DISCLAIMER: Still don't own FMA. Also, the views and opinions expressed by Solf J. Kimblee are entirely not my own. Actually, I do like white clothes. But that's it.
note: no omake today. Lustling didn't get any prompts, plus I'm kinda supposed to be writing an essay for tomorrow. And tomorrow is my last day of a certain Latin club event and I'm going to cry on the way home just watch me.
Speaking of crying
Fifty-Two
Delilah watched the gut-wrenching scene, her eyes wide with horror. Her blood boiled as flashes shook her mind—scenes of snow and running, and also Envy's memories of fighting using green paws and the pain of being struck by such an attack—terror wracked the humanoid-homunculus—the terror was felt twofold—
The light faded, and there was a moment of absolute stillness and silence by all parties.
The Xingese prince—Ling, Ling?!—stepped toward Alphonse, and Envy watched, still frozen. He spoke, and his voice was both awed and apprehensive. "Al…you killed him."
Alphonse stepped backward, staring at the spot where Gluttony had been, and the clanking of his armor was enough to snap Envy back into control. Only—only her mind and body were screaming at her—and she obeyed: she broke out into a run, away from the clearing, stumbling as she shifted into something faster, something four-legged—
"Wait!"
Alphonse!
The sound of clanging armor broke the silence as Alphonse gave chase. Envy faltered, Delilah struggling inside her head, but the both of them were panicking, afraid of the light and the pain and the end that Gluttony had met. Pride called out after them, but soon the sound became indistinct and disappeared altogether.
Alphonse's clanking footsteps for several more minutes as Envy ran, making a beeline through the undergrowth and between the trees. The sound started to fade, broken by curses and pleas, but before vanishing completely, Alphonse called out one last time: a wail that was both heartbroken and rage-filled at once, a sound made to form words but unable to do so.
Delilah stumbled this time—it was definitely Delilah. Envy scowled and cursed, wrenching control of their shared body, nearly crashing into a tree as she did so. She fell, head over paws—or hooves, she didn't even know what shape she was in—and used the confusion to focus inward and beat Delilah into the bottom of the chaos that was the Philosopher's Stone—
Delilah put up a fight, kicking and flailing her arms, but to no avail. After a minute or two, she became unresponsive, and Envy opened her eyes to the dark night. Her escapade had scared off all the wildlife; aside from the breeze rustling the leaves overhead, all was silent.
The contrast of this stillness to the previous battle and flight unsettled Envy. She had no idea how long she'd been running for, or where she was.
Gluttony's Stone had been destroyed. He'd been turned to his base form and forced to swallow himself into the false Portal.
Envy morphed into her normal form as another bout of fear racked her body. She scrabbled to press her back against a tree trunk, rapidly scanning the undergrowth for any signs of danger. When nothing appeared for several minutes, Envy slowly allowed herself to breathe and organize her thoughts; she forced the memory of Gluttony from her mind, along with the flashes that kept popping up of dark places and red lights.
Envy stretched her legs out, managing to become calmer and more in control. The darkness didn't help—the clouds had now obscured the moon—but the silence did.
Alphonse, unbidden, came to Envy's mind. She leaned an elbow on one knee and gripped her hair, scowling at the ground. "He'll kill me if he even touches me," she muttered. Her empty hand balled into a fist. "And I still can't kill that…!" She shuddered.
She would have to kill Alphonse first, she realized, pushing the other thought from her mind. Hiding behind Father would not do—he would only make her battle against the humans, probably in a situation where she didn't have a good chance. Envy knew that she was stronger than the usual human, but though she was apt to make rash decisions, she wasn't stupid. She wouldn't be able to effectively fight against more than one person at a time; and if she changed into her beast form, she'd make herself a bigger target for the Stone-destroying alchemy.
She would have to take on Alphonse alone. She doubted there would be any help from Pride—he could be dead by now for all she knew. He would probably try to kill her himself if he still lived, after her panicked flight. Still, alive, Pride was invaluable.
Finally, Envy stood. She jumped into the air, morphed into a crow, and made to collect her bearings in order to return to Central.
()()()()()
Alphonse stumbled.
He clattered to the ground, his helmet tumbling off into the darkness. He screamed, scrambling to his feet, reaching out to steady himself so he could continue running.
"Al!" Ed rushed out from behind him and moved to cut him off. "Al! Stop! We won't catch up to him."
"No!" Alphonse tried to get around his brother. "I can still—!"
