Last time Vathek introduced Guts, The Black Swordsman to Elyon and Will. As it turns out, Guts had a relationship with Hay Lin's grandmother, Yan Lin. But that's behind them now. Guts offered to join Will and the others when they go to Ed and Al's world to fight the demons there. With all the arrangements made our heroes went through the Krell Gateway. On with the show!

Chapter 11: Central

To Cornelia, stepping through the Krell Gateway seemed like walking though an ordinary doorway. But upon emerging on the other side, she felt like she'd been compressed into something small, then was released. "That was trippy," said Irma. "I prefer Folding," said Will. "I actually miss the Portals," said Taranee, "Compared to that."

"You'll get used to it," said Ed, "Al and I made the trip a few times before." "How many?" asked Matt. "We visited seven dimensions before coming to yours," said Al, "So we've adapted by now."

Will and the others then noticed that they were standing under a large tent that was erected around the Gateway they went trough. Around them were several people in blue uniforms. Two of the uniformed people, a man and a woman approached Ed and Al. "Welcome back, Fullmetal Alchemist," said the woman as she and the man saluted Ed and Al. "It's good to be back," said Ed.

The woman had blond hair done up in a tight braid and had reddish eyes. The man was tall with short black hair and wore glasses. "This is Lt. Rise Hawkeye," said Al, indicating the man, "And Lt. Col. Maes Hughes." "Did you find what you were looking for?" asked Hughes. "Not exactly," said Ed, "But Al and I did find a lot of help against the demons."

Introductions were made between the two officers and Will and the others. "Hey Ed," said Winry, "I'm gonna head back home before my grandmother gets too worried." "Okay," said Ed, "I'll see you later." "Not if I see you first," said Winry, "And don't damage that arm again, unless you want another wrench in your face. I'm getting tired of fixing it for you."

"Before you leave, Winry," said Hughes, "Have you sent he latest pictures of my daughter?" Hughes then 'shoved' several pictures in Winry's face. "Isn't she the most adorable little girl in the world?" "Uh, yeah," said Winry, "Um, I got to leave now, so, why don't you show the pictures to Ed and Al?" "We've seen them," said Al.

Just after Winry left, a very large muscular man entered the tent. He also wore the blue uniforms that were present here. The man was at least 6 feet tall, nearly bald, and sported a very blond mustache. "Edward and Alphonse Elric!" exclaimed the man as he rushed over to Ed and Al, he grabbed both in each arm, "You've been back for over ten minutes and you haven't spoken to me! Your lack of courtesy is disgraceful in the eyes of the Armstrong family!"

"Good to see you too, Major," said an embarrassed sounding Al. "No offence Major," gasped Ed, "But I think you're crushing my spleen." "Forgive me Edward," said the Major in an overdramatic way as he released Ed and Al, "It was never my intention to cause bodily harm to you or your brother!" He then noticed Will and the others. "Oh, you have brought guests from the other side! Allow me to introduce myself; I am Major Alex Louis Armstrong, the Strong-arm Alchemist!" "Pleased to meet you," said a slightly nervous Will. "That guy looks totally ripped," said Matt to Nigel. "Probably steroids," said Nigel.

"What!" exclaimed Major Armstrong, "What's that you said, boy!" "I, uh, err," stammered Nigel, "I thought that, I only assumed that you've used steroids, my mistake." "How dare you even assume that I would ever use drugs!" shouted Major Armstrong. He then ripped of the top half of his uniform to reveal more muscle on his torso and arms than Will or anyone from her Earth had ever seen on a man. "That guy's got more meat on his bones than you do, Guts," said a stunned Caleb. "Indeed," said a stunned Guts, "But can he handle a sword?"

"Look at this perfectly sculpted form of masculinity!" exclaimed Major Armstrong as he flexed his arms, "Look at it and tell me it was the result of drugs!" It's not," said a rather scared Nigel, "I'm sorry that I ever thought you used steroids." "He's a bit overdramatic," whispered Ed to Irma. "Oh really," whispered Irma back, "You think?"

"This vision of manly perfection is the end result of a muscular training system that has been passed down throughout the Armstrong family for generations!" exclaimed Major Armstrong, "Look at it! Look at this godly image before you! Look at it! LOOK AT IT!" "I'm looking at it for crying out loud!" exclaimed Nigel.

"If you keep intimidating my boyfriend like that," said Taranee, "I'm afraid I'm gonna have to hurt you." "I got this, Taranee," said Nigel, "I've seen your body enough, now please put it away, or else you'll see just how strong I am." "Little boy!" exclaimed Major Armstrong, "Do you honestly think you can go toe-to-toe with me? The Strong-arm Alchemist?"

