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If you don't know by now, I shall tell you a twenty-sixth time. I NO OWN FMA. YOU NO OWN RILEY.
Chapter Twenty-Six:
The Two Pyros at Work
A man with long black waist length hair stood tall, glaring at the state alchemists that approached him. My father, and a State that I couldn't see very well yet. A younger Scar stood behind my father with tan skin, and red eyes. "Why do you insist on protecting these creatures?" The State asked, smirking. He had pale skin and black hair, much like my father, but he was shorter than my father. Kimblee.
"Because the Military won't," My father replied coldly, causing Kimblee to chuckle.
Soon after, a woman almost as tall as my father came to my father's side. She was my mother. "Go, boy," Father said bluntly.
Scar paused, shaking his head. Whether it was loyalty, or determination to fight, I don't know. "We must go!" An elder said to Scar, dragging him away quickly.
Kimblee only chuckled again as he rose his palms.
I stared at the man in front of me. I felt almost paralyzed where I stood. My hands stung a little, and I realized I was so scared and angry that the circles in my hands were starting to react.
Kimblee smirked as he examined me. "Didn't your parents tell you not to mess with explosives, kid?"
I didn't reply. I didn't know if I could. In my head, I could see myself ripping him limb for limb, but in reality, I was pretty much frozen. "Looks like she's scared..," The Chimera said, snickering.
That seemed to snap me out of it! Heh..
Glaring at the Chimera, I looked back at Kimblee. "What do you want here?" I asked.
"Nothing you need to know about," He replied before turning. Ignoring me. Flicking me off. Pissing me off.
He began walking off. "The hell I don't!" I shouted as I ran forward. I wasn't sure what I would do yet, but I figured I'd come up with it when I got there.
He turned just as I sent my fist to his head. He grabbed a hold of my wrist and I yanked my arm backward as I sent my leg forward. He backed away so I stood back up fully. "Huh.. That seemed familiar," He muttered under his breath.
Shrugging, he came at me. I grabbed a chair, holding it in front of me as he reached forward. His hand wrapped around one of the front legs of the chair and exploded the chair. I stumbled back and he smirked as he lunged forward, grabbing hold of my wrist and neck. My eyes widened as I spun my arm back to my side, slipping it out of his hand. Once I did, I grabbed hold of his wrist around my neck and turned, kicking him in the face. The kick was deflected as he blocked with his free hand, and grabbed hold of my leg. I then felt my leg heating up.
Typically not a good sign.
I yelled out in pain as a small explosion occurred, ripping my skin at the place he held my leg. He let go and I fell backwards, landing on my back. Wincing in pain, I looked up to see Kimblee looking onward in mild surprise. "That should've exploded you completely." I began standing up as his brows furrowed, "Who are you anyway?"
"That isn't important," I growled before running at him again. I knew I shouldn't have, but just the sight of him pissed me off.
Kimblee's eyes narrowed as he blocked my fist, knocking it out of the way. He moved his head to avoid my foot, and kicked me in the stomach. I grunted at the impact and slammed my leg down onto his. Jumping forward, I punched him in the face. He stumbled back, rubbing his cheek as he looked down at me. "That fighting style..."
He ran forward and went to punch me, which I blocked with my arm. Instantly, he kicked at my side and I blocked that as well, jumping over his leg. He swung his arm at my head and I ducked, grabbing his arm as I did. Elbowing him in the stomach, I swung him over my shoulder.
Landing on his feet, he turned, hands outward as he tried grabbing my neck again. I hit one of his hands out of the way as I ran forward, smacking his at his jacket. He jumped back, causing my hand to skim the outer rim of his jacket. It exploded shortly after and he stumbled back. His eyes widened at first, but they quickly narrowed as a smirk formed on his face.
His shoulders shook from chuckling and I glared at him. What was he getting at?
"Riley Mauler..," He said, smirk still evident on his face.
My blood froze. This asshole knew my actual name?
"Your parents were those idiots leading the Rebellion Army," He said, putting his hands back in his pockets. I glared, causing him to smirk wider. "So I'm right."
"Shut up..."
Kimblee chuckled again, "You're just as annoying as they were..."