"Al, stop!" Ed pressed his palms against Al's chest and dug his heels into the dirt. "We have to go back and make sure Pride didn't—!"
Alphonse redoubled his efforts, and Ed fell into the dirt, grunting loudly.
Al hesitated.
Ed hurried to his feet. "Dammit, Al! I wanna go after that bastard too!" He grabbed Al by his neck guard and yanked, forcing the younger brother to crouch. In the dim light, Al could see that there were paths on Ed's cheeks reflecting the moonlight.
"Don't you think I wanna beat that bastard to hell?" Ed demanded. "I know, Al! I know what you're feeling, but we—we have to think—!"
Ed broke down into strangled sobs. He pulled away from Al and violently smacked his automail fist against the nearest tree. He collapsed against the trunk, leaning his forehead against the bark. He grit his teeth.
Alphonse watched him for a moment, and then anger boiled up inside him.
"Delilah was our friend!" he screamed. "I love her! They gave us back the hope that she was alive, and then—! If you hadn't stopped me, I would've caught up to Envy! I would have—!"
"Killed him?!" Edward finished, rounding on his younger brother. "Like you killed Gluttony! I'm not going to say they don't deserve it, but Al—you—you…" He faltered, his voice breaking. "You're not a killer, Al."
Alphonse couldn't come up with an answer. After a moment, he jerked away, looking along the ground for his missing head.
"Al."
He ignored his brother.
"Al, please."
His foot kicked his helmet. He reached down to pick up his head before standing to put it back on.
"What did you even do to Gluttony?" Edward asked.
Al hesitated. He didn't look back to his brother.
"…The circle destroys a Philosopher's Stone. The homunculus is turned back into its base form.
"And Gluttony was a failed Portal experiment," Ed murmured. "God," he said loudly. "Al, all those souls…"
"I…" Alphonse couldn't find anything to say. Slowly, he turned around to look at his brother. Edward appeared almost as if he didn't recognize his brother.
"I want them to get what they deserve too, Al," Ed said quietly. "But…please, just…be careful. I can't lose you too."
Al resisted the urge to look away. He left the matter of souls unaddressed when he answered, "I will."
Ed nodded, then began walking back toward Kanama. "C'mon, Al," he said, kindness warming his voice again, but just barely. "We'll get Envy in the morning. That I promise you."
Alphonse hesitated, glancing back into the forest. But Envy had been panicking and was now long gone. He followed his brother.
()()()()()
Solf J. Kimblee traced a route to the door with his eyes before he neatly attempted to avoid the pools of blood on the floor. He'd had his white shoes shined to a pristine glisten just that morning—he may have just stained the front of his bright suit with Ishvalan filth, but so far his shoes had been spared.
His orders from the homunculi were to keep an eye out for the human sacrifices and any armed resistance that might be popping up in the streets of Central. He'd been at the job since returning from Baschool. So far he'd come across nothing of importance, until that night. But to stave off the boredom he'd taken to roaming the backstreets at night. Amestrian slum-dwellers he left alone, but upon discovering Ishvalan refugees he smiled and slaughtered indiscriminately.
The group he'd just taken care of was of the usual lot: most of them were jobless in an Amestrian man's world, some doing cheap labor, others were resorting to distributing drugs. Kimblee always took the time to eavesdrop or interrogate; usually it was a fruitless endeavor, but tonight, on the eve of the Promised Day, he'd gleaned a nugget of pure gold.
A whole cluster of Ishvalan men were on the move to Central—perhaps they may have already entered the immediate area of Central city. They were being led by several people: a little girl, two large men, but also Tim Marcoh and Scar.
Kimblee smiled as he took to the backstreets, not bothering to use alchemy to clean his suit. Perhaps the homunculi would see the advent of Ishvalans as a nuisance, but he relished in extermination.
He paused suddenly and looked to the sky; most of the starless expanse was blocked by the outlines of haphazard buildings. He heard rather than saw the movement of the bird as it descended to the ground and transformed into Envy.
Kimblee tipped his hat to her. He'd met the new Envy on several occasions, although it was usually Pride or some proxy giving him his orders. He didn't like this new Envy; the previous one he'd bonded with, for lack of a better term, during the Ishvalan Civil War, where'd they'd both slaughtered numerous red-eyed filth. The Envy in front of him only did reconnaissance, and something always seemed off about her. "Good evening."
