Ugh, so tired. Brain is mush. I had a long week but have worked for the last four hours to get this chapter out early. I hope you guys appreciate it!

REMEMBER! The deadline for the contest is April 1st. I've already seen some great stories. Don't be shy people! Even if you don't think you're a great writer at least you can say you tried your best! And I would love to read anything written by my fans!

I've recently recieved quite a few messages from people just telling me how much they like my writing and stories. I can not stress enough how amazing that is! I never thought that posting TBA and my other stories would get so much positive feedback! I love it and I love you guys! And if you ever want to drop a pm and ask me something or talk to me or give me advice I promise I do not bite...unless you want me too...um, yeah, anyway... I really like talking to people on here and I especially love talking about writing. So if you ever want advice from me on your writing or to give me advice about mine or just to talk pm me anytime!

...Is it just me or do these chapters just keep getting longer and longer?

Chapter 36

The chapter after thirty five

(-Ed-)

He paced back and forth, back and forth. His muscles wouldn't relax, yearning to be in action as they were. He clenched and unclenched his hands over and over again. He needed out of there. He needed to be doing something.

"Edward. Calm yourself." Izumi ordered.

He glared at her and snapped, "How do you expect me to be calm when I know Taylor's been kidnapped! We should be out there looking for her! Not sitting here while she gets hurt or worse!"

Her eyes narrowed slightly, the only reaction she showed to his frustrated yelling, "First of all, you don't have any idea where Taylor has been taken. Secondly, rushing into things would be reckless. You need to compose yourself and think rationally."

"She's right Brother." Al told him soothingly.

Ed averted his eyes and gazed down at his tightened metal fist, "They could be doing anything to her right now."

"That's why we need to come up with a plan."

Ed looked at Al for the longest time. He sighed and sank into a chair at the table the others were sitting at.

"Now," Izumi began firmly, "this Envy you were talking about, he is a homunculus just like the one who called himself Greed, correct?"

Al nodded, "Greed didn't seem to be working with the others, but the other Homunculi definitely want something from Taylor. They called her a sacrifice."

"They've called me one too." Ed commented.

Izumi's eyes grew dark, "What do they mean by 'sacrifice'?"

"We're not sure. All we know is that they want to create a Philosopher's Stone. But since they can't perform alchemy they manipulate others to create it for them."

"The stone?" Izumi arched a fine brow. "That's absurd."

"It's true." Al affirmed. "They want to use alchemists to create one for them, sacrificing numerous human lives in the process."

The words sank into Izumi slowly, "…Is this what they want Taylor for?"

Ed shook his head, "Taylor can use alchemy but she's still learning. She would never be able to pull off a transmutation like that…I wouldn't think." Doubt weighed in his mind due to the fact that Taylor had come from the other side of the gate. She had also exhibited advanced transmutations, even healing herself with no circle whatsoever. It may be possible…

"This girl…" Izumi paused, catching Ed's attention, "Who is she really? She's not just a friend you met back in your hometown."

"Well, she is our friend." Al defended her.

"There's more to it than that. Tell me everything."

Ed didn't want to expose Taylor's secret. For one, most people wouldn't believe it anyway. For another, if they did believe it they might take advantage of her. But this was his teacher who was asking him. She already knew something was amiss and wouldn't stop until she got her answers. And besides, Ed trusted her.

"Teacher…Taylor's seen the truth."

Izumi nodded once, having figured this part out already.

Ed took a deep breath, "But she never performed human transmutation." Izumi's eyes widened. Before she could say anything Ed went on, "She's seen the truth because she passed through the gate. Taylor…she's from the other side."

"Impossible." Izumi said breathily in shock.

"Homunculi are supposed to be impossible too and yet, they exist." Al pointed out.

"And it's the only explanation for why she knows so much about us. She says that from her side that Amestris and all the people in it are from a story she's read. She knows about all of us and everything that's going to happen. Alchemy's just a myth on her side, but she found a transmutation circle and somehow activated it and was sent through the gate. When she arrived here the Homunculi showed an interest in her and I was ordered to guard her. There's also a counterbalance put in place for her being here, someone who tries to keep her from interfering with the fate of this world. We've seen him and he's strong."

After Ed's lengthy explanation Izumi remained quiet for several long minutes and stared at the two of them.

