The spelling of Clause (aka now Klose)! Ok, so I decided to get off my lazy butt and watch the anime to try and really spell this sucker. Well, I personally hear Koroze when I hear the Japanese saying of it. Japan spells the name in Kanji which I cant read so I had to turn to another translation that has the named spelled in hiragana (since it's spelled in hiragana we can already presume the name is foreign so I am a little curious of where its from). Anyways the hiragana spelling spells it Keroze. OK! Taking the Keroze spelling lets break this down. R in Japanese is slightly rolled so it sounds like L to Americans. In the series they also say the Ke extremely fast so it sounds like Kl... Ok, so when you get to ze it's said more like 'zay' in American standards. Now in American terms you would sorta be saying Klozay. But to me that looks super duper funny and sounds kinda funny the way an American would say it. So! I have decided for the final spelling to be Klose.
If I am incorrect in my theory then someone go ahead and correct me. Hey, I tried.
Held
By Gomp
I skimmed through another page of the record book. Nothing… absolutely nothing.
"Ahh this is frustrating!"
I was sandwiched between two back shelves of the 2nd Branch's library. The dusty old books carried a stale tasting air to them. I pushed my glasses up my nose bridge as I carefully turned a page of the tarnished book; its pages were old, stained, and brittle to the touch.
My eyes skimmed over the names, none of them matched my fathers. I was beginning to get the feeling I wasn't going to find anything about him. Most likely he went under a different name during his military days. It would actually be rather logical on his part if he constantly changed his name over the years. If that was the case than really I was just wasting my time. Grr.
I sighed as I placed the book down. I took off my glasses and rubbed my eyes, I was getting a headache.
I pulled out the golden watch that had started this whole search. How old could this watch possibly be? It couldn't possibly be that old, considering the condition of the time piece, but then again my father was a perfectionist. Even if the watch was a thousand years old most likely it would look like it was brand new, stupid old perfectionist bastard.
I had talked to Sheshka earlier that day. Her mind of wonders went to work to see if she could recall my father's name in any of the records of 1st branch, no luck. She assured me that she had never crossed anyone with my father's name.
"God damn it!" I kicked one of the shelves. Dust flew up in the air causing me to sneeze. Ahhhh! At this rate I was going to end up in a big white padded room before I reached my 21st birthday.
I picked up the book I had been looking through and placed it back on the shelf, pushed myself into a standing position, and brushed some dust off some clothing. I desperately needed a break.
I walked out of the aisle and then past the various shelves that were lined up next to each other. Once I made it to the front entrance, I opened the front doors only to be greeted by a dark gloomy sky. Great, rain was coming. It was still early in the morning and I still had a full day of research ahead of me, I suppose really the rain didn't matter.
I began to walk down the front stairs when two certain people caught my attention. One of the men I hadn't seen in years so I walked towards them.
Enzo spotted me first. "Edward! I was wondering where you ran off to."
I stopped in front of the two men, ignoring Enzo's statement. Havoc turned around with a smirk gracing his lips, smoke puffed from his nostrils. "By God, you truly are alive."
I placed my hands on my hips. "Is that how you greet old associates? Besides, what do you mean? Is that a good or bad thing?"
Havoc pulled out his cigarette from his mouth. "Depends if you're still a snooty brat or not." I looked at him, not sure if he was joking or not.
Havoc grabbed me by the shoulders and rubbed my head with his knuckles in a playful manor. Ok, so I guess he was joking. "Wow Edward, you're almost as tall as me. You have grown so tall."
I pushed myself away from the man. Was my height always the first thing on everyone's mind? "What are you guys doing here?"
Enzo ran a hand through his shaggy locks. "We just had breakfast. I went by your room earlier to see if you were interested in coming, but you weren't there."
I shrugged. "I'm doing some personal research."
Havoc eyed me for a moment. "What type of research?"
I instantly knew what he was hinting at. I held my hands up in a surrendering gesture. "I am through with the Philosopher stone. My brother got his body back so I have no more use of it."
Enzo's head turned sharply at me. "Philosopher stone?" Heh, oops.
I smiled at him sheepishly. "It's nothing, just an old myth I used to research." I was hoping he would drop the subject with that, but Enzo had to be Mr. Persistent.
"What do you mean you got your brothers body back? Were the rumors actually true about your brother being a mere suit of armor?"
Havoc and I both glanced at each other. Enzo caught a whiff of something that was past history and none of his business. I sighed as I looked back at him. "Look, just drop the subject. My brother was never actually a suit of armor, it was just a rumor." Better to lie about it then to have to spill. Just to explain everything to him would take a lot more time then I was willing to waste.
Enzo shook his head. "Edward, your hiding something."
