I do not own Fullmetal Alchemist. I can't buy it cause you know in order to obtain something of equal value must. Aw screw it you know the rest.
The Storm Front Alchemist
Chapter: 5 Aftermath and Goodbyes
John looked around. Everything was dark.
Where am I? thought John. John looked around trying to get his bearings. Then John heard a voice behind him.
"Big brother. Why's it so dark?" said the voice of a little girl. John stopped in his tracks.
It can't be? thought John. John turned around and looked down.
Standing there was a little girl about four years old with shoulder length black hair and the same sky blue eyes as John. She was wearing a light green sundress.
"What's wrong big brother?" said the little girl. John dropped to his knees and hugged the little girl.
"Mia." said John with a sob and tears in his eye. (A/N remember he lost his right eye that includes tear ducts and other parts as well.)
"Why are you crying John? Are you sad?" asked Mia.
"No Mia it's just I haven't seen you in so long." said John
"Where was I John?" asked Mia.
"You… You had to go away for a while, but that doesn't matter now that you're back." said John. John knelt there for a long time his little sister in his arms. Then suddenly Mia broke free from his grasp and ran away. "Mia!"
"Catch me if you can big brother." said Mia giggling and she ran away. John got up and sighed.
Some things never change. thought John. "I'm going to get you Mia." said John and he ran after her. They chased each other for hours and John was beginning to feel tired. John stopped running so he could catch his breath.
She's a lot faster than I remember. Thought John. John looked at his sister still playing. I should have spent more time with her. But no I had to study alchemy and uphold the Winrain family tradition. Man sometimes my father can almost be as bad as Armstrong when it comes to tradition.
"Ow!" said Mia as she began to cry. John looked up to see that his sister had tripped.
"Mia don't worry I'm coming." Said John. John went to run after his sister only to discover he couldn't move. What I can't move. Then John saw a shadow begin to advance on Mia. As the shadow moved toward Mia it began to take on human form. The shadow became clearer until finally the figure of Shou Tucker was standing over his sister the Red Stone in his hand.
"Stay away from her you bastard." shouted John. John tried to move but his feet were still glued to the ground. Tucker grabbed Mia's arm roughly and stared at John.
"You couldn't protect her once what makes you think it would be different this time." said Tucker spitefully. The stone then began to glow and John was blinded by the light.
"No." sobbed John and he dropped to his knees. "No I can't lose her again." The light dissipated and John regained his sight and soon wished he hadn't. Standing now where Mia had been was the chimera that Tucker had made from John's blood.
"Hello John it is good to see you again." the chimera said menacingly. John stared angrily at the chimera.
"Die you bastard." said John. John reached to grab the metal rod on his belt loop only to discover it wasn't there.
"Looking for this?" said the chimera mockingly while waving the metal rod in John's face. "You can't transmute without your little lance."
"I'll show you who can't transmute." roared John. John then clapped his hands together and slammed them against the ground. There was a flash of light and suddenly John felt like he was falling.
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John hit the floor with a resounding thud. John opened his eyes but was blinded by the light. John also could hear voices.
"Ha so I was right he can do alchemy without a circle. Now pay up Al." said the first voice.
"Come on brother you know I don't have any money." said the second voice. John's eyes began to adjust to the light and saw he was laying facedown on the floor and in the corner the figures of Ed and Al arguing. John tried to get up but was stopped by a pain in his side. John let out a pained gasp which got the attention of Ed and Al. Ed walked over to John and looked down at him. (A/N Ed actually looking down at someone. XD)
"So you're finally awake?" asked Ed. John shifted and looked up at Ed.
"Um Ed. Why am I on the floor?" asked John.
"That's a stupid question." said Ed. "I mean I'm not the one who transmuted his bed in his sleep and without a circle I might add." John looked around and saw the twisted remains of his bed and then stared at Ed.
"I have no idea what you're talking about Ed. But while you're over here would you mind fixing the bed?" asked John.
"All right." said Ed. "Al would you mind helping John get out of the way?"
"Sure thing brother." said Al. Al walked over to John and with more strength than John thought possible Al simply stooped down and picked John up. John gasped as his side exploded in pain again. "Sorry John."
"It's okay Al." said John. "I'll be fine." John watched as Ed clapped his hands together and put them to the floor and in a flash of light the bed was restored and Al gently placed John back on the bed. "So, how long was I out?"
"It's been about two days." said Ed "The doctor said you're very lucky under normal conditions the poison isn't deadly but combined with the trauma and blood loss you almost died." Ed was silent for a minute but then said. "But back to the matter at hand. You still have to explain the fact that you can do alchemy without a circle."
"What are you talking about Ed?" asked John. "I mean you saw me use a circle to make the storm and if you look at the rod there's a circle on it it's small but it's there." John glared angrily at Ed.
"Liar." said Ed. "I checked it out that circle's fake it couldn't turn dirt to stone much less make a storm. Ed returned the stare electricity shooting from their eyes in classic anime style.
