OVER 500?
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I am a happy cookie.
I do not own FMAB.
Just One of Those Days
Chapter Twenty One: BATTLE Begins
Her breath was coming in fast pants.
Booted feet slapped against the floor as she raced down the hallways, she had to hurry. She could not be late.
Eyes flickered over to the watch on her wrist and she grit her teeth. Practically slamming against the wall as she jerked around the corner, her hands slammed open the door keeping her from the other side.
Honey brown orbs flared up in shock as his head shot up.
The woman's eyes widened in shock, staring at the mess of a room before her.
Markings were written all over the wall, and she was not the naïve girl she had been years ago. She knew what these were. She worked with them everyday of her life.
"I knew it..." She breathed, taking a step into the room. "But...why?"
"It's the only way." He murmured, his voice hoarse as he cradled the knife in his arms. "It has to be. This is the only way!"
Her eyes hardened as she tensed her arms. She was possibly the only lifeline that the girl had. She was the only thing standing between her life and death.
And she was scared.
"Calm down," She murmured, holding her hands up, "we don't have to do this. This isn't the only way."
"It is!" He shrilled, eyes wide with panic as the woman slowly approached. "I know it is! It all leads up to this! This will bring her back!"
"She never died to begin with!" She shouted, her eyes hard and steely as she glared at the man. "And you know it!"
"Liar!" He screamed, backing away, a knife held threateningly in his hands... "You're lying! You just want to take her place! You just want to take her away from me too! You were always jealous, weren't you? She'd never leave me! Never!"
"But she did!" The woman screamed back. "She did! She left you!"
"...dad?"
Two pairs of eyes instantly flickered to the doorway. The girl rubbed her eyes as she squinted sleepily at the scene before her. "...mommy? What's...?"
"It's alright honey," The father whispered, a gentle smile in his face. "Just come to papa, it'll all be okay."
"Stay, sweetie." The woman ordered, holding her hand out to stop the girl. "Don't move."
"Just come to papa." The man coaxed, holding his hands out. "It'll all be alright."
"You stay away from her!" The woman snapped, using her body to shield the girl. "You will not bring her into this mess. I will not stand by and watch you commit a crime that has no need to be committed!"
"Dad? What's going on?"
"STOP STANDING BETWEEN ME AND MY LOVE. I WILL BRING HER BACK!"
"SHE NEVER DIED. SHE LEFT!"
She left.
Abandoned.
I'm so...
Confused...
Someone...Someone help me...
Sparks flew up as solid metal collided with metal.
Greed's face contorted with a strained look on his face as his sharpened hand slammed against Wrath's sword. The older man's face narrowing as he glared at the other homunculus.
"Dear!" An older woman cried. I glanced over and blinked in surprise, noting that both a young boy and an older lady were with Wrath.
Did that mean...he had a family?
...Could a homunculus care?
"He did, didn't he?"
I blinked out of my haze, shaking my head. This was no time to be letting myself slip off. Greed went ahead and went bonkers, attacking without a god damn reason, so it was up to whom? Yes, it was up to none other than the main heroine of this story (unwillingly, me) to save his ass.
But...just how exactly am I supposed to do that, is the question to be answered.
"Stay back..." Wrath growled, a dark look on his face as he glared at Greed.
"Well, what's the meaning of this, Wrath?" Greed ground out, veins straining against his head. "It won't go away! My head is pounding over this! Why are you, King Bradley, showing up in there? What did you do to my stuff?"
An unsettling feeling began to stir and I glanced backwards, tensing slightly at the sight of the younger boy in who I assumed was Mrs. Bradley's arms.
A dark tendril was slowly easing its way from his shadow, a foreboding air swirling around him as eh glared hard at Greed.
...
Creepy ass kid...
"Your avarice, huh?" Wrath questioned, his face hardened to fight back against Greed's strength. "You're a fool who never gets rid of anything, and craves even the past."
The sound of glass shattering made me glance backwards in time to see a cup smash against the wooden floors. Greed's attention was momentarily occupied and that was all Wrath needed to slam his sword forward.
Greed 'tsk'ed and leaped upwards, dodging a swipe from the sharp sword as he landed atop the fire place. I found myself watching intensely as he barely avoided jab after jab to the head, finally recoiling back as he swiped half the sword away.
I made a move to step in, but something told me that there was nothing I could do at this moment. I had to wait for my own chance; otherwise I would just be getting in the way.
Damn.
Greed grimaced at a slash to his chest, but as Wrath moved in to make a final swipe, Greed gripped the railing behind him and slammed his feet upwards, causing the sword to fl from his grasp.
I flinched as a punch was made to his head and a hand grasped his chest, throwing Greed halfway across the room and shattering a small table.
Before Wrath could take a step closer, I found myself lunging across the room and throwing whatever I could at Wrath. His glaring eye snapped to where I had shoved him off balance and a distasteful look crossed his face.
"The bodiless soul, I assume. I would not be surprised if it was you who brought Greed back to his former state."
"Shut it, old man!" I snarled, feeling the electricity sizzle around me. "It's you who brought him this pain in the first place!"
My fist missed his head by an inch as he threw his arm out, slamming me hard in the chest. I felt the air rush out of my lungs and I cringed, leaping to the side in time to dodge a swing of his sword.
"It is you who are wrong, girl. He did not need those memories; it is you who brought him this pain." Wrath muttered coldly, his eye narrowed. "Be grateful my sight does not reach you, for your soul would have long ago perished."
"As if!" I spat, struggling to land a hit on him as electricity began to crackle around me.
His eye hardened and I grimaced, feeling the sword slide through my barely existent form. I forced a smirk to play on my lips at the feel of no pain, but his face was soon the confident one as a crackle reached my ears.
Searing pain shocked through me as I let a pained cry slip from my lips. I clenched my teeth as the opposing electricity continued to crackle around me, sending my body into a flickering haze.
"So it seems that the belief that your body doesn't react well with our stones is true." Wrath commented, as if this were all some sort of experiment. "Interesting."
"Don't touch her!" Greed snarled, barreling into Wrath with a slash of his clawed hand.