I growled at him. He was standing on personal ground that I didn't want anyone to cross. Havoc placed a hand on my shoulder to try and calm me. "Lieutenant Soto you shouldn't accuse Edward of lying. You are his subordinate; you're over stepping your rank."
I glanced at Havoc, shooting him a thankful nod. Enzo looked between the both of us, curling up his lip. I saw anger in his eyes I didn't think that Enzo held. "Yes sir, sorry Major Elric sir." His words were forced between clenched teeth.
I couldn't really blame the guy for being angry, if I could remember how many times I got pissed at having information blocked from me because of my rank. Ohh, his anger was practically nothing.
I looked back at the library that was behind me. "I think I'm going to head out, I have a lot more research to do. I'll catch you guys later."
I threw my red jacket over the back of the chair. It was only six in the evening, but my day had been exhausting. I went through most of the books in the library only to find nothing on my father. Honestly, I wasn't sure why I cared so much about the whole thing. So what if my father was a State Alchemist? It didn't really mean much of anything.
I sighed as I threw my black jacket on my bed. It was strange, my father and I were more alike then I ever dreamed. Maybe that was why I cared so much, I had no reason to care really. My father was dea…
I opened the bathroom door and flicked on the light switch. I closed my eyes so I couldn't look at the mirror. I knew if I looked I would see my father's face looking back; it was times like these that I always saw his face looking back. I turned the sink on and cupped my hands under the faucet, the cold water felt good as I splashed it across my face.
Images of Envy flashed behind my closed eye lids.
"It's been almost a year… When am I going to forget..."
I allowed the cold water to drip from my face as I gripped the sink, my metallic fingers scratched loudly against the porcelain fixture. I always had time like these; times when I just wanted to have a mental shut down. There was never a real reason to why I had them… maybe because I was just human… I don't know.
I grabbed one of the towels hanging off the rack beside me and dried the water away from my face. I reached to flick off the light switch, but turned my head instead. This time I did dare to look in the mirror, I could see my father smiling back at me. I laughed at myself not sure if I was losing my own sanity or what, this was almost ridicules. I threw the towel into the sink and shut off the bathroom light.
I plopped down on my bed, not even bothering to take of my shoes. I folded my arms behind my head as I looked at the ceiling. The ceiling was white, nothing of interest.
All I needed was a distraction, something to take my mind off things. "I need a book." Yes I did like to talk to myself a lot; I use to always have my brother to talk to… I always needed something to fill the silence.
Al… I wondered what he was up to. Winry... Granny... I hated being alone, I just wanted to go home. I simply wanted to say "Screw all of this military crap" and leave for my home. Life never cut me any slack.
I sighed as I curled up on the bed. Yes, I was allowing myself to wallow in my own self pity. Pathetic… but I needed it. I needed my own personal time just to think over everything, to morn my losses. It's what allowed me to keep my head on straight for most of the day. I would think everyone needed something like that; no one was perfect in the world.
A soft knock on the door grabbed my attention. At first I thought I was just hearing things, but the knock came again.
"Hold on."
I stood up, stretching my limbs. I walked over to the door and opened it.
"Kurty?"
Kurty wasn't wearing her military uniform. She had on a tan skirt with a dark brown long sleeved shirt. Her hair lay loose around her shoulders. She actually looked rather nice if I do say so myself.
Kurty groaned at me and then spoke with annoyance. "Major Elric, please just call me Klose."
Oops, I suppose the nickname finally got to her. "Sorry... Klose."
Klose's face turned towards the floor as she shuffled her shoes. "Sorry I came unannounced."
I shook my head as I leaned in the doorway. "No, its fine, what are you doing here?"
She smiled shyly at me with her hands clasped in front of her, she reminded me of a school girl. "I was curious if you ate dinner yet, if not… Well, would you want to go to the café with me?"
I ran my metallic fingers through my hair trying to figure out if I had anything to do that night. Klose's eyes followed my hand movements very intently. Her eyes carried fascination as she watched my auto-mail. It was then I realized she never had seen my arm before. I held it out for her to see. "Interesting, eh?"
Klose reached a hand out and touched my auto-mail along the lower arm. "I always heard rumors about your arm… and your leg if I'm correct?" I nodded to confirm. "I just never actually believed them. When I first met you I remember your brother walked around with a suit of armor on, but I never knew you had auto-mail."
Everyone found it so hard to believe I had auto-mail, I never really understood why. Her fingers lingered over the cold metal of my arm.
"How?"
I groaned as I pulled my arm away, it was none of her business how. I turned swiftly and headed back into my room. I mumbled a: "Don't worry about it." before I grabbed my black jacket off my bed and walked back to the front door. "Let's just go eat."
Klose and I walked in companionable silence. The café wasn't far from the dorms; the walk only took about five minutes.
