Chapter Six

Ruby stood frozen, the rain masking her tears as she contemplated her next move. She drew the conclusion that someone was going to die, and that someone was going to have to be him. I can't do this alone, but I can't ask Ed to help me.. He wouldn't be able to do it. Or maybe he'd be all too willing.. She tried to reason with herself. But I know someone who can help. Ruby took a running start toward the forest but quickly slowed her pace as the mud made her feet slip, almost knocking her off balance.

It took her a while in the rain, but she eventually made it to the shelter of the trees. Water dripped down her face from her hair, chilling her wet body. "Where's a fire when you need one?" She sighed sarcastically to herself.

"Apparently it's not here," A male voice rang through the trees, not the least bit drowned out by the rain. Ruby looked around her to find the man, but it was impossible among the trees and rain. "Why are you still here, Dagger Alchemist?"

Shaking, Ruby began to reach for her dagger. It was him. "You damn bastard. You tricked me! You knew my past with Edward, and that I couldn't kill him!"

The man laughed. "You're right; I do know you can't kill your precious Edward, which is why I sent you out to do it! If you don't complete your final task you'll never be free; likewise, if you're never free you're always my slave, to use however I need." Ruby pulled out her dagger but froze when the man came out, walking confidently toward her, carrying a sword. I never expected him to bring that. She thought uncomfortably.

"Why did you do that? I thought you were going to let me go! I thought you were going to give me freedom!" Ruby activated the Circle on her dagger; a medium sized one with a wooden handle and sharp blade, its transmutation circle carved into the handle.

"I wouldn't do that if I were you," he said with a chilling tone. "I have friends in high places." Ruby looked confused for a moment. Who could possibly be higher than him?

"That's enough for now, Pride." A new voice, this time a woman's, called through the rain. "She doesn't need to know any more."

"Who are you?" Ruby asked the stranger, who was wearing a black dress that nearly matched her short black hair.

"My name is Dantè," she answered briskly. Dantè walked up to Ruby, stopping inches away from her. All instinct told her to kill her, to get rid of the one who obviously had control over her tormentor, but all she could do when faced with the icy stare of the woman before her was stand frozen.

"Why did you just call the Fuhrer Pride?" She asked. Her voice was unsteady. Pride was a homunculus name.

"You'll learn more about that later," Dantè replied with a scowl. She leaned in close to Ruby's face. "Right now I want you to take me to Ed!" Ruby tightened her grip on her dagger.

"No." She said hoarsely. "I won't take you to him." Dantè's eyes squinted angrily. Pulling her head back, she slapped Ruby across the face, throwing the fear-stricken girl to the ground.

"Fine. Pride," she summoned, "capture her. Then we'll get the Fullmetal Alchemist." Pride dipped his head and raised his sword.

"Yes, master," he said. He cut deeply into Ruby's arm before she could stand up, making her stay on the ground, writhing in pain. She tried to sit up but her body ached and the cut made her arm throb. Before she had time to see what was coming, Pride struck her head with the blunt end of his sword, knocking her unconscious.