Here's the next chap! I have to go back to school tomorrow *grumbles* so the chapters will come less frequently. Gomenasai. This chapter is longer! Yeah! Like.... over 3,000 words!! Yipee...!!
*sighes* as she does her 'happy dance' i decided to finally put in the diclaimer.
you mean you forgot.
*pauses* aaaaaaaaaaaaargh.. T.T whatever. YOU FORGOT TOO!!
CALM THYSELF HINA... HUH? ARGHS... you left the caps lock on.
No... you forgot to turn it off... anyway... SHE/WE DO NOOOOT OWN FMA OR HP. IF WE DID.... WELL THEN IT WOULD SUCK NOW WOULDN'T IT? AND SEVERAL CHARACTERS WE DONT LIKE WOULD BE DEAD ALREADY....
*grins evilly* like winry.. hehhehehe
*sighes* stop running around like a retard and get over here.
*huffs* fine. PLEASE REVIEW AND VOTE ON MY POLL IF YOU HAVENT VOTED ALREADY!! THNX A LOTS EVERYONE FOR READING MY STORY!!!.
. ours...
Chapter 10
The world slowly came to focus with its swirling colors and hazy shapes. Light suddenly broke through the window near the ceiling indicating that it was morning. Alphonse groaned and rolled over. He was surprised to find himself snuggled in clean white linens, his head resting on a soft pillow, and large homemade quilt. Sitting up, he surveyed the room around him. It was small, and the walls seemed wooden and old, but with the cheery décor and warm colors, it seemed nice and welcoming.
Al swung his legs out of the bed and winced. He looked down and was surprised to find bandaging covering the wounds that lined his body. He touched his bare abdomen and moved his finger slowly up tracing the curves and indents. Sighing, he ran his hand through his hair which fell softly to his shoulders. He was clean.
Walking to the door, he placed his ear and hands against the door and listened. Nothing. Sighing again, he opened it slowly and quietly and tiptoed out. A small winding staircase stretched before him, so he descended as quietly as he could. Before him, he soon beheld a cheery large kitchen. But, his eyes were soon bulging in total amazement. Silverware and other normal household objects were moving… by themselves.
"Well, look who's finally up!" Al gave a startled cry and fell down the remainder of the stairs. He sat panting heavily with his heart running at a hundred miles per hour. Before him stood a tall boy with astonishingly red hair. He smiled mischievously at him and jumped happily down the stairs.
"Hello! I'm George. Who may you be?"
"A-a-a-a…" he stuttered still trying to recover from his shock.
"Ah? Strange name… nice to meet you Ah!" he grasped his hand and shook it roughly. Al sat with his head rocking back forth from the force and his face a mask of his previous astonishment.
"H-h-h-h-h…"
"GEORGE!" George flinched and swiveled around.
"Hello, mum!" he smiled innocently and hugged her tightly, "Morning!" She smiled angrily at him and walked towards the poor frightened boy.
"Sorry, dear," she in her motherly voice, "don't listen to George." Al nodded while his body shivered. She reached over and helped him to his feet.
"How are you feeling, son?" another man asked as he entered the kitchen. He had the same fiery red hair as the others. Al grinned weakly and grasped his bandaged arm.
"B-b-better, sir," he stuttered, unsure. He was not used to using his voice. The man nodded.
"My name is Arthur, by the way, and this is my wife Molly." Al nodded and grasped his arm tighter. Lowering his head so his hair fell over his face, he clenched his jaw. Those present looked at him in confusion.
"What's going on?" The three looked at each other and before anyone could answer, someone else entered. She was obviously a member of the family.
"Morning, Mum, Dad," she started but paused when she saw the newcomer, "Hello, glad to see you are finally awake. What is your name?" Al raised his head slightly meeting her eyes with his own gray ones (really… what color are his eyes? In the original FMA he has gray… but in brotherhood he has gold… what do you think?).
"My… name is… Alpho-o-onse," he replied. She nodded and extended her arm that he regarded warily.
"My name is Ginny, nice to meet you." Al nodded before breaking eye contact and looking away. She lowered her arm and placed it behind her back.
"Now… what is going on here?"Al turned his head towards the eldest of the group who, in turn, glanced at each other.
"That's what we wanted to know from you, Alphonse…"
"Call me Al," he said looking away again.
"Alright, Al, we wanted to know from you, but…" Molly said slowly.
"…but we found you in Diagon alley after we picked up Ginny from school. You were all beat up and…" Arthur began but Molly quickly cut him off.
"…and that is enough. We can't just have the poor boy standing here! He must be starving! Aren't you, dear?" Al fidgeted uneasily but nodded. "Alright!" she led him to the large wooden table and sat him down. Everyone else also gathered around. George sat his forks upright in a statement of fervor. Molly threw him a look before putting a heaping pile of pancakes topped with blueberries before Al. Al's eyes widened and a look that belonged on Ed's face appeared on his own.
