Twisted in Fate

by Yolea Irk's

It's a hot day when Seiya got 2 new residents in apartment where he live. They're normal and nice…or was it? He suspects they're hiding something from everyone. What he didn't expect, this secret will throw him to very big matter. pos COS & before Hades.

3. Chapter 3

Twisted in Fate

Author notes: This happened after COS and before Hades arc. Half month before the Holy War for exactly. I have an idea to create this story as I was bored and was thinking about both story concepts. SS modeled from Greek myths while FMA modeled from if I'm not wrong prosthetics limbs and alchemy. At this, I then feel fascinated. What if I crossover SS, which full of gods and myths with FMA, which 'god' none other than 'Truth' and use rational thinking? So here is the story, hope you like it. I don't own both Saint Seiya and Fullmetal Alchemist. SS owned by Masami Kurumada while FMA owned by Hiromu Arakawa. Thank you for DemonRaily (thank you for the feed back!), I hope you'll give this fict a building review at least, Also, thank you for Fantasy-Magician (thanks so much for the review! I never expected you would review this story to be honest. ^_^, Again, thank you). Since my English is so bad (English isn't my first language), I was considering having a beta reader. But for now, I think I'll fix this together with my Mom. My mom was an expert in English since she studied in America for 2 years. Thank you for your help Mom, you're my greatest help and support. We welcome reviews, supports critics, and ideas. If you don't like it, please don't read.

Disclaimers: Well, except two or three OC's I prepare for this story, I really own nothing from FMA and SS. Sigh... T_T

Warning: This fict will have big possibility for violence, swearing, and other things that better not be read by kids below 13! Rate T for good reasons. T_T

---

Chapter 02: Extremely Lucky or Extremely Unlucky?

oxoxoxoxo

If you believe it was destined to happen it is most likely to happen, if you believe nothing has been decided then most likely nothing has been decided.
(xxxHolic)

oxoxoxoxo

Cheerful.

Loud.

Full of energy like it was unlimited forever.

But it also somehow warm and promising a better future.

It was the first impression Ed was got from his new neighbor. The first time he spotted him, the teenager was taking a look at them from the 2 story floor. He wore a red shirt, blue jeans, and white sneakers. His eyes and spike a like hair were brown, like a fertile soil. The teenager has this curiosity inside his brown eyes. He also aware that the teenager also has this calculated stare at them. Although this sparked a curiosity inside him, he didn't look farther as soon he being busy with the moving and arranged their home stuffs. Consumed both his time and energy.

When their came to greet every residents in their own room in the evening, only the teenager which not in there because he has gone out and would return late that day. So they waited until next morning. At first Ed wanted just to visit him and say hello or simple greet at the teenager. Al then came out with an idea they should invite the teenager at least since he – to his surprise- actually took notice at the boy too. He interested with the boy who perhaps in the same age as them if not younger, Al stated more the boy seemed quite nice and it has been a while since they had a friend with a close range age, except Wahyu and Stilla. He doubted the idea but accepted it in the end. He not denied he pretty intrigued the boy was leaving alone in the apartment. It wasn't common situation a teenager lived alone in the middle of the big city like Tokyo. But again, who knows. The next day came and as they had planned, they invited the said teenager to their home. The boy looked surprised and seemed hesitated but when Al explained the very reason why they decided to invited him, he finally agreed it. Later they exchange story with him in their apartment. His name was Ogawara Seiya and recently back to Japan from Greece due to a reason he couldn't tell yet as he reassured them it complicated and a hard life. His parents long gone, he only with his older sister who have been separated from him since little and he was looking for her until now. It reminded Ed at the two of them somehow with a similar story Seiya had -lacked of parents, having a hard life, separated from the only brother for long time enough-.

In short time, he and Al grew fond at the teenager. Just like Al said, Seiya was a nice and cheerful boy and somewhat he could spread his carefree spirit at them. The brown haired teenager quite amazed by their story and astonished at the number of the books they have. One more thing he found from the boy that he could read and wrote in Greek. He found out when Seiya spotted one of his father's books. It was about alchemy but unfortunately it written in Greek and neither of them able to read it. When he knew they were not able to read it he volunteered himself to help them as he curious. The Elrics found them self more than happy at that time. He has helped them so far in this week. He was glad the brown haired boy could understand Greek. Half of the book already been translated thanks to him, he has been a great help for him and Al. Yet there are more pages still waiting to be translated. Their way was long from being completed it.

"…? ..d? Ed? Hello? Earth to Ed!" Ed snapped successfully from his deep thoughts.

He turned his head to the source of soft but asked for attention, to meet a pair of sky blue eyes stared at him closely and oval face full of concern. The face belonged to a girl around 17 years old, mahogany hair reached above her back tied in low tail, slightly shorter than him. She was wearing light blue polo shirt with zippers that left opened a bit, only revealed her neck. It matched by jeans, black Nike shoes, and same white coat Ed wore.

He stared back at them, not fully aware. "...What?"

A sigh was heard. "Ed, this is the third times you're day dreaming today. Are you sure you are alright?" She put her hand on Ed shoulder, concern was seen clearly in her face.

"I'm fine." Ed replied quickly.

She rolled her eyes. "Edward, I know you're currently so eager and were concentrating to write all these theories but you need to care more for your own health. You looked like you're ready to faint any time. Don't you realize that the main gate will be closed in 20 minutes? Moreover we can continue this tomorrow. "

At this, Ed was looking at the wall clock where it was placed not far from where he was sitting. He frowned when he looked at the watch. 20: 35 PM? He hadn't realized it. Last time he checked, it was 16: 56 PM. Did he really concentrate on the research until he forgot time?

Ed put his mug of coffee above his table then massaged his temple. He suddenly feeling the tiredness overwhelmed him. Perhaps he should follow her advice this time. "Stilla, while I'm very grateful that you're worried about me, I'm really fine. I'm just tired... a bit."

The girl, now was known as Stilla shook her head in disbelieve. Sometimes, she wasn't getting it why or how he got this hard headed, stubborn attitude! Family traits perhaps?

"My family especially my Dad in Ontario even isn't this workaholic." the Canadian girl moved to another table to clean it from papers those scattered around. She took a look at them. They had tried so many theories and experiment it, but none of them was actually working. It makes them restart again and again. Sometimes she wondered if she and Wahyu just got Ed and Al in the way. She didn't feel she helped them; instead she was like a burden to them.

"Sorry we can't help much. I wish I can be smarter." She lowered her brown head regretfully.

Ed lips curved into a small smile. It was small but a smile none less.

"Be more patient, Sti. The two of you were involved in this research barely for 2 weeks. Count 8 months when you, Wahyu, and Professor were in vacation last year. The first time we meet you in Munich. It's normal for this kind of research, more failure than success, forcing us back to zero again. I'm spending over 1 year of hard work for this research and I haven't found the final resolution yet until today." Ed grabbed the cup he put in table then sipped at his coffee.

"But being a scientist, I will and I can't ever give up. I must continue to search it until I made it no matter what cross in my way. Don't just look at the negative side, look at the bright side also; we made a lot of progress since moved here. Besides, you and Wahyu became a great help to me and Al. Don't forget Professor who gave us the excuse for working on this project. 'Bout the failures, well…, it's a thing we can't avoid. There will always be a way out if we keep patient. Never lose your hope and patient, Sti. That's our main weapons as scientists." He stated confidently.

