Hope you all enjoy this! To Be All That Remains, And More is going to be updated next. Please review!
Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto series or Fullmetal Alchemist or the anime's respective characters. I own only Ryoga and the character I created to be Hinata's mother.
Chapter 10
It was raining when they arrived at Headquarters.
Hinata held up a lavender colored umbrella over her and Ed's heads, Al had declined the spare she's offer him, saying he would be fine.
Ed was not happy to be back and complained about how Mustang would rub the fact that he and Al had found nothing about the Stone yet again. Among other things, he would also tease Ed about the latter's short height.
"It may not be t-that bad Ed." Hinata said, trying to lighten his mood.
"You've never met Mustang." Ed grumbled, then he looked at her more closely and added. "But then again you probably will soon, he'll most likely be curious about you."
Hinata wasn't sure how she felt about that but just nodded.
Al had stepped to the side for whatever reason but when Ed called him he hurried back over to him and the three went inside.
xxx
Ed and Al poked their heads through a doorway that was at the end of the hall, Hinata hung back, unsure, and so was out of sight.
"Should we come back?" Ed asked, Hinata could see him taking in whatever scene was before him.
"Hey Edward, Alphonse. Guess this means you're back." A woman's voice greeted the two boys.
The boys nodded when a meow echoed from within Al's armor. The boy started to panic as his older brother gave him the stink eye. Hinata blinked.
"Excuse me, but Al and I need to talk!" He growled, then abruptly he grabbed Hinata's shoulder and pushed her inside. She squeaked as she stumbled, trying to regain her balance since the Hyuga hadn't expected it.
"This is Hinata and she'll be traveling with me and Al for a bit. Do me a favor and keep her company while I talk to Al, okay?" Ed said.
The only woman in the room gave Hinata a once over and nodded.
Ed grinned.
"Thank- Al! Don't you dare try to run from me!" He shouted, and sprinted down the hall after his brother.
"Don't forget that you have a report to make!" The woman called after him.
"I haven't, thanks for the reminder!" Ed called back.
Hinata nervously turned back to the soldiers – they were all dressed in the same blue uniform though there was a different number of, small, star shaped metals on their shoulders. She concluded that the metals must be an indication of rank or something similar.
"H-hello." She squeaked, cheeks quickly flushing a dusty pink. Her eyes took in the scene before her, noting the red haired man who 'hid' for lack of a better word on top of a set of lockers. The ex-heiress noticed him keeping an eye on the puppy being held by a solider with black hair and glasses.
"Hello." The woman returned kindly; she had blonde hair pulled back with bangs over the left side of her forehead.
Introductions quickly followed and the woman introduced herself as Riza Hawkeye. The man holding the puppy was Kain Fuery, the man on top of the lockers was Heymans Brenda, the third man with a cigarette dangling from his mouth was Jean Havoc and finally the last man (who also looked to be the oldest among the officers) was Vato Falman.
"Hey little lady." Havoc greeted, his grin one of welcome and innocent charm.
They all noticed her eyes of course, but had the presence of mind not to outright mention it.
That didn't stop some from looking though, Havoc couldn't help but stare slightly, very curious. Falman also wondered, he didn't recall having ever heard of people with such eyes.
Hinata fidgeted for a moment before her eyes settled on the puppy in Fuery's arms and she smiled hesitantly.
"Is he yours?" She asked softly.
"Huh, oh no. I found him outside and I felt sorry for him because it was raining." Fuery explained. "I'm actually trying to find him an owner, I would keep him but the dorms don't allow pets. Uh, would you like to hold him?"
Hinata nodded after a pause and the puppy was settled into her arms.
The black and white puppy squirmed for a moment, yawned, and then promptly snuggled as close to Hinata as he could before falling asleep. The girl smiled as she cradled the sleeping pup in her arms.
"That's weird, he's been really hyper up till now." Fuery commented, a little stunned. He scratched at his head as the puppy started to snore.
"Seems like you have a knack with animals." Hawkeye observed. In truth the girl did have a serene air about her – it was very calming.
"T-thank you." Hinata muttered.
"Excuse me, and I apologize for the rudeness but I am very curious – you're eyes . . . are they a family trait?" Falman asked.
