Hey Peoples, sorry for the big huge delay, I finally moved into my new place, and getting internet was taking awhile, that...And I lost the cord to my other computer that held the original chapter of this story. Being slightly disappointed I decided to just start over and type up an upgraded version of what I have originally wrote of Chapter 6. So I do apologize for the delay, but the chapter's here now, and I'm ready to make you all so very happy :D. I hope you like it!
Description: Nothing is copied, and if it is, it's probably from the show itself or otherwise, please forgive me. I don't own the characters just Janelle, and the other made up characters that are obvious. ENJOY!
Chapter VI: Hello Mr. Avarice
Many dreams pass, some she'd remember, and ones she'd completely forget about the moment her eyes would open. This time wasn't the same. She did remember it, and she kept it close the moment morning came to this world.
It was about her home back in her own world. Memories she didn't recall before, seeing it as clear as day. She wish she could've fix some of them, and others she could barely believe with her own eyes. They were just as stream made as the ones Ed and Al had seen in their experience through the portal, passing by each memory like a strip of film. Didn't want to make sense to many of it, but with the streams pouring into her head like a voilent tide, until suddenly everything went white. A bright light had blinded her from the memories, and here she was standing before the portal again.
Everything was certainly unclear to her, but the more she stared at the door, the more it opened. she wasn't so sure on why, but whatever the reason, she couldn't step forward considering truth had been standing in front of the door way, blocking its entrance, "Why is this happening? I thought you took away my memories, truth?" She asked curiously, more confused by all the dusty images trying to stick to her brain.
Truth smiled, grinning at Janelle's question when he chuckled lightly, "Apparently your mind and body refuse to let them go. For whatever reason, subconsciously you want to remember your life back home." then he tilted his head to her, "Or do you?"
"Huh? I-, I don't know."
"Pity. Either way, the people that knew you were obviously ones you regret meeting.. Either that, or just people thinking they were better than you.."
"Hey! Where do you get off? you didn't know them."
"Ha ha! I don't have to know to see them. Your memories show everything, girl."
"Even if that were true, my memories are what make me, me, without them I wouldn't grow now would I?" Janelle was balling her fist and her face flushing with frustration. To think that truth could judge her and her life like he had a say in who were her friends or not.
Then again, he did have a point. A point that Jan denied to let him know about as he laughed more, smacking his knee, "Oh my, you humans are intriguing beings I give you that. But there's one thing I haven't asked."
"Oh?"Janelle replied with her hands to her bent hips.
"Yes...How is your world different from this new one?"
"Huh? You mean besides not being my own?"
"I mean compared to the people you know now." It was a confusing question and more of a suspicious one, but none the less brunette didn't think to hard about as she narrowed her eyes down to her feet, thinking of yesterdays events. Her injury, the Elrics, Hawkeye, Lan Fan, and especially...Ling. She didn't want to admit it but he was the first actually to pop into her mind, and make a small smile slide across her face, "Well, it sure is different, as you said."
"Eh and how's that?"
"The people I know here...They...They care."
"Ah, so the emotional state of knowing your previous life is still in tact, which helps you feel the difference between the two worlds."
"I guess." She assumed shrugging her shoulders.
Just then, Truth's smiled widen more than before, and with a full hearted laugh he nodded, "That's good isn't it?"
She didn't want to admit it, again she was conflicted by what she was feeling, and yet nodded with him, "Yeah. But it doesn't make up for the memories you took from me." She added glaring at him to make the blank face frown. Just for a moment, before he grinned again, "Do you want a taste of what I'd taken? Maybe it'll ease your conscionce better."
"Yeah I would." She announced crossing her arms, but apparently, it was the answer she would regret when the portal swooped her in. The little arms and hands did it at such a speed she hardly noticed it until they grabbed each of her limbs and pulled her in to the black hole. She struggled a little to their tight grip, and nearly yelped when they lifted her upside down. The last thing she saw was truth still with his famous grin on his face, chuckling darkly and saying, "You asked for it."
"Wha-," In a flash, the girl was back in her world, at the age of 10 years old when she remembered living with her mother at the time. Her brother that was suppose to be the middle child now was only 4 at the time when this nightmare occurred, but was lucky enough not to be there when his own father unattempted to stab her.
She was sitting on the couch playing nitendo 64, her older step brother being there at the time when his father was watching. Well, actually he was upstairs doing what ever it was, when suddenly the phone rang. Janelle was the first to answer it, but didn't seem to register that her step father had already answered it from the other line.
She wasn't sure who was talking with him, but she stayed on the phone a little longer, before suddenly hearing her father say, "Could you give me a minute." the sound of his footsteps scared her more that anything when she finally hung it up, and waited for him to approach. When he did, he began to smack her from the side of the head, until she fell to the floor, "What the hell are you doing!" He yelled before picking her up by her collar and threw her into the kitchen.
"N-nothing..." She quivered whispering softly before feeling herself get picked back up by her arm roughly. She had to admit she was terrified. She didn't even understand what she did wrong to recieve such a harsh punishment, but after her step father was done, he ordered her to clean the living room, while his son sat there and watched the dilemma occur. "After your done with that, I want you to come up to the room! Will talk more about your behavior then." His words alone stung so deep that Janelle heart sank. What would he do? What would he say? the only thing that terrified Jan more than anything, was being alone with him.
A couple years passed, and after reporting the abuse to her elementary principle, Janelle was taken from her home and put into a loving, and caring foster home. The people were sincerely nice, and even though they went to church on Sundays, Janelle felt calmer being here than at her old home. Although, she did miss her mother and brother terribly. By this time, her mother had only had two children, but years after moving in with her biological father, she had another, making three altogether with the same bastard she had stayed with for many years.
At the time, Jenny didn't seem to realize what had happened, how she went from her mother's, to foster care, to her aunts, and to her fathers all within three years of each other, but it happened so quickly that soon enough, her anger and rebelliouness would come to bite her in the ass...
