'In this world... the innocent are so easy to

blame... no one is safe... In this insane world,

all that matters is to keep your allies close and

you enemies closer.'

Chapter 36 - Coldest Flame

-Camilla-

After finally putting Elicia to go play outside with a few kids her age and getting Gracia to finally rest after long hours of crying, I sigh in relief as I sat down on the sofa chair. Looking at all the family photos that were hung up on the wall, Maes' voice practically echoed throughout the living room for a moment before silence pierced its way back, reminding me once again of the good man that was no longer present. This silence also reminded me of how life was like for me before I met the Hughes. I felt so empty inside not knowing who I was. Now I no longer have to wonder who I always wonder how they are doing and wonder where they are, because I finally found them. Both of them. Just when I had given up one of them appeared before me when I least expected it and then the other as well when our child needed us.

Despite the sadness that now surrounds me, I will continue to be strong and lend my shoulder to the person that needs it right now as they have done for me. Standing back up, I went up to window and put my hands together in a prayer. "Please Catherine... Wherever you are, whatever you are doing, be safe," I prayed.

-Me-

||Interrogation Room||

I watch as Douglas picks up a bag and tosses across the table to my side. "Go on," he gestures to the back. "Open it." Suspicious at what he was trying to pull here, I slowly took the back and cautiously opened it, still keeping an eye on the man that practically waltzed straight in with clear intent on making sure I'm guilty for whatever it is that I 'did'. It's clear as day just by looking at him. 'I hope Ross is okay... This man should have interrogated by now,' I thought, worried about what's going on with the second lieutenant right now. They're obviously done with her. But why am I here? Once I finally opened the back, I dropped it in shock after seeing what was inside, spilling the contents- a cross pendant. MY cross pendant. But, how is that possible? Fate took it from me a long time ago in exchange for

What's it still doing here? I shake my head and thought, 'No. It must be a replica of some sorts. They're already have enough to frame Ross for Hughes' murder and her being blamed should suffice for their cover up. So why me?' "Where were you the night of Hughes 'murder?" was the first question that was brought up. If only I could say this was going to be easy. I informed the man with a straight face, "I was on a train heading to New Optain with my partner, Edward Elric, his younger brother, and a friend. All four of use intended to visit someone prior but decided to go to the city instead." I wanted to add 'you can ask them but I doubt you will' to his smug face as he continues to 'listen' to me, but that would only raise unwanted suspicion on THAT. My eyes hardened when I see the man remove his hands away from his face and smiles.

"You're lying," Douglas said in a confident manner. "The ticket you bought was purchased AFTER your companions departed for New Optain. You stayed behind." "Eh?" My eyes widen at the notion. True, I did suddenly decided to stay behind but- 'Hold on... Why did I stay behind? I remember saying that there was something I had to do... but what?' Befuddled with my own thoughts, Douglas seemed to take advantage of my confusion and decided to step up his gane and took out a small envelope then tossing it to the center of the table, photos spilling all over the surface Cautious, I took one of the photos and found myself staring at ot with wide eyes. Hughes was in it, running, but in front of him... was me. I don't remember this. "N-No way..." I cover my mouth, shocked to the core.

It was definitely me and not Jealousy, she could never pull off the exact same outfit as me and easily trick Hughes into trusting him. Douglas repeats his question, "Now, where exactly were you the night of Hughes' murder?"

||Ed and Al's Hotel Room||

-Ed-

I can't believe they just took her like that. I can't believe that idiot agreed to go with them! As I paced back and forth the room, Al said, "Brother calm down. Cat's going to be fine Ed, there is nothing they can do to prove she's guilty of anything." "How can you say that Al!? This is Cat we're talking about! I can't just sit here and wait while they do whatever it takes to get an answer that they want to hear. I swear if they do anything I will personally meet with whoever ordered her arrest and beat his ass to the crowd!" I yell, cracking my knuckles. Alice interjects, "I have to agree with Ed. I can understand Ross but Cat? I don't know what they think they're doing, but I'm sure Armstrong and Brosh won't be the only ones trying to talk to someone."

"Lt. Ross? Why would they want to interrogate her?" Winry asks, even I was wondering the same thing when Alice brought it up. She sighs, mumbling something to herself before she answers, "They're trying to blame her for Hughes' death. Brosh is trying to give his side of the story to support Ross' innocence, but no one wants to hear him and brushes him off. If Cat is also being investigated, I doubt they'll listen to any of us." This can't be happening. I collapse on the bed, still trying to sink in what's happening. Lucas slams him fist on the wall and takes a deep breath to control himself. Which even I can understand perfectly all to well at the moment.