Tonight, Envy seemed too rushed to even give him her usual glare of contempt—another difference from the previous, who would look murderously happy if they were to work together, though probably at the prospect of killing.
"New orders," Envy said. "Head to Kanama and attack the Elrics' group. Leave the alchemists alive but maimed if possible. Pride may or may not be there."
Kimblee frowned. "I thought you two and Gluttony were acting as a unit tonight."
"Gluttony is dead."
"Pity," Kimblee said, but left it at that, as did Envy, who seemed quite unwilling to explain. The old Envy would have been fuming.
"I have information," Kimblee continued. "A large group of Ishvalans is heading into Central. Their leaders include Scar and Dr. Marcoh."
Envy didn't answer.
Kimblee resisted the urge to sigh in exasperation. "Does that change my orders?"
Envy blinked. "No. Take a care, but don't arrive for at least an hour. They'll probably be resting, then heading out before dawn."
With that, Envy transformed into the bird again and left.
Kimblee frowned. "I liked you better when you actually killed."
()()()()()
If Envy was anything, she was arrogant. And that, quite literally, played into Mustang's hands.
The gold-toothed doctor had been in charge of giving Roy his meals while Envy grew increasingly busy in preparation for the Promised Day. Roy had always acted docile whenever the man gave him meals, but when Envy was there, he'd ask a multitude of questions designed to irk the homunculus. Of course, Envy always ended up responding, whether with words that left Roy fuming, or actions that left Roy clutching at a wound. At least the treatment was top-notch.
Despite his best efforts, Roy knew that he'd grown weak. He couldn't exactly run laps around his cell while blind and guarded by chimeras. He'd perfected the push-up, but if it came to an escape run from the damned cell, he'd wheeze and collapse before getting too far. Either that or he'd run into a wall.
The next morrow was the Promised Day. Roy had lost count of the days, though he was sure he'd been held captive for months; his hair touched his shoulders. But Envy had told him—gloated, really—about the Promised Day, and had come up with a countdown to humanity's end.
Like hell we'll let you go without a fight, Roy thought with a smirk, pressing the fingertips of his unbound hands together. All he needed now was a spark.
()()()()()
Ed and Al hurried back to the scene of the battle, only to find that Pride had fled. The chimeras were sitting on a log; Heinkel was cradling his injured arm. Greed-and/or-Ling was gone, as were the Xingese bodyguards. When the chimeras noticed the arrival of the brothers, they explained that Greed had run off while Lan Fan and Fu had gone back to the slum to get Hohenheim and supplies.
Darius had torn up parts of his shirt to create a cast and sling for Heinkel; the bodyguards had had some on hand as well to give. Heinkel wouldn't be able to participate in the upcoming battle, and the man seemed frustrated, glaring at the dirt. Ed managed to recall the circle Delilah had used so often to heal surface wounds, then clapped his hands to Heinkel's skin to close the wound, though he wasn't able to heal the bone. Al saw; the brothers shared a glance before Al looked away.
Was that always such an easy transmutation? Ed wondered. I never knew.
"Keep it easy," Darius advised the older man, and Heinkel huffed.
Fu and Lan Fan returned from the slum, each carrying a couple lanterns; Hohenheim followed with his own. The warm light was welcome among the group, despite the possible danger it posed if Pride were to return. However, the homunculus had appeared afraid; Gluttony's unprecedented killing had scared him off.
Ed just barely held back a shudder at the memory, at the thought. All those lives in that Stone...
"So what's our plan?" Hohenheim asked. "Greed doesn't seem to be coming back, and it's only midnight." Fu and Lan Fan looked particularly troubled at the mention of the homunculus.
"We need to get some rest," Ed said immediately. "We still have to wait for Jerso and Zampano. Hopefully nothing's happened to them on the way."
"Scar, May, and Dr. Marcoh should be coming, too," Al added quietly, and Ed's heart grew cold. For a moment he thought himself sick.
"We'll notice if they come anywhere nearby," Fu offered, and Lan Fan nodded.
"I talked to Jerso and Zampano before I left Liore," Hohenheim said. "They said they'd wait till the last possible second for the others before coming to Central. They were going to take Yoki with them."
Ed nodded absently. "…A little over an hour's rest. That sound good?" He turned to the bodyguards. "Then Fu can run ahead and do some reconnaissance while we follow more slowly."
Everyone agreed on the plan, Heinkel agreeing to stay behind in Kanama when the others left. Then they all retreated to different corners of the clearing to find a soft spot in the underbrush to sleep in. Alphonse and Hohenheim agreed to take watch. Ed felt a bit stupid, knowing that no one would be able to sleep, but rest was necessary.
