busy ''My time is up...'

'The time has come to end this...'

'It had to happen somday...'

'And today is there day... where I can finally..!'

'Finally...!'

'Have our own identity...' / 'Have our own identity...'

Chapter 32 ~ Beasts of Dublith

-Me-
||Yock Island||

As we stood side by side on the shores of yock island, I couldn't help but take a small peek over at Ed who was blankly staring at the vast water that surrounds the tiny isolated island. After our talk it's been a little weird, especially with the way he looks at me every time we try to say something to break the tension between us. 'It's not like as if either of us confessed or something...' I blush at the thought and try to shake it out of my head. 'What am I thinking!? I did confess something! And it sure as hell wasn't... that...' In a split second, the image of that time in the fifth lab appeared in my mind. 'WHY DO I HAVE TO REMEMBER THAT NOW!?' I quickly turn away before Ed could see my flushed face. I had to at least say something before we get picked up.

"Hey Ed?" I spoke up. He hums, "Hm?" Now that I got his attention, it just made me not want to ask him and just leave things as is, especially with how much closer he is to me. 'Wait what?' At the corner of my eye, I noticed the gap between us was almost closed between us. 'Have we been this close the entire time!?'

"Listen Ed... don't get mad at me again, okay!?"
"If you're still hiding something again, I swear I-"
"No! Will you just listen to me!? Look, this is something that I just really want to get off my chest right now."
"Huh!? Oh... I see then! Hahaha!"

I put a hand against my forehead and thought, 'Crap that came out wrong... Well it's not like he will think I'm confessing my feelings to him right now. He has Winry in his future. So maybe it's not that awkward.'

-Ed-

'Is she confessing to me!? Of course not Ed, what are you thinking!? It might be another secret she wants to get off her chest! Yeah that's right, there's no way she'd confess something to me!' my thoughts scream as my eyes began to dart in any direction to avoid looking at Cat. I gulp and gained the nerve to take a peak at her. My heart almost felt like exploding when I saw how red her face was. I started to fluster at what was going on, my thoughts running wildly, 'WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON!?'

Ali: JUST SAY IT ALREADY!
Everyone: SHHHHH!
Ali: Ah! O_O||| Sorry... Wait, what are you doing here?
Av: We heard that this might be a possible confession scene! It's best way to take advantage of this moment in the future!
Ali: You're just as bad as the author...
Me: Hey I- Oh wait... that's actually true.

"Hey!" I almost wanted to actually thank god for once when we saw teacher standing on the boat with Sig rowing behind her back. Once they were close enough, teacher puts a hand on her hips and eyes the two of us suspiciously. "Please tell me you two haven't..." she glances over behind Sig's direction. We both immediately caught what the two were thinking and yell at the top of our lungs, "We didn't do anything!"

++Later++
-Back to Me-

As Izumi stood at the front of the boat and Sig continues to paddle, I sat beside Ed in complete silence. "Are you going to talk to her about it later...?" I whisper over to him. Ed wasn't shocked when I asked him, seemed more caught off guard to ask him out in the open. He bows his head, saying, "I don't know... I'm scared to find out the truth... but I have to know. It won't end that badly, right?" I held his hand and leaned against his should. "Can't tell me, huh?" I didn't say anything. Ed just sighs and leans his head closer to mine, knowing that there is nothing he can do to get an answer from. Even if he wants he knows he can't force me. "Sorry..." I silently apologize, tears starting to well up in my eyes. Now that he knows that I know what will happen to him in the future, it's become harder and harder for me not to say anything.

There's so much I want to tell him. But I know that if I did say something, there's no saying what will happen. Hughes found out before he died. I could have done something! I could have actually saved his life, let him see his daughter grow up, grow old with Gracia, and do great things for his country. But when Fate told me what would've happened if I did, someone else will die in their place. And it is exactly what's been bugging me at the back of my mind every single day. What Fate told me was something that I was desperately hoping wasn't true. "Just promise me something," Ed spoke up. "You won't keep anymore secrets. There's no reason for you to hide anything anymore. Just tell me and everything will be okay." I raise an eyebrow at this, "Just you?"

He turns red and instantly corrects himself, "And Al too!" I just giggled at his reaction, causing him to turn into a dark shade of red from embarrassment.

||Inside Izumi's House||

I lean against the window as watched as the three stood outside of her house. Alice and Wrath walk over to where I was to watch with me. "Have they asked yet?" Alice asks me. I shook my head, crossing my arms and said, "Any moment now." As if on cue, Izumi claps her hand together and created a lance from the brick wall beside her. "So we're going to just stand here and do nothing?" Wrath asks the obvious, earning sad looks from Alice and I. I was slightly used to just watching things play out for the brother's. Alice was still trying to get used to this since she's been travelling with us for probably a few weeks now. "So I guess I'm not the only one playing the waiting game..." We were both shocked when Wrath said this. He looks directly at me and tells me, "I remember now how I ended up out here now."

