Chapter 2 – Kidnapping
The train station in Resembool wasn't exactly crowded, but there was still a surplus of travelers on a Sunday afternoon. Elmina scanned the faces of the passengers disembarking the recently arrived train. She and Adele stood at the back of the platform. The blonde had grown quiet, standing quite close to her dark haired friend as she fidgeted nervously with the hem of her shirt. Elmina sighed softly, glancing at the girl from the corner of her eye. Adele had always been rather shy and retiring when she was younger, but everyone had assumed she would end up growing out of it. Unfortunately she hadn't. Her seemingly irrational anxiety had only gotten worse with age. Even small crowds made her uncomfortable.
Elmina's gaze returned to the stream of people exiting the train. A moment later she spotted the small, curly haired woman she recognized as her mother stepping down onto the platform. A purse was slung over her shoulder, but she didn't appear to be carrying any other baggage. Elmina frowned. Her mom had been planning to stay for at least several days, so surely she should have brought at least something in the way of luggage... Then she noticed the tall, dark haired man following after her with a suitcase in each hand. She let out a gasp of surprise. Was it really him? Well… who else could it be? It had been over two years since she'd last seen him but he appeared almost exactly as she remembered him.
"Uncle Wrath!" She called, darting forward across the platform towards them. The dark haired man turned to stare at her blankly, but a moment later his blue eyes lit with recognition. He set down the luggage swiftly as she reached them and moved blindingly quickly towards her. The next thing she knew she'd been spun around and placed in a firm arm lock.
"I'm not sparring with you," Wrath's voice was stern. Elmina tilted her head back to grin at him, unfazed by his serious expression.
"You don't think I'd attack you in the middle of the train station, do you?" her tone was teasing. He raised a skeptical eyebrow.
"You've done it before," he pointed out. She blinked in surprise before sheepishness crept into her expression. He had a point there… He released her a moment later and turned her back around to face him, giving her a critical once over. "You still haven't cut that mop of hair off yet? That could get you killed in a fight you know," he pointed out skeptically. Elmina snorted.
"You're one to talk," she retorted. He raised an eyebrow.
"Yes, but mine is pulled back out of the way," he pointed out. Elmina shrugged.
"Whatever. My dad has survived for years with hair as long as mine and he never pulls it back," she replied.
"Your father is an idiot," Wrath stated bluntly, "He probably still thinks he's immortal,"
"Immortal?" Elmina gave him an odd look. Wrath shook his head.
"Never mind," he muttered, then swiftly changed the subject, "I can't believe how much you've grown," he sounded incredulous. Elmina's grey eyes narrowed.
"That's what happens when you disappear for two years!" she retorted reproachfully. He grimaced slightly before his gaze moved past her and he raised his eyebrows in surprise.
"Adele?" he asked. The blonde had followed her dark haired friend and quietly greeted Elsie while Elmina and Wrath had had their exchange. The older woman's arm was draped across the girl's shoulders reassuringly. Adele gave the tall man a shy smile.
"Our little girls grew up into young ladies while you were away," Elsie commented with a knowing smile.
"No kidding," Wrath muttered, somewhat taken aback.
"Oh, hi Mom," Elmina greeted her almost as an afterthought, a sheepish smile on her face.
"It's nice to see you too," Elsie's tone was dry. Elmina darted over to slip under her mother's free arm, planting a swift kiss on her cheek.
"I missed you," she told her apologetically. The older woman smiled.
"And I missed you," she replied fondly, "Both of you," she added, glancing at the blonde under her other arm.
"How have you been feeling?" Adele asked anxiously, glancing at the slight bump over the older woman's stomach.
"I'm just fine. Don't you worry about me," the dark haired woman reassured her. Wrath frowned.
"What does she mean?" he asked. Elsie glanced at him with raised eyebrows.
"Oh, that's right. I suppose you wouldn't know. I'm pregnant," she informed him. His eyes widened.
"….Seriously?" it was the only response he could come up with. At this Elsie raised an eyebrow.
"What, did you think I'd just gotten fat since the last time you saw me?" she demanded. Wrath flushed quite noticeably.
"W-well… no, it's just….it's been so long… and I never expected—" His stammered response was cut off as Elsie began to chuckle.
"Relax. I'm teasing you," she smirked, "We were pretty startled as well. We're still wrapping our heads around the idea."
