Another chapter! Yay!
Mokiemorty- Patience, Grasshopper, this is a suspense story. (grins) You'll find out soon enough!
XxHouranxX- Your welcome. (grins) To be honest, I don't find writing so much a difficult task. More often than not though I see the chapter I'm working on too short to fit with the others. One time I looked at the word count and it said 7 pages written, which is meager compared to the other chapters 10, and an hour later I check it again and it said 11 pages. (grins)
Anyway, lets get going! (yay)
Chapter 10: Elric VS Elric
Night.
The sun had set quickly, or so it had seemed to Mustang. He and his group had been patrolling the streets for hours, though not one of his men had complained. First Lieutenant Hawkeye marched behind him to his left, his blind spot, her hand always on her weapon. It was good to know he didn't have to worry about anyone sneaking up on him. It was a major weakness to be half blind. Also behind him, not far from Hawkeye, was Second Lieutenant Breda, and Warrant Officer Falman.
" Have you noticed anything yet, Fuery? " Hawkeye asked. Each one of them had a sound piece in their ear, allowing them to speak to and hear the voice of their youngest group member, Kain Fuery, who had taken position in the highest building to watch the roof tops.
" Everything is clear. " Fuery replied, his voice sounding metallic through the ear piece. " It's so dark now, though. Shouldn't you give up until tomorrow, Boss? "
" No. " Mustang replied. " Dante is more likely to show herself at night where there are less people around. Keep your eyes open. If necessary use the spot beam if you think you see anything. "
" Yes, Sir. " Fuery replied.
" I do hope Alphonse isn't going to search all night for Edward. " Hawkeye sighed.
" He will. " Mustang replied. " He can be as determined as Edward when he want's to. "
" He can act like him, too. " Breda muttered.
" Oh? " Hawkeye replied. " What makes you say that, Second Lieutenant? "
" Havoc told me of the tantrum he threw. " Breda grinned. Suddenly Mustang heard him gasp. He glanced over his right shoulder to see Hawkeye glaring at him.
" I hardly find that fact amusing myself, Second Lieutenant. " She stated, her tone dangerous.
" Uh- right! " Breda grinned sheepishly. " Sorry, Ma'am! " Mustang looked away and continued walking. His subordinates remained quiet, Breda too cautious to say anymore. Mustang could see up ahead another group of military police walking into view at the end of the street.
" Colonel! " He suddenly heard someone yelling from behind them. " Colonel Mustang! " He whirled around, yanking his spark-glove out of his pocket and jamming it on. Hawkeye pulled out her gun, as did Breda and Falman as they all stared in the direction of the voice. Almost immediately he spotted Armstrong and Second Lieutenant Havoc charging towards them, angry and concerned expressions on their faces.
" What is it? " He asked when they caught up. He immediately noticed that Alphonse was not with them.
" Alphonse ran away from us! " Havoc fumed.
" What!.? " Mustang yelled. " You can't even take care of the calmer of the Elric's?.! "
" The Homunculus attacked us! " Armstrong informed them. " He told young Alphonse that Edward is waiting for him in a church, and then fled. "
" We think he went there, but if Ed and that homunculus is there we figured we'd prefer backup. " Havoc continued.
" All right. " Mustang nodded. " This must be the same church we tracked them to earlier. Fuery! "
" Yes! " The Master Sergeant replied hastily.
" Order all military officers on patrol to meet on Harkour Street immediately! We need the element of surprise to capture Edward! "
" Yes, Sir! " Fuery yelled.
" Breda, Havoc! " Mustang continued. The two lieutenant's straightened themselves, saluting him. " I want you both to organize the troops when they arrive on Harkour, do not move towards the church until I give word! "
" Yes, sir! " They both ran off, heading in the direction that all the other squadrons seemed to be moving now.
" Falman, go to Fuery's position and help man the spotlight on the church, I don't want his attention divided! Do not shine it until I give word! " Falman nodded and immediately turned and dashed away, leaving him, Hawkeye and Armstrong. They both stood to attention, saluting him.