When we reached the café I held the door open for her. The café seemed packed and lively that night but the moment I walked in, the room fell relatively silent. The only sounds that were made were by some whispering here and there. I looked over at Klose not sure what was going on, she shrugged her shoulders helplessly. What the hell?
I glared around the room; everyone's eyes were glued onto me. Small little Goosebumps spread up my left arm. I was feeling extremely uncomfortable, too uncomfortable.
I quickly turned and grabbed Klose by the arm; I lead her through the doors again and to the outside world.
"What the hell was that?"
Klose blinked a few times, she didn't seem too sure herself. "There have been a lot of people asking about you around the office. Maybe words getting around that your back."
Great, just great, was that how people were going to react to me? I never liked having to much attention on myself. "If you want me to be honest it seems a little freaky in there. Can we go somewhere else? I'll buy."
Klose smirked. "Sure."
I leaned against the window sill. Rain was dripping freely down in the outside world, it was late and I had caught Roy by chance. He had come back to the office, forgetting some papers. I bumped into him on a late night stroll while I was still trying to figure out the whole café episode.
My voice was quiet as I spoke. "They were looking at me."
I looked back at Roy to find him sitting at his desk with his hands clasped in front of him. "Edward, I already warned you of this."
"I don't want this!"
Roy sighed; his dark eyes gleamed slightly from the small desk lamp that provided the light in the room. "Rebellions are still happening all around Amestris, we could use you Edward. Do you understand that you could give this country hope?"
I stepped away from the window and walked right up to Roy's desk, I slammed my right fist hard against the oak furniture. My voice was low and threatening. "This is just perfect for you, isn't it? Tell me Roy, how long have you been waiting for me to get thrown back into the military so you could use me. I am NOT a HERO."
For the first time in my life I saw threat of death in Roy's gaze. He stood up from his desk, fixing me with a glare that made me want to shrivel in fear. Heck, for a man with one eye he could make milk curdle. "Edward, don't you dare accuse me of such things! All I have done is tried to help you."
I turned my head and stared at the ground beside me, he was right. Oh God did I need to just shut up and learn to think more clearly. My anger was something hard to control, and it always seemed to backfire on me. I backed away from Roy's desk and sat in the chair that was behind me. I covered my face with my hands. "I'm sorry. Really Roy, I am. I'm just…"
"Stressed out?" I pulled my hands away and nodded at him. "Everyone has been calling me a hero; people are trying to dig into my personal life. I just want this all to stop, I want to go home."
Roy gave me a gentle smile. Out of everyone on the base he knew the most about my past. It was odd because without me knowing it, Roy and I had grown a personal friendship. I could now talk to him about this type of stuff without feeling uncomfortable. Has time really changed us that drastically? Roy sat back down in his chair.
"Edward, I wish I could fix things for you, but I don't have that type of power. You are going to be called a hero and you will have people try and dig into your personal life. The best you can do is just try and ignore it."
I shook my head. "Is a hero someone who only thinks of himself? I never cared about the outside world; I only ever cared about myself and my brother. I can't take this hero crap anymore."
Roy ran his hand through his hair. His posture was slouched slightly, his eyes blinked a few times, it was obvious that he was tired and just wanted to go home. I growled at myself for taking up his time. "Roy, you should go home. You need to rest."
I was about to stand when Roy held his hand in the air, silently telling me to wait. He shook his head a few times before he spoke, his tone holding a bit of knowledge and devastation to it. "Would you call a killer a hero? Someone who killed innocent people merely on orders? The people of Amestris will because in their eyes I helped liberate Ishbar, I helped bring peace among the Ishbar people. But they are only seeing a false interpretation of the actual facts. Edward, you know personally what you and your brother have done, but not everyone is you. To the people you are a hero, but to yourself you know better. It's just how things will be, you can't fix it."
I knew I should have felt privileged to have Roy speak of Ishbar with me; it was a personal subject to him. But his words left me with no comfort and no honor; they only left a dull numbing-ness to my heart. I felt like I was fooling the world.
Roy noticed my look; he gave me a gentle smile. "Edward, you did help people, believe it or not you have done a lot of good for people in need. People that have known you personally have always spoken highly of you. Stop having such low self-esteem about yourself, you did do some good."
Low self-esteem… it didn't seem like proper terminology for how I was feeling. It was more like I had pity for the outside world. I didn't like knowing people had false thoughts and hopes on the actual truth. But then again, maybe I was the one not willing to see the truth. Ahh this was going to give me another headache.
"I'll think about everything you have said, and I appreciate you talking to me… give me time, maybe I can figure all of this out."
I pushed myself out of the chair. "I think you should go home, you look like your ready to pass out."