What will tomorrow be like? he thought to the hidden stars. He pulled his hood over his head and rolled onto his side. He thought about Del, and rage filled him, but he forced himself to think about her at another time. His mind drifted to Winry, and he put a finger to his lips. The idea of her dying like Nina and Del made him tremble.
Suddenly Ed sat up and turned toward the clearing. Hohenheim glanced at him curiously, but Ed ignored the look and stood. He walked across the clearing, not caring that his father and brother were watching him. Finally, he came to the space where Lan Fan and Fu were sitting close together and conversing quietly in their native tongue. Their masks obscured their faces.
They looked up when Ed knelt beside them. He looked to Lan Fan. He took a long breath.
"Delilah has been dead for several months," he said quietly. "She left a few of us letters. In mine she said she wished she could've done more for your arm, and that she admired you."
Lan Fan gave a start of surprise, and her dark eyes widened, reflecting the light of the lanterns. "Truly?"
Ed nodded. "That's what all that was about, if you were there to see."
Lan Fan touched her shoulder where metal met flesh. "…I was indebted to her. At least, I…her and Dr. Knox. I only ever thanked them."
Fu stayed silent.
"…I think she was okay with that," Ed said hesitantly, then stood. He searched for something else to say, but couldn't find anything. Lan Fan nodded in understanding.
"How did she die?" she asked before he could leave.
A crushing weight constricted his lungs and throat. "We don't really know," he admitted, his voice thick. "But it was the homunculi. Most likely Envy."
Lan Fan's eyes narrowed. She didn't need to speak for Ed to understand. He nodded once, then went back to his spot across the clearing and lay down. He pulled his hood back over his head.
()()()()()
About fifty minutes later, the underbrush rustled. Alphonse and Hohenheim stood; the bodyguards were already approaching them to reach out calming hands.
"It's not the homunculi," Fu said.
Alphonse watched, speechless, as May, Yoki, and Scar appeared from the underbrush; Jerso and Zampano followed just after, Jerso giving Marcoh a pat on the back as they came the last few feet.
Darius stood and sent a mock-glare to the other chimeras. "Long time no see."
"It's you!" Zampano said, his voice loud and surprised. "What're you—?"
"Same as you," Heinkel piped up. "Going traitor against the government. At least you guys aren't all banged up."
With the hostility diffused between the once-separated men from Kimblee's old squad, the four gathered together almost naturally.
"I can rest now!" Yoki cried in relief, sinking to the ground and leaning against a tree trunk. Scar rolled his eyes.
The Ishvalan pointed a thumb behind him. "My countrymen are already heading to their points. They'll be ready."
Hohenheim nodded. "Good."
May noticed the Xingese bodyguards and took a step back, reaching into her pocket for her knives; Shao May growled from atop her head. "Why are Yao—?"
"We're not going to kill you, little girl," Fu said sharply, beating his granddaughter to the punch. "Unless you attack us. But there are other things to worry about now."
Lan Fan looked surprised at her grandfather's words, but didn't say anything. May looked equally surprised, if not more as her face wasn't covered. She relaxed, but only slightly.
At some point, Edward had stood from his resting spot and had come beside Alphonse. The younger boy wasn't aware of it until Ed quietly rapped his knuckles against Al's side. Al glanced at his brother, then toward Jerso and Zampano, who were looking at him and minutely shaking their heads.
Marcoh came forward, looking tired but not worse for wear. He smiled, his mutilated, wrinkled skin looking pitiful despite the bright emotion he was emitting. "It's good to see you boys again. It's been awhile. I'm glad you're alright, Edward," he added with a nod to the older brother.
Alphonse's soul twisted.
Marcoh glanced around the clearing. "Is Delilah back in Resembool? I've missed her."
Ed actually made a noise in his throat, like he had just barely contained a soft cry.
"…No," Al finally said, and he thought in that moment he would nearly die of heartbreak again.
Marcoh's brows furrowed, and Al could see that fear in his eyes, lit slightly by the lanterns and the lightening sky, like the old man could hear the truth behind Al's one word.
Al's thoughts were confirmed when Marcoh's voice came out slightly shaky. "Where is she, then?"
Edward opened his mouth, like he was going to save his brother the sorrow of saying it, but he was too late.
"I…I'm so sorry."