"No kidding…I guess you two will have your hands full in a few months," Wrath replied, though a concerned frown had found its way onto his face.
"Well, the baby isn't due until next year, so we have plenty of time to prepare," Elsie reassured him, not quite sure what was causing him to worry, "Why? Is there something wrong?"
"Well…no. There are just some things I need to talk to you and Envy about later," Wrath replied evasively. Elsie frowned.
"Is this about why you disappeared for two years?" she asked.
"We'll talk about it later," he replied, tone indicating he wanted to drop the subject.
"Well…alright," Elsie agreed reluctantly.
"So what's Uncle Wrath doing here? And why won't dad and Uncle Ed let us go to Central?" Elmina demanded. Elsie sighed, glancing at her daughter.
"Why don't we head back to the Elric residence before we discuss that? It's complicated," she replied. Elmina regarded her flatly for a moment, but nodded. Now that her mother was here she was guaranteed some answers one way or another. She just had to be patient for a little while longer. Wrath picked up the suitcases which he'd set aside and the four of them began making their way past the groups of people on the platform. They were soon out of the train station and headed back down the road towards the automail shop.
The walk back passed swiftly with the two girls answering Elsie's questions about business at the shop and various bits of local gossip. The older woman was able to effectively dodge any questions the girls wanted to press her about regarding Al and their fathers, and both of them knew better than to try to get anything out of Wrath which he wasn't volunteering to share. By the time they'd arrived at the shop both girls had given up attempting to pry information out of them. For the time being anyway…
To the surprise of both Elmina and Adele their four person party was met at the door of the house by Winry herself. Neither of them had seen much of the older mechanic over the last week. There had been an unexpected surge in business lately; meaning neither Winry nor her son had had much time for anything outside of their jobs except eating and grabbing a couple hours of sleep here and there. With Ed and Al's unexpected absence there hadn't been anyone to take care of housework or other menial chores such as ordering supplies for the shop. Elmina and Adele had pitched in to help with the most critical things such as groceries and dishwashing, but much had fallen by the wayside. It was precisely for this reason that Elsie had made the decision to come and stay with them until Ed and Al returned.
Winry's smile was strained as she greeted them, although surprise flitted across her features upon spotting the tall, dark haired man accompanying them.
"Wrath! Where on earth have you been?" she demanded, sounding slightly flabbergasted. Wrath let out a resigned sigh.
"It's a long story," he replied vaguely. Winry fixed him with a look that promised a lecture later.
"Well I'm sure you'll have time to explain it while you're here," she replied flatly. Her gaze moved to Elsie and her expression wavered, the stress of the last week making its way to the forefront.
"Oh Winry," Elsie's tone was concerned as she stepped forward and enveloped her friend in a hug. The blond woman returned it gratefully.
"I'm glad you're here," the mechanic sounded slightly hoarse. She looked exhausted. Her face was unusually pale, with prominent dark circles beneath her tired eyes and an overall tension radiating from her expression. Several strands of blond hair had slipped out of the handkerchief she usually wore over her golden locks, falling about her face in a slightly dishevelled manner. There was grease streaking her arms, smudged across her cheek, and staining her work clothes. Elsie pulled back, shaking her head disapprovingly.
"I swear Winry, when Ed isn't around to keep you in check you wind up trying to work yourself to death," her tone was slightly accusing.
"There's just so much to get done," the blond woman's tone was despairing, "And I'm worried about Al. Do you think it's possible that…?" she trailed off, worry evident in her gaze.
"We'll discuss that later," Elsie replied firmly, "Right now you need a bath, a hot meal, and some sleep."
"I don't have time–" Winry began to protest by was cut off.
"Winry," the dark haired woman's voice left no room for argument, "You won't be doing anyone any favours by working until you collapse. It's not unheard of for automail shops to fall behind on their orders every now and then. Worst case scenario you could refund a few of the rush orders," Winry grimaced at this comment but Elsie continued, "I'll see what we can do to help AJ out while you rest, and then when you've had a chance to recover you can switch with him for a bit. I'm sure he could use a break as much as you," she pointed out. The mechanic wilted under her friend's unyielding gaze.
"Well…alright," her tone was resigned. She stepped aside to allow her guests into the house. "Do you want me to put on tea or something?" she offered distractedly, turning to head into the next room. Elsie grasped her friend's shoulders, halting her progression towards the kitchen and turning her instead to face down the hall.