"I reckon I can," said Nigel who was looking Major Armstrong in the eye without blinking. There was a minute of silence before Major Armstrong let out a loud and hearty laugh. "Well done, young man!" said Major Armstrong as she roughly patted Nigel on the shoulder, "Well done indeed!" "You okay?" asked Taranee as Nigel rubbed his assaulted shoulder. "That's gonna leave a mark," groaned Nigel.

Just then another man in a blue uniform came into the tent. This man had black hair and a slightly pale face. He had white gloves with red symbols oh his hands. "Another dead end I assume, Ed," said the man. "Hello Cornel," grumbled Ed, "Everyone, this is Col. Roy Mustang, the Flame Alchemist. Col. Roy Mustang, this is everyone."

"I see you brought back a lot of company," said Col. Mustang, "I hope they know what they're getting into here." "We've had a lot of experience fighting demons," said Will. Col. Mustang then noticed Guts. "That's a rather big sword on your back," he said, "I hope you know how to use it."

Guts unsheathed his sword for all to see it. "I've been training myself to handle bigger and heaver swords ever since I've learned how to walk," said Guts, "There isn't a part of my body that hasn't been cut, slashed or stabbed by a sword. I've been bitten, bashed around and thrown off cliffs. I've had every bone in my body broken at least three times by now. I've killed hundreds upon hundreds of men in the heat of battle, not to mention countless demons, so yes, I reckon I can handle it."

"Okay then," said Col. Mustang, "Let's get you young people situated. Major Armstrong, escort our guests to the nearest 5-star hotel. Ed, Al, debriefing in one hour." "Yes sir," said Ed and Al as they saluted Mustang. He saluted back and left with Lt. Hawkeye.

Will and the others were showed to several early looking automobiles and were driven to the hotel specified by Mustang. It was nighttime as they drove through the city. Central was a vast city that appeared to Will as what New York City must have looked like around the early 1920's: very little in the area of electronics, early looking automobiles, just to name a few. "Not a cell phone in sight," said a slightly disturbed Irma, "no I-pods, no PDA's, no laptops, I'll bet these people have never even heard of a computer. It's shocking."

"So this world is a couple decades behind ours in terms of technology," said Martin, "I find it a bit refreshing. It's a chance to study firsthand where we, mankind, came from."

When they reached the hotel Major Armstrong made sure that Will and her friends had the best. "Spare no expense," said Major Armstrong, "Put the bill in the care of Major Alex Louis Armstrong, the Strong-arm Alchemist!"

Will and the girls had a two-bedroom suite, while Matt and the boys had a three-bedroom suite, with Guts staying with them. "Now this is more like it," said Cornelia as she sat on one of the beds. "It's pretty nice," said Irma, "Though I do wish there was cable TV, or any television at all." "This bathroom is bigger than my apartment!" exclaimed Will, "And that's saying something."

Meanwhile in the boy's suite Guts had removed his armor. "Holy cow!" exclaimed Eric as he saw the many scars than ran up and down Guts form, "You weren't kidding when Mustang asked you if you knew how to use that sword." "There are times when I wish I didn't have such vast experience," said Guts, "You guys take the beds, I'm used to sleeping on the floor." "You sure you want to do that?" asked Caleb. Guts nodded, "I'm a light sleeper anyway."

Half an hour later Matt knocked on the girl's room and asked if he could talk to Will alone. "Don't do anything too compromising!" called Irma, "We're in a public place!" "For crying out loud," said Will once she and Matt were out of earshot, "Ever since Pai-Mey blabbed that we were doing it, Irma's hardly let up about it." "Speaking of that," said Matt, "How about some extra curricular activities later on say, about around midnight?" "Perhaps," said Will, "So is that all you want to talk about?"

"It's Guts," said Matt, he then told Will about what he and the rest of the boys saw when Guts removed his armor. "This keeps getting weirder all the time," said Will, "And it's worse. If Yan Lin was right about knowing Guts when she was a Guardian, then Guts must be at least 60 years old."

"Yet he doesn't look a day over 21," said Matt, "Is it possible he's immortal?" "I don't know," said Will, "But I think we're gonna find out rather soon." She then started to head back to her room. "Uh, Will?" asked Matt, "Just asking, but were you serious about what I said about 'extra curricular activities?'" he asked in a hopeful tone. "You'll find out around midnight," said Will as she gave Matt a sly wink.

Meanwhile at Central military headquarters, Ed and Al had just finished telling Mustang all that had happened while they were on Metamore. "You're sure this Pai-Mey Matoya is behind the demons attacking our world and the dimension you visited?" asked Mustang. "Will and her friends are certain of it," said Ed, "I see no reason not to believe as they do on the matter."

Mustang stood up from his desk and looked out the window before saying, "What I'm about to tell you two is top secret. I'm only telling you on orders from Fürer Bradley himself. The demons that attacked Central were only the tip of the iceberg. Several more were reported seen up north. The Fürer ordered you two to 'take care of the situation,' as he said. You are authorized to use whatever resources you need."