"What kind of government does this place even have? It's already bad enough that I hear stuff about your Fuhrer that sounds too similar to a bastard president from home..." Lucas growls as he glares at the ground. Alice lightly laughs, saying, "Um... You don't have to worry about President Bush. He isn't running the White House anymore." All three look at the three with lost looks. "What kind of world is that place...?" Al whispers over to me. I just shook my head and sigh in defeat, "No clue. I'd rather have Cat explain this stuff to me than those two." "Well for now let's just try and cool our heads off," Winry states as she takes out a cloth and walks over to all. "We can't help Cat if we blow our tops off. Now move over here Al so I get to polishing your armor."

Lucas starts to snicker over something but is stopped when Alice roughly elbows his side. I don't even get what's so funny with what Winry even said. "When you look closely, you're all scratched up." Winry commented about Al's armor. "You're having a hard journey, huh?" Al just chuckles."So what are we going to do now?" Winry asked. I couldn't answer her. Honestly, what's happening right now is causing me to lose the ability to think properly. "Well...?" "What are we going to do?" I asked out loud. "What would you like us to do, Winry?" Alice asked. I glanced over at Winry, she seemed pretty shocked at us. "What's with that face?" She looks down and fidgets, answering, "...It's just... you guys have never asked me for advice about yourselves before..." I was taken aback by this.

Now that I think about it, this is actually our first time we've asked her or anyone for advice. I turned back towards the window. "I'm scared... Al and I have been off fighting and digging up information that could get us killed like Hughes. But I'm more scared of what happens to you guys," I look over at Lucas and Alice as I continued, "you guys know more than you should compared to all of us. With the information like that, anyone that finds out would do anything in their power to get that information, even if it means torturing you to death. When I think about that, now that they have Cat, it terrifies me. I don't know what I can do to protect you guys. I couldn't even stop them from taking her away like that..." Winry stops polishing Al's armor.

"I mean, you could die and then suddenly you wouldn't be around anymore….like Mom and Dad…It's almost more than I can handle, thinking about that. To be honest, I wish you guys would just give up. I do want you to get your bodies back and I also want you guys to go back home." She sadly looks in Lucas' direction. "But I also want you to stay alive and safe. It's just…I don't know…sorry. I'm not sure what you should do…" Lucas scratches the back of his head, glaring up at the ceiling as he said, "Look, I don't know as much Alice and Cat do about this world. What they have told me is definitely something no one would believe if it wasn't for the fact I lived with them for some part of my childhood. But like Cat has told me before each time I told her to give up, 'What's the point of having the choice to try if all I'll ever do is decide to give up in the end? I'd rather keep going instead of being stuck in the same place and regret it forever.'"

For a moment, I could actually picture Cat saying that. Cat has had so many chances to leave me- I mean us, on our own but she never did. And when the one time Cat did, she immediately came back just when I thought it was all over for me. She never gave up once in protecting and being there for us, despite the crap I've thrown at her countless of times. "And that's what makes you an idiot..." I said to myself. "You both sure are being nice." Al chimes Winry got embarrassed and said, "Eh?! W-what are you talking about? I'm always nice! What do you mean by that?!" She then began to beat Al. "Ah! Stop! You're adding more scratches!"

||Unknown Rooftop||

-Damien-

The moment I arrived, I instantly dodged a bullet as it came flying straight at me. When it hits the cement floor, steam comes out of it for a brief moment. I pinch my temple and ask the three snickering stooges, "Can someone please tell me why you tried to assassinate me AFTER you called me here?" Jack grabs my head and starts grinding his fist, completely messing my hair up in the process as he continues to 'noogie' me. "Lighten' up man! You Xingnese must have lost the translation of 'fun' in those scrolls of yours." I hit the man's pressure points in response, rendering the man frozen in place for the next hour until I feel like freeing him. Cardio burst outs laughing, "Hahahaha! I win Joseph! Now pay up or suck it!" Joseph just rolls his eyes, digging into his pocket as he said, "I may be old and experienced a lot, but you have too many issues to list."

I glare and question the only man that hasn't said a word since I arrived, "What did those guys bet now?" Auron crosses his arms and passively states, "Cardio made a bet with Joseph that you'd paralyze him with your 'kung fu' moves or whatever he called it. Joseph said that you're shave a little off the top." Auron Yevon, the only sane man that I know in the whole squadron that always remains disinterested in their actions. Well him after Joseph that it is. "Hmm..." Now that I think about it, I only know Auron's last name and his rank. Everyone else I just know them by their first name. "Say," I spoke up, interrupting the start of another banter between the old man and the shrimp, "I don't recall the general ever addressing you guys by your rank or last name. Isn't that what traditional soldiers do?"

