I don't own FMA: B or Harry Potter

The man with the eyepatch was dangerous, scary, and she breathed a sigh of relief when he walked back into the building without noticing her. Her relief was short-lived when he ordered a group of soldiers to guard Greed because of course nothing in this life could be easy. While she'd practiced Alchemy and sparred she'd never actually fought someone for real; what if she accidentally killed them? That would make her a monster, wouldn't it? No, right now she had to focus on saving Greed, not on how killing might affect her. But how could she get close to them without them attacking her; oh, she was a child and they were adults. No adult would think a child was a threat. Stepping out of the alleyway, she moved toward the soldiers with a lost expression on her face.

Stumbling over her feet, she made sure to rub her eyes like she was about to cry; it was all too easy to fool them. Not even a soldier could ignore a crying child; which was made evident when they all turned in her direction like moths to a flame. Hearing one of them move toward her she made herself trip toward them; reaching out wildly she grabbed his coat at the same time the transmutation circle on her hand activated. Boiling the blood in his veins just enough to knock him out, she darted toward the other soldiers before they could react.

It was easy to deal with the soldiers until they snapped out of their shock. She was actually a bit worried that this was the level of skill that the military had especially given they were being defeated by a child. It was only by the time she'd knocked out the fourth soldier that the others even realized she was a threat. By that time there were at least six left and she had to force herself not to freeze when they aimed their guns in her direction. Maybe it was the influence of the chimera or simply her own preference but she hated guns. Dropping to her knees she slammed her hand down on the ground forming a shield of stone just as they started shooting.

The gunfire would draw attention if she didn't stop them soon it might even draw the eyepatch man back here. She couldn't allow anyone to react to their fight at least not before she saved Greed. Sending a barrage of stone in their direction she rushed forward; her attack had taken out two of the soldiers leaving only four left. Going for the one closest to Greed, she leaped over his head. Thank god for those gymnastics classes otherwise, she would be slightly screwed right now. Kicking him in the back she landed easily before touching the puddle of oil just under the car. Frozen oil arched out behind her causing them to stumble back.

Rushing around to the front, she opened the driver's side door without really caring if she could drive. It was one of the things none of the chimeras had thought she needed to learn after all why would a thirteen-year-old need to know how to drive. How hard could it be? All she had to do was press the gas and aim away from the soldiers. Slamming the door shut, she turned over the key only to jolt when the car rumbled to life; what came after turning it on? Sitting still for a moment she frowned in confusion and slight panic before reaching out for the leaver between the seats. Pushing it forward, she pressed down what she hoped was the gas pedal only to cry out when the car stuttered forward.

Her first instinct was to pull her foot off the gas, but instead, she pressed her foot down harder. Clenching the steering wheel tightly she paled as she realized that driving was a lot more difficult than she thought it would be. The part about avoiding running into things was also important especially when those things were people. Turning to avoid a lamppost, she mentally apologized to Greed when she heard him hit something. If she was being honest she never wanted to drive again; she'd barely driven a few moments but she'd almost killed four pedestrians.

Thankfully for both her and the civilians being slammed into the side of the car woke up Greed. Blinking awake he tried to ignore the pain from the swords stabbed into his body. Groaning the man reached up and pulled the swords from his body slowly; damn that hurt. He hated Wrath; by process of elimination that was the only person, the other Homunculus could be. It wasn't like any of the others had died and been replaced; the day Pride kicked the bucket was the day he wore an ivory dress and cheered in happiness. For a moment he felt a bit happy at the idea of his older brother's death then he remembered what had happened a few moments ago.

He could still remember Roa and Dolcetto being cut apart and the dying screams of his other minions, possessions. His chimeras were dead; Wrath had stolen from him. He was going to make the man pay with his life but the man would suffer first as he destroyed everything the man loved. Sitting up he was shocked to see his Alchemist at the wheel of the car mostly because it was a car. He was pretty sure none of them had taught her how to drive. He would've remembered those lessons with how badly it was turning out right now.