"I think Al and I have all that we need," said Ed. "But I think it would be a good idea to have Will and her friends come with us to fight the demons," said Al, "They do have a lot of experience in the matter." "I see no problem," said Mustang, "From the reports I've read, you're going to need all the help you can get. Get some sleep boys; your train north leaves at 10:00 a.m. sharp." Mustang then saluted Ed and Al, they saluted back.

"That guy really gets my goat, Al," grumbled Ed as he and Al left the building, "One of these days he's gonna get it from me." "The Cornel is just doing his job, brother," said Al, "And so are we. Who knows, maybe we'll find out to make a Philosopher's Stone from this experience." "Maybe," said Ed, "Maybe not."

The next morning found Will and the others getting ready to head out for the demons. "Where were you last night around midnight?" Cornelia asked Will. "I couldn't sleep," said Will, "So I went for a walk." "That's not what I heard," said Taranee, "Either I was dreaming, or I heard you kissing Matt goodnight sometime around 1:00 a.m."

"So what if Matt and I had a 'after-hours excursion,'" said Will, "It's not like you and Nigel haven't done anything like it. Or are the two of you still at the stage where you're each taking turns tying each other up?" At this Taranee blushed severely.

"You're kidding!" exclaimed Cornelia, "You and Nigel have done the dirty deed?" "Well," said Taranee, "Yes we did. And I'm proud that we love each other so much that we want to express our love physically, and before you ask, we did use protection."

"Well that's your prerogative," said Irma, "We all live in a free country. So you and Will go right on ahead and fornicate to your hearts content. Me, Hay Lin and Cornelia are sticking to the value of waiting until marriage, right girls?" "Right," said Cornelia. "Well, um, err," said Hay Lin who was also blushing.

"Oh no," said Irma, "You to?" Hay Lin hesitated for a second before nodding. "With Rock Lee?" asked Taranee. Blushing even more, Hay Lin nodded again. "When?" asked Will. "During winter break," said Hay Lin, "I visited Lee for the weekend. It gets very cold in Konohamaru during winter nights. The power was out from a sudden snowstorm. We both wound up in the same bed to keep warm. One thing led to another, and we did it, and yes, we did use protection, all three times."

"Three?" asked an amazed Cornelia. "Then three more the next morning," continued Hay Lin, "And another two before I went back home. I think I've found the man I'm gonna marry."

"Well that's just great," said Irma, "Cornelia and I are the only ones in the group who haven't been deflowered, unless," she glared at Cornelia, "Have you and Caleb been doing anything naughty behind my back?" "No!" exclaimed Cornelia, "Caleb and I aren't like that, we both agreed to wait until marriage. We're gonna wait until I'm 18, then he'll ask my mom and dad if we can get married, get married and then we'll screw until our hearts content."

Meanwhile…

"Just what were you doing sneaking out in the middle of the night?" Eric asked Matt. "None of your business," said Matt, "And I'll thank you not to butt into my business." "I'm just asking," said Eric defensively.

"A word of advice," said Guts as she strapped on his armor, "Women can be a pain in the ass some times, it's best not to rush things." "What are you talking about?" asked Matt, "I love Will very much. As soon as we've finished high school I'm gonna ask her mom if Will and I can get married." "I'm just saying you kids should take things one step at a time," said Guts.

"How would you know?" asked Nigel. "Because I've been there," said Guts, "Fate can be cruel when it comes to love. One minute you're the happiest you can ever be, the next you've find that it's all been taken away from you." "Pessimistic," whispered Martin to Matt, "Ain't he?"

At 9:50 a.m. Will, the girls, the boys and Guts met Ed and Al at the Central train station for their trip north. "It's about two days ride up to where the demons have clustered," said Ed, "So we'll just sit back and watch the sentry go by."

"Since we've so much time before we get there," said Eric, "I feel we should put that time to good use. I want you to teach me Alchemy." "What?" asked Ed. "You heard me," said Eric, "I've stood on the sidelines while my friends have risked their lives and souls. I'm not a natural warrior like Caleb or Matt, nor do I have super strength like Nigel, or super intelligence like Martin. But I want to help, so teach me Alchemy."

"It's not that simple," said Al, "Not everyone can be an Alchemist." "We'll never know if I'm one or not if we don't try," said Eric, "I want to help fight the demons. I don't need to be at the same level as you two, just teach me enough so I can at least do something to help."

Ed and Al had a quick whispered discussion before answering. "Okay," said Ed, "We'll try to show you the basics of Alchemy, but no promises that you'll actually be able to do Alchemy in just two days." "I'll try," said Eric, "I'm a fast learner." With that our heroes boarded the train, which departed for the north at 10:00 a.m. on the dot.

The end of chapter 11. Next chapter we switch back to Pai-Mey and The Dadga Khan as they get an unwelcome visitor. Please review and I'll see you next time!