well lookie here, another update! i'm kinda scared though, next thing you know the KC Royals are gonna win a baseball game...which would suck, because then i wouldn't have an excuse to pig out on hot dogs and cotton candy. it's just not the same anywhere other than kauffman stadium. i love cotton candy...dammit, now i'm hungry...

disclamer- zago doesn't own FMA. but she does own Aka. and at the moment, she really wishes she owned a hot dog right about now.


-----Part 17-Rocks and Sparks-----

Recap- You and Ed accidentally started an earthquake by yelling. Risking his life, Ed pushed you out of the way of some falling rocks. You and Al then dug a hole so you could get to Ed. Now a weird person is talking to you.

Start-You looked up to see...

"You! Why are you here?" You demanded. Standing in front of you was the guy in the black cloak. His head was bowed, so you couldn't see his face. But judging by his size and deepness of voice, you were pretty sure it was a guy.

"I could ask you the same thing. Most people avoid being in earthquakes." He said. His voice sounded strange. It was quiet, yet strangly forceful. You glared at him.

"I didn't get here on purpose. Did you?" You spat at him. His cloak shuddered as he chuckled.

"My, such a fiery attitude. It's a pity there aren't more people like you in this world. Things would be so much more interesting..." This guy was seriously starting to tick you off.

"Do I know you?" You demanded, "Or are you just picking random people to stalk?" Again, the man chuckled. You didn't see what was so funny. Nothing about this was funny...Glancing down at Ed, you realized that his breathing had become more strained.

I've gotta get him out of here... You thought desprately. But what about this jerk? I know he was following us, but does he really plan on doing anything to us?

"What's wrong child? You seem quiet..."

"Only because you still won't give me answers. Now tell me already! Who are you and what do you want?" You growled.

"Who am I? I am called Scopulus, an alchemist of rock. (look it up. scopulus means 'rock' and 'danger' in latin. aren't i smart? oh crap, i just gave that away, didn't i? shit) Though as to why I'm here, I don't think you'll like it." You rolled your eyes.

"Well there's no way I would now that you said that. Just tell me already."

"Fine. But don't say I didn't warn you..."

"Talk already!" You demanded.

"Alright. If you must know, I was sent to kill your little friend here. But he's making this very annoying..."

"Wait, you're here to kill Ed? Why?"

"He's been nosing around in things that should be left alone. I intend to make him stop."

"What do you mean 'nosing?' Is it the Philospher's Stone?"

"So you know of it as well? I should have guessed, seeing as you and that boy are so close...that little scene on the cliff was quite romantic." You glared, but felt your cheeks blush a little.

"So you were there after all. I wondered who threw that rock...but if you ask me, it seems kind of pointless."

"The rock-throwing? Well, you were taking too long to climb up, so I thought I'd amuse myself."

"Not that, I mean trying to kill Ed. You'll never be able to pull it off. Not with me here." Scopulus gave an annoyed sigh.

"I'll admit, he's proving harder to kill than I thought. I figured the earthquake would-"

"Earthquake? Wait, you mean you're the one who caused that?" You asked, looking furious.

"Of course I did. Didn't I mention it earlier? I'm a rock alchemist, making small tremors is no great feat to me. Though, I must thank you girl. If you hadn't been so foolish as to get in the way, he might have actually escaped the rocks. So, from the bottom of my heart, I thank you for making my job easier." You gritted your teeth.

"You bastard...there's no way in hell you even have a heart!" You yelled. Scopulus waved a finger at you.

"Now now, vulgar language gets one no where fast. But enough chit-chat. I'm here to kill the Fullmetal Alchemist, and if you want to stop me, I suggest you do it quick."


Scopulus reached into the pockets of his cloak and pulled out a strange silver rod with a disk on top of it. Looking at it more closely, you saw that there was a transmutation circle engraved into the disk. Quickly standing up, (you were kneeling beside Ed the whole time) you walked forward and made your hands into a fist, summoning your sword. Heaving it over you shoulder, you smirked at Scopulus.

"You made a big mistake messing with my friends. You just made me ticked. And the more ticked off I am, the harder it makes me kick your ass."

"Strong words from a dying girl. That little romance scene on the cliff made you seem so brave to..."

"SHUT UP!" You yelled, running forward. You tried to slash at Scopulus, but a rock shot out of no where and you had to block that instead. Another came in your direction and you quickly blocked it to. Soon, tons of rocks were hurtling in your direction, and it was all you could do to not get hit.

