'I hate her so much...! They aren't even supposed to

exist and yet here they are... l should be

the one in her place...! Why choose her...?

...Why bring bring me back as this...?

Chapter 26 - The Jealousy Within

||Eastern HQ||

-Jealousy-

"No! No please stop it! It hurts! No-" he chokes in his own blood before he could finishing begging for mercy. His head explodes not long after, most of the blood spattering on me since I was the closest to the body unlike some of my other subordinates. "Cardio! Richard! Clean up this mess pronto...! I need this place cleaned up before our next interrogation…" I ordered the two. Cardio silently salutes and Richard, the extremely thin one, covers his mouth to prevent himself from puking. I step out of the dark room in time as Helga and our newest recruit, Damion, happen to walk down the hall in my direction. "General Douglas ma'am! I thought you were out on a meeting with lieutenant general... Grumman..." her enthusiasm in her voice drops and trails.

I follow her gaze and saw the red on my left hand. The recruit didn't seem to notice so I took this chance to wipe the blood off without him noticing, taking the brown ribbon from the bottom of my hair. "The meeting was short and I have many things to take care of. Has there been any contact from Central since we arrived? I know those bastards still have their leash on me." Still slightly disturbed at what she just saw, Helga answers in a shaky voice, "None yet ma'am. There hasn't been a single call from central command." "I see then..." That old man was really erratic when he found out about my plans on leaving Central. Luckily, he didn't send any of my 'siblings' to keep an eye on my while I'm away from that pit hole they call home, a sewer like system that was right under the noses of all the humans in the area.

"Is this the new recruit?" I ask, breaking the ice between the three of us. I wasn't here to greet the man when he first arrived to join my troop, being too busy at the time in tracking the current location of the Catalysts. Hesitant at first to answer, Damion steps forward and salutes. "It's an honor to meet you General of the Army Kaitlyn Douglas!" I almost felt like punching the man when he addresses me by my false title and name; the homunculus inside me trying to burst out. With a deep breathe, I extend a hand at hime as I tried to keep my composure. "At ease soldier. From now on you can refer to me as General, GA, or Douglas. Either one is fine. But as you know," I glare down at his blue uniform. "I have a policy for my soldiers to wear proper uniform, meaning you were what I tell you to wear from now on."

The blue uniform was even more irritating the longer I kept looking St the thing- old distant memories flooding with every minute going by. I coughed then excused myself, "I must be going now. There is much to done while the night is still young. I trust you will give him the proper uniform, correct?" Helga salutes, her dark brown eyes furrow deeply as she tried to avoid eye contact. With that I walk past the two just in time as my eyes immediately turn black, already allowing the homunculus within me to take control now after days of staying in control.

-Helga-

"The GA is quite something," Damion comments, amazed to see the General in person for the first time. "To think someone at her age could rise up through the ranks as fast as she did. No wonder everyone has high regards for her back in central." He isn't the first one to say something like that about the General. Rumors come and go in the military, but in this girls' case, it seems that she's been the main topic around the soldiers ever since she first arrived. "The General has been working day and night to keep things in order so that we can steer clear away from a Central for as long as possible. She hates the large city and prefers to stay as far from HQ as possible. Things have been rough out here… but we can manage."

In truth, I don't even know myself anymore about the situation. Every time a new recruit unexpectedly comes in all the way from Central, they go on leave after a week of service. "Come on," I motioned him over tome. "We need to get you a new uniform before the General blows gasket." For the past two years since our troop was formed- the General has always been distant and disappears without a word, and it's been getting harder not to ignore with her recent odd behavior. Sometimes she would talk unless talked to. Other times she would lash out on us more than she usually does if anyone were to touch her without her knowledge. 'She really is a strange girl...'

-Jealousy-

"Um... miss Douglas ma'am? Phone call for you," said Joseph from outside the door. I groan, "Patch it over to me..." I pick up the phone in annoyance then waited, tapping my finger on my desk impatiently as I sat there with the earpiece pressed against my ear. "Hello? Is this the General of the Army Kaitlyn Douglas I'm speaking too?" asks the person. I lean against my seat with my eyes shut and answer in a low adult-like voice, "Yes this is she. Who is this calling me this late in the afternoon? Forgive me for my rudeness, but I'm rather busy so make it quick! There's already enough problems I have to deal with..." "So I can't talk to my daughter? What a shame then..." My eyes open in a dark glare as I sat up straight in my seat.

