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

46. Chapter 41

'Mistakes will always be made...

but sometimes...

you wish they didn't... That's why

I always foolishly put everyone's

safety before mine... Never thinking

of their own feelings...'

---

Chapter 41- Mistakes of a Fool Pt. 2

-Me-

||Hotel||

Alice and I stood side by side in front of their door, neither of us moving an inch towards the door in fear of the reactions we'll receive the moment we knock and step into the room. Alice was tenser than I was, I could tell from the amount of shaking she's been doing ever since we reached the floor to Winry's room. I know she can't feel it, but I reach up and pat her shoulders in hopes of putting her at ease. "Don't worry Alice, Al will be overjoyed to see you're awake," I assure her. She nervously looks down at me and asks, "Then how come Lucas never came back with them?" That's a good question. After a few minutes of waiting, we finally decided to go check up on the others since we both know it shouldn't take them long to get to our room, though I'm sure something must have come up.

I can only guess what it is, but I know one of them would drop the conversation to come check on Alice, especially since she passed out. A thing that she and the others know shouldn't be even remotely possible for a soul in a fake body. The door suddenly opens, and we hear a gasp. Just as we were about to face the door, Alice was suddenly lifted off the ground and spun around by none other than Al. "Alice! You're awake!" he exclaims, practically jumping in delight to see her up on her feet. I panic when I heard people complaining and open their door to check what's causing the ruckus. "Why don't we go inside?" I suggest, hurriedly pushing the two inside while carefully keeping my eyes on the hallway. Thankfully no one decided to step out to further investigate. Even after we step inside, Al failed to hold back his joy and practically remained cemented at her side, much to her embarrassment and confusion.

"So how are you feeling Alice?" Winry asks after noticing the girl's discomfort with the amount of attention she was getting. "I'm fine," she answers stiffly. "I'm really glad to be awake, it was... weird to be asleep. Even though I sort of forgot how it felt, it kinda felt like I wasn't." There was something off about Alice, she's a bit distant. Al seemed to pick up on this too as he kept his eyes glued on the back of her heard since she started talking to Winry. "Can I talk to Al alone for a minute?" she requests much to our surprise. Winry nods and leaves the room, following with Lucas and Ed. I was the last to leave, but not before giving Alice one last curious stare before closing the door.

-Alice-

"Alice, is everything okay?" Al asks after everyone left. There's so much I want to tell him. I know those memories aren't mine, but the thought of being separated from him like that is terrifying thought enough on its own. I grab his hands and beg, "Please Al, promise me that you'll never be reckless like that again!"

"What...?"

"Just promise me! Please!"

I can't stop thinking about what I just saw. The first time was confusing, and I didn't think much on it, but after what happened back in the laboratory, I'm suddenly afraid what it means - what any of it means. All I know is that I'm scared; like what happens if I accept what I'm seeing, is our existence here even a coincidence or was it all planned out. I bow my head and mutter, "I don't want to lose you..." Not again. I'm scared now on what the future holds for us.

||Hotel Hallway||

-Lucas-

Something has been bugging me since Cat left for god-knows-where. I've been having these weird dreams that - as insane as it sounds - felt too real for my own comfort, things that I sure as hell know never happened. I would know for sure if I ever did THAT with Winry. Marrying her? Neither of us are of legal age and we've barely gotten past the flirting stage - her grandma would turn my entire body into automail after ripping me apart limb from limb if I dared marry her granddaughter. Heck, I haven't even properly told her yet how I feel about her for crying out loud! "Hey Ed," I finally spoke up, surprising the three. "There's something I want to talk to you about. Can we meet in my room?" Cat stares at me for a moment which soon twists in disgust. "You really are a pervert..." she blurts out, loud enough for us to hear.

It took us a few seconds to figure out what she was implying, and Ed, Winry and I instantly got the same idea the moment it clicks into our heads, causing us to turn red from embarrassment. "THAT'S NOT WHAT I MEANT!" I yell then flinch, remembering where we were. Ed pats Cat's shoulder. "I'll be back. You both just wait here until Alice and Al are done talking." Winry holds Cat's hand and looks up at me with a knowing smile. "We'll wait for you. Besides, Cat and I have much catching up to do." "We do?" she asks, confused. After getting a look from the other girl, Cat nods then answers, "Oh right, we do. It has been a while since we last spoke."

||Lucas' Hotel Room||

After I shut the door and lock it, Ed sits on the couch and crosses his arms. "So? What is it you wanted to talk about?" he questions. I ruffle my hair then answer, "Al and I have done some talking about Cat and Alice while you two were away, I think we figured out why Jealousy looks exactly like Cat and why she can use alchemy." Ed's face hardens at the mention of Jealousy. He's never reacted like this before when her name's mentioned, something must have happened while they were away, and it clearly has something to do with Cat's homunculus doppelganger, or else Ed wouldn't be looking as if he's about to kill someone right now. "Cat and I encountered Jealousy while we were gone..." he confesses, tightly holding his hands together as he bows his head. "What!?" For a second I thought my heart was going to stop.

