Last time, Sora spent the night in Hestia's home, where he awoke the next morning and learned form Hestia a disturbing secret regarding the Keyblade...
It's ingredients for it's creation matches that of a Philosopher Stone, except instead of a large number of human beings, it's requirement is an entire world parallel to the one Sora resides in! This meant that the Keyblades were each a weaponized Philosopher Stone!
Worlds sacrificed before were used by many before Sora, thus, the idea now felt like a betrayal of everything Sora believed in, until Hestia commented on the Avenger's condition, sensing that the lives residing within actually cherished Sora and didn't mind fighting with him. Their love cheered Sora up and convinced him to confront Edward more so than before.
Minutes passed, and Sora met with Hayner, Pence, and Ollette in their hideout to say goodbye before he left, but during an argument with Hayner, Sora realized that simply conversing with the trio would endanger them, by exposing their relationship with him to his AND the Elric Brothers' enemies, the Homunculi and their allies, Organization XIII! Sora then attempted to leave after telling Hayner, Pence, and Ollette forget they ever met him, however, their HQ was immediately torn to pieces by Zaw Giriko, a former Major and State Alchemist of the Amestrian Military! The vengeful chainsaw-alchemist then attacked Sora, letting his grudge against the former Y.O.U.T.H. Assassin motivate him!
Sora fought with everything he had, tired of allowing his friends to suffer for him, but Giriko's skill and alchemy defeated the Keybearer with ease. But before Giriko finished Sora off, Bell Cranel arrived in time to rescue the Keyblade Master and escape the mad man.
Outside Twilight Town, Sora joined with Bell, Hestia, Artemis, and Hermes for their adventure to the Atomos Crater. Sora also had a chance to meet two of Bell's friends and party members, a small and adorable Genome named Liliruca Arde (Lili for short), and a master Synthesis crafter of weapons, Welf Crozzo. Sora became fast friends with Bell's party and prepared to head out on the adventure, until he was joined by two of Sora's old friends, who, with the other two, were asked by Edward and Kairi to find him: Xion, a former member of Organization XIII and a kind-hearted friend, and Lan Fan, a ninja girl who occasionally hides her face behind a mask and deals with ANY who insult her lord, Ling Yao, with unequalled wrath. Despite feeling a bit worried with his friends being involved, Sora still welcomed Xion and "Master Fan"'s addition to the group. After the ladies informed Sora they came along with Aqua and Fu, Artemis deduced that Aqua and Fu would stay behind to face the people who worked to keep Sora and Edward separated, while waiting to meet back up with Ed and Kairi after their current task was completed...
However, hidden in the dark underbelly of Twilight Town's criminal underworld, Arachnid conversed with the vengeful Giriko and Mosquito about what was lying in wait in the Atomos Crater. To her humor, Mosquito told his master that the crater was nest to the remains of the Artemis Guild, which was said to be decimated by a creature from one of Crimson's Portal Traps. The trio were now certain Sora would meet his end there, but to their surprise, a girl named "Mother" introduced herself and told them to leave Sora AND his friends to her...
WARNING!
"Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon?" or Danmachi is licensed by J.C. Staff, Sentai Filmworks, and Square-Enix.
Fullmetal Alchemist and Soul Eater are licensed by Bones Inc., Aniplex, Funimation, and Square-Enix.
Kingdom Hearts is licensed by the Walt Disney Company and Square-Enix.
Fullmetal Kingdom: The Fanfic
Chapter 229: Beneath the Table
"Pedro was a good man...AND YOU MURDERED HIM! TURN AROUND, YOU BASTARD!"
Edward's rage fueled his aim as he threw a Transmuted Spear near the Wolfman's ear! The Wolf Chimera dodged the spear and turned back at Ed while snarling, "You just don't give up, do you?! Fine, we'll finish this here and NOW!"
The Wolfman proceeded to charge towards Edward and threw his claws in full force at his opponent, but Ed either dodged or blocked with his Automail Arm, hastily making short work of the enemy's offensive! The Wolfman however noticed this as well, and proceeded to grab Ed's Automail Arm and throw him against a wall! Ed however countered with a wave of Ground Spikes!
