CERITA KAMI / OUR STORY
Disclaimer: I'm not owned Fullmetal Alchemist. ( Ed: 'Of course you're not, weirdo…' , Yolea: Grab my shoes and hit him with all my powers. ) They're owned by Hiromu Arakawa. I'm owned the OC's. ; )
( Ed: 'Hey! That's hurt, baka!', Yolea: 'It's your fault, you fool.' )
Author: Me. XDDDDDD
Little chat: Sorry for waiting, guys. XD The Fourth Chapter is here. Missed from the original estimate, it turns out this story develops so much longer than I thought! Gah! I was amazed I made this story so long! Too bad FMA have end! I'll miss it so much! But don't worry, I'll continue my story. ; ) Reviews and flames are very welcome! ^_^
CHAPTER IV: Ini Baru Permulaan…/This Is Just A Beginning…
We held our breaths as we heard him. This is…even we knew them…This is unbelievable! Ed and Winry, they're my most favorite couple in FMA! And Al and Mei! Waaaaaah….! What should I do? What should I do! I am trying to calm down myself by massaging my forehead. Winry caught this act.
"Are you still dizzy? Let's find some place…"she said softly.
"Uh…" I stole a glance to Sora and Abdul. "I'm okay. I'm not feeling dizzy anymore, Winry. Thank you."
"Are you sure?"
"Yep. 100 %."
"I see. Oh, by the way. What's your name? You haven't introduced yet." Winry said, more like a state than questioning.
"My name is Sri Cahya Dian. You can call me Sri." I introduce. I pointed to Sora and Abdul. "And they're my friends, Sora Hoshino and Abdullah Akbar."
"Hi, nice too meet you, friends. You can call us Abdul and Sora for short." Abdul held his hand, and Al took it. "Sri, Abdul, and Sora? They're unique names. Are you foreigners?" Al asked, curiosity gleamed in his eyes, even he's in armor for now.
"We are. We just arrived in Central few days ago." Sora answered. "We want to hiking and seeing stars, but it seems the train had a serious problem, so instead in mountain, we're got stuck in this place."
"Ouch. That's not fun." Ed commented.
Sora nodded. "It is. I wonder what had happen to the train, though."
I followed her to nod. "As if not enough, we ran into an accident and helped this man. Now, he's in hospital to recovering his wound. We want to visit him."
"Accident?"Al asked. He sound confused.
"Yes, an accident." I answered. "This man got hurt while he's working and search something. His wound so serious and can fatale. We almost think we couldn't make it."
"That's horrible!" Winry said.
"U-huh…, we very glad we have someone between us who skillful in surgery. You see, he's a child of famous surgeon in our place. He usually helped his father in operation, so he knew some kinds of basics for surgery."
"Really? He's looks like Winry! Right, Brother?" exclaimed Al enthusiasm and turned to Ed. Ed only nodded weakly. His eyes were focus to nowhere.
Abdul face Winry. "Like you?" he said incredulously, "Are your parents also surgeons?"
Winry shook her head. "No. They're doctors. But… they're passed away." She lowered her head a bit.
Abdul's eyes widened but he returned to normal and sadness covering his eyes. "I see…" he murmured, "I'm sorry, Winry…"
"No, it's okay. It's long time ago. Besides, I have my Granny, Den, Al, and Ed. Oh, by the way, Den is my dog. He's in Resembool with Granny now. You must come to Resembool. It's a very nice place. If you come to Resembool, stay in our place. I'm sure Granny and Den will be happy, right?" she said to Ed.
"…Right." It seems he's thinking of something. He's not focus to Winry words. A thought then came to my mind. I blinked at first. Really? But make sense. He gets distracted by something. I don't know what thing that made him distracted. I not dare to ask, he'll be suspicious. And I don't want to. "So, what happen next?" he asked.
"Yelled to Horse Colonel or Old Dude in phone, ask him to send an ambulance, immediately. Banged some people doors and asked some medicines, and woke up half of Central because of it…" Sora is cutting it without mercy, Abdul choked and glared at her. Everyone eyes fall to her. Ed and Al have a shock and disbelieve look, and Winry looking Sora, her eyes questioned if it's was true. I am narrowed my left eye at Sora, "Sora." I called her.
"What?" she's responded.
"Don't talk like that to Mr. Roy. He's already nice to us by letting us stay in Mrs. Gracia place.", Abdul then lecturing her. "Sri is right. He's kind enough to letting us have a place to stay for a while. We better not made more problems with him." he said, "And let's goes to hospital. Saidi and Clark will lecture and scold us if we don't hurry." he continued, slightly annoyed. "I don't want to responsible for that when it happened…"
"Alright, alright. Chill out, Abdul, I was joking." Sora laughing and has twinkles in her eyes.
"Okay, that's enough. We must go now. Are we going or not?" Abdul asked.
"We are." Sora began to walk, passing Winry, Al, and Ed. She stopped a while to face them. "Sorry, must go quickly, before we got a scold from other friends. If you don't mind, will you excuse me?" she smiled friendly to them.
"Eng…sure. Why not?" Winry replied, a hint of confusion coloring her voice.
"Thank you. See you next time. I hope we meet again, in short time." At end of her word, she steep again, evaded them. Abdul and I are following her.
"See you again, Ed, Al, Winry. It's pleasure too meet you." I said cheerful.
"Too bad we don't have much time. Let's talk more things when we meet again, shall we?" Abdul requested with hope.
"Sure." Al nodded and excited. "We're looking for it. See you again, Sri, Abdul."
"See you." We said in same time. "Wait!" suddenly Ed's voice heard before I'm looking at him. His face seems priceless, oh, sorry, dumbfounded more correctly.
"What does she mean by Horse Colonel?" he asked.
Abdul and I, both of us can't hold our laughter and laughing hysterically. He is look at us with a question mark. Al and Winry are doing same.
Stopped our laugh, Abdul replied him with big grin on his face. "It's just our silly yet stupid nickname for Colonel Mustang. Well, it's Sora actually. A bit cruel I know. But somehow it's really fitting him, because he reminded us of wild horse from German. As knowledge, Mustang was this wild horse name." He didn't need t see their eyes widened, he turned his back and go.
I wave to them and saying goodbye before catching Abdul and Sora.
"Hey, do you think they will follow us?" I asked Sora.
"Like they don't. They will. After they had heard about Mr. Hughes from Colonel." She said, "I have heard about them from Mrs. Gracia story. She told me they'll back after they've finished them business. I never expected they'll come this earlier."
"Will Mr. Roy tell them? All of it?"
"No." Her face becomes dulled. "I bet he didn't tell them much, and order them to make us explained, because he thinks us more capable than his."
Abdul's scratching his nose. "Is this just me feeling, or sometimes he's tricky and manipulative…"
Sora laughs with bitter tone. "He was. That's why I don't really like him. At any rate and in one condition, I can really hate him. I'm more like a guy like Clark than him. Besides, Sri, Abdul…" Sora grinning.
"At least he's not manipulative." She then turned to me and raised her eyebrow. "Moreover, Sri…" curious is decorating her face.
"Since when you call him as Mr. Roy?"
We arrived at Mr. Hughes room. When we near his door, we hear it. Laughter's come from inside. 3 different voices, if we listening more careful. I knew the one is Clark. The other one is Elysia. And the last is…I can't happier than this. He does already awake, like Saidi said. I hear someone's coughing and caught Abdul give me a relieve smile, as same as Sora.
"It seems he's fine…" Sora said.
Abdul is nodding to Sora and me. Both of us replied him with smiled. I bring my hand to the door and knocked it third times.
"Coming." Mrs. Gracia's voice comes from behind door.
We entered and seeing Clark performed some magic trick, he has some bright flowers in his hands, Saidi sitting right on him, Elysia on his left. Mrs. Gracia was holding a plate with apple pie. I think they want to eat, seeing Saidi and Elysia have a same plate with apple pie.
And I saw him for the second time, after the night we found him.
Mr. Hughes is sitting on his bed, holding Elysia, laughing with her. Clark was near him so he can perform magic for Elysia.
"Well, guess who's in here?" Mrs. Gracia smile when she spotted us.
