Disclaimer: It's a good thing I don't own Fullmetal Alchemist, huh? Just Arlina.
GUYS. GUYS. I don't even know how to handle this, your support is overwhelming! Another HUGE shout out to LeFay Strent, who is one hell of an awesome chick! I'm pretty sure you've doubled the amount of people who are following/reading my story, I'm EXTREMELY touched and honored, thank you! If you guys haven't already (pretty sure everyone reading this story has) check her fics out, guys!
Gah, I knooow, I'm sorry this took so long! I have a pretty crappy immune system and I'm really dramatic when I get sick. And then my favorite cat got sick so I got dramatic about that. Basically "We're all dying!" as I sob and hug this cat who doesn't want to be touched. You can also blame JackieOh (ALSO THANK YOU AS WELL FOR THE SHOUT OUT!), she got into my head to start watching Vampire Diaries and then suddenly I was writing Damon being accidentally transported through the Gate instead of an OC and having a great bromance with Greed after realizing he can't kill a homunculus... I know, I think I'm hilarious. Also, if you guys like to be murdered with intense feels, seriously check her Teen Wolf fanfiction out! It's fantastic!
"No."
We were standing in front of a black iron pointed fence, the gloomy gate creaking slowly back and forth in the nonexistent wind. A worn pathway of uneven cracked stone steps spiraled up the hill, where upon the top sat a looming weathered Victorian manor like something straight out of a horror film. I was surprised there wasn't a large neon sign that flashed HAUNTED in front of it, as it had everything else. The old fountain in the front, dead dry grass, scorched trees with spidery branches and crows that sat in pairs, cawing gonna kill you while making eye contact with me.
Yeah.
Not happening.
"I think it looks enchanting," Alphonse shifted his helmet, his glowing eyes smiling down at me and I resisted the urge to scowl back at him. "It has character."
"Yeah, murderous character." I bit down the snappy hiss in my voice, trying to keep it at just light sarcasm. Alphonse vision had a filter of pure sunshine and rainbows, clearly.
"We're staying here." Havoc's fingers looped around my arm gently, attempting to pull me through the gate. Like hell. "It's only one night."
"No," I repeated, flatly, turning to stare at the older blonde. "Because none of us would make it out alive to see morning. We'll be picked off one by one. I'm not down for that. Let's turn around now."
I'd seen enough horror movies to know what was happening. So there was no way in hell we were going into that house. Just no.
"Nothing is going to happen. It's just a house." Edward shoved me forward, and I stumbled as Havoc dragged me up the stone steps. I turned to moodily stare at the blonde over my shoulder.
"You'd be the first to snap." I hissed, eyeing the sleep deprived kid. "I can see it now. I'll be sobbing and you will be using an axe to break down the door."
"That's dumb," Edward narrowed his eyes at me, irritation forming. "I wouldn't need an axe. I'd just use alchemy." I stared at him with wide eyes. A horrible smirk crept across his face and he leaned closer to me, his voice low. "You'd be the first to go." Horror sprang and I jerked away from him.
"Havoc!" I cried, nearly tripping up the steps.
"Chief, stop scaring her," Havoc's voice was cheerful and hardly reprimanding. Jerk!
"Don't worry, Arlina, I'll protect you." Alphonse assured me cheerfully and I pulled my lower lip into my mouth, casting him a doubtful glance.
We were all going to die. There was nothing he could do.
I wiggled out of Havoc's hold and stepped closer to Alphonse, seeking his comforting hand. The closer we got to the creepy house, the tighter I clung to him. I had a bad feeling about this place. Why couldn't they just listen to sound reason? We needed to leave.
"Come on, buck up, you're a Mustang now," Havoc grinned down at me, ruffling the top of my head. I was starting to suspect that he only did this because I looked so much like Roy. I glowered at him.
"I'm going to learn alchemy just so I can set you on fire every chance I get." I hissed back as Alphonse pulled me closer to him, petting the top of my head gently. Havoc looked unconcerned and incredibly amused. Too amused.
I eyed the large, ominous, door in front of us with unease.
"If we live past tonight, you mean." His grin turned mocking and I shrunk back next to Alphonse.
Yeah, laugh it up now, assholes. We'll see who will be crying and pissing their pants first. Havoc, grinning like the little amused bitch he was, turned to knock on the doorway to death.
And the door creaked open by itself.
"Huh, well, that's lucky." Edward said, and I stared at him incredulously.
Lucky?
"That wasn't lucky! That's the deranged spirits who want to kill us!" I squeaked, tugging Alphonse's hand furiously.
"Come on, Arlina," Alphonse cooed, like I was just a ruffled animal that he could coax into relaxing!
"Um. No." I refused, flatly, as Havoc pushed the door open the rest of the way. "I'm not going in there. We're not going in there. It isn't happening."
"Hello?" Havoc called as he slipped inside the house. Oh my GOD! Did he not just hear me? "Anybody home?"
"Are you sure we can do that? Isn't this considered breaking and entering?" I demanded as Edward brushed past me, following Havoc. "Okay have fun going to jail or being ripped to pieces by an evil spirit! Bye-bye! Farewell! Sayonara!"
"Adios!" The Doctor called out happily.
I attempted to pull Alphonse back down the steps but it was like trying to move a freakin' refrigerator. I tugged on his arm. "Come on, Fonz!" I puffed, using both hands to pull on his. "Edward and Havoc are horrible role models, we shouldn't go in. Really! Let's just—agh."