" You two are with me. " He stated. " Hawkeye, you have my back and my left. Armstrong, you will keep your eyes on Alphonse when we find him. If he is in danger you must get him out. "
" But it will be dangerous anyway! " Armstrong stated. " I should- "
" Alphonse will keep running away until he realises that he needs our help, and that will only happen if he fails on his own. And I emphasize 'if'. " Mustang added. " You are only to make sure he doesn't die. " Armstrong nodded, clearly disliking his decision. Mustang pushed passed them, making his way quickly towards the church he had chased them to earlier. It wasn't far away, but he could not make a move until all the troops were ready. His plan depended on it.
That boy.. He thought. He is so much like his brother..
Thump thump thump thump thump thump...
Alphonse slowed to a stop, peering around the corner. Once again there was no one in the area. He ran out into the open of the street, moving as fast as he could.
Thump thump thump thump thump thump... His footsteps were the only sound, echoing in the darkness. Up ahead he could see the old church from earlier. It was shrouded in shadow, not a single light on inside. It probably didn't have lights.. When he started running he had to hide so often, so many patrols looking for Edward. But after five minutes everybody seemed to vanish. Havoc and Armstrong had stopped chasing him after two minutes. They probably alerted Major General Mustang, but then wouldn't they be after him? Havoc heard Envy's message. He too was with Mustang when they were in the underground city. They had probably tracked Alphonse and Edward there.
Then why weren't they coming?
The church was now right in front of him. He stopped at the steps, looking up at the building that loomed over him. Brother is in there.. He thought. What will I do..? What does he.. What does Dante want..? Taking a deep breath, he slowly walked up the steps. He half-expected Envy to jump out at him from the shadows. For Dante to appear in Edward's body and end his life.. But if they wanted him dead, they would have done that when Envy had grabbed him shortly before..
The door was right in front of him. Alphonse suddenly did not want to enter. He did not want to see his brother. Not like that.. Brother would have charged in by now, if that were me.. He thought. Brother would never have walked away like I did in the underground city.. Brother wouldn't have given up.. He would not have wasted time like I did.. He would not have stayed with Havoc and Armstrong to go on a futile search.. He would have gone straight to where I would have been last.. He stepped forward, placing a hand on the door, ready to push it open. I'm sorry, Brother.. He thought gloomily. He took a deep breath, trying to calm himself. I don't know if i can save you.. With a shove, he pushed the door, the large wood swinging open with a horrendously loud creak. Inside it was pitch black. Slowly he stepped into the large foyer, his footsteps muffled by years of dust.
" About time. " A voice grunted in impatience. Suddenly there was a blinding flash, the entire room lighting up so bright Alphonse had to cover his eyes with his hands in pain.
" Aagh! " He gasped in surprise, half blinded.
" Woops. " Envy snickered. " Should have warned you. " Slowly Alphonse pulled his hands away, his eyes adjusting to the new lighting. The lights of the church had been turned on, revealing every nook and cranny of the room. Envy sat not far ahead on the back of one of the church chairs in the last row, his legs crossed and his arms folded. He wore a wide grin, enjoying Alphonse's reaction.
" Envy.. " Alphonse sighed.
" No, I only look like Envy. " The homunculus growled sarcastically. " You gotta state my presence every time you see me? It's not like there's anyone here who doesn't know who I am! "
" Where's Dante? " Alphonse asked, ignoring the comment. Envy seemed annoyed at the mention of her.
" Oh, how could I forget? " He sneered. " Poor old Edward, your only brother! That hurts my feelings, Al. " He spat Alphonse's name.
" Is Dante here or not? " Alphonse continued, ignoring the comment. Irritated, Envy sighed loudly, rolling his eyes. He glanced behind Alphonse, and suddenly there was a loud bang as the door swung shut. Alphonse jumped in surprise, whirling around on the spot. He gasped, his eyes widening at the sight.
" Hey, Al. " The familiar voice cooed. Edward leaned against the now closed door, arms folded and staring at him with bored eyes and a cruel smirk. Alphonse froze.
Brother..
" What's the matter, Al? " Edward grinned as Alphonse stared, his mouth hanging open in shock.
" Aren't you glad to see your only brother? "
Suddenly Alphonse shook his head roughly, covering his eyes with one hand. After a few moments he looked back up at Dante.
" Don't pretend to be what your not. " He muttered. He could feel sweat on his face. He knew it was Dante, but all he saw was his brother standing in front of him, as if Alphonse was the enemy.. Edward- Dante - straightened himself and slowly walked over to Alphonse, stopping right in front of him. Alphonse was two inches taller, making Dante look up at him. She wore a cruel smirk on her face, on Edward's face..
