Lost and Broken
A frigid wind blew across the frozen tundra. There was nothing but solid white as far as the eye could see. However even in the midst of this frozen wasteland something was moving. This weather had no affect on the normally still object's attempt to move forward, other then the wind occasionally trying to push it back. Keeping it from it's goal. Pausing every so often, waiting for the wind to change directions, the solid gray matter continued on it's journey. Alphonse had never expected his hollow form to ever come in handy but out here not being able to feel the cold was beneficial. Although he had no facial expression in his metal form, his soulful eyes were determined to reach his destination. There had to be some place out here to stop, he would have even settled for a cave at this point. The heavy snow pounded against his back side and the wind hit him again. Bringing his armored hands up, he grabbed his helmet before it flew off.
If there were some trees, he could transmute them into a shelter at least, but only the occasional twig came across his path. He thought about taking off at full speed but didn't want to push it, knowing it could cause harm to his cargo. Even over the roar of the snow and wind he could still make out the heavy breathing inside his hollow shell along with a steady heartbeat. It was enough evidence for him, to know that things weren't that bad yet. Ahead of him, he saw that the path went up hill. Perhaps there would be something on the other side that would be helpful.
oOoOo
They had been out there for hours with no signs of anything. Alphonse had taken the lead, blocking the weather before them. His older brother right behind him, his arms wrapped around his chest in a sad attempt to keep warm.
"This is crazy, Brother. How are we suppose to find anything out here anyway? You can't see five feet in front of you." The armored voice was carried away by the wind but he knew his brother heard him as he let out a groan. This was where their search had led them and it seemed to be the worst place so far. Even worse then the desert. For some reason he handled the heat much better then the cold. His metal limbs were hurting him while the rest of his body was just cold.
"I'm telling you it has to be out here, somewhere." The Fullmetal Alchemist, Edward Elric could be more stubborn then practical at times. He clenched his jaw, refusing to let his teeth chatter although the rest of him was shaking uncontrollably. Turning back to face him, Alphonse couldn't help but wonder how much longer he was going to last out here. He looked small compared to the vastness of white around them, of course he would never say anything about it to his face. Grimacing back, Edward let out a huff. "What?"
"I was just wondering if we turned around now, we could make it back to town before it gets dark."
"Don't be stupid, we came out here for a reason and I'll be damned if I'm gonna turn around now. Come on, move it." Alphonse shook his head as they made their way around a large rock structure. In the distance, he could see a tall object that resembled a building.
"Brother, look." He pointed, getting Edward to poke his head around his armored mass.
"That's gotta be it. Finally."
"Can you run?" Al glanced back down at his brother regarding how he was still moving slow. Bringing his amber eyes up, a light grin played on his mouth.
"I have a better idea." He found part of the armor to place his metal foot on, hoisting himself onto Al's back. "Now mush."
"You think you're funny don't you. You're just lucky I'm tired of the scenery, otherwise you'd be walking the rest of the way." Picking up speed, they headed in the direction of the structure with ease. Edward brought his head low, trying to avoid a face full of snow. Sure enough, the building was larger up close, with a gate going around it. "Are you sure we're going to be welcomed. You would think that someone who lives out here, doesn't want visitors." Al went down on one knee, letting his brother slide off. Running had gotten them there faster but had also made him feel the cold even more.
"Of course this guy will welcome us. Any alchemist would love to meet me. Especially someone who knows what this guy does."
"I don't think you're that popular." They walked up to the door and brought the large metal knocker against the wood.
oOoOo
Pushing himself up the hill, Alphonse finally reached the top. Glancing out over the next valley, he thought he could see small building, among several rock formations. Relief set in as he carefully moved down the hill, not wanting to loose his footing. Somewhere he must have gotten turned around since the small town they had arrived at was nowhere in sight. They were suppose to meet Winry there, once they found their lead. Normally they would travel back to their hometown when Ed needed an upgrade, but this time she offered to come to them. By now she probably would have been finished and they could have been on their way back to Central. However things had not happened the way they expected.
Confirming that the structure from a distance was a shelter, Alphonse braced himself once again as the wind picked up. Pushing forward, he reached the small shack that was hidden at the foot of what looked like a mountain. The wooden door flew back and forth with the wind, showing that there was no one inside. It brought relief and sadness to Al's soul. Roughing it even in this kind of weather wasn't so bad, but he wasn't thinking about himself. On top of the roof, stood a large antenna that had to be at least six feet tall.
"I wonder if this was a military post or something once," he mentioned, walking inside and taking a look around. Sure enough he sighted an old radio, covered in snow. It looked as though it hadn't been used in a long time. The shack was small to say the least, with a kitchenette on one wall and a bunk bed against the opposite side. A tiny fireplace was set against the far wall of the shack. The door behind him flew opened again, snow coming in after him. Turning back to the door, he grabbed it and pulled it shut, locking it. The wind outside caused the thin wooden walls to creek around him. First thing he knew he needed to do was start a fire. The small stack of logs next to the fireplace would only last so long. He'd have to get some kindling too. Moving over to the bunk bed, he placed a hand on the frame. It swayed back and forth, ready to collapse on the spot. If he could smile, he would be brimming right now, glad that things were looking better already. Pulling a piece of chalk from the pocket strapped to his one leg, he drew a transmutation circle on the bed. Blue sparks appeared as the bed warped before his eyes. As the alchemy sizzled and faded, he was left with the mattresses on the floor and a new pile of wood.
oOoOo
Something didn't seem right about this. Edward pushed the large door open and slammed it behind them, keeping the storm at bay.
"Brother, we can't just intrude like this."
"I'm sure they just didn't hear us knock. Besides it's so much warmer in here." Al didn't feel right about this but knew there was no point arguing. They moved farther into the large foyer, searching for any signs of life. "Hello," Ed called out, "Is anyone home?"
"Maybe he's not here." Al rubbed the back of his head, out of habit. His brother turned back and frowned at the comment.
"Yeah, I'm sure he just went for a walk." Surveying the room around them, Al had a hard time believing anyone actually lived there. It wasn't that it was dirty, on the contrary, it was spotless. But the creepy silence around them was void of life to him.
"Can I help you?" They both heard a female voice from above which caught them both off guard. Turning around, they noticed a girl maybe slightly older then Ed, standing at the top of a staircase. She wore a maids outfit and had long black hair, pulled back.
"Oh hey, we were just looking for..." Edward started only for her to cut him off.
"My master has been expecting you for some time now."
"Really? Professor Hastings? But how did he know we were coming?" Al glanced down at his brother who returned a suspicious look. The maid walked down to them and bowed.
"My name is Cara." She didn't smile at all but looked them over in a calm manner. "You're the Fullmetal Alchemist and you're his brother Alphonse Elric, correct." Ed was happy that for once someone didn't get him and his brother mixed up.
"Yeah, you're pretty quick." She made eye contact with Edward, sending a chill up his already cold body. She brought her hand out, offering to take his jacket. Once she hung it up she looked back at him.
"You look as though you're still pretty cold. Please follow me." She turned away suddenly.
"Al, something's off about this place. Keep you're guard up." Ed's voice came out low and Al nodded back as they walked behind the strange girl.