Sitting on the other side, I frantically ask, "What happened? How are you both still alive? Isn't someone immortal almost impossible to defeat?" Both came back looking fine and were acting as if nothing happened, there's no way they both got out scot-free just like that. "Yeah but here's the thing that's getting me... why didn't she kill Cat when she had the chance?" That's a good question. There's a lot of things Cat told Alice and I about Jealousy. All three of us couldn't figure out how someone like her could exist if her 'Father' doesn't have anything else in his body to split. Alice specifically explained how only his seven pieces were removed to represent the seven sins. I made a joke that it left only the seven virtues in the old guy to lighten the mood, but I ended up getting deadly looks from both girls for that.

Sighing, I told him, "That's what I wanted to talk to you about before you guys do anything else. Cat may or may not have been told this by now, but I need you to still hear it if you're that keen in protecting her." Ed stares back at me with determined eyes, saying, "I made a promise to her that I'd help you guys get back to your side no matter what. It's the least I can do for her for doing so much to maintain our future... She's done far more than I've ever done for her. Even if she tells me there's no need, I want to show her just how important she is to me like I am to her." As expected of the little brat, making others her top priority has always been her strength and downfall. Alice told me enough about what had happened between her and Cat after I disappeared.

I thought I'd be mad at Cat, but instead, I understood why she did it. Alice would never listen to me, and she obviously didn't listen to Cat, so she had to learn it the hard way. Amused, I lean forward and said, "Well I guess you're in for a treat Edward as this info will definitely give you a head start."

"Oh yeah? How so?"

"You've already ready enough from that book Cat carries around so let me tell you think, I can confirm that several of those theories are true. The three of us, including Jealousy, are proof that it's true. And here's why-"

-Back to Me-

||Hospital/The Next Morning||

Alice and I sullenly follow a bit behind the boys after we ran into Fuery at the entrance on the way to check up on the Colonel and Havoc. Neither of us know what to say once we get there, Mustang will surely be upset with me for not saying anything before I left to go after Ed and question Alice why she didn't do anything. As bad as I am for thinking this, I'm actually proud of her for listening to me. 'It must have been difficult for her to be in that type of situation alone...' I thought as I secretly glance up at the girl. She's been just as quiet as I am when Ed told us to come with them to see the two men. I wouldn't blame her. I was like that the first time I was forced to make such a difficult decision, but I was alone then. She shouldn't have to go through the same turmoil I went through all those years ago.

"Alice, why don't we-" I was cut off when Ed suddenly calls out to us, "Hurry it up you two! I know they don't have the option to leave but going at a snail's pace isn't going to help!" Both of us stop in our tracks and look at one another with unsure eyes. Seeing out hesitation, I was surprised when Ed marches up to us and grabs my hand. "What's done is done! Sulking won't change anything," he said with stern eyes, earning surprised looks from Alice and I. "Ed..." His eyes suddenly soften before he starts dragging me with him, so I'd hurry at his pace. We walk past Fuery and Al, both of which - much to my embarrassment - were very amused at the sight of us holding hands so openly. Instead of complaining, I happily smile at the back of his head and squeeze his hand, noticing that he was using his real hand to hold mine.

I quicken my pace, so I was at his side. "Thank you, Ed..."

-Normal-

"Something must have happened," Fuery smiles as the three watch the two continue without them. This made Al glance back at Alice, who just stood there, stunned to see her best friend was actually holding Ed's hand without any complaints. It made her a bit envious watching the two. 'If only I could do the same with Al...' She shakes off the thought and approaches Al and Fuery after noticing both were waiting for her. Alice tries to smile, but since she couldn't feel her smile, she didn't notice how obvious how forced it appeared. Fuery did notice and kept talking to Alice things related to the military, even though she had no clue what it is he was talking about. Al, however, noticed it on the spot.

-Back to Me-

"I counted the number of steps it took to get to the back of the third laboratory," Hawkeye explains after the map layout was handed to Mustang. "I was able to calculate the approximate location of that doorway. It's not exact because the hallway curves, but I was able to deduct a radius with it at the center." Alice and I shift uncomfortably at the mere mention of the place. We both know what it is that they're doing in that lab, and there's no way I want to ever picture those creatures in my head again. As grateful as I am that the information gap has been filled, but I wish there were some things left out, so I wouldn't have to recall it. Alice kept her eyes glued on Havoc, who had very little to say about the conversation related to the third lab. I wouldn't blame him, especially with what he'll say later after we leave.