Elsewhere, Alphonse was released from his cell by Julia, who said to him, "Your older brother was quite the character, also...Kairi demonstrated her immortality. The Black Bats decided to side with your group. I promise you Alphonse, we won't let you down." Kairi then walked up to Al and presented something special, "They also presented us with signs of our alliance. Here, it's a Black Bats Badge, wear or keep this by your side, and we're official Black Bats members. I even got some for Ed, Riku and Ling...and a few of our allies, even Sora."
Al then said, "Good idea, with what we're up against, we WILL need all the support we can get, not just the Colonel OR President Mickey. But Kairi...there's a chance this will be as far as we go together." Kairi then asked, "W-what do you mean, Al?" Al then explained, "...Your country...Drachma will need a ruler, and you can't be a ruler when you keep chasing Sora." Kairi was startled by what Al said, and thus he continued, "You don't want him to go through all that again, the brainwashing, and the murdering, I understand, but what we've heard, what Raven is trying to do, it's more important if you become the queen of Drachma without any distractions...without us to hold you back. So...I want to give Sora the badge for you, to show him you still-."
"-I'm giving it to him!"
Kairi clenched her fists and said, "...I hate Raven...and nothing would make me happier than seeing him suffer for what he put me AND Sora through...but Sora...I HAVE TO PROTECT HIM MORE THAN I HAVE TO PROTECT SOME CHAIR IN ANOTHER COUNTRY!" Kairi then slammed the badge into Al's leg and said, "You're not the one Raven was aiming for...you're not the one who wants to keep her friend...I am...and I won't back down from this."
"JULIA, WE HAVE A SITUATION!" Miranda called as she and several Black Bat soldiers passed her. Julia nodded and said, "This talk can wait, Kairi, somebody's infiltrated the base!" Julia rushed after Miranda while Alphonse broke from his wrist cuffs and pulled the Black Bats badge out of his leg. Kairi then continued, "...This conversation...NEVER happened...do I make myself clear?" Alphonse then said, "Kairi, I just wanted to help-."
"I REPEAT, THIS NEVER HAPPENED! DON'T YOU DARE TELL ME TO LEAVE A FRIEND TO SUFFER AGAIN!"
Kairi then stormed off, leaving Alphonse to worry, then follow her…
Back near the entrance, Edward was holding his own against the Wolfman, who snickered and said, "Is THIS how the Fullmetal wants to die? Bleeding from exhaustion from the wounds granted by a Chimera's claws? Perhaps it was a mistake taking the job under the Military after all, eh? So how about I leave you with a choice? Disregard Amestris...disregard my presence...and consider the threat to YOUR life a disregard. If not...then, well...you're not the FIRST child to die by these claws…"
Ed chuckled and said, "Ignore responsibilities to let a dog walk outta the house? NOT WITHOUT A LEASH, YOU ASSHOLE! Besides, I have a brother to save AND a friend to smack! I brought them into my mess, and in some way, tore them apart...I let you pass and kill more people, that'll make me even MORE guilty than I already am! Alphonse...Sora...I'll never make things right if I become as lackluster as you imagine me to be! I'm taking you into the officials, and then I'll keep going, making things right for every last person I screwed with!"
Edward then managed a punch against the Wolfman's cheek, who was surprised at how much faster Edward was getting! THAT was when he noticed something, "...his scent...it almost smells like...something else entirely. Is this brat capable...of casting spells?!"
The Wolfman then took initiative and fought the Fullmetal on par with his own speed and strength!
Meanwhile, Sora was traveling with Hestia and Artemis, when he noticed his Keyblade sparkle and shine with gold colors…
"Wh-what is this?! The Keyblade's sparkling?!"