He didn't lie. He had faced many times situation to the point he almost gave up only to stood up again with a new hope. And his brother's arrival was helping him in this. Now with the friends they could count on, he knew he could do this. They got his back and he got their back. He wouldn't let them down so were them to him.

If this was a perfect moment, Stilla would gave him appraise and salute him. Unfortunately for both of them it wasn't as the event broke by one voice they were very familiar.

"Ah, really? I wonder why you always got yourself into troubles if you had patience you just said." A teasing tone voice echoed through the room, resulting the two were turning in same time at the opened door; revealed two peoples who just came in.

One figure no doubted was Al, amused. Another one was a young man, same height as Ed if not taller than him. It appeared he was the one who teased Ed. He was carrying a calm and gentle aura around. Understanding smile completed his also calm expression. He wore light brown t-shirt embodied by Final Fantasy 7 Advent Children logo in front of it, same colored pants, and dark brown shoes. Both of them also wore white lab coat. The young man was holding two cup of plastic as Al has a medium size of plastic bag contain foods.

"Wahyu," Stilla sighed relieve when her stomach grumbled softly in the same time. "Thank goodness you're in the right time. I began to think this is your plan to make us hungry." She half joked.

The young man laughed. "I'm not that cruel, Sti. It's not our fault we're late. You must see the restaurant, it's full of customers. Here's your green tea." He handed a cup of green tea to her.

Stilla accepted and muttered thanks for him, replied by a calm welcome.

Al hand reached inside the bag, took out a sandwich he gave to Ed. "You requested egg sandwich, didn't you? Here."

Ed grinned and received the sandwich Al handed over to him. "Thanks Al." He took a bite from his sandwich.

"So how's the progress, Ed?" Wahyu asked nonchalantly as he took out an apple pie from the plastic bag and bite it.

Ed shrugged. "I have few theories to apply in this part." He pointed a look at the pile of documents in his table. "But these theories itself aren't enough. I think I need to read more books."

Stilla paused from her sipping, wide eyes. "…After those mountain of books in your apartment? Are they not enough for you?"

Ed looked in defended expression.

"No." Ed stilled a moment. "But for the sake of space and flexibility to move in our apartment, it's not wise to buy more books or fill it more than enough. Not until we managed to buy a new bookcase."

She sighed in long suffering way. "I have told you many times to stored half of them in my home, your apartment isn't big. Geez, why won't you listen to me just for once?"

"Not this again." Ed scowled as he put away the sandwich and took the coffee again.

Wahyu coughed to interfere. "Ed, while I understand you don't want to bother us, you can't keep all your books like that. You can leave some of them to me. My apartment still have a plenty rooms so I will not mind. It's not –cough- really healthy not to mention for fill your whole apartment with books. You need more space rooms to keep those books and I doubt you can do it in short time."

Ed snorted. "Well, sorry if our apartment isn't big enough. If it wasn't because of Mr. and Mrs. Eichelberger's reference, I will search another apartment to stay."

Stilla clapped her hands in excited. "Ah! Mr. and Mrs. Eichelberger. I miss them so much. How are they? Are they fine?"

"They are fine from the last time we got an e-mail from them. But lately, Mr. Eichelberger got a bad influenza. His recovery was slow but he will get better surely. It can't be helped since they have old enough."

They were the owners where the Elrics took a home stay, back there in Germany. They were recommending the apartment. The owner, Mrs. Nakamura was Mr. Eicheberger's acquaintance.

"Ah, I see…." Stilla mused thoughtfully.

Wahyu was grinning mischievously then snapped his hand, suddenly got an idea. "Ah, you know what, Ed? I have a suggestion for you." Wahyu eyes twinkled in witty.

Ed wrinkled his nose; he was suspicious with the grin Wahyu achieved recently. He doesn't like it. Whenever Wahyu has that suspicious smile, he always end up being teased terribly by him.

"…And what was it?" His golden eyes weren't leaving Wahyu.

The grinning in Wahyu face grew widely. "I think we shall lend a minimizing flashlight from Doraemon and minimize the books so you have more space in your apartment. Oh! Perhaps we must minimize you too. What do you think?"

The taunting was unexpectedly worked as a big, red vein throbbed above Ed's head. Ed snapped fast. He slammed his coffee to his table harshly to the point Al almost anxious that the mug could break, which thank Lord it did not happen.

"WAHYUUU….!" Ed roared angrily, which only made Wahyu burst into a hysterical laugh. And get away from Ed who then after him, forgetting their food completely.

Stilla immediately laughed hard. An act she tried to hold it at first but failed miserably.

Al shook his head their antics before he was focusing back at the files he was about to work it. Smile was curved in his lips as his mind flied back at the moment where they meet Wahyu and Stilla.

It was more than 8 months ago. Their father, Van Hohenheim, just passed away before he reunited with his brother. Al was separating from them for a long time. He tried to found them and managed it, only to discover that his father would go forever from this world, to meet their beloved mother in another realm. Surely he very relieved he had found his brother still safe and sound, but in same time he very sad because he couldn't meet his father, their father. This left him in grief for a while with his brother he just found after so long. They then held a small funeral for their father. Until this day Al couldn't believe the day he managed to meet his dear brother was the day their father left them forever. It hit him pretty hard.

Few months later when Ed had entered the university, a man arrived to their home stay with his two students to their home in Munich. Later they acknowledged he was a grandson from their father's friend, he came far away from Tokyo. Well, actually the man originally born in Greece but grew in Canada and now working as a professor at Todai. Apparently he was in vacation in Europe, stopped in Munich with his two students before he heard the news about Ed and Al's father. He rather shocked and couldn't believe it. Both Hohenheim and his grandfather used to work together in past. He being told many times by his grandfather that Hohenheim was a good scientist and nice friend of him but he had disappeared for long time. The old professor missed him so much; too bad he died from cancer last year. The grandson, now had grown up then became a professor too, tried to search Hohenheim for years with no luck. He gave up and thinking he was long dead, until he went to Munich and heard this news.

Ed then remembered about the letter, a testament Hohenheim wrote. It wrote that he and Al could trust a man with a surname Reeds and his sons. He stated he guaranteed it since they were honest and very kind persons. They were hesitated at first, but the professor who caught this act understood almost immediately, he stated he knew the true identity of Hohenheim from his grandfather. He willed to help them as much as he can; it's alright for them to tell him and his students since he knew his students very well. They would keep their secrets shut from the world. Seeing the professor's serious attitude, in that moment Al knew they could trust the professor. He could pick the one who lied and not. His intuition was good enough and he counted on it.

Glad his brother also could pick who are the bad guy and the nice guy. So in that day, they told the Professor and his students about their deadly secrets they hide for many years. Secrets which were require their sins in past. Sins for being tried to play God. When they finished, the students, Wahyu and Stilla, very touched not to mention eager to help them. They even offered themselves to be involved in the research The Elrics did lately. Al had expected their horrified expression. He even prepared for the retorts and spats. But it seemed he was wrong, very wrong indeed. He and Ed were not preparing for this kind of reaction.