After seeing what the girl saw, like a distant dream, Janelle certainly remembered what happened back when she was a child, the molesting and abused that caused her down fall into drugs and alcohol by age 14. All the pain of those years was hard to handle, and the only way she knew how to deal with it was by numbing it.
Now, here she was standing in the light of the portal with all the streams of her memories again alone.
She hadn't realized she had started to cry, but when she closed her eyes to let the tears fall, she reopened them this time to see that the pain she held wouldn't be by herself..
Another had seen exactly what this girl had been, her tears daring to seep from the corner of her eyes once more when she saw who it was,, "Guys?" She could see Ed and Ling there, but for some reason, they could barely see her just before everything went dark, and the feel of the cool air swept across the girl's body as reality settled back in.
Her name from Ling's voice was the last thing she heard.
The sound of birds chirping, and the slight sound of a car driving by when Janelle began to awaken from her dream. Or was it a dream?
It seemed more real than anything to her, and as she looked out the window into the break of dawn, it all came back to her instantly. She laid there under a thin sheet, shifting her hips and her head into one of her hands as she stared dazed out the window and its scenery of luscious trees and mountain tops. She then gave out a long yawn, and looked around the room slowly till she came to see Lan Fan sleeping on the floor.
Jan couldn't help the smile that appeared on her face as she sat up from her pillow slowly, and set her feet off the edge of the bed as she gave a small grunt from her wound she seemed to slightly forget about. It was still somewhat fresh, but alot more painful, even when she tried to stretch her body it was nearly impossible just because of it. Slumming off the mat now, Janelle pressed her hand into the bandaged part of her, and walked over to the mirror first, to see herself in the reflection once more, topless, but bandaged up from the ribs and up till she came upon her animated features.
She didn't know why, but it was still cool in some way to see herself, but after brushing out her hair with her fingers, she set her sights on the door to the hallway, grabbing up her mp3 and made her down stairs with a small struggle. She looked around for Dr. Knox hoping would be awake of something, but it seemed he had fallen asleep on the couch. Amazing considering his past with Ishval, he must've just been that exhausted. Well, it was a good thing for him, right?
So, softly tredding her footsteps lightly, Janelle this time made her way out to the front door, and closed it behind her as she sat on the small steps to the doctors home. She had some difficulty sitting at first, but then she did, she turned to her music player and began searching through her decades of music, finding the song, 'Hanging On by Ellie Goulding'. She hummed to it softly, pondering and thinking about her dream, mostly about hearing her voice from Ling and how it could've occurred.
At first she thought it could've just been a dream, but when she remembered Truth showing her her memories, it was plain as day that it was more than that. Her mind and soul must've been close to the portal in her dreams that when the two boys passed over, they were able to see eachother in some way. As complicated as that sounded, it was the only explaination for what had happened. But again, Janelle could only think of Ling and Edward, how they were doing and if everything down in the Central undergrounds were not as bad as it seemed.
What should I do? I can't just stay here for months and months thinking of a way to help when I'm clearly uncapable of doing so. Not only that Wrath's seen my face and I'm sure he's already told father what I-, hey...Wait a minute...That's it! Suddenly the craziest idea popped into the girls head. One that would either be crazy enough to work or one that would end up killing her. She believed that if she went to Central and turned herself into Father, he could heal her arm, like he did for Ed and Al, not only that, if he deemed her worthy of keeping alive, she could see Ling again.
Her heart nearly jumped at the thought of him, and his oh so charming smile, his go lucky attitude even in the face of a serious fight. Guess after being assasinated a few times as a child, it really had a positive outlook on life. Every day, it seemed like he'd be in danger, and took the risks at such a young age. He was so brave, and Janelle could only begin to wonder if he was still alright, being that the fact they had already probably passed through the portal, just in the knick of time to see her before crossing completely over.
Janelle's hands tightened from the worry dwelling in her stomach, but tried hard to think of when she would see them again. To see that moronic prince again as much as she felt embarrass to say that.
And only for a split second did she think of that kiss the first time they met. It may haven't been intentional, but there was something about it that made Janelle's heart churn and her stomach summersault with excitement. And why now all of a sudden? She began to blush unnoticeable to herself but certainly to anyone who would've been around, but lucky for her there wasn't. None the less, the feel stayed it repeated in her mind, the feel of his lips, the smell around him. She felt as if having a crush on the boy. Ha, there's no way...I-I barely know the guy, well in a way I mean, but still, it was an accidently, that and he probably doesn't feel the same as me about that...Could he? She had to shake her head of these thoughts, she was being ridiculous, and if anything there was something more important to worry about than a stupid kiss.
Father.
Father was the one she needed to get to, but the question was how. Or who should she go to? She felt if she went to Wrath it would only end badly, but then again maybe not. Then she thought about the Elrics. They were to be release soon enough after meeting Father, so maybe if she waited long enough near that one phone booth, she would be able to run into them, and Greed.
"That's it! It's a safer way, and I wouldn't be so...Paranoid being around the Avaricious. Well, maybe I should be, considering otherwise. Hm, I guess we'll have to wait and see I guess." Being the only option she could think of for now, Janelle nodded to herself and stood up to stare back at the street to see a couple walking by.
The two seemed to notice her, and happily waved, "Good morning!"
"Uh-, M-morning." She waved smiling awkwardly to the two, and watched as they passed along the sidewalk, talking to one another until they were out of Jan's view. Then, with a small sigh, the brunette walked inside thinking of her plan, and how she would proceed to do it without trying to get killed this time.
Later that afternoon, after fully dressing herself in a dark red tank top, and deni pants, she began to ready her bag once again as she started to rethink her plan, making sure she knew how to explain her being here, and showing that she was full blown crazy. So, she brought the only thing that got her here, and carefully wrapped it up in her clothing, just in case any other unpredictible this happened on her way to the telephone booth.
Yet, as she was packing her bag up, Lan Fan had walked in with lunch, and a small smile as she brought it to the dresser, "Here's your lunch. Dr. Knox's told this is all he has so he hopes you're not picky."
