Chapter 31: Sky Tactic
When 1st Lieutenant Riza Hawkeye brought the needle into his field of view, Edward Elric suddenly became much more alert.
"Get that thing away from me!"
The 'request' was followed by a lot of pushing and squirming and attempts to jump out of the automobile while driving at full speed, but unfortunately he couldn't fool Hawkeye. She easily tackled him down into the backseat and kept him immobilized.
"It'll only take a few stitches. I'm sure even you can handle that," she said.
"I'm fine as I am, thank you very much!" Edward babbled, pale as a ghost and forehead slick with sweat.
"Pull yourself together, Fullmetal! This isn't kindergarten," Mustang barked from the front seat, trying to concentrate on spotting the grey car they were currently chasing.
"You're not sticking that thing in me anywhere! Alfons! Save me!"
Alfons sank deeper down into his seat beside Mustang with crossed arms and a small sigh. "You're doing just fine, Edward," he reassured. "Suck it up and I'll make it up to you later."
Edward gawked with his jaw slack like a broken strap hinge, as he was trying to figure out which manner of "I'll make up to you later" Alfons was referring to. By the time he was finished gawking, Hawkeye had already completed the task of sewing his injured arm and was patching up the wound with bandages.
"Do you see the automobile, sir?" Hawkeye asked.
"I think so," Mustang replied. "They just turned right far ahead of us. They're on their way out of the city."
"Does that mean... that Thule will have free access to attack once Peterson is out of there?" Alfons asked shakily.
Mustang bared his teeth. Heiderich had a good point. "Tell Falman to send us some backup. Havoc already has a vehicle."
"Yes, sir." Hawkeye exchanged quick words with Falman into her speaker.
"What did you mean when you said they might be holding someone we know hostage?" Alfons asked Mustang in a lowered voice.
"It hasn't been confirmed," Mustang replied. "But someone aided Lieutenant Colonel Fernier's injury in the prison by using alchemy. The enemy might have picked him up on the way into Central HQ to make it through the guards." And Roy had his suspicions of whom. He knew that Alphonse Elric was fully capable to trail off on his own at times, and might have accidentally fallen into their hands. If that was the case, it would complicate the whole situation to a great extent. He continued, addressing Alfons. "I don't know if Edward managed to fill you in on the details yet, but if everything goes according to our plan, we'll be arranging your death. And now Edward's too, from the looks of it."
"Arranging our deaths?" Alfons echoed horrified. That explained what Edward had been going on about in his half-conscious state, saying that they were going to 'die together'. "How are we going to do that? And where would we go?"
"I'll fill you in about it later," Roy said. "And where you go is all up to you."
Alfons fell silent. Anywhere but into the Gate, and they would probably be fine.
"What is that stuff?" Edward asked hazily.
Hawkeye was mixing together some sort of powder with water in a bottle and was shaking it. "It's for you. It's a protein shake which will help you regain some energy after your loss of blood."
Edward looked sceptically at it, but he accepted it when she offered him the mix. He gulped down a large amount of it and wrinkled his nose in distaste.
"Sir, Falman is back on the line," Hawkeye said fast. "He says the Brigadier General has gathered up a team to follow after us."
"Him, huh," Mustang grumbled. "This isn't helping. Where is Havoc?"
"Falman is trying to contact him as we speak."
"Is... Is the Brigadier General coming here? Where we're going?" Alfons asked, looking horrified. Then his face shifted to anger and Mustang couldn't help but notice that he had never even seen the young man show anger before.
Alfons shot Mustang a heated look. "He tried to kill Edward! He shot him! Why does he get away with that? Edward could've died, and Kiehle is probably lying about it as well. I don't understand. Kiehle isn't with us, he's against us. Still he's getting away with it!"
"He gets away with it for now," Mustang said in a low voice. "Of course his actions can't be defended, and I will see to that he gets court marshalled for it. The Fuhrer President isn't completely up to date with the information yet."
"I'll fucking make an end to him myself," Edward muttered from the backseat. His mind was starting to clear up. He wasn't feeling so lax and dizzy anymore. The stuff Hawkeye had given him was obviously working. He sat more up in his seat. "What the hell is going on here?" he asked.
"We're chasing Thomas Peterson," Mustang informed.
"What? Isn't he rotting in his cell?"
"You were probably too dazed to follow, but as we stopped you from stealing one of the MP's automobiles, Peterson escaped out the gate in a grey car and all the guards except Lieutenant Colonel Fernier were left dead."
Edward's eyes widened. "Shit." Then his features hardened and leaned forward. "Then speed up this piece of junk, bastard! You're driving like an old geezer!"
Mustang sighed, a small smile flashed over his lips. "Welcome back, Fullmetal."
"Havoc is on the line!" Riza shot in. "He's driving with 2nd Lieutenant Breda and Sergeant Major Fuery."
"Good," Mustang said, feeling relief. He needed his men with him.
"They're following the Brigadier General's car," Riza reported. "They have us on the radar."
"I see." It was on for real now. He just hoped he could catch up to Peterson's car and take control of the situation before Brigadier General Kiehle.
They had reached a slender road in the outskirts of the city. He couldn't spot any other cars than the one far ahead of them. Which meant he couldn't be wrong. He followed Edward's suggestion and sped up the vehicle even more. This car was faster than Peterson's and he was sure they would be able to catch up to them now.
The car in front of them was becoming closer and clearer in view.
"How did Peterson manage to escape anyway?" Edward asked. He was leaning forward while holding onto Alfons' seat in front of him.
"Someone must have helped him," Mustang said. He didn't want to startle him with his suspicions that Alphonse was involved. He'd have to take that into account when he knew it was the truth.
"Corbin," Edward said, and the prospect made perfect sense.
"Probably," Mustang said, wondering why he hadn't considered that possibility before. Then another thought crossed his mind. "Tell me again," he inquired slowly. "What happened exactly? How did the Brigadier General find reason to fire at you?"
Edward's eyes darkened and he observed the quick pleading look from Alfons in the front mirror. Mustang noticed as well.
"It doesn't matter," Edward said. "We didn't do anything. He was the one who threatened us. He deserved every punch I gave him, and he'll get some more when I get a hold of him again!"
Mustang frowned.
"Actually," Alfons shot in, "Al and I found out a couple of things about the Brigadier General's past."
Mustang felt uncomfortable. How did they...?
"I've wanted to ask you about it," Alfons continued slowly.
Mustang directed his eye towards him. "I'm not sure if I can answer you, but I can try."
Edward looked curiously towards the back of Alfons' head.
"Firstly, he's been corrupting the military," Alfons said. "I think he influenced the Council's votes during Edward's hearings."
Edward's eyes widened. "What the hell?"
"We also read about him in the Ishbal war files," Alfons continued.
Roy hadn't thought about the fact that Kiehle could have influenced Edward's hearings. But it made sense. That way he could fully control Alfons and make him sign the contract to ensure his source to power and promotions. But the War files...
"How did you access that?" Mustang asked sharply.
"It doesn't matter," Alfons replied neatly. He had promised not to mention Scheiska's name, and he wouldn't to anyone. "We found a report written after the war, signed by someone by the name of Maes Hughes."
Edward stared flabbergasted at him through the front mirror. "When did you guys do this?"
"Yesterday..." Alfons admitted. "The report proves that Kiehle killed one of his own men during a certain incident, and you were also present," he continued, addressing the Colonel. "But you never reported it yourself."
Mustang was staring hazily straight forward on the road now. Then he sighed. "I was aware of that the report was there." Should've removed it...
"I was wondering why you didn't report him," Alfons emphasized. "Did he blackmail you?"
"No," Mustang stated. "I didn't report him in order to protect his reputation."
"Why would you do such thing for that bastard?" Edward asked bluntly.
"Because he saved your life?" Alfons suggested.
"No," Mustang replied unwillingly. "I did it because I owed him." Because I didn't save his.
"Owed him?" Edward repeated, scowling.
"Yes. I owed him from way far back." Without another word, his thoughts drifted to that fateful day he would never forget in his life.
The small village was a quiet place tucked away in a peaceful spot at the foothills of the Western side of Amestris. There was a minor amount of inhabitants given that everyone knew each other, who was related to who and what each person did for a living. There were mainly welcoming lakeside homes and large forests in all directions with small wooden bridges connecting the lands together.
