The Essence of Jaded

By: Toorikosu

Chapter Two: An action always deserves a reaction

WOOOOT! The train whistles shot out a loud, sharp noise to announce its arrival. Multiple doors opened simultaneously, and a river of people poured from each opening to mold into a large mob. There were no friendly conversations, only the hustle of businessmen and the occasional cry of a momentarily lost child. A loud, roar of hushed voices filled the large station only to be out-matched by the train's engine. That was until someone said one particular word that was the trigger to his rage

"Who're you calling an undersized bean rejected by the farmer because I'm so small I couldn't fill up an ant?" growled the famous "bean" of the military. A suit of armor next to him waved his hands slightly. "But brother, he didn't say that. Please, Brother, don't make a scene." His hollow eyes darted around nervously. People were defiantly staring at the scene that had occurred. Golden eyes narrowed in on the empty armor that was known as Alphonse Elric. "Why are you taking his side!" demanded the elder of the two brothers. Al stared down at his short sibling in silent protest.

"Don't blame your brother, Full Metal. Just start drinking your milk and maybe you'll grow some." Commented the higher-ranking alchemist. Ed's eyes squinted. Already the bastard had commented on two of his most dangerous subjects. "I won't drink something that comes out of a cow. It's not right!" he shouted. His voice rang throughout the station, only causing more people to stare. Roy chuckled, being his usual cheery self. "Colonel Mustang, Sir, could you tell us why we're here?" asked Al. Roy looked over to the boy locked within armor. There was a moment of silence before Roy grinned. "That's for me to know, and you to keep guessing." He declared. Edward groaned loudly.

Another sound rang over the train's whistle. It was a woman's scream. "Stop that thief!" she yelled, pointing after a man who was running. His stride was quite unbalanced as he lugged behind him a large leather bag. People standing by just stood there, not showing any intentions on catching the thief. The woman screamed again and now pointed to a heavily clothed figure. "That man stole her luggage!" she shouted. The victim just stood there, making no notion of retrieving her bag. It looked as though she didn't even comprehend the fact that someone had just stole her belongings.

Ed glanced at Roy, the Flame Alchemist didn't move. His brows furrowed. "Let's go, Al." The famous Full Metal hopped over the railing to the drop eight feet below. He landed on his automail leg, making it so he didn't feel any pain, and chased after the thief. Al followed but took a different route. He hustled down the stairs, causing a great distance between him and the thief, however Ed was hot on his trail. His armor shook with every pounding step he took. Had he glanced back, he would notice that Roy was casually making his way down the steps.

"Stop right there!" Edward ordered. He clapped his hands and pressed them against the cold ground. Of course he couldn't feel the cold due to his white gloves. Blue alchemic lights danced around his palms and shot skyward as did metal bars. The rods rammed into the ceiling, causing an ear shattering "boom" to take place. They circled the crook and held him captive. They just so happened to circle around Edward as well. The robber dropped his loot and charged at Edward. He swung haphazard punches at the Elric but Ed dodged each of them swiftly. He slapped his metal hand and transmuted a blade from the automail. He knocked away the thief's flailing punches and held the blade to the man's throat. Instantly the man halted. Slowly his hands rose toward the ceiling. "Don't… please don't."

A small audience cheered for the young alchemist. "You did it, Brother!" exclaimed Al from outside the cage. Edward turned and grinned. The thief sunk to his knees, knowing he was defeated. There was another flash as the cage dissolved back into the concrete floor. Security promptly handcuffed the crook and led him away. While they did that, Ed walked over and picked up the leather bag. His eyes widened. Despite it's small size, it was heavy! He struggled to stand but then suddenly the weight was gone. He looked up to see Colonel Mustang returning the bag back to its owner. A golden brow twitched. "Why that bastard…" Al clasped a gentle hand on his brother's shoulder. "It's not worth it."

Roy stood up tall and proudly, holding out the precious cargo to the woman. It took a moment for her to respond, and then she only lifted her head slightly. The brim of her hat raised up to abandon the small shadow that had been formerly cast over her eyes. Emerald green eyes stared into Roy's black pupils. A gloved hand reached over to claim the bag. Then easily, to Ed's amazement, was slung over her shoulder. Edward's wide eyes watched the woman who seemed frailer than Winry take such a heavy bag then easily sling it over her shoulder without any effort. "Thank you…" whispered a soft voice. Edward took a step toward the two until Roy held a hand out to his side, preventing access. "Go make sure that the officers took care of that thief." He ordered. Ed's eyes narrowed. "What!" he shouted. Roy's eyes also narrowed. "That's an order." Seeing the seriousness of the situation, Al dragged his brother away before another incident could occur.

"Why the hell do we have to? I caught the robber and he gets the credit?" Ed screamed. His small body retaliated against the large armor. Al kept Ed in his armpit, making sure the "bean" couldn't escape. Though back at the scene of the crime, Roy's dark eyes turned on the green orbs. "Since when do you visit Central?" he asked in a grave voice. The victim's head hung with a sigh. "I'm here on strict business. That's all I can say." She took a step back from him, making him start forward only to look like a fool. She hadn't planned on running, but rather bowing. She bent forward, her back arching so that she could touch the floor with her open palms if she wanted. Though she didn't, and raised up to meet his face again.

"Could you tell me… where Headquarters are?" she asked in a soft voice. His brow arched slightly. From her whispering, it was obvious that she didn't want anyone else to know where she was headed. Yet for what reason? "What do you plan to do once you're there?" he asked in a voice as soft as her own. Suddenly her stoic facial features melted into a gentle smile. "I'm sorry Roy… but I can't tell you that. Can you forgive me?" she asked. Roy smiled back at her. "I suppose just this once." He teased. Her shoulders shook faintly with silent laughter. Her eyes were full of kindness as she stared back into his matching eyes. "So can you tell me?" He nodded and pointed toward one of the exits.

"It's time to go, Full Metal." Two pairs of eyes turned toward the Colonel. He was smirking like the ass he was, obviously having something up his sleeve. "But what about our assignment?" Al asked. Roy blinked innocently, pressing a finger to his lip as though he was thinking. "Oh that… well… It's time to go." He turned and walked away. His steps were brisk, a sign that he didn't want to be questioned any further. The two brothers jogged to catch up with him. Edward glared up at the suspicious colonel. "What are you up to?" he inquired. Roy stared down at Edward and smirked. "You would know if you drank your milk." He stated. Ed's eyes twitched and he began shouting incoherently. Al tried to hush his brother. "People are staring again!" he explained. Roy laughed as he was his ever-so-jolly self again. Though in the corner of his eye, he could spot the woman from before. It was easy seeing how she was the only person in the huge crowd to wear a massive brown coat in the middle of summer. He couldn't watch her for long though, his attention had to be returned to the demanding alchemist. "What's your game?" he growled through gritted teeth. Roy smirked. "Poker. Strip-Poker."

Edward tripped flat on his face.