Artemis then exclaimed, "...It's a sign Sora...A Keyblade draws magic from beyond...and shares it's power with anyone the wielder recognizes as his or her friend, ally, or love. You must have grown strong to the point where even the farthest of your dearest friends can use your Keyblade's power." Artemis then examined the Keyblade and smiled and said, "I'm surprised, it seems this friend of yours is true to his heart, and has unintentionally unlocked one of his new abilities granted to him by the Keyblade." Sora then looked at the Keyblade and asked, "...Is it...Edward?! And what kind of spell did he-?" Artemis answered, "Your friend can use Supportive White Magic...this spell in particular...is very special…"
Back in the Black Bat's Base…
HASTE
The word burned into Edward's mind as he noticed his shoes AND his body, emitting streams of sky-blue light as he moved to fight the Wolfman!
"I don't know what the Hell is going on, but I'll take it!"
Edward managed to match the Wolfman long enough for reinforcements to arrive and point their rifles at the Chimera! Ed then noticed Ashleigh rush up to him along with Al, Kairi, and Julia (who was dressed in a Black Bats uniform). Ed then asked, "Al, what's the fugitive punk doing here?!" Al answered, "Long story, right now, focus on the dog!"
"Ah, you've come back to me, 'Melvin', that was nice of you. Now we can finish this, MAN TO MAN!"
As the Wolfman lunged at him, Ashleigh said, "I'm flattered you came all this way to see me, but I've already won, you're surrounded, aren't you?" The Wolfman ignores Ashleigh and prepares his claws for an attack…
But the Wolfman snickered…
-And charged towards Julia!
"JULIA, NO-!"
Alphonse attempted to shield Julia, but the Wolfman simply cut through Al's left hand with ease and swatted him into Kairi! As Kairi caught Al, the Wolfman uses his right arm to push Julia against a wall and say, "This situation isn't what you expected, is it, 'Mr. Voyager'? I'll make this easy for you, come quietly, and your 'assumed' allies won't pay the price for your actions." Kairi pointed her guns at the Wolfman and said, "Don't you think it's rather rude, 'Snoopy'? These two just reunited with each other after years of being separated, so if there's a Cretan rule about Brothers and Sisters seeing each other after their parents were murdered, YOU CAN BITE THE OTHER END MY-!"
"It looks like the Fullmetal isn't the only one who doesn't get it."
The Wolfman's words surprised Kairi as he continued, "You may care about the girl, but can you say the same about this man? You've traveled a long way from Drachma, 'Princess Kairi', look beyond the radiance and you MIGHT find a mole in your precious gardens!"
(-BLAM)
A gunshot distracted the Wolfman long enough for Al to tackle him and grab Julia, carrying her to safety!
Kairi then proceeded to join Ed in combating the Wolf Chimera! Kicks and blades clashed with claws and fangs as the Wolfman was overpowered by their teamwork! And without realizing it, he stepped right where Ashleigh wanted him!
(CLAP)
Ashleigh then transmuted stone bars around the Chimera, trapping him like an animal, though the Wolfman was able to cut through the bars with ease, that didn't stop Kairi from chasing him with her bullets, or Edward from kicking him into Ashleigh's next set of bars! Before he had the chance to strike however, Ashleigh electrocuted the Wolfman when he grasped onto one of the bars!
The electricity was powerful enough to render the Wolfman nearly lifeless as he fell to the ground.
Kairi then said, "Well, now that we've put 'Fifi' down, what now?" Miranda answered, "Knowing Creta, it won't be long before their military sends more of these Wolf Chimeras after us." No sooner did the Black Bats Commander finish, that the group started to hear a group of snarling beasts come their way…
"Speak of the Hairballs! LETS MOVE OUT!" Ed said as he tugged on Alphonse and Kairi's wrists and pulled them while following the Black Bats, while Julia noticed Ashleigh standing still. Julia then called out, "Brother, we have to move, please, this way!" Ashleigh however said, "You go with them, Julia, I'll hold off as many as I can to buy you all time. Don't worry, sister, I don't plan on dying here." Julia nodded and followed Alphonse and the others.