"Are you okay...?" I whisper to the girl. She flinches and looks down at me, surprised that I noticed. "Not really... will it always be like this...?" she asks as we both look back at Havoc. "I couldn't save Martel, now Havoc's lost his legs because I decided to remain silent this time..." I should have known things would turn out this way. I assure her, "There's nothing more you could have done. If you interfered too much, then someone else would have lost their legs that night... You've done more than enough Alice."

"But-"

"No buts!"

I had completely forgotten about the others in the room. That doesn't matter, right now I had to do the one thing I was never given the privilege of receiving when I first started this alone; advice. I spoke loud enough for the others to hear, "We're not gods, we're only human. Despite the vast amount of knowledge, we have on this world, we can't just use it all willy-nilly and expect things will turn out the way we want them too. It's still a miracle that things are going the way they should. As outsiders it's not our place to interfere, but it's also our duty to make sure none of them have to suffer any more than they have." I turn to face them all and - much to their surprise - bow. I heard movement at my side and I knew just from the shadow alone that Alice was also bowing.

"We're sorry for not telling any of you anything! We want to, but there's much that many of you are supposed to learn later."

All of them were speechless, stunned at my unexpected apology. Alice adds while partially looking up, "And experience..." I knew she was mainly referring to Havoc. "Girls you don't have to-" Hawkeye stops. When she does, we both straighten up to see Mustang with his hand up, signaling her to remain silent. "Our enemy has infiltrated so high in command for god-knows how long so there's not much we could do even if you had told any of us sooner," he states in a surprisingly calm tone. After saying our farewells, Alice makes a beeline for Havoc and hugs him. No one in this room knows why she's acting this way and we want to keep it that way until we leave. He must have noticed as he was giving the girl an assuring smile after she pulls away then to me, grateful for both of us for not saying anything and silently forgiving us at the same time.

-Jealousy-

||Central Command||

I sigh and tiredly lean against my seat. So much has happened since I left my troops to deal with many of my personal matters. It surprises me how well they've been able to send off those that wish to see me so easily without any incidence during my absence. Though I doubt Pride hasn't already caught whiff of my insubordination. My betrayal won't be looked over as Greed's, who is currently awaiting his rebirth within that bastard's stomach. He's been the most suspicious ever since I was placed in this wretched body. I bit my lip and glare at the papers on my desk as I rest my chin over my fists. "Desk work is so not me..." I yawn. A knock at my office door forces me to straighten up. Coughing, I force my voice to sound flat as I order, "Come in."

"Forgive my intrusion-" I immediately straighten myself at the familiar voice. Bradley stands there, smiling as he said, "But I heard that you've finally reemerged from your office, so I had to personally come and check if things were alright." I glare at the young homunculus before me as he shuts the door behind his back and approaches my desk. "Father hasn't heard a word from you in days." I've always felt disgusted of his presence. The only thing that's been amusing about him over the years is seeing him age and become less versatile to combat as he once was. I take my pen and pretend to be signing papers as I answer, "As you can tell from the amount of paperwork I've been receiving as of late, I have been quite busy." Thankfully, some were done before my return so that my story is in check.

If they hadn't then Bradley would become even more suspicious on my lack of response to his frequent requests for a visit to my office. "I've been keeping a close eye on that girl since she spoke of my real name during the state examinations." His words prompted me to stop writing and listen. "She called me Wrath. I find it odd how a human with the same face as yours knows what to address me as while you failed the first 20 years by addressing me as 'Pride' after I was created." Both her and I made mistakes. While she stupidly decided to call him Wrath, I had to get used to calling the Furher 'Wrath' instead of 'Pride'. I resume writing as I explain, "Given the status you received on a silver platter I thought the name you received was inappropriate. I've rarely seen Pride out of his role as the Furher's dotting son that I often failed as addressing him by his false name."

I could feel Bradley's eyes boar into my head before leaving. The phone began to ring not long after. I pick it up and promptly answer, "General Katelyn Juliet Douglas speaking."

"We have a problem sir..."

"Joseph? You and Damien should be on duty right now."

"I'm sorry but that's just it... something happened to Damien. We just bumped into a boy named Lucas and... things spiraled out of control. They barely even spoke to one another and they were suddenly at each other's throats."

I slam my hands on the table and stood up in response. "What did you say!?"