"Itadakimasu! (Please correct my spelling, onegai!)" he cried shoveling the food into his mouth. Molly smiled at him as his enthusiastic eating continued. Ginny watched him eat as another plate was placed in front of her.
"Things weren't so quiet and boring with Ron and Fred here," she said sighing. George paused with his fork have way to his mouth and scowled. He chucked the fork at her. It bounced of her head resulting in angry shouts and an argument containing flailing arms.
"Come one you two," Arthur said with a bored expression without looking up from his paper. Ginny and George ignored him and continued their fight. Al watched them intently before asking.
"Who is Ron and Fred?" he asked causing sad stares to turn to him. Al sunk slightly into his seat from embarrassment.
"Fred died almost year ago… and Ron just went missing," Ginny replied wringing her hands.
"Disappeared?" he asked with a bit more confidence.
"Yeah…" she said slowly, "he did with three other people, Harry, Hermione, and the chibi professor."
"Oh…?" Al leaned back in his chair in confusion trying to figure out who these people were.
"I don't think he knows who they are," George whispered in an overly loud voice causing Al to blush. Ginny smacked on the top of the head making him grimace.
"Harry and Hermione are some friends of ours… and the chibi professor is just the nickname everyone gives the newest teacher at our school." Al sighed at the word 'chibi' thinking about his brother's utter loathing of it.
"Where do you go to school?" Who ever had food in their mouths at particular moment started chocking. Al raised an eyebrow in confusion.
"Are you serious?" George asked in astonishment once he could breathe again, "you honestly don't know?" Al blinked and slumped back in his chair.
"Should I?"Everyone in the room nodded in unison making him blush. Feeling sorry for him, Molly answered.
"She, along with my other children went to Hogwarts school of Witchcraft and Wizardry." It was Al's turn to choke. Arthur leaned over and patted the gagging boy on the back.
"Di-id you say… wi-tchcra-aft?" he sputtered in between gasps.
"Is something wrong?"
"Bu-ut… magic isn't real!"
"What makes you think so?" George asked nonchalantly spinning his wand between his fingers. Al watched it for a few seconds before responding.
"Because I am a scientist! It can never be proved!"
"What makes you think so?" George said repeating himself. Stopping the rotation of his wand, he pointed it at him. Al eyed it but cried out when his chair began to wobble then lift into the air. He gave another startled cry and grasped his chair tightly.
"George! Put him down immediately!" Molly cried. George shrugged and put his wand back in his pocket. Al's chair went crashing to the ground. He sighed a trembling breath and raised an eyebrow at him.
"One could easily change the oxygen density of the air, you know," he said slowly. George's eyes widened along with everyone else's when he went into a long explanation to why it could not have been magic.
"Am I seriously not going to be able to convince you?" Al shook his head and crossed his arms.
"Being a scientist… I am not open to those things."
"Really," Arthur said leaning forward, "I thought scientists were supposed to be open to everything." Al's face scrunched up into a pout as he crossed his arms. Ginny started laughing and Al stared at her in astonishment. Soon, everyone was joining in. Al smiled slightly and slowly uncrossed his arms. And for the first time in a long, long time; he laughed.
()()()()()()()()()()
Al spent the rest of the Christmas vacation with the Weasleys. Nothing exciting, or worth mentioning, occurred except for plentiful practical jokes played by George on his new friend; some of which can be considered quite scaring. None, however as much as the one on Christmas day…
The familiar white light of the sun broke through the window, alighting on his face. Al slowly blinked awake smiling contently. Grasping his pillow, he sat up and stretched.
"Morning, sleepy head!" Al gave a startled cry and fell out of his bed. George laughed and jumped onto the bed.
"It's Christmas! Come on!" Al blinked and his mind went far away, through time.
Flashback
"Al, Al, Al!" Al groaned and rolled over. He looked up at the gleeful golden eyes of his older brother.
"Go away, Ed I'm sleeping…" Al said closing his eyes; he snuggled deeper into his blanket.
"It's Christmas! Come on!" Al's eyes shot open and he jumped out of bed.
"You could have told me that first!" he ran to the door and threw it open. Running out the door, the two brothers entered their mother's room and began jumping on the bed.
"Mom, Mom! Get up, it's Christmas!" Their mother opened her eyes and groaned.
"We don't have to get up yet, boys. Go back to sleep," she yawned rolling over. The two continued jumping down until she sighed and removed her covers.
"Alright, alright… let's go…" The boys gave squeals of delight and ran from the room and down the hall. Stopping before a large decorated tree, their eyes bulged.