It was a bright and sunny day without school, and two carefree boys were playing by the riverside without a slightest concern in the world.
"You're not backing out, are you, Roy?" Rheo grinned with an intelligent glint in his eyes.
"No way," the nine-year-old boy with raven hair replied confidently. "I never back out from anything."
"As long as I'm playing the hero," Rheo stated.
"Fine," Roy replied. "I'll be a dragon shooting fire!"
"Cool!"
The two boys ran over the bridge across the largest river, towards the forest furthest outside the small village where they both knew they weren't allowed to play. His foster mother had always said that bandits could be lurking in those woods, but of course that would be fairly ignored since nothing bad had ever happened.
They were pushing each other and laughing, oblivious to the ominous pair of eyes watching them from in-between the trees. Roy had always a little trouble keeping up with his friend while running. Rheo was known to be much faster than him after all the times they had raced together, and Roy couldn't help the increase of distance between them. Then something felt suddenly wrong, something that made Roy abruptly stop in the middle of the small path. He heard a sound of a twig breaking from somewhere in-between the trees, not far away. "Wait," he called out to his friend.
Rheo stopped as well, looking back behind him towards Roy. "What is it?"
"I think I heard something," Roy said, lowering his voice into a whisper.
Rheo wrinkled his eyebrows in doubt and listened closely. "These woods are deserted. No one even lives here."
Roy's eyes went large as saucers as he faced the large white-haired and foreign-looking man showed up standing right behind his oblivious friend. The man held something in his hand.
"Rheo, watch out!" he yelled.
But it was already too late. The man's arm hugged tightly around his friend's throat, making Rheo's eyes grow and almost bulge out of their sockets.
The man pointed the sharp blade of his stiletto towards Roy, who still stood at a safe distance. "Get lost, boy! I only need one of you." His accent was as foreign as the colour of his skin.
Roy's feet were stiffly nailed to the ground, his voice unable to make a sound. He had never seen this man before in his life.
"Roy! Don't leave me! Don't let him hurt me!" Rheo cried out and attempted to twist out of the attacker's grip.
Let him go! Roy wanted to scream out, his eyes clouding in growing anger blending in with the fear. What do you want with him? Don't take him from me!
"Get lost, or I'll kill you." The man advanced slowly, holding the dagger ready to slaughter.
Rheo struggled weakly in his grasp, his eyes pinned desperately at Roy and his mouth moving, begging him to help him.
"Roy!" Rheo cried again.
Don't let him hurt me. Don't let him kill me...
"Shut up!" The dark-skinned man snapped and backhanded the boy onto the ground. Rheo landed on his stomach, breathing in earth and sand and coughed.
"Stop that," Roy said, feeling his knees starting to shiver. "Leave us alone."
"You're still here, boy?" the man snarled. He picked Rheo up by his hair, hit him again and hoisted him over his shoulder. This time Rheo didn't cry, he simply fell limp over the man's shoulder.
Roy had never been this scared in his life. He wanted to sprint forward and get Rheo back, but the man was so big. And he had a weapon.
The man stepped closer, threateningly sweeping the dagger through the air. "Do you want to die, boy? I will kill you if you don't turn around and run."
Roy swallowed, but his eyes hardened bravely. If only his knees could stop trembling! "No! Let go of my friend."
"Oh, I see," the man muttered. "That leaves me with no other choice." In the next second, he suddenly sprang forward while swinging the dagger threateningly out and lashed right towards the raven-haired boy.
Roy let out a scream and dodged away from the sharp blade, but to his horror he hadn't managed to get away from it without feeling a stinging pain ripping across the front of his chest. The man's eyes were crimson like deadly fire, and his hand lifted again, ready to take another deadly swing.
Roy's small palm coated over the warm wound, his hand getting moist from blood as he pressed there and a sharp pain shot through his nerves. He would die if he stayed. This man was much stronger than him. He was completely powerless!
Without a last look behind himself he sprang back up to his feet and sprinted away in the opposite direction before the man managed to attack him again, his eyes clutched shut and his lungs aching for air.
Behind him he heard a loud scream, sounding like his own name. But he ignored it.
His thoughts drifted back sharply by some surprising activity from the automobile ahead. Before either Alfons or Edward could ask any more about what had happened, that certain activity distracted them away from further questions.
"Something is happening," Alfons said quickly, pointing ahead. "What is that?"
Mustang immediately focused more closely on the vehicle ahead. He was right. Something was pointing out of the window...
"Shit! Get down!" he yelled.
Right after, the sound of gunfire met their front window and the four of them threw themselves as far to the ground as they could. Fragments of glass rained over him and Alfons as Mustang fortunately managed to keep control of the vehicle. Luckily there was just a straight road ahead and he managed to keep the auto on track.
"Alfons!" Edward burst out. "Are you okay?"
The reply was a little feeble, but it was there. "I'm fine." Alfons looked up slowly while brushing fragments of glass out of his hair.
"Hawkeye," Mustang said.
"I'm on it." She quickly loaded the rifle and leaned forward between the two front seats. The front window was already scattered, so there would be no problem aiming right through it.
"Take out their wheels only," he added.
She fired. The bullet hit perfectly. The right back wheel of the grey automobile went flat, making it spin around a couple of times ahead of them and forcing Mustang to hit the breaks to avoid a collision. But then the auto they were pursuing accelerated the right way again and continued straight forward, following the road.
"Persistent bastards," Mustang muttered. "Heiderich, switch places with Hawkeye."
"O-okay," Alfons managed. He got up to his feet and climbed back to Edward and Hawkeye with some effort considering his long legs. Hawkeye slid passed him and dropped down in the front seat, still aiming her rifle. "One more and they'll be finished," she said.
"Wait," Mustang said. It had only been a small black dot in the distance until now, but now he could see it clearly. He knew where they were heading.
"Is that...?" Alfons started.
"It is," Edward confirmed. "Eckart's black vessel."
The large flying machine had landed and was standing right there on a corn field. It seemed like it had been there for some time, since it had been seen on the sky above Central a while ago. Mustang's fingers hardened around the wheel. "Hawkeye, don't let them reach the flying machine. Or else they'll get away."
"Right, sir." She took aim again.
Alfons and Edward exchanged a look. If this plane was here, who was currently inside it? Was Eckart there herself, or was she still at their earlier hideout?
Riza fired, and another one of their enemy's wheels were shot flat. The car slid sideways again and this time it was unable to drive much further. It came into a screeching halt and remained still, only fifty metres away from the place the flying machine was standing.
Mustang stopped the car as well and jumped out with his firearm ready. Riza followed him while taking cover behind the car door.
Edward leaped out as well, holding an arm in front of Alfons as he slid out of the car. "Stay right behind me."
Alfons offered him a small smile and nodded, being glad that Edward didn't ask him to just stay in the auto.
"Come out and surrender yourself!" Mustang called out. "Or we'll shoot!"
Riza was crouching down and aiming readily through the window of the open car door. Edward and Alfons squatted down behind her with their backs pressed against the vehicle, and Edward rose slowly to peer over the edge beneath the window. He could spot Mustang's back with his arm stretched out in front of him, ready to snap.
The doors of the automobile ahead of them opened slowly. Two men stepped out, one of them dragging a boy with him.
Edward froze to ice of the sight of the red coat and golden locks of bronze hair.
Al stumbled forward while trying to protect his already hurt arm. Peterson took a grip around his ponytail and yanked his head backwards. Then the aim of the gun pressed against his cheek. The other man was indeed the same from Edward's first hearing, Manfred Corbin. He held a gun as well, directed at Mustang.
"If you value this boy's life, Colonel, then you'll just stay right there and not shoot," Thomas Peterson warned.
Mustang glowered angrily at him. His wildest concerns had just been confirmed...
At the same instant Edward's alchemy flashed brightly from the other side of the car, and before he could react Edward had leapt over him from the top of the automobile and stood in front of him with his sword arm transmuted ready.
"You bastard, Peterson!" he yelled out. "Let Al go, or I'll definitely make you regret it!"
Corbin's aim had shifted towards Edward, while Peterson just grinned at him. "No, I'm afraid I'm not going to do that. Why don't you tell him why, Alphonse?"
