ANNOUNCEMENT. ANKÜNDIGUNG.
So to officially make this statement; this story will be ending very soon. I plan on chapter fifty being the last chapter. Then this story will move onto the Conqueror of Shamballa plotline, which will be posted as another story. I repeat, the Conqueror of Shamballa plotline will be posted as a sequel to The Sulfur Alchemist. Don't worry about adding me to Author Alert just to find out when it will be posted – I'll be posting Chapter Fifty the same day I post The Sulfur Alchemist: Conqueror of Shamballa. So when you get "Story Alert: The Sulfur Alchemist" in your inbox, you will know I have posted the Conqueror of Shamballa.
END ANNOUNCEMENT. ENDE-ANKÜNDIGUNG.
The Lovely Daaaarlings!
Hyourin-kusabana: Finally, right? XD
Dragonjess: Thanks! Yeah, the hardest thing for me has been trying to imply romance will keeping the story's atmosphere intact. Riley and Ed are the last people who would swoon. I hope you're right about the next story! Ridiculously stressing about it. X'D
yumiXjaganshi: Haha, Riley would've said something along those lines if it weren't for her teenage nerves. Thanks! I had a lot of fun writing the car scene, oddly enough.
Katsekala: Thank you! The answer to that question is below the review' responses, since so many people asked. xD
IceFire Dragon Alchemist73: -bows wisely- She has learned well. XD
Crystal-Wolf-Guardain-967: Thank you! 8D
CloudEnvyKunoichi: Really? Haha, thank you! I'm glad you think so. Yeah, I know what you mean. Writing from past experiences really gives you better insight. And honestly, I don't know if I'll go past the movie or not. It really depends on how writing the story goes. It's one of those 'We'll have to see when we get there' things. And look below the review responses for the answer to that. XD
Thanks for the luck! I'm going to need it. And take my word for it; Don't take my advice. Really. x.x
Songbird Alchemist: Yes! At long last! (Tear, tear.)
ausumist: Thank you! It's definitely sad the story is coming to a close. It's the most fun I've had writing. (And it means I'll not longer have a story I can continuously work on anymore. x.x) Haha, I couldn't imagine going any way other than awkward. And the answer to that is below the responses!
YaddaGirl: I'm glad you think Ed was in character. It's hard trying to figure out how a character like him would react. XD Thank you for the encouragement! 8D
SummoningShadows18: Haha xD Just like them, huh? Look below the responses for that answer~
Lani: It's fine~ You reviewed this one. 8D
And yes, I like Kuroshitsuji. I've only watched the first few episodes, though. And quite a while ago too. I've been meaning to get back into it. (God, I love Bard. X3)
Bloody Bonez Alchemist XD: Thank you! I'm glad you like it.
XjipunshihotaruX: They're hilarious, aren't they? Gotta love awkward romances.
Tazdevil: Wow, thanks for the awesome review. I'm glad you like Riley, she's become one of my favorite characters I've created. I love coming up with their arguments. The answer to the kiss question is below the responses. A lot of people asked, so… Yeah. XD And to the height question: Someone finally noticed that! Haha, yes, she's only flaunting one measly inch. Trust me, to short people, that one inch is wonderful to have over someone.
A-Prayer-4-da-Damned: It's such an awkward romance. :B Thanks for the luck – Ima need it. But you really do not want any advice from me. I know nothing. x.x
scaaagirl: Isn't it? They finally did!
Kira-Harajuku: Haha, yes it is. It took them long enough. Thank you! I'm glad you like my writing style. Been working on it for eleven years. XD
Adorkable93: Look below the responses for that answer! 8D
White CandyCane: It does look like it, doesn't it? (Wiggles eyebrows suggestively.) And about that, it honestly depends on how the movie sequel ends. I have considered writing a Brotherhood version, though! I just may do that. It depends.
The Esper Alchemist: Yes, finally! She plucked up the courage and did it.
