A.N I only own my characters. Arakawa owns FMA and all its' content. Comment, read, and most of all REVIEW because I really would like to hear everyone's thoughts on this. This is my first fanfic! So any commentary at all would be nice. Thank you! :3
Episode 2: The Gate of Truth* General . *
Walking all the way down into the mines usually wasn't so eerie until today. Araceli shivered
"Guys are really doing this?"
"Doing what? Walking to our inevitable deaths?" Zane still was steaming from the earlier encounter with Zheng.
"Don't even start Von Gromme! We need to get to your father so we can be sent off." Zheng clenched his teeth knowing this mission was going to be troublesome.
Ayana sighed and walked faster to the lights near the end of the main path into the mine shaft.
Araceli shook her head at the two boys "You know this mission would be a whole lot easier if you two would at least be civil with one another."
"I am being civil its shorty here that is being an obnoxious prick." Zheng's snide remark only made Araceli sighed.
"Shorty! Obnoxious prick! Who in the hell are you to call me anything momma's boy!"
" Easy you are a compulsive jerk with a superiority complex the size of this planet! And at least I have a mom!"
Zane growled and punched Zheng then pushed him against the wall. "That was a low blow even for you Chang!" Zane began to punch Zheng "Don't!" 'punch' "You!" 'punch' "Ever!" 'punches Zheng in the stomach' "Bring up my mother!"
"Zane that is enough!" Araceli tried to pull Zane off Zheng only to get pushed back.
"Stay out of this Ara! This bastard has talked down to me for the last time!" Zane screamed while kneeing Zheng to the ground.
"Zane Dieter Von Gromme if you don't stop I will make sure your next breath Will. Be. Your. Last. Boy!"
The thundering voice of the chief made Araceli jump from being startled. Zheng looked up from the ground spitting blood out of his mouth to see the large man coming their way.
"Go ahead Dad I'm just shaking in my boots!" Zane's sarcastic remark only ended up getting him backhanded by the chief
"You dare disrespect me boy! I am your father! I helped your mother bring you into this world and I can sure as hell help take you out of it!"
Zane's manic laughter could be heard down the mine shaft bouncing of the walls.
"Helped?! Respect?! Boy oh boy the ego you have is utterly astonishing father ! You deserve no respect from me not even an ounce! You are a traitor for what you did to mom, so don't ever say you helped her with ANYTHING! In fact while she was sick and trying to take care of everything YOU were too damn busy fucking the neighbor's wife! Or was it the butcher's wife? Or the farmer's oldest daughter? Hell I've lost count with how many times you made mom cry due to your dishonestly, lack of loyalty and marital affairs! How many times you left us for your selfish bullshit! Oh and lets not forget the best part! While mom was on her deathbed and after she died you weren't even there to see her nor to see her buried! Can I ask you where you were? Better yet I already know!? You were out screwing Dr. Schmidt's wife! A man who has been loyal to you and all of us and you! You sick pig were out banging his WIFE! I am utterly disgusted to even call you my father! You are the biggest piece of shit I have ever seen!"
The chief stood there astonished and sweating while realizing many of the major specialist were down in the shaft waiting to give their supplies and farewells. Many of whom he had committed extramarital affairs with their spouses. All of whom didn't even know...
"You- you have embarrassed me for the last time boy! I- I disown you! You are not my son. Not now...Not ever! So don't even both-"
"Don't you even finish that sentence you pig!" Aime was behind the chief along with everyone else. The chief turned around and looked at everyone scared as if he had seen a ghost.
"You monster!"
"No-now I can explain..." The chief tried to calm the crowd but only failing miserably in the process.
"You pig!"
"You see Ulric! Do you see now what your greed has caused? Your ego and your pride? You don't even deserve to be called chief!" Aime venomously stated while grabbing the chief by the collar of his dark gray uniform.
"We trusted you and this is how you repay us!" Everyone's shouts could be heard even outside the mine. Ayana and Araceli stood between them and the chief
"Alright! Alright we get it! But before we all end up committing murder he should first be tried and then given punishment after all sides have been heard!" Araceli pleaded with the angry crowd hoping to bring reason into the mass of angry chaos. Ayana just glared at the chief and helped Zane up off the ground.