Al's eyes were glued to the ground. He trembled lightly and clutched harder around his right shoulder. Then he spoke. "Nii-san, get out of here."
Edward frowned. "What are you talking about?"
Al quirked before he looked up, resolution written in his eyes. "I'm going with them. Please, go back and don't try to stop them. Or else everyone will get hurt!"
"Are you out of your mind?" Edward bellowed. "There's no way I'm leaving you, no matter what you say!"
"They've probably made him think they won't attack Central if they get it the way they want," Mustang said quietly behind Edward, and Edward tensed more into a position ready to attack.
"You'll pay for touching my brother, Peterson."
"Don't misunderstand me," Peterson said. "I have really no reason to keep him alive. If any of you move, I'll simply blow a hole right into this kid's head."
"And if you do that, you know you won't live much longer," Mustang snarled.
Peterson made a notion towards the flying machine. "We're heading over there. You better not try to follow us."
Al didn't meet Edward's eyes as he desperately searched for eye contact with him. Edward glowered up at Peterson instead, clutching his fists in anger.
Behind the auto, Alfons stood with Hawkeye and eyed the situation in deep worry. This was bad. They were at a clear disadvantage. At this rate, Thule would win and get away in the flying machine – right in front of their eyes.
But then, suddenly another four automobiles of the Amestrian State military showed up out of the blue. Not a second too late. They rounded about Mustang's and Thule's cars and came to screeching halts all around Peterson and Corbin. In the next two seconds around ten military soldiers burst out of three of the vehicles and surrounded the two Thule-soldiers. Rifles were pointed at them from every direction.
This had to be Kiehle's personal special unit, Roy figured. Brigadier General Kiehle himself stepped out gracefully right afterwards and crossed his arms as he took sight of the situation. Out of the last car, Mustang's most trusted subordinates hopped out. Cain Fuery joined Riza Hawkeye's side, while Heymans Breda and Jean Havoc joined each of Colonel Mustang and Edward's sides, holding their guns ready.
Thomas Peterson and Manfred Corbin found themselves suddenly heavily outnumbered and surrounded.
"You have no chances of winning this time either, Peterson," Kiehle informed. "I suggest that you surrender now."
Mustang snorted. As inconvenient as the Brigadier General's presence may be, his arrival was mostly effective. The two culprits threw away their weapons, realizing that they wouldn't get far without being shot. As they got seized by Kiehle's men, Edward rushed to his little brother's side.
"Al! Al, are you alright?" He gripped around his brother's shoulder with his flesh hand, but Al merely cringed away from him and averted his eyes.
"I'm fine."
Edward stared intently at him. "Are you sure? Tell me what happened."
Al shifted uncomfortably. "When I heard the flying machine I went out to find you, but then I ran into Corbin outside HQ."
Alfons had rushed over to the youth as well to make sure he was alright, swiftly avoiding Kiehle's hard stare. As uncomfortable as it may be, he refused to let it bother him now. The man himself looked totally ignorant to the cruel things he had done (and had intended to do) to him earlier. Nevertheless, what regarded him and Kiehle had to be taken care of later somehow. He reached Edward and Alphonse, relieved that they both seemed to be okay.
Al finally met his brother's eyes, filled with regret. "I'm sorry..."
Edward sighed in relief. "It's alright. As long as you're unhurt."
As he said it Al noticed his brother's bloodstained arm and he immediately got worried. "Nii-san, you're the one who is hurt! What happened to you?"
Edward looked down at his own arm and the big, dark stains on his shirt. "Oh, this... It's nothing."
Kiehle then stepped forward again, right on cue as always. "Now, I have orders to arrest another certain traitor among us." He nodded at two of his men and immediately after, the two soldiers grabbed a hold of Alfons and twisted his arms behind his back. Alfons gasped out and tried to struggle himself free.
Edward reacted like someone had just called him short. "Hey, stop that you bastards! Let him go! He's not—!"
The Brigadier General interrupted him with a sweep with his hand. "Too bad you don't have any say in this matter, Major. Heiderich is from the other world, which makes him the same as Thule Society and you knew all along," he stated coldly, drawing several worried looks from Hawkeye and the rest of Mustang's unit. "I should arrest you too for keeping that information away from the military and tried helping him in assassinating me," Kiehle added tranquilly. "The Fuhrer President expects a very good explanation from you." As a respond to that, his soldiers immediately directed their guns towards Edward.
"Fucking bullshit!" Edward shouted. "Alfons is not one of them and you know it! He hasn't done anything wrong in contradiction to you who tried to murder us both! I'd beat the crap out of you again right now if I could!" He had a lot more to add to that, but he kept his composure. For Alfons' sake. He didn't deserve to get what happened to him exposed in front of everyone like this. "Sooner or later the truth about you will come out." The golden glare was never let down. "Unless you let him go I'm willing to take you on right now." He held his blade up in front of him, being that he still hadn't transmuted it back to normal.
Kiehle's eyes narrowed, but he didn't seem very fond of the idea.
Al's eyes had gone wide as he stared from Kiehle to his brother and then turned to Mustang, begging him to do something.
Colonel Mustang sighed and stepped forward, holding Edward back by his flesh arm. He had a backup plan. "Calm down, both of you." His eye directed at the other officer. "Fullmetal is my responsibility, so you can tell Fuhrer President Hakuro that his actions rest with me. As with Heiderich, I suggest you wait with arresting him for now," he settled firmly. "We have way more important things at hand, and besides, Heiderich and Fullmetal are useful to us at this moment. We need to disarm this flying machine before it becomes a threat again. Since we still don't know who are in there, they could in fact be planning an attack at this very moment as we waste our time here."
"That's true," Havoc added. "Alfons and Edward are the only ones who know how we can control those things. The rest of us are quite clueless." He grinned, and Mustang wanted to both punch him and thank him at the same time.
"You might be right in one thing, Colonel," Kiehle admitted. "The flying machine was in the air not long ago, which means there still must be people inside. We need to take control of that machine as quickly as possible. To do that I'll need all my men." He snapped his fingers and in respond the soldiers who held Alfons let him go. Edward took a hold of him instead and pulled him back to shelter him behind himself.
Alfons' heart slammed hard, but he was relieved, and he couldn't help smiling faintly at Edward's protecting gesture.
"Alright, this is the new plan. We will enter the flying machine and take over its command. Into formation!" Kiehle called. "We're moving in!" His soldiers immediately listened and made a formation facing the entrance of the large vehicle.
Mustang gathered his unit around in front of him. "We're going in as well."
Edward exchanged a look with Al and Alfons. This was as far as Thule would go. As soon as they had this flying machine into custody, they couldn't attack with such efficiently anymore. Then, he would bring Alphonse and Alfons home where they would be safe. Nothing would happen to them and he would protect them both from the military. He convinced himself of that.
"Sir, what shall we do with these two?" a soldier asked Kiehle, addressing the two captured Thule culprits.
"We're taking them with us," Kiehle said. "They'll be our hostages."
The soldier saluted, and Peterson and Corbin were brought forward by two other soldiers while their hands were reasonably handcuffed.
Mustang looked his unit over. "Be on alert. They might be expecting us and are plotting a surprise attack. I want Havoc and Breda behind me, followed by Edward, Al and Alfons, and then Hawkeye and Fuery behind."
His unit saluted. Alfons stood close to Edward, knowing he could only thank their circumstances that he hadn't already been detained.
"Go!" Kiehle ordered, and his unit moved first into the open hangar door of the flying machine, dragging their prisoners with them.
"Let's go," Mustang said calmly. He led his unit in after the soldiers.
The room inside the large flying machine only received light from the natural light from the door behind them, everything else was poorly lit. There was merely one large and surprisingly empty room, and at the end there was a solid iron door. It probably led to the cockpit. It was spacious, as every man inside the flying machine at that moment had good amount of space to move around.
In other words, it was big enough to carry a lot of soldiers.
"Why is no one here?" Fuery wondered.
"They have to be hiding up front," Edward said. "The cockpit only has room for a couple of people. I don't think there will be much of a surprise attack."
Mustang scowled pensively. "Then, would they risk landing this huge machine here only to pick up two men?"
"Could be," Havoc said. "They don't have a lot of forces in the first place, compared to us."
"Or maybe..." Mustang started.
"Sir!" Hawkeye shot in from behind him. Her voice sounded agitated. "The door!"