"Flamel... What gives you the right to call me? You do know the risk your putting yourself into just by talking to me-" he spoke up, "It's not like I have a choice in this." Everything went silent. "Go on..."

"I've been researching more and more about the philosopher's Catalyst for a while and..."
"What's the problem? Weren't you the one who gloated to me since the first day you can solve all this."
"That's not the problem here 'Kaitlyn'. I'm talking about the homunculus side of you... I found something out which I think you should know."
"Then say it already."
"Look you have to understand- this isn't something to explain so easily. Especially with your current condition..."
"Just tell me already! Whatever it is I can take it!"
"The next time you go into another phase like before... it could be your last."

I just sat there letting all the information sink in. I've known about it for a decade ever since that girl first arrived here, and to hear that coming out of his mouth- now I know how much time I have left. "Are you still there...?" There was no use in staying silent forever. "What's the catch Flamel? Usually you're not so generous to me since I'm nothing more than an 'abomination' in your eyes," I painfully joke. "...Just stay away from my daughter," and then he hang up. I held the phone close to my ear for a long time. If any of my soldiers were nearby, then I won't be able to do this- "AAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHH!" I threw my phone across the room in rage, my knees going weak as I found myself hiding under my desk in tears.

No one has ever dared to go near my office- barely anyone stood close to my doors at ear shot distance.

-Normal-

Unbeknownst to Jealousy, Helga stood before her doors with her hand stopped midway from knocking on her door, shocked to the bone to hear the girls' cries from inside the room.

++Few days later++

||Dining Hall||

Helga has been watching her young leader ever since that incident that night. As usual, the general would act as cold as usual and order them around harshly much to her relief. But what was odd about her behavior is that she seemed... nicer than before. It was odd to see her acting like this, but the soldiers were relieved to know that there was less tension unlike before. While they were in the mess hall Damion, who was still acting like a newbie after three weeks of being with them, kept on blabbering questions about their leader. "So how can she use alchemy?" asks the young man, again. Joseph groans, saying, "For the last time kid... she doesn't use alchemy! No will you leave us alone already!"

"Hmph!" They all watch as Damion crosses his arms and stomps slams his fist on the table. "That kid is starting to get on my nerves! I hope he disappears just like the rest of them!" Even though they didn't want to admit it- Cardio was right. Unlike the past recruits they had before they disappeared, this new one was annoying and much more nosier about their General compared to the rest. There was nothing they could do though. "What do you want now brat?" Everyone stops the moment they heard their GA's harsh tone in the room. Jealousy glares at young man as he got closer to her, a little too close that nobody has ever dared to do- she hates anyone getting more than 5 feet in her personal space.

"Oh I just wanted to saw hello to my favorite boss of the years! Besides," he steps in a bit closer. "I have a lot of questions regarding our next move." "Next move?" she repeats, now taking an interest in his presence.

-Jealousy-

It didn't take much to piss me off. "So, when's the revolt against the Furher everyone's been talking about?" That one question made me snap on the spot. Without thinking twice on what I was doing, I found my fist in his gut the moment red blurs my vision. Once he fell to the ground, I already hand my foot slammed on the ground beside his head and glared down him. "You have some nerve for a brat to say things as foolish as that... do you want an early trip to hell?" I could tell just by how scared shitless the man was with only that single blow to his pride- nothing more than a spineless coward. I pick him up by the front of his shirt and held him up in the air for everyone to see.

"Take this as an example if you ever dare think of making up stupid rumors such as what this recruit has come up with! I will not tolerate such indiscriminate me or my troop! So for those who just recently joined us... remember this," I threw Damion up in the air, half of his body going through the ceiling. "If you think you can test me do it in my face- not do cowardly actions like this young man has done. Erase that stupid rumor from your mind... better yet erase all of them! If you want to survive in East city under my watch while your away from home, then follow my orders!" All of the soldiers in the dining hall were dead silent at my words, sinking in every word and gazing up at the lower half of Damien's body that was sticking out of the ceiling then back at me.