Snapping, I ran at him. "Shut up!" I shouted. I threw a punch and he stepped to the side. As I spun around to continue my attack, he kicked the back of my head. I grunted as I fell forward, and he grabbed my wrist. I felt it heat up and so, I did the same, grabbing his wrist as well.
He smirked as I glared at him. "You're already prepared to be detonated.. You really want to try to stop me like this?" He asked in a taunting voice.
I scowled, my reply instant. "And do you really want to find out who can explode the other faster?"
My arm continued to heat up, but I wouldn't budge. His eyes narrowed; He knew the position he was in. Snatching his arm from me, I kicked at his stomach and he dodged back. A door opened in the hall we were in and an officer ran out of the room to see what was going on. His eyes widened and before he could run to get help, Kimblee grabbed the man's neck, exploding him.
I was about to freeze up, but I wouldn't let myself. I had to finish him off. He exploded the door, and a chunk of the wall was ripped away as well. He raised his leg, kicking the chunk in my direction. Quickly, I clapped, placing my hands on the chunk of the wall just as it reached me. It exploded into several little pieces, and I instantly felt hands around my collar, shoving me into a wall.
Kimblee placed a hand around my neck. "Just like your mother. Acting on impulses.." I felt my neck heating up. I wasn't sure how to get out of this one. Not to mention, I was feeling dizzy from the blow to the head. I snatched his hand away, but was almost too late.
Screaming in pain as a side of my neck was torn, I fell to the ground. I grabbed onto my neck, wincing. I could hear him walk away as my vision blurred out.
"Riley, damn you, get back here!" Jacob shouted angrily as he chased after me. I was nine.
Giggling, I stuck my tongue out as I looked back at him, "Why don't you use your handblade to do it?" He glared more as he continued running. I looked at the blade in my hand and mocked surprise, "Oh wait, you ca-" I twitched as I ran into muscled legs. Falling to the ground, I looked up in a pout. Before I could yell at the moron for getting in my way, I smiled wide when I saw Gregory. "Uncle!" I exclaimed, dropping Jacob's blade as I stood and hugged him.
Jacob was bowing to Gregory, who nodded, "Ease, Jacob." As Jacob stood, Gregory said, "I need to see everyone in the main room. Immediately."
Jacob and I fell silent, exchanging glances. "Yes, sir," Jacob nodded and left to get everyone.
A few minutes later, we were all in the main room, as Gregory had wanted. We all sat in front of him, who stood before us. He sighed. "There is no easy way to put this. As you know, our strongest men and women went to protect Ishbal in the war," Gregory started, "I.. We're pulling out."
"What?!" Jacob exclaimed as others' eyes widened. Everyone began to protest to this.
Gregory glared at them, "Silence!" When everyone quieted down, he sighed, glancing to me and looking away. "We're pulling out because the people in this room are the only ones left of the Rebellion Army."
My eyes widened as everyone let out gasps and pleas of surprise. "You're kidding!" A woman, Gregory's age, shouted.
"...The Maulers have been killed.. Along with the others we sent. We weren't prepared for this war, yet we went in anyway for the sake of protecting people. There are many people left, but none anywhere near the level of the Clairessant and Kevin Mauler... Until we have our strength back, we will pull out from anything we were already in."
...With Ed and Al...
(Because isn't switching Point of View FUN?)
Al looked into the last room and turned to Ed. "Brother, it looks like Teacher is gone.."
"Damn it.. She's going to be too weak now to escape from here with that kid. What's she trying to do?" Ed muttered under his breath.
Upon hearing military voices, Ed and Al looked to the sound. "We're not supposed to be here.. Let's go," Al said, glancing at his brother.
Ed scowled. "I can hear Mustang's smug remarks already," He growled before turning and running past Al. They turned down another hall to continue their exist, but both stopped when they saw a familiar body laying on the floor. Ed's eyes widened as he saw Riley laying there, bruised and bloody. "R.. Riley!!" He shouted as he rushed over. Al gasped in shock, following his brother's path.
Plopping to the floor beside her, he examined her, eyes still wide. Her neck and leg both looked burnt, like an explosion tore at the skin. Aside from that, there were minimal scratches. "Brother!" Ed quickly looked over his shoulder at Al, who was holding a small red-colored fabric, ripped edges. "Remember? Kimblee's jacket was torn when he came to us..."