++Earlier++

-Lucas-

||Market Place||

"Geez... the woman here in Central are just as bad as I thought they would be..." I grumble as I wipe the red lipstick off my face. Not even a few minutes in and I got older ladies hitting on me like I'm some sort of eye candy for them. "I told Cat it was a bad idea to-" I stop in my tracks when I felt a sudden shiver down my spine. It felt like someone was watching me. I spun around to where I thought I felt those eyes only to be met with a large crowd of people. "Huh... Guess I'm just being paranoid," I shrug off the feeling and go back to shopping. The sooner I get this done the better. I'm not used to the city life anymore so I'm a bit uncomfortable to find myself in the middle of a swarm of sweaty bodies. My shoulder bumps into someone during the struggle. "Sorry about that-" I pause as I stare back at a near copy of myself with wide eyes.

He stares at me with the same shocked expression. There's no doubt that he's a Xingnese, but the fact he almost has the exact same face as mine was what got me. We both had the exact same green eyes, though his was slightly squinted than mine. "You," we said at the same time. "Damien." We both flinch and turn to see a much older man, wearing a black version of the regular military uniform. He approaches us and spoke in a gruff voice, "I've been looking for you everywhere. General Douglas has an assignment for us right now." "Joseph..." 'Damien' trails off as he stares at the man. Joseph stops to stare at me then at Damien. "Either you put something in my flask again or I'm staring at your long-lost twin." "Yeah this is a little bit freaky..." we both said at the same time.

We stare at one another with wide, horrified eyes.

::FlashBack::

Cat hands Alice a new gun then me a knife. "Listen... I don't know if there are others like us..." She looks at me with serious eyes. "But I want you both to stay safe. I've already experienced enough strange shit each time I encounter Jealousy. Now that Alice has gone through the same thing, I want you to be prepared Lucas. If you encounter your look-a-like be ready. Alice and I will go find the other Alice to confirm your theory."

::End of FlashBack::

Slowly, I reach over for the knife I have hidden behind my back while keeping my eyes glued on the double. He appeared to be preoccupied to notice what I was reaching for until his head snaps towards me. I flinch and immediately drew my hand back after I got caught. "Show me what you're reaching for," he demands, gaining his partner's attention. All I do is glare at the Xingnese. "Well?" He crosses his arms and impatiently taps his foot, undeterred from how darkly I was staring into his darker green eyes. Something began to take over my body. I don't if it was just my instincts or I really didn't like this guy, but before I knew what I was doing, I grabbed the hidden knife and attempted to take his head off. Damien was faster and seemed to know what it was I was aiming for as he already had slipped a kunai from his sleeve to his hand and knocked my weapon out of my hands.

He and I glare at one another. "Now hold on you two," Joseph steps in between us before either could make another move. "If you have some old beef with each other than do it somewhere else and when one of us isn't in uniform." Damien knew he was right and seemed to consider withdrawing, but something inside me told me to take this chance now that his guard was down. And I did the dumbest thing that Cat will surely use as an excuse to kill me. I punched him. He staggers a bit, caught off guard from my unexpected hit. That still didn't knock him off his feet like I hope it would. Damien drops his kunai and retaliates by sending an even harder punch than my own.

"You punch hard for an Amestrian brat!"

"Same goes for you! Never saw anyone that can take a hit from an automail mechanic and remain on their feet!"

We continue to spew insults towards one another. I know he's a Xingnese but he sure can flawlessly copy a Foreign accent. Almost close to mine. Too close. We threw as many punches at one another as possible, ignoring the yells from both the crowd and Joseph to stop. I thought someone like Ling and Lan Fan would show the same fancy moves they've been pulling since I've met then, instead Damien was fully intent on winning this with his fists, and I intend to do the same thing. "Both of you stop it!" A woman steps in between us and shoves us both away. I was about to protect until I recognize who it was that stepped in. "Camilla!?" I cry out, stunned. Damien was speechless. Pulling her hands away, she places them on her hips and scowls us, "You're grown adults here! Acting like this in public is in-excusable! If you want to fight then do it somewhere less discrete!"

I hated to be treated like a kid but she's right, we've met and we're suddenly prepared to fight to the death. "Look man I-" I stop midway to stare at the wide-eye look on Damien's face as he stared straight up at Camilla. 'You can't be alive...' a voice spoke in my head, accompanied with a splitting headache. I scream in pain and clutch my head, so does Damien but kept his eyes on the older woman. "Lucas, are you okay!?" I hear Winry's voice gasp from behind. I was about to fall on my knees until I felt a thin pain of arms wrap around my waist. The pain was still there, but Winry's mere presence made it the all more tolerable. I look back at Damien and nearly forgot the pain I was in. He wasn't screaming like I was earlier, instead he had this glazed look as he stared at Winry, and the longer he did the more I noticed one thing about his eyes.

