Beyond Fullmetal
Chapter 3: Dinner and Dancing
A Fullmetal Alchemist/Batman Beyond crossover
By: Legato Deathscythe
Iris watched her grandmother most of the way back to the greenhouse. She had already noticed her improved mood earlier. Now that she knew the reason, it was almost as if her Grams had grown younger by decades. Even though her condition kept her body young, Iris had always been able to tell her age by looking at her eyes and how she held herself. She was always what one would call elegant, but there was a weight there she carried. Now that weight seemed to be gone. If you didn't know how old she really was, you could easily say she was in her late twenties again.
"So that was him," Iris said.
"Yea, that was him," Pamela said.
"Did Dad know, about him being from another world?" Iris asked. She knew her father had missed having one of his own.
"I told him, when he was old enough to understand," Pamela answered.
"I suppose you developed the nerve connections at the company to help him then," Iris said.
"Actually, we reverse-engineered those from his original connection ports," Pamela said.
"He already had them?"
"Yes, but in his world while they had the technology for such things they didn't have as advanced anesthetic techniques as we did. He was eleven when he had to have both his right arm and left leg replaced. They did it without anesthetic of any kind."
Iris could feel her jaw unhinge as her eyes bugged out, "But that would..."
"Yes. He told me once that the procedure would cause even the most hardened war veterans to cry out for their mothers. He never did, he was always more worried about his brother Al," Pamela said, her voice seemed to fall a little as she thought about it.
"He's always been like that. He never worries about himself, just everyone else around him. It's cost him a lot over the years. Even that night he left, he didn't want to. He asked me to go with him, and I didn't. I stayed here, in this world knowing his conscience wouldn't let him put himself ahead of others," Pamela said. She couldn't help a single tear from slipping down her cheek.
"Grams, are you alright?"
"I'm fine. I just... He said he'd find a way for us to be together. I know he will, he never once broke a promise he made. I just don't know what it's going to cost him this time," Pamela said.
Iris could see the melancholy starting to set back in. She decided to get Grams talking about happier things, "So how did you guys meet?"
Pamela smiled and regaled her granddaughter with the tale of a hardened criminal and a young other worldly hero. Iris smiled as she listened to the tale, now having a new perspective on events. All Iris had ever known was the official story. Hearing the truth told to her by the woman who raised her, seeing how her grandmothers eyes would brighten as she spoke convinced Iris of one thing. That her grandmother needed her grandfather. Edward had never asked Pamela to change, just gave her a chance. He never pushed her to turn from her former life, just gave her a new one.
Iris hoped she'd get to know her grandfather, truly know him while she had the chance. She didn't know what would happen, but she had a feeling that if asked again her grandmother wouldn't hesitate. Iris promised herself that she wouldn't stop her Grams from following him back to his world. Even if she had to let go of the woman who raised her forever.
--
Edward entered the warehouse and immediately started speaking to his subordinates, "Lt. Haddock, any word from Central?"
The Lieutenant answered immediately, "Central reports all teams have been able to take their positions with minimal casualties. We have troops already setting up forward operating locations in Metropolis, Munich, London, and Tokyo. We've managed to get cloaked communication relays setup in order to coordinate with the other groups."
Edward nodded, and noticed Elysia and Trish hurrying towards him. He turned to the lieutenant and said, "Get word through to Central. I've located and checked with my old allies. We're waiting on them to get us access to the satellite network of this world in order to begin tracking our little packages. Also let them know that we have informed our allies of the danger and they are working with us."
"Yes, sir," the lieutenant said and went off to transmit the message.
As soon as the pair reached him, Edward cut them off and began walking further in, "Brigadier General Hughes, any progress on finding out where this Bastard is?"
She shook her head, "Nothing so far. All the computers are encrypted, it's taking time for us to crack them. The prisoners are proving less then cooperative."
"So none of them have talked?" Edward asked.
Col. Elric answered, "No, none of them are still alive. Once we got them all secured we put guards on them while we setup. By the time I got back the guards were reporting that every prisoner we took had collapsed. We sent the bodies back through to Central to get a cause of death. No idea when we'll get an answer."
"All right. Keep the cyber jocks working on the mainframe. Setup rotations on watch as well. I made sure we won't have any unwanted official guests while I was out. Just make sure that the men understand not to do anything to draw attention to us," Edward said. He noticed that Elysia and Trish were ensuring he went straight to the office they had commandeered for their own business. Once they were in Elysia slammed the door shut and Trish almost physically shoved him into a chair.
"It's time for you to spill, Ed," Elysia said.
"We want the truth, all of it Fullmetal," Trish said.
Elysia looked positively evil as the light glinted off her glasses, "We have ways of making you talk old man."
Edward smirked at them and chuckled, "So what is it you want to ask girls?"
"I got some information from that guy in the mask you dragged me to meet. Mentioned you spent some time with a Dr. Pamela Isley while you were here last time around," Trish said.
Edward nodded, mentally planning some sort of revenge against the new kid, "Yes, spent the whole time I was here with her. Extremely gifted botanist, wonderful dancer."
Elysia leaned in, "Anything else about her you want to mention, Edward?"
Ed didn't like this one bit, "No, nothing really relevant to the topic at hand."
Trish slammed her hands into the desk in front of him, "Cut the crap, Uncle Ed! We did some checking on this woman when we accessed the local data net. Does the name 'Poison Ivy' sound familiar?"
"Vaguely," Edward replayed, staying completely deadpan.
"Well, when we investigated her we found an interesting rap sheet on her. Several counts of theft. Several counts of terrorism. Multiple multiple counts of attempted murder. Multiple counts of actual murder!" Elysia said, reading off a clip board that came out of no where.