TallerThanThou ShorterThanThou: Hey! Thanks for the birthday wish, haha. XD The movie definitely has its FMA-ish angst, that's for sure. Haha, I'm so behind in the manga I don't even know who isn't in the manga (Well, aside from the Tringham brothers.) But the water thing is a very good idea.
Kasuki101: Thank you for all the awesome reviews! You made me so giddy about getting them! And I hope you're feeling better.
Want to Be a Lovely Daaaarling? Review! Bwahaha...
F.A.Q TIME AGAIN.
Did Riley kiss Ed?
YES. Riley kissed him! Leave it up to Riley to do it right then so she could have the, 'just to shut you up' excuse. The reason Ed complained about her interrupting him afterward, is because he's a social idiot. Really. Doesn't know how to handle girls.
Are you going to continue the story after the movie plot ends/write the story in the Brotherhood version?
Whether or not I continue the story, or create another version for Brotherhood, honestly depends on two sole factors; One) how the story ends. I love writing this story, I really do, but I don't want to immerse myself into another storyline for TSA if I feel I'm coming close to The Biological End (My fancy-shmancy term for when a writer no longer has a passion for the story – it means it's time to end it.) And two) if you guys still want TSA around after the movie plot ends! Both factors will be taken into consideration at the movie's end and the decision will be made then.
F.A.Q END.
Sorry for the late update, by the way. I meant to post it back in January but things have been busy around here. So I decided to squeeze this chapter out before I started getting ready for MomoCon (If you're going, look for Switzerland from Hetalia~ That's me, hurr…) Nevertheless, here's the next chapter! And I know it's short, but the next should be out soon.
On another note, I finally got my glasses. I haven't worn glasses in eight years. And apparently my Astigmatism is horrible because I didn't realize my vision was as blurry as it was. I thought I could see fine. (Shifty Eyes.)
Now, (shifts glasses position on nose for the umpteenth time), let's get down to the story. I don't own FMA. I own Riley, however. Don't claim either.
Chapter Forty-Six
Promises
We finally arrived at the run down church, where we were to meet up with Russel, Fletcher and Hannah. Ed and I had been bickering the entire time. I opened the doors as I glared at him from over my shoulder. "I have a problem with it, Riley! I was trying to tell you something important and you kept interrupt-"
"Well if you keep complaining about it, I'm shoving my confession right up your ass and you can forget about telling me anything!" I exclaimed, turning to glare down at him.
Ed was about to speak but was interrupted by Hannah. "Ed? Riley?" We both looked over to see her and the brothers watching us. Russel seemed amused, but the other two were just worried we'd start fist fighting.
"Sorry," I muttered, blushing.
Ed began to look around at the building. "So this is the place?" He asked.
Fletcher nodded, "Yeah, this is it."
"Let me see that letter again, would you?" Ed asked. Grabbing the paper, Fletcher handed it to him.
He began to go over the paper as Hannah made her way toward me. Smirking slyly, she nudged me in the side. "So what's with you and Ed?"
"W-What are you talking about?" I mustered out, rubbing my side as I looked away. Damn her. This was all her fault!
Snickering, she looking at me coyly. "I know you, Riley. You confessed, didn't you?" She mused out. When she saw me blushing, her smirk grew bigger. "You did! And I take it he said he felt the same?"
I snorted. "He practically gave a speech."
"That's cute," Hannah said, giggling a bit as she covered her mouth to hide them.
Giving a small huff, I shook my head at her. "It's annoying."
She rolled her eyes at me and I began to look around the church. The building was dusty, and looked as though no one had been in there in a while. Large columns stood on either side of us, and were covered in cracks. Behind them were stained glass windows. I let out a small sigh at the sight. I hadn't been in a church in a long time… "I'm going alone." Wait, what? He wasn't thinking of leaving me with Hannah, was he? That idiot couldn't have been! He needed me there.
"You mean you're going alone, with me?" I remarked, spinning around to raise a brow at him.
Ed turned to look at me with dull eyes. "I thought you were caught up in conversation with Hannah," He grumbled out. But I didn't respond as I glared at him. There was no way in hell he thought he could leave me there. Sighing, he shook his head as he gave in. "Damn it, Riley, let's go."
