Full Metal Outlaw Chapter Two
Edward immediately looked up at the direction of the scream. It sounded close. He had to check it out. Alphonse caught the look on Edward's face and knew what they had to do. Dashing out the door, the two brothers ran along the street to where a crowd was being formed nearby an alleyway.
A part of the holding to the underground city's ceiling had fallen and the scream came from a girl who was caught under the rubble.
"Help me please!" the girl cried. The voice was muffled as she as hidden behind a large pile of rocks.
It would seem that the majority of alchemist outlaws were not around at that time. Edward recalled that there was a so-called important meeting among the Blue party as well as the other alchemists. He headed towards the disaster area and prepared to transmute the ground but was interrupted by a large man.
It was only a short moment until he magically lifted the boulders at the wave of his hand and set them aside. On the ring finger of his was a glowing red-pink stone on a ring. Edward stared on as the people rushed to the girl and ordered for medical attention. Others surrounded the mysterious man and gave him their thanks, calling him the hero of the moment.
"Couldn't be..," Edward mumbled to himself. He took some time to look up at his brother to ask his opinion of the matter.
"Nii-san, did you see the glow coming from his hand?" Alphonse was quick to ask.
"Mm I saw it. You don't suppose that he has that..," Edward kept to a monotone voice. He was obviously thinking about the situation.
Soon his thoughts flew away as the man took a look around and raised his deep booming voice. "I am glad to have helped the Citizens of Resemboole as well as saved an innocent life from being severely damaged."
Shouts of praise soon erupted as the man was escorted to a nearby bar for celebration.
Edward placed his chin against his hand and pondered. "I never saw that guy before."
"Maybe he's just new to town or just moved here," Alphonse suggested.
In truth, Resemboole is only one of few underground towns. Also the heads of each city would keep close in contact. As for the heads of the town, most were usually Blue party members.
"Could be but we have to check him out," Edward declared. "We will follow him as soon as he leaves the party."
Night time later came by and the celebration festivities ended. The girl who was injured in the collapse was reported to be better and in good shape. The damage on the ceiling layer was fixed by a few Blue party members who specialize in reconstruction.
The large man put his robes on and headed away from the bar. Edward and Alphonse signalled each other in preparations for their "mission." When they snuck past the bar, they could still hear active chattering.
"That Cornello is so kind."
"I wish to be like him in the future."
"Cornello eh," Edward said. Finally he had a name to the mysterious face.
The man named Cornello continued his long walk. Edward felt fatigue pouring over him as he continued the trek. The walk probably trailed for over an hour, Edward and Alphonse lagging behind the burly man who seemed to show little or no exhaustion himself.
Edward brushed a bit of sweat from his brow and saw an unlikely site: Cornello was suddenly accompanied by a person in a green suit.
Cornello finally sat down in a makeshift camping ground as if he was going to have a meeting. Most likely with the other stranger. The Elric brothers managed to peek out from a large stone. The distance also granted them the ability to hear the conversation they were having.
"Did it work well?" asked the green stranger.
"Yes. I do love this... my..."
Edward bent over a little closer to hear what Cornello was saying better.
"...Philosopher's Stone."