"I am sorry Zane… I didn't even know this was what you were dealing with..."
"It is fine Aya… You aren't the one who should be apologizing anyways." Zane smirked at his father knowing his father's lies had finally caught up with his fat bodied appetites.
Aime and a few of the other specialist who had calmed down began to discuss the next course of action.
"What do we do now?"
"I say we chain the bastard and let the people decide."
"I agree but what I meant was about this mission these kids are to be on soon."
"Oh… Well who is next in command to take over in the event that the chief is indisposed?"
"I don't know…"
"I think the oldest person here is supposed to take over right?"
"Yea thats right but that would mean Dr. Schmidt is the new chief then."
"That is fine. He is a good man and deserves some form of retribution for the crime that the previous chief has committed."
"Dr. Schmidt are you alright to be acting chief until the people can elect a new chief?"
Dr. Schmidt although hurt by the news of his wife's indiscretions was busy cleaning up Zheng's bloody nose and examining Zane's broken tooth.
"Dr. Schmidt did you hear us?"
The doctor once finished checking the boys for anymore damage he stood up looking at the small group of specialist with a questioning frown.
"Huh sorry was busy cleaning up the boys. What is it you were saying?"
"We all have come to agree that since the chief has committed acts against the people that under the common law the eldest person in the town is to act as standing chief. That person would be you sir. Do you accept this responsibility? We will understand if you wish not to. It is your choice."
"I- I don't know what to say…"
"Please sir we need an answer soon. This team needs to be sent out today otherwise we will have to contact the other communities and explain to everyone for the delay."
"Well when you put it that way I don't think I can refuse. I accept being chief but are you sure I am a good match? It is unusual to have a specialist also hold the role as chief..."
"That is true sir, but this is only temporary till the past chief has been tried for his crimes and a voting session has taken place for a new chief."
"Alright. Well then on the behalf of the people I accept this role as chief until further notice. I pray to not fail you all in your time of need."
"Thank you sir. Now on to the predicament at hand. The team needs to be through the portal in thirty minutes and we still have so much to talk about."
The butcher and farmer grabbed Ulric after tying his hands together and lead him to where the portal was at the end of the mine shaft.
"This is ridiculous! You can't do this! I am chief! That fool of a doctor couldn't even keep his wife so how can we trust him with the town?!"
"Shut up!" The farmer who had yet to fully calm down punched him on the head.
The chief too scared of the butcher's glare kept quiet the rest of the way to the portal.
* At the portal/ transmutation circle area *
Zane, Araceli, Ayana and Zheng; in their black combat uniforms, all stood before the table with the doctor behind it.
"Alright. So to clarify the mission one last time. You four are to enter the next world with the intent of seeking, capturing, recording and terminating the enemy combatants. Also you must try at all cost to blend in with the people that may or may not be on the other side of this thing. I know you are afraid but rest assured I will be looking into finding a way in bringing you all back once you have completed the mission. We will be giving you tracking devices to track the enemy and each other in case you are separated. We will also try to send transmissions to you. If it is possible try to stay on your communicators should they still work in the other world. Most of all-" The doctor smiled at the small team "Be safe, Be careful, Watch each others backs, and never forget…" The doctor began to tear up " We will be waiting for you when you come back no matter what! Am I understood?"
The team all shouted with smiles and tears in their eyes "Sir, Yes Sir!"
"We will be sending you one at a time. In your packs ;on top of standard combat provisions and your personal items, we have given you a copy of all the research we have compiled so far. We wish you success on your mission. Once you all are through the portal safely then you may proceed with the mission."
"Sir, Yes Sir!"
"Good! We hope to see you soon!"
Zheng was the first to stand in the middle of the circle. "Now this may or may not hurt, as we have only managed to test this a few times one being the tea cup. We have tried sending organic material through the portal but since we are not on the other side we do not know if it successfully worked or not. Now don't move Mr. Chang."