"Can't hate it till you try it I always say. Thanks." She smiled back, folding the last piece of clothing before closing up her bag.
"You look like you're going somewhere." Janelle knew Lan Fan wasn't stupid. She was Ling's body guard, so it wasn't going to be easy explaining this whole idea to someone who was suppose to be looking after her.
But she did anyways, "I'm going to go see Ling. I know where he is, but I might have to find one of the homunculi before that happens just to get me in the door."
"What?" The girl nearly flipped and took a strong step forward, "No you're not. The Lord told me to watch over you! And I'm going to just do that!"
"You don't understand Lan Fan, if I don't do this, I'll be stuck in this bed for months, if I can convince them that I'm useful, they won't kill me."
"And how do you know that? You'd be taking a big risk. Don't you think I want to find the young Lord as much as you do?"
"I know. But as ludacris as this plan sounds, I have a way of making it work."
"How?"
"My DVD player."
"Huh?"
"It's the device that got me here in the first place. I've been carrrying it around this whole time, and now I have a purpose for it to get me to Father."
Lan Fan was still looking at the girl like she was insane. Of all crazy stunts, like the one with her arm, why in the world would this girl want to even come close to the homunculi after they knew about her involvement with the Elric brothers. She only had to ask, and sighed as she crossed her arms, "Alright, then answer me this Janelle. Why now in your condition."
"Well, that's the plan. I'm wounded so I'm completely useless, but if I meet father and he thinks me useful...He'll heal my arm. Then, I can help from the inside."
"Really? But why would he have a use for you?"
"Gosh you ask a lot of questions." Janelle giggled, and put her bag over her good arm, attempting to balance the thing on her back without hurting herself. It was a lot harder than she thoughts as she inhaled deeply, walking up to he body guard still staring her down skeptically, "Listen, I know what I'm doing, if I didn't well then it would be a stupid plan, no?"
"Mm... Fine. But I'll be watching you."
"What?"
"I need to make sure you get to your destination safely, so I'll walk with you."
"Okay, but you need to change into some different clothes, because you're screaming out body guard right now."
"What? Ooh...Okay! But what other clothes can I wear?" With a small bit of thinking, Janelle smiled and pulled out a pair of her clothes, "Here."
"What? uh-, no, that's okay."
"I got plenty more where those came from. Just take it."
"Ugh! Alright, alright."
"Now hurry up, it's almost noon!"
It wasn't like it took long for the xingese girl to get ready, but time was limited until she missed her chance, and after Lan Fan was ready the two headed out making up an excuse for Knox that they would be back soon.
They both walked down the sidewalk closer to Central command to find that one phone that Janelle was eyeing for. She make sure to look around carefully, both of them did until it finally revealed itself. "There! That's it!" She walked up to it at a fast pace, trying to still be extra careful with her shoulder as her hand reached for it with a gentle touch, "Wow. Cool. It's almost like a land mark to me. I don't know whether to be sad or happy about it." She thought her mind criss crossed.
"Hey, are you trying to leave me behind! I look ridiculous!"
"Sorry, guess I got carried away. And you look fine. Some pants and a t-shirt looks good on you. It's just probably not your style."
"That's an under statement."
"Whatever." The brunette laughed, "In any case, you don't have to stick around, I should be okay from this point on."
"Are you sure?" Lan Fan gave a concerened look as she hand the girl her bag. She couldn't help, but want to carry the heavy thing for her, the girl could barely walk with it let alone pick it up in her condition, the wound was still fresh, whether or not Janelle wanted to admit she needed the help, "I just want you to be-,"
"Careful? I will be. Once the boys get here that's as safe as I can get." Lan Fan smiled. Kind of. It didn't seem to be her best one, but none the less she stared at the girl a little longer, as if thinking of something before turning away, "You know they're going to be pissed when they realize you didn't get the rest you needed."
"I figured as much. Thanks for the heads up."
Janelle looked to the phone booth for a second, and sighed to herself as a small breeze cooled her skin and the air around her, but as she looked back to where Lan Fan had been walking away, she disappeared into the trees without a sound, leaving Jan to giggled a little more when she turnd her attention to the phone booth, looking around it a few times, sticking a piece of gum into her mouth that she had hidden in her pockets and stuck in her head phones to listen to a few more songs to ease her twisted stomach ache of hesitation and nervousness.
This time, she had been drawn to the theme song of Game of Thrones and its instrumental music it played. She sat on the side of the booth, still gazing around the area for the two brothers until she stopped for a while after an hour, and laid her head between her legs, "Man, I hate waiting, it's torture just sitting here at a time like this. I wish they'd hurry up already."
"Janelle?" A sudden, yet familiar voice caused Janelle to hitch the breath in her chest, and hesitantly looked to the two boys standing in front of her. In an instant her face brightened with a smile, "Boys! Took you long enough." She laughed.
"What are you doing here! You shouldn't be out especially with that!"
"Awe, you're so caring Ed."
"It wasn't a joke, you shouldn't-,"
"I know, I know, I'll explain later. In the mean time, don't you have a phone call to make?"
"Yeah but that can wait, I want to know what you're doing here?"
"Well..." After again explaining her plan like she did to Lan Fan, Ed and Al became frantic, "I swear lady you are nuts!"
"Hey! That's not very nice to say." She frowned with puppy dog eyes.
"Do you listen to yourself when you talk? That's suicidal, and your shoulder-,"
"Like I said, if he finds me worthy of keeping alive it's not as suicidal as it sounds." She assured.
"But, who're you planning on going to? The other Homunculi might just find you disposable." Alphonse suddenly asked. Before the girl could answer though, she noticed a someone else leaning against the phone booth, staring the girl down with an intrigued expression.
How long has he been there? She thought to herself as she smiled and pointed behind the two boys, "Yeah, but he can take me." The two brothers turned to see who it was, staring at none other than Greed the Avaricious who began to smirk.