"Do you think I'm stupid, Uncle Ed? What would possess you to search out someone like that? Hell, where would you have met someone like that?" Trish said, her voice seemingly growing in aggravation. If these two weren't his niece and adopted daughter he would almost swear that his mother had come back to scold him.
Edward just smirked at them, "Arkham Asylum before it was closed."
His interrogators eyes bulged at that, "What the Hell were you doing there?!"
"Made the mistake of thinking this world was advanced enough to actually pull off inter-dimensional travel. They were already a century ahead of Amestris the first time I got here, literally. Seems that they didn't even have automail, so with my story and the dangerous arm and leg I got locked up with the criminally insane," Edward said matter-of-factly.
Elysia glared at him, "You never mentioned being locked up in the official inquiry."
"I didn't mention a lot of things in the official inquiry," Edward said.
"Did you ever tell anyone the whole truth about this woman?" Trish asked. She was not pleased to find out he had hidden things from them.
"Mustang and Emperor Lin Yao," was all Edward said.
"Well, time for you to come clean for your girls Edward," Elysia said.
Edward sighed and retold the story. By the end he had to wonder if he had gotten his point across. Neither seemed to be as sympathetic as Roy had been, or as enlightened as the Emperor. If anything they seemed more critical then the other two. When he went into detail about their relationship they glared. When he told him of how much he didn't want to leave her behind on that day they seemed unsympathetic.
Edward just sighed, knowing that neither of them really understood. Elysia was pushing the bridge of her glasses up her nose. Trish was rubbing the bridge of her nose, aggravated at her uncle. They both knew he never let anyone as close as he was telling them Pamela had been. They always wondered why Ed never dated, or flirted, or looked twice at a woman. Now that they knew the reason, that he only wanted one special woman they didn't seem to be thrilled.
Elysia broke the silence, "Ed, that was forty years ago. You can't just come here on a mission and expect anything more then to finish what we started. You are the man everyone in our world aspires to. Then there's our orders to conciser. We can't do anything that will draw attention to ourselves that isn't absolutely necessary. Looking up some seductress from your past qualifies as not absolutely necessary."
Ed got up from his chair and said, "I know you two are concerned. I appreciate it more then you know. All I ask is that the two of you trust me on this. Focus on the mission. If we fail, then none of this will really matter anyways."
He walked out of the office and went to find somewhere to rest. He was feeling all his sixty years right then and needed to get some sleep. When he laid down in his cot he laid a hand on his shirt pocket, feeling the solid certainty of his pocket watch there. Back in the office Elysia and Trish were left with their thoughts. Both of them were worried about Ed. And both of them had no idea what to do about it.
--
Amestris – Central Headquarters
Prime Minister Alec Reed had been serving as head of the Assembly for the last five years. He had been fortunate up until the last three months to have a peaceful run of things. He wasn't a warrior in any stretch of the imagination. He was slightly over weight, easily winded, and had the chin of a bullfrog. The Generals were in an uproar over the continuous attacks on Amestris soil. Refugees were flooding in on the northern and southern borders. The western border was still calm but troops were stretched thin, as were relief services. Xing was sending as much assistance as they could to the refugee areas.
Xing had also sent a military representative in order to help coordinate efforts against the invaders. General Chang was more then capable, and was flanked at any one time by bodyguards. He had arrived only a few days prior and was still getting brought up to speed. Several combat teams had already been sent through the gateways they had reported back already. Still, Reed wasn't comforted by the initial success.
"Who is the commander of your forces on the other side?" General Chang asked as he walked with the Prime Minister.
"General Elric," Reed said.
Chang seemed slightly perturbed, "Elric is the only expert on this planet on the stones. Was it wise to send him on assignment when he would be of more use here?"
Reed shook his head, "Unfortunately he is also the only man on the planet with any experience operating in an alternate reality. From intel reports several of his old contacts were still active on that side. He's already sent word that they are making use of the local resources to pinpoint the origin of our attackers."
General Chang nodded, "The Emperor will be pleased to hear that progress is being made. We all want this to be over as soon as possible."
Reed mopped his brow with a handkerchief, "Fullmetal seems confident that they will have a position for an assault within the very near future. He has however mentioned concerns for any alchemists that may be involved. He's worried that any attempts to destroy the stones using alchemy will have catastrophic results for the other world."
Change scoffed, "We are the ones attacked. Why is he concerning himself with their survival?"
"According to all the intel the attackers are a threat to that world as well. Fullmetal doesn't want to start what could be a costly war. He's also concerned that any alchemic reaction may be unintentionally enhanced. If that happens we could end up losing many of our own troops," Reed clarified.
Chang seemed less the convinced, "As long as he knows his priority is defense of this world."
Reed nodded, "General Elric is the best man we have. If anyone can end this with minimal exposure and casualties for both sides it's him."
Chang accepted it, knowing full well the favor Elric enjoyed with the Emperor. He however did not like the idea of simply counting on an outsider in such a fashion. Emperor Yao was only in his sixties and had risen to his rank over thirty-five years ago. Chang's own sister had sided with Lin during the war of succession when the old emperor died. The Emperor's first act was to initiate negotiations with Amestris in hopes of increasing trade between the two countries. Elric had been more then happy to give the Emperor the intellectual exchange requested.
Many however felt that Amestris was a threat to their people especially when Elric returned and began advancing the technology of Xing's one major competitor. Chang never had trusted the man. Even with open hands, Fullmetal was never to be trusted in his mind. Especially when power like this was concerned. General Chang would just have to make his own arrangements in order to secure the stones. The Emperor would appreciate all he had done for the empire.
And if he didn't, then perhaps it would be time for another war of succession.
--
Edward had a fitful nights rest. He made his way through the warehouse as the shifts were changing, allowing all those who had taken watch during the night to get some sack time. He sipped on a cup of coffee from the mess area. If there was one thing that he dreaded about not being at home it was the coffee offered. It always tasted more like it had been filtered through one of the motor pools used fuel filters.
