The Mercury Alchemist

by AveryScarlet

What if there was someone who traveled with the Elric Brother's that never existed before? And that there was actually 8 homunculi? Meet Catherine Cairo, a once normal girl with the love for anime and FMA, wishing for her life to change. What she didn't expect was to be sent to the other side of the gate! Will she find out who she really is and find a way back home? EdxOC AlxOC

42. Chapter 37

'I want to go back...'

'But I can't... not with what I've become...'

'How can I even call myself human...?'

How can I even call myself a person?'

I won't let it Fate take him from me!'

I won't let history repeat itself!'

'I don't want to lose him...!' / 'I don't want to lose him again!'

---

Chapter 37 - The Victims of the Past

-Ed-

||Resembool||

"Resembool! This is Resembool!" the conductor calls out as the train arrives at its destination. This is the first I've had to return to Resembool without Al, and being forced to leave without at least seeing Cat once last time bothers me even more. "Are you ever going to tell me what's going on? This is starting to feel more like a kidnapping," I said as we start walking away from the station. Armstrong answers, "I haven't been informed of all the details… my only orders were to retrieve you and rendezvous here." "Rendezvous... with who?" I question. Before he could answer, someone calls out to us, "I'm glad you made it Major Armstrong, sir!" We both look down the path to find a man, saluting and a girl standing right next to him.

Whoever she is, she looks The man beside her glances over at me, "Huh? Sup big guy!" "Lt. Breda!?" I exclaim, bewildered once I recognize the man.

||Central Hotel||

-Alice-

"This is weird... Brother should have arrived at Resembool by now. So why hasn't he called?" Al wonders as he sat on the couch and Winry on the bed. Lucas drags me to the corner of the room, questioning my actions, "Ok, you know something and I have a feeling Cat has something planned. She can trick me, but your acting is far worse so spill it." He has to know too before the others. I held back a laugh then whisper into his ear. "She what!?" he jumps back, surprising everyone in the room. "Hey... you two are acting weird too..." Winry comments, looking at the two of us with suspicion. Lucas nervously laughs it off, "There's nothing to worry Winry! Alice just told me something really funny is all." Al sighs and bows his head. "I have no idea what's going on..."

Out of no where, Ling suddenly appears on the bed beside Winry and answers, "Good thing I can explain it all!" I covered my ears the moment I see Winry turn her head to look at Ling. "AAAAAAAGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHH!" all three of them scream. "Uh, when'd you get here!?" Winry stutters as she slightly leans her body away from the boy. "And how'd you even get in!?" Al and Lucas exclaim simultaneously, except Lucas rushed straight to Winry and pulled her away from the bed. "The window," he answers as Ling continues to smile and casually points to the now opened window. "I mean, it seemed appropriate for a criminal." I end up hysterically laughing while the others just sweat drop, realizing he was referring to his illegal immigrant status.

He continued, "First, you don't have to worry about Ed and Cat's well-being. I'm sure they're just fine." The three of them look at Ling then at me. I answered them with a coy smile, "It was a last minute thing so you have to forgive Cat later once she comes back with Ed."

||Desert/Xerxes' Ruins||

-Normal-

"Hot... so ... hot..." Ed mutters as he hutches over. "Colonel never said we'd be crossing a border... tight lip bastard..." Next to his horse was the girl that was waiting with Breda, and she didn't seem happy with the heat either. He's noticed something about her since they've met. She oddly resembles Cat a bit. He almost thought she was a relative or something, then he remembered that it's impossible since Cat is from the other side so it would be impossible to be related to anyone on this side by blood. He then recalls the little girl that looked exactly like Alice and had the same name. 'Maybe she's the Cat of this side? She did mention to me a few theories about that possibility from that journal.' "Mr. Han, how much further do we have left?" Even Breda was getting bothered by the blazing heat.

Soldiers may be trained to handle different kinds of terrains, but being in the desert isn't something one gets used to in a day. Han points straight ahead to the ruins. "We've almost made it. Look, you can see the ruins ahead." "FINALLY!" Out of nowhere, the girl suddenly speeds her horse up and ends up racing her horse ahead of the others. "Hey! You already complained earlier that water alchemists' can't take the heat as well as other people!" Breda calls out, but knew it only fell on deaf ears. "Water Alchemist...?" Ed wonders to himself as he sees the girl and her horse disappear over the sand dune.

++Later++

Ed happily sinks into the water, muttering under the water, with bubbles coming out, "Ah... My automail almost seared through my skin..." While Fu questions Breda and Armstrong about Edward's presence, the boy stands up and notices the same girl from before talking to someone. Again, she looked just like Cat. The only thing throwing him off was that she had brown hair. 'No... She's back in the hospital. I have to get this done as soon as possible.' After getting out, Ed wrung out the excess water. "So this is Xerxes, huh? Just like the fable described it," he said out loud as he looks around what remains of the country. "Did you say a fable?" Fu asks, surprised at what he just heard.

"Yeah, the Eastern Sage. It's a story about the origin of alchemy in Amestris." Ed recounts the story by memory. "He claims the entire kingdom of Xerxes was destroyed in a single night, and that the only survivor wandered into Amestris shortly afterwards. He was the one to spread the science of alchemy." Fu was surprised to hear this tale and tells him the one from he knows, "How interesting. We have a similar legend about a drifter from the west. It's said that his teachings were combined with our ancient techniques form the alkahestry we use today." "Alkahestry is primary used for medical needs, isn't it?" Ed clarifies as he puts his shirt and cloak on. "Yes," Fu answers, "he guided this process and we greatly revere him. We know him as 'the Western Sage.'"

"So the west in his title refers to here?" Breda asked, looking around at the ruins. "So it is said…" Fu trailed off as they began walk walk through the ruins. "Now I know why Ling wanted to come here…" Ed overhears the girls who couldn't help but look around at the ruins. She caught sight of Ed staring and just smirks, causing Ed to blush and look away. "But if Xerxes was such a highly advanced society... how were they wiped out in a single night?" Breda continues to question, now more curious about the story of Xerxes. "It could very well just be a legend…" Fu answered. Ed stopped walking, causing the girl to stop too. She tugs at Ed's hand, asking, "You alright?" He almost jerks back at the familiar touch but ignores it. "I'm fine..." he trails, glancing back at what caught his attention earlier.

She glanced over to see the remains of a stone wall with a carving that seemed familiar to her. "What are you two gawking at? C'mon!" Fu calls out to the duo. Ed hesitates for a moment then began walking, leaving the girl as she continues to watch his back. She lets out a short sigh before following after them, "Sheesh you sure are slow..." As the men continue their journey through the ruins, the girl slips away without notice and pours most of the water from her canister, then claps her hands together after checking if no one was within ear shot.

-Me-

After transmuting my hair back to normal, I take out my contact lenses and discard the painful things. "Wow... I can't believe nobody recognized me..." Just looking at the mirror before I left, it was so blatantly obvious that even a blind person would notice. I smirk, wondering out loud, "Wonder what their reaction is after I tell them..."

-Normal-

"We're going in pretty deep now, aren't we?" Ed asked Armstrong, noticing how long they've following the two since they've arrived. Out of nowhere, a familiar voice calls out, "Edward!" Both Armstrong and Ed stop to look up, staring intently at the female figure that stood above them. Soon, all the pieces started to fall together piece by piece as they quickly began to recognize who the woman was and recall Mustang's words. Ed smiles, shouting happily, "That damn Colonel!" Armstrong was more expressive on his happiness by magically stripping his shirt off and flexes right in front of Ross, then proceeds to attempt to hugging her. "Lt. Ross! Thank the heavens!" Ed continues to watch the alchemist chase Ross in a circle with Breda by his side.