He was struggling to keep himself from crying. "Win..." I wasn't the one that called out to her. It was him, Damien. That was the nickname I call Winry during times when we're alone. Before I could ask how he knows her, my eyes suddenly began to feel heavy and my body starts to become sluggish as I try to remain standing. The next thing I knew, Damien and I were on the ground and barely moving an inch. That last thing I heard before passing out was Winry's voice calling my name and Joseph smacking the other to wake him up.

-Back to Me-

++Later that Night++

Alice and I were left shaken after saying our farewells to the other Alice's grandma. We couldn't find Miss Camilla and almost went back to the hotel only to bump into a friend of the woman by chance and learned that while we were gone, the other Alice was sent to live with her grandma. "Cat..." Alice places a hand on my shoulder and squeezes it. It hurt but I didn't care, I just couldn't believe what we had just learned. "It's not your fault... We didn't know. We couldn't have." Biting my lip, I angrily punch the nearest wall to vent my anger. "She was just a kid! She didn't deserve to die! That damn Fate and Truth are just as bad as I thought they were, they don't care about their creations, as long as there is a maintain in balance then that's all that matters!" I yell as I continued to punch the wall.

My automail started make cracks while my real hand began to bleed and slowly break each time I hit the brick surface with full force. Slowly, my punches started to decrease and my legs began to give out. "She may be your other self but she deserved to live... she was human..." I stare up at Alice in tear, grief-stricken. "Just who else is going to die because we're here?" "Cat!" I look over my shoulder to see Ed and Al running up to where we were. Not wanting them to see my tears, I quickly wipe the tears from my face with my sleeve and stood up just in time as they had approached us. "Are you two okay?" Al asks, noticing our lack of response. Alice nods silently as I answer, "We're fine, Al. We're just one step closer now to the truth." Ed obviously didn't buy it. I wasn't surprised - like before - when he grabs my shoulders and presses his forehead against mine.

I didn't even try to lie my way out of this after Ed's eyes widen and stares intently into my own. There's no point to hide it anyway. "I'll tell you later..." I mumble and lean against him, mentally tired from everything that's happened since we got back to central.

-Jealousy-

||Hospital||

I can't remember the last time I had a decent conversation with the Colonel. Actually, I can't remember most of my interactions with those on this sides thanks to that homunculus taking over at the worst times. "General Douglas!" I jump a bit when Hawkeye sudden appears within my filed of vision and salutes. I held my hand up and said, "At ease lieutenant, I'm off duty for today so you can drop the formalities." "Right..." She lowers her hand but remains apprehensive, unsure how to exactly react to my presence. 'Looks like she's told them...' I mentally sigh at the thought. Should have expected I'd encounter such problems, Catherine's secret was out so she would have been forced to tell them my true identity. 'Maybe I could use this to my advantage,' I smirk at the thought as I ordered the woman, "Take me to your superior. That's something I'd like to discuss with him regarding his actions at the laboratory he recently infiltrated."

Her eyes harden, she knows it's impossible to go against the orders of her superiors, especially with the kind of position I hold. "Yes, sir."

-Back to Me-

||Hotel||

"You met your doppelganger!?" Alice and I exclaim. When we got back Winry had told us what happened while we were gone, Lucas got into a fight with someone and suddenly passed out - along with his opponent - after Miss Camilla intervened. She only arrived minutes after it had happened but was there when Lucas blacked out. I told Winry to go to bed and for Ed and Al to discuss their 'private' matters related to the girl so we could speak with Lucas alone when he wakes up. I slump in my seat beside Lucas' bed and mutter, "This is far more dangerous than we thought Lucas. It can't be a coincidence is another boy has your face." "He's from Xing," he adds. Alice covers her mouth as she gasps, "Another foreigner...? But I thought Ling, Lan Fan, Fu, and Mei were the only ones to illegally cross the border? How can there possibly be another Xingnese?"

"I don't know okay!?" Alice flinches and I sat up straight in my seat at Lucas' sudden outburst. He takes a deep breath and apologizes, "Sorry. I haven't been feeling like myself since Win brought me back to the hotel. When we met it's like something took over me, this weird desire to remove this guy's existence from the face of the planet. I almost cut his head off for crying out loud!" I couldn't believe what I was hearing. That was exactly how I felt each time I encounter Jealousy. I was about to say something until we heard someone shouting outside in the hall. "WILL YOU GUYS SHUT UP!? DO YOU KNOW HOW EARLY I HAVE TO WAKE UP TOMORROW!?" I eye Lucas and answer sarcastically, "Of course you picked the room close to Winry's... Why am I not surprised."? He innocently shrugs, earning a groan from me and a giggle from Alice.