"Bath first. I can take care of everything else," she told her patiently. Winry sighed, but shuffled off down the hall obediently, too exhausted to protest further. Elsie watched her disappear into the bathroom before turning to face her three companions.
"Alright, if you girls could give me a hand in the kitchen that would be wonderful," the two girls nodded and headed off into the next room as the dark haired woman turned her gaze on Wrath questioningly.
"I'll leave your suitcase in the spare room you usually use. Someone should look after Al's house while he's gone, so I'll stay there while I'm here. I'll be back once I drop off my stuff there and check over the place," he explained. Elsie nodded in agreement.
"Alright, I'll probably have something to eat whipped up by the time you get back. Although it depends on what they have in the way of groceries," she frowned. Then she hesitated a moment. "Wrath," she began, "While you're at Al's place, could you check to see if there's anything…well…suspicious there?" her tone was uncertain. The dark haired man raised an eyebrow.
"Why else do you think I'd be making a point of going there?" he asked dryly. Elsie blinked and then smiled.
"Right. Never mind me then. I'll see you in a bit," she replied, turning and making her way into the kitchen after the two teens.
AJ glanced up from the automail arm he was just finishing tweaking when the door opened and his younger sister entered followed by Elmina. He felt a surge of relief at the sight of the steaming plate of food in Adele's hand. He pushed his chair back from the workbench with a grateful smile.
"I guess this means Aunt Elsie is here. Mom isn't exactly in any condition to be cooking," he commented, accepting the plate which his sister handed to him along with the utensils.
"My mom is forcing your mom to rest up a bit. She'll come to relieve you once she's had a few hours of sleep. You're supposed to eat before you do any more work though," Elmina informed him, hopping up to sit on the end of his work bench.
"Well, mom needs the rest more than I do. I'll be fine," he replied, taking a bite and savouring the taste. They'd been living on swiftly scraped together leftovers for the last week. A freshly prepared meal was a nice switch. He saw the dark haired girl raise an eyebrow at him.
"You say that, but those purple smudges under your bloodshot eyes are telling a different story," she retorted dryly. He smirked at her as he took another bite.
"Uncle Wrath is here," Adele piped up. AJ nearly choked on his mouthful of food before he managed to swallow it. He coughed and cleared his throat.
"That guy is still alive?" he asked, his tone jokingly incredulous. Elmina rolled her eyes.
"Of course he is," her tone was slightly defensive of her favorite uncle.
"Hey, I'm just saying. Edgy lone wolf types don't typically pick safe lines of work. Did he say where he disappeared to this time?" AJ raised a skeptical eyebrow. The dark haired girl shook her head.
"I haven't had a chance to ask him," she replied with a frown.
"Hmm," he took another bite, chewing thoughtfully. Then he blinked as a thought occurred to him. "Oh, I forgot to mention, I got a letter from Sara. Apparently she's coming to visit with Titus this week. She'll be here tomorrow or the day after,"
"They're coming to visit?" Adele asked in surprise, "Has she heard about Uncle Al?" AJ shook his head.
"I doubt it. You know with her position in the military it's hard to keep tabs on where she is from week to week. Especially given she rarely sees fit to inform us of her location. We haven't been able to call her," he explained.
"She sent a letter? Doesn't she know how to use a telephone?" Elmina's tone was slightly condescending. The brown haired mechanic smirked knowingly.
"That would mean risking a two way conversation with her nosy parents. She's still revelling in her independence from mom and dad," he replied dryly. Elmina raised an eyebrow.
"Your parents aren't that bad. My dad would tie me up and lock me in the basement before he let me join the military," she pointed out. Adele chuckled slightly. AJ grimaced.
"You know Sara. She's…willful. I think mom would have tied her up if she could have. But dad convinced her to let her go," he replied. Elmina blinked.
"But isn't your dad dead set against the idea too?" her tone was puzzled.
"Yeah, but I think he gave up arguing with her. He said there are some things she'll just have to learn for herself," he replied simply, taking another bite of his supper.
"So she said Titus is coming too?" Adele inquired, shooting a knowing smile at her dark haired friend. Elmina's eyes narrowed.
"Shut up," she muttered. Adele grinned.
"What?" the blonde's tone was innocent. AJ's expression grew flat.