Leaning forward, he caught sight of the panicked expression on her face. Grabbing the back of the seat he held on tightly as she swerved to avoid an old man who actually dropped his cane and dove out of the way. Yeah, none of them had taught her how to drive: he'd known that something was wrong in this situation. Well besides the fact all his possessions but one were gone but there was nothing he could do about that right now. Growling just a bit at the thought he caused her eyes to snap in his direction and off the road. Meeting her wide panicked electric blue eyes he realized that she knew just like he did that the chimeras were dead. She'd lost her family at age thirteen leaving her with only him; oh god he was going to have to raise a child by himself now. Tearing his eyes away from her own he almost had a heart attack.

"Aria! Lamppost!"

Hearing her cry out as her eyes focused back on the road, his hand snapped out to grab the wheel. Twisting it he winced as she crashed into the door; teaching her to drive was definitely something he was going to do the moment they got out of Dublith or maybe he would just never let her near a car again. The second option was probably for the best. Grabbing her by the hood he tossed her into the passenger seat before sliding into the spot she'd just occupied. While he might not be the best driver at least he was better than a little girl. Glancing at the side mirror, he noticed the cars following them he was sure that his little brother was in one of them. Wrath wasn't going to give up easily was he?

"Thank god," she whispered just loud enough he could hear her. Sinking into the seat, she bowed her head as she tried to calm herself down. She'd just been in a battle for the first time in her life and the chimeras were dead. What were they supposed to do now? Not only were they alone but they had nowhere to go. Holding her face she heard him chuckle.

"Your welcome," he said seconds before his hand landed on her head. Ruffling her hair gently he swallowed down the urge to apologize. All of this was his fault; it would've been better if he'd left her with a normal family instead of turning her into an Alchemist. If he had then she wouldn't be in danger right now. The only issue with that idea was that she was his Alchemist. There was no way he could ever give up one of his possessions even if it put her in danger; it just wasn't in his nature.

Calming at the action, she looked up slowly. There was a pain in his eyes that she'd never seen before; it scared her to see such emotion on his face. Hearing a gunshot, she ducked down as he cursed. At this point they were barely outrunning the military, if they wanted to get away they would need to do more than this. To make things worse there was still the urge to stop the car and try for revenge against his youngest sibling. The only thing stopping him from being a complete and utter fool was that Aria needed him right now. Almost snarling he caught the calculating glint in her eyes seconds before she nodded to herself.

"Next time we turn I need you to stop for a moment, just long enough for me to use alchemy," she said. Watching her tug on her gloves he allowed a wicked smirk to appear on his face. There was determination in her gaze; he knew she wouldn't let him down.

"Get ready."

The order was all the warning she had before he was swerving the car into an alleyway. The action displaced some of the local homeless who scattered to avoid being turned into roadkill. Gritting her teeth she held the door tightly as he cackled; maybe he'd been hit in the head during his fight with the eyepatch guy. It was possible that he now had brain damage. Feeling the car come to a stop, she opened the door despite the fact her head was still spinning like that time Roa spun her in the air for five minutes. Tumbling out of the car, she slammed her palm down on the ground as the circle on her hand lit up blue.

Watching the stone wall rise, Greed whistled mostly to annoy his brother. It wouldn't stop Wrath but it would slow him down long enough for them to escape. Resisting the urge to brag, he grinned at his Alchemist. He'd been right to take her in; she was amazing for a kid of thirteen and her skills would only continue to grow over the years. It was the cries from the soldiers on the other side that reminded him that they were still in danger of dying. He'd already lost all his possessions but one; he wasn't about to lose Aria too. Kicking open his door, he knew that ditching the car was the best move. Going by the rooftops would be faster anyway. Stalking around the car he, reached down and snatched her off the ground.

"Good job kitten," he praised despite the way her lips pulled down into a frown.

It was a testament to how used to his actions she was that she only went limp in his grip instead of protesting. She was vaguely sure that this was him treating her like a kitten again but at least he wasn't carrying her around by her hood. Feeling her grab his arm, he kicked off the ground, before repeating the action on the alley walls. Reaching the rooftop, he glanced down at the still confused soldiers with cold eyes. Almost snarling at Wrath who was looking up at him with distaste, he was glad that Aria's hood had flopped down to cover her face. He did not want his youngest brother to know about his Alchemist.

