Character: Alphonse Elric
Haunted by the Past
In his mind, he could still see the blood. In his tangled memories, he watched it pour endlessly onto the cold, stone floor, smudging the chalk transmutation circle; so carefully drawn not even an hour ago.
The blood came from two places.
From the monster that they had created; the writhing mass of organs piled up against the wall. It's eyes glowing, and mouth wide open as it attempted to steal enough air so that it could live.
And from his brother. Feebly trying to push himself upright, despite the copious amounts of blood pouring from the stumps where his arm and leg used to be. Begging forgiveness for a crime he'd had no idea he'd commit, and crying for what he had done to his little brother, despite the fact that his injuries were far worse.
He could remember clearly walking over to the young boy, huddled on the cold ground, whimpers escaping with every painful movement, no matter how slight. The strangeness of his new, empty body, almost forgotten through the fear for his brother's life. Ever so gently picking up the young blonde, his weakened body had slumped lifelessly in the suit of armour's metal arms.
Terrified, he'd made his way to the Rockbell's at almost a run, ignoring the driving rain pounding against the empty shell that was now host to his soul, simply trying to shield his brother from the worst of it. Thumping a huge metal fist on the wooden door, he'd knelt, holding his brother ever tighter, as though he could somehow make him live just by being there. The door opened.
He would forever remember the shock on their faces at the sight before them. The giant suit of armour with glowing red eyes, clutching at the child's limp body; blood streaming onto the damp floor.
"Please, help him. He's going to bleed to death…" He hated how feeble his voice had sounded as he knelt there, his brother's life slipping away in his hands.
"Al… Alphonse?" Winry sounded shocked, even scared, and unsure of what to do. Aunt Pinako's pipe dropped from her mouth, clattering loudly on the wooden floor. However, despite her apparent shock, she quickly got to work, taking care of Edward. It was only because of her that he had survived.
And Alphonse could never thank her enough.
A/N: Reviews make me feed the plot bunnies!