Disclaimer: See chapter one.
A/N: I've been at a loss as to how to conduct this chapter so I'm trying a different angle. I hope you like it. It features Al's POV!
The Elric brothers had already situated themselves in their own little haven on the train. Edward as usual was resting on his back, his feet just shy of the other arm rest. He was comfortable enough with his arms behind his head and his eyes lightly closed. It was ironic how he had grown to hate trains from all the constant travel, yet he found he couldn't sleep without the soothing sounds of the engine. Maybe it also had something to do with the fact that he had a ten foot body guard to watch over him. Whatever the reason for the serenity, Alphonse kept vigil on his sibling from the adjacent seat.
The younger brother sighed in content from the scene. They conductor called "All aboard!" and the engines came to life. They were off yet again to resolve more chaos after having just returned from their wanderings. Al was aware of Ed's irritation concerning this miss-adventure since it pushed back their search for the Philosopher's Stone. However, if it was a lab conducting experiments with chimeras, perhaps there was a slight chance for the discovery of a prototype. Al guessed it was the only reason Ed even went along on the assignment. It didn't matter either way. They had no leads at the moment.
"Brother?" Al asked testing his alertness.
"Hmm?" came the reply from behind Ed's eyelids.
"Do you think its wise bringing that girl with us?"
"How should I know?" he mumbled. "Everyone in the military knows the risks. We're not babysitters."
"But what if it really is dangerous?" he questioned further.
Ed took the opportunity to open his eyes and mock his brother. "'It's ok. Nothing gets past Colonel Mustang and his gang. You'll be perfectly safe with us'. That's what you said right? Besides, Hawkeye said she take care of her. Don't worry about it and relax. Enjoy the view." Ed finished as he yawned and hunkered down for a nap.
Alphonse sighed in frustration this time. He loved Ed dearly, but when he was tired he could be very irritating. Who could blame him after all they've been through. Al decided to let the issue drop. At least he was taking time to restore energy instead of pushing himself to the extreme like usual. That was half the battle down.
A small meow issued forth from Al's chest plate and he panicked.he would've blushed in embarrassment as Ed gave him a questioning look that said: "that-better-not-be-what-I-think-it-is."
"Uh, I'm gonna go……see if The Colonel needs anything. Have a good sleep!" he bowed respectfully and made a hasty getaway.
"That was too close. Now what am I going to do about you?" Al said out loud looking into the eyes of his precious cargo. The tabby cat just mewed and stared at him as if he could understand the question. Al heard footsteps nearing the door ahead of him so he stowed his little friend within the armor.
The door opened to reveal Aakara wearing black baggy pans, and black tang-top with the black army boats to top it off. Al was taken aback at her 'army gear'. It was almost comical in a way since he had first met the girl wearing a sophisticated skirt. She was so engrossed in the book she was holding that she didn't even see the boy. Aakarashan slammed into the shell of Al's suite so hard they both fell landing on their bottoms.
"Oh I'm so sorry Mr.-" she started to apologize but fell dead silent. Al watched her stare in shock not really understanding what was wrong. Then to his embarrassment and horror, he realized his eyes were staring up at her from the floor. His helmet had fallen off!
"Iou-" she squeaked watching the headless alchemist in front of her. Her voiced failed her for the umpteenth time in front of an Elric. There was no head! Now that she thought about it, Alphonse never took off the armor in front of them. Not even in the Colonel's presence. She had suspected something before when she looked into his eyes earlier, however that was not what Aakara had expected.
Al's shaking hand frantically reached for his 'head' as his chest plat unlatched and swung open. The tiny tabby within peered at the newcomer with interest and purred. Alphonse literally tried to pull himself together but it was too late. Aakarashan had picked herself up and fled down the corridor of the train car.
"Wait!" he cried helplessly as the door shut in his face. He leaned against the frame of the entryway and felt the need to cry. He had scared someone again and his hideous nature was rejected. Now he truly felt like an abomination. Brother would be angry for letting their secret slip to someone who wasn't likely to stick around in the military anyway. Here he had been worrying about her safety and he had probably doomed her himself. The kitten continued to purr and rubbed against him. Alphonse smoothed his fur as a sob escaped.