The jerk metal-head swooped me up by the waist like a damp towel and clanked through the evil doorway, uncaring as I hung there like deadweight. I kicked my feet moodily. "It'll be okay, Arlina. I won't let anything happen to you."
We were all going to die.
He set me down upright and, after sending him a betrayed stare that he chuckled at (I needed to learn how to glare), I took in the entire room with a single glance. It had the typical THIS IS HAUNTED feel to it. Dimly lit with low candles flickering ominously from the dusty candle holders on the dreary walls which had peeling wallpaper and crooked old paintings of fancy looking people that stared at me with murderous intent. There was even the long red carpet running up two staircases that swirled in opposite directions and a large candle chandelier that hung from the high ceiling. Just waiting to fall on me, crushing me to death. It was the definition of old haunted house-Inn.
The door slammed shut behind me causing me to jump and whirl around. It has begun! I flitting closer to Alphonse, wrapping both arms around his, my heart fluttering frantically in my chest. This was such crap. All of it!
"Hello? We'd like to stay for the night…" Havoc called, his voice echoing through the still hall. "Anyone home…?"
All at once, every haunted house and possession movie I'd ever stupidly seen came rushing to mind and I made a strangled choking noise, whirling around and lunging for the door just as Alphonse easily caught me, again, by the waist.
"No, Alphonse, no!" I wailed, my fingertips brushing against the handle as he pulled me away. I flailed pathetically. "You've condemned my mortal soul."
"Stop being so whiney." Edward cut in, staring at me flatly. I made a face back at him. He seriously needed a nap. "There's nothing wrong about this place."
"Who knew Mustangs frightened easily?" Havoc grinned, far more amused than he should be.
"Nothing will happen." Alphonse assured me. "I'll stay by you the entire night. Promise."
I sighed, turning to look at Edward. "You know when you were all like my body belongs to you I totally owe you?" I asked, giving him my best puppy dog stare. "I want to cash in on that now."
Edward stared at me. "Edward Elric is no longer in this body," he said lowly, his voice strange.
"Stop it you jerk!" I hissed, a frightened chill rushing through me. Edward's eyes rolled to the back of his head so only the whites showed. Terror flooded, and I stilled, rigid. "Stop it! Ed!"
"Edward Elric is no longer in this body," he repeated eerily and I dove behind Alphonse, Havoc bursting into loud laughter which rang through the extremely still house. Why was he laughing?! Didn't he realize what was freakin' happening?!
When Edward began to stagger closer like some kind of zombie, I shrieked in horror, nausea slamming into me as I attempted to untangle myself from Alphonse in a frantic panic.
He was possessed! I knew it! The evil spirit got him because he's sleep deprived!
"Brother has been possessed! Run, Arlina, run!" Alphonse cried. "It's—hisss—taking me—" the suit made a crackling sound, going still, and I scrambled back, frightened tears springing as a loud, frog like, hiccup burst from my throat.
Edward eyes returned to normal as he stared at me like I was the strange one. All at once I realize he had been messing with me! That stupid jerk! I hiccupped angrily again, crossing my arms.
"What the hell was that?" He demanded as Havoc's laughter trailed off.
"Must've been a space duck." Alphonse said with a knowing nod and I bit the inside of my cheek. He didn't get to make me laugh after scaring me to death!
"You guys are mean!"
"What?" Edward frowned, staring at Alphonse with confusion. His golden eyes flickered between us. "Do you... have inside jokes I'm not a part of?"
I hiccupped moodily, inching away from Alphonse. I didn't want to stand next to any of these jerks.
"Aw, don't be mad at me, Arlina!" Alphonse cooed sweetly. Too bad! Take my anger. Deal with it!
"Usually people get rid of hiccups when they're frightened." Havoc said, his tone light and teasing. "You're weird."
"I'm not—hic!—weird!"
"You don't even have cute hiccups. You're so tiny, they should be adorable sounds! Not sound like..." Havoc trailed off, wrinkling his nose as he stared at me and I glowered.
"A space duck?" Alphonse suggested helpfully. This was the last time I tell him about the internet!
"I don't know what that means." Havoc shrugged.
"I can't believe you guys have a joke I'm not a part of! You're forbidden to speak of this duck ever again!" Edward snapped, moodily crossing his arms. Why the hell was he getting so hissy for? He and Havoc were the jerks here!
"I'm not weird you jerk! I'm—hic!—normal! I have a weak—hic!—stomach when it comes to terror!"
Havoc made a face. "Okay. Well. I'm going to go find the owner. I'd rather not be here when you puke on yourself."
"We can't split up!" I gasped, hiccupping so hard it actually hurt. "That's how it all starts!"
Havoc shrugged, unconcerned. "I'll be right back."
"That's what they always say!" I cried, worriedly. Didn't he know the rules to any scary movie? "I'll B-R-B AND THEN THEY DIE! Haaavoc, no! Come back! Don't die!"
He waved at me from over his shoulder as he slunk down the dimly lit corridor to his untimely death.
"He was a good man," I said after a moment, turning back to face Edward. "He will be missed. I can't say I knew him well, but..." whatever I was going to say died in my throat, my eyes becoming wide when I realized we weren't exactly alone and a shadowed figure was creeping up to Edward. I choked, pointing.