I stood up and told Alice, "I'll go check on them. You stay here and keep an eye on Lucas. If that person really is his other self, he may experience some unwanted symptoms." The moment I walk out of the room and close the door behind my back, my body began to shake all over. Not out of fear like I expected to react but out of excitement. I said to myself darkly, "Looks like we're not as stupid as you think Jealousy..." By the time I got to the boy's room, I wasn't surprised to see Winry gripping onto her wrench and Ed laying on the ground with his soul coming out of his mouth. "Don't worry brother, I've got your soul!" Al shouts. Winry glares at the two one last time before turning, "I can't believe you... just promise not to do anything too dangerous." She was too upset to notice my presence as she walks past me, deep in thought.

I lean against the door way with my arms crossed. "What a smooth way on asking a girl to stay," I tease, gaining their attention. Ed groans as he rubs the sore spot on his head, "Not my fault I'm friends with a violent you... then again I'm also friends with you." My eye twitches at the insult but I chose to set it aside.

"Why are you here anyway?"

"I did tell you I'd explain everything once I've cooled my head."

"Cat, you don't have to-"

"I will Ed. I want to. I did promise not to keep anything from you guys from now on and I want to start now."

And that's what I did. After we sat down, I began to spill everything I discovered, sometimes pausing each time I brought up the little girl that I had just learned died days ago. I can't imagine how her grandmother felt to have her granddaughter die from an unknown cause. "So, you really think there's more than just your side of the gate?" Al asks. I nod, saying, "There's no other reason I could think of. First Jealousy and I, then Alice and the other Alice, now Lucas and an unknown Xingnese? That can't be a coincidence that all three of us has someone or something that bears an exact resemblance." "Cat, you realize that you're talking about, right?" Ed questions still concerned where I was going with this. "You're basically coming up with theory that no alchemist has ever tackled due to its improbability."

"I know Ed but..." I trail off as I began to lose confidence in my theory. Even back at home the idea of an alternate timeline has always been debunked by several scientists, constantly arguing against those that believe in it that it's something that only exists in science fiction. "Brother, it's getting late. You both should go to bed." Ed and I nervously glance at one another then silently agreed. "Well... I'll see you tomorrow morning," I said as I stood up from my seat. Ed immediately does so as well and seemed he wanted to say something but remained silent. I eye him curiously before turning to leave the room.

-Ed-

"Damn it!" I yell in frustration as I collapse on the bed. "Is something wrong?" Al asks from across the room. I throw the pillow over my face to muffle my voice as I continue to yell, "Why can't I just be straight with her!?" "Straight with who?" I sat up and toss the pillow and I yell, "Cat! That's who!" I want to tell her, but something keeps telling me not to, that I should do it at the right time at the right moment, except I don't know even know when the hell that will happen. I almost wanted to ask her to sleep in bed with me again in front of Al. My own brother! Cat would obviously say 'no' and would keep her distance until both of us calm down. I roll on my side and glare at the wall, mentally berating myself for being so selfish and stupid towards a girl - a girl that happens to be the one I waited for years.

"I think you're thinking too hard on this," Al said much to my surprise. I turn a bit to face him. He continues, "Cat's just as smart as you are, the problem is you're both stubborn." I was about to retort only for him to cut me off, "Don't argue with me Ed. You know as well as I do that you'll put her safety first before her feelings and she's been doing the exact thing from the day we first met her." That got me to shut up and listen.

"Cat comes from a world where things work differently, so that means the way her mind works is different as well. She's always kept a close eye on you Ed, making sure you don't do anything stupid, but she also forgets to take care of herself. And lately, you've been doing the exact same thing towards her. I wouldn't be surprised if she figured out what you've been wanting to tell her like has been with you."

The thought of Cat finding out about that- Wait, what did he just say? "What do you mean by that?" I ask after catching on to what he just said. "Ah! Nothing brother!" Al beings to panic and try to change the topic, but I heard him loud and clear. 'Wait... Armstrong told me to ask Catherine who her first kiss was. Does that mean she-'

-Back to Me-

++Several Days Later++
||Streets of Central||

"AH! That's my livelihood you idiot!"

"I'm really sorry sir!"

"Errr... Well sorry not gonna fix my stand!"