Dammit...Scopulus's alchemy isn't half bad. But I gotta beat him...Ed can't die! Crossing your arms in front of your chest, you focused on your 'inner lightning.' (lame? yes. but is it four-in-the-morning-and-still-have-to-study-for-finals? YES) Flinging your arms to your sides, a flash of red erupted from your body, surrounding it in a forefield of flickering sparks. Now whenever the rocks got close, they just got fried by the sparks.

"Hm. Not bad child, but I'm afraid it won't do you much good." Scopulus said.

"Shut up and fight you jackass!" You yelled. Charging toward him once more, you tried to fling you sword at him. But you caught nothing but air. Scopulus had stepped back, but it looked more like he'd floated back. You couldn't tell if it was the long cloak or what, you just tried charging again. A larger rock was thrown at you, and you used your sword as a sheild when the rock broke threw your barrier. More large rocks started to shoot towards you, and you quickly jumped out of the way. But you were running out of space: the cave was too small.

With horror, you realized that you'd lost track of Scopulus. Your eyes darted around the cavern until you finally saw him...standing over Ed. (bold print makes it dramatic)


"No! Get away from him!" You screamed, reaching out towards him. And then it happened again. You didn't think about it, it just happened. The beam of red lightning shot out of your hand and hit Scopulus square in the back. He let out a cry of pain and slumped down, breathing hard. But he wasn't dead. Warily, you took a few steps closer to him until you stood about a foot away.

Suddenly, he whirled around and shot up, grabbing you by the throat and hoisting you into the air. Your lungs screamed as you gasped for air.

"You...insolent wench..." Scopulus growled, "I will kill you for causing me such pain!" You lifted a hand to his wrist and tried to jerk it away, but the pressure on your neck was making you too weak.

Then, you heard a crashing sound and a glimpse of something large and gray coming towards you. Scorulus threw you aside and jumped out of the way of Al's punch.

"Al!" You croaked.

"Sorry I couldn't help earlier. Moving all the rock was hard without your help, and I had to make the hole a lot bigger..." He trailed off. You tried to smile, but ended up flinching instead. You heard ragged breathing and turned to see Scopulus barely standing.

"I...must now go. But the next time we meet...you will die you little bitch...you and that Fullmetal brat." With that, A wall of rocks shot up in front of him. Al started to go after him, but you grabbed his arm.

"N-no. He's...probably gone...by now..." You said, your voice faint.

"Aka, are you alright? You must be exhausted, fighting Scopulus on your own..." You managed a smile this time.

"I'm...okay, but- Ed..." Al nodded and bent over his brother, picking him up.

"C'mon, let's go back to the hotel and get some rest. Can you walk?" Asked Al. You nodded and followed Al out of the cave, trying not to black out.


Feeling dazed, you looked up and realized that you had already climbed back down the cliff. You couldn't even remember leaving the cave...Looking up, you saw Al walking up ahead, carrying Ed. Trying to shake yourself back into reality, you slowly walked after them. You didn't even notice the people's stares this time. Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, you reached the hotel. Cursing the steps as you stumbled up them, you staggered into the room.

"Aka, why don't you-" Al started, but you didn't hear the rest of it because your body collapsed as you blacked out for real.


Ed's POV-
Argh...I'm sore all over... You thought groggily. Opening your eyes, you squinted as light hit them. It looked like it was late afternoon. Looking around, you saw that you were laying in your bed at the hotel. But you also saw something else.

"Aka!" You exclaimed, seeing her laying on Al's bed. Wincing, you stood up and managed to limp over to her, kneeling next to the bed. Aka was laying on her side facing you. You frowned as you saw bruises on her arms and legs, her hair undone and tangled. Reaching up, you pushed some of it out of her face. But the motion woke Aka up. Her eyelids fluttered open to reveal her red eyes. Sitting up, she stared at you, blinking rapidly. You took a seat next to her on the bed as she blinked at you a little before breaking out into a huge smile.

"You're awake!" She cried, lunging forward to embrace you. You stiffened and blushed a bit, like you had on the cliff. Hesitantly, you hugged her back.

"Y-yeah. I'm up. Are you okay?" You asked her. She pulled away from you and shrugged.

"I guess. I...feel a lot better...now that I know you're awake..." She said, blushing. Your own blush deepened. But then your face became serious again.

"I heard what happened. With that weird guy..." You told her. She looked at you in surprise.

"You were awake then?" She asked. You nodded.