"Who are you calling a liar you metal midget!" screamed John. A vein throbbed on Ed's head.
"WHO ARE YOU CALLING SO SMALL AN ATOM COULD CRUSH HIM? YOU ONE-EYED WINDBAG!"
That did it for John. He got up the pain in his side dulled by anger. John reached down and grabbed the neck of Ed's shirt and lifted Ed bodily off the ground.
"You Fullmetal." said John. Then before Ed could react John punched Ed in the stomach and threw him at the wall. Ed slowly got to his feet.
"You'll pay for that you bastard." said Ed. Ed clapped his hands together and made a blade on his automail arm. But once again just as they were about to fight something distracted them. But this time instead of a fireball it was a gunshot. John and Ed looked to see Riza Hawkeye standing in the doorway her gun aimed at the ceiling.
"Enough from the both of you." ordered Hawkeye. "I would expect this from Ed but not from you John, trying to fight in your condition."
"Aw come on Riza, I'm perfectly fi-Ow. John grabbed his side and fell onto the bed.
"See you're not fine and when addressing me you are to call me Hawkeye or lieutenant is that understood."
"Yes Lieutenant Hawkeye." saluted John. Hawkeye lowered her gun and turned around. "Bitch" Swore John under his breath.
Three more gunshots were heard. Two of the bullets grazed John's left and right temple the third passed within millimeters of a very sensitive body part between John's legs.
"What was that corporal?" asked Hawkeye. John's eyes met Hawkeye's piercing gaze.
"Nothing Lieutenant. Sorry Lieutenant." Said John his voice shaking. Hawkeye lowered her gun.
"Apology accepted." Riza walked over to the door and yelled out. "Lieutenant Colonel I think you can speak with him now." Mustang then walked into the room.
"Ahh Winrain you're finally awake." said Mustang. Mustang looked at the still shaken John and laughed. "Some soldier you are John. Three minutes with Hawkeye and you're already whipped." Mustang then began to laugh uproariously.
"If I recall sir, you were only whipped after one minute and Hawkeye didn't even fire a single shot." said John curtly. Mustang stopped laughing and glared at John.
"All right that's enough fun Winrain. First the King was impressed by your actions and has promoted you to sergeant." John was stunned at this announcement.
"Thank you sir." said John
"No need to thank me John." said Roy. "Also I need a full account on what happened to you two nights ago."
"Of course sir." stated John. Then John proceeded to tell Roy everything he could remember from that night. From chasing Tucker in the alley to the chimera made with his blood and the man who saved him. When John was finished everyone had a serious look on their face.
"Whoa." gasped Ed.
"Winrain you do realize the seriousness of what you're saying." said Mustang sternly
"I know it's hard to believe sir but if that chimera is half as intelligent as I think it is the entire city could be in danger." Mustang sighed and said.
"As much as I believe you John I can't make it top priority."
"Why." demanded John. Mustang responded
"The military can't go around chasing a hunch John. The only evidence we have for the chimera is that arm we found and most people will think you were just delirious and that's why you thought it talked. Also we still have that serial killer on the loose and the man you told us about fits the description of the man who was seen in the area of Nina's. Mustang stopped right there.
"What about Nina? What happened to her?" yelled John. Everyone in the room was suddenly quiet when no one spoke John yelled again. "What the hell happened Roy? I want to know now!" There was another silence but finally Ed spoke.
"John. Nina she's… she's dead. said Ed. John's face turned white and he slumped forward onto the bed.
"No." whispered John. Then John began to cry tears flowing from his eye.
John was crying for several minutes when he felt a warm reassuring hand on his shoulder. John looked up was surprised to see it was Hawkeye. Suddenly to the surprise of everyone in the room especially John Hawkeye wrapped her arms around John and hugged him tightly. She put her head on John's shoulder.
"It'll be okay." She whispered into his ear. Everyone was speechless. Ed had a look of shock and confusion on his face and if Al could emote he would have the same look as well. As for Roy let's just say that if looks could kill John would be dead ten times over.
John on the other hand was enjoying every minute of this. He had had a crush on Hawkeye ever since he joined the military. Also pissing Roy off was a plus.
John was suddenly snapped out of his euphoria by a rapid clicking sound and Hawkeye hastily pushing herself away from him. John looked over to see Hughes standing in the doorway franticly taking pictures.
"You better have a good excuse for being here Maes." said Mustang
"Well I just came to see how John was and came across this touching scene and to take some pictures." said Hughes. "You know its funny Roy I always thought you would end up with Riza but John and Riza that works too."
"What I'm not with Hawkeye!" screamed John. "I don't even like Hawkeye. Well I mean not in that way."
"Then why are you blushing?" asked a chuckling Hughes. It was true John's cheeks were a very nice shade of red.
"I'm not blushing." said John franticly. "I'm just not feeling very well. As a matter of fact I'm going back to bed." John lay back down on the bed and covered his face with the blanket.
