I missed it all, I messed you up, I missed you
I'm coming home, I wanna know
When all the leaves began to fall
If I'm falling, falling apart for you
Homecoming, Hey Monday
Chapter Three: Burn
Since I myself wasn't exactly one hundred percent sure, I watched the other alchemists engage in their orders. Roy looked as if he wanted to shoot himself in the foot, being pained as he watched the soldiers and civilians of Ishbal perish. Alex had been unreadable, for once. But, knowing the almighty Alex Louis Armstrong, he sure as hell couldn't be enjoying this. Basque Gran seemed to be having fun, but that's because I'm assuming he just has no life. All he does is work and kiss ass. And of course, Kimbley.
He looked like he had just won the Lotto of four different countries. He truly was…enjoying himself.. His smile, his laughter, his eyes were blazing with joy. It wasn't scary at all.
It was terrifying.
"Holy! Do as you are told or I'll have you arrested for insubordination!" I snapped out of my harsh daze, before focusing on the job at hand. My body noted that air the held little moisture, making it harder for me to be able to transmute something out of it. With a relief of held breath, I touched my hand to my left shoulder blade, activating the flow of life on my transmutation circle. I could sense the moisture in the air thickening, the chemical bonds in them packing tightly together. Through the stages of liquid they went, from Gas, to Liquid, to a new formed Solid.
Still holding onto my shoulder blade, I managed to control the ice particles in the air, and move them into the unsuspecting Ishbalan soldiers, women, and children. The diamond miniature daggers no longer held their clear color, and were now stained with crimson. I felt tears threaten to spill over the dam that had formed as I watched the little children scream and cry as the ice daggers pierced through them rapidly and repeatedly.
My heart felt heavy, I couldn't keep this up. Why was I doing this? I was killing and murdering innocent children and other civilians. My knees gave out as I watched and heard their cries, over and over again.
"I-I'm so sorry," I whispered to nothing in particular, until I heard footsteps approaching my side.
"It's okay." I heard Roy murmur while I cried. The cries of the Ishbalan's had died down, and I could hear the disgust in Gran's voice. I wanted to snap at him for being so inconsiderate, but this was war. With a sniffle, I looked around noticing each of the alchemists' eyes were on me.
"Where's Kimbley?" Noticing his over excited smirk had been of absence. Roy looked trapped.
"He, uh-" He was cut off with a sound of a boom, making me look at Roy.
"He, what, Roy?" He glanced in the direction of the explosion, seeing a small cloud fill the air.
"He's out of control, Faythe." Picking myself off the floor, I dusted away the dirt off my uniform before breaking out into a sprint in the direction of the explosion.
"Major Chevalier, we're going to have to ask you to stop right there. This area is off limits while the superiors apprehend Crimson." My eyes widened. What trouble had he gotten into now?
"As your superior officer, I command you all to get the hell out of my way!" I barked to the sea of lower ranking sergeants. They still made no motion to move, while the one in front held a bazooka to my face. I glared at the inside of the barrel.
"Sorry Sir, we have orders not to let anyone through." I really didn't want to have to do this. But I just needed to make sure he was okay. I grasped the transmutation circle on my back, the water in my body had molded together with the moisture on my skin. It stung to feel everything mold into these wings I had invented, but in the end I knew this would be worth it.
I had dropped in not far from where Kimbley was fighting for freedom. The superiors definitely weren't happy to see a lower ranking officer interfering.
"Holy, step away from Crimson, or you too will be apprehended." I just ignored them.
"Kimbley, what the fuck did you do?" I screeched. I wasn't sure why I was in such a blind rage. The air of war? Or the fact that I killed innocent lives? But I finally noted that Kimbley hadn't responded. I looked through his topaz orbs, but found nothing of consciousness. One by one or few by few, he had taken out the superior officers.
"Kimbley, stop!" His hand reached for another, but I could no longer take the sounds of explosions. I wasn't able to tear his hand away from blowing up flesh, only able to divert it from its original target.