"Barely, and I couldn't move, but I caught bits and pieces of what happened. Did he try to strangle you?" Aka looked down and nodded. You made a fist and growled, looking away. "That bastard..."

"It's okay, Al saved me before anything happend. I'm just glad he didn't do something like that to you." Aka said sincerely. You looked at her to see her smiling kindly at you.

"Aka..." You said softly. Sighing, you pulled her into another hug, holding her fiercly. "I'm so sorry..." You said.

"Don't be." Aka said softly, burying her head in your chest. "I'd do it again anyday."

"I know. That's why I'm lucky to have you." You sighed, laying your head on her shoulder.

The two of you stayed like that for a while until you heard the door swing open. You and Aka broke apart and blushed as Al chuckled.

"So this is what you two have been up to...I was wondering what would happen if I left..." He said in an amused voice. Your face got redder as you glared at Al.

"Cut it out Al, it's not like anything happened..." Al chuckled and Aka looked away, probably as red as you were.

"I take it you're feeling better than?" Al asked. You shrugged.

"I feel okay. A little sore, but I'll live."

"What about you Aka?" Asked Al. Aka looked back at him and smirked.

"No one can keep me down for long. I'll be fine, just need some rest."

"Okay. I'll sleep-"

"In your own bed." Aka said, interrupting Al.

"But- you're injured Aka! You can't sleep on the floor!" Al protested.

"I can and I will. Didn't we already go over this? There's no way in hell I'm taking your bed. Now drop it and let me rest." Aka said, standing up and dragging some sheets onto the floor. Al tried to protest some more, but she ignored him.

She can't sleep on the floor. But we won't be able to convince her. Unless... "Al, just let her be." You told him.

"But-"

"If she wants to sleep on the floor, that's her buisness. I'm going to get some grub, you want some Aka?" She shook her head.

"Nah, I think I'll go to bed. Night guys."

"Goodnight Aka." Al responded, following you out of the room.

"Brother," He said, as the two of you entered the buffet, "You can't be serious. You honestly think Aka should sleep on the floor?" You shrugged.

"Not really, but there's no way she'll agree to anything else. Besides, if it weren't for her, I wouldn't be here. As far as I'm concerned, she can do whatever she wants." Al sighed as you got some food. Don't worry Al you thought, I have an idea


(Ed with an idea? WE'RE DOOOOOOOOOOOOOMED!)


Aka's POV-
After the guys left, you fell into a pretty deep sleep. But suddenly, you woke up to see yourself on a bed instead of the floor.

What the- You thought. Looking up, you caught a glimpse of a dark figure moving away. Shooting out your hand, you caught a metal wrist.

"Ed!" You hissed. "What are you doing?" You heard him give an annoyed sigh.

"You were supposed to stay asleep."

"Sorry to disappoint you. What the hell were you thinking?"

"I was gonna switch places with you." Ed whispered. You glanced over at Al's bed and saw that he was asleep.

"Really? So what part of 'I don't care what she does' was a lie?"

"None of it!"

"Again, lying."

"Okay, maybe all of it." Ed admitted. You shook your head, standing up.

"Whatever. Just leave me alone, I want to sleep." You tried to walk back to your own bed, but Ed grabbed your shoulder and pushed you back down. "Ed-"

"No. I don't care if you want to sleep on the floor, but you're not going to tonight. Now just lay down and go back to sleep."

"I'm not gonna-"

"Now." Ed said forecfully. Grumbling, you laid back down on Ed's bed. "I'm not gonna sleep you know." You told him.

"What?" He exclaimed.

"I can't fall asleep unless I know you're sleeping in your own bed. You're hurt too, remember? Actually, you probably need a bed more than I do." Ed was silent for a while, but then you felt a weight on the bed. Smiling, you started to get up, but felt Ed pushing you down again.

"Ed! What're you-"

"We both need a bed. Now shut up and go to sleep." He said. Laying down, he put an arm over your stomach and pulled you closer to him. You struggled, but he wouldn't let go. Sighing, you gave up and closed your eyes, very aware of how warm Ed was.


alright everybody! 1...2...3...AWWWWWWWWWW! now the story's getting fluffy. just a head's up- this story is rated T. there will be none of that in this story. i'm not saying this because people have bugged me about it, you guys have actually been really cool with what you say in the reviews. i just wanted to get that cleared up. so, thanks.

wow, i usually don't talk to you guys this much.

your distant writer-

zago