Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters except for Aaliyah.
{Opening song}
Period/Chemistry
-The Oath in the Tunnel/Filial Affection-
Aaliyah's POV
I couldn't see what was occurring in the immense darkness encompassing us. The only thing I could hear were the hints of a battle, and the periodic cries of Gluttony trailed by red sparks. I unknowingly held Edward's shirt out of trepidation. I didn't care for not comprehending what was going on, particularly with Pride.
"The ruler of Xing controls the chi known as the 'Dragon's Pulse'. The knowledge permits him to govern the flow of ourkingdom." A voice all of a sudden spoke up making me cling to Edward. This is precisely why I despise the dark! I could feel Edward's body tremble while the voice proceeded. "As the personal servants of our ruler, we too are trained to learn the flowof chi. Not only that, but we're also trained to act in the darkness." "Wait, I recognize that voice..." Edward spoke in recognition. Since he said it, the voice did sound familiar.
"Long time no see, huh kid?" I felt Edward's body shift slightly as he pointed out. "I still can't see you, Fu. Hold up, how were you able to find us?" "We've been hiding out in Central attempting to watch out for things for some time now. We distinguished a few substantial chienergies accumulated here and so we tailed them." Fu clarified. "There are two enormous amounts of chi engaging closeby..."
If Fu was sensing two presences nearby, then that could only be two people. "That must be Greed and Gluttony you're sensing." I answered."Greed, huh? The one who swallowed the young lord?" Fu questioned only to release a sigh. I could tell he was concerned for Ling, however, he wasn't one to show his shortcomings. "... and then, there's another substantial chi within the forest." Fu changed the subject. "Our companion is battling Pride out there." Darius explained."There's also one more in the settlement nearby... and there's something unsettling about that one. It's as though the other's pale in comparison." "That's probably Ed's father." Since Fu could sense the Homunculi's chi, it was possible. It seemed well and good in light of the fact that the man was a living, breathing Philosopher's Stone.
"What? Are you saying that your Father isn't human?" A stunned Fu asked."Trust me, he's the least of our concerns right now." Edward sighed. "We've got to figure out how to deal with theseHomunculi." "You don't need to stress over Gluttony. Lan Fan's managing him." "Lan Fan is battling Gluttony? Hold on, it hasn't even been a full 7 months since her automail was attached! That is insane oldman! She's not going to last without help!" Edward exclaimed in irritation. I couldn't go against Edward's words because I felt the same way. I know the pain of automail and it wasn't a good feeling."Edward!" I beckoned as he released himself from my clutches and stepped forward. It wasn't long after when a blast sounded, along with Edward's cries."I said not to stress. We have assets other than hand-to-hand combat."
"Give us some warning next time!" Edward shouted just to have another blast erupt. Once it cleared away, I heard Ed stand."Alright, that eases my mind a little." Hearing his voice made me want to run toward him, but I feared what might stand between us. Not only that, but I didn't need another grope session happening. "So tell me something old man, what all do youhave other than explosives?" Edward inquired.
"Hm? A wide range of things: tear gas bombs, flash bombs, flares..." Fu trailed off as he listed a variety of weapons they carryon person.With those flash bombs, we could really stand a chance against Pride! Before I could voice my opinion, I noticed faint lights inthe distance. "Guys, the lights are beginning to return which means Pride can utilize the shadows again." "We have to get over there and help Heinkel!" Darius shouted as Edward nodded in agreement."Will you help me, Fu? I need you to identify Pride's chi and lead me to him. I could really use your help, old man." Fu appearedto be reluctant for a moment before agreeing. "Let's go, Aaliyah!" Edward expressed while effectively snatching my arm."Ed, Ally..." Darius trailed off making us stop. "Watch yourselves. Keep in mind what Pride is, alright?"
~*3*~
As we pursued Fu through the forest, Edward abruptly spoke up. "Aaliyah, while we're fighting Pride, I want you to stay hidden."My eyes enlarged at his statement. "What? Why would it be a good idea for me to? We need all the help we can get against Pride, so why are you telling me to hide?" I asked confounded."Because I'm concerned." He simply expressed. I couldn't take him seriously since he's generally stressed over me. Before I could talk, he proceeded.
