Chapter Two:
A week had come and passed since the last time they had spotted Envy, she had left more questions then answers behind with her. Like a coiled serpent laying sprawled out making sweet promising of a new day, whispering into his ear.
He let out a yawn scratching at his dry burning eyes. "Is it true that you spotted Envy?" He wasn't all that surprised that Mustang asked about their old nemesis.
Still Envy had been the last thing on his mind as of late he had been preoccupied, this isn't how he thought things would be.
Mustang sat adorned in the attire of Alchemist he looked different, better off then before. A new kind of light reached his eyes. "Yes," he muttered half paying attention theirs trees in the court yard. Ever since Hakuro and his cronies had tried to kidnap his brother, they had moved him to a private military hospital.
"It was strange," he admitted reluctant to speak the words that tried to tip out of his over flowing lips. The morning is almost too cold but all the same he's alive, he can feel the wind kissing his skin pulling at his shirt like a fussy child.
Alphonse hadn't been doing well he'd been having fits and had woken screaming in the middle of the night. Thrashing around he had to be sedated on many occasions a bit of guilt wedged it's way to the surface, dripping out of his container.
He hated hospitals the smell one thing the cold bitter floor like the hardest of metals, Winery had agreed to stop by some time this week. Hopefully she'd be able to put some happiness back in him he knew that Alphonse hated these damn hospital rooms.
Did they think a ratty old picture and some uglier plants would help? No wonder why Alphonse hated it here. Already he found it hard to prevent sweat from building up in his back and neck he grumbled a bit remembering their last encounter its hard for his head to make sense of it.
"Almost as if she's like a kid rather then a homicidal murderer," the words were like a dirty secret that he could no longer keep in. A lump formed in his throat what did this mean for the other Homunculi? What did this mean for Pride?
For once face seemed to be lost in thought, "We don't know how Homunculus age or if they even age," he spoke slowly, "If you think about it the Homunculus most of them live the life of a solider." Still that dose not excuse the amount of lives she's taken.
It surprises him that he takes a more neutral stance, he expects him to outwardly curse them. But somethings different with him lately. It's like he's gained a whole new perspective on the matter, perhaps the work their doing with Pride is helping.
"Still we don't know enough about them really," Like a sticky sweat it comes from within. He didn't like it how exactly were they born? She had mentioned some time before that Father could make more of them at any time. But why hadn't he? If he had been as mad as Father, and as hell bent on ruling the world he would have made an army.
It must not be that simple, their must be something to it. The reason why he wanted to know was to prevent it in the future. "That is true," he cleared his throat, "But do you really think its wise Edward? What if its more human sacrifices, think of the red stones."
Again he almost throws him for a whirl, but at the same time he understand what he's saying. "It's taken me sometime but I think I get it now."
"I wish I could forget." he admitted, the fact is Homunculi had to eat red stones that alchemist created, and they were created through human sacrifice. "I think that if we know more about it ,we can try to prevent it from happening."
"That's wishful thinking, what if someone like Hakuro gets his hands a hold of it?" What if another dictator like Wrath comes into power?" Still he's hardly listening to the words he's saying. Mustang didn't ask them like a question.
"I've thought about it before," Mustang did have valid points, suddenly lost in thought it dawned on him. What if they decides to make an army of Homunculi? His hands grip into fists."We won't tell," his breath shakes, "Well keep it a secret."his breathe shakes and Mustang tenses narrows his eyes.
"Not good enough Edward, you know that secrets dig deep graves." clearing his throat he moved over to the window and closed it with a snap. "You should know better then anyone."
"But doing nothing dose not seem right, we have to know!" Have to? Why is he pressing the issue so much?" It's because it irritated him the name Homunculus it self means little human, an incomplete human to nitpick. It meant that it could have something to do with that, the sound of breath burning in his ears.
He tries to keep his hands from shaking from the pain the flashes of red blotches, he can still remember it's cries of pain. The shape twisted horribly the teeth the eyes, the flesh, "Edward." urgent his voice is like a gong the sound of a bell.
A sickening sensation in his stomach, " Theirs something your not telling me isn't their Edward?" Damn it Mustang and his prying! Still he gashes his teeth together staring down at his hands the words he's dreading. What his theory on what they are tries to force it's way out of his throat.
"It's not that, I'm just not sure about it yet." It might not be enough to satisfy his old boss, it's odd getting use to civilian life. Still he's gritting his teeth together in frustration, Mustang had an annoying way of reading him.
Still he couldn't take it any longer he just had to say it, the reason why they had started their journey from the start."I think they are created through human transmutation." More then salt in the wound, he hated bringing it up.
Mustang knew he had seen it, that place, for a split second they share it a look in both their eyes. Digging in deep a pang throbs and he rubs his left arm a habit of his he slides from the chair. His feet touching the ground.
"If that's the case then its a hell of a way to be born," Mustang shared a special dark place for Envy one filled with explosive rage.