"That's not going to work," Edward said raising his eyebrows at me. "Al does that—" a deathly white hand clamped down on Edward's shoulder causing him to squawk and jerk around, springing backwards much like a cat.
"IT'S SLENDER MAN!" I screeched, hiccupping loudly, as I clung to Alphonse. Terror erupted, nausea twisting as my heart bounced erratically, painfully, around my ribcage. I hiccupped again.
Slender walked closer causing Edward and Alphonse to stumble backwards—only to reveal it wasn't at all Slender but a very lanky thin man in a suit. I released a puff of air, hiccupping with relief, nearly sagging against Alphonse. Werewolf Christ, I was going to have a heart attack before the spirits even get to me.
"May I help you?" The man asked politely and I stifled a hysterical giggle.
"Nope." I squeaked.
"Yes," Alphonse said warmly. "We heard from a man at the train station that there are rooms here for guests?"
"And food?" Edward added. How could he even think about eating! I was so nauseated right now!
"You heard correctly," a feminine voice murmured and I stiffened, turning around to find Havoc following a tall women dressed in a long black dress which covered most of her neck and trailed a little on the floor, the sleeves long. Vampire. Her white-blonde hair was tied up in a tight bun, blue eyes distant. Vampire. Vampire, vampire, vampire. Holy crap, VAMPIRE. "I did indeed allow a young man to stay here for a night, but he left rather suddenly. My home is not exactly an Inn, and so I had no reason to charge him. I try to do well on everyone I meet, and so you four may stay for the night. After all, I can't turn you away with the storm upon us."
What storm? It was sunny as hell!
"No. Really. It's totes fine," I forced a laugh. "We don't want to put you out, since this isn't a real Inn and all! We're not that rude!" I spun around and jerked open the door.
To find that it was pouring outside. Lightning flashed across the gray sky threateningly, a loud, shuddering, boom following. I let the door slam shut. Of course there was suddenly a storm. This was the haunted house on the hill. I gave a cry of misery and slumped against the door. I was doomed. Doomed. Doomed to die.
"What should I do, Doctor?" I whined, turning around to catch the pointed stare Edward shot at me. What. Was. His. Problem.
"Run," Doctor advised pleasantly. What an excellent idea.
"I am Lady Isabella." The woman continued as if I hadn't said anything. I turned to stare at my murderer with defeat. "My butler, Jackson, will show you to the rooms you may stay in." Vampire Lady said with a smile on her ruby lips. Which was probably from lipstick made out of blood. "Dear," her blue eyes flickered in my direction. "Shall we get you a new dress?" I stared at her, confused.
And then glanced down at the ink sprayed across the front of my dress. That's right. I'd forgotten about that.
"Oh." What do I say to that? Sorry I reject your kind offer because I don't want to be murdered? "Um."
"Arlina, don't be rude." Alphonse pushed me forward. I flailed, nearly tripping. "She happily accepts." No I don't! I threw him an offended stare.
"Jeez, Fonz, if the word evil was painted on her in the blood of kittens-" Edward slapped a hand over my mouth, and I winced a little, the impact stinging.
"Arlina is a little hysterical, it's been a… daunting few days," Havoc said quickly, shooting me a look. Whaaat? "As I said before, I'm Jean Havoc, the one in red is Edward and the one in the suit is Alphonse."
I pried Edward's gloved hand from my mouth. "That man who said he was offered free room and board, well, he left because he said it was haunted." I tilted my chin upward. Confront the situation!
"Arlina." Havoc hissed, narrowing his eyes at me as Lady Isabella laughed softly, a small smile pulling at her red lips.
"I think I rather like you," she murmured quietly, her accent, I realized, much sharper than the others. It had a slight edge to it, the letters slicing more elegantly. She tilted her head toward the staircase. "You speak so honestly, without care if it is offensive. Come. I insist you borrow one of my late young sister's dresses. To see them go to good use will lighten my heart."
She wanted me to wear a dead person's clothes? Unless she meant late as in running late? Like this wasn't weird enough. And she didn't deny it was haunted!
"Jackson, show these fine gentleman to their quarters, I will only be a moment with dear Arlina." Isabella said softly, ascending up the steps, her black dress trailing after her. I stared after her anxiously. Yeah okay. Like I'm gonna go follow her. She just wanted to get me alone and drain my blood.
"Um, I don't mean to be rude, but Arlina doesn't go anywhere without me." Alphonse's hand engulfed mine, and I released a breath I didn't know I was holding. I smiled at him gratefully.
"Mmm," Edward made an agreeing noise, coming to stand next to me. I grinned, feeling more relaxed.
At least we'd all die together. I could live with that. Isabella didn't even look surprised.
"And you?" She asked, looking past us to Havoc.
"I'm fine being shown where we'll be staying," the blonde said, pulling out a cigarette. The jerk just wanted an excuse to smoke!
"Fine, try not to die," I huffed, marching after the obvious vampire lady.
"Arl," Edward hissed in my ear, easily falling into step with me as Alphonse clanked behind us. "Don't throw around words like that."
I stared at him, puzzled. "Die?" He shushed me loudly, glancing up at the vampire lady. "What?"
"She's in mourning," Alphonse said quietly. What the hell?
"How do you know that?" I asked, perplexed. Edward glanced at Alphonse, doing the typical Arlina said something weird let's get awkward about it. "She just mentioned a late sister, you don't know when that could have been…"
"She's… wearing black." Alphonse said slowly, as though I hadn't noticed.