Of course Professor found this as a comical situation. He couldn't resist his laughter anymore.

Professor not only helped Al being transferred as a student in same university as Ed in Munich there but also prepared many things for Ed and Al's movement to Japan for next year, which mean now.

Even after they went back, they gave their email address and kept contacted. Sure they could communicate through Facebook but Professor insisted it would be safer if they used email instead. For next 8 months they were communicating via e-mail, sometimes they exchange news and information, chatting about family, everything. If Professor and the two students of him had a break above 3 days, they would go to Munich and stay for one two nights in Ed and Al's home stay. Then few months ago Professor advised them to move to Japan in order to easier the communication thus learned.

As if remembered something, Al was jerking slightly and put his hand to inside his pocket, reached a message from someone.

"Hey, Sti? I just remember now. I got a letter from Professor Reeds."

The brown headed girl was frowned deeply. "Huh? From Uncle?"

Their professor also Stilla's uncle. He was her mother youngest brother from 4 siblings. Professor has worked for 3 half of years in Todai. Stilla studied in there because her mother more confident that her little brother could keeping eye to her beloved daughter. Stilla did not oppose it. In fact she searched the opportunity to near her favorite uncle. He treated like older brother she never had since she was the first child from 3 siblings. She lived with her distant cousin not far from Wahyu's apartment in here.

"Uh…, not really from him, it's from his subordinate." Al added, gave the letter to her.

Stilla accepted it, wondering why her uncle used a letter instead calling her to his office. Aside by the fact Professor was a busy man; he would do as he could to take care of his students, especially the four of them. Perhaps he had an urgent business in other university? Besides he often gave lectures outside Todai. Stilla opened the letter to pull out a paper, a note to be exactly. Other than the note, there were 4 tickets of Japan Airlines. She tilted her head a bit. Strange. Why her uncle sent a few of tickets of Japan Airlines?

She then opened the note and began to read it.

"What he wrote in there?"

The girl not answered the question as she still read the note. Her blue eyes traced the formed ink in the paper carefully. Until she pulled her head off abruptly from the letter.

"…Errrr." Stilla brows knitted together. Her face showed an unsure expression. "You will not believe what he was writing in this note."

At her friends puzzled faces, she was adding more. "He wrote we should go home earlier today and go packed because… we will be in long trip to Greece."

A brief and odd pause, followed by the crickets sounds in outside before it broke by Ed.

"WHAT!" Ed shouted from his lungs, his eyes gone widely. "What the hell is that meaning?"

"Don't ask me. I'm as clueless as you about it." Stilla defended. "It even said we leave for tomorrow morning and meet him in airport at 04.35 AM."

Ed gaped in shock. "WHAT THE HELL...!"

What was going on in here! Ed's brain tried to process the recent event carefully but failed in the end as his mind became blank in a moment.

Al went blank for few seconds. "That was...so sudden for a detail person like Professor."

Professor was a type of person who would planning first rather than decided it without asking them earlier. If he has a plan which concluded them, he would definitely discuss at first and heard their opinion about it. Professor very calculate for this matter and he didn't want everything went waste by one simple factor, that's why he loved to planned from far before. They knew about this habit of Professor quite well.

"So is him. He never does this before. I wonder what has his attention in Greece until he wants us coming with him." Stilla declared, a hint of confusion was in her tone.

"Why don't we meet him and ask him directly in his office immediately?" Ed interjected. He quite disagreed by this sudden 'vacation'. Well, the professor intention was good. He must admit it. But to made such a plan without discus this first with them was not so him and Ed really want to demand him an answer.

"He don't coming to his office. He just dropped some instructions toward his subordinates through the telephone. This letter was same, it sent by today afternoon. That's what his subordinate told me or so." Wahyu answered helpfully.

Ed rolled his eyes. So much trouble only to meet one certain person who knows where! He would be anywhere excluded the university and his office since he had many friends and acquaintances scattered in Tokyo. This was ridiculous.

"Then the next move we should do is contacting him." Ed concluded.

Stilla took an act immediately. One hand dug to her pocket lab and pulled a black cell phone. "I'll try to call Uncle's home number. Wait a minute, okay?"

"Then I'll contact his cell phone." Wahyu did the same thing, flipped a silver cell phone and dial up a certain number.

When their friends tried to call their professor's number Al tugged Ed, signaled his older brother to talk a bit. Ed took the clue and they then moved a far from their friends unto a safe distance. After he made sure their friends were busy, Al gave Ed

"What do you think, Brother?"

"About the Professor's message?" After Al nodded, Ed stole a glance at Stilla who he noted just being dialed the number for the second time. She had these wrinkles on her forehead. His head turned back at Al. "It's disturbing me. Professor is a considering person. There is no way he did this on himself for his own will. You know who Professor is."

Al lowered his head. "So am I. Also, I noticed the Professor's message itself a lot of blunt. He didn't write the reason why he wants us to go overseas. I found it weird since Professor always let us knows first the very reason of the action he took for all of us. Moreover, he will meet us in personally, face to face if necessary. But this time he sent a message through his subordinate. His message was even too short for me. As if he wrote it in hurry."

Ed eyes widen a bit. "Or in great anxious for something." He corrected.

"Bugger!" A curse sent by Stilla have made the Elrics focused their attention at her as they saw her stomped her right foot loudly. Her face showed no good sign.

"Ed, I can't contact his phone. I tried it 4 times but got nobody answer it. I don't think he is in home." Stilla told him, her face was tensing.

Ed stared her with a look 'you must be kidding me'.

"What about his cell phone?" Al asked quickly.

Wahyu shook his head as he put his cell phone back. His face showed a not better expression. "Same in here."

Definitely was not good news for them. Either of them liked this. Even though he was a busy man, he would contact them and let them able to contact him as much as possible since he was not a person who likes to made worry people. Being not able to be contacted both from the phone and cell phone would be meaning a trouble for them. But what kind of trouble, that's the main problem they must resolve. Unfortunately, they didn't know what it is. The worse case, they didn't have clue about it. Ed tapped his shoes repeatedly, showed he in deep thought. Al looked at the floor; he has this unreadable face with him. Wahyu turned his head around his friends in slightly hope they would say something. Which none of them say even one word until this moment.

Tried to avoid the aroused worry, Stilla looked at the note again. Hoping she found words that missed from her eyes. A moment later her nose wrinkled then she sniffed the note. Confuse began to grow on her face, she then sniffed once more and found herself intrigued. Just now…

"Is this is just me or Uncle's note was filling with the smell of lemon?"

Wahyu frowned. "Really?" he wasted no time to follow her example; sniffed the note quite closed. He then frowned once more along with new question in his head. "Hey, you're right. It's smelled strongly of lemon."

In same moment Al who happened near Stilla, noticed something on the note. His eyebrows knitted together. Suspiciously, he lifted right his hand to Stilla.

"May I see it for a while, Sti?"

She blinked. "Sure, why not?" she handed the note to him.

Al worked quickly. His darker shade of golden eyes scanned the whole note, turned it back and forward. It was few seconds later his eyes widened before he rushed to nearest table and turned on the lamp table. As the lamp has turned on Al put the note close below it, startled Stilla and Wahyu.