Cardio starts cackling his lungs out again while the rest either just laugh or smile. I found myself in another of one of Cardio's famous choke holds and felt something 'pat' my back. "You're a riot kid! I thought by now you understood what kind of person out lovely General is!" I force myself out of his hold, massing my neck as I begrudgingly sat on the floor. Joseph puts a hand on my shoulder for a brief moment then goes back to adjusting the scope is sniper rifle. "She wants to treat everyone like equals, not pawns or simple war torn men. General Douglas prefers to have us forget about the war and wants all of us to 'act like the humans we were born as' instead of creatures whose only purpose is to kill." Now that I think about it, they're always so carefree when they're not around any other soldier.

So carefree that it's a little nauseating to watch. "That still doesn't explain the first name's part but... alright." I laid on my back and stared up at the blue sky. There a lot about this country that's different from Xing, in a good way at the very least. "I hope Mei's doing alright."

::Memory::

"Mei! Mei where are you!?" I called out. It's been hours since she ran out to the garden with her new pet, and now that māma is home, I'm starting to wonder if it was a good idea to let my sister go out by herself. For someone that's a year older than me, sometimes I even wonder if I really am the younger brother. 'Our growth is different... I visually look older than I'm supposed to... I'm always mistaken as the older brother and they think I'm the child that has royal blood and not Mei.' Just as I was about to shake of these thought and continue my search, I heard a familiar small voice from above. "Xiao! I'm up here!" I look up and I almost felt my blood run cold. "MEI! What are you doing up that tree? Get down here or you'll get hurt!" I order as I march under the spot where Mei is.

At first she was smiling, then tears start to form in her eyes and her panda's. She finally starts crying and confesses, "W-We can't get down!" My jaw hangs and slump my shoulder in defeat. This is my supposed older sister and yet I have to watch her twenty-four seven just to make sure something like this doesn't happen. After climbing up to the branch she's crying on, I just sat beside her and pat her head. "Stop crying already! Sheesh you're the older one, remember?" She still doesn't stop crying. "Listen... until you've gotten stronger and grow bigger, I'll be the one to protect you. So only cry when you have to. Not when you're scared. Got it?" Look at me. The younger brother giving his older sister advice. She feverishly wipes her tears, vowing, "Right! I'll make sure to master alkahestery before you know it!"

::End of Memory::

"Hey kid, catch." I sat up only to be tossed a dagger. I stare down at it and read the words that were carved into the sheath. "Hunting isn't a sport. It's a way to be intimate with nature..." I read out loud. Confused, I glance up at Joseph and asked, "I thought I wasn't allowed to have a weapon?" He points at the weapon, advising me with a serious look in his eyes, "That's only if you're meant to defend yourself! Never take a life with that blade, whether it's out of bloodlust or a purpose. No matter how much you want to, killing won't get you anywhere. All you'll do is add more to the amount of blood you've spilt." Everyone listens intently as Joseph goes back to his scope and finally fixes it, gets into position and aims for his target.

"A gun is the only choice because it's not the weapon itself that's killing, it's your heart. With a sword, knife, or dagger it's with your entire being. I'd rather not see another person take another persons life upfront and see what he has done. To be scared for the rest of his life."

And then he fires. Down below was an approaching spy that was about to leap in for the kill at the rundown apartment where a soldier and a certain suit of armor were staying at. The bullet goes straight through the temple and the body is caught and put away in secret by Helga, Louis, and Wison, all three waiting at the exact spot where they were ordered to position themselves at. Thanks to the General's tip, we prevented something from happening. I just wish I knew where she was.

||Cat's Hotel Room||

-Alice-

Al and I rush in and yell at the same time, "Brother/Ed!" "Ah!" Ed falls over with papers flying everywhere, caught off guard at our sudden out burst. "Don't startle me like that..." he mutters as he sits up, gathering the papers in his arms. He's been reading over that book Cat has been keeping for a while now, and he actually told me earlier that it's actually someone's journal after he finished reading it. I guess Cat never got to read the rest after what we found out in regard to... the Philosopher's Catalyst and our gate. He's been reading over it ever since our talk on what we should do about Cat's sudden arrest. "The newspaper at the front desk," Al informs his brother as he approaches him. "What is it?" Ed asked, taking the paper from Al and reads it over. His eyes widen at what he saw.