When he checked with Alphonse there was at least one message from Bruce. He had apparently arranged for a meeting with Jason later that day. Superman had also left him a message, informing him that Watchtower was already in the process of adjusting her sensors to pickup the tracking signals. He smirked and continued on.
He spotted Elysia sitting next to Major Graves with photos out. Edward just shook his head and chuckled. Even if she had never known her father she still had several of his traits. One of which was the insane need to pester all around her with pictures of her precious son. Only a mad man would go near her when she was like this. No one however had made any great claims to Edward Elric's sanity. So he decided to rescue the Major from the madness that was Elysia.
"Brigadier General Hughes, how are we this morning?" Edward asked as he walked up.
She packed up her pictures and fell in behind Ed, "So far so good. We managed to get enough out of our prisoners personal affects to move around town. Central has sent through civilian clothes appropriate for the area from our research. We should be able to send some intelligence teams out incognito to gain some valuable information on this place."
"We're not here as the vanguard of an invasion, Elysia. We are here to find the people responsible for attacking our world and that is it. I won't allow this to become a full out inter-dimensional war," Edward said.
"I know that, but some intel on the local area could go a long way to allaying the fears of much of the Assembly. You know not everyone there is convinced this isn't a prelude to a full out invasion," Elysia said, her point rather clear. Edward understood where she was coming from.
He sighed, "Very well. You and Trish can head out and do some snooping if that will make you feel better. Also get some of our best infiltrators to go and gather some information. But absolutely no interference. If it comes down to it they are allowed to defend themselves, but nothing that will get them on locals radar. Make that abundantly clear."
"No sweat, Ed. The locals won't even know we were out there. What will you be doing today, General?" Elysia asked.
"My contact left me a message. He's arranged for a meeting with a powerful Magic user. We're hoping that the stones will put off enough of an ethereal signature for him to pick up on," Edward said.
Elysia stopped him, "You should take one of us with you then. It's best if no one is alone for any extended period of time."
Edward sighed, he really didn't want a babysitter but he could understand the concern, "Fine, I'll take you and Trish with me. Even then the cities changed in forty years, just like Central. Hell, if anything I want to keep the locations we go to limited. Gather information, nothing intrusive. Just general observations. We are not going to war with this world while I have anything to say about it."
Elysia nodded and went off to carry out Edward's instructions. He was now standing in front of the gateway as it sat inactive. His mind started going over all the possibilities of what could happen. He knew the power of the stones was coveted on their side of the gateway. He also knew that there were still those in Amestris who would prefer more militaristic stance towards anything beyond the borders. To say nothing about the ambitions of others within the other powers on their world.
He sighed and went back to his billet and took a look at the clothing provided him. It all seemed in line with the people he had seen enroute. He pulled off his usual alchemist uniform and pulled on the clothes. He smiled as he slipped his watch into a pocket and felt the comforting weight. At least he was here, now. He would save the worlds, finish what he came to do, and then spend the rest of his days with Pamela. The big question was how was he going to pull this off.
He could always ask her to join him in Amestris again. That would be the easiest thing. However he was so high profile already this sort of thing wouldn't work out too well. He didn't want her berated by the media of his world. Half the time he didn't want to deal with them. If anything he would have to find a way around that. He just didn't know what. He'd have to talk to her, find out what they could both come up with.
He accessed Alphonse and had the little AI and made sure to check a few things he had setup just in case the last time he had been there. He smirked as Alphonse reported certain preparations had indeed survived the last forty years.
"Well, I suppose since I have the money available I should be able to treat Pamela to a very nice night out," Edward thought to himself. He also had Alphonse arrange for transport from the warehouse to the manor. They would have to walk a bit of a ways, but they could do it easily.
He met up with Trish and Elysia, both in normal conservative civilian garb and headed out. They met the taxi and headed on their way. Edward made certain to stop and pickup a cred card from one of the automated teller units. Elysia and Trish just threw looks at him until they were safely away from the taxi, whom Edward left a sizable tip with. As they walked towards the manor Trish asked, "How did you get any of the local currency?"
Edward just smirked, "Pays to be prepared."
They reached the front door and knocked. A kid in his mid teens opened the door, "Can I help you?"
"Yes, we have a meeting with Mr. Wayne," Edward said, the look in his eyes
The kid nodded, "He's expecting you."
Edward smirked as he passed, "Thanks, new kid."
He walked past him, smirking at the put off expression. Edward knew his way around the manor and walked in on Bruce and Jason in the study. He smirked as neither of them were taken off guard. Edward figured that they had known he was there before he had even knocked on the front door. He just walked up to Jason and shook his hand, "Been a while."
"It has at that. You are looking good for a man pushing sixty," Jason said.
"You and I are going to have to have a talk about how to handle this sort of thing," Edward said, a bit of a chuckle in his voice.
"Well, you seem to be handling it so far. We'll talk about it over drinks later," Jason said with a smile on his face.
"Right, on to business. You remember my niece, Col. Patricia Elric. This is Brigadier General Elysia Hughes, my adopted daughter and second in command," Edward said, indicating both women.
Bruce just shoot him a smirk and a look, "Stealing other peoples tricks again, Edward?"
"I only steal from the best," he replied and sat in a chair across from the pair.
Elysia cleared her throat. Edward just waved it off, "Don't worry, we can speak freely. I trust Bruce's discretion. Even if it's a new guy I don't know."
Terry's left eye started to twitch a little. Bruce noticed and he knew what Edward was doing. In a way it was sort of a test for his protégées. Edward wanted to see how much the kid could take and still maintain control over himself. It could also have to do with Terry giving the Colonel information Edward wasn't ready for her to have yet. Made sense in a way, Edward always did believe in equivalent exchange.
