Alchemist Chronicles

Chapter 12 - Follow Your Heart, Not The Road

When Roy makes it over to the table, Ed is sitting down with Winry on his lap. All four of them just chatting away with each other.

Breda - "Alright! Let's get this party started!" Breda shouts as he leans over and grabs his drink. Havoc follows grabbing his. Roy lays the tray on the table.

Sitting down next to Breda, Roy asks Ed. "So Ed, rumor has it that you already got laid. Is that true Miss Rockbell?" Winry blushes looking away from Mustang.

Glaring at Roy, he replies. "Why do you want to know? Are you jealous?"

Roy - "No I'm actually surprised, to be honest. For once it's about time you let someone control you." Breda and Havoc start chuckling.

Winry sharply replies. "Just like how Riza controls you, Roy?" Ed bursts out laughing and Winry starts giggling. Roy makes a baffled face towards Winry, Breda, and Havoc start laughing as well.

Waving her hand in his face, Roy looks at Janine. "Are you ok? You look like you just seen a ghost or something?"

Ed - "Oh he's seen a ghost alright and It's not my fault."

Breda rolls his eyes. "Yeah. For once." Ed glares at Breda.

AJ whispers something Roy's ear. "Well anyway. I need you for a moment healer hands. Girl talk." "Alright!" She stands and the both of them walk away.

Roy sighs and stands up, walking away as well in the other direction. "Hey uh-" Breda starts to ask but stops.

"Healer Hands? Why did she call Win-" Havoc asks Ed. "It's what she calls any automail engineers or mechanics. At least that what Winry said she said when she asked." Ed replies.

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Roy exits the bar. "Over here Roy." He turns his head and sees Chris, with her hand on Al's shoulder. "He needs a grown man's advice on an issue, not a woman's. Talk to him." And that she leaves, heading back inside of the bar.

Roy - "Is everything alright, Alphonse?"

Al mutters. "no."

Roy - "I'll listen when you are ready." A few minutes pass before Al talks.

Al sighs then says. "When I went to Xing, I was hoping to finish my training with May who was teaching me Alkahastry."

Roy - "It didn't work out that way, did it?"

Al nods his head. "Her family intervened. Said they didn't want May training or to start a relationship a foreigner. (He pauses briefly) She's uh- She's also..." He coughs to clear his throat. "Engaged to be married. Xingese tradition, they said."

Roy - "That explains why you've barely spoke a word this entire time. Can't say I blame you though." Al stays quiet. "Listen, if you want my advice. Take care of yourself first. Don't do anything stupid or reckless that you will regret later on. I mean for all we know, Ling might get rid of that Xingese tradition or any others like it once he becomes Emperor." Al smiles when he hears the last sentence.

Al smiles at Roy. "Thank you."

Roy smiles back. "Don't mention it."

Just then the door opens up. Ed walks out with Winry holding his arm. "You ready to go Al?" Winry asks. Al just stares at them. Roy notices and recognizes Al's tension.

Roy turns to the both of them. "Listen up the both you. Especially you Edward. I'm sure the both of you are aware of Al emotions right now regarding May and with whatever else happen in Xing for that matter. Have some decency for your brother's feelings. It obviously bothers him seeing the both of you making out in public and what not."

Ed looks at Al as Al rolls his eyes at him, then looks the other way. "I'm leaving." Al says as he starts walking away from them.

AJ runs past Ed and Winry, catching up to Al. "Can I walk with you if you don't mind?"

Al with his head still down. "Yeah uh-sure." He then lifts his head up, turning to look at AJ. "Hey Janine, do you mind if I tell you the truth about me and my brother since you said you heard a lot of rumors about us?"

AJ nods her head at Al. "Sure. I'll listen." They both continue walking.

Ed notices Roy's nervousness. Roy sighs then looks at Ed. "What?" he asks Ed. "Your face. (Ed points to him) This is the second time I've seen you make that face. You also bit your lip before at the party and you made a fist when the Fuhrer called Janine into the office when I asked him about Ari. Is there something you wanna tell me, General?"

