CERITA KAMI / OUR STORY
Disclaimer: I'm not owned Fullmetal Alchemist. They're always and 4ever, ever, owned by Hiromu Arakawa. I'm owned the OC's.
Author: Yolea Irk's aka irksraz. The one and only! ;))))))
Little chat: Finally we arrived in Eighth Chapter! I'm very very sorry if everyone waiting too long. Thank you for everyone reviews in this story. Thank you to little fireworks (thanks for the reviews!), KingofHeartless'09 (thanks for liking my story), aldumbamericanreject27 (is my English really got that better? Wow, I didn't notice it. Thanks), mads (thank you for the correction!), and irenia (thank you very much for the information). Thank you to for whom favorite my story and read it. I'm just a chicken without you. If you want to critic me or have an idea, don't hesitate to tell me. Last word from the author, Enjoy this trip, Ladies and gentlemen. I'm waiting for the reviews. Flame also welcome in here.
Warning: From this part and next, this fanfiction is containing indirect crossovers from Saint Seiya and Kamen Rider Kiva. Saint Seiya owned by Masami Kurumada, while KR Kiva owned by Toei Company and Ishimori Productions. Last words. Don't like, I beg you from deep of my heart, please don't read.
Chapter VIII : Demi Permainan dan Taruhan Nyawa./ For Game and Soul Gamble.
As my mouth yawning I closed it with my hand for politeness.
Okay.
I'm not an 'impatient' typical person. But this is more than enough. I mean, I waiting for almost hour since Winry went with Kimbley bodyguards (?).
"Feeling bore?" asked Clark as he raise his eyebrow. He's playing chess with Abdul near window. To my surprised, Clark brought it inside his bag. It's medium size chess, not large as common chess, so it's easy to bring them everywhere.
"Very." I answered shortly and laying my head on wall behind me. I was sitting in floor waiting Winry finishing her job in order to change Ed's automail. We're waiting near the room where Winry and Ed are inside it. I must admit this is pretty hellish time.
"Are they're still long? I want to talk many things and exchange stories immediately." I'm whined.
"Due to circumstances, I presume they will finish at leash ten minutes from now." Abdul guessing.
"Aaaw." I cringed. "Can't we do anything than sitting here and wait?"
"Now you mention this. I'm about thinking the same thing." Sora cracking her neck and streching. "I want to get Al before we meet Ed and Winry. Are you coming, Sri?"
"I'd loved too." I quickly stood up and turned to the boys. "Are you coming with us?"
"Nope. Too busy to kill Bishop and Queen." Clark replied as he keep focus to game.
"Thanks for the offering, but I'm afraid I must pass it." Abdul said and he moved his chess, beating Clark. "Checkmate, Clark." He's smile victorious.
"What? No way, when did you move!" Clark startled. Abdul chuckled as respons.
Saidi shook his head and put the sketch book he held earlier. "I'll pass too, I guess. I can't leave them when they're too focusing deep in their game. Not while Kimbley is around here. I will not say I'm not worry about you two, but since we all know that, cough, cough, Sora is very available both in control emotions and fighting, I think we shall not have any problems for now. You're safe with her."
"Is that a tease or a compliment dedicated to me?" Sora questioned him, sarcastic.
"Let's say that was one kind of truth, Angel of Night." Saidi winked playful. "Now go, don't waste more time. Al must be wanted to see you again, along Sri of course."
"Nice move, Saidi. That's why I never really hate you."
"Hush. That's not good, Sora. Be respect a little, will you?" I warned, but I can't hold back my grin.
Saidi laughing, shaking his head amusedly, and he took his sketch book. Ready to draw again. "Sana pergi. Jemput mereka dan kita mulai kesenangan kita bersama- sama. 1.)"
We laugh at his sentence and took of.
We are walking until nobody around us. Suddenly, I remembered to one question I want to ask her.
"Hey, Sora?"
"What?"
I was looking around before I talk. "Do you have any idea why few things like Garmisch village and Lelouch family were appeared? Aren't they're not exist in both manga and new anime?"
Sora legs stop moving. She glances from her corner eyes. "So, you have realized it."
I nodded once. "I was. At first I didn't." I am thinking. "But when I saw Ed and Al position when they're tiding, I finally found out. I knew well before they'll go down for checking that tunnel for real, they're tiding in waist, not including hands. Go from there, I checking other things and found some matters aren't in place."
Sora placing her hand to her forehead, sighing. "I knew it."
"What?"
"Our presences more or less disturbing the balance of this world."
I frowning. Huh? No way. Is that really happened!
"Why?" is the only smart word I can only thinking that time.
"I don't understand this, either." She lifted her hands, signing 'I don't know'. "Perhaps it's the 'Gate' choose to let the village, Lelouch family, and even Sergeant Knight exist. Adapting our presences, balances it. We're not peoples from this world, thus we did make the balance disturbed. In order to balance it back, the village exist, few peoples appears, the actions, the acts are modified, small scale...or bigger scale, depends how far we're in this fair. And maybe in future there'll be more peoples and places surely not exist, but then with our existence, they are existing."
I'm very sure my eyes wide like a gold fish. "...No way."
"This is still a theory. A guess. But this is not a guarantee. We don't have any clue, Sri. Even today we can't talk this more far than this. Too many mysteries we can't unfold."
"...I got a headache. The heavy one. We should continue this later." I am rolling my eyes, feeling dizzy. "Let's find this together with Abdul, Saidi, and Clark, and once we found out, we must take the next step in order to not disturb this world further."
She shrugged. "I can't agree than this." She moved more slowly then stopped again. "Hm..., before we really get Al..., would you like to make a deal?" There's a twinkles in her eyes.
A little much I can guess what she was thinking.
"So...another race, I suppose?"
I'm bringing my legs dash as fast as I can. My own breaths go ragging, in same time I manage to keep my distance with Sora.
"Come on Sri, I know you're not showing all your skills! Let's see who's between us who faster got there!" she yelled a feet on front of me. She an iron hold on corner of corridor to fly, landed almost four feet in front.
"AH! You're cheating!" I back yelled and trying to get faster, barely near her.
"No, I'm not!" she defended. We're dashing through corridor, jumping down stairs abruptly, and go dashing again. We're racing. The slower one will get a drink. It's a silly plus simple game we agreed earlier as soon as we parted from our friends.
"We're almost there!" Sora exclaimed. "Prepare yourself!"
"Oh, no! You don't!" I use jumping technique to moved faster, surpassing Sora who now a feet behind me.
"Yes! I'm leading!"
"Now who's cheat!" And with that, Sora suddenly rushing, reaching my side.
I saw the room where Al's held, both of us dashing like a mad Olympiad runner. One more meter and we arrived in same time, making loud noises which attracted jail guards and surely Al attention.
"Draw! Haha, take that!" I claimed in proud. "Don't underestimate Sri Cahya Dian, the winner of region schools marathon for two years!"
"Yeah draw, this will mean neither of us will get a drink. No winner, no loser. How smart of you. You have planning this since the beginning of our race."
"Hehe." I am let out a goofy smile. "Ketahuan, deh. 2.)" I'm respond to her light sarcasm state.
Sora snorted and rolling her eyes.
"Sora? Sri?" Al bewildered behind the jail. He stood up from his place. His hands were cuffed, I see. "What are you doing here?"
"Take you to the others." I answered. "We wanted to invite you and the two lovebirds to eat. We wanted to know what you are doing while we're in Briggs. Exchange stories, you can say." I glance to Sora who now explained to the guards for letting out Al in moment. My eyes back to Al's figure. "I hope you didn't mind, Al."
"Oh, I don't mind it, really." Al answered, he still has the confuse tone and look. "But what you mean by two lovebirds?"
"Oh. That one." I whispered to Al. "It's Ed and Winry what I mean. I guess you've knew there's something between them, right?"
I sense Al's eyes widen in acknowledge. "I see, you've knew it too."
"Us, not only me."
Al paused a moment. "Does this mean, everyone is know that Brother like Winry?"
"Yes and we keep our mouths shut." I am holding a conspiracy grin. "Wanna help us to matchmaker these two lovebirds?"
I swear I saw Al eyes widen before he responded me with hidden enthusiasm tone.
"Oh, I will love too."
Sora is approaching us with guard in front of her. She has a proud face in there. "Negotiation success. They'll let Al and Ed out for two hours. I have told them I'll guarantee both of them."
"Heee..., I see you got a negotiation skill from your beloved." I tease her.
Sora was blushing pink very clearly. "Oh, shut up. Are two ready to go and do the matchmaker?"
I was laughing hard. "Very. And it will not hurt to if we have fun and doing a 'warming' before we begin our game."
Al shook his head amused as he's released from the jail and his handcuff. "How long you two have planned these?"
Sora is facing him. Now her face is like a Cheshire cat in Alice in Wonderland story. "Long enough to calculate all plan is perfect, Alphonse."
At the time we get back, Saidi was talking with Ed and Winry while Clark and Abdul still playing chess. Undisturbed.
"Oh, hi there, you guys. I see you've got Al." Saidi greeted us when he spotted us.
"Al!" Ed looked surprised. "What did you do in here? I thought they'll not letting you."
Sora coughed twice to get his attention. "I had talked to the guards. You may free for two hours below my guarantee. You owe me and Sri for this one. She desperately wants to see you guys." She explained and pointed to me.
The Elric brothers and Winry take a look at me. "Really?" Winry asked.
I laughing and waved my hand. "Oh come on, Sora. It's not only me who desperate want to see them, right peoples?" I stole a glance to Saidi.
Saidi lifted his shoulders. "You can say that. Almost near three months since ever we hear about you. I hope we can exchange our stories while we're in Briggs. Now, since you two had arrive in with Winry, why don't we eat something in mess? Our treats."
Ed shrugged. "Sounds good to me. Likewise, I have something I want to talk to you. How about you?" He asked his friends.
"I'm fine." Al responded.
"Me either." Winry gave the same answer.
"Then it's been decide." I declare. "But before that, let's get them out from their game." I pointed amusedly to Abdul who beating Clark for unknown times.
"Check mate!" Abdul declared.
"What the! Ah man...! I lose again!" Clark claimed in frustrate. He ruffled his hair desperate.
"Clark is always lost when he's play chess against Abdul. Today, Clark losing four times." Saidi whispered to Ed.
"Chess, huh? Maybe I should challenge him one day." Ed replied thoughtful.
"You're just too impatient, Clark. Really, I never said you're a bad player." Abdul is stretching his shoulders.
Clark groaned. "Oh, be quiet, Abdul. Now I regret why I agree to play against you."
Everyone chuckling softly before Saidi coughed few times to camouflage his laughter.
"Okay you two, enough. We're all have complete. Let's go to the mess."
He grinning meaningful.
I feel myself grinning wide. This will be interesting.
…..Okay. My assumption not corrects 100 %. In fact, I have a half mind to pull back my mind.
Almost. Very close, my apologies.
"I can't believe those two..." muttered Sora as she shook her head slowly behind the shadow, just nine meters from where we left Ed and Winry for a while.
"Maybe we shouldn't leave them this early." Clark then sneezed only to be shushed by others. If you wondering about this, actually we're spying Ed and Winry who sitting face each other, waiting for us in awkward silence. The pillar and wall shield us from them, so we're safe to look at them. We use many excuse to them and leave in different times. Oh, and Al is coming with us. We are hiding in two pillars near each other. Al accompanied by Clark and Abdul. I stick together on Saidi and Sora. The pillars are enough big to hide maximal four teenagers. Watching Ed and Winry from shadow.
But look at them. It's already eleven minutes since we left them alone. Except for eating they don't say much word for a couple. So far, Ed only said two sentences and two words. For Winry, so far I account three sentences and one word. I don't know what they're saying; they're pretty far from us. This however, got us.
"Sumpah, mereka bener- bener bikin aku gregetan...3.)" Sora commented.
"It's possible they're nervous. I caught Ed eyes scanning the last spot where we're gone. A lot." I stated and pointed to large door.
"He must be searching our presence." Saidi claimed.
"U-huh. He will never expect that Sora use her power to get us back and hiding behind the pillars." Abdul responded from other pillar.
Al chuckled softly at this. "He'll never, probably." He is facing Sora. "I can't believe my own eyes. You brought us through that tunnel. It's convenient. We don't have come back from the door."
Sora smirked. "You mean dimension tunnel."
For this one, we don't want to go back to mess from door. You see, both Ed and Winry are sitting in front of the door. They and the door have a distance at least ten meters. From their position they can see whoever come and go. They're sitting in facing position. Ed must turn his head to door, but not Winry. She maybe can spot us easily, not mention Al big figure and our striking appearances. After a brief discussion, Sora finally decides to use her dimension tunnel to get in without seeing by them. And Al is impressed because of what he saw inside it.
"Yes, dimension tunnel." Al repeated. "It's an amazing ability. I'd like to say it's the most unique tunnel I've ever see. Tell me, are you can go anywhere and everywhere if you pass the tunnel?"
"More or less. But I need to know where we will go and what kind of place we'll visit. All members of my clan can do this. Long time ago, my ancestors also use this to cross many dimensions, or many planets. Finding a new home."
"Oh, right. You guys have mentioned it." He then has a small pause. "Wait, does that mean you can cross another dimension too?"
"Depends what kind of dimension they are. Some dimensions can be cross, others are can't. Besides, it's cost a high risk. If I could, I'll never use it to cross dimension."
I stole a look to the couple, only to see their state still same. Nervous. Apparently, Saidi catch this very well too.
"They're pretty shy and nervous. Shall I help?" Saidi is offering.
"We'll see next two minutes. If she or Ed doesn't move and talk." Sora said. "Then I'll out and make sure they realize their feelings."
At the end of her words, Ed finally begins to talk, gathering Winry's attention.
"Well, you're lucky enough. They don't need your help then." Saidi smirking.
"Glad news to hear." Sora tension loosened.
I shook my head and return to the cute couple over there. Then something caught me. Ed face look very serious and somehow, disturbing me. Winry not showing any expression but it's obvious that she's looking confuse and unbalance. I try hard to listening them which end successful in vain. Our positions were too far from Ed and Winry. I narrowed my eyes. Whatever it is, he's not talking about easy things. His face was like a people who want to discuss something difficult, like alchemy. No, he'll not discuss alchemy with Winry. Except...
I blinked few times before snapped to reality. This... probably I must tell the others about it.
In that guess, I immediately tell the others.
"Hey, Guys. I can't hear clearly what they're saying."
"Of course we can't hear them, we're hiding. Besides, this is their privacy, we can't disturb them now." Clark said automatically.
"It's not what I mean, Clark. Something in Ed face has disturbing me and Winry expression not good either. Do you have any idea what they're talking about?"
Silence goes down to earth. Clark stare me, unblinking. "They're maybe talking about why he's must change his automail."
I'm not satisfied with Clark reply. "Somehow, I doubt it."
"Ah, I just remember," Sora suddenly opened her mouth almost make me jump. "I put a bug below their table, in case we want to hear them. Do you want to hear it?"
I blinked in disbelieve. "Why you don't tell this earlier?"