" I can't fool you, can I? " She mocked, staring at him with golden eyes. " Your absolutely right, Al. I'm not Edward. He's gone. "
" My name is Alphonse. " He replied through gritted teeth. Dante stepped back, holding her hands up in submission, though the smirk didn't waver.
" Of course, I do apologize, Alphonse. " She grinned. " I just thought you'd like to hear your brothers loving voice call your name one more time. "
" Don't bother! " Alphonse huffed. It was so hard not to let his voice crack.. So hard to keep his body from shaking... Dante lifted her automail arm and placed it gently on his shoulder.
" You poor thing.. " She uttered with fake compassion, looking down and closing her eyes. " Losing the last of your family. I'm sure you want him back.. " She looked up again, staring directly at him with Edward's eyes. For a moment Alphonse could see the fire and determination he was so used to, but it quickly faded.. " Do you want him back? "
Alphonse gritted his teeth. He was definitely shaking now.. Brother.. She's not..
It's not Brother..
He felt tears prickling in the back of his eyes, but he forced them away. He could not cry now..
" Do you want your brother back? " Dante repeated softly. Edward's voice. Edward's eyes. Edward's arm.. But not Edward..
" Yes.. " Alphonse replied, trying to make his voice as strong and firm as possible, but all that came out was a weak, feeble squeak. Dante smiled, seemingly satisfied.
" I will give his body back, Alphonse. " She stated. She pulled the automail arm off Alphonse's shoulder and stepped back again. " But I need another body. You don't have to worry about that, though, I'll sort that out. All you need to do is make me another philosophers stone. "
" Philosophers stone.. " Alphonse mumbled.
" Yes. " Dante smirked. " It will be difficult to make, though. You'd need a lot of souls. You will really have to want him back. I'll tell you an easy way, though. " She paused. Alphonse said nothing, so she continued. " Do you want to know the easy way to make a philosophers stone? " She leaned forward until her head was to his left, near his ear, as if sharing a secret.
She smells like Brother.. Alphonse narrowed his eyes.
" It's simple. " She whispered. " You should use Lior. " Slowly Alphonse lowered his head.
Lior..
" That would work.. " He mumbled softly.
" Indeed. " Dante continued. " Enough souls are already there. And a powerful alchemist such as yourself would have no problem covering the city with the appropriate Transmutation Circle. You would have no problem making the stone.. "
" Yeah.. " Alphonse whispered weakly. " But there's a problem.. "
" What is it, Al? " Dante asked. Edward's voice.. Alphonse looked up, staring directly at her, glaring through narrowed eyes. He clapped his hands together.
" The problem is, " He growled, " I don't want to make a stone. " He lurched for Dante, who jumped backwards in surprise. Behind him, Envy leaped off the chair, charging towards him. Alphonse reached out for Edward. He was about to grab her when she dashed sideways, out of his reach. Suddenly he felt a rough pair of hands wrap themselves around his middle, he was yanked into the air, and the next thing he knew the ground was rushing up at him. He hit it at full speed, rolling on the wooden floor, stirring up all the dust. He crashed painfully into a church chair, back against it. His head spinning, he looked up. Envy stood between him and Dante, scowling at Alphonse.
" Nice try, Small Fry! " He growled, stomping towards him, fists clenched. Dante stood behind him, arms folded, glaring at Alphonse.
Edward was glaring at him...
Envy stopped right in front of him and grabbed his arm, yanking him painfully to his knees. He pulled his other arm back in a fist, ready to swing at Alphonse.
" Stop. " Dante commanded. Envy froze, a snarl crossing his face. Suddenly he shoved Alphonse to the ground, whirling around to glare at Dante.
" What now?.! " He snapped. Dante didn't flinch.