Wrath's eyes narrowed and he slammed Greed forward, slamming his feet down onto both of his arms. My eyes widened in shock and I struggled to stand, feeling the electricity coursing painfully through my veins.
A wave of relief rushed through as Wrath's sword snapped further against Greed's Ultimate Shield, the hard skin protecting the neck underneath. Something seemed to flicker through Greed's eyes and he grit his teeth.
Tossing Wrath off of him, he leapt forward and scooped me up into his arms. I blinked in surprise and with a yelp; his hand came over my head as he smashed through the window.
"Didn't I say to stop doing that?" I cried as he slammed against the floor and took off at a running start.
Having but silence as my answer, I glanced upwards, eyes clouded with worry at greed's stone face.
What's going on? I wanted to ask, feeling an odd sensation twist uncomfortably within my stomach. Talk to me.
...Please...
The hand that supported my back as Greed ran snaked upwards, clutching my head in a gentle hold. I blinked, looking up at him to see his eyes facing dead ahead, a hard look on his face.
"I won't let you slip away..." He murmured, his voice barely reaching my ears. I stared up to him in confusion, furrowing my brows as he continued to run, his feet eating at the pathway before us. "Never again, will I let you slip away..."
I could only stare as the words attempted to make sense within my mind. I didn't understand. I couldn't understand. But oddly enough, hearing those words brought a wave of...relief to me.
Then again, he was probably just delusional...right?
A grunt escaped Greed's lips and I yelped as we were suddenly falling forward. His knee managed to come down just in time to keep us from falling face first, but soon his legs buckled beneath him and he collapsed.
"Greed!" I exclaimed, escaping his grip and pulling his head into my lap, "Come on! Are you alright? Don't scare me like this!"
A strained look flickered across his face and I blinked in surprise. Everything that was going on must have been taking a toll out of him. I furrowed my brows and placed a hand against his cheek.
I couldn't help but stare. The look on his face seemed so serene...hiding the pain he must have been feeling deep inside.
"Why don't you take a picture?...It'll...last longer." Greed ground out, a strained smirk on his lips as he peered up at me.
I felt my face grow oddly warm at the comment and I scowled. "Who would want a picture of you?"
"You tell me."
I scoffed, shoving his head off of my lap. A grunt of pain escaped his lips and he glared up at me, violet eyes narrowed in annoyance. "What the hell was that for? Can't you see I'm injured?"
"For being an ass." I snapped, "And you seem to be fine enough if you can make comments like that!"
"Prude."
"Pervert."
Greed scowled, shutting his eyes as a strained look crossed his face. "Just let me rest five minutes. Then I'll be fine."
I glanced over him. The way his body was panting up and down...the strained look on his face... he was obviously not okay. And with the stunt he had just pulled, we may not have five minutes to spare.
"We need to move Greed." I murmured, feeling my brows furrowed as I stared out onto the dark path. "I don't think we have any time to spare..."
"Let 'em come at me for all I care." He breathed, chest rising and falling. "I can take them on."
Liar. I thought, staring down at his strained face. The inner turmoil he was going through would get to him first. But maybe...
I stared down at my transparent hands and took a deep breath. I never wanted to have to do this again...but...I grit my teeth. I had to do it. It was my turn to make sure we were save, no way was I letting him get killed after we'd gotten this far.
I took a deep breath, and with shaky hands, I plunged myself into Greed's body.
There was a blanket of black that settled over me for a moment before a light shone at the near end of where I was floating. I blinked at the light and slowly moved towards it. Soon enough, I was enveloped.
And it was chaos.
The surroundings of red and darker red clouded my eyes, the souls of those used to make this body screamed in agony. I froze at the sudden barrage of emotions.
Too much.
It was all too much...
I shut my eyes and continued forward. The souls slammed into me one after another, their cries like screams in my ears. I struggled to find the sense of calm that would allow me to take control. I had to find the center of peace...I could do this. I would not be lost within this sea of souls.
I took a deep breath and let myself go. My own soul mixed in with those of the perished stone and I grimaced here and there at the forceful currents that opposed my own form. Philosopher Stone's really were my weakness, weren't they?
I clenched my fists and ground my teeth, letting my essence within this body grow to a point where it was overpowering. And sure enough, to my relief, the screams died down and all I could feel was the calmness that I let settle through.
I opened my eyes, and sure enough, I was staring up at the night sky before me. Grimacing at the strain my body seemed to feel, I sat up, examining the masculine hands that were not my own.
Damn, this felt creepy.
I cringed, shoving my hands into Greed's pockets as I began to trudge the body forward. There had to be someplace nearby where we could camp out, there must be.
There was a tug in the back of my mind that brought my eyes to a halt as I searched for cover. I blinked, pausing a moment to travel back inwards.
Staring out at the sea of red before me, I frowned and walked forward. Something...was calling me. This indescriptable tug pulled at me, coaxing me forward.
Why?
I paused in my steps as I soon found myself face to face with a door.
The wooden door had a shabby appearance, like that to a bar. The wood was well eaten away at, looking as if one too many people had been thrown at it. Splinters promised to be buried into you fingers at a mere touch.
I tilted my head in confusion, trailing my eyes upwards.
And I froze.
I stared, wide eyed at the ragged sign, with letters painted in red above the door.
The Devil's Nest.
Lights glowed from underneath the door. Voices; laughter to be exact, were reaching my ears like a nostalgic song. Dancing just out of reach. I bit my lip, wanting nothing more than to embrace the familiar sound of glass cups hitting wood, chair squeaking, and the hard, deep throated laughter of the inhabitants inside.
My fingers twitched at my side. I found myself staring, mesmerized by the familiar door. The so achingly familiar door. My hand was slowly moving towards the rusted knob, a tightening knot appearing in my stomach as everything suddenly became too tight.
"I wouldn't do that if I were you."
I whirled around in surprise, meeting crossed arms and a closed eye face.
"Ling?" I murmured, eyes widening in surprise. "What are you doing here?"
"Floating in space, how about you?"
I blinked and scoffed, dismissing the feeling of relief upon seeing him here. "Nice to know the souls weren't strong enough to envelope you whole."
"Why are you here, Ghosty?" Ling questioned, his brows furrowed slightly. "I understand that Greed is a little shaky right now, but I could have taken over and gotten us to safety."