"Stop it!" Alphonse yells he can hear the sound of breaking glass and springs to the door he tears it open. Beads of sweat dripping down his forehead, "Alphonse!" He yells not far behind him is Mustang the two of them storm out of the room.
"It's all right," red face and flustered Alphonse has fallen out of his wheel chair a look of anger on his sticky face. His skin is pale his hands trembling like leafs in the bitter wind, a look of anger boils in his eyes.
One of the nurses had spoke theirs a look in her eyes that seems to screaming breaking point. But he dose not blame her she has a rather swollen eye.
Mustang did not hold back his surprise, it's almost as if he didn't regonize Alphonse at first, it must be because he's no longer in the suit of armour.
"Let me," He shoves the nurse angrily and she nearly falls off her feet. "Alphonse please." protested the Nurse trying to help him off the ground.
"Don't touch me!" He hisses defensively if he had been a cat his fur would be fluffed his back arched. Eyes wild he glances around quickly anger apparent on his face, he's not looking behind his shoulder. Their it is again guilt beats in his chest, his body crippled broken.
He had been the one responsible, "She was just trying to get you to do your exercisers." May protested, "You don't need to be so rude Alphonse." Theirs some spilled medicine sprawled across the floor. Alphonse is promptly ignoring May.
"Shut up!" He hissed angrily which would have been rare, but ever since he got his body back he had been like this. Withdrawn, bitter, and sometimes violent ever since that night his howls reached his ears. The bond between them had grown hard and rocky still he's speechless and finds his feet have turned into cinder blocks.
"Leave him be," Havoc trots up to them flanked by Ling he's smocking and the Nurse smacks him with a book.
"Are you insane?" she huffs giving him a harsh glare.
"Havoc what are you doing smoking in a hospital," Scolded Mustang as if he couldn't believe his eyes, "Put it out at once." Usually he might join in but he's finding it hard to look at anything else but Alphonse.
"Insanely smitten," The nurse is still faceless he hardly spared her a glance, Ling is watching but otherwise has gone silent. He says something else the Nurse scowls at him and says something back but its like back ground noise.
"Alphonse," he speaks his brothers name slowly but he is busy counting his fingers again. For some reason he won't stop it, it's only a matter of time before one of them cracked. He should have paid more attention to his brother.
After all he is the eldest, "Alphonse." still its like he can't hear him Alphonse fingers are trembling this time he's gotten to seven.
Distract he seems lost in thought the anger is gone from his face. "Oh I didn't see you there," his tone changed, his demeanour. May face is pale and she offers him her hand, his legs tremble pitifully thin she helps him over to his wheel chair.
"Thank you," He smiles at her, its hard for May to keep a straight face. The truth is he thought her feelings for Alphonse were blunt and obnoxious. But then again he shouldn't be one to talk, and she had shown her dedication.
No matter how much he yelled screamed at her, May always came back to him. Things had gotten worse, still he's unable to move. It's like Alphonse huddled on the edge of a cliff trying to keep a light burning in a thunderstorm.
But the thing is the lights already gone out, and it's pouring rain. Hastily he bends to pick up the spilled contents, his medicine a sand which that didn't look as if its been touched at all. If he didn't start eating on his own they'd have to force the tubs down his throat again.
By passing Mustang and Havoc who are arguing about something again he hardly spares them a glance his feet just are itching to move. The ticking of a clock, he catches it a blur of a decorated wall, he can hear his heart beat pounding.
He hardly remembered the nurse taking the food from his hands his ears are a bit red and he finds him self suddenly out side. Their are patients sittings at tables some look half a sleep theirs an elderly couple, some how he finds himself alone.
This is not how he thought his life would be after defeating Father, he'd thought he'd at least have Alphonse. But right now he spends most of his time alone, sure they want him to feel included but without his Alchemy just where did he fit in? Not with the Military not anymore that much is clear, he didn't want to walk the path of a dog.
He'd hate to admit it but the most fun he had for a while had been when Envy showed up . Not that waking up in the middle of the night and seeing his brother kidnapped had been fun. Still just thinking about the memory brought a small smile to his face.
Trouble should be her middle name if Homunculus even had middle names that is. Truth is he had been thinking a lot about her lately. Maybe even a little too much, but it wasn't every day an old enemy shows up.
"Hey Edward are you alright?" Ling strolled along past him taking his time to sit down in front of him.
Edward let out a snort, "He's been through a lot," he spoke rather defensively Ling raised an eye brow.
"The old Edward might have punched the sense back into his brother," scolded Ling, and Edward let out a snort.
"Maybe, but that's not what he needs right now." he countered drawing up, "Alphonse will get better in time,"
"Hmm," Ling scratched the bottom of his chin, "So I was wondering if you'd let me stay with you for a while," he smiled at him rather sheepishly.
"Absolutely not!" Snarled Edward getting to his feet giving him a fierce glare, "the last time was a disaster and Winery is going to stay when she comes to see us,"
Us? Ling blinked, "Who do you have at your apartment? A secret girl friend is she hot?" he seemed egar to hear the juice details. "Wait you two timing tom cat!" He grinned and Edward felt his ears burn even more so.
