'The law of the world states
that only one can live... that's
how it's always been... I've lived.
in this world for so many years...
and yet...
Why are we suddenly afraid?'
Chapter 44 - In the Belly of the Beast
-Jealousy-
"You wait here," Envy instructs before entering the room with a plate of food.
I can't tell if he's talking to me or the stupid chimera dogs he has out here as guards. Once the door was shut, the two mutts automatically start growling at me. I was going to leave them be since they are poor creatures trapped in deformed bodies, but this is the third time it's happened. Annoyed, I turn my head and shut my eyes as I draw my sword out and cut their heads off clean with one slash. I continue to stare down at the corpses, the pool of red that began to surround the two. Maybe Dante has rubbed off on me. I almost felt like gagging just thinking about her. It's quite some time since I was able to purge her from my thoughts.
'Now all that's left is the tumor...' I frown at the thought. 'If only I had something to keep Jealousy at bay whenever I'm near Catherine.'
It was a miracle itself that I was able to retain some control while I was around her yesterday. After what seemed like ages, Envy finally stepped out of the room. He stops after accidentally stepping on blood. Since he's the idiot walking around barefoot, I almost found it amusing how disgusted he looks as he tried to shake it off.
"You know it's a pain to get new ones," Envy complains, scowling.
I lean my back against the wall and shrug. "It's not my problem. Your father is the one who wanted them made in the first place."
Ticked off at my answer, Envy changes his arm into a blade and stabs the wall beside my head. The first time he did this was around a hundred years ago. Back then, I kept throwing any insult that popped into my head because he resembled the Envy I knew. Too bad for him, his personality is far worse. Though they're both sadistic, cruel, and far too arrogant due to their status as a homunculus, the Envy I knew was more subtle about his jealousy and openly admits it. This Envy is more obnoxious and boisterous while denying his jealousy. Ironic how I'm the one named 'Jealousy' even though envy and jealousy are two different things.
'I can't believe I prefer the other Envy...' The thought alone made me feel irritated at my admission to this fact.
"You think you're all that because you can use alchemy... Just remember this," he leans forward and whispers into my ear, "I'm the only one that knows your secret." I narrow my eyes. I raise a fist but drop it seeing as this is the best chance for me to hear what he knows.
"Oh? And what exactly do you know about me?" I ask in a taunting manner.
"I was there when you were 'born'. I was there when Father had his essence injected into your feeble body."
Oh, the number of innuendos that could be made with that second line. The disgusting part is, is that it's about me and the clone of Hohenheim. Envy grabs the hair that hung from my shoulder and forces my face forward. I hiss in pain while Envy displays his usual manic smile. "Your human emotions..." I tense when he said this. "They're the only reason the old man is even interested in you. You and Wrath were made the same way, a piece of him forcefully injected into your human bodies. The only difference between you two is that your body eagerly accepted the stone, whereas Wrath's didn't. Not only that, but you also retained the mindset of a human while Wrath lost his."
'Could he be onto me?' I thought as I maintained eye contact and slowly reach for my sword.
If he finishes his sentence with him knowing what I've been doing behind the scenes, then I have to cut off his tongue. Screw it if this exposes me to the others, I will not let this monster get in the way of my plans. The lives I took. The lives I saved. I didn't sacrifice my humanity just so this bastard will destroy everything I worked hard for. Without someone on the inside, with the knowledge Dante and Jealousy forced me to give the old fart, there's no telling at what point he'll attempt to implement my world's knowledge.
"But then again, even you aren't that stupid to go against," Envy said as he casually let's go of my hair. "We do share the same name, so it's enjoyable when I hear you've gone through such great lengths in trying to kill the shrimp's girlfriend." My expression hardens as he continues, "In fact, I don't even know why you kept talking about replacing her. You're far more superior than her. Wanting to be human is a waste of time, but still, I'm not judging."
He steps backs, gives me one last smug look before walking past me. Before he exits from earshot, I retort, "We might share the same name, but as you said, I have human emotions. Even if I didn't have alchemy, I at least share their inner strength." I could hear him click his teeth. "Which means I'm the better version of you since I have something you'll never have." I look over my shoulder and sadistically answer to further aggravating Envy, "Then again, it's not like you were anything, to begin with."
I could tell he was triggered by my words. These last hundred years may have been painful when I found myself surrounded by several familiar faces. The one thing that kept me going, reminding me that this wasn't my home was Envy's face. The things my world's Envy had done shall forever be engraved in my memories. Since I'm now 'immortal', I can take my anger out on this version of Envy. Just as he was about to retaliate, a familiar shadow started to creep around my leg.
"Pride..." I utter in disgust as familiar eyes and mouths appear in the shadows.
"Jealousy, Envy. I wish I can say I'm surprised but given how you both nearly share the same name, it's a bit of a nuisance." All eyes went on me, quite literally. It's almost irritating how I can't correct these idiots without risking my literal neck. "Father has overlooked your behavior for long enough. You may be the only one to have been born with his alchemy, but his tolerance is wearing out." I don't respond. I just cross my arms and glare into one of his many eyes. Pride returns the look and adds, "You've been warned."
He slithers off into the darkness, most likely returning to his vessel. Envy shoots me one last look before stomping away. Once I knew I was alone, I inch cautiously to the door and drop a piece of paper through the small, barred opening.
"Don't worry." I purposely knocked on the door before walking away. "Message received." I stop for a moment as my thoughts add, 'And will be disobeyed.'
As I was leaving, I was able to catch Pride's orders to Envy. "Oh, right. Envy, I need you to do something for me. It has to do with Gluttony."
