"Winry when did you learn how to fight?" Alphonse watched as Madison stood up only for Winry to punch her in the stomach. She doubled over and Winry brought her whole upper weight down in her neck.
"What are you talking about, Al? You think Ed never showed me how to defend myself?" Of course there was more to it then that. The automail mechanic was pretty tough anyway from all the hard work she did. She was not a lightweight and should not be underestimated. When Madison didn't bother getting back up, Winry hurried over to Al. She knelt down and pulled at the chain around his wrist. It wouldn't budge. "I'll be right back." She stood and headed out of the room and returned quickly with her wrench in hand. "Dropped this in the hallway." Placing the one end under the chain and against the floor, she pushes it upward, giving Alphonse enough room to get one arm free. Winry had to duck quickly, covering her head as Envy jumped over them, followed by Ed as he clumsily tripped over Al. Without a second thought, he was back up and after the homunculus. Envy went for Ferguson, grabbing him around the throat and turning around, using him as a shield. Edward stopped for a second, breathing hard and wiping the sweat from his forehead.
"That's right you won't hurt this bastard, will yah?" Envy flashed an evil grin. Ferguson tried to get away but the older alchemist just didn't have the strength that the homunculi did. Madison inched towards the door, knowing that there was nothing else she could do. Her father reached out for her and choked out her name.
"Sorry Dad, but I know when to walk away from a situation." With that she left the room, disappearing into the shadows. Envy leaned closer to his prey and laughed wickedly in his ear.
"Guess you're not worth saving to her. Such a shame." Ferguson grinned in such a way it even made Envy uneasy.
"You think I don't have a backup plan? I'm better then that." Bringing his hand up, he pressed his palm in the homunculi's face. Alchemy sparked to life and and electric current shot from his hand and through Envy's body. He released his grip on the older alchemist and fell to his knees. By now Alphonse was free and back on his feet. Ferguson glanced back at Ed and pointed down to Envy at his feet. "Finish him off. As interesting as I find him, he's not as easy to manipulate as normal people." Before Ed could take another step, two armored hands came up behind him. Alphonse held him in place and he didn't seem to like it as he flailed back and forth.
"Brother, you need to stop this. I can't believe I'm saying this, but we shouldn't be fighting Envy." As much as Edward struggled, he didn't have the leverage to get out of Al's grasp. Ferguson moved away and grabbed Winry off the ground in one quick movement.
"Alphonse, I recommend you let your brother go. You wouldn't want anything happening to her do you?" Before Al could let go of Ed, Ferguson was kicked from behind. Winry pushed away from him and rushed over to Alphonse.
"So you're the reason for all of this I take it." Izumi cracked her knuckles as she stared the other alchemist down. "And what did you do to my student!" He flinched slightly but was not too intimidated. "Guess I'll have to take care of you myself."
"Teacher be careful, he can electrocute you if you're not careful." Al was having a difficult time holding Ed now. He was really determined to get to Envy before he got his second wind. The suit of armor caught Envy's eye. "I can't keep this up." Just as he said that, Ed struggled free and launched himself at the enemy before him. Envy moved out of the way just in time, letting out a growl. Winry turned back to see if Izumi needed any help. It was getting difficult to keep up with all the fighting going on around her. Ferguson had his back to her, rolling his sleeves back, revealing his metal wrist guards with transmutation circles scratched into them. It was as though he was trying to intimidate Izumi but she remained unconcerned. Winry quietly got behind him. preparing to hit him with her wrench. Just as she brought her arms up, his hand came back, hitting her forehead with the metal surrounding his wrist. She immediately dropped her weapon and slumped for the ground. Alphonse turned around and hurried over to her. As he brushed her hair out of her face, he realized she was out cold.
"She shouldn't have gotten involved." Ferguson shrugged it off only making Izumi angrier. Clapping her hands together, she pressed her palms to the ground. As the alchemy faded, she rose with a staff in her hand.
"I've had about enough of you." She charged at him, thrusting the blade forward. Bringing up his arms, Ferguson blocked each attack as he diverted the weapon away. As much as Alphonse knew he needed to help, he couldn't leave Winry. Carefully picking her up, he headed into the hallway and into one of the other rooms. Finding an old couch, he placed her on it along with her wrench. Even though he was reluctant to leave her, he had to go help his teacher. Just as he made it to the doorway, Ferguson broke through her staff and back handed her across the jaw. As she tried to clap again, he slammed his fist into her stomach, causing her to double over. Letting out a weak cough, blood dripped from her mouth. Her strength left her as she continued to gag.
"I'm really getting sick of all this talk and no actions to back it up." Ferguson stared down at her with interest in his eyes. "But then you don't have to use circles either and I find that very interesting." Before he could say anything else, he felt the presence of something large standing behind him. The presence of a normally quiet soul that had had enough of him. Dodging to the side, he missed Al's heavy arms coming down on him.
"Since you like hurting people so much, why don't you try to hurt me!" Al's voice came out in a yell that revealed he was worn out and angry at how those he cared for the most were just things for this man to play with. Alphonse clapped and touched the floor, causing it to shift under the mad alchemist. It had cause Envy and Ed to pause in their fight as well. Despite his efforts though, Ferguson managed to keep his balance. He let out a chuckle in response.
"Just because your in that armor, don't think that you're unbeatable." As he laughed more, he suddenly felt bump against his back. It pushed him forward before jerking him back. Glancing down, he noticed the blade that had pierced through him. Alphonse let out a gasp as the man before him turned to see Envy standing behind him, wicked grin in place.
"Gotcha." The homunculus had Ed by his right arm. When he cornered him, Envy quickly grabbed his automail and rammed it into Ferguson's back. Unable to comprehend anything else, his body fell forward, sliding off the blade.
A/N alright we got one final chapter to go folks. Now I've been pretty darn nice about updating so if you havent reviewed yet, please do. If you have reviewed you can anyway, I love to hear from everyone.