"I don't intend to tell you." She then wears an expression I can't describe. "But you're right about Ed's expression. It's bothering me too. Maybe we shall hear them." She reach her pocket and search another one, I guess.
I check to other pillar. Clark gaped at this. "Since when Sora has those kind devices?" Clark baffled.
"Uh..."Al sweat drop. "I take you didn't know this, guys?"
"No."Clark replied in deep frown. "Not even a single bit."
I feel Sora voice echoed through air behind me. "I was given from Major Miles two weeks ago. I did ask him. I thought they'll useful to us. Never expect to this fast, really." Short pause and she pull out a device I understood as tapper.
"And he gave it to you? No burst?" Clark eyes widen.
"No. He's just making sure I use it wisely." Sora replied. "This will be helping us." She whispered. I heard her fingers push some knobs in the device.
I glance back, found both Al, Abdul, and me staring each other.
"Is this just my feeling or she's acting like a spy?" Al questioned. Wary fill his eyes.
"No, she's not a spy. She's very rarely doing this." Abdul frowned. "But recently, I understand the whole situation we through together in Amestris had push her to do these things."
"Really? I thought she's pissed off by Fuhrer Bradley acts to us and decide to bugs him." Clark shoots.
"I heard that, Clark." Sora warned in venom. A crack sound echoed faintly. It's coming from the tapper. "It's works."
"Okay, now let's hear what they're talking about." Saidi offered.
Glad the pillars distance not far. It's only one half meters. We got closer to hear the couple.
"Is something bad happened between you two?" I hear Winry voice clearly from the tapper. A question tone is in there, in her voice.
A second later I hear a reply from Ed. "No. Not really. It's so hard to description it, Winry."
"What had happened, Ed?"This time Winry asked firmly.
"I told you it's hard to descript it."
"Try me." She challenges. "I know you're hiding something. At first you do asking my condition and Grandma. And now, you keep asking about my opinions Sora and the others. Then you're asking me their acts lately, before I meet you. You act as if you have a suspicion toward them. Especially Sora. I'm not that stupid. She's my friend and yours. I ask you once again, Ed. What had happened?"
A discomfort silence began to exist. Soon, we're also wrapped in this kind silence. Al groaned as he muttered something, which I sure he's say 'Brother, you're an idiot', at this I chuckled nervous.
"Nothing happened, Winry. We're fine." Ed answered, not so sure at Winry question.
"Ed. Your nothing can not be trusted."
"Then what I'm supposed to tell you!" He's slightly annoyed.
"I've asked you. You'll not act like this if nothing happened. It's only us in this mess, the others have gone, and you can believe me."
"Winry, this is..."
"Ed. Please." She cut him in begging tone.
"...Are you sure?" Ed asked, a doubt tone go through. "Even it's very hard to believe?"
"Very."
"...Sora, she told me a thing which hard to believe."
"What is it?"
"She said she's not human."
I quickly looked to Winry figure, her face go blank. Ed eyeing her in concern.
"...Are you sure?" She said.
I saw he nodded once. "She's the first one tell me and Al. At first I can't trust her story. It was... too imaginary. As same disbelieve as homunculus existing."
"Ed, she isn't a homunculus, right?" Winry asked him with horrified tone.
"No. She said she didn't. She came from entirely different race."Ed answered and a very relieved sigh came from Winry.
"Different race?" She raised her eyebrow after she's calm down. "What race?"
"Ilmoria race. Sri said Sora is one from many 'Beings' race were exist in this universe. The race said came from another world, traveler race by jumped dimension."
Another weird silence was covering both Ed and Winry. I'm sure the others eyes also fixed in them. The couple just doesn't realize it. Few seconds later, he then snapped in annoyance.
"What? Why you're looking at me like that? I'm telling you the truth! Heck, I even saw her power by my own eyes!" before he can finish, Winry has cut him first in hurry.
"Ed, relax. It's not I'm doubt your story. I can't describe it. It's hard to believe... It's sounds unbelievable."
A silence goes down to earth. An awkward one. I go check on Sora. She's doesn't say anything. She's keep quiet. But her eyes were telling the different story. She's the most tension between us.
"You don't sound so surprise." Ed commented.
"I wasn't. I already have a sense she's not ordinary. I have no idea who she is really until you told me."
"How did you know?"
"I don't know. Perhaps it's the aura she's giving, Ed. Maybe even her gesture and her unusual calmness. Whenever I meet her, somehow there's a unique presence around her. Are you sure she doesn't lie?"
"I doubt her story. Okay, sorry, miss word. I didn't believe her story at first. I tried to disprove what they had said."
A sound of groan, which I recognize as Winry's, is out along a deep sigh.
"Oh, Ed...You're an idiot."
"It's not I choice or like to act suspicious!" Ed voice rising. "Look, I know I'm a big idiot, but don't mean I can let down my guard and suspicious toward them when it's revealed they're hiding so many secrets from us! Not everyone can be judging from their look, Winry!"
Another sigh was let out. "No wonder Sora look sad when I meet her again. You did not trust her."
"I know that!"Ed voice went smaller. There's a thrill of regret in his voice. "I know that......"
"...What did she tell you?" This time Winry asked in softer voice.
"They." Ed corrected. "They said Clark and Abdul aren't humans either. For Sri and Saidi..., they're human and they're not like their appearances. Sora not willing to open her whole secrets, she leaves it in her friends to reveal hers. I not understand her way of thinking."Ed said. "But... I understand the reason why she has to do this."
"What you mean, Ed?"
"She doesn't ready to give out her whole secrets. So with us."
"She doesn't ready?" Winry repeated it carefully.
"She doesn't. Or wasn't at least. I think she's scared and being careful for some reasons."
"Because she's not human?"
"That's also. But I have a feeling she's has to do that to prevent something she doesn't wish for. Maybe..."
A brief silent before he managed to let it out.
"Maybe she's doesn't want to be hate by us."
"Hate?" she startled. Obviously, she's caught off guard. "Hate by us? What for? She doesn't need to scare with us. Alright, I almost shocked to know she's not human, yet that's not a logical reason to hate her. Look at her and her friends. Do you ever see them hurt us since we met them in Central? Do they ever talk badly to us? Do they, Ed?" her voice went rise in each word.
This is surprising us, not exception me. I know her reason to leave it to us, (Hey, we're friends for almost three years) but I'm surprise he's kinda recovered it too in short time. Winry reaction is also surprising me too.
"Winry, they don't. Still..."
"Ed, it's very weird, you know. Why you would expect me to hate them when they're trying to be friends with you, Al, and me?"
"Winry, please calm down a bit, will you? I haven't finished talking yet."
"I'm sorry." she's quickly apologized. "But believe me, it's feels ridiculous. I see nothing from them to hate. I can't hate them without a reason. Why they're afraid to tell us? It's doesn't matter to me. They're our friends!"
I can't help but smile at her speech. "Al, be lucky because you and Ed have her as a friend." I hear Abdul voice. I turned my body, in the the pillar, he's touching Al shoulder gently like an understanding mother as he look at Al helmet. His voice is softer and soothing than usual. "It's hard to find a true friend like her. I'm glad we meet her too as friends." He is patting Al shoulder in friendly manner. "You should be proud of her."
Al quiet a moment, right before he replied him in proud and smile voice. "I do." His voice is going rich of smiles. "And I hope you do too."
Abdul smiling at this, removing his hand to focused back at Ed and Winry.
"Listen Winry. This problem goes deeper than it seems. You can make it don't matter to you. But they're not. They're scare we hate them because they're not humans or categorized as 'normal'. Moreover Sora, Abdul, and Clark. Came from entirely different race bring some dilemmas to them. They said they've bad experiences with bad guys who want their powers. Or extinguish them."
"Extinguish?" She sounded startled. "What are you talking about, Ed?"
"Sora was reminding me of Scar. Her race past, I mean..." Ed sighed. "Her friends explained to me that her race was massacred by another race long time ago. Jealously. They thought her race will destroy them and took control of human, which was very wrong because they just want to stay with humans. The tragedy left her race in few numbers. I don't know what happen next to them except Sora. I mean, it's must be very long time ago and we meet and know her not long. Maybe her race has increase. Sooner or later... Maybe."
"Oh my God..." Winry mused. "I'm feeling sorry for her."
"Me too." Ed replied in hushed tone. "It must be hard for her and her entire race to face the truth. Not mention the pain and sadness they must held in long time."
"I hope she's strong and steadfast to hold such a past. Giving a dark past like that usually made peoples has revenge for whoever destroyed their race." I heard a frown in her voice as if she's realizing something. "She'll not become like Scar, right?" she asked in demand tone and hurry.
A rustling of hair was heard. Indicating Ed is shook his head. "She will not. She's strong more than we thought. I not learn her more than what she and her friends told me because of this weird situation. Yet I kind of know she'll make it, somehow. Besides she's not alone, her friends are with her. They'll give her support as well as her give them. And we. We are also their friends too."
From the corner my eyes, Sora face and eyes softened. I slowly took her left hand and squish it, trying to comfort her. She gives an equal reply at my hand.
"What about the others?" Winry voice echoed in question and concern tone.
"They don't tell their past yet. I don't want to force them. Same with Al. We have discussed this and we've agreed to wait them. Everyone has their own secrets in end. Not wise to force them to tell us right away. We have no right to do it. I have done it to Sora and she had gone hurt, sad, because of me. I don't want same thing happen to the others. I don't want to hurt them. I think we can patient for this one."
"I thought you'll angry to them."
Ed is letting out a deep and long sigh. "I was. I feel like been fooled when I found all these almost fairytale story. However….they words, mainly from Abdul, have stuck in my head. I began to reconsider his words. All he said in interrogation room. The more I ponder, the more I realize he was telling the truth. So was Sora, so were Sri, Saidi, and Clark. I still memorized the look he showed to me. He's honest, Winry. He has the same look as Sora. And the sadness that colored his eyes slightly, it's same as Sora. Then I hit at one point. Something had really happened in their past. Something than hurt them more than it seems. And I believe this has a lot connection with the 'tragedy' they once mentioned. I wonder, if that event made them like we see to them today. Seeing Sora power for example, I became aware for what Abdul and the others have told me. Lately, I wonder how they can handle their life while they're hiding such secrets from their normal friends. Are they can't tell us because we're normal human? Are the pains they must borrowing for the rest of their life were cause by something else? Painswere caused by other humans, besides us? If we have more time, we can talk this more."His voice has sadness.
"Don't worry, we'll have. We just have it in wrong time and moment. I'm sure they'll tell us more if this over. You know, we're very lucky to meet them as friends. Not every day we meet unique friends like Sora and her friends. They're nice, aren't they?" Winry replied as I heard a smile goes in her voice.
"Yeah, they are, Winry. They are." Ed replied. This time I can hear a smirk in his voice. "And I do value them as much as Mr. Hughes does. They saved his very life, I can't thank them more than seeing him back to his family. I'm sure the Bastard is feeling same. He does owe them more than me because without them, he will not see Mr. Hughes alive until this second."
"This is the first time we have a same thought, don't we?" Winry laughing amused.
Ed chuckled. "I guess."
They're laughing together amusedly.
"Hey, I wonder if we can invite them to Resembool. Or eat an apple pie with Mr. Hughes and his family." Winry said. "Do you think they will accept it?"
"Hm...Why don't you ask them first?"
"Great idea. I shall ask them. I must call Grandma and Den later. How about you? Will you tell Al?"
"I'll let Al know. Surely he doesn't want to miss it."
A smile broke in Sora lips. A thankful smile. I saw Saidi smirk relieved so was I. I turned my head, seeing Clark smile from ear to ear, Abdul gave the softest smile I ever see, and Al eyes gleamed in not so hidden excitement.
"They're so silly." Sora is soft muttering.
"Hm?"
"They're wrong a bit. We also have a debt with them, if you know what I'm talking about."
"...Ah, I see." After I'm get my head clicked at her words. "I'm feeling same too."
Al exchange looks to us. "Is this means...?"
"I was thinking about having some fun after we finish our matter. Not hurt, isn't it?"
"About time." Abdul commented. "In fact, we should have nice memory before we leave."
"Thank goodness, they've a plan to invite us." Clark commented. "I mean, I don't want to go without some fun."
"...We better accept their invites, don't you think so?" Saidi glance at Sora, which she returned him with small smile.
"That's good." Al claimed.
Not very long, Winry voice heard over the tapper.
"Speaking of Mr. Hughes, how are he? Is he fine?"
"Huh?" Ed seemed caught off guard. "What?" he asked shortly.
"It's Mr. Hughes, Ed. Is he fine?" She repeated.
A weird sound, I'm suspicious it as holding gasp from Ed.
"Ed?"Winry is voice heard again, "Are you alright? You look distracted."
Aloud ruffling hair, indicated Ed shook his head hard. "No, I'm just thinking few things in Central. And as for Mr. Hughes..." He paused. "He is. He has gone out from hospital and back to his work. Heck, he even teases Bastard with his daughter pictures last time I saw him." He said in hurry.
"Ah, I can see that." Winry replied.
I barely catch a restraint in his tone and I know my friends catch it as well. Al state not changes, but I sense he does actually know what kind reality he has along his older brother, judging at his stiffening.
"Al," I stared him concerned. "Why Ed was lying at first place?"
Al starled at first. Second later he quickly recoreving and asked back. "Lying? About what?"
"About Mr. Hughes." Abdul said in equal concern voice. "Don't tell me something hit Mr. Hughes and concluded Ed must lie."
"No! I mean..." He's cut by Sora.
"Looks like both you and Ed are hiding something about Mr. Hughes." muttered Sora.
"Which to my suspicious, Mr. Hughes have a large probability being hostage and watching by the homunculi via military, isn't it, Al?" Saidi stated.
All of us shocked.
"How did you...?"Al can't continue his question due to his shock.
Saidi shook her head. "I'm not isolated in here, Al. I always call Hughes family until now."
"Saidi, you not call from Briggs, right?" Sora asked worriedly.
"No. I call from town in random places, faking our positions. I have full responsible for his operation. It's also my responsibility too for checking his health after operation."
"Cut. Hold on. Mr. Hughes is being hostage? From what facts you declared that guess?" Clark bemused.
Saidi shook his head firm. "We'll discuss this later. When Winry isn't around here. Got it?" he said with a look 'especially you, young man'. A very dark one.
"Uh..." Al is laughing nervous. "Alright." I think he's very shock as he discovered another side from Saidi.
We didn't say any words, anymore. We glance at each other, question marks growing big in our heads.
"I wonder where everyone is. They took too long..."
"Hey, you're right. Are they really having simple things they must take care of?" Ed responded.
"..." I stole a glance to everyone. They're stunned as same as me.
Abdul was scratching his head. "We should go back immediately or they'll get more suspicious."
"A much recommended idea." Sora turns of the tapper and stood up, carefully not create a sound, following by us.
She lifted her right hand, creating a massive cosmo which allowed her to opening her dimension tunnel. "Ready to go back?" she asked after she opened the dimension tunnel.
"No need to ask, Sora." Clark stated, not long after I nodding abruptly.
"Are we must go back in different time so they'll not come more suspicious?" I questioned.
"We must. Okay. Who wants to go back first?" Saidi asked back.