I felt my heart drop. Wrath came back recently to inform everyone that Gluttony had been captured. Now that I think about it, Catherine and Alice were with not only the Elric brothers, but also Mustang, Hawkeye, a Doctor, and that foreigner prince. I hadn't even bothered to ask what they were doing out there. I know they were stupidly trying to get Scar's attention, but what else could they be doing? Surely not attract the homunculus' attention.
I let out a short gasp as the realization dawned on me. 'Wait, does that mean he was there with them?'
Abandoned Cabin
-Ed-
Cat was able to shield us from some of the force, but she ended up being hit in the process when she stepped in between us and Gluttony. When I got up, to my left, Al stood up and removed the rubble above him, revealing Mustang and Dr. Knox underneath him, completely unharmed. As we all climb out and into the clearing, I found Cat on her side not too far from us. I rush over and held her unconscious form up in my arms. She had a few cuts on her body but I could see there were slowly closing by themselves. Not in the same way Gluttony had healed. It almost looked like the skin was pulling itself together without the usual alchemic reaction. Although I was relieved to see that she was going to be okay, seeing her heal like this up close was scary.
'No wonder she feared she was like them...' I thought as my eyes travel to her then to Gluttony. 'Alchemy can produce something like that... how disgusting...'
"Where's Alice?" I ask Al, knowing that would be the first thing Cat would ask when she wakes up.
"I left her with Lan Fan. I think I saw Ling run in after Cat shielded us."
At least I know someone's going to make sure they get out. 'Now begs the question.' My eyes darted back to Gluttony as he steps out of the crumbled building. 'What the hell do we do about him?' His lower jaw opened over his body, covering the entirety of his bellow. Long, elongated fang-like ribs protruded around the rim of the hole, and in the empty void was an eye. A very familiar eye.
"Edward..." I hear Cat mutter below me. My head automatically snaps back down to her and saw she had only one eye partially open. "You look like shit..." she said with a pained smile.
Relieved, I close my eyes and press my forehead against hers. "Idiot..."
"You can flirt later!" We hear Mustang shout, much to our embarrassment.
"Muuuuuusssssssssstttttttttaaaaaaannnnnngggggggg!" Gluttony lets out a roar as he turns his body directly at the Colonel. I bring Cat closer and hutch over to shield her as Gluttony closes his mouth and opens it again, instantly releasing another gale-force attack. When the wind had died down, my jaw hung as I stare at the horrific sight. A portion of the ground had disappeared.
"Let's go..." Mustang mumbles as he bites down and removes his glove from his hand. "We have to take it down!"
"But we worked so hard to catch one of the homunculi!" Al argues. When the hell did the panda get on his shoulder?
"Survival is our top priority," Mustang states as he pulls on his ignition glove. "Besides, he knows our name and faces now. It would be foolish to let him leave here alive!" He draws his arm out and snaps, transmuting a short red spark with flies straight at Gluttony and explodes, igniting into a burst of flame.
Cat, now fully awake, pries herself out of my arms and shouts, "Wait! He's not like Lust! Fire won't be enough to kill him!"
"What!?" Mustang shouts, but it was already too late. After snapping his finger, a bright alchemic spark appears before a short stream of fire moves towards Gluttony. At first, his entire body was engulfed in flames, then, without warning, it was all sucked into his 'stomach'. With the fire gone from his body and now completely consumed, Gluttony lets out a short burp. Everyone went silent.
"He swallowed it...?" I deadpanned.
"Uh oh..."
-Me-
"Get out of the way!" I shout as I grab the back of Mustang's coat and pull him to safety. And just in time too as Gluttony's fangs began to spread and reach for him, creating another blast which is instantly sucked in. We darted straight to the forest.
"WELL, THAT WENT WELL!" Ed shouts.
"THINK YOU CAN DO BETTER!? BE MY BEST!" Mustang shot back.
"OR WE COULD JUST LEAVE YOU BEHIND COLONEL! YOU'RE THE ONE HE REALLY WANTS!" Al adds.
I look over my shoulder to see how much distance we've covered. We were still out in the open, and because Gluttony opened his fake gate of truth, he has some difficulty moving. Either that, or he's trying not to eat Ed and Al by accident.
"You three go into the forest and split up!" I shout, earning surprised looks from the three. "I'll keep Gluttony distracted!"
"Wait, Cat-" I turn around and headed straight for Gluttony. Drawing out my sword, I was prepared to face the homunculus head-on only for him to grab my head.
"Sorry," he said, lifting me and tossing me to the side. "I can't eat you. Father told me sacrifices are the only ones I'm not allowed to eat."
After I finally stop sliding, I rub my swore ass and slowly stood back up. "Sacrifice...?" I mutter to myself. I pick up my sword and my hat just as Alice jumps out of some nearby bushes. She jogs over to me as I was fixing my hat.
"Cat! Are you okay?"
"I'm fine... I'm a little surprised that I didn't lose my head or any of my body parts for that matter..."
"Speaking of, why did he ignore you?" Alice asks, referring to how Gluttony chose not to eat me.
"He called me a 'sacrifice'," I told her, earning a terrified look from the girl.
She shakes her head. "No way, you can't be a human sacrifice! Only those that performed human transmutation and entered the gate are considered sacrifices by Father! If you're one, then that means I should be one too!"
This was the first I've seen her freak out so much. I know she's gotten the chance to be more familiar with the story, but never like this. I slap her to bring get Alice to regain her senses, though I immediately regret it because I used my real hand.
"Shit! What the fuck are you made of!?" I screech as I painfully retract my hand. I know her body is made of wood, but try slapping one with your usual force, I'm sure it's going to hurt.
"Sorry..." Alice mutters, slightly cringing at my pain.