He exclaims, "Lt. Maria Ross found to be the culprit in Gen. Hughes' murder...? They're already blaming her!?" "I can't believe they decided it so fast... but read the rest." I point at another section of the paper that was far worse. Ed read it out loud as he slowly stands up, "State Alchemist Catherine Cairo, also known at the Mercury Alchemist, had been arrested... as a co-conspirator in the murder!?" They only arrested her this morning, was the news already out by the time they found Cat? "Something is not right," I state, "Cat would never do something like that!" "Maybe the Colonel or Major might know something...?" Ed wonders, glancing over at me with eyes pleading for help. He couldn't believe this was happening. Even I couldn't when Al first showed it to me. Ross I knew, but Cat?

'This has has to be Jealousy's doing... It had to be...' Al puts a hand over my shoulder. "Everything's going to be fine Alice. I'm sure Cat will think of something," he reassures me. I really hope so. I really do.

++Later that Night++
||Central Prison||

-Back to Me-

They couldn't place me in the same kind of prison cell as Kimblee, but they did make sure that I won't be able to use alchemy. My arm was removed my force (which I say is painful as hell), and they even went as far as to shackle my against a wall just to make sure I could use my resourcefulness as an alchemist to escape. Sitting on the floor with my arm above my head -since the chain isn't long enough for me to move around freely - I stare at the ground in boredom and mentally counted each drop of water that fell from the ceiling. My head shot up when I saw a couple of shadows pass by my cell. "C'mon guys! I'm not causing any harm!" Ling? I wanted to get a closer look, but when I shot up and ran on instinct, I nearly dislocated my arm from that stupid move.

"I'm not a fan of these..." I hear Ling state, most likely referring to the prison I.D. bracelet. The feeling is mutual.
"Quit complaining! They're like a collar for a mutt. By the way, I have to ask again... are you really 15?"
"I sure am!"
"I don't buy it."

'I didn't buy it either before when I found out...' I sigh at the thought then go back to eavesdropping on their conversation. Ling cries out in despair, "It's the truth! I swear!" Since he's an illegal immigrant, I'm pretty sure anything he'd say at this point will just sound like an excuse to them so they'd go easier on him. They might even starve him to death like most of the other prisoners. Speaking of which- "Just what time is it...? Crap it feels like it's been hours since I last drank anything..." If this is their attempt to make sure I don't escape, I'll be dead by the time I'll be trialed. Though I could with or without clapping my hands, I can escape any time I want to, but that would just make my situation worse than it is now. 'I'm just glad everyone else is not here... especially Ed,' my mind immediately wanders back to him.

After having to be there when I was arrested, I'm sure Ed is out there trying to figure out a way to get me out of here that doesn't involved breaking me out of jail. 'Or HE just might be the one do that instead...' I thought at the exact moment I heard running footsteps of more soldiers that came running now long after. "There's an intruder! Give us a hand!" And that's my cue. "Behave yourself, got it?" I hear the soldier order to Ling. His voice chimes, "I will~" After they left, I focused my full attention on the small puddle of water and concentrated most of my energy in trying to gather it into my hand. I close my eyes as I could feel the energy gathering into the palm of my hands and when I opened them, I grin as water begins to gather, both from the puddle and moisture from the air.

I didn't just practice manipulating water after I finally figured out which properties I'm able to transmute (without it blowing up in my face), there are other things I can do now that I can do before I took advantage of the catalyst's affect on my body and on my alchemy. "This is gonna be gross but it's all I can think of right now..." I mutter and proceed to transmute the water into a very slimy lubricant-like substance. It took me a moment, but once I slipped my hand out, I instantly wipe my hand in disgust with the fabric of the bed. No way in hell am I going to use my clothes. "Thank every god that mankind in this side hasn't developed that crap yet..." "Lame! Lame! Lame! Are you guys even trying!?" I heard Barry's voice, accompanied with the sound of blazing bullets not too far away.

As I dash over to the bars, I was immediately greeted with a skull helmet the moment I was about to transmute my way out of this prison cell. "Well well well! If it isn't the girl who got me arrested and executed!" Barry was very 'delighted' to see me again and seemed amused that I was the one in bars this time. I sarcastically greet the suit of armor back, "Nice to see you again too you ugly hunk of junk." "Ugly!? Why I oughta-!" I interrupt him by ordering him after I froze the bars, "Do what you're good at by cutting up these bars." He rants while still doing as he was told, "You're lucky I'm tied up to a leash or you'd be dead where you stand!" I make a quick remark once he was done, "And you're lucky I don't have my arm and weapons that could easily get rid of what's keeping you in this world."

