Chapter Twelve: A Dark Cloud

Several months passed… within that time, Edward passed his State Alchemist exams and Kat and Elly went on several more missions as well as became a part of the gang at Eastern Headquarters. It seemed that their partnership had grown, but with each passing mission, seemed to increase a dark and weighty tension between them. And our story picks up on a rainy day in Eastern....

"What's the status report?" Roy asked Havoc.

"Right now it's a stand off," Havoc said brushing some of the rain water off his hair. "There's not much we can do considering they're holding several soldiers hostage. If we shoot they'll just be used as shields and if we tried moving forward we'll be popped full of lead."

"Why here of all places?" Roy grumbled. "It's in the middle of the city."

"Not to mention it's raining," Hawkeye stated. "They certainly must have given this plenty of thought."

"Where the hell is Ice Cold and her partner?" Roy demanded.

"Sir, they're still gone away on the mission you assigned them," Hawkeye informed.

"Dammit… looks like it can't be helped," Roy muttered before moving to the front to confront the leader of the insurrection.

The leader caught onto what Roy was doing and gave the signal for his men to hold their positions with their weapons still pointing at the Eastern soldiers. "Well, well, if it isn't Colonel Mustang himself," the leader sneered. "So, did you come out here to negotiate…or are you trying to buy some time while you try to figure out a way to free your men?"

"What are your demands?" Roy asked shortly.

"Not much," the leader said with a shrug. "A few provisions, a place for our headquarters, and Furher Bradley stepping down from office."

"The first two requests wouldn't be a problem," Roy said with a mirthless smile. "But I'm afraid I don't have the power or the authority to remove King Bradley from his seat. You would have to talk that over with him yourself. All I ask is that you don't harm anyone."

"Well that's a real shame then isn't it," the leader scoffed. "Unless you cater to all three of our demands, these boys are going to meet rather untimely ends."

Roy's eyes narrowed. "Just be warned that for every person you harm, there will be retribution."

Suddenly, one by one each of the soldiers fell limp. The hostage holders were so shocked that they dropped the bodies and stepped away from them. Little did they know that was their fatal mistake. Suddenly each of their weapons was blasted apart.

"What's going on, here?" the leader shouted. He glared at Roy whose face was impassive as ever and aimed his gun at him. Hawkeye pulled her gun out and aimed it as well.

The sound of gunshots rang through the air as a bright flash of light illuminated the area. Roy as well as the other soldiers stared as the entire group of criminals, their leader included, was encased in ice up to their necks so that they looked like horrified statues.

"I could certainly think of better things to come home to," Kat said straightening up and smiling at Elly. "Thank you for deflecting those bullets. You're getting much better at that."

"Look who's talking," Elly said with a shake of her head. "You were able to hit those soldier's pressure points from that far of a distant using your water pistol attack. I worry about the day when you go insane."

"Now, now, since when was I ever sane?" Kat said jokingly.

The party just stared as the two girls conversed like nothing serous had just happened. "Lieutenant Hughes," Roy alerted. "You were supposed to have arrived this morning."

"Ah, my apologies," Kat apologized not sounding very remorseful. "The train bringing us back got delayed."

"What's this, Mustang? I would have thought Eastern would be safe at least for a few days without us around," Elly said tauntingly.

"Give him a break, Elly. It is a rainy day, after all," Kat said genially.

"Ugh…don't remind me," Elly groaned as she tried to shield herself from the wet drops. "I can't use my sand in this weather, and my wind can only be so affective." Then she added as an extra thought, 'Well at least it's not thundering as well.'

"They're still alive," a soldier called out who was examine the unconscious captives. "They've just been knocked out."

"I could have told you that," Kat said with a shake of her head. "Honestly, what kind of soldier kills their own men?"

"Well….. it is you," Elly said shortly.

At those words, Roy glanced at the two girls and could feel that there was a strong amount of tension between them. "Great…now what happened?" he wondered.

"Well…I think I'll head inside," Elly muttered as she walked toward Eastern HQ. "I don't want to get in the way of your report after all."

"What was that about, Lieutenant?" Roy demanded after watching the Ishbalen leave.

"We merely had a disagreement of sorts, Colonel," Kat said simply pulling out a small black book and handing it to him. "Here is the report. It seems that the children at that orphanage were being used as guinea pigs for alchemic purposes."