"Not in the state he's in." I answered, "I figured it'd be easier if I just went in and took control of what's going on. It's the least I could do."
"He's not exactly...stable." Ling warned, his voice gentle as he slowly moved towards me. "And you shouldn't be so easy around him Ghosty, there's a lot he's been keeping from you."
I raised an eyebrow, prompting the prince to continue further. Ling sighed, crossing his arms over his chest as he seemed to take a seat in the empty space. "He seems to have a lot of memories involving you. A lot, Ghosty. And it may just be enough to reveal your past, and what exactly happened."
I paused, the thought and connection had occurred to me. There was no doubt that this Greed was the previous Greed that appeared in the small clip of my memory. But what was the connection was my question. What happened in that gap of time I was missing?
What happened the year I died?
"I kind of figured that out for myself." I murmured quietly, glancing down to the floor. "But in the state he's in, now is not the time to ask."
...
...
...
"But I'm so glad that you came to visit me~"
"Get away, freak!" I snapped, slamming my fist into Ling's cheek as he lunged at me. "Like hell I would visit you!"
"Oh you're so cute when you're in denial~"
"I'm not denying anything!"
A goofy smile touched Ling's lips and I scowled, crossing my arms as I concentrate don moving Greed's body. "How can you be so...happy all the time?"
"Because I have you here with me~"
"Bull." I muttered, glaring at the idiotic prince. "How you can somehow be as idiotic as ever is forever a mystery with me."
"Ghosty?"
"What?"
"Do you love Greed?"
I blinked, momentarily stunned into silence by the sheer randomness of the question. "-What are you talking about?" I exclaimed, staring at him in shock. "What makes you think that? You're delusional!"
"All I did was ask." Ling pouted, though an unsettled look flickered across his face. "Do you love him?"
"Of course not!" I snapped, huffing and turning away. "That's the stupidest thing I've ever heard."
"You're a terrible liar, Ghosty."
I whirled around, narrowing my eyes at him. "Like you're one to talk! What with the sudden curiosity anyway? Who asks stuff like that out of the blue?"
"If Greed is a hurdle I must jump to win your heart," Ling began, a completely serious look on his face, "then it is only fair that I know what you feel towards him."
I blinked, completely and utter confused at the comment Ling had just made. Honestly! This guy was just a giant ball full of confusion. "Just forget it. I feel nothing for Greed, or you. So let me concentrate on getting us to safety."
"...Ghosty..."
"What?" I questioned, warily turning around with questioning eyes.
The look on Ling's face made me freeze. The intense, gaze his eyes held kept me frozen in place. The tension in the air was thick, suffocating.
I didn't like it.
His face was a hard line and his eyes were searching, so desperately searching as they flickered across my face, making me feel almost helpless to his trance like stare.
"I won't loose, Ghosty." Ling murmured, leaning forward so that his fringed bangs barely brushed my forehead. "Whether it be the past or present that is my enemy, I will not loose. You have my word."
I stared at him in bewilderment; something told me that he meant every word that left his lips. But what I didn't understand was why he said such things, why? What did he not want to loose?
"Aside from your gibberish," I began, turning away from the prince in annoyance. "I'm a little busy trying to get your body to safety, so if you'd be ever so kind as to leave me alone..."
I jerked, the fatigue of Greed's body and the mental strain he was going through catching up with me as we neared a grassy hill.
"You seem to be having a hard time." Ling mused, his arms crossed as he floated over to where I stood. "Why not hand me the reins?"
"Please," I grumbled, casting him a sidelong glance. "I can handle this just fine on my own. Look! There's an old house right over there."
I followed my gaze along the hill and paused, stopping a moment. This place seemed oddly familiar, like I'd been here before, not to long ago actually.
"This looks oddly familiar," Ling remarked, voicing my own thoughts. "Now where have we...ah! This is the house we hid in when Gluttony attacked, remember?"
"Oh yeah," I murmured, blinking in surprise. "Man, how long has it been?"
"Who knows," Ling mused, tilting his head back nostalgically as stared upwards into the red oblivion. "But it has been awhile, hasn't it? Time seems to fly in the state of chaos."
I paused at the words and shrugged, trudging onwards with Greed's body. I flinched as the movement grew stiffer, I could hear my breathing being labored as I trudged up the hill. An abandoned car was off to the side and I grimaced at the strain on this body.
"Kitten."
I froze on spot. Risking a glance backwards, I found myself tensing. A lump made its way to my throat as the door leading towards the Devil's Nest grew achingly more prominent.
The darn thing seemed to be calling me towards it, the voice so sweet and enticing. I wanted nothing more than to twist that knob and open the door to see what lay beyond.
I bit my lip, taking a step towards the door, my hand outstretched. I shut my eyes for a second, and took another step closer; the doorknob was now within my reach.
My pulse was pounding. My head was throbbing. My mouth went dry as my fingers just barely brushed the doorknob, the rusted metal that brought a tingle down my spine.
There was a flash of red and a bolt of electricity shot outwards. I clenched my teeth in pain as I shot backwards, grasping my hand to my chest in shock.
I could only stare, a slight ache of pain in my chest as the door crackled with red electricity, showing that I was not wanted inside.
The thought brought a pain to my chest that made me frown.
"Told you, you shouldn't." Ling murmured, coming up beside me and staring at the door. "It's not your memories to see Ghosty."
"But I'm in it." I began, hearing my voice crack. "Aren't I? I just want to know Ling. I want to know so bad..."
"Then I'll help you find it." Ling started, his voice determined as his hand gripped one of my own. "People from Xing always keep their word."
I glanced to him, his face outlined in hard determination. I could only slip my hand from his and meet his stare with my own.
I refocused getting us to safety. I began to trudge Greed...Ling... Greedling's feet along the pathway, my hands tucked into the dark coat pockets. There was the sound of shuffling in the house and I furrowed my brows, keeping us moving.
There was a flash of gold and metal and I blinked as Greed's knees buckled from underneath me at the doorway. My soul came tumbling out and I landed roughly along the hard wood floor, dust flying up in a cloud.
"G-Ghosty? Ling? I mean, Greed?"