"Since we figured out Pride's been keeping a close eye on you, I can tell your guards been raised."He brought up. I couldn't answer Edward's statement because it's true. I wasn't apprehensive about the dark before Pride started his antics. Now, every time I turned a corner, I became aware of my surroundings. "I know how headstrong you are, but please do this one thing for me." Edward pleaded. Listening to the sincerity in his voice, I nodded. "Okay... but make sure to be careful!" It was going to take all I had to keep myself from joining their fight, especially if Edward was injured.
And so, for most of the battle, I was put on the sidelines far from Pride's sight. I had plenty of impulses screaming at me to simply charge in and help, however, I wasn't going to break my promise to Edward... like usual."What's the matter? Not giving up, are you?" Edward provoked with a grin. In some cases, he has a bit too much confidence inhimself. A sigh passed my lips just as the sounds of armor reverberated from behind."You brought this upon yourself." Selim's voice spoke confidently. I pivoted just to discover Alphonse strolling towards me. "Alphonse?" I asked while he proceeded onward, unaware of mypresence. If his body was moving on its own, then that meant Pride had gained control yet again.
"I figured this might give me the advantage, unless you want to destroy your brother." Instead of Edward panicking about Alphonse's situation, he wore a grin. It appeared he had arranged ahead for somethinglike this. "Now old man!" In a matter of seconds, Fu had jumped out of the forest and into the clearing with a flash bomb."A flash bomb!? No!" Selim shouted as a bright light consumed the area."Mr. Gorilla!"
"I'm on it!" Darius shouted while dashing from his hiding spot to catch Alphonse's fallen body.When the lights blurred, Selim's shadows began to shape. "You're not escaping!" Before he could utilize his shadows to gain control of Alphonse once more, Edward tossed something into the air."Have another!" With that said, another flash of light blinded the area. "Did you see that bright light, Pride-Ah!?" Gluttony's voice cried out.As the lights blurred once more, a glare crossed Selim's features. "You're pushing your luck." He looked over toward Gluttony. "They've really roughed you up." He pointed out.
"Yeah, but only because of Greed and that girl weren't playing fair. They were both doing something so they could see me inthe dark." Gluttony cried. "Is that so? How pathetic." Selim muttered, his gaze traveling toward Lan Fan and Ling who had arrived only moments ago. Heseemed to be in thought before turning back toward Gluttony while licking his lips. "Gluttony, how many times have they killed you now?"Gluttony set a finger to his jaw in thought. "I lost count... but I know it was a lot." Selim's grin remained. "They've beaten me up pretty badly as well. The way things are going, there's a great chance theycould annihilate us."
A smile crossed Gluttony's lips. "Yeah, but that's okay! Father will fix us, right Pride?" Noticing the look in Pride's eyes, Gluttony's smile wavered. "Pride-huh!? No Pride! Don't eat me!" Selim sent his shadows after Gluttony, effectively snapping him down the middle. "It hurts! Please help me!" For once, I felt sympathy for Homunculus. Black hands shot out toward Gluttony's fallen body and assaulted his Philosopher's Stone. My eyes widened with shock. " He devoured him... one of his own kind." At that point, I felt genuine terror crawl down my spine. " Cannibalism." I exclaimed. "Yeah, 100%."
"This makes things much easier! I can practically smell each move your make." Selim cheerfully expressed once he finisheddevouring Gluttony. "I could do without the ravenous hunger, but I'll manage." All of a sudden his gaze traveled toward myhiding spot behind a tree. If he attained the ability of scent like Gluttony, did that mean he knew I was here? "Oh, I recognizethat scent. You're some place close by, aren't you Blue Flame?"Edward's golden irises widened while he turned toward my direction.