As he turned and transmuted a walkway, I burst into a wide grin and reached the three. We began to enter the walkway, but Russel stopped us. "Edward." We turned and looked back to his frown. "I just want to be clear about something. I didn't tell you all this so you could create the stone," He said, his implications clear.
The serious look on Ed's face remained intact. "Trust me, Russel. That's the last thing I would ever plan on doing," Was his reassuring response.
He turned and continued walking, but I stayed back a few more seconds. Giving a small grin to the three left behind, I nodded. "Don't worry. Everything will be fine." I knew they didn't believe me, and I didn't even believe myself, but it gave a momentary relief that we all needed. Turning on my heel, I followed my little blond friend down the hall.
It was silent as we ventured further below ground, and our footsteps were echoing off the walls. A sound that could drive you crazy. I glanced to Ed and saw him staring straight ahead. He looked so serious, so ready for what he was about to face. "…Ed?" I asked, intending to sound a lot louder than the whisper I did manage.
Blinking out of his trance-like state, he glanced at me from the side of his eye. When eye contact was made, his expression softened and he offered me a small smile. "What is it?" The tone of his voice surprised me. He sounded soft, tender. Almost like a mother comforting her child. Upon this realization, my feet stopped working. His smile vanished as he followed my action and turned to face me. I looked to the ground as I thought over my next words. He, Edward Elric, was comforting me. I wasn't a wreck that demanded his comfort (like last time, but let's not mention that night), nor was I in tears. Yet he knew I needed it.
The most socially oblivious boy in the world, knew I needed comfort.
And the only way he could have known without me on my stomach bawling, was that he too felt it. That overpowering feeling. Dread. He knew what he was going to face, and he was okay with it. That, in itself, gave me the motivation I needed to continue.
"Promise me something," I said calmly, looking back up to him finally. He hesitated, worried I'd ask the impossible, but nodded nonetheless. "We know what's at stake here. Don't act recklessly… Please."
He seemed a bit taken back by the request, but recovered in little time. I could see him thinking over his words, before he finally settled on a response. "Only if you promise me something also." At the sight of my nod, he continued. "If something happens to me, get Al out of there. Leave the church and don't come back."
I wanted to say no – I knew I couldn't leave him there. But in the end, the best I could do was leave with Al. Otherwise I'd probably get all of us killed. "…Alright," I replied, nodding. He grinned in satisfaction and I found ourselves walking the path once more.
. . .
Holy Hell.
What we had reached at the end of the walkway, looked like an underground lake. The walls were brick and went incredibly high up. What looked like tree roots were all over the place, as well as large broken statues. A small waterfall was farther off from us. I must have been the only one fascinated with the scene. A few minutes had passed, when I turned to look at Ed.
Who wasn't there.
"E-Ed?" I mumbled out before taking off in the only direction he could have gone. Running down another set of stairs, I found myself on a platform-like cliff. Ed stood a few feet ahead of me, so I walked over. "You could've said you were leav…ing…," I trailed off as I noticed what was in front of us. Several houses stood side by side, and around other larger buildings and pathways. The houses looked clean, but old and abandoned. Before us, was a forgotten city.
Shocked, Ed was quiet at first as it all sunk in. His eyes were widened and I noticed him even shaking slightly. "This entire place… Was sacrificed for the Philosopher's Stone," He muttered out as it all began working in his head, "Using alchemy, the city was pulled underground to leave nothing behind but a rumor to feed the curious. Only monsters… Could come up with such a plan." Before I could really register the story myself, he gritted his teeth together in anger and stepped forward. "Are you in here, Dad? You did this! You came up with the whole plan, didn't you? Tell me!"
I glanced around before noticing a side path, which led us to the ground below. Placing a hand on his shoulder, I pointed to it once he turned to look at me. He let out a deep sigh, still upset, and began walking down the path. Wordlessly, I followed him. Honestly, I didn't know what to say to ease the tension. Especially considering I kinda liked Ed's dad. That just made any words I could say to him, awkward.