"Okay? You know, black is very fashionable. In the city, everyone wore black. It's a good color."
Isabella's soft bell like laugh drifted in, and she turned her head to smile at me. "It is custom here to only wear black for the period in which one is mourning." She said. How did she hear us? Super hearing! Vampire! "Never mind it, I suppose you would like another red gown?" Her gaze slid in Edward's direction, eyeing his red coat. "A family color is it, perhaps?"
Family?
"…What about green?" I asked, suddenly excited.
"You're not wearing that color." Edward cut in flatly. Excuse him.
"I'll be the one wearing the dress, so I'll be the one deciding the color." I mean, really. Edward narrowed his eyes.
"You're not wearing his color," he growled, nodding in my bag's direction. What the hell? Was he serious right now? "Green would look hideous on you anyway."
"Why does it bother you so much?" I demanded, stopping so I could turn to stare at him judgmentally. "Stop being such a dick about Eddie."
"I don't like sharing my name with a villain and it's annoying that you think he's… cool. He's not even real!" Edward growled and I gasped, offended.
"I'll shove you down the steps." I threatened, jabbing my finger into his chest. He snatched my hand, tugging me closer.
"Push me and I'll take you down with me." He threatened back, lips curving into a taunting grin. Alphonse easily pulled us apart before I had a chance to reply.
"Nobody is throwing anybody down the steps," he said sternly. "Now give me your hands."
"Al," Edward whined, looking embarrassed. I stuck my tongue out at him as I flitted to Alphonse's side, reaching for his hand. Suck it, Ed.
"No," Alphonse growled, swiping Edward's hand and pulling it into his firmly. "Stop causing a scene. The both of you. Lady Isabella has been gracious enough to allow us into her home, and offer you a new dress, despite the difficult time she's going through. Be quiet and behave."
Guilt flickered upward, despite the nagging certainty this woman was pure evil. Edward glanced at me, his guilty expression mirroring mine. I ducked my head.
"Sorry, Mama Al." One of the worst things in the world was when Alphonse, sweet wonderful Alphonse, was upset with me.
We continued in silence, Alphonse holding both our hands like we were misbehaving children. Isabella led us down a long corridor with dark brown oak doors which lined the walls, and I tried not thinking about The Shining. She stopped at the end of the hall, turning to us and smiling.
"Would it be too much to ask that you part with your escorts, dear Arlina?" This whole dear Arlina thing was starting to grate my nerves, and I figured it mostly stemmed from my distrust.
I pulled my messenger bag off my shoulder, ducking under the strap, and handing it to Alphonse. "Don't let him change the color again," I said, pulling Doctor out. I needed to have something with me to feel calm.
Edward snorted, folding his arms and leaning against the wall as if disinterested, his golden eyes sliding across my ink splattered dress. "If you come out wearing a green dress, I don't care if it makes you vomit, I'll change the color." I opened my mouth, offended that he would even dare threaten me with this crap. Who did he think he was?
"Oh? Are you an alchemist?" Isabella's voice slithered between us, a hint of interested curiosity in her pleasant tone. Edward's annoyed look instantly became pleased, and he grinned at her.
"Yup, he's the Fullmetal cranky-pants Alchemist." I said happily, lifting my arms and presenting him as if were a prize to be won on a game show. "Observe his trademark red trench coat," I gently lifted his hand. "His white gloves," I pushed back his sleeve. "His handy-dandy state of the art automail! He's one of a kind, a real super hero of the people!" Too bad I didn't carry around confetti, this would be the perfect time to have it rain down on us.
"Shut up," Edward rolled his eyes, attempting to sound annoyed. He failed, his golden eyes were dancing, a hint of a smile on his face. "You can wear green, I don't care. Just hurry up." Flattery wins again.
"We'll be right out here," Alphonse said softly. "Be polite." When wasn't I?
Isabella (after commenting on how lucky she was to have the Fullmetal Alchemist staying in her oh so humble home) led me into what I assumed was her dead sister's room. It was decently sized, a large canopy bed rested against the wall to the left of the room. The two large windows were covered by fancy brown drapes, the room lit by three oil lamps. My fingers tightened around my phone as she sat me down at a pretty wooden vanity dresser in front of the first window. I was tempted to make faces at myself to ease the tension but then decided against it. I didn't want to make Alphonse anymore disappointment or annoyed with my behavior.
"You are very lucky to have such protective brothers," Isabella spoke after a few minutes of awkward silence passed between us. I almost jumped.
Brothers?
I turned away from my reflection, watching as she carefully, and slowly, went through each dress which hung inside a large closet. She pulled each one out, running her hand over the length of it as though remembering a time it was worn. Despite her soft pleasant tone, the danger-danger bells were going off inside me. I shifted uncomfortably, glancing toward the door.
"I almost envy you… I can see how deeply you care for each other." She continued quietly. I wondered what she'd say if I told her I'd just met these guys a few days ago. "Especially your Alphonse. Confining himself to a suit of armor and acting as your guardian, your shadow… Truly a wonderful older brother."
Well, this was awkward. Like, really awkward. I never met anyone who spoke with such certainty about something and be completely, one hundred percent, wrong. Like she wasn't even close to the truth.
"Alphonse is the youngest," I decided to just let her think whatever she wanted. I mean, I didn't want to be rude and embarrass her, right?