Roy stood himself, grabbing his cane which was next to his desk. "Edward, what really is a hero? Are we ones to really decide what others perceive a hero as being? Look, I know you are a stubborn Ox and will never accept yourself as being called a hero, but try and understand you just cant change other's opinions. For years I have struggled with being called a 'Hero of Ishbar'. With time I finally realized that even though I didn't consider myself as a hero… others did. So instead of wallowing in my own self guilt, I decided to try and better myself. I decided to try and give people a real reason to consider me a hero. I suppose that's the best you can do. You still have time to redeem yourself."
I smirked as I tuned and began to walk out the room. The moment I reached the door I stopped and looked over my shoulder. "Roy, thank you."
Roy shrugged his shoulders. "Anytime Ed."
He flicked off the light switch causing darkness to consume us. The only sound that was heard was the sound of rain pattering against the window sill.
I grumbled into the phone as I sat on the floor in the phone booth. Winry had called me early in the morning for no apparent reason at all; she just wanted to see how I was doing. Sure I appreciated the thought, but I defiantly didn't appreciate the time. And the officer who had to wake me up didn't seem to appreciate it either; I was going to have to apologize to him for my morning bitchiness.
I fiddled with my braid as I spoke. Wow, did I have major split ends. "So did Den hurt her?"
"Nope, he just nipped at her tail. They were just playing."
"I see." A yawn escaped from between my lips as I rubbed my eyes, I pulled out my watch and looked at the time… it was 7:12 am, oh man. Winry usually slept in, I was baffled that she was even up this early.
"So how is the military going, are you enjoying yourself?" Her tone was even perky too!
"I don't know, I suppose its fine. I've made some friends."
Curiosity practically dripped from her tone. "Oh, who are these 'friends' of yours?"
I lifted an eyebrow even though I knew she wouldn't be able to see it. "I don't think that's any of your business."
"HA! I knew there was a girl involved."
My mouth went into a big O. What the heck was she accusing me of? "If you must know there is a girl involved, but it's not what you're thinking."
I could hear Winry snickering at me; she was making me feel sick to my stomach. When were people going to get it that my love life wasn't really of any importance to me. Sure I was a man and I did have hormones, but that didn't mean that I couldn't control myself. "Get your head out of the damn gutter, grow up."
"I am grown up; I think you're just the one acting immature. Come on Ed, tell me about this girl."
Winry sometimes really knew how to push my buttons. "Winry, this girl and I are not like that. We are just friends. I know in that fantasy land of yours you want to see everyone happy and in some deep dramatic love affair, but, uhh, not me. Besides, right now the only thing I am concentrating on is getting back to Al."
I could hear Winry sigh into the phone. In the past year Winry had grown a habit of picking at my love life, even though she lacked one of her own. I was pretty sure she knew that the only thing I really cared about was my brother. Did lustful thoughts of the female race haunt me now and then? Of course, but, um, my brother was always more important. It was just how things were.
"Al misses you a lot, and it's only been a week since you left. Granny and I miss you too Ed."
I smirked at the comment; I began to twirl the phone cord around my metallic fingers. An idea popped into my head. "Soo, why don't you guys come up and visit me?"
Winry went silent for a moment. Wahahahaha, I was going to make her spill. "Maybe, I don't know. We will have to see."
I groaned. Damn it, she didn't fall for my trap. "Winry, its boring here! Come on."
"It's not my fault that it's boring, you're a big boy; go find something productive to do."
I unwound the cord that was wrapped around my finger and tapped it against the marble floor. "I am being productive, that doesn't mean I still can't be bored."
"Edward, stop whining. Before you know it you will be off probation, you can visit us all you want then."
I pouted at the phone; the phone itself didn't seem to have much sympathy for me. Damn inanimate objects. "Fine."
"So, has Roy given you any assignments yet? What have you been doing to keep yourself busy?"
I frowned at her question. I was never one who spoke freely of my business life, especially after what happened to Hughes. The thought of Hughes caused my gut to twist in a way I didn't like.
"Don't worry about it."
Winry groaned rather loudly into the phone. I knew that the stuff I was doing these days was safe when compared to my research on the philosopher stone, but damn it, I just didn't like talking about it.
"Look Winry, I'm sorry. It's just nothing that is really of any importance."
"It's fine; there are just some things about you that haven't changed."
I wrapped my arms around my knees. "Yea, sorry."
After I got off the phone with Winry I had headed to the 2nd Branch's library. I had thoroughly gone through two rather large record books, but neither held anything important in them. So I decided to give up early and headed back to my dorm room.
I now sat at my rather well aged desk finishing the last word on the report I was reading, I had finally gotten around to review all the papers Roy had given me about the attack on Rizenpool. Beforehand, I had practically forgotten about the reports since I shoved them in the bottom drawer of the desk, oops. But I suppose it didn't matter, the reports held no significance to me. They spoke nothing of chimera and spoke of nothing that would be news to me.