The scientists began activating the circle using the electricity coming from the blinking machines. Soon a purple light began to swirl around Zheng with black arms grabbing at his body, slowly dissolving him into tiny particles. After about five minutes Zheng had completely disappeared.
*In The Gate of Truth, Zheng's p.o.v. *
I slowly began to awake and open my eyes. Looking around all I saw was these odd doors and an endless white void. After awhile of looking I see a weird white boy humanoid like creature surrounded by black smoke looking at me… at least I assumed it was looking at me because it didn't have eyes… how creepy… and it is smiling at me? I shivered when it began to speak.
"Well well well. This is interesting. Who may I ask are you? And what is you have come to seek?"
The ominous voice chuckled at me with a smile.
"I- I am Zheng Li Chang and I have come to seek out and destroy my enem-"
"How about what you truly want. After all you can't lie to me he he he"
"What? May I ask what are you?"
"I am truth."
"Truth?"
"Yes, Truth or as some would call me the world or universe. One or all or more specifically you."
"Me? But you don't even look a thing like me?"
"I am you. I am what one would say your truest self."
"Oh..."
"Look are you going to make your exchange or what I don't have all day to waste...or at least you don't he he he"
"Exchange? Exchange for what?"
"What! You can't tell me you committed the ultimate taboo of human transmutation and not know the law of equivalence of exchange?!"
"Uhhh… no… all I know is I was sent through a weird looking circle in order to pass over into the next world to track down my-"
"Yea. Yea. Yea I know your enemies."
"So... um... can you help me?"
"Of course! But what are you going to give me in exchange? After all you can't just do what you want without proper compensation!"
"I-I don't know… What is it you feel would be equal to full filling my wish?"
The eerie laughter coming from the white humanoid only made me feel very insecure until it stood up and walked towards me. There it stood before me and I gulped in fear.
" Heh well for now I believe you have given me all that I may need from you! Again for now at least."
"What do you mean! I didn't even tell you what I would give you!"
Truth turned me around to face this giant gray door. On the door was written many inscriptions in Latin I think? and what looked to be a tree of some sort.
"This is your gate of truth should you ever wish to make another exchange with me again." Truth smirked sadistically as the door opened to a huge eye looking at me. "What- what is that!"
"This is where we depart ways dear boy."
and with that last statement Truth shoved me into the gate. These odd black hands from before began grabbing at me as I struggled. "But I don't understand! I didn't give you anything!"
Truth looked at me with that Cheshire grin and spoke one final time "But my dear boy you have given me already something of significant value already!"
I screamed as I was sucked into the vast black void with so much knowledge being shoved into me. My mind felt like it was on fire but also freezing cold at the same time. This pain I had never felt in my life before. I was terrified of what was happening. I couldn't tell what was up or down, left or right. I don't know what happened after I had blacked out…
* Araceli's p.o.v. *
I shivered looking around at the circle. I didn't want to be next after seeing Zheng disintegrate like that! I sighed knowing that because I drew the second shortest stick that I had no other choice than to be next. Boy I am not looking forward to this as I hugged myself tightly. The scientist started the circle again just like they had done for Zheng. I looked up with tears down my face fearing the worst possible case scenario. Ayana was mouthing something to me but I couldn't hear her past the loud electrical sounds. As I slowly started to disappear I felt some relief that it wasn't as painful as I thought it would be. I closed my eyes till I couldn't hear anymore sounds. I opened them only to realize I was in some weird white void. It felt so familiar… Where have I seen this before? I was so preoccupied with looking and walking around observing this odd door that I failed to notice the teenage looking girl humanoid. I was startled when it started to giggle at me.
"What are you doing little girl?"
I pointed at myself "M-me?"
"Yes you! What are you doing?"
"I am… well… you see… I am trying to figure out where exactly I've seen this door before. Um who are you?"
"Me? Well I am you of course! You silly girl"
"Me? But I have… You don't… Oh dear I think I know where I am now… and better yet who you are."
"And who is it that you think I am little girl?"