"Indeed? Well. He's quite tall." Hopefully she'd say that to Edward's face. "To have grief, is to see grief, and I can see it clearly. It hangs around you like a cloud. You, too, have lost someone, and you grieve him more sharply than your brothers…"
I turned to look back at my reflection, uncomfortable and suspicious. How did she know it was a he that I'd lost? I searched my expression in the mirror—nothing about me screamed sad. Especially not now, anyway. Maybe her vampire senses smelled the tears from the train ride.
"I know that Edward shares your guilt," she continued and I resisted the urge to roll my eyes. Yeah, totally. "I wonder if this guilt is the reason Alphonse is in a suit of armor?"
"To see guilt, is to have guilt." I tossed back lightly, annoyed and unnerved that she crept on the truth for all the wrong reasons.
My guilt and Edward's guilt stemmed from two completely different reasons, about two completely different people. It was like I was visiting one of those crappy fortune tellers who were so self-assured that they were on the right track and could see hidden truths with their mystic powers. I was a little embarrassed for her. I also wondered what the point of this conversation was.
"…have you ever wished for the ability to bring the dead back to life?" Annnnd now the conversation has taken a dive straight into super awkwardness. Greaaat.
I dropped my gaze to my phone, running my fingers over the screen uncomfortably. I really hoped she didn't want to have a heart-to-heart. I really wasn't good at the whole Dr. Phil thing when it comes to a weird vampire lady in her haunted house.
"Everyone who has lost someone does." What else was I supposed to say? I tilted my head in her direction, her pale blue eyes were like heavy weights digging into me.
Very quietly, so much so I almost missed it, she said: "Do you suppose it's possible? Perhaps with alchemy?"
Edward's memories hissed through my mind, the terrible creature they created and the agony that followed. I felt myself paling, feeling sick. "Alchemists believe in equivalent exchange. A life for a life, maybe more. If it were possible… the price would be too great and the results too terrible."
She stared at me and I, uneasily, stared back.
Then she smiled and turned back around, pulling out a very Alice in Wonderland like dress. "I think blue is very much your color." I released a shaky breath, and stood up. "Do you agree?" She held the dress out and I gently took it from her. "You may change into it behind the screen." She nodded in the direction of a pretty room divider painted to look like a field.
So this is totally not weird or anything, knowing she was like three feet away and waiting for me to hurry up. Annoyed, cheeks warm, I wiggled out of the red dress Alphonse had found for me and let it drop to the ground, pooling at my feet. I held Isabella's sister's dress up, chewing on my lip uncomfortably. I'd never worn anything belonging to a dead person before. Was she giving this to me, or letting me borrow it? I mean, given the fact that I got ink all over myself, that should have given her a clue how clumsy and messy I am. What if I got something on the dress? Would she freak out at me?
The blue dress fell a few inches above my ankles, a white skirt under it as well as another lining of lace that trimmed the edges of the dress. The sleeves were puffy and short, the edges, too, donned with lace, and black buttons lined the white Peter Pan collar and went down the front of the dress to about the waistline. The dress even had a white apron with ruffles which Isabella kindly tied into a large bow in the back. She even gave me white stockings, and folded the stained red dress, placing it gently down on the vanity dresser. She insisted I sit down in front of the dresser again so she could, and I quote, doll me up, end quote.
And boy, did I regret being alone with her. She might've not ripped my head back to sink her teeth into my throat, but she suddenly became obsessed with making me presentable. I tried to be still as she poked and prodded at me. I mean, she probably did this kind of stuff with her sister, and I of all people knew what it was to miss someone. Even if I didn't trust her (and was a little afraid of her) I couldn't bring myself to refuse.
"You're very beautiful, dear Arlina, and I so wish you had longer hair," she sighed, as though greatly dismayed. She was brushing my hair, trying to make it look presentable. "It's a bit funny, you having such short hair and your brother having such lovely long hair. It's a shame you aren't blonde, dearest, you would be more fetching if you were."
I was not an expert at hiding my feelings from my face. This had become Pick on Arlina 101, with insults disguised as backhanded compliments and it was annoying as hell. The only thing that saved me was her going on about Edward's beautiful golden locks.
Ha.
Ha. Ha. Ha.
Good.
She turned me around, so I wasn't facing the mirror, and gently grabbed my hand, expecting my nails. She paused, turning my fingers upward.
"Dearest, do you sew?" She questioned, as though I should be above such things. I guess she saw the little punctures on my fingers.
"No. I have to check my blood sugar a few times a day." I was getting real tired of this talk. "I'm… Ill." That would explain it without explaining it. She froze, her fingers tightening around my hand hard enough that it was starting to hurt.
"I see." Isabella let go of my hand. "Are you dying?"
I gaped at her, taken aback. Wow, talk about being rude, right? Who even comes out and says that so bluntly?
"It would explain why your brothers are so… protective, yes." It was like she'd forgotten I was sitting right here. Maybe it was time to bail. Like I dunno, this starting to get creepy. Maybe she was going to kill me now. "Well, all the more reason to doll you up, hmm?" Like a switch, she was smiling at me again.
Please don't kill me.
By the time she was finished with me, I had been poked and prodded and pulled at so many times I was ready to run from the room screaming. Awkwardly, I stared at myself in the slender mirror. Or rather, I stared at the dolled up girl that was currently hijacking my body. While I've never been exactly girly, I wasn't a tomboy either. And yeah, I felt silly in these ridiculous dresses, but they were about a hundred years old and not my style. I was never big on makeup either, I was one of those lucky people who just looked pretty. And I was charming, I could get whatever I wanted just by talking someone into it (or getting teary eyed if necessary).