Chimera… I couldn't figure out how the hell that chimera had been created. It was so perfect, and didn't follow the laws of equivalent trade. If it wasn't Tucker who created it then who else could have done it? Well obviously there was someone else, since Tucker was now deceased.
And then there was the subject of Nina. I didn't really want to have to think about her, but it was a subject I couldn't avoid forever. Nina had been given a lifeless soul when her father tried to bring her back with the Philosopher stone. Her tale was a sad one, and it was one I held very close to my heart. I would never be able to forget the Nina I first met when I was child and the horrors Shou Tucker had done to her. It was something that haunted me in my dreams.
Even with a lifeless soul, Nina had been given a form of life again. But where was she? Did she survive these past four years or was she dead herself?
A knock at the door dragged me out of my thoughts. Bah, someone was always knocking at my door!
I pushed the chair away from the desk, stood up, walked across the room, and opened the door.
Enzo smirked at me while holding a rather large black bag, without invitation he walked into the room.
"Yes?"
Enzo laughed with glee as he placed the black bag onto the bed. "General Mustang ordered me to give this to you."
I walked over to the bed and stared at the bag. What the heck…
"And what's inside?"
Enzo shook his head at me, stubborn little prick. "Nope, you are going to have to find out for yourself."
I smirked as I looked at him. "Lieutenant Soto, I order you to tell me what's in the bag. I am your superior and you will follow my orders." Bwahahah, I loved power.
Enzo seemed displeased by my command. His eyebrows connected as he stood straight. "Sir, it's a suit for the Military Ball tonight."
I blinked a few times, I had totally forgotten about that stupid dance. "At ease, how the heck does Roy know my size?"
Enzo pulled at the zipper on the bag. Instead of the military dress uniform I had been expecting to see, I was greeted by a rather slick looking black suit. The undershirt was red and the bowtie was black. Roy knew me to well. "He mentioned something about Riza tailoring you a year ago. He wants me to make sure the suit fits you properly."
I sighed as I looked at the outfit. I hated dances with a passion. Especially since the last time I danced was in a rather odd circumstance. Cough, cough, Rose, cough.
Even though Rose wasn't exactly with-it during our little waltz, she ended up having to be the lead. Yup, I was that bad.
"If I am going to be forced to go to this stupid thing, then I plan to hang out on the balcony, would you care to join me?"
Enzo laughed at my remark and nodded at my question. "Of course I will, I would prefer to talk to you then some old military man who thinks to highly of himself."
"Cool I guess, in some strange weird funky twisted way, you could say we have a date together."
Enzo laughed again.
Going to the dance was practically one of the biggest mistake's of my life. The moment I had entered the ball room photographers and various other people had surrounded me with questions and comments. Before I had even truly realized it, I was the talk of Central.
Oh God did I hate attention.
Oh man why did anyone even care!
Roy had saved my life, grabbing me and yanking me away from the offenders. I couldn't believe what had happened, how the hell did everyone even know?
Roy apologized to me profoundly; he never anticipated that type of reaction, heck, neither did I. Females then proceeded to try and swarm around me like a flock of seagulls, but Havoc, Fuery, and Armstrong had somehow frightened them away.
It was just a nightmare.
I had considered escaping back to the dorms but Enzo got a hold of me and snuck me into a dark corner while we waited for the commotion to die down. We then somehow, by God's blessed kindness, made it to the balcony without being noticed.
The night was chilly so almost no one ventured to the outside world. The only time we saw someone was when smokers came out for a smoke. But none of the smokers paid any heed to us.
"That was crazy."
I groaned as I held my head with my hands. "This is a joke right?" I kicked the balcony with my steal foot.
"Edward, don't you pay attention? Everyone has been talking about you."
For a moment I considered jumping off the balcony, that way I could end my suffering. But then again death didn't sound that appealing at such a young age. I wanted to live! "I have noticed, but being swarmed like I am some idol is not very comforting to me." The talk Roy and I had had the previous night felt like it was slipping away between my fingers.
"Give it sometime, this will all die down." I prayed that Enzo was right.
I looked out at the dark starry sky that covered the world. It was a beautiful night even though it was a cold one.
A tap on the shoulder grabbed my attention. I turned around to find Klose standing behind me. My mouth fell open.
Her dress was a dark sea of blue, fitting her body perfectly. It dropped in waves at the bottom and had a big bow in the back. Her hair was done up in perfect tight curls, her makeup looking very natural. I always thought Klose was attractive but this made her look almost… beautiful.
I shook my head. "Wow, you look very nice tonight."