"Al? What are you…" Wahyu was cut by Ed.

"Wait and see." It was the only sentence formed from his lips.

As if to answer Wahyu's left unanswered question that was cut by Ed, something began to appear above the note. Each time passed it became clearer than before, another write appeared beside the one with ink. Finally the write has formed completely beside the one wrote by black ink. Astonished, Wahyu was looked at the older Elric then back at the note. A realization came down to him.

"Ed? Is this a…"

A realization came down to Stilla. "Invisible ink."

"As I have thought." Ed murmured. Al was responded it with slight nod.

"A secret message." Al added. "It's explained why the note smelled of lemon. Professor was using lemon as invisible ink to write this. In normal condition it can't be seeing. It will appear if we warm it below lamp like this or heated the paper with iron. Easy trick for kids but still effective to applied." Al waved the paper. "Now let's see what's written in it." He handed back the note to the brown headed girl.

Stilla accepted it hastily then read it. "…'Someone with a bad intention know about our research. Please be careful'. Huh!" Her face overwhelmed by great anxiousness. "I've a very bad feeling about this."

"What does he mean by that?" Wahyu more confused thus worried. It doesn't sounded good at all.

"Whatever it is, it must be bad." Ed finished the sandwich. His face went deadly serious. "We better follow Professor's instructions. Let's go home and prepare the clothes. Out time are not many. Let's go gather some important points from the research."

"No problem." Wahyu answered firmly as Stilla nodded in same time.

Ed was never feeling this guilty before. He knew how risk and dangerous to involved persons who have nothing to do with his and his brother researches however he doesn't expected this, not this one. His intuition never wrong and from what he could tell, this wasn't a good sign. He took a deep breath and huffed, tried to easy his distressed emotion.

"Wahyu? Stilla?" This apparently caught their attention. Al was also having his attention to his older brother.

"Yes?" Stilla responded.

An awkward paused. Ed cleared his throat.

"Wahyu, Stilla..." Ed began in light hesitant. "…I'm really sorry for trouble you this far, but…" he stole a glance to Al.

Al glanced back at him thoroughly; his eyes were digging deeply in Ed's eyes. Waiting.

So he realized what I was thinking, Ed thought. Because he was thinking the same thing as me.

Ed attention was back at their partners.

"But we will very need your help from this moment. I'm very sorry for entangled you in this. From now on, I'm sure more problems and dangers will come after us. If we could, we should have put you two and stay from all of this. Still, since Professor needed our help and your help, I guess it's already impossible isn't it?" he brought his hand to his temple. "This may sounded harsh and…impolitely, however Al and me; both of us are counting of you. You can guess where the situation we're facing will go on, obviously there will be more dangers stand in our way. We can't do this alone. So…"

He stared deeply at the paired of young man and girl who had worked and gave him and Al more than help for past 8 months. They were his and Al's friends. No, it was even more than that. They were his and Al's comrades in this place where the two of them far from their beloved home, where they had no one but each other. Comrades they trusted with all their hearts in this foreign place.

"Please lend us your hands and aids. We need your help from now. I beg you."

Slowly but reassured, the tension was growing along with a long paused. The black haired young man and the brown haired wore a same complicated expression, mixed between surprised, baffled, and strange expression he couldn't describe.

Suddenly it was broke by a sudden shook of Stilla's head. Followed by Wahyu inferred smile and gesture, he folded his arms over his chest.

"Ed, Al, you aren't going to be a real dumbass are you?" Stilla somehow sounded amused, tilted her head. "We have told you two in our very first meet, have you forgotten it?"

She got no response from both Elrics so she took it as an opportunity for continue.

"In case you'd forgotten, didn't we have told you no matter what happen we'll always willingly give you many aids even it will bring us to trouble? To be always in your side until you two managed to reach your final goal? To go home in there, in where you two supposed to belong?" She put her hands on her hips, pouted. "Don't make me say it once more; you both know we are a couple of hard headed kids. Your Father had entrusted you two to Uncle and us, I'll be damned to hell if I'm not help you and keep you two safe. And stop looking at me like I'm a porcelain doll. I'm not weak. If in case I must runaway, I can do it. That's in case of course."

"Yeah. I mean come on, Ed. You can have a little faith on us. We're not so weak to be always be protected by you. I bet Professor would scold you if he is here. That's what friends for, isn't it? Besides I think it will be not bad entirely for going to Greece. You know, I want to see Parthenon and Rhamnous since junior high school." Wahyu added cheerfully.

At this Stilla shoved Wahyu's shoulder playfully. Wahyu's yelped then turned at her. "Hey!"

Stilla continued to chuckle as she moved to other table, held a bunch of paper files.

"OK. Time's head up. We have many jobs to do. Let's move on, shall we?" Stilla worked fast by gathering all the papers which loaded with important points and theories.

Ed and Al stood still; both bit their lips and tried to not look at each other. But when their golden eyes meet together unfortunately, Ed sighed before he broke into a wry laughter while Al has this thankful smile grazed on his lips. Usually a normal people would freak out and wanted to stay away from this. However different reaction always happened at these friends of them. They wondered why they have odd friends like Stilla and Wahyu. But then again, The Elrics life's never been normal since beginning, especially with the peoples around them. And they very glad they have them as friends they counted at.

"Let me help you." Al followed her to give her a help, pulled out some papers to place it at Stila's hands.

Stilla startled a bit yet she regained her composure. "Thank you."

"No problem." Al nodded.

"Ah, I just remember something."Wahyu began, at the same time he gave a pile of files at Ed carefully. "Why don't you and Al sleep just for a night on my apartment? It will be far easier since we can stick together if something bad happen and it safe our time. How it sounds to you?"

Al blinked few times. "Stilla is not coming with us?" Al looked at her.

She sweat dropped. "Al, do you forgot that I'm a girl and I can't sleep in a room full of men remembering Bayu's overprotective toward me?"

Al was sweat dropping. Ed also sweat dropped. Right. They forgot how overprotective her distant cousin was. The first time they meet, half of time they found Bayu glared at them warningly each time one of them near her. Same thing happen to Wahyu although for his case he already used to for long time and not really bad.

Ed nodded thoughtfully. "Not a bad idea I guess. I was about thinking the same thing."

"So am I." Al replied.

"In that case, I can pick up you together with my cousin. He can drive us with his car to the airport." Stilla responded.

"How about we meet at 02.00 AM?" Wahyu said.

Stilla formed her thumb and index finger into a circle. "No problem. Get ready and sleep well, alright."

"Yeah, yeah." Wahyu had finished his job.

"By the way, I hope you two are not mind if I will escort Stilla first. No offenses to you but you know…" Wahyu not finished his sentence as he gulped and imagined Bayu appeared with extra horns at his forehead if he found out Stilla was alone.

"Yeah, we know, don't worry about it. We already know your apartment location."Ed stated nonchalantly.

"Sorry Wahyu, but looks like your room will crowd this night." Al apologized.

"Nah, it's been a while since I have guests in my home. I happy you sleep in my place even it's for a night. You two are welcoming in my home any time you want." Wahyu winked at Ed.

