-Takes a deep breath- Ahhhh…Summer has finally come. I can finally work on my story without real school to slow me down. Huzzah! Now, here's the next chapter.
Disclaimer: You know the routine. Don't own Fma. Don't own Al. But Neo is mine! No touchy.
Everyone's Favorite Super Dad
-ring-ring-ring-click "Hello? Maes Hughes speaking"
"Hi Lt. Colonel. It's me, Alphonse."
"Alphonse? Man, I can't tell you how happy I am to get a call from somebody today! I mean, earlier this morning I tried to call Mustang to tell him about how my wife got this adorable dress for Elicia-chan to wear for her birthday. I swear she looks like an angel especially when she pretends to fairy princess. (Al: sweatdrop um…Lt. Colonel?...) But, then Gracia told me I can't call anybody today because our phone bill is getting high. But that doesn't mean I can't accept calls from other people. I love my wife. She can get strict sometimes but she looks out for the family which, by the way, is a great trait for a wife to have when you start looking. I also have 6 new pictures of Elicia-chan back here at Central when you two come back. Hey, speaking of which, how's Ed doing?"
"Umm…" Al looked out of the phone booth at the torn up road where Ed got kidnapped, "he's kinda busy right now…."
"…ok. Now really, what did you want to tell me?"
Al took out the cardboard square and turned it over in his fingers reading the inked-in name. "Does the name 'Neo Alchemist' ring any bells?"
There was a few seconds of silence then, "Neo Alchemist, eh? The name does sound familiar but I can't exactly recall who he was. I think there was a case that involved him back when I was a Lieutenant. What's up with the sudden curiosity?
"Uh…His name appeared in some of the books I, I mean, we read," (Al's head: "Ugh, How can niisan do this so good?") "…and I need the information as soon as possible, like today or tomorrow. Could you do that?"
"Wait. Are you telling me that I should give up my free day away from my Elicia-chan researching this guy?"
Al winced from the statement, and then meekly added, "Well, we could make it an equivalent exchange if I could do something for you when we get back to Central."
"…Well…I guess there is something you could do for me..." Hughes said mischievously.
Al stood there listening to his request then jumped, "You want me to do WHAT?" He later groaned, "…fine."
"In that case…" His tone was oddly happy, "I'll go see what I can get on him. Oh, and about calling you back… Gracia told me I couldn't call anybody today so I would do the call around midnight since that would be tomorrow :3. But…where should I call you?"
"You can call me at the Rockbell's. I'll probably stay there for the night so I won't miss the call."
"All right then, I'll call you later. Oh Elicia-chan! Daddy's back!-click-"
"Well, glad that's over." Al sighed as he set the phone back and walked out of the booth. "But I feel bad for lying like that to Hughes. I hope doing that will make up for me doing that." He shuddered at the thought of that.
Al walked back to the road which was covered in debris and paper. Where should I start? He thought. Just then, he stepped on a piece of loose leaf. "Oh" He picked up the paper from his foot and smoothed it out a little. I think I can use this.
As he went around picking up sheets of paper, he saw hoof prints that were still in the earth. That must be from that alchemist's horse. But wait, if he has a horse, he must have bought it from Michael. He's the only person in Resembool who keeps horses.
"Hmmm…I guess it is a good thing Resembool is a small town." Al picked up one last piece of paper before looking up at the road that led to the hills. "You don't need to worry niisan. I'm gonna find out who this Neo Alchemist is and find you."
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Yeah I know, it's a corny way to end a chapter, but they can't all be gold, right? I really want to thank all of you who have been reviewing because I was getting close to stopping this project, but your reviews have really helped me to keep me going. Hopefully, the next update will be up sooner than this one.