Ed became fidgety and asked, "Teacher?"

"Do you believe this?" Izumi finally asked.

The brothers glanced at each other and nodded in answer.

"She's given us every reason to." Al said.

"And we trust her." said Ed.

Izumi let out a long breath, "Then I believe it as well."

"You do?" they asked in surprise.

She nodded, "I do. And from what you've told me it makes finding her even more urgent."

"Why's that?" Al asked.

"She knows the future. That knowledge is very powerful and if in the wrong hands it can become very destructive."

Ed tightened his fist, "Like the Homunculi."

"Yes. If they were to discover this there's no telling how terrible the outcome will be."

"But how are we going to find her? They could have taken her anywhere." Al said.

"You two have had more encounters with them than I have. You know them better. Where do you think they'll take her?"

Ed frowned as he considered, "Well, if I were them I'd take her out of Dublith. They have to know that Al and I would go after her. Unless, the reason they took her is here in town."

"And they might have kidnapped her to use her as bait for us." Al suggested.

"You're right."

"If they took her out of Dublith then the fastest transportation would be a train." Izumi stated. "We should go there and see what trains have run today."

"Sounds like a good spot to start." Ed agreed. They readied themselves and left for the station. They avoided going anywhere near the Devil's Nest, not wanting to run into any military personnel.

The train station did not hold any waiting travelers at that late hour. It would have been completely empty had it not been the worker at the ticket booth. The young man had his eyes half closed, about to fall asleep at any second. He perked up when Ed, Al, and Izumi approached them.

"What can I do for you?" the guy asked, looking relieved to have something to distract him from his boring job.

Ed immediately went into interrogation mode, "What trains were running for the past two hours?"

"Oh, the only train that's left this afternoon was the one heading for Central. Of course, it's set to stop at Rush Valley on the way there."

"Are you sure those are the only places?"

"Positive…hey, is that you Miss Izumi?"

Izumi, who had been standing quietly in the background, stepped forward. "Allen, right? I haven't seen you for a couple of years."

He smiled, "I just moved back from East City. So, you didn't take the train after all?"

"Why would I " she cut off abruptly as she comprehended what he meant. "Are you saying that I came by here earlier?"

Confused, Allen's smile wilted, "Yeah, you bought a ticket for the train heading to Central. You were with that girl with the purple streaks in her hair. You don't remember?"

Ed stifled a gasp. So their hunch had been right.

Izumi laughed in fake embarrassment, "That's right! It just slipped my mind for a moment there. Thank you for reminding me."

"No…problem." Allen said weakly. He didn't believe her for a second but knew it wasn't his business.

The three stepped out of Allen's hearing range and huddled in a group to speak in hushed whispers.

"This confirms it." Izumi said.

"So are we going to Central?" Al asked.

"They might have gone to Rush Valley…" said Ed

"Check out Rush Valley and then check out Central?" Al guessed.

"No, that would take too long. It would be better if we split up. We'll take the next train heading back north. I'll stop in Rush Valley and you go ahead to Central."

"But Brother! You're arm's all banged up. Are you sure you can handle it on your own?"

Ed smiled wryly, "Why do you think I suggested I be the one to go to Rush Valley? It's more likely that they took Taylor to Central. And even if they did go to Rush Valley Winry's there. She can fix my…"

Izumi noticed his pause and asked, "Edward?"

Sweat began pouring down Ed's face, "Winry's going to kill me for trashing my automail again."

"Not to mention that we let Taylor get kidnapped." Al said. Then he said in a cheery voice, "Well, good luck in Rush Valley, Brother!"

"Gee, thanks." Ed muttered sarcastically. Then he turned to Izumi, "Teacher, while we're gone "

"I'll be here if they come back." Izumi interrupted him, guessing what he would have said.

Ed gave her a smile and went back to the booth to ask Allen when the next train was heading North would be due.

He checked a schedule and his watch, "Should be in about fifteen minutes."

"Alright, give me two tickets."

(-Envy-)

He eyed the limp frame of the girl with contempt. The homunculus wanted to wrap his hands around her exposed neck and strangle the life out of her. He wanted to see the terror in her eyes as she begged for mercy. He wanted to see her agony. He hadn't forgotten the last time he had encountered her. Because of her he had failed his mission to kill that meddling Lieutenant Colonel. He still lived because this stupid girl had interfered. The only bright side was that the Lt. Colonel had went into a coma. Still, it did not satisfy Envy. He wanted to hurt this girl severely for the trouble she had caused. However, it would not be allowed.