The door to the bar swings open. A very drunk Havoc shouts. "Yoo hoo! My man Roy! There you are! I've been looking for yooouuu!" He stumbles over to Roy and swings his arm around his shoulder. "Come on buddy we have a party to get back tooo (hic-up)." Roy makes a disgusted face. "Phew, your breath reaks, Jean." Just then two women from the bar come out, giggling when they see Roy. The flirting and giggles continue as they drag Roy back inside of the bar. Jean holds onto the door for stability as he makes it back into the bar. Winry grabs the door, yelling inside. "From a daughter of doctors, use protection!"

Ed grabs her, pulling her back outside, closing the door. He then grabs her hand dragging her away from the bar. "I can't believe you just said that, babe." Winry stops. Ed turns around wondering why she just did and she looks at him with surprised eyes. "What?"

Win - "You just called me babe, Ed." Ed blushes, looking away. Winry grabs him by the collar of his jacket and kisses him passionately.

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About a few blocks away from the bar, Al and AJ continue their walk.

AJ - "Damn. You guys have been through hell and back." She sighs. 'He was the guy in that suit of armor that I ran into all those years ago. Damn, it really is him. I'm glad he got his body back. He deserved it.' She tells herself.

Al - "My brother endured a lot of things, things that I can't even imagine. I know he's seen and heard some things that he's never even told me or Winry or just about anyone for that matter."

AJ - "But what about you? I'm sure you weren't living the high life in that suit of armor. Hell, I can't even imagine what that was like every single day for several years." She sighs again.

Al sighs as well. "Yeah, It wasn't all fun and games. Everyday was something different. Between my brother starting fights, getting dragged into one or becoming the fight himself, It was always random."

AJ couldn't stop laughing once it started, Al laughs along with her. Calming herself down, she replies. "Are you sure you didn't just describe Roy?" Al looks at her.

Both burst out laughing. "HAhahahaha!"

Al (who's still giggling) - "The both of them really are too much alike."

AJ - "It's like neither of them realize the "From the same tree." words stamped on their foreheads." Al continues to laugh, she joins him seconds later. They eventually make it to the hotel where Al is staying at.

Al stops in front of the hotel. "Do you need a hug?" AJ asks Al. He nods his head. They hug for a few moments. When they separate, Al, says. "I just realized. Isn't a gentleman supposed to walk a lady home, not the other way around?"

AJ smiles at Al. "I didn't mind the walk, it was nice spending time with a (she blushes) cute friend.

Al blushes back, putting a hand behind his head. "Thank you AJ." she nods her head. "I uh- it's nice to have a pretty friend like you, Janine." She blushes again. Al walks forward a little and kisses her on the cheek. The color pink on her cheeks turns to red. Al backs away a little and they look at each other, blushing.

Just then Zampano walks out of the hotel. "Hey, Al! (Al flinches) Where's your brother and sister at?"

Al rolls his eyes him and takes a deep breath."It was nice talking to you Janine." He sticks his hand out to her. "Let's hang out again soon." She smiles at him, grabbing his hand shaking it. "I'll like that very much Alphonse. It was very nice talking to you too." Al lets go of her hand, running inside of the hotel. AJ runs most of the way to her apartment.

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The next morning, Riza picks up AJ from her place.

AJ yawns. "Someone's looking well rested." Riza says. AJ scowls at her, rolling her eyes. "What the matter?" Hawkeye asks. AJ sighs. Riza asks AJ. "So Breda said last night you left the bar to walk with Alphonse. Is that true, Janine?"

AJ frowns. "Yeah. We talked while we walked to the hotel he's staying at."

Riza tries to stay calmed and focused. 'If he told her anything about The Promised Day, I will-' "What did he say that has you so upset?"

AJ sighs again. "He told about the two of them. How they tried to bring their mom back. Then went on a great journey to get what was taken from them. When they did finally get back almost everything, he and Ed had to spend two months in the hospital, recovering. He also told me about how he felt and how it affected him being in that suit of armor for all those years. Can you imagine going through that at that age, boss? I surely can't. Damn." She sighs.

Riza - "I have seen the both of them at their weakest and strongest points. There is no doubt in my mind those two boys will never forget what they went through."

AJ nods. "I understand what that's like." Riza looks at her and sighs.

They make to the Headquarters. When they get to Roy's office, Riza informs her. "I'm your only bodyguard for our trip to Creta. Understood?"

AJ salutes, replying. "Yes Ma'am."