I gave a short huff, turning to make my leave and wave a hand as a signal for everyone to go back to their meals. Once got out of the room, I lean my back against the wooden doors and sigh in annoyance. "How much longer do I have to stay with these humans...?"

-Normal-

After the events that happened in the dining hall, each and every soldier began to treat Jealousy with even higher respect unlike how they first acted around her- all except Damion. Cardio groans in annoyance, "I don't know why... but that kid is ten times more annoying than before..." At first they just brushed him off, but after confrontation between him and the GA, it was getting even more and more difficult to ignore the man every time he approached someone about the GA. Helga puts down the remaining paper work. "We need to find a way to shut him up before anything else happens... the General has been very moody lately and that incident between those two is one of her odd mood swings."

Something is wrong, and with the way things are going it was only a matter of time- "Helga, Joseph, Cardio, Richard, Wilson, Jack, Emit, Louis-" Jealousy appeared at the doorway, gazing at them blankly with her arms crossed. "Since you all have been with me for the longest time and trust I have a task for all of you to carry out. You can choose whether or not to do this task." There were no objections yet from the group. "I believe that there is a spy amongst us. And that spy is most likely one of these men on the list." She walks over and hands the envelope to Helga. She continues, "I want you to investigate only one man you find suspicious. I don't want the other men to become even more suspicious than they are now."

"...And what if we find the spy...?" nervously asks Richard. "..." Jealousy's face remained blank even as she turns to leave. "Bring him to me."

++Later that Night++

Cautiously looking around both ends of the hallway, Damion puts the telephone to his ear and rotates the numbers. After one ring someone immediately picks up. "Hello? Black Raven? Black eagle here... I have some information about the Cat... yes she still refuses to contact any of her 'relatives'... yes... her litter are a really noisy bunch but nothing I can't handle. No I haven't been caught yet... The idiots still think I'm trying to get information about her... N.F. has been spotted where?" "I see you've been busy Damion... Care to explain?" He freezes and slowly turns- red piercing eyes glowing in the darkness. The stranger steps out of the shadows to reveal it was none other than Jealousy, readied with a gun in one hand as she kept her arms crossed around her chest.

"No-Nothing ma'am! Just calling my 'grandfather Raven' to see how he's doing!" laughs the man as he puts the phone down behind his back. Helga appears on his side and points her gun at the side of his head. "Enough games Damion! We've heard every word!" Cardio appears on the other side, punching the man on the leg since it was the only part he could reach. Bending down in pain, Cardio grabs hold of his arm and flips him to the ground. Emit, although still shaky, holds his gun at the man as well when he see's Damion move to get up. Helga chuckles saying, "I'd be careful now Damion... this stick man has a twitchy finger when it comes situations like this. He's a real nervous wreck."

Damion sneers and glares at the group, "What do you want? If you plan on torturing me, fine! I'd rather die for my country than let a group like you take over the military! I know everything about you 'Kaitlyn Dougles'... what you really are and your true name!" Jealousy's eye brow twitches at this. She hands her gun over to Richard as he continues to ramble on in fear. "Y-You're a monster! A copy! You can't stop what's just begun! None of you have any clue what you're up against!" She draws her blade then brings it to his neck. "Do you know how many times I'm tired of hearing every single man tell me that? Do you honestly think you're that special?" Out of fear, Damion brings out a couple of shurikens and throws them on the ground, outlining a perfect circle.

Jealousy steps back in shock. "Alkehstry...?" A moment after, he holds a dagger up and in his hand which has a carving of a star transmutation circle that began to glow bright blue. A hand comes out of the carpet floor and grabs Jealousy. "So you're from Xing... interesting..." she smirks in amusement, unnerved at the pain that wrapped around her lower body. None of her men moved to help her. He tears off his what seems to be a rubber covering on his face, revealing the features only a Xing foreigner would have. "My name is Xiao Chang! Son of the emperor and a member of the Chang clan!" 'Xiao' announces. This only amuses Jealousy even further. "So the brat has a brother? How sweet of Fate to add this.."

"May? What about my older sister?" he demands. "Hm? You mean that munchkin that's currently staying in Youswell? She's fine for now... unless I give the other to my sniper to shoot her out," Jealousy grins as Xiao's body begins to quake all over, his enraged expression turning darker. Xiao holds his stance and threatens, "If you harm my sister I will expose you as the monster you truly are!"