Envy grumbled to himself and lifted the unconscious girl in his arms. He would have simply thrown her over his shoulder if it wouldn't have looked conspicuous. He exited the train they had ridden, the conductor giving him a curious glance at the girl in his arms.

Envy pasted a fake smile on his face and spoke in the tone of the woman he had taken the form of, "She fell asleep on the way here and I didn't want to wake her up."

"Do you need any help, Lady?" the man asked genially.

Envy shook his head, "That's quite alright. I'm stronger than I look." He gave the guy one last sickeningly sweet smile and carried his burden away out into the streets. Despite it being close to midnight plenty of pedestrians loitered around. Envy aimed towards the less traveled paths as he went on his destination.

What had started all of this was that damn stranger, the one who had beaten the shit out of three of the Homunculi and not even broken a sweat. He had proposed a plan to them, a plan that would accomplish both of their needs somehow. All they had to do was kidnap the girl traveling with the Elric brothers and bring her back here. Once there, it would lure the brothers to them. Envy didn't doubt for a second that they had figured out who had taken their little friend and they would come here eventually. Then Envy could use the girl to persuade them to comply. Envy grinned his sharp teeth at the image of those boys' faces when Envy used this girl.

Envy, although puzzled, wasn't too concerned with the swordsman. He would have liked to know what he got out of this. Not to mention how exactly he had found the Homunculi in the first place and knew what they were after. He had to admit though, it was smart using the girl as bait. Envy would have those alchemists dancing in the palm of his hand. That would be very good indeed. But still, Envy couldn't shake the peculiar feeling about the stranger. He had said he would be watching from the sidelines to see the outcome. What was he watching for? What did he want? Envy wanted the answers to his questions but Sloth had kept him quiet for the most part during the exchange yesterday. When everything had been settled, the guy left, Sloth took Wrath to the Master, and Envy had went back to Dublith. Envy had waited in the shadows for the right time to strike. When the others had left the girl alone he had taken the opportunity. He had deceived her entirely by using the guise of the pipsqueak's teacher and she had been fooled all the way to the train station. But halfway into the ride she had gotten persistent. She had gotten suspicious and demanded what was going on and where they were going and blah, blah, blah. The brat would not shut up so Envy had to finally make her shut up, which resulted in her current state.

Envy reached his destination, a dilapidated building off in the warehouse district. There were no pesky humans in the area so Envy reverted to his usual form. Then he went inside.

The interior of the building resembled a maze. There were countless halls leading to one room after another. The walls were made of rotted wood and the roof needed to be replaced years ago, holes spreading across the tall ceiling that revealed the starry night sky. And if you didn't watch your step your foot would find a weak spot in the floor and break through.

Envy slunk down the corridors with ease, having memorized the layout of the place beforehand. He located the room he was going to and entered.

"Hello, Envy." Lust's alluring voice called out. "I see it went well."

Envy smirked at the female homunculus, "It was too easy."

"Can I eat her?" Gluttony asked from beside Lust, having noticed the girl already.

Lust patted his head, "Not this one, Gluttony. We need her."

Gluttony pouted, a finger stuck in his mouth as he continued to stare dumbly at the human.

Envy dropped the girl on the floor carelessly and turned to the other two, "Has everything been set up?"

Lust curved her full lips up as she turned to face the center of the large room filled with glass columns, "Yes. Tucker has everything in order."

The man who she had referred to peeked out from one of the columns at hearing his name. Well, man would be inaccurate. After an experiment went wrong he had transformed himself into a chimera. "I did everything you asked me to," he whispered anxiously.

Envy grinned darkly as he gazed at the room. The floor had a giant array painted across the tile, both black and red. At each point of the circle a glass column of red water sat positioned. And directly above this room on the second floor were the rest of the ingredients: live humans taken from the town. All the perfect makings for a Philosopher's Stone.

"Now with this sacrifice we can convince Fullmetal to do whatever we want." Lust smiled. "This should be fun."

"Did you find out anything about the sword guy?" Envy asked

She shook her head, her black wavy hair bouncing around her naked shoulders, "No. We couldn't uncover anything about the man you described to us. I suppose Sloth is informing the Master?"