"Hello my princess~ Strange ghost man! Could you let me out?" Ling waves as we turned to his direction. "Who are you?" Barry asked. "An illegal immigrant from Xing!" I face palm at his sickening cheerful answer. This caught Barry's interest. He walks off and praises the prince, "Oh yeah? Nice going, coming here from a faraway land." I was so happy at the thought of leaving him until I remembered one sad little detail. "If you let me out, I'll help you~" Ling offers. "I don't have time to bother with- Where did you come from?" Barry asks at the last minute, briefly turning to face him. Ling didn't mind sharing this small piece of information, "Xing, to the East." It didn't take long for Barry to consider the idea and cut the lock, releasing him as we began to walk down the hall.

"Come with me."
"I'd be happy to."

If I had my gun, I would either shoot Barry for freeing the prince or myself just to spare myself from- "Fate must be really on my side today! I get to reunite with my future empress!" That. I didn't like Ling's character when I got to see a brief episode in which he first appears in, but compared to that time and getting more information from Fate about everything else, I can't tell whether I should hate or like him now as a person. I was the first to notice Ross and ran straight to her cell. She only lifts her head up when she heard the gun shots in the background. "What?" Ross looks up to see me at the cell opening. I wanted to greet her but Barry beat me to it, "Hello honey! I finally found you!" She stands up and backs up against the wall, exclaiming in recognition of the armor, "You're from the Fifth laboratory!" He cuts the lock and waltzes straight in.

"I'm so glad you remember me. Every time I look at the hole," he points out the hole, "you put in my right hand, I think of you. Just like you did to that guy, Hughes." I reacted by grabbing his helmet, slamming it on the floor with all my might, and then proceed to kick it like a soccer ball. We all watch as it ricochets from wall to wall then finally lands straight back in place on Barry's armor. "Hey! Don't go kicking other people's heads!" he warns me as he raises his cleaver in the air. I yell back in a much louder tone than his, "Don't go blaming someone for what they didn't do!" "It wasn't me!" Ross speaks up. Barry shows her the newspaper, front page, pointing out, "According to this, you did." She takes it with shaky hands and reads it over. "It can't be..." She probably must have read something else, because once she stopped and stared at one part of the page with large eyes, Ross looks up at me with sympathy.

"Catherine... Not you too..." News travels extremely fast. I can't believe I never heard about them searching for me until I was taken from the hotel and thrown in the car. "Oh but it is... Right now, it looks like you'll be facing the Firing squad and this one here is going to be stuck in a cell for the rest of her life." It's not true! If they would do a proper investigation-" I cut her off, "They won't Ross! This military will do whatever it takes to make sure that there's any form of justice for what happened to Hughes. Even if it means blaming those that would never touch him." Barry cuts through the paper, providing the choices Ross with inevitably have to choose, "Here are your choices: stay here and die or run with us. Which is it?" She then began to cry as she muttered, "How is this happening... is there anything else?"

"It doesn't look like it..." Ling states as more soldiers could be heard on the opposite side of the hallway. I panic, saying, "Listen, I know neither choices are good, but you have to think of what is best for you and everyone else! Dying by execution is no way to end a good soldier like you. You've served this country too long to deserve something like that!" Ross bows her head and mutters an apology, "I have no choice! Mom, dad... I'm sorry." She looks straight up at Barry. "...Fine, let's go. You better know a way out!" "Oh you've got spunk!" Disgusted, I took a side step when I saw hearts floating around him and tried not to look at how in love Barry looks. Ross reluctantly answers, "I'll do what I have to!"

||Central Streets||

-Normal-

Mustang walks through the streets of central with a grim look on his face. He lifts his hand up and pulls his gloves on tighter, thinking, 'Shoot to kill if they resist...' Not too far away, Ed, Al, and Alice turned a corner and straight into an alley to find Barry, Ling, Ross, and Cat. "Lt. Ross!? Cat!?" they all shout as they look from side to side at the two. "Guys!" Cat exclaims happily but stops herself from going too them. 'I can't. Not yet. I have to help Ross get out of here!" "Hm..." Al and Barry stare at one another then screamed, "Ah! You're that guy!" "And Ling?" Ed asks, then clutches his fist when he sees the boy getting too close to Cat for comfort. "Hey! Stay away from her unless you know what's good for you!" Ed snaps. "We don't have time for this!" Barry yells in frustration them proceeds to attack Al.

Cat and Alice wanted to stop him, but both know this had to happen. "Alright sweetheart, and bitch... take the back alley and run straight to the Warehouse District! The darkness will cover you!" "Wait! Tell us about Hughes!" Ed shouts, causing Ross to stop mid-run. Cat takes this chance to take a letter out of her coat and tosses it straight at Alice, who was able to successfully grab and read it before anyone could see. Alice looks at her and nods, with a look that showed she understood whatever it is Cat had written for her. "Get going or the MPs will shoot you! Get her out of here midget!" Forcing herself to ignore what Barry had just called her and the looks she was getting from Ed, Cat grabs Ross and runs for it. "Cat! WAIT!" She ignore his cries and continues to head for their destination.