But this.
Admittedly, I was having trouble finding myself in my reflection. I looked presentable, as Isabella would say. Like I belonged in this time, like I was a part of the wealthy society she was a part of. Maybe Isabella was trying to make me look more like her sister. She put blush on me, so my cheeks would look youthful and healthy, she put something on my eyelashes which made them look longer, and put this strange pink lipstick on that stung a little. To make my mouth look pouty. Boys like pouty, she said. If she thought Edward and Alphonse were my brothers, then who the hell did I need pouty lips for? And worse of all, she put a wig on me.
Yeah.
A wig.
Apparently, when there wasn't enough time to look perfect, it was common for ladies to wear fake hair to dinner parties. It was pale blonde like hers, bouncy ringlets tumbling over my shoulders. The girl she created was very, very pretty and I wondered, despairingly, if this was my future. Was I… expected to look this way? …Would this be something Roy would want me to do?
"Go on, show your brothers," she encouraged softly. "I must make myself look presentable as well." I hope she wasn't going to try to make a move on Havoc. He was taken.
Grabbing my phone, I sulked toward the door. Okay. I could do this. Awkwardly, anxiously, feeling completely ridiculous, I slipped out of the room and into the hall, where Edward, Alphonse and Havoc were waiting, looking relatively bored. The door closed behind me and they turned.
And stared at me with gobsmacked expressions.
Edward's mouth fell open, his golden eyes round as Havoc cigarette fell out of his mouth.
I shifted uncomfortably.
"Arlina," Edward gaped, blinking rapidly, staring at me strangely. "You look…" His expression twisted, and he quickly turned around.
And burst into galls of laughter.
Son of a bitch.
My cheeks grew warm. That freakin' bastard. I knew he would laugh at me, I knew.
Havoc quickly followed, and was howling with laughter, clutching his sides like it was the damn funniest thing he'd ever seen. "Mustang in a wig!" was the only thing I was able to understand from his shrieks.
"Guys!" I hissed, stomping my foot. "It isn't my fault! She wanted to make me look presentable and Alphonse said I couldn't be rude!" I turned to glower at the suit who was dead silent. "You better not laugh at me!"
"Y-you look," Edward stammered, tears of pure mirth swimming in his eyes. "L-like a girl!"
"I am a girl, you dimwit!" I snapped making the two of them laugh harder. "You guys are such dicks!"
"I wish I had a camera!" Stupid Havoc! I was so glad they didn't know my phone could take pictures!
Yeah, ha-ha, laugh it up! "Just. You. Wait." I growled.
"You're very beautiful." Alphonse voice was soft, and did nothing to lift my souring mood. "But you always look beautiful."
"No she doesn't!" Edward cried, staggering and swaying with his laughter, only to be knocked down by Alphonse who casually swung his arm out. I felt a little better. "She looks hilarious Al, you can't get pissed at me for that!" He growled from the floor, looking annoyed.
"You two are being horrible." Alphonse growled back, causing Havoc's laughter to still. I buried my face into my hands. This was so embarrassing. "Don't make this worse for her, she's really uncomfortable and you're tearing her down. She's not laughing with you. Stop it. Apologize."
"It's fine, Fonz," I muttered into my palms. "I know I look really dumb."
I felt the wig being tugged and I lifted my hot face from my hands as it slid off my head. Edward held a curly lock between two gloved fingers, the wig dangling from his hand like a dead animal. Havoc grinned down at me as he ruffled my hair, mussing it up.
"You don't look dumb, Ministang. You could walk out in a potato sack and you'd still be pretty. But this isn't the Arlina we know and this," he gestured to all of me. "Isn't you. We're not laughing at you, we're laughing at this silly version Lady Isabella tried to turn you in." He pulled out a red handkerchief and smushed it against my face, hopefully getting some of the makeup off. "And we're imagining Roy all dolled up. It's a great mental image. Okay, pretty girl?"
He pulled his hand back and I wrinkled my nose, a grin stretching across my lips despite the fact that I wanted to be mad at them still. "You're such a ladies man, Jean." I said, feeling a hell of a lot better. "Is this how you talked your way under Jessica's dress?"
Havoc yanked the wig from Edward's hand and swatted me in the face with it. "Don't talk that way, you're supposed to be a lady!"
Edward snorted, shooting me a playful grin as he pointed to himself. "I'm a bigger lady than Arlina will ever be." I really wanted to stay mad, I did.
These guys were jerks for making me grin.
Alphonse snatched the wig from Havoc and placed it on top of his helmet, the curled tresses bouncing down in the most ridiculous manner I'd ever seen. "I'm the biggest lady here." He turned to look down at me as I tried to stifle the laughter. "Am I beautiful, Arlina?"
"You're the fairest suit of armor in all the land." Edward deadpanned, nodding.
"You're breathtaking." Havoc promised, fanning himself.
"I need an adult." Alphonse said, pretending to be uncomfortable, his strange glowing eyes twinkling down at me. I slammed my mouth shut.
Oh. My. God.
"Al, I am an adult." Havoc frowned, confused, and I burst into giggles. I took it back, I was going to continue telling Alphonse all about the internet.