"Faythe!" Roy cut his way through the crowd, along with Armstrong at his aid, and was at my side. "Are you okay?" He asked, trying to turn me so I wasn't face down in the sand.
"My…arm." The words had taken me more than a moment to get out, Armstrong lifted my arm, examining the fresh wound.
"It isn't badly injured, not compared to Kimbley's other attacks." He announced, looking to Roy. He nodded in response. My eyes opened, ignoring the pain as I looked at Kimbley intently. He said nothing, but I could finally notice that reality had struck him. The other military officers had seen this as an opportunity to apprehend him. He gave in without a fight, but not without a last glance.
"My own art." He murmured low enough for only me to hear, before being taken into custody.
It had been over five years since that fateful day. I had constantly holed up in the temporary dormitory I was provided during those oh so long days. As I lay, sprawled out among the soft couch, I could hear the door open, making me tear my arm away from my eyes.
"Faythe," Roy started. "You can't just keep moping." He was constantly obsessing over my concern over Kimbley. In Roy's eyes, he was a psychopathic murderer that had almost attempted to kill me back in Ishbal. But it made no difference to me. Kimbley had tried to understand my well being, so he had to have shred of humanity in him
"You'll lose you're sanity if you keep this up." I laughed bitterly, propping myself up on one arm.
"Funny, I didn't know I still had it." I smirked all knowingly as he took a seat in the arm chair nearby.
"Faythe, that's not funny," He hissed, looking intently into my forest hued eyes. "Has he truly robbed you of your senses?"
"No Roy," I tore my eyes away to avoid the smoldering gaze. "I don't know how to explain it, but I knew that he wasn't really bad from the start."
"Yes Faythe, he's a wonderful man, that's why he almost killed you and is now a rotting corpse!" I was taken aback with his harsh words, but let them run right through me.
"You just don't know, Roy."
My military life had been nothing but a broken record. Each day had been put on repeat one too many times, excluding the occasional date or night out with Lt. Hawkeye. I had dated many of the military men, but it just seems that none of them could ever hold my interest. Either that or Roy would threaten them. Like Havoc for starters. It seems like Roy loves to make his life a living hell.
I continued to question my all too pathetic life while my much younger friends had their noses deep into their research. The objective itself was the work of the devil; why Roy would let the Elric's stain their hands with it was beyond me. But these boys were like my other little brothers, just like Caden. As a big sister, I knew it was best to just wait and let them make their decisions before telling them anything.
I had almost achieved my forsaken slumber, until I could hear Edward slam his hand and auto-mail on the coffee table. It had creaked underneath the pressure being exerted from the mechanical limb. My head had snapped from its resting place.
"Now I know why they call this the Devil's errand." He hissed. "Why the researchers abandoned their work or were driven insane." I waited, although I knew he had figured out the secret.
"The last ingredient, is live human beings." I let out a breath, knowing Ed wouldn't quit, although he sure wanted to act like he did.
We had gone over it all together, along with Ross and Bloch. Although Maria had said to let the grown-up's handle it from here, Ed would never listen to that. I had just falsely slept on the boys' couch, waiting patiently for them to attempt their escape.
"C'mon Al." I figured now would be the best time to act. With the silence I had been graced with as a State Alchemist, I managed to reach the window and pull on Edward's braid, making him look up at me with angered eyes.
"You're not going anywhere," I made it sound as stern as I could possibly muster. "Not without me." I added softly, making him give me that usual determined gaze.
Breaking into Laboratory 5 was a cinch, but being separated wasn't something I had banked on. Al and I stayed behind, fighting against a whack-job empty armor. I'm not insulting Al since Al's actually sane. The other suit, who called himself Barry the Chopper, was just one sugary bowl of Fruit Loops. Not even kidding. But, Al and I had managed to fight him off, with the help of Scar who had randomly dropped in on the battle. Now Al and I were aimlessly wandering around in hopes to accidentally bump into Ed.