"Looks like you could use some help!" Ed declares and gets ready to pose before the two. Alice and I stood by and watch as Ed starts to use his alchemy to 'help' the citizens from their problems. She was trying not to giggle while I just watch with a blank stare as Ed fixes a man's car and then the food stand it had it. Seeing it on tv was okay, but to see it in person... "Pay me? No, that's not necessary but thank you!" Is beyond strange. While people began to watch in awe and ask Ed to fix and upgrade certain items and houses, we remained as far as possible from the swarm, as well as keeping an eye out for anything out of place. "You think Jealousy will appear again...?" Alice whispers after catching sight of another random blonde girl in the crowd. She's been like that ever since we agreed to accompany the boys, and I don't blame her.

"I doubt she'd be stupid enough to pop up for something like this," I said while pretending to be interested on what's happening, "If she is me then she'd know on the spot that they're doing this purpose. Anyone watching this would catch on if they were watching." Ed wasn't even trying to hide it. It was so obvious that it makes every bad actor that exists in this world look good. "Should we help?" she asks even though she knows what my answer is. I grin at Ed when he catches us idly standing by as more people began to ask for his help. "Nah. He'll be fine," I said as I casually wave at the annoyed boy. "Besides he's the one that keeps telling me to stop putting my life on the line. If I told him I'd like to also show off my abilities he'd go nuts." "Should we at least tell them about the colonel dropping by?" I was about to answer until I spot a certain car driving up to our direction.

"Looks like it's our cue," I point out to the car before pulling her to the side of a building. And good timing too as Ed and Al were just about to rest at a nearby cafe after performing that much alchemy in almost two hours. Our plan is simple, wait for things to play out but this time from the sidelines. I notice the nervous look in her eyes and told her, "This is for the best Alice. If we want to confront Jealousy it has to be at a distance where we can catch her. She wouldn't allow something to happen to Ed, I'm certain she would run to his aid when given the chance." "What makes you say that?" She eyes me curiously. I gulp and nervously tug on the sleeve of my automail arm. "If she really is me... I would do the same thing." Ling and Lan Fan might be in danger as we know it, but something tells me that Xing boy Lucas ran into will make sure nothing happens.

-Damien-

All I could hear the moment I got out of the building were explosions. I bite my cheek once I notice a certain man was missing. "Damn it...! Just because he hears a state alchemist is showboating, he thinks it's time to jump in!" I curse and start running towards the ensuing chaos. Running and jumping over roof tops was faster than simply going through the streets filled with terrified Amestrians. "Now where-" I stop in my tracks when I notice two girls down below. Both look too familiar for my own comfort. The brunette was a bit hard to figure out as she was the one most obscured in the crowd, the blond, however, was a different story. I take out my scope and focus on her. The moment her hat flies off, I nearly drop the thing out of shock at whose face I was looking at. "The General!?"

I was just about to go after the girls until I felt a shiver run down my spine, a sickening aura radiating from two different directions. "Looks like you noticed to," a familiar voice spoke. I spun around and glare at the familiar duo. "Ling Yao... Why am I not surprised," I said, un-amused at his presence. "Xiao Chang," he greets back just the same. "It's really nice to see that medicine worked well on you, you almost look like you're about the same age as me." We only know each other because we trained under the same master. The only reason the man even considered training me was because I could easily pass off as a 17-year-old. He aims his sword at me while I start at him with expressionless eyes. "Why don't you run off to wherever you're living? Someone like you shouldn't even be breathing to begin with, but I'll let it slide for now and let you live."

I scoff at this, "Really, then same goes for you and every other son and daughter born with that old fart's blood. He's the reason why any of us are having this stupid rivalry over the throne, a throne which I am glad to never have to sit on." Lan Fan throws one of her kunai's in response, which I easily dodge. I greet the girl dryly, "Nice to see you again Lan Fan. You look well for someone that's ashamed to show their face when near the future emperor, or perhaps it's the shame you've been carrying for never winning against my own bodyguard during training." She grits her teeth and glares at me. "Hope you improved or else your losing streak against my servant will become permanent." Before she could response, I used my grenade in my pocket and tossed it in the sky moments before it explodes.

The moment the explosion dies, a woman in a similar attire appears and dives straight at Lan Fan. "Great timing as usual Fei Hung!" I yell as she jumps to my side. She rolls her eyes, "She's still a little girl no matter how you look at her." I could tell she was still sour for not being called out since we got to Amestris. "Sorry for never calling you, I ran into a bit of trouble since the last we spoke." If she hadn't caught me in my middle of our little 'chat' over the phone then I would have been long gone from the military. Fei shrugs, "I was about to come out anyway. There's something you need to know, the Furher and his pawn are on their way. I just saw them in the alleyway not too far from here." "That's what I was afraid of," an unfamiliar voice spoke. We all turn to see two girls stepping off an alchemized made ice pillar and onto the roof they stood on.