" Clever boy, Alphonse. " She hissed. " Bringing the military. "
" What..? " Alphonse muttered, pulling himself off the ground to a sitting position. Suddenly a loud explosion rocked the entire church. Wood, metal and glass were hurled towards them from the back of the church near the stage, quickly followed by a large, orange fireball that spewed through the gap, billowing halfway into the church before receding. Alphonse shielded himself behind the church chair as everything hit the ground, the sound deafening. Dante had created a solid wall in between her and the explosion, blocking the shrapnel. Envy merely stared in rage at the hole, any wood that pierced him quickly being forced out, the wound closing instantly. Once everything settled, Alphonse's peered over the back of the chair. Major General Mustang stood in the new opening, A gloved hand held out in front of him, his other in his pocket, no doubt concealing another glove. He wore a tight scowl. Behind him to his left, First Lieutenant Hawkeye stood alert, her revolver cocked in her hand. To his right, Armstrong stood to attention, shirt removed and spiked knuckle-dusters with transmutation circles covering his hands. Behind them stood at least a hundred other military soldiers, each in blue uniforms and assorted guns raised, ready to attack.
" Aaww! " Envy groaned in frustration.
" Move out! " Mustang yelled. He stood still with Hawkeye as all of the soldiers rushed into the church, charging for Envy and Edward. " Circle them! " The soldiers Completely filled up the room, filling up the space between the chairs, the sides, everywhere. The only space left empty was the few meters or so radius around Envy and Dante. They both stared wide eyed. Suddenly Dante dashed towards the large church doors.
" Don't bother! " Mustang yelled. She stopped, turning to look at him. He had made his way to the front of the sea of soldiers, Hawkeye still right behind him to his left. Armstrong seemed to have disappeared. " The rest of the army is out the front just waiting for an opportunity to shoot you. " Alphonse's eyes widened.
Shoot him..?
" Don't make me laugh, Colonel. " Dante replied calmly. Alphonse noticed Mustang's eyes narrow. Clearly her appearance disturbed him. " You wouldn't pump bullets into Edward Elric with his little brother right in front of him. " She grinned.
" It's better then letting you live. " He replied coldly. " Give it up, you have no way of escaping. " He outstretched his hand, his fingers ready to snap. " Don't think I won't hesitate to kill you. "
" Death doesn't suit me. " Dante frowned. " But despite your harsh words, despite your knowledge of my presence in this body, all you see and hear is the people's hero, Edward Elric. I know of your work in the Ishbalan war, Colonel. You found it hard enough to kill two unruly doctors, simply because they were helping people. You don't have the guts to take down a friend as well. "
" Appearances mean nothing. " Mustang replied simply. Dante smirked.
" Ohh, soft spot. " She jeered. Mustang clicked his fingers.
" No! " Alphonse screamed. A flamethrower of fire appeared from nowhere, searing the air and billowing towards Envy and Dante. Envy jumped up into the air, out of reach of the fire. Dante merely stood, wide-eyed, at the inferno. The flames covered her as it completely burned the wall and floor around her. No! Alphonse gasped. Brother! Slowly the fire melted away. Dante still stood, staring in shock at the Colonel, the walls and floor around her singed black except for barely a centimetre all around her, which remained unburned. The very tips of Edward's fringe were slightly singed.
" Let that be a warning, Dante. " Mustang stated. Alphonse stared at his unburned brother. Only now did he realize he was holding his breath. Slowly he exhaled, staring at Dante, who was clearly surprised. Quickly the shock vanished from her eyes, being replaced by an angered coldness unnatural to the vivid gold.
" Cute. " She spat, frowning again. " Envy! "
" My pleasure! " The homunculus, who had latched himself onto a wooden beam in the ceiling, jumped down from the roof, hitting the ground with a loud thud. Immediately he leaped for the crowd of soldiers.
" Shoot it! " A voice yelled from somewhere, and immediately all the soldiers in range opened fire, bullets and gun powder filling the air. Hundreds struck Envy, but the homunculus barely flinched as he came down on the first row, his arms huge swords, cutting into them and killing the soldiers in tens. Alphonse noticed Mustang flinch. He knew that the Colonels fire was useless so close to the squadron. Mustang whirled around, looking straight at Alphonse.
" Well?.! " He yelled. " We'll distract Envy, get your brother! "
" R-right! " Alphonse stammered, rising to his feet. Dante hadn't moved from in front of the church doors, watching the slaughter with a calm expression. Alphonse dashed forward until he stood directly in front of her. She looked at him. Edward's eyes stared at him with a cold hatred, his arms crossed as if still annoyed by the interruption.