Klose practically beamed at me. I looked over to see what Enzo's reaction was, but his eyes were fixated on me. His stare was eerie, it made me want to curl my toes, so I smiled at him not sure what else to do. He only looked at me with that same haunting gaze.
Klose seemed to get the tension which was between us; she grabbed me by the shoulder in a friendly manner as she addressed us both. "Are you guys having fun?"
I looked at Klose and gave her a reassuring smile. "Yea, even though I got bombarded by press earlier, the night seems to be looking up."
I looked back at Enzo but he now was looking over the balcony's railing. That look he had given me… what the hell? Enzo was one tough cookie to figure out.
Klose grabbed my attention when she began to walk toward to the ballroom doors. She clasped her hands together and smiled as she looked into the ballroom; the doors were French doors so it was easy to look inside. I walked up beside her so I could see what she was looking at.
The ballroom itself was a clash of gold and dark blue. There were long blue velvet curtains covering part of the doors so I could easily hide behind them without having anyone see me, yay.
The room was silent as everyone surrounded the stair case. I lifted an eyebrow at Klose, not sure what was going on. She pointed to the top of the stair case, silently telling me to look. I turned my head and watched.
Chairman Hakuro walked slowly down the stairs with his wife beside him. Some photographers flashed their cameras while everyone in the room began to clap. I looked at the whole scene confused.
"What's going on?"
"What do you mean? It's Chairman Hakuro and his wife"
"Yea exactly, what's going on?"
Klose looked at me with surprise. "Edward, you're in the military. Chairman Hakuro is a very well respected man, you should know that."
I shrugged my shoulders at her. I didn't get it; no one acted that way when the other Chairmen had entered the room. Chairman Hakuro didn't seem that special to me.
But his office, he did have the nicest one. And the way he could per-sway the other Chairmen, maybe it did make a little bit of sense. "Why is Chairman Hakuro so well respected?"
Klose tapped a finger on her chin while she thought. "Well, he was a high ranking officer in the old government; I would think that's part of it. He's also very caring about the people and seems to have very good ideals. I suppose that's why."
Once Chairman Hakuro reached the floor, the music began to play again in a waltz. Everyone in the room went back to socializing and dancing.
I sighed as I leaned against the door frame. I looked behind me to see what Enzo was doing; he just watched me and Klose. Man could Enzo be weird.
Klose grabbed me by the upper arm; she looked at me with a smirk. "Come on Edward, let's dance."
"Waa! I don't think so. Besides I can't go into there." I pointed towards the ballroom.
Klose pouted at me. "We can do it right here. You're my friend right? I am a lady; I deserve to have a good night."
I rolled my eyes at her. What a female line to say. Ahh! I hated dancing. But Klose and I were friends; even if I did embarrass myself it wouldn't be that bad. "Fine, I'll dance with you once, but intern you have to give Enzo a dance. He's probably much better than me and he deserves to have fun too."
Klose laughed as she grabbed me by the arms. I looked over at Enzo; his eyes gleamed from the moonlight. That look, he gave me that look again.
I laid in my bed not really wanting to get up. My mind was still groggily and I wasn't too sure where my clothing was. "Go away! I'm sleeping."
"Edward, General Mustang has some reports he wants you to look at. Besides, I have something I want to show you."
I groaned at Klose even though she probably couldn't hear it from the other side of the door. Somehow last night Enzo had gotten a hold of some bottles of wine and champagne. Enzo wasn't much of a drinker, but I found out that Klose was willing to share a few lovely drinks with me. The three of us had stayed on the balcony all night while just enjoying each others company. We spoke of tales of our past lives, I made sure to not include any of the years I was a State Alchemist and when my brother was a suit of armor, and talked of our hopes for the future. Both Enzo and Klose were very interesting people; they seemed very real and lively in their own way.
I forced myself out of the heaven of my warm sheets, stumbled for a second when I tried to stand, but with some concentration and determination, I got myself to stand up right. Klose knocked on the door again. "Edward, are you awake?"
"Will you hold on!" I searched for my clothing but I couldn't find it anywhere. What the crap, where did it go?
I looked down at myself. Oh, heck I didn't even have my boxers on. A deep red blush stretched its way across my face. I grabbed some of the sheets from the bed and wrapped it around my body; I couldn't believe I was about to do this.
I opened the door a crack, just so my head could peek out. Klose was in her military uniform, her eyes narrowed at me. "It's about time you woke up."
She held a newspaper to my face. I blinked a few times not really being able to read it because of my eyes. Luck may have it that my glasses were on the dresser beside me. I put them on and looked at the paper she was showing me.
My eyes shot open when I saw my face gracing the front page of the paper. In the picture I was being pulled away by Roy and was taking a glance over my shoulder. The picture wasn't very flattering.