As I was rubbing circles on my aching hand, we froze when we heard another explosion in the deeper regions of the forest. Gluttony was losing his temper. If we don't act soon, he might consume the entire forest, or worse. Just as I was about to sheath my sword and redraw it - this time using my alchemy - Hawkeye runs over to us.
"Are you both alright?" she worriedly asks us.
Alice nods as I answer, "Just a few scraps, but we can manage."
We flinch when we heard another explosion, this time it was a little farther from where we are.
"We have to keep Gluttony away from the Colonel! I don't know what Jealousy has told the others-" I sheath my sword, clap my hands and redrew it, this time with cold air and blue flames dancing around it. "But we still have to help." I turn to Alice and instruct her, "You go with Hawkeye. Keep shooting at him with all you've got."
She takes a handgun from underneath her skirt, earning a well-deserved bewildered look from me as she checks her ammo. Alice then cocks her handgun and holds it up confidently. "Got it!"
I look over at Hawkeye. She seemed wary at first but gives me a firm nod, her lips formed in a tight line. Seeing that both were ready, I turn to completely face the darker part of the forest. I wish I could say I'm just as ready as they are, but I'd be lying to myself again. I've fought two homunculi in my lifetime, and that was mostly against Jealousy. I don't really count Greed since I briefly dislocated my shoulder and acted as Ed and Izumi's backup So for my third to be with Gluttony? It makes me wish I could switch places with Alice and act as fire support.
"I'll keep my distance in case someone tries to alter the events."
With determination blazing my eyes, I tightly grip on the handle of my sword. "Let's go!"
"Right!" Both shout behind my back.
They both run past me. I wait for a few minutes before following them. And just like I expected, several gunshots were heard in the distance, followed by angry inhuman roars. As I was running, I surveyed my surroundings as best as I could. It was a lot darker than I thought it would be. Bushes were in my way no matter where I went, almost tripping one some now and then, but I was able to maintain my footing. Eventually, there was another explosion. Gluttony is losing his patience. If we don't act fast, he might accidentally swallow someone by mistake. I know he won't, but I have to make sure nothing out of the ordinary happens. If a different chain of events happens, then there's a chance a different outcome will occur, and that's a definite risk that I cannot take.
As I was running, I spotted Gluttony through the forest thicket. If he wasn't trying to eat anyone - mainly Mustang - then I'm sure I would have been thrilled to encounter another of the Homunculus that's not Jealousy. But seeing his giant mouth? Like hell will I be stupid enough to run towards the literal walking void!
"MUSTAAAANG!" Gluttony roars accompanied by another explosion.
Least I know where his current position is. Sort of. I stop in my tracks when I found myself in the forest clearing. Because it's so dark, I could hardly see anything except nearby trees and shrubs. My arm automatically reaches for my sword, but I stop myself from drawing it out. The cool flames may be bright, but they're not even bright enough to illuminate a small room. Plus, there's a possibility that Gluttony might mistake me for the colonel. With a nervous breath through my nostrils, I proceed to run forward. My heart was nervously beating. Not only was the darkness itself unsettling, but the atmosphere and the idea of a rampaging monster stalking around the forest are making me feel the urge to run the opposite direction.
But I can't leave, not until I know there's nothing that will interfere with the events. The only thing I have to worry about now is if he can smell me. But since he's so focused on Mustang, he'll ignore me. Probably. Gluttony lets out a roar again, this time it was closer. He sounded frustrated. Did that mean he encountered Ed's decoy? I was about to run to check until I felt the ground beneath me start to quake. Instinctively, I dove behind a tree and press my back against it. And just like I expected, he runs past my hiding spot, only this time there were gunshots. Just when I was going to look over to see who it was, a figure dives behind the bushes beside me.
To my relief, it was just Alice. She rolled for a bit then stop in a kneeling position. I quietly whistle, allowing Alice to know I was there.
"Everything going okay? Where's Hawkeye?" I ask as I watch her crouch and quietly walk to where I was hiding.
"I'm fine, I had Riza run back to rejoin the other. I just saw Gluttony chomp at Ed's decoy... He wasn't too happy to swallow a stone statue."
"Thank goodness..." I let out a relieved breath.
"How about you? Have you seen anything out of the ordinary?"
"Besides a giant ass homunculus swallowing everything in its path?" We both flinch when we hear him knock over several trees. "Nope."
I had to close my eyes and hold my hat as a sudden wind tunnel blows from behind. Then it got stronger. I dug my feet into the dirt and use my free hand to clutch the tree to keep myself from flying away. I crack my eye open to see Alice taking out a grappling hook from beneath her shirt and jabs it to the ground.
"When the hell did you get that!?" I shout after Alice wraps the rope around her arm.
"I took it from Lan Fan's things when we stripped off her armor! I had some extra space inside my stomach compartment, so I decided it borrow it!" she shouts backs.
I was about to yell at her for taking something from the girl, but the gust was so strong and loud, I could hardly hear anything as the wind blows through my ear. With how strong this draft is, it must mean Gluttony has finally lost his patience. I click my teeth and draw out my sword. Alice watches me with surprised eyes as I take off my glove with my teeth and cut my hand. The last time I used it, I almost passed out. But now's the best time to test out my capabilities in using the thing in my blood in combat. Tucking my glove into my inner coat pocket, I clap my hands and slam them to the ground. Closing my eyes, I focus on the image I want to create. Using alchemy on solid materials has been dangerous.
Although Alice is also capable, she experiences the same alchemic reaction I did back when I first started out. But just this once, with this thing in my blood, I have to at least be able to make one object.
