Disclaimer: said it once, never again. (hopefully) but I will own a upcoming character… he's so evil… ha ha ha. And I own Daemon.
The Teenage Writer: you want evil and angst… what a dark little child. grins welcome to a very… different chapter. (hope there is enough angst for you) for now at least anyways….
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Are you sure Edward?" Ed gulped before he slowly nodded. "is it safe?" Roy grinned then burst out laughing. "I believe so." Ed stared at Roy slightly. Then gave a loud sigh. "fine. Let's watch some TV." Ed sighed as he sat down on the couch, Roy next to him. Ed didn't trust Roy. He was most likely going to turn the channel into something perverted. Ed blinked when they went to watching a movie, something called 'Gingersnaps.' as it turned out. The movie was pretty good. Hilarious in some parts…
When the movie finally ended, Ed sighed and stood up. "Edward." Ed froze at the seriousness in Roy's voice. "Mustang?" Roy stood up ad pointed to the philosophers stone. "what happened." Ed blinked. "no-" at that moment, Ed's stomach growled again. He smirked and walked into the kitchen. He made a meal and then downed it.
"Edward." Ed looked over at Roy innocently. "why is the stone blue." Ed looked down and smiled as he fingered the stone. "it's at full power again." Roy's eyebrow rose. "this stone has unlimited power…"Ed forgot to mention that it fed off of his own power. "what are you hiding Ed?" Ed shrugged a shoulder as he suddenly smiled. "I am going to bed Mustang. See you for work tomorrow." Roy rolled his eyes but allowed Ed to leave….
----------------------------------at work, to write of sleep could take up the rest of this chapter!---------
Ed grimaced as he pulled on a sleeveless black, rather tight shirt. He pulled on his trademark leather pants and boots. He didn't realize how cold his automail arm was until he brushed it against his side. Making Goosebumps run all down his arm. (yeah, on his mechanical arm) Ed grabbed his trademark crimson coat and slung it over his shoulder.
Walking downstairs, Ed looked at the clock. /nine o'clock, work…/ Ed groaned and shut his thought process off as he walked out the door and down the streets. Walking through the door, Ed started down the hallway. His philosopher's stone thumping against his clothed chest as he slammed his foot into Mustang's door, efficiently opening it. (rather loudly)
Laying down on Roy's couch, Ed yawned and closed his eyes. Riza blinked and looked up from her desk, through the door and at Ed. "Fullmetal, what are you doing in there?" Ed grinned as he opened one eye and waved at Riza. "nothing Hawkeye. I have no missions." a folder thumped onto his chest. "actually, you do. We all do." Riza blinked. Instantly she stood up and walked to the door, with Havoc Hugh, fury and several other people. They all managed to hear Mustang… and their curiosity peaked.
"we're going to the east." Ed blinked and opened the file. Scrawled over the top in unfamiliar writing, Ed saw what they were doing. "what the hell is this!" he sat up and his braid flew over his shoulder. "we're going to fight in that never ending war of Ishbal verses the military." Ed's eyes darkened as he stiffened. "I refuse." Ed threw the folder over at Riza who opened it, everyone leaning over her shoulder to see what was happening.
"au contraire Fullmetal." Ed's eyes narrowed as he looked over his shoulder, to see Daemon passing everyone in the doorway and making his way into the room. "your not allowed to refuse. This is the mission I especially chose for you." Ed glared at the Fuhrer. "your going to be in the front lines." Daemon stopped and stared down at Ed. Ed's eyes widened. "even being me! That is pure idiocy, those Ishbalen people wish for nothing more ten to be left alone!" Ed shivered. Scar was at that place, he had traveled there with those Ishbalens. (Ishbal people) and besides, Ed wasn't their enemy. In fact, he kind of hoped. (really hoped) the Ishbalens would win. "what Fullmetal, are you actually rooting for them? Are you outright saying you're a traitor to the military?" everyone was silent, looking for Ed to say something.
"no sir! But-" Daemon's eyes narrowed. "then you will desist with this useless chatter." Ed's eyes narrowed as he crossed his arms. "that's not the only reason I'm here Fullmetal." Ed gave a suspicious look. He knew what Daemon wanted. "I will hereby confiscate that stone from your possession." Ed growled as he held a hand around the stone. "I'd like to see you try." Ed stood up and defiantly looked at Daemon. "this stone is mine. And only I can use it." Daemon chuckled then laughed. "a good one Fullmetal! You are but a child using a man's item! You've had your fun. Now, it's time to hand over the philosopher's stone."