" So. " She said. Edward's voice. " What are you going to do? "
" I don't know how to get rid of you and save Brother. " Alphonse replied, clapping his hands. He knelt down, slapping the ground. In a blue flash he pulled out a long, thin sword, the shining metal gleaming from the flickering light of fire from the raging battle behind them. " Brother wouldn't want me to let you go just because you look like him. I doubt I can catch you. I have to get rid of you. Even if Brother dies.. " He added, his voice fading away.. He raised the sword behind his head with one hand and dashed towards Dante. " I can't let you hurt any one else! " Dante stood still, letting him approach.
" You wouldn't kill your own flesh and blood. " She jeered, sneering at him. Alphonse reached her, pulling the sword back. Dante's eyes widened. He clapped his hands, not dropping the sword, and grabbed Dante's automail arm. In a blue flash it shattered, tens of thousands of metal shards and gears clattering to the ground. Then in a single movement, Alphonse brought the sword down at Dante, who lurched backwards in an attempt to dodge, alarmed. The sharp blade cut into her flesh, though it only hit the edge of her arm, making a deep cut, the point of the sword jamming into the wall of the church.. Dante gasped, her eyes wide with an expression of terror on Edward's face. Alphonse pulled the sword out of the wooden wall and out of Edward's arm. She gasped, staring at it in shock and pain..
" Al.. " She whispered, her voice sounding agonized. It sounded so much like Edward.. She collapsed onto her knees, shaking. Alphonse stepped back, aghast.
What is she doing..?.! He thought, horrified. Dante stared at the blood that ran down her arm from the wound. Suddenly she looked up at Alphonse, her eyes wide in distress. The fire had returned, but was now almost overwhelmed by fear and shock as she stared at him. Almost like...
" Al.. " She gasped. " What..? " Alphonse's eyes widened. The sword slipped out of his hand, clattering onto the ground.
" B..Brother..? " He squeaked.
" What's going on..?.! " He asked, his voice weak. " Why did you..? " Alphonse fell to his knees, staring at Edward. He could feel the tears at the back of his eyes again..
" Brother..? " He uttered. Is it..
.. Brother..?
" You.. You.. " Alphonse stammered. Edward stared at him in horror. The expression was agonizing.. " I'm sorry.. " He whispered. Slowly Edward reached out his arm, reaching for Alphonse's hand.
" Al.. " He murmured again. Suddenly he grabbed the sword, yanking it backwards, poised to strike. " Your so gullable. " He grinned. He lurched forward, the sword sailing towards Alphonse. Stunned, Al could not move.. Could not stop it..
Brother...
The sword pierced his stomach, right bellow his ribs. His eyes widened as he felt the cold metal exit through his back. He gasped. Everything slowed down as the agonizing pain spread through his body from the wound..
" Bro...ther.. " He whispered feebly. In front of him, Edward grinned cruelly, letting go of the blade, leaving it in him..
" If you survive, my dear Brother, you know what you need to do. " He laughed. " I'm happy either way. " He watched as Edward rose to his feet, shouting something, no doubt to Envy. Behind him, Alphonse could hear the screams of men dying.. He could hear Mustang shouting in alarm.. Edward dashed out of view. Leaving him.. Behind him he could hear heavy footsteps approaching.
Alphonse fell forward. Slowly the ground came towards him.. so slowly.. Some one was shouting his name. Someone grabbed him by the shoulders with large but gentle hands, stopping him from falling on the blade. Their voice echoed in his mind, sounding so far away, calling him... The pain was so intense, swaying his vision. He felt something as hot as fire leap up from his stomach into his throat. Involuntarily he vomited, blood spewing out of his mouth, hitting the wooden floor below him. The person holding him clutched him tightly, almost cradling him. His vision blurred, and everything turned a strange red, which in turn then faded to black.
" Al..? "
" Al...? "
" Wake up... Al.. ? "
Slowly Alphonse opened his eyes. All he could see was a misty haze. He could hear someone calling his name. The voice sounded calm, yet worried. What happened..? He thought drowsily. He could feel a strange numbness in his side, like when his arm falls asleep, but it's not possible to do that to one's stomach.. Slowly he pulled himself to a sitting position. He still couldn't see who had been calling him. Out of the corner of his eye he could see a large black wall beside him. Where am I...? He thought. The ground was also haze.. He'd seen this place before..