She knew Ed would chase after them and that Alice would stay with Al to help him fight Barry. Once she knew they were far enough, Cat stops dragging Ross to catch her breath. "Are you alright?" Ross asks the girl, worried when she see's her panting heavily. Cat shakes her head and reassures, "I'm fine. Let's just get you out of here." Both of them froze when they see Mustang step out of the shadows. Cat gulps, knowing what happens here all too well. She just happens to be there to witness it first hand. Before Ed could catch up, there was a sudden explosion. "What was that!?" Ed starts to panics and continues to run forward. Once he finally reached an opening, he finds Mustang standing before a what is assumed to be a burnt Ross. And not too far away was Cat, lying on the ground.

"Hey there Fullmetal..." he coldly greets the boy. "What happened here Colonel?! Why was Hughes murdered? Why would Second Lt. Ross…?" Ed trails off as his eyes automatically traveled back to Cat. His rage flares up when he sees Cat clutching her left shoulder in pain and saw a long deep burn mark that reached up all the way up to her cheek. "YOU BASTARD!" He charges straight at Roy, grabbing him by the collar and roars, "HOW DARE YOU HURT HER! SHE DID NOTHING WRONG AND YOU KNOW IT! IF YOU SAID ANYTHING, NONE OF THIS WOULD HAVE HAPPENED!" Mustang's brows furrows and punches Ed across the face. "Ed!" Alice calls out. She and Al stop once they see the scene. "You threaten a superior officer? You forget yourself Elric!" What cause Alice to freeze was seeing Cat.

"No... how could you...?" she questions the man, her trust in him slowly shattering as he continues to look at her with cold eyes. She was about to move until Al puts his arms around her torso. "Let me go Al! He hurt Cat and he has to pay for it!" Alice cries out. "No I can't! If you do anything, you'll get arrested too!" A pained expression crosses Alice's face and stops struggling, crumbing to ground in defeat. "That bastard not only burned Cat... but he killed Lt. Ross!" Al then notices the burnt body when Mustang steps for the body to be view a little bit better. Mustang took a few steps, saying, "She was a fugitive... orders were shoot to kill... so I did. Mercury here was trying to help stop the fugitive but ended up getting caught up in the crossfire... for that all suspicion with be lifted for her actions today." "That's all!?" Al couldn't believe what he was hearing. None of what Mustang made sense.

Ed runs over to where Cat is and carefully lifts her up, eyes locked on her burnt flesh and painfully listens to her shaken breathing from the amount of pain she was experiencing as she tries to hold back her tears. Some still slipped out no matter how hard she tried.

"About Hughes Deaths... I apologize for not telling you as I thought Mercury had informed you both of the incident before hand, but you do not argue against orders or ask for explanations! Just follow them; that's what it means to be a soldier."

As photos were being taken of the crime scene and Douglas interviews Mustang of the incident, Ed refused to let Cat go. Alice watched the soldiers bagged the body and carry it off with a hollow look in her eyes. Al pulls her into a hug, trying to get the girl to stop watching. Mustang glances over to Ed, who was giving him the darkest glare he has ever scene from the boy as he clutches onto Cat tighter. From above, a man watches from the edge of a roof. He holds himself back when he see Cat being lifted up and winces in pain at every careful moment Ed makes. He makes a fist then turns.

||Hospital Room||

Everyone waits in the room, waiting for the results as well as keeping an eye on Cat. "I'm sorry for not telling you about the Brigadier General Hughes' death sooner..." Armstrong apologizes, trailing off as he watches Ed holds Cats hand. "It's my fault..." he mutters, squeezing the girls hand. Cat continues to sleep but the length of the burn that was inflicted on her was too unbearable to look at. Ed kept his full attention on her face, watching for any signs of pain in her sleep. Armstrong approaches the boy and goes on one knee to level himself. "Don't be hard on yourselves. It wasn't your fault. Cat made a bold attempt into stopping Lt. Ross from making her escape. She most likely knew this would occur and try to stop it." An old man suddenly enters the room and proceeds to ask, Is everyone here then?"