Hawkeye looked ready to reprimand him when Hinata spoke up.
The girl's smile was gentle, as were her strange white eyes.
"It's not r-rude, my eyes are unusual so i-it's natural for you to be curious. Yes my eyes are a family t-trait, I inherited them from my father. They run in his family." Hinata explained.
"I've never heard of them before though." Falman said.
"We're p-pretty isolated and live away from cities, no surprise you haven't heard of us." That wasn't technically a lie – the Hyuga clan was isolated along with the Leaf Village behind the protective walls.
The door opened again and Al walked in, Hinata got the distinct impression of him being sullen.
"Alphonse?" She asked hesitantly.
Al looked up and said. "Hey Hinata, everyone. Are you guys getting along?"
"Well enough." Hawkeye answered and the boy nodded.
"Brother went to give his report, he won't be long." Al said to Hinata as he walked up to the group. His gaze settled on the puppy in Hinata's arms.
"Who is this?" He asked, his tone lighter.
Fuery, once again, launched into his explanation of how he acquired the puppy. Al, in return, shared how he had come across the cat now sleeping in his armor. The two stories were almost exactly alike, save for what kind of animal had been rescued.
Al took the puppy from Hinata's arms and the dog quickly awoke due to the cold metal of Al's armor. He regarded Al curiously, apparently not sure what to make of him but it was clear the pup was unafraid.
A sudden commotion could be heard outside the room and Hawkeye excused herself to investigate.
Al and Hinata looked at each other. What was that about?
xxx
A few short hours later Hinata and Al were helping Ed look through the military records for an alchemic doctor Tim Marcoh but found nothing. Edward was stirred up into a rage.
"He's been erased from all the record books! Mustang clearly knows something and he's hiding it! I'll have to beat it out of him!" Ed growled.
"Ed, please think a-about what you're saying!" Hinata interjected.
"She's right, you couldn't get away with a fight!" Al added. A sudden meow from his armor snapped Ed out of his rant and he narrowed his eyes at Al.
As Al was put on the hot seat Hinata turned towards the sound of the door opening and saw a man possessing black spiky hair with a forelock of it handing over his forehead, a scruffy chinstrap beard and glasses over hazel eyes walk in. He blinked when he saw her and the brothers, then recognition flashed in his eyes.
"Ah, you must be Hinata!" He said walking up to her. "I'm Lieutenant Colonel Maes Hughes, a friend of Ed and Al."
Though the rank flew over Hinata's head, she smiled, liking the warmth and friendliness in his voice, and said back politely. "Hello Mr. Hughes."
"So polite and respectful! Aren't you adorable?!" Hughes gushed making Hinata blink. His personality had turned so suddenly it left her dazed.
"Ah yes, let me show you my family!" Suddenly there was a dozen pictures being forced into her hands. A couple were family snapshots with Hughes holding a woman and little girl who were most likely his wife and daughter respectively. They both had light brown hair and green eyes; Mrs. Hughes' hair was cropped short while the little girl's hair was done up in short pigtails on either side of her head. The remaining photos were all of the little girl doing various activities; dancing in a girly dress, riding a tricycle, having a tea party with her stuffed animals, and much more.
"My wife Gracia and our daughter Elicia who just turned three! Isn't she just the cutest thing you ever did see?" Hughes said proudly. "And guess what, guess what! My Gracia is pregnant with another girl – soon I'll have two adorable daughters to brag about. My sweet Elicia is going to be a big sister!"
"C-congratulations!" Hinata squeaked, becoming overwhelmed. Thankfully Al stepped in when he saw her predicament.
"I didn't know Gracia was pregnant, congratulations Major." Al said.
"Lieutenant Colonel!" Hughes corrected. "And thanks, truth be told we found out about the baby pretty late in the pregnancy. I'm in a frenzy getting the nursey ready! Only the best will do for my newest little angel after all!"
Al nodded. "Of course, um, did you come here to tell us something?"
"Oh yes, I came here to talk to Ed! I forgot what with the photos and –"
Ed looked over his shoulder at the man, giving him the stink eye as he growled out. "Get to the point!"
Hughes jumped, he wasn't the only one spooked though as Hinata scooted a bit back from her friend and Al just sighed.