"There wasn't any place in Amestris we can safely hide a dead girl, especially when it's still alive you know." That explanation was fine for him until Breda adds, "Let alone have a supposed burnt victim walk around after escaping the hospital." "Wha-" Without warning, Ed finds himself soaking wet when a bucket of water was poured over his head. He was about to give a piece of his mind to whoever it was, ready to give the rant of a lift time, but finds himself choking back his voice and gawking at the girl that stood before him. She grins, holding the bucket up in the air and playfully asks, "Did you think I'd let my partner go over the borders by himself and let him have all the fun to himself?" It was Cat. The deep burns marks had completely healed, it was as if they never existed in the first place. "Cat..."

||Hotel||

-Alice-

"SHE DID WHAT!?" I had to cover my ears again when everyone started to yell at me. I explained everything to them after they calmed themselves, "Cat never expected to be there. She had to think of something so she won't be considered as a co-conspirator anymore of Hughes' murder. Cat tossed me a letter during our confrontation and partially explained to me the plan she came up with. I just never expected she'd allow Mustang to burn her like that." "So she's alright?" Al raises his voice a bit to show how happy he was. I nod, "Yep! She followed after Ed in secret!" The only thing that scares me is how Ed will react when he finds out. 'Speaking of reaction...' I slowly turn to look at Ling. 'I think we're going to have a problem...' '

"So!" Ling starts, surprising the three. "I helped you out in exchange for having Barry tell me the secret of his body... but then, he had no clue and told me to come ask you two. So, here I am! You're supposed to tell me your secrets. And I was promised you'd tell me." Lucas and I face palm simultaneously. "Alice... please tell me this is a joke..." Lucas asks me as he slides a hand over his face. I could only give him a nervous smile and shrug, "Sorry. But I guess a deals a deal." "Um... I didn't have anything to do with it..." Al mutters.

||Xerxes||

-Back to Me-

I place the bucket gently on the ground and turned to Breda. "Next time, bring more water with you! I almost passed out from the heat the moment we entered the desert!" I complain, accompanied with a short slap to his shoulder. "Hey I told you to take it easy on on the horseback riding!" Before I could say anything else, Ed suddenly walks past me, completely avoiding eye contact with me as he purposely bumps our shoulders together. "Ed...?" Armstrong approaches me but didn't seems as happy as he was when he saw Ross, it was the exact opposite of that. "Catherine..." I cringe at how mad he sounds. "As glad as I am to see you, that stunt you pulled the night before had worried everyone deeply, especially Edward." I bow by head down in shame.

Armstrong continues to lecture to me on what happened, "The condition you were in was so critical that it had rendered him in a state of shock. Edward absolutely refused to leave your side at the hospital for most of the night until he was persuaded by the others to return to you in the morning. When I went to collect him, Edward kept begging me to see you at least before we left, but I forced myself to refuse due to the orders I was given. You must understand our feelings towards the fact that you know every single event that will occur before it happens. Even you can see how much Edward's feels powerless to be unable to protect you. You're not only important for that knowledge, but as a friend too." I bit my lip and unconsciously rub the spot where I was burnt.

I knew that what I did was a risky move, even for me, but there weren't that many options I could think of at the time. "I'm sorry... It was a-" He interrupts me by ordering, "You are to apologize to Edward immediately!" "But-" Armstrong suddenly spins me around and pushes me in the direction the boy wandered off to. Nervous, I glance back and shiver in fear at the intense aura that surrounded Armstrong, it even made Fu slightly fear him. "Right!" I nod then ran after Ed. Running through the ruins, I was almost distracted from my objective due to the nostalgic feeling I've been getting since the moment Xerxes was pointed out to us. "Ed! ED!" I repeatedly call out for him. I eventually had to stop to catch my breath and check underneath the upper part of my shirt.

Thanks to the catalyst, I was able to heal just enough so I can follow Ed to this place and disguise myself to avoid recognition from the hospital staff that I'm a patient. The thing is only the surface had healed. It still ached a bit because of how deep the degree burns are. "Thanks for holding back Mustang..." I roll my eyes, silently cursing the man. Just as I was about to continue the search, I immediately spot Ed at the corner of my eye. He was inside of what looks like to be the remains of a temple. Which was weird considering how he's an atheist just like me. Taking a deep breath, I took a few short steps forward before completely walking straight towards him while his back was still turned. "That was a stupid thing to do," Ed suddenly spoke up, still keeping back facing me. I nearly had heart attack.

"You could have warned me if something like that was going to happen, especially THAT!" I knew he was referring to what Mustang did to me. And I don't blame him. If Ed did the same thing then I would be just as mad at him. In order to avoid starting a pointless argument with him, and to avoid adding fuel to the fire, it was best if I kept quiet so he could vent out his anger before I could explain myself. He continues to vent it out, "I was scared Cat... That was the fourth time I had to see you near death's bed and this time by the hands of our superior, someone we could trust as an ally. Thinking Lt. Ross had died and you were there when it happened... Damn it! You knowing every single thing that will happen and you can't say anything is complete bullshit! I can't protect you if you keep doing this!"

I immediately hug him when I saw his shoulders slightly shake, causing Ed to tense for a moment then relax. "I'm sorry... I was going to tell you that night before about Ross until... you know... And then I suddenly got arrested..." I buried my face against his back. "My arrest was never supposed to happen, so I had no idea what to do. When I realized I was going to the same prison section Ross was in, I just did every thing at the last minute..." "Why... why did you allow Mustang to burn you and say those things about you?" he asks, his breath shaking as he tried to hold every single emotion from bursting out all at once. As embarrassing as it sounds, I promised myself to be more open as I should have been a long time ago. I need to stop hesitating if it means to stop anyone from hurting for what I do.

I took a deep breath and answer, "I did it... so I could stay by your side..." His breath hitched. "I would be lying if I said I never thought of leaving you... but I stayed anyway. It's gotten to the point where I'm unable to bring myself to leave... no matter how much I keep telling myself it's for the best..." I confess.

++Last night++

Mustang stands before us, his piercing eyes glancing at Ross then at me. Ross steps back while I stayed in place. "Maria Ross, right?" he asks. When she doesn't respond, his face darkens and then, just as I remember, takes out what looks like to be a body. "It's a dummy," he explains as he tosses it to the ground, "you're going to die tonight." He then proceeds to burn it until it was beyond recognition, causing an explosion in the process. Ross and I stare down at the freshly charred body as Mustang marches over to us and cuts off her I.D. tag. When he gets Ross to be shoved into a nearby dumpster and also burns the ID bracelet he took from Ross, it was time to deal with me next. "You must already know the plan and what I have to do-" I interrupt him, "Actually, I don't plan on pretending to die here tonight, sir. What I have in mind with take me off the suspicion list and allow me to stay by Ed's side."

He must have known this was what I had intended judging from the lack of a second dummy. "What do you have in mind?" he questions. "I want you to burn me," I blurt out, catching the flame alchemist off guard. His eyes narrow and stares at me intently, questioning my abrupt plan, "Are you sure about this? If I do that, Fullmetal will never forgive me. I won't be able to fully control the flames on how deep the burns should go." I nod, affirming my answer, "I know. But it's the only way and you know it. Injuring me is the only option we have right now." "CAT!" I heard Ed's voice echo behind me. I panic and yell at the top of my lungs, "DO IT NOW!" Raising his arm up and adjusting his aim, I watch Mustang as all hesitation leaves his eyes and prepares to snap his fingers. "I'm sorry," he apologizes in advance before I heard the familiar snapping sound.

All I remember next is seeing the orange sparks turn into flames as it flew straight at me.

++Present++

Saying all that lifted some weight off my shoulders. The one thing that I'm afraid of is how Ed will now react. Knowing him, he's always been the type to keep some of his feelings bottled up around others. With me it's like I just lit up a dynamite. "I-" I suddenly couldn't hear what Ed was saying. That same vision I saw was all I could see again, the same thing that I have dreamt of three times that makes it very hard to forget, this time there was something else that was added. My sword... stabbed straight into Ed's stomach. I immediately lost the ability to breath and my vision started to become blurry with tears. "Cat..." I was horrified when I see Ed reach out to me, who coughs out blood not long after, his arm going limp. I pull my sword out and step back, horrified at what I had just done. This can't be real. This can't-

Suddenly, Ed wraps his arms around me. "Took you long enough to wake up Kitty..." he whispers. Tears well up and found myself unable to move. He pulls back and moves his hands over my shoulders, closing his eyes and painfully smiles at me as blood trinkle the corner of his mouth. "No... don't leave me... please Ed..." I choked on my own tears. "CAT!" I soon find myself back in reality with the real Ed standing right in front me in the exact same position as the one I saw earlier but was scared about something. He pulls me into his arms and cries out, "Stop crying already! I'm here, alright? I'm not going anywhere either." Whatever is going on with me, I'm more afraid than ever before. I silently hug him back. "I must look insane to you right now... I can no longer tell the difference between reality and delusions..." He holds me tighter.

"Then I'll make sure you have a reason to stay in reality..." Ed pulls away and slides his hands over my shoulders. "Ed...?" My heart started to race when our eyes made contact, both of us staring at one another at what seemed like an eternity. Whatever he is thinking of doing, I hope it doesn't involve something we both will regret. If it's something else... oh god will my heart even be able to take it? "Cat, I-" "HEY YOU TWO!" We both instinctively jumped away from each other and tried to pretend nothing happened as Breda jogs up to us. "Geez we've been looking all over for you two! You- What's wrong with you two?" he points to the two of us, confused at our mirroring embarrassed expressions. That's what I'd like to know, what IS wrong with us?