"Sugoi!!! Thanks so much, Mom!" They cried running to them and ripping at them enthusiastically. Trisha smiled and leaned against the wall. She knew this would be their last Christmas together.
End Flashback
"Hey, Al. Helloooo." Al jumped in surprise to see George's face inches from his own.
"A-a-ah… gomenasai!" He jumped up and ran through the open door and down the stairs leaving a confused George behind.
"'Gomenasai'?" Shrugging his shoulders he followed him out the door with a mischievous look on his face. Descending the stairs, his gaze alighted upon the small tree and presents that surrounded it.
"Happy Christmas, everyone!" he cried waving his hand as he jumped the remainder of the stairs.
"Happy Christmas, George," Mrs. Weasley responded turning to look at him. Al sat wrapped in a blanket away slightly from everyone else. Reaching down, Mr. Weasley picked up a gift and handed it to Al. Al's eyes went wide when he stared at the package.
"F-for me?" Mr. Weasley nodded and Al grasped it.
"Of course! You think we would forget you? And you get the honors of opening the first present!"Al blushed and set it in his lap. Looking it over slowly, he began to remove the colorful wrapping. A grin spread across his face when he lifted up a book. It was an old tome with the words 'Alchemy: The Science' printed on the cover in large gold letters. He opened it and flipped through a few pages.
"I found that in the book store while I was Diagon Alley earlier and thought you may like it." Mrs. Weasley said leaning forward. Al smiled and shut it softly before bringing it to his chest and hugging it.
"Thank you so much, Mrs. Weasley. It reminds of the one my mother got for my brother and me the last Christmas we had with her."He set the book down and crossed his arms while looking intently at it. The room fell uncomfortably quiet.
"Well, let's open some more presents, shall we?" Mr. Weasley said clapping his hands together trying to break the tense atmosphere.
"Alright!" George cried diving for the presents. Ginny hit him over the head in irritation causing him to go sprawling over the floor.
"WHAT WAS THAT FOR?!" he shouted at her holding his head. Ginny frowned at him and leaned forward to whisper in his ear.
"Can't you tell he's hurt? You can see it in his eyes." George glanced at him the grinned.
"Well, I have to lighten the mood!"
"You're heartless."
"Yes, I am." They continued bickering until Mrs. Weasley broke them up. Al had gotten the notion of the conversation so he was blushing brightly again. Mr. Weasley distributed presents then started on his own. Al came up with several boxes of candy (from Ginny), a scarf (from Mrs. Weasley), and a watch (from Mr. Weasley). A single package was left which sat in front him. The other family members were not paying attention to him except for George who watched him from the corner of his eye. Al noticed the only ornament upon the box; a tag with 'From George' imprinted on it. Warily shaking it and deeming it safe, he slowly opened it and placed his hand inside. He drew out a small black box that contained three chocolates. He sighed in relief.
George leaned over and whispered softly in his ear, "Go ahead, you can have one. Mum won't like it but I won't tell. It's Christmas!" Al eyed him warily and glanced at Mrs. Weasley. Al grinned at the nostalgia of the moment. It felt just like it was Ed sitting there instead of George and Mom instead of Mrs. Weasley. He stuck one in his mouth and swallowed. It was delicious.
George smiled mischievously once more and leaned back against a chair and watched the boy. Al soon froze and his face paled to a ghostly white. Ginny soon realized this.
"What's wrong, Al?" she asked in concern. Her question brought Mr. and Mrs. Weasley's attention to him.
"Al dear?" Al slowly raised his hand to his face and brushed it slowly across it. His eyes widened and he let out an agonized scream that came from his very soul. He leaned over and grasped his legs with pallid, trembling hands. He rocked back and forth with tears streaming down his face. A short tormented phrase escaped his lips that he muttered repeatedly.
"No, no… not again, not again…please not again…" He cried burying his head in his knees. Everyone was horrified but not as much as George.
"Why is acting this way to it…?" he muttered thinking hard.
"GEORGE!" George flinched and looked at his mother who was holding Al as he cried.
"Y-yes, mum?"
"WHAT DID YOU DO TO HIM?!" George looked slightly aghast.
"Who said I did it?" She threw him a knowing, angry look. He paused and wrung his hands together.
"I just gave him one of Fred and mine old chocolates… none of his senses are working except for his hearing and vision." Mrs. Weasley narrowed her eyes and whispered quietly into the anguished boy's ear. Al did not respond but pulled his legs tighter to himself. George stood up quickly and ran up the stairs. He returned shortly carrying another chocolate.
"Here, Al," he said cautiously. Mrs. Weasley took the chocolate and lifted the boy's chin. He looked at her in horror and shook his head back and forth.