"Aaliyah, get out of here now!" I unmistakably heard his voice, however for reasons unknown, I couldn't move my body. Before I knew it, I felt something frigid touch my skin. It wrapped around my body firmly, lifting me into the air. Pride joyfully sniffed the air yet again. "I knew that scent belonged to you." The dark hands around me drew me in closer to him. "Tell me something, Aaliyah. Do you think Edward would step in to save you if I chopped off one of your limbs?" "Release her, Pride!" Edward shouted while taking a battling stance. Pride's grin soon transformed into a scowl as he turned to confront Edward.
"I'm afraid I can't do that." With that said, he sent his shadows after Edward, Ling and Lan Fan. The group managed to avoid them skillfully through the thicket of trees. "There's not much point in trying to hide from me. I can smell each move you make." While Price decimated more forestry, I attempted to struggle out of the dark hands that bound me. Every move I'd make would bring about a sharp pain to shoot up my body. Pride turned his gaze toward me, his grin returning. "Struggle all you want Aaliyah,but you won't break free. In fact, the more you fight it, the more awful the agony will be." "And the more I want to punch your ugly face, and annoying voice." I told him off.
"Damn it... are you still breathing over there?" Greeling asked while panting."... Does wheezing... count...?" Edward choked while flashing Greeling a thumbs up. "This isn't really the time to worry about others now, is it Greed? As soft as you've become, I wonder how much longer you cansurvive." "Shut up you beast..." Greed spat. Pride went about as though he were harmed by Greed's remark. "What a horrendous thing to say to your brother, Greed.Honestly, I might have to eat you up." A grin crossed Greeling's lips. "I promise I won't go down easy... brother." Pride all of a sudden sniffed the air.
"Oh, so you've chosen to show yourself eh, Hohenheim?" "The hero always waits until the last second to make his move." Hohenheim spoke while exiting from the shadows. "Hero? Interesting... you must think you can defeat me." "No, I'd never think that. I'm not dumb enough to try and fight you." I could tell from the minute Hohenheim arrived, Pride had been anxious. The dark hands surrounding us had drawn near inanticipation for the blond male's next move. In fact, my body that had once been lifted into the air was presently resting on theground, the hands around me becoming less.
Hohenheim stepped forward, just to have somebody assault Pride from behind. It didn't take long for the small boy to catch theassailant. "Are you joking? This was your pathetic plan? You should've run when you had the chance!" "Al, no!" Edward shouted, dashing forward, just to be halted by his Father. "It seems your son enjoys being held hostage. It's either that or he's supremely stupid." Pride chuckled once more causing afrown to cross Hohenheim's features."That's crossing the line Pride. Don't ever mock my son." With that said, red sparks engulfed the clearing. "Hurry, Aaliyah! Now's your chance to escape!" Alphonse shouted. I looked down only to notice the black hands had disappeared from my body."Wait, what about you Alphonse?" I asked.
"I'll be right behind you!" He assured me as I nodded and took off. The ground started to ascend around us, and I began to-think I would be trapped within the large mass it creates. Just before the ends could fully close, I managed to break free. My breathing came out in struggled sighs as I looked behind me. There was a large dome-like structure sitting where I once was. If I hadn't escaped when I did, I'd be caught inside."Aaliyah!" Edward shouted while running toward me. I didn't even get a chance to catch a glimpse of his brilliant hair before he embraced me. "I'm so glad you're safe!" I pitifully wrapped my arms around him, returning the embrace. My body felt as though it were made of lead, and all I wanted to do was rest. However, before that, I realized something. I pulled a bit away from Edward as I asked, "Alphonse... where is he?" Edward's golden irises looked from mine and toward the gigantic dome behind us.
"I'll be right behind you!"
My irises moved in the direction of Edward's as Alphonse's words resounded. He told me those very words so I would get away. He knew if I had known his true motive, I would've stayed behind.After helping me stand, with his arms securely around me, Edward ventured toward his Father. I could practically fell theannoyance radiating from his warmed body, and I couldn't blame him. His own Father had detained his only brother in a hugearch-like structure with a Homunculus.