"All right Winrain. We can take a hint." said Roy. "Everybody out." As Hawkeye got up off the edge of the bed she felt John grab her wrist. She looked back at John.
"Yes John." she asked. John looked nervously into Hawkeye's eyes.
It's now or never John. Don't chicken out now. thought John. With that John leaned forward and kissed Hawkeye full on the lips. It was a quick chaste kiss. But not so quick that Hughes didn't manage to take about a thousand pictures. John leaned back blushing furiously.
"Thank you for consoling Me." said John sheepishly. Hawkeye was silent her cheeks had a slight pink tint.
"Um, you're welcome." said Hawkeye. Hawkeye then got up and walked over to a very stunned Roy. "Sir we should go now." Roy snapped out of his stupor.
"Of course lieutenant." said Roy. They all walked out the door. As Roy was closing the door he shouted back. "The doctor said you should be fine in three days, so in four you and Fullmetal are headed for Reja. Also if you try something like this again I'll make sure you will never have kids." With that Roy shut the door to let John revel in his victory.
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They were all outside of John's room.
"Hawkeye do you mind telling me what that little hug was about?" asked Roy.
"Sir one of your men was having a breakdown and you just stood there. I felt something had to be done." replied Hawkeye sternly. "Also since you know his family so well you should know why this is so hard for him." Roy sighed
"Yes it is like its happening all over again." said Roy sadly.
"Like what's happening all over again?" asked Ed.
"That's something you're going to have to ask John about Fullmetal. It's up to him whether or not he wants you to know." Ed only nodded and then turned around and walked away with Al close behind him.
"Well Roy this has been an eventful day but I have photos to develop so I'll see you tomorrow Roy." said Hughes and then walked away.
"Um sir?"
"Yes Hawkeye."
"Major Hughes said he was getting some photos developed doesn't that worry you." Mustang suddenly blanched.
"Damn it." swore Roy.
"That picture will be all over Central tomorrow sir."
"I know and John will be a hero because of it."
"Why is that sir?"
"Never mind lieutenant." They then began to walk down the hall.
"So Hawkeye was he good a kisser?" Hawkeye blushed slightly. "I'll take that as a yes." They then left the hospital.
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Four days later John got out of the hospital. When John exited the hospital he saw Ed and Al standing by a car with Havoc at the wheel.
"Come on John lets go." said Ed
"Geez, Roy wasn't kidding he said I was leaving today." said John. They then got into the car. John in the passenger seat and Ed and Al in the back. The car started and they started driving toward the train station.
"Hey Havoc." said John. "Before we get to the train station could you stop at the Tucker place?"
"No, Mustang said to go straight to the train station."
"Please sir? I need to pay my respects."
"Fine." said Havoc. They arrived at the Tucker Manor. John got out followed quickly by Ed and Al. They went around to the back of the house. John went to the tree in the yard and knelt down.
"Well I guess there's no hiding it anymore." said John. John then clapped his hands together and touched them to the ground. There was a flash of light and on the ground in front of John was a two foot marble cross with the words NINA, My Beloved Sister emblazoned across the front.
"I know it's not much Nina but it's the best I can do. I wish I could bring you back but I'm not going to make the same mistake twice." Then John bowed his head in silent prayer. After a minute had passed John got up and without a word walked back to the car. Ed and Al followed suit and went back to the car as well. They rode the rest of the way in silence.
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An hour later they were on the train to Reja and still nobody had spoken. Ed was getting restless and finally broke the silence.
"John there's been something I've wanted to ask you. Mustang said something about how it was happening all over again. Then you said you weren't going to make the same mistake twice. What happened to you?" John said nothing but took his watch from his pocket and threw it to Ed.
"Open it." said John. Ed opened the watch and on the inside was a picture of a little girl.
"Who is this?"
"Mia, my little sister. She died about seven years ago.
"What happened to her?" asked Ed.
"I won't go into all the details but she was shot."
"But what does it have to do with making the same mistake twice?" asked Ed.
"Well let's see my sister died seven years ago the same time I lost my eye and I can do alchemy without a circle. You're supposed to be the prodigy figure it out."
Ed looked at John he knew what John had done he had attempted the forbidden he tried to bring his sister back to life. Ed closed the watch and handed it back to John and settled in for a nap. It was a long way to Reja.
Well that chapter 5 I hope you like it and I'd like to thank all my loyal reviewers. Maki Totakiyami, Waitingwishing, Day Dreamerz Rule, Black Comet and Guywhowrites.
Don't worry all you Roy x Riza fans this is just a crush John has. I won't tell you directly who John ends up with but here's a hint. She's a steal and a real ten under the mask.
Next time John and Ed arrive in Reja and face off against a pair of rouge alchemists. The sadist Blade and the enigmatic Cardshark in Storm Front Alchemist Chapter 6 Dam Alchemists.
p.s. I need your help I haven't come up with a name for the Blade Alchemist I need your suggestions.