The Fuhrer held his hand out like he expected Ed to willingly hand the stone over. (ha ha, fat chance) "when hell turns cold will you get the stone Fuhrer." everyone gasped. Roy's eyes widened and Hugh's mouth hung open. Edward Elric had just turned down a command from the Fuhrer. "what did you say kid?" Ed's mouth turned up into a smirk. "fat chance Daemon." the gasps came again, no one called the Fuhrer by his first name.
Daemon growled and swiped his hand out to grab the stone. Ed jumped back and landed in a crouch. "try that again Fuhrer, I dare you." Fuhrer straightened and his expression seemed to melt off into a calm look. Regaining his composure. "I could have you executed." Ed shifted and smirked again. "your stupider then you look Daemon…" Ed turned and started towards the door. "lieutenant Roy Mustang. I order you and your men to capture this man."
Ed blinked when a snap sounded out, fire erupted in mid air in front of him. Looking over his shoulder, he saw Roy with his head down, his eyes shadowed. His hand was raised in a snapping position. "well then." Ed clapped his hands together and slammed them into the ground. A giant hole formed in the wall and he ran towards the hole, jumping out. "CAPTURE HIM1!"
Landing, Ed smirked and started sprinting off towards the edge of the military's property. "GET THAT STONE! KILL HIM!" almost as if he had expected this, tens of guards appeared and formed a solid line. Cutting Ed off from escaping.
Swearing, Ed looked around. "shit." Ed frowned as he closed his eyes, trying to think quickly. /I just screwed myself over…/ Ed jolted when power seemed to flood into him. He then screamed in agony at the feeling. It was too much power, the stone was reacting to his stress. Ed opened his eyes as he continued to scream. He heard people yelling his name, however. He heard a single voice much clearer… it swallowed him up. And Ed almost instantly recognized the nonexistent, yet icy voice. "Truth…" he seemed to feel arms wrap around him, coaxing him to relax.
The power continued to flood into Ed, causing great agony, but not enough to truly harm Ed. His head rolled to the side and he looked through his bangs as Roy and his little unit (Riza, Havoc, Hugh, fury…) the military men surrounding him yelled and slowly started to back up away from him. Some dropped their weapons. "demon!" Ed's eyes flashed as he raised one hand, or Truth coaxed him.
Ed's eyes widened. "what…" The arms wrapped around Ed grew solid, and seemed real. some screams were heard until Ed saw why. The body pressed into his back was real. His eyes traveled up the black and white, toned arms and led to a body. "a real body… this feels great…" Ed recognized the voice. "Truth!" Ed's voice came out in a sickly, weak way.
The arms gently lowered Ed to the ground. Laying him down to rest. "so much power little Ed." Ed looked up at Truth. It was his double… his shadow. The Truth.
Ed blinked slowly. "what?" Truth grinned evilly as he crouched down and smoothed Ed's bangs out. The Fuhrer, Daemon finally appeared. He stood in front. "who the hell are you! That stone is mine!" Truth's eyes looked up and lingered on Daemon.
"you have no right to touch this stone. Nor Fullmetal." he raised one hand and held it in a snapping position. "do not challenge those you know none about." Ed almost yelled in pain when he snapped his fingers. Popping sounded out, and the tens of military guards fell dead. Blood leaking out of every opening of their body. Eyes, mouths, ears, noses… Ed had to scream in pain.
It felt like someone was tearing him apart again. Ed's back arched as he tried to escape the pain. Truth stared down at Ed with a satisfied grin. "you handle this so much better little Ed." Ed shivered as the pain receded a little. "who… are you?" Ed spoke the question on everyone's minds. Truth grinned evilly as he shifted and looked up at the sky. It was silent, so he spoke. "I'm Truth. The gatekeeper of the door." Ed slowly nodded, no one else knew what Truth meant, what door?
"I was the first man to create this stone, I sacrificed exactly three hundred and sixty-four people. Oh… the power was so beautiful." Truth shivered. "I died from the power. But it was well worth it…" Truth grinned, he was still shivering from remembering the thrill and pure enjoyment he got from the stone. "then I met Hohenheim." Ed's eyes widened, he shivered. "not…" Truth grinned. "he's the one who gave me the stone. Such a good man."