Mustang turned, along with most of the other men in the room. The door behind them, their only exit, was closing, and with it the light it provided.
"It's a trap!" Mustang yelled out.
Edward clapped in record time and touched the floor of the flying machine, intending to stop the shutting door, but then a voice shot out from the end of the room.
"Stop."
Several guns pointed at Edward's head, being that he had become surrounded by Kiehle's unit in two seconds. He frowned and stopped his transmutation. The hangar door closed shut just as he turned around and rose slowly. It was too dark to see anything for some seconds. Then the light came on as one of the soldiers had located the switch before it had become too dark.
Kiehle stepped forward. "Don't do anything, Mustang. This is actually perfect," he said.
"What are you talking about, sir?" Mustang asked, having a hard time holding back the anger in his voice. "Drop your guns from my subordinate."
Kiehle nodded, and the soldiers pulled back. Edward frowned at the whole scene, wondering what the hell was going on. Was the Brigadier General out of his mind?
The soldiers had spread around the large area, and a couple of them were standing guard outside the door Edward figured was the way into the cockpit. Wasn't he going to capture the Thule officers hiding in there?
Brigadier General Kiehle smirked. "I want this machine. By using this one, I won't need the time building one on my own."
Edward's eyes widened, and so did Alfons'. "What the hell are you planning to do?" Edward asked angrily. "If you're going through the Gate in this thing, you can forget it! I'll stop you myself if I have to."
"Edward," Mustang said warningly. "Shut up and don't do anything rash."
Edward glared at him, but kept quiet.
"The Gate reeks of possibilities," Kiehle said. "You of all should know that, Edward Elric. You've been in the other world."
"That doesn't mean anyone else should go there," Edward retorted. "No. Not anyone is ever going through that Gate again."
"If we're going to defeat them," Kiehle said, "we have to defeat all of them. There are still more of them inside that Gate, which means, we'll have to go to them and destroy them before they can come to us."
"This is insane!" Edward bellowed.
"Colonel," Kiehle said. "Please keep your dog in a leash. I'll handle this situation either with or without you, Mustang."
Edward snarled at him, but then he felt Mustang's hand on his shoulder.
"Let me handle him. You watch over your brother and Alfons, is that clear?"
Edward's angry eyes darted towards him. "Colonel—"
"Trust me," Mustang said. "I won't let him go through with something like that."
At those words Edward slowly lowered his head. "Yeah..."
Mustang stepped towards the Brigadier General while giving his unit a sign to stay put. When he was out of immediate hearing range, he spoke again: "Sir. This isn't what the Fuhrer President had in mind. You're going against his orders."
"I'm sure he'll come to an understanding," Kiehle said. "When I've saved this world and stopped the enemy."
Mustang narrowed his sharp eye.
Meanwhile Al stepped up next to his big brother. "Kiehle can't win on this," he said in a low voice. "There's no way the higher-ups will agree to it."
"He might do it anyway," Alfons muttered, standing on Edward's other side. "Maybe that's why he let them close the door to prevent backup of higher officials from coming in here."
Suddenly the ground shuddered and a high rumble of engines flaring up loamed in everyone's ears, making the entire machine shake. All three of them gripped onto each other to maintain their balance.
"What the hell is going on now?" Havoc asked, staring up against the ceiling.
"Is... Is it going to fly?" Breda looked green.
"They're starting up the engines," Alfons confirmed.
"The Brigadier General isn't stopping them," Al said nervously.
Edward glared towards the locked door of the cockpit behind all the soldiers. "What are they doing?" His eyes darted towards Alfons. This meant trouble! The only way this machine would be heading for was back to Thule Society's headquarters. To the Gate.
Just about then the flying machine started moving fast. As more engines flared and warmed up, the machine picked up speed in a couple of seconds.
Neither of the men inside had a seat belt, and no one managed to remain standing as the speed picked up.
Al got knocked off his feet and crashed to the floor next to Alfons and his breath hitched from the sharp pain in his shoulder. Edward stumbled over Breda and they both slammed down on their backs as the feet of the flying machine left the solid ground. Hawkeye and Fuery were kneeling down and looked for something to hold onto, while Havoc was already trying to get back up to his feet.
"Brigadier General." Mustang bared his teeth, but didn't want Kiehle to have the pleasure of seeing his rage. Both of them had tumbled to their knees on the ground as well. "Is this what you anticipated as well?"
The Brigadier General grinned. "Of course it is. We don't need any stronger forces to take them out. Not as long as we have the flying machine in our hands. As soon as we don't need the pilots anymore, we'll seize them."
This was crazy!
Mustang bit down on his own tongue. "This plan is full of holes. They're probably expecting us at their base."
"We'll shoot them down the minute that door opens," Kiehle said, gesturing towards their only exit door. "This is the only chance we've got."
Mustang didn't like it, but as the situation was now, it was the only option they had. Either that, or they'd be slaughtered by Thule Society the moment they reached their destination.
There was a glint in Kiehle's eyes, and for a moment Mustang froze. It was almost like he had changed in that mere second, into something he recognized—what their friendship had once been, so many years ago.
"You're not backing out now, are you?" Kiehle smirked.
We'll always play together, as long as I get to play the part of hero.
Mustang snorted. "Fine, Rheo. But that doesn't mean you've necessarily won."
"I won't really expect you to support my back this time either," Kiehle said coldly. Then he left to give his men further instructions.
Further away Alfons pushed himself up on his palms and knees. His eyes fell on Al, who looked to be in pain. "Al, are you alright?"
Al sat up slowly, using only his left arm. "Yes and no..." he muttered. "Corbin dislocated my arm back at HQ. I can barely move it."
Alfons scowled. "Why didn't you say anything before?"
"Never got the chance..." Al mumbled. And he didn't want to bother others with tiny details like that!
"Let me have a look." Alfons inched closer and carefully touched his injured shoulder.
Al cringed away from him. "No, it's fine."
"No, it isn't. I know how to fix it." Alfons gripped tightly around his wrist. "On the count of three, I'll pull your arm back in place."
Al gazed at him nervously. "O-okay." He took a deep breath, and prepared himself.
"Ready?"
"Yeah."
"One..." Alfons pushed as hard as he could, making Al's arm crack deep into its joints.
Al screamed out, alerting more or less everyone in the room.
Edward had just managed to untangle himself from Breda and rushed to his side with a frown. "Al!"
Al opened his eyes, moving his arm tryingly. It seemed to be intact, and it didn't hurt anymore. He looked up at Alfons. "I thought you said you were counting to three."
"I lied," Alfons said. "So you'd feel more relaxed."
"Thanks..."
Edward sighed and smiled softly. He was glad the two of them were getting along like this. His brother and Alfons were the two people he cared about most in the entire world, and being with both of them as friends and keeping his relationship with Alfons at the same time was the perfect dream. Therefore, he just wanted to get all of this over with and head off to a safe place, far from everything else.
Some metres away the rest of Mustang's unit were recovering after the flying machine's abrupt leap up into the sky. It seemed like it was steadying now and flying in a straighter line. But now and then they could still feel some disturbing turbulence.
"This is crazy," Havoc said. "Who the hell is flying this thing?" He picked up a cigarette.
Edward frowned around the room, ignoring Kiehle's soldiers. A large amount of boxes were stacked up in one of the corners. They were large in size and were being held with a net tied to the wall to keep them from tumbling around the floor. He became too curious to leave them be.
"The only pilot I know of from Thule Society is..." Alfons started, addressing Havoc and his eyes widened and steered in Edward's direction. "Edward, it's probably Ackman."
Al stared at him, feeling suddenly very uncomfortable. "Him..."
Edward frowned where he stood by the pile of large wooden boxes. "Yeah, you're right." He curved down and clapped his hands, opening one of the boxes.
"What are you doing?" Alfons asked.
Edward swallowed. "Have a look at this..."
Alfons, followed by Al, Havoc and Breda stepped over to Edward and the boxes. Inside them were cylinder-like shapes, looking like missiles.
"Bombs," Edward muttered. "They have a lot of them. They were probably going to use them on Central."
Colonel Mustang noticed the gathering around the wooden boxes and stepped towards them as well, followed by his 1st Lieutenant and Cain Fuery. "What's going on here?"