My eyes shot open and I sat up, staring straight into a pair of wide gold eyes.
...
...
...
"Edward!" I cried, lunging at the boy in happiness as my arms circled around his neck. The blonde haired boy gave a startled shout as we hit the floor. "I can't believe it's you! Where have you been? How'd you get here?"
"I should be asking you all those questions!" Edward grunted, a look of shock still plastered across his face as well as a deep blush. "What are you doing here?"
"Greed got us into some trouble," I smirked, rubbing the back of my head. "So we had to hightail it out of there. How have you been? It's been so long!"
Edward could only stare. The poor boy still seemed to be trying to grasp the fact that I was sitting there, right before his eyes. Before I knew it, I was pulled once more into a hug.
I blinked in surprise and felt my cheeks grow hot as Edward gripped my shoulders tightly. "E-Edward?"
"I'm glad that you're safe." Edward murmured, pulling back with a large grin on his face. "I knew you'd be fine."
A small smile touched my lips. "I'm glad to see you well too, where's Alphonse? Wait! Where are Gilbert and Déjà? Are they safe? Is Al safe?"
"Al and I separated up in Briggs," Ed began, a serious look coming across his face for a moment. "Gilbert was with us last, but after we had some trouble with a little military, he took off somewhere. I know Déjà's with Mustang, and we've been on the run since."
There was a click behind me and I blinked, glancing backwards to meet the end of a pistol cocked at my face.
"I think he's finally cracked." A brown haired man began, shaking his head.
"No, I sense someone here." A blonde man began, narrowing his eyes on the spot where I was. "Show yourself."
"W-Wait! She's a friend—"
"Ah, don't sweat it." I grinned, waving my hand harmlessly through the gun. "It's not like that can hurt me. But if you can hear me, um, Mr. Stranger One and Mr. Stranger Two, then my name's Ghosty."
The two men furrowed their brows glancing around in confusion, for some reason, they started sniffing the air too. "Why can't we see you?"
"I'm dead." I answered flatly, Edward staring at me in disbelief at the sheer bluntness of the statement. "But I thought..."
"Nope, dead through and through." I grinned, glancing back to his surprised face. "While you were away I guess I did a little soul searching and came across with my own grave."
"W-Wait, so she's a ghost?" Stranger one exclaimed, taking a step back in shocked as I grinned evilly. "Yup. And I've come here to collect your soul for all your wrongdoings~"
"Ghosty."
"Alright, maybe I'm just here to haunt you." I amended, flashing Edward a cheeky grin. "Since when did you become such a parent? Last time I checked you were still a hot headed kid yourself."
Edward's face morphed from surprise to worry as the look on his face clearly stated he wanted details to my side of the story as well.
"But, I'm glad to see you're okay." I smiled; softening my eyes as Edward blushed, scratching the back of his head.
"W-well what's that supposed to mean! Did you think I wouldn't be able to handle things myself?" He argued, his face contorting into annoyance and I grinned. I missed that hotheaded blonde too much for my own good.
There was a growl and we both glanced downwards to a pained look across Greedling's face.
"I'm...hungry..."
"Stupid prince, ruining the mood."
The sound of slurping and food being quickly rushed down a throat caused me to twitch in disgust as Ling shoveled food through his mouth like there was no tomorrow.
Then again, at the rate things were going, it wouldn't surprise me...
"Ah~ I feel like myself again. Thanks, that was good." Ling grinned, setting his hands on his knees as he leaned back in content.
"Same old overeating dumbass as ever." Edward grumbled, and I scoffed. "What did you expect?"
"Our emergency rations are all gone." Stranger Two grumbled, emptying out a backpack to reveal nothing.
"Are those guys your pals?" Ling questioned, tilting his head to the side. I looked to the two curiously as well, wondering where on earth they had come from in exchange to Edward's usual crew.
"He's Mr. Gorilla—"
"It's Darius!"
"I'm Heinkel. We're former military, but as luck would have it, we're working with the kid here." Heinkel explained and I made a noise of surprise. It seems that my friends had been caught up in a world of adventures of their own.
"Who is this guy?" Darius questioned, pointing a finger to Ling.
"Ah, well, how should I..."
"I'm a homunculus."
"Idiot!" I spat, smacking Ling upside the head. "You can't just go blurting stuff out like that!"
"But you told them you were a ghost!"
"That's different!"
"How on earth—"
"Seriously?" Darius questioned, looking surprised.
"It would take to long to lay it all out." Edward sighed before turning to Ling. "What are you doing here, anyway? Ghosty said something about you two getting into trouble..."
"Greed went his separate way from the homunculus gang. I took advantage of his agitation and gained control of my body back." Ling started.
"After I did all the hard work." I grumbled, huffing indignantly.
"I was looking for someplace near Central where I could hide..." Ling suddenly grunted, gripping his forehead tightly. "And ended up...here..."
"What's wrong?" Both Ed and I chorused, worried looks crossing over our faces.
"This is bad... Greed is coming back..." Ling gasped, a strained look on his face.
"Hey!" Edward exclaimed, slamming his fists repeatedly against Ling's head. "Hey, hey, hey, wait, wait, wait! Hold on! Don't let him overcome you! Keep your wits about!"
"Ed! Listen to me!" Ling growled stopping his fist from another smack. "That "Father" guy that lives beneath Central will open the doorway on "That Day,' which is to come. In my layman's opinion, if you two brothers jump into it then, you might be able to get your original bodies back."
Ling glanced over to me, obviously noticing the confused look on my face and he offered a faint smile. "Even Greed has his own secrets Ghosty."
"No, wait." Edward began, a troubled look on his face. "That might be true, but... in order to open the doorway, a toll is required."
Something seemed to come to light for Edward as his eyes widened. "For what reason is he opening the doorway? This day which is to come, is there a set day on which he's going to open the doorway?"
"Well, I..." Ling cringed, gripping his head tighter.
"Ling, hey!"
I put my hand on his shoulder and watched him carefully, there was no way he could stop Greed from taking over, but what I was worried about was what would happen once that did happen.
"Damn it!" Ling growled, peering through his fingers with amethyst orbs. "Don't come back yet!"
Come back.
