Last time, Kairi suggested that the group splits up, one group would concentrate on rescuing Namine Alphonse, the other would work on a way to get off the Bleeding Continent. Kairi suggested a hesitant Edward to create a ship and look after Winry, Maka, Vivi and Eiko while Kairi takes Sora, Aqua, and Donald to Hollow Bastion.

As Sora and the others approached the gates of the castle, the Phantom Blot appears to reveal two other hostages, the two Ishbalin boys, Rio and Rick! The Blot was intent on keeping either the boys or Al and Namine as subjects for his mad experiments, so he presented a choice, to rescue either the children, or Sora's friends? The Phantom disappeared, leaving a quick-thinking Kairi to devise a plan, but suddenly, Maka barked over to Sora, and was followed by a breathless Vivi, who explained what was happening with the 2nd group...

...Edward and Winry were met by a strange Xingese young man, the same young man who helped Donald and Goofy, Ling Yao!

Warning: Kingdom Hearts and Fullmetal Alchemist are both licensed by Square-Enix. The secondary licenses for both franchises are Disney (Kingdom Hearts), Aniplex, Bones Inc., and Funimation (Fullmetal Alchemist).

PS: There will be spoilers.


Fullmetal Kingdom: The Fanfic

Chapter 159: The Eastern Adventurer

In a white room, Larxene walked in circles, wrapping her mind around Axel's failure to prevent Namine's capture. Axel then said to her, "Being angry doesn't get much done, does it Larxene?" Larxene snaps at Axel, "You wanna talk about action?! HERE'S A TOPIC, WHAT STOPPED YOU FROM JUMPING IN AFTER HIM?!" Axel answered, "His strength, his darkness, the fact that Namine was in his grasp, need I go on?"

Larxene then said, "YOU CAN 'GO ON' TO HELL! With Namine in another guy's clutches, Sora's strings will be pulled by another wise guy! Hmph, the bastard's probably got Namine concocting new ways for Sora to dance for him!" Axel then said, "Dance with the Keyblade no less. You're not taking the guy seriously, I heard about him. He's a big shot…a REALLY BIG shot who calls himself 'Crimson', got it memorized?" Larxene scoffed, "So some red-guy peaks your interest, so what?" Axel explains, "So, he's the reason those black creatures called the Golems are lurking in the darkness." Larxene then said, "I've seen'em, and I'm not impressed-."

"-That's probably because you see no value in their creation."

Suddenly, Even entered the room and said, "The ingredients, the hunger for hearts, the Golems have hearts and yet they feel nothing for the lives they scarf down their throats. These creatures are quite mysterious, and worthy of looking into, more-so than that brat your beloved Namine has a hold of."

Axel then said, "It sounds like you want in on the little puppet show. Either that, or Sora has become worthy of 'the great Professor Even Ezekiel'. What do we owe the pleasure, my fellow senior?" Prof. Even explained, "I CAME TO LEND YOU A HAND!" Larxene laughed, "Ooh, I get it, nothin' better to do in that wrecked lab of yours in the Atomos Crater, so you thought you could find something more profitable to do here!"

Even then said, "For your information, my dear, Sora's progression with the Keyblade has forced me down here by order of Xehanort and his superiors. The boy-in my opinion-isn't really deserving of such coddling, even with that 'toy' in his hands. The Keyblade chooses the most worthy, yet instead of Riku, even a FAKE Riku, it chose a Knife. It chose a Y. O. U. T. H. Assassin. It…chose…Sora! We need answers, only when we find them, can we see if he has value to us."

Larxene then smirked, "I knew it…the Keyblade's screw-up is just another excuse, to perform you laughable experiments!" Even then said, "(chuckle) I'm a scientist…experiments are what I do."

Axel then said, "Well, far be it for me to hold you back from your work. Answer or no, you must be aware of what the Keyblade sees as 'worthy', and for someone like Sora, the results do not disappoint." Even brought up a sinister smile and said, "And yet…even if the flunky passed with a passing grade…"

(tap-tap-tap-tap-)

Axel and Larxene suddenly noticed someone walking from behind Even…

Even continued, "…that doesn't mean his past is any less tarnished."

Back in Hollow Bastion, Kairi faced Sora and explained, "The Phantom Blot's got the kids upstairs in his lab." Sora nodded, but felt worried, "…and yet…you want me to go downstairs?" Kairi nodded, "Sure I do, that way, we can save the kids AND our friends, easy peasy! Also, the Blot's not so complicated; I can beat him in my sleep!"

"Something tells me you can. That man is fueled by anger, enough so to blow up in his face." Aqua said. Kairi bashfully said, "I-I was only kidding-." Aqua then said, "-And yet, you expressed the spirit to fight evil quite passionately. You've done it before, and with such a powerful heart, you're compelled to fight to the end." Kairi felt a stunning feeling of pride in her, but as she did, Sora none-the-less came up to her and said, "Just don't die on me, alright? There's only one-…er…only one childhood friend, right?"