Even Hawkeye's eyes widened the slightest at this news. Roy looked mildly disgusted and disturbed as he skimmed through the pages of her report until he got to the last few paragraphs. "This is…"

"I hope you'll find the end arrangements appropriate," Kat said solemnly. "Several of the children weren't very well off, so I considered it was the only humane thing to do."

"Your partner doesn't know any of this, does she?" Roy asked once he had finished his skimming.

"No, and it's probably best that she doesn't," Kat said, adjusting her glasses.

"Is this what your disagreement was about?" Roy guessed.

Kat gave a single nod. "So will that suffice?"

"While I don't appreciate the way you feel the need to take matters into your own hands without authorization, you at least do it with subtlety. I'll let it slide," Roy stated tucking the book away into his jacket. "You're lucky it's me, otherwise if other people knew about the things you did on your missions, you would find yourself with a whole other plate of problems."

"There isn't a day that goes by that I don't gives thanks for my good fortune," Kat replied with a small smile.

"You might feel you have fortune on your side, but unless your partner feels somewhat equal, she might just decide to nullify your deal herself," Roy told her seriously.

"Trust me, Colonel, we're both on the same wavelength in that respect," Kat told him vaguely. "After all, my confidence stems from my lack of confidence. I can't… connect like you can."

"It's best if you at least start by talking to her like a normal human being," Roy suggested with a frown.

"Colonel, we've finished placing the rebels in custody and the hostages were taken to the medical unit," a soldier reported with a salute.

"Good work, now clean up the mess here," Roy ordered.

"Yes sir," the soldier saluted again. Then he turned and started getting the other soldiers to clean up the area.

"I think they can take care of things from here. Follow me, Lieutenant," Roy said as he started walking off. "I may have another mission for you. It involves the Fullmetal Alchemist."

"Edward?" Kat wondered curiously before following him to his office.

"Yes, I had sent the Elric bothers on a mission to the west with his brother over a week ago and they should have finished up and returned 3 days ago," Roy explained as he walked into his office and sat at his desk. "What I want you to do is find them and discover what is taking them so long to finish it."

"What was the mission you sent them, if I may ask?" Kat inquired.

"There's a small town in the southwestern marshes where people have been mysteriously disappearing without any trace," Roy explained, handing her a folder. "At fist it wasn't considered anything major until a foot soldier from western HQ disappeared."

"Of course, the only time the military steps in is when it feels it's threatened," Kat murmured, flipping through the documents.

"Regardless, this is a search and retrieval mission," Roy said folding his hands together. "I trust you and your partner will have little difficulty with it."

"That remains to be seen," Kat said frankly handing the folder back to him.

Over in the break room, Havoc was trying to get some headway on a stack of paperwork while trying to find out what was making Elly so…angry. "Hey are you alright?" Havoc asked looking up from his work.

"You bet Havoc," Elly replied shortly. "There's nothing bothering me." She smiled at him, but the smile look forced and a dark shadow enveloped her entire aura.

"Yeah… something's definitely bothering her," Havoc thought wearily. "Did she and Kat have another fight?" He didn't even have to ask in order for his suspicions to be verified.

After a short period of silence Elly turned to him and casually asked, "So did you know that Kat doesn't seem to be affected by some of the most horrific incidences you could imagine?"

"Um… such as?" Havoc asked warily.

"Nothing too specific. Just stuff like, I dunno, having blood splattered all over the place?"

"Well, when you're in the military you have to develop a stomach and a mentality for that sort of thing," Havoc said shrugging.

"I think there's a difference between growing a stomach and having it completely not bother you," Elly pointed out.

"Are you saying she just doesn't care?" Havoc supposed. "Did something happen on your latest mission?"

"Naw, what would make you say that?"

"You're sarcastic attitude for one thing…"

"Me, sarcastic? When am I ever sarcastic?"

"You're making it really difficult to talk to you," Havoc sighed. "If you just came to me to complain about Kat…"

"No, I didn't come to complain," Elly said. "Just thought I'd say a few things and get your opinion."

"My opinion?" Havoc said raising an eyebrow. "You want my opinion on the kind of person Kat is? Because you might not like the answer."

"Mmm, I just think it'd be nice to compare my own opinion to those who know her better than me," Elly said nonchalantly.

"Honestly," Havoc said lighting up a cigarette. "I think she's a good soldier. Dignified, hardworking, and exceeds everyone's expectations. She gets the job done and she doesn't complain. Sure she has a sharp edge, but she treats others fairly and with a decent amount of respect."