Elysia turned to us and squeal so high. "Big Brother Ab, Big Sister Sri, and Big Sister So!"
I chuckled lightly. She calls us with our first name and shorted, so she doesn't get confused by other Big Brothers and Sisters. I knew you can guess who. I'm greeting them as we stepped in. "Good morning Elysia. I see you have some fun with Big Brother Clark?"
"Yuwp!" she nodded energetically. "He shows us some amazing magic I have ever seen! I want to try it too!"
"Oow, relax, Little Princess." Clark chuckled. "I had promised to you, so I will keep it. But not now, remember, Your Dad is recovering, so he need some peace and quiet place."
"Kay. But promised me..." she pleaded with those cute green eyes.
Clark laughing amused. "Alright." He said as he brings his thumbs up. At this, Mr. Hughes looked very amusement. "Thank you for entertain Elysia, Clark."
"No problem, Sir. I loved to do it." Clark replied. He is showed his rarely soft face. "Besides I like to see children smiles. It's more than enough for me."
"I see...Glad to hear that from a young man like you." Mr. Hughes said, looked at him straight.
"You're welcome, Mr. Hughes." Clark grins.
Mr. Hughes then looking at us, smiling. "Your must be Clark and Saidi's other friends. We haven't introduced yet." he said, "May I know your names?"
Sora is the first one who took the introduced role now. She approached Mr. Hughes bed and introduced herself. I and Abdul walked behind her and stood on both her sides.
"Sora Hoshino is my name, Mr. Hughes. Nice to meet you." Sora bowed politely.
"Abdullah Akbar. Abdul is for short, Mr. Hughes." He smiled warm and sincere.
"And my name is Sri Cahya Dian. But you can call me Sri, Mr." I bowed slightly.
He raised his eyebrow. "I must say it was strange names. Not mention Saidi and Clark." he stated. "Are you foreigners?"
"We are. We just arrived the day you've been attacked." I answered truthfully.
"Really? Well, that does explain your eyes color. I never see it. They are so silver, isn't it, Elysia?"
"Yewp, Dad. But it's very beautiful. I like them!" Elysia stated as she hugging her father.
"I never had an idea my eyes will cause attention this much..." I muttered. I heard Abdul snickers and quickly I shot a glare to him, which he avoided it. The next 5 minutes, I told Mr. Hughes about our first plan to hiking until we met Mr. Roy. We also eating Mrs. Gracia apple pie, and as I thought, it's very delicious. Yummy!
Mr. Hughes, Elysia ( though she didn't really understand ), and Mrs. Gracia laughed when I told them how awful we when we banged civilian doors in late night only to asked medicines. Mr. Hughes even almost not stops laughing as I told him about how Sora yelled so loud and angry to Mr. Roy at telephone, and called him Old Dude with full intentional when interrogation. In front of everyone, included his subordinates.
"Oh my God," he said between his laughs, "You did that to him? And you made it?" he asked disbelieve and interesting. "I did hear you shout that time, your voice was so loud. I never expected you called him 'Old Dude' in front of him, however. Not many people who dare to call him like that, especially from a young lady like you." He continued as he pointed it to Sora. She grinned evilly. "He deserves it. Besides..."
She took a bite to her apple pie. "I have heard his womanizer rumors. To be honest, I really don't like this type man. I know it's a bit cruel, but I can't help it." she chewed her food, "I need to realized him there's a girl who doesn't like him. Especially when he's try to temptation me."
"The nucleus matter for her is, I'm your worst nightmare and don't come near me if you don't want your faith is torn apart, or died." Clark shoots and giggled.
"Only, if he was Colonel Mustang." Sora is gave him emphasized word. "I still have a heart, you know."
"Wow, Roy should hear this word." Mr. Hughes commented. "I want to see his face when he's hear it."
"If he hears it, he'll very crush until piece. I don't want to see it." I laugh. "He's already very busy with those military problems, at least we didn't disturbed him and helped them a bit. I made food, which palatable for them as example."
"You did it?" asked Mr. Hughes with widened eyes.
"I worry about what they eat in HQ. They can end with sickness if they don't eat with right. Finally I come with this decision." I give reasons, "We have been such burdens to them and Mrs. Gracia, and so we did help what we can do..." I said sheepishly.
"They did, Maes. They've really helped me so much. If they didn't came to Central that night..." Mrs. Gracia stopped a while as Sora shook her head. "It's our job to help each others. Please don't mind it." She exclaimed with determined tone.
"Yes, she's true. Don't mind it, it's not that amazing." Clark shook his hand. "We already got a place to stay, it's more than enough for us."
"You had survived, Mr. Hughes, you must focus to your recovery. And..., please don't doing something very dangerous. If you do it again, we can't help you next time. You hear me, Mr. Hughes? Don't try something that cost your life." Saidi stressed his voice in several sentences. His eyes become sharply and his voice drop few pitches more low. His face is showing no mercy.
Mr. Hughes blinked few times before he turned to me and asked, "Is he always this scary?"
I'm grinning and shook, "Nope. But he really worried about your condition. You almost died if Saidi not operation you. And not only him, we also worried sick. We thought we couldn't make it."
Abdul throw his hand to my shoulder, "We're glad you're still alive, Mr. Hughes. We can't happier to see you can together with your family." He explained. "Now, our works aren't in vain."
Mr. Hughes seems surprised to hear it, as same as Mrs. Gracia. They staring each other for a moment, then Mr. Hughes back to us, Mrs. Gracia placed her hand on his left shoulder, smiled warmly. As Mr. Hughes, he's smile gratefully and sincere.
"Thank you very much, Kids. For save me that night," he said. "And don't worry, I'll be more careful next time." he then hugged Elysia more closely and laughing with Elysia. "Moreover, I don't want to be part with Elysia! Oh, have you seen her pictures? I have many of them! Too bad I left them in home. I'll show them next time! Isn't she cute?" he said with all spirit. Or enthusiasm.
No one make sound. No one said word. Our attention focused to Mr. Hughes. 5 seconds of silence, before we're booming laughs like a crazy people, loud and amuse.
"Oh my God! Oh my God!" Clark said in his laughs. He held his stomach with both his arms.
"Hey guys, this isn't funny! Stop it!" Saidi tried to advice us, but he was failed to stop laughing.
"I can't!" Sora answered as she held her mouth, covering her laugh. Her eyes were full with tears.
"Masya Allah! I can't believe it!" Abdullah half yelled, still laughing. "It's also happening to us!"
"You bet it!" I commented between my laugh. "I've heard it from Mr. Roy, but I never expected this fast!"
We knew his habit, this one for sure, from the manga and anime. And Mr. Roy has told us during the end of interrogation. We still find it very funny. And look, we got a chance to direct experience this event.
I saw Mr. Hughes raise his eyebrow then looking quizzically to his wife. His wife chuckled and said, "They must be heard about your habit from Roy."
He back to us, whose still laughing. He has curiosity, but I can swear there's a bit of irritated colors in his face. "Is that true, Kids?"
"Yes, Sir." finally I completely stop laughing, gasped some air.
"Maybe I'll talk about things to him…when I got out from hospital." he murmured.
With very precise time, some footsteps echoed outside, and moment later, the door was opened loudly. All peoples turned to the door. Reveal Ed, Al, and Winry figures. Except Al, who still in armor, Ed and Winry trying to breath, from what I assumed, they must be run like an Olympic runner after they come to Central HQ.
"Ed? Al? Winry?" Mrs. Gracia couldn't hide her surprise. "What are you doing in here? I thought you'll come back tomorrow or day after tomorrow."
"We come to hospital after we heard Colonel's story." Al explained. Ed cut him with one spontaneity move.
"Mr. Hughes, are you alright! Did you hurt? How is the wound?" Ed demanded, asked successive as he approached him. His voice trembled and sounded panic. Not mention his face showing fear of something. Fear of loss.
Mr. Hughes responded it with light chuckled, patted Ed shoulder, to easy him I guess.
"I'm fine, Ed. Don't worry. It's healing already, I just need recovery." he answered, "Thanks because of them, and I still breathe until now." Mr. Hughes pointed to us.