"Can I go first? I am the first one who goes out, likewise I must become the first who go back." I replied in hope.
"'kay."
"I'll accompany you then." Al said.
"Thank you, Al."
"Geez, how could you leave us so long? I'm begun to suspicious that all of you are planning something." Ed grumbled.
"Hahahaha! Sorry about that. I'm also not guessed the business will go longer than I expected." Abdul laughed in apologize manner.
We were sitting around them both. Now Ed must sit beside Winry because (this is Clark idea) we little force them to sit together. They refuse at first. We don't give and try it few times before the couple finally agrees with reluctantly. And blushes in their face. It's cute to see them blush together.
"I was scare you'll go and left us forever," joked Winry.
"Sorry, sorry. Next time I will not do it again. I promise." Sora apologized.
"Me too. I don't expect it would go longer." Saidi gave a brief comment. "The discussion takes longer each time I was in there."
"You were having a discussion?"
"With the doctors. They call me at least once a week to discuss about medical and surgeon. They asked my advice."
"They're asked you?" Winry repeated in awe.
"Yes." Saidi replied calm. "This was become a surprise for me as well."
"It's what you must deserve, Sai. Your skills are unmistakable is proven can save peoples." I smirked.
Saidi does laugh. "Ouch. Don't see me too high. I'm not that genius you know, Sri? For my opinions your power was more helpful when it comes for combat and defense."
"I'm not strong like Sora or Abdul, Saidi. There's no point to proud it." I refuse.
"It's still didn't change the fact you're strong."
"Speaking of power." Ed began. His face was showing a serious expression. "There're questions I want to ask. Is that okay with you?"
I quickly realize where this talk will head and I'm ready for this. "Let me guess. Are you wondering why I'm strong enough to throw that homunculus by arrow?"
He is staring at me quite long. "How did you realize?"
"Because you're did say 'speaking of power', Ed. Of course I can guess what you will ask."
"If you had knew what I'll talk next, then I will ask to the point." Ed stated. "How did you three can have such power like you had that day?"
"Hm..., quite hard to explain, so I try to make it simple." I scratch my hair. "It has a connection with spiritualism. We can reach until that level of power by using our aura."
"Aura?"
"Yes, aura, usually call as cosmo too. By using this cosmo, we can create a powerful attack. Frozen the air and water, destroy a mountain, create a tsunami, even to teleport or create another dimension." Sora responded.
Ed, being a scientist and not believe in anything about spiritual, of course he's shocked at this. "How's it possible?"
Sora smiled simple. "Knowing this, Ed. There're so many types of flows energy in this universe, alchemy, magic, ki, and cosmo are one of them." Sora gave him an explanation before she's going further. "Cosmo is an inner spiritual essence, originated in the Big Bang. In other words, cosmo is originated from a massive explosion, which caused the universe born more than billion years ago, before we exist. The concept of the cosmo advocates that each atom within a human body resembles a small solar system, and since the human body consists of billions of atoms, the totality forms a 'small cosmo' or a 'small Universe'. Each person's cosmo has its own unique signature. We take the knowledge of the cosmo to the next level: because humans are composed of atoms, humans should be able to use the mysterious forces behind the atoms to achieve super human feats."
"That's sounded impossible." Winry commented.
"Oh, but it is." I smile at her. I turned around, making sure no one near us. A very fortunate, since there's only a few soldiers plus they're far from us. I lifting my right hand and focused my cosmo. "Let me give you an example. See my hand? Do you see anything?" This got everyone attention. They're staring at my opening palm hand.
"I don't see anything." Al said.
"For now." I grip my hand hard to increase and focusing all cosmo I have. I can feel wind wave come surround me. They began to concentrate in my now closed hand, circling them in soft blows. As I opening my hand again, my hand glowing in platinum aura, moving as same as the wind blows.
Gasps come from Winry and Al, while Ed eyes go wide enough as if they'll get out from the holes. I found it very amuse.
"I can only give you this example." I stated. "But this should be enough to prove we're not lying." I lowered my hand, the cosmo was disappear soon after that, along with the wind blows.
"It's gone." Ed looks confuse.
"When I don't need it, they'll not appear. However, we know it's always in there, in our body."
Ed is narrowing his eyes. "You can control it?"
"I can, in note I'm still learning." I added.
Winry doesn't look better from Ed. "Learning?"
"In our places, a group of legendary warriors, known as 'Saints', are the soldiers under the command of Athena, goddess of wisdom and war." Abdul explained. "These warriors are under the protection of celestial constellations. They're 88 constellations under Athena jurisdiction. The constellations itself divided to three strata. From those constellations the strongest is Gold Saints, follow by Silver Saints and Bronze Saints. The Saints main power originates from the understanding of the nature of this cosmo. He or she can't be call as Saint if he or she not mastered all six senses, at very least."
"Hold on." Ed cut. "Did you just say...six senses?"
"Oh right. You don't know. Then let's start from the base. You had known five senses. No need explanation. Now, will you trust me if I'm say humans or 'Beings' like us actually have more than five senses?" Sora asked in challenge tone.
A brief silence. She then raises her eyebrow.
"I took it as not. Okay, never mind. I will continue." Sora coughed once. "In basic lesson between Saints, they're taught that humans have eight senses. Sixth sense is a sense where we can connect it with psycho-power, telekinetic, teleport-power, etc. Once you can control the six senses, it's easy for you to control seventh sense and eighth sense. Seventh sense use to control our cosmo. And last, eighth sense or Arayashiki was the highest sense human can achieve. The Saints have main duty to protect Athena, fighting for love and justice. For some reasons, we know some of them and Athena herself. Saidi, Sri, and I are learning to control our power from them. Abdul and Clark are learning to improve their power."
"Really?" Al responded. "That's awesome!"
Ed is showing a skeptical face to her. "Are you kidding me? There's such thing like god or goddess." He disapproves.
"You cut me before I ever finished my explanation." Sora sweat drop. "I hope you still remembered that so many 'Beings' existing in this universe. Maybe for humans, Athena can be called as a 'goddess'." She paused a moment. "However, to us, the Ilmorians, she's not. She's 'Beings' like us. So with Zeus, Hades, and Poseidon."
"Who is Zeus?" Winry said in curious.
"The one who claimed Heaven and Earth as his territory." Sora answered, following by dark voice and cold, if not heartless expression. "The other two proclaim Sea and Underworld as their own territory, it's made me want to vomit. They're 'Beings' like us yet they're dare to claim Heaven, Earth, Sea, and Underworld as their territories, the land, the whole solar system. Small part from universe, created by God or 'Allah'. How ungrateful and arrogant creatures they are."
Al, Ed, and Winry eyes go wide as they hear the last word. They taken aback by Sora swore. Sora was seeing this act and apologize immediate.
"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to swear like that. I…I have several issues with them."
"...Is this has something to do with your race past?" Ed asked carefully.
Sora nodded once. "They are, moreover, it was them who tried to extinguish us."
Winry gasped, while Ed face growing dark, exhale in harsh breaths and Al lowering his head.
"Is that means…" Winry not dare to continue.
"They're the most responsible side for made my race suffering in long time. Sad isn't it? What they have done was unforgivable, but we're having no powers to opposite them. We're immigrants; immigrants have no choice than follow the rules."
Winry looked at her in sympathy. She then grip Sora right hand and squeezed it to comforting. "I'm sorry for what happened…" she murmured.
"Winry, there's nothing to sorry. It's happened more than millenniums ago. Believe me, try to remember it only will make you sadder and hurt. Otherwise, we're not suffered now. We're befriends with other 'Beings' like Abdul and Clark races." She's glance at me. "Moreover, there're Sri and Saidi as friends. I'm not feeling alone anymore. With you, Al, and Ed in here, I'm feeling better..."
"…Deep in our hearts…" Saidi began. "We want to believe there will be someone, someone who will understand us. Many times, we're nearly hopeless, desperate from endless chasing and battles. We'll never be normal. Many times we're thought for give up." Saidi was close his eyes, as if remembering those pasts. "Somehow, we not do it. We keep fight instead, believing someday we'll meet peoples who can understand our pains, without worrying our secrets. We can share it together with them. We don't have worry they will leak. Our most hope for survive in this world."
"Saidi…" Al looks at him sympathetic.
"Al, you don't have any idea how we're so happy when you're befriends, ignoring our originals. You don't have." Clark shook his head. "Befriends to you, your brother, and Winry, not mention Mr. Hughes and his family, is our greater joy we've feel since we're arrived. We glad to meet you all."
"…You're welcome, Saidi." A smile was hidden in his voice. "We're glad to meet you too. I hope we can continue these friendships forever."
"Me too." I commented.
Sora glances hesitantly; sky blue eyes meet the blue ice. "Are you hate me for not telling you?"
Winry eyes twinkles brightly. She's squishing Sora hand. "It's a pleasure to be your friend, Sora. I can never hate you for what you're being."
Sora sighing, full of relieve as she's hear Winry reaction.
"I've knew it." Ed said in low voice, drawing an ironically. "Other peoples who want to play God. Or Beings, or fools, or whatever you call it, it's still same. They'll get their reply from their own deeds."
"Well, not everything is perfect, even to 'Beings'. All living creatures have their own limits, Ed." Abdul responded almost motherly. "Such like me and Clark and Sora, we still have our limits and weakness. Sri and Saidi are not an exception too. Despises we're all extraordinary and can be call as 'freaks' we still have hearts, expressions, and emotions."
"Hated by other peoples only because we're 'not' so normal teenagers? Oooh, sometimes I feel like I want to throw my shoes, right in to their heads." Clark humored.
"Throw shoes? Give me a break!" Saidi does laughing. "I was thinking once to put laxative pills inside their foods and see if the pills really working out. Oh, and how many times they will go to the bathroom."
Al and Ed are paled. They face drawing a look 'You're not serious, right?'. Winry face goes blank.
I coughed once to remind Saidi for what he had said. "Saidi, you make them scared."
"Yeah, you describe it like they're your guinea pigs..." Clark frown comment was added.
Saidi blinked and as if he's wake up from his sleep, he's gave them apologize. "Oh, sorry. My apologize."
"Is this just me, or you a bit sadistic since we arrive in Briggs?" Sora is twitching.
Saidi grinned. "No, I'm still myself. Just an impingement slipped from my mouth. I'm not forever patient. I can angry or annoy. Like Abdul had said, nobody is perfect, Ed."
His face now in deep thought. "Nothing is perfect, huh?" his voice hushed. He lifted his head to us. "Tell me, why you willingly help Mr. Hughes? I didn't doubt your actions, but if you helped him, doesn't that mean you'll get involved whether like or not? Not mention it'll cost your lives as well. So why?"
Sora raised her shoulders. "Maybe because I know. Twenty years from now, we'll be more disappoint by things we do not doing than things we do." Sora smiled mysteriously. "And don't forget, be kind because everyone you meet is facing a greater struggle."
Oh, I very knew this one. This is one of my favorite quotes. I began to smiling. "Huckleberry Finn and Plato."
Ed forehead wrinkles. His confuse very clear. "Who?"
"A famous writer and an ancient philosopher. It's their quotes." Abdul answered.
"You like to reads books?" Al amazed.
Sora was nodding. "Yes. I like to reading books. Every type of them. Adventure, science, nature..."
"That's many."
"Surprising, isn't it? I read since four and I don't need glasses."
"How old are you?"
"Seventeen."
Ed, Al and Winry startled. "I thought you're twenty!" Winry stated.
"...Am I looking that old?"
"Your are. What about the others?"
"The oldest is Saidi who is eighteen. The youngest is me." I tried hard to hold my laugh.
"No way. All of you are looks older than seventeen." Ed disagrees.
"You don't look older than thirteen." Clark claimed.
Bad move.
"WHO YOU CALLING A MIDGET THAT NOT OLDER THAN THIRTEEN...!"
Nobody moved. Everyone is staring at them both. Until Clark break the silence.
"Ed...I didn't say that." Clark said as he's sweat drop.
"U-huh...That was...awesome." Abdul muttered as we back to our room.
For good one half hours, we discussed, talked, joked, and insulted to each other. Once or twice, you can hear a smash from Winry's wrench to Ed's skull or Sora punched Clark back head. At first they'll fight before they're in treaty peace immediately and goes talking like anything doesn't happen. I wonder if this has something to do with their zodiac, cause as far as I know, their zodiac elements were contradictive (Sora was Leo, which her element zodiac is fire, while Clark is Cancer which means he's a water element).
"We've known how temperamental Ed is when it comes on his height." Saidi shook his head in amusement.
"Hahaha. At least we're lucky to see his temperamental. Not everyone can see it." Sora pointed.
"I'm preferred not too."
Abdul tapped his wrist watch and groaned. "Late again? I wonder how many times I must repair this watch from now." He turns the timing and looked at me. "Sri, can you tell me what time is it?"
I looked at the wall watch. It was nearly 2 o'clock when Major Miles suddenly burst to our room.
He opened the door very harshly until Clark stood from bed abruptly. "Wha...! What the...!" His eyes then locked in the man. "Major Miles?"
"Get ready and pack your things." He ordered us. "We're will go from this place."
A heavy silence was existing around us. At that time, Saidi repeated major's words.
"Going… from here!"
"Yes. You must go in thirty minutes. Hurry and pack your bags."
"Why so sudden? Is this about Kimbley?" Sora pointed in alarm. At this second, all head focused to Sora. Gaping in shock.
"No way…" Clark said slowly, still too shocked.
"Is that right, Major Miles?" Saidi asked abruptly, his face showing worry.
Major Miles darkened a little. "Not a nice news to hear, but Major General has a feeling Kimbley want to catch the five of you."
"That Bomber man again!" Clark is rising his voice in angry. "Is he never bored to get us into trouble and trouble again!"
"Ini Kimbley gitu loh. 4.)" Abdul responded in rare sarcastic tone.
"How do you know he wants to catch us?" I asked.
"Sora, along with Saidi, has told us about what Kimbley did to you and the two boys over there." He said as he pointed his eyes covering with black glasses to Abdul and Clark. They were looking at Sora and Saidi, questioning look.
"Sorry. Sora and I did tell them. Both of us had discussed this and agree to tell Major General along Captain and Major. They have agreed to tell us when they smell something weird about Kimbley or got bad news from Central wherever involved Fuhrer. I've a bad feeling Kimbley will not stop chasing us. Now it has become real." Saidi is looking apologetically.
"And we've got the news about Fuhrer order to catch you and bring you to Central. Alive." I can sense his red eyes narrowed, even he's wearing his black glasses. "Is this the order that you're talking about?" he trying to reassured.
"The bad is, yes it is." Saidi lowered his head.
"I can imagine it." He nodded. "We're planning to escape Miss Rockbell with your group. Be preparing for the worst. I know you're all strong, but this is about Crimson Alchemist whom we're facing, and I want you to not ever part from us when we in out there. Understand?"
"What about Edward and Al?" I asked in concern.
"They must stay to make sure you're escape with safely."
"What! They're crazy! Why you didn't stop them!" shouted Clark.
"We have no choice. Your safeties are our main priority. We must get you from here as soon as possible. If we can't do that, we have no face for Colonel Mustang."
