I'm such a fail I've been spelling Kimblee wrong this whole time (_#)
WARNING: Chapter contains a lot of angst (I really hope it's not too over dramatic)

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Also as pointed out by Mimkinz if you spot grammatically errors that I've missed don't hesitate to let me know. I appreciate the help.

As always I do not own Soul Eater or Fullmetal Alchemist

Chapter 6 Weight on the Young Men's Shoulders

With reluctant caution, Kid peeled off the back of Patty's blouse.
Liz let out a soft gasp.
Dark purple covered over a foot of her back. In its center a bloody scab was already forming. As bad as it looked, her back had no apparent dent meaning her spine was likely intact. However it was impossible to determine if she was still bleeding internally.
Kid was trembling, "Patty I'm so sorry." his voice shook with emotion, "I'm ashamed of myself."
Liz placed a hand on her miester's shoulder. "It's not your fault Kid, you did all-"
"SHUT UP!" Kid barked suddenly. He glared at Liz, but his face softened seeing the hurt in her eyes. "I'm sorry." He apologized feebly unable to look at her any longer. Great now I've hurt her as well. What a fine miester I am. He thought bitterly.
Mustang cleared his throat. "Let's get her to a hospital." He said in an attempt to ease the tension.
Kid nodded in agreement.
Kid and Mustang lifted the still unconscious Patty as gently as they could careful not to jostle her.
At the road Liz managed to grab the attention of a large blue suburban. The old man driving kindly agreed to take them to the local hospital. He offered to do it for free but Kid insisted on paying for the trouble. They placed Patty in the back seat laying her on her stomach. Liz sat on the floor beside her like a mother hen checking to make sure she was comfortable and breathing. The whole ride was made in silence.

Kid sat on the hospital bench with his face buried in his hands. Screaming souls darted around his brain. He tried to keep the horrific images out of his mind but the only replacement able to distract him was Patty's back.
I feel so d!mn helpless. All I can do is wait for the X-rays.
The bench groaned lightly at the weight of a person. Kid briefly looked up at Mustang.
"Fortunately there are no apparent fractures," he said carefully, "however a few of her vertebrae and back muscles are badly bruised. The doctor says she's in for a long recovery."
Kid shifted slightly taking in the information. "Thank you for saving our lives." He stated unsure of what to say.
Mustang smiled softly. "So do I get to know who managed to kick Kimblee's butt is?"
Kid chuckled weakly, "Sorry I've been informal. My name is Death the Kid, the girls are my partners. The older girl is Liz Thompson and her younger sister is Patty."
Mustang raised an eyebrow. "Death the Kid? That some kind of egotistical nickname?"
"No, it's my real name but people usually just call me Kid. I suppose it is a little strange; however it's just one of the things that come with being a grim reaper."
"Grim reaper?" He grimaced. "You know what I've gotten wrapped up with more than enough weird stuff I was better off not knowing, so I'll leave this one alone."
Kid was uncertain of what he was trying to say but decided not to pursue it further.
Mustang held out his hand, "I'm Colonel Roy Mustang," Kid took his hand and shook it firmly. "The Flame Alchemist."
Alchemist huh? And in some kind of military no less. Kid thought skeptically

"So what's your connection to the terrorist?" Kid questioned bluntly.
"You're not one to let a guy down easily huh?" Mustang scoffed, "His name is Solf J Kimblee also known as the Crimson Lotus Alchemist. Admittedly I didn't know him personally but we fought together in the same war with the same objective."
"And what was that objective?"
"Exterminate the people of Ishval." He answered gravely. Kid began to make accusation, but Mustang cut him off.

"Look I'm fully aware that what I've done is wrong and can never be forgiven. I've wrestled with the guilt of knowing I'm personally responsible for the death of countless innocent people almost every night. I know the corruption in the system that I am in and I swear on my life to change it from within. However that's my demon to deal with and I don't need a child to telling me how wrong or evil I am. I already know full well."

Kid was surprised to say the least. No one, not even death scythes, had ever told him off so abrasively. "I-" he stuttered, unsure of what to say.
"Anyway," Mustang continued unfazed, "Kimblee was regarded as a war hero for killing more Ishvalans than any other soldier. That was until he went insane and killed several commanding officers getting himself court-martialed. In hind sight he probably never went insane; he was insane from the beginning."

Kid mulled over the information. "The way he talks and acts...like some mad philosopher." He muttered.
"Sounds about right," Mustang scoffed crossing his arms in thought, "what I'd like to know is what he's doing out of prison. Then again, I'd also like to know how I got from power napping in my office to some hill outside of a city I've never seen before."
"You a long way from home I presume?"
"I think so, not a single person I could understand even knew where Central City was, or even my home country. And I've certainly never heard of Paisley."
Kid placed a hand on his chin thoughtfully. "I'd suspect some kind of foul play with magic of some sort. Have you been near any witches lately?"