"The little boss found at least a ton of trouble," Breda muttered.
Edward snapped at him. "Damn you, you old geezer! I'm not small!"
"This is bad," Alfons whispered. "It seems to be the same ones that have been used in this world before. They're even more destructive than the ones they used in my world."
"Was there a war in your world too?" Al asked.
"Yes, there was. The Great War," Alfons shuddered. "It was mainly a ground level war."
"Still there were more deaths than any other war in that world," Edward added. "If they use these things the number of deaths will increase even more."
"Damn them, they left both Central and Lior in ruins after those attacks," Mustang muttered. "This amount will probably be enough to obliterate several cities."
"That's exactly what they are planning," Al said darkly.
Mustang frowned down at the things. "We have to get rid of it. By the looks of it, this might be their main stock."
Edward frowned at the surface of the missiles and let his flesh hand trail over the outside of the deadly weapons. His eyes widened. "The bombs are made with alchemy. They've been made in this world."
This news startled each one of the team gathered around him.
"The surface isn't perfect, it has traces of the transmutation," Edward stated. "That means, Eckart can probably produce an infinite amount."
"Peterson told me part of their plan," Al said in a low voice. "She's going to transmute the remains of the city into a powerful bomb and detonate it when they have left." Just the thought of it made him sick in his stomach.
This was bad news, indeed. Mustang crossed his arms and bit thoughtfully at his thumb. "In that case, the sooner we get to Thule Society and dispose of that woman, the better."
Edward gnashed his teeth together. He knew Mustang was right, but Alfons and Al were also here! That prospect complicated things.
"This is a start at least," Hawkeye said, her eyes glued to the missiles. "We can't let these ones be used."
"The boss here can get rid of them, right?" Havoc suggested, clamping his hand down on Edward's shoulder. "Can't he just transmute them into harmless balloons or something?"
"Don't be ridiculous," Mustang barked. "If he makes one mistake, we'll all blow up!"
"Unfortunately, the bastard Colonel is right," Edward said. "I can't do it."
Havoc sighed disappointed. "Then, what do we do with them?"
Brigadier General Kiehle joined them as well, curious about what they were discussing. It seemed like he had overheard the most of it already. "It is obvious what we should do," he shot in. "It's about time this Thule Society got a taste of their own medicine."
Mustang scowled. "You're thinking of using these bombs to attack their base?"
"Of course not, that would put the Gate in jeopardy. We need to lure them away from the Gate, and then we'll hit them with all of it."
Edward clutched his fists. "No."
Everyone's eyes directed at him.
"I might not be a pacifist," Edward said. "But I won't let you use these bombs against anyone, enemy or not."
Brigadier General Kiehle snorted. "You are in no position to talk, Major. When we return to Central I'll be charging you for attempted murder."
"You're crazy!" Edward bellowed. "You're the one who shot me, not the opposite!"
"I shot you in self-defence," Kiehle retorted. "Keep opposing me, Fullmetal, and I'll make sure to reveal several uncomfortable details to your own disadvantage, starting with your brother."
Mixing Al into it was not the right way of keeping Edward peaceful. The blond stormed forward, his fist shooting out towards the Brigadier General, but before he could strike him down, his soldiers were all over him, capturing his arms and forced them to stretch out to the sides, kicking away his feet from underneath him so Edward went flat out on the floor with several guns pressed hard against his head.
"You're a big, lying creep!" Edward yelled. "Let go of me!"
"Enough!" Mustang shot out. He turned to the Brigadier General while trying to maintain focus. "We can't use these weapons. It would be inglorious. We have our own weapons to strike them down with and we're going to win by our own strength."
Kiehle stared at him for some seconds. "Fine," he said and turned away.
Alfons stepped forward, hoping he could save Edward. "The only way is to fly to a place far off land and drop them into the ocean."
Kiehle snorted. "We don't have time for an off route like that. Besides, it is Thule Society who is flying this machine at the moment." He turned to Edward who was still being held down, and he snarled. "You can release that little annoying dog for now, but be sure to keep an eye on him. You never know when he bites."
Edward snarled back as he got released from the soldiers, but Mustang gripped his arm as he stood up. "Don't be a fool, Fullmetal," he said in a low voice. "I told you, let me take care of him and don't interfere unless I ask you to. You're complicating things more than they already are."
Edward snorted angrily. "If you only knew what he has done..." Mustang scowled, but before he could ask, Edward lowered his voice as well so his words only reached the Colonel's ears. "He knows about me and Alfons, and he also knows the truth about how I disappeared two years ago."
Mustang's eye widened. Kiehle knew about the human transmutation? Was that what he meant when he had mentioned Alphonse? Clearly. That meant, Kiehle knew that he had covered up for that too, in addition to the fact that Kiehle already knew that he had covered up for Alfons' identity. That wasn't the best news he'd heard in a while.
"That's right," Edward muttered. "Now, will you please let me punch him?"
"No," Mustang replied, his voice solid. "You're going to keep quiet and wait for orders, Major."
Edward frowned.
"Now, is he right?" Mustang asked to be sure. "Will these bombs be disarmed in water?"
"Of course," Edward said. "If Alfons says it can be done, it can."
"But unfortunately, the Brigadier General has a point. Thule is the one flying," Havoc pointed out.
Edward let a small smirk touch his edge of his lips. "He said, Thule is the one flying at the moment. I have an idea."
Everyone stared at him with huge eyes, already knowing what he was thinking.
"Are you seriously considering flying this thing?" Mustang crossed his arms as he met Edward's stern look. "Are you sure you know how to manoeuvre this huge thing?"
Brigadier General Kiehle stepped forward, not restraining himself from interfering with the conversation anymore. "Are you seriously considering letting him do it?" he shot in, addressing Mustang.
"You're asking me if I know how to ride a bicycle, Colonel," Edward stated.
Mustang smirked and turned to the Brigadier General. "We need to work together here," he said. "Fullmetal knows how to fly, and we need to get rid of these bombs in the most harmless way possible. The only way to do that is to take the little detour and then continue towards Thule Society while we wait for backup. Don't you agree?"
Edward noted how Mustang had suddenly abandoned all kinds of military formality towards Carl R. Kiehle. He was talking to him like they were in the middle of a completely normal circumstance, and he noted as well that Kiehle inwardly reacted to it. The man was silent for some seconds, before he finally nodded. "Alright, Mustang. So how do you suggest we go from here?"
"We'll take out the pilots."
Besides feeling like Edward was acting a little overconfident again, Alfons was slightly surprised that Kiehle agreed to work together with Mustang. He couldn't help getting a bad feeling that he was still up to no good. Or did he have another side than the one he had seen of him? Mustang was probably the only one who knew. Alfons still wondered what had happened between them so many years ago.
Not many moments later, a plan was formed and Edward was more than ready to act.
"Let's get some more speed to this piece of junk."
His spirits were on top again, and Alfons couldn't help smiling a little. Edward was like a bored child who had finally received an interesting task to do. His spirit seemed to have a strengthening effect on the others as well, because Havoc and Breda, even Fuery seemed to be forgetting that they were thousands of feet up in the air for a moment.
"Alfons."
He heard his name being called and looked up quickly, like falling out of a trance. Mustang stood in front of him, resting a hand on his shoulder. "Please stay here and be in charge of the disposal of the bombs."
Alfons nodded slowly. "Yes, sir." Then his heart suddenly stopped as Kiehle's hand locked around Mustang's wrist of the hand he was touching Alfons with. It seemed like everything froze for a moment. Until Alfons quickly stepped back, away from them both.
Kiehle stared at Mustang with an unexplainable look in his eyes. "Mind your own subordinates, Mustang."
Mustang's one eye was completely unaffected. Actually, the Colonel didn't seem surprised at all of the other man's reaction. "I understand," he said slowly. "But now we're working together, you and I, and Alfons is the most fitting person for the job, isn't he?"
"He sure is," Kiehle replied, slowly letting go of Mustang's wrist.
Edward stood some feet away, his eyes darting from one to another, and Alfons could see that he wanted to shoot in for him. Alfons wanted to kiss him. Edward's eyes then lingered with his and he knew, it would seem wrong if Edward suddenly went to him now. He tried to tell Edward with his look that he was okay, but Edward didn't buy it that easily.
"One team stays here and one comes with me," Mustang announced.