Abdul is raising his eyebrow. "Colonel Mustang?" he repeated. "What he has to do in this?"
"He told Major General to protect you all in all cost, especially, you, Sri."
We held our breath. In different situation, I would be sure my ears were wrong heard and need to be cleaning. But this is a critical situation, and I suddenly have a guess of what he was talking about.
"Mr. Miles." I decide to call him with his normal name.
He turned to me. "The letter I gave to you after you escorted us to Garmisch-Partenkirchen village," I said firmly. "Is that what he's writing? To protect us no matter what happened?"
He is nodding. "It's very unusual for him to asking such a request. Moreover, we don't understand the reason why we must protect a bunch of teenagers. We barely knew you from newspaper and issues, not more than lost kids and helped a Lieutenant Colonel." He stated calmly. "But when we meet you and your friends, and saw your powers, we quickly got it what he wants to do with us. He doesn't want anyone from Central HQ get their hands on you."
Four heads looking at me in startled mode, while the last one regains composure.
"Don't tell me it's the letter he gave to you when we ready to depart from Central?" Sora demanded. I give her a simply nod. "He was. After all, you had seen it when I gave it to Major Miles."
Flashback
"We've arrived." Major Miles stated as the vehicle stop in front of the said village. We get out from car, a bit stunned. I can see a board written 'Welcome to Garmisch-Partenkirchen Village', not far from my position.
"I'll talk to elders and the head of this village. I'll make they accept you to stay here, for a while."
"I see." I half listening as I tried to remembered something. I had feeling I left something in here. I still have my eyes gazed to welcome board. Then I snapped from my gaze. The letter Big Brother gave to me.
"Major Miles." I call him. I search the letter in my pocket, before reach it and pull it out.
"Yes?"He raised his eyebrow, questioning.
"Can you give this to Major General?"I stretch my arm to him.
He staring at me, to the letter in my hand, finally his eyes fixed to me. "What's this?"
"A letter from…" I realize they know Big Brother as Colonel Mustang. I decided to explain. "Big Brother. You already recognize him as Colonel Mustang."
Suddenly, his eyes fixed on me. "…You're his little sister?"
"Sort of. Originally, he asked me to give this to you or Major General Armstrong. But if you want, you can read it now."I told him.
He shook his head and accepts the letter. "No, thank you. I'll give this to her."
"Alright. Please tell to her it's very important. Read it before she tears it off. That's Big Brother message."
Outside from what I expected, he stunned like an ice statue. "Important? He told you like that?"
"U-huh."
His forehead has wrinkle, a sign he's thinking deep. A moment later, he facing me and gave a reassuring smile. "Alright. Thank you for telling this. I'll make sure this will arrive in Major General's hand. Don't worry."
I letting out a relieve exhale. "Thank you, Major Miles."I thanked him.
His smile widened a little. "You're welcome." He answered. "Now let's go. It's getting late." He led me through other soldiers. Sora, who was being near me, whispered.
"What is that?"
"A letter from Big Brother. He told to give it to them."
"Mustang? Why?"
"He said to give it to them if we have a trouble. I don't really understand either." Which replied by 'Oooooh' from Sora. She doesn't ask any question because we're entering the village. Major Miles was waiting with few old men and a middle aged man, easily can be guess as elders and the head in this village.
End of Flashback
"That one?" Sora reassured. "I thought it was a common letter."
"It is common letter. What we aren't ready is because what he's write inside." Major commented. "We have many things to talk, however for now you better packed and ready. I'll come again once you done."
"Thank you very much for these." Clark thanked him.
"You can thank later. I must go now. Excuse me…." He turned his back and rolled up from our room.
Once he's really gone from the sight, we gathered and discuss.
"This is getting worse. This place not safe anymore." Clark began to panic.
"Not good either, of course all of you had aware after Ed and his friends went from Briggs, Central soldiers are coming to take the control. Major General will call out by Fuhrer." I continue with worry.
"Okay, this is enough. Let's calm down first, shall we?" Sora suggested. "I don't want panic at time like this. I hate when I can't think clearly."
Abdul breathe slowly, figured he want to calming himself. "Why Kimbley instead of all peoples?"
"Are you taken Kimbley as your nature enemy?" Clark asked incredulous.
His expression went cold. "No. Still, I have many reasons to hate him."
"Errrr….Alright, I won't ask anymore."
I massage my forehead. "He said packed and leaves. I have two questions for this. First, how we supposed to escape from Kimbley and his bodyguards eyes?"
"We can use dimension tunnel. He does say he'll come back. We can see through map and specify the ordinate were we should meet. We meet in a point we've agree." Sora answered.
"One more question. How we'll able to get out if the bodyguards smell our scents?"
"We hide in one of the buildings. We headed abandoned city, many ruins of buildings in there. Confirm which buildings Ed will find Mei and Dr. Marcoh…also Scar."
"You forgot Yoki."
Sora blinked few times before she answers in… not care tone. "…Ah yeah. Him. He's not really important for me."
I sweat drop at this.
"Actually we have three questions." Clark cut. "You already have two, Sri. The last question is; why the heck Kimbley is want with us!" his voice went rising in end.
"He did say the Fuhrer want to meet us. Since he's in jail, then the one was freed he is…" I paused at this. I shouted in all my power. "NOT THAT GENDERLESS PALM TREE!"
"Then it's all become possible." Saidi said. "Remembering he has released by Envy, I'm sure he has been told to catch us and not harm us. Envy must be receiving the message from Fuhrer himself and he did tell Kimbley. They think we're precious enough."
"As objects." added Sora in hard tone. "They must be 100% sure we're not humans. Not homunculus, not human either. Races those never mention or discovered since ancient. Different physical, different strength, different history, different life. The reason Kimbley in here with the chimeras was obvious. He wants to test us, Sri. That's why he's brought Jelso, Zampano, Heinkel, and Darius. They're five, we're five. One alchemist who has two 'Philosopher Stones'. Four chimeras those have experiences in battle. A little coincidence, huh, even they're mention in here to catch Scar, both in manga and new anime?"
"Hey, you're right." I said in baffled. "As if... they're here for catch us and match us with their numbers. Not mention their skills..."
Saidi rubbing his chin and place his other hand in hips. "Now I have just realized it too. I kind of acknowledge their stare when we meet them. They've must realize that we're the guy who Wrath is looking for. Their stare to us, it's like neutral. In fact I sense mixture of fear, alert, and recognition in their eyes. With their instinct as chimeras, they must be sense our powers and the difference between us with them."
"It's not like they'll retreat once they realized who us are. They have Kimbley as they commander, he has that stupid stones, and they'll fight us, sooner or later. And don't forget to prepare the worst, they can attack us when we caught off guard. Which I prefer to avoided them and focus to our escape." Sora scoffed at this.
"Oh great. I LOVE MONDAY, EVERYBODY….!" Clark yelled between… I can't describe it. It's more like a mixture desperate joy and deep hatred than pure joy and happiness.
The four of us were sweat drops. "Uh… Clark? Aren't you supposed to say 'I hate Monday'?" I asking him, hoping not made him more…desperate.
Clark is facing me with his wrinkled face. "Sri, you know that I'm always saying the opposite words when I'm in my top bad mood?" he said in weird tone. I took a step back and gulped.
"…Oh, right. I forgot."
"It's not only you who wanted to avoided them." Clark went gloom.
Sora is rolling her eyes. "We better packed and get our feet from here. Hurry up."
We have no time but packing our things and prepare to go if Major really back.
"You'll search another way to reach the city!" Major Miles doesn't, or can't hide his shock.
As he has promised he's come back, few soldiers including Sergeant Knight, following behind him.
"We are and we will." Saidi tighten the shoelace. Make sure the shoelace is strong, he's stood up and put his bag behind his back. "We worry a lot of things. Number one,"
"No doubt Zolf J. Kimbley." I continued. I'm wearing a scarf. It does will be cold out there. "We can't take a risk to go with you. If I remember, doesn't he will go in same group as you? Aside his subordinates or bodyguards, we don't want stay near with him."
"Besides it'll raise suspicions why we must accompany you. Also, don't you think it'll give a benefit for them? More people come, more hostages they'll gain. Imagine we come too and they made us as hostages to pressure you or even Ed and Al." Several soldier startled while Major Miles look thoughtful.
"Make any sense." He comment. "So what's your plan?"
"This is the plan. If he's asked about us, tell him we have many bussines to attend. In other hand, we will take other way to reach the abandoned city. Can you tell this to Ed, Al and Winry, please? We don't want to make them worry."
"I can take care that. My question is what if we can't find you?" he asked.
"That's why there's something I want ask. Do you have a map of your destination?" Sora questioned.
"I have. What for?" one of the soldier answered.
"Please show it." Sora rather orders than ask.
He's hesitate and looking at his commander first. "Give her what she wants." Major Miles said shortly.
The soldier quickly acted by took the map and show it to us. We looked closer. I recognize it. It's a map of abandoned city and around it. It's...a big area I must comment.
Sora eyes are scanning the map. She work solidly, analyze the whole structure of city. Then, she grabs a pen. She pointed it to map. "We must meet in a point where Kimbley will not expect us. Use one of building as hiding place. We'll meet in one of the buildings in this city. In here." She gave a circle sign with her pen.
Major Miles is listening all her words. He's place a hand on his chin once she has done talk. "I think can make it. I'll come to this place as fast as I can." He paused a moment. "Is it alright to you if I only bring few soldiers?"
"I don't mind. More few people but efficient is more good." Sora carried her own bag. "I'm done. How about you, guys?"
"I'm ready." I replied steady.
"Always ready whenever you want." Saidi lifted his shoulders.
"I'm just done. Abdul?" Clark appears, carrying his bag too.
"Same here. We can go anytime." Abdul straightened the jacket. "I hate being frozen." He muttered under his breath.
I'm wearing grey shirt inside white long sleeve sweater, mauve gloves, and azure blue long coat with thick jeans. Sora, she wearing white mock neck shirt which has many pockets (she's like to wear any hooded clothes and many pockets), same crème long-sleeved hooded jacket, light brown gloves, and dark blue pants. Saidi, he wearing white shirt behind his emerald non sleeve sweater, same dark grey jacket, white gloves, and jeans colored camel. Abdul, he's wearing brown cowl neck shirt (of course it's thick type), black long coat, black gloves, and black jeans. And finally Clark. I will say he's a bit extreme. Even for Caucasian standard where mostly they're live in cold area. He only wears light yellow long sleeve cotton t-shirt and jeans. He does have a jacket, sweater type. He's tied it on his waist. But he not wears it. Besides if you look more closely its thin sweater actually. He even not wears glove. He has it of course. The purpose? He uses it for fighting.
Don't ask about shoes, we only have one couple each person. We're about to hiking, you know. And before you think weird things we keep cleaning and keeping it as clean as possible. We're not a slob.
"Alright, let's do this." Clark was cracking his knuckles.
"Thank you for the map." I give it back.
"No problem." It was Sergeant Knight who accepts it. Everything is normal for me. Until I accidentally create an eye contact with him, very closely. At that split second, I'm feeling a déjà vu. Many images or memories flashed in my mind. Many of them until a most clear image flashed.
Black armor. Red rose colored eyes. A gentle smile decorating his lips. And…
"May the wind of Aeolus always with you."
With the latest image, the flashes of images were gone from my head. Leaving me confused. 'What was that?'
"Sri?" a deep me bring me from my confuse, back in reality. I see Sergeant Knight looking at me in concern expression. "Are you okay? You're a bit worn out."
"Oh that. I'm having thinking for a while." I lied, reassuring tone.
He doesn't believe this. He's eyeing me, now worry.
"Really, I have thoughts, spacing out. In fact, I'm okay."
He sighed. "Okay. I won't ask anymore." He said reluctantly.
"Are everyone ready?" I turned at Sora. She is staring at four of us.
"You no need to ask." Clark declared after he's letting out sound 'hmmph'.
Sora smirked devilish. She lifted her hand, once again creating a dimension tunnel. She's increase her cosmo. Then her cosmo appears. It's glowing in bright blue, surrounding her for few seconds. Her cosmo flows, concentrate in air. Each time pass, the cosmo going stronger. At this rate the tunnel slowly opening. It was a tiny black hole in air. Growing bigger as the cosmo is getting stronger. At last, the tunnel completely opened in front of us. Showing a never ending space and time. It's alike Gemini Saga 'Another Dimension' attack. With few differences like we can pass through this tunnel. The scene of stars and galaxies is above head, while the scene of sea is below feet.
Behind us, several gasps and choked sounds were heard. Blinked, I turned my eyes on major Miles, whom his eyes grows big with awe and disbelieve, other soldiers have their mouth opened. As Sergeant Knight, he's surprised, not shocked.
"Is this what you call as… I believe as another way?" Major Miles asked slowly, his eyes focused on the tunnel.
"Surprisingly, it is." Abdul replied in amused.
"Hope all according in plan." Saidi enter the dimension as Clark shrugged before he's following the doctor prodigy.
"Coming?" Abdul asked directed to Sora.
"Will follow." She answered short. Sora turned half way, facing Major Miles, and bowed slightly.
"See you in city, Major Miles." She's walking, accompany by Abdul, entering the tunnel. As the last person in that room, I bid a wave at the still shocked Major and his subordinates.
"See you."
And I take off, half running inside it, before the enter way close behind us.
Not everything can be according plan. Sometimes there are few things we don't estimate in future. For example, we have no idea the weather went colder than last time we're in outside Briggs. And now…
"HUATSYIM…!" Abdul sneezed.
"Are you alright?" Saidi eyeing him worry.
"I'm alright." And Abdul sneezed again. "Maybe I should wear scarf next time we go."
"I can lend you mine if you want." I offered.
"No, thank you. You need it." He soft rejects.
"Really you can. Don't force yourself. Even you're a Fangire, you're not use living in cold area."
U-huh. You can guess easily where we are now. We're in one of the buildings after separate in Briggs. It's near the building we promise for meet. We're out from tunnel only for found us in third floor. We're supposed to go down and find in meeting point. There's a catch. Believe or not, we recognize the building where we out as a building where Scar and his company hide are. We didn't at first. It was Saidi who remembered how similar the building if we compared it with the building in new anime and manga. Therefore Abdul came in idea 'we better search Dr. Marcoh, Mei, and Scar. They must be in here too'. We search them together because we don't want same accident happened again. I'm sure you're remembered our encounter with. Kimbley aka Crimson Alchemist.
I'm looking at window. We're in fourth floor and now climbing the stairs up fifth floor. The weather is fine. And it seems they're not coming yet. It's Ed, Al, and Winry I mean. A little did I know they'll, Major Miles will tail behind them.
"You worry?" Sora voice is reaching my ears. Suddenly, I got her face very close to me. I jumped because of this.
"Don't make me got a heart attack! Masya Allah."
She's not caring, even asking with cool. "You're spacing out. Are you worrying about those three?"
"…Sort of." I blushed, embarrassed she's caught me.
Sora paused a bit before she continues in lower voice. "Me too. I'm feeling same. But I'm most worry about Winry."