They enter Roy's office. Good mornings are exchanged and AJ sits at Roy's desk on his chair. She then looks at Riza and says. "Why do I feel even smaller sitting here then when I'm actually standing?" Riza smiles and the guys chuckle at her remark.

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At the station, Ed and Winry say their goodbyes to each other before she gets onto the train. Once the train departs and is at a distance, he walks back over to Al, Jerso and Zampano.

Jerso - "Feeling a bit lonely there, Edward?"

Zampano - "Yeah. Don't ask any of us to kiss the pain away." The both of them break into fits of laughter.

Ed ignoring both of them asks his brother. "So Al, what did you and AJ talk about last night?"

Al - "I told her about mom and what we did. I also told her about us getting almost everything back and how we are with what we have and who I was then and now. I didn't tell her everything ya know. Didn't know how much she knew."

Zampano - "Hey Al. You left out the part where you kissed her on the cheek before the both of you ran off." Ed trips on his feet, standing still. "What!"

Al glares at Zampano. "First off we hugged and nothing more. Second I ran back to the hotel and she ran home."

Jerso - "Jeez Al, you kiss her and didn't even walk her home. That's harsh."

Al, who's still blushing. "SHUT UP!"

Roy - "Well that's a first. Its usually Edward who's screaming his head off." Roy, Riza, AJ,(Both girls are in civilian clothing) and the rest of the team behind him. Ed rolls his eyes at Roy. AJ blushes as she waves hi to Al, causing him to blush as he waves hi back.

Riza - "Congratulations by the way on your engagement, Edward." He rubs the back of his head. "Yeah, thanks, Riza."

Roy - "Yes Edward. Kudos to you and Miss Rockbell-"

AJ interrupts Roy. "I was wondering I could make a deal with the both of you." Pointing to both Elric brothers.

They look at each other, then at her. Everyone else looks at her as well. Al replies. "Alright then." Ed responds with. "Let's hear it."

AJ - "If the both of you and Winry of course, have a date set for when all of you head over to Xerxes, I will help you guys with getting into Aerugo. Sounds alright to you?" She extends her hand out to them.

Al without even missing a beat, Al shakes her hand. "Sounds great to me." Looking to Ed. "Brother?"

Before Ed could say anything. "And yes Edward, Winry can come with us to Aerugo," AJ says.

"Alright! Then we have a deal!" Ed shakes her hand. Then he realizes something. "Wait? You've been there?"

She nods her head. "Yup. To a few cities including New Ember City or in other words its also called Quatuor Civitatem." They stare at her with amazement.

Al - "You are just full of surprises, Janine." She giggles, causing Al to blush.

Ed - "Wait, hold on. Say something else in Aerugian."

AJ - "Seguire il tuo cuore, non la strada." (She places her hands on her chest) (Then she puts a hand on her other palm, then slowly points behind them) (Follow your heart, not the road)

Both (Ed and Al) huddle together trying to decipher what she just said.

Roy - "You've got to be kidding me." Havoc and the others try to cover up their laughing.

Riza smiles, then taps AJ's shoulder. AJ looks over her shoulder. "May I?" She whispers. AJ nods her head. "Hey boys." Ed and Al turn to face her. She says. "Follow your heart, not the road." They look at her confused and shocked. "That's what Janine just said." She looks at Roy, who is making a confused, shocked expression as well. He then looks at AJ.

Roy - "You taught her the language but not me?"

AJ - "You never asked. She politely asked me to teach her. Although I'm still learning how to speak more of the language myself." She rubs the back of her head.

Riza places her hands on her shoulders. "Speaking of roads, Janine. We have a train to catch." "Right!" She then looks at Ed and Al, waving her hand. "Bye guys!" Her and Hawkeye run over to catch their train. Everyone watches them as they make it over and board the train and make it in time. While everyone including Al is distracted, Ed slowly heads over to the train that the Fuhrer needs him to catch.

Roy sighs then looks back at Al. He then notices Ed missing. "So Alphonse, where did your brother go?"

Al turns his head to the side. He then sighs heavily. He growls, stomping away. "I swear when I get my hands on him, he'll wish they were my armored hands instead of my real ones." He quickly walks past Zampano and Jerso.