We were both shocked to hear this. "Why didn't you tell us before!?" Alice demands. Wrath looks away in shame, stating, "It's not like I want to remember that. Every single moment was too painful even for me, and I doubt anyone would like to wake up to THAT. You would know too Catherine." I was surprised when he started to walk closer to me, forcing to back up and accidentally bump onto the side of the couch. Wrath suddenly grabs my hand and gives me an extremely tight squeeze. "What are you-" I was cut off when the world around me suddenly turns black.

::Memory::

I woke up and found myself flying through darkness. The next thing I knew, multiple eyes began to open all around me one by one. Back hands shot up and wrapped themselves around my body tightly. I tried to struggle out of the arms, but I stopped when I realized that my screams were completely mute. They reached up to my face after successfully encasing my entire body. My head felt like it was being split open in a matter of seconds. I continued to scream as loud as I could the pain go worse by the second, but still couldn't hear anything coming out of my mouth. An outlined dark figure appears in the darkness. I shook my head, tears coming out as fearfully I try to pull away from his reach. "Accept your punishment..." it says while cupping my hand in its hands.

::Next Memory::

A man cradles an infant in his arms, sobbing violently and screams up at the sky as a woman lies on the ground covered in blood. Fate stands before him and holds a hand out.

::End::

I stood there in utter shock, falling to my knee's in tears which causes Alice to bend down to my level and panics. I didn't pay attention to what she was saying. My entire body felt heavy and my vision started to turn dark. The last thing I remember is seeing Alice hovering over me, and then Ed frantically trying to shake me awake while Al tries to stop him.

-Wrath/Ran-

A/N: I still have no idea at this point. :P You guys pick which one I should refer him so it would be easier for me in the future to identify the two.

As everyone gathers around the unconscious girl, I quickly felt a presence outside and turn to see a certain girl in black, watching what was happening right behind the white wooden fence. I grit my teeth and made a fist, thinking, 'So this was your plan all along... she's not ready to learn the truth yet! You weren't either when you found out!'

||Cat & Alice's Room||

Ed places Cat in her bed as Alice sits on a chair beside the bed and holds her hand, Al standing right behind her and puts his hand on her shoulder. I just stood beside Izumi (unsure whether of not if it's alright to call her mom just yet) and watched as Ed pulls back, but never once tears his eyes away from her. 'That girl... how far does she want to force Catherine into the same path she was forced into? She's not ready yet!' I mentally growl at this and almost wanted to walk out and go after the homunculus, but I stopped when mom walked over to the boys to say something. Alice's eyes widen and quickly rushes over to me. "Ran let's get out of here...! This is something you shouldn't hear..." she whispers as she starts pushing me out of the room.

'Wait... is this-' I abruptly step to the side, causing Alice to nearly fall flat on her face but was able to quickly recover from. "This isn't the time Ran... You need to get out now or-" I interrupted her, "I know what it's about. I need to hear it for myself Alice, the reason why mom risked so much to bring me back. I hated her for abandoning me... but that was because I didn't know why she even made me in the first place." Seeing how I wasn't going to budge, Alice pats my shoulders and faces the three. "For a while, it seemed like we were barren. We wanted a child but couldn't conceive. When we were able to, I ended up falling gravely ill... and our child as well..." I watch her fidget for a bit then continues, "And so... I committed the taboo. As a result, I lost parts of my inner organs... what an idiot I was..."

I took Alice's hand and gripped it tightly and muttered, "Mommy..."

-Alice-

Wrath wasn't taking this well. As much as I wanted to bring him out so he wouldn't have to hear the tale of how he died, I completely understand why he'd want to listen. Izumi gave him up as a baby to the gate and he was left to wonder why, loneliness that slowly turned into hate over time. 'Somehow... I can slightly relate to that...' I thought, remembering the day mom begged me to leave with her and went out the door when dad came after her in a drunk state. Mom never told me why she left. She did, however, try to contact me every now and then. I did want to answer, but dad was desperate to make sure I don't ever meet mom again and was afraid I'd leave him. I felt mom abandoned us and I started to hate her for that, then I remembered that this is what Cat was trying to warn me about before she broke off our friendship.

"Teacher..." the boys mutter. "I realize now that I should have told you sooner... it must have been awful," there was so much pain in her voice, and she felt so guilty about being indirectly responsible for what happened. "You wanna go out now?" I ask the boy below me, seeing how he was terribly bad at holding his tears and snot back. "Yes..."

++Much Later++

-Back to Me-

"Shit... not again..." I groan, slowly sitting up as I felt my brain screaming at me to lie back down. Every time I black out, my head always feels like I just got hit by a car. And that literally happened to me once when one of the soldiers weren't looking. "You alright?" I was surprised at Ed's sudden appearance at my bedside, but I was slightly relieved that it was just him and no one else. "Yeah... just a sudden head ache is all... I'll be alright Ed," I reassure him, earning a short sigh of relief. He didn't say anything after that. Ed seemed depressed about something. Just looking at his face; I knew that him, Al, and Izumi had just finished their talk about what the taboo all three of them committed. The least I could do is let him talk about it. "You wanna talk about it?" I ask, placing a hand over his.

