Authors Note: I am not the best at fight scenes, clearly. Sorry if it is not the best. I don't have anyone to proof read these and give me feedback before posting so I do my best with my own editing skills. Also, I am at 131 views as of writing this! It makes me very excited. Thank you all!
PS: FF14 ques are terrible so here I am with another early chapter! Whoop!
Please review and tell me what you think.
The moon shined on me as I sat on the roof of the butcher shop. I hugged my knees as my mind swirled around me. I learned so much about both Ed and Al, even if I was not supposed to. I had eavesdropped outside their teacher's bedroom door after finding out both her and Ed had opened the portal.
'We just wanted to see our mother again.'
'I committed the taboo, and lost my inner organs in the process.'
'We are so sorry.'
Those words swimmed around my head. They all had committed a grave sin. Ed and Al must have really suffered to resort to such an extreme. Ed lost a leg and an arm while Al had lost his entire body. I bit my lip as a single thought kept resurfacing. 'They will come for them. If I stay with the brothers like Mustang wants, I will see them again.' Anxiety overwhelmed my senses as I kept thinking this. I couldn't go back to that life. I did not want to risk getting caught, let alone endangering anyone again with my presence. Despite this, those boys will face the danger whether I was with them or not.
No matter what I did, everything led back to them. I bit my lip harder as my body began to shake. Darkness once again was swimming at the edges of my vision and body. My mind was being forced back into the hateful memories. My wrists began to ache as the memory of the cold metal bit into my skin. Tears and cries fell on deaf ears. The sneers of them as they relished in my pain.
I gripped my head in both hands, panting while leaning forward so my head was between my knees. Tears threatened to spill over as I stared down at the roof. 'Calm down, you're free. They can't get to you. He can't reach you.' I repeated these words in my head, trying to cling to the present.
'But they got to Hughes.' A voice in my head echoed from nowhere.
I closed my eyes, a single tear leaking down my cheek. Gritting my teeth I fought to remain in control. After a few moments and deep breaths I managed to shove those thoughts down, suppressing them.
My body jolted as I heard a couple of footsteps behind me. Picking my head up, I rapidly turned my body to stare down Edward with sharp purple eyes. Taking a deep breath, I gave the teen a slight smile, "Whatcha need kid?"
Ed grimaced at the nickname. Taking a few more steps towards me, he said, "Me and Al were wondering where you snuck off to. Didn't expect to see you up here though." He took a seat next to me. The breeze blew the front tendrils of my hair. I forced my body to unclench and relax in the teens' presence. Easier said than done, my hands remained clenched under my knees, hidden from his sharp eyes.
"It's nice up here." I also didn't want to accidentally destroy Izumi's guest room if I had not been able to calm down. It was silent for a few moments before I broke the silence. "I'm sorry." My gaze wandered up towards the half moon that illuminated the starry sky. Ed's face turned towards me, his eyebrows rose in question. "I overheard it all, with Izumi." I leveled my gaze with his amber one as I spoke the last sentence, my eyebrows furrowed and my lips downturned. Guilt washed over me and sank low within my stomach.
Ed's eyes widened in understanding and anger. He clenched his fists at his sides. He quickly stood to his feet and I could feel his eyes burning holes into me. "That was private!"
He began to stomp away, as I said, "I know, I'm sorry." His footsteps paused at my next set of words. "You alchemists believe in equivalent exchange, right? So, how about it?" I turned my body, still sitting. Ed had turned half of his body to ponder my question, his glare still burning holes into me. "You can ask me anything." Standing up, I hid my still clenched fists behind my back.
His own hands were still clenched but his face showed a hint of curiosity. "Fine, you said you didn't have a family. What happened to them?" Of all things to ask. He asked about them.
My breath hitched, my eyes wandering down to my feet. It took me several moments for me to catch my breath. Never looking up I said, "I had a large family, once. They…" The words struggled to come out. "I was called an abomination, a failure, and was an outcast among them. I managed to get out and have not looked back since." Not the whole truth but part of it. My throat caught several times. I concentrated on my breathing, ignoring Ed's lingering presence. My heart pounded in my chest as the dark memories tried flooding me once more.
I never realized that Ed had gotten close enough to, but he had placed a hand on my shaking shoulder. My purple eyes drifted up to the blonde. His serious amber eyes were on my face. Scowling Ed rubbed his cheek with a single finger. "Sorry, I didn't realize that your past would cause you…" His voice trailed off. It was an awkward moment but he meant well. His eyes were still hard as he glanced away from me and towards the edge of the roof.
"Thanks kid. Truce?" I folded my arms over my chest, a small smile playing on my face. Ed retracted his hand at my movement.