"No… no, no," he cried trying to back away. Mrs. Weasley held him tighter and forced it into his mouth. Al swallowed it involuntarily and without chocking. A sob broke from his throat and he buried his face in his hands.
"George…" George froze and backed away slowly.
"Now, mum… it was just a joke…"
"WHAT WERE YOU THINKING??!!"
()()()()()()()()()()
Al opened his eyes groggily and looked at his surroundings. He thought hard about what had just occurred then gasped. Grasping at his body, he looked down. His heart started to slow from its racing and he took several deep breaths. He covered his face with his hand and paused.
"What was that thing?" Everyone looked at each other but it was George who spoke up.
"Um… just a chocolate." Al lowered his hand slightly so only his eyes were visible and glared at him.
"Now, now children," Mr. Weasley said waving his hand up and down, "let's get along." Al stood up shakily and looked out the window.
I'm such a coward. He narrowed his eyes and crossed his arms. Yep… such a coward.
()()()()()()()()()()
"W-what? Go also? But… they probably won't…" Ginny waved him off and looked seriously at him.
"You can't stay here the rest of your life; Al. Professor McGonagall will be pleased to have you join us. Besides, mum already sent a letter to her." Al froze and crossed his arms.
"No way… I'm not even a… wizard," he said tasting the last word.
"Ah! But you don't have to be! At least, not now. We have an Alchemy class." Al perked up at her last statement and sighed.
"Fine… I need something to do…"
"Yeah!" Al uncrossed his arms and sat down.
What have I gotten myself into? It's totally unscientific! Brother would never do such a thing… or like me doing it for that matter! He paused and mentally smacked himself for breaking his promise.
"We then will have to stop by Diagon Alley on our way there..." she said walking off; probably talking to herself. Al sighed again and looked up at the ceiling.
I'm on another adventure, Brother.
()()()()()()()()()()
"Tell me again what Floo (spelling?) is…" Al said looking unsurely at the fireplace.
"Oh, don't worry, dear," Mrs. Weasley said reassuringly, "Just throw some of this power down there and say 'Diagon Alley' loudly and clearly. Al gulped and looked at the power. It looked pretty silly to him.
"F-fine…" he grasped some of the power into his hand and stepped into the fireplace. Looking around him he took a deep breath. "Di-iagn Ally." A great rushing of air met him and he cried out as he was forced through nothingness.
"Wait for us!" Was all he heard before he was whisked out of their sight.
()()()()()()()()()
Al sat up coughing and sputtering and looked around himself. It didn't look like the Diagon Alley he had glimpsed before. He stood up, brushing himself off, and looked around.
"Hello?" he called. No one answered. Shrugging he leaned against the brick wall of which the room he sat in was made of. A soft clink was heard and he turned to see what it was. His eyes widened at the glowing object he beheld.
"S-so… that's where it went to… and I never thought it looked like that!" Walking forward he raised his hand to touch it but jerked back when someone else entered the room.
"Don't touch it!" they snapped. Al swung around and his eyes narrowed. He was partially clothed in shadows so he couldn't make out his form.
"Who are you?" The man laughed and crossed his arms.
"Who am I? Well…" he stepped forward towards the small boy. He knelt on one knee and looked up into his eyes. "Well?" Al gasped and stumbled backwards.
"D-d-d-d…" Al gave a cry of total joy and wrapped his arms around the blonde's back. The blonde laughed and grasped him back just as tightly.
"I've missed you more than you could ever imagine!"
Phew... long chapter! and CLIFFHANGER!!! MWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!! hehe. left you hangin when i may not be back in awhile. ^.O can you guess who the person is? Soon we'l get back to our friends Carter and Winry!!! Oh yeah... and Edo too!!
Ehhhh????? How am I less important theeeeen THEM??? I'm the main character for crying out loud!
Uhuh.... what if Aru was?
Me?
Yes.
Whaaaaaaaaaat? THE SERIES IS "FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST" FOR CRYING OUT LOUD! LAST TIME I CHECKED... I WAS THE FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST!!!
Everyone thought it was me, brother... and anyway we are talking about THIS story.
*growls* Aruuuu....
Yes, nii-san? *pauses* eeeeeeep.*runs away*
GET BACK HERE AND FACE ME LIKE A MAN!!!!!!
I'M NOT A MAN, NII-SAN!!!!!!!!!
ARUUUUUUUUUUUUU!!!!!!!!!!
*sigh* i thought i could let you two talk if you behaved yourselves... *watches Edo murdering Aru* wowza.... EDO-KUN!!! STOP HURTING YOUR LITTLE BROTHER!!! EDO! EDOOOOOO!!! hehe... sorry folks... i'll back back in a little *flinches* ALRIGHT ALRIGHT! NEXT CHAP.... BYE!!! EDDDDDDDDDDDDD!!!!!!!!!