I froze. I didn't really just think that, did I?
This was starting to worry me. It felt as if a huge rift was beginning to divide me in half. The inner turmoil was overwhelming; half of me was sickened by the thought of me ever wanting Ling to leave, while the other half begged for Greed to come back.
What was going on?
"The message...!" Ling ground out, "Did you give Lan Fan the message?"
"Message?" Edward echoed, looking confused for a moment before his eyes flickered in realization. "Al gave it to her! Lan Fan is all right! We don't know where she is right now, though."
"Okay... Thank goodness." Ling breathed, a relieved look coming across his face. "Edward, just be sure to make sure...that Ghosty stays all right, okay? When Greed comes back, there's no telling how he'll react."
"Ling?" I questioned as the boy suddenly hunched over. "Ling!"
"Sorry... That's all... for me..."
There was a moment of silence before Ling sucked in a breath. But already I could tell who it was instead.
"Damn." Greed cursed, a strained look still faint on his face. "Lousy Xingese prince. He talks far too much."
"Is that you Greed?" Edward questioned, watching as the pair of orbs flickered over to him.
"Yeah, that's right." Greed grumbled, looking annoyed by the situation.
A gun was cocked at his head and Greed snorted, standing up and staring at Heinkel. "Give it up; you can't kill me with that."
"Sadly." I sighed. I perked up at the sound of footsteps and blinked, realizing that Greed was starting to leave.
"Sorry to bother you." Greed stated coolly. Edward blinked before standing up, his eyes wide. "Hey! You're gonna just let us skate?"
"Huh? Skate, nothing. He told you earlier right?" Greed jutted a finger to himself, halting outside the open gap in the wall. "That I have washed my hands of the homunculi? My memories got all jumbled up and I attacked Bradley. If I go back, there's no telling what they'd do to me."
Kill you.
I blinked, suddenly feeling a wave of relief upon hearing Greed's comment. He was obviously aware of the dangers presented in going back, and I was more than grateful to finally be leaving that place.
It makes you think of her.
"So I've gone and flown the coop and will live however I want to. By myself." Greed finished and then turned, starting to walk out again.
A yelp of surprise left my lips when a hand came and gripped my shirt collar, dragging me along behind. "Hey! What gives?"
"You're mine in case you forgot." Greed answered, glancing back at me with a bored look in his eyes. "So that means you're coming along too."
"I thought you said you wanted to be by yourself!" I argued, feeling rather annoyed that I was being dragged behind him like a child.
"That included you."
"No! I wanna stay with Edward! Let go you bully!" I snapped, tugging against his hand and digging my heels into the ground. "Lemme go! Lemme go!"
"I won't let you slip away."
I blinked, remembering the words Greed had so quietly murmured to me while we were running. The softness mixed with determination and desperation had startled me. And I couldn't help but grow curious as to why on earth he would say that.
"You want to pal up with us?"
Greed froze. I peered under my bangs and noted that his eyes had widened as his foot halted.
"If you've got nowhere to go," Edward began, pointing a finger towards himself. "Come with us."
Greed glanced back, turning his head towards Edward. His eyes were still childishly wide, as if emotions and images I couldn't even fathom were running through his head, flickering through his eyes.
And I realized, just then, the reason why I knew that look so well was because it was the same look I wore practically all the time.
...
A laugh began to escape Greed's lips as his shoulders shook. "Pal up? Pal up with you?" Greed echoed, a smirk playing along his lips. "That's rich."
"Up yours!" Greed sneered, throwing his head up. "Everything in the world is mine!" He pointed a finger towards Edward. "The again, if you wanted to work for me, I wouldn't mind palling around with you."
A chuckle continued to leave his lips. As if this entire ordeal was so unbelievable to him. "Bye, now."
"Edward~" I cried, reaching my hands out in vain as Greed began to tug me away. "Save me~"
"You're such a jerk." I sighed, slumping forward as I trailed behind Greed. "It would have been so much better if we had just teamed up with Edward..."
"Quit complaining." Greed sneered, his shoulders slumped as his hands went to his pockets. "Like I would ever team up with the likes of people like him."
"Edward's a great guy though." I persisted, frowning slightly at the comment. "Much better than you, of course."
Greed snorted, continuing to walk forward as the moon bathed the forest in a pale light. I offered another sigh, diligently following after him.
What else was I supposed to do?
"...Greed?"
"What?"
"...do you...remember now?" I questioned, keeping my eyes trained on the dirt road as we continued to walk.
"I remember a lot of things now, sweetheart."
"I mean...do you remember a... a place called the Devil's Nest. And do you..." I trailed off, biting my lip as the words became stuck in my throat.
Remember me?
"Yeah, I remember."
I paused. I hadn't realized we had stopped walking until I was but a few feet away from Greed. Having my eyes on the ground, his feet were turned sideways. Hesitantly, I glanced upwards and found him half facing me, his body pointing towards the trees as his head turned my way, his eyes locked on mine.
An unfamiliar tension soon thickened the air, making all too hard to breathe. I could only stare as his eyes stayed locked on my own, something akin to pain and a forlorn sadness in those beautiful orbs. And was that...
Longing?
"If you're talking about that rundown pub I used to own as the previous Greed, then yes." Greed answered finally, his eyes never leaving my own as they swirled with a depth that dared me to become lost in their spell. "I remember my life from back then, as well as all my other possessions."
"Then is that where you're headed?" I questioned, looking to him curiously. "Back to everyone back there?"
"There's nothing to go back too." Greed snorted, his eyes darkening. "Everyone's dead."
I felt something heavy drop inside me.
...dead?
Martel, Dolcetto, Roa, everyone... dead? And Bido too...?
Who was everyone?
I touché my forehead at the stinging pain. But the headache pounding inside was nothing compared to the suddenly heartbreaking ache I felt inside my chest. This cold, desperately aching cold surrounded my heart and gripped with a vice like hold.
"What do you mean?" I choked out, looking at him in confusion. "What...?"
"Not long after you left," Greed began, his eyes never wavering in their hold on my own. "Our place got attacked after I had them capture Alphonse in an attempt to find myself a way to immortality. Wrath decided to step in and the next thing you knew, everyone was gone."