Any other day he would taunt the man into attacking, but not with Aria so close; he conveniently pushed the fact he would lose to the back of his mind. He wasn't about to risk his Alchemist being stolen like so many of his possessions. Seeing Wrath take a step forward, he backed away however the anger never faded from his gaze. One day Wrath would pay for Roa, Dolcetto, and all the other chimeras that were killed but not today. Turning away from the other Homunculus, he started heading toward the edge of the city making sure to zigzag a bit to throw off their pursuers.

His possessions were gone, everything he'd built over the years was gone; all he had left was his Alchemist. A little girl that he'd taken in on a whim was the only thing he had left and that was only because she'd been away from the bar today. He'd saved the chimeras; given them, a home then failed to protect them. They should've run away instead of trying to save him. If they'd left there was a chance that they would still be alive; not a high chance but still a chance. If he'd sent Martel with Aria like he'd been planning then she might be alive too instead he'd had to listen to Wrath kill her. He hated him but at least now he had a chance to strike back against his youngest brother.

It must be eating at Wrath that a little girl saved him; a thirteen-year-old outsmarted his soldiers like they were the children. That must be ticking off the other man something fierce, Greed hoped that he choked on that anger he was named for. Looking down at the girl in his grip, he had no idea how to confirm to her that the others were dead. He knew that she was smart enough to know the others were gone, but he also knew it was his job to tell her that it was true. No matter how much he wished that it wasn't. None of this was ever supposed to happen.

He'd thought by staying out of their way, the other Homunculi would leave him alone; it had been a foolish hope. Instead of leaving him be, they'd attacked him without warning. This wasn't just a normal attack either it was a declaration of war. He would destroy them all for this slight; they would burn and their plans would turn to dust. Everything that Father built would come tumbling down around him. No one stole from him and lived especially not his little brother. Leaping off the final rooftop, he landed easily despite the tiny girl in his grip.

Setting her down gently, he barely wasted a moment before slamming his hand into the wall until it crumbled. Snarling he shook out his hand watching it heal and hated that he was standing here right now. He'd lost everything but Aria. Sinking down he sat with his back against the wall; he wanted to stay angry. It was easier to be angry than to think of how much he would miss his minions, friends. Father didn't need to do this but the man had done it anyway. He'd done nothing to draw the man's ire or attention; so, why did this have to happen?

"Everyone is dead, aren't they," she asked drawing his attention. Looking up at the teen he noticed the torment in her guarded eyes. The last six years had been wiped away in one day by the ambitions of a single man who craved the power of God.

"Yeah… we need to get out of Dublith," he said despite not making a move to stand. He didn't know if he could get back up right now.

Wrath had torn him apart more than once if he died even a few more times he had no doubt it might be for good. If he lost his life Aria would be alone; that couldn't happen. Without another Philosopher Stone, he wouldn't last long, but to get a stone he'd have to go to Central. It was too bad that Central was the stronghold of his siblings and Father. That was suicide yet he had no idea what else he could do; not when there was so much at stake. He supposed running off to another country would be the safest choice, but there was no telling how long it would take him to recover emotionally. There was also the fact his stone wouldn't regenerate either so he would always be this vulnerable.

Aria frowned as she studied him. While she wanted to lay down and cry, she knew that doing so wouldn't help either of them. She had to protect Greed; that was what the others would want her to do. Besides that, she could tell something was wrong with him just by how weak he felt and looked. He'd been unconscious when she'd found him, did that mean there was something wrong with his stone? From what he'd told her there was only a set amount of regenerative power in every stone. If he'd been killed a lot by that eyepatch guy, then he'd used up a lot of the stone to regenerate. He could die for real as in permanently and then she would be all alone. The mere idea terrified her.

"Your stone is running low," she guessed. The fact he nodded proved her right although she wished that he'd done anything else. Pulling at her gloves she closed her eyes as she quickly ran through options in her mind.

The only place either of them knew about to get a stone was Central the very place that neither of them wanted to go. It would be far too dangerous for him to go off to Central right after the military tried to kill him however that didn't mean it would be dangerous for her. The Homunculi didn't know about her and the soldiers had been too distracted by her sudden attack to see her face. She would be able to sneak into Central and get him a stone as long as no one found her. The Homunculi would kill her if they caught her, but she wouldn't be caught, not if she was careful.