Thank you heaven Klose couldn't see my body because my fingers went limp from shock and I dropped the sheets. I blushed again as I knelt down and picked the sheets back up.
In big bold letters the headline of this morning's paper was 'Fullmetal is Back in Action'. Shifting my hold on the bed sheets, I used one hand to grab the paper from Klose's fingers. This couldn't be good.
"Where did you get this?"
Klose laughed at me. "Edward, at a newspaper stand. You're the headline on all the papers, isn't it great?" I wanted to scream 'No it's not!' but I forced myself to stay calm.
"Hold on a second, let me change." I closed the door, not even waiting for her to respond. I held the newspaper in a tight grip. Oh shit, this couldn't be happening.
My back hit the door and I slide to the ground. I hated attention! I wanted to kill whoever was the photographer. I dropped the paper to the floor, I wanted it to burn.
Klose knocked on the door again. "Edward, hurry up and get dressed. We got to wake up Enzo; he's on duty in an hour."
I sighed as I pushed myself in a standing position. I grabbed the sheets and threw them back on the bed. Where in the world was the clothing I wore last night…
See folks, that's why you don't allow yourself to drink; you seem to loose valuable items.
I opened the bathroom door, 'lo and behold I found my suit. The clothing had been carelessly thrown into the bathtub. I smacked myself; I highly doubted that was a cheap outfit.
I pulled out the suit, dug out my boxers, and with a clap of my hands my boxers were magically clean. Yup, I was lazy and hated doing laundry with a passion. Alchemy, it's a gift from heaven.
I pulled on the cotton fabric and looked at myself in the mirror. Oh man, did I badly need a shower, but there was no time. I walked back into the bedroom and dug through my drawers to get my regular clothing. I threw them on in a haste, grabbed my photo ID, and glasses before I opened the bedroom door.
Klose was waiting for me outside. Her hands were on her hips as she looked me up and down. "Well aren't we Mr. Sunshine today? You look pretty bad."
"Thanks."
Klose pushed past me and grabbed the newspaper off my bedroom floor. "I think this picture is a nice one of you."
I shrugged my shoulders as I gestured for her to leave my room; I looked back into my room before I closed the door. Heh, my room was a pigsty.
We both walked towards Enzo's room, a short walk since our dorms were on the same floor. Klose smiled at me as she walked up to Enzo's door. "You know, he's going to love this picture of you."
I groaned. Great, just great.
Klose knocked on the door. "Enzo wake up, you need to get ready for work."
We waited a few moments for a reply, but there was none. Klose looked back at me while lifting an eyebrow. "Maybe he's just a heavy sleeper."
I shrugged my shoulders as I used my metal fist to knock on the door, my knock was much louder then Klose's. "Enzo wake up!"
Still there was nothing, I looked back at Klose. "Are you sure he's in? Maybe he went to breakfast."
Klose shook her head. "No I just got back from the café, he wasn't there. I can't think of anywhere else he could be."
I knocked again, this time even louder. "Enzo, get up!"
Silence still greeted us. I grabbed the door knob and turned it, the door was unlock. Klose grabbed me by the shoulder before I could open the door. "Is this alright? We probably shouldn't enter his room without his permission." I knew Enzo was an easy going guy so I didn't see any problems with it.
"Don't worry, it will be fine."
I pushed open the door, ready to yell at Enzo again, but no words would form when I saw what was inside.
Klose screamed as she backed against the hallway wall. I just stood there, in to much shock to move.
Blood...
So much blood... It was on the floor, on the ceiling, on the walls, especially on the bed. I swallowed hard as my heart began to pump loudly in my ears. Heh, another friendly joke, right?
I took a cautious step into the dorm room, my boot made a small splash sound as it stepped into a puddle of the red liquid.
On the bed laid something that was once human, now it was nothing more then a shredded piece of meat. Oh God, please, this couldn't be right. Why was there so much blood…?
I took another step into the room. My voice came out shaky. "Enzo?" A haunting silence greeted me.
I could hear Klose beginning to cry behind me, her cries were laced with "Oh my God's".
This couldn't be Enzo… Enzo was fine. He had to be, I was talking to him just last night. Enzo was too young to die, too nice of a person. He still had a bright future ahead of him. Maybe it wasn't him, or I was just seeing things…
By my feet laid a chunk of hair. The same colored hair that belonged to Enzo. There was just no question to who was lying on that bed.
Why did everyone die? I was still young yet everyone constantly died around me.
I fell to the ground, the blood soaking into my black pants. I used my hands to cover my face. Enzo couldn't be dead; he just couldn't be… What the hell was wrong with me!
I gave an agonizing scream.