"Uh..." Mustang was perplexed by the question. Of course a rational alchemist like himself knew full well that magic and witches were the stuff of bedtime stories. However the boy spoke of it just as seriously as if it was a gang or terrorist. "Well, Tina at the front desk is a real piece of work but calling her a witch might be a bit much."
It was Kid's turn to be confused.

The door creaked open and Liz poked her head out.
"Hey, she's awake." She said gently, "She'd like to talk to you guys."
They nodded simultaneously and came into Patty's room. She was lying on her belly in a hospital robe with a huge wad of gauze and an ice pack wrapped onto her back. Resting her head and arms on a pillow, she played contently with a paper swan until she heard the colonel and reaper come in. She gave them a happy, but tired smile.

"Hey Kid, hey Mr. Mustang." She greeted.
"Hey Patty, how are you feeling?" Kid asked gently.
She smirked a little thinking, "Alright, my back kind of hurts, but sis says nothing's broken so why worry?"
Kid grinned, (that's certainly a Patty answer.) he pointed to the swan. "Did you make that?"
"Yeah, sis only had a little napkin so I couldn't make anything big.
So Mr. Mustang," Patty said innocently.

"Yes Miss Patty?" He answered.
"I just wanted to say thank you. Sis told me you saved us and Kid, so that makes you a hero. And since you saved me that makes you my hero."
Mustang smiled, "I hardly think I deserve to be called a hero, but I'm glad you're safe."
She looked back to her swan fiddling with its wings. "I think you do, after all you saved Kid which should get you some kind of medal or something."

Grimacing, Kid leaned down to her eye-level. "Patty I'm so sor-"
Before he could stop her, Patty grabbed Kid's shirt collar jerking him right in front of her face.
"Patty be careful!" Liz scolded only to be ignored.
"Kid," Patty growled, "I don't want to hear that "I'm sorry it's all my fault" crap! It's bad enough hearing it from sis but not you too! It's nobody's fault I got hurt but that b*st*rd's. So if you really want to make it up to me or whatever, find that b*st*rd and kick his *$$!" Her voice and grip softened, "Even if you have to do it with just sis for a little while." She let go and laid back on her pillow.

Shock painted itself on Kid's face. He closed his eyes and smiled. That's Patty for you, calm and sweet until she needs to knock some sense into you. Then she becomes a little demon.

"Ok," he said taking a deep breath, "I'm sure I can find a symmetrical way to hold Liz alone. You just have to promise me to get better quickly."
"That means a lot of rest and staying still." Liz ordered sternly.
"Ugh!" Patty groaned burying her head into the pillow, "But it's sooo boring! I can't even watch TV from here!" She pouted angrily.
"Patty, you've been awake for five minutes. If you want to watch TV I'll turn you around." Liz said flatly.
"Ok!" she said completely satisfied.

Mustang cleared his throat, "I suppose if everything is alright, I'll be on my way. Get well soon Miss Patty."

He stared to leave only to be stopped by a hand on his arm. Kid's eyes bore into Mustang's.
"Please excuse me for being so frank, colonel, but I don't want you to leave." The young reaper said seriously, "I was able to stand against Kimblee only because I was a grim reaper. A normal human or even an academy student would be completely at his mercy. Not to mention whatever that ruby or whatever it was... I have to know more." Kid let go of Mustang's arm and looked him straight in the eye.
"And right now you are the only person who knows about him. Your knowledge could be pivotal in his capture, so please would you come home with us to the DWMA?"

Caution and confusion rolled across Mustang's face like wheat in the wind.
"DWMA? Is that some kind of a military academy?"
"I suppose you could call it such, although it's much more than that." Kid answered.
Mustang groaned suddenly placing a hand of his face. "You're all so young." he sighed, "I'm sick of seeing kids fighting for their lives. But I can't ignore the threat of Kimblee prowling around so what the h***. I'll help you out as long as I can get a place to stay."

Kid smiled and bowed.
"Thank you. The academy will personally cater to all your needs while you are aiding us. If you would like you may even stay in our home, Gallows Mansion."

Mustang grinned smugly putting a hand on his chin.
"Mansion huh? That doesn't sound too bad. I've always thought a mansion would suit me nicely."

Liz sighed, "Ok, if you're going to stay with us sir, it's only fair to warn you about the ground rules."
A quizzical look replaced Mustang's grin. "Ground rules?"
"I don't want a meltdown every other minute and you probably don't either. So take a seat, this will take awhile." Mustang complied sitting in the visitors chair along with Liz.
"First: coasters must be used for drinks at all times. Chocolate chip cookies are off limits unless each chip has been arranged by hand in a uniformly symmetrical fashion. Never blow out or light a candle without Kid's permission..."

As Liz continued to rabble on the countless rules set to pacify the finicky meister, Kid mulled over his conversation with Mustang. One topic lingered in his mind.

"I know the corruption in the system that I am in and I swear on my life to change it from within."
(I've suspected wrongful intentions in the academy for quite awhile now, even from father.
Hiding the existence of the first kishen, his secrecy about the magic tools, and his association with whoever Eibon is.
However, I never considered what I'd do if my theories proved correct. If father was really part something evil...would I have the conviction stop him?)