"Dr. Knox..." Armstrong mutters. Dr. Knox coughs then explains the results to everyone present in the room, "The damage on the body is severe but judging from what little is left of the dental work, I was able to conclude that this was Maria Ross. And as for Catherine Cairo, she won't be seeing action any time soon. The burns are so deep that it's almost close to a third degree burn. I doubt she'll even be able to sit up without experiencing any pain due to the severe skin damage. Her condition is stable for now, but will have to be monitored periodically until the swelling stops." Once Mustang enters the room, Dr. Knox was quick to give the man a piece of his mind, "It's an awful think, turning a beauty like her into charcoal and leaving another permanently scared. You must have had quite a grudge against the both of them, Colonel Mustang. You feel better now that you've taken vengeance?"

"Hmph..." Mustang closes his eyes as Dr. Knox opens the door to leave. "The hero of the Ishval War going this far against two little girls... it makes me sick." He steps out of the room and slams the door behind his back. Armstrong stood back up. and apologized, "Colonel, let me apologize for what one of my own men did. To think Lt. Ross could commit murder…she was straightforward, earnest…considerate…" No matter how you look at it, Armstrong looked as if he was ready to break down any moment. "Fatigue seems to be catching up with you, Major. You should take some leave. Back East, where I was, that's a nice place. There's no big city hustle and bustle and best of all, there are lots of beautiful women." Mustang told Armstrong as he turns and leaves the room.

Ed grits his teeth then swiftly turns his head away from the Colonel and back to Cat. 'Quit protecting me already... I can't lose you Cat...' He buries his face on the mattress.

||?||

-Jealousy-

"And so, Mustang handily avenges his best friend and all's well that end well!" It was surprising how well that plan worked. Too well in my opinion. Envy slaps my shoulders, happily praising me, "And YOU! To give away that 'precious' necklace of yours like that! I never thought I'd see the day I don't have to see you get rid of that crappy jewelry!" I glare at him for a second then decide to point something out, "The ending was a bit over the top if you ask me. I thought it would have a better conclusion than what we got." Envy's expression twists, insulted at what he just heard. "Huh?" Lust agrees with my statement, "Jealousy has a point. Don't you think the ending was a little weak? The point was supposed to get the Colonel to behave..."

"Who cares? The dog eating the bait works out pretty slick, too. Besides, it looks like we've struck a little antagonism. There's no love lost between him and his subordinates, is there?" I knew better than them that Mustang isn't like that. I didn't serve under the man's watchful eyes for as long I did to not learn this fact. I take the locket out of my pocket and put it on. With my old pendant in that girl's possession, this gives me the chance to wear the one thing that proves of who I was before all of this.

-Normal-

||Mustang's Office||

"What's that?" Mustang asked as Riza placed a paper onto his desk.

"A request for leave, sir."
"At a time like this?"
"Is it out of line?"
"No; it's fine. Approved."

"Thank you very much, sir." Riza then walked out of the room, slamming the door shut as Mustang smirked.

||Rundown Apartment||

Barry continued to sharpen his blade as Falman continued to yell, "What were you thinking?!"

"Oh quiet down…nobody saw…"
"That's not the issue here!"
"You're just a poor soldier, held captive by a heinous criminal so it's alright."
"Huh?"

"Hey, what are you doing down there?" Barry asked Ling who was in the backyard. "A signal fire." "Signal fire?" Barry asked. Falman yells even more once he spots Ling, "What were you thinking bringing someone back here you know nothing about?!" "Young Lord! We've been looking all over for you!" Fu exclaimed as Ling ate his fish. "Wow…impressive response time." "Looks like a party…" Barry stats as Falman hung his head in defeat.

||Mustang's Office||

"Hello Elizabeth! How are you?" Mustang talked into the phone. "That's okay; she's not around and I'm able to call you up like this because of it." It wasn't long after Hawkeye left, Mustang was left busy with the phone and seemed pretty happy about it. "How about that…the moment the Lt. goes on leave, he gets like this…" one of the Mustang's soldiers comment. "Man she really is…like his nanny, huh?" the other nods in agreement. Every nearby soldiers tries to ignore the loud conversation and continue with their own business. "That's right; I haven't had a day off since I got here so I'm thinking about taking some leave soon." Mustang looks at the closed doors then answers with a smirks, "Lately I've been caught up in fishing…care to come along?"

||Hotel Room||

Ed sat on the couch as Winry and Lucas sat in the other. Al was at Alice's side as she sat on the bed in a depressed state. Ed was caught up in his thoughts, mainly about what Dr. Knox told him about Cat's condition. It made him sick to the stomach that the Colonel could do such a thing without a second thought and then brush off what he did to Cat. 'Why did you run Cat...? You knew and yet you still let it happened. And why did Colonel say that?' What Ed couldn't understand why would he say that Catherine was trying to stop Ross after he clearly saw those two run together. A knock brought Ed out of his thoughts. He was about to get up, but Alice beat him to it and answered the door. She opens it and smiles, "Hello Armstrong. You need to pick something up?"