'C'mon! Just once please work with me!' As if reacting to my emotions, there was a familiar tingling sensation on my skin and a brief blue spark. I open my eyes only to be blinded by a bright red light. I watch as a small portion of the earth rises and begins to morph itself, bringing a smile to my face the longer I watched. My previous fears were instantly replaced with excitement.
'Heh... I really have become a monster,' I thought, more amused than disturbed.
Once the light dies out, I move back and stare down at the pile of grenades in front of me. They seem to be in good condition, but I can't assume on the spot that they work. I pick one up to closely inspect it, only for Alice to mash her body against me and happily gazes down at the weapon.
"Are those M67 grenades!? I've never seen once up close! I've always wanted to take one apart and see what sets it off!" Alice said with a look of admiration.
I shove her back and yell, "Don't turn into a weapons freak on me! And in what world did you think taking a hand grenade apart is a good idea!?" I turn my attention back to the grenade. "This was all I could remember from our era that might be useful against that Gluttony. I don't know if it has the same kick, but it should gain his attention."
"Gain his attention?" Alice repeats with a quizzical look.
I nod. "If you're right about the dummy, that leaves an opening for someone to interfere and whisk Gluttony away. We have to make it seem like Ed and the others are still in the forest." I held up the grenade and looked at her straight in the eye. "You think you can distract him for me?"
Alice stares at it with her green porcelain eyes. Without a minute to think it over, she places her hand over it and tightly grasps my hand. She smiles at me confidently. "Got it!"
-Al-
"Perfect, he fell for the Mustand decoy," brother said after we all heard Gluttony's cry of dismay echo from the forest.
"Doesn't sound like he's very happy about it," I comment as I look on to hear several explosions.
"Alright, get in the car invalid," I heard him say as he 'helps' the lieutenant place the colonel in the car.
I kept an eye out for the girls. The lieutenant said the last she saw Alice; she drew Gluttony's attention so that the woman could sneak away and aide Colonel Mustang. If she's right, then they should have been back by now. I look down at Ed who looked back at me. He seemed just as worried as I was and seemed anxious to go out and look for them. I lean over to check on the two injured. Lan Fan was in the back by herself, clutching her shoulder. She grimaces due to the car's engine still vibrating. Colonel Mustang held his arm after he was - from what I can guess since it's Ed - thrown in.
"Lieutenant, please take care of Lan Fan," I told her, which she acknowledges with a silent nod.
"You expect me to run away and leave this to you, Elric!?" Mustang yells.
"IF YOU STAY, YOU'RE JUST GONNA GET IN OUR WAY!" Ed snaps at his superior.
"Yeah, leave!" I angrily shout.
The Lieutenant bluntly states with a straight face, "They're right, you won't be any use here. Sorry."
I wasn't at all sorry for my harsh behavior when I see him slouch in his seat and turn completely white as a depressed aura hangs over his head. Why can't he realize that his pride will just get him killed? Alice and Cat are still out there, if we don't do anything sooner, they might end up being eaten.
"Right now, you need to go and do your job. The head of the military is a homunculus," Ed tells him, which caught the man by surprise. He then finishes, "Don't you think you should do something about that?"
"The head of the Military...?" the Lieutenant repeats, appalled to hear this.
Before she could react, there was a large blast that exploded from behind. The three of us turn to see a large cloud of smoke rising. There were several more explosions, each just as big as the first. Some alchemic sparks emitting from a certain spot before spreading expanding into other areas of the forest. There were only two people that could be the cause. I ran in without thinking, ignoring my brother's cries as I enter the forest thicket. There was a strange object which formed in the ground, which had a red light appear on it when I drew closer. Something told me to avoid it. I ran around it and continued to follow the source of the blasts, hoping that Alice was alright.
-Back to Me-
After I create a pouch for her from the wood fiber from the tree, Alice grabs all the grenades and runs off. I was planning on telling her the other part of my plan, but I don't think she'll be on board with what else I plan to make. Looking down at my dirtied bloody hand, I clench it into a tight fist before clapping my hands again. I can feel that much of my energy was already drained with just that one transmutation. But I can't stop now, I have to do whatever it takes to ensure their future! Slamming my hands to the ground once again, without much concentrating, I create several landmines around the surrounding area.
I don't know just how many I was able to make, but I hope the light sensors are on them as I pictured them to be. At least the others won't end up stupidly stepping on them. I struggle to stand back up, feeling most of my energy almost completely drained from my body. It was even a struggle to breathe at a normal rate as my chest began to feel heavy. When I look down at my hand, I wasn't surprised when I saw that the wound has completely healed. All that was left was a few spots of dried blood and dirt. I was about to walk until I heard an explosion, accompanied by an aggravated roar.
Seems like Alice already found Ed. Just when I regained the strength the follow her, I could hear shouting in the distance. I instantly draw my sword. It could be the others, or it could also be Envy in disguise. Either way, I have to prepare for the worse. I tightly grip the handle and move forward. Several more explosions went off, but I didn't pay much attention to them. In the middle of the explosions, I was somehow able to hear running footsteps approaching me from the right. Before I could look around, I felt a sudden impact on my body as the stranger slams and hugs me. I immediately recognize who it was just from the hardness around the front of my chest.
"Ed!?" I exclaim as he pulls away.
"You idiot! How many times do I have to stop you from running off into danger?!" he angrily yells.
My left eye twitches as I argue, "You do it all the time, so what's the difference if it's me!"
"That's different! How many times do I have to tell you?" Ed turns me and firmly grips onto my shoulder. I gasp as I stare back as he glares at me with serious eyes. "Your life is far more important than mine."
"Are you going to stop being all lovey-dovey with my future wife?" Hearing Ling's voice caused my entire to turn red while Ed angrily glares at the Xing Prince. He approaches with the blunt end of his sword resting on his shoulders and both eyes seemingly closed.