"Yeah. Maybe they'll come up with something. I don't like being in the dark."

"I can't believe you were defeated by an ordinary human. What is it with humans getting the best of you these days?"

Envy growled at her, "They're not! There was something influencing that guy. He used alchemy but…Arg! I don't know!" He scratched his head in irritation.

Lust crossed her arms and pondered this, "Do you think he could be a candidate for sacrifice?"

"I don't think so…This guy, I don't even think he was human." He couldn't have been. A regular human couldn't have bested him in a fight. There was just no way. And that could explain how he knew things about them. He knew what they were planning. Envy and the rest of them would have initiated this scheme eventually but they were waiting for the right time. The swordsman simply told him that it would be better if they proceeded with it ahead of schedule. They didn't know why he wanted them to or what he would gain from this but they really had no choice in the matter. Which Envy hated. He wanted to kill that swordsman more than he wanted to kill this bratty girl.

"This is a puzzling predicament," Lust frowned, not liking it. "He could be after the stone…"

"And he'll try to take it after we've made it." Envy finished the thought for her. "But that's doubtful, seeing as how powerful he already is."

"But it's the only explanation."

"Unless he wants this girl dead for some reason."

Lust glanced at the sacrifice laying on the ground, "If he's as strong as you say then why not kill her himself?"

"Beats me," Envy shrugged. Then he strolled off to the exit, "I'll make sure our other guests arrive soon."

(-Ed-)

"Are you sure about this, Brother?" Al asked worriedly.

Ed gave him a reassuring smile, "I'll be fine."

Al sighed but didn't push any further. "Just be sure to visit Winry first. I don't want you fighting with your automail in the condition it's in."

Ed laughed nervously, flexing his right hand, "It's not that bad. Maybe I don't have to see Winry after all."

Al glared at him, "Oh no, Ed. You're not getting out of this. As I recall, this was your idea. And I'm not letting you go by yourself unless you promise me that you'll get your arm fixed first thing."

"Alright, alright! I promise. Jeesh, Al." Ed grabbed his suitcase, "You be careful too." Then he got off the train. He waved at his brother as the train started up again and departed for Central.

Ed left the station and joined the Rush Valley night crowd. He had called beforehand at the station in Dublith to tell Winry that he was coming. The things she had said to him made Ed shiver in fear. And that was only when he had told her about his automail. He hadn't had the guts to tell her about Taylor missing. Most certainly she would kill him for not taking care of her.

He stopped in front of the store she had told him she was staying at. Ed stared up at the sign that read, "Garfiel's". This was it. This was where he would face his doom.

Ed sucked in a breath and went inside. Immediately, a wrench hurtled towards him and smashed into his face.

"YOU IDIOT!"

Five minutes later…

"Why do you have to always break my babies?" Winry cried at the sight of the damaged automail. "Have you been getting into fights again?"

Ed stammered, "Uuuh, no! I, uh, fell down. Yeah! I fell down a big flight of stairs."

Winry crossed her arms and gave him a look, "A flight of stairs would not break it this much."

"…I fell out a window too?"

THONK!

"OW!" Ed whined, rubbing a new sore spot on his head. "Can you stop hitting me and patch it up already? I've got places to be ya know."

With hands on her hips she demanded, "What places? Are you going to get into more trouble? I'm not going to fix your automail just so you can break it again."

"I'm not getting into trouble. I just…have some things to do."

"Things that you can't even tell me about? And why didn't Al and Taylor come with you?"

Ed flinched, "Uh, they're just busy."

Her angered expression transformed into a sorrowful look as she bowed her head and muttered, "Yeah, busy. You guys never tell me anything."

Damn. Winry was sad and it was all Ed's fault. It made him feel so guilty when he kept her out of the loop, even if it was for her own good. She looked about five seconds away from crying and Ed could not handle that. He had to tell her something.

"It's…Taylor."

Winry glanced up at him with wide eyes, "What about her?"

"Winry she's…" Ed had to swallow and try again, "She's missing."

Her legs gave out on her. Good thing a chair sat right behind her. She sunk into it and stared at Ed in disbelief, "But she was with you guys."

Ed nodded, making his voice gentle, "Some stuff came up and we left for awhile. Taylor stayed behind at Teacher's house. When we came back she was gone."