"You know, it's this kind of thing the other homunculi would be expecting."
"LING!"
"No it's Greed, still. Never told me you such a hot girlfriend Ed."
"What!" Both Ed and Janelle exclaimed blushing out of embarrassment, before Jan broke out into laughter, "As cute as he is hon, he's already taken."
"Hey!" The short Alchemist exclaimed louder.
"What? It's true. Sorry, I'm just a friend." She explained.
"Really? Nice to meet you then, I'm Greed."
"The Avaricious. Nice to meet you." She chirped, "I see Ling's doing alright as well."
"Huh? I take it your a friend of the Xingese prince?"
"Yeah, but um, it's more complicated than that. Speaking of which, I need a favor from you."
"Janelle don't, you're not doing this! Look at you. You're arm!" The girl ignored Edward once again, and took a few steps towards the homunculus who continued to look at the girl with hands at his waist. He cocked a brow when he saw the smile still planted on her face and when it brightened he gave a smirk back, "And what favor would that be pretty girl?"
"That would be taking me to your father." The look on the Avarice's face was priceless, his eyes widened as if she was insane and the smirk he once had diminished, "What for?"
"I need him to help me with something."
"And that would be..."
"My arm. As you can see it isn't in great condition, but I know your father can heal me."
"Aaand what makes you think he won't kill you?"
"Because once I explain where I'm from I'll have a better chance of living."
"Hmm? What do you mean?"
"She's from a different world Greed. She's not from here." The news was quite shocking and almost unbelieveable as he scanned the girl over a third time, more interested in her upper body more than anything. Janelle could see that, but tried to ignore it the best she could.
Then with a small laugh Greed straightened himself and tilted his head to the side, "Really? Sounds amazing, but now the question is what would be in it for me?"
"I don't know. Besides wanting the finer things in life, what would you want?" Again the Avairicious was flabbergasted by what this girl knew. Apparently knew a little about him, but the question was how much? He knew she wouldn't tell him here and now, but if he did bring this girl to his father...Would be able to learn more?
Just then, the sound of Ling's voice called to him Hey Greed?
What is it?
As much as I'm against Janelle getting hurt, if she's right about what she's trying to do, I'd say do it.
Huh? You sure? Even if the girl could get killed?
I think she knows what she's doing. Besides, there's something I want to give her as well...Seemed to have missed my chance the last time we saw one another. Hearing this from the prince inside him, Greed pondered on his words for a moment only to hum in his throat as he smirked and decided on what to do. On one condition, "You'll have to do me one thing."
"One thing?" Unsure, but only could've predicted this if only she had thought about it. On that note, she nodded unwantingly and gave a slanted smile of uncertainites, "What?"
"You have to stick with me kid."
"Okay...Considering for an asshole you're a hell of a lot nicer than the creeps in Central. Both surface and underground."
"Well, it's either that or nothing beautiful." He grinned leaning himself closer to the girl to make her slightly uneasy. She actually gulped unwilling and licked her lips nervously, "Fine."
"You sure you want to do this?"
"I maybe young, but I'm not entirely stupid either, what is it already?" In that moment, the avarcious wrapped a hand around the girl's waist and brought her close to his chest, having Janelle's heart nearly beat out of her chest from the scare. But what made her even more unprepared was his answer, "Just you." Well, Janelle thought it could've been worse, but the quesiton was could she agree to it.
She wasn't completely preparing for the answer, but then again, it is Greed, she again should've seen this coming. Well, He isn't so bad compared the other six, was he? And he does have Ling to hold him back...I think. I would hope. Shaking her head of her wondering thoughts, Jan quickly grabbed and released Greed's arm from around her, and walked around him, keeping her back to his front as he turned around following her, "It wouldn't be that bad, all you have to do is keep me company. It can get boring being underground, and considering otherwise."
As she stared back just as skeptical as Greed was she finally wrapped her arms around herself, and bent her hips when she finally smiled deviously, "Why of all things would you want someone like me? Did Ling say something or are you making this decision on your own?" She asked curiously. It wasn't a secret to the girl that Ling was still alive and inside his own body still, but by the expression changing on the Avaricious's face, and his eyes nearly buldging out of his head, mouth gaped wide.
Him and the Elrics, "I knew it!" Ed exclaimed pointing a finger at the homunculus.
"Oh settle down Ed. Yeah, I kind of do know about that, but don't worry...I'm trustworthy." Her smile said it all.
"How'd-..."
"Like we've said before I'm not exactly from here. You'll hear all about it when I tell Father, but first you got to take me to him." He wanted to say more, the many questions popping into his head one after another; he wanted to know more about this girl and who she was, how she knew who he was before he even laid eyes on her. She had no familiarities, and from what he could gather from the boys, she definitely wasn't from here.
He couldn't wait to hear more and with a proudful smile, he extended his hand out to the girl this time, getting her face to sour with confusion, "What?"
"Is it a deal?" She rolled her eyes sighing defeatedly and put out her hand to his, shaking with a firm grip, "Strong little thing aren't ya?"
"Says the one with the ultimate shield."
" I swear Janelle once this is all over, you are so answering my many questions." Ed grumbled, his head pounding from the shock he just endured. It seemed every time she opened her mouth a new discovery would blow his mind. "You got it." She giggled.
"So, where to?" She asked looking back to Greed.
"Before we go I still have something to give to Ed. Here." Reaching into his pocket, Greed handed the eldest a cloth with writing in blood. "It's in a different language."
"Yeah well it's from the kid. He said he wanted you to give it to his lady friend?"
"Lan Fan?" In an instant Edward became wiery of the boy's intention, thinking that somehow Greed wanted to get of hold her, "this isn't a trick to followo us is it? Because if you hurt her-,"
"I got way more class than that, and as a rule of thumb I don't fight women." He said the last part staring back at Jan, who seemingly puzzled by it, and looked away slowly when she began to feel that tingling in her stomach. What could she say he was handsome. Greed-, Ling...Well, both were pretty hot Alright Jenny don't get carried away now.