This was priceless, especially with the baffled stare Havoc was shooting at me.
"Inside. Jokes." Edward growled, pointing at us accusingly. "Stop excluding me!"
"I'm sorry, brother!" Alphonse said, laughter in his voice. "Arlina doesn't sleep much, she tells me about memes from her world!"
"What are memes?" Havoc demanded as Edward stomped in front of me.
"You will tell me all the memes!" Edward huffed, looking mortally offended that Alphonse and I had bonded over internet things without him. I cupped a hand over my mouth, trying to push back the laughter.
"Madame?"
I jumped at the sound of Slender's voice, nearly crashing into Edward as I turned around. He was standing behind us, looking impassive and I hoped that I managed to keep the horror from my face.
"A Colonel Mustang is on the line for you."
I blinked, staring at him in disbelief. …Seriously?
"…how does he find you?" Edward voiced my thoughts, sounding disturbed.
"Father senses." Havoc said knowingly. "All fathers get them when they have daughters. It's horrible." I glanced at Havoc. He was stud enough to know that. I bet lots of fathers chased him out of their house with shotguns.
I figured Roy somehow had a tracking device on me. Taking my bag from Alphonse, who still wore the wig despite the unimpressed stare he received from Slender, I followed after the butler. He brought us (all of us, because I refused to let us be split up and murdered) to a small room with velvet curtains, velvet plush couches and a golden stand in the center of the room which sat a marble phone. Talk about a fancy telephone room, right?
"Thanks…" I mumbled awkwardly to Slender who inclined his head and swiftly left the room. I brought the phone to my ear. "Roy?"
"Surprised?" Roy's voice crinkled through the line, smug as hell. "I told you I could find you." Yeah, okay, he was cheating somehow and I was going to figure out how.
"I'm glad you called," I said instead. I decided I might as well try to have a pleasant conversation with him, given that I was probably going to be horribly murdered.
"Is something wrong?" His tone changed immediately, low with a hint of concern seeping through. My mouth twitched upward.
"What? I can't have a friendly conversation with you without something be wrong?" I teased, playfully.
"No." He said flatly and I rolled my eyes, grinning. "What's bothering you?"
I wanted to tell him nothing, I wanted to say that everything was fine. The words were on the tip of my tongue, but I found myself blurting: "I'm at a haunted house and I'm scared." Oh goddamn it. His laughter poured through and I bit back a growl.
So much for honesty.
"Lieutenant Havoc will keep you safe," Roy assured, sounding amused. "And, despite their tendency to get into messes, the Elric brothers are very capable, as well. Don't worry."
"How are things over at Central?" I changed the subject, curious as to how he was.
"Tiring. I've been assigned to help Hughes with a case. There's been a string of…" he paused, hesitating. "Work things." Either Roy didn't want to tell me that there were murders happening, or he was cautious about talking about certain things on the phone. Interesting.
"Well. Be careful with your string of work things," I said, grinning. "Maybe I should demand that you get someone to follow you around and be your babysitter."
"I already have one," he grumbled into the phone and I rose my eyebrows in surprise. My thoughts tilted back to that blonde who followed him everywhere. Yeah… she looked like she'd keep him in line. She had looked like the only sane one, too. That poor woman. "What makes you think the house you're in is haunted?"
"Some guy claimed it was at the train station, and it's got the look and the vibe, and it's on a hill and there's a sudden storm outside and she's a vampire. Or a werewolf. And she dressed me up like her dead sister. She even made me wear a blonde wig."
Roy burst into laughter. Oh my GOD, these guys were jerks! Hello, I just told him that I'm dressed like a dead person and all he can do is laugh at me?!
"Does anyone have a camera?" He asked and I debated hanging up on him.
"No! No camera! And for your information, Havoc pictured you all dolled up wearing the dress and the wig, so there! He'll forever think that way whenever he sees you!"
Havoc stared at me in horror as Roy's laughter cut short.
"Good, I'd be the prettiest woman he'd ever see, and more lovelier than you at any rate." Roy sassed, and I wondered what it was with everyone trying to one up me in the girl department. This was a strange world. "Though… try not to upset the woman. If she's dressing you up like a deceased loved one she may be a little…"
"Yeah. I know. I refuse to be alone at any time."
There was a pause, and someone spoke quietly in the background. Roy sighed.
"I have to go. I'm not sure when I can ring you again, so if you don't hear from me later, have a goodnight. Try not to get yourself in trouble, Arlin."
"Please, you act like I go seeking trouble." I huffed. "And… alright, goodnight, love you."
Wait.
LOVE YOU?
OH.
MY.
GOD.
I was so used to saying it to 'Cilla that it was basically automatic I didn't even mean to say it to Roy! What do I do?! I can't believe I said that!
Oh my God!
Oh my God!
"OH GOD," I cried, panicked, jerking the phone away from me causing Edward and Alphonse to leap back. "HOW DO I HANG THIS UP?!"
I could never speak to Roy ever again! My life was over! I threw the receiver down to the floor, the entire phone thing crashing down with it and I kicked it away from me.
"Burn it! Burn the evidence!" I shrieked, pointing at the offensive thing. Havoc whacked me on the back of my head. I gave a cry of pain, sniffling.
"Calm yourself, Ministang!" He demanded. "Everything is fine!"
I sunk to the ground, hugging my knees. "No, my life is over, I want to die." I wailed, face on fire. "I said love you to Roy. That's weird! I don't even know Roy!"