After the chamber was emptied, Ashleigh casually walked over to the wounded Wolfman and gloated, "...Now then...I'd say THIS mole was more than capable of digging your grave, wouldn't you agree, Cretan Trash?" The Wolfman let out a weak chuckle and said, "...She's not going to fall for it forever...you'll pay for what you did...and the Sanguine Star will never fall into the hands of a Traitor like-."
(CRACK)
Unseen, the visual shadows of events show Ashleigh snapping the Wolfman's neck!
Back with the group, Kairi ran alongside Julia and asked, "Julia, can you tell me where the Book of Prophecies is being kept? As much as I'd like to catch up during an invasion, I'd REALLY like to retrieve that book before Raven gets his hands on it!" Julia replied, "I'M SORRY KAIRI, BUT THIS ISN'T THE TIME!"
"JULIA, STOP I NEED-!" Before Kairi could finish, Ed grabbed her wrist and yelled, "The more we run, the farther we are from Snoopie's reinforcements! COME ON!"
Kairi ran after the group until she happened upon their escape route, a long underground river path, which they used to escape. Kairi just happened to notice one of the boats still available, yet no sign of the Elric Brothers. Kairi sighed and said, "They probably went ahead, figures they'd turn tail and run without me…"
"U-um...Kairi?"
Kairi suddenly noticed Alphonse behind her, who said to her, "...I...I told Brother and Julia I'd wait for you and Ashleigh." Kairi blushed and said, "S-sorry about what I said-." Al then said, "Water under the bridge, now let's prepare the boat." Alphonse hurried over to it, making sure it was safe for 3 passengers. Ashleigh then arrived in time and saw Kairi and Al, waiting for him. Ashleigh then asked, "W-what are you two doing here? Where's my sister?!" Kairi answered, "She went with Ed and the Black Bats ahead of us, Al stood behind to wait for us." Al then said, "This boat's clean, no holes or tears, we should be able to use it."
Ashleigh sighed and used Alchemy to close the entrance behind him. He then walked over to them and hopped into the boat, "Well then...we'll have to hurry, won't we?" Kairi was helped into the boat and Alphonse hopped in later, and used the Oars to row them into the river's path.
Halfway through the river path, Ashleigh asked, "Princess, would you be offended if I asked you how you became an immortal?" Al then said, "It's best you don't hear the whole story." Kairi then said, "It's alright Alphonse, Ashleigh's here for pretty much the same reason I am, so I might as well share one 'scar' with another…I was betrayed by my family...or at least my Uncle." Ashleigh then said, "Drachmanian Royalty, slaughtered by their own hands. I know the story regarding your fate, I don't need to hear your uncle's involvement-."
"-HE USED MY FRIEND, BRAINWASHED HIM BEFORE SETTING HIM ON THE FRONT DOOR, WAITED LIKE A SHARK AND SANK HIS TEETH WHEN I LEAST EXPECTED IT!"
Kairi then said to Ashleigh, "...whatever your game is Ashleigh, you should have a hint by now of how little I trust a Coincidence! Especially one who takes the appearance of a loved one! So now that you know my little 'origin', let me give you some words of assurance...if you're not who you say you are...if you make one slip, one wrong move, make me doubt you for one second, then I ASSURE you...I will NOT be as kind as the Elrics. I will END you on the spot."