He opens one eye and continues, "If you're gonna be like this all the time, then could you please do it when there's no monster trying to kill us."
"Ling..." I utter in disbelief. How could he still treat me like this after everything I told him?
Ling noticed my stare and told me, "I won't deny it, I was mad at you for keeping such a thing to yourself. Then again, I considered the position you're in." He stares past me and glares when another explosion is set off in the distance. "You and Alice are open targets for anyone that wants to obtain the knowledge you both have. To be honest, after you told me everything, for split second I almost thought of doing the same thing."
Ed instinctively steps in between us and protectively shields me.
"But I won't. Instead of abusing that knowledge, you're doing all you can to protect everyone. And for that..." We were both surprised to see him bow. "Thank you."
Flustered, I told him, "Oh c'mon, you don't have to bow!"
"Oh? Then how about-" I cringe when Ling goes into a kneeling position. "We exchange vows as my thanks!"
"NO! FOR THE LOVE OF GOD STOP! I ALREADY TOLD YOU I'M NOT ACCEPTING YOUR OFFER IN BECOMING THE YOUR EMPRESS!" I yell as I punch him in the stomach.
He keels over and almost loses his group on his sword as I clap the dirt off my hands. I didn't want to do it - Okay, maybe a small part of me did - but it was all I could think of to get the message across. I'm surprised Ed didn't hit him first. The last time Ling tried to propose to me, he almost clobbered the Prince to death.
"Ugh... I almost feel sorry for Xing," I said, which Ed nods in agreement. "How'd it go with the Colonel?"
Ed shakes his head and shrugs. "The dumbass wouldn't get in. As powerful as his alchemy is, he's pretty much useless with his injury."
I lightly laugh at this. I can easily remember how it all went down. Everyone ganging up on the poor man and individually crushing his pride by constantly calling him useless. Honestly, I wish I was there when it happened. I would have been more than happy to directly call him that. Before I could say anything, another explosion was set off, and this time it wasn't accompanied by Gluttony's roar.
"AAAAAAH! Don't eat me! I'm not even made of flesh!" It was Alice, and by the sounds of it, she must have run out of grenades.
"Shit! Wait, where's Al?" I ask after realizing one boy was missing.
-Alice-
I was running frantically for my life. If I hadn't watched where I was running, I would have set off one of the land mines Cat oh so graciously transmuted. I don't know when she did it, but I recognize the model anywhere. My uncle set up the same thing behind his trailer car in case anyone tried to rob him, even if they're his neighbors. I rummage through my bag and found that I was completely out of grenades. I begin to panic and run faster when Gluttony's teeth try to reach and grab for me.
I scream as I duck, "AAAAAAAAAAHHHHH! Don't eat me! I'm not even made out of flesh! You can find much more delicious creatures in the forest!"
As I was running, I spotted another land mine, and this was sticking out of the ground. Looking over my shoulder to check the distance between me and Gluttony, I took a large step over the thing so Gluttony wouldn't notice. I sharply sidestep to the closest tree and use it as cover. Within seconds, a much grander explosion goes off. The blast was so from, it nearly knocked over the tree I was hiding behind and cleared out a large portion area. When I remained where I was and waited. After several seconds of no stomping, I cautiously stick my head out to check on Gluttony. He was toast, briefly. Familiar red sparks resonated from around his body.
Seeing as this will take him some time to regenerate, I move to run only to feel a sudden vacuum pull me backward.
'Oh no!' I mentally scream as I saw myself being dragged towards him.
I tried my best to move forward, but it wasn't enough. I lift my shirt and slide open the secret compartment on my stomach area. There was the flare gun I made, though I'm not even sure if it'll work! With no other options left, I tearfully kiss the weapon goodbye before jumping and twisting around to aim it at Gluttony. His 'mouth' was wide open as I saw myself flying towards him. I close one eye as I tried to steady my hands. Shooting at his stomach won't do anything if he swallows it.
'Maybe his head?' my thoughts suggest. I shook my head. 'No, the flare will just be sucked in.' When I realized there wasn't any more time to think, there was only one option I could think of. Shutting my eyes, I raise my arms above my head and pulled the trigger. I don't care who it is that sees it, I just hope whoever does, does try and find me!
-Normal-
After she fires, the flare shots up into the sky and burst into a small ball of light. As they were running, Cat stops in her tracks once she sees the flare in the sky. She squints for a bit, trying to make sure she wasn't seeing things.
"What the hell is that...?" Ed wonders out loud.
"A flare..." Cat mutters, confusing the two. Her eyes widen once she realizes who set it off. "It's from Alice's flare gun! She must have run out of grenades and is in trouble! C'mon!" She dashes towards Alice's location.
"What in the world is a flare gun!?" Ling shouts.
"The hell should I know! Let's just follow her!" Ed stares at the back of Cat's head with wary eyes as he thought, 'Just how advanced is your world?'
"You guys better follow me! I transmuted several landmines around the perimeter! I may have placed sensors on them, so they light up and give away their position, but I don't want you both to accidentally step on one and blow us to kingdom come!" she yells.
Alice throws the flare gun, hoping to at least hit Gluttony on the head. Her expression goes blank as she watches the gun change directions and flies straight into his mouth. After a few seconds, she screams once more. As she was about a few feet too close to his mouth, she was almost ready to accept her fate until an alchemic spark appears on the ground beside Gluttony. A fist instantly forms and sprouts out of the earth, punching the homunculus to make him fall to his side.