...How... How could that happen?
Why them? What did they ever do? Why? Why? Why? Why? Why?
"Is that all you can ask?" Truth giggled, sounding quite amused at my current predicament. "My, this is all coming along so well. You're close lost soul, very close. And I can't wait to see you once more. What will you give up, I wonder? What is it now, that you have left to loose?"
Loose? Loose what? What did I give up? I wanted to scream, curse at whoever it was that sent me into this hell hole of a life, left me a walking soul with no memory of her own life, not even her own name.
"I remember you too."
My head shot up, the aching and pounding suddenly gone in the blink of an eye. I stared at Greed, unsure of what to say as he looked back at me.
So many questions that I wanted to ask where bubbling in my throat, but only one seemed to climb atop all the others.
"Did I... Did I—"
"No." Greed answered. His eyes were all to knowing as I wasn't even able to finish my question. "You didn't."
I fell silent, that was one thing off of my list of questions then, I suppose. But a feeling of uncertainty crept about me. Did I really not love him? Could he be lying?
I don't lie.
No. He must be telling the truth. To my surprise, half of me seemed to find relief to this, while the other half fell silent. As if part of me wished so desperately that he had said yes.
Greed's head had turned to overlook the rocky cliff side. Rolling hills darkened by the night streamed out as a town glowed brightly in the distance. I was brought out of my own reverie as a sneer left his lips and a smirk stretched across his face.
"The king of a whole land, huh?" Greed mused, staring out at the vast expanse of land before us. There was a pause before he snorted. "Ha, what a brat. That's still small thinking."
A shark toothed smirk stayed plastered across Greed's face as he stretched his arm upwards towards the moon. "If I'm going to be anything, how about become the king of the whole world?"
"...Did you final crack?" I muttered, staring at him in confusion.
"Hey, Ling! Wait up!"
Both Greed's head and my own turned to stare in surprise as Edward, Darius and Heinkel came running after us.
"What?" Greed sighed, annoyance flickering across his face. "You're such a pest. Remember, I'm Greed."
"Ah. I don't care who you are anymore." Edward sighed, coming to a halt a few feet away. "It's too much of a hassle, so I'll just call you Greedling."
"Hey! Who are you calling Gree—"
"I'll work for you, Greedling."
Greed's eyes widened in surprise as he leaned forward, looking as if he hadn't heard Edward correctly. "Huh?"
"I said, I would be one of your men." Edward repeated, raising his hands as if this were no big deal. "Which means that the chimera fellows that are with me now work for you too."
"Hah?"
I sweat dropped, watching as both Heinkel and Darius proceeded to beat Edward up at signing them over without their consent. And I couldn't blame them; even I regretted making any sort of deal with Greed.
"Now that I think about it," Edward began, looking up from his position on the ground, countless foot marks littered across his coat. "The moment I decided to become a Dog of the Military, I lost all pride, and everything else with it. So wagging my tail is no big deal to me anymore."
"Besides," Edward stood up, brushing the dust off of his pants as he stared directly at Greed. "I can't very well let any information slip away, or pass up this chance just because I'm caught up with my emotions, right? Not this one chance in a million."
A look of recognition flickered across Greed's face. Surprise filled his expression as he seemed to be remembering some sort of thing himself.
"Stupid inside jokes." I grumbled, crossing my arms. "Sure, just leave the ghost out of it."
I jumped at the mad laugh that suddenly erupted from Greed. Sharp teeth glimmering as a smirk stretched wide and dangerous across his face.
"What a hoot!" Greed leaned forward, jutting a finger towards Edward. "To work for me is to become an outcast. Make sure you don't regret it later!"
"Give me a break. When it comes to having regrets, I've got the inside track!"
"What's that supposed to mean?" Darius and Heinkel chorused; sweat dropping at the scene before them.
"That settles it then." Greed grinned, striding over towards Heinkel and Darius. "That means you're my men, as well."
"Ah, whatever. Suit yourself." Heinkel sighed. "I don't care who I follow, as long as I get fed." Darius agreed, patting his stomach.
"What kind of chimeras are you?" Greed questioned, looking curious as he stared up at the two.
"I'm part gorilla."
"I'm part lion."
A nostalgic feeling enveloped me as I watched Greed talk to the two chimeras. Where had I seen something like this before?
My vision flickered and an image of the previous Greed, leather vest and all talking to a tall man... Roa. The blonde haired woman named Martel stood behind him, with Dolcetto at her side as they seemed to be chatting about some sort of argument.
My eyes widened as Greed's head turned towards me and he smirked, peering at me above the tip of his glasses.
"Don't be such a ghost, kitten. Come sit with Greed. I won't bite."
I shut my eyes and silently tucked the image away before it could run off like the others. I wasn't just going to let him slip away this time. I would fine my memories.
A smirk and red eyes so much like my own flashed through my head and I narrowed my eyes. With what was coming, this meant confronting Alacrity with whatever she knew, and if she had my body, then that would mean that this Father man and the "day" Greed was talking about were involved as well.
I opened my eyes and stared dead ahead at the glimmering city before me.
It would seem as though a battle of sorts had just begun. And whether or not I liked it, I was caught in the middle.
Wonderful.
"You lied."
Greed blinked at the thought that had suddenly entered his head. Knowing the bratty voice all too well he rolled his eyes. "What are you talking about?"
"To Ghosty." Ling continued, his eyes furrowed as he crossed his arms. "I thought you said you never lied."
"It's a once and a life time thing." Greed answered, his hands deep in his pockets.
"Why?"
Greed paused, before answering. "None of your business, brat. What I do with my possession is nothing for you to think about."
"Ghosty is not your possession." Ling bit back, "And I demand you tell me why you would keep something so vital from her."
"How on earthy could something as petty as how she felt towards me be vital?" Greed scoffed. "Admit it. You're secretly glad I told her that too, aren't you?"
"Unlike you, whether or not it would benefit me, I would still tell her everything I know." Ling argued.
"Whatever." Greed sneered, dismissing the notion with a slight shove as he focused on the task at hand, the four people following behind him unaware to the argument he was having with the prince. "Why don't you just shut up and let me handle kitten."