Edward fixed him with a very long gaze, "No Ling, as soon as I get a girl friend you'll be the first to know."
The last is more like it, he'd bother him the entire day if he ever got a girl friend. Not that he wanted one at that particular moment. Still he couldn't lay about all day even if he deserved a break, "Come on Edward lets go for a walk,"
Ling grinned like he had won the lottery not that he needed it, "Right," Edward followed Ling reluctantly out of the compound the walls are about twenty five feet tall maybe more. Dragging his feet his fingers jammed in his pockets they managed to make it beneath the watch tower.
They had relocated to the Armstrong estate which had been fortified and changed into a type of military hospital. For special occupants they had even young Pride and Mrs. Bradley move into a mansion made for their special needs.
More or less to keep a pair of eyes on them at all time, it was then the two of them walked across the open field and what he saw made him come to a stop. He blinked thought he imagined it but no, their they are not even twelve feet away from them. Instinct makes hims flatten against the tree, it could be an act, their little game.
Ling flattens against the tree as well falling in suit and follows his gaze behind the tree. Once he catches sight of who it is he frowns his gaze intense.
Envy stands at the edge of a field, "Who are you?" Pride young voice picked up causing his stomach to wrench in knots. So this is the first time that they met? Envy regarded him with narrowed eyes watching him.
Silence the wind whistles and Envy keeps her distance, "Really Pride? You don't remember? How long do you expect that to last?" still she sounds defensive. A cold look on her face she didn't hold such a welcoming look as he might expect.
"Well I do remember that I wasn't very nice some times before," sadness crept into his voice, "But I don't remember a lot,"
Edward didn't like the looks of this, the way Envy tensed what if the Homunculus attacked him? "Hmm," she folds her arms over her chest. "You don't seem to be lying," she sounded thoughtful but harsh.
So harshly that the young Pride physically flinched, where the old would have simply given a blank stoic look.
"I'm not sure if I want to remember," he answered her other question with trembling lips he seemed almost scared to ask, "Were we friends before?" he sounded in such distress he could hardly believe that this kid is the same one.
Envy lifted her head, "I don't think you had any friends before," she said after a while looking up at the sky, "But its because you didn't believe in that type of thing, your pride as a homunculus was much greater then a want for friendship." she scratched the back of her neck and yawned not picking up on the defeated look on his face
"What did I do to you?"he seemed reluctant to ask Envy stiffened and narrowed her eyes at him the kind of hard ball look that made his stomach churn.
"You killed Gluttony your own comrade, you devoured him," she did not hold back her anger kicking at the grass.
At the word devour the look on his face is horror, "I ate some body?" he sounded as if he might faint. His voice became higher pitched, Envy frowned putting her hands over her chest and gave him a stern glare.
"Well more or less you absorbed him by eating with your shadow things, I never understood how they worked anyways." she watched him like a cat looming with a mouse under her paw.
"Shadow things?" he sounded as if his entire world went up side down.
"Yeah your shadow things," she waved her hand in the air dismissively but hunched over and looked him in the eye and gave him a shake. "You don't eat your own comrades idiot!" She yelled at him spitting into his face.
Edward stared so the Homunculus or at least Envy did care about her fellow people, Gluttony himself had always seemed to be a bit odd. In a weird way Envy had her own sort of demented morals at least she had morals. Thought he had never noticed when they had been at odds before.
He looked at her blankly his face red he looked like he might cry, Envy stared at him for a few moments and tilted her head to one side. As if she had just seen something she couldn't understand, "Hey what do you think your doing?" she protested as he started to hiccough and sob.
"I'm a monster," he wailed and she snorted letting out a fitful laugh.
"You!" She grabbed her ribs and snickered laughing at him, "Hah!" She laughed loudly into the sky, "Nah your not a monster," she snickered giggling loudly. "Well you might have been before, but now your just a snot nosed kid." she rolled her eyes.
It's odd it's almost as if she's trying to comfort him, "No you see, I'm a monster I was born to be a monster." she smirked at him a wide smirk giving him a flat stare. "You don't remember how you were born, we all started out the way you are now," she waved her hand in the air. "Weak, soft, easy to manipulate." she rolled her shoulders.
Strolling down the grass marching over it, "That's not true! People aren't born monsters!" Edward burst out of his hiding spot unable to contain it.
Envy whirled around and whistled, like a startled cat she bristled narrowing her eyes for a few second she stares flatly at them. "What do you want full metal!?" She huffed narrowing her eyes. For a few seconds her voice shakes, "You want to play do you?" she rose her left hand and it transformed into a mirror of his blade.
"Lets play," without waiting she moved into a slice slashing over his head with a glee full cry of joy. "come on Eddie!" She shouted happily Ling blade glistened in the light, the dance of the blades had begun.
Okay its been a long, long time since I wrote anything so here you go! I will finish this fan fiction to get use to writing again so enjoy. I will take suggested pairings for this fan fict so if you have some suggestions leave a comment ;d
This will get me back into writing woot!