It took him a moment for him to finally say something, "Teacher just... expelled us earlier while you were asleep. She couldn't accept the decision we made that put us in danger like that." "Oh..." I feel slightly guilty for not being there for the brother's when it happened. If I were there to emotionally support them, they wouldn't be taking their expulsion so hard. "And Alice?" Ed had to bite his lip to stop himself from laughing. "She's outside trying to learn alchemy before we hit the road. She almost sent Al flying by accident earlier! Hahahaha!" I covered my mouth and laughed a bit at the thought of a flying suit of armor travelling in space. "Well since I'm up," I got out of bed much to his surprise, "guess I should start packing my stuff then." "Aren't you going to rest?" he asks me.

I shook my head, saying, "Nah! I think I've got enough rest from that. Besides, the earlier we leave the better. Right?"

||Train Station||

"Feel free to stop by if you're ever in town," Sig told us as we arrive at the train station. "I'm not so sure about that..." Al trailed off. Sig instantly barks at the two, "You idiots! You're too busy pouting that you can't see what your expulsion means!" Ed stared blankly at the large man, then it hit him, saying, "...I get it... you're saying that since we're not her students anymore, we can talk as equals." "Exactly," Sig grins. Wrath then jokingly mocks the two, "Unless you're too chicken to try it." "Damn it Al... we haven't don't what we came to do in the first place!" And there goes the boys. "Don't let her kill you!" Sig calls out. After the brothers left, I bent down to Wrath's level and ask him, "Are you going to be fine from now on?" Unsure at first, he looks up at Sig who ruffles the kids hair in response.

Wrath nods, answering with a small smile, "Yeah... I think I'll be fine for now." "I know this is too much to ask but," Alice stands before Sig and slightly bows, "can you please adopt this boy?" "Alice!" Wrath and I yelp in surprise. "Just listen for a second! Ran doesn't have an actual place to call home. Just asking Sig and Izumi to take care of Ran won't be enough unless..." she glances over to the man as he silently stood there, sinking in on what Alice was suggesting. I know it's true, but adoption? That's a huge step for the two to take, especially since Izumi is still slightly guilty for trying to resurrect their child. Ran was scared of his answer, but Sig ruffles his hair once more and answers, "I'll have to ask Izumi about that." Teary eyed, Wrath instantly hugs Sig.

I smile at the two and thought, 'Even though they aren't really his parents in this side, at least he actually gets to live the life he never got the chance to have. I'm actually a little jealous of him.'

-Normal-
||Ishvallen Refugee Camp||

Scar sat in the tent that he had been at for a while now, lifting weights made of concrete. "Come on... not again... your wounds will never heal if you don't give it a rest," the little boy said, walking along side another Ishvalan, someone Scar never thought he'd see again. "Master..." he mutters in shock. "I was informed that you were targeting State Alchemists' for execution," he said, sitting beside his former pupil. "I know the animosity you feel... the state alchemists are responsible for the burning of our village and death of our loved ones but... your vengeance will only sow the seeds to more violence. What you're doing is senseless revenge and it's feeding a fruitless cycle of death. You must end this cycle once and for all." "Anyone home?" All three look up to see two men, both not Ishvalen.

"Would you look at that... he really is here. He's got the scar and everything."
"Looks like you've got a deal. We'll split the bounty three ways with you."

The man wearing black turns around to find the man he was talking to gone. "What the... guess he didn't want the reward...?" the man with the mohawk looks around in confusion. A weak looking man then appeared from behind a broken brick wall.. The towns folk began to question him, outraged by the betrayal. "Yoki? How could you do this!?" one ishvalan said. "We took you in and treated you like family when you had nowhere else to go!" another spoke up. "Just shut up! I never wanted anything to do with you people! I'll rise again and use my power to destroy Edward Elric! Now then, would you take care of him please so we can fetch our money?" Yoki turns to his cohorts after his long rant. Scar gets up and walks out of the tent, stating, "It's obvious I'll cause more trouble the longer I stay here."

The bald man reaches over to grab him, "Thanks for making this easy." Scar was about to take action, but someone else did it before him. A person, hidden behind one of the tents and listening, dashes into view and takes his black cloak off, upper kicking one of the men under his chin and elbows him in the gut. "Why you-!" the other froze in place when kunai's were thrown in his direction. They all seemingly miss. "Heh! You missed there buddy!" he gloats and takes a step forward. "Did I?" as teen said this, the floor below the Mohawk man begins to glow. In a flash, the ground quickly shoots up and encases the man in a tight cacoon. "Oops! Forgot the other one," he said, casually walking over to the fallen man and bounds his arms to the floor. "Phew! That was a close one-" Scar grabs his face and lifts him up in the air.