The 3 of them gasped as they found out who save Mr. Hughes. "IT'S YOU!" Ed exclaimed. He smacked in the head by Winry after that.
"Ed! This is hospital! Calm down a bit, can't you?" advice Winry then turned to me. "You're knew Mr. Hughes?"
I nodded, "I did." I frowned. Then I corrected it. "We did, actually. We met him after he got an accident, in night we arrived in Central."
Ed looked around wildly. "Can you tell me what's going on? I'm clueless in here!"
Sora took a glance to me, Abdul, Saidi, and Clark. A sign we better told them on outside. We got it. Clark and Sora asked permission to Mr. Hughes and his family to talk few matters with Ed cs. They're understand, and they let us go to outside.
"We'll tell you, Ed. Everything we knew for now." Sora said, "But first, let's talks about it on outside, and find a place, shall we?" she asked politely.
Ed, Al, and Winry are glanced each others, seek answers. "Well?" Sora asked.
Ed turned to Sora and glowering, which Sora returned it with insistent gaze. I recognized this gaze. She usually uses it when we or she distracted by thugs, fake police, or people who want to find a problem with her. Her gaze means, 'Loe pikir gue takut ama loe? Sorry, yang aku takutin hanya Tuhan…'. In English language, 'Do you think I'm scared with you? Sorry, I'm only scared to God…' I couldn't help but shivered with this act.
Sometimes I think, by her unpredictable nature and her true power, Sora is very far beyond Izumi Curtis, as the most dangerous woman. Not to mention her character which there is no fear on it. Perhaps she is used to facing every dangerous and extreme situation. For God's sake, I even sense her killer aura, radiance with immense power, directed to Ed.
"Ed," she began, "I'm very serious about it. We talk or not?" her voice become few pitches more low.
Ed had made stunned by her. Now his face showed priceless. He's, however, not wielding the name of 'Fullmetal' if he got this easily. He's quickly regained his discernment and throws that sharp look again. "Can you be trusted?"
Sora stayed calm. Then she's showing –not clear, it's faint- understanding smile, not wanting to force him to trust her and replied, "What do you think? You can always judge for yourself. Why would you carry the name of 'People's Alchemist' if you cannot judge a person of good and evil? I know you can do it."
The one who called 'People's Alchemist' only continue to starring her. Pounded to see it, they letting out an aura I can't explain. Seconds later, he let out a heavy sigh and began to walk to outside. "I don't know who you are, Sora. There's something not in place with you." He muttered as he passes me and Sora.
He stopped a moment, before he's walking again. "But…seeing your eyes, these something is not a bad thing…I guess." He turned to us with those determined gold eyes. "I can trust you, for now."
I see Sora gaze become more soft and kind than before. She simply said to him, "Thank you…for trusting me."
We got out from hospital, along with Ed, Al, and Winry. I found a peaceful park outside the hospital. Near them there are a café, where we saw no peoples in the outer part, filled tables and chair. We decided to talk in that café.
So now, we're sitting around table. I am sitting next to Saidi, consecutive clockwise by Abdul, Clark, Sora, Winry, Al, and Ed next to me. While Ed and Winry waiting their meals, Ed was the first person who broached.
"So…" he began, "Can you tell us, what's going on when we're gone?"
Sora took a deep breath, prepared to speak, tell him a long story. "He'd not get in common accident, you must be knew this from Colonel Mustang."
"I knew that." Ed responded strongly. "And all of you had helped him. Just what…"
"He'd been shot, by someone, near telephone box when we met him for the first time." I can see Ed's eyes widened in disbelieve at Sora's end word.
"He…,what?"
Sora staring him, I think she's trying to look at his reaction and expression. Sora pulled a breath and said it with determined. "He'd been shot. Which mean…, he had attacked by someone, Ed."
Everything like stop for a while then moved faster twice than before. Next time we knew, he already slammed table and stood up, facing us.
"WHAT THE HELL…! HE'S BEEN ATTACKED…..?" Ed yelled so loud, I must close my ears. I sit beside him, remember. The others are doing same, except Al who half warned to him.
"Brother, calm down! They're not finished yet!"Al tried to calm his older brother.
As Winry, she gasped loudly and looking at me urgently. Her eyes filled with questions and want an answer, now. "Sri," she demanded, "Is it true?"
I can't find a word. I really hate when I can't find a word in situation like this. But I see her eyes, and she wants it quickly. I must answer it.
"He was, Winry." And I got a horrified face from Winry. I can hear she whispered, "Oh my God…"
The 5 of us are staring each others, unsure what to do next. We want to tell them as much we knew, but we feel uncomfortable. Clark face looked trouble, while Saidi massaged his nose. Abdul seems reluctantly. Sora is same, she's just not really showed it.
Abdul then coughed once to get their attention, which worked. "There's some stories happened after that. I…, I want to tell you guys the rest. Are you still wanted to listening it?" he questioned.
Ed let out a harsh breath as he came back to sit, nodded and permitted him. "Please continue it, Abdul." he said, "What happen next?"
"Saidi was operation him. Thank goodness he's very skillful with this." Abdul replied, "To be honest, I'm worried about Mr. Hughes. He's lucky he's survived. We are in there when we heard a loud bang from gun. If there's no one in there…He will not alive now…" Abdul said.
"How can that happen?" questioned Al.
We shook our heads. "We also didn't know what happened back there. Colonel and the others now investigation this case, if I'm not wrong." added Sora.
"We even had been questioned by Mr. Roy yesterday for hours." I continued. "We want to visit him today, before we come to your direction, and you crashed me, Ed."
Ed seems fidget and he's gritting his teeth. Oh his sides, both of his hands made fists. I knew what it means. He's angry….and worried. He is looking at us again, this time with fire in his eyes. "Did you see the one who did it?"
"No." Sora answered firmly. "From the weapon, as you know it's gun…maybe the culprit is gangster or mafia and terrorist. Only them who have weapons like that."
"Are you sure about it?"Al asked.
"I said, maybe. It could be everyone, beside them. Military's peoples can be a suspect too. They're military, they can have weapons." Sora answered to the point. "One note, Al. It's only my opinion. I'm not a detective or an investigator like Mr. Hughes...I'm really sorry, Al, Ed, Winry."
Silence covered our tension. Everyone have their own thought in their minds. I was not exception. I'm having my own thoughts. I'm thinking about what we do next. Mr. Hughes had saved, his memories about transmutation circle had been removed by Saidi. Suddenly, I remembered Mr. Roy. I blinked hard. If I'm not wrong, weren't Mr. Roy, Mrs. Riza, and Mr. Havoc, along with Al will battle with Lust in laboratory no. 3?
My body becomes tensed. Very tensed and rigid. I gulped very slowly. This is not good. He will hurt badly and Mr. Havoc will…, No! I can't imagine if that happen! I won't allow it! I'll not let that Lust hurt them! Not a single cut, ever! The problem is how I'm can help them? I can't follow them because for sure we're watching from somewhere, in our shadows. At time like this, I really think I very hate with Pride. And don't forget Wrath, a.k.a King Bradley. He will come, definitely, no more talking. What should I do? What should I do?
A harsh snorted broke the tension, and made us looking at Edward. He combed his hair with his automail hand. He closed his eyes for seconds. When he opens it, his face more calmed and a bit relaxed now.
"Thank you very much." he said, "For saving him and told us what happened."
"I bet Old Dude didn't tell you the whole story." seeing Ed lifted his eyebrow, Sora then added, "Of course Colonel Mustang, silly. He's only told you Mr. Hughes had got an accident and goes to the hospital immediately, right?"
"How did you know?" Winry asked her. Sora only gave her a simple smile. "Intuition." I smiled amused as she said it. One of Sora favorite lines, as usual.
"I not really like him. Sorry, but I can't help it. He's nice, but something about him seems not in place and right time. His womanizer." Her face made form a wry smile. "I can't believe a people like that exist in this world."
Ed is grinning evilly. "Looks like I have a company…"
"Brother! That's not nice!" Al chimed. Ed only respond is shrugged then back to Sora.
Sora smile wide. "Sorry to drag you to a place like this. But, if we don't do it, probably you'll get wrong with us. Are you okay with it?"