"You are truth… You are a fictional character from a set of books I used to read… You take things from people and do nasty things to them."
"Well I assure you I am not fictional in fact I am quite real. Just as real as you are. As far as the taking things from people I think you mean to say making a simple exchange."
"Yea. The whole law of equivalence exchange where in order to obtain something, something of equal value must be either given or destroyed. Right?"
"My. my little girl you are quite the smart one! Better than the last guy who came through and yes, what you say is true."
"So since you need something of equal value I can give you my memories?"
"But girl! You have something already much to my disgust and dismay that by passes this law sadly. As much as I would have probably enjoyed your memories."
"What do you mean?"
The truth grabbed something from my pack. I looked to see it was the ruby flower locket my mother had on her before she had died. At least I assume that is a grouping of rubies in their settings on the locket.
"Why dear girl you can't possibly tell me you didn't know about this? You do know what these are right?"
"They are rubies … at least that is what I think they are..."
The girly laughter rung out from the creature till it or her was rolling on the ground in bouts of laughter at least I assume we are standing on some form of ground… this is so awkward…
After a few minutes the creature finally calmed down with light chuckling between words.
"My dear these are philosopher's stones!" I looked at the creature in terror and shock.
"But that can't be right… Its not possible… not in our world at least… Where could my mother even manage to get those!"
"I don't know, but maybe one day you will figure it out. Until then if you wish to transcend through your gate of truth behind you, you may do so now. I am sure your friend will need your help after all. But I warn you now tell no one about these stones for you may be in great danger if you do. Am I understood?"
I shivered and shook my head yes. I screamed when I felt some odd black hands grabbing me. Truth looked down at me as I was pulled through the gate. As the doors closed all I could see was a flash of images and gibberish of words. Everything just scrambled around in my head giving me a massive headache. The next thing I know was dripping out of the air onto the ground in some purple ooze. I fell on what I assumed garbage judging by the horrid smell. I groaned knowing it would be hell to get this smell out of my clothes before I blacked out from mental exhaustion.
* Ayana's p.o.v *
"Araceli don't panic! I'll be right behind you just wait for me okay!"
As I saw my friend disappear I sighed figuring she couldn't hear me past all the electrical noises from the machines.
"Well thats two down the rabbit's hole. Your next Alice- I mean Ayana" Zane smirked at me and I smacked him up side the head.
"Your sarcasm is not necessary nor appreciated Zane!"
"What I was only trying to comfort you! So that you don't panic and scream like Zheng or cry like Araceli."
"Whatever Zane. See you on the other side if you make it."
"You mean if any of us make it!" Zane yelled back as I stood in the circle waiting for my inevitable death to begin. The machines charged up and started activating the circle turning from blue to purple. I felt very uncomfortable by the aura radiating from this stuff floating around me. I waved goodbye to Zane as I slowly disappeared.
The next thing I know I'm being chucked through one door landing hard on my back.
"Well that hurt! Damn what ever that was I feel like I broke my ass bone!"
"Maybe so… Maybe so."
I jumped up startled from hearing the other voice so close. I turned around to see a feminine looking white creature covered in a black miasma smiling at me.
"What in the hell are you!"
"I am truth! It is starting to get really irritating having to repeat this for a second time. Why are you people committing the taboo of human transmutation if you don't even know what it is to expect on this side!"
"Human transmutation? You mean that creepy circle I disappeared on was a human transmutation circle?"
"Well yes that would be the reason that you are here after all."
"No need to get all snippy with me!"
"No need to be a dumb blond!"
"Hey that was uncalled for you take that back!"
"Make me girly!" I growled at truth chasing after it all the while it laughed in my face egging me on.
"Come on why run away you coward!"
"Coward? Ha ha ha who are you calling a coward? I am simply truth and if you can't accept that then that is your problem!"
"What ever! I know where you are from!"
"And where is that exactly?"
"You are that mean white blob thing that takes things from people under the cowardly excuse of equivalence exchange! You are from Fullmetal Alchemist!"