Currently, we were resided in a plain room that contained nothing but a four-walled crimson structure. Faintly, I caught wind of footsteps that were bound to be heading to this room.
"Quick, hide!" I hissed towards Alphonse. He got behind the back crimson wall, as did I. The footsteps came closer, now an outline was visible. It was a man, clad in a military uniform with tanned skin and a black mustache. Okay, there was no way in hell Basque Gran came back to life after having his brains get exploded!
The imitation Brigadier General had pushed a button, and the mechanical whirring filled the room. I couldn't be too sure of what was going on, but I couldn't risk getting caught. The fact that someone had to impersonate Basque was reason enough to stay hidden. I could hear the fake bark an order, but I paid no mind to it. I was searching in the dark for the button that was pushed. From what I could tell, it was a button that we had missed when we first walked into here. The imitation had walked out of the room, the mechanical whirring singing again.
"C'mon Al." He nodded, hastily following after me. I walked up to the button and the exact moment I was about to push the thing.
BOOM
"Oh wonderful." I muttered under my breath before turning around. Al was no longer in my line of vision. "Al?" I called through the smoke, although I truly couldn't see much. "Alphonse!" I called out again, still, nothing sounded.
"Why didn't you tell me there were other scientists!" I could hear the familiar voice hiss through the smoke and debris.
"Edward?" I called out as the smoke finally began to clear up.
"Faythe?" He took a step forward, I was finally able to see him. "Where's Alphonse?" He asked. I froze for a second.
"I was, uh, looking for him a moment ago, but I can't seem to find him anymore." I laughed sheepishly, my hand rubbing my neck while Ed's usually short temper had fused off at me
"You lost him! How the hell do you lose a 10 ft tall suit of armor Faythe!"
"Well excuse me! It's not my fault the building fuc-" The dark laughter had caused me to stop, making me glance behind me.
"Faythe, as in Faythe H. Chevalier?" The other prisoners looked to a man who was seated Indian style, his hair hanging over his face.
"Uh, yes?" I asked quizzically, looking to the strange prisoner. Once again, he chuckled, even more ominously than before.
"It's been sometime, hasn't it?"
"Wait a mother fuckin' minute," I walked over to him and bent down to be eye level with him. "Kimbley?" He looked up, his topaz as smoldering as ever. His smirk was accented with his stubble.
"Bingo."
The breath was in my windpipe as I stared at the man I had nightmares about. I couldn't get a single question out the right way, his smirked grew wider as I stumbled over confusion.
"I thought you were dead." I murmured sadly, mimicking the way he was sitting.
"I was actually looking forward to an execution," There was a hint of laughter in his voice. "But apparently the world has other plans for me." I couldn't look him directly in the eye, it was too…I don't know. I suppose I was afraid to think of the past. To think of me killing the innocent. To think of watching my friend doing the same. Plenty of reasons, I figured.
"What are you doing here?" Kimbley chirped, trying to make eye contact. I looked over to Edward, who was trying to negotiate making the stone or something.
"My little brothers, or two boy's who really seem to fit the role." He chuckled again, making me over look at him. I was going to say something, but my mind went blank, and I had no memory of what I was going to say. I noted Kimbley wasn't starting at my face or anywhere near my face. He was staring at my arm.
"It's still there." I whispered, rolling up my military jacket's sleeve. The whitened scar ran up my entire arm until the shoulder hit. I could hear Kimbley grunt slightly, before running a finger along the scar.
"Gorgeous, isn't it?" For a moment, I thought he was being sarcastic. But, knowing Kimbley, he was one hundred percent serious.
"I can't say it's my number one piece of art," I paused slightly, finally looking Kimbley in the eyes. I brushed away some of his greasy bangs before smiling sorrowfully. "But it's definitely one of my favorites." I murmured.
The bright blue light that had enveloped Edward had disturbed our reunion. Kimbley scowled in the direction of the young teenager, then looked to me. "You'd better go." He hissed. I looked from him to Ed, unsure of what I wanted more at the moment.