We've had our moments every now and then, but I'm pretty sure that what just happened a second ago can be considered a romantic moment. 'No! Ed can't possibly think of me like that...' It will always be impossible for someone like Ed to ever think of me in that way.

-Ed-

After we followed Breda back to the others, Cat seemed a bit... off. She hadn't said a single thing to me after we were interrupted and would rarely look at me when I tried to talk to her. I slap my forehead, my thoughts screaming, 'It's like we'd gone back to square one!' Cat and I used to argue A LOT and when we aren't, this is the exact same scenario as before, we would avoid looking at each other and stay quiet for as long as possible until one of us says something about the mission we were forced to do together. If not. Arguing. The difference now is Cat's the only one staying quiet. 'C'mon think of something!' I tried looking around at the ruins that would hopefully inspire to think of a good topic. "Hey-" I was surprised when Cat spoke up the same time as me, even she was judging from her similar surprised expression.

Cat bites her lip before speaking up, "Listen Ed... I appreciate that you want to protect me, but you and I both know who's the more important one here. Your fate lies somewhere else, and that's to get your bodies back and not protecting an outsider like me. Like I have said many times, I can take care of myself." My anger starts to build up. "What the hell are you saying id-" I stopped. I remember overhearing her one time in the train about her 'being all alone' or something close to that. There were some foots steps that caused me to wake up a bit and I swore I heard Cat say something to herself out loud, again. Back then, I wasn't sure if I heard her right, then after a while of watching her actions closely, I know for sure. 'She's thinking like that again...' I concluded in my thoughts. I took a long deep breathe, then narrowed my eyes at Cat, who was slightly firghtened and unsure of what I was going to do or say.

I abruptly grab her hand and started to drag her with me. "What's gotten into you!?" she demands, trying to pry her hand out. I couldn't say it earlier since the moment was ruined, but I will tell her someday and make sure it sticks to her head for good. 'This idiot should stop being an idiot and let me shoulder some of her burdens.' I felt her finally stop struggling and gave my hand a slight squeeze, which I was glad to return. 'I let you go once and never saw you again for years, so don't think I'm letting you go that easily.' If I said those things to her, Cat would definitely try to reason with me about my feelings (which I'm still trying to sort out). She's from the other side. I get that. And that's what scares me the most.

-Back to Me-

"I can't believe they would do such a thing... How did I get caught up in Philospher's stones, Homunculi..." she trails as she placed the last sketch on the ground after hearing my explanation. I couldn't tell her the entire truth, but just enough for her and everyone else to understand. "Yeah and apparently they think they can just blame me on the spot when they have that General who looks exactly like me..." I cross my arms, glaring down at the sketch of Jealousy. "We've collected a fair amount of intelligence; and once we properly piece it together we'll have the General's killer," Breda explains to us. "I will promise you this lieutenant. We will absolve you of this crime," Armstrong declares. I reach over to one of the drawing and tightly grip it, thinking, 'If only they knew their own ruler is one of them...'

Ed mutters something only for me to hear, "From Lieutenant Colonel to General Hughes... it's just hard to accept that he's dead." I look at him then back at the ground, still guilty for allowing this to happen. "As bad as this sounds... this was inevitable... Fate truly is a cruel thing..." What Fate said to me hasn't shaken my resolve to make sure no one else dies, all she did was make me feel helpless that there's nothing I can do at all to change things. No matter how much I want to. "What are you going to do now?" Armstrong asks. "Al and I committed a taboo and people still help us. Some get angry, some supports us silently, and only few stick around despite everything that's happened." I turn my head to see Ed staring right at me as he takes my hand. "Each one of us has tried to help keep the promise I made to my brother... So I have no choice, I can't turn back."

"And I won't let you even if you wanted to," I said much to everyone's surprise. "There will still be times you will question yourself if what you chose is the right path, but you know yourself that you have to keep going. The journey from here on out won't be easy, but all you- all of us can do is keep moving forward so we won't lose anyone else..." Ed nods in agreement and continues, "I refuse to let someone become a victim while I'm alive. I know it's a hard promise to keep; it's hard to just take care of myself. Maybe I'm just arrogant…but it's the only thing I can think of. So we'll keep moving forward." I was going to let go but he refused, making me stare at him longer with confused eyes. "I'll be sure to help you find a way home. That's a promise." Despite how sincere he sounds, I couldn't help but feel pained to hear Ed say that.

The thought or even the idea of going back... I don't even know if I want to at this point anymore. Not when I still haven't figured out how no one has to sacrifice themselves just to keep it open long enough for others to go straight through. Does he really want me to leave...? I snap out of it when Armstrong turns to Ross, "And what will you do now Lieutenant?" "Well, I'm thinking of giving Xing a try," Ross looks over at the sunset as she gets ready to leave. "Shall I tell your parents?" She shakes her head, "No, if by chance my parents let it slip out that I'm still alive, it could do irreparable harm." Ross stands up straight and salutes the two soldiers, "Major Armstrong, Lt. Breda... please tell Colonel Mustang that I am grateful to him for saving me and if there's ever an emergency to please call me back. When he does, I will put my life on the line to go work for him."

They both salute back. "Right." "Just don't literally put your life on the line, alright? We don't need two different dates on the same gravestone," I joke, earning a light laugh before I find myself embraced by the woman. "Thank you for being there Cat... and I'm sorry that had to happen to you," she apologizes as she pulls away, referring to Mustang having to burn me that night. "I'm going to be alright! And you are two," I tell her with a big grin, extending a hand. She shakes her head with a smile then takes it. Ross then walks over to Ed and holds a hand out, saying, "Goodbye." Ed states as she shakes her hand, "I still owe you for slapping me." "You both can get me next time." As she lets go, we watch as she takes a few steps back, saying, "Hope you get your feelings sorted there Ed or else she'll end up with that nice prince that was hitting on her."

"HE WHAT!?" I twirl around and started to slowly walk away, then made a run for it when I hear footsteps quickly catching up to me. "Why the hell did you tell him!?" I cried out as I desperately tried to get away from the furious midget. At the corner of my eye, Ross just laughs and heads over to her horse. "I'll get you next time!"

||Central Hotel||

-Alice-

As funny as it was at first to see Al getting interrogated, now I have a problem of my own. What will I do when it happens? 'Seeing Envy on screen is one thing, but to meet him is person?' An image of encountering Greed in person for the first time flashed into my head, causing me to hug myself in fear. 'And then there's Lust. I may not be as good with the gun yet and even if I don't go, Al will be fine. But to pull the trigger on a person... can I even do it?' "Alice?" I yelp in surprise at Al's sudden presence. I put my hands behind my back and tried to smile, asking, "Is something the matter Al?" "Huh? Well... You seem to be nervous about something and I wanted to see if there's anything I can do." I didn't understand what he meant at first, then it clicked.

Smiling genuinely this time, I reach over for his glove hand, saying, "Thanks Al. I guess I am a little nervous since Cat's not here, but I want to take this chance to not rely on her so much. I know this doesn't really make sense when I say this, but I want to protect you Al in my own way." He pauses for a moment then starts to chuckle. Al's eyes smile as he comments, "Ed's right, your world must be really weird. I've never heard a girl say something like that. Even to me." I let go and cross my arms, pouting, "I know home is considered boring at this point but not weird..." He only laughs even more.

||Central Streets||

-Alice (Amestris)-

Me: Yeah it's going to get confusing if I don't put that up...
Cat: Did you do it last time?
Me: Uh... *starts skimming back to previous chapters*

"Oh no... I'm lost again..." I mutter to myself as I worriedly look around unfamiliar buildings. I was supposed to go to Miss Camilla's place for a surprise visit, but with so many roads and buildings getting fixed around every corner, I ended up straight in the middle of nowhere. The first time I got lost without an adult, I ended up getting escorted back home with soldiers when I started crying. I was about to give up when - out of no where - I end up bumping into someone. "Ow!" Landing on my butt, I was going to apologize only to quake in fear at the terrifying man. He continues to stare down at me with that scary look of his. "Hey Auron! Don't go scaring little kids!" A boy shoves the scary man out of the way and kneels down on one knee. "I'm really sorry-" He lets out a gasps and looks at me with wide eyes.

At first I was going to ask if his stomach was hurting, but then there was something that made me stay silent too. He seems so familiar. I built up every ounce of courage to ask him, "What's your name Big Bro?" He blinks. "Big Bro?" I thought I said something wrong and wanted to take it back, but he just starts laughing. He reaches over and pats my head, introducing himself, "The name's Damien." My mouth twists a bit and tilt my head to the side, a little confused. "What's your name?" "I'm Alice Rouswell!" I chirped. Cat specifically told me to never talk to strangers, but this stranger doesn't seem like a bad person.

"I don't mean to sound rude but... you don't look like a Damien type."
"Hehe. Then what do l look?"
"Hm... A Lucas!"

-Damien-

I froze. It couldn't be... That was the very same name that was being called out to me in my dreams. "Hey Dammy! Hurry up or we'll get it from Helga again!" As much as I hate that stupid nickname Tyler came up with, his timing is impeccable as always. The little girl seemed disappointed. I put my hand on her head and smile. "If we ever meet again then maybe I'll tell you my real name." "Hm... alright!" Well that wasn't too hard. As I left, Tyler watches me with a raised brow. "Please don't tell me that's what you're into..." he said with a disdainful look. It took me a moment to figure out what he meant by that. "You're just as sick for thinking that!"

Cat&Ali: WAIT!
Cat: Don't just let them leave her like that! She's lost!
Me: I'm lazy! :3
Cat: No, you're just sick.
Me: Well I literally am sick. ACHOOO!
Ali: Um... are you sure you should be writing?

||Xerxes||

-Back for Me-

For a city that has been left in ruins for centuries, it's amazing with how much is still here despite the number of sand storms this place had to go through since the incident. 'Just goes to should how advance this supposed ancient civilization was,' I smile at the thought as I glance over at Ed, who was staring at an old mural. 'It's ironic how the only trace of the ancestor of that is standing on the very grounds they used to live in.' The only thing that ruined this country's peace was a certain dwarf in the flask. As much as I hate the little fucker - and I absolutely can't wait to give it a piece of my mind since an encounter is inevitable at this point - the only reason Ed and Al exist thanks to what he had done. But sadly, it cost the lives of thousands of poor people who are suffering inside of his stone.

It's good if Hohenheim to take his time to calm all of those souls down. He could have ignored them, just like what Father did, but he didn't. That's what makes him a great man, even if he did leave his family behind. "Hey Cat? Can I get your opinion on this?" Ed calls out, gesturing me to come over. I approach him as he turns back to the mural, asking, "Sure, what's up? Did something catch your attention?" "This mural is too incomplete to understand... I want to say this looks like a trasnmutation circle, but the two headed lion and the red sun is what's throwing me off. I know I'm not supposed to ask these types of questions, but can you give me a bit of insight about this?" This was going to be tough that's for sure. I can't flat out tell him I can't say anything, that'd just make him even more curious.

"Well I can tell you that the people here also used to practice their own style of alchemy," I start as I turn my gaze to the mural, "that's why your country has it's alchemy and Xing has it's Alkahestry. You should have figured out by now of how both originated since both of your legends coincide with one another. Two Xerxians left their homeland on different paths. Although the country hadn't fully developed their talent in the science, it's amazing how one man can affect the birth of a revolution." "Hm..." That was all I could tell him for now. Revealing too much is bad, but it's easier than having to lie to them. Then I remembered something. "Ed behind you!" And just in time, an Ishavalan appears right behind Ed's back and attempts to hit him with a stick.

Thankfully, Ed's reflexes were faster than they guy's swing so he easily moves his head to the right and dodges it, grabs the guy by the arm and pins his to the ground. I caught the stick and aim it at the guys head. "So what do you want? I don't have any money so-" I stop Ed and point at the man's eyes, "Go easy on him Ed. He's just an Ishvalan. Him and his gang want to take us hostage for a very obvious reason." I look around as I call out, stepping closer to Ed's side as I do so, "C'mon out! If you guys want a proper negotiation, then I'd start by trying not to have your buddy's arm snapped in half by my partner!" As all of them started to come out of their hiding spots one by one, Ed whispers over to me, "Thank god you know things before I do..." I smirk and state, "I wasn't even going to say anything since I know you don't need my help."

We were classically surrounded by the entire group. An ishavalan with half of his face burnt off steps forward and said, "Excuse me you two. I'm afraid we're going to have to take you hostage until your military returns our holy land to us." "They're not gonna return squat! Not for a couple of kids," Ed points out, grinning. I cross my arms and make my own statement, "If the military even knew we were here then we wouldn't be out in the open by ourselves. Look I'm sorry that one of their people caused all of this by pulling a trigger on a child. But what you're attempting to do will be no better than what has happened." "Aren't you an Amestrian too?" one of them questions. "If I was then I wouldn't have been helping your people out whenever I was sent to destroy you little settlements," I remark, earning surprised looks from many of them.

At least news traveled this far or else I would have had trouble with explanation of me not being the same race as Ed. "That's enough of your shameful behavior!" An elderly woman approaches from behind the group, accompanied with a little boy. "Look at you fools, are you all trying to dishonor the name of Ishvala?" "Are you Madam Shan?" I ask, nearly forgetting the elder's name. She only appeared for a brief moment in the information the gate forced into my head (as a way to fill in the gaps of what I already know), but thankfully I remembered her at the last minute. She pauses then asks me, "Indeed. Are you the Mercury alchemist?" Hesitant at first, I tried to answer as firmly as possible and ignore all of the stares, "I am. And I'm sorry that I wasn't able to save every single one of them. I did what I could so there wasn't too much blood was spilt."

The boy looks at me pleadingly, "Look he won't try and attack you again. Can you please just let him go now?" Ed looks over at me for permission. I answer without looking back at him, "He's telling the truth Ed so you can let him go." Ed hesitates but does as he's told, letting the man go and stands up. I suddenly felt a hand grab mine and found myself being pulled closer to Ed, who protectively held me close. "You stood up for us. I don't get it I always heard you guys hated Amestrians," Ed spoke up, still apprehensive about being helped by the elderly woman. She tells him, "Despite the atrocities your country has committed, I know that not all Amestrians are bad." This caused me to instinctively hold Ed's hand tighter.

'That's right... I completely forgot,' I glance away and glare at the ground as I thought to myself, 'this is when he finds out about what happened to them.' The boy explains the story to us, "Both Madam Shan and I were both injured during the civil war. But then we were saved by these two Amestrian doctors. To be honest, I do hate you... but the two of them saved me and you two deserve the same treatment." I could sense the tension coming off of Ed. He takes a step forward, asking them in disbelief, "Wait a minute. You're not talking about the Rockbells are you?" When I heard them gasp, I could feel the tears starting to well up again in my eyes. I can't believe I had completely let this slip from my mind! "Are you saying you're a friend of doctor Rockbell?" questions the boy, who is just as surprised as Ed is. "Uh... Yeah."

Taking a deep breath, I slightly turn my head and forced myself to watch the painful scene play out. Madam Shan and the boy smile upon hearing this as he said, "They saved the lives of countless Ishavalans! All throughout the course of the entire war!" Ed replies, "No kidding. They were like and Aunt and Uncle to me." "They refused to abandon their post. It didn't matter how much the fighting had escalate," Madam Shan happily tells Ed. "How did... How did they die?" Biting my lip and shutting my eyes, I press my forehead against his shoulder in preparation for what's to come. I don't know what his reaction was when I did it, but he doesn't say anything and continues to wait for his answer. Then, there was silence.

It felt like hours hand gone by when Madam Shan finally answered, "They were killed. They were both murdered in cold blood. And it was by the hand of an Ishvalan they both saved." My mind blocked out the rest of their conversation. I mainly focused on fighting off the tears and allowed Ed to squeeze my hand, petrified at what he was told. All I did was mentally apologize to Ed as I felt his body shake and heard his voice rise as they continued to talk. After learning everything from the two, Ed silently walks down the steps as the Ishvalans and I watch from the top. "Excuse me," the boy approaches me, "if you really are the Mercury Alchemist, then have you met two brothers named Rio and Rick? One of them is a childhood friend of mine." I let out a gasp, confirming to him that I did.

Biting my lip again, I tilt my head and answer, "I do. But... I'm sorry, while his mother helped me in making it seem like she was killed so that her sons would get away faster... Rio suddenly came back and tried to kill me out of revenge. You can sort of guess what happened afterwards. Rick is alive that's for sure as he was the one to help the man you mentioned earlier." He doesn't respond. Instead he slightly bows his head which I quickly returned. "Hey Cat!" I look down to see Ed waiting for me at the bottom of the steps. As I rush down after him, I was taken off guard when he takes my hand again and pulls me along with him. Looking at the back of his head with wide eyes, I warmly smile and walk faster so I was closer by his side.

++Nightfall++

I never thought I would actually miss the desert heat. One moment I was sweating underneath my coat and nearly wanted to create a well full of water again like I did outside of Liore, now I'm here shivering to death and way too close to the camp fire for ones comfort. A blanket suddenly falls over my head, making my vision turn dark. "I knew you were an idiot but this is just going too far." I would have retaliated if it was someone else to call me that, but for some stupid reason, I feel at ease whenever it's Ed. It's either I had to get used to it or... forced to get used to it. I pull the blanket off my head and wrap it around me, silently watching as Ed takes a seat beside me. "I'm sorry..." I apologize out of no where. "What are you sorry for?" Scared, I covered my head so he wouldn't see my tear stained face.

As soon as we got back to camp and I thought everyone went to sleep, I went to the campfire and decided to do something I will never ever do again. Cry like a coward. At least Ed didn't arrive during my crying session. "For not telling you about what Scar did... I've never really thought about it for a long time until we got surrounded by those guys." Ed forcefully removes the cover from my head, surprising me even more when he puts his hand over my head and turns it so that our foreheads were touching. "You've been crying too much lately..." I have. And I hate it. Crying is one of those things that I have always avoided ever since Ed 'disappeared' from my life. Because I rarely cry, I always end up letting out more tears than I should and soon find myself reduced to an emotional wreck.

'Aren't you an Amestrian too?' Great, another stupid reminder that I'm not from this world. Instead of blurting out unnecessary things, I should have just kept that part to myself. 'I'll be sure to help you find a way home. That's a promise.' Now that I think about it, why did Ed say that?"So... you really want me to go back home?" Both of us paused for a moment. Then I realize what I just asked him. I flail my arms around and frantically tried to change the tone of the subject, "I mean it's for the best right!? The sooner Alice and I get home the better! You two still have much more important things than worrying about two weird girls!" I was mentally banging my head again a wall for the most dumbest thing to ever come out of my mouth. Out of all the people to make me like this, why did it have to be Ed!?

He doesn't respond. It started to worry me a bit more when I see him tilt his head so that his bangs would hide whatever expression he was making with his eyes. "I-" Ed suddenly spoke up, "I don't want you to go back..." "Eh...?" My eyes widen, stunned at what he just said.

"But if it means for you to be safe... Then I'd sacrifice anything to get you back. This side isn't safe as far as you can see and it's obvious you're not used to war."
"Ed, I-"
"Just listen for a sec. I may have sounded pretty stupid when I told you before about waiting for you for as long as I did, and right now I'm actually trying not to hit myself because of how much an asshole I am for wanting to let you go home... but I don't want anything to happen to you either. If the homunculus ever take you away and tried to force the information out of you... I don't know what I'll do except try and get you back. You're too good of a person to have to go through this."

I sighed and leaned against his shoulder, which caused the boy to tense at the sudden action then relax and rest his head above mine. Classic of Ed for him to overthink things, though the more that I ponder on the things he said, I'm starting to think it's actually kind of sweet of him. Somehow, knowing that Ed doesn't want me to go home makes me a little happy, and it also makes me wish he would be act a bit selfish while he's at it by being more assertive on me staying. I shook my head, lightly slap my forehead at the thought, 'Don't be stupid. As if Ed would ever act like that.' "You're side must be pretty boring," Ed spoke up, abruptly changing the subject. I chuckle as I look up at him, asking, "What brought that up?" Ed rolls his eyes. "You can thank Alice and Luke for giving me that idea. Remember how she was like the first time we left Resembool? I almost thought her soul would leave her body from how excited she was to see the rest of Amestris. Who sticks their heads out of a window when the trains is leaving?"

I bit my lips to keep myself from laughing so I wouldn't wake anyone up as Ed continues, "Luke mentioned once when we were talking about how happy he is to just fix metal limbs compared to his 'old, dull daily routine'. I had to ask Alice what he meant by that." He shifts so he would look straight at me. "Did you seriously beat the crap out of people with a stick like she said?" I instantly pull away from his shoulder and said defensively, "One. I did not beat people up, they were bulles. And two. It's a baseball bat! There's a difference!" Ed just sat there, speechless. Oh god I mentioned another foreign thing and is most likely trying decipher what it is, exactly like what happened on the island after I tried to explain to him what a hot tun was. "Just forget it Ed... My world isn't worth talking about..." I yawn.

"I wouldn't mind listening..." I almost felt my heart leap out of my chest when he suddenly slips his hand into mine, enough to make my wide awake. "Don't blame me if you die of boredom," I said sarcastically, earning yet another eye roll from Ed. He suddenly grabs one end of the blanket and scoots closer to me, wrapping it around him and myself so we were both inside. There was no way I can get myself out of this. Sighing in defeat, I gave Ed a look which made him shake his head and smirk, putting his head on the other side of my head and gently pulls me back to his shoulder. This was going to be a long boring talk, but I think Ed needs one given all of the things he's experienced. A bit or normality can't hurt anyone.

-Normal-

The moment Cat falls asleep, Ed continues to watch her with a smile on his face but his gentle look soon turns into a scowl. Without even having to look, he said, "I know you're out there. Come on out." The person steps closer to the fire in front of them, prompting Ed to put his arm around Cat's waste and protectively pulls her closer to him as they lower their hood. "Is that why you approached her like that when you saw her alone?" Jealousy asks, sheathing her sword back into its scabbard. Ed explains as he moves his automail arm out of the fabric to reveal the transmuted blade to her, "Cat always talks in her sleep whenever she has nightmares. Your name comes up a lot. She also told us after her secret was out about how you always try to go in for the kill whenever she's alone, so I figured you'd make another attempt at her life when you see another opportunity."

Jealousy doesn't say anything. Instead, she plops herself on the ground with her arms and legs crossed and stares at him with curious eyes. "So what makes you so sure you can protect her, Edward? You do know that no matter what she will die. Her life span reaches up until she's 18 years, and that means she will die even if it's not by my hands. Fate designed it to be this way." This talk about fate pisses him off. He attempts to move to stand up but is reminded of Cat's presence, so he stays in place. Then Jealousy made an unbelievable proposal, "But if you come meet me at the old temple as soon as this fire dies, I will tell you all there is to remove the catalyst so she won't have to suffer such a fate." Removing the catalyst? Sure Ed has considered the possibilities of nullifying the effects of the catalyst so Cat could live longer, but never remove it entirely.

It's a part of her. Who knows what will happen to her if the catalyst was removed from her! "Consider this Fullemetal," Jealousy spoke up. "Why do I look like her and why does she look like me? A homunculus is created, never born naturally. I've lived long since before you were born and before Trisha was old enough to marry your father." "I- Wait, how do you know my mom!?" he demands. Another pause. "If I find out you're the reason why she-" She finally answers but in a louder tone, "Don't go blaming others for something that's already happened! Her death was inevitable and you know it!" For a moment there, Ed thought he saw Cat in the homunculus' voice due to the weird similarity he caught in their tone when they snap.

Jealousy pinches the bridge of her nose as she attempts to return to their original topic, "You need to decide what you want to do for her sake. You claim you want to protect her, but we can all see how pointless that is no matter how you try and look at it. You have to think what's best for her future in exchange for her doing the same for yours." Jealousy left him so he could be alone with his own thoughts about what she had said. Unbeknownst to him, Cat had been awake during the entire conversation and knew on the spot what she must do.

-Back to Me-

I waited until Ed finally dozed off and for the fire to dye out as per Jealousy's instructions, silently slipping out from under the blanket and Ed's arm and got herself ready for what's to come. "Sorry Ed... But I have to be the one to end this-" Using my alchemy and the power of the catalyst, I painfully transmute the pigmentation of my eyes' iris from blue to gold. "Once and for all." I took off my brown coat and replaced it with Ed's red one, undoing my hair hair then braiding it to the exact style as his, and lastly, transmute my clothes so they could at least remotely resemble his usual outfit. "I'm sorry..." I apologize one last time before I silently run to the meeting spot, leaving only my hat behind. This won't be easy.

Pretending as Ed is fine in terns of actions and fighting, but to sound like him is a definite no go so I have to make her do all the talking while I stay absolutely silent and listen. Running around ancient ruins in the dead of night would seem like a terrifying Ide to do, and anyone that thinks that is absolutely right. "And to think I was too scared to participate in my classes test of courage..." I mutter, slightly shivering at the memory. "Hello shrimp." I skid to a complete stop and swiftly turning to where the voice came from with a deep, burning glare ready for whoever called me the forbidden word. That went away when I spot the doppelganger homunculus herself, sitting on a tilted pillar and had this sickeningly sweet smile plastered on her face that almost made me was to throw up.

She casually drops to the floor, barely making a sound as her feet firmly touch the surface. "Hmm... you seem bit taller... growth spurt perhaps?" I can't tell if she recognizes me or not, because I swear it feels like she's throwing insults at me on purpose. "As long as you're, I guess you'd like to know more about the catalyst. follow me," she orders, swiftly turning a heel and walks straight into the temple. I was about to follow but I was caught off guard when Jealousy transmutes a staircase inside the floor that goes straight down to god knows where. Taking one last breath, I took one cautious step forward then follow the homunculus as she descends downwards into the unknown. My instincts were telling me to run for my life as both the plan was stupid and that I'm alone with the only homunculus I've fought the most throughout my time here.

There was no way I can beat her, but I have to try if that means sparring Ed's life. 'Whatever you planned to do with Ed.' I gathered as much water I could get from the air into my automail and freeze the surface before the sleeve would dampen. 'I won't let you lay a single finger on him.' What we arrived to was a secret room, poorly hidden behind an old wooden tapestry that seemed to already be rotting away due to the lack of care and previous infestation of termites. The carvings on the large piece of wood look similar to the gate, and the weird thing is that it look strangely similar to my own from my side. There was barely much on it but enough to resemble that picture I saw in my old textbook from school. I think it was called 'The Early Alchemical Reception of John Dee Monas Hieroglyphica by Peter Forshaw'.

I had to mentally pause there for a second. 'Why in gods name did I have to remember the one topic that actually put me to sleep?' Brushing this off, I followed Jealousy again when I see her step in. I know deep down that the farther I follow Jealousy, the more I'll be unable to turn back or escape when I start to have second thoughts. But I have to do this. As I step into the room, I was briefly blinded from the sudden light as torches started to light up on their own, revealing what looks to be a very spacious study room. What threw me off was how well kept it was. "So," Jealousy starts after stopping at the center of the room, "what do you think? This place is where it all began. The man who had accidentally got caught in a rebound that caused him to disappear from this world for 25 years only to come back to find his country a shell of it's former self."

All I could do is remain silent. "Tell me Edward... how do you truly feel about that girl?" I froze, unable to answer. 'How does he feel about me?' a voice spoke at the back of my mind, which I immediately pushed back. "She is the Philospher's Catalyst, a legendary material that has powers comparable to the Philosopher's Stone. Your search is practically over now that the thing that can bring your brother's body back is right beside you." My glare only deepens. I know Ed would never use me like that as he never wants to risk another life like that again. Even when I did over him once, he blatantly refused. "Speaking of the stone... it's actually coursing through her veins this very moment." That... I didn't know. I read as much as I could about the Catalyst in that journal, but not once had I read that written in its contents.

She puts her finger to her lips and gives me a sly look. "In human form, the catalyst is unable to grow and dies within a time limit. So life a little seed it is given nourishment, which is in the form of the stone in her case. The stone is used to help the catalyst expand, making it grow. But since the stone disintegrates into dust when it is used up, all of that is contained inside her. Killing her unless it is taken out and replaced with a new stone. The actual Catalyst takes the same form as the Philosopher's stone, except it's color is the same as your girlfriend's eyes." Why is she telling me all of this? Why would she tell Ed about the Catalyst? There was nothing in her words that mentioned anything about removing it, so why? "You can drop the act girl." My heart drops when I see her transmute a sword, activates her hot flames and points it at me.

"You think I wouldn't recognize you? Edward has always been the talkative type and easily loses his temper, especially if the topic is about you."

I swipe a hand over my eyes to change my eyes back to it's normal eye color, drawing my sword and transmute the cold flames the moment I touched the handle. She gets into a stance and I do as well. "Let the games begin." We stayed in place for a few minutes, glaring at one another in the eye as we waited for the other to make a move.

-Normal-

In a flash, two flames began to clash the moment both girls took one step forward. Their blades continuously make contact and grind against each other as both ferociously attack one another. Cat slides back and transmutes whips of water, which Jealousy easily dodges as the whips destroy various furniture and damage both the wall and floors. She cancels it and jumps back when Jealousy creates multiple spikes from the ground that ran all way to where Cat previously stood. An idea popped into Cat's head and transmutes the water in the form of strings, which dance around in the and slices what ever comes in contact with then at easr. Jealousy tries to burn them with her sword but is shocked when her the blade shatters into pieces. Grinding her teeth, Jealousy jumps up and lands on top of a bookcase to get away from the water strings.

"You've gotten better!" She comments with an angry smile forming on her lips. Cat's eyes started to glow blue and Jealousy's turned red in response, both seemingly ready for a last assault. Cat cancels out the transmutation and focuses solely on increasing the size of the cold flames as Jealousy jumps down and raises her sword at her again. Thus resumes the clashing of swords, however, there was a suddenly change between their fighting styles. The way Cat moved was more erratic, and with the homunculus, her movements became more precise and more focused unlike the latter. They soon find themselves pushing against one another, both their flames and blades sparking at the continual friction between the metal.

"You really have a habit of this, don't you? Isn't it getting a little old to be playing this sort of play?" Jealousy's voice, hardened by sarcasm, could not hide her resentment. Cat was unusually unfazed by her words. "CAT!" The sudden voice caused Jealousy to whip her head around to find Ed standing at the entrance, tired from having to run straight to where they were. Seeing the homunculus distracted, the girl's gleam with killing intent and takes the opportunity while it was still open. She pulls back but quickly charges at Jealousy, stabbing her straight to her chest without an ounce of hesitation. Both Ed and Jealousy were horrified at what she just did. Forcefully pulling herself out, Jealousy stumbles backwards and covers her wound, which was healing awfully slower than usual compared to the usual healing rate of other homunculi.

She coughs out some blood and watches Cat with only one eye open. She chuckles, "So you really have become a monster..." Just as Cat moves to thrust her sword towards Jealousy, Ed suddenly stands in between them and uses his automail blade to block Cat's sword from piercing the homunculus. "What's wrong with you? Snap out of it already! This isn't like you!" Cat doesn't respond, or more like she doesn't want to hear it. Jealousy creates a wall between the two the exact moment Cat was about to slash at Ed. "You have to get out of here!" This surprised him. For a moment, she almost sounded exactly like Cat. Jealousy struggles to get up and uses her sword as a support to herself from falling over. "Why would I-" he shuts up when she starts to cry, "Do you want your Catherine to be broken if something happens to you!?"

This couldn't be the actual homunculus he talked to earlier, she was acting and talking exactly like Cat. She marches forward and pushes him behind her, declaring, "I promised I wouldn't allow history to repeat itself! For you, her, and everyone else!" Once the wall collapses, Jealousy instinctively blocks as Cat dashes forward from the dust and struggles to keep her ground against the girl. Ed jumps out of the way in time as Cat, surprisingly, sends the homunculus flying straight to the wall behind her, who crashes hard enough to get partially stuck. Cat slowly marches over to Jealousy with the tip of her sword scrapping the ground, her eyes still glowing a brilliant blue as she got closer. "Looks like we both get what we want..." she mutters, pulling Jealousy out without any problem and readily aims her sword at the homunculus' heart.

The homuculus bows her head in defeat and lets out a pained chuckle, "Looks like it..." Reluctantly, Ed punches Cat on the side, catching both her and the homunculus by surprise. Jealousy lands on her knees, coughing and rubbing her neck. Ed takes a step in front of her as Cat recovers from the unexpected hit and glares at the boy. "Get out of the way!" she orders in an nearly unrecognizable voice. He shakes his head and claps his hands. "Whatever's going on with you, I'm going to keep knocking that head of yours until you wake up!" Jealousy tries to stop him but it was too late, Ed was already charging at Cat as she just stood there, staring at him with a look of contempt in her eyes. Barely moving, Cat tilts her body to avoid his fist. She responds quickly by freezing his automail, only enough to make him temporarily unable to move it.

Grinding his teeth, Ed forces himself to fight back when he see's the girl getting ready to perform alchemy. He tries to call out to her one last time before he had to fight back, "Wake up already! I won't let you kill someone again with those hands, the hands that I never want to see stained with blood ever again as long as I live!" Ed recalls that night in Hiessgart, it was the first time he ever saw her cry and was horrified to see her hands stained with the blood of the chimera. At the time, he didn't why he was so bothered by it, but after hearing Cat's story of the things she did during their three years apart, it crushed him to see how vacant her eyes became at the memory. He understood then and there why he felt like that, that night. It was because- "Get down!"