"Catherine? Alice? What are you both doing here!?" Ling exclaims, causing Lan fan to go on the defense. The girl called Catherine points down at the streets and said, "That presence you're feeling? You're not supposed to feel it until later. They most likely got tipped off about what Ed's plan is and want to intervene as soon as possible." The tall one with her bore a striking resemblance to that little girl bumped into a few weeks ago. I think her name was also Alice? "We're here to give you guys the time you're supposed to face them," Alice states and both start undressing certain articles of their clothes. With a canister full of water, I watch as the blonde uses her alchemy to change herself into a brunette. "You two wait here," she orders while transmuting her hat into a mask. "Don't jump in until I give you the signal."

The whole time she was giving orders to my stupid-faced half sibling and his body guard, I couldn't stop staring at the way she moved and take note of how she spoke. She reminds me so much of someone I know, I just can't put my finger on it. "You two." Catherine pauses and stares at my face. Her eyes were filled with both shock and worry. She brushes it off and continues, "Get out of here, now! This isn't your fight. It was never supposed to be. Whatever you're here for it's not worth it." Anger suddenly began to flare up. "You can't order me around! Besides, a brat like you shouldn't go dive in head first to a battle you can't win! Stop being stubborn Cat!" I immediately slap a hand over my mouth. I've never met her in my life, how could I possibly know what she's like?

Noticing my apparent confusion, Catherine slowly approaches me. "Listen... Whoever you are, you cannot stay her. The longer you do, the more it'll have a negative effect on your mental state. Just retreat for now. That's all I ask." Fei places a hand on my shoulder and eyes me worriedly, concerned on what's happening to me. Reluctant, I nod and jump to the nearest roof, with Fei following me not long after. 'What's happening to me...?'

-Back to Me-

After ripping off my sleeves and transmuting as much as my clothes to appear leather-like and change the color to black, I stood before Ling, Lan Fan and Alice in my new appearance. "Alice, can you act as my eyes till I finish up?" Alice seemed deep in thought about something. "Alice?" She snaps out of her thoughts and confidently nods, "You can count on me." Satisfied with her answer, I was just about to leave until Ling steps in front of me. "I can't let you do this Catherine," he said, his eyes no longer closed like before to stare at me intently.

"I have to."

"But why!? What did you mean that they want to intervene as soon as possible?"

I almost forgot, Ling and Lan Fan don't know I'm from the other side like the others do. I know they can be trusted. 'I have to tell them later,' I make mentally note on that as I answer, "You have trust me on this. Please, let me go and I promise I'll tell you everything. If I don't do this then someone might die, and I don't want that to happen. I don't want to see that ever again." Ed was close to death when I held him in my arms. I can't let it happen ever again, not only to him but to anyone else. This isn't just about making sure the timeline or anything related to that, this is about making sure no one else gets hurt. He knew on the spot there was no talking me out of it. Stepping back, he makes a head gesture for me to go. I take a few steps forward then look back at the three. "I owe you one Ling," I said.

And just as I was about to use my alchemy to get down, he blurts out, "You mean a date, right?" I nearly fell off the building because of that. I was going to flash him a snarky remark but then I caught Lan Fan seething where she stood. Even Alice could sense it. I nervously smile at this, "Sure. I'll think about it." I turn back and glared down at the ground below. I know once I step off this roof, there's no turning back. If I didn't have this catalyst inside of me, I would never have considered fighting the king himself in the first place. Then again, I wouldn't be alive right now if I didn't, in fact I would have been dead the moment I first entered the military. I wasn't properly trained. I just went with my instincts most of the time, then the rest came naturally. 'Hopefully my luck doesn't run out...' With that thought in mind, I step off the roof and straight to my first battle against another homunculus.

To Be Continued

Wow... WOW... A whole month I did not update this. I am so sorry! There was so much going on and- Know what? Enough about me! You guys are more important than my own well-being! I have been a bit bitchy, and I apologize for that. As well as that unnecessary statement two chapters back... What matters right now is that I am back! I hope none of you thought I would abandon this. I already know how upsetting it is not to see something end properly. It's still rare to see a long fanfic actually have the word COMPLETE in the description. It's going to be a long while till I finish this... but hopefully a lot of you guys will still be around when it does. Thank you guys so much for your years of support! I'm still looking for an editor to fix the previous chapter. ^^; It's just really hard to find anyone to trust these days for such a thing. Please R&R and I'll see you guys in the next chapter! Just not immediately soon...