Ed's head lagged to the side, where he closed his eyes. "don't worry Edward. He's still here.. Somewhere." Truth bent down and smoothed away Ed's bangs. "that's why I'm here!" his voice brightened, but the iciness still remained. "I need the stone back now Ed. Hohenheim doesn't want anything bad to happen to you. Your to… well. Loved I guess." with a snort, Ed slowly opened his eyes. "take it." Truth slipped the chain over Ed's head and held the glowing blue and silver stone. "your so powerful Ed-kun!" Ed's eye twitched at the kun part. "but don't worry. If you really need it that badly… I'm sure Hohenheim will let you borrow it's power."
Shifting, Ed slowly faced Truth. "why doesn't he want me to have the stone?" Truth's eyes darkened, not with anger. More or less pity. "he knows what you were going to do next with it's power." Ed's eyes widened and they quickly filled with tears. "how could he!" Truth shook his head. "he won't allow you to-" Ed shifted and slowly sat up. The tears flooded out of his eyes as he opened his mouth and screamed. "HOW COULD HE UNDERSTAND OUR PAIN!" Truth shifted and stood up finally.
Before he faded out, he spoke a last time, the words wrapping around everyone. Despite being a whisper, everyone heard it even if it was meant for only Ed to hear. "a life for a life Edward Elric. Even with the stone." Ed's eyes shadowed as Truth disappeared. The stone with him.
However, before Ed could get himself at least a little gathered (in thoughts) Daemon raised him up by the front of his shirt, his feet easily leaving the ground. "where did the stone go! what did you do?" Ed's eyes glinted as he slowly raised his hand. "your despicable Daemon." Daemon dropped Ed carelessly onto the ground. "I will get that stone Edward Elric. Sooner or later…" Daemon's anger was unmatched. He turned and swiftly entered the building. Snapping at Roy. "get this mess cleaned up. Dismiss any charges on Edward Elric." he didn't dismiss the charges on Ed out of pity. He did it, because nothing could happen to the child prodigy. He was needed still. The stone was gone.
Ed was not.
Ed watched as the mess was cleaned up. He blatantly ignored anyone talking to him. "Edward!" Ed looked slowly over at Riza. "what…" his voice was broken. He was still crying silently, no expression on his face. Nothing to show his internal agony except for the tears. Riza's eyes softened. She put her gun away and slowly wrapped her arms around Ed's shoulders and dragged him in for a much needed comfort hug. (he he he, no. this isn't a Ed x Riza fiction)
Ed's eyes flashed, however he kept his eyes plastered to some unseen object. "why Ed?" Ed slowly wrapped his arms around Riza's waist. Holding her tightly to him. A few feet away, Roy and Hugh were watching the two.
Roy's eyes shifted and studied the distraught alchemist. What was he so distraught about? Roy couldn't stand the look on Ed's face. It hurt, to know someone was in pain. But there was nothing you could do, as you didn't understand why the person was in pain.
"she's not coming back." Riza's eyebrows furrowed. "who Ed?" she used his first name, attempting to coax him to speak some more. "dad won't let me bring her back." Riza drew back and gripped Ed's shoulders, staring him in the eye. "Who Ed?" Ed's bangs drifted into his eyes from a slight breeze. He lowered his head and wrapped his arms tighter around Riza. She didn't care about the slight pain his mechanical arm made.
Ed leaned forward and leaned against Riza. He spoke low enough so that only she could hear. "mom…" Riza's eyes shifted and softened. She instantly knew why Ed was so heavy hearted, it hurt. She kneeled and then leaned against the wall. Drawing Ed down beside her, she pulled him slightly into her lap so he could lean against her chest. His ear to her heart. Ed's eyes closed as Riza spoke softly. "they say when you hear someone's heartbeat. It can ease the pain." Ed murmured his agreement as he relaxed. Falling into a more unconscious state then sleep.
Riza's eyes shifted to Roy and Hugh as they started forward. They made to touch Ed, but quicker then a blink of an eye, Riza had her trusty gun out and pointing to Roy, then Hugh. "with all do respect sirs. Edward is in need of sleep, he is feeling very bad right now. He needs to recover." Hugh leaned forward and smiled, even at the pointblank range of her barrel. "what did the chibi say Hawkeye? Hmmm? Want to tell us?" his voice was light.
Shaking her head, Riza relaxed her trigger happy hand slightly. "I will not violate this man's trust to tell me such things." Hugh grinned. "ohhhh. Is it that juicy!" Roy leaned forward as well. "was he declaring his utmost love for you Hawkeye?"
Riza's eye twitched. Her patience was never that good with Mustang. "say anything like that again Mustang, you won't be snapping that hand anytime soon." Roy jumped and cradled his flame bringing gloved hand to his chest. 'your so me-" Riza's eyes hardened. "I suggest you keep your voice down sir." the two men straightened and looked down at a sleeping Ed.
