Fullmetal Alchemist 13

What seemed like days later was only a couple of hours. I awoke with my head was throbbing, and my body weak and aching. I slowly opened my eyes and blinked a couple times. It took some effort to sit up and stay that way, so instead, I just scooted over and leaned against the wall taking deep breaths, grateful for pure air.

Al looked surprised and Fletcher somewhat relieved that I was awake at all.

"Your awake!"

"Well I suppose I would have to wake up sometime soon…ow"

I rubbed my forehead because of the headache, it will pass, I kept telling myself.

Fletcher just sat there staring at the tiled floor, his face blank. Then in a low, barely audible voice,

"I'm sorry…"

I stared at him for a minute. Why would he be feeling sorry for me? He didn't steal my identity, and he did get us out of that death chamber…

"If you are feeling responsible for me passing out, don't, I wasn't even hurt."

Still staring at the floor, he nodded, yet, anyone could easily tell he still felt

responsible. Hey I tried. Then a couple of feet away, Ed was starting to come to. The aftereffects were the same as mine it seemed. Course that all seemed to quickly go away when he leapt up on his feet and pointed to Fletcher and screamed,

"YOU! WHATS HE DOING HERE!"

Fletcher flinched then his eyes returned to the floor as if it was the most interesting thing in the world and repeated the same thing he said to me.

"Brother, Fletcher saved us…"

"He…Did now did he? Yeah that still doesn't make up fo-"

"I guess you didn't get the memo, when guards are posted doesn't that usually give off the sign that this place is off limits?"

I jerked my head towards the doorway and there, standing there was Russel. Ed's look of surprise lasted only briefly then a smirk came across his face.

"Well well well, look who finally decided to show up."

Russell ignored Ed, and stared straight through him to Fletcher, but didn't say a word. Fletcher felt his gaze upon him and turned away, but didn't dare look up. Sensing something about to go down, I slowly pulled myself up and leaned against the wall trying my best to ignore the pounding in my head. Damn toxins…

"Finally ready to meet your match?"

"We will see about that," Russell replied reaching into his pocket and grabbing a vase, turning it into a black steel sword.

My eyes widened and I tried to run forward but stumbled and nearly fell. Don't tell me this damn thing hasn't worn off yet! Gah no matter this wont stop me…

"Bring it on!" Edward yelled running towards Russell, his right arm transmuted into a blade. He stood there waiting patiently and calmly. Then Ed and Russell's blades met, then there was a blur of sparks as the blades encountered each other. Edward was shoved back and Russell took the opportunity and transmuted a water hose that's water supply, was the red water.

"One blast of this and you will die instantly!"

"Really now? DO you think your cheap imitation Philosophers stone can measure up to my abilities? All it does is give you a boost!"

Russell's smirk turned into a frown, and said "have it your way then." Russell turned on the hose and Edward reacted quickly and transmuted an umbrella and but it in front of him as a shield.

"I told you, all that stone is, is a cheap imitation!" With those words said Edward started walking his way up to Russells point, step by step. Pushing back the force of the red water upon his makeshift shield. Russell added more power and force to the water pushing Ed backward a bit. After that he stood his ground and took a step forward that seemed to freeze time. His foot slipped.

"EDWARD!" I yelled getting up no matter how much my body wouldn't allow it. It seemed like it was slow motion as Ed began to fall. But someone beat me to it, to take the blow for Edward. It was Fletcher.

Fletcher lay on the ground Red water soaking his clothes. He dove in front of Edward and pushed him out of the way, even after everything that has happened.

"LOOK WHAT YOU HAVE DONE!" I screamed at Russell who stood there dumbstruck and motionless. The water hose dropped from his hands and he ran over to Fletcher and kneeled beside him. Ed lay a distance away, not believing what had just happened.

"Why the hell did you do that! Russell yelled.

"It was my fault…all of this is my fault. I'm sorry"

"Fletch-"

Then a whistle sounded, and guards footsteps could be heard in the halls and arriving at the door to the room. There was a loud booming knock at the door and yell saying "Is everything okay Sir Elric!"

"Everything is Fine! Don't mind us, False alarm!"

I calmly walked over to Fletcher and stared at him. He would live. The red water seemed to not have harmed him as it should have. He was very lucky. I pat Fletcher's head and offered Ed a hand, he accepted it and I pulled him off the ground. Edward brushed himself off and looked at Fletcher gratefully.

"You all best get out of here while you have the chance…"

No one budged.

"NOW!"

Edward nodded and tuned to leave the only way they could. Out the window. Alphonse followed his older brother and broke the window, then Edward jumped out and Alphonse the same. I walked towards the direction of the window but turned around for a backward glance. Fletcher was still lying there, and Russell's head bowed. I looked at the lining of a tile and thought, Fletcher couldn't do it. He was afraid to stop his brother. All this time he was against it. Now when he finally does something about it, Russell pays for it. Fletcher got hurt today, for being the only one who did the right thing…He has my respect. With a wave my hand I turned to leave and jumped out the window landing on the grass where Alphonse and Edward were waiting for me.