Ashleigh then nervously cleared his throat and asked, "...So I take it you WON'T tell me how you gained a healing factor?" Kairi answered, "Sensitive information creates the worst of us. You're better off not knowing the truth. It's like Al said, 'It's best you don't hear the whole story'." Ashleigh then said, "I'll remain mute on the subject then, however, since you clearly have no interest in trusting me, perhaps it's best I told you my story as you did…"
Ashleigh then opened his hands, showing Kairi and Alphonse the Transmutation Circles he etched into his flesh, "The Crichton Family Legacy, represented in their journals and deeds, have been sought by corrupt masses, as your Uncle sought your kingdom. I inherited the Left Circle from my Father, and the Circle on my Right Hand from my Mother. These Transmutation Circles give an Alchemist the same unnatural advantage as any Alchemist who gained from sacrificing to the Gate of Truth. You see, my family's knowledge is why I didn't need to lose an arm or a body to gain power. THAT frightened the Cretan Forces, and made them act against my family. I was there, Princess Kairi, 12 years old, and I saw my parents hung by their ankles, bled to death by their killer, who was sent by the Cretan Military to steal their secrets. The greatest of which were in the very book I held. That Wolf Chimera we saw earlier, was one of many, sent by Creta to steal my family's knowledge and use it for themselves. Julia was lucky...I hid her before those damned soldiers hunted me down...and yet here she is, back in the country of our parents' killers to 'aid the just fight' alongside those damn Bats! In some ways my dear Princess, you and I ARE alike, but instead of family, I was betrayed by my very home country! You question my actions when you've BARELY scratched the surface on your own mysteries!"
As the vibe turned tense, Al tried to lighten the mood, "...Ashleigh, the reason Kairi is here is so she could stop the same person who used her friend. And she's with Brother and I because we share a goal. We met that same friend, and want to save him before someone from our military turns him into a killer again. If it's possible, I'd like to think you'd see past WHAT we are and help us based on WHO we are. If you felt like we meant any insult or any harm, I'll take responsibility and apologize. You're not the only person on this boat who cares for Julia, we do too." Ashleigh sighed and said, "...Very well, whatever happens, I'll aid you...at least, in some way, whichever you see fit."
Kairi looked back and said, "I guess the Wolf Chimeras can't swim?" Ashleigh then said, "In a sense, you can say our escape route was a success because we took the last boat ahead of them." Al then said, "Suits us fine, especially since we're almost to the end." Kairi and Ashleigh then noted the Docking Area, where several boats were tied down securely…
Elsewhere, in the Cretan Base on the cliffside opposite of Table City, Colonel Herschel asked, "You're telling me they got away?!" One of his soldiers answered, "Yes sir, apparently, the fugitive gained more mastery of the Crichton's Alchemy than we previously suspected." Herschel chuckled and commented, "You know, it's actually a shame to kill a man who made tremendous progress…Still, after what he's done...and considering who he's after...it's all the more worth it to see the look on his face when we snuff out his goals and EXTINGUISH THEM!"
Minutes later, Kairi, Alphonse, and Ashleigh met with Edward and Julia, who hugged her brother happily while Ed said, "Took you guys long enough. The others are just up ahead." Al then said, "I'll...I'll follow after you guys later, I wanted to talk to Julia about something," As they walked ahead of them, Kairi said, "Alright lovebirds, just don't keep us waiting, we have places to go and books to find…"
After they were left alone, Julia asked, "So, what did you want to talk about?" Al answered, "I was worried...after listening to Ashleigh's story, I wanted to talk to you, and I wanted to know why you fight with the Black Bats?" Julia then said, "I see...so he told you why he hates Creta...and why we lost our parents." Al nodded and said, "He's motivated by the past to protect you, but your motivations are clearly different from vengeful hatred. I just wanted...I wanted to know what Julia Crichton was fighting for?"
Julia then answered, "...It seems like the past always has a way of hurting us...I know...I should hate Creta as much as my brother...but I'm staying, and fighting, for the Milosians." Al then asked, "...the Milosians found you and took care of you after what Creta did?" Julia nodded, "Creta threw me away like trash, but the people here gave me a home, a life to call my own, I never imagined I'd find such kindness ever again, but these people, they were victims of cruelty and war just like me, and fought for me like any mother and father would for their child…" Al then said, "These people do seem more forgiving than a certain few I've encountered."
"GAH-thpew!" Crimson sneezed as he was eating a Taco. Crimson then commented, "Gross...Taco chunks in my mask…"
Julia then said, "They certainly have been like a family to me...it just...hurts to know my brother doesn't feel the same way." Julia then walked with Alphonse further into the cavern while saying, "...It hurts when your family doesn't see eye-to-eye with you, I'm almost jealous of you and your brother…makes me wonder sometimes...what it's like to share a common goal with your brother..."