He snaps out of it and ducks down in time as a scythe-like blade of water flew over his head, slicing a small bit of hair from the end of his braid, and collides against one of book cases instead - perfectly cutting it in half. About to face her again, Ed was about to stand up straight when Jealousy suddenly jumps over him and swings her sword straight down at Cat. He was going to protest until he noticed something off about the homunculus now unlike earlier, she had the same crazed look similar to Cat's, except was more gleeful in comparison. "Hahaha! That's right! give into your desires! You took away my humanity because of your existence, now I'll do the same with you!" After their blades clashing with one another with similar brute forces, eventually only one sword was sent flying while the other was aimed at the disarmed individual.

"Check mate," Cat said before moves to stab Jealousy in the same area she did from their last encounter. But the one she stabbed wasn't her enemy. Blood spatters on Jealously, who touches the blood from her face with a mortified expression on. "E...d?" Cat mutters as she stares at the boy in front of her with horrified eyes. He pulls her closer and said in pained tone, "Took you long enough to wake up Kitty..." Ed leans himself against Cat and goes limp as she tries to register what she had just done. Reality finally struck her the exact moment her eyes reverted back to normal. "ED!"

-Back to Me-

"Wake up! Wake up! You have to wake up Ed!"

I laid Ed down so he was on my lap and started to make attempts to wake him up, which I knew it is futile just from watching his lack of movement. What else can I do? If I leave him to get help, he'd be dead by the time I'd get back. Finally, he lets out a cough and partially opens his eyes much to my relief. "Cat...?" He reaches a hand up and I quickly took it, pressing it against my cheek as I fought back the upcoming tears. "Why...? Why would you..." I couldn't finish as it became harder to choke back my tears. "I told you didn't I...?" Ed adjusts his hand so her was touching my cheek and forces a smile as he reminds me, "I'd sacrifice anything to keep you safe... Your life is far more important than mine..." This can't be happening. This shouldn't be happening!

I bowed my head and yell, "You always call me an idiot... but you're the idiot. I'm not worth sacrificing, remember!? You have Al, Winry, Pinako- everyone waiting for you back home! How do you expect Al to get his body back? How can he if he finds out his only family is gone? You aren't supposed to die!" Ed pauses for a moment, sinking in the things I've said. "If this is about my future then I'm willing to sacrifice that too..." I let out a gasp. The way he said that reminded me even more how much I love him. For so long the sole reason why I felt like I need to protect Ed was so that the timeline wouldn't change and that Father wouldn't get his way to becoming God. Now it's different. "You really think that's why I was trying to protect you... After everything we've been through, is that what you think? I'm only doing it just for that?"

Lifting my head up, I allowed the tears to finally come out and stared down at his shocked face, crying my heart out, "That's not the reason why! I don't want you to die because of my sudden existence in this world! I failed to save Nina. And I was stupid enough to let Hughes die despite everything he's done for us! If I lose you too... I don't I'll be able to go on living knowing you're not going to be by my side anymore! I don't want to lose the person that gave me a reason to move forward and live! I waited for you for so long under that tree and kept searching until three years ago when I was sent here. And after I finally found you, you think I'd let you go just like that!?" When I first met him, it was like the world became brighter, and then when he disappeared from my life.

The world only became bearable because I kept the hope that I would see him again. And I finally did, in the last place that I or anyone else would least expect it - in the world I wanted to retreat to when I started to get tired of the kind of world I live in. Now I'm here and with it so many things I've learned about my past and myself being a Philospher's Catalyst. 'Catalyst...' I instantly recalled about what Jealousy said. "She is the Philospher's Catalyst, a legendary material that has powers comparable to the Philosopher's Stone." She is right about that. It may be am amplifier, the catalyst is just as strong alone. And she even mentioned... about me having the stone in my blood? Did the doctor know? I shook off the thought.

'If it means saving Ed then I'll do it! I don't care if he'll hate me for this-' I took my gloves off and grabbed the nearest sharp-edged rock. 'I'll do it if it means saving his life.' I was about to slice my hands until Ed grabs my hand with his automail arm, scowling up at me. I don't even need to know what he's thinking. For me to risk my life and possibly use the lives inside of me would break Ed's promise. "I-I'm sorry..." Guilt stricken for what I was about to do, I drop the rock and lower my hands to my lap. "Hey, Cat?" he breathes. "There's something I wanted to tell you. I-" The life in his eyes started to fade and I felt his grip slip, prompting me to grab both hands. "S-Stay with me Ed! Please!" I leaned down while still holding his hands, pressing my forehead against his as I close my eyes. If only I was given the choice to switch places with Ed...

-Jealousy-

"Hahahaha! This is better than I pictured it! Seeing it from your memories is not as good as seeing it in person!" As the voice continues to laugh in my head, I just stood there, my body going numb all over as I continued to watch the familiar sight. "I failed them..." I muttered, dropping my sword and falling to my knees. "What's gotten into you? You can finally get to regain you existence! You can take the girl's life now that she's broken, and with this world's Edward gone, you can bring yours to this side." I tried to ignore the voice's usual temptations. I could feel like the ghosts of my past were screaming, berating me on failing to stop history from repeating itself. And I accept that. I failed to keep my promise just like I did back then. "You can brings him back..." Their words started to sound awfully familiar.

The voice soon starts to call for my attention as I felt my mind being pulled back to that day.

::Memory::

My body begins to quake all over as I quickly regain my senses and found myself staring down at my sword, halfway inside the chest of the one person I did not and couldn't not believe was in front of me. He reaches over to me with his blood stained, gloved hand and tilts my head so that our foreheads were touching. "Took you long enough to wake up... Kitty..." he coughs out a small amount of blood after saying that. Time seemed to slow around me. I watch in horror as the boy closes his eyes and allows himself to fall over when I lost my grip on the hilt of the weapon. Screams were heard in the background as I stare down at his fallen form, wearing a content smile on his face. "No! It was supposed to be me! It was supposed to be the one to kill the one with that bastard's blood!" I could finally make out Envy's voice.

Then Al's. "BROTHER!" As if the world finally came crashing down on me, I felt all of my emotions burst all at once. "Edward!" I slid to my knees and desperately grabbed his hands. "Wake up! You have to wake up! Ed!" I beg, fighting back from crying. My fears only heightened when he doesn't respond. Footsteps were heard behind my back as I remained at Ed's side. "Cat get away!" Al screams, accompanied with a few grunts. I look over at him with a blank stare and was as he struggles to get out of his bonds. Then I spot another body lying not too far from the transmutation, a mannequin that laid limp with an arrow stuck at the back of the neck. It was Alice. The footsteps finally cease and a woman's voice spoke, "How a befitting end for you two. The famous play of Romeo and Juliet reenacted but in a much realistic style."

"Juliet waking from her death like slumber only to find her dear Romeo dead at her side. That god awful alias 'Black Ethel' doesn't fit you, unlike your other given criminal title... 'Juliet'," she muses. I remained quiet even as the woman roughly grabs my hair and forces me to look up at her. "Hello again Catherine." For a moment, I thought it was Lyra that was speaking to me, but then I recalled what Ed called her before I stepped out under her control. "Dante..." Her smile only confirms my suspicions. She roughly shoved my head and walks around me so she was above Ed's head. I immediately stood up when I see her grab the sword and pull it out with an emotionless gaze. Her callous comment about Ed's death by my hands made my blood boil, "It's too bad that his son had to die. I was hoping he would either chose you or Rose so that he can have a child that will be the one to make the stone."

"Is that what you want? To make those of Hohenheim's blood suffer because of your selfish desires to live longer!?"
"I did originally plan to make him my lover as a replacement once I transferred my body to either you or Rose's, but that does sound like a better idea to make that man suffer for leaving me like bad your father was too faithful to his wife or I would never have to deal with you."
"You bitch! You can't just to with mess with people's lives!"
"Oh but I can. Time and time and again I have always got what I wanted. And you can too."

She walks over to me and outstretches her hand. "You can bring him back..." I immediately gaze down at Ed's body. We've made so many promises before all of this and both of us have had our share in breaking them, but there is one I intend to break one last time. I don't know if Ed would do the same for me since I was strict with him to make that promise, but he's sacrificed enough for my sake. Equivalent exchange. Squeezing my eyes shut, I silently made an apology to Alice and Lucas, then reopened them. Judging from Dante's reaction, my eyes were definitely glowing. I create another sword made out of the blood that was soaked into my dress and mixed it with the water in the air. "We made a promise never attempt to resurrect the other no matter how much we want to... But I guess that's a promise only I can decide to break."

(A/N: Yeah I'm not going to get into the fighting scene since this is going to be in Origins. IF I get there. On second thought.. I will! So think of this as a time skip in the memory you usually see in shows and anime when they skip ahead for story purposes.)