Author's Note:
Would you call this a cliff hanger? I hope not… I do value my life somewhat. Ok! Some good news… I am half way through my next chapter! Bad news... I have a lot of finals this week. But I hopefully should get the next chappy out in a responsible time frame. Sorry that we had to wave Enzo off at such an early time… But things happen life goes on. I hoped you enjoyed this chapter though; I actually had a blast writing it.
Thank you Han-chan for being my Beta reader!
Questions you might have...
1. Do I have an obsession with death?
Well… maybe… But I assure you all these deaths do have some symbolic meanings to them. And I figure if people are to die... might as well make them interesting. Heh
2. Ed's love life?
Some people are probably rolling their eyes saying 'Men are horny! No way Ed doesn't want some love-love!'. I actually must say this belief is incorrect. Once upon a time I had a really good friend who just didn't care bout the love-love. Heck, I don't care about the love-love. To some people a love life just is not important. But! That doesn't mean I'm going to leave Ed alone. WAHAHHAHAHAH… excuse me as I dunk my head in the toilet.
3. Klose never seeing Ed's auto-mail..
In episode four when we are introduced to our friend Klose, she never does see Ed's auto-mail. Only reason I am saying this is because when I first wrote that I actually doubted myself and had to recheck the ep. So! Just to clarify.
4. Roy and Ed's friendship.
A year ago (ok more like 8 months now)when Roy first got a hold of Ed, Ed claimed that him and Roy were not friends. Well time changes budy! Roy is one cool cucumber so you will find that those two have formed a nice friendship especially since Ed is older and more mature.
5. Nakey Ed.
Did I enjoywriting that scene more than ever! How much would I love to be Klosein that scene. I can tell you one thing... I woulda thrown open that door and been on top of Ed in less than five seconds flat...
Oh dear, did I just say that.
The Monkey King- Lol, yes I do agree there are a lot of yaoi fics out there. I am not against yaoi at all, heck I was really into it with Gundam Wing fics, but this story is being based off possible facts from the series and manga. Ed will be straight but I am not saying much about who he will be with. My reason for this is Ed's love life gets a little twisted. Bwahahhahah! Thanks for the compliments and the review. I like reviews >3
Hidari- Thank you for the compliments! I have recently gotten a proof reader so hopefully those typos will disappear. The past chapters I have been really trying to edit them but considering that I myself am the one who wrote them, it's kind of hard for me to see some of the typos. I am very happy you feel Ed and Al are in character. From other fic's I have read I think I have given Ed a little jump out of character, but I did it because of age. This fic, of course, is all about Ed but we will see Al come and go. Since Ed is at the military base at the moment Al's character is sorta in the dark, but he will be back! And for Edward and Winry, I have much enjoyment writing those two together. You will be seeing more of Winry but if your asking me to add some love between the two… Again I am not making any comments on Ed's love life. Must wait and see! Thanks for the review.
Katratzi- I am very happy everything is fixed! Thank you for mentioning that. Heh, I am glad you thought Enzo's character was interesting… but yup… I uhh… sorta killed him off, heh, heh. But I suppose you can say his death won't be hard forgotten. Thanks for the review!
Harrah Musici- Fixed everything you pointed out! Check back to chapter 10... I think I got the name thing right this time.. well hopefully. Thanks for the wonderful help!
Sorceress-fox- I tried emailing you but it says I can't! Can you please email me? You can get my email address in my profile. Thanks! And about Ed helping Klose after he becomes a state alchemist. Naa, he helped her before. Its ep.4 and Al and Ed were on the train to go meet Mustang about them becoming Alchemists. Ed doesn't get his license until episode 7 (discluding the first two eps)I believe. Thanks for the review!
Kwela- I am happy you live the point of view. I hope this update was quick enough. I actually surprised myself in how fast I wrote it. Thanks for the review.
Lazerducky27- I have read it spelled Klause many times too. When I read this review that's when I actually had a mental breakdown and was like 'I must find the truth!'. Yup, my Japanese teacher would be so proud of me if she knew how much effort I used to try and find the proper Japanese spelling. I really don't think any of us will know the truth to her name, but I very much appreciate the fact they you responded to my question on chap 10. Thanks for the review!
AlereVenus- I actually sent you an email about the cup question, I'm curious if you got it. I am a little confused of where you're talking about. Could you give me a tad bit more detail of the scene you're referring to? And about Ed and him transmuting clothing… I do know that Ed and his brother use to carry a suit case with them in the series, but I thought it would be funny if Ed all of the sudden got lazy since he didn't have his brother around anymore. I live at college now and you won't believe half the crap we do when it comes to avoiding to do laundry. I figured since Ed can transmute stuff, why not he just do it with his clothing. He can clean his cloths and make new clothing with the stuff he already has. Tee heh. Thanks for the review! I hope to answer the cup question for you soon.