Alphonse and Julia headed deeper into the casms, and eventually, they met up with the rest of the group.
Matilda approached Kairi and the Elric Brothers and said, "No amount of gratitude can express my thanks. Thank you all for aiding the Black Bats." Kairi then said, "As flattering as that is, I didn't really do more than the Elrics here, they're the real heroes." Ed then said, "Don't pass the gratitude, 'Princess', it doesn't suit you. You helped out as well as the next Y.O.U.T.H. Bodyguard...Sora would be proud."
Kairi's smile was noticed by Julia, who was eager to know about who this 'Sora' was…
Then Edward asked, "So, now that everybody's here, including a certain FUGITIVE PUNK...would anybody mind telling me where this is?" Kairi then said, "Judging from the layout...it looks like a War Room for strategy. The small model of the city, the carved map on the wall, the Black Bats must use this room-." Matilda then said, "-To plan our move against the Amestrians residing in Table City? Close, but no, Princess Kairi. We call this place, the 'Requiem Room', it's a place of repose for the spirits...for our people, the Milosians."
Kairi then said, "I know about the Milosians...they made the mill where Table City stands as their home...until it was taken from them. If we were there, we could've-." Miranda placed her hand on Kairi's shoulder and smiled, "Your love for our people is as genuine as the Wiseman of Dublith's, but don't intentionally add to the weight your heart already carries, Princess. The Valley that surrounds the city wasn't always so deep, this happened years ago, before even your father's birth. You see, long ago, our Ancestors founded a Nation, setting apart this hill in order to honor Horos, the Mountain of God."
Kairi looked at the mural on the wall and remarked on Miranda's explanation, "...Table City...is Horos, isn't it?" Miranda nodded and continued, "The secret resided with us Milosians for years, no one outside Creta ever knew-or cared about this 'city's' roots, perhaps it was to keep their goals secret, but you see Princess, Horos's destruction was intended by a set of power hungry people who believed in fairy tales regarding a hidden rumor. A long time ago, a legend was spread that a great power was sleeping beneath the hill, a stone, some would call it, but this stone went by ANOTHER name, here, our people called it the Sanguine Star." Edward then added, "My substitute bodyguard, Riku told us about this thing...that, and I read about it in an old book a week ago." Miranda then said, "Well perhaps I needn't go on any further if you know the story already." Ed then said, "Creta assaulted your hill and mined through the surrounding area of it, thus creating an expansion of the city, yet also turning what remained of the mining operation into a Valley of fumes and garbage, leaving the Milosians in there to die out while they searched that hill for the Sanguine Star...which does INDEED come in a different name in where I'm from."
"That wouldn't be the Philosopher Stone, would it?" Ashleigh asked.
Ed then said, "So, the Fugitive Punk heard a thing or two while in Amestris, huh? Perhaps you wouldn't mind telling us why you'd be here then, besides looking for your sister of course, because I'm having a hard time seeing you as the type who gives a damn." Julia then argued, "HOW DARE YOU SAY SUCH THINGS ABOUT MY BROTHER! YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT HE'S BEEN THROUGH!" Ed then asked, "Do YOU know then? Ever since I laid my eyes on him, I had a hunch there was more to 'brother dear' than met the eye." Kairi however yelled, "ENOUGH! One side of the story still needs another to fully understand the situation, right Commander Miranda?"
Miranda nodded and said, "Thank you Princess, I'll continue then. The Valley is INDEED what Edward said, a Mined ruin we were FORCED to dig through by Creta. They took our homes and made us slaves, digging ever DEEPER for the stone they believed was hidden beneath the very Hill we treasured...and when they finished their search...when they finally left...all that was left was this hole in the ground, ruins created by Cretan greed." Kairi then commented, "The greed of others...I can understand that pain as much as anyone…please Commander, keep telling us your story." Miranda nodded and continued, "Since that time, they ruled over us from the cliffs. When Amestris invaded, Creta didn't use their soldiers to form the front lines...THAT position was forced onto the Milosians...and MANY died as a result, forced to cooperate by the Cretan's tyrannical methods…"
"Bastards...CRETAN BASTARDS! The Milosians...my family kept their ways going, we were introduced to their religion and beliefs peacefully, and they helped my father find strength after my mother died! If we knew, we would've-!"