"Her name is Ghosty, not kitten."
"Kitten sounds much better than Ghosty." Greed smirked.
Ling bit back a frustrated growl. This man was toying with him, he knew that. Ling knew without a doubt that he was keeping much more from Ghosty than he should. And frustratingly, whether or not this information was good or bad, Ling had no idea.
But what perhaps got under his skin the most, was the painful fact that Ghosty did, or more likely, had in fact, loved the previous Greed. Meaning she had in general, loved Greed in her past. But whether or not she would let something form her past cloud her future, he didn't know.
But if there was even an ounce of possibility that he could veer her off that path that was soon to lead into disaster, and into the warmth he could offer, he would build upon that ounce and win her over.
I won't lose Ghosty. Ling thought silently, determinedly. I can promise you that. And people from Xing always keep their word.
Huzzah! After...what, four weeks? Or is it three? Three weeks of inactiveness, I have returned with another chapter of JOOTD! I do apologize for keeping you all waiting so long, I didn't want to, and I hate to give you excuses after excuses, but life really does tend to yank you away from any free time you can get your hands on.
Plus, every time I was able to get my hands on the computer, I ended up having to leave or do chores.
A lot of you seemed to have thought that the last chapter was rather rushed, and I do apologize. Since, well, I was rushed. I had weekend homework and school tomorrow and I wanted to get an update for you guys. I did notice myself that it did seem to go a little faster than I would have liked, but I hope you can all understand that I was pressed for time. And I can assure you, that the story will not be rushed the entire ending.
ATTENTION. ATTENTION. I am very much considering making a sequel for this story. I have thought up a plot and everything, but it's up to you guys whether or not I make a second story to this. So feedback on what you think would be very much loved and appreciated.
I also realized that I forgot to reply to the reviews from the chapter before the latest bonus chapter... So replies from that chapter will be in these as well! This is going to be a little confusing... I'll make a dash showing where the replies for chapter 23-24 begin.
LadyKebechet: Aw, thanks! Haha, sugar, it is the devil's food in disguise. But we love it anyway. XD I'm pretty sure a lot of people thought she meant what Greed thought she meant too!—I do have a name planned actually. It just won't be revealed. For awhile. XD Thanks for the review!
DoctorWhotaliaandtheOlympian s: Cake is pleasure. Whenever my mom brings some back I want to cry in happiness.—LOL. That would be funny. He'd be the worst at customer service. You will know in due time my reviewer! XD Thanks for the review!
musiclover1072: Well, he does need to work too! Even if he'd make a bad milkman, he'd sure be a funny one! :D—Yay! You reviewed! GIVE MEH THE BACON, BRAW. I love my bacon. Almost as much as my darling marshmallows. Haha, Greed's to "adult" to be in a high school host club though. XD Thanks for the review!
The Alchemy Goddess: Haha, it seems that you seem to be the head detective on this Petal-Déjà-Mustang mystery. Though whether or not the two (Déjà and Petal) are related, that'll be up to you. Déjà can just merely be a simple bystander in this whole thing.—Haha, perhaps. But pieces can only be dropped for so long until the real mystery is revealed! :D I'm blessed not to have broken anything yet, but if it makes you feel any better, I tripped over my slippers. Multiple times. Thanks for the review!
LeoInuyuka: Have no fear! I end up staying till too reading fanfictions when I need to be at school extra early the next day. I usually end up getting yelled at by mom too. Haha, thank you for liking my story so much! It warms my heart like hot chocolate to see so many people enjoying it. :D—Aw, I'm glad you enjoyed it! The way you rephrased it made me laugh so hard! XD There isn't, sadly. I'm not that great of a drawer myself (in my opinion) and I have no idea how the ways of uploading pictures online works. I'm a computer noob. But walrus or not, I'd love to see how you would draw 'em! :D You should watch it! KHR is an amazing anime/manga, and I'm sure you'll like it too! Of course I read all the reviews! You don't know how happy it makes me when I see a review in my inbox, and I take time to read them all! Thanks for the review!
Shadow Realm Triforce: Yeah, Mustang, despite his high rank, it's kind of funny. He honestly seems more like a mansion type to me.— I'm glad you do! We'll be seeing a lot more of her, actually. –hint, hint- Really? Ling being jealous of a stuffed toy? That seems perfectly normal! XD Who knows? It could be all three! Haha, just kidding. That'd be pretty confusing. It seems that a lot of you are starting to make connections, but are they true? DUN. DUN. DUN. Thanks for the review!
Hopeless Alchemist: You hate Greed? Whaaa? He's so lovable! Despite how perverted he can be!—Thanks for the review!
WhiteTiger BlackWolf: Oh the things that happen at twelve A.M, the strange time period never ceases to amaze me. I honestly see Hannah with either Sasori, or Hidan... actually, maybe Leader too. If it didn't look like he was already take by Konan. Haha, see what the wonderful world of fanfiction does? It brings insane fans together with other equally insane fans.—5ever? XD Haha, I hope that doesn't happen to me either! I always get sad when I find a story forever on hiatus. And I will make sure that that never happens to this one! I'm glad you loved it! Thanks for the review!
NamineNasha: Thanks!—And thanks for the review!
Yami Mizuna: Haha, since the chapter already came out awhile ago, yes, that is a guarantee! XD—Too many possibilities! Haha, no problem! Thanks! I've hit 500! Haha, and it's thanks to you all! And thanks for the review too!
nadzuke eno mono: There seem to be quite the number of references to Ling and Belarus... I wonder why... XD—Aw, I'm proud to be called your friend! :D Thank you for having such faith in me! And thanks for the review!
Spot'sGalFrom1899: I LOVE YOU TOO! Haha.—I'm sorry I made you wait more than a week then! It seems that a lot of people like them too! Thanks for the review!
NinjaChipmunk: Well, it is Greed. And Greed is what Greed is. XD—Thanks for the review!
WapahaniRaiders: I live in California! I could have sworn I said that a few times, haha. But yup, the Golden State of California is the wonderful place that I call home. –I'm sorry! I promise to try to get updates in sooner! Haha, I'm glad my story helps you get by at school! XD Thanks for the review!
