Well here's the next chapter, sorry bout the long wait. Exams and all coming up. But now it's up, so enjoy!

Plz rate and comment-would be greatly apprieciated! lol :3

Humming to myself, the familiar tune filled the air, adding to the sounds of chaos that I had just left behind, I snorted, Scar was a fight first, ask questions later kinda guy. As I strolled along the narrow ledge of the alley wall, I yawned, revealing my unusually sharp canines. I've never actually met or seen this Fullmetal Alchemist guy with my own eyes. Pursing my lips, I shrugged. Doesn't really matter, I'll know the man when I see him, what with the name and all. He can't be that hard to find. I was snapped out of my musings by the sound of several heavily running footsteps and laboured breathing. Glancing to my right, where another pathway cut through the joined buildings, I crouched down out of sight just in time to catch a glimpse of an unexpected trio round the corner. First came a short blond kid wearing a long red trench coat, I cocked my head, Huh, I smirked, the thing barely fits him. After him came, a much slower, old man, followed by a 6ft suit of armour... Time to have a little fun.

The suit of armour was lagging a bit behind the others, so I waited for the other two to pass by where I was concealed, before I sprang down, cutting off his path. Grinning, revealing a flash of teeth, I turned to face him, claws extended and got into a fighting stance. The guy had stopped dead, and, even though he was hesitating, I could see the tension in his stature. He was not one to underestimate. However, as I studied him, I was puzzled: Why couldn't I hear his heartbeat, or smell him? After a few moments of debating with myself, I allowed my curiosity take control. Glancing down at his side, I perked up and grinned at what I found there.

'U-um excuse me?'

I glanced back up at him, and, seeing that he was still tense, I relaxed and propped myself against the alley wall. My grin had calmed to a cheerful smirk, hoping that would help him to relax a bit. 'Yeah? What is it kid?

'Y-you're a Chimera?' Dang..the kid was blunt. Good trait to have.

'So you've seen my kind before?' I studied him closely; I couldn't smell any shock or disgust coming from him, though it could just be because of that armour, 'why do you ask? It's pretty obvious isn't it?' I pointed to my ears, to prove my point. At this, the kid started blustering, something about not wanting to offend me or anything. This time, I allowed a true small smile. He's too sweet for his own good.

Now don't get me wrong, I may have been through hell and back, what with all the Chimera experiments and all that crap, but I'm nice when I wanna be. It just so happens that I have a soft spot for kids. That, and I'm really just a pussycat under the tough act, literally. But enough about that. Looking at him now, I decided that I should intervene before he gave himself an injury. 'Hey kid, chill out, it's no big deal.' Walking over to him, I stopped so that I was only a few feet away from him. I could tell that, despite my casualness, he still looked wary. Well duh! Of course he would, you did just try to attack him, for fun no less! Shaking those thoughts away, I decided that talking to him might try to loosen him up; I mean I had a bit of time to kill, what with Scar blowing stuff up and all. It would take him a while.

Sighing, I sat down on the ground, leaning my back against the railing of an old fire escape, geez I hope I don't pick up any diseases, leaning against all this alley crap. Tilting my head up so I could see the kid, I took notice of his confused expression and I grinned. 'Don't worry, I'm not gonna attack you anymore' I studied my claws; they had retracted back into normal-looking nails again.

'Why?' Glancing back up at him, I gave a sad chuckle. At what I could only assume to be a confused glance from the suit of armour, I elaborated. 'Well you see, that's a question only one who's seen too many horrors in the world would ask, not a question a young boy should ask. Kids take things at face value, if they're told something, they believe it. Judging by the way your reacting to this, I'm guessing I'm right?'

The boys silence was enough of an answer, so I decided to change the subject, 'what's your name, by the way?' At this, I guess I finally got through to him, for he came over and sat down, leaning against the wall opposite me

'Oh, Alphonse-Alphonse Elric, but it's Al for short.' I chuckled, my right ear twitching, 'well Al, it's nice to meet you, my name's Ash.' I could hear him laugh slightly, as he reached out, shaking my hand I offered him.

'Ash, that's a nice name, is it short for something?' I cocked my head, 'you're a sharp one, I'll give you that. But you're right, my full name is Natasha. Though I prefer Ash, it's less of a mouthful.'

As I was speaking, I could feel my gaze being drawn to Al's side once again, and I couldn't help but perk my ears in interest. It seemed that Al noticed the direction of my gaze, and the way my ears were quivering slightly in excitement.

'Why do you keep looking at the space next to me? There's nothing there, is there?' My gaze snapped to his, and I studied him closely for a second time. After a moment, I made my decision. I can tell him, it's not like he can go blabbing, no one would believe him if he did. At least, I hope not. I grimaced inwardly, but took a deep breath.

'Al..' I started, wondering how I could phrase this in a way that wouldn't make me sound crazy. 'Do you like cats Alphonse?'

Brightening, he sat up quickly and nodded franticly, 'Yeah! Of course, I always find strays and try to keep them, but Brother never lets me.' At this, he seemed to wilt slightly.

I shook my head, almost fondly. He really is just a kid beneath all that armour. 'Well Al, what would you say if I told you that you have had a feline companion by your side all this time? A wildcat to be precise.'

Al gasped, looking around him as if a cat would pop out from behind the trashcan's any moment, before wheeling round to look at me again. 'What do you mean?' He asked in a hushed voice.

'What I mean is this, Al. Have you ever heard of the phrase Guardian Spirits?'