"Did she leave on her own?"

He shook his head slowly, "No. Someone took her."

A fire flared in her deep blue eyes as she jumped up and screamed, "Tell me who and where they are so I can go kick their ass!"

Wow. Winry and Taylor had become closer friends than he had thought. "It's alright Winry. Al and I are already on it. That's why I need you to fix my arm as quick as possible so I can look for her."

Her strong façade faded as concern set in, "Do you know who took her?"

"Yes. You remember how Al and I were guarding her? Well, the people who kidnapped her are the same ones we were guarding her from."

"What do they want from her?"

"I have no idea. But if they've even scratched her I'll make them regret it."

She tried to smile, "So you're gonna get her back, right? You'll make sure she's safe?"

Ed looked into her solemn gaze and nodded, "Of course. I'll do whatever it takes."

"Good, cause I don't want to lose anymore of the people I care about."

Ed knew she was referring to her parents. He nudged her elbow to get her to look at him, "I'm going to bring her back. I promise."

As Winry began working on his arm she said, "You better. And I want to see all three of you come back safe and sound. And no busted automail!"

Ed sighed, "Yes ma'am."

Winry spent the next half hour repairing the worst of the damage. It would take a lot more fixing later but Ed was anxious to get searching for Taylor. Winry didn't want him heading into danger, especially with a busted arm. She didn't want Taylor with her captors either. So she forced herself to compromise. While Winry worked on getting some parts to replace the damaged ones in Ed's automail he would go out and look for their friend. Winry told him sternly to come back in a couple of hours so she could finish repairing his arm.

Ed hit the town, despite having no clue where to start. He didn't really expect to find the Homunculi or Taylor here. It would make more sense for them to go to Central. But on the off chance that they were here Ed had to be certain.

He stumbled as someone bumped into him. Ed's reaction was instantaneous, "Hey! Watch where you're…wait…"

The girl that had bumped into him had long reddish-brown hair with purple streaks. Ed would know that hairstyle anywhere.

When she turned around Ed gasped, "Taylor!"

She smiled at him, her eyes flashing violet for a moment. Then she took off down the street.

Ed's fists clenched. No, that wasn't Taylor. It was Envy. And he was wearing her face! When Ed got his hands on him he was going to pummel him.

He dashed after Envy. So they weren't in Central after all. They were here, in Rush Valley. Ed had found them way too easily. This was a trap. But it was also his only lead and he wasn't going to let it slip away.

(-Taylor-)

Everything seemed so fuzzy. I was slowly drifting awake but I fought it. I didn't want to wake up. I was too dang tired. I wanted to stay asleep but the bed I was lying on felt so hard…

That's weird. Last time I checked I was on a train… And when did I fall asleep? And where is Izumi?

Izumi! my mind screamed. The memory of her glaring at me like she wanted to kill me flashed before me. Also, the swift hit that had rendered me unconscious. She had knocked me out, but why would she do that?

I was about half a second from opening my eyes when I heard someone else in the room with me. I kept my eyes firmly shut and my breaths deep and long. Wherever I was I instinctively knew I was not among friends. I needed to assess my surroundings before they realized I was

"You can open your eyes. I know you're awake." a female voice told me that sounded awfully familiar.

Great. There went plan A.

I peeked out at the world and found out why the bed was so hard. It wasn't a bed. I had been sleeping on a dirty tile floor. A red haze of light settled in the room. I couldn't comprehend what I was looking at around me but one thing stuck out. Lust and Gluttony stood before me.

I sat up slowly, as if quick movements would cause them to react. Lust eyed me curiously. Gluttony just looked at me hungrily…which was a scary thought.

"Envy brought me here, didn't he?" I guessed as the pieces clicked together.

Lust smiled at me mockingly, "You're a smart little sacrifice, aren't you?"

Sacrifice… Did that mean they were working for Father? Sacrifices were only mentioned in Brotherhood. But I saw Sloth. Without a doubt she was the homunculus of Trisha Elric. It didn't fit though. How could this be? What was I missing?

I'm not sure why they had brought me here or where I was but I had lived with these questions long enough. I wanted some answers.

"Who are you working for?" I asked.

She crossed her arms, "Who says we're working for anyone?"