"Who are you?" Scar demands. Unfazed by this, the boy uses his free hand to jab his fingers on two pressure points on Scar's arm. As it goes limp to his side, he drops the body in the process. "Sheesh...! She told me you have an attitude problem, but didn't think it'd be this serious!" Yoki attempts to sneak away while he still had the chance, but a sudden kunai to the foot stopped him. "YEOW!" The boy runs over to Yoki and kicks him straight on his spins, nearly breaking it on collision and was strong enough to pluck out his injured foot form the ground as he fell over. Yoki tries to run again only to find a katana aimed straight in between his eyes. "Get up and the Ishvalan's here will be the least of your worries." Scar's master walks out of the tent, asking as the strange teen sheathes his katana, "Why are you here? A Xingese wouldn't be so far out of his country without a mission."

"Don't worry! I was only sent here to keep an eye on the alchemist killer to make sure he doesn't kill any other people that aren't alchemist," he reassures the group, shocking every Ishvalan that was listening. "What is your name?" Taking his sunglasses off, he turns to face specifically Scar and introduces himself, "The names Xiao Chang. Son of the emperor and member of the Chang clan. For now you can call me by my current alias, Damian."

-Alice-
||Outside Izumi's Place||

As swept outside while I was still practicing my alchemy abilities, and they were all complete disasters. One moment, everything seemed fine. The next thing I knew it had blown right in my face! "Er! I give up! All I can do is blow stuff up! And I better not become Kimbley if this keeps up..." I mutter out that last part so Al couldn't hear me. Al chuckles and states, "Since you're from the other side, the alchemy there must be pretty different for it to cause such reactions." I look at his with (anime) tears running down my face like a waterfall. "Alchemy doesn't blow up in your face Al!" I can understand if this is my first try like yesterday, but for it to explode 20 times in a row on the same day? Is there some force out there trying to tell me something? There was some sort of sound coming from the side of the building.

"I'll be right back Alice," Al said as he headed off towards where the sound came from. For a moment I was fine with it and focused on what I was doing, then I remembered something. "Al hold on!" I jump over the fence and rushed over to where I last saw him to see only the broom stick on ground. "Oh no..." I was about to run after Al, but I was a little scared. "Should I bring Cat with me...? She's a little bit better at alchemy then I am..."

++Later++
-Back to Me-

"Why didn't you remind me today was the day Greed will appear!?" I yell as we follow the directions from a nearby person to Devil's Nest. "I was busy practicing my alchemy! It almost slipped my mind until I realized Al walked away from the house! That never happened in the anime or manga!" As we continued to run, I could see the sign a few feet ahead of us until something trips me. "Gah!" I fall forward and found myself being shoved in, yet another, potato sack. "Cat!" I hear Alice in the background only for her to be silenced by whoever is outside.

||Devil's Nest||

"Get me the fuck out of here you son of a bitch!" I continued swinging my legs until I felt I actually kicked the person that was carrying me. I was thrown roughly to the ground in response. The bag was finally removed from my head, but before I could draw out my sword, I was stopped by a sword aimed at my neck. I gasp at the group, "Roa... Dolcetto..." They seemed slightly surprised that I knew their names. A slow clap was heard in the other side of the room, making Dolcetto pull away at this. We all look over to where the clapping was heard, and the moment I saw the person step out of a dark corner I felt my heart stop when I saw those familiar glowing red eyes. "Son of a bitch... Greed..." The homunculus smirks at my reaction and playfully corrects me, "You got my name right babe, but I am not female mutt."

I almost gagged in disgust when he called me that. Till this day, I never understood what fan girls ever see in this guy. Even now I don't. "Seems like you do know everything," he crouches down to my level and plays with a strand of my hair. "You're exactly as I pictured you." Glad to know..." I answer back sarcastically, struggling to break the ropes without any of them noticing. "What would a homunculus such as yourself would want with someone like me? I thought an immortal prick like you would want something that's not flesh and bones," I question Greed as he continues to 'inspect' my body with those gross eyes of his. "True... but the idea of unlimited power is quite something else," he comments. Greed then stops at my eyes. He stares straight at me then forcefully grabs my face, pulling my face for a closer inspection.

Whatever he's looking at, Greed seemed to very pleased with what he was seeing. "Well well well! I guess there really is more than that meets the eye. Literally," with that said, Greed pats my cheek and stands up. I spat at his feet in response, earning a hard punch to the face from Roa. I land on my side from the hit, making my hat fly off and fall right in front of Greed's feet. "I'll take this!" He picks it up and throws it on his head. "Give that back! That's mine!" I tried to get back up again, but once again I am punched back down to the ground. I swear, these guys must have something against me to punch me twice in a row on the same spot. "Hey there! Don't break the merchandise boys! She's going to be a fine piece for collection so don't go over board!" Greed yells, only for the men in the room to chuckle at the last part.