Blue electricity danced along the steel and in seconds the large dents were smoothed out leaving a clean reflective surface.
Edward smiled at his handiwork.
"Good as new," he held up his prosthetic arm, "Sure did take long enough to get alone to fix it."
"So are we really going to hide it from Soul and Maka, Brother?"
Al asked quietly.

Hiding their grim secret had been more difficult than anticipated almost immediately. Maka had been allowed to leave the hospital the following day although she temporally required crutches. At the airport (which was constantly punctuated by exclamations of astonishment at the technology from the Elrics) was a standard metal detector and security check. However, because of Maka's condition, and status as a DWMA student, they were able to bypass it all both coming on and off of the plane. They were currently settling into Soul's room (who had opted to take the couch) for the night, contemplating their situation.

Edward sighed, "Yeah, at least for now. My arm and leg aren't a big deal. If they find out, I can just say I lost them in an accident. You on the other hand... It's best to keep it a secret."
Alphonse's armor clacked loudly as he stood up, "But why Brother? Do you just not trust them?"

"Well...not entirely, at least, not yet. But I mainly just think we need to be on our toes here. Everything about this place is different, right down to the sun and moon. Which are super creepy by the way." He said shuttering, "For all we know Central still could be listening in and we still have Winry to think about. We have to be extra careful as long as she's under their dirty thumb." He growled clenching his fist.

"Do you think we'll ever see her again?" Al said almost silently.
Edward frowned. Although he hated to admit it, their situation for finding a way home was growing bleaker by the minute. The brothers had requested a map in the hospital only to be downhearted by their findings. Not only was Amestris nowhere to be found; but the entire world on the map was absolutely foreign to the alchemists. They couldn't recognize a single continent.

"Hey, don't worry." He said forcing a smile, "We'll see her again and everybody else. We've gotten out of worse scrapes than this."
Although he wasn't convinced, Alphonse decided he really didn't want to pursue the topic further.
"I'm going to go see if Soul and Maka need help with anything." He said excusing himself.

As the clattering of Al's feet sound down the hall, Edward fell back onto Soul's bed staring at the ceiling. He traced the patterns of the roof absentmindedly, trying to let his thoughts drift.

They didn't.

There was simply too much to take in. How did they get there? What were the homunculi up to? Who ordered off Envy? Where would they strike next? Why did the moon have a face? How were he and Al going to get home?
So many questions buzzed around Edward's brain like hornets preventing any peace.
"D ** I hate being in the dark like this. Not to mention we still have to find that little alkahestry girl. Figures, just when we have a lead this cr-"

"AAAAUGH!" A scream sounded followed by a loud crash.
Edward shot up at the sound of his brother's scream. "Alphonse!" He shouted bolting out of the bedroom and sprinting down the stairs.

"Al! Are you alright? What hap...What the h***?!" Edward honestly had no idea what he had been expecting, but it certainly wasn't what he saw.

Alphonse had fallen on the ground, but that wasn't peculiar. What was out of place was the scantily clad, voluptuous young woman draping her arms around his neck guard! She hugged Al making him squirm in disgust. He glanced pleadingly at his brother.

"Ed! Help me! She was a cute little cat then she turned into some kind of half-naked pervert!" He squealed trying to push her off without touching anything.
"Aw! But Mr. Armor, didn't you ask me to play?" She said hugging tighter and pouting.
"I asked a cat to play!" The armored alchemist fumed, "Get off of me!"
She made a purring sound, "But I want to play! Why don't you let me inside that armor?" She wedged her long purple nails under Al's helmet.

Thwack! A huge, Sunday edition newspaper smashed onto the girl's head.

"Ow! What was that for?" She glanced back at her attacker and paled. A soft yelp escaped her lips.

Entirely livid, Maka stood (supported by a crutch) over the girl clenching the newspaper like a battle ax. She ground her teeth with an expression worthy of an enraged demon.

"Blair," she growled, "I swear if you don't stop harassing our guest I WILL PERSONALLY THROW YOUR FREELOADING *$$ INTO THE STREET!" she leaned an inch away from the trembling tramp's face, "Do I make myself clear?"

A puff of smoke enveloped Blair, leaving a small purple cat wearing a witch hat in her place. The cat twitched her tail nervously.

"Don't worry, Blair's a good kitty see? No more trouble, promise!" the cat said in Blair's voice. She slipped past Maka and jumped out of the window to avoid any wayward smacks from Maka.

Maka grinned at the brothers cheerfully, "Sorry you had to see that. Soul will be back with dinner soon." With that Maka hobbled into her room like nothing had happened.

Edward and Alphonse trembled furiously in confusion and fear.

"Brother," Al said clacking nervously, "what's wrong with this place?"

"I have no idea." Ed answered, "But it's seriously messed up."

Figured after the super angsty beginning better end it on a comedic note. At least I hope it's funny.

Also sorry for it being so long I wanted the dialog between Kid and Mustang to be meaningful but I might have over done it *sigh*

As always hope you enjoyed, next chapter is in the making, and please review