Oxoxoxoxo

Night passed quickly for Edward Elric. He was a heavy sleeper so he shouldn't have a problem with that yet once again it depends on the situation he got. For this time he not slept very well all night which concluded him still sleepy due to wariness and disturbed feeling he have from yesterday.

Ed yawned tiredly between his grumbles.

"Ed, are you not sleeping well?" Wahyu questioned the older Elric carefully, mostly he was concerning because despise the alertness and firm attitude, he could see the red in Ed's eyes. "You keep yawning since we're walking to inside the airport."

"I can't, not when we're have a short time for rush to airport in early morning." Ed answered palpable.

As a little brother, it was necessary for Al to concerning after his older brother healthy and condition. The last thing his brother would care was about his own healthy. It irked Al a lot to be honest.

"Do we need to take a break for a moment, Brother? We can't have you walking in state like this. You can ended up extremely tired since we're not ate enough this morning." Al suggested in worried tone.

"Yeah, don't force yourself." Stilla continued hurriedly.

As bad as he wanted a break, unfortunately he couldn't take it recently. Not in urgent situation for this matter. He already had a bad feeling since they got Professor's weird yet disturbed note. He couldn't do it now.

"No, don't. I can't do it until we meet Professor. I'm worry about him." Ed dejected quickly thus shook his head. "Let's go search him first. I know you're more anxious than me, Sti."

The Canadian girl slumped in defeated, knowing she wouldn't win in this conversation from the golden haired young man. Especially when he has a right point.

"Fine. But if something happening to you, I'll not hesitate to put you into deep slumber, I don't care if this means I must knock you out for days. So you better really holding your words. Got it?" her eyes flashed sharply at Ed.

Ed frosted to see her eyes before he nodded very slowly since he too speechless to answer back. Good God. Ed really needed to think twice before he confronted with Stilla about healthiness. Stilla was serious and she meant it. While she was a nice and quite an understanding girl, she could be very firm and decisive if she wanted to. He made a mental note to not ever near her when it comes for certain things.

He nodded hastily. "Okay." He mumbled.

Al closed his mouth to snicker behind Ed, earned a glare from him. He snorted and continues to bring his legs further, holding a suitcase firmly in his hand. Al merely shook his head and gave a wink to Stilla. She grinned amusedly as her response. At least he doesn't have to scold his older brother to recently; he got Stilla help for this thankfully.

Recently, they entered Narita Airport in that early morning. With suitcases they held in their hands they were moving to search the point where they must meet their teacher. Only one catch for them, with such of breadth place like Narita Airport, they have no clue where they must meet him. This left them frustrated a while. Fortunately the razzle-dazzle fiasco had been solved now. Stilla got his message from her cell phone before she departed to airport, later she called the others to let them know. As soon they arrived in the airport they not waste their time to find him.

They walked in hurry, keeping their eyes scanning around to find a slight glimpse of their teacher's figure. But no sign of his presence so far. They soon stepped their feet in waiting area.

"He messaged us he will wait in front of Travel Service Area, right?" Wahyu spoke.

"Yes. Why asking again?" Al raised an eyebrow.

"Just re-check. Oh Gusti Agung, I'm started to nervous."

"Well, relax a bit, it's necessary. It's not only you who started to nervous." Al gave him a sympathy pat on shoulder.

"Talk about area, here we are." Ed interrupted them.

The area was big, many people arrive and departure from here, brought suitcases. Old, young, woman, man, child, adult, alone, couple, and family, everyone were here with different destination and purpose. Just like Ed and his friends.

"We've arrive. Now where is Uncle waiting?" Stilla rotated her head to search her beloved uncle.

"He can be anywhere in here." Al also rotated his head.

Ed's sharp golden eyes were scanning the upper floor. "I hope we find him quickly, it's not easy to search one man in hundreds of human."

Easier said than done. But with this airport was an international airport, which means not only hundreds but thousands of people came here to take off and land off every day. Finding one man in sea of humans couldn't be categorized as an easy task. Farther even though it's a work day and could be considered as early morning, somehow this place very crowded. Surely the certain airport would be far crowded if holiday season has coming.

Al kept continue scanned his surroundings. Until Al was catch a familiar figure, stood near departure hall around good 9 meters from them. His eyes gone widened. A great relieved quickly blubbing inside his chest.

"Professor!" Al yelled, caught his companies attention.

The said professor raised his head from watched his wristwatch toward them. He was tall, about 180 cm, short brown hair combed to back, around late twenties and has a handsome face. He wore white shirt and black necktie underneath his black long pea coat, matching the same colored pants and shoes of his. He also has a medium suitcase beside him. His name is Alexander Reeds, the uncle from Stilla Travers a.k.a the teacher from her, Wahyu Yanuar Laksono, lately added with Edward and Alphonse Elric.

"Uncle!" Stilla practically dashed to him. The professor was loosening his tension as he closed the book.

He then got a tight hug around his waist by his dear niece.

"Stilla. Thank god you're here. It's good to see you." He stated in low voice.

Stilla nodded in great relief.

"Uncle, are you alright?" she asked in urgent after she share the hug with her uncle. Her eyes scanned all wounds the professor might has but none so far.

He gave her a measured nod. A small smile escaped on his mouth.

"I'm alright, Stilla. Sorry to make you worry." His dark blue eyes spotted the others. "You're all here as well. Thank God, I almost think you aren't made it." He relieved.

"So we are. We glad you're fine, Prof. Reeds." Wahyu was massaging his heart, calmed himself, and reassured that Professor even not has a single scratch.

Professor only responded by half heart chuckles. "I'm very sorry, Wahyu. Despise the situation; I'm truly having no injury."

Ed stood few inches in front of the Todai teacher and his niece. His face was hard. But if you look more closely there was a hint of worry.

"Professor, can you explain to us what had happened?" Ed went straight to the point.

Understood they must be want an explanation, the professor went serious.

"I will tell you everything I can inform knowing you all must be very baffled why we must go suddenly to Greece, but not in this kind crowded place. Let's search another where we can talk more privately."

oxoxoxoxo

Few moments later, they remained at one side where not many people through. After Professor had made sure no one was around, he then began to tell his story. And what he told them just shocked them.

"You got an assault from a bunch of thieves who tried to open your safe? Moreover in your office, where you had keep the progress and result from our research?" Ed grew disbelieve.

"While I like to not believe it either Ed, unfortunately it was what happening to me." regret was flowing along Professor Reed's deep voice. "That night when I was about to went home; I left my wrist watch in my office. I have no choice but to walk back to my office. Just when I arrived in front of my office I found the door being unlocked and last time I check, I'm sure I have locked it. So I waste no time to rushed to inside and next second I caught them already approached the safe. Of course I was screaming loudly and called the securities but the one of them punched me quite hard in my abdomen. They then escaped to nowhere leaving me behind as I heard the sounds of steps. After that the securities came in and help me. It was later I noticed the whole office became a whole mess as if they were looking for something."

Stilla had this horrified look on her face. "Oh my God! Did you hurt, Uncle?"

Professor smiled bitterly. "I was lucky I manage to call security in time before they could attack me farther. Otherwise I will be died now."

"When did it was happened?" Wahyu rushed.