Dante was about to stand back up, but I used the broken pieces of metal from my Papa's sword and pinned her to the ground. I just watch as her hands and feet were stabbed, causing her to scream in pain. "Heh! If you think this will-" she was unable to finish as her words were replaced by more screams. Pointing the tip of my blood sword in between her eyes, I explain to her in a cold tone, "Papa made that for me in desperation to create a stone just to keep me alive. He didn't like the traditional way Hohenheim and you create the stone so he did it so that it was quick without any suffering. Most of the souls he collected came from Ishvalan war, a war which you started. He killed so many soldiers to defend those poor people." "So? What are you going to do? Kill me?" I could see the amusement dance in her eyes.

I shake my head and walk over to Ed. I knelt down on one knee, taking my long black glove off so that I could feel his skin. Still warm but I could tell at any moment that he's going to go straight to the gate if I don't act sooner. "Al... please tell your brother I'm sorry-" I quickly stood up and ran straight back to Dante and clap my hands. "And that I love him!" "Cat! No!" Her eyes widen in fear for the first time as Al continues to scream. She looks around, finally realizing where exactly I pinned her. "A transmutation circle!? Impossible!" During out fight, all those times I was dodging and circulating around her, I traced my sword on the ground as deep as possible to create a perfect array. "No! No! NOOO!" That god-complex of hers was replaced of that of a normal reaction any human being would have.

Slamming my hands on the ground, I wince at the intense light but kept my hands firmly placed on the ground. Finally breaking free, Dante attempts to kill me only to be impaled by my sword when the light blinds her vision. Putting one arm around her waste to keep her in place, Dante struggles to get out of my grasp as I keep my sword embedded into her body and kept her from pulling away. The payment should be enough to restore Al back to normal and bring back the entirety of Ed soul before it slips away, as well as restoring his limbs. "You imbecile! Don't you realize if you sacrifice yourself, you'll never see him again!?" I can't believe she's actually asking me that just when she's about to be sucked into the gate.

Closing my eyes, I smile and answer without an ounce of regret, "I don't. You mentioned to Ed that love is what makes human beings weak, but it doesn't. It only makes us stronger as we'll do everything possible to make sure our loved ones happy. I'm willing to sacrifice anything so that he can walk on two legs again."

::End of Memory::

Grinding my teeth, I firmly stood back up. "Oh? Finally taking my offer?" I answer coldly and gaze down at the metal of my blade, staring down at nostalgic color in my eyes, "No. Your influence is over Dante."

-Back to Me-

I couldn't feel anything. It like the world had darkened until it was only Ed and I left. Suddenly, Jealousy appears in front of me with her blade now broken in half. Fearing for what she'll do next, I lift Ed up and protectively hug him close to my body. With a sigh, she looks at me with this unfamiliar scowl, "You hold him like that and he'll die even faster." I watch her with apprehensive eyes as she goes down to her knees. "Listen you may not believe me if I tell you this... But I want you to use my stone to heal Ed!" She's right. I don't want to listen to her. I yell at her in anger, "You're right! I don't want to listen to you! You have never given me an ounce of reason as to why I would believe an immortal creature like you!" "I didn't ask to become this!" she snaps.

I gave her a perplexed look as I watch the homunculus bow her head in shame. "Please... I am willing to do anything to make things right... I don't want you to commit the same mistakes I did." When Jealousy looks up at me in the eyes, I wasn't surprised at the pleading look she gave me, but how her eyes were no longer black. They were darker shade of my eyes color, more human like. Biting my lip and mentally telling myself that I still can't trust her, I extend a hand to her as a sign of 'truce'. Relieved to see that I was willing to trust her, even if it was just this once time, Jealousy takes her broken sword and moves to slice her left shoulder without hesitation. Seeing this, it was the first time I noticed that her ouroboros mark is on her left shoulder.

'Almost reminds me of my missing left arm...' She snaps me out of my thoughts, explaining while pointing to her now exposed stone, "I want you to use you abilities as the catalyst by converting my stones energy into your own without using yours. Think of my 'blood' as water and that you're controlling it with the use of your own energy. Keep that in mind or your world's alchemy might cause Ed to explode." My world's alchemy!? I wanted to ask her about that but she was so focused on Ed that it reminded me what's important. Making sure Ed lives. Placing her hands over Ed's wound, I clap my hands while trying to control my breathing. If she had just left out the explosion part then I wouldn't be so nervous right now. What happened with Sara was just random and I didn't know I have actually healed her that well.

Noticing my nervousness, Jealousy surprisingly reassures me, "Trust me when I say this, Ed won't be mad at you for saving him. He'll just call you an idiot for being so willing to exchange your life for his." I know I shouldn't dwell on the fact that Jealousy is actually helping me, but to see her act so human bothers me. A lot. "Ready?" Truthfully, I'm not but I have to be for Ed's sake. "Ready." I can't say that the transmutation was painless for either of us once I started the transmutation. It felt like electricity was being injected into my arms, and Jealousy was most likely feelong the same way but seemed to have it worse than I. Red veins began to appear on Jealousy's arms the longer then transmutation goes. Seeing the blood disappearing from Ed's shirt, I use one hand to slowly reach forbthe swordnand carefully pull it out.

'Please Ed! Wake up!'

-Ed-

There was darkness. All I could feel was coldness. I was starting to feel myself getting sleepy until I small bit of light appears above me. "Ed!" a voice calls out. I squit my eyes to see a hand reaching out for me. "Please! You have to wake up!" I knew on the spot who it was. "Cat!" I immediately took her hand once it was within reach. The moment I took it, I gasp for air and found myself on the ground with my head on someone hovering over me. "Cat...?" I mutter upon recognising her. Cat just weakly smiles down and me and loses consciousness. I quickly sat up and grabbed her before she hits the ground. "Hey get a hold of-! Yourself...?" I trailed as I glance down at where my wound should be. It was gone. 'She didn't-' I automatically check for a pulse. I was sure I was dead, and the only reason I'd be alive and well is if she paid the price for it.

At first, I feared the worst until I felt a faint beat on her neck. If she's not dead then that means the idiot- "She's not dead." My head snaps up to find Jealously, leaning against the entry way and covering her shoulder her hand with her hand. "I made her use my stone to heal you and amplified its affects using the energy of the Catalyst within her. Since you didn't want her to use hers, I offered mine after you passed out," she tells me before she turns to leave. I didn't stop her, all I did was stare at her disappearing back then shifted my focus back on Cat. Picking her up in my arms, I slowly started to leave the now destroyed room and up the stairs. I frowned down at her as she continues to sleep, "You idiot... Don't just give your life up for me so willingly like that... Let me do all the sacrificing."

-Normal-

Standing above the entrance, Jealousy watches as Ed steps out with Cat in his arms. Not too far away was their group, who had been frantically searching for the two after they woke up to find them gone. "You regained what you lost?" She didn't even have to look to see who it was. Jealousy just smiled and continued to watch as the man walks over to my side. "I never thought that I'd finally have the strength to fight her back... I thought I'd be forced to watch those two make me watch it happen all over again," she reaches for her locket and opens it, revealing the pictures of her parents and Ed and her. "But Dante's gone. I don't know if her soul was sacrificed during the transmutation, but I can't hear her anymore." "So all that's left is the homunculus.. " he states, frowning at the idea.

She nods and sincerely apologizes, "I'm sorry for the trouble I've caused her. I knoe you must hate me for hurting your daughter." He shakes his head and goes back to watch the two. "It's that beings fault on why that parasytic soul was implanted into you. It's still there but I doubt it'll do anymore harn to her and you."

To Be Continued

Hey guys! Now I know why you're wondering WHY I'm publishing things in a hurry, well I just wanted to get certain things out before I publish Origins. I might have to put other fanfics on hold but... This story has evolved to the point where I won't be able to do one verse then go to the other. Mercury Alchemist isn't the most popular FMA fanfic out there but I truly want to finish this story till the end. Both of their stories. Anyway, I've been thinking of making a one-shot fma fanfic. Not with any of the OC's you know! It's just an abandoned story I came up with a very long time ago. Back when I was still a elementary fanfic writer... with extremely bad grammar and completely wrong word usage. Not as bad as with this fanfic as, during that time, I stupidly used my phone which had auto-correct. A thing I didn't know how to turn off. Sigh... man this chapter was depressing as fuck. I had the draft but lost it so the ending portion was done blindly while trying not to cry my eyes out. I feel like it was poorly executed for a chapter this is the most important compared to the rest! But I feel the same with this coz... I'm sick. Gah it's hard to stare at the screen! I usually write on paper first then type, but I was so sluggish I just typed it all down. So I hope you guys enjoyed! Please R&R!