"My men already know."
"What...?"
"They've known for a few days now."

::Flash Back::

I collapsed to the ground as soon I entered my new office- familiar black marking appearing on my body for a brief moment. I grit my teeth and punched the ground. "General Kaitlyn? Is something the matter!?" My body tensed at the sound of knocking coming from the door. I placed a hand on the carpet floor and transmuted the carpeting to reach up the door knob, wrapping itself around the to prevent anyone from opening it. "GENERAL! OPEN UP!" The knocks turned into loud bangs. With no time to take any further actions to stop them from coming in, I immediately felt a shock wave of pain course through every inch of my body. I clutched the carpet floor as I silently screamed to myself.

All my senses were lost at that point. I didn't even realize they a,ready barged in my room until- "General! What's-" Helga gasps and pulls her hand away after turning me over to face them. I could tell they were staring straight at my eyes, it was glowing bright red. Looking at my reflection through their eyes told everything.

::End of Flash Back::

"Xiao..." he lifts his head up, still glaring at me with hate. "I have a proposal I know you can't refuse."

||Train||

-Alice-

If I was in my body, my face would be as red as a tomato right now. "Alice? Can I ask you?" Al spoke up after hours of silence since our departure. I nod and smile, "Anything! I'm an open book!" He lets out a long sigh, then asks me, "Do you still... carry that gun Cat gave you?" I accidentally let out a short gasp at this. I know I said I'm open about anything, but I really didn't expect to get about that this soon. Nervously, I reach down my hidden holster from underneath my green skirt and brought it out for him to see.

"I've been holding on to it ever since that night when I was cut in half by Barry the chopper... I can't stop thinking about how useless I was... I had a gun, and I barely even fired it. So whenever I get the chance- I practice every now and then... but I can't get this feeling that I just can't get this feeling I'm doing something wrong. I'm an inventor for Pete's sake! That's all I'll ever be I guess..."

No matter how many times Cat reassures about what I had said to her back then is all in the past- I can't stop thinking about it. She's my best friend and I flat out betrayed her, only because she was telling me the truth about my so-called 'kind-loving' father he always acts when I'm at me. I knew he was hurting mom, physically, but the moment Cat told me he was seeing other women I snapped. Al reaches and pat my head. I just sat there with wide eyes, and again my face would be so red right now if I was in my real body. Once he removes his hand, I look straight at him as his eyes smile back at me. "You're a really nice person Alice! But you have do stop thinking about what Cat thinks of you. You should start thinking about yourself."

I think my inner otaku is dying right now. "Is this how you really look like?" he asks me out of nowhere. I look down at my body then back at him and nod, scratching my cheek nervously, "Yeah... except I'm much shorter... I'm still taller than Cat! But I am about average teenage height by now..." He chuckles and seemingly rolls his eyes at this, "Sure you are." I lightly elbow his side. Even though neither of us could feel one another, though I really wish I could, we continued to laugh at one another and push each other in a joking manner.

-Me-

I sat by the window and stared out as the remaining lights of New Optain die out in the distance. Everyone else passed out after hours of dancing, Ed even started to snore louder than usual. I chuckle at this then turn my attention to Alice and Al. While I sat with Winry and Ed, the other decided to sit together a few seats away from us. They were the ones who forced all three of us to sit separately from us, and for a second there, I almost believed they wanted Ed and I to get 'closer' to each other. After their many attempts and Alice's constant teasing, I was gonna say something about it- until now. Both being unable to sleep, they have all the time they need to talk. As much as I want to sleep the night away- there was something that's been keeping me up for a while.

We're going to Rush Valley, right? And the one thing that happens important besides the child birth, something I'd rather not face again, is- 'That time Winry and Ed got closer...' I thought, bringing up my knee's against my chest and hugged them tightly. 'Now that I think about it... a few things have changed thanks to our presence in this world... but there are still things that can't be changed... even by me...' Nina's death was inevitable to begin with. Only the minor part of the timeline were easily altered, but now that I think about it- things that affected Ed and Al deeply through out the course of time will all lead to that ending for sure. "And that means-" an image of Ed's family in the future flashed in my mind. "-he'll still end up with Winry."