'Of course, ask another soldier about a soldier and they'll say they're a good soldier,' Elly thought bitterly.

"I told you, didn't I, that you wouldn't like my answer?" Havoc reminded.

"What happened to you being terrified of her?" Elly demanded.

"Don't get me wrong, the girl makes my legs buckle at times, but that doesn't make her a bad person. She's quite likable in many respects," Havoc said blowing a puff of smoke.

"Heh…I get it," Elly chuckled mirthlessly. "Thanks Havoc. I think you helped me." Then she got to her feet and left the room running into Kat on her way out. "Hey…done with your report already?"

"That's correct," Kat affirmed. "And we have a new mission."

"Really…and what could it be this time?" Elly asked not really masking her weariness.

"Locate the Elric brothers and return them safely to Eastern," Kat conveyed.

"Ed and Al?" Elly asked surprised. "Those two went missing? That's strangely hard to believe."

"They were sent on a mission and haven't returned, and there has been no word from either of them since," Kat explained as she led the way. "We'll catch a train that will take us to a town in the South west. From there we'll travel on foot to the marshes."

"Ooh…marshes. Sounds like fun, mind if I take a jar of sand with me?" Elly asked sarcastically. "I don't do well in damp environments."

"I'm sure your wind alchemy will suffice," Kat replied with a smile. "Besides, I'll be able to compensate for your temporary deficiency."

Elly grumbled but gave in and followed.

"I don't like this place," Elly muttered after an hour of trudging through the marsh area. "Who in their right minds would live out here?"

"Marshes have there own charms," Kat said, looking as if she were having the time of her life and having no problems keeping a good pace. "Plus there are particular plants, herbs, and even fungi that can't be found anywhere else. Not to mention the temperate weather is suitable for retirement."

"Well you can move out here when you retire…I think I'll stick to the desert," Elly grumbled.

"We're almost to the town, so just bear with it for a little while longer," Kat told her.

Elly grumbled but didn't say anything after that, deciding to save her energy for the hike. Good on her word, the town because visible through the light mist that had settled in. Just by looking at it, one could tell that it was a backwater town with little to no major technology. Probably why the Elric brothers wouldn't be able to call even if they did get into trouble. When they arrived at the entrance, there was a single person standing at the gate.

"Good day to you, kind sir," Kat greeted amiably. "We're both looking for two people. A short blonde boy and his armored companion. Have you by any chance seen either of them the past few days?"

"A short blond boy with an armored companion?" the man repeated. After a moments thought he smiled, "Ah yes, I remember that pair, the armored fellow was very nice and helped find a home for a kitten that's been roaming around. That other fellow…he seemed to have a very short temper…I mentioned his height in comparison to the armored guy and he flipped his wig."

"Great…know where they are now?" Elly asked feeling like this was going to be a simple mission.

"Oh yes…they're staying over at Mai's house," he answered with a smile. "They seem to be having quite the positive affect on her."

"Could you direct us to her house?" Kat requested.

"It's on the outskirts of the other side of this town. Just follow the main road and keep following it until you reach a small lake. Her house is built on the edge of it," the man instructed.

Kat thanked him before strolling into the town. Elly glanced around and saw that many of the people there were going about their daily lives, not paying much attention to the two of them. Occasionally someone would take notice of the fact that there was a soldier and an Ishbalen traveling together, but no one made a huge fuss.

"Okay I'm not going to lie...this is a really awkward town to walk through," Elly murmured. "I never liked people berating me for being what I am…but I've never been ignored before. This might actually be worse."

"These people live there lives separate from military influence," Kat told her. "Most are not aware of the ethnic struggles that we face, nor do they care to."

"I guess that would explain it," Elly whispered. "Still it is rather unnerving. No wonder people disappear in this town…no one pays enough attention to catch something like that."

"That might very well be the case," Kat replied.

When they exited the town from the opposite side, they had to walk a ways before finally coming upon a humble little cottage next to the lake. It was built a top a wooden structure, probably in case of the water level rising, and a wooden ladder was built leading up to the house.

"Wow…looks comfy," Elly commented with a whistle. "And you could go swimming everyday without worrying about nosy neighbors."

"I wouldn't chance it," Kat stated seriously. "I wouldn't doubt there's wildlife living in that lake, and not the friendly kind. But if you care to take a dip, then by all means, I won't stop you."