His eyes drifted back towards me and a slight blush dusted his cheeks. Quickly glancing away, Ed asked, "Yeah, fine whatever." So easily embarrassed. The blush was gone a second later as he looked back towards me, "What were you doing up here anyway?"
Chuckling, I answered, "I enjoy the night air. I meant what I said. It is nice up here."
"Well, don't stay out too long. Teacher may have let us stay after all of that but I am sure she will be working all of us to the bone." The teen sighed, closing his eyes.
"Alright." I sat back down on the roof after giving him my response. I turned my back on the teen as he began making his departure. Laying down on the rough surface, I listened to Ed's footsteps disappear.
A week had passed since I learned of Ed and Al's secret. Within that week much had happened.
First, Al and Ed told me their goal was to find a philosopher's stone. I should have been surprised by this revelation but I remember a conversation Hughes had with me before his death. I put two and two together. I refused to ask for further details though. The whole thing still made me sick with grief and I refused to let those thoughts take over.
Throughout the week, Izumi had encouraged the three of us to spar. Because of her insisting that her pupils had grown rusty, she asked me on a daily basis to kick the brothers asses. It was tougher to hand Al's ass to him, due to the sheer difference in size. Ed had yet to beat me in a fight, but he did manage to keep his cool when I insulted and threw names at him. At least that was something. I had also challenged Izumi to spar at one point, being dared to by Ed. I never backed down from a challenge, I was prideful like that. My pride had also been severely damaged after my ass got handed to me and Ed laughed at my crumpled form. Note to self after that moment - never challenge Izumi and do what she says immediately. She knew how to instill fear.
That leads us to this moment. I was shouting at Ed as he lay crumpled on the grass. "Come on kid! You have gotta keep your legs apart or your ass is gonna keep hitting the ground!" Said blonde was panting before me. He used his arm to wipe the sweat off his brow.
"Don't you ever get tired?" Ed was clearly reaching his boiling point. His black tank top was soaked through while I remained dry and fresh. Perks of being me.
"Stamina my friend, something you clearly lack." I placed a hand on my hip as I regarded him. Ed gritted his teeth and narrowed his eyes at my comment.
"Like hell, you're almost as bad as teacher! A slave driver!" he pointed his metal forefinger at me as he exclaimed.
Crossing my arms, I sighed. "I'm starting to think that all you can do is complain, shortstack." Ed had gotten used to my nicknames and rude remarks. He even went as far to ignore me in many moments. This was not one of those moments.
"Who are you calling a pint sized flea?" The teen quickly stood and screamed at me.
Shooting him a shit eating smirk I said, "Let's take a break kid. What you really look like is a drowned rat." Turning away from the teen, I stepped inside the house and left Ed standing there.
Glancing around, I was surprised to not see Al in the living room or kitchen. Raising an eyebrow I walked down the hall looking for the suit of armor. Izumi had asked me to spar with Al while she was out with Sig doing deliveries and other errands for the shop. I checked the brothers bedroom as well as my own. The suit of armor was nowhere to be found, not even in the small library I had found earlier in the week.
"You would think that it would be easy to find a seven foot suit of armor." Cursing, I walked back outside to the front of the shop. My eyes narrowed at the bright sun. Al wasn't out here either. I ran a gloved hand through my white bangs, letting out another sigh.
"Leah, what are you doing?" Turning around, I saw Ed wiping his brow with a towel in the doorway.
"I can't find Al. Izumi wanted me to spar with him as well. Last thing I want is to incur her wrath again." I could still feel the sting of the flip flop on my cheek. That woman really had no mercy no matter your age or gender.
Ed let out a hearty laugh, "I wouldn't mind seeing that again. Good to know you're not impervious, teacher proved that fast!"
I shot purple daggers at the teen. "I don't think anyone is impervious to her." Crossing my arms once more, I finally noticed the broom on the ground. Walking over I picked up the wooden cleaning tool. "Izumi is gonna kill us if we don't put this away." Glancing at Ed, I saw him nod.
"Let's take a quick look around. Al probably saw a stray cat or something." Ed slowly walked past me and down the street.
Sighing, I followed after leaning the broom against the white fence.
Ten minutes later and several streets over, and we still had no sign of Al. The sighs continued to pour from my lips.
"Will you stop that?" Ed's annoyed voice met my ears. The teen was glaring daggers at me.
Before I could give him sass back another voice cut in. "I'd be happy to tell you where you could find who you're looking for." The voice was low and gruff, setting off my stranger danger senses.
My purple eyes narrowed at the hooded figure in the next alley. It had a short stature and a cloak covering its body. My eyes widened as I saw something move fluidly under the coat. Was that a tail? I tried to get closer and reached out to grab him but the bastard darted away from my grasp. "First, you need to tell me what his secret is." Pursing my lips, I glared at the mysterious form.