I startled. Of course, Winry. "Ah yeah, you're right." I said in equal tone. And I turn horrified. "What if she's meet Scar?"
She nodding acknowledges. "That's why I'm in little uneasy. Let's pray nothing bad gonna happen."
When I was about ready for open my mouth we heard a scream from upper floor. A scream of little girl and a man in fact. Both of us frowned and glance at each other. At that finally I realized that the boys had gone to fifth floor.
"Errrr…don't tell me they find Mei and Dr. Marcoh?" I cringed.
Sora groaned inaudible. "Sounds they are." Sora is running fast in stairs, I following behind her. As our feet reached the fifth floor we immediately come to scream source, at same time I heard an argument from a boy voice I know as Abdul, trying to calm down someone. Turn right and there's a room.
Voila. Abdul, in panicked expression, waving his hands at the young girl dressed pink Chinese clothes, Mei Chang. She's holding some kind of little kunais in her fists. Her face indicated that she's ready to fight in any time. Xiao Mei, her little panda on her shoulder, ready to protect Mei, showing sharp teeth. Behind her, a middle aged man, black hair, is wearing white coat. His face was destroyed; I noted this must be Dr. Marcoh, staring at the intruders in fear and worry. He's even holding a wood on her grasps. Yoki? Oh right, now I'm forget him. He's standing on the wall, terrified. His position is ridiculous.
Saidi and Clark are totally confused in this situation. Saidi was better than Clark. I see he's trying helped Abdul, but no use since Mei already in guard and Dr. Marcoh fixed on them. At normal situation, people will laugh hard at this.
"What in the world is going on in here?" Sora asked half chuckling.
"Oh, Sora, you come just in time! Please help us before a bloody battle will happen in this area!" Clark half shouted. Hyperbolic.
"Huh? What happen?" I asked back.
"Help Abdul. They afraid we are an enemy. Abdul try to convince them. They're not really believed us and the girl was pulled her weapons." Saidi answered in low voice.
"Why me?" Sora forehead has a wrinkle.
"Since you or Sri is also a woman, maybe you can convince her more than we can."
Once again, we glance at each other. Sora huffed as I smiled ironical. "Come on, Sri. We help Abdul finish this."
We approaching Abdul who just realize our arrival, he's face gone relieved a lot when he sees us. "Sora, Sri, Alhamdullillah you're here." He said soft.
"I bet you need our help." She grins.
Abdul gave her a hushed laugh. "I am."
I am turning my head at Mei and Dr. Marcoh. It's oblivious they're thought us as enemy. I slowly walk until me only two feet in front them. I sitting to leveled my height with the girl. "Hello there." I greet them in friendly.
"I hope my friends not scare you here." I mention to the boys. Abdul smile apologize, Saidi bowing slightly, as Clark smile sheepish. I facing Mei again, I decide ask her name; even I savvy about her name. "My name is Sri." I introduce. "What is your name?"
She's taken aback as I asked her. She does not give her reply. For first seconds she's only eyeing me, her panda doing same. In my mind I really want laugh, they're cute. Especially when their big eyes wondering at me.
"Mei…" she finally replies. "Mei Chang…"
"It's beautiful name. You're from Xing aren't you?" Sora stood beside me.
She turns to Sora, then to me then back to her. She nods once.
"You don't have to worry. We're not your enemy." Sora stated.
Black pearl eyes are fixing on sky blue eyes. "I do not believe you." She said.
Sora raises her eyebrow. Curiosity coloring her expression. "Why?"
"Your ki." Mei began. She got our attentions. "All of your ki are incredibly strong, more than human should have. Are you those homunculus friends?"
Clark snorted at her comment. "Give me a break. Friends? We even pure enemy with them."
"Clark, be quiet." Saidi scolded light.
From the corner of my eyes. Abdul decide for approaching us. He's walking until he's feet parallel along Sora. He's holding her shoulder, hugging her in soothe move.
"Mei, right?" He's confirming. "If you can sense our cosmo, then sense it more careful. Can you do it?"
The fear and worry in their faces lessened a bit. "Cosmo?" Dr. Marcoh asks in hesitate.
"Another name of ki. I make sure of you; we're not your enemy. Now, can you sense our cosmo more careful, please? Because it's the only prove we have for now if you don't trust us."
"I can understand you trying to make them believe." I said. "However, why must by sense cosmo?" I asked.
"People can lies, Sri." He responded. "But cosmo is not. It's reflecting our true self. Isn't it right, Mei?"
She's definitely caught off guard by his sincere smile. Not long before she's in alert again.
I can't help but laughing hard. Sora quickly following me.
"Relax, little warrior. We're not a cold blooded murder. Yet, Abdul opinion is true. Why you don't check it by yourself?" Sora suggests.
Mei hesitates, I think she's unsure either to follow her suggestion or fight us. Time pass and the tension growing. We trying hard to neutralized this situation, which is enough difficult. Moments later, we sighing in relieve when she's lowering her weapons and nodding firmly.
"I'll try." She said. "Is that alright with you?"
"No problem. Sense it as careful and as much as you can." Abdul stated calm.
"Mei!" Dr. Marcoh calls her in worry tone.
"It's okay, Dr. I'll be alright."
Her panda letting out a wound I can indicated as worry voice. Mei was soothing her panda. "It's okay, Xiao Mei."
"How can you're trust them so easily when we barely know who they are!" Yoki yelled depressed.
"Is she does say she trust us so easily?" Clark snapped in sarcastic.
Saidi coughed loud. "Sorry to interrupt." He said. "Still, I hope you're didn't mind to quiet for a while. Let her sense our cosmo." He continues in matter- of- fact.
Mei is eyeing me. Her panda not growl anymore, instead she's following her master gesture. I'm laughing softly. They're so cute!
"Go on. I'll not stop you." I allow her. She took this as a yes and use her opportunity for sense our cosmo.
I can feel she began to focus. Later I sense her cosmo. Normal people usually can't see it. Different story goes with us. Hereafter, I'm seeing her cosmo a lot. Soft pink cosmo flared from her body, like a blooming cherry blossom in beginning spring. I found it fascinating.
'Ah, so she has it too. Not mention her cosmo color is beautiful.' I am thinking.
It's not as big or powerful like us, but she does at least can read people aura like Ling and his servants. Everybody has it. Even Big Brother and Ed. They have their own cosmo. One point though. Not everyone in this world can use their aura or sense it as good as us. Different from our world where many Saints filled, apparently the peoples who can sense cosmo are come from royal family of Xing. Mei for example.
Suddenly, her narrowed eyes are opening wide in surprise. She gasps quietly as she looking intently in our figure.
"Who are you?" she asked. "I had sense your ki. But your ki are nowhere near homunculus."
Dr. Marcoh and Yoki startled.
"Your ki is far stronger than human, yet you're not homunculus. All of your ki are…different." Her face is change from alert to… sad.
"What happen to you? I never sense ki like these." She said. I stay quiet, my grip on my jacket gone hard.
"What did you sense?" I asked her in soft low voice.
Her eyes now bright in sympathy. "Your ki…it's so warm and calm." she started. "Yet it's very sad in same time. All of you have great sadness inside your ki. As if you've suffered in long time…"
I closed my eyes, biting my lips. I don't need telepathic skill for looking my friends' condition. They're also having similar reaction with me. When I opened it again, I guess I'm showing a sad face, judging from her concern voice. "What happen? Are you hurt?"
I shook my head. "I'm fine. I'm just not expecting you to sense our emotions too."
"I'm not expecting too," she replied. "Usually, I can't trust people easily. And after I read your ki… I think I can trust you. You have no intention to fight us. In fact your ki are showing sadness." She tilted her head, looking closer to me. "What happen to you until you have such a deep sadness like that?"
I grinned bitter as I begin patting her head. I can't hide my pain. "We'll talk this later, alright? I'll tell you for sure, in one condition. Be patience because this is not the right time for telling long story. Maybe I'll tell you in near future." I explained. "For now, I guess you along your company can trust us. Can you do it?"
She nodded firm. "I'll try."
"Glad you finally can take the different between us and those bastards nearly immortal." Clark commented.
"So your previous statement is true?" Dr. Marcoh stood up. "You're enemy with them?"
"Natural enemy. Now, could you let go that wood? You began to make me scared."
Dr. Marcoh realizes he's still grabbing a wood. He dropped it to floor as he sighed in relieve. Mei herself had put away her weapons. I stood up earlier before I lend a hand for her.
"I believe I had said my name, but not very necessary. So hello to you again. My name is Sri, nice too meet you. Can you stand?"
"Yes. Thank you." She accepted my hand. The panda in her shoulder also give a sound like gratitude.
"Cute panda. Is she or he is yours?"
She's surprise a little. "You recognize that she's a panda?"
"Yes, I have a book about panda. She's cute for me."
"She's my friend. Her name is Xiao Mei." Mei introduce, the panda give a short bow.
I find this interesting since this panda well known manners. "Nice to meet you too."
"No offence, but who are you?" Dr. Marcoh approaching me.
"We're tourist. Unfortunately we're caught eye by homunculus. Now they're after us. They want our powers."
His forehead went wrinkles. "Your powers?"
"Which remind me; are you know Edward Elric and his brother, Alphonse?" Sora inquired.
His eyes widen on his now destroyed face. "You know him!"
"He told about you a bit. You're Dr. Marcoh, isn't it?" Abdul noted. "My name is Abdul. This is Sora and Sri, while the two over there are Saidi and Clark."
"Hello." Saidi greeted.
"Yo!" Clark saluted.
"Hey! Are you forgetting about me!" Yoki complained.
Abdul does blink at his comically reaction. He glances in question at Dr. Marcoh.
"His name is Yoki."
"Never heard." Clark gives a quick reply. We sweat drop.
"WHAT!" Yoki half shouted.
"I'm joking." He added quickly. "But this is the first time I really meet him. Sorry."
I coughed. "Time out. Let's get more serious, shall we, Clark?"
"No problem."
"I'm sorry for asking many questions. How did you know Edward and his brother?" Dr. Marcoh is looking around.
"We meet him in Central more than three months ago. Two months a half exactly. I recognize you because their description. But how come your face became like that?"
"Ahahaha. I think I owe you a story." He laughed nervous. "Are you someone who closes with them?"
"We befriends with them along his mechanic too. He talked about you and Mei today, though."
He raises his eyebrow. "Today?"
"He's in here," I glance to Mei and her panda, meaningful. "With Alphonse of course."
Mei immediately beamed in great enthusiasm. The funny thing is looks like her panda is in enthusiasm too. Happy for her master.
"Is that true! Alphonse-sama is here!" she's really excited. Oh, oh, oh. She's really have a giant crush on.
"U-huh. He's talking a lot about a little Xingnese girl and her 'cat'. I assume it must be you since his descriptions similar with you."
We did talk about her, Dr. Marcoh, and Scar in mess. In that moment too, we're told about their past, since how Ed and Al father's left until Ed became the youngest State Alchemist. They're also told us about their adventure while we exchange with our stories about home. Between those stories, Al does descript her enough details. Glad I can use it as reason for back me up. It's not funny if I know her but I can't tell her from who or where I getting information about her. I can't answer I know her from manga or new anime. She can suspicious me more as homunculus, whom I'm really not.
Mei almost squeals in happiness, must be feeling fortunate that her 'prince' not forget her, instead remember her.
"Why they're after you? You said they're after your powers. You look like normal teenagers for me." Dr. Marcoh is scratching his head, signaling his confuse grow bigger.
"You'll know soon, Dr." Abdul answering meaningful. He paused a while then smiling wide. "Ah, looks like they've came."
At his words, I immediately sense familiar cosmos right in this floor. "Ed and Al? They're in here with Winry?"
"Bingo. But we also have a problem in here. The chimeras come with them."
"What! You must be kidding me?" Clark paled.
"Afraid not. I can sense their cosmo. It's Zampano and Jelso." Sora added calm also alarm in same time.
"Hedgehog and Frog chimera? Aww." Saidi give a short comment.
"Forget them for a while, let's meet Edward and Alphonse. We'll do the important thing first." Sora injected, she motion to go out from this room. She's the first who get out with running.
"A-ah. Let's go." Abdul is running to the exit, following her.
"Shall we?" I offered Mei and her panda. I reach my hand for her.
"Yay!" She yelled in happiness, took my hand eagerly. "Let's go, Sri-neesan! Come on!" she half ordered.
Oh wow. She must be crushed deep to Al…I grinning at this. He will not know what hit him today. But…neesan?
"You don't have to use such formality, Mei. You can call me Sri."
She's a little startled. "Eh? Is it alright? You're older than me."
"Sure! I don't mind. I'm feeling old if you keep calling me neesan."
She nodding understands. "Alright, Sri."
"Okay. Come Mei, we'll walk this way." I hold her right hand, moving my legs from walk to half run.
This will be very tiring, I groaned in my head, seeing from how many events we must through. Only think it has created a great tiredness.
Oh, well, at least we have many bright sides from this.
"This way?"
"Yes that way, hurries!" Abdul moved faster, barely an inch from Sora.
"Slow down, guys! We have a middle aged man in here!" Clark yelled from behind.
"Why you're always forget me!"
"Oh, and this Yoki!"
I sweat drop once again. I feel pity for him, a bit.
It takes us like forever when we turned to a room, where there are two figures we knew. Next moment I realize, Mei already yelled Al's name and jumped to him, before they fall in loud thud.
"What are you doing way out here?" she asked in curiosity.
"Mei! You surprised me! Thank goodness, I was really able to meet you!" he's replied.
I already can guess what happen next, so I decide for left a while. I facing Ed who was realize us now.
"You guys! Where have you been!" He snapped. "We've been panicked when Major Miles told us everything! Why you're didn't tell me that Kimbley had threatened you!"
"Ep. We're sorry." I apologized. In same time, Mei voice was heard, make Ed turn to her and Al.
"Me too…" but before she can finish, Ed already cut her and make a… weird scene just same as in manga The result? He's successful cause her scared, giving them a quite arguments later.
"Men…" Sora snorted while Abdul laughing hard. Beside me stand Clark and Saidi, who just arrive with Dr. Marcoh also Yoki.
"I see Mei have find her prince of charming." Saidi giggles quietly.
A loud thud come from Al's armor, a female voice is following from inside.
"Hey Al, I bumped my head."
"Ah, sorry, sorry." Al quickly opening his armor to reveals Winry.
"Al! Winry!" I called them in relieve.
"Sri! Oh my God. Thank goodness you're save!" she said as she stood and hugging me.
"Me too. Nice idea to hide inside Al's body." I give her a thumb. Winry give a victory grin.
"Sri, you're safe!" Al declared in great relief. "How did you manage to get here?"
"Do you forget my dimension tunnel?" Sora replied in proud. "Not hard to sneak from there once we know where we must go."
Al chuckled. "Oh right. I forgot."
Mei gasped and "Alphonse-sama, Sri, who is that woman?"
"Oh Mei, you can relax. This is our friend, Winry. Winry, introduce, this is Mei Chang, the girl who seemingly has a 'crush on' Al." I turn my voice the last part, so it's only Winry who can hear.
Winry is eyeing at Mei, to me, Mei and me at last. She's looks very excite for what I've told. "Really?"