"Go!" He barked. With one more glance, I ran off the transmutation circle, while Maria tried to control Edward. I watched as the prisoner's scrambled, save for Kimbley who just walked off like a regular person. I sighed, watching as he made his escape, knowing it would be the last time for a while I would be seeing him.
I sat in the mess hall, barely picking at my food with a fork. I couldn't get that entire meeting out of my head. But who would be able to? I thought he was dead for God's sake! The shadow that was currently looming over me wasn't just metaphorical. I glanced up, noticing Hughes smiling down. My eyes rolled as I brought them back to my barely touched dinner.
"Faythe…what happened?" He asked solemnly. My fingers went numb, I almost dropped my fork.
"He…he was there. And alive." Hughes wasn't exactly able to register why I had to say it with pain in my voice, I wasn't sure either. "I think he didn't want to see me." I added quietly, remember the fact that he wanted to die. I couldn't help but wonder why.
"Faythe that's impossible. He couldn't hate someone he was dying to meet since she joined the Alchemy program." My forest shaded eyes stared directly at him
"What on Earth are you talking about, Maes?" He let out a light chuckle.
"I meant what I said." That definitely got me thinking. Is that why he talked to me that day? Why he spent two days straight constantly trying to figure me out? This had my head spinning in circles, the room moving a lot faster than it should. I groaned, moving my plate aside and resting my head on the table.
"Maes, I feel like passing out." I grumbled.
"What? Aw hell, Armstrong!" Last I remember was Alex coming in and picking me up. I ended up over his shoulder, my eyes soaked in drowsiness.
I was at home, in my comfortable king sized bed. With a quick glance at the clock, I was able to note that it was around one in the afternoon. With a swing of my legs, I sat right side up at the edge of my bed, my right hand pressed to my forehead. The footsteps that sounded from beyond the were thudding and pounding in my head. The door squeaked open, as Caden peaked his head in.
"How are you feeling, sis?" I groaned in response, causing him to chuckle. He stepped all the way in, a tray containing a large bowl of soup, a long glass of tea, and some fruit on the side filling his hands.
"How long was I out, Caden?" I asked as I got back in bed, pulling the blanket over my pajama clad body. He placed the tray among my lap and sat at the edge of the bed.
"Not too long, just about a day." I sighed of relief and blew on my soup, hoping it wasn't too hot. Caden laughed, noting the little baby sips I was taking. I scowled slightly before bringing the spoon to my mouth, savoring the taste. He laughed again before walking out my bedroom door, leaving me to revel in my thoughts.
"Faythe, phone call!" Caden shouted from downstairs. I swear, I knew fifteen-year-olds were loud, but Caden's voice just killed my ears.
"Coming!" I removed the tray from my lap and placed it off to the side before standing to my feet. Without hurting myself, I managed to rush down the stairs and snatch the phone away from Caden, making him roll his eyes.
"Faythe speaking."
"Uh, Faythe? It's Jean." I giggled silently to myself, already know what he was going to ask. He only called himself 'Jean' when he wanted to be formal.
"What's up?"
"Err, well I was wondering if you'd like to go out tonight?" He paused for a second before rushing to add, "Not like a date, it could just be a friendly get together if you want." I giggled again, almost like a little high school girl.
"Sure thing Jean, it sounds great."
"Alright, I'll come and pick you up at around 7?"
"Great, see ya then."
Seven rolled around much faster than I thought it would. I was still applying my make-up when Havoc rang the door bell. I wasn't exactly ready so I had to yell, "Caden, could you get that?" I was busy rubbing eyeliner around the perimeter around my eyes, aiming for a faded and smoky effect. I rushed to add both coats of mascara on, and finally slid my heels on. Havoc whistled when I walked down the stairs, making me laugh.
"Nice to see you too." I kissed his cheek, while Caden rolled his eyes. "Only have a light snack if you get hungry, and get to bed before 11." I hissed at Caden.
