I was rather disappointed at how random I was in the last chapter. Bleh.
Anyway, here's the next one.
I apologize for the shortness. I'm having extreme writer's block. EXTREME!
Thanks much for the reviews.
"So… If this man can make a talking chimera from two bodies… Imagine what he can do to the human body…" "I don't want to imagine anything of the sort." "You don't have to… Right Tucker?" "You won't have to imagine anything at all… We'll show you first hand…" "First hand or not, it still seems ludicrous." "Nonsense… What with the growing population someone has to slow it." "It isn't to be me." "It isn't your decision. Tucker, I leave this boy in your care. Do what you wish." "I don't want to stay with him." "Don't be so rude. He doesn't bite." "Don't worry. I'll make sure you're well taken care of." "Get away from me!"
Nightmare jumped awake, immediately noticing an unfamiliar room. Groaning with dizziness, he sat up to find that the hood of his cloak was still covering his head. Unable to stand the pounding in his head or the ringing in his ears, Nightmare placed his head back on the pillow. He rolled onto his side and then noticed Ed standing on the other side of the room, opening the curtains and staring out the window. Gathering up all the strength he could, he weakly called Ed's name. "Elric…" Ed jumped slightly and looked over his shoulder. "Oh… You're awake." "What happened?"
After what seemed like a short conversation, Ed left Nightmare in peace. He had explained about what had happened, about the car crash. Someone had crossed the road just as Ed was speeding by. He had swerved to avoid hitting the civilian and rammed the vehicle into a nearby building. The first thought that had crossed Ed's mind was Roy's reaction, but he soon realized that Nightmare had been in the car with him, and probably wasn't as lucky. He was right – Nightmare was unconscious on the floor by the open passenger door. Feeling pity, Ed brought him along and safely tucked him away, for now.
Roy wasn't going to be happy when he heard the news, that was sure, but he had to know sooner or later. Not wanting to leave Nightmare unattended, he called the hospital and shortly after proceeded to explain the situation to Roy. "So what you're saying is that someone you don't know almost killed you and now they're in my bed?" Ed hesitated. "Sort of…" "What the hell were you thinking? You wrecked my car and now you've got a murderer in my house!" "I couldn't just leave him there!" "If he tried to kill you he deserves to put left alone. Don't be stupid Ed. Now listen, I have to get off the phone but I'll see you tomorrow morning. Make sure he's left by then." Roy hung up the phone without so much as a goodbye.
It was midnight and Ed couldn't sleep. There were so many thoughts raging through his mind. He figured that now was the best time to rid himself Nightmare. He headed off to Roy's room and found that the hooded creature had already awakened himself. Standing by the window and glowing in the moonlight, Nightmare grinned. "I see you're up as well. Couldn't sleep? Too many uncertain thoughts ramming your mind with dread?" Ed growled. "Stop this nonsense. Why do you keep following me?" Nightmare's grin faded quickly. "I'm not following you alchemist. You're getting in my way… I suggest you stop before something bad happens to you or," He paused, bringing his grin back. "The people you know."
"Get out of here." Ed demanded. "You've overstayed your welcome and it's time for you to leave." "Very well then. I'll leave you. But I've a few things for you before I go." Ed was becoming very impatient with Nightmare's words. "What?" He spat, glaring at the shadow across the room. "The Homunculi aren't all dead. You need to understand this. Watch your back and those of the one's around you…" Nightmare's voice dropped to a low whisper, as if telling a secret. "Don't you ever underestimate the powers of the dead and don't go sticking your nose where it doesn't belong. And finally… I've a present for you. Come over here." Nightmare held out his hand.
Ed stared at him with a questioning look on his face. "Why?" "So I can give you your present silly." He cautiously walked over to Nightmare. "What is it?" "You decide. In my hand I shall hold either the ticket to seeing your brother again or the will to live. It's your choice." Nightmare's tightly closed fist unnerved Ed and made it harder for him to think. Is this some kind of joke? Seeing his brother would make him overjoyed, but not being with Roy would crush him. Taking his experiences with death, he made his decision. "What's dead is dead and can only be remembered. I'll live." Nightmare chuckled. "I knew you'd pick that…" He unfolded his fist and harshly placed his palm on Ed's chest, knocking the wind out of him. Ed gasped for air and became consumed by the darkness around him.
A nurse Roy's room and gently awoke him. "You've a phone call sir." Roy groaned and placed the phone to his ear. "Colonel Mustang?" An unfamiliar dark voice came from the other line. "Yes?" "I suggest you call an ambulance to your home. Edward has just had a heart attack." A psychotic laugh followed and the line went dead.