The group divided in two. Alfons lingered where he was, accompanied by Fuery, Havoc, Breda and most of Kiehle's soldiers. In the other group was Colonel Mustang, Brigadier General Kiehle, Edward and Al, Hawkeye and two of Kiehle's soldiers guarding the two hostages.
"Wait for our signal," Mustang said, addressing Alfons.
Alfons nodded once as his response and all around him each of the soldiers were guarding, readily armed. He almost felt left out since he was the only one lacking weapon and uniform. But he knew that wasn't his role.
Edward sent him a look saying, I'll be right back.
Alfons inwardly snorted a smile. Edward really wasn't scared of anything, and he was always willing to do everything. He knew Edward just wanted to get all this over with once and for all, and return home. Soon they all would. Wherever home would be when all of this was over...
Mustang's group headed towards the door they believed would bring them into the room of the pilots. Mustang looked his team over once again, Kiehle, both his enemy and ally to his right with his two soldiers and the hostages, and his own two precious alchemists and his bodyguard on his left. Two pilots of Thule Society wouldn't stand a chance against this group, he was sure of that.
"Be careful, Al," Edward muttered next to his little brother.
"Watch out yourself," Al replied. "No need to worry about me."
"Get ready," Mustang announced. "Now."
Riza Hawkeye was born ready. Her shotgun fired and pierced through the door lock with a perfect aim. Mustang wasn't slow in taking immediate action and efficiently kicked in the door, making it shoot wide open. In two seconds his group had moved into the new room, standing in a ready formation behind him.
The cockpit was bigger than he had fist anticipated, with huge front windows and a large panel. Two men who were currently steering the flying vessel were quickly on their feet. They were armed and both wore black clothes. Though, something wasn't quite right about the picture. Each of them was suited with a gasmask over their face.
"Shit," Edward breathed and quickly clapped his hands together. Even before Mustang could make out the danger they were in, Edward held his hands out and transmuted the air around them, breaking down the drug poisoning the oxygen molecules and disposing of the invisible sleeping gas, turning it all into harmless air. Only a genius could perform a transmutation on molecule level like that.
Mustang had already started feeling a little dizzy, and his gloved fingers rubbed against the bridge of his nose. But he trusted Edward and kept breathing. After a few seconds the sudden dizziness disappeared and he stayed on alert, keeping his other gloved hand out, fingers ready to snap. Behind him on each side, Kiehle and Hawkeye held their guns readily aimed towards the two pilots as well.
"Thule Society," he said out loud, coldly. "It's futile. Surrender, or we will kill the hostages."
The two men with gas masks slowly dropped their guns and lifted their hands over their heads. The capture went pretty unproblematic, despite the circumstances. Soon after the two pilots were handcuffed and secured. The four captives were seated on the floor in one of the corners, guarded by Hawkeye and the two soldiers.
Mustang removed the masks from the two new heads, studying their faces. He had seen neither or them before, but clearly, one of them knew who Edward and Alphonse were.
"Nice seeing you two again," he grinned, addressing the brothers standing behind the Colonel. "How's your arm doing?"
Edward flared at him with a dangerous look. "If you want to know, I'd like to test the strength of my automail fist on your face."
"Who is he?" Mustang demanded, ignoring the captured man.
"His name is Ackman," Edward said. "He kind of kept watch over me at the time I went to Thule to find Al."
"And I enjoyed it very much," Ackman informed. "He cried like a little baby when I tortured him."
Mustang felt sickened and sent his boot directly into the face of the man. How dared that son of a bitch speak at all? Ackman became suitably quiet after that, and Mustang turned back to the brothers. Edward didn't look very concerned; in contrast, Al looked as pale as a ghost.
Kiehle snorted at Mustang's action. "I suggest we bring them to the other room."
Mustang couldn't agree more actually, and turned to Hawkeye. "Get them out of here."
She nodded and together with the Brigadier General and the two soldiers they escorted the prisoners out of the cockpit to the other room. There was more space there, besides he didn't want them anywhere near the Elric-brothers.
Al had turned to Edward, looking disturbed. "Did they torture you?"
"Not anymore than they tortured you," Edward replied.
Mustang took a deep breath. He didn't want to send Edward off, but he didn't have a choice. They had all a job to do and the time was short. "Thank you for your quick thinking, Fullmetal. That was most helpful." He didn't know if it sounded as grateful as he really was. Had Edward not transmuted the air back then, they would all have been done for. He hadn't considered the possibility that they'd be gassed the moment they entered.
"No problem," Edward said. He gave Al's shoulder a small clap. "Everything will be okay. I'll get you home soon."
Al sighed, and then smiled softly. "I know."
"Fullmetal," Mustang said and Edward nodded, immediately catching his drift. He had some work to do.
He stepped hurriedly over to the panel and took over the chair Ackman had used before they successfully hijacked the air vessel. The controls were currently on autopilot, but Edward turned it off and took over the steering wheel like he had never done anything else his entire life. Al took the other chair, watching him curiously.
"We'll be heading west," Edward said, changing the direction of the ship and taking a smooth turn to the left. "Towards the ocean."
"That's right." Mustang stood behind them, holding on to their seats. "Keep it steady and I'll go check up on how the preparations are going with Alfons' group."
"Aye aye," Edward said.
"I'll be right back," Mustang said and moved back towards the door.
Al stared out the front window in awe, at the white clouds and the distant ground underneath them. He could still not properly believe that they were flying. It was both amazing and frightening. He noticed a slightly suppressed worried look from his big brother.
"What happened, Al?" Edward asked cautiously.
"When?"
Edward gave him a long look saying you know perfectly well what I mean. "Manfred Corbin and Peterson... Did they hurt you?"
Al sighed. "No, I've already told you I'm alright, at least now. Corbin dislocated my arm, but Alfons fixed it."
"I see." Edward hesitated for a while, before the words fell out. "You didn't seriously think I'd leave you, did you? Why the hell did you say something like that?"
Al shrunk a little down in his seat, but his voice was solid. "I said it so they wouldn't kill anyone, Nii-san. You would've done the same thing."
Edward calmed down slightly. "Yeah... probably. But don't do anything on your own again, do you understand, Al? I can't afford to lose you. Not any of you..."
Al didn't look at him. He wished he had never figured out how to save Alfons Heiderich. Because he couldn't do that and keep a promise to his brother at the same time. So, what could he do? The Gate was still his own responsibility, but he didn't want to lie.
He was suddenly saved from replying to it by the least thinkable person. The door behind them was abruptly closed shut and a voice said: "Finally, I'll get to have a word with you two alone."
The brothers twisted around, Edward still being tied to controlling the plane at the same time.
Brigadier General Kiehle stepped forward, making Al rise warily from his seat in order to bring his guard properly up.
"Just sit down and be quiet," Kiehle ordered.
Al obliged and slowly sat back down, exchanging a quick look with his brother. Edward turned back to look up front. Since he was restricted to steering, this situation could be bad. He hated Kiehle with his entire being, and Kiehle probably hated him just as much. What was he doing here? It couldn't be any good.
Up ahead, Edward could see the wide blue ocean, but he couldn't put the plane back on auto-pilot now since they were taking an off-course. Kiehle wouldn't stop him from heading there, would he? He could easily stop him by threatening Al. Edward cursed himself. What the hell was keeping the Colonel busy now that he actually needed the bastard?
"No reason to worry," Kiehle said, his voice like poison. "I won't be able to stop you from dropping those bombs, even if it's a waste of highly destructive power."
"Then what do you want?" Edward asked coolly.
Kiehle stopped right behind him, curving over his seat and let his lips linger by his ear. "I'd just like you to know that it's all over once we return to Central. You know it as well as me."
Edward scowled, his shoulders tensing.
"You shouldn't act the way you have towards me today, unless you want more added to your list of charges."
"Just shut up," Edward snarled. "What you did to Alfons is unforgiveable."
"That might be. But he agreed to it."
"That's bullshit!"
Kiehle shrugged. "If you don't like the punishment waiting for you and your dear lover, I might start pulling at your own little brother's puppet strings next."
The kettle boiled over for Edward once again, and he twisted abruptly around with a metal hand closed efficiently around Kiehle's throat. His left was still holding the wheel, but the vessel was slightly tilting over by the arrangement. "You wouldn't dare..." he snarled. "You're leaving my brother out of this."