Kairi was hugged by Julia, who said to her, "Amestris was attacking Drachma, Kairi, there was nothing any of us could do...it's not your fault…" After Julia wiped her tears, Alphonse stepped up and said, "Kairi...as queen of Drachma, you could support the Milosians...Julia and the Black Bats wouldn't be alone in this fight for freedom. You'd bring an army with you and fight with her for the Milosians." Kairi looked at Alphonse and said, "...we had this conversation before Al...I'm NOT leaving Sora in Amestris for them to use again!" Ed then said, "He won't be alone Kairi! In case you forgot, WE'RE looking for him too! He's not just YOUR friend, he's ours."
Alphonse then noticed something on the mural on the wall, "...Commander...are these names of Milosians who-?" Miranda answered, "...Yes...these are the lives lost to us from Creta's actions...as well as Amestris's actions. Even after the Valley's creation, Creta forced us to remain here...to remain forever as the Human Shield for the border." Ed then asked, "So, Creta never found the Sanguine Star?" Miranda answered, "No, no records were ever made regarding a single star found beneath the Hill, so we can only assume that the star is somewhere out of reach, somewhere...still untapped beneath the holy hill of Horos…"
Kairi then asked, "...Just curious, but what if YOU guys found the Star? I know Creta would do anything for that kind of power, but i haven't considered what YOU can do with it." Miranda answered, "Well obviously, we'll use it to protect our land. Drive away both Creta and Amestris, making Horos alive again." Kairi then said, "I see...by the way, the way this mural's designed, I know it's supposed to resemble Table City, but does anyone have a clue on WHY it looks...like some machine?" Julia answered, "Because it IS a machine...from a certain point of view. This miniature model here is actually a schematic map on the layout of Table City, it's said this city was created by Alchemists, who hid a special secret beneath it." Kairi then asked, "Have any of you tried researching this secret? Maybe getting closer to its source?" Miranda answered, "Such ideas were sadly never explored further, due to our constant struggles with both Creta and Amestris." Julia then added, "We also wouldn't consider it because Valley dwellers HATED Alchemy...especially since it was Alchemists who aided in the Cretan takeover of Horos. We believed using Alchemy would betray our people...who have suffered so much because of Amestris's Alchemists."
Kairi then said, "I guess sugar-coating the Elric Brothers isn't going to pass since they came from Amestris." Ed then argued, "HEY, YOU RODE THE SAME TRAIN, LADY!" Al tried to calm his older brother down, "Not what she meant, brother…" Julia then added, "Our parents...THEY were cast out of the Valley because of their interests and progression in Alchemy, but even so, dwelling on the past will accomplish NOTHING for us! Not me, and certainly NOT for the Milosians!" Kairi then said, "That's right, your father demonstrated it on the day we met…" Kairi then took off her pendant and revealed it to Julia, who giggled and said, "Phoenix Ore, my father's specialty craft...I can't believe you still wore that old necklace for so long." Kairi commented, "Well it WAS a birthday present, and a commemorative moment aligning Drachma with the Milosian faith." Kairi placed the necklace back around her neck and took a moment of time to consider what to do next, until she turned towards Miranda and the other Black Bats and said, "Everyone, if you're going to claw your way out of this Valley, you MUST look to the future. Fight together for what is yours, and know that I, representative of Drachma, Princess Kairi Ushiromiya, and my allies, will join you in that fight! No more thefts from your land, NO MORE FAMILIES TORN BY WAR, I WILL FIGHT WITH YOU ALL AND GIVE YOU ALL BACK YOUR LAND, OUT OF BOTH ENEMY'S HANDS!"
