Here's chapter 2, Enjoy .

Chapter 2: The Return

"So then, you've actually been in my dimension?" Michelle asked, a while after being told the whole story in detail. She couldn't believe all the pain and horror they had to experience and endure.

"That's right, only for a short time though." Ed answered.

"So.. there's no way for me and Angie to return?" Ed shook his head at her question, "From what you told me, you made that circle up right? Unless you could remember exactly how you did it... there's no way... I wouldn't suggest it anyway.. it's VERY dangerous inside that gate.. you girls are lucky you weren't killed.."

Michelle suddenly had an idea, "Hey Ed, you said you were a State Alchemist right? And that you had access to the special library?"

Ed nodded and raised an eyebrow, "Yea, what about it?"

"Let's go to that Central place tomorrow and get your title back, that way we could do some research, there's got to be another way to reverse the effect other than the philosopher's stone!"

Al stood up, "Yea! Come on brother! I bet we could do it! Please? And you'll help us too right Angie?" She nodded in agreement to Al.

Ed sighed and suddenly smiled widely, "Ok guys! Let's do it then! We'll leave at sunrise!" They all agreed, "Uhh... where do me and Angie sleep?"

Angie grinned evilly, "Oh, I know where you could sleep Michelle! You should sleep with Ed!" Al laughed, "I agree!"

Ed and Michelle looked each other and blushed, "Don't be so gross Angie! You freakin' idiot!"

Angie looked at the both of them blushing, "Awww how cuuute! You guys are blushing! Awww!"

Michelle felt her face turn even redder, "Shut up Angie! You're being retarded! Besides, I'm sure he has a girlfriend already so stop embarrassing him!"

Al shook his head, "Nope! Brother has never had a girlfriend in his eighteen years of being alive." Ed glared at Al, "Ahh! Shut up would you? You know we've never had time to have a girlfriend! Err... I'm going to bed now! Good night!" He said, as he opened the door to leave.

"Good night Ed.." Michelle said, still slightly blushing. Ed stopped and looked back, "G... Good night Michelle..." He left and Al followed close behind. Pinako came in and pointed into the hall, "The room next to them is free."

The two girls nodded and thanked her as they left the room.


"God Angie I can't believe you embarrassed us like that! Freakin idiot!" Michelle complained, changing into some night clothes Pinako spared them both.

"Oh come on Michi, it's kinda obvious he likes you, I mean for crying out loud, he was staring at you when you were unconscious outside for like three minutes until I finally got his attention by smackin' him upside the head!"

Michelle looked at her and smiled, "No he wasn't! Shuuut uuup!" She said, jumping under the covers of her small bed and blushing again for about the third time that night.

"Dude, I'm not kidding! I swear! That's what he was doing! Why don't you believe me woman?" Angie pleaded.

"Cause Angie, you know how my luck always sucks when it comes to guys..."

Angie cuddled her blanket, "Well, I don't care what you say, I know that little dude has a thing for you."

"Ok Angie, whatever you say. Good night."

"Yea yea you'll see, you two'll be together in no time."

Michelle started coughing at Angie's reply, "ANGIE SHUT UP!"


"Did you hear that brother?" Al said sitting up in alarm, "It was a ghost! Did you hear it?" Ed chuckled, "Don't be dense Al, there's no such thing, it was just Michelle. Didn't you recognize her voice?"

Al relaxed again, "Of coarse, I knew that.. hey brother, what do you think of Angie and Michelle."

Ed turned under the covers to face the wall and shrugged,"They're ok I guess, why?" He knew Al was gonna start teasing him about one of the girls.

"Oh nooothing. Just asking. You were acting kind of strange around Michelle though." Al said, turning his head in Ed's direction.

"Don't be ridiculous Al, I was acting the way I always do. Can we please just go to sleep, we have to wake up early and we have a big day tomorrow."


Michelle turned in the bed and looked at a nearby clock, which she could barely see. The moonlight however, revealed just enough light for her to read it. It was 2:45 am. 'Holy crap, I've been lying in bed for two hours already?' She sighed, she hadn't been able to sleep at all the entire night. Usually when she went to bed, she fell asleep right away. Was it because she was scared in this new dimension? She didn't know...

"Angie?" She called silently, wondering if her friend had been awake as well. No answer. She sighed again and got up. She headed for the door quietly. Michelle didn't know why she got out of bed, but why stay in bed if she couldn't sleep anyway?

She decided to go outside for some fresh air, so she stepped outside of the house. Quite surprisingly, it wasn't as cold as he thought it'd be. Pretty chilly, but nothing compared to what she expected.

It really was a pretty place. She hadn't actually seen what it was like outside the house in this dimension. She walked over to a nearby tree and sat down. 'Wow, the moon is so prettyroo!' She thought to herself. The shine was very bright, she didn't remember the moon ever looking so beautiful in her dimension.

"Maybe I'll sleep out here tonight." She said out loud, in a jokingly matter, making herself comfortable by the tree.

"Are you sure you wanna do that? You'll catch your death out here." Ed said. Michelle turned around, startled, "Ed? Where'd you come from?"