"A day before I sent you those tickets. This was the first time. Just before this, almost in same time, somebody followed me to anywhere. Every time I tried to search it but I can never find him. After the assault I grew worry someone might be knew the truth about the research, so I brought all files I could gather and went to the hotel near airport for last 2 days, not daring to go out even for dinner." Professor massaged his temple as if it going to easy himself.

"When your office has a tight security? How?" Stilla stated incredulously. She recalled the security pos itself weren't far from his office, about 10 meters. And usually at least 2 securities must stay in night shift.

"It's something which I'd love to know." Professor threw his hands, giving up. "I could tell they aren't ordinary persons. One of them perhaps a professional thief at least or so I thought." He looked unsure.

"Why?" Al captured his emotion.

Professor rotated his head hesitantly as if reconsidered the next word he wanted to let out. "You will not believe me."

"Try us then." Ed tried to reassure followed by the nod from Stilla.

Professor huffed in defeat; he knew he can't argue with them anymore now. He then pulled out a piece of paper from his pants pocket. It shaped rectangle, the color of the paper itself had become yellowish white due to age, and at last there was a letters formed a word, or more correctly a name in Greek, read as...

"Athena?" Ed spoke it. He recognized this from one of the books he once curious so he questioned this at Seiya. It was telling about Greek mythologies. One of them told about this Athena. She was a goddess of war and knowledge. But what this has to do with the said talisman?

"This is the talisman my grandmother gave to me when I visited her in Greece before I went for work to Japan. And this is the real reason why I survived from them." He added more as curious appeared on his students face. "Actually, the assault part not ended in when this guy punched me. Apparently this guy even wanted to do something to me. I think he tried to kill me because I saw his hand glowed in dark aura and ready to throw it at me. I then realized there is no way these guys are normal humans. A normal human can't make his hand glow in such menacing aura."

Stilla gasped as she covered her mouth. "Oh my God..." she whispered in horror.

"Then what happen next?" Al hurriedly asked in demanded tone.

Professor exhale. "To be honest, this was the first time I ever saw something... something like that. I even still could feel it with my body. That dark and deadly aura. Then moved by my instinct, not wanting to die, I pulled out this talisman from my coat and throw it faster than the guy. And to my shock the talisman gave a reaction to these guys like sparks and reacted at them. Next thing I knew, they threw back few feet from their original place. I'm too shock to even scream and asked for help. Instead I'm prayed in my mind for God's help. At the right moment, the footsteps came to indicate the securities coming. You already know the rest."

Anxiousness covered the shocked students of his. He felt so guilty at them since they had been looking for him. He was hoping they understood the act of his for now, nothing more.

"Is this the reason why we must go out from Japan? But you don't have to bring us to Greece. We can go anywhere in Japan." Al reasoned.

"I was about to invite you for vacation with destination Athens for next week actually. But this whole fiasco has ruined my plan. I had no choice but to buy the tickets for today's flight. I also had a suspicion the culprits might target you as well and not hesitate to use force." Professor retorted.

"Who are they actually?" Wahyu curiosity took control of him.

"I don't know them for exactly. But from my encounter with them, I think I have ideas who are they and I rather not believe with my own eyes. It will be considered as crazy if I told you without any proof of it, not while we're not in Rodorio Village. I can tell you in there since the village have some proofs for me. They were connecting with a part of supposed to be a legend." He reasoned.

"A legend?" Al repeated. Why they have something to do with the legend?

"Yes. A legend which being told for centuries in the village. It told about an endless war between deities and their armies." Professor combed his hair and huffed. "If the story my Grandmother said was true, we probably facing …some kind of ancient force that keep living until this second."

His students had their mouths opened widely, positively disbelieve. "No way…" Stilla whispered loud enough to be heard by them all, voiced their thoughts.

"As much as I not want to believe it, it seemed the only logical explanation for me. Besides, what kind of normal persons who could be affected much by an aged talisman? Normal people like us can not affected by ancient talisman. Moreover the only odd peoples who would wear such black armors so far I know were Specters from Hades army in the legend." He noted ironically.

"Oh no. You must be kidding me. I rather believe we being after by terrorists, but by freak guys wore black armors and supposed to be a legend?" Wahyu groaned.

While a part of him also hard to believe it, Ed placed his hand on his chin, he found the story disturbed him especially about the black armor guys. There are no such things like gods or deities or whatever they called in this world. But again, this was a parallel world, anything possible to happen. "I wonder what their motive is."

The air between them grew in uneasiness at Ed's question. This was troubling them more than they expected. Who knew the culprits weren't normal? How they supposed to fight back them if in case they meet again? Hundreds of questions increase in them but they didn't have the answers. For a long moment they drowned in silence, followed by the breath sounds and the tap of Ed's shoes. Since nobody wanted to talk, finally Wahyu thought to end it. He already enough distressed because of it. He couldn't take this silence anymore and so he decided to put it end the conversation.

Wahyu then waved his hand dismissal. "Okay let's end this conversation, okay? We will not find anything even we keep thinking until the doomsday except we encounter them by our self. Don't ask me back. I rather not to mind it anymore, it's really creeping me out. Now thanks to them, I can't sleep peacefully!" He nearly growled.

Stilla nodded too hurriedly. "Wahyu is right. Let's... don't talk about this anymore. It will only make us sleepless by night. If you ask my opinion, I will say it's a waste of time we try to figure who they are for current time. From Uncle's story, well, if they targeting our research I'm sure 100 % they will come after us again in near future even though we are not wishing for it."

Al crossed his hands.

"In other words, we only have nothing but one option to do. Just as Professor had said, perhaps if we come to this Rodorio and find out more about this legend, we can find something useful about the black armor guys like how to fight them back." Al concluded.

Ed scratched his head in frustrated. "So dead end in the end, not to mention we didn't find anything about them except they're after us."

"Well, at least we can look from the bright side; we can go 'vacation' as Professor planned. Right?" Wahyu tried to cheer them.

"Yeah right. Going vacation as targets by crazy peoples in black armors." Stilla rolled her eyes.

Professor checked on his wrist watch. "The airplane will take off in 15 minutes. We should go now. Are you all ready and not forget anything?" He asked in concern at his students.

They were looking at each other in deep meaning. They all nodded together determinedly before Al facing him. It's had been decided.

"We are ready, Professor. Anytime you want." Al answered it firmly for the others.

Oxoxoxoxo

The sun began to rise from its slumber, colored the sky, and warmed the whole land of cherry blossom nation with its warmth. People began to wake up, started their daily activities. Seiya wasn't exception as he was one of them although for important reason since he was not a morning person. He woke up earlier with Pandora Box on his back, tightened the shoes in hurry. His face had this serious expression no trace of cheerfulness. He had to go fast. He puzzled what had happened in Sanctuary when he stayed in Japan. Last night he had sensed something. It just a feeling yet he had learned never underestimated it when it came to danger. He sensed something powerful and full of darkness which made him very uneasy. It appeared briefly yet strongly, not to mention it came from far away. If he not wrong, it came from Sanctuary's direction. He grew worried since he didn't sense his Goddess cosmo anymore this morning. This caused him more determined to go to Sanctuary.

He wished he could contact his friends but he couldn't risk them. His feeling could be wrong. In the end he concluded it wouldn't hurt if he check it out first to easy his feeling and make sure everything is alright. He wouldn't pretend everything was fine when he got a bad feeling.