"Until then I would suggest trying not to call your friend, they'll be expecting that. Later." Greed turned away now beginning to walk back to Central hoping that Janelle would follow, but what he failed to realize was that the brunette could barely carry her bag without hurting yourself, "What're you doing?"
"What does it look like genius, I'm carrying my bag." She stated limping slightly when she hurt her shoulder. She hissed lightly, trying to rearrange the strange of her bag on her good arm, but still it seemed to fail.
"You idiot." Greed rolled his eyes and turned back for the girl with his hand reaching out for the bag.
"Excuse me? Ah! Hey..." Then he snatched it up and put it over his own shoulder, "The hell's in this thing?"
"mm...It's a secret."
"A secret huh? I like secrets, care to share it with me?" The Avarice smirked.
"I bet you do. And know, you'll see when we get to father."
"Awe, you're no fun. What does pops got that I ain't got?"
"The power to heal my wound, and I don't want what I have in my bag to get broken. It needs to stay in mint condition. Well, considering the hell its already gone through already."
"Hmph, what? You don't trust me holding your bag, afraid I'll become careless with it?" To tease the girl he began to swing the bag around in his hand, causing Janelle to nearly have her heart jump out of her chest and gasp the last bit of air she had in her, "Don't do that!"
"Why not?" He asked laughing.
"Because it's fragile! Even if you were to accidentally drop the damn thing would break."
"Then tell me what it is. I promise I'll act surprise when we get there." It was obvious this ass was going to screw with her the rest of the way until she told him what was in it, so with a big sigh she itched the back of her head and began to explain.
"It's something called a DVD player."
"A what?"
"Exactly, it was what got me into this world in the first place. Now, if you don't mind? Please be careful with the bag, okay?" Greed could disagree, she did tell him what it was, and could shrug as he threw the bag back over his shoulder, placing his other hand in his pocket, "Fair enough."
For a moment, the walk became silent, but as the two walked together, Janelle seem to nonchalantly pop her gum out of still unsetttled nerves, grabbing the homunculus's attention once again, cocking his brows at the girl at the pink thing she was chewing on, "What is that?"
"what?"
"In your mouth."
"Eh? Oh you mean my gum!"
"Your...Gum?"
"Mm-hm! Helps with nerves, if you're trying to quit smoking, or just for simply chewin'."
"Does it have a taste?" Janelle smiled lightly and pulled out a piece from her pocket, handing him the strip after taking off the foil for the Avarice. At first, he was unsure on whether to take it or not, but as he saw the smile on the girl face, he smiled back at took the piece in his mouth.
He chewed it for a second and chuckled at the taste, "It's a bit sweet."
"They have other flavors in my world. Alot I can't even describe the flavor, but there's a few like cinnamon, this one is original flavor, and some that are suppose to be fruit related. Like watermelon."
"Cool. Got any of those on you?"
"Nope. At home I do though. Helps with a few of the problems I had as a kid." Not going into any great detail about the pass she remembered through her dreams, she nodded and avoided her eyes from his when she mentioned it.
Although the avarice wasn't a fool he could see something was wrong when she said that but played it off as if he didn't notice the uncertainty in the girl's eyes. Instead he continued to chew on the gum for a little while longer, and after began to wonder, "So, how did you make the bubble with your mouth earlier? I mean, besides the obviousness of using your tongue?"
"You just stretch out the gum with your teeth, use your tongue to stick it out of your mouth and blow. Like a balloon."
"Can you show me again?" He teased grinning to the point that t was obvious what he was getting at. Janelle only laughed and shook her head at him, "Some other time."
"Awe, too bad. I would've love to see that."
"Yeah, yeah I'm sure you would've. Perv."
"Hey that's not a very nice thing to say to someone who's doing you a favor."
"Yeah, for a price, remember?" She interjected crossing her arms at him.
"Is it really that bad of a price though."
"Compared to what Father may be asking for no. It's probably less lethal too."
"Ha, ha! You're definitley right about that babe."
"Don't call me babe. It's unpleasant to the ear."
"Oh, so sassy. I like that in a woman."
"Smart ass." She tittered. Before they knew it, the two had made to the back gates of Central, and when Greed opened the door, he risen his open hand bowing his head, "Ladies first." Being hesitant of course, Janelle took a quick gaze down the stairs before gulping back her bundle of nerves and puffed out her chest as she bravely ventured on, "You know if you're afraid of the dark you can always hold my hand." Greed chuckled.
Janelle looked back at him and faintly gave a fake laugh, "Ha ha you're so funny."
"Hey, just putting it out there."
"I don't need my hand being held, but thanks for the consideration." Just then, a sound of a growl rang in the girl's ears causing her to gasp out loudly and back up right into the homunculus. She actually hit him so hard he made a noise as he grabbed her waist to hold her still. Some how she seemed to forget about the fact that these underground tunnels were filled with chimeras, and gave a short breath as she held her hand to her chest, now coming to see that she had also placed her head against the avaricious's chest.
She gasped again looking up to see Greed looking down on her smirking softly to himself just before he leaned his head forward with a whisper, "You sure about that?" She couldn't help it this time, the girl blushed a bright red just as she pushed herself away, and patted her thighs, "Nope. I'm good p-peachy."
"Heh heh, oh you're going to be a fun person to mess with."
"No I'm not."
"Uh-huh."
"Nu-uh." She retorted back with a funny looking face.
"Whatever you say doll. Shall we keep going then?" After that little entertainment the two continued to walk on, until an opening of where Father usually sat came into view. The huge doors were wide opened probably from earlier.
The two entered in silence considering from what Janelle could see: Father using alchemy to clean up the battle mess from earlier.
Just then, "Hey pops! I found something for ya."
"You didn't find anything Mr. Avarice."
"Greed, what is this? Bringing a human down here?" He said it with such spite it made the girl's spine give a sharp stab sensation down her bones, until Greed spoke with 'che', "Well, she may be human alright, she's no ordinary human daddy-o."