Before Ed could answer or react to the question, I darted forward closing the gap between me and the hooded figure. I nabbed his scruff and yanked the hood off. "How about you lead us to where our lovable giant is?" My eyes were greeted by panicked yellow eyes. The things bald head did not do wonders for his green tinted skin. "What the hell are you?"
"Let go of me!" His arms flailed as he was suspended off the ground, his tail thumping. While distracted by his flailing arms, I failed to notice the creature's tail wrap around one of my legs. My ass hit the ground with a hard thump, my hand releasing the creature.
"Hey get back here!" Ed's yell echoed in the alley as the creature began slithering away at a quick speed.
Darting to my feet, I took off after the vermin. "Come on kid! He can lead us right to Al!" I chased the retreating figure out of the alley. I could hear Ed's footfalls quickly behind me as we both gave chase.
Panting, I eyed the huge sign above the bar. "The Devil's Nest, why is Al here?" Placing my hands on my hips, I glanced behind me at Ed. The teen was panting even more than me, sweat dripping down his flushed face.
"Like I would know." Ed said between pants. His golden eyes narrowed on the sign. "You sure you saw the thing go in there?"
Scoffing, I turned back towards the bar. "You dare doubt me?" I held air in my cheeks as I glowered at the sign.
"My bad for doubting the all amazing Leah. Geez, full of yourself?" Ed stepped past me and towards the door. I laughed inwardly, sweatdropping. Guess old habits die hard. I ran a gloved hand through my white hair.
Ed opened the door and we both stepped in. Glancing around, I grimaced at the stench. My nose scrunched up as the acrid scent of smoke and spoiled food hit my sharp sense. My stomach flipped at the sight of spilled beer and food smearing the counter and tables. "Smells like shit in here." I pinched my nostrils closed, my grimace growing.
"Hey, are you kids lost or something?" A deep voice reached my ears. While still holding my nose, I glanced over at the couple of figures standing in the left corner of the room. They were all gathered around a single door, clearly standing guard.
Ed stepped forward as my eyes narrowed on the men. There were three of them in total, each uglier than the last. One was bald with a tattoo on the side of his head. His ears were pointy and his eyes a stale brown. I have now dubbed him Cueball. The other two looked just like one another. Twins? They both had sharp grins and dirty blonde hair. Their green eyes leered at me, causing goosebumps to slide up my arms.
"We are here to pick up my little brother. Maybe you have seen him? A big suit of armor." Ed took another step forward as I draped my arms over my chest.
Cueball grinned widely, revealing sharp incisors. Gross. "Well, well, we have indeed seen him. You are welcome to come and join him." Cueball stood up, stepping to the side, allowing Ed to get closer to the door. I began to follow the teen, my eyes tracking every movement the three weirdos made. Before Ed could open the door, a hand moved to stop me in my tracks. I glared at the scarred hand in front of my face. Sliding my eyes to the side, I scowled at the owner of the hand. "The girl stays. Our boss only asked for the brother." Boss?
A growl threatened to come from my throat but Ed interrupted the feral sound. "Fine, Leah, stay out here." Ed's words caused my body to seize up in anger.
"Excuse me? Hell no! Did you forget? Mustang charged me with watching you dumbasses!" Clenching my fists at my sides, I shot purple daggers at the blonde teen.
Ed's golden gaze remained stoic and steady as he addressed my anger. His hand rested on the doorknob, "I said we don't need a babysitter and I meant it." Opening the door he stepped in, slamming it behind him.
Anger seethed through me as my eyes bared holes into the door that Ed had just disappeared into. With clenched fists I turned around and stomped towards a few dirty tables. I could feel the three men stare at my back. Breathing heavily, I tried to contain my wrath. How dare the brat dismiss me. It was my job to watch over him and his brother, whether he liked it or not. I don't care what good intentions he may have had about it. It does not change the fact that the brat needs help, clearly. My racing thoughts continued to catch fire, my anger taking over.
I kicked one of the tables, sending it flying a couple of feet away. The food and stale booze clattering on the floor, making an even larger mess. A few chips of wood flew as the table broke upon impact. Grunting, I picked up an innocent chair and slammed it on the ground. The wood splintering and cluttering onto the floor.
Taking one final deep breath, I brushed my white bangs out of my face. Turning my head, I narrowed my gaze on the three men. The twins looked a bit flustered but Cueball's expression was hard as he took in the damage.
My gloved hands migrated towards my dog tags as I watched all three men. My thoughts then turned from rage to alarming. It won't happen again, will it? I ran a single gloved finger over the etched metal. I had not been with the brothers long, and they weren't Hughes; but, they weren't terrible either. Ed is stubborn as hell but has proven to be persistent and steadfast. While Al was too kind for his own good.