Seiya was about to closing back his door when he saw the door where his neighbors stayed. The newspaper remained untouched on floor; there was no sign of people touching it. Curiously, he approached the door and knocked it few times.

"Ed? Al? Hello? Anybody home?"

No answer from inside. His brown eyes narrowed.

Weird.

Usually If not Al, Ed would come out to take the paper news. Now, not even came out, Seiya doesn't heard any sounds from their apartment. He found it unusual since even when they were busy; they would say 'hi' to him at least.

No sounds from their apartment meaning the both of they had gone. But when?

Feeling puzzled, he was eyeing the door for a while before he kept walking through the stairs and climbed down. In front of the apartment an old lady busied to sweeping the leaves to the inside of the dust pan.

He then thought she was probably known where Ed and Al had gone; he decided to ask the old lady.

"Nakamura-san! Ohayou!"

The old lady stopped her work to gaze at him. A lovely smile was forming in her aged face.

"Ah, Seiya-chan! Ohayou. You have waked up this early?"

He grinned sheepishly. "Hai. I have business today, so I must go. Perhaps until tomorrow."

"Oh, I see. That's too bad. I'm just thinking to invite all residents in apartment to my son birthday party tonight."

"Really? Perhaps I should come next time I'm around." Seiya then raised a question. "Uhm… Nakamura-san, do you see Ed and Al this morning?"

The old lady clapped her hands.

"Ah, Ed-kun and Al-chan? Yes, I meet them last night. They want to go for a while so they ask me to let the workers from the telephone company to connect their telephone. They also left a message for you to not worry about them and they will be back after a week or so. I think they went out this early morning."

He froze on his place. Gone? Seiya mind was processing this news quickly. This early morning? Was this meaning he just miss them?

"They're gone this morning? Where did they go?" he asked further.

The land lady shook her head. "I don't know where they went. But it seems they went overseas because they mentioned about Narita Airport. I'm sorry I can't tell you more, I wish I could. Sumimasen, Seiya-chan." She apologized; a look of regret was appeared in her aged face.

Seiya smiled. "It's fine, Nakamura-san. Mou daijoubu desu. Thank you for the information and your time. I'll leave then. Again thank you."

The land lady smiled back. "You're welcome. Please be careful."

"I will." With that Seiya walked away from the apartment.

Though he has figured his neighbors gone and probably being busy by their lessons and their research, he felt a little sad by the fact he couldn't even say hi to them today.

Too bad they were earlier than him; if they weren't he want to say a good bye and see you again to them.

He would keep it aside for now. Okay. First thing he must do before he going to Sanctuary, he would see Miho and the children in the orphanage to say goodbye so they wouldn't worrying him.

He shouldn't be worried too much for Ed and Al because they were away and would be back in a week, right?

So why he had this growing anxiousness toward them? They had nothing to do with the suspicious cosmo he felt from Sanctuary, they just two normal humans. Seiya stopped in his track. Or they had it? He was biting his own lips. He felt uneasy and restless about this. Something about going to happen soon and he wouldn't like the result. Seiya lifted his head to stare at the brightened morning sky. He hoped from the deepest of his heart that the both of them safe from harm.

Hoped that he was wrong.

oxoxoxoxo

The sun has appeared completely from the sky, shone the sky where the airplane Ed and Al had taken a flight with Greece as a destination. It was a breakfast time and everyone enjoyed their meals as they chatted.

Accompanied by the breakfast, a coffee, and blanket covered his lower body, Edward Elric eyes focused at the one of the research result. He read it to compare it with other results they had collected since months ago. However for today he found himself not being concentrated at the results for good an hour. The more he tried the more he couldn't concentrate. Gave up, he put away the files to exchanged it with one book he took curious at currently. The Greek book he and Al tried to translate. His mind replayed the moment Seiya was offering himself to translate the book once the teenager acknowledged the book. He felt guilty for he not said anything to the boy who he began to considered as a friend.

He was conscious he eventually grew fond at him lately. He liked Seiya's presence to became his and Al companion when they worked together to translate the book.

"Ed?" Al just woke up from his brief sleep, found his brother being starred at the outside window.

"Al? I'm sorry, did I wake up you?"

Al shook his head. "No, I thought me smelling something nice. Was it breakfast?"

Ed looked at his breakfast then back at Al. "Ah. I just remembered, the breakfast just arrived, and it's in front of you. I not dare to wake up you; you seemed so peaceful in your sleep. I think you would wake up in short time and if you aren't, I have to wake up you. Here is your coffee. Don't worry, it's not a black coffee." Ed took a cup of milk coffee then gave it to Al.

"Thank you." Al accepted it before he sat and drinking it slowly.

"Ed? You can't sleep?" Al asked in soft voice, afraid to wake up their friends and their professor. Both of their seat near the airplane window while professor and his other students took place beside them. Professor slept with one hand stretched out from blanket and not wore his jacket thus loosened his necktie. Stilla had her head on Wahyu's shoulder while Wahyu had his head above her. They had told Ed to choose the menu for them, for all of them will have a same breakfast to easier it, except Stilla and Wahyu have different drinks.

Ed shifted his position to more comfortable position. He sighed long.

"Not really."

"...Still disturbed at who were trying to stole our research files?"

Ed not answered it, instead he nodded slowly.

Al put his head back at the seat. He closed his eyes for a while before he drew his focus at the book Ed was holding now. Although he sleepily, apparently he easily recognized what book his older brother possessed.

"Is that the book we try to translate it?"

Tellus dormit

(The earth sleeps.)

Ed closed it. "Yes, it is."

Et liberi in diem faciunt

(And (its) children make into the day.)

Al is pulled the blanket to give his body more cover since the air colder a bit.

Numquam extinguunt

(They never destroy.)

"I wonder how Seiya is doing right now in Japan." He muttered sleepily.

Ne expergisci possint

(And they might not be able to awake.)

Ed put the book away, ready to eat his breakfast. "I don't know. Probably he is in the orphanage again or walking around." Ed took a guess.

Omnia dividit

(Tragedy divides something that must be loved,)

Silence took control once more between the Elrics as they had their own thoughts. Ed drank his coffee again while Al took a spoon and opened the aluminum foil from his breakfast, revealed a warm asparagus soup, accompanied by a piece of bread and cereal. It seemed delicious for his stomach grumbled at the sign of the breakfast.

Tragoedia coram

(In the presence of,)

"...We not give him and his friends a proper goodbye." Al stated lowly as he shoved a mouthful of asparagus soup into his mouth. There was a trace of regret inside his voice.

Amandum quae

(All things.)

Ed only nodded again. "I know."

Et nocte perpetua

(And on a perpetual night.)

Al smiled a little. "I hope we meet him again after this matter is finished."

Ehem vel vera visione

(By means of a true vision.)

Ed turned half his head to meet Al darker shade of golden eyes. "Indeed."

Par oram videbo te

(On the edge I will see you.)

Al smiled even more at this. He then turned his head at their other friends and professor. "I think we should wake up them. Their breakfast will getting cold."

Ed chuckled amusedly. "Well, that's your job, Al. You know I can't wake up them from the tip here." He gestured at his seat.