Kairi's speech impacted the Black Bats as Miranda shook Kairi's hand. Ed crossed his arms and said, "As awesome as that sounds, I feel like now wouldn't be the best time to fight two countries, especially given the Homunculi, Golems, and Cultist Fanatics out there, waiting to pounce." Al then said, "Well we can't blame Kairi for wanting to help, in a way, her faith is Milosian too, that makes these people, in a way, HER people...Raven on the other hand…" Ed nodded and said, "Yeah, chances are this General Uncle who tried to bump her off isn't going to share that sentiment. The only way this can end well for the Milosians would be for us to find the Book of Prophecies before Amestrian groups find it, or through some sheer dumb luck, find that Sanguine Star and give it to the Black Bats. I just hope it doesn't require what I think it does."
Julia then said, "IT DOESN'T MATTER WHAT THE PRICE IS, as long as we work together, we can accomplish our goal, even if it means creating the Star itself-!" Ed then looked at Julia and argued, "DON'T BE SO EAGER TO KILL YOUR OWN LOVED ONES, IDIOT! This Sanguine Star...if it's anything at all like the Philosopher Stone...then you'll have to consider a Plan B. Because if it's the same thing, if the Sanguine Star IS the Philosopher Stone, then to create it, you MUST sacrifice countless lives...HUMAN Lives!"
The room went silent as Ed spoke the truth…
"...he's right Julia...Laboratory 5 was all the proof they needed in Amestris to uncover that horrifying truth. There were people there who tried goading Edward into creating a Philosopher Stone for them to do things you can only dream of, all for the price of the lives gathered from one prison...good or evil, it wasn't right, murdering for power...that outcome creates the very people who would kill family for it! You CAN'T do the same thing...I don't want my childhood friend to be another Raven." Kairi said. Ed then finished, "In reality, the Philosopher Stone isn't just some rock of great power, it's the sign of a greedy fool, whose hands are forever stained with blood." Julia shook her head and said, "N-No, I-...I wouldn't...I WOULDN'T HURT MY LOVED ONES! IF ANYTHING, I'D RATHER!"
"DON'T SAY A WORD JULIA!"
Kairi cried out when Julia's answer was almost finished, and then Kairi looked at her with enraged eyes as she said, "DON'T...YOU DARE...SAY IT." Ed sighed and explained, "...I agree with Kairi...Julia, you won't be a hero to ANYONE if you kill yourself for a result you can't see for yourself. We had a friend who considered us more important than his own well being, which was how our enemies took advantage of his feelings and convinced him he betrayed his own friends. He disappeared and we haven't found him since. That may have been his way of protecting us, BUT IT MADE US WORRY ABOUT HIM! You kill yourself and you'll just be leaving your loved ones traumatized because they couldn't save you, they couldn't stop the REAL bad guys, and you would've died for nothing all along!"
Ashleigh then said, "Listen to them Julia, this power you'd cast your life away for was the same power that brought death to our parents...the secrets of the Sanguine Star. Their books confirmed it all, human lives in exchange for the sacred Sanguine Star of Milos." Julia cried as she realized how risky and terrifying such a thing like the Star was, making her collapse onto the floor in despair, "All those lives...for a power that laughs at our own struggles...WE DIED FOR A FUTURE WORTH LIVING FOR...AND TO GIVE INTO A POWER THAT TAKES WHAT WE WANT AND WHO WE ARE...IT'S AWFUL! HOW CAN ANY OF US PUT OUR HOPES IN A POWER THAT DRAINS ALL WE LOVE?!"
Kairi looked at the Mural on the wall and answered, "...We can't do much...but 'doing something' is better than dying for the Sanguine Star...I'll die when I'm old enough...so don't die when it's convenient...DIE WHEN IT'S YOUR TIME!"
End of Chapter 229
Next Chapter, Roxas fights Crisis's control, and is met by a few of Edward & Sora's old friends from Fantasia, who may be in more danger simply by meeting the former Organization Member...