Hughes explained that due to "conditions" Ed's assessments would be held here, at Eastern Command.
Hinata perked up, remembering the Elrics mentioning the Assessment Exams.
It was held yearly for State Alchemist to renew their certification in order to evaluate whether or not they should be allowed to keep their special privileges and rank in the military.
In other words, if a State Alchemist did not meet expectations they could be stripped of their certification and no longer be a State Alchemist.
Hinata did not like the wicked gleam that had suddenly appeared in Ed's eyes, and she had a feeling Al shared her sentiment.
"I've got the perfect idea Major!" Ed said eagerly, jumping to his feet and up to Hughes.
The man immediately corrected Ed about using his old rank but Ed brushed it off.
"Seriously Hughes, I know the perfect way to show off my skills!" Ed said before turning to Al and Hinata, adding. "Right?"
"Oh no . . ." Al moaned as his brother's grin widened with anticipation.
xxx
When the sky cleared up and transformed from stormy gray to a perfect baby blue Ed and Mustang met up on the parade grounds, ready to begin their match.
They had an audience, many of the military personal were standing on the sidelines, ready for some entertainment. Even the leader of Amestris, Fuhrer King Bradley was present with his secretary and many State Alchemist from Central Command surrounding him.
Hinata looked at the many pocket watches that were carried by all State Alchemist dangling from the pockets of those surrounding the table Bradley was sitting at. She had heard that all of Central Command – the central branch and hub of the military – had come to East City all of a sudden. Rumor had it that there was a sinister reason for their intrusion and all the State Alchemist were here out of fear.
That was the rumor anyway.
She stood next to Al, holding the kitten he'd been keeping inside his armor. Its fur was coal black and the feline's gold eyes seemed to look right through her.
The first thought to cross Hinata's mind was that this cat wasn't ordinary by a longshot, but now was not the time to address it with the brothers.
Hughes, holding a microphone called for the crowd's attention in the center of the parade and pulled off the tarp of something huge that stood behind him. It was a photo of his daughter that was easily three times his height, hugging a stuffed teddy bear that was just as big as herself.
"Isn't she adorable?!" Hughes cheered.
The military personal responded by throwing things at the man until the huge portrait was accidently tipped over by the projectiles and landed on him.
Hinata winced.
After Hughes was patched up he didn't waste any more time and introduced the two State Alchemist that would be fighting each other.
"In the red corner we have the Flame Alchemist and Hero of the Eastern Rebellion; Colonel Roy Mustang!"
Roy Mustang – a handsome man with pitch black hair, dark eyes, and in possession of a smooth, pale face - was on the receiving end of boos from the soldiers. Among the shouts Hinata could make out "You just want a promotion!" and "Give me back my girlfriend!"
Mustang was flanked by Hawkeye and Falman, all three did not look the least bit surprised by Mustang's reception.
"And in the blue corner the Fullmetal Alchemist and living legend of the people; let's hear it for Edward Elric!"
Al and Hinata stood on either side of Ed who received snide remarks about his height and clear sentiments that the audience didn't expect him to last long against Mustang.
Ed's temper flared at the height comments and Al had to hold him back from attacking the crowd.
"Calm down." Al coaxed.
"You're right Al, today is gonna be a great day. The day I kick Mustang's ass in front of the whole army and get some damn respect!" Ed panted, clearly still angry and frustrated.
"Brother, we're indebted to him." Al reminded in a low voice.
Hinata looked between them, interested. She knew that Mustang had been the one to help get Ed into the military despite his young age at the time but was unaware of the specific details.
"He's asked for it!" Ed protested. "Saying he knows every move we make, acting like he let our secret out, and keeping information from us!"
"So, what's your plan?" Al asked after a moment.
"I told you, a fist to his face!" Ed shouted, Hinata winced at the volume of his voice.
"B-be careful." She said. "And try not t-to let him provoke you. F-from what I've heard he'll p-probably try to use your t-temper against you using i-insults."
"She's right Brother." Al said.
"Yeah I know. " Ed said, and then, because he knew she just worried added. "Thanks Hinata."
The girl smiled, not expecting it.
A few minutes later Hinata stood with Al in the audience, ready to watch the assessment begin.