"Fullmetal Alchemist? I admit to the exchange part but I don't even understand that last thing you just said."
"Fullmetal Alchemist is a fictional story from my side of the gate."
"Ah I assume that is what your girly friend from earlier must have been talking about."
"Yes, You met Araceli? Is she okay? Please tell me!"
"Yes I suppose I did meet your dear Araceli? Your friend is fine and in perfect health I assure you."
"I don't believe you!"
"What is there not to believe? I am truth after all. You said so yourself!"
"Yea but you also like to be sneaky, play mind games, and do mean things to people!"
"Why? what ever do you mean?"
"You took Alphonse Elric's body and Edward Elric's leg and arm!"
"Well well well it seems I need to get myself a copy of these books you speak of! Yes I did do those mean things. But it was in their best interest anyways. So what are you going to give me in exchange for going to see your friends?"
"How about a knuckle sandwich bitch along with a side order of massive ass kicking! I ain't giving you shit!"
"Maybe I should take that pretty little voice of your's or better yet since you deem me so untrustworthy and cruel why don't I just take your arm or your leg? How about your body? Or would you prefer something less cosmetically damaging? He he he. You think you are so tough don't you! I'll show you just how tough you really are! Come here girl let me show you your truth! Your maker!"
I stood back cowering in fear from the terrifying white blob like mass in the shape of a woman all the while internally smacking myself for back sassing truth. Well Ayana you finally did it this time. Now what are you going to do! You just pissed off the one character who can rip you literally limb from limb without an ounce of remorse!
"Oh don't fret young lady I think your memories of a special little family will suffice!"
I cringed in anger at truth knowing I could do nothing to stop it from getting what it wanted.
"Yes and maybe the memories of your childhood too! After all you are an adult now! You should act like it!"
Before I could curse at this demented creature I was grabbed by these dark tiny hands and ripped into the portal of my internal gate of truth. I screamed as everything flashed before my eyes. All I could hear was the laughing of truth as I sunk into the black abyss deeper and deeper till I eventually fainted from the pain and terror. I groggily woke up to someone shaking me and I assumed talking but before I could even respond I lost consciousness again.
* Zane's p.o.v. *
"Well I guess I am next. Peace out people and please give my dearest dad my regards when you hang him or what ever it is you punish him with. Aime take care of mom's grave for me please?"
"Of course Zane. You be careful now. Don't make trouble with your teammates, eat well, um get sleep if you can… Oh I feel like I am forgetting something..." My aunt mumbled the last bit before abruptly hugging me tightly "I love you my dear nephew! Please come back safely. I don't know what I would do if I lost you too." She sniffled ready to cry at my leaving.
"I'll try not to get into too much trouble. Can't make any promises though." I hugged my aunt back while chuckling. Aime sighed wiping her face of the stray tears.
"Please Zane for my sanity at least take this seriously. This isn't just some ordinary mission!"
"I know, I know. You know I just like to kid with things. It is just how I cope after well… mom died and everything you know the rest..."
My aunts gaze softened while she smiled at me. " Just know you aren't alone kiddo, and even though you irritate those three to death they do care about you."
"Even Zheng the momma's boy?" She chuckled.
"Yes. Even Zheng worries about you. Why else would he still be your teammate after all the hell you put him through? Well you better get moving. I am sure your teammates are waiting for you on the other side."
"Yea most likely he is just insane or severely stupid to have me for a teammate. Anyways I'm sure they are probably bitching about how I am taking so long. Heh well anyways thanks Aime for being there and all. I love you aunt Aime and I'll try to bring everyone back safe and sound! You have my word as a soldier!"
"Zane!"
"Yea Doc?"
"Take this."
"What is it?"
"I don't know for sure but have heard legends about it. Old alchemists from ancient times would seek it out to turn ordinary metals to gold. They called it a philosopher's stone."
"That is pretty cool. How did you manage to come across this thing?"
"We found it when we seized the mines from those nasty creatures. One of them dropped it before jumping worlds."