"But you've got to be. Is it Father?" No reaction to that. She just stared at me with a slightly puzzled expression. "Or is it Dante?"

Lust lost her smile, "How do you know about the Master?"

So that was it? Dante was the leader here. That probably meant that the Homunculi were created by human transmutation and not born from Father. It didn't even sound like Father existed. Then why did they need sacrifices? Oh yeah, she asked me a question. But what should I say? I couldn't tell her the truth. That would have horrible consequences.

"Uuuuh…" I said dumbly.

Suddenly, one of Lust's spear-like fingers shot out towards me. It stopped a centimeter away from impaling my neck. My whole body froze and my heart leapt into my throat.

"I'm waiting." Lust said impatiently. Obviously, she wanted answers. I couldn't give them to her. But I had to say something.

"Why did you call me a sacrifice?" I blurted.

She frowned thoughtfully. I could tell she still wanted an answer to her question but my own question had distracted her.

"Can I eat her now?" Gluttony whined. That one question terrified me to no end.

"Of course not, Gluttony." she sighed wearily.

"But she smells so good." he said and sniffed the air.

"That doesn't matter. What does matter is that she's a sacrifice…and one that seems to know a thing or two about us. You wouldn't happen to know about a certain man with a sword, would you?"

My mind went blank. Sword? Was she talking about King Bradley? Ummmm, Ling? Was Ling even real here? Oh! She must be talking about Fate!

"If you're talking about the sword guy that calls himself 'Fate' and tries to kill me in his spare time then yeah, we've met."

Lust's brows rose "My, why would he do that? Did you do something to make him angry?"

I shook my head, "Not really. He's just made it his mission in life to make things difficult for me. I think he needs a new hobby." I tried to cover my nervousness with a couple of jokes. It wasn't working. I was still so scared that my hands were shaking. And I kept wondering how the Homunculi knew about Fate.

Lust laughed lightly, "Sounds like you don't like him very much. Or vice versa. What can you tell me about him?"

"Nothing really." It technically wasn't a lie. I didn't have much info on Fate but I did know that he worked for Truth. I wasn't going to tell her that though, lest she somehow connect that with me being from the other side.

Lust pondered this for a minute, making me bite my lip anxiously. "I don't believe you."

My hands clutched at the fabric of my jacket. This was bad. Really bad. I needed to get out of here but there was no way I could get past one homunculus, let alone two! Despite this, my eyes sought an exit. There was a door but it was across the room and I wouldn't be able to make it past my captors. There was plenty of open space in the room, save for the glowing red columns, but I couldn't run fast enough to escape… Wait, red columns?

I looked again. There were red columns spread out in a wide circle. Red liquid filled the glass cases. On the floor a black and red transmutation circle spread out in an intricate design. This place reminded me of the fifth laboratory from the first series of FMA.

I was startled to realize that that was exactly what this was. We may not be in the fifth laboratory in Central but this set up matched the scene perfectly.

"You're trying to make a Philosopher's Stone." I breathed. But what did that have to do with me? They didn't think I could make it for them, could they? Or maybe I was bait for Ed and Al? They could most certainly make it. But they wouldn't…Unless perhaps… the Homunculi would kill me if they didn't. That had to be it! Man, that's just plain evil!

Lust paused and glanced over her shoulder to see what I was looking at. Surprisingly, I spotted Shou Tucker as a chimera hiding behind one of the columns.

"You're a better alchemist than I would have thought." Lust commented as she turned back to me. She thought that I had recognized the setup because I was experienced in alchemy when, in fact, I was an amateur at best… But I'd just let her think I was an alchemy wiz kid.

She looked at me appraisingly, "That makes for a good sacrifice. Someone who has seen the truth and doesn't need circles to perform alchemy. Those make for the best candidates for alchemists who are the most likely to create the Philosopher's Stone."

I understood that she was explaining to me what a sacrifice was. So it was simpler than I had imagined. They called the Elrics sacrifices because they've seen the gate and have a real chance of making the stone. They figured out that I had seen the gate too but they didn't know how…yet.

"Now, I've explained something to you. It's your turn to tell me something. Equivalent exchange, isn't that the way of the alchemist?"

The door opened and I walked in. That's right. I. I was looking at myself. How did I get over there?

The other me smiled and shifted into Envy. Duh, I should of known.