"Oh? And how is that? Speak girl. What is your name?" The girl was slightly shocked, and nearly incompacitated as she stood there froze. Greed could see that she had become paralyzed, and nugged her some what roughly to snap her out of her daze, "Huh? What? Oh! Janelle."
"Can I ask why my rebellious son has seemed to have brought you here?"
"Um-, well...It's a long story, but I'm not exactly from here, Father."
"Hmm..." His stood up straight from turned to the girl with a hand rubbing against his chin, "Well then, tell me your story child, and make it quick."
"Right...Well, i-it started like this..." Trying to explain an astonishing tale like the one Janelle told wasn't easy to explain, but Father's eyes raised definitely pleased by the story, and once the girl was done. She even pulled out the player to show him, amusing the man more as he held the device in his hand with over zealous eyes.
Janelle sighed deeply leaning over and raised her head up to the blonde homunculus, seeing his expression filled with curiosity, and bedazzlement. It sure was hard to believe, but with the proof she had Jenny prayed it would work. She began to fill that fear enveloping her just as she shut her eyes tight, and button her lips to hope repetively that this man wouldn't kill her.
Suddenly the man reached his hand out to the brunettes wounded shoulder. When his hand made contact he studied the injury, and the girl's wide eye reaction of pain. She would have to admit that she did tear up a bit when she muffled a whimper, "I see, so, you are the girl Wrath told me about. the girl who told the Xingese boy about his ultimate eye. Yes, I see that he didn't go easy on you, but at least he didn't kill you." Feeling her heart thumb back in relief a sudden red light came to her shoulder, and instantly her arm was helped. The soreness vanished the moment the red light touched it, and when Father pulled his hand away, Janelle moved her arm slowly to see that it was no longer in pain.
Baffled and happily relieved, she undid her badages and saw for herself that the only thing left was the blood stained to her skin, along with some resinated ieodine there as well, "How does that feel?" The homunculus asked.
"Like new. Thanks." She replied trying to keep her calm, "Wow, that's so cool. So, what do I do now?"
"Your arm needs cleaning. I would suggest Greed take you to the surface for a proper cleaning. Then, after you're done with that you will return back here to be placed in a room."
"Okay...Then what?"
"You will know when I call for you."
"Uh, okay."
"Come on Jan, I'll show you where it is."
"You better not tried to spy on me..."
"What make you think I'd do that?" The greedy homunculus asked with a cheeky grin, and that bostful gaze in his eyes that only make Janelle shove him away playfully as she walked in front of him.
"I could think of a few good reasons...I see the way you stare at me, I've seen it before from others."
"Any way you be taken?"
"What! Get out of here!" Greed love hearing the sound of him taunting the poor girl, the way she would blush and become frantic within seconds. She was sure to be days of entertainment till he could rule the world.
Father watching the two, only shook his head at the mindless bickering, and turn his eyes back to the DVD player Janelle had left in his care. His head turning with ideas on what to do with this new found power.
Was it from truth itself. Or was it something else? I can only imagine the possibilities.
Upstairs, Janelle was already down to her bare naked body and behind the shower door washing herself cool heat against her. She sighed blissfully, and soaked her scalp down to the roots, washed down her face, and scrubbed other vast parts of her body, while Greed sat on the outside of the shower door now, thinking if he would just walk in on the girl. From what he could see, she had a pretty smoking body, but the age of her seemed to bother him.
He assumed technically he didn't have an age due to the fact that he was born today. So in a way she was legal. Not to mention that the prince was a year younger than the girl. Suddenly he heard the girl sneeze loudly and sniffle, "You alright in there?"
"Yeah. You know, Father said to take me to the showers, not watch me by the door." She corrected wondering in he was literally doing in there.
"Same thing doll, you never know who could walk in unexpectedly." He said with a smile.
"Riiiight." He could tell of the sarcasm in her voice, but none the less still laughed lightly, lean his head back up to the cieling.
He began to wonder in his head, if or when would be a good time to send this little message from the prince to the girl, debating if he would let the prince have his moment with the girl or to do it himself. Deep down he could feel Ling pulling at his insides, yearning and wanting for what he wanted to give to Janelle.
Although, not meaning to peek through the cracks of the shower, giving Greed the view he had been wanting, and grinned devilishly at the girl's form.
Unknown to Janelle, who was happily washing her hair of the soap, he continued to stare at her. The shape of her behind, and the curve up her back to her shoulder, it was slowly becoming harder for the avaricious to contain himself. He couldn't remember the last time he had something that appetizing. (Changing her age to 16 turning 17.) Gulping back his avarice tugging at him now, Greed looked away, began to look back on what the prince had told him the moment he took him in. How he went on about a woman who risks her life to get him this far, that he couldn't go back empty handed to his home land. How he claimed to become ruler of his land, and give back what this special kid did for him.
When he first saw the injury, it all became clear, and then her story...Everything was coming at him so fast, that he eventually smiled and shrugged at the prince's choices. How ambitious he was. He was kind of glad he got this boy instead some one else, other wise he never would've met Janelle.
He must've been stuck in his mind for so long because when he was done dazing at the floor his eyes shifted over to the sound of the water stopping, and the sound of a soft sigh when Janelle dried her hair and face. She then covered herself with the towel, and cautiously walked out making sure not to hit the homunculus on the way out, and eyed him as she walked over to her clothes she had been previously wearing, only beginning to walk back into the showering area, until spoke, "Listen, I got a request from a sudden prince, who wanted to give you something as payment."
"What're you talking about?" Janelle asked still sligthly drenched in water beads. God, why did she have to be in just a towel! It was killing him.
"Hell if I know. It's his reasonings not mine." He said trying to stand his ground.
"Ugh, just tell me what it is."
"Are you sure?"
"Well there's been something kind of eating at me too, something that maybe only he'd be able to understand."