Once Greed takes a step out of the room, he glances over at me and smirks as two of his chimera subordinates follow behind him. Ulchi steps in and closes the door shut. He cracks his knuckles, saying, "This is going to be fun." I stood and backed away until my back was pressed against the wall behind me. "Try me bitch," I egged the man on, not the least bit afraid of what he'll do to me.

-Normal-

After failing to get anything out of the boy, there was one thing Greed had up his sleeve to get it out of him. "Bring in the girl!" Much to Al's shock, Alice was tossed down to the ground beside him. "Alice!?" he gasps. Martel slides out one arm to lift up Al's helmet to take a peek at the girl. "Who's this? Your girlfriend?" the name chimera asks out loud before Greed slams the helmet back down. "Sorry Martel," he apologizes and moves to Alice, "but we don't want our friend here to get any chance of escape." "Great..." she groans, sliding her arm back in place. "Oh no... am I in the Devil's Nest?" Alice mutters, looking around the room in fear and backs away once she see's the group. "Another one? Sheesh Greed, what's with all the psychic girls you keep picking up?" Dolcetto asks his boss, slightly disturbed at what was going on.

First was Cat to know who two of the human chimera's are and was able to talk to Greed with a straight face. Now there was Alice, who already knew where they were with just one look at the place. And it was only one of the small rooms. Greed picks Alice up by her neck, surprising the girl and causing Al to fight even harder at Martel's control. "Hey! STAY. DOWN!" She was able to get the boy back into sitting down, but had to take a few deep breaths from the unexpected struggle. "A soul inside a mannequin... interesting... it seems like she has an even less inconspicuous appearance compared to the younger Elric." "Don't touch her! She doesn't know anything!" Al cries out, desperate to move. "I know a transferred soul when I see one," Greed places her back down and peers closely at her face, "and this one seems more intact."

He notices the metal plate behind Alice's neck and pulls her collar down to get a better view of it. "Well now... someone must really want to make sure you don't ever leave." "Want me to remove it for you?" Roa asks, crackling his large fists in front of the fearful girl. "Not yet," Greed says with a wide grin on his face. "First we need to know how much she knows, talking to the other one would waste everyone's time." Al looks over at Alice who was slightly afraid of what was going to happen. "First question, what animal are these guys combined with?" asks the man as he points out to every chimera present. Alice was a little surprised at this and no longer felt as afraid of what's going on. 'What should I do...? I can't answer that correctly! He'd torture me and Cat to death! I can't lie to him either... but getting it right is a definite a no go!'

Answering correctly is the only option she has. How exactly can you pretend you're guessing correctly? "Hey now," Greed brings his graphene covered hand to Al's head and warns Alice, "if you don't speak up, someone will get more than just a scratch. And you and I know what will happen if I claw at that certain mark that's keeping your boyfriend here." Fearing for the worse, Alice had no other choice but to give the homunculus what he wants. "No Alice! Don't answer him!" Al was instantly silenced by Greed with a sharp intense glare. "Sigh... Roa is an cow, Doldetto is a dog, Bido is a gecko and Martel is a snake," she answers in defeat. He draws back and walks up to Alice, pleased at her answer. "See, now was that so hard? Honestly, women like you are so easy to see through. But I guess that's why I love them so much."

-Alice-

I felt ashamed to let myself give in like that, but there's no way I'll let Greed get his way with me that easily anymore. 'I can at least mess with one of them to buy me some time...' I lift my head and spoke up, "So what's so great about being a fused with a dog? I remember Dolcetto always ranting about how great it is to be a dog chimera." "Here we go again..." Roa groans when we see a sudden glint in Dolcetto's eyes. "Shut it! Dog's have a high sense of loyalty unlike simple minded bulls so-" As the man goes on and on about the greatness of being combined with a dog, I secretly reached over for my other hand and remove one of my fingers, taking out a secret small knife. I had to practice doing this since I can't feel anything, so it was tough at first until I got the hand of is. I had to listen carefully until I heard the small sound of scratching from behind.

This told me that I was able to come in contact with the rope that was wrapped around my wrists. "Also, dogs-" I instantly interrupt him by yelling, "Look! Squirrel!" On instinct, Dolcetto turns around and searches for the squirrel like a mad man. I didn't think that would actually work, but I'll take it! I broke through the ropes and ran straight for the door. All that I could think of was getting out of this hell hole and get help, especially since I have no idea where Cat was. I have no weapon with me. If I attempt to perform alchemy now, I would literally blow something up by accident. I thought for sure I was in the clear until Greed beats me to the door and punches me back into the room. Roa lifts my up by my head so I wouldn't make any other sort of moments.

"Why you little...!" Dolcetto reaches for his sword, extremely pissed at me for tricking him like that out of no where. "Down boy! We still have her so let's not get hasty with the slice and dicing ," Greed calms the dog chimera down, earning a short growl from him before reluctantly drawing back.