Ed's bangs fell innocently in his eyes, Riza pushed the bangs away with light fingertips, a small smile graced her face when Ed breathed in deeply and relaxed more against her. "your still innocent Edward Elric…" Ed raised his flesh hand and slowly wrapped his hand up into Riza's military outfit, fisting it near her shoulder. Riza tilted her head back and shut her eyes. "anything wakes Edward up, some bullets are flying." two audible gulps made her smile slightly. "good. Now that that's clear…" Riza relaxed and fell into a light slumber, keeping her senses alert for any troubled sounds or moves Ed made. For some reason… since the beginning, Riza had felt like Ed's and Al's older sister.
Riza's eyes opened pretty soon after, when she heard the boy (he's not a 18 year old adult, yet not a child… --U) in her arms whimper quietly. Hugh and Roy were off making sure the cleanup went smoothly (and quietly). "Al… I'm sorry…" Ed's voice was low and hoarse. "I tried…" trailing off, Ed fell into a deeper, nightmarish sleep.
In very little time, the sun was covered by dank gray clouds and rain started to fall from the sky. Riza frowned and started to shift. "I'll take him back to my place." Riza looked up at Roy. "yes, he shouldn't be alone right now." Roy bent down and slid his arms behind Ed's knees and his back, lifting him up bridal style.
Riza stood up and fought the urge to stretch. "good day sir." Roy nodded and with a salute, Riza walked back towards the central building. Roy looked down at a still sleeping Ed and sighed. He started off towards his house. Ed was very light, it seemed to go well with his short stature.
Ed's head slowly tilted to Roy's shoulder, his wet bangs plastered against his forehead, and soaking Roy's neck where his forehead rested. "what did you hope to achieve Edward Elric?" he didn't move, but a low whisper caused Roy to jump, he didn't drop Ed thankfully. "I'm alone again…" Ed sounded broken. As if something inside him was gone, never to come back.
"what are you talking about Ed? Alone?" Roy walked into his house and up the stairs, Ed didn't speak. Even when Roy stripped off Ed's shirt and wrapped a towel around his shoulders, his hair soaked and water streaming down his braid. Roy walked away for a few minutes to dress in some dry, more comfortable clothes. He came back wearing a pair of jeans and a plain white shirt. A towel hanging around his neck.
Returning, Roy saw that Ed hadn't moved form his sitting position on the bed. "what the hell is wrong with you Fullmetal?" Ed slowly looked up from staring at the bed, through his bangs- Roy had to step back slightly. Ed had that look of hopelessness, and complete desolation on his face, his eyes wide and his face pale. "…" Ed shifted and slowly moved his eyes back down to the bed, where droplets of rainwater fell from tendrils of hair.
Roy stepped forward and slowly sat down behind Ed. What could he do?" watching more droplets fall onto the bed, Roy reached forward and pulled the band out of Ed's hair. Ed didn't notice, or he paid no mind to Roy. Roy unbraided Ed's hair, and it finally was free of it's confines, leaving waves that followed the braid's texture. Roy took the bottom of the towel on Ed's back and then squeezed Ed's golden locks through the towel, allowing the cloth to catch the droplets of water. Ed still didn't move.
When Ed's hair was adequately dry, Roy brought Ed's top half of his body back so he was leaned against Roy's chest. After a few minutes, Ed shifted and slowly pulled himself back, so he wasn't uncomfortable. Roy didn't mind when Ed pulled himself closer to Roy. So they were snugger together, Ed's back to Roy's chest. Roy relaxed back against the headboard and a small smile graced his face. Ed's legs were much shorter then his own, while his head only came to the top of Roy's neck. One of Roy's legs was stretched out straight, on the outside of Ed's leg, while his other was hanging off the side of the bed.
Ed's head lagged to the side slightly and he closed his eyes. Roy moved Ed's head so it was resting against his shoulder. Relaxing, Roy breathed in. even through the rain, Ed smelled of his natural scent. Something wild, exhilarating and yet addicting. The two managed to stay like that through the whole storm, which lasted for at least another hour. While Ed Didn't really think of anything, only taking comfort against Roy. Roy couldn't help but think…
The perfect fit….
-----------------------------------------------this is a very short chapter-------------------------------------------------
Poor Ed, he's not feeling all that great… at all. To know he can't bring his mother back….
Should there be some Roy x Ed fluff in the next chapter? Review and tell me! REVIEW! REVIEW! I know you want to! (THAT RHYMES!)