"Yup. She's calling Al with Alphonse- sama, so I considered she's…" I mouthed 'in love with Al'.
Winry shows a pleasure smile if not grin to me. She's tried hard for holding a squeal. She has a same thinking with me. I turned at Sora, who is grinning full conspiracy and Abdul has a big grin which was covered by few coughs. Behind them, Saidi and Clark are covering their mouths, hiding their grins.
"Uh…why you're laughing at?" Al asked full of questions.
"Nothing. Just something we're will discuss later." I lied.
"The Elric Brothers?" Dr. Marcoh stated in almost disbelieve.
"Eh! Who's this old guy?"
"Edward, you don't recognize him? This was Dr. Marcoh you've been told us in Briggs." Saidi take the introduction.
Ed stare him full disbelieve then turn at Dr. Marcoh. "Eh…!"
Dr. Marcoh laughs at this and opening his hood. "I can't blame you for not realizing me."
Both of brothers are surprised. "Dr. Marcoh, it's really you!" Al said.
"What are you here!" Ed asked him.
"That's my line!"
"Aaah! The Elric Brothers!" this time Yoki pointed at them.
"Eh? Who's this old guy?" Ed glances at him with unrecognizing eyes. And narrowing his eyes as if he's never met Yoki.
A-hah. You can guess what happen next. Yoki's shouted in pitifully while the Elric Brothers not showing any sign they know him.
"Somehow, I feel pity for him. For the first time." Sora commented in flat tone.
The rest of us, except Me, Dr. Marcoh, and Winry, are booming laughter.
"That's what had happened." Abdul finished the story. We make a small circle. We let the others know what we've through while in here. We got our turn after Ed, Al, and Dr. Marcoh finished discussed.
"You manage to fight back Kimbley?" Ed raises his eyebrow in amazement.
"It's just lucky. I'm not that strong, Ed. If I'm not a human…" Abdul is tracking his right cheek with his fingers. "Probably I've become a meatball now."
"So it's true you're not a human." Mei commented. "Your ki are so different. Same with Sora and Clark. Same strong with them or even more. However, contradictive with homunculus, your ki are so close with nature. Almost like in harmonies. Sri and Saidi ki like human, but their flows far from normal. Their ki also full of harmonies."
Ed is staring wide at us. "She's discovered it by herself. Amazing isn't it?" Saidi stated. A hidden interest exists behind that calm voice.
"It's still a relief to us that you're safe and can escape from there." Al claimed before he's sighing. "To be honest, I'm very worry about you. I thought you might be capture by Kimbley."
"This isn't happened." Clark cut. "He's need one thousand years to catch us."
"You're brave, Abdul. You can give a resistance while I can't." Winry admired.
"Thank you. Perhaps I should more careful." Abdul was blushing.
Winry is looking at him question. Being sit near Abdul, Sora perceives it in chuckle. "He's not use for admire."
"Oohh…"
Not for long, I heard a loud booming sound from far. Seeing from everyone expressions, they must be heard it too. We quickly approach the windows.
"What's that sound?" Dr. Marcoh said as he's trying to see what happen outside the window.
"No idea." Ed replied.
The uneasy feeling is covering me. The sounds…it's coming from…
"…Hey, you said you're come here to search Scar, right?" Sora said.
"Yes, why?"
"And you said Northern army comes along." She added firmly.
"What's your point, Sora?" Dr. Marcoh asked carefully.
"Have ever thinking that they might find him right now?"
A tense silence goes down, covering us for moment.
"Winry, Marcoh, and you too," he indicated to us. His voice went serious. "Stay hidden. We'll go take a look."
"The Northern army is here looking for Scar. They might have made contact." Al stated.
Right when they ready to go, Sora holds Ed shoulder. "Wait. Let us come with you." She said.
"What!" yelled Ed. "Are you crazy! This is Scar we're talking! This has nothing to do with you!"
"It wasn't." she retorted. "Now it has. There's something I have to ask. And Scar probably knows the answer."
"About what?" Al sounded baffled.
"Considered it has connection on what homunculus planned, but in fact it's something different."
"Sora." Ed called her in hard tone. "What you have in your mind?"
"The homunculus plan…" Sora started. "Something seemed off and I have to find the reason why. Perhaps Scar has the answer I want. I must come to make sure."
"It's dangerous. Kimbley is out there. Your souls are very risk for now." Al claimed.
"Same situation goes to you. Don't see us as weak persons. We know what kinds of danger await in there." Saidi opened his mouth. "There's always a risk behind the action, deadly or not."
Ed put his hands on his hand, frustrated. He let out a low growl and snapped.
"Fine. But don't blame me. I had warning you."
"Huh. Who do you think we are? We're learning weapons and training not for play or just show off." Clark smirked.
Ed grumbled and took off from here.
"Sorry." Al apologized in low voice.
"No need. Let's follow him." I waved my hand, signaled for at easy.
"Sri is right. You don't need to apologize. Besides…" Saidi trailed off. "I'm also thinking same. There's thing we must ask. I hope Scar can help us find the answer."
"You guys, please be careful." Winry said.
"We will." I answered.
"How far!" Abdul ask between the runnings. We're running madly to the source of blast.
"A little more!" Ed replied. He's the most front from us.
"We must quick! I feel uneasy about this!" I shouted.
"Why!" Al asked.
"The sounds! It's near the building where we're must meet Major Miles after we're escape from Briggs! That's why I feel uneasy since then!"
"What!" Clark shouted.
I saw a building, where we make it as meeting point with Major Miles. I then sense it.
I look toward Sora and Clark, they're sense it too.
"It's them…" Saidi whispered confidence. I nod in silent. We entered the buildings through the abandoned floor and corridor. At very end, there's an exit door.
The closer we are, more strong the presences I can sense. I sense their cosmos; the two chimeras and Scar.
As we went through the exit, I had expected Scar right hand struck by Jelso's drool. The chimeras have showed their 'chimera' forms.
"Whoooah there." Ed began. "We got here with good timing again, huh?"
"I don't think so." Saidi pointed at Scar.
Zampan turned his head, facing us who just come. "Oh? The Elric Brothers?" he said. "Scar got captured. Lucky…" he trailed off as he catching our figures. "You! What are you doing here!" he's shouted. "And why you're with Elric Brothers?"
"Vacation." Sora replied in bored tone.
We sweat drop at her antics.
"Sora." I called her.
"That's not what I mean! How can you're manage to disappeared from us!"
"Guess." Sora dares them. Her eyes narrowed dagger. Her voice was full of darkness.
"You…!" before the hedgehog chimera finish his sentence; Ed and Al already attack him in face.
"GYAAAAA! IT'S A WEIRD THING!" I going sweat drops more when they're shouted this.
Clark scratching his back head. "Wow. That's was…" he shrugged. "Awesome?"
"I say that brutal." Saidi noted.
"Should we watching them?" I asked Sora.
She gives a short nod. "Let's watch for a while."
"You know Sora? Sometimes you can be cruel." Clark said this as we watching Al punched Zampano, again.
"Clark, I'm not being proud with your statement." She replied calm.
"When we must move then?" I asked.
"Depends on situation."
"I will say she does intend to watch the whole craziness of Ed and stupidity." Saidi shake because the laughter he must hold.
"I HEAR THAT, SAIDI!" The older Elric growled angry. He then attacks Jelso in high speed.
"He has sharp ears." Abdul commented in amuse.
"Nah, nah. No wonder he can catch word of 'dot dot dot' even from nine meters. If you know what I mean."
We grin wide. "I knew what you mean, friend." I responded. I aimed at 'dot dot dot', he means 'short'. In order to make Ed still focus we use that anonym. We don't want Ed chase as he's have opponents in front of his nose. A loud bang reaches our ears. Not far from us, Al has Jelso attached on his armor. Ed was behind them, already in kick position.
"What'd do you that for, Brother?" Al turned slightly. Jelso cried as the drool became ice on his skin.
"That's sneaky." I commented.
"This is Edward who's did it." Sora not surprised.
Suddenly, I feel the wind pressure change and I know what it means in same time, quickly I dodge few spines where my head was there few seconds ago. The spines now pierced in pole behind me.
I can see, even I' not turning my whole head, the spines pierced hard in the pole. It made craters a bit.
"…Wow." At least I've through worse than these…
"Sri!" Ed yelled as he's facing Zampano.
"I'm fine!" I quick reply. I am dusting my head from the dust.
"God! Sri, are you okay?" Clark takes a look at me.
"I've told you I'm fine." I'm waving my hand. "Good things mine reflect are very well."
From the corner my eyes Saidi narrowed his eyes. His face was change more serious and no emotion. He turned half his head at Sora. Awaiting.
"May I…?" Saidi asked permission.
"Your choice, Saidi. I'm not get you way." Sora responded. "But if I was you I will not let him get away after almost endangered my friends." She continued toneless.
Saidi smirked at her reply. "Then I must go."
He's moving his legs. An aware hit my head. Oh no…he's not going to use 'those', isn't he?
"Don't kill him." Clark warned him. He's expression painted by uneasy.
He's stop walking a second. "I'll not kill him. This is just a self defense after all." He's continue keep moving until he's a feet in front Ed. "Hey, you! Hedgedog!" he's half yelled. He's press the word of 'dog' in full intention.
"What!" Zampano responded angry.
Ed sweat dropped. "Hedgehog you mean."
"I know that, Edward." He answered flat. He's eyes fixed on Zampano. "It's been a while since we meet in Briggs, don't you think?"
"I know you." He's more careful and alarmed than before. "Fuhrer gave an order for search you and your friends. How can I never forget you?" he said dagger. 'Especially, when you're nowhere from normal humans. I feel it with this body. Who are you?"
Saidi smirked cold. "Guess."
In lightning speed he's gave Zampano a very hard kick, right in his stomach which throw him few meters from where he stood. Zampano fell into his knees, coughing hard as he's holding the kicked stomach. They who didn't know this were shocked, like Scar.
"Stand up." Saidi ordered. His voice shows no mercy. "I'm not finish yet."
Ed blinked in shocked. He's facing us immediately. "Why aren't you tell me that Saidi can fight!"
"Uh…figures?" Abdul said unsure.
"I have told you, you'll get a disorder information if we tell you all by once. So we'll tell you one by one. Yes, all of us can fight, even Saidi, the calm doctor." Sora said this in interest.
"He can?" Ed repeated.
"He can." I answered.
I look at Al, who just finish Jelso, he make him unconscious, and clean the frozen drool on his armor. "Go to sleep for a while." He stated.
"You brat!" Zampano voice brought me back to Saidi fight. "Don't hope you'll get away from this!" In end of his words, he's shoot his spines at Saidi.
"Saidi!" Ed and Al called from where they're stand now.
And then…everything goes like slow motion. Saidi let out a chuckle and next second his hand reached behind his jacket, pulling out something. That's when time move faster. He's fending off all spines aimed to him with same or even faster speed. Create a large scale smoke around him, blocking our views near him.
I coughed few times. And force myself to cover my nose.
"Saidi! Saidi!" Ed continues yelled. Fear painted his voice. "Dammit! Saidi!"
"Until when you'll keep shouting at me?" a calm voice hit the young alchemist as he's suddenly frozen in his place.
As the smoke gone, now I can see clearly what he's holding now. A gun. All black. At the base of barrel, you can read a purple letter written 'Nag'. Here and there the spines scattered. If you take a closer look, the bottom of the handle of a gun have few scratches.
Clark does whistle. "Hooo. It seems your blocking skill is still impressive as ever, Sai!"
I relieved. Saidi's does has an ability to block all attacks directed to him for once. He can do it not without any reason.
"Is this what you got?" He asked in cold tone. He straightened his body. He's walking slowly, step by step, full with elegance yet dangerous cosmo.
"You have a grave mistake. So grave indeed…" Saidi gave a dark and cold glare. A glare rivaling wolf in our world. "And I'm not appreaciate it."
As to prove his deadly threat, he grabs something behind his jacket, this time from opposite side. Pulling out an almost same gun however entirely different color. This gun is white, in same place, there's a dark grey letter written 'Dag'. It was a twin gun with contrasting colors. One is pure white while the other one is pure black. I can tell you from the type, no need to look at weapon dictionary; those are 'desert eagle' types. A very strong type for handgun.
"I'll show you…" Saidi snarled dangerous. He raises his twin big gun. They're sealed by thin chain around gun barrel.
"To not ever mess with 'Sweeper'!"
In blink of eye, he's shoot the chimera with all his power. The twin gun he's holding keep shooting and shooting. It's not have a brief second for stop. The entire shoots were aimed around the chimera in pro accuracy. The shoot sounds were loud, loud enough to make us covering our ears. The shoots followed by sounds of destroyed wall and poles. Dust flying everywhere as cement fragments fallen to floors. Once the gun shoots stopped, on all around Zampano exists many holes create by the twin gun. Perhaps he's feeling safe, so he's moved a little, ready for aimed his spines.
"Where you're shooting at?" Zampano said this, mocking.
Saidi face not change, instead he ignored his sarcastic comment. He put one gun on his mouth, before he's throwing the free hand to above, making a firm snap gesture.
"Ctik!"
Crattle…crattle…crak…crakk…
The sounds cracks suddenly hear from above the chimera. It's growing bigger at any moment then a sound of rumble was echoed. His eyes widen at realize something has gone wrong. When he looked up a big boulder fall, hit his head hard. It knocks him out fast. He's went limp for second before fall in loud thud. And none, except silence.
All eyes locked on Saidi, who's holding back the gun on his mouth, returning them both behind his jacket. "What do I think I aimed, huh? Well, since beginning, I'm aimed at fragments of stone that hang above your head. I've checked it while I was blocking you attack. Not deadly but the size is enough for knock you out. Moreover, the shoots I aimed at around you were no more than baits." He pointed at the ceiling, which I just realize it's has a hole with few iron frames hanging.
On those frames, there is a lot of fractions cement, few of it even like hanging on the frame. Not stick.
"Cool!" Al exclaimed. "You can block all the spines with your gun."
"It's nothing really. You're two more impressive than me." Saidi modest.
"You made us scared, idiot! Next time don't act so reckless!" Ed snapped. Figured he's doing it for hide his relief feeling.
"Dear, Ed. I've calculate these since I decide to jump in fight. In fact I should be the one who said that to you." Saidi was grinning in tease manner.
I caught a vein appeared in Ed's forehead. "Why you…"
At very right moment, Scar transmuted the drool, freeing himself.
"…So, the dogs of military have come after me again." He said straight. He's holding his hurt arm. I blinked at the blooded arm.
"Geh, he's revived." Ed muttered.
He's glance from his corner eyes to us. "I see you brought a company. Are they're alchemists?" he asked as he's ready for combat.
"No." The five of us answered in same time. "How could you think we're alchemists when it's very oblivious we're nothing to be compare like them? We're here to ask something." Sora added.
"It's useless, Sora. He'll not listen to you." Ed injected.
"….Something, you say? Like what?" surprisingly, he's responded with calm but high alarmed.
"Something…" she trailed off. "Like a passage to go home."