"What the hell were you thinking!? Al's trapped in there with that monster! How could you do something like that!?" Edward snarled, his fist clenching firmly.Without turning to face us, Hohenheim murmured under his breath. "It wasn't my idea. Al was the one who suggested this." Hearing his statement, Edward and I's eyes widened. How could an innocent boy like Alphonse propose something so dangerous? "It would've been nearly impossible to defeat Pride." Hohenheim proceeded. "It was only a matter of time until thefight would spread into the slums. Since we knew we couldn't defeat him, I acted as a decoy and imprisoned him. We've bought ourselves enough time to figure out how to destroy him."
"You still could've told us what you were-" Edward was interrupted by Hohenheim."Your brother told me not too. He said you'd be against it." I couldn't argue with him there. If Edward and I were told their plan,we'd dismiss it instantly. We would even go as far as attempting to take his place if possible. "Al came up with this plan because it was the only way to make sure that everyone survived. Try to understand..." It was quiet between us for a minute before Hohenheim started walking. "Now, let's get to work putting these fires out."
When Hohenheim was gone, Edward ventured toward the dome with me close behind. "Al!" He called out, his automail handpressed against the stone surface."Brother!" Alphonse muffled voice called out from the other side. It almost seemed like he were distances away from usbetween this bit of earth. "Is Ally with you?" A faint smile crossed my lips."Yes Alphonse, I'm here." I replied."... I'm sorry guys. This isn't much of a reunion, huh?" Alphonse spoke attempting to lift the melancholic mood. "But this was allmy fault and I had to do something..." Hearing Al's speech, I could feel Edward's shoulder tremble. I set my left hand on of his right, and despite the fact that he couldn't feel the warmth of my hand, he demonstrated his appreciation. "And besides... I only have to stay in here for one day. I promise I'll be okay, brother, Ally." I knew he was trying to brighten our moods us in hisown particular way. We'd simply need to have faith in him.
~*3*~
After leaving Alphonse, we joined the rest of our group just to discover Dr. Marcoh and the others here too. We talked things over and concluded that it'd be easier to send Fu into Central for recon since his identity hadn't been found yet. I was currently leaning against the trunk of a tree. My body still felt exhausted over the things that occurred just minutes back."How're you holding up?" Edward's voice inquired. I looked over to find him strolling towards me, a grin laced with worry overhis features."I've been worse." I pointed out causing him to laugh. "In any case, after a bit of rest, I should be ready to go."
Edward nodded his head, sitting down adjacent to me. He laced his right hand through my left, the cool temperature of his metal conflicting with the warmth of my skin. "... sorry. I was really useless out there, wasn't I?" My green irises looked toward Edward's gold amber ones as I shook my head. "No, I disagree. You were plenty of help." "Stop flattering me..." Edward blushed slightly. "I couldn't protect you at all. In the end, it was Alphonse and that bastard who saved you." I couldn't help but smile at Edward's statement.
Even at times like this he was able to show his jealousy. I rested my head on his shoulder as I spoke up. "It doesn't make a difference. We're together right now, isn't that enough?" "Yeah, you're right." Edward agreed, resting his head against mine. In our comfortable silence, I felt myself drifting off to slumber. It wouldn't hurt to take a quick nap, right? We have a long day ahead of us, so I should rest up while I can. Amidst my sleep, I felt the sensation of something cool placed upon my ring finger.
~*3*~
It was at long last time for the Promised Day. Edward and I each placed our respective coats on as we looked toward theskyline to watch the sun rise."Your younger brother sure has some serious guts." Heinkel pointed out while glancing toward the large mass behind him."Trapped in total darkness with that monster? I think I'd lose my mind if I were in his place." "Yeah. Al's doing everything possible to keep us safe. The rest of it... that's up to us." Edward spoke while grasping my hand. I turned my irises toward his, giving a nod in agreement.The sun had finally risen... that meant the Promised Day was upon us. From this moment on, we'll be fighting for our lives, as wellas everybody in Amestris.
{Ending song}
Shunkan Sentimental (Sentimental Moment)/SCANDAL