"Bruce told me what you need. I've already done some checking, and there is an increase in the noise level on the ethereal planes. It is safe to assume the stones have been transported into this world from your own," Jason said.
Edward cursed, "So we can assume he's already working on back engineering our alchemy for his own use."
Jason nodded, "It's a safe bet. I've asked a few other magic users to try to pinpoint the location of the stones. With the amount of noise they are producing however it's going to take some time."
"We need to find them as fast as we can. I hate to think of what he could use that alchemic power for," Edward said.
Elysia shuddered as Trish just closed her eyes at the thought. Bruce handed Edward a data chip across the table, "I got Watchtower's sensors online tracking those packages. Everything you need to access her data stream is there. That should help you locate Ra's base of operations."
Edward nodded and handed it off to Elysia, "Thank you. Once we get a good location we can plan an assault and take out the threat. Highest priority is to locate and destroy the stones, all of them. My major worry though is that Ra's will still have a capability of accessing our dimension even after we take out the stones and his current assets."
Bruce nodded, "I'm working on a few ideas on that. We encountered an alternate version of the League a few months after you crossed back over. My counterpart was the one who developed their gateway. I'm trying to see if there is a solution to the problem using the blueprints I took from his computer."
Edward smiled, "If anyone can figure out a solution it's you my friend."
Bruce smirked, "Pays to be prepared."
Trish and Elysia seemed to choke at that as Edward laughed, "Yes it does, old man."
Bruce however could tell Edward was holding some things back. It was how he hid personal worries. Where Bruce would simply go quiet and brood, Edward would hide behind bravado and cheer. There was something on Edward's mind, and Bruce had a feeling he knew exactly what it was. Bruce had of course prepared for that somewhat, but he wanted to talk with Edward first. Privately.
"I've been working on an improved arm and leg for you. Kept the standard design, but added some modifications to make your movements around Gotham a little easier. If you have time of course," Bruce said.
Edward nodded, and appreciated what Bruce was trying to do. He turned back to his companions and said, "Head back and get that tracking data uploaded. See if we can't get some headway made. I'll stick around here, coordinate with the League and see if we can't finish this."
Elysia hissed out a breath, "I thought I said it wasn't a good idea for any of us to be on our own."
"You did, but don't worry. It's not like I'm in any danger here," Edward said, brushing it off.
Reluctantly she nodded and took Trish with her. Terry lead them out of the house to the door. When they were half way to the gate Elysia whispered into Trish's ear, "Keep an eye on him. I'm not entirely convinced we can trust anyone, even if Ed says so."
Trish nodded and waited until they were outside the estates gates then took shelter in one of the bushes around it. She made sure she was covered and got settled for a long surveillance on the premises. Both women were concerned with Ed's behavior since they had arrived. It fell to them to protect the old General from himself. Terry had kept an eye on both women as they left, and noticed the younger of the two stay behind. He decided to keep an eye on them as they himself.
"Hey, new kid. You coming?" Edward asked as Bruce opened the clock doorway to the cave. Terry nodded and followed them down stairs.
"So, what's your name?" Edward asked.
"Terry McGinnis," Terry answered, not giving anymore then asked.
"Well, Terry, I suppose if the old man trusts you with the name I can trust you with a few things," Edward said.
"I don't know what your talking about," Terry said, not wanting to make it apparent.
Edward smirked, "The only way you get into this cave is if your a very good friend of Bruce, or one of his partners. I figure your too young to be a friend. You defiantly fit the profile for a partner, or successor in this case. Just do yourself a favor kid. Learn from our mistakes, and try not to repeat them. You'll make a whole host of your own. No need to add the mistakes of old men on top of them."
Edward left it at that and walked up to Bruce's work bench. He smiled at the familiar workshop and let Bruce explain his work, "I kept the external metal casing, if anything because I know you prefer that appearance. I have however improved the workings with modern materials. Carbon nanotube fiber to increase strength and protect the inner mechanism. I don't know the progress made in Amestris since you got back, but I've applied all of our advances into this. With a few additions I think will make things easier on you."
Edward looked the arm over and smiled, "You always did the best work, especially when it came to add-ons."
Bruce smirked, "I know you don't use batarangs normally, but I did add a dispenser under the wrist. However I didn't have time to make many modifications to the batarangs. I did remove the more obvious design and made it just a single point on either side of the axis."
Edward nodded as Bruce continued, "Also, there is an improved grapple system in the upper arm. Combined with some new boots you should be able to traverse Gotham without much holding you back."
"Well, flying through the night is best left to those with wings. Still, I appreciate that. The personal rocket packs Central developed are feasible but no where near as discreet."
Bruce smirked, "I also made sure to include all your usual needs. Block of pure carbon steel titanium alloy in the upper arm for your blade, electric generator to produce a spark for your fire alchemy. Even etched the transmutation circle I had on file for that on the back of the hand."
Edward chuckled, "Should I just start calling you Q from now on?"
Bruce just smirked at him. Edward sat down and took of his shirt and pulled up his pants leg. It was then Terry finally got a good look at the arm and leg. The arm and leg itself seemed to be just normal prosthetics. Made of steel, but nothing out of the ordinary. What struck him as odd were the joints and connection ports. They seemed older, more antique then he had seen before. The goal of most prosthetics were to mimic human limbs. Edward's seemed to have forsaken that goal and left nothing for someone to question.
"You know, I can update those ports for you if you want. We've made advances on your original ports over the years. It would take a bit, but I can give you the ability to feel with this arm again," Bruce said.
Edward seemed interested in that, "Even with the same solid metal?"
Bruce smirked, "It just makes it more usable when it's done. Not that you need any special sensors for chemical analysis."
Edward nodded, "Next to my original mechanic, you are the only one I'd ever trust with that sort of thing Bruce."
He laid down on one of Bruce's bench's, the one he used to analyze and patch up Terry. After disconnection the arm and leg Edward was pretty much helpless. Trish and Elysia wouldn't approve of this at all, but he knew other wise. Bruce examined the ports for a moment and nodded, "I shouldn't have to do much to them for the upgrade. You should be ready to go in an hour or so."
Edward nodded and got comfortable as Bruce dismissed Terry. While Bruce began working on the preparations Edward asked, "Has he had to come to terms with the real weight of this life?"
Bruce worked slowly, "Somewhat, but he's still young. He's already faced more then a few challenges that only you or I did."
Edward nodded, "Has he had to make that choice though? The sacrifice both of us made."
Bruce understood what Edward was talking about, "No."
"Then he's still got a chance to find that balance neither of us did. After all, even with all the good he can do in that suit what does it matter if you don't have the really important things," Edward said.
"You're worried about Pamela," Bruce said.
Edward smiled softly, "You always could read me better then almost anyone."
Bruce started working on the ports as silence settled in between the two. Edward flinched a few times as Bruce worked on the nerve connections. It was silent in the cave as the work continued. Edward broke the silence, "I don't want to leave her again, Bruce."
Bruce didn't need to ask who he was talking about, "You have a second chance. Some of us can only dream."
"I told her I would find a way, but..."
"But you don't know how to pull it off."
Edward nodded, letting the silence settle in on them again. Bruce commented, "If you want I can start working on some options for you."
Edward figured he knew the options Bruce was talking about, "I'd appreciate that."
When the work was done Edward tested the new arm and leg out. As the first arm and leg he had from this world were a step above his original automail, so was this above and beyond what he had come with. Bruce had even uploaded Alphonse into the new arm, allowing the AI representation of his brother a chance to acclimate to its new home. Edward pulled on his clothes as Bruce went to the main computer and started typing. He reached down and handed Edward a small piece of paper.
Edward looked at at and smiled, "You know me too well, old man."
Bruce smirked, "I know how you like to treat a certain lady."
Edward chuckled, "Only her and no one else."
He turned to leave when Bruce said, "They don't know, do they?"
Edward didn't need to ask him to explain, "I told them the story, the whole story. They don't know what I'm planning to do though. I don't think they'd really understand."
"They seem rather protective of you," Bruce said.
"I'm a sixty year old man in the body of a twenty year old. Sometimes they act like I'm too young to understand the consequences. Other times they act like I'm one step from falling apart at the seams. They don't understand though. I talked to Pam. I had a son here that I never knew. I had someone who understood everything in my soul and never asked me to be any different. When I got back to Amestris, Al and Winry kept trying to get me to leave the military behind and just live a quiet life.
"Very few really understood why I could never just let things go and pass me by. I can count them on one hand," Edward said. His voice was filled with a lifetime of regret.
"You once said you didn't have a choice, that you had a duty to Amestris to see they were prepared. Something like that you can never really be finished with," Bruce said.
Edward nodded, "That's true. I don't get the convenient excuse of physical age to stop me either. But that's the question isn't it. If a man is immortal, when does duty become all he has to keep him going? Is that alone enough to sustain him through the long centuries."
Bruce sat down in his chair in front of the computer, "I don't know the answer to that. Only you can decide what's enough to keep you going."
Edward sighed, knowing that he was right. He smiled as he flipped Bruce a two fingered salute, "As always you have just told me what I needed to hear, and pointed out that I already know the answer."
"You just needed to hear it from someone else, old man," Bruce said, smirking in good humor as he did. Edward laughed and headed out but not before thanking him for the reservations at Gotham's best location for an elegant night out with dinner and dancing for him and Pamela. Bruce always seemed to have something up his sleeve.
--
Terry offered to give Edward a ride back to the warehouse. Edward accepted the ride, but not to the location. So that was what lead Terry to drive out to the front gates of the Amestrian Botanical Gardens. Both had a feeling they were being followed, Edward felt that it was his niece. Made sense with her and Elysia's paranoia over his welfare.
During the trip to the gardens, Edward asked Terry, "Got a girlfriend?"
Seemed rather personal a question, but he answered, "Yea."
"Love her?"
The tone of Edward's voice indicated this was more to it then just idle curiosity. Terry answered truthfully, "Yea, I do."
A small smile spread on Edward's face, "Trust me on this. If you can't imagine life without her. If you feel like a part of your soul would die if she went away forever, then tell her. Don't wait until it's the right time, cause it will never come. Second chances for such things are extremely rare. I know you probably think she's safer for not knowing what you do. It doesn't matter really. What matters is that you don't hold back how you feel about her. Otherwise, you'll wake up one day and she'll be gone. And there will be nothing you can do about it."
The tone of voice seemed to be one of regret. Terry filled it away and figured it was Edward's method of pointing out one of the pitfalls of the life he had taken up. Edward got out just in front of the gardens and as Terry pulled away he gave the strangers words serious thought. He needed to talk to Bruce and Max. He was lost in thought, but not enough not to notice Col. Elric following Edward. Terry smirked as the woman tried to remain hidden.
--
Trish kept to the bushes, trying to maintain cover. She was lucky the area was pretty empty today. She managed to get up to the main greenhouse without alerting Fullmetal to her presence. She pulled a comm link over her ear and opened up a channel to Elysia. She waited until the older woman answered before speaking, "I followed him from our friendly contact. He had the kid drive him out to some botanical garden. Seems no one is around but him. Walked into a greenhouse, I have him in sight through the glass."
"Is he meeting anyone?" Elysia asked over the link.
"No it doesn't look... wait. Yes, he is. It's a woman with red hair and pale skin. Fits the description you gave me of Poison Ivy," she reported.
"What's he doing in there?" Elysia asked.
Trish watched as Edward captured Poison Ivy around her waist and kissed her rather passionately. Trish blushed, "He's saying hello."
"I know that tone, Grapevine. He's doing more then just that," Elysia said over the radio.
"He's being rather... personal about it," Grapevine answered.
She watched as they seemed to discuss something she couldn't hear. Ivy smiled brightly at him as she returned his kiss and winked at him. Grapevine was certain she could read what that wink meant, and it wasn't just friendly jest. She and Edward walked off towards a different part of the greenhouse. Grapevine was about to go find a different vantage to spy on them when she head, "Excuse me, why are you spying on my grandparents?"
Elysia had heard over the radio and was having a fit, "WHAT DOES SHE MEAN GRANDPARENTS?!"
Grapevine pulled the commlink away and wiggled her finger in her ear. She hoped she hadn't lost any of her hearing. She grabbed the intruders wrists and yanked her into the bushes. Grapevine held her hand over the young girls mouth and said, "Be quiet. I'm trying not to be discovered here."
It was as much to the girl as to Elysia. The girl glared at her with gold eyes and bit her hand. Iris wasn't pleased with the trespasser, "Too late, now tell me what you are doing and why I shouldn't tell grandmother that you are out here."
"Because she's with my Uncle and I'm trying to make sure he doesn't get hurt or injured," Grapevine said.
"Wait, wait, who the hell are you?"
"Col. Patricia Elric, Grapevine Alchemist, assigned to Gotham on Fullmetal's command staff," Trish said.
"Way to just give her all the information she needs, Trish," Elysia said over the link.
"Elric? Are you related to Edward Elric?" Iris asked.
"The General is my Uncle, why do you want to know?"
Iris glared at the older woman, "Cause that man happens to be my grandfather and I'm more then willing to let him know your spying on him and Grams unless you give me a good reason not too."
Elysia laughed at Trish on the link, "How you going to get out of this one, Grapevine?"
"And who the hell are you?" Trish asked the girl, ignoring the peanut gallery in her ear.
"Iris Elric, I live here with Grams. Now, what is keeping me from letting them know you are spying on them?"
Trish thought quickly, "Because you don't want to rat out family?"
The sun was getting close to the horizon behind Iris. She smirked as she said, "But how do I know you are family? I know he is, Grams would never be as happy as she is if he wasn't. But what proof do you have that we are related?"
Trish hastily pulled her wallet from her pocket and held it out. The pictures in it, as well as her state ID, all showed she at least had some relationship with Fullmetal. Iris looked them over and said, "Well, I suppose I could let this go. As long as you stay out of their way. I won't have you ruining this for my Grams!"
The look on Iris face was way too much like Edward's when he was pissed. Trish wasn't backing down, "All I know about your Grams is what we've pulled from the local data net. Does the name Poison Ivy sound familiar?"
"That was over forty years ago and she hasn't done anything close to what she did in those days since she met Grandfather," Iris responded. The sparks seemed to fly in the air between the two as they glared at each other. They kept like that until movement inside the green house caught their eyes. Edward and Pamela were walking from the living area towards the outside actually dressed up. Edward was in a decently black suit looking extremely proper. Pamela was in a green evening dress, which had a strap that lead up around her neck. The dress had no back and what it did have was very form fitting. The ankle length skirt was slit up the side, allowing her left leg to show slightly as she walked.
Trish was appalled. Iris was smiling, happy her grandmother was actually going to have fun tonight. Neither had paid much attention to the limo that had driven up, but were a little interested as the pair slid into the back. Trish was quickly working out how to follow them when Iris said, "You know, it's a good thing I have my license. If I wanted to I could just hop in the car and follow them."
Iris was holding a set of car keys on the end of her left hands fingers. Trish was staring at the keys and wondering what it would take to get the kid to just hand them over. Elysia was already plotting a stake out and was trying to get Trish to get the keys and meet her somewhere. Trish said, "You know, you are my second cousin. We really should get to know one another. After all, we're family aren't we."
Iris' expression was positively predatory, "Perhaps we should."
"We just have to pick someone up first," Trish said, and the pair were off. Trish kept Elysia apprised of where they were heading. They met up in a small cafe just across the street from a rather fancy restaurant. Elysia was sitting at a table trying to look as disinterested as possible. Trish and Iris joined her and they trio began their stake out. Introductions were made quickly.
"So, tell me about him," Iris asked. That set the tone of conversation for most of the night.
--
Terry walked down to the cave and began suiting up for the night. He kept thinking on what Elric had said to him in the car. He knew a time was coming in the future where he would have to come to terms with that part of his life. He couldn't keep trying to separate both aspects of his life. Recent events thanks to the Joker defiantly made him reconsider keeping everyone in the dark. However it also enforced the need for secrecy at the very same time. It was a vicious circle of thought.
He walked over to the computer and asked, "Anything out of the ordinary I need to keep an eye out for tonight? Aside form our friends from another world."
Bruce was working away on the computer. There was a list of trouble spots on one of the smaller screens, as well as schematics for something Terry didn't quiet understand on the main screen. He ran an eye down the list of hot spots, "No, for now just general patrol. Do a couple of flybys on Edward's base camp."
Terry raised an eyebrow at that, "Thought you trusted him."
Bruce continued to work, "It's not him I'm worried about."
"I'm still trying to wrap my brain around this. I'm not entirely clear on how bad these things can be. The way you two are acting, it almost sounds like the near Apocalypse of 2009," Terry said.
"Ignoring for the moment the number of innocent lives sacrificed for their creation," Bruce said.
"That's another thing I'm not clear on. I know you've encountered the magical before, but I'm still a bit sketchy on all of this," Terry said, concerned his lack of understanding to could pose a problem.
"If you ask Edward he'll tell you Alchemy isn't magic. It's a science to him, which allows him to reshape matter on the molecular level. The stones however cross that realm between science and magic. The number of souls used in their creation provides a massive amount of power for any alchemist in proximity to them. The law of Equivalent Exchange states that for an object being transmuted, you can only create an object of equal total mass and composition," Bruce explained.
"So basic physics, matter can neither be created or destroyed, only changed," Terry said.
"Exactly, however the energy for the transmutations alchemists from Edward's world perform comes from the alchemist themselves. The stones don't only remove the limitations of Equivalent Exchange, they act as an alternate source of energy for transmutations," Bruce said.
Terry nodded, "So your worried someone may try to take the stones and cause trouble for the people on the other side."
Bruce nodded, "Then we'd have someone more then willing to use that power, another threat to worry about long term."
Terry nodded and went to jump in the car to take off for the night. Bruce said, "Edward talked to you?"
Terry stopped, "Yea, he did."
Bruce nodded and turned towards Terry, "Whatever he said to you, take it for what it's worth. He and I are similar in that we've given up everything for what we took on as our duty. He's getting a second chance he never expected now. I'd prefer you never have to hope for that."
Terry nodded, "I've been thinking about that. With everything that's happened recently, and now this. It's not often you get advance notice on the end of the world."
"You've been thinking about telling them the truth, haven't you," Bruce said.
"I can't say it hasn't crossed my mind. I don't want my own partner. I certainly don't want Matt thinking he can be the next Robin," Bruce nodded in agreement. "Still, with all that's happened they have a right to know what's coming. How did you handle it?"
Bruce scowled, "I didn't. Everyone who I wanted to keep safe went against my wishes and pulled on the mask. The only person I ever willingly told about all of this was Alfred. Except for Max I doubt you'll have anyone you want to know about this begging to put on a mask."
"But them knowing puts them in greater danger just by association," Terry said. That was his major fear. He was willing to face what could happen without fear. He wasn't willing to endanger his loved ones for it.
"Even then, Joker proved it's more then enough for someone to find out who you are without them knowing," Bruce pointed out.
Terry turned and faced Bruce, "So where's the middle ground?"
Bruce leaned back, his arms crossed as he thought, "There are only two ways to really protect them without getting them involved. Give up the mask, or give up them. Otherwise you will end up carrying the burden on your shoulders for the rest of your life if an enemy goes after them after finding out who you really are."
Terry lowered his head, "And the third option is to tell them straight out and let them face it head on."
Bruce nodded, "Only real way to go. If you want my advice, don't take the second option. You can and have done a lot of good in that suit. But if you take that route you'll end up like me eventually. Old, broken, and alone. I know you aren't willing to give up that easy, so I doubt you'll take the first option."
"And if we end up in a worst case scenario after all this, they'd all be safer here then hiding somewhere in the city," Terry said.
Bruce turned back to the computer, "Don't make any rash choices. Think about, talk with Max and Barbara. Whatever you decide, I'll support you on."
Terry nodded and headed out for the night. He had a lot on his mind as he set off to protect the streets.
--
The night for the terrible trio had progressed from exchanging information on the two people they were watching, to stories about Marcus Elric from Iris. It gave all the women a chance to know who they were dealing with. Speaking to Iris helped allay the worries of the two older women of Ed's safety. They had worries, they wouldn't be freed of all of them after one night. They kept their eyes on the restaurant across the street.
"I wonder what they are up to," Iris said curiously.
"Probably just dinner, catching up, nothing interesting," Trish said.
"Still, I want to find a way in there, just to confirm Ed's status," Elysia said.
Iris just shook her head, "It's a reputable establishment. Three women forcing their way in or sneaking about would not be looked kindly upon. I really don't want to see the inside of a jail cell."
That would go over well, ending up in the local cell block while supposedly keeping a low profile. Elysia had checked in with base camp, all their recon teams had returned with little to show for the day. Some political and economic information that would be of interest to the Assembly and the other governments. Nothing threatening, save for information on this Justice League that had been mentioned on some news broadcasts. If they decided to attack there would be a bloody conflict. One that Amestris or all the combined forces of their world would be hard pressed to survive.
Elysia looked to the roof of the restaurant and asked, "You think they have a skylight?"
Trish smiled and nodded. The two made their way to the back of the building with Iris in tow shaking her head. They climbed up a fire escape and quietly walked around the roof until they found a skylight showing everything below them. Elysia and Trish pulled something out of their pockets, Elysia handing Iris a spare set of what appeared to be small binoculars. They looked in and found the table the pair was sitting at. They had finished whatever they had eaten and were sipping wine, while talking back and forth. Trish noticed the red haired woman was laughing happily as Edward spoke.
"To be able to hear what those two are talking about," Trish muttered.
Below them Edward and Pamela were reminiscing and trading stories back and forth. Edward said, "And Armstrong is just standing with his back to me facing the alley like Al used to when he found a stray cat. I ask him if he did and when he answers he turns around and says, 'Yes" while holding this guy up by the back of his collar. Well, he's passed out and groaning when we set him on the ground."
Pamela laughed and asked, "So what did you do?"
Edward chuckled, "I told Armstrong to put him back where he found him. Turned out he was the twelfth prince of Xing."
Pamela just couldn't help laughing. It was a sound that Edward had missed and sounded like light music to him. He reached across the table with his left hand and held hers softly. He still couldn't place the time he had fallen for her, but right then he didn't care. That night had only reinforced the truth to him. She had a mind that could keep up with him in scientific discussion. A sense of humor that sometimes rivaled his own in it's sinister edge. For the first time in forty years he wasn't feeling as if he was hiding anything again.