"This assessment doesn't mean anything to me." She heard Ed say to Mustang. "If I win you're going to tell me everything you know about Marco, and don't forget you'll have a new cat."
Mustang just smiled as Hinata felt a twinge in her gut – she didn't feel right leaving the cat with Mustang. It wasn't that she thought the man would be a bad owner but something inside her was whispering that the cat belonged with her.
It certainly looked content to stay in Hinata's arms.
"Alchemist get set . . .!" Hughes shouted, trailing off as he took a deep breath . . . before promptly turning tail and running away like his life depended on it, much to Ed's surprise.
"READY AND FIGHT!" Hughes screamed. Mustang took advantage of Ed's surprise and quickly snapped his gloved fingers.
Sparks shot out of the glove and the air exploded with a flash of fire that sent Ed flying.
Hinata felt her jaw drop.
"Amazing." She breathed as Ed frantically tried to put some distance between himself and the colonel.
She heard the smile in Al's voice as he explained to her how Mustang's alchemy worked. The gloves were made from ignition cloth that created a spark when Mustang snapped his fingers. All the man had to do then was change the oxygen density in the air and he got bombs on command.
Hinata noted the transmutation circle sewed onto the glove and how the Flame Alchemist kept his left hand in his pocket. Was he showing off or was this a strategic move? Maybe a combination of both, which was honestly quite likely.
Ed was forced to run into crowd to escape Mustang's fire and actually jumped over Fuery's head in his haste. The men in close proximity to where Ed had jumped into the crowd immediately looked nervous.
"I guess I can't torch you all." Mustang commented, and then added. "This is hard, he's such a small target!"
"Don't call me small!" Ed shouted, giving away his position. The men around him flinched away from the loudness of his voice.
"If your enemy is of claret temper, seek to irritate and never fall for the taunts of the enemy." Mustang lecture smoothly, he snapped his fingers, sending Ed and most of the men surrounding him soaring into the sky. The young Hyuga and Alphonse were forced to back away.
Hinata cringed when she saw the destruction and the soldiers that had ended up as collateral damage.
"Oh Ed." Al sighed.
Mustang went after Ed again, surrounded by the smoke of his blast. He fell for a dummy Ed had given his jacket to and fashioned to resemble him somewhat. Just as Mustang realized the trick Ed took the advantage and tore the transmutation circle on the colonel's glove. Now he couldn't make flames.
"Cheap shot!" Ed called out tauntingly as he transmuted a huge cannon that easily towered over Mustang.
"I-isn't that a little o-overboard?!" Hinata squeaked. First Mustang with the audience and now Ed with this? Was taking things to an excessive level a required trait among State Alchemist?
"Brother can get carried away." Al said sheepishly.
Hinata frowned, and then added. "B-but what about the other hand Mustang's been k-keeping in his pocket?"
"Huh?" Al said, sounding stunned. Apparently he hadn't noticed.
Sure enough Mustang just smirked at his protégé and pulled out his left hand from his pocket – it too had a glove over it with the transmutation circle stitched onto the surface.
Ed panicked, realizing he'd miscalculated, as Mustang snapped his fingers and destroyed the cannon with embarrassing ease.
"All war is deception, think your enemy has a weakness and it becomes his strength. Remember that." Mustang lectured smugly as he walked up to where Ed had fallen.
"Just do it." Ed growled.
"Alright, you don't have to ask." Mustang said and moved to snap his fingers, but he froze. Hinata saw a glazed look settled in his eyes and it was clear to her that Mustang's mind was far away.
Concerned, Hinata took in the colonel's expression and saw it was one of great grief, anguish . . . and guilt.
Ed took the opening and transmuted his auto-mail arm into a blade, he lunged forward; not stopping until the tip was an inch away from Mustang's throat.
It was silent for a few moments before the Fuhrer walked up to the pair, easily navigating the rubble and debris that were once the parade grounds. His secretary and a man that Hinata quickly spotted with a State Alchemist pocket watch were right at his heels.
"An excellent fight by two skilled alchemist!" Bradley praised.
Mustang immediately came back to reality and saluted his superior, saying he and Fullmetal were honored by his complement.
Ed on the other hand . . .
"Don't stop, we aren't finished!" He protested.