Al punched his older brother's playfully. "Lazy." He then took the action to wake up the others while Ed continued to chuckle.

Mane tempu expergiscendi

(And the next morning, we will awake.)

From FF Versus XIII, Somnus Nemoris (Dream of the Wood).

oxoxoxoxo

In same time, somewhere in Europe.

Night is covered the whole land. The moon in its full shade hovered in the sky. The land itself covered by dark forest of pines, circled a high cliff in the middle of it. Above the cliff, stood a big, dark castle you often see as where the darkness forces took it as their nest. The castle lacked of lights from lamp, only illuminated by candles, made it scarier and colder. From inside the castle, a melodic tune heard faintly. It came from the chamber stone. At the above center, a big round stained glass let a lot of the light from full moon escape. Gave lighting into the said chamber.

A woman sat at the very center of the chamber, her hands at a golden, magnificent gold harp, played an unrecognized song, strengthen the mysterious yet darkness around her as she wore a dark gown revealed her bare shoulders, ancient looked necklace, and snake like ring in one of her hand. Her skin pale as if she hasn't went out and exposed by sunlight for years, her hair long and was darkest shade of black you ever seeing. Her hands danced between the strings of the harp, her eyes closed to appreciate more the music she played.

Not for long though a group of men, wore black armors, known as Specters came inside before knelled in the center.

"Dullahan Cube is here to report along with Gorgon Ochs and Elf Mills, Milady." The most front of the men spoke up.

The sounds of harp ceased a bit.

"What report you bring to me, Dullahan?" calm yet almost emotionless echoed through the whole room.

The Specter seemed hesitated for a moment but decided to give the report. "As your order we've been spied the man and his students. Yet we being discovered by that man when we tried to search anything he tried to hide. We were about to silent him. Unfortunately, we didn't expect the man has Athena's talisman, strong one. We have no choice but to retreat for once."

The woman's hands stopped played for a moment. She was quiet before her hands began to play again, this time slower. Even she not a genius, she could guess what happen next to the man and his students. Since the man pretty sharp and cautious, she confident the man was took his students to a place he considered safe from the Specters.

"…So I took the professor and his students fled?" the woman guessed.

The Specter stiffened.

"…Unfortunately yes, Milady." His voice strangled.

The woman keep played her harp with unearthly beautiful sounds. Her eyelids opened a bit, revealed her dark purple eyes. Tracked the Specter figures slowly.

"Let them for now." She began. "However bear this in your mind. If you fail, you shall not escape from your punishment. You know Hades-sama's order. Continue to keep an eye on them, if necessary catch them alive and bring them to here. Do you understand?"

The Specters bowed their heads hurriedly. "As your wish, Lady Pandora." One of them gave a shaking replied.

Pandora closed her eyes again, now she was focusing back at her harp. "Good. Now dismiss and get ready. By tomorrow night go together with Gigant Cyclops to attack Sanctuary. Get the other Specters as well."

"Yes, Milady."

The Specters bowed their heads once more before they dismissed from the chamber, left the woman alone.

Make sure they completely gone from the chamber, she stopped played her harp to stood up and stared the moon above her. Her eyes signed she was in deep thought, remembered at the first time she got the odd order given from the God of the Underworld. She quite shocked when she received an order from Hades himself to spy and if they able, to bring at him a certain group of humans, namely Alexander Reeds, Edward Elric, Alphonse Elric, Stilla Travers, and Wahyu Yanuar Laksono. She intrigued with this. This was the first time Hades took an interest to human outside the Holy War. And if these human had his interest, this would be meaning they have something that fascinated him enough to order directly at Pandora for keep an eye on them. Of course Pandora had this puzzled emotion and questions which she prefer to kept it down surface. As long as it was Hades order she would do it without doubt, even question back at him.

And from the report they gave to her, it obvious the professor at this moment wasn't an ordinary person. Ordinary person wouldn't have Athena's talisman with him. So it was a possibility his students were not normal persons too. She more than willing to kept informed about the humans and their progress. She had a feeling they hide more than they seemed to be and for some reason she felt uneasy about this. If her assumption was correct, the professor was born near Sanctuary and now took his students fled to that place.

She didn't expect this. What a coincidence, not to mention it saved her time, she thought. Capture them and attack the foolish Athena and her Saints in one place? Is this what people usually called 'Killing two birds in one strike'? Sounds promising to her yet she didn't want to hurry or everything would go wrong in one small movement. She would be watching them for now through the Specters, she knew it. Once you had god eyes on you, you would never escape from them.

Even if you have a miracle with you, it wasn't a guarantee. Not when Hades had his eyes on you. She would make sure of it.

oxoxoxoxo

Okay we meet again in this chapter. So how are you? I'm fine and I'm in holiday but there a lesson I must took so it's not really full holiday. Stilla, Wahyu, and Professor Alex were my OCs. Stilla name was meaning 'drop' while Wahyu name means 'revelation'.

Spoiler;

If you find Al's explanation about how they could meet Stilla and Wahyu was weird, well, it wasn't the whole part actually. So if you want to know about the very beginning, I warn you this might contain spoiler from COS, especially from the end. And perhaps contain spoiler for next chapter.

It was begun in part where Ed and Al must closed the portal to protect both world after went from Shamballa, their original home dimension. They made it but they never expected some short of alchemy reactions gone wild and they captured between those, not being able to escape. They threw into the year of 2010, to a modern Munich. They arrived in outer part of town where they could see the whole Munich. Realize they were in different time they moved to found out that they were almost 80 years in future, shocked them completely. It was then they found by a nice old lady while they confused where they should stay for awhile. The old lady, later introduced as Mrs. Eichelberger, asked them since they seemed completely lost and wore old fashioned clothes. Have no choice they lied to her that they had come from isolated village and just got in this town now and they don't have any money because they robbed in a way. Feeling sympathy for them, she them told them to followed her, brought them to her home, and told his husband. Since they don't know where they should go, Mr. and Mrs. Eichelberger allowed them to stay as long as they want. Never less, the old couple was more than happy to have them in their home since their children now have matured and lived in different country. During the stay, both the young men told the old couple more included the sudden death of their father and explained Ed's automails, although they must lied in here and there.

The rest of the explanation was story. The old couple help them held a small ceremony for their father, more through helped them be familiar with current technology ( Ed and Al weren't recognize computer and internet that time), and help Ed entered the university since they have access to big library. For months they were staying at Mr. and Mrs. Eichelberger's home. They loved the old couple like their own grandfather and grandmother as the old couple loved the Elrics as their own grandsons. And then not for long, Alexander Reeds and his 2 students were coming and the explaining part went same with before. With a note, both Ed and Al still could use their alchemy, somehow in this era (In COS, it showed that Alchemy not worked in this world). They just didn't realize for now. Perhaps they would discovery it later. :P

The song of 'Somnus Nemoris' was taken from FF Versus XIII. It is a beautiful song. Yet since it was Latin, so many translate I've got from the internet and it made me confused for a while. So I took the closest parts from those translates to put it on this chapter. I'm too lazy to arguments about their meaning because for me, the song is has its own magnificent. TWT

Okay, see you til next time. Bye for now. :D