Ed smiled and sat down next to her, "I've been out here for a while, I couldn't sleep, I decided it would just be easier to stay up and wait for sunrise."

"Yea.. I couldn't sleep either..." Michelle said, slightly shivering. Ed saw her shiver and he took his coat off. He set the red coat around her shoulders and her eyes widened in bashfulness. She felt her cheeks flush and she looked at him, "Thanks... are you sure you'll be ok without it though? That shirt doesn't look very warm..."

He grinned his Edo grin, "Are you kidding me? Of course I'll be ok! I sleep outside all the time, I'm used to it!"

She just smiled and looked back to the moon, "Thanks again... I... really hope me and Angie can do something to help you and Al out..."

Ed's face turned serious, "You shouldn't worry about it so much... it's really not your burden to carry.."

She turned her attention towards him again, "I know it's not.. but I really would like to help..." The two became very quiet suddenly and Michelle got an idea.

"Hey! Maybe me and Angie can become state alchemists too! That way, we can all help at the same time!"

Ed shook his head, "You really shouldn't even consider it Michelle.. I don't want you getting involved with the military. They hide horrible secrets, they make you research god-awful subjects for their sick benefits, and you get called into war for sometimes no reason at all."

"I know all that Ed... you told me already.. I just... you have to understand me and Angie have nothing in this dimension... no home, no family.. nothing. And just like you need to get your bodies back, we need to find a way to get home..." She replied, staring at the ground.

Ed didn't know what to say to that. He knew how not having a home or family felt. The two became silent, awkwardness filling the air.

"Like I've told Al, only one of us has to be chained to the state, it's fine if you want to help us but please don't become a state alchemist. I'll help you and Angie as much as I can..." Ed sounded very sincere, he was serious about not wanting her to join.

"Ed... I know the military may be bad.. but we just met. Why do you care about what I want to do?"

"Because Michelle, we may have just met, but I can tell you're very emotional... someone like you just wouldn't be able to handle the job. I just don't don't want to see you get hurt..."

Michelle looked down and considered what he just said to her. She'd never seen such an emotional guy before. She couldn't become a state alchemist anymore, she decided.

She finally nodded, "Ok... I didn't know you felt so strongly about the subject. I won't do it.. I just really wanted to learn more about alchemy..."

Upon hearing this, Ed's mood instantly changed. He grinned widely, "Well, that's no problem! I'd be happy to teach you alchemy! Not to brag or anything, but I AM an expert on it!" Michelle laughed at his reply, "Thanks alot Ed... you're so nice to want to help me and Angie out like this..."

Ed stood up and held his metal hand out to help her up. She took his offered help up and tripped on the way up. Ed caught her into his chest securely and she looked up into his eyes awkwardly. His eyes were such a pretty golden color... she thought. The two looked into each other's eyes for another minute or so and finally they both realized they were staring. She quickly regained her balance and stepped away from him, "Sorry..." She said shyly.

"It was nothing..." He said in reply, looking away because he was slightly blushing. It was dark outside and he knew she wouldn't be able to tell but he looked away anyway.

"Well, I'll walk you inside, you should get some rest before we head out.." Michelle nodded and followed into the warm house. The two were startled by Angie and Al, "Oh, there you are brother! We were looking for you guys!" Al said. Ed laughed nervously, he knew they were going to start questioning him and Michelle about what they were doing outside together. Ed realized Michelle was still wearing his coat. 'Uh oh... busted.' He thought.

"Sooooo what were you guys doing out there? Hmmmm?" Angie asked anxiously. Michelle could see that Ed was at a loss for words so she stepped up to explain. "I couldn't sleep so I came outside.. Ed was outside too... He just gave me his jacket because he thought I might be cold. No big deal.." She said, taking off his red coat and handing it back to him. He smiled and took it back from her, "Thanks Michelle... um... good night.." She smiled back at him, "Night Ed."

Her and Angie headed back to their room. Ed sighed, realizing he was starting to like Michelle. He knew he'd never be able to tell her though. He was never one to tell any girl he thought they were attractive.. or that he liked them. It just wasn't one of his strong points. Maybe it was the reason he'd never had a girlfriend in his eighteen years of living.

Perhaps Al was right, maybe it was time for him to get a girlfriend... 'Eh... I don't think she really likes me anyway...I think I'll just wait.' He thought to himself as he followed Al back to their room.


"So... did you hear?" Hughes asked Roy, taking another sip of his drink. Roy smirked, "I've heard alot of things Hughes, you're going to have to be more specific." Hughes laughed at Roy's smart ass reply, "Well, the investigations department has found that more State Alchemists have been getting killed. Apparently... he's back."

Roy set his drink down, "I thought you were going to tell me something I didn't know Hughes? I've already sent for Elric's return. The problem will be taken care of soon enough." Hughes looked at Roy in question, "His return? You mean he left?" Hughes asked.

Roy nodded and stared into his yellow reflection in the drink below him, "He left the military about three days ago, right before you came back.. I told him it was time to move on and he refused.. He said to move on without him and left his pocket watch behind. I haven't heard from him since.."