Armstrong was surprised at first, then remembered who it was that he was talking to. "Yes actually," he said as he casually walks past her. Ed gets up only to get punched by the Major. Everyone gets up as Ed yells, "Major! What did you do that for!?" Alice sweat drops, thinking, 'I wonder if the Major wanted to knocked him out..." "Edward Elric..." he starts then abruptly grabs the boy, "this is no good!" "Huh!?" Alice tries to hold back her laugh as the scene continues to play out. "Yes! We must repair it at once! There's no time to waste! Allow me to escort you to Resembool!" Ed was about to say something only to be interrupted by a surprisingly cheerful Alice, "Yes! It'd be terrible if Scar were to attack you again!" Al was confused at what was going on and asks, "You're going back to Resembool?"

"Oh Al, listen-" Ed was cut off by Armstrong as he said, "Alphonse Elric! You would stand out too much so you remain here!" "Ok...ay..?" Al replies, a little terrified. Armstrong turns his attention to Alice, "Makes sure to take care of them before we come back. And say hello to Cat for me!" She continues to smile and nods, "Got it!" Armstrong then threw Ed over his shoulder as he said, "We need to make arrangements for transportation right away!" All three stood there, lost as Armstrong slams the door behind his back. Lucas looks at Alice to see her still smiling. He raises a brow and asks, "Why did we just allow Ed to be kidnapped by a man on steroids?"

||Hotel Lobby||

Ed tries to get out of Major's grasp as he orders, "Cut it out Major! Put me down!" "I can't do that. These are my orders... from 'him'."

||Mustang's Office||

A girl walks in as Mustang continues to talk to the phone. "Ok," he then notices the girl standing in front of his desk. "Talk to you later." As he hangs up the phone, he leans closer to his desk and rests his chin on top of his hands. "That was a quick recovery," he comments. The girl sighs, "You didn't have to play things out like that. I was hoping you'd do it smoother after what you did." He chuckles as he takes out a large box from underneath his desk, "Sorry. But you know it had to be done like that or else we wouldn't have gotten anywhere. Anyway, I recovered this so you won't stick out when you follow after them." She takes the box and playfully salutes.

"Thanks Colonel. Probably wasn't easy talking investigation department after what you did."
"It actually isn't that hard when you're talking to a female officer. Anyway, it's no deal if it makes up for that incident. Just make sure that nobody recognizes you on the way out."
"I've got everything covered! I have been wanting to try this trick out anyway for a long time."

She takes her hat off to allow her long brown hair to fall down her shoulders. He almost wanted to laugh as he makes another comment, "You look better as a blonde than a brunette."

||The Gate||

-Fate-

"Now now! What have I told you about playing around in there?" Fate shushes to the gate as black hands try to pry their way out. "I know... I know... You miss her. But her return isn't meant to be just yet." There was a sound from the gate that only it could understand what it was telling it. Fate gently rubs a hand over it. "I've released so many... it must be getting lonely in there with so many gone. I'm sure she misses you all too."

To Be Continued

I fixed the previous chapter as much as possible! Ugh... I kept slamming my head at how I allowed my sleepiness got the best of me the whole time... At least I got to finish this one in one whole night! Seriously, I only passed out at 2 in the morning then woke up at 5 just to make this new chapter. I actually got a little lazy at some parts cause I was watching the episode and this at the same time to type down what happened with Cat or Jealousy in it. And holy shit I actually got the lines memorized from the amount of replays I had to do. But it felt so satisfying to do this chapter... zzzzzz...

Ali: Um...
Me: Zzzzzz...
Cat: Did she literally stay up that late for this chapter?
Ali: *pokes cheek* Yep... she's out cold...
Cat: I haven't seen her this tired since the first chapter.
Ali: Really?!
Cat: Yep! She kept fumbling around and replacing so many parts, scared shitless until she just gave in and published the prologue. She knew there was a lot of competition at the time since FMA just ended. I remember she even kept changing my appearance...
Ali: I always remembered you like this.
Cat: I went from being a blonde... to a red head... pink...
Ali: Ahahaha! You? With pink hair?
Cat: The only thing that changed with you is your hair style! Both officially and unofficially! You had a hair cut similar to Yuki Cross, but with a pink bow if I recall.
Ali: *tugs on beanie hat* Not funny! I've always had twin tails before I had to cut my hair!
Cat: Your memory is so bad...
Me: Zzzzzzzzzz...
Ali: Should we wake her up?
Cat: Nah. She deserves it. I think we can leave out the disclaimer for now. Till then... See you guys in the next chapter!