This make the Elric Brothers and Scar widened their eyes. Scar however, immediately set a battle position. "What do you mean?" he's said in now dagger eyes.
"…Do you ever even recognize the word of 'lost'?"
With that, Scar glared dangerous. "Looks like you're not humans…"
Ed sighed in long way. "Would you just get captured already?" he's more like stated than asked, prepare for fight.
"Come out into the open and receive you judgment, Scar." Al added.
"…I'll eliminate all who get in my way." He's cracking his destructive hand and the battle begins.
"Prone!" I yelled as I steeped in front my friends. I raise my own cosmo to create a barrier. I mentally send a thankful to Brother Mu for teaching me his barrier. I maybe have not as powerful psycho-power like him, but in time like this, it's shouldn't be matters if I try!
"Crystal Wall!" I am forming a transparent wall like, covering the five of us. At almost right moment, Scar uses his hand to transmute the floor. Of course we're surviving from his attack, but Ed and Al are different story. Ed and Al got throw because of it and fall into destroyed wooden and stones. Scar is running toward them, ready for attack.
"ED! AL!" I yelled.
"Oh my!" Clark shouted.
Sora about want helps them when her movements suddenly stop. She's frozen as she's gasp silently. She's turn to her far left and almost shouted.
"WINRY!" she's said aloud. I looked at same point and find Winry already in there, watching us from behind pole near exit. My hearts like stopped. I can't get it how can she's in there without me notice it? Next thing I know, Scar stopped in his track and the Elrics use this as advantage.
All of I see is they're tackle Scar then Al transmuted the floor so he can binding the scar face man.
Ed, fills in worry, then snapped at her. "You idiot! Why did you come?"
Winry is about to answer when we spotting major Miles and his subordinates come. He's placing his hand on Winry shoulder.
"Stay back." He's ordered. He's entered with two other peoples and Sergeant Knight.
I let go of Crystal Wall, lowering my cosmo to stable mode. "Major Miles! Sergeant Knight!"
"Hey there. Are you okay?" Sergeant Knight greeted me. Although his face is now show concern, a faint restless worry left in his eyes.
"All fine." I signal 'V' at him.
"Hello, Sri. I see you're made it." Major Miles smiled.
"Major, thank god you're arriving just in time." Abdul huffed.
"Major Miles." Ed is approaching him.
"Major Miles, are these?" the one of soldiers mentioned to the now unconscious chimeras.
Major nodded calmly. "Blue military uniforms…So they're the ones who come from Central."
"U-huh. They recognize us as non humans. What a nuisance." Clark grumbled.
"Winry, what are you doing here? Where're Mei and Dr. Marcoh?" Sora voice reached me as I look at my right. Sora was holding both Winry shoulders, worry. Oh right. How Winry can get here?
"Guys, wait for me a moment." I said to Abdul.
"Okay." Abdul replied. I'm moving my feet to their place until I arrive beside Sora.
Winry face forming a weak smile. "I left them in safe place. I think must see you, guys." She's sole a glance to our back. I knew what she's glance at. "Besides, there's thing I must done."
Sora stare go hard. "This is about Scar, right?"
Winry shocked then controlled her emotion. "…I wonder how you can discover this quick." She's give Sora a joke smile. "Are you has sixth sense?"
Sora eyes are twitching. "Do you have forgotten that we're all did learning cosmo? Don't tell me you're not listened to our explanation about cosmo and Saints in Briggs…"
Winry face went soft and shook her head. "Of course I'm."
"Winry, are you sure?" I asked in concern. "I mean, you don't have too. If I'm not wrong, your parents…" I trailed off.
"Thank you for worrying me, Sri. But…I have too." Determined face is facing me. To be honest, I quite take a back of her determine. Sometimes, I thought, her determine almost as bad as Ed. I can't blame it. All I can do is honored her will. This is why I admire her like I admire Sora. Her strength a lot inspire me. Minus her skill to hit Ed with her wrench of course. I smile understand at her then pull her into friendship hug.
"If this is what you want, then I will not hold you back. Sora and I will support you, as far as we can." I pulled back from her. "Though I'm more worry with Ed and Al reaction."
Winry is showing a little amusement. "Don't worry. They'll understand me in the end."
"If they don't?" Sora asked out of curiosity. "Are you going to hit them with your wrench?"
I resist the urge to laugh. Hey, this is not the right time.
"No, we're befriends since little. They know me very well as I know them. They will."
I sighed in slight defeat before I patted her head. "Good luck."
Sora gives her a thumb up, a support smirk plastered in her face. Winry exchange look at both of us. Finally, Winry nodded firmly. She then approaches where Scar is restrained.
I feel my shoulder was hold by Sora. She's squishing it. "Winry's stronger than we thought. She can do this."
I close my eyes. "…Let's get Abdul and the others. I want to if they have any injuries."
Saidi check our conditions. It was my turn to check. Sergeant Knight was watching us, or me and Saidi for exactly. He's keeping us from the tie up chimeras and Scar. Order from Major Miles he claimed. While Saidi's search any injury, I glance to where Winry stand. She's stand near Ed and Al after she's gave a help to Scar. Hurt stab my heart as I see her face. 'Be kind because everyone you meet is facing a greater struggle'. Plato quotes, and also the first quotes I ever learn from Bapak. It was eleven years ago. He's bought me a quotes book as my birthday present. That quotes written in first page. It's write in foreign language, so Bapak read it for me. Over and over again whenever I ask him. Not long, it became his motto. He's treasure it until his death. That's why I also treasure it. I take care every single thing Bapak once own. I treat them carefully. The book is stored in my home. Still in same condition from the first time Bapak bought it for me.
"No bad or slight injury. You're fine." Saidi voice brings me back to reality. "None of you have an injury. But keep this as warning, keep your conditions stable. Especially you two Clark, Abdul."
"I know." grunted Clark. "I hate the negative aura their giving below us."
"Do you still keep 'Neutral Stone'?" Sora interrogated.
"Aye aye, Captain." He's pull out a necklace with stone. It's colored black with green strands. "This was helping me a lot. I think in two or three days from now, I don't need it anymore."
"Good news to hear." Sora huffed relieved.
"Abdul, I don't need for tell you again. Knowing your strength as Fangire, I will not doubt your skill for adapt. However, since you're live in not snowing area at first place, don't force yourself."
"Alright. I'll keep it in my mind, Sai." Abdul replied.
"Saidi is right. It's not good to force yourself." Sergeant Knight added. "Furthermore, the weather becomes weird since we're here. Seems the storm will come. The temperature will go down for sure. Sometimes it'll affect your body temperature. Keep stay with your friends so they can help you if you tired."
Abdul smiled thankfully. "Thank you very much. I'll do it."
"You too, Sri. Don't force yourself. You'll safer with your friends. Understand?" his blue eyes fixed on me.
I nod slowly. "Understand."
"…Guys, Major Miles wants to talk with us." Sora stated.
I put my jacket on my body again as my friends also wears them. Clark even wears his sweater. We're gathered around the others after finished. Major Miles face has tension.
"Miss, hurry and get away from here. We can't let you be captured by Kimbley again. You five too. It's very risk stay in here. Kimbley still has his men. If you're caught by them, it'll be the death of you. Not mention the Fuhrer's searching you."
At the time, Dr. Marcoh, Mei, and Yoki exit from their hide place. "P-Please wait! Please don't take that man away."
"Dr. Marcoh." Saidi called him.
"You know them?" Sergeant Knight asked in curious.
"We meet them after we're arrived in this town." I said.
"How?" Major Miles asked. More like an order.
"It's very long story." Sora said this as he's turned to Ed and Al. "For time sake however, let me get this straight."
Sora then told all she knows with we or sometimes Mei added in here and there. After we finished it, the Ishbalan descendant face grows more serious.
"Let's wrap things up here. They can't know about Marcoh being here. If we're going to decipher this research, Scar can't stay here. Also, we must help Miss Rockbell escape her situation as hostage and get these foreigners group away from them. We can't have them find about our alliance with The Elric Brothers, and finally, I've been ordered to take the rentanjutsu girl back to the fort."
Next second Mei has already hiding behind Al, looking at Major timidly.
"Can you please not talk like that, Major? You scared her." I protested. "She's still a little girl despise her skills."
"…I'm sorry. I don't mean."
I grimaced. "Let her stay with Al and us. We need her to break the research. It's only her who knows rentanjutsu very well between us. Please let Mei help Dr. Marcoh and Scar. Her assistance will be a great support for us. If you not mind."
In same time, Mei looking at me, full of thanks. I returned it in welcome grin.
"Are you needed her so much?"
"Yes."
He's staring deep into my eyes. He's sighing soft. "Very well. I'll let her. Yet keep your words."
"I'll."
I hear a groan from the place where Zampano and Jelso tie up.
Major Miles also notice this as well. "Huh…forgot about those guys. We have no need for them. Kill them both."
I can't help but gasped. Winry shocked as Al surely try to prevent it.
"No, you don't have to kill them!"Al stopped them.
"This is bad…" whispered Clark.
"Stay calm, Clark. This…" Saidi paused a moment. "I will not say this is easy. We not get in this. Don't interfere him. It was his duty for realize them, not us."
"What if…" Said cut him quick.
"Clark, calm. We have nothing to do with this. We have no role, deal?"
Clark twitched. "Excuse me, but don't you attack Zampano a while ago?"
"Self defense. He's almost hurt Sri. I have explained for you. I'll not ever let whoever hurt us are get away." Saidi retorted.
"Shhh!" I must put my finger on front my mouth. Motioned them for silent. Fortunately they do understood and quiet.
Sora groaned. "You guys, if you have a moment, will you come here a moment?" Sora said behind us. "We're already had the idea what will happen next. There's I need to talk, come this way. It'll not long I promise."
This caught our attention. I throw a glance at the others, they're too focus at Al and the chimeras. Except Sergeant Knight. He's looking innocently. "Sergeant, will you wait here a moment?"
"Sure. I'll. Please don't long." He answered.
"Okay."
We're taken a little distance from them before we begin our conversation.
"What's up?" Clark asked.
"Just some guess I want to investigate. It's…quite disturb me." Sora began.
"What is it?" Abdul asked out of blue.
"This is about Sergeant Knight." She paused to see our reaction. "Do you sense anything weird around him?"
My heartbeat stopped a while. Saidi, Abdul and Clark otherwise were confused.
"No, why?" Abdul forehead wrinkles.
Sora was silence. "Maybe it's my feeling. Nothing big. It's his…cosmo. He's slightly looked like normal man." Sora trailed off. "I was guessed he's a normal soldier until I feel 'Beings' cosmo from him, not long ago."
"When?" Saidi asked this time.
"Before we departed from Fort Briggs. For slight second then nothing. Somehow, I feel I recognizing this cosmo."
Abdul frowned. "Are you sure? Because if he is, I will sense his cosmo from beginning."
"Me too." Clark commented, following by Saidi's nod. I decide to copy Saidi, despise the feeling I sense toward Sergeant.
Sora scratched her head. "Perhaps." Sora is pretty unsure but decides to ignore it.
"Let's go back before they suspicious us. We can discuss this later." Saidi suggested.
We're agreed with him. The wind blows harder, and I know what it means. Through the broken windows, I can see dark clouds swirling, closing the bright blue sky with gloom grey. This can be one meaning.
"The storm is coming." I warned my friends. Tension now covering their faces. Abdul groaned inaudible. Of course this becomes a big problem for him. He never face snow storm, seeing how long he's life between desert and tropical islands. Well, because his original home in Egypt he must go there every Idul Fitri, he's stay there since born until age seven then moved to Indonesia. He never goes to foreign country except searching music schools in German, which he's does it almost three months ago.
"Why in time like this?" Abdul said.
"It's not only you. I'm also never facing it. Sri too." Saidi referred at snow storm. "So let's say I'm very worry about this too."
"Aren't we going through the tunnels?" I asked half whispered.
"We are. Also there's a weak point for the three of us. We must go through abandoned buildings before enter the tunnels. Are you sure the storm will not go down first before we arrive in there? How we can get there without being notice by Kimbley? We can't use dimension tunnel either, Pride will watching us."
Oh oh oh, now I can see the point. There's thing I don't get. Just this one.
"I don't think these tunnels connect with the one they made, Sai."
"If it wasn't. If it was?" Saidi replied in hushed tone. "Don't tell me you're forgotten that one of these tunnels eventually connects with transmutation circle Sloth made. Kimbley will find it and facing Pride."
"…Right. I can I forget? Then we'll be…"
"Yes, we'll be screwed."
"Is there's nothing we can do for covering our steps?" Abdul forehead wrinkles.
"Then we better leave quickly." Sora made her way to Major Miles. We came back when Al had finished his talk with Zampano and Jelso.
Sergeant Knight is approaching me and Abdul. "Is everything alright?"
"Possibly." Clark anwered before Abdul could open his mouth. "We worry about these three. Saidi, Sri, or Abdul has none experience for facing a snow storm. This really troubles us."
"I see." Sergeant Knight gets the point. "You must tell this to Major fast."
"We are doing it." Saidi stated firm.
"Major Miles, we must get out from here." Sora stated as she's stood beside him. "The storm will come soon. We'll get trapped inside this town if we don't. Moreover Kimbley can come any time. Please make a decision."
"We aren't sufficiently equipped to march in heavy snow." He's stated. "Damn, if only there's a way out."
"…I thought this was a mining town. Why don't you use the tunnels?" Yoki suggested in bored face.
He got stares from both Elrics. He's took a step back. "W-What! Actually a huge town like this probably has tunnels through the surrounding mountains."
"That's it!" Ed and Al shouted.
"Get the map." Major Miles ordered.
I grin at Abdul. "Very glad?"
"Very." Abdul is not hiding his relief. "You have no idea how terrible the snow storm. I've been watched it in TV. It's terrifying me."
"Snow storm can be very dangerous indeed. With the tunnels existed, I think this will be a great help for you." Sergeant Knight was smiling.
"You never had been in snow storm?" Winry asked incredulous.
"Too bad, we are." Saidi patting his back head. "We stay in tropical country where it's only rainy season and dry season. Between us, Sora and Clark are the ones who familiar with this kind of storm."
"I see."
"Wait, if you not familiar with snow area, how the hell will you escape?" Ed asked since he's hear us.
"Perhaps we'll follow Dr. Marcoh and Mei trough the tunnels." Abdul said.
"…..with Miss Rockbell and the Elrics." Dr. Marcoh voice caught my attention as I turned to his figure.
"Right. There're these kids too." Major Miles noted.
"Yeah, what should we do?" Ed said.
On the other hand Winry has a look of thoughtful. "This is…kind of hard for me to say…" she began. "But what if he's see Scar taking me as a hostage. Wouldn't it work?"
"Great idea! We can use it to trick Kimbley." Sora stated.
This soon makes the Elrics and Winry have a pro and contra discussions.
"…Are you not going to mediate them, guys?" Abdul said.
"What for? They'll stop by themselves." Sora claimed.
As if correct Sora statement, they stopped at Winry words about her involved now and stop trying handle everything by themselves.
Major tell them to make their mind as soon. "The blizzard is getting worse. We'll be trapped in this building if we wait longer. This not also matter for Miss Rockbell but also with them." He pointed at us.