"Maybe you love him anyway?" Alphonse suggested, cheerfully and I pouted at him. How could he even think that?
"Just because you're family with someone doesn't mean you automatically love them! It takes time!" I huffed, deciding to moodily turn this around on him. "Do you love your dad?"
"No," Edward hissed the same time Alphonse happily said: "Of course."
"Do you even know your dad?" I became curious, letting Havoc help me to my feet.
"What's a werewolf?" Edward asked, loudly, obviously wanting to drop the subject. I knew it. Daddy issues.
"It's a person who is bitten by a wolf and they transform into this wolf-monster during the full moon and goes on killing sprees." I explained, Edward and Havoc staring at me like I was crazy. "Or it's a sexy guy with a great body who can transform at will, broods a lot, stalks teenagers and just wants Scott to join his pack."
"What the hell are you talking about?" Edward narrowed his eyes at me, confusion apparent on his face. I gently placed a hand on his shoulder.
"Teen Wolf," I whispered.
I reaaally didn't want to split this chapter in half, but I already have so much more written and it would've just been ridiculously long. Oh man, the things that have been written and are planned for next chapter, I'm just going to say this in advance, I am so so sorry guys, I really am. You deserve someone who isn't me writing this fanfiction. Anyway, I'm pretty sure a lot of you guys will figure what Isabella is up to, I'm not really creative. Also wanted to reinforce LeFay Strent's input about the whole love thing from Arlina's point of view. Thanks again!
I know it's taken me a couple chapters, but I finally found a place to bring up werewolves for ya, Vic 'Cody' Seville!
You guys are freakin' amazing! You really are! Everything you guys have to say I take into consideration, the pairings you guys want, your input, your opinions, things you'd like to see. Even if it was something crazy like, "Withery, I want to see Envy and Ed singing karaoke songs." I would try to find a way to do that for you guys. And I really like reading which pairings you guys want, some of you have brought up really good points about it. In the long run, I hope I can make everyone happy.
To those curious about whether or not this is going to follow the anime, YES! I know, it's taking forever to get to the beginning of the plot, so I'm thinking after this haunted house adventure I'll kind of push it along just so we can get things started. Given, since there's Arlina, it's gonna stray from FMAB, especially since some other characters (like Winry) are going to have bigger roles and will be changing things. I have everything planned out plot wise for the most part, the only thing that I'm really not sure about is the whole romance but that will become clearer as the story progresses. And every question you might have, like: How did Arlina get here? How is she Roy's daughter? How did Alphonse's body come flying out? What the frick is up with the Doctor? EVERYTHING WILL BE ANSWERED. Eventually. Some of you may have already guessed the truth about this or that which, holy cow, you guys are amazing!
A huge FREAKIN' thank you to the best reviewers in the world: Firetrail, FreeWeirdGal, LiselotteandAlice, LeoInuyuka, Kashagal and Natures Ruler, LeFay Strent, Moka-girl, DXRough (YOU HAVE A SPECIAL PLACE IN MY HEART, FELLOW TFS LOVER), CacklingBlasphemy, NoticemeWitherysenpai, MegatronLove, Kenegi, I Am Alys, UltimateOtakuGirl100, Autumn, Roselleshinigami, EeveeAlchemist, Kittenizzy Loves Edward Elric (YAAAAY! Thankie for the Hershey Kisses!), BleachBunneh, Payton. Pride!
Kittenizzy Loves Edward Elric, DXRough, Arlina and a certain greedy homunculus are going to meet very soon, actually, and we'll see what horrible things will happen. The jerk is gonna show up a lot sooner because SOMEBODY I know (I'm looking at you NoticeMe) has been hounding me about it. And I'm a sucker for doing things for you guys.
UltimateOtakuGirl100, I've done that before! Oh man, is it weird that I'm so thrilled you like my story so much? I hope you continue to like it!
Roselleshinigami, Awww, thaaanks, but don't deprive yourself of coffee! I have sugar fixes, too, so I completely understand.
Moka-girl, of course I'd mention you in these horrifically long author notes! What you have to say is extremely important to me. And I'm sorry this took so long to update.
Kenegi, AHAHAHA ME TOO! It's gonna happen, very soon, and we can hold hands and dance in a circle around her. At least you'll be on my side when I shove Arlina into a total break down.
Before I finally shut up, I just gotta say I really hate Arlina for being diabetic because the amount of freakin' research that goes into this is killing me. Like when she made that insulin pen from the fountain pen, holy hell. Good thing youtube has a guide on how to do this kind of stuff, otherwise... This also took me hours. I had gotten on the computer at five pm and started writing this author note and now it's almost ten at night. I'm a really hyper person and sitting in front of a computer is like hell for me. Like I got onto the computer and then I found Narnia under the couch. And then I felt sick. And then I decided to dress the cats up and do a little play. WHICH brings me to another point: YOU GUYS WHO PM ME WITH WONDERFUL THINGS TO SAY, I REALLY, REALLY, LOVE THEM! And don't think I'm ignoring you, 'cause I'm not! I'm easily distracted! I WILL reply! I swear!
ANYWAY! EVERYONE WHO REVIEWED, FAVORITED, FOLLOWED, PM'D ME and of course my silent readers, THANK YOU SO, SO, MUCH! You guys are so amazing! I hope you enjoyed the chapter, the next one should be up in the a few days!