"Well?" Lust asked him.

"It's done."

"Good." Lust said.

I would have wondered what they were talking about but I was too concerned with the way Gluttony was staring at me. And inching towards me. I leaned backwards and scooted back an inch but that only encouraged him.

Lust glanced over to see what Gluttony was doing. She comprehended the insane gleam in his round eyes and reached a hand out to stop him, "Gluttony! No!"

Too late. Gluttony jumped at me in the blink of an eye, his mouth latching onto my shoulder. A scream ripped past my lips as pain flared like fire down my arm. Then, I heard a grotesque CRACK! and followed by waves of agony. Black dots ran across my vision and the sound of my screams drifted in and out of my hearing.

Lust and Envy must have pulled Gluttony off of me because there was empty space where he once was. I glanced down to my right. My stomach dropped and was in danger of puking. My entire arm had been bitten off. Only ragged chunks at the shoulder remained. Blood poured out of the wound with every beat of my heart. The pain was still there but my screaming had stopped. I think I was in shock.

"You moron! Now she's probably going to die!" Envy shouted. He didn't care about me dying personally but that my use would be gone.

Gluttony licked his lips, having eaten all of my arm, "She tastes like the stone."

"…What did you just say?" Lust asked in alarm.

"She tastes just like the stone. Let me have more. Please?" Gluttony begged, looking at me longingly.

They talked some more but I couldn't grasp what they were saying. My arm is missing. My arm is missing! Oh, God. Oh God, help me. I don't want to die here. Why is this happening to me? Oh, it hurts so much. I want it to stop. I want it to stop. Stop. Stop! STOP!

With the little bit of energy I could muster I used all my concentration to will the power of my blood to stop the pain. To heal. It took a few seconds, this being only the third time to use this ability consciously. Soon, the red crackling energy ignited around my shoulder. The pain intensified during the process. I gritted my teeth and cried but kept going. I had been simply aiming for healing but with my stone's power a whole new arm grew back. When it was done the pain was gone along with my energy.

The Homunculi had grown silent during my regeneration. They were completely shocked at what they had just witnessed.

"How…" Lust trailed off.

I didn't answer her. I touched the blood on the floor and willed the floor to move. It did, spiking up to stab her chest.

She gasped and blood ran out of her mouth. It didn't faze her much. She lifted her head and smirked at me, "You'll find that I don't die so easily." She swiped at the spike with elongated fingers, making it crumble. Lust stood up straight and I could see into the hole in her chest.

I gasped, "The stone!"

She smiled at me as the edges of her wound lit up with bright red sparks. Within the hole a different red light shined out as I caught sight of the stone. "The Philosopher's Stone is my core."

"Then why do you want to create one?" I asked in bewilderment.

"Stones in Homunculi can only be used by them. It's our life force. The Master can't use ours so we're making one." Envy explained, looking bored.

"But why? Why do you guys need the stone?"

"To become human." Lust said, a wistful tone in her voice.

"You don't honestly believe she'll make you human, do you? She only wants it for herself. She's using you guys to accomplish her goals."

Lust's gaze became grave, "Enough. The only thing I want you to tell me is how you were able to regenerate."

I sealed my lips shut and stared at them cautiously. I would not tell them anything. I would sit here in silence no matter what. Maybe I'd get lucky and pass out. To say I was tired would be an understatement.

Her beautiful face sneered, "You're a stubborn one. I guess we'll have to force you to talk."

"I've got an idea." Envy said with a sadistic grin. "Gluttony, eat her other arm and see if that one grows back too."

Gluttony leered at me, his mouth watering in anticipation. This time, neither Envy nor Lust made a move to stop the hungry homunculus.

(-Lust-)

She watched the girl scream out her pain as Gluttony devoured her left arm. He wanted to eat more but Lust commanded him to wait for a response from the girl. She laid limply on the floor, tears streaming down her face. Her clothes and body were covered in her own blood and more of the red liquid continued to seep out. It took longer this time but the red crackling energy returned and regenerated her arm, not unlike when a homunculus heals an injury. It was a very peculiar ability indeed.

"Amazing." Tucker whispered, having come closer to watch the spectacle.

Lust paid him no mind and questioned the sacrifice, "How are you able to do that?" Again, the girl did not answer. The pain, fear, and exhaustion showed in her eyes but she stuck to her stubbornness.