As Al and Alice comfortably talk to one another, I ended up curling up in my seat and stared at Ed with sad eyes then at Winry. 'I can't get in their way... If I do, I'd indirectly prevent two lives from being born into a world I don't belong to...' It hurts but it's the truth. Now that I think about it- his journey ends with her in it. Once we get home, he'll start his new life the moment I'm gone and move on. I blush and start shaking my head wildly, thinking, 'Stop thinking like that Catherine! Geez... I sound like one of those cliche love struck girls you see in the movies! I already confessed already to Ed so- why? I let all of my feelings to him that night, every single bit of my feelings directly at his face! Not entirely... but just enough!'

Looking back at the other two, even though Alice is only in the body of a doll- you can see the amount of happiness in her eyes just looking at how big her smile is during her chat with Al. "Heh... at least someone is enjoying this..." Back at home, it was a distant dream that every otaku to visit the anime world and travel through it. That and also take the chance to escape the cruel world. "Too bad reality sticks around no matter where you are..." I sigh. "I wonder what miss Camilla is doing right now...?"

-Camilla-

"Bye miss Camilla! Thanks for everything!" Alice waves good bye as she walks hand in hand with her auntie- tears forming in her eyes the farther she goes. I wave back with a small smile on my lips, content and happy to know Alice finally has a real place to call home. I huff and put my hands on my hips, huffing with a sad smile, "What to do now? With Alice now going back home and Cat out on her usual adventures... It'll be really quiet without anyone at home to keep me busy... I wonder what she's doing right now?" I look up at the night sky. There weren't many stars in the city compared to the country my family and I once had, but it was enough for me. I close my eyes and let myself be sucked in through memory lane.

::Memory::

Bored with all the men constantly asking me a dance, I snuck out of the mansion and my retreat to the streets after successfully climbing over the walls. "Hmph! Some security... I feel so much safer," I remark in sarcasm. "Isn't it safer in the walls?" a voice spoke up. I turn only to face the wall and look up. My heart almost stopped when I saw who it was- a teenage boy around my age stares down at me with his golden orbs, golden hair and long black coat fluttering as the wind picked up. I snap out of my trance and snap, "Why would I want to stay in a home that's practically a prison? A life of luxury is not as wonderful as everyone thinks it is! It's a living hell!" My patience almost snapped when he asked me this-"Is that why three of your previous marriages ended so badly?"

"HOW IS THAT A MARRIAGE!? MARRYING A COMPLETE STRANGER? SCREW THAT! I'D RATHER COMMIT SUICIDE BEFORE SELLING MYSELF FOR A LIFE OF LIES AND SOLITUDE! I HATE MY LIFE! EVERY SINGLE GOD OUT THERE CAN SCREW THEMSELVES FOR BRINGING ME INTO THIS WORLD!"

Just when I was about to run for it out of shame for letting my feelings out- and to a complete stranger for that matter- and leave him, I found myself being pulled into a hug after his black cloak shield my vision for that short moment. "As much as I hate god myself for taking me away from home... I can never forgive either of them... but if it wasn't for any of them-" he draws his face closer to mine. "-then I'd never have met you." Our lips collided. I tried to fight against it, but the warm feeling of his lips against mine and how affectionately he held me in his arms- I couldn't help myself and accepted the kiss.

::End of Memory::

-Back to Me-

'What am I doing...? This is dangerous!' I found myself hovering over Ed after he lied down and kicked Winry out of the sit, forcing the two of us to switch places. Right as soon as she fell back asleep, I ended up hovering over Ed's face again- my heart beating hard against my chest the closer I drew my face closer to his. 'Just one kiss and that's it... nobody but me will know about it... this will prove that it's just a simple crush! Nothing more...' Just as I slowly parted my lips a bit, I stop mid-way only for the unexpected to happen- Ed put his hand behind the back of my head and forced me down onto his lips. I blush pure red at the unexpected kiss. 'I'M KISSING ED!' my thoughts scream at the back of my mind.