Upon hearing the collision, Alice opens her eyes just in time to find herself being caught in Al's arms. Time appeared to briefly slow around them. She gasps his name, surprised to see it was him that reacted to her signal. His feet sunk into the ground in an attempt to land as the momentum harshly pushes against his armored body. Once he finally skids to a stop, he finds himself being pushed forward as Gluttony's teeth extend and stab the ground behind him. Al brings Alice closer as he tries to regain his footing and run.
"How did you find me!?"
"When I saw that ball of light, I just knew it had to be you! Only someone as brilliant as you could create something like that!"
"You think I'm brilliant...?" Alice asked while bashfully looking up at him. She was grateful again that she wasn't in a human body, or else he'd see her pink-tinted cheeks.
Al tries to escape with Alice by entering the darker parts of the forest but is forced to stop as Gluttony suddenly jumps over them and lands in front of them.
"Mustang... where's Mustang...?" Gluttony continued to repeat as he slowly approaches the two. Al instinctively back away as Alice watches the homunculus with fearful eyes.
"Alice!" Threads of water fly towards Gluttony, wrap themselves around his head, and then tightly squeeze against his flesh until his eyes were cut through. He shrieks in agony and covers his eyes with his giant hands as blood spurts out. Both snap their heads in the direction of where the water came from to see the three, with Cat's hand on a now dried up tree and thin webs of water flowing out of it. Ed and Ling were the first to run over to them, followed by Cat a minute after discontinuing the transmutation. The second she removed her hand from the tree, the strings of water collapse.
"Are you two alright?" Ling asks as Ed places his hands on Al's body for closer inspection.
Al nods, "We're fine."
Ed lets out a relieved breath when he finds there was nothing out of place on Al's body. But that doesn't stop him from reaching up and angrily knocking his younger brother's head off. Alice reflexively catches it before it completely flew off. Cat was surprised when she saw this, but after seeing the fumes coming out of Ed's nose and the relieved look in Ling's squinted eyes, she could only guess one thing. Al rescuing Alice was something he recklessly chose to do on his own without telling anyone. She was more grateful than upset at Al's actions.
If he hadn't responded as fast as he did, Alice would have been the first to enter the fake gate inside of Gluttony. And that was something both wanted to avoid. Although they were ready, they didn't want to be lost within that separate world.
Cat and Alice immediately push the boys to the nearest cover before Gluttony regains his eyesight. As they hid, the large homunculus looks around then bellows. While watching, Ling notices one thing that made him stick out like a sore thumb. Although now wasn't the best time to think of such things, he couldn't help himself but notice. Al and Alice were holding hands, whether they notice wasn't really on his mind when he saw their linked hands. And then there was Ed and Cat. They were using their real hands, so they were intentionally holding hands.
Ling looks down at his own then slumps his shoulders in defeat. "I'm the one that's Royalty, but why do I feel like a third wheel in this group...?"
"Could you focus on the task at hand...!?" Ed hisses.
"Shhh!" Cat hushes the two. She places a finger to her lips and then points over to the homunculus.
"Mustang... Where are you Mustang..." Gluttony growls, having completely forgotten the previous attack. Further angered that he could not find or smell the flame alchemist, Gluttony's monstrous mouth widens as he lets out a bellow loud enough to scare many of the remaining birds. "YOU WILL PAY!"
"He really wants to take his revenge Mustang," Cat casually comments as she slowly peers over the bush.
"Well, she was his closest sibling..." Alice mumbles her reply.
A ball of sweat drips down the side of her face as Cat continues to watch. Alice wasn't as afraid as she was earlier, but she still dreaded the thought of Gluttony's fake gate. Both girl's continued watching intently until Alice heard some rattling from her side and Cat felt Ed's hand quaking, causing them both.
"I know we said we'd stay and all... but that's seriously freaky," Ed mutters as he and the other two boys shiver and sweat out of fear. Alice could only send them a sympathetic smile while Cat just shakes her head and lets out an exasperated sigh.
"He seems to be a bit angry," Ling states the obvious, shaking just as much as the two.
"How are we going to catch him?" Al nervously asks. It was then Alice noticed the little panda bear his head. She was surprised that the bear was still with him, especially after he was almost consumed by the homunculus when he came to her rescue.
"By not hiding in the bushes, that's for sure," Cat sarcastically comments.
"You got any brighter ideas?" Ed asks, which earned him a raised brow from both girls. Cat, with a straight face, points to herself, then at the sky. Realizing what she meant, he adds as he clicks his teeth, "I know you're both not from this world, but I don't think that knowledge of yours is really going to be of much help this time."
Before she could say anything, there was a sudden snap of a twig behind them. Ling and Cat instinctively draw their swords, the girl being a second late as she clapped her hands before drawing her. No longer caring if Gluttony now sees their position, Cat uses her alchemy once again to create the blue flames around the blade. She heard Al ask what was the sound but chose to keep her attention in the direction of the noise. Alice draws her spare gun from underneath her skirt and protectively steps in front of Al once she spots a familiar black dog in the distance. Cat could feel the hairs on the back of her neck stand as her heart rapidly beats against her chest.
She wasn't afraid of Jealousy anymore, and she wasn't that all intimidated by Greed's presence when he kidnapped her and Alice. She was fine around Wrath, although that may have been the adrenaline that kept her going through their fight. But something about Envy, even in dog form, gave off a very different feeling. She knew he wasn't what he appears to be, and yet for some odd reason, she felt cautious towards him. The red glow in Envy's eyes made her shudder. Ed notices this and narrows his eyes at the dog.
"Stop this, now Gluttony!" Envy commands, surprising the others and Gluttony when they heard his voice.
"A talking dog!?" Ed asks, more apprehensive than amazed.