"No, it's okay. We okay with it, Sora. Thank you for your information." Ed said, "At least we knew what had happened."
"No problem. The truth is, we want to tell you, as much as we knew. We hope with this we can help you a bit. Of course while you waiting for the food."
"….Speaking of food…Why they took so long?" commented Saidi.
"Hey, you're right. It's over than…15 minutes? And they don't come yet." Abdul added.
"Do think they're busy or something?" Winry asked.
"No, they don't. I have checked to the inside, there's a lot of guest, just that. Maybe around 10-11 peoples. It'll not make the chef hassles. Unless…" my lines cut down by loud explosion from the kitchen inside café, and made all of us turn in unison.
No one said word, everyone held their breath. "Unless…" I continued, my eyes still looking at the inside. "They have a serious problem with their stove…"
Short stories, finally Ed must have intervened to repair the cafe's stove. And it's not only him. I'm, along Abdul –have I told you he's enough expert in cooking?- also ended by helped the chef made the foods for guest. He panicked and worried in the fact he couldn't make it. He really grateful and gave me blueberry cheese cakes, for me and my friends, and Ed, Al, also Winry. After they have eaten, Ed decided to go to hospital again, he wants to meet and discuss with Mr. Hughes.
"We're part in here, I guess." Abdul commented as we want to go home.
"Hey, you're staying in Mrs. Hughes place. We can meet anytime we want!" said Winry cheerfully.
"I hope we can meet again, Winry." I chuckled.
"Me too," she nodded. She then frowned and leaned to me. I stare her with question.
"What's wrong, Winry?" I asked her. She shook her head slowly. And showing her beautiful smile.
"No.., it's just, I noticed your eyes color now. It's very beautiful color." she reasoned. "It does remind me of precious metal, like platinum."
Ed raised his eyebrow then looked at me. "Hey, no wonder I feeling something different with your face. Your eyes are grey." he exclaimed. "Almost to silver, I see."
"Winry's right," Al said, "I just have realized it too."
"What do you mean?" Clark said as he tilted his head.
"Sri's eyes color is unique. I don't know how to describe it. But she has almost otherworldly appearance."
I held my breath when she mentions otherworldly. Being panicked? Yes. Being calm? I'm trying hard.
"Am I?"
"You are. Not only you. Sora, Saidi, Abdul, and Clark also have otherworldly appearances."
Clark stiffened behind me. Abdul eyes widened, Saidi narrowed his eyes, at last Sora, she's furrowed both her eyebrows.
"We're foreigners. Maybe our appearances are different because we're not from here." Sora said logically.
Ed is a bit suspicious. His eyes narrowed and filled with suspicion. "Where are you from, then?"
"From Indonesia."
Ed stared Sora like she was an alien. "From what?"
"From Indonesia. Not suprising, it's an islands country, very far from here, it'll not appeared in your map. It's behind Xing. Probably more far than I or you thought."
Ed is opened his mouth, only to be cutting by Winry. "Is that true? No wonder all of you seemed different."
I only nodded slowly, feeling awkward.
"See? Funny maybe, but I think your eyes are an opposite from Ed and Al eyes. They're gold, yours silver."
"Is my eyes really that weird?" I am feeling nervous. No kidding.
"No. But I will called them amazing." she said, "Since Ed and Al have golden eyes, I'm bit curious if there's people who have silver eyes. Now my assumption has proven."
"Hey, I think we should go now. We not really talking to Mr. Hughes, remember?" reminded Ed. There was impatience in the tone of his sentence.
"Geez, be patience, will you!" Winry shouted. Ed grumbled as Al sighed for his brother action. She turned to me hand shook my hand with hers. "Nice to meet you, everyone. I hope we can meet again tomorrow, if not this night."
"Sure, why not?" I replied happy.
"We're looking forward on it." Sora is open her mouth as she's patting on Winry shoulder.
"So we are." Saidi said. I can hear a smile in his voice.
We arrived when the sun already set. Mrs. Gracia gave me a duplicate key of her door, so whenever we went home earlier then her, us still can entered it. Not long after us home, Mrs. Gracia and Elysia went home. It seems Ed, Al, and Winry had met and talked to them, seeing how bright their faces were. But we're tired. Both physical and spirit. Really tired, it's mixed with fatigue, lethargy, and lack of sleep. We can't sleep very well since few days ago. We realized it now after went home. At night, we ate dinner quietly. No one from us wants to talk. Even until Clark, who usually becomes a mood maker, only biting his salad. As myself, I am stirring the carrots, not so eager to eat. My blank mind broke by Elysia's voice.
"Big Sister Sri? Are you okay?" she concerned and tilted her little head. "You so quiet. Are you sick?"
"No, I'm not. I'm thinking some problems, that are all, Elysia."
Elysia doesn't believe it, because she keep continue asking me. "Really? Really? You should eat more, or you'll get sick, Big Sister Sri."
I'm unsure with I should do. I don't want be made her worried.
"Is something matter, Sri?" Mr. Gracia soft voice startled me. I glance to have a concerned face Mrs. Gracia, there's a glance of worry.
I think our acts had made Mrs. Gracia wants to know the reason why we were so quiet tonight. I feel uneasy. At least I must say something to comfort her.
"I'm really fine, Mrs. Gracia. I just have a bit thought. So are Sora and the others. Right, guys?" I gave them a code to sound. They captured it very well.
"Yes! You're right!" Clark said quickly. "It's very delicious, Mr. Gracia! I was thinking to finish it!"
"Finished it? You don't look like that…" Saidi commented as he pointed his fork to Clark plate. It's still full of food. Clark is sending a glare to him. "Since when you become this sarcastic, Sai?"
"I'm not being sarcastic," he replied, and winked. "I'm just talk reality." he then booming a laugh, followed by Abdul and Sora, while Clark grunted. I stole a glance to Mrs. Gracia. She's smile ghostly, but still has that worried eyes.
Mrs. Gracia, seemed knew we have a problem we can't share…yet. She sighed and patting my head. "If you really okay then I can't ask anymore. Make sure you're get sleep quickly this night, okay?"
I am grinning weakly. Feeling sorry for worried her and Elysia. "Okay, Mrs. Gracia." I assured.
"We'll do it."
I wearing my T-shirt and baggy pants after bath, Sora still inside the bathroom, so I go to boys room. I lent Saidi's notebook which it's filled with sketches he made this 2 months lately. Hey, I'm bored, since I didn't borrowed books, I lent Saidi's notebook. I loved books, it's shame I can't brought them with me! His was quite big to draw a picture. All of them are beautiful. To make them more interesting, he added stories and descriptions. I really enjoyed it.
I walk to inside, want to give back Saidi's notebook… when I see something not right.
I saw Clark and Saidi, faced to faced, they faces looks very tensed. Then I noticed a small paper - I can't believe I missed it- in Saidi's hand.
"Saidi? Clark?" I called them. They startled and looked at me. "What is that paper? Was that a message?"
They looked each other, before they're back. Clark face becomes very serious as well as Saidi. I frowned. No doubt. Something's not right. Saidi rarely shows this face. Clark's moreover.
"Sri, call Abdul and Sora to this room, fast." Clark said lowly. "There's something we must discus. Now."
I'm beginning to uneasy. I was right. Something has gone wrong.
"What's wrong, Clark? It's not usually you call us." asked Abdul, sitting face Clark.
It took a few minutes to call Abdul and Sora, and then gathered together.
"Has something happened?" Abdul is letting rhetorical question.
Clark stood near window. He glances at Saidi. Saidi only look at him, waiting. It's that gleams again. I've seen it when I first see them tensed in this room. It seems they had a silent agreement, which we don't know. And we will know it, soon. Clark is taking a deep breath, not brakes his glance to Saidi.
He said what we didn't expect.
"Guys, prepare your bags and luggage," Clark said. "We will go to the Briggs…"
We are staring at him. 1…2…3…
"EEEEEEEEH…..!"
"To Brigss! Are you serious…?" I half questioned.
"Why so soon!" yelled Abdul. His eyes fixed at Clark. Clark only stood in there.