At first I thought Ed was awake and had gotten impatient for me to kiss him, but that went away when I felt his hand slide off and did not once move an inch throughout the kiss. 'He's not even awake!' my face steams as I pull away. Though when I did, the feeling of his lips still lingered on my own lips. I immediately covered my mouth and jumped back into my seat. 'What did I just do!? I took advantage of Ed in his sleep! And in public too...!' I felt a shiver run down my spine at the thought. Looking back at Al and Alice again, it almost made me feel jealous of them just looking at how happy they are. Alice doesn't have to worry since it was never really official if Al ended up with May in the end.

I smile sadly at the two and closed my eyes. 'Must be nice... to not have a lot to worry about...' I gaze down at my hands, remembering how close we were during the dance. Putting my hands on my face- I silently cried at the sad revelation. 'I'm alone again...'

-Jealousy-

"You leaving again?" Helga questions behind my back. I nodded and handed her my military uniform. "If none of you want to be minced meat tomorrow morning- then don't question me. My plans have nothing to do with you! Just follow your orders and go through the drills I gave you all in case anyone questions my whereabouts, so you will have no problems during my absence." Right as I was about to open the window to make my leave, Helga questions me, "How long will it be this time? The last time you disappeared... it was about almost 2 months. Will you even come back at all?" Without saying a word, I simply tilt my head and left through the window.

-Fate-

I grin at the man as he steps back into the gate. "So the main event has finally begun... Right? Nicholas Flamel?"

To Be Continued

Sorry for the long wait! Anyway I've not only been busy with school- I'm currently looking for an artist who can help me make a book cover for Mercury Alchemist. :) I've tried to drawing it but... it looking like shit in the end! Hahaha! Also my laptop has been shutting down at the worst time possible every time I'm about to save. -.- So sorry if this seemed shorter than usual...

Me: Today I will be having our usual chat with... older version of Jealousy and the current Jealousy! It was no fair for the two Cat's to only appear... so I'll be chatting with a pair of older versions for now. :)
Jea(current): *glares*
Jea2(old): *smirks* So this is me? I've got to say she's much more flatter compared to me~
Jea: *attempts to draw out sword*
Me: Ah! Don't pull out weapons here! Also- how did you sneak that into the studio!
Jea: I 'seduced' the guard... *killing-intent aura*
Jea2: You? Seduce a man with such a tiny immature body? Now this- *sexually poses to the camera* is how you pose~
Jea: -_-* *tries again to pull sword out*
Me: Wah! O_O||| Don't you dare! And you! Stop acting like a whore infront of the camera! Control your hormones!
Jea2: Sorry~ It's not my fault men always look my way~ By the way... *places hand on my chest* It seems you've grown a bit... not only in height... but down here.
Me: -_-* (I remember why I decided to make a reboora*. this Jealousy... is a complete bimbo!) It's only been 9 years Jealousy...! Of course I grow!
Jea2: Aw but you'll stop growing at the age of 18, correct~?
Me: *snaps* Jealousy... *grips the script tightly* I swear if you pose one more time-
Jea2: Oh? Then how about this? *turns away from camera and rips the middle of her shirt open*
Me&Jealousy: ... *multiple anime veins*
Jea: Can I now...?
Me: Go ahead...
Jea2: Oh~? A fight with myself? This will me fun~ Come at me then little girl! *eyes chest*
Jea: *snaps* STOP STARING AT MY CHEST! HEY AUTHOR! HOW THE $Y * IS THIS ME!?
Me: I-I don't know myself... *looks away*(I only tried to make the perfect image the opposite version of the first Cat... and a sexual bimbo popped into my mind at the time... I didn't know what it was like at the time and *stares at the two* now that I think about it- my 8 year old mind stayed innocent for so long even after researching any anime character that fits the description... -_-||| How the hell did I not understand any of that stuff...)
Jea&Jea2: *starts alchemy ward II*
Me: GAH! *ducks* Thank you for patiently waiting and all the support *ducks* you've given me for so long! Also *block flames with clipboard* I do not own FMA! *dodges fire* I only own my OC's Cat, Alice, Camilla, Jealousy, *uses plush toy as shield* and many more OC's to come! Please R&R! You guys are the best and I can't wait to continue this all the way to the end with you guys to accompany with me for it. :) See ya on the next chapter! *walls explodes on my right* Will you two stop it already!?