This causes Envy to turn his head and flashes a twisted smile, amused to see the boy again. "Hey, long time no see!" Cat and Alice tighten their grip on their weapons as they all watch Envy hutches over and return to his other, more presentable form, familiar red sparks dancing around him as his body changes.
-Me-
To say I wasn't intimidated would be a lie. Envy may not look the part, right next to Father and Pride's level, in terms of strength he's the most dangerous out of all the homunculi. His true form was something I would have more than happy to miss out on seeing. "How are you, Fullmetal pipsqueak?" Envy asks, his grin remaining on his now human face. I nervously gulp and took a small step back. Because I was the only one to move, Envy's eyes finally fall on me. "Well well well... If it isn't the walking abnormality itself."
"Abnormality...?" I repeat as I walk down the slope. I was about to ask what he had meant by that only for Ed to run past me. For a split second, at the corner of my eye, I caught sight of his angered face and a large throbbing vein on the side of his forehead. "Wait- Ed!" I tried to reach out for him, but the damn shrimp was too fast.
'How come when his height is mentioned, he suddenly becomes superhuman!?' my thoughts scream as I run after him.
"DAMN IT I TOLD YOU BEFORE! DON'T CALL ME SHORT!" Ed yells as jumps and attempts to drock-kick at Envy's face. Envy ducks and moves away, accidentally bumping into me as the boy kicks the tree and lands on the ground with ease.
Envy raises his arms as he said, "Hey calm down! I'm just here to get Gluttony back, nothing more than that! I don't want to fight you pipsqueak!" I watch with a straight face as Ed angrily tries, again, to punch Envy, only for the homunculus to jump right over the boy's automail arm. I don't know what expression the others wore, but I can only guess none of us were surprised that Ed was able to break and knock the bark of the tree that was behind Envy.
"What are you talking about?" Envy questions as he perches himself on a nearby tree branch.
"That's five times! You called me pipsqueak twice here, and three times in the laboratory!" Ed angrily clutches his automail fist at the homunculus. "Don't tell me you forgot already!"
"Impressive... you've got a short memory there..." Envy mutters, which almost got me to nod in agreement. He jumps off the branch and lands... right next to me!? I almost reflexively slash at him, but he was quick enough to change his arm into a snake and has it wrap around my blade.
Instantly, as if it was second nature, my alchemy reacts and immediately freezes the snake. Now frozen, Envy stares at me wide-eyed as I broke it with the hilt of my sword and jump back right when Gluttony runs over to his 'brother'. I'm surprised Envy didn't retaliate after harming him like that! He seemed more impressed than upset. I shudder in disgust after watching him reconstruct a new arm and flex his fingers. I should be used to this, but I don't think I ever got to the point of constantly mutilating Jealousy's body. And with Greed... there wasn't much except watching him regrow his skin.
As the two began to talk, I move back to rejoin Al, Alice, and Ling. I eyed Xiao Mei for a moment then turned my attention back to the two when Ed jumped back to my side. As Ling steps into view to confront the two, Alice inches closer to me. Neither of us could shake off the feeling that something was wrong after I told her what Gluttony called me.
"What are we gonna do, Cat...?" she whispers as we both kept our eyes glued on the two homunculi.
"I don't know... I didn't think we're a part of Father's secret plan... What I don't get is..." I let out a nervous gulp, my hands shaking as I tried to maintain my grip. "Why we're considered to be Human Sacrifices as well..."
"Hey, you two, stop whispering and pay attention!" Envy calls us out, causing us to freeze while the boys get in a defensive stance. "Oh, and you can eat him," Envy adds, referring to Ling as he pats the top of Gluttony's head. Receiving his permission, Gluttony runs past us and makes a beeline for the Xingnese Prince. Fearing for his life, Ling runs off while repeatedly screaming out 'NO! NO! NO! NO!'.
"Ling!" Alice shouts. She was about to run after him only for a dagger to fly across her face, causing her to freeze even after it hits a tree.
"You guys are really making a mess out here!" A figure lands next to Envy, drawing out a sword engulfed with red flames. "I almost tripped off a few mines on my way here." The figure brings their sword closer to their face, revealing themselves to be none other than Jealousy. It was almost a surprise to see her back.
Envy clicks his teeth upon seeing her. "Took you long enough. I was starting to think that you actually wanted me to be axed off."
"I told you before, I was getting some things ready. Besides," she gets into a fighting stance and continues, "There was something I forgot to do. So, don't get in my way."
I hardly had any time to react as Jealousy had already charged in my direction. While barely able to raise my sword, I was somehow able to block her. My right knee buckles from the sudden force. I could hear the others cry out my name, but I was forced to ignore them as I attempt to parry her second attack. In the dark, her eyes appeared red, just like the other homunculi. However, as she successfully knocks my sword out of my hands, there was one thing that I noticed about Jealousy's eyes. They were focused.
'Could this be-' I did not have time to finish that thought as she jabbed her sword straight towards my head. When I felt my back had bumped on something hard, I immediately dip down before the tip reached an inch between my eyes. I hear her gasp and grunt above me. Seeing her struggle to pull her weapon out of whatever she stabbed, I took this chance to clap my hands and use my alchemy on the ground. Before she could pull her sword out, the water rose from the earth's soul and immediately froze after reaching her ankles.
I rolled away just as she pulled out her sword. I was about to move until I felt something cold wrap around my legs, rendering them immobile.
"You forgot-" I flinch when Jealousy's sword appears at the corner of my eyes. "I'm more focused now than ever before. I have to thank you for that. Without that stupid third voice in my head, my headache has reduced substantially!" She raises her sword over her head with a manic expression. "So now I don't have to hold back!"