(SMOOCH)

Kairi suddenly kissed Sora on the cheek, who blushed from the sudden action of affection!

"Sora…don't ever change."

Kairi rushed upstairs and said, "We'll meet outside the castle, Aqua; you're coming with me, Donald, you stay outside and protect Vivi!" Aqua looked at Sora and said, "We'll have time to catch up later, OK Sora?" Sora then said, "(sigh) You're still thinking of me as your apprentice…you may be a bit weird, but I'm proud…to have been chosen by my predecessor as her student!" Aqua smiled, and headed up stairs with Kairi…

Vivi gulped and said, "S-Sora, I won't be able to come with you?" Sora answered, "…Crimson isn't an enemy, who can be beaten with magic, he's…relentless. Vivi, I need you to keep Maka-."

(ARF-ARF)

Maka suddenly rushed past Sora and headed into the door nearby! Sora sighed, "CRAP! That dog's in her own little world! I'll bring her back, in the meantime, Vivi, stay with Donald!" Vivi watched as Sora ran downstairs, Donald then escorted Vivi outside…

Back in the old village, Edward, Winry and Eiko waited for Vivi to return with Maka, but an hour passed, and Edward feared the worst…

"Do we have all we need for a ship?" Ed asked. Eiko replied, "Winry and I gathered wood and sheets. What about you?" Ed answered, "I have a bunch of metal, so we have plenty to make the ship, the sails, the polls, the rudder, and the steering wheel. Cross your fingers girls, this could get messy."

(CLAP)

As Edward formed the boat, Ling watched in wonder while finishing the last nougat. Ling then said, "This guy, he's not just ANY alchemist, he could actually create without a Transmutation Circle…" To the group's surprise, the ship was finished…even though it looks like a goofy tribute to Edward's face!

Eiko giggled, "H-he can fight off ice monsters and terrorists, and yet he transmutes like a big baby!"

"HEY, IT'S MY FIRST TIME MAKING A BOAT, ALRIGHT?!"

"That was amazing; I've seen Alchemy before, but NEVER without drawing a Transmutation Circle first!" Ling said as he clapped. Ed then said, "Yeah, it's not something that's mastered every day." Ling then said, "Still, the ability to do so could ONLY be amazing! I knew I followed you guys for a reason, because it was my destiny to learn from you!"

Ed then said, "H-hey now, nobody's being taught by anybody, my skills aren't lessons you should devote yourself to. There are risks, even sacrifices that you wouldn't be prepared for!" Ling chuckled, "If you already gained the power, then what do I care what happens to me?" Ed went over to Ling and explained, "…listen carefully pal, I never wanted this power, I got it after trying to bring someone back, but all I did, was remove what was left of my brother from this world! My shame isn't just an emotional scar…"

Edward then rolled up his right sleeve, to reveal his Automail Arm!

"…it's a physical one to."

Ling then said, "…so…your arm was taken form you?" Ed then added, "That, AND my left leg. I was able to use the money I had left to afford Automail limbs, that way; I could find a way to change my brother back to normal. And yes, Alphonse's body was destroyed by my careless Transmutation, but I was able to salvage his soul and use my leg's existence to give the blood seal I placed on a suit of armor the power to house a soul, my brother's soul. Since then, we tried to find ways to change ourselves back, so if you came all the way to research more about alchemy, then take my advice…let the dead rest!"

Ling smiled and said, "…what I want from alchemy isn't exactly the resurrection of another, meeting you has reassured my non-interest." Edward then asked, "Then what could you gain from it?" Ling answered, "Something that can assure my future, and give me the power to overcome the worst of it all…the Philosopher Stone."

Edward backed away from the Xingese boy as he continued, "I'm VERY interested in it. I've read about the Stone's power to ignore the limits and rules over Alchemy and take what were once dreams and desires and bring them into the hands of the wishers." Ed then advised, "It's just a myth, you're wasting your time." Ling then asked, "Time cannot be wasted, only spent, and I've spent my days in Amestris tailing you, ever since you returned from this continent and then, when you went to the 5th Lab and tried to get the same stone I desired. You found something in that lab, the glare in your eyes could only be filled with something troubling, and something that scarred you for life, or am I imagining this piece of a Transmutation Circle I found in the wreckage?"

Ling then pulled out a hand-sized piece of one of the marked pillars form the 5th Lab!

"Now, I'll ask a question, and I hope you can answer it. Tell me, where can I find a Philosopher Stone?" Ling asked. Edward answered, "You won't find one here if that's what you're asking." Ling then asked, "…you wouldn't be LYING to me, would you?"