Clenching my dog tags, I turned completely and eyed the men more openly. They stood alert, fully expecting me to come running at them. Rightly so. 'How do I get past them?' I could easily kick their asses, but it was still three against one. Seeing my analytical gaze, the twins moved directly in front of the wooden door. Both wore shit eating smirks as they eyed me up and down. I bristled as their eyes lingered in certain places. "What does your boss even want with a couple of kids?" My fists dropped to my sides, my tags being released with a clink. I fought the growing panic as I began to hear Ed yelling from behind the door.
Cueball answered my question as he took a couple of steps towards me. "He has his own ambitions and goals." My eyes narrowed as I watched his movements. "What about you? Why travel with a couple of kids?"
Chuckling, I threw back. "I got my own ambitions and goals." Cueball's gaze hardened at my retort.
Suddenly, crashing could be heard from the room that Edward had gone into. A stone dropped into the pit of my stomach as the sounds of a struggle reached my ears. With panicked eyes, I launched myself forward around Cueball and at the unsuspecting Twins. None could react before I slammed my fist right into the first twin's stomach, pushing him into the wall with a loud grunt. As the twin staggered, I gripped his arm and flipped him onto this back.
The other twin struck his fist out before I could dodge. The edges of his knuckles clipped my cheek causing me to stagger. "You will pay for that!" Twin two threw out another thoughtless punch. Ducking down, I dodged and reached out to grip his arm. Twisting the limb, I stepped behind the man. I could hear stomping feet coming up behind me as I held tightly to the taut arm. Guessing it was Cueball, I jerked on Twin two's arm, dislocating it from the socket. With a sickening crunch and yell, he dropped cradling the limb.
Swiftly turning, I met Cueballs fiery gaze. He was right in front of me. Before I could go on the defensive or offensive, I was lurched forward. Twin one had gripped my ankle from his spot on the floor, forcing my body to trip and fall forward. As I fell, Cueballs fist impacted my stomach. He then clenched my shoulder to hold me steady. With shaky legs, I remained upright wincing as his nails bit into my shoulder. My purple eyes widened as I saw, in my peripheral, the nails gripping me were turning into claws. Cueballs pupils became slits as his face began contorting into an unhuman shape. Sharp teeth began protruding from his newly misshapen mouth.
"What a lively little bitch." A shutter passed over my spine as his breath hit my sharp sense of smell. Chuckling, Cueball said, "Good, you have the sense to fear me. Now, be a good kid and…"
Interrupting him, I shot the bastard a shit eating smirk. "As if, your breath is making my eyes water old man. Now, get your disgusting face away from me before I cave it in." Cold fire burned in my violet gaze. His dirty brown eyes shot daggers.
Through gritted pointed teeth, he bit out, "You little bitch." Faster than I could react, his claws slashed across my neck.
Flesh and cloth ripped as the appendages ripped into me. Gasping, I jerked out of his grasp. I stumbled onto the floor, my hands and knees catching my shuttering body. I felt blood seep into my black gloves as I tried to hold my slashed throat. Struggling to breathe, I coughed and hacked. Red liquid just kept pouring out of the wound. Falling onto my back, I glared up at Cueball who leered down at my battered body.
"Damn, you didn't have to kill her." The pity filled voice came from one of the Twins.
The scent of iron filled my nostrils. It was getting harder for my body to keep up, I guess. This was taking way too long. Dying was such a pain. Slowly, I felt my skin begin knitting back together. Out of my peripheral, I could see the red light flashing around my wound. The bleeding had come to a complete stop. My sharp purple eyes remained on the paled faces of the two standing men. Slowly, I got back to my feet. Giving one final cough, the final bit of blood that had been lodged in my throat was hacked out. With bloodied gloves, I felt around at my turtleneck, it was completely torn in the front. These bastards owed me a new shirt.
My gaze suddenly became focused on the trembling forms, the purple daggers stabbing both men. Cueball began stuttering as I took a step forward, "Your like…"
Interrupting him, I yelled, "You bastards owe me a new half sleeve turtleneck." I reached up and touched my dog tags. Good, at least those still remained safe and secure. Slowly, I removed my bloodied gloves, tossing them onto the ground. A single red tattoo was emblazoned on my right hand. I flared out my hand and allowed the red sparks to consume my appendage. The dark grey shield crawled up my wrist and stopped right before my elbow. I flexed my claws in front of my face, my hard gaze returning to the trembling men. "Those boys are under my care and I make sure to protect the people and things that are under my charge." A cold sneer played across my lips as I lunged forward with my claws.
I am sure many probably guessed. More background on her and information will happen in the next chapter and even following. I am trying to flush out the character without making her too much of a Mary Sue and too obvious, I guess? Not sure.
If anyone would love to help out and be a Beta reader that would be amazing! PM me and let me know!