"He's right. Why must go this fast?" Sora is questioning. "Unless…" her eyes going wide. She looked shock for something. She is narrowing her eyes, glaring dagger at Clark. "Clark…, we have been targeted, right?"
I and Abdul are gasped. Saidi's letting out a sigh. "You're right." He finally said.
"We have been targeted by 'them'…." He showed us a small paper from before and gives it to us. I almost want to faint when I read what wrote in that paper. It's not some kind a write. It's a threat.
'Dear our 'guest'.'
'We hope we're not rude to you. Now, let's get to the point, shall we? You're the kids who saved him, correct? We must said it's a bravely and impressed act. That guy extremely so lucky, huh? However, things are not that easily simple.'
'We let him this time. However don't think the same will happen to you. We'll watch your action for now. So beware. We'll watch you, everywhere, everyplace, and every time you made an act. Maybe we're near your place, right now. Do a careless act, and you'll regret it forever because you have prevented us. We hope you didn't do it, though. We don't want to be rude with our guest. So…'
'Be careful, and watch your back, Our Honored Guest.'
I can't believe it. I knew who did this. Those homunculus, they move this fast!
"Gusti Agung…1.)" I whispered and rubbed my chest to calm myself. "They send it without we noticed it? And with locked door and windows! How they manage it!"
"With their skills, of course, whose I doubt they're did it with normal skill." answered Sora.
"Ini…Ini mah udah kebangetan….2.)" Abdul complained. "If they send this notice, they must be in really serious state!"
Saidi replied him, "That's why we must go to the Briggs.", "It's not safe to stay in here. No other choice than retreat and see the situation."
"But what about Mrs. Gracia and Elysia? Mr. Roy and his subordinates, along Ed, Al, and Winry!" I panicked. "We can't leave them like this!"
"Easy, Sri. They'll be alright. Those bastards only targeted…watching us. I can guarantee it. Now, we must worry our self. And as Colonel Mustang…" Sora said. She snorted lightly, "I've a feeling he and his subordinates will run into a danger. They investigated about Mr. Hughes attacker…All of you already knew about it, don't you?"
"Don't have to question it, again." we –except Sora- said in unison. "Not counting, Ed, Al, and Winry, dear Sri. They can take care themselves, seeing the 3 of them are hardheaded…" Saidi added.
I sweat dropped. Hardheaded? "Saidi…" I called him, not agreed.
"What we gonna do? We must tell them, stop it before it's too late." Abdul urged.
"Will they believe, us, Abdul?" questioned Saidi, "We're just foreigners to them, and they'll not believe us easily."
"Like Clark said, this place not safe anymore. At least, if they want us gone, we better go from here. The only choice we have is save them from afar. The problem is, how?" Sora rubbed her chin, thinking.
All of us are silent. Saidi is tapping his head side. Sora still place her hand on her chin, Clark, even he's look blank, I knew he's also thinking. Abdul, he's drummed the table. At moment no one say anything. We found it frustrated. That's when I catch an origami on the table. I remembered it's origami from yesterday, Sora and Abdul who made them. This one was Abdul, I can tell. It's a beautiful shape of crane.
An idea suddenly popped in my head. Fascinating, I tapped Sora's shoulder. "Hey, Sora, I have an idea. I'll need your help. And you too, Clark." Hear this, they're interested and come near me. "Now, lend me your ears. And listen carefully. I need your opinions."
I told them my plan in whispered and Sawang language. We learned it at school and agreed to use it as code language. Finished it, they all enthusiasm and ecstatic. Clark even gave me his 2 thumbs up!
"It's a brilliant idea, Sri. Good job." Sora complimented.
"Who had the idea first?" I winked secretly.
"You'll go to Briggs? Why so so fast?" asked Mrs. Gracia shocked when breakfast. She found us already pack up and put on our hiking clothes in morning.
"Mom's right. Why you go this fast? Please stay a little longer." pleaded Elysia with her big green eyes and cute face. I feel heartbreaking to leave them, so I touch her head. Caressing it gently.
"I'm really sorry, Elysia, but we must catch the train to Briggs, and it's only this morning. They'll not train until next week." I reasoned, followed by disappoint voice from Elysia. It's true, we've checked it. Unfortunately there's only 1 train to Briggs. It's in 08.30 am. Only 1 hour 32 minutes before we depart.
"You must?" she asked. I nodded. "Don't worry. If we finished our business, we'll come to see you, your mom and dad."
She is looking deep to my eyes, seeking of truth. "Promise you'll come to see me?" her voice filled with hope. "I promise, Elysia." I saw her face began to perform a sweet smile and hugging my arm. She's really cute.
"We must hurry to our destination, Mrs. Hughes," answered Sora chewed her cereal. "Our time getting short and we must go as fast as we can. Our holidays were shorter than before. Moreover after graduation, we'll attempt different universities in our country. Oh, it's a place for studies after we finished our Senior School." she explained when she got a confuse stare from Mrs. Gracia.
"Really? Then it's good. What you'll learn from these universities?"
"Many. I'll study Art. Sri will study English literature, Saidi will go to the Medical, Abdul will study Music, and Clark will attempt Law."
"That's sounds hard." Mrs. Gracia commented.
"They are. We'll not give up that easily of course. We want to reach our dreams and get our job." Clark said.
"Then, what you'll become?" Elysia asked, she excited when we mentioned our dream. "I want to be a princess! How about you?" she said happily.
"Well, I want to be..."
Next half hour, we talking about our dreams and our job in future, what we'll do, what is the difficult etc. Finished our breakfast, we saying our goodbyes to Mrs. Gracia and Elysia, and say hi to Mr. Hughes, who still in hospital. Before we go to the station, we go to Central HQ, saying goodbye to Mr. Roy and his subordinates. I'm looking for it.
"Good morning!" we greeted Mr. Roy and the others in their office. They're about to look at us and gasped to found us. Mr. Havoc even looked very shocked when he sees us with our bags and full hiking clothes from first time.
"Woaa! What the...?"
Abdul smile sheepishly. "Sorry, to surprised you, Mr. Havoc. We're here to say goodbye."
Mrs. Riza raised her eyebrow then approached us. "You'll go? To where?"
"To our destination, Garmisch- Partenkichen. We must hurry to catch train." Clark imitated Sora.
"This fast? We even didn't question you more detailed!" yelled Mr. Breda. Mr. Fuery and Mr. Falman agreed him.
"We're really sorry, but our time is short. We have to go there before us late. They'll no train until next week, and after our graduation, we'll go to different places to study." I explained.
"You can't delay it?" asked Mrs. Riza. I shook my head. "I see..., that's too bad." her voice sounded disappointed. I heard the inner door opened and a deep voice came out from the door.
"What are all those noises, Lieutenant? Is there's someone?" I turned to see Mr. Roy figure. As I thought, he's also shocked to see us. His eyes became widen when he noticed our bags too. "What's going on in here?" he asked, radiated his eyes to everyone, and got out from his inner office. His stare fell on me at last.
"I'll talk to Mr. Roy, guys. Can you wait in here while I'm in inside?"
Abdul shrugged "Sure. Go talk to him. We'll wait you here."
"Just, don't do anything weird inside his office. Especially, you, Colonel Mustang."
He narrowed his eyes to her. "Who do you think I am?"
"A 29 years old pervert, arrogant, and egoistic man who want make a rule to all women in military wear miniskirt when he become a Fuhrer." replied Sora ease. She's showing merciless and dagger, taxable in target.
Mr. Roy's reaction? He's standing in there, blank face. Priceless.
Clark is booming laughs, followed by Mr. Havoc and Mr. Breda. Abdul closed his mouth to prevent his laugh, which failed because few of his laughter have come out. The rest were having big grin or chuckled on their faces, including me.
Seconds later, he then yelled to Sora, "WHERE DID YOU KNOW ABOUT THAT...!"
"Mr. Hughes told me when we in hospital." she answered calmly. A victorious smirk plastered on her, accompanied her fake innocent face. I chuckled loudly. Of course she knew it from website and manga, though she will not tell them. Sometimes I think she's a reincarnation of Fenrir, the wolf god.