"Oh okay. Well I guess I'll keep this in mind if I ever run into any trouble. Thanks Doc and even though I know Ulric will never say it. I am sorry he did what he did to you. It was wrong and definitely uncalled for! You were like the dad I never had when he was too busy to be around. So again thank you!"
"As much as I appreciate your sincerity Zane it isn't you who should be apologizing. Your father will be held accountable for his crimes against us all. I am glad that you see me like a father figure though. You were the son I was never able to have! When you get back would you mind actually becoming our son? Officially I mean? Only if you want to though no pressure..."
"Of course I would love to be your son! But what about the misses?"
"I plan on divorcing her and holding her accountable for her infidelity. Who knows maybe a special lady wouldn't mind being my wife" At this the doctor winked at Aime who just scoffed while smiling.
"Yea that sounds good. Well I better get going and thanks again for everything!"
"No problem. You come back safe you hear!"
"I will! I'll even bring back souvenirs!"
I shouted back while standing in the middle of the circle. I waved at everyone while the machines began there usual sequence of electrical transmutation. I saw everyone in the room wave goodbye and the doc holding my aunt while I began to disintegrate into thin air before their eyes.
I shot out of the door and hit the ground hard.
"Damn it! What the hell! Couldn't they have made the landing a little easier on the ass cheeks?!"
"Oh great another human. What can I do for you today?"
I looked to see an angry boyish blob of white with dark gas like stuff surrounding him.
"What in the seven hells are you!"
"What in the great heavens are you!"
"I asked first!"
"Too bad!"
"Why you! Who the hell are you seriously?"
"Why are you even here?"
"Hey! I'm the one asking questions here so answer me damn it!"
"And why on earth should I answer a snot nosed kid like you? What makes you so high and mighty to demand anything from me human boy!"
"What makes you all high and mighty to look down on humans?!"
It laughed in my face while pointing at me.
"I am the universe. I am the world. I am one and I am all! I am what some call a god. I am also you."
"ME! Oh please you are delusional you freakish blob monster! You look nothing like me so how can you possibly be me?"
"Are you deaf or just plain stupid?"
"WHAT DID YOU CALL ME!"
"I said ARE YOU DEAF OR JUST PLAIN STUPID!"
I got up and punched the creature not caring who the hell this thing thought it was. Before I could land another blow it disappeared.
"Hey! Where the hell did you go!"
It whispered in my ear "Behind you idiot."
I whirled around angry at the insult and tried to grab for the stupid blob.
"Well as much as this is entertaining. You are starting to bore me human as well as giving me a headache. So lets get on with the equivalent exchange and get you the hell out of here!"
"You never answered my question. How can you possibly be me? Also what is equivalent exchange?"
"Seriously do any of the males in your world read? Two females passed through and knew exactly who I was and what I do but the male before them was just as stupidly clueless as you are. Do you even understand how you came to be here?"
"Yes the males read in my world, no I don't fully understand how I got here. Since you have all the answers Mr. know it all why don't you tell me."
The truth as I guess it was called sighed looking at me frustrated. I assumed looking because it didn't have any eyes. Man what fucked up place is this that this thing doesn't even have eyes?
"To answer your dull questions I'll start with first how you got here. You ignorant human have committed the forbidden taboo of alchemy. You tried human transmutation. As for equivalence exchange that is simply a law of the universe and often found in alchemy stating that one can not gain anything without giving something of equal value in exchange."
"Human transmutation? Is that what that circle is for? So how did those creatures before us come in if they aren't even human?"
"Good question. They by passed me with special little stones. Well all except for one. One of those nasty little creatures won't be bugging anyone. It's very soul is mine for it's arrogance and merciless mass killings. Human transmutation is when you try to bring back the dead to put it simply."
"Seems pretty stupid to try and bring back the dead. Don't people realize the soul has already transcended to the next life once the person dies? What were those stones they used called? Also as much as I hate to say it. Thank you for taking out one of those creatures. It makes our mission a whole lot easier now that one of them is gone."