If military scientists were responsible for creating a Philosopher Stone then they had to have some in storage. No one would give up that amount of power after all they might need it. She didn't doubt that it would be dangerous, but taking on scientists was much less daunting than dealing with Homunculi. Feeling her hands shake she looked down at her bandaged hands before clenching her fists. This wasn't just a whim it was a way to save Greed. Without the chimeras she was the only person left to keep him safe, there was no other choice. She wasn't going to lose him; ever.

"I'll go," she stated causing his eyes to narrow. Watching him connect the dots himself, she knew that he was about to argue with her. There was still a part of her that dreaded having to argue with him but she would do anything to save him.

"Kitten-"

"Central. One of us has to go and I'm the one none of them know about," she said. If this was any other time she wouldn't argue with him at all. Seeing anger flash in his eyes she dug her nails into her palms allowing the pain to ground her.

"What are you going to do politely ask for a stone," he asked sarcastically. Flinching at his tone, she wanted to break and beg him for forgiveness but she pushed down the urge. He wasn't her uncle and he would never hurt her. Slamming his fist into the ground he snapped, "you'll get yourself killed!

She knew that he just trying to keep her safe, but the tone still caused her to flinch. It was the first time he'd ever raised his voice to her in anger. Part of her felt afraid that he would hurt her, but she pushed down that part of herself. He wouldn't hurt her; he was Greed and she belonged to him. He wasn't a person that would lash out at his own possessions especially not her. Straightening she wanted opened her mouth to speak only for him to cut her off.

"That man who beat me was Wrath, not just some military goon. He's also the leader of Amestris; if you go there you won't have to just face him but all my siblings," he said. His tone was dark and but she didn't flinch. She was done sinking under his sharp gaze not when this was still the man who bought her ice cream and tucked her into bed at night. She was going to save him even if she had to disobey him to do so.

"I won't be fighting. You said that they were under the city, I can sneak in and get a stone," she said. She had no desire to fight his siblings that would-be suicide; unless it was Gluttony, she could defeat Gluttony.

"That's… I won't allow it," he ordered. If this was any other situation she would have nodded and accepted his decision, however, he could see determination flash in her eyes. Feeling pride reluctantly bloom in his chest he tried to ignore it but the feeling only got stronger as she straightened. She was getting stronger and he couldn't help but be glad that she was growing up enough to form her own opinions.

"There's an island in the middle of Kauroy Lake, if you hide out there, you won't be found," she said. It was the island that she'd stayed on when Issac started teaching her the more complicated Water Alchemy techniques.

"Ar-"

"Let me save you! Damn it Greed, Everyone is gone! I don't want to lose you too," she screamed. The words cut through his protests as he finally noticed the tears in her eyes; his heart sank. His chimeras would kill him for making her cry hell he wanted to punch himself in the face for causing it. Holding open his arms he saw her freeze for a moment before she fell into his arms.

Hugging her tightly he hated how she trembled against him. While he might grieve the loss of the chimeras she was most likely feeling it much more than he was. He'd had decades to get used to losing people, but she was a kid. How had he forgotten that his Alchemist was a kid? A brilliant child with enough skill to take out Wrath's soldiers but still a child. Of course, she wouldn't want to lose him.

"Please…"

Hearing the plea made him weak. He knew that sending her to Central would be dangerous but he also knew she would go with or without his permission. She was stubborn enough to disobey his order if it meant saving him. She was just like the others; they would never back down simply because he ordered them to. Cursing whatever gods he could think of he sighed in defeat. Just this once he would go against his better instincts besides he had faith that she would be fine.

Hi guys, so what did you think of this chapter? I tried to add humor...moving on, I decided not to have Greed caught and melted down into a stone then eaten by his father because I didn't want Ling and Him to share a body. Mainly because Ling is her future boyfriend and Greed is pretty much her dad. Anyway thanks for the reviews on the last chapter. So, anyway, the next chapter is her trip to Central; I just put it all in one chapter, also Aria makes a friend...Kind of.

Who's your favorite FMA: B character? Mine is Greed obviously.

Beloved Daughter: thanks I loved writing the Ice Cream scene last chapter, it kind of became my favorite too.

thanks for reviewing

Stay safe and have a good day

-Shyla