"I can't believe you have such a friend like her, Sri." Mr. Roy stated after we already in inner office. "She's almost bad as Hughes. She's almost like…"
"A wolf." I said quicker than him. I found Mr. Roy staring at me. "Yes, a strong wolf. The leader of the wolves. High faith, smart, majestic, mysterious, and strong. Calm, but very dangerous when battle. Everyone who meets her always say like that. She usually so care about people around her. When Sora met someone she hates however, she can become so cold and cruel in word. You never thought to find such a characteristic like that in beautiful and slim girl, aren't you? But believe me, she's actually a sweet swallow bird who love nature and art. So please forgive her."
I grinned sourly. "If she wants, she can do more than that. You want to know?"
He quickly shook his dark haired head. "No, thanks." I chuckled to see his reaction. I sitting in couch, he's stand near his table.
"So..." he began, as he crossed his arms "What's with all those clothes and bags?"
I faced him. He staring me, waiting an answer. "We'll go Partenkirchen." I answered him. "This is our last day we meet you in Central."
His eyes widened, but he's keep quiet, so I decided to continue. "Saidi and Clark said, we're better move faster. Seeing Mr. Hughes condition, we think we don't have to stay longer in here. Our holidays only a while though, after graduation, we will apart when we go to different universities. It's a place to deepen our knowledge after Senior High School. Maybe...they'll go to the other countries. And we don't want to waste time. It's our last chance to spend our time, together with friends since 3 years ago."
Mr. Roy nodded understanding. "I see...Too bad you have to go."
"Same for us. Therefore, before we go from here, we want to say goodbye. And…" I pulled my bag, bring out 4 colorful shapes origami. I stood and stepped to him.
I give the 4 of crane origami to him. He accepts it with his right hand. "What's this for?"
"My pray, our pray that you'll be protected by evil and misfortune…" I said full confidence.
'May Sora power and my power can protect you from those homunculus, Mr. Roy, Mr. Havoc, Mrs. Riza, and Al…' I prayed in my mind.
"It's our presents, please keep it. And don't forget to borrow them in next mission, Mr. Roy. East people said they'll bring you luck and protect you from misfortune."
"Why?"
"I don't know. I just have a feeling you'll need it in your duty."
"A good guess, I recalled?"
"No,", I shook my head, "It's an intuition to survive." I took his filled right hand and holding it firmly and soft. He's startled. I ignored it and tightened my grip. "Good luck, Mr. Roy. And don't die." I stare deep into his onyx eyes. "Besides, I still want to meet you. Talk more things and help finish work. I found it very fun. So…" I then let go his hand, which still hold the cranes.
"Please stay alive and go back. Sora and the others have a same feeling too." I tilted my head, a bit worried my word will make him confuse. "Eh, wait, you not being disoriented, right? Is my words can't be understood? I hope my words aren't complex…"
He smiled and ruffled my hair with his left hand. "No, they aren' so you too."
I am laughing while he has that smile on his face. Strange. I use these feelings when I around my friends. However, when I around Mr. Roy….. I feel more relieved and safe. It's almost like I'm in home. No, no, he's not like Simbok, nor Bapak. How can I describe it for you? It's just…It's just like you have a sibling who willingly protect and ready to defend you when you're in trouble. You share everything to him or her. Happiness, sadness, angry, tears, smiles, jokes, insults, everything you've experience and you want to share it with your sibling.
Suddenly, I held my breath, my mind stuck in one conclusion, somewhere in my brain. And I knew why. Stupid really, but it's happening to me.
He's like...he's like my 'Big brother' that I never have before. A Big brother that care to me when our parents not around.
He's strong, he's determined, he's full with strategy and plan. Aside his manipulative attitude, womanizer, has a high faith, and...Bastard as for Edward -...oh maybe Sora too-, strangely, I found him so care and concerned about the people those important for him. Moreover, he's enough friendly and nice. I like the way when he made joke to me and ruffled my hair with his big hand. It's relaxed me, who tensed and worried right now because homunculus and Father. I never know how it's feeling to have a Big brother. Now I had.
"Strange." I let it without realized it. He's only replied is "Huh?"
"What do you mean, Sri?"
"No, it's just…somehow, for a moment….I feel ease and relaxed around you. It's look like I have a big brother." I said slowly.
He's confusion. "I'm the only child in my family. My father had passed away, I only have my mother and aunt." I explained him. "Since a little…this is a secret so please don't tell anyone." I warned.
Mr. Roy smirked, tease. "If I do?", "Then I'll let Sora finished you, Mr. Roy." I threaten him, then smirk, seeing his face change. "You want it? I can tell her right now."
He frowned. "I change my mind." I smiled wide to hear his response. "Thank you, Mr. Roy, you're kind.", "Yeah, because you threat me, Sri." he replied with light sarcasm.
I grin to him. "You don't seem like a person who will keep a secret.", "Hey!" he protested, "I threat to test you."
"And?"
"I took you as a worthy people to share little secret. You should proud because I'm not telling this to anyone. I keep it for myself. Now..."
I coughed once to continue my sentence. He's paying attention.
"You see, as I told you before, I'm the only the in my family. I don't have any siblings. Well, I have cousins from my aunt, but they're an infants, twin. I can play, take care them. Of course I have best friends in school. However it's not enough for me." I tell him. "Being the only child made me feel lonely sometimes. I must help my mother to work. Hm..., I usually call her Simbok and my deceased father as Bapak. It's our culture. To make you not confuse, I'm use 'mother' and 'father' term to describe them.
As my friends, even they're close to me, doesn't mean they can be with me anytime. Like now. You had known we'll attend different universities, different places, and maybe different countries. Okay, we can send letter and meet. What I mean is ... they can't always be there when I need them. I don't want to make more burden to mother, she's work so hard until late night. Once, I got her just went home in morning. Her job is very heavy, I don't want to so whatever I got a problem, I'll silent. It's easy at first. But, more I silent, I feel become more lonely and frustrate. Sometimes, I'm jealous with my friends. When Abdul is played together his twin little sisters. Or when Sora got tease by her older brother, something inside me feels empty. I don't know why at first. Time passed, and those feeling grew bigger and bigger. Then I realized….., that I'm feel lonely, and want a sibling. An older brother. Strangely, whenever I thinking about it, I always imagine he's at least 10 years older than me, enough tall, has a black hair, handsome, made fun of me, also, he's so care about me. You're almost fitting my image."
"Am I?" he completely wonder.
"You are. I don't get idea why I have weird imagination about it. Probably because my father. Back in past, while I in despair or feeling sad, Father always put his hand to my hand ruffled my hair. Sometimes he was rubbed my head gently. He said same thing to me, everything will be alright in the end." I remembered the time I was 8 years old. I had disappointed to my childhood friend, I told it to him. He rubbed my head and smile, I knew as he said those simple words, then I'll be fine, just like he said. It really helped me that time. "The way his hand touched my head was relaxed and calmed me. I can forget my problem awhile. Maybe…maybe I want big brother because of that. So when I inside despair, sorrow, and pain, he can cheer me by touch and rubbed my head with his big hand."
I reach my head, sighing. "I really miss Father. Too bad he had passed away."
I closed my mouth. So was he. He has put the cranes on his desk. Both of us not say a word. He has a deep thought, judging by his crossed arms and gleam in his eyes.
"I'm sorry." he suddenly said.
I chuckled lightly, "Don't say that, Mr. Roy. It had become past. Nothing in this topic has to be sorry about."
A loud knock made us turned to the door. Clark voice echoed behind the door. "Have you finished yet? We'll late for train if don't move fast!"
"Coming!" I replied then stand up. I placed my bag in my back. "That was fun. I hope we can talk more. Shame we didn't have enough time. I never this relieved before." I held my hand to him. "Thank you for listening me. Once again, good luck, Mr. Roy. See you again."
He stared my hand a moment, not before him grinning and moves to me. To has his hand ruffling my hair, this time harder. "HEY! WHAT ARE YOU DOING…! STOP IT…!" I yelled. He's responded it with joyful laughs.
"See you too, Sri. Make sure you call when you have arrived."