Al stared troubled at them both and decided he had had enough. Hurriedly he got out of his seat and pressed himself between them to pry the two men apart. "Nii-san, please take care of flying!" he wheedled. To his relief Edward listened to him and gripped the steer with two hands again and steadied the plane into flying properly.
Kiehle stepped back and Al faced him, holding himself up by clutching the side of Edward's seat. The man looked frightening, Al thought. He had always seemed like he played a double game, not to mention how he had crossed far over the line when it came to hurting people. Al thought of Alfons, and his eyes hardened. "Sir, please leave us alone."
"Aren't you curious of what strings I could pull considering yourself, Alphonse?" Kiehle asked with a sly smile. "You've always been sheltered, even more than you're aware of yourself. But no one, not even Mustang can cover over the truth about you anymore if I suddenly decide to spill what I know."
Al took a small shaken breath. Did he know about the human transmutation? How could he know? But there was no other explanation for this attitude. Still, the one who would suffer if this information was spilled wasn't him. It was Edward. Al imagined a new trial, a new death penalty, just because of him, and he shook his head quickly. "It's not true."
"He already knows," Edward said darkly. "No reason to hide it."
Al turned to him, fear gripping around his heart. "No way..."
"That's right," Kiehle said. "I know everything about you, Alphonse. And when you think about it, why shouldn't I expose you? To be honest, I'm quite angry at you for helping me lose my source of a certain promotion. It would be a sweet retribution, wouldn't it?"
Al took a deep breath, and Edward snarled out. "What the hell is that supposed to mean? You better not say anything unnecessary, you bastard."
"Nii-san," Al said warningly, to calm his brother down. He met Kiehle's cold eyes again, trying to remain his own calm. "He's referring to the fact that I found out about his ways of using Alfons. Then I helped Alfons find a way to stop him from doing it."
"You're a very noble and good boy, aren't you?" Kiehle sneered. "Now, this understanding will get me faster to my point. I know something about you just as you have recently learned something about me."
Al's eyes darkened. "You mean, the Amestrian man you killed during the war."
"Yes," Kiehle said. "I'm sure you understand what I'm saying."
"You creep," Edward gnarled. "I'll make sure you'll never get away with what you did to Alfons anyway, no matter how much you threaten us."
"Nii-san, shut up," Al said. He knew Edward probably believed Kiehle's information was worthless compared to what they had on Kiehle, but he was wrong. A human transmutation wouldn't be tolerated among the higher ups any more than what Kiehle had done. If that information came out...
His eyes met Kiehle's. "There's proof to everything you've done, sir. We found out even more than we had thought we would. I know exactly where those files are and how to decode them, and the report from Maes Hughes is hidden somewhere only Alfons and I know."
"Al!" Edward clutched the steer hard. What the fuck was Al doing now?
"You little..." Kiehle snarled spitefully. He wanted to advance, but he knew the older brother was on guard even if he didn't look like it. If he stepped closer to the brat, the older would abandon the steer for sure and rather protect his little brother. All this brotherly bond and protecting sickened him.
Al didn't even flinch. He knew exactly what Kiehle was thinking. He was the master of reading people and their feelings, especially a torn human being like Carl R. Kiehle. He had probably been through a lot in his life as well. Al could read the man's facial expression like an open book.
"It probably sickens you because you've never had any similar bond towards anyone yourself," he said in a low voice, and Kiehle's eyes widened a little. "You never had a brother who could stand up for you, did you?"
"What the hell do you know?" Kiehle griped and reached for his gun, quicker than his own mind could stop him, but Al was quicker. He advanced towards the man first, stopping him from lifting his gun from his belt with a hand carefully around his wrist.
"Al, for fuck's sake! Stay away from him!" Edward shouted.
"You shouldn't do that," Al said, addressing Kiehle. "You know you can't get away with it. All I want is that you leave my brother and Alfons alone. If you do, the report will remain hidden. I can assure you that no one will be able to find it unless they already know where it is."
Kiehle bared his teeth. The boy was so close, yet he couldn't touch a single hair on his head. Even Mustang wasn't here, and his older brother was busy keeping the flying machine up in the air. He wanted to hold him down and touch him. He wanted to have him squirm and cry. He wanted to...
Yet, he couldn't. Slowly he let go of his gun and loosened the tenseness in his shoulders. "But if not, then what will you do, Alphonse?"
Al took a deep breath, never letting his eyes down. "I will reveal the truth about you. I'm still a trusted state alchemist. The Colonel and many others will be on my side."
"You're a brave little boy, Alphonse," Kiehle said calmly. "For now, you'll get away with this behaviour." But if I ever find that document, I will tighten those strings on you... I will see you and your brother suffer.
Al took a deep breath and let go of the man's wrist while stepping backwards. His heart was whipping erratically inside his chest and his hands were shaken, but he was pleased with the result (despite the glint of undeniable murder instinct in the Brigadier General's eyes, as he looked like he wanted to twist Al's neck.) At least now his brother and Alfons wouldn't face an immediate trial when they came home. Kiehle would make sure of that. He wouldn't take the risk.
The moment later the door went up and Mustang re-entered the scene. Immediately he noticed the heavy atmosphere in the room. Al was standing in between the two front seats, Kiehle stood some feet away facing him and Edward looked tense by the steer.
"What's going on here?" Mustang asked.
"Nothing out of the ordinary," Kiehle replied. "Excuse me." He turned away and headed for the door. When he was gone, Mustang stepped over to the brothers as Al flopped back down in his seat with a still racing heart.
"Al just blackmailed him," Edward muttered.
"What?" Mustang barked.
"He tried to blackmail us first, Nii-san," Al retorted. "What else could I do?"
"Don't put yourself in danger for me, Al," Edward countered. "He's not someone to take on lightly!"
"Says you! Kiehle would've tried to get you executed when all this is over, and this time there wouldn't be anything we could do about it!"
Edward was about to reply, but Mustang stopped them both. "That's enough! I'll make sure to talk to him when all this is over."
"What will you say?" Edward wanted to know.
"I know about the crimes he has committed," Mustang replied quietly. "He'll have to face a real penalty for it sooner or later. And I... I have to stop running away from him."
"Roy! Don't leave me! Don't let him hurt me!"
If I had done something at that time so many years ago, he wouldn't have been the same person. He would rather have become the man he was supposed to be.
Another flash before his eye sent him back in time. Not as long ago as just a naïve nine-year-old, but as seventeen, at the military academy.
There was something strangely familiar with his face, although it took him a while to place him. He thought he had put that faithful day behind him, forgotten about it even. It was one of the few things he was too ashamed to remember. Yes, he had only been a small kid, but still. He had spent so many hours of his life repenting, regretting, going over a hundred other ways he could've acted, what he could've done different.
And suddenly, Rheo was standing in front of him in line for lunch at the cafeteria. Roy wanted to grab him and ask him how he was doing, if he remembered, if he had forgiven him... (How could Rheo not remember?) But he did nothing. He was hesitating. Maybe the person wanted nothing to do with him? Besides, right now there were too many other people around. He needed to talk with him in private.
He kept watch over him from distance, and as lunch time was over he followed after him instead of heading off to class. The boy had headed out of headquarters, maybe to have a cigarette or some air. Roy made a decision as they came out, standing alone on the large stairwell outside HQ.
"Rheo," he called calmly.
The young man in front of him froze immediately. Then he slowly turned and regarded him, instantly on guard. "How do you know that name?" he asked. His voice sounded distant and cold, his eyes were of steel. Rheo's eyes used to be warm and full of joy...
"I used to call you that when we played as kids," Roy admitted. "But I guess I was one of few who used it."
Rheo's eyes narrowed. "It's you... Roy Mustang, isn't it?"
Roy nodded. There was a silence, and he knew a certain incident replayed inside Rheo's mind as well as in his own. He wanted to tell him how he had run back to that place in the woods on the other side of the bridge every day for weeks, looking for him, calling out his name. Until his own foster mother had begged him to stop and move on. A boy like him shouldn't dwell on things like that, she had said. The military police would find him eventually, it wasn't Roy's responsibility. Even if Roy hadn't listened, he came to live with it eventually. He had moved on as the time went by, and the face of his friend had started to grow fainter in his memory each passing day.
