Al's-best-friend: I'm sorry for the wait but my stupid computer keeps breaking down (and for once it wasn't my fault!), I have been sick for a week now, and my schedule has been piling up!

-sigh-

I need a vacation.

Disclaimer: Don't own, never have.

The clattering of bowls and silverware from inside reached Marla's ears. She was on the front porch sitting on the steps, her head tilted upward. Billions of stars were in the sky and every once in a while they would sparkle.

"If you look long enough you can see the stars dancing in the sky."

Marla smiled as she remembered what her mother would say on nights like this. When there were no clouds, rain, or snow.

"Really mom?"

"Would I lie to you?"

Her mother would usually wrap an arm over her shoulders and they would talk about the day's events, their hopes and dreams, tell a joke here and there, and would just relax in each others company. It was how they bonded.

Marla shivered as a gust of cold wind blew by. She started to rub her hands together but then realized that it wouldn't help because of her auto-mail arm. If she rubbed her real hand against her cold metal one it would just make things worse. She frowned. Winry had done a great job in designing and building this arm but it still wasn't as good as a real one.

The front door creaked open and heavy footsteps were heard as someone made their way across the porch. Marla looked up and saw Al standing there with a dark blue blanket.

"I figured you were cold." Al said as he sat down on the steps and handed Marla the blanket.

Marla smiled, "You are my hero Al! I was just thinking of getting off my lazy butt to get a blanket or maybe some gloves."

Marla could tell Al was grinning underneath his helmet.

"Hey Al," Marla moved into a more comfortable position and wrapped the blanket around her shoulders, "why are you and Ed the ones that are chasing this homunculi?"

"Brother and I have experience with them."

Marla closed her eyes briefly to prepare herself for the question.

"Have you or your brother ever killed one?"

She hated talking about her sister like an insect.

Al paused briefly and then nodded.

Marla sighed and tried to think of another way she might be able to see and possible save her sister. She couldn't think of any other way. Marla gripped the blanket's edge with her hands.

"Al I need to tell you something every important…..it's about the new homunculi."

Patience truly is a virtue. I was crouched over like a predator waiting for its prey. I had to be still one move or sound could give me away.

"Stay here," Envy had demanded in a firm voice, "you know what to do. Wait for the signal."

"Umm Envy?"

"What!"

I scratched my head nervously, "What is the signal?"

"Just wait. I know you'll figure it out."

Then he left without making a sound. He had changed out of his girl form or 'Envy-etta' just moments before.

I waited a grin was tugging at my lips. I could hardly wait.

Now Ed isn't the smartest person in the world but he could tell when something was wrong. Ed, Al, Lt. Hawkeye, and Major Armstrong had just gotten on the train that went to Central. Before they left Winry said a tearful good bye and managed to hug Ed. Terri looked sad and said he would miss every one of them. Marla wasn't there to say bye. Terri said she was probably still upset and sulking somewhere.

Ed looked over at Al sitting in right beside him. Al had been careful all day not to move around too much. That was weird. Al was looking out the window watching the scenery as it rolled by. Al only acted still and quiet when he was up to something.

Ed leaned his head against his hand, 'What could Al be up to?' A thought popped into Ed's head and he sighed. He hated when Al did this.

"Al, take that cat out now."

Al flinched, "What makes you think I have a cat brother?"

"Take it out now!"

"Brother…"

"Don't make me come over there and take the flea bag out myself!"

"I swear brother that there isn't a cat!" Al said putting his hands in front of him defensively.

"Is it a kitten?"

"No, brother, I wouldn't lie about this!"

Ed looked at Al for a minute then shrugged, "Okay, I believe you."

Marla sighed in relief, 'Man that was close!' She tried to move into a comfortable position without making any noise. When she had told Al about Anna and how she and Terri tried to bring her back he had been shocked at first but then was understanding. Al told her of his past and explained why he was in the suit of armor.

Marla had begged with him to take her along to find Anna and he agreed. There were two problems though. Ed and Terri. Ed would demand she couldn't come along for her safety. Terri would be outraged that Marla would tell anyone about Anna and then would say the same thing Ed would say.

Man sometimes their siblings were uncaring!

So they came up with a slightly 'brilliant' plan. Marla could hide in Al's armor….well, at least till they got to Central.

Al's-best-friend: Did everyone understand that? I'm not sure if it is readable. I blame it on the medicine for my cold! It makes me tired.

Terri: I wasn't in a lot of this chapter!

Al's-best-friend: Aww you'll get over it.

Terri goes to a corner of the room and pouts.

Al's-best-friend: The person with Envy is the same person from the last chapter. Come on, you should know who it is by now!