Hughes grinned when he heard about what Ed had done, "He always was a stubborn one wasn't he? I have a feeling he'll be back though." He said, setting his drink back down.


"Well, we're here!" Ed said, smiling as he stepped off the train. The two girls and Al followed him out. Angie and Michelle looked around in wonder, "Wow, this place is big." Angie said.

"Yea it is isn't' it? Not my favorite place in the world but it's kinda like a second home to me." Ed said. Al nodded and the group followed Ed.

"Hey Ed, is that Central Headquarters?" Michelle asked, pointing at a large white building that was quite a ways ahead of them. Ed nodded, "Yup that's the place all right. That's where we're heading right now to see if Colonel Mustang will give me my certification back."

"Don't worry brother, I'm sure he will. He has before right?" Al asked, keeping up with the group.

"Yea... I don't know... you know Mustang though Al, he's very unpredictable.." Ed replied, seeming to be somewhat in thought.

"Hey you guys... we should go eat something. I'm freakin starving man!" Angie said suddenly.

Ed stopped and looked around, "Hmmm ok then.. that's a good idea.." He continued looking around, trying to think of a good place where they could all eat.

Michelle looked at Angie with narrow eyes, "Angie, you know we don't have any money to eat!"

Ed looked at them, "Don't be silly Michelle, I've got plenty of cash to spend! You're forgetting I was a State Alchemist not too long ago remember?"

"Yea but..." Ed put a finger on her mouth to shut her up. "No buts Michelle! I don't want to hear it. I want to do it. Ok?"

Michelle smiled, "Ok then... thanks Ed." He turned his back to her again and continued his thinking on where they should go to eat.

Angie nudged Michelle with her shoulder. She looked at her friend, "Awwww looks like Ed wants to take you on a date. How cuuuute." She whispered to Michelle so that Ed and Al couldn't hear her. Michelle blushed and took Angie's arm, she pulled her a couple feet away from Ed and Al.

"Angie shhhh! Stop embarrassing me! Besides, how is this a date if we're ALL going? Stop being a freakin idiot!" She said quite loudly, getting the two Elric brother's attention.

Michelle stood up and cleared her throat, laughing nervously. "So.. have you decided where we're going yet?"

Ed sweat dropped and looked at Al, "Yea I know this real good place over by Central, just follow me." Michelle ran and caught up to Ed. Leaving Angie behind her so she wouldn't have to hear any more embarrassing remarks about her and Ed.

Ed looked at Michelle through the corner of his eye and noticed she was blushing, "So what were you two talking about back there?"

Michelle looked at Ed and noticed he was grinning, "W... what are you talking about? Oh.. you mean just now? Uh... nothing.. just... she was telling me about how hungry she was.."

"Oh really? What made you blush about that?" Michelle's eyes widened at his question. He noticed she was blushing? Oh no!

"What? I wasn't blushing! It's just really hot out here.. wow... whew... is it always this hot out here?" Angie caught up to Michelle, "Hot? Riiight, it's like 70 degrees out here at the most Michelle."

Ed smiled at Angie's statement, "You know Angie I think you're right. It is kinda cool out here isn't it?"

Michelle knew exactly how to shut Ed up. She hopped in front of him and laughed, "Silence shrimp! You just can't feel the heat because of your small stature! You're so small that the sun's rays cannot reach you!" She said boldly, beginning to run, knowing how badly she had just pissed Ed off.

"YYOOOOOOUUUUUUU! GET BACK HERE!" Edward shouted, as he chased after Michelle.

The group finally stopped running when they reached the restaurant. Ed glared at Michelle and entered the fancy building. Ed stopped suddenly when he noticed a tall figure that stood against the opposite side of the large room.

"Brother... how is it possible... he's supposed to be..."

"I know Al..."

Michelle noticed Ed's frightened expression, "Ed... what's wrong? Do you guys know that man?"

Angie peered over Michelle's shoulder and noticed the tall dark figure was coming towards them, 'Ooh... he's hot. But who is he?' Angie wondered to herself. Ed didn't answer Michelle but pulled her behind him as the man got closer, as if protecting her.

"FullMetal.. Al... Never thought I'd see you two again..." The man said, stopping when he reached them.

Ed glared at him, "Same here Scar. I thought you were dead." The two girls gasped when they heard Scar's name. This was one of the guys Ed and Al had told them about the other night.

"There's alot you don't know State Alchemist. I never died. Apparently those three years ago, creating the philosopher's stone wasn't all I accomplished. I got my arms back." He looked at Al, "Do you still have it?"

"The stone? No... I gave it up to bring my brother back from the gate... it's gone..." Scar looked back at Ed again.

"So, do you still plan on killing me?" Ed asked Scar with a frown. Scar noticed the two girls behind Ed.

"I'm no longer interested in the killing of State Alchemists. I no longer have a purpose in doing so. I am simply here because of a rumor."

Ed felt somewhat relieved when Scar told him he wasn't after State Alchemists anymore, "What rumor?"

Scar adjusted his sunglasses and started to leave, "Don't worry about it. Oh, and by the way, be careful with your new little friends, I have a feeling danger is looking for them." Scar said as he left the restaurant and quickly disappeared from sight.