-Back to Me-

Ulchi was getting tired from punching me. I, on the other hand, looked like this was nothing but on the inside, I was already screaming my ass off and wanted to hit this guy back ten fold. I had a few bruises on my body, a cut on my right cheek and a few on my arm. I think my automail is dented a bit, but it's nothing a little alchemy can't fix. Well not my alchemy at least... "Come on, you still won't say anything?" Ulchi asks as he swipes his arm to remove the blood from his fist. I smirk, mocking the chimera, "What? Getting tired from all those punches big guy? I thought human chimera's like you would be at least have slightly enhanced abilities than that of an average person. For lackey's of a homunculus, you sure are weak. Are you sure you were fused with a croc or a common house gecko?"

"I'll show you-" he was instantly interrupted when there was a sudden loud bang outside. Ulchi seemed startled at this. I cock an eyebrow at him, "What? Are you just going to stand there and let whoever it is beat the crap out of your boss?" Reluctant to believe me at first, Ulchi clicks his teeth and runs out the door to find out what was going on. Once I saw that I was completely by myself, I bit onto my lip hard enough until it bled enough blood for me to gather in my mouth. I hate the taste but there isn't any other liquid I can use except what's inside of me. And blood seems the most obvious choice at the moment. Standing up, I crouch down as low as possible to loop my tied up hands behind my back under my feet so I could carefully step over them without breaking my back.

I may not be the most flexible person in the world, then again Clara was a former assassin so she did teach me a few things in case I get in a tight spot. Thank god I actually paid attention! Placing my hands together and opening back up, I spat out all the blood I had gathered up in my mouth onto my gloved hands. In a flash, most of the blood was transmuted into a sharp shard of frozen blood. This must be one of the most disgusting and craziest things I have ever decided to use alchemy on. I know that it's blood and that it might not cut the ropes the way I want to, but it's either that or my sweat. And I definitely don't have enough on me for that. "Please tell me Ed isn't fighting Greed...! Please not yet!"

-Alice-

Before anything could be done, the door was busted open my none other than Ed. "Brother/Ed!" Al and I called out in delight. Ed glances over at us and said, Ït never crossed my mind you two would get kidnapped. "Ëd! He's a homunculus!" I shout. "You don't say..." Ed glances over to Greed and glares at the homunculus. Gredd mutters, scratching the back of his head, "Way to ruin it babe..." I slightly gag in disgust when he called me 'babe'. Ed spots the tattoo on the back of Greed's left hand. "An ouroboros tattoo..." "Aren't you observant?" Greed lifts hand up for him to get a better view. "I was hoping I would only have to deal with armor guy and dolly over there first, then have some more fun with that feisty one. She sure has a mouth." That's when I realized something.

Where's Cat!? 'I was so focused on what Greed was going to do with us that I completely forgot about her! She was with me when we were running after Al then-' my eyes widen when I began to fully remember what happened to us. "What did you do to Cat!? She was with me when your animal friends got the jump on us!" I yell, earning a blade to the throat by Dolcetto. He quietly orders me, "Say one more word and your head goes flying."

"Why don't you ask your partners all you want to know!?"
"Partners?"
"Yeah, the rest of your ouroboros gang from the 5th lab. They had a couple of armored souls with them as well."
"You don't say! Well it's a long story but we don't have to talk much."

As they were talking, I was still trying to get these thick ropes cut as fast as possible, but with me not feeling a thing and seeing if I really am cutting something is really difficult. 'C'mon cut already!' "I've got a little proposal for you," Greed offers to the boy, forcing me to stop so I could pay attention to what was going on. "You guys are desperate to get your bodies back, right? Because I could teach you to fabricate your own Homunculus in no time at all. In return, all I is you teach me how to transmute a soul." Things seemed to be going normal just as I remember by heart, only for Greed to say something that I did not expect and sent Ed over the edge. "I tried to ask your friend," Greed takes out Cat's hat from underneath his jacket and waves it around as he finishes, "but like I said before she's a real feisty one. A really rare thing I find most attractive in women nowadays. Classic equivalent exchange."

"You bastard... If I find out you laid a single finger on her-" Greed interrupts Ed by saying with a snide remark, "Don't worry, I haven't 'touched' her yet... although my friend might be enjoying her at the moment as we speak..." Ed grits his teeth as Greed turns to face Al and I, saying, "Hmph... you know, I really don't understand why you would want your other bodies back. Seems like you both have one that's perfect already." "No I don't!" Al objects Greed's statement. I know I promised Cat I wouldn't do anything to change important things from happening, but I can't stand it anymore! He has no right to any of those things about Al! I don't care that he also meant me as well, he can't just say things like that after what Al has gone through with that sort of body.