"Heh so the brat has some manners. I do agree with you on the whole stupidity towards bringing back the dead but regardless it is still a choice people have the right to make. After all it would harm the harmony of the universe if we tried to restrict the free will of people or anything for that matter. The stone is called a Philosopher's stone."
"Oh so I can use this thing then to by pass you right?"
I held up the stone the doctor had given me earlier. The truth growled at me
"Yes that would be the very stone we speak of… how is it you humans keep attaining these things? Don't people know the cost of making these things?"
"What do you mean cost? And who else has the stone?"
"Your friends with the girl Araceli correct?"
"Yes she is my friend."
"Well she also has a philosopher's stone. In fact she has quite a few of them so I advise you both to keep them hidden when you enter this world. As for the cost… Well how do I put this lightly..."
"Just tell me. I can handle anything you say trust me."
"Well the stones are made out of human lives."
I stood there looking at him and then at the stone in disgust.
"How many lives are we talking? One? Two?"
"Hows roughly one million lives sounds to you?"
"WHAT! That is… That is just… What the hell!?"
"Heh and you said you could handle anything I would tell you."
"One million lives. Is that for each stone?"
"Yep that is correct."
"Those bastards. I am glad we are finally wiping their sick race out of existence!"
"Now. Now I wouldn't go that far. Lets make a deal kid."
"Okay what deal."
"You can take out most of those nasty creatures in this world because even I don't like them but you must let two of them live."
"What?! Why!? You know they are the reason these stones even exist! Why should I let them live? They deserve to die! The punishment must always fit the crime!"
"You are right about punishments but they also tried to hide truth from you and thus they came into my domain when they tried that. I want my form of revenge which I assure you won't be as light as you think."
"Heh you got a deal then as long as you make them pay dearly for everything they have done to us all!"
"Oh I assure you. They will pay in ample measure!"
"So heres another question blob man. What is that odd looking door behind me without the creepy writing and images on it?"
"First kid the name is truth and second that door is your inner gate of truth. It in its very essence is apart of you."
"Oh okay so how am I to get to the other side to see my friends."
"Well you must go through the gate and thus you will get what it is you seek."
As the blob monster said this the doors began to open revealing a huge eyeball of pale purple staring at me.
"What in the actual fuck is that!"
"That is the eye of god."
"But I thought you said you were god."
"Heh I am simply all and one. I am just the truth kid."
"Wait so- whoa what the hell is with the crazy tentacles coming out of it!"
"You will see kid you will see."
The black tentacles hand like things grabbed me pulling me into the gate. I looked back at truth "You sure as hell better not be lying. Cause I'll find a way to come back here and kick your blob monster ass! You hear me!"
Truth chuckled at me "Yea good luck with that kiddo."
"I'm fourteen years old! I am not a kid damn it!"
"You are when you act like that KID!"
That was the last I heard of truth as the doors slammed shut. I was still being pulled by the hands into what look like something comparable to what Alice experienced when she fell down the rabbit hole.
"What the hell is this? Why does it hurt so much to think or breath?"
"I hope my friends are okay..."
I screamed as the pain became searing and utterly unbearable. Eventually it came to an end in a flash of white light. I ended up collapsing on something or I guess someone judging from the loud noises they were making.
* On the other side of the gate *
"What the hell! Get the hell off me!"
I was picked up gently by some odd person in a suit of armor.
"Don't mind him he is just grumpy today. Are you okay?"
I finally came out of my daze as the armored man set me down.
"Yea… uh where am I?"
"Oh great so on top of falling out of the sky this guy doesn't even know where he is. Just great!"
"Brother be nice! He looks sincerely lost. We should help him."
"Alright fine! You are currently in Amestris. There Alphonse you happy now? What is your name kid?"
"First I am fourteen I am not a kid! Second my name is Zane Dieter Von Gromme and I am a soldier of the North American resistance army."
"North American resistance army? What the hell is that? And cool name. This big guy here is my little brother Alphonse Elric and my name is Edward Elric or as my friends call me Ed … you know..."
"For short?"
Edward pounced on me punching me in a blind rage. "Don't call me short KID!"