His eyes widened as Alphonse suddenly remembered what happened. A groan escaped his lips as he grabbed his stomach with his hand, expecting to find a gaping wound, but his clothes weren't even stained with blood let alone torn. The only evidence that he had been injured was the strange numb feeling that seemed to spread from his stomach.. Alphonse finally noticed the black wall for what it was. He stared up at it, wide-eyed. It was the Gate.
" Ohh, no.. " He muttered. But the vast doors did not open to take him away. What..?
" Al.. " The voice called again from behind him. Alphonse whirled around. Edward knelt in front of him, a calm, almost drowsy expression on his face, though his eyes were filled with worry.
" Brother! " Alphonse gasped.
" What the hell are you doing here..? " Edward asked. He sounded upset, but his voice was soft, like he was half asleep. His automail was gone, his shirt and pants where his metal limbs would normally be hung limp. Though it didn't seem to bother him at all.
" Brother.. " Alphonse muttered. It's actually him.. It has to be him.. He felt his face fall, his breathing heavy as he stared at Edward.
" Hey.. " Edward mumbled. " What're you upset for..? "
" Brother, don't you know where you are? " Alphonse asked weakly.
" Yeah. " Edward nodded. " I'm at the Gate. But you shouldn't be here.. " His eyes widened slightly. " What happened to you..? " Once again Alphonse's hand drifted up to his stomach.
" You.. Dante.. " He stammered. " Uh.. Dante impaled me.. " Edward frowned, looking upset.
" She's got my body.. " He mumbled. Alphonse nodded.
" I'm sorry, Brother.. " He sobbed, his voice weak. " It's my fault.. "
" Don't blame yourself. " Edward replied. " I got in the way on my own. I should be apologising. Putting you through this.. " He looked down at Alphonse's stomach, a thoughtful expression on his face. " You didn't die, at least, or the Gate would have opened.. "
" Yeah. " Alphonse nodded. " You don't have to worry, Brother, you won't have to stay here much longer either. "
" What do you plan to do? " Edward asked, looking at him again. It was so good to see the same golden eyes..
" I want to bring your soul back to your body.. " Alphonse replied. " But I don't know how.. And I have to get rid of Dante.. " He stopped talking, afraid of telling his brother..
" You tried to kill me.. " Edward mumbled. Alphonse flinched, lowering his head in shame.
" I'm sorry.. " He sobbed, shaking. " I'm so sorry... " Edward placed his left arm on Alphonse's shoulder.
" You were right to try, Al. " He muttered. " If you can't bring back my soul, you have no choice. It isn't me anymore.. "
" But Brother.. " Alphonse sobbed. " I can't.. " He looked up, staring at Edward. " I have to bring you back. I tried killing you, I can't do it.. I deliberately missed.. "
" How do you plan to do it? " Edward asked. Alphonse paused for a moment.
" I don't know.. " He muttered at last. " I'll figure it out, there's gotta be a way! " After a moment Edward smiled weakly, removing his hand from Alphonse's shoulder.
" I'm sure you will. " He muttered. " But if I come back to find you with missing body parts, I won't be happy. "
" I know.. " Alphonse smiled. Edward leaned backwards, supporting himself with his one arm as he looked up, staring at the Gate.
" It's interesting.. " Edward mumbled suddenly.
" Huh? " Alphonse asked.
" That power you have.. " Edward continued, his voice soft, as if only speaking to himself. " Transmuting your own soul... Ain't that nifty.. "
" What? " Alphonse asked again.
" Transmuting your own soul. " Edward repeated. " I wonder if that's all you can do.. " Alphonse stared at Edward, confused. What is he on about..? Suddenly he noticed that the light at the edges of his eyes were fading slowly to black. Alphonse gasped. He looked at Edward. His brother had dimmed, the haze around them disappearing.
" Brother.. " He called out, raising his arm out to Edward.
" Your waking up. " Edward said simply. He stopped gazing at the Gate and looked back at Alphonse. He was slowly fading away..
" No.. Brother! " He yelled. He leaned forward, trying to reach Edward, but his brother was no longer in front of him. Everything was black.
I'm not upset with you.. Edward's voice rang in his ears. If you can't find a way..
I'm mean. (grins) At least I've confirmed Alphonse's survival.
Until next chapter!