Seri3991: Well, I think it's common mostly because Greed becomes to heavily tied in with Ling, or vice versa, so it makes it much to tempting to have both in the same story.—Slowly, but unsurely! Haha, no problem! Tailsdoll did an amazing job, didn't she? I loved that one-shot! Did the chapter really make you cry? Oh my lord, I'm touched that it would reach you in such a way! And don't worry, I was near tears just thinking about the situation. Thank you for reviewing!
An Echo In Time: Haha, you'll find out!—Thanks for the review!
Ink Asylum: As you see in this chapter, she does do that. But the only reason why I don't have her try to see Ling through that sort of attempt is because the strain it would have on her soul would be dangerous. Doing it this one time was hard enough, but attempting it continuously would be tempting fate. LOL. I laughed at your farewell.—Why thank you! I was really worried that he would be a little off the whole fight, but reading that review just made me feel much better. :D Haha, I'm glad I've made Sundays such a 'holy' day! I would never want to rush this story; I love as much as you! And I do understand what you mean, I wasn't too proud of it, but hopefully it wasn't to disappointing for you. I love writing stuff like this! The only downfall is how hard it is to choose one at the end. :( And no worries! If anything, I appreciate the fact that you'd take the time out to go ahead and help me try to make this story as amazing as it can be! Reading this just made me feel really guilty. I'll do my best to make sure I'm on time rather than leaving you all hanging! :D And thank you for enjoying this story so much! Thanks for the review!
Amaya. Rawrz: And cleared up it was! Yup. That poor girl.—I'm glad she got cheered up too! Having her depressed the whole chapter would have been too sad for me to write. A lot of people still ship them too, so have no fear! XD THAT SCENE MAKES ME CRY TO, DUDE. DON'T FEEL BAD. Thanks for the review!
FallenWing21: Thanks! I'm happy you find my chapters so amazing~ :D—Thanks for the review!
Chaotic Luna: Aw, it's fine. I'm just glad you reviewed this time! :D Really? I usually just eat with my sisters. Haha.—What's the favor? :D AND HAPPY SUPER BELATED BIRHTDAY. Aw, thank you for always reviewing! Haha, thanks. I was just worried about making her seem a little to depressed. Thank you for reviewing! Haha, I'm glad I make you look forward to my updates! And thanks for the review!
Awkward Seductress: LOVE YOUR USERNAME. XD I liked that scene too, writing Ling and Ghosty enjoying themselves was really much too fun. Hmm...I'd say somewhere around the whole Kimblee-attack up in Briggs. Thanks for reviewing!
TokyoRose627: Haha, thanks! Yeah, a lot of people can't exactly choose how they like the best. Really? I'm honored! There are some really good ones out there too! :D Haha, I hope this chapter came soon enough for you! Thanks for the review!
Tailsdoll123: He needed to ct like that, because we all know that even if Greed's a greedy jerk, he's a nice greedy jerk. :D Poor Bido indeed, that scene had me bawling when I first saw it. D: Thanks for the review!
Siri Catriona: I like it. Oceandream Alchemist was pretty cool, but I like the uniqueness this one has! Alas, though Greed's fate may be dark, it doesn't stop people from loving their pairing. XD Thank you! And thanks for the review!
Fmafan4life: Well, I'm honored that I could make someone explode with just this simple story! XD Thanks for the review!
FireDragonX23: Yeah, I'm glad to have him back too! It's so much fun to write his character. Haha, a lot of you enjoyed the omake I see! XD Thanks for the review!
Atama Ga Kuru Teru: Haha, I'm glad to see you still lingering at least. But I miss your stories! You wrote so well. :( Yes, because twisty turns make everything better! :D I agree with you on that my fellow Greedling lover. Thanks for the review!
Guest: Haha, but who knows? Greed may just sweep her away before Ling can even get a chance to put a ring on that girl! XD Thanks for the review!
A simple fan: Thanks! And I'll be sure to think about it, that would be hilarious! I'll do my best~ Thanks for the review!
Indescribable music: Thanks! And Thanks for reviewing!
Eveegirl36: Haha, they are cute. But Greed and Ghosty have their moments too! We gon see some fire burning up in these parts! XD Thanks for the review!
TheEbilBunni: I see you're a Ling and Ghosty shipper! XD Thanks for the review!
Guest: No, but judging by your review, I'm guessing a lot? Haha, thanks for the review!
Kuroda Foxe14: Kick Wrath's arse! :D Haha, thanks for the review!
Molly Grace 16: So hard to choose right? I have the same problem all the time! XD As it is revealed, Ghosty and Greed do have history together, but whether or not it'll affect them later on, you'll have to find out! Thank you for your input though, and thanks for the review!
Reaper. death: Thanks! I love writing the fluff. XD Thanks for the review!
akira45: Awesome review. Haha, thanks for the review!
RyokoSon: Thanks! I don't know who exactly I want myself, so it's nice to get a view on what the standings are from the peanut gallery. XD Thanks for the review!
narutowolf: Thank you! And thanks for the review!
Merciless Eyes: I HAVEN'T SEEN YOU IN FOREVER! I missed you too! :D Haha, I'm glad my story was much more enticing than zombies. XD It's all thanks to loyal reviewers like you who made it possible! :D Thanks for the review!
angelbeets: Thank you! I hope this came fast enough! And thanks for the review!
Neusuada: I hope it came fast enough! Thanks for the review!
Natalie H: I'm glad you love it! Thank you! And crying wouldn't make you Mary-sueish. If that were true, then call me a Mary-sue, because I still cry whenever I watch something as small as Lilo and Stitch! Thanks for the review!
FMA fan: Do you really think so? :D Thank you! I'm honored that you love it so much! Thanks for reviewing! And thanks for the review!
THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH FOR ALLOWING ME TO REACH OVER 500 REVIEWS. SEEING THE LITTLE BLUE NUMBERS BY ONE OF MY OWN STORIES, IS, IS, AMAZING! And it's all thanks to you! My loyal reviewers that I am able to reach such a high count. Honestly, thank you all so much. I couldn't be a happier author. :D
ALL I CAN ASK IS THAT YOU AWESOME PEOPLE REVIEW!
Marshmellow-
-OUT!