviews are good… very good.