Now, all he wanted to do was to apologize... He even wanted to say 'I'm glad you're alive...'
"Your type disgusts me, Mustang." Rheo's voice felt like a dagger stabbing right through his chest.
"I'm sorry," Roy blurted. "We were just kids... I've never forgotten, even if I wanted to. I've wondered what happened to you, and if you were okay."
Rheo stood stiff, his fists clenching shakily. "It's none of your business. I got away from that Ishbalan creep eventually... but no thanks to you."
Roy didn't know what to say.
Rheo stepped closer, piercing through his dark eyes. "What happened to me is something an arrogant brat like you would never understand. If you ever speak to me again, I'll make you run crying back to your mother just like you did that time."
Then he turned away and left.
Roy was left standing on top of the stairwell, welcoming a cold breeze through his jacket. He had never before welcomed such a cold chill like this. Rheo would never forget it, never forgive him, and Roy wasn't sure he ever would.
Edward gave him a long look, oblivious to his thoughts. Not even a second had gone by. "I see. You're probably the only one who can make him face what he's done." He stared out the front windows again, at the sea spreading out underneath them. "We're here."
"Alfons said at least twenty kilometres out with water in every direction to be sure," Mustang said. "Then it will be safe to drop the bombs, one after one."
Edward nodded. "It should be okay over here. And make sure everyone is secured from falling out."
Mustang chuckled. "Yes, good point."
Half an hour later, 2nd Lieutenant Havoc and the other soldiers had successfully disposed of all the bombs and spread them out into the deep ocean, instructed by Alfons. The things were heavy, but now they wouldn't be a danger of being used against innocent people. Alfons was relieved of that. But now he wondered how Edward was doing. He knew he was the one steering and earlier the vessel had tilted ever so slightly, and he had gotten a bad feeling. Had something happened? Shortly after everything had seemed fine again, though, so there wasn't that much reason to worry. Still, he couldn't help it.
Then he suddenly noticed Mustang and Al approaching him and he stepped towards them. Mustang was speaking into a small microphone connected to an ear plug, probably the one Riza had been talking in earlier.
"We've successfully taken over the charge of the large flying machine and disposed of the bombs. We're currently heading for Thule Society. Tell the Fuhrer President that we'll wait for further instructions, but if needed we'll organize a defending party."
"We're already on our way there, sir," Falman said in the other end. "Fuhrer Hakuro wants you to stay low, wait and take no action until we arrive with enforcements."
"Thank you, Falman," Mustang said. "I'll contact you again when we've landed."
Alfons reached them, exchanging a look with Al. "Is everything alright?" he asked.
Mustang smiled at him. "Under the circumstances, yes. Well done here, Alfons. You can take a small rest now. Edward wanted to see you."
Alfons' heart lightened up. "Thank you, sir." He hurried towards the cockpit, finding Edward sitting there by himself while steering the huge aircraft. He approached slowly, but knowing Edward was already aware of him.
"The sun is setting," the older blond said, a faint smile on his lips. "I had hoped I'd get you home safely before nightfall, but I guess I can't keep that promise to myself."
Alfons smiled and stopped beside his seat, his hand lightly touching the hairline along his neck beneath his ponytail. Edward had requested to be alone with him for some minutes before their next and final mission. He appreciated that. Very much. "Thank you," he whispered, curving over and placed a kiss on his scalp.
"We're heading back towards Thule Society now," Edward said quietly. "Even though I didn't want you to return there."
"Are you worried about me?" Alfons asked, smiling.
"Of course I'm worried! The mark on your foot is connected to the Gate in this world too, not just the one I made in Munich. You can't be anywhere near the Gate..."
The prospect kind of troubled him too, Alfons had to admit that. He was heading towards the only place in this world he had to avoid at all cost. But at the same time, he wasn't as worried as he should've been. "It'll work out somehow," he said, kissing Edward's scalp again. "I love you..."
Edward turned his head to face him as he pressed a button on the panel. Then he tugged Alfons down into the seat with him, making Alfons slide down on top of him. At first Alfons stared startled at him. Wasn't Edward supposed to be flying? But then he figured the plane could be turned on autopilot, using the same coordinates as the previous pilots had used. Even if Edward didn't steer, the plane would be headed directly towards Thule Society's base on top of the mountain.
Alfons curled up next to Edward in the comfortable chair and wrapped his arms around his neck. Even if the space was narrow, as he was sitting half on top of Edward, the seat still had room enough for them both.
"You and Al are getting along well," Edward noted pleased.
"We're not as alike as you made him seem while we lived in Munich," Alfons stated. "But he's brilliant."
Edward smiled. "I can't wait to start anew, with you and Al. I've dreamed of it since I came back to this world."
"Have I ever told you what used to be my dream?" Alfons asked softly.
Edward was slightly surprised of the question. "Going to the moon in your own rocket, wasn't it?" he simpered.
Alfons chuckled. "I guess. And I wanted to see the world from the sky, and maybe land in America to see more of the world. People always said America was the land of freedom and hope." He gazed out the window, down at the land of Amestris. "Then I came here, and I saw Amestris from the sky and I landed here to start anew. It was just like a dream come true, just that it happened in another world."
The smile on Edward's lips lingered.
"It came true without me even realizing it at first. But it was all perfect," Alfons continued contently.
"I guess Amestris and America can be compared," Edward agreed.
"There's hope here too," Alfons concluded. His voice lowered. "Even if I had a choice, I would never go back there. I want to stay here, and I want to die in this world."
Edward gazed at him, searching for his eye contact. When he received it, he spoke: "You will. But not before we're old and grey."
Alfons smiled too. "Sounds like a plan."
Then Edward merged his lips with his in a deep kiss, holding him close. Alfons' blue eyes clasped shut, eyelashes hugging his cheeks, and leaned into it. The feeling was profoundly savoured and he wondered if there was anything more possible in the world to appreciate. Probably nothing. Edward's lips were warm like summery sunlight and Alfons welcomed the warmth like he himself was cold ice needing to melt. Not even a cloud could come in-between what they had. His hand found Edward's flesh one, his fingers touching the flat of his palm before their fingers laced together and squeezed lightly.
"Alfons," Edward said quietly, parting his lips from his, but kissed him again before continued speaking. "I'll protect you."
"I'll protect you too," Alfons answered. He closed his eyes and rested his head against Edward's metal shoulder for a while, feeling suddenly drowsy. He easily could've fallen asleep in that position, especially since Edward's hand stroked lightly over his hair around the back of his neck the way he had always loved. Then a low, frequent beeping forced his mind out of the restful peace and he frowned.
Biip... Biip... Biip...
"What is that?" he asked.
Edward sat up more properly, forcing him to sit up as well (even though he didn't really want to). "It's signalling that Thule has piled us in. We're probably on their radar and they'll be opening the port in the mountain."
"In other words, we're close," Alfons mumbled. "But... doesn't that mean they'll get startled if we do anything unusual like landing where they don't expect us to?"
Edward nodded. "There's no other place to land than the same place where we landed with Azure, remember? We're in a much larger airplane now, and either way they'll know exactly where we are."
"Are you saying that we're actually going to drive this thing into the mountain right into their front door?" Alfons asked nervously, dropping down into the other seat.
"There's no other way," Edward confirmed, his sharp eyes scouting the front window into the semi-darkness of the sky.
Mustang and Kiehle entered shortly after, arriving behind the seats. "We're close?" Mustang asked.
Edward nodded curtly. "We're driving right into a trap. Any unusual behaviour and they'll know that the vessel is hijacked. How long will it take before the reinforcements arrive?"
"A couple of hours, if we're lucky," Mustang admitted.
"Shit," Edward muttered. "It's the only place I can land. If we just fool around in the air too long, the fuel will run out eventually."
"Then you land," Kiehle said. "We'll give them a suitable surprise attack."
Mustang frowned, not liking the idea, but unfortunately that was the only way. "Seems like we can't just sit and wait for the reinforcement after all," he muttered. "Every soldier we have, make them ready for an attack the minute we're down."
Kiehle nodded. "I hope you've warmed up your gloves, Roy."
Mustang snorted a smirk. "Certainly."
How I wish you were that person you should have been today, the person you would've been if I had managed to protect you at that time, on that faithful day. Rheo.