"I don't have your number, Mr. Roy…." I frowned. "I'll give you now." He said. "It's irresponsible to for 'older brother' let his little sister go to far place without keep contact, you know."
My jaws almost dropped. What did he say? Is he just saying…..little sister?
"Oh, from now and later Sri, you can call me Big Brother. If you like it." He smirked teasing.
Okay, now I reach the sense of my common sense. "HAH…!"
"You don't have to be shock like that, Sri," he continues, his smirk grew wider, "Or should I call you Little Sister?"
"Is that okay to you?" I said disbelieve. "I mean, we're just met this week, we haven't really known each other. I…" I stopped talking as he patted my head gently. "It's okay to me." He replied calmly.
"Besides, I guess having a little sister will be fun."
I don't know how I should say. But I can't denied ecstatic and happiness feeling inside me. I grinning, affecting by him and last thing I realized it, I already hugging Mr. Roy.
"Thank you very much…Big Brother."
Hey…you know what?
"You're welcome, Sri." I can hear his voice smiling above me. Then I feel his arms hugging back to me. It's strong and gentle and warm in same time. "And come back safely. Promise?"
I think my wish had been fulfilled into reality.
"Promise, Big Brother."
Few hours later, we're already in train, sitting. We have saying goodbye to Big Brother and his friends, and surprisingly, they want to escort us until station. We finally let them do it. And they really did it. They even gave us some advices and important things to do if we're arrive. As thanks, I can only give them thank you and a recipe to Mrs. Riza. Glad to see her so happy. She said she want to try my recipe. And for Big Brother, he gave me his number and a letter. I puzzled, but he told me I'll need it when I'm in trouble.
-Flashback-
"I know you're curious, Sri. However, I hope you didn't open it until the time is come." Big Brother said after he gave the letter. I look at the letter. It looks normal to me.
" When you get a trouble, especially with military, at least this letter will help you." He explained it to me when the train made a final announcement. "You have to show it to them, and everything will be alright. Understand, Sri?" He smirked.
"I got it." I replied determined. One second later….."AH! I TOLD YOU DON'T RUFFLING MY HAIR TOO HARD….! YOU'LL MESS THEM!"
His chuckles echoed, brought by the soft wind and air around us.
-End of Flashback-
I sighed long. My hair had messed and I must comb them 3 minutes before they turn back to normal. Damn you, Big Brother. I'll get you for this, when I back to Central. Now, as we're in train, each other doing their own activities. Clark checked our flashlights and communicators. Saidi make a sketch, Abdul sleep. Getting bored, I invited Sora to see the whole train. I fascinated to see this train. Good thing Sora's willingly to explore it. In our world, this train will be categorized as antics. We did it anyway, from beginning til the end of train.
"That was fun!" I exclaimed, enjoying the air in last car. Sora stood beside me, enjoying the view. "It was." She replied. "I hope we can do this again next time."
"Yes. Too bad we didn't say goodbye to Ed, Al, and Winry. I like them."
"Well, we'll see them again in next months, when they go to Briggs." We giggling to imagined Ed and Al in Briggs, where they first time meet Major General Armstrong.
"I can't wait for this." Sora told me.
I silently agree her. I threw my glance. As far I can see, this land is so beautiful. Now we passed a little town.
"So…" Sora's voice broke the silence. I turned to Sora, her face has a soft smile on them. "Have a nice time with Colonel?"
"Yep." I replied shortly. She's sighing and holds her necklace. "He's nice actually." She said, "It's shame he's a womanizer and manipulative. I can't stand with him. If only he's a bit nicer…."
"He's actually kind, I think." I frowned, "You're right about his womanizer, thought."
She grins. "I have told you." She winked to me and step to inside. "Good luck with your 'Big Brother', Sri." I surprised.
"How did you…?", "Do you think I'm stupid to know what happened back there? I don't think so. Your voice is big enough to hear. And seeing your face so bright, it must be a good thing."
"Big? I don't think my voice is big to..."
"Do you forgot I was the nearest from the door? And don't underestimate my ears. They're sharp to hear your voice, Sri."
She then went to the train. Wind playing her hair before she's completely entered. I standing in there, still focused to the entrance. "Wow," I muttered, "She does understand for thing like this. I wonder why she can't show her feeling toward Abdul, even they knew they like each other."
(Time skip, 5 days later….)
"COOOOOOOLD…!" Abdul yelled and shivered.
"Will you shut up, Abdul! We're also freakin cold to death in here!" snapped Clark, walking to the snow.
Abdul tightened his thick mantel. "I'm sorry, Clark." He said in weak voice. I'm bit pity to him. He never goes to place full with snow and walk through it.
Yup, snow. We've arrived in North City. It's a very tiring and long journey. We spend all day in train to had sore body, stiff muscles due to sitting too long, neck cannot be moved, and lack of sleep due to an very uncomfortable position. We are forced to stay in a hotel near the station for our recovery. We need our strength to go to Briggs. That if they didn't bark and bite us. Very embarrassing indeed.
To be honest I still don't understand why this place very cold when it's not winter yet. It's still summer season. I had checked it in calendar. We stayed five days in hotel not for reason. Our clothes not warm enough in this place. Glad before we go to Briggs, we checked our money. What we got are surprised us. All the euro banknotes we have had turned into sens. All of it. We think this must be Gate doing again. Ironically, this time we grateful for it. We bought some food, jackets and thick clothes for hiking. It's useful.
"Don't blame him, Clark. He was born in desert. How can you expect him to be in this place?" Sora questioned him. "I doubt you can through this dammed snow."
"Shut up and walk, Sora. I'm not in mood to talk." snapped Clark. He shivered a bit.
"If you guys want bad to fight, I guess this is not the right place. Don't forget, this is Briggs." advice Saidi as he's shook his head.
"How can I forget, Sai?" Sora stated and rolled her eyes. "This is the main quarters of Briggs military, examine below directly by Ice Queen a.k.a Olivier Milla Armstrong. How can I forget that?"
"Just thinking it had made me get headache." Clark commented. "Let's talk about other thing. These snow for example."
"Then I have a question." I quickly said. "How can there's snow when it's even summer season?" I asked. It's so difficult to walk in here.
"I have asked the owner of the hotel we stayed earlier. This is a high land, so this place becomes colder than Central and other place in Amestris. Moreover when I checked this world map, it appears that North Amestris far outside the equator line." Sora answered, "If I not wrong, Even Dublith have outside the equator. Remember the part in manga when military ask Izumi Curtis while she was gone with her husband? It showed peoples wore thick clothes and they breath are steamy, even they're in...desert? In our world, probably this country geography is same line as North German or North Japan like Hokkaido."
"Whaaaa…! No way!" said Clark.
"It is?" I replied disbelieve. Wow. I didn't realize it. Really.
"No wonder it's very cold!" commented Saidi thoughtful. "I have realized it since we entered North City, but I have no idea this country already outside the equator."
"This is nothing better than Indonesia's dry season." muttered Sora.
"Speaking of nothing…." I tried to find his existence, but let alone the existence, the signs of him have gone. I blinked and searched him again. He's gone.
I gulped. Oh No…. "Where's Abdul?"
As snapped out from thoughts, Sora turning her body in inhuman speed. Saidi and Clark blinked hard and searching Abdul, but none.
"What the hell…! He's still here few moments ago!" shouted Clark panicked and angry.
"Is he fell behind us?" asked Saidi worried.
Sora was walk back to spot where Abdul was there last time. She keeps staring, not for long time. Her face became hard. "…This is not good." She groaned and dash to one point behind me.
"Sora! WAIT….!" I yelled, quickly followed her with Clark and Saidi.
This time, I ran to match her, I don't want to lose Sora's sight again. She suddenly turns to left and slides her hand to inside her jacket and pulled a big black metallic gun. It surprised me. It's almost 2 times bigger than normal gun, it has a sky blue and silver patterns in its body. How can I didn't notice she has a gun!
In blur of her move, I can read a letter carved in right side. It made me held my breath. 'Nightmare'.
Next thing I know, there's a loud bang beside me, hitting hard a metallic and hard thing. I snapped to her. Sora, still has the gun on her hand, cocked the pistol, and pointed it in same direction. Her eyes are glowing dangerously.