"Yes, mother." He mumbled sarcastically before going back to the TV. I laughed again before Havoc had my hand in his.
"Shall we go?" I nodded to him before walking away with him, shutting the front door. The wind flapped my skirt slightly, making me shiver slightly. With his free hand, Havoc held open the passengers door for me, making me thank him politely.
"So where are we going?" I asked casually, looking out the window at the passing scenery.
"I figured a nice quiet dinner would be suiting, and then maybe out for a drink?" He grinned slyly, knowing what a drink did to me. It wasn't that I couldn't hold my own weight, no. I just got really crazy and hyped up like a kid that's had one too many Pixie Stix.
"Are you trying to seduce me?" I asked with laugh, making Havoc join me.
"Why? Are you seducible?" We laughed even more.
"Not one bit."
The dinner was marvelous and going to the bar was more than fun. The fact that it was karaoke bar made it even funnier. Guys that were beyond the point of drunk were stumbling over the stage, incoherently singing into the microphone. I wasn't exactly sober myself, but I couldn't say I wasn't aware of what was going on.
"You suck!" I screamed at the current singer, who was mumbling something or other about his friend's mom or something. Without hesitation, I took a beer cap and threw at the guy, others had followed suit.
"Why don't you go up and sing, Faythe?" Havoc slurred, and I looked at him confused.
"Jean, I don't sing." He laughed.
"Every girl sings, especially in the shower." He wiggled his eyebrows with the comment, making me laugh and pat him on the head.
"You would know that," He looked at me with a small pout forming over his cigarette. "I don't sing Havoc."
"Oh c'mon Faythe, sing! For me!" Soon enough the entire crowd had gotten worked up and was chanting.
"Oh my god! Fine!" Havoc jeered while others clapped, before he kissed my cheek. "Anyone have a guitar?" I asked while making my way towards the stage. The stage hand had ran towards me, an acoustic guitar in his hand. I thanked him quietly while strapping it around, and playing a soft melody.
He woke up from dreaming and put on his shoes
Started making his way past two in the morning
He hasn't been sober for days
Leaning now into the breeze
Remembering Sunday, he falls to his knees
They had breakfast together, but two eggs don't last
Like the feeling of what he needs
Now this place seems familiar to him
She pulled on his hand with a devilish grin
She led him upstairs, she led him upstairs
Left him dying to get in
I was cut short as the singing and playing was collided with a crash, coming from out into the crowd. The limelight was still on me, but began to cloud with debris. With a growl I set down my guitar and ran straight into the commotion.
"Jean!" I called out, hoping I could find him. All I heard were slurred screams and laughter. Someone must've been more than tipsy to be laughing at the moment. "Jean!" I called out again, but still heard the same thing. With a hiss, I smashed a nearby beer mug, molding the brewed liquid into an unrefined looking weapon. Whoever did this definitely wasn't one to be taken lightly.
"Jean Havoc!" I screamed for the millionth time, before I finally heard a groan in response. I followed to where the acute sound came from, and was at his side.
"Ah, there you are Holy," My body froze, and it wasn't because of alchemy. "I've been looking for you everywhere."
"C-crimson?" He shrugged in a false bashfulness, as if he were just praised. "Crimson, what the hell are you doing here!" He laughed each time he took a step closer. I bit my lip in anger and nervousness. Honestly, why was he here? His all knowing smirk bothered me with every step.
"That's for me to know," He bent his face down to be eye level with me. "And for you to find out."
Author's note: Glad to know that I'm getting more feedback[: This chapter would have been out sooner, until my computer decided to be a bitch and crash the original file for this. Oh well, i managed to retype it in two days. Go me! Anyways, I really liked this chapter. Reviews would be wonderful[:
Disclaimer: I do not own any publicly recognisable characters, places, objects, etc. I do not own the "Are you seducible" quote; that belongs to Nicholas Sparks. I do, however, own Faythe and Caden Chevalier. You steal them, and I will release Gluttony on you[: