Walking in Shadows, Seeing The Light

Author's Note: Sorry… about this time of day my brain begins to slow down so my chapters may be a little choppier than usual… love you all…

Disclaimer: I do not own Full Metal Alchemist.

Summary: Past meets present the clash of a haunting past lingers overhead as the Elric brothers attempt to find peace. Can an angel who guards the gate help them discover the secrets of her past as well as theirs? EdxOC and AlxOC

…what must I do for you to be my friend?' the little prince asked, 'you must talk to me, water me once a day and when you leave you must cover me in glass.'

The Little Prince

Chapter: Vanity

Alphonse and Maria stepped out of the restaurant much later that night. She was laughing as he said something.

"There you are…" Vanity hissed from above them on the building. She scampered across buildings following them.

"Wait a second." Al held out his arm to pause Maria's movements.

"What is it?" Maria looked around.

"Someone's following us." He replied, "Act like you don't know, as if there wasn't anyone there, but be ready for an attack." She nodded and they continued to walk. She watched him walk. For someone that was so big he walked very gracefully, his stride was long and fluid. Vanity jumped behind them as they reached the graveyard. Not missing a beat Al swung around and blocked the creature's blow with his arm. Maria ducked behind one of the graves and Al slammed the homunculus onto the ground by her arm.

"You're quicker than you look." Vanity stood up out of the mud. Al held his attack stance. Alphonse dove to the side as the creature tried to round kick him. His arm came around from behind her and smashed into the back of her neck, knocking her to the ground.

"Maria! Run!" Al shouted at her and she nodded, taking off in another direction. Al looked after her for a second before he swung around to block another of Vanity's attacks. Her movements were so heavy Al noticed as if she were under a great pressure. He took a step back and watched her as she swung at him, backing him up against a grave stone. 'That'll work.' He thought and a smile crossed his face.

"Not going to even TRY!" Vanity lunged at him again, her arm pulled forward to attack. As she swung to attack him he swung back, slamming his fist into her stomach. She went flying and rammed against the marble monument.

"Hello dear." A choked voice said to Maria as she ran. She slowed and looked around to see who had spoken. He came from the shadows, a sword in his hand.

"What do you want?" She took a defensive stance. Malice grinned from the darkness.

"You." He swung at her, his blade cutting her arm and she fell back. She continued to block his attacks. "Only guarding huh?" Malice slipped the blade under her defensive stance and knocked her back. Just as he was about to pin her to the ground Al appeared out of nowhere and blocked Malice's blade with his own.

"You want her? Well then, you're going to have to go through me first." Al grinned evilly. Malice stepped back and looked at him for a second.

"Very well then." He dove at Alphonse with an evil look in his eye. Al parried his blade and swung around, his sword cutting right through Malice's stomach. Malice jumped back just as he attacked, lessening the damage. Before he knew what had happened Malice's mask fell to the ground. Al's eyes opened wide at the mangled left side of Malice's face.

"Jesus Christ." Al gasped. Maria hid behind Al and covered her face. Malice hissed and sunk back into the shadows. "Running away then…" Al turned to Maria. "Are you alright?" She nodded.

"Just a few cuts. Thank you." She smiled and his heart skipped a beat again. He heard footsteps behind him. "AL BEHIND YOU!" Maria shoved him to the side and dove forward, her nails extending and piercing Vanity's stomach. Alphonse watched as she swung Vanity and she landed in the shadows was no longer seen. Maria's hand hung at her side and Al shivered. Suddenly he remembered, Lust, she could extend her fingernails as well.

"Maria?" Al asked. She looked like she was crying and as he walked over her nails contracted back into her body and she fell into his arms, crying her eyes out.

"I'm sorry Alphonse… I'm so sorry." She whimpered and he put his hand on the back of her head as she gasped the collar of his trench coat. "S-sorry…"

WOOOT! THAT WAS AWESOME! I LOVE FIGHT SCENES!

Hugz,

Ringo.