In the next car Aakara ran as if the Hounds of Hell were after her. She clutched the silver charm around her neck while the tears streaked down her face. Roy and Riza were chatting over paperwork as the girl rushed past them. The Flame Alchemist followed the source of the disturbance with his eyes as his documents were blown over. Hawkeye pursued her young protégé while Roy made his way cautiously toward the door. His fingers at the ready, he stormed the entryway to the assumed attacker. Instead all he found was a pathetic whimpering shell formally known as Alphonse Elric.
"What's going on?" Roy asked the distressed boy. Normally he would've stormed the place with his military instincts in high gear, but he instantly detected Al's misery.
"It's the new girl, Aakarashan, she…. she found out what I really am." he answered somberly.
Taking this new information in, Roy nodded in understanding. He placed a gloved hand on his shoulder and looked into his eyes. "You boys have been through more hell then most in the military will ever know. My new secretary as it seems has led a very sheltered life."
While the Colonel spoke the kitten had situated himself between the two so he could maximize the level of attention he was receiving. He playfully pawed at the man's gloves until Roy snatched them away. Alphonse scooped the little beast up in his arms and imagined that he could actually feel the soft warm fur.
"We need to confront her about this. If she can't handle herself in this particular situation she may not be suitable for a military position. I'll have to discharge her." Roy stated as he thought the matter over. He didn't want to endanger the Elric brothers if she let their secret slip out into the open.
"No! Please you can't do that! I don't want to get anyone in trouble. Ooooooh!" he groaned. "Brother's going to be furious if he finds out. Please just give me a chance before you do anything." Alphonse begged. He did not want to be a burden on anyone if he could help it.
In the next car over Hawkeye found the distraught Aakarashan huddled in what appeared to be a janitor's closet. She was rocking back and forth in the fetal position while tears ran down her cheeks. The light that entered the tiny room was overwhelming as Hawkeye opened the door. Aakara blinked the tears from her eyes as the Lieutenant came into view.
"What's the meaning of all this?" the women's question pierced right through her.
"It's, it's Al….." she stuttered. It seemed to her she was always stuttering. 'I wonder if I have a speech impediment or something.' she pondered.
"He's not hurt is he?" the First Lieutenant asked.
"He's not even human!" she shouted completely disregarding her manners in front of her superior. Havoc happened to stroll by during her cry and stopped to listen.
"Alphonse may not have a human body, but I assure you that he has a soul." Riza stated choosing her words carefully. She didn't want to give away too much information on the subject. That was for the Elric brothers alone to decide on later. "There was an accident involving alchemy when they were younger." Riza hoped that would be enough to satisfy the young girl.
"You mean alchemy turned Al into a kitty?" she asked sniffling. Riza's face went slack in shock and Havoc could no longer conceal his presence. He burst out laughing.
"What the hell would give you that idea!" he was laughing so hard there were tears in his eyes.
"Well, " sniff, "when his helmet fell off he went to reach for it and there was this kitten inside. It spoke to me." More sniffling. If Alphonse wasn't an adorable little kitty wearing armor, then she didn't want to know. There was nothing else there that she could see. What in the world of Amestris was wrong with Havoc anyway?
Regaining her composure, Hawkeye elbowed Havoc in the stomach causing him to fall flat on his butt while gasping for air. His fit of laughter ceased and Hawkeye reveled in her ability to control the young officer. "Maybe you should consult Alphonse on the matter. He's still a sensitive young man after all."
Aakara pushed herself up the side of the wall and dusted off her pants. "Yes Ma'me. Thank you." she bowed and wobbled down the hall knowing full well what she had to do. She could take a hint. Alphonse had appeared human before her during their first meeting. She needed to take action and treat himas suchby apologizing.The young girl came to a stop at the very door she had slammed and knew what lay behind it. There was an ominous feeling of tension in the air. Taking a deep breath, Aakara reached for the handle and twisted the knob……
A/N: Sorry for the slowness in updating, but I just couldn't get the darn thing together. I'm still dissatisfied with it, but decided to post anyway obviously. I'm still working on a sophisticated writing style so bare with me here. This is just practice. I felt the need for a little conflict and drama so hopefully I will get to the action next chapter. Speaking of chapters, there are only a few left depending upon the durability of my attention span. Thank you for reading.