"Move from him, Big Guy." She hissed. Ready to shoot her gun again.
A low growl came. "Another brat again. And this time more many."
We turned to face the owner of the heavy and dangerous voice, and shocked of what we saw. There are 2 soldiers, following by the others behind them. Holding guns and they are not the ordinary one. They are Briggs soldiers. I spotted Abdul was 6 feet from they, faced them, not moving. He's standing like a rock; I can see his body so tensed and uneasy.
"ABDUL!" Saidi yelled behind me. He turned around and saw us. He seemed a bit relieved when we came near him. "Where do you have been?" Abdul smiled drily when I asked this. "I got my foot stuck and fell to back. When I got stood and want after you, these guys appeared from nowhere."
"Guys?" Then I faced the people. Without mercy, time's like stop for me. Showing not expected fate.
I knew. I knew these peoples…And meet them in wrong place, wrong time, and wrong situation maybe the worst thing we made after Father and homunculus. Not with our secrets, which can be very risk any time in this world.
"Ehm…, excuse, but who are you?" Saidi said as he seeing a big guy in front of us.
"I'm the one who should you it…Now…" He brings his automail like crocodile's mouth to us. His hair is Mohican style and black. His eyes a bit narrow. Beside him, there's a man with dark skin and white hair. He is wearing black glasses. And both of them wearing military uniforms, with additional black coast. The others are same too, only few of them wearing white coats.
"What do you want in here?" he's voice threaten and his eyes are flashed dangerously.
Yup, you're right, ladies and gentlemen. Please, meet Major Miles and Captain Buccaneer, the close subordinates of Major General Olivier Milla Armstrong from Briggs.
Abdul gulped, struggled to stay calm. He's trying to find a word, which failed because this soldier was pointed his automail to Abdul right now. Sora still calm, but her eyes narrowed icily, showing fighting spirit. I'm totally hopeless to see Sora's hand gripping her gun. She can shoot him anytime. Please Allah, I really don't want her to be a killer right now. Saidi, as he's same state, I can see he's actually pounding worry. Clark, he seems very ready to fight him. No one intend to answer it. I sighed. Really, I think I'd be force, by situation, to talk in order to avoid unwanted event, in the end. This situation has made me no choice.
"Um…Sir? We want to go to Garmisch-Partenkirchen village. But it seems we've lost." I said carefully and polite, "Can you tell us which are is this?"
He is eyeing me, sharp. I feel nervous, of course. He's far bigger than me. I decided not broke easily. I have promised Big Brother to come back safely, and I'll never break that promise. I have to come back for his sake. Because he's so kind and nice to me. Because he's need supports, apart from Mrs. Riza, Mr. Hughes, and the others.
Because I'm like him, as a big brother I never had, and family. And I want him in happiness with his beloved. And I'll make sure he will…even it'll cost my life.
Or even my most important thing.
This takes me a few steps closer to him before stop, standstill, and not showing my fear. He continue to glare, I send him a truthful expression. Few seconds felt like a centuries. He really got my nerves, he's staring me and search truth. His automail still pointed to Abdul. I got a feeling he'll turn it to me, soon.
"Don't tell me you walk to this place without even know where you are?"
I face went flat. "I have told you we are lost. This is the first time we're in here. And Amestris."
He raised his eyebrow. "Foreigners?" I nodded once, "We are."
The white haired man shocked. "No wonder all of you look weird and not know anything."
"What do you mean?"
"Garmisch-Partenkirchen village had burned down last month. Now the villagers were moved to new place."
My eyes widened shock. I can't believe it. The village was existing? I though it wasn't. We lied a bit to Big Brother, okay? I can hear Clark shouted. "A what…! Burned down!"
He nodded. "It was. There's some accident which cause the village burned and gone. The village is reconstructing from last week."
"What! Then were we supposed to stay! Has the world is end!" yelled Clark, frustrating face. He's so hyperbolic, I already use it.
"This is not good." Abdul said. "We're already in here. How can we go back to city? The sun has begun to set."
It's true. The sun is beginning to go down. The sunlight's changed, from white-yellow into bright yellow. If we go down now, we couldn't make it. It took us hours to reach the spot where we stand.
Captain Buccaneer face becomes calmer than before. He's voice still has a suspicious. "So you're not enemy or spy?"
"Excuse, Sir. We're only tourists. We're lost, we don't have place to stay. What you expected from us?" Sora responded cool as she put back her gun. "And don't mention about my gun. I brought it in order safety for us."
I let out deep breath. I'm glad there is no fight. It'll be chaotic nightmare if it happens. "What we're going to do? We can't make it to go down again? It's dangerous to walk in snow at night."
The white haired man, a.k.a Major Miles is looking into the sky. He frowned then back to us. "No other choice. It seems you have to come with us to Brigss. The storm will come. And I guess it won't stop until tomorrow."
"Is that okay, Miles? What about Major General?" the big man, Captain Buccaneer asked.
"I'll explain it to her. It's okay. They're only lost. Besides, they destination has reconstruction for now. Moreover, with this storm, I don't think I'll let them back."
They stared each other. The big man sighed loud and move afar from him. "I hope you're right about this, Miles."
We turned to white haired man, who approached us and greeted. "I'm sorry, Children. But it looks like you'll have to come with us for a while. I know you're lost. I just want you to answer my questions when we get there. Especially about your friend gun, are you fine?"
"Ng..." I'm not so sure to answer him. That's when Abdul answer him.
"We're fine. Sorry to make you in trouble, Sir. We'll answer it as we can."
"No problem. By the way. I can't keep calling you Children. What are your names?" he asked politely.
"My name is Abdul. This is Sora, Sri, Saidi, and Clark." Abdul introduced us. "What's your name, Sir?"
He smiled ghostly and held his hand, "Major Miles. Nice too meet you." He said, "And the big one with automail is Captain Buccaneer. Don't mind about him. He's only doing his duty. And so the other soldiers."
"We don't mind it. We're only shocked to surround and threat by soldiers when we're lost." Saidi is laughing to ease us.
I grin nervously. I glance to the rest of my friends. Sora, she's showing cool face, a bit understanding. Clark, he's annoyed but he managed to keep calm. Abdul, he's shook his head, relieved I guess.
"We must go fast. The storm is coming." He gave a code to other soldiers behind him. The soldiers replied and helped us.
"Let's go, Kid." Said one of the soldiers to me. "Thank you, Sir." I replied grateful.
This will go to be a long day to us.
Next in Cerita Kami/Our Story...
oooooo
"So, they are the kids who you're talking about?" I'm bit shiver at her cold voice. No wonder Ed scared with her when they first meet. I feel pity to him. He'll experience it in near future.
"We are, Sir." Sora answers her firmly. "Do you have a question for us?" she asked polite. The woman glared to her dagger. She's give back Major General Armstrong's glare with very calm stare. So calm that I think she's almost has not expression in there.
"Is this just me, or that girl is far more scary than Major General?" one of the soldiers, I believe his name is Sergeant Knight, whispered to another soldier.
oooooo
I focused my arrow to wood target. I'm doing Hikiwake position. Then move to Kai position. I must do it well.
Breath. Focus. And remember. I shoot not to destroy, extinguish the target. I shoot to become a one with the target.
Feel it with all your heart. What you've feeling when you ready to shoot. When you feel it, catch it. Use arrow to send your feelings. And then...
"Kreeeeek..." I pulled the string, ready to shoot. I'm not seeing anything. Except the target.
Shoot with all your soul and spirit...
oooooo
"Sri," Big Brother call me in phone, "You're not normal, aren't you?"
Deg! I feel my heart want to jump from my body. I listened to his voice, courage myself to ask. "What do you mean?"
The voice in there silent, it's made me a bit worry. "Big Brother?"
"Sri," he said in firm and sharp voice, "You're not normal human, aren't you?"
One word and world as about to stop, suddenly. I frowned.
How…
How can he knew about that?
Footnote:
1. Dear God
2. This has gone too far
3. A traditional language from Belitong, now Bangka Belitung Province. It's originally from Sawang Tribe.