"This is fun. Again." Envy ordered Gluttony. Gluttony gladly stepped forward to consume another limb.

The girl weakly sat up, barely keeping herself in an upright position. She leaned on both hands as her arms wobbled. She looked to be preparing for the next attack.

Sparks flashed and the ground shot up in a series of spikes. Lust and Envy jumped out of the way to avoid being hit. Gluttony's head was impaled, as was Tucker's stomach. Tucker slumped over, dead. One of the spikes shot so far out that it shattered one of the columns of red water. The substance rushed out in a waterfall and drenched Tucker's body and landed on the girl. The girl reacted to its contact immediately. She seemed to almost float to a standing position as energy cracked around her.

Gluttony, who had fully recovered, asked, "What's happening?"

"She's reacting to the red water." Lust explained, dodging another spike. The girl exuded so much raw power that it continued to affect the area around her. "The red water may not be a completed Philosopher's Stone but with this much of it the girl has the power of a god."

The building shook, pieces of the ceiling falling down. The girl continued to lash out at them. She didn't look aware of her actions. Nonetheless, she was giving the Homunculi hell.

"We need to get out of here." Lust told the others.

"What?" Envy exclaimed, nearly getting crushed by a wave of earth.

"This is causing too much noise. We need to leave before the townspeople arrive."

Envy frowned, not wanting to call it quits. He surrendered after getting tossed into a wall. "Fine." he ground out.

"Come, Gluttony." Lust called out. He loyally obeyed her and they fled the area.

(-Ed-)

He had trailed Envy to a rundown warehouse. Ed didn't hesitate. He went in and kept going. The inside was like a maze. The building was so huge and he had no idea where he was going. He had lost sight of Envy before entering this place. But he had to be here somewhere.

Ed wasn't sure how much time had passed but he later heard screaming. He followed the sounds, his heart racing as he thought of who it could be. The closer he got the more familiar the screams were. Then they cut off all together.

Ed stopped and looked around. He checked room after room and came up with nothing.

"Damn it! Where are you!" Ed shouted as loud as he could. That's when the screaming started up again.

He frantically rushed about, searching desperately for her. It felt like an eternity had passed since he had heard the first scream. As every second ticked by he feared what they could be doing to her. From the sounds of it, it couldn't be anything less than torturing.

"Damn it!" he cursed again. He had to get to her. He had to be there for her. He had to protect her!

He slowed momentarily when the building began to shake. He picked up his pace again, hoping that he was closer. He opened more doors. So many doors. So many empty rooms…

He opened one door and found a large room. He squinted at a bright light in the center of the room. No… Not a light. It was her. The light was coming from her, making her glow. She stood in a sea of red water as energy swirled around her.

"Taylor!" Ed yelled at her. She didn't respond to his voice. Didn't even hear it. She stood there and let the energy surround her.

Ed stepped forward. Then took another step. He pressed forward as the wind she created threatened to blow him away. An object flew in his direction and Ed ducked, narrowly missing it. His eyes caught sight of a limp body on the floor. Ed wasn't sure what he was looking at but he was pretty sure it wasn't human and he was certain it wasn't alive.

He looked back to Taylor, shouting to her again.

Just a little further, Ed thought. He reached out and gripped one of her shoulders, then the other. Then he wrapped her in his arms and held her close.

"You're safe now." Ed spoke to her softly, squeezing her tight.

The glow from her body dissipated as she closed her eyes and sank into his embrace.

Yes! I finally finished this chapter! I've been waiting to write it for months now. And I'm thinking the next chapter is going to be just as fun to write.

See ya next week!

Ragan: Unless there's an unfortunate accident.

LeFay: Ragan? What are you doing here? And what do you mean by...unfortunate accident?

Ragan: I'm here bcause I'm one of the judges for the contest. And as for your last question I'll show you what I mean. *inches closer to LeFay*

LeFay: Ummm, Ragan? Where's Taylor?

Ragan: *grins evilly* You'll find out soon.

LeFay: *eyes wide* Ragan, I knew you were sadistic but you're not really gonna...?

Ragan: Oh yeah...

Ten minutes later...

Ragan: *turns to readers* I'm sorry to inform everyone but LeFay and Taylor have recently died in a horrible car accident. From now on I will be writting this story.