"How dare you say that!? You don't know what either of them has gone through! Al lost his body and can no longer receive the warmth of others thanks that body of his! What gives you the right to talk as if it's the greatest thing in the world!? It's an absolute hell to not feel any single thing at all!" I gasp and covered my mouth after realizing that I unintentionally did my rant the exact moment Ed was supposed to do in front of the group. Greed slow claps as everyone else just looks at me as if I'm crazy. All except Dolcetto who rubbing his ears in pain, having super sensitive hearing from the dog part of him. "Wait... what happened to your ropes?" I tense up and slowly look down at my hands to see some loose rope hanging from my wrists. "Oh crap..."

Roa picks me off the ground by my head. "Hey! Let go!" I struggled to get out, but Roa had a really good grip on me. "Let her go!" Al shouts. "Not until we get what we want..." Greed said as he gets ready for what's coming. "You think it's great? You kidnapped my brother and my gir- I mean friends, then and to trade secrets!?" I sweat drop when Ed slightly turns pink and quickly corrects himself on that certain part. "Guess we're doing this by force again..." Dolcetto sighs as he reaches over his sword. "Don't kills him, alright?" Greed insists, trying to make sure his loyal dog won't do anything reckless. "Yeah, yeah..." He quickly draws out his sword and charges at Ed. Ed jumps up into the air and spun around, kicking Dolcetto right on the side of his head. "You're a lot slower than a prisoner I know!"

After he lands to the ground with the dog chimera K.O.-ed from just one kick, Ed claps his hands saying, "Also, I have a partner who's better at using a sword than you." He transmutes his arm into a blade and said, "Next." "Roa, get the armored kid and dolly out of here. Guess we'll dismantle him." I froze at the homunculus' words then struggled even harder when Roa moved to grab Al. "Please don't! Just take me! You said I'm more intact than Al, right? So there no need for him anymore!" I begged with all my heart for him not to be taken. Especially what will happen to him during their escape in the sewers.

-Normal-

Right as soon as Al and Alice were taken away, Ed fought hard against Greed but once he was able to crush him down to the cement floor, he witnessed just what kind of monster the man is. "Oh that hurt... That move would have hospitalized most people," Greed groans as he slowly stands back up on his feet. "But your not most people huh?" Ed remarked the homunculus was still able to go up. "Well my body is," Greed replies as he snaps his neck back in place, "all that sets me apart is my ultimate shield and my advanced healing powers." He gets back up and continues, "Nothing special, but you're never gonna beat me so I suggest making a deal." Then Greed notices the unwavering determination in Ed's eyes. "Oh... you's one of those guys. You don't care if someone beats the crap out of you but if someone lays a finger on a family member, friend, or lover you completely freak out."

"She's not my girlfriend!" Ed blurts out as his cheeks turn slightly pink at that last part. "What a waste... You lose your temper and you'll lose your information, your brother, your friend, and-" Greed wasn't able to finish his sentence when a large red gem-like shard suddenly strikes him right in the eye. Surprised, Ed turns around to see Cat at the doorway, dropping her arm to her side as she tries to catch her breath. "And what? You seriously expect me act like some god damn damsel in distress?" Cat asks with her usual sarcasm, slightly wincing in pain as she struggles to stand up straight.

-Back to Me-

I can't exactly tell what bone in my body broke from all those punches that crocodile chimera threw at me when he was 'torturing' me for answers. It felt more like I was his personal punching back rather than his prisoner, and that creepy smile of his said it all on how much he enjoyed beating the living shit out of me. "What are you doing here idiot? Get out of here! This is between me and him!" Ed declares once he saw how beaten up I was. "And let you have all the fun to yourself?" I ask as I draw out my sword and walk over to where he was. "Not a chance. I'm a state alchemist just like you Ed, and there's no way I'm gonna let you fight Greed on your own." "...Sorry to put you through this." I was taken a back from his suddenly apology. Then I realized what he meant by that when he turned back to face Greed.

I simply shrug at this, "We're partners. No matter how many times you get on my nerves, I'm with you till the very end Edward." Out of nowhere, Greed bursts out laughing, "Oh you two sure crack me up! Human's like you always get so cocky once there's more of you to face something as powerful as me. You actually think you can beat me?" I honestly never thought I'd never face off another homunculs other than Jealousy, she's practically the only immortal monster I've encountered so far that's tried to wipe me off the face of the planet. I know Ed can take care of himself until Izumi barges in through the door behind us, but things can change now that there are suddenly new people in this world. And I have a feeling Fate has something to do with that as well with all these familiar faces.

"Why don't you stop holding back Greed? I think it's time to put that ugly form of yours to good use," I egg him on as Ed and I get ready to face off the greedy bastard. He seemed a bit surprised at this. Suddenly, the shard of (my) blood that I threw at him earlier began to glow a familiar bright red color and started to sink into his eye socket. I nearly gag in disgust at the sight. Once it was all the way in and his eye was completely healed, Greed takes in a deep breathe through his nostrils then looks at the two of us with this weird crazed look in his eyes. "Well well well! Now this is interesting indeed! You're far more interesting than you two soul bounded pals-" I watch as his skin quickly convert into graphene all the way up from his hands to the rest of his body. "-and that nice little recharge you gave me definitely gave me a nice with that stone running through your veins."