Pamela smiled and held Edward's hand softly, "I have missed you so much. No one ever made me laugh like you."
Edward smiled, "And no one ever made me feel like I could just let go like you."
"Amazing that no one ever managed to capture the interest of the great hero of the people over there in all this time," Pamela said, a slight smirk on her face.
"None of them could compare to the evil genius I left behind so long ago," Edward said, smirking back at her.
Pamela sighed, "Well, you managed to defeat my dark designs and capture me forever. I suppose life without parole is doable if your my jailer."
Edward smiled back and pulled the sleeve away from his right arm. He slipped something open on the wrist and held his left hand closed around it. He looked her right in the eye and said, "I know I haven't been back for very long. I know that there is a very real possibility that we might not make it through this. But I couldn't go to my death, or continue on living without doing something I should have done long ago."
He stood up and walked next to her chair, her eyes widened as he knelt down on one knee and presented her with a beautiful ring. She could tell he had done the work himself, no one she knew could ever have made the ruby stone in the setting look as much like a rose as this one did. The metal was a verdant green color, with leaves and thorns etched into the surface. It gave the appearance of a rose in full bloom. He took her left hand and said, "Pamela Isley, will you marry me?"
Tears ran down her cheeks as she smiled widely and said," Yes."
Patrons around them clapped in congratulations, while the three women watching from the skylight were shocked. The older women were aghast at Edward's actions. Their younger companion seemed to be starry eyed as she smiled at the scene. Elysia and Trish were both thinking, "What the hell?" Iris was thinking, "How romantic."
Pamela wrapped her arms around Edward and kissed him deeply. When they finally broke the kiss they smiled. Edward extended his hand and asked, "May I have this dance?"
Pamela smiled, "Absolutely." They joined the dancers on the floor and spent the rest of the night with only the other in their eyes.
With the major excitement over for the night the three women on the roof left. Iris had one of the happiest smiles ever on her face. To her it was something she was extraordinarily thrilled over. Finally, they would be together like they were meant to be. Iris was happy and thrilled for her Grandmother and Grandfather that night. Her enthusiasm however was not shared by the older women in her company. They waited until Iris dropped them off at a safe distance from base camp.
"I can't believe he did that," Trish said. Elysia was lost in thought though.
Trish looked at her companion and asked, "General? Elysia? What are we going to do?"
Elysia looked at Trish and said, "For now, we keep this to ourselves."
Trish looked at Elysia and saw something more then concern in her eyes, "What's on your mind?"
Elysia just shook her head, "I was just thinking about Ed. I don't remember him ever even being interested in dating anyone. He always dedicated himself to raising me, or to the job. I always wondered why he never pursued a relationship with someone. Hell, I'm pretty sure he never even slept with a woman."
Trish thought about it, "Do you think he used this mission as an excuse?"
Elysia shook her head, "No, he is here to do the job we've been tasked with. He knows the stakes, and nothing could ever stop him from doing the right thing. You heard the story he told us. If there is one thing I know about him, is that he doesn't let the past go. He always tells people to keep moving forward, but he's constantly looking back."
"And now he's facing his past head on," Trish said.
Elysia nodded, "The thing is, I don't think I've ever seen him as truly happy as he was tonight."
"But, we aren't staying here. And we can't bring anyone back," Trish said.
"That is what worries me," Elysia said.
--
Edward and Pamela walked arm and arm away from the restaurant towards the limo that had been waiting for them. Pamela was draped on Edward's left arm smiling the whole way, feeling better then she ever had. The limo driver opened the door for them when the sound of motorcycles in the distance caught their attention. Edward and Pamela turned and looked down the street as a band of Joker's began rampaging and accosting several other people along the road. Edward and Pamela looked at each other and smirked.
"May I have this dance my dear?" Edward asked.
Pamela offered him her hand, "Of course, good sir."
A Joker came flying past them on a motor cycle and ended up clothes lined on Edward's automail arm. He smirked and then said, "Alphonse, if you would."
"Of course, Edward," the AI chirped. A moment later a tango came from Edward's wrist. The Jokerz had decided the pair were more interesting targets and rushed them. Edward and Pamela didn't miss a beat as they began to dance along to the music. Every sweep, every turn, every movement of their tango met with a joker falling to the ground.
Terry had been in the area when the Jokerz had started their rampage. He dropped out of the sky and was shocked to see the pair dancing almost literally in the street. Edward sent Pamela into a spin, at the end of which her fist connected with a female Jokerz stomach, when her pulled her back against him she had her back pressed against his chest, their arms intertwined. Terry took the time to time to tie up several more Jokerz, taking his eyes off them for a moment.
There was one Joker left heading straight for the pair. Terry ejected a batarang as the thug swung to strike the pair in the head. The strike hit mid-air as Edward threw Pamela into a dip, her left leg coming up and catching the Joker's jaw in a hard kick, knocking him out. Her bare leg came down and slid sensuously along Edward's waist for a moment, then slid down his right leg.
Edward looked into her eyes, the sweat from their exertion making her almost glow with radiance. She smiled and said, "I've had a wonderful evening."
"Maybe I should pay the driver an extra five-hundred creds to drive around the city for a while," Edward replied, lust in his eyes.
"Reminds me of that one time after one of the Ecological Society benefits. He was very happy with his tip," Pamela smiled, the same thought reflecting in her eyes.
Terry just watched the pair slightly shocked at the display he had just seen. He tied up the last Joker as they got in the limo. In his ear Bruce quipped, "I hope you were taking notes." Terry could swear he heard the smirk on the old mans face.
To Be Continued...
Author's Notes: Felt this would work, hope it pleases. Enjoy all. If your waiting for me to finish the next chapter then please take the time to read and/or review some of my other fics in he mean time.
Thanks to Ryan and datdude.