"Mm...Don't get me wrong, I ain't the chartible type, but it was the last favor he asked of me before I took over."
"Don't worry, I'll make sure he doesn't try to run off with his body."
"You mean my body!" He corrected irritably.
"Okay, okay, don't get all sensitive about it."
"Just don't be too long." He grumbled and crossed his arms in a huff, his hair a little puffed from his frustration, but after a second of staring curiously at the homunculus.
"Well I'll be...It's nice to see your face agai-, oof!" Out of nowhere Janelle jumped into the boys arms and hugged the day lights out of him, "Hey...What was that-,... for."
The girl didn't say much, only to embrace the prince as she overwhelming zealous with joy laughed and teared up at the sight of him, "Janelle? Are you okay?"
"I just-, I'm just really glad to see you! Ha, ha. Ever since last night, and this morning, I've gained more and more of my memories, to be frightened and disgusted by the sights of the path I've walked, but in the end, all I saw was you, and I couldn't help myself a part of me wanted to ask if it was all just a dream or did I really see you there." Ling was completely confused and baffled by Janelle's rambling, but all and all smiled his widest and chuckled as he patted the girl's head.
"I haven't a clue to what you're talking about, but whatever it is, I'm glad to see you too."
"Don't be mean! I'm glad you're okay. I'm sure getting a stone to reconstruct your body can't feel all that great." She was wiping away the small shimmering glare around her eyes and smiled just as wide as he did, hearing him laugh even more to how she could've known that, "Oh Janelle Janelle."
"That's my name don't wear it out."
"But I like saying it."
"You're not the first." She joked noticing that his hands were rubbing behind her forearms, causing goosebumps up and down her arms, neck and back in a way she thought she could never feel.
She had to admit it had been awhile since a man she liked touched her. In any way she supposed, and when Ling noticed this his smiled dimmed slightly to the shape of the girls eyes and lips, his back still to the floor when Janelle had knocked him over.
He didn't know why but now that he got his chance to talk with Janelle, he felt as if his throat had close up on him, and tongue swelled till it hit the roof of his mouth, "Janelle, I-," All of a sudden, the door to the showers slammed open getting Janelle to get off the xingese prince faster than you could say...Any word at this point. Greed had barely noticed it until he took back over the body, with himself laying on the floor, and a very confused looking disguised Envy standing at the door, "Again, awkward moment." Janelle muttered to herself.
Envy looked to her first after the smart alick remark, and growled as he turned his attention to Greed who was leaning against the shower door, with a smile planted on his face, "Well, well, as if I didn't expect this."
"Shut up Greed! Father sent me to see what was taking you so long!"
"Just a mere chat between friends is all. As if its any business of yours."
"Just hurry it up before I drag that human back myself."
"Whoa, whoa, standing right here." Janelle tried to remind the two, getting Envy to growl even louder, "I don't care! Stop wasting our time and hurry up!"
"Rude much! Maybe you need to get laid."
"Ha! that'll be the day." Greed snorted only laughing out loud more when he saw the frustrated look on his brothers face.
"Why you little-,"
"Calm down Envy jeez she was just fooling around. And anyways, we'll be back in a while, I'm still showing her around Central command. If you don't mind?"
"Grrr! whatever! I'm the damn things keeper."
"Hey!" Before Janelle could retort to the last statement, the girl growled when the door had closed behind him, and sighed rubbing her eyes to blow off the frustration, and grumbling curses under her breath as she decided to braid her hair down her back, and considered herself down, "Well, I guess Ling's question, request or whatever for later. Maybe we can find somewhere else to talk."
"Yeah...Maybe."
"In any case, what else is there to show me? It's not like Central's anything special."
"Ah, I just said that to keep him out of our hair."
"Gee thanks. You're my hero." She laughed, while collecting her essentials together, only to see that Greed had yet to move from his spot. He was just staring at her.
And staring.
He stared as much as Ling would, and blushed as she looked everywhere else but him, "So, are we going or what?"
"Ladies first."
"Fine. But I don't even know where I'm going."
"Alright alright no need to rush things, we have all day to enjoy ourselves."
"Says you. You're always relaxed even at a time of crisis."
"Is that such a bad thing?" He asked almost cooing into her ear as he followed at her side, leading her up the emergency stares to the roof.
"I guess not. Yet I sometimes wonder how you can be so calm."
"Can I ask what kind of situations are we talking about I was born just today." The mention of that made Janelle smack her head when she rememebered that this Greed didn't know he was the previous one, only to have his memories taken away, "N-Nothing, I'm just babbling. Listen, I need to see if I can find a signal from my phone. I doubt I will but I wanted to see if I find any kind of energy source that can just as strong as a telephone signal."
"Why?"
"You'll see. This cellphone I have? In my time we have telephone poles that are specially made for portable phones."
"Portable phones. That's pretty smart."
"Not when people are using it while driving. Morons. That's like the most dangerous thing to do is talk on the phone while going 60 on a freeway."
"What's a freeway?"
"A long stretch of road." Was how she simply put it as she came over the edge of Central HQ. The view was awefully amazing, and with a smile spreading across Janelle's face, all she could do was take in a deep breath of fresh air, letting the feel of the softly wind blow against her face, "I can see why you'd want to be up here. You can see all of Central from the forest to the people below."
"Huh, sure is." Greed jumped up on the larger part of the top, crossing his legs indian style as he pushed back his trench coat, "I can look at everything I'd want to rule."
"Oh yeah...that."
"Not exactly your cup of tea right?" He asked making idol conversation only to make the girl shrug up at him, "Not really. I'm more of a jealous type, not greedy. I've had enough boyfriends to be greedy that I've lost my interest in it for only themselves."
"Sounds reasonable. But it wasn't just boyfriends was it?"
"No. Everyone I knew were usually out for themselves. Whether meaning to or some how 'accidentally' the block always came on my head. Not to sound so emo, that's just how it was back in my time."
"You just met the wrong people lady. Shit happens."
"No need to explain, I'm over it I guess. I'm just cautious now."