I lean far enough so she ends up hitting the ice instead, freeing one of my legs in the process. Quickly using my alchemy to melt the other, I end up slipping when I saw Jealousy raise her sword again. Habitually clapping my hands, I slid one across the muddy floor and created a large spike, partially stabbing her on the torso. It didn't, as expected, seem to faze her as she rips her body off of it. I cover my mouth when I felt the urge to vomit. There are just some things you can never, ever get used to.
Spotting my sword a few feet from where I was, I scrambled to run towards it. Jealousy tries to reach out for me but, regardless of her generating abilities, still felt the pain, forcing her to stop and wait until her wound had fully closed. Picking it up, I turn around just in time as Jealousy has already lunged at me once more. I could hardly keep up. Compared to Wrath, her attacks, while still frantic, were almost as precise as his, and that combination is causing my arms to slowly feel weak the longer I tried to block.
"Cat!" I hear Alice shout. I look up to see a small bottle flying towards me.
Catching it, it didn't take me long to figure out what it was and immediately aim it at Jealousy's face. Just as she, once again, raised her sword above her head, I sprayed at her eyes as close as I possibly could. Before long, she was violently screaming in pain. Dropping her sword, she immediately steps back and begins to furiously rub her eyes. As this was happening, Alice grabs my arm and pulls me along with her as she guides me away from the homunculus.
"Where's Ed and Al!?"
"Pretty sure you know, but they're in the middle of fighting Gluttony! Ling's facing Envy as we speak!"
"That was fast!"
"Time flies when you're fighting for your life, huh?!" Alice laughs.
I grin. "Who are you and what have you done to my friend, Alice!?"
"Don't think you can get away that easily!" Jealousy yells.
I didn't have the time to react, but from what I saw, she seemingly flew straight towards us as dove with a jump kick. Alice was able to react in time by moving around and blocking my body with hers. Still, it wasn't enough as, when Jealousy slammed her foot into Alice's side, the force was still enough to send us flying. We scream as our world was quickly moving diagonally, but the difference was I mostly screaming out of pain after her body was forcefully slammed against mine. As for her, Alice, she was simply terrified at the inhuman speed we were flying.
"Alice!"
"Cat!"
When we heard our names, I ended being grabbed and caught because my body flew any farther. The problem was... who saved me. My face ends up slamming into a hard metal plate as Al hugs me towards his body. I groan, refusing to move once I knew I wasn't flying.
"Are you alri- Cat!?" Al yelps.
I peel my face off then muttered, "Nice save..."
"Then who..." He trails off and, as soon as he looked up, appeared to stare at something with wide eyes.
Curious, I twist my body around to see what he was looking at, only to burst out laughing at the sight. Ed was on the ground, with only his arms and legs sticking up in the air as Alice sat on top of him. Or more specifically, his face. She looks at us curiously, appearing as if she was also expecting to have been caught by someone else like I was, then brings her gaze downwards. Realizing it was it, she immediately jumps off.
"I-I'm sorry! I didn't mean to flash you my underwear!" she apologizes.
Ed groans as he sits up, "It's fine... it's not the first time I-"
His words were caught in his throat when he senses me and Al's glare. I don't know about Al, but I'm sure I was dripping with blood lust as I crossed my arms and glared holes into the side of Ed's head.
"Finish that sentence Ed, I dare you..." Surprisingly, it wasn't me that said it, it was Al. The coldness in his voice was enough to even send shivers down my spine, but I was more pissed at Ed to even care.
"Look, I-" Before he could finish, the wall, which I now noticed was there, had a portion of it blown open. As the smoke cleared, it reveals both Ling and Envy, both of which were still in the middle of their fight.
-Normal-
And the events played out just as they would have. And, from Cat and Alice's perspective, they were relieved things hadn't changed. Though they were surprised that, rather than Gluttony flinging Al towards Ed during the struggle, it was the two girls that caused the brothers to break through the other side of the wall that was made. Gluttony moves around the wall so that he stood a few feet from where Ling and Gluttony were. However, just as the two girls were about to prepare making sure Jealousy didn't appear in the direction where Gluttony would seemingly consume Ed, Ling and Envy, she jumped onto the wall and crouched directly above them.
Their hearts stopped for a moment upon seeing her. Jealousy's eyes, now back to normal, were glued to Ed as she was transfixed at what was about to happen.
"Go for it Gluttony!"
The second Envy shouted those words, Jealousy, as if her body was on autopilot, jumped down and attempted to reach for Ed. Mortified, Cat dashes forward, followed by Alice.
"Ed!" Cat cries out as she reaches for him.
However, in a twisted turn of events, Alice grabs Cat by the back of her jacket and forcefully flings her to safety. Stunned, Cat was about to reach out for her friend but is too late. As she was moving backwards, all she can do is watch in horror as brunette smiles before the invisible vortex springs from Gluttony's enlarged mouth and consumes everything in it's path. Including a piece of Al... and Alice. Cat was able to land to her feet but, in a state of shock, stumbles against a tree. Aside from the sounds of falling trees, everything went silent. Both Cat and Al were petrified where they stood.
All Al could do is stare in horror as the space where the three once were had vanished; save for the remaining half of Envy's body which had yet to disintergrate. As for Cat, all she could do is watch as Alice, her eyes now void of any life it previously held, remains in place, appearing exactly like the doll her body is. The first to anything-
"ALICE!" Cat screams.
The body automatically falls forwads, revealing a large portion of the back of her neck had vanish.
To Be Continued
I'm not dead! Fuck you, COVID! HAHAHAHA! Anyway, sorry the hiatus took so long. I was trying to rediscover myself- Just kidding! No really, I had to. During that time, I started writing my own original stories on a nice website called RoyalRoad. It's literally not that hard to find me!