I came back into reality when my ears picked something faint up. "Music…?" I mumbled out, looking in its direction. Ed glanced back at me when he heard me, and looked off in the same area as me. His eyes settled on a huge building – a church, probably. Always churches…
We approached the building and Ed placed his hands on the door knobs. He opened the doors, and the music was suddenly much louder. The room looked like a ballroom of sorts, with marble flooring and ceiling, and tall columns. There were balconies on both sides of us, and a large stage at the end of the long room. Almost everything looked golden, save for the red stage curtains Ed stepped into the building and I began to follow, but the doors slammed shut in between us.
"Ed!" I exclaimed, slamming my hands onto the door. I could hear his muffled reply as he tried to open the doors from his side, but they just barely budged. Banging them in one last vain attempt, I grunted in annoyance before looking around. "Just – just go ahead, I'll find another way in," I said loudly, leaning toward them so he could hear me clearer.
There was a small pause, before he came back with, "Be careful."
I heard his footsteps get fainter, so I turned and began looking for another way in. There wasn't much to work with. A small porch sat in front of the doors, with stone columns on each side. Windows lined the building and I knew that would be an option if I ran out of others. I could have transmuted the door, of course, but I decided against it. Who knew what was on the other side. They could have been waiting for us to arrive and if that was the case, they already had a good idea about what I'd do to get in. Transmuting the doors could possibly get us all killed.
Walking to the edge, I stepped off the porch and made my way to the nearest window. Placing my hands on the bar, I began to push the window. It didn't budge. "Damn it, what's it going to take to get in-"
"Where's Lust?" I fell quiet upon hearing the shout, and turned to see a large black blur headed toward me. My eyes widened before jumping out of the way, stumbling back a bit. The blur stopped beside the window and I was finally able to tell it was Gluttony.
He didn't give me a chance to say anything, charging at me once more. "W-Wait a minute!" But he ignored my protests. I dodged to his side where I planned on making a run for the other side of the building. He swung his arm around at me and slammed it into my back. Letting out a grunt from the impact, I stumbled over as I tried catching my footing. I turned around on my heel and saw him lunge at me, his mouth open and ready to bite down on something.
But I still wanted my limbs. I looked around for an idea when I finally noticed the weight of the camera around my neck. Grabbing its strap, I yanked it off my neck and swung it toward him. The camera flew directly into his mouth. Before he could let go, I yanked it in the opposite direction, pulling him toward to the ground. Once he landed, I let go of it and backed away quickly. "Lust is gone," I panted out, trying to be as calm as I could, "She died trying to help Ed."
Gluttony's eyes widened as he came to his feet. "Lust is… Gone?" He whispered out. I almost felt bad for him as he began shaking his head in frantic motion. "No! She can't be! Lust!" He yelled out, rushing past and busting the doors to the building down. I twitched a bit at how easy he made it look, but I took the opportunity without a complaint. Running into the building, I skidded to a stop at what I saw.
A large transmutation circle was written into the ground in the middle of the room. It wasn't one I had seen before. To the side of the circle, stood a girl with tanned skin and long brown hair, with bangs tinted a pink color. She wore a long white dress, and held a baby in her hands. Beside her was "Lyra".
And Ed was missing.
Be Responsible. Don't Flame and Drive! Rawr.
ANNOUNCEMENT. ANKÜNDIGUNG.
So to officially make this statement; this story will be ending very soon. I plan on chapter fifty being the last chapter. Then this story will move onto the Conqueror of Shamballa plotline, which will be posted as another story. I repeat, the Conqueror of Shamballa plotline will be posted as a sequel to The Sulfur Alchemist. Don't worry about adding me to Author Alert just to find out when it will be posted – I'll be posting Chapter Fifty the same day I post The Sulfur Alchemist: Conqueror of Shamballa. So when you get "Story Alert: The Sulfur Alchemist" in your inbox, you will know I have posted the Conqueror of Shamballa.
END ANNOUNCEMENT. ENDE-ANKÜNDIGUNG.