"Well you can trust me." Janelle looked up at Greed from her view over the city, and part her lips to say something, but only looked back down at the town below. Then the trees, and the birds that happened to pass over her head, "You know, as much as I hate to say this. I think I could. Me. I think I could a homunculus over my own family."
"What?"
"Oh-, nothing. Just a thought." For a second Janelle looked back at Greed, seeing his face eyeing over the city now two, apparently their minds connected to the surroundings moving before them. The day becoming later slowly but surely.
Then Janelle started voicing herself about her morning events. Her 'dream'. "Last night. I had this strange nightmare. Apparently I was screaming out for my mother as corny as that sounds, but apparently she couldn't hear me. I don't remember most of what happened after that, but found myself on the floor. Hurt like hell considering." She held her arm once carrying a scar so deep, and the pain that ached with it, "I another. But this it's different. I'm at the portal of truth...This doorway of some sort in front of me. And a faceless reflection of me. It almost seems like he's a ghost. It's barely there." She gulped back closing her eyes as she flashed the deep cut memories embedded back into her skull like stained walls. If only magic erasers would wash away something so tidious, "Then, it gave back something. Broken memories. It mirrored my childhood. Crazy and pathetic as it sounds, I was in a lot of trouble back when I was younger. I got into some bad things, and lost the passion for life. A year later I was already tired of my way of life, and decided to screw everyone else. It's going on a year and a half now since I've been completely sober, and decided to let go of that past, but seeing it again reopened a mortal wound. I guess since I feel it's happening again, only through friends this time. Ugh...I need new friends." The last line was her way of trying to brush it off. He could see this, and when she stared up at him, she smiled softly, "Sorry. Last part was depressing, but the dream wasn't over just yet..."
He kept his eyes on hers stuck on the girl moping back story, her face brightened when she told him about Ling, "I saw Ed and Ling pass through the portal. I had a weird feeling, and I was convinced that we were all teleporting at the same time when we passed through the portal. I could barely see them, but then again I was in a dream, it could've been like a bad connection, but they were there...I just know it. That's the only thing that kept me going. That got me to here."
Silence arose between the two, Greed unsure on how to answer, and as the girl bit her lip, she turned her gaze to the city in an attempt to hide her blush, "I guess being here has given me the ability to transport myself into the portal in a state of dreaming. Weird huh?"
"No. Sounds kind of cool. It's helpful and handy."
"Yeah, I guess you're right." Just then the sound of footsteps startled the two out of their conversation. The two looked back to see none other than Wrath this time, staring the girl down with what looked like a grim look. She gulped as her heart jumped into her throat, and the feel of rosey cheeks paled instantly in the sight of him. It also felt like the wound had returned to her shoulder as she relived the pain.
It was very pleasant.
Just then the old man smiled as if nothing was wrong. It was quite eerie, and as Wrath waved at to the girl, her face paled even more only to feel droplets of sweat run down her face, also waving back, trying to keep her cool, "So, you're the girl with the that xingese boy. Hows the arm by the way? Better I hope."
Goodness his smile was creepy. Janelle only smiled the best she could and nodded, "Fit as a fiddle...sir."
"Mm, good. And Greed how's that new body?" If Janelle didn't know any better she could only assume that the furher was trying to rub in the fact that the homunculi have taken over Greed's mind, and Ling's body...Diminishing the boy into nothingness. As if he was gone. But the girl knew better, and kept her mouth shut as the two began to conversate. Then, the sound of Ling's voice startled Wrath and Janelle when he told the furious to 'shut the hell up! Don't underestimate humans!'
Janelle tried hard to hide her smile, and looked up into the sky to hide her laughter from the reaction Wrath's face bared, also getting Greed to chuckle, "I know this boy's got fire. I better keep up my guard on this one."
"Hm, indeed. Well then, I'll leave you to be. Don't forget father wants the girl back soon. Her rooms ready to go whenever she's ready."
"Right, thanks for the heads up." Once that homunculus was out of sight, Greed could only rub the back of his head, and look up at the sky as he growled at Ling, "Ling..."
"Hmm, hey don't piss off a xingese man."
"Huh, I guess not. But still he's a brave little shit I'll give him that." Janelle laughed a little to what he said agreeing the homunculus as he jumped down from the block he had been sitting on, and laughed back at the girl as he began to poke her face, "And your face was just too epic. You should've seen the look on your face."
"Hey, I have my reasons! The guy nearly killed me remember?"
"I would be too. To tell you the truth he scares the crap out of me, but he'll never know." Janelle scoffed, "You? Afraid? I doubt that. You say that, but if something were to come about I'm sure you'd get him.''
"You think so?" The avarice walking up behind the girl, only to have her look back until their eyes met. She nodded, "Yeah. Why not? Anything is possible."
"Good moto. Sounds familiar."
"Hm, I'm sure. Well we better get back before you dad has a screw loose huh?"
"Wait. There's still something we haven't finished." Greed voice made the girl stop in her tracks before she could even make it to the entrance to the lower level. The homunculus jumped down from his spot, and began to approach the girl with an very uneasy look, almost as if he wasn't sure on whether to go on with Ling's request. Just as he stood in front of the girl too, some else had caught their attention.
Suddenly a small noise began to vibrate through Jan's front pocket. Her face narrowed to her shorts and she pulled out her cellphone that seemed to be going off mysteriously. She gasped when she saw that the phone was actually working and looked to the screen to see who was calling her.
"Mom?" Alarmed by this the girl looked to Greed who looked at her and then their attention fell back to the ringing phone. With a flick of the girl's thumb, she opened her phone, and slowly brought the reciever up to her ear, "Hello?"
Next - Chapter VII : Two Sides to the Coin
That's it for now guys, I tried to make it somewhat interesting, but it I have failed you i'm terribly sorry, if anyone has any ideas they'd like to see, please let me know I'm always open for ideas to make a story great! Thanks for reading and hope to hear from you all :3