Ed was surprised, as he looked back down to Riley. "That bastard..," He growled out in anger, before picking her up as gently as he could. "Come on, Al.."
...(And then You were Magically Transported Back Into Riley's Mind.)...
I let out a gasp as I sat up quickly, clutching my neck. "Riley! Thank goodness!" Hannah exclaimed, smiling from beside the bed I was in. I looked down to see my leg was bandaged, and I could feel that my neck had some bandage around it as well.
Groaning, I laid back down slowly. "No moving today, please..," I thought to myself as I sighed. I looked to Hannah, "What happened after I passed out?"
"Ed and Al found you in the halls," Hannah began to explain as she handed me a painkiller and a cup of water, "They brought you back here."
Instantly, I sat back up and winced as I did so. Damn it, I didn't want to move! "Ed and Al!" I shouted. "Where are they?" I asked as I took the pill.
After a short pause, she sighed. "They went to Yock Island. Izumi's there," She explained.
"I need you to take me there, Hannah," I said, sliding off the bed.
Hannah blinked in surprise. "No way! You're hurt!" She exclaimed as she tried to put me back on the bed. From all the noise, Sig walked in to see what was going on.
As we struggled against each other, I glared at Hannah. "Let me go, I need to get there!"
"They can handle it without you, Riley!"
I fell silent.
A few seconds went by as I stared at Hannah blankly. Hannah opened her mouth to say something, but didn't. Sighing, she shook her head, "I'm sorry Riley.. I didn't mean-"
"What the hell are you on?!" I shouted, glaring at her, "Ed's way of handling something is destroying it! And Al can't handle it cause he's handling Ed! Don't you know that already?!"
Her brow twitched, "Excuse me for saying such things."
I nodded, "Damn right!" I glared up at Sig, "Now get me to Yock Island!"
After hearing the door open, Sig looked over to it and ran out of the room, "Izumi..!"
Twitching, I peered out of the room and saw Izumi, Winry, Ed, and Al. "Just how long was I out?" I muttered under my breath, pouting. So much for that idea.
Hannah smiled in victory. Che...
"Riley! How are you feeling?" Al asked, noticing me as Sig and Winry helped Izumi to her room.
I stood straighter, looking over at him as I walked into the room. "Like crap, thanks," I said simply.
Ed looked over, "What were you thinking going after Kimblee like that?"
I glared at him. "What do you mean 'like that'?!" I asked, pouting. Hannah and Al sighed, and followed Winry into Izumi's room.
"I mean," Ed started, glaring back, "What were you thinking attacking Kimblee so stupidly? You should've known what he was capable of-"
"I know very well what that bastard is capable of!" I shouted. "It isn't your business who I go after and who I don't go after!"
He shook his head, "It is my business when you're with Al and me!"
"That's bullshit!" I shouted. We both glared at each other for several seconds. Waiting to see who'd falter. Ed's brow twitched and I winced from my neck wound, but neither of us would let ourselves lose.
Winry walked out to check on us and her brow twitched seeing our situation. "Would you two just shut up and act like civilized adults for once?! You're being butt-heads!" She exclaimed in annoyance, before stomping back into Izumi's room with a pout. How civilized of her.
We sighed, knowing that even though she herself was acting childishly, she was still right. "You can lecture me all you want, that doesn't change the fact I went after Kimblee. And if I see him again, I will agai-"
"Why is he so important?" Ed asked.
I twitched at the fact I was being interrupted, but I shook my head. "He's the reason the Rebellion Army fell," I replied simply. Whether or not he'd get it from that, I didn't really care. I just wanted to go lay back down until we left. "So, what happened in Southern Headquarters, and on Yock Island?" He gave a quick explanation about Southern Headquarters, then how he and Al fought that kid on Yock Island, but Izumi stopped them. The Furher and his secretary were there. I thought that was odd. Why is it the Furher kept showing up? Isn't that just too coincidental?
Sighing, I nodded and we both entered Izumi's room.
. . .