My heart almost stopped when he said that.

"My... what?"
"Hm? You don't know? Just now, you threw a philosopher's stone right at me just a moment ago. For a moment there, I thought you were being too stupid to do something like that. But it seems you really don't know much about yourself at all- Philosopher's Catalyst!"

I started to back away a bit in fear as Greed continues to grin in my direction. 'How does he know about that...? Who told him about the catalyst? Is that what he meant earlier?'

To Be Continued

Welp! The chapter has been updated as promised. Now before I leave my usual message of thanks, I might be absent for a while after I update the next chapter of all my fanfics. And this is for a good reason too! Apparently my baby niece wants to write her first fanfic! I'm so proud of her! And before you say anything, no I am not an old lady. -_-* I'm only 18. Though I'm shocked at the kind of anime she watches. Apparently, she's only into anime made from the 1990's and 2000's only. O_O Apparently it because she find new anime... a little bit clichéd. Now remember this is a 7 year old saying this. You don't have to believe me, but I can't believe an actual little girl said that to me. I almost got depressed when she said how corny anime like Fairy Tail, Kill La Kill, Black Rock Shooter, Blue exorcist (Yes! She actually called the show corny! TT^TT), AKB0048, Kyoukai no Kanata and... I'm not gonna say anymore but the last one she mentioned was One Punch Man. Now don't go attacking me and her when she makes her first fanfic about not liking any of those shows! XD Ahem! Anyway, while we're still figuring out what her name should be, Haru has taken upon himself to be in charge of Black Exorcist. He's been trying to figure out what to do exactly with his account until I told him about Black Exorcist. So yeah, he'll be in charge of that for now. And... that's about it.

Cat: I think it's about time we have our turn in celebrating your birthday~
Me: N-No thanks! I'm still trying to recover from the last one...
Ali: Please! Cat and I have been planning this for ages! This is your actual first step into adulthood!
Me: Well if you guys say so...
Cat: Alright in three everyone! One... two... three!
Everyone: Happy birthday! *confetti ball pops open*
Me: This is... oddly normal for some odd reason.
Cam: We thought you might say that. Jealousy was the one who suggest celebrating your birthday in a normal manner.
Me: Are you serious? Thee Jealousy?
Jea: You got a problem with that?
Me: No ma'am!
Lu: Hey, why are you acting so stiff? *ruffles my hair* This is the day you become an actual adult! You always complained about not getting enough respect.
Me: -_-* The fact that you're still rubbing my head like that says otherwise... You do know I'm about a year old than you right? You shouldn't be treating me like some kid anymore.
Lucas (17) - Me (18)
Lu: *freezes in place like a statue*
Cat: Don't worry Lucas... I got over that 2 years ago. *Pats his back*
Ali: Now that I think about it- *compares height* Did you grow taller!?
Cat&Me: Who, me?
Lu: *stares* Oh crap... Scarlet, you've actually grown!
Cat: No way! When the fanfic first started out, we were practically the same height! There's no way she could have gotten taller!
Me: Wanna bet?
*looks through old photos with the crew*
Lu: Not much of a difference...
Cat: Ha!
Ali: Actually, it seems Scarlet had a growth spurt when she was 14.
Cat: Th-There's no way I can accept that! Miss Camilla, bring me the height chart!
Cam: If you say show. Just be careful Cat, we haven't measured everyone's height for the past 2 years.
Cat: I can handle it!
everyone: 'No she can't...'
*Compares height from 2012 to present (2016)*
Cat: . . . .
Me: ^^; . . . . .
Cat: . . . . You're at the 5 ft section now. . . . *passes out*
Ali: Gah Cat!
Lu: Will you grow up already Cat? You should have accepted this a long time ago! Wait... crap wrong choice of words.
Cam: Someone get some water!
Je: She's not dead! She just passed out from the trauma. Hey author! Get to the speech already!
Me: R-Right! Um... I just wanted to thank you all for the past 4 years here in ! This story may be around 8 years old now, but it's been an incredible journey with you all! I just wished I could properly show you how much I appreciate you guys always patiently waiting for the next chapter. I swear, I will never drop this story. I will finish till the very end.
Je: Let's just hope people are still into Fullmetal Alchemist by the time you're done...
Ali: Of course there will be! Both anime and manga have had a huge impact on everyone since it was first released. Something as special as that can never be truly left behind just like that. Right, Lucas?
Lu: *nods* Yeah. Even though it's been about 6 years since the series has ended, there are still people who continue to re-read/watch it and there are more newcomers to FMA. Now that's something.
Cat: Especially to the three of us, the OC's. Before the events of Mercury Alchemist, our views on life have changed since FMA. We've come to realize every single life is precious. Whether human-
Je: Or homunculus.
Cam: The journey to the answers we seek is still out there. And I'm sure someday we'll reach out.
Me: Thank you everyone!