The train for Table City leaves and starts departing. When it can still be seen at a distance, Roy looks at it until Breda taps him on the shoulder and they leave the station.

Several hours later, the train finally makes to Table City.

When they get off the train, the both of them notice Ed exiting as well. AJ turns to Riza. "Hey uh, boss. You see him too, right?" Riza smiles at AJ's sarcasm. Then AJ hears a familiar voice and turns her head to it.

Roxy - "Homeboy Eddie! My man! Long time no see!" AJ sees them hug each other. Then Ed pulls away, noticing her and Riza. He then grabs Roxy's hand and nudges to them, pulling her with him in their direction.

Riza places a hand on AJ's shoulder, whispering in her ear. "Stay strong. Everything will be fine." AJ takes a deep breath. Riza introduces herself. "Hi I'm Riza Hawkeye and your name is?"

Roxy shakes Riza's hand. "Hi, I'm Roxy. Nice to meet you." She then lets go of her hand and looks at AJ. "What's your name?" AJ looks at her. "It's Janine." "Well it's nice to meet you, Janine, I'm Roxy. I gotta ask you something though, uh Janine. You look very familiar. Have we met before?"

AJ - "Yes we have. We first met each back when I was 3 and me and my parents moved from Cornwall Ridge to Schuylkill Falls."

Roxy - "Nice story. Its good to know that you're not a liar ... So is there anything else you wanna bring to my attention? ... Or should I call the Fuhrer of Amestris back and ask him how in the FUCK did he get my number and call me up yesterday, telling me that some girl named Janine is my friend Marisol's new name since she was adopted." AJ stays quiet. Roxy holds up three fingers. "Three questions. And I swear on my lord and savior Christ Janine, you better answer them with honestly and with perfect memory or so help me-"

Roxy then realizes something. She then looks at Ed, asking. "So Eddie. Did you propose to that Winry girl yet?" AJ sighs heavily.

Ed smiles and blushes. "Your pocket watch idea worked. Although I did change a little bit here and there to it. She did said yes. We uh- we haven't set a date yet." He rubs the back of his head with one of his hands.

Roxy - "Well get to it! (Ed flinches) And you better invite me to the wedding homeboy!" Ed nods his head with a petrified face. She sighs then looks at AJ. "First question. If you really are Marisol, Janine and you were adopted. Do you even remember your real parent's names at all?"

AJ looks away, clutching her fists, nodding her head. "NO." She says. She can't help the tears that are falling down her face. She closes her eyes and covers them with one of her hands. Shaking and tightening up her fist, she tries to compose herself. Ed notices Riza herself trying to stay civil staring at AJ with a concerned expression. 'Damn, if Hawkeye's starting to lose her cool, then that means-'

Roxy makes an annoyed expression. "Ok, that is a flunk. Are you done there? I'm already bored with the show."

Ed - "That ain't cool, Roxy."

Riza - "Its a very rude to say to a friend."

Roxy shrugs her shoulders. "Fine then. Second question." AJ wipes her eyes with the back of her hand, then looks at Roxy. "Only the real Ari knows this one. What was my birth name before I changed it to Roxy?"

AJ takes a deep breath. "Tori."

Roxy makes a surprised face then chuckles. "That's quite of a lucky guess there, Janine. Alright, you pass that one." She sighs. "Alright, the third and last question. Almost one year before Ari went missing, we sat at the edge of a cliff in Schuylkill Falls." She walks a little closer to AJ. "We made a sealed promise to each other. What are the two words that we had called our promise and what did we always call each other?"

AJ - "Heart sisters. Is what we used to call each other because we aren't blood-related but we both looked at each other, not as friends but as sisters, Roxy." She says with a teardrop falling from her eyes.

Roxy clenches one of her hands. She then bites her lip lightly. "Go on, continue. Anything else?" AJ takes several deep breaths trying to calm herself down, then she turns away from Roxy. Roxy then scowls. "You know what? Forget it. I'm done. Go back to wherever the FUCK you came from Janine. You two minus well go home as well." She starts to walk away.

Ari - "Forever Oath." Roxy stops walking. She then slowly turns to look at AJ.

End of Chapter 12.

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Ohhh a cliffhanger! tee hee hee! Yes the next chapter is coming soon, so please be patient.