"It's a shame, when a teacher is as misguided as her students," Izumi said calmly. She sat in her bed, holding onto the covers as we all stood around her. "Ed, Al..," Izumi started, looking up at them, "Despite my sins, I have to draw the line. You can no longer study under me." Ed and Al gasped, eyes widening. "I didn't teach you alchemy so you could echo my mistakes. Destroy your bodies, disrupt the world's flow. I won't stand for your fighting either."
"But, Teach-" Al was stopped when Ed put his arm in front of him.
I glanced over at Ed to see him looking downward, bangs covering his face. He lowered his shaking fist back to his side. "We appreciate all you've taught us. Please, take care of yourself."
Shortly after, we headed out. Ed and Al hadn't muttered a word after we did. We walked down the street, with Sig behind us. "Come on guys, this can't be the end. Are you sure you want to leave on bad terms like this?" Winry asked, looking to the backs of Ed and Al.
They didn't respond, and I sighed. "It's pointless, Winry," I mumbled to her. She looked over at me as though she was going to disagree, but looked down, knowing I was right. Because, I am always right...
..Well, usually.
...
. . .
"Take care, Sig," Ed said, looking up at said man. He stood in front of us as we stood in front of the train, ready to leave. People walked by, boarding their train.
"Goodbye, you two. Make sure to stop by next time you're here," He replied.
Now I'm confused. And, it looked like everyone was.
"But..," Al started.
"I don't think we're exactly welcome," Ed finished for him. They looked at each other and smiled nervously.
"Idiots!" Sig commented, causing the two to flinch and look back at him. I smirked at the sight. "Now that you boys are no longer Izumi's students, you're free to start a real relationship with her," He explained, "As equals."
Winry smiled, "That's right!" The brothers looked over at her and she continued, "You don't have to feel constrained anymore. She can be your friend now."
Ed looked at her a bit before scratching his head, "Aah damn it, Al we can't leave yet!"
He took off running back the way we came and Al paused before following, "Oh.. Kay."
"Just watch your head," Sig said before they left fully.
. . .
Sig, Mason, Winry, Hannah and I all listened through the brick wall to hear Izumi and the Elrics.
.. Sig, Mason, Winry and Hannah all listened through the brick wall to hear Izumi and the Elrics. I was dozing off. Apparently the painkiller Hannah gave me was starting to make me feel drowsy. Very drowsy. I could hear Izumi's voice every so often, but other than that, I was pretty much out of it.
"Wake up, Riley," Hannah growled, hitting my shoulder.
I groaned, jerking awake. "Whaaa...?"
"Izumi gave in!" She whispered.
I tried to smile, but was unable to control my mouth. "Tha.. greeaa..."
Sighing, Hannah shook her head and turned back to spying. I tried listening, but it all made no sense. "Equivalency... Tell me, do you believe," I furrowed my brows as Izumi's voice started to fade out.
"Of course he does!" Al exclaimed before rambling about something I didn't understand. Sounded like he was talking about money. I wasn't sure.
"You do a great job reciting it," I heard Izumi say. Then I thought they were talking about a play or something. God, that painkiller worked wonders.
Suddenly I heard Mason let out a yell of shock, and I winced, jumping at the loud noise. "Y-Yes?!" He shouted, jumping up to look into the window.
"Show them the way to Dante's house," Izumi said, "They're heading there tomorrow to pick up my medicine."
Medicine.. Maybe I needed some, too. ...Or had I already taken some?
. . .
"Uuuugh... I'm never taking medication again," I grumbled as I stuck my head out from under my pillow. I was, once again, in the same bed in Izumi's house. Slowly, I stood and yawned, feeling better than I did yesterday. Upon remembering the talk Izumi and the brothers had last night, I stepped out of the room to ask someone what play Al was in all of a sudden. Winry and Hannah were sitting in the main room, reading. "Guys..?" I asked, walking in.
The two looked over and Hannah smiled, "Glad you're up. What is it?"
"What the hell did Izumi say to Ed and Al last night?" I asked.
Hannah almost fell out of her chair from the surprise of the question. Sighing, she said, "She sent Mason to show them the way to a woman named Dante, who has her medicine. According to Izumi, Ed and Al would learn about something from her."
"I see..," I mumbled, sitting down as I tried to figure out how on earth I managed to get, 'Al's in a play' from, 'Get my medicine from Dante'.
I hate drugs.
Sighing, I stood, "Well, where's Mason?"