Both of them glance on our ways, I see the confronts inside their eyes between yes or no. At this rate I feel sympathy for them.
"Ed…Al…" I call them with concern.
They then look at Winry, Ed was seeing her more longer.
"Kimbley's squad will coming! Please make your decision! Hurry!" yelled the older soldier with beard as the wind blows.
" 'There are the times when one must abandon feeling in favor of reason'? Is this what you meant!" Ed is holding his anger. "FUCK! DAMN IT ALL!" he shouted.
He's soon facing Scar. "Scar! You try anything funny and…!"
"I know. I'll keep my word." He replied in deep serious. Ed then releases him at once.
"W-Wait! If you're gonna retreat, take us too!" Jelso said.
"Y-yeah!" Zampano agreed.
"You two are too dangerous!" said the older soldier.
"Don't do it." Abdul exclaimed as he's holding his shoulder. "It's okay. We'll take them with us. They can trust. Al can guarantee it for you."
"What!"
"Are you forgetting we're similar in different way? They might dangerous; still we'll need their help for sure."
"Why would you say that?"
Abdul grinning amuse as he's nodding to Sora. Sora returned it and step beside him. "We're 'Beings', dear friend. I'm Ilmorian, while he's a Fangire."
When she's finishing her words, Abdul was showing his stained glass marks from both his cheeks. His green eyes change to yellow one. Everyone staring disbelieve at him. Sora chuckles.
Now everyone attention fixed on Abdul face. Their comments?
"Wow!" Sergeant Knight awed. "That was cool!"
Major Miles is staring at him in wide eyes.
Others were gasps silently or surprised.
"Abdul? Is that you?" Winry approached him. She looks more careful at him.
"Yes, it's me Winry." he's stated. "This is the reason why we can't tell you all right away. I had worry you might be scared with this form." Abdul claimed in nervous tone. "I guess this is pretty disgusting, don't you think?"
"Disgusting?" Winry repeated. "This is even can't be called as 'disgusting'! It's awesome." She takes a looks of his stained glass closer. "I never see anything like this. It's beautiful." She then stares at bright yellow. "And you said this disgusting?"
"Because, what kind of human can have stained glass on his or her cheeks and can sucking life force?"
"Life force?"
"My original is Fangire, sometimes called as life force sucker. In order to survive we must take other living creatures life forces. It's been long time ago however, we can't do that anymore. We've made a treaty which writes we'll never suck other living creatures' life force. Our king is nice now. We're living peacefully along other 'Beings'."
"Oh."
"Surprise?" Abdul asked softly.
"I am." she nodded. "We are actually. It's far from what I thought. It's awesome."
"Far?"
"Yeah." she then blushes a little, avoid Abdul stare. "I thought your form like chimera."
He laughs quiet. "Well, understanding since we never show our true forms in front you all."
"Are your cheeks going have marks every time you show you true form?" Al asked in curiosity.
"It is not my true form. Let's say from 100 % this is only 20 %."
"Twenty? That's little." Ed stated.
"I can't show my true form in front of peoples. They will scared and think they get an attack from chimera."
"Oh. Well, it's make sense then."
"How?" Zampano can't find the words.
"This is how we are. We're not humans since beginning. Except me and Saidi who are human." I cut the rope with my clasp knife I stored in jeans pocket. "Thus we're far from normal."
"No way." Jelso stated as I get the rope from them.
"Believe what you want. But here we are."
Dr. Marcoh took a step closer. "If you try to hinder our progress, you could very well bring down this whole country. Everyone, including your loved ones, would be affected."
As I can predict the next thing, I turned at Abdul who was back to normal form. His eyes back to normal shape. Sora keep stand beside him. Saidi stay beside me as Clark being stand in front of Abdul. He has a gleam in his eyes.
"Ready for the escapade?" Clark give a big conspiraly grin.
We're all returned him with equal grins. "We're always, always ready for these."
Ed and Al are facing us. "Good luck, everyone." Al said.
"You too, Al, Ed. Don't die earlier than us." Clark returned.
"Who do you think I am? I'm called Fullmetal Alchemist for no reason." Ed retorted. He's slight annoyed.
"Of course we know who you are." Sora noted. She blink at me.
"That's the main reason why we'll not say goodbye. So…" I wave my right hand at Sora words.
"See you again, guys."
The Elric Brothers held smirks.
"You too." Ed replied.
"I must give them two thumbs up for their acting." Clark muttered in deep thought while he's helping me covering our footsteps in snow. "If we're in Hollywood, do you think Stephen Spielberg will propose Winry and Scar as actress and actor?"
"Please don't make a weird joke, moreover in this situation." I sighed at his antics.
"Can you please more focus a little, Lark? I have a bit difficult in here..." Saidi claimed as he's covering the footsteps with some snows he's borrowing.
"I'll help." I responded.
We were tried for covering our footsteps as much as we can. We've escape half an hour ago. Everything goes according to our plan. One problem only. There're too many peoples in our group. Which means the footsteps will become more obvious, even we're doing it by going through one building to other building. Someone must cover the footsteps. Saidi, me, and Clark volunteered for this.
"Oh come on, Sri. I hate being tension." Clark was covering the other footsteps with a stick of twig he's found earlier.
"Right. If Sora here and hear you, you'll be dead." I finished covering the footsteps. "There. Have you finished?"
"Oki doki." Clark gave his thumb up.
"Same here." Saidi nodded.
"Come on. Everyone is waiting us." We start running to where everybody goes. Five meters from us, Sergeant Knight waiting in alarm position. He's stand soon as he sees us. He's volunteered himself to show where the tunnels exist. He said he'll guide us until there. He's very help us this far. When the three of us decide to covering the footsteps, he does decide to stay, watching us while he's ordered the others to go and continue. "You have done?"
Clark once again gives his thumbs.
"Alright. Come this way, go." We running as he's follow us from behind.
As I keep running I thinking Sora words. She's said she's sense 'Beings' cosmo from him. This confirm my first guess, I wasn't imagine or hallucinate. Sergeant Knight is not a human. He's at least not normal human. If this true, then who is he? He's looking like a common man to us. If he's a 'Beings' then, he's very skillful for hide his own cosmo and camouflage it. Virgo Shaka can prove this while he's human. The said Man who close with God reach eighth sense as highest sense, hiding his own cosmo, and was said the reincarnation of Budha. Somehow, I have a feeling that Sergeant Knight is Hyperion. Sora had claimed she's feel familiar with the cosmo. But the other guess struck me. I have asked Major Miles how long the sergeant has been work in Briggs. It's make me baffled because the man's work for one year. Before he's moved to Briggs, Major said he was stationed at West for two years. That will make three years while Hyperion has disappeared only for one year. Was I'm wrong? This is getting weirder and complex.
At the exit, finally I saw everyone, including the chimeras, Scar, and Winry are waiting. Behind them a tunnel about size 2,5 x 2 meters was stood.
"Here they are!" Jelso announced.
"Sri! Saidi, Clark! You made it." Winry said.
"So have you two, Winry, Scar." I replied. "Covering footsteps is quite fun actually, if you're not in this kind of situation."
Clark groaned. "Give me a moment. I'm never ever going to do this kind of job again."
Saidi smirk while Sergeant Knight resists the urge for laugh. Winry smile as Scar expression not change at all.
"There you are." Sora exclaimed. "How about the job? Is it fun?"
"I find it fun, Clark said different."
"Don't start this." He's begged.
Sora grinned meaningful. "We get the others, shall we?" We're walking in hurry.
"Everyone, quick! This way!" Yoki yelled as he's pointed to inside tunnel. He's holding a oil lamp on his hand.
We immediately approached the rest of group.
"Is this tunnel you're talking?" Saidi's pointed.
"Yes this is it." Yoki stated. "Are you ready? Follow the tunnels where you can feel the wind…" I not hear the next sentence Yoki talking as I turning my body, facing Sergeant Knight.
We are staring in weird silence. I force the smile. More like a nervous smile than gratitude.
"See you, Sergeant Knight." I greeted him. "I hope we didn't go in this way."
"You have no choice. If I were you I'll do the same thing." He chuckled lightly.
"Sri, let's entered the tunnels!" Abdul yelled, I see from the corner my eyes, Yoki, Zampano, Jelso, Dr. Marcoh, and Mei already gone inside the tunnel. Winry, Scar, and Sora about to enter, while Saidi, Clark, and Abdul waiting me.
"I'll catch you, don't worry!" I yelled back. I'm back at his figure. "Thank you for all your help in Briggs. If we have another time, will you teach me for use bow again?"
"I'll, Sri. Besides, I'll follow Captain go for Central. I'm sure we'll meet again."
"Captain as Captain Buccaneer? It's cool. Will you accompany us?"
"I don't know." He shrugged. "Wish it'll happen though."
I encourage him. "You'll survive. A guy like you can't die in here."
"Thank you." He said. I notice his face became serene. I tilted my head, curious. "Sergeant?"
To my shock, he circling his arms around me and hugging me close to him. I hear his breaths barely in my ears. He's grip gentle. Wonder how he can make it, while I'm sure he's pretty strong, seeing from his structure body. Something bothered me. I think there's an event like this in past. Someone, a man, not Bapak, was hugging me so gentle. The difference is, it was in night. And the man said…
"See you." He half whispered to my ears. "My beautiful candle."
The whole world suddenly stopped. I feel my own heartbeats. I am feeling a déjà vu. Is he just said…'my beautiful candle'? No one ever called me that name, except….. A flash of face came across in my mind. A face I could never forget.
Masya Allah, I whispered in my mind. It couldn't be, could it? I quickly released my hug to him.
I am staring deep into his blue azure eyes. He's back stare to me with strange yet very nice emotion, mixed in worry and concerned. That sudden burst cosmo around him… I knew that cosmo. And I finally realize it. The reason why I feel like knew him. His stare, his voice, and his cosmo were exact same with him. Suddenly the world like stopped around us. No way. My mind is whirling. I knew this feeling. I recognized this feeling. Those stare, that voice. His cosmo. But it can't be…
He's disappeared from my eyes and never came back since then. Their faces are also different. But those eyes. Those eyes which staring at me with softness and warm I very know …Could it be?
"…Hyperion?"
He doesn't say anything. He's just smile and…
"Go, your friends waiting for you." He pushes me to go.
"But…wait…" I tried to protest before he put one finger on my lips.
"We can't talk in here. Not yet." He back whispered. His voice soft yet full of urgent. "As I say, we'll meet again in Central, so don't worry. Both you and me will be alright. I'll come back for you. This is a promise and I can guarantee it." He then pushes me for the last time, right in front of the tunnel, the others eyeing me in worry and demand to go as fast as we can. I stare back to him.
"Hyperion, is that really you?" I asked in hopeful.
Just like before, he doesn't say anything. He's reply me in understanding and soft smile.
"Go, Sri. For your own safety." He formed a sentence with familiar soft voice.
I held my breath. It's really him. It's really him. I have met him now. In same time, I must separate from him, again. I want to talk longer, to demand, to ask. If situation isn't go like this. Time keep going, Kimbley is after us and Winry. Envy soon will follow. In the end, I must go. I bit my lips. Why? Why we meet and separate like this? Is there's no other ways?
"Sri." I snapped from my thoughts, a big yet warm hand touched my left cheek. A pair of blue eyes is staring deep into my eyes. At the moment, the eyes change color into red rose then back to blue. He's finally forming a sentence I very know too well.
"May the wind of Aeolus always with you."
I startled. Maybe near surprise. It's the word, the one sentence he said before he's vanished from the land of Sanctuary. A final sentence and final bless.
So he remembers it, as well as I remember it…..
Slowly, my lips form a small smile, I touching his hand and separate it from my face. I hold it reassure.
"You better true, or I'll lecture you all month!" I gritted my teeth to fight back an urge for cry.
He laughing and kissing my forehead. "I still keeping my promise, you know?"
He let go his hand from me. I started to walking, fast reaching the waiting Abdul, Clark, and Saidi. We finally enter the tunnel, ready for the escape.
"What took you long?" Clark asked.
"I'm sorry. It's a…deep goodbye."
"Guys, cut. We must catch the others." Abdul told us.
"Yeah. We must fast before Kimbley here." Saidi added.
"Right." Both of us replied then running fast. Catching the others who gone earlier.
We're entering deeper the tunnel, not turning back.
And completely inside the darkness, accompany by instinct and feeling.
I'll not cry. I believe I'll meet him again. I have to be patience a little longer.
He's honest. He has promise to me. I trust his words and his bless.
I whispered in my mind.
"May the wind of Aeolus always with you too, Hyperion."
Next in Cerita Kami/Our Story…
Winry is hugging me. I'm letting out a gasp. She doesn't notice it. She is holding me as she patting my back. I can feel Mei and Sora did the same around me.
"It's okay." Winry whispered sympathetically. "I know you miss him. It's okay. He has told you that he'll come back, isn't he?"
I try hard to smile. "I know it, Winry. I know." I'm feeling my voice shaking. "He'll not lie to me. He'll not lie to me, because he's Ebony Hyperion, the once 'Sun God', and the man whom I very love."
"Do you believe if we told you that we're not alone in this universe? That beside this world, there're exist many worlds, scattering between galaxies and the sea of the stars?"Abdul asked careful to them.
"What this has connected to you?" Dr. Marco asked back.
"It's simple. We are not occupants from this world."I answered calmly, as everyone mostly surprised.
Clark was chuckling nervously as every pairs eyes staring right into his figure. The chimeras, Scar, even the-now-shrimp- Envy are not taking their now bulging eyes to his ears.
"I guess my disguise is uncovered….." he stated in low voice.
"That pointing ears…no way."Winry said. Almost disbelieve.
"You're a….Elf?"
Footnote:
1. Go there. Pick them and we start our fun together.
2. Caught, deh.
3. I swear, they really make me cranky…
4. Hello, this is Kimbley, so loh. In sarcastic way.
That was….the longest chapter I've ever done. Again, I'm sorry to take this soooo long. I hope this will repay your patience. This chapter is freaking long, so I suppose make the next chapter shorter than this. If you curious about Hyperion, you can check him in Google or Wikipedia. He's appeared in Saint Seiya Episode G as villain, but he's himself not completely a bad guy. In fact he's actually a quite good person. His name as Titan is Ebony Hyperion. He's has a black armor which called Soma, appeared like great sword if he doesn't wear it. According to myth, he was the first 'Sun God' before he's replaced by Apollo. Besides once being 'Sun God', he's also control wind as his main power. When I check his picture ( the one from SS Episode G), I can't help but thinking 'Oh, wow. This guy is totally a badass handsome.' XDDDD. In Saint Seiya he appeared doesn't have any couple. He's supposed to has a wife named Theia, but in this manga his relationship with her except siblings ( Titans were siblings each other in myth, since they're children from Gaia and Uranus) was unknown. Because I like his character and thinking it's too bad he's doesn't has girlfriend, so I decide to let him alive in this fanfic (In near end of manga, he was died, defeated by Leo Aiolia, who finally see him as friend, as same as Hyperion considered him as friend) make Sri as his girlfriend. What about your opinion?