"I would but, I can't swim," Elly stated.

Kat stared at her. "You can't swim?"

"You honestly think we had a pool back in Ishbal?" Elly asked her skeptically.

"Pfft…. no of course not," Kat said covering her mouth and turning away. "Forgive my negligence."

"She's trying really hard not to laugh isn't she?" Elly muttered to herself. Then her mind snapped to attention as she watched Kat walk toward the house. "Wait…she can laugh? She can legitimately laugh? I mean I know I've seen her chuckle, or smirk at me, Roy and the guys…but never like this." She took a minute to pull herself back together after her slight moment of confusion before following Kat to the door of the house.

The sound of laughter could be heard from inside and Kat and Elly exchanged glances before reaching up and knocking on the door.

"No worries, I'll get it," a young male voice said as footsteps approaching the door were heard and it was opened to reveal none other than the Fullmetal alchemist himself.

When he saw them, his eyes bulged out of his head and he took a step back, pointing at them. "It's YOU!"

"Konichiwa, Edward," Kat greeted pleasantly.

"Hey Chibisuke, what's up?" Elly greeted with a laugh. "Why do you seem so surprised to see us?"

"I figured that I'd have a break from the military out here," Ed answered as he gritted his teeth from Elly's name.

"Who's there brother?" a pleasant voice called out.

"It's no one Al," Ed answered quickly.

"Hey Al it's been a long time," Elly called out walking right past Ed into the small space and into the next room where Al was sitting on a long couch. Next to him sat a girl who looked to be only about a year older than Ed. She had short purple hair with streaks of green and auburn and her eyes were a deep violet color.

"Are these friends of yours?" the girl asked in a soft voice.

"Kind of," Al said rubbing the back of his head.

"Acquaintances would be the more accurate term," Ed muttered.

"The Colonel has been concerned about you, Edward," Kat stated getting straight to the point. "He wanted to know where you were and if you had made any head way on your mission."

"I've been working on it," Ed said with a wave of his hand.

"Ano…. We've been busy helping out Mai," Al explained. "She lives all by herself you see."

"That's very kind of you both," Kat said with a smile. "But I think that it might be best if that you returned to Eastern to report your findings before the Colonel sends a full on search party for the two of you."

"You can't leave," Mai said insistently grabbing onto Edwards arm. "Can't you stay just until tomorrow evening? Please?"

"Tomorrow evening?" Elly repeated surprised by her vehemence. "Why so determined to have us over for a night?"

"Well…see there's a special festival that happens once every ten years," Mai explained. "We having it tomorrow evening. It would be a shame to miss it while you have the chance."

"Well…it is a party…and knowing me I probably won't be able to see it even ten years from now," Elly murmured to herself.

"It's just one more night right?" Al asked pleadingly.

"Do you really want to leave her alone on a festival night?" Ed added under his breath.

"Oh I see…chibisuke likes Mai right?" Elly guessed as Ed lost it and tried very hard to get out of his brother's grip. "Well it's your call…Lieutenant Ice Cold."

Kat looked to each one of them before releasing a sigh and smiling lightly. "I see no reason why not."

"Oh you won't be disappointed," Mai promised as Ed and Al cheered….though Ed a lot more lightly. "If you like, you two are more than welcome to stay."

"Thank you," Kat and Elly accepted.

The five of them had dinner and played some games and actually had a good time. Edward had slowly warmed up to the two older females, though he went into a raging tantrum whenever Elly mentioned his height. Al was very cordial to them, though they assured him that it wasn't necessary and to just treat them casually like he would a friend. Mai just seemed to enjoy having the company of the four strangers. After they were all full and tire out, each went to their rooms, Ed and Al sharing a room, and Kat and Elly sharing one as well. All four quickly fell peacefully asleep.

Mai waited until she heard the tell tale signs of blissful sleep before slipping into a room, unseen by the rest of the house, and descended a flight of rickety stairs. Once at the bottom she lit a candle which became her only source of light and took a long strip of something light before going to work sewing it carefully to a solid mass. When her work was finished, she stood and gently placed her hand on the thing as a teary smile spread across her face. "Don't worry…soon we'll be together once more," she whispered to the darkness.

CM: What's this? A twist? A thickening of the plot? Or just some random crap we decided to throw in? Stay tuned and find out! ;)