(SNAP)

One snap form Ling's fingers, and to the Fullmetal's surprise, a masked ninja had a dagger near his neck, and another masked ninja appeared between Winry and Eiko, pointing daggers at their throats!

Ling then revealed his Xingese blade and said, "It's rather smart of you to conceal truths, especially when it might involve the people around you, but the sad truth is, these girls got involved the minute they followed you! I'm brutal, but I'm not unfair, so why don't you save them the shame of dying senselessly and start talking? What do you know about the rock?" Ed then asked, "…before you get an answer, would you care to explain why all the interest?" Xing spun around, and looked at the ship Edward made and said, "…meh, why not, we'll be here for a while since you came here to find your friends…"

(SLICE-SLICE-SLICE)

(KRA-KA-COOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM)

Ling instantly destroyed Ed's ship, then he turned around, faced the shocked trio, and said, "Quit making those faces, Ed here can just remake the whole thing from scratch whenever he wants. Now, 'why do I want the Philosopher Stone'? Hmm…greatness, royal recognition, the title of emperor, all my wants and wishes can sum up to one word…I want to achieve…IMMORTALITY."

Ed then said, "…I wouldn't recommend it, I got more than enough immortals to deal with, and I don't need one more in my line of work." Ling patted Ed on the shoulder and relieved, "You talk as if we were going to be bitter enemies, well let me confess the truth Edward, since you're one of my new friends, the last thing I want is to become an enemy. I want the un-aging power of the Philosopher Stone for reasons that don't involve war or sin."

Ed explained, "Then you'll be SORELY disappointed! Just trust me Ling, you and your cheerleaders don't want ANYTHING to do with the stone!" Ling crossed his arms and leaned on what was left of Ed's ship and said, "You say 'stay away', but from your emotional attitude, logic would state that what you know of the stone could break a man. And you sir, have been broken before, and NOT from Human Transmutation."

Ed raised a fist, but the ninja nearby pushed the dagger's blade further on his throat, forcing Ed to cancel his attack. Ling then said, "Hey, calm down Ed, like I said, I want to be friends. If you won't talk, then perhaps a little time is all you need. (pulls up a chair) Sit, and let's change the subject-."

(VA-VOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM)

"This has gone far enough! We came here for the Fullmetal Alchemist, and we're NOT letting some Xingese Ninjas take that away!" said a robed boy, who-to Edward, Winry, and Eiko's surprise-was holding a Keyblade!

Just then, a robed girl appeared from behind and used a spell of wind to blow the elder ninja away! The ninja near Edward then grabbed the elder ninja, and alongside him, prepared to oppose the hooded girl!

"You will give the Fullmetal to us, or perish!" said the robed girl, who suddenly brought out another Keyblade!

The robed boy then lunged at Ling, preparing to swing his weapon through the torso of his opponent, but Ling was quick to block, then countered with a kick! "You son of a-!" The hooded boy kept swinging but Ling kept blocking! The hooded girl then called out, "Roxas, I'm coming!"

"R-ROXAS?!" Winry remembered!

The robed girl hopped over the ninjas and was about to aid her friend, when suddenly, the elder ninja threw a smoke screen at her and grabbed her!

"SO, YOU WANT TO FIGHT TO?!" The elder ninja tossed the girl into a crumbling house!

"XION!" Roxas yelled.

The elder ninja pointed his dagger towards the house and said, "…if you know what's good for you, you'll surrender!"

(KA-THOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM)

Xion surprised the ninja by unleashing a spell of wind and light, blowing him away! As he got back on his feet, Xion drew her Keyblade and attacked!

Meanwhile, the younger ninja then noticed Edward was gone, Ling then noticed as well and said, "Catch him, Ed's still got some questions we need answered!" The ninja nodded and rushed out to find him…

Meanwhile, Edward pulled Winry away while being followed by Eiko! The trio hid themselves from the conflicting sides, and then Winry asked, "Should we head over to the castle?" Ed answered, "I guess we don't have a choice but to pay Crimson a visit."

"How nice of you to agree, I thought you would be a no-show, but your eagerness to arrive has lifted my spirits. Unfortunately, your friends will have to wait outside!"

Suddenly, a portal came from beneath Edward's feet and started dragging him down! Winry tried to pull him out, but to her horror, Edward continued sinking!

"FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST, YOU CANNOT RUN AWAY!"

The younger ninja suddenly appeared overhead and lunged at the Fullmetal, trying to catch him before he vanished! But as he grabbed Ed, the ninja found himself pulled into the portal as well!

"M-MASTER LING!"

And at that instance, Edward and the ninja disappeared, and to Winry's fear, in the clutches of an enemy she never wanted to face…

"…Ed-…Edward's gone? (hic) …damn…damnDAMN-IT ALL EDWARD, NOOOOOOOOOOO!"

End of Chapter 159


Next Chapter, Winry takes charge while Donald and Vivi encounter an unexpected ally...

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