I punched him back hard enough to get him off. "Don't call me kid and I won't call you short deal?"
Ed groaned and looked at me"Deal. So again what is this whole North American resistance thing?"
"Our world was under massive attack by these creatures. Which I don't know if I should even be telling you this. Hell you already probably think I am insane."
Ed nodded his head a little until his little brother scolded him.
"No I don't think you are insane please continue." Alphonse politely told me.
I told them about everything going on with their side of the gate, the mission and meeting truth.
"Wow you met truth? What did he take from you?"
"Uh I don't know really. Anyways I need help finding my teammates. One is a guy named Zheng and two girls named Araceli and Ayana. Do you think you could help me?"
"Whats in it for us?" Ed looked at Zane annoyed grumbling about not wanting to help look for people when he had important business to attend to.
"I can help you on what ever you guys are doing? My lady friends know who you are cause of some books they read."
"Books? What books?"
I explained a bit about the books Araceli would constantly go on and on about back home to the brothers.
"Oh well that sounds cool." The armored man smiled.
"So whats the deal with you guys? What happened to your arm and leg? Pretty cool prosthetics I might add. Hell I know people back in my world would love to have something like this."
Ed looked down not really wanting to respond to the questions I asked. Alphonse sighed.
"Well that is a long story, to put it simply we also met truth and well he wasn't too kind. I lot my body and Ed lost his arm and leg. We- we tried to bring our mom back."
I looked at Alphonse in understanding. After all I lost my mother too.
"I understand how that feels..."
"What do you mean?"
"I- I well I lost my mom too when I was young. She fell ill from all the stress my piece of shit father put on her and well she died. I hate that bastard for not being there! Can you believe my own father was so busy with his stupid work and his whores that he couldn't even be there for his wife's own funeral!"
The brothers looked at me with empathetic faces. "Heh sounds similar to our dad except the whole whores thing." Ed tried to cheer me up. "Well since we share a similar past I think we can trust you. If your friends can really help us with our journey I am sure my brother and I can help you on your mission. Deal?"
I smirked at them "Deal!" while shaking Eds hand. As we started walking down the road to the train station I asked where they were heading.
"We have been ordered to go to a town called Lior by colonel Match sticks a.k.a Mustang. A real asshole if you ask me."
"Why do you say that?" I looked at Ed intrigued by who this man was and why Ed hated him so much.
Edward explained everything about colonel mustang from his perspective and the whole state alchemist position.
"Brother be nice. You know colonel Mustang only means well."
"Yeah well he is a major pain in my ass. Who the hell does he think he is ordering us around anyway!"
I laughed. "Well he is a colonel. From what you told about your state alchemist position that makes you a major which is below the rank of colonel. So you have to take orders from him."
"Hey whose side are you on?" Ed snapped at me.
"Yours technically, But I am a soldier in my world so I know how rank functions just saying is all." I sighed remembering the times of boot camp and the way the drill instructors screamed at us during all hours of the day.
We managed to catch a train to Lior and I checked my tracking device to see where my friends were and potential enemies.
Ed looked down at my arm. "Hey what is that thing?"
"Oh this thing... Well it is a tracking device that helps me locate the creatures I am after and my teammates. From what it says my teammate Zheng isn't too far from where we are going."
"If you could track them all this time then why do you need our help?" Ed asked.
"I wouldn't want to face those creatures alone for one and two I wanted to also know if you could teach me some alchemy?"
"Why do you need alchemy?"
"I don't know sounded cool to hear you talk about it. I also thought it might come in handy in case I run out of ammo for my gun."
"Alright well I guess you have a good reason. Am I teaching your friends too?"
"Well I don't know about them. I can't really speak for them it would violate their right to free will and freedom of choice."
"Right to free will?" Alphonse asked questioningly
"In our world free will is considered one of the laws of the universe. This law should never be broken for if it is you could inevitably cause an imbalance in the universe and thus chaos would ensue."
"Aright. Well I'll teach you and any of your friends willing to learn but be warned I am a tough teacher." Ed grinned evilly at me...