"He's outsi.. No, Riley, you're still healing from your wounds," Hannah whined.
My expression deadpan, I looked over at her, "I'll be fine, Hannah." She didn't look too convinced, but I went out anyway. "Oi, Mason! Come on!"
. . .
I let out a small whine as I walked up the hill. "I hate this... Ed better be grateful when I get up there..," I grumbled under my breath, glaring ahead. My leg had started to sting a bit, but so did my headache. Getting closer to the top, I smelled a burnt smell. I stopped, on alert as I looked around. The last time I smelled that, was when I fought Kimblee...
Ugh...
As I could see the top of the mansion in sight, I ran toward it. The smell got stronger as I reached the place, and saw Ed on the ground. On one side of him, stood Kimblee. On the other, someone I hadn't seen before. He was taller than Kimblee, and wore pretty much leather of everything. He was buff, dark hair spiked back. I then looked to Ed as I hid behind a tree. I couldn't see burns or scrapes on him, just a bruise on his cheek and some blood.
There was no way Kimblee could do that, so it had to have been that other guy. And, if he managed to knock Ed out with one punch, he was a lot more buff than I thought. Letting out a silent sigh, I planned my first move. I knew I wouldn't be able to do much if Kimblee were behind me, but the same most likely went the other way around as well. I could go after both in a larger attack, but that'd put Ed in dang-
Ah screw it, he's too small for my attacks to hit anyway.
...Then again, it might do some damage to Dante's place.
Okay, that plan's a no-go. Finally, I decided. I was going to run out and do my thing on instinct... Twitching, I shook my head. Maybe not the best idea either. At the sign of Ed moving, I quieted my thoughts and watched on. The big guy smirked, "It'd be a pain in the ass if you followed us.." He walked to Ed and picked him up by the collar. "Why don't I just break your legs now then?"
Looks like I had no more time to plan. Sighing, I grabbed a rock and threw it at the big guy. It exploded when it rammed into his head and his brow twitched as he stepped back from the surprise, dropping Ed also. He glared over at Kimblee, "What was that for?"
Kimblee smirked, glancing over to the trees, "That wasn't me." He tossed a handful of rocks toward the tree, and they all exploded. From the impact, trees and bushes fell over, but I wasn't in sight. His eyes narrowed as he turned forward, looking around. Big Guy did as well.
I came from behind Kimblee, slamming my hand into one side of his neck. He stumbled over and turned to hit me, but I kicked his leg in and he began to fall backwards. Glaring at him, I shoved my elbow in his face and he quickly grabbed hold of my elbow, regaining his balance. He went to punch me, but was stopped by Big Guy, who grabbed hold of Kimblee's wrist.
Kimblee scowled, but let go, stepping out of the way as I looked to Big Guy. He was smirking. "Kimblee's informed me about you..," He said, walking forward. "What's a Mauler doing protecting a Military dog?" He asked, bending down to my face.
My brow twitched as I resisted the urge to reply with, 'Bite me.' I was afraid he probably would.
"So which homunculus are you?" I asked, glaring up at him.
He blinked a couple times and smirked again. "You're a quick one, aren't you?" He held out one hand to shake, the other hand still in his pocket. "Call me Greed."
As much as I wanted to react and just punch him, I knew I shouldn't. Obviously he was strong, and punching him wouldn't do much good. Yet. "I'd rather not," I growled out.
He ignored it as he threw an arm around my shoulder, "Now why don't you get rid of that one and join us? We could use a Mauler on our side."
Twitching at this guy's antics, I couldn't take it anymore. Finally, I kicked at his legs but he only smirked as he held his leg up, missing my foot. "That's too bad," He said before moving his leg sideways, shoving it into my stomach. My breath lost me as I doubled over in pain. I glared up at him to see he was looking in the window of the place. A few seconds later, he looked to Kimblee. "Let's get out of here."
As Greed walked away, Kimblee glanced down at me and smirked as he followed. "W-Wait!" I looked over to see Ed on his knees. I sighed as I watched them leave. Ed wasn't in the shape to fight, and I definitely couldn't with Kimblee and Greed both attacking. We'd have to get them another day.
Be Responsible.Don't Flame and Drive! Rawr.