Bradley acknowledged that, but also added if he allowed them to continue it would be harder for Flame and Fullmetal to fix the parade ground on their own. Hinata looked around, the parade was in pretty bad shape with chunks of the ground having been heaved up during the fight and tossed around randomly, there was rubble area. Also, as a result of Mustang's attack, there were some soldiers among the rubble that had landed there after the colonel's fire attack had sent them flying along with Ed.
xxx
The sun was setting, dying everything a shade of deep orange and yellow as Hinata, Al and Hawkeye watched Mustang and Ed fix the parade grounds.
As they cleaned Ed confronted Mustang about why the older man had frozen when he was on the verge of winning.
Mustang answered the question in a roundabout way, mentioning and event called the Eastern Rebellion. It was when the people of Ishbal rebelled against the military – Mustang said he saw his share of terrible things.
Then he talked about Marcoh.
"Tim Marcoh, the deserter, was the smartest among us. I still think so, even now." He admitted, sitting on a piece of rubble.
"Is that why you kept quiet, out of respect?" Ed asked.
"Maybe I was wrong not to tell you. You should pay him a visit so you'll know yourself."
"He's alive?" Ed asked, his eyes wide.
Mustang smiled, and looking at his protégé over his shoulder, nodded a confirmation.
Ed smiled with gratitude and told Mustang he didn't need to say why he had frozen up like that.
The men didn't finish until it was already dark out, Hinata had excused herself earlier to go to the restroom and on the way back picked up something for them to eat.
Hawkeye saw the containers in her hand and Hinata handed one to her, mumbling that she figured everyone would be hungry by now.
Hawkeye smiled and accepted the food.
When Mustang and Ed approached – the former yawning loudly – Hinata offered the food to them as well. Ed, starving, immediately thanked her and took the container she held out. The food was nothing special, just sandwiches, but Ed acted like it was among the best food he'd ever tasted.
When Hinata handed Mustang his he regarded her for a moment. This was the first time they had been properly introduced after all.
"This is Hinata, she's going to be traveling with Brother and me for a bit." Al explained to the colonel. He was holding the cat again, which was watching the on goings lazily with one eye opened.
"I know, Fullmetal explained everything – and I got information someone new was traveling with you and Fullmetal." Mustang said simply and he smiled at the girl. "Thanks for the food."
Hinata smiled back.
XXX
"I hope the cat will be okay." Al said.
"M-me too." Hinata mumbled, feeling like she should go back and retrieve the cat from where they'd left it in a stroller Ed had transmuted.
Since Mustang had provided them with all the information regarding Marcoh it seemed unfair to make him keep the cat, so they left it at someone's doorstep in a fancy stroller.
The three were currently heading to the train station to catch the next one out of East City, it was dark out so there weren't many people out on the streets. Hinata adjusted the left strap of her backpack as she wondered why the cat felt so important. Was it one of those things that just happened, like instantly creating a connection?
They reached the train minutes before it left and quickly settled down in their seats; Hinata sat on her own, next to the window with the Elric brothers across from her.
In what was turning into an ordinary occurrence for the trio the train cart they picked out was almost completely empty, leaving everything blissfully quiet, Hinata was just dozing off when she heard Ed curse.
"What the hell?"
Rubbing at her eyes Hinata sat up.
"W-what's wrong Ed?" She asked. He was staring at the floor right next to her foot so she looked down.
It was the cat.
"How did he follow us?!" Ed demanded as Hinata bent forward and scooped the cat into her arms, admittedly relieved.
"I don't know, but I think we're stuck with him Brother. Well, at least Hinata is." Al commented cheerfully.
Ed sighed.
"D-don't worry, this cat looks awfully intelligent. I-I'll train him myself." Hinata promised.
"Guess we got no choice." Ed gave in, a resigned look on his face.
"So, what are you going to name him?" Al asked Hinata as the cat fell asleep in her arms.
"Ryoga." Hinata said immediately.
"Ryoga." Al repeated, silently thinking that name sounded just as foreign as Hinata's did.
"Among other things it means "fighting fang" and the like. I-I don't know why but I feel like it suits him." Hinata explained.
"Okay, then, Ryoga it is." Al said.
The cat purred in his sleep, as if giving the name his approval.
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