"I've never understood what you see in Mustang," his informed her. Elmina let out a growl of consternation.
"I don't see anything in him! He's an asshole," her tone was defensive. AJ smirked faintly but there was a certain resignation in his gaze as it lingered on the dark haired girl. "And anyway, Titus doesn't like being called by his last name. People mix him up with his dad," Elmina pointed out.
"You might call him an ass, but you still think he's hot," the blond girl smirked.
"Adele!" Elmina yelped in protest before her expression morphed into a glare, "You're one to talk. You like him too!" She pointed out heatedly. Adele giggled slightly.
"Maybe, but not as much as you," her tone was mischievous. Elmina's face had grown red.
"You're delusional," she snapped, "Just because he's attractive doesn't mean I like him. He's a total jerk!"
"Uh-huh," Adele's eyes glittered with amusement. Elmina let out an exasperated huff before slipping off the workbench and storming out of the workshop. Adele chuckled again before following after her friend. "Awe, don't get mad," she protested sheepishly. AJ stared after them a moment before he shook his head bemusedly, returning his attention to his meal as the girls left.
The blonde caught up with her friend strolling down the road. The sun had sunk down near the horizon, painting the sky with a wash of orange, pink, and purple. The breeze from earlier had died off and the pleasantly sweet aroma from the wild sweet peas growing alongside the road filled the evening air. A few ambitious crickets had already started into their repetitive nightly song. Adele glanced at the dark haired girl walking beside her, feeling ever so slightly guilty.
"Sorry about teasing you," she told her apologetically. Elmina smirked half-heartedly.
"Don't worry about it. You've got a point after all. I just wish I didn't find him attractive. He hates me," her tone was resigned.
"He doesn't hate you, you guys just rub each other the wrong way," Adele protested.
"He's disliked me from day one and you know it," Elmina glanced at her pointedly. The blonde sighed.
"It's just because he's got a stick up his ass whenever he's around you and your family," her tone was blunt. Elmina burst into startled laughter.
"Adele! I didn't know my innocent little half cousin knew how to be crude," her tone was amused. Adele stuck her tongue out at her.
"I would have to after spending so much time around you," she retorted, "And anyway, I'm not sure why but Titus seems to think your dad is evil incarnate in disguise," the blonde's tone was slightly amused. Elmina snorted.
"Uh-huh. Well for a guy that doesn't like being compared to his father I'd say he's a hypocrite," she muttered. Adele hummed in agreement. They continued walking in silence for several minutes until they reached a fork in the road.
"Do you want to head back?" Adele asked. Elmina shook her head.
"Mom won't be willing to explain anything until Aunt Winry and AJ have had a chance to rest up. Might as well hangout out here for a while or she'll rope us into doing housework," her tone was unenthused. The blonde smirked.
"Somebody sure is lazy," she commented dryly.
"Shut up," Elmina grinned sheepishly, "Lets head out to that field we went to the other day. It's a good spot to watch the sun set," she suggested, turning down the left hand fork. Adele followed after her without complaint.
They hadn't traveled far down the road before they turned and cut across the pastureland next to it. There was an old animal path worn into the ground which they followed through the uneven terrain. It led them up a slight hill to an old fallen tree surrounded by scrub and long grasses. The two of them sank down onto the old, weathered trunk side by side, watching what was left of the setting sun disappear below the horizon. They sat in companionable silence for a time, each lost in their own thoughts. They didn't need to speak, it was enough just to be in each other's company. Twilight began to close in, deepening the shadows around them. The moon was only a sliver in the sky, lending little of its silver light to the landscape. Finally Adele broke the silence.
"I hope we can talk your mom into taking us to Central. I really want to see Uncle Al," her voice was softly anxious. Elmina glanced at her from the corner of her eye.
"I doubt she'd take us if dad still doesn't want us there," the dark haired girl murmured.
"I don't know. I've seen her stand up to your dad before. I remember her saying something about how living with him requires 'tactful firmness'," Adele grinned slightly. Elmina smirked.
"Oh she can tell him off when she wants to. The problem is she usually agrees with him when it comes to this sort of stuff," she replied ruefully. The blonde sighed.
"Well…we might be able to talk her around," her tone was faintly hopeful. Elmina shrugged.
"We might. I guess we should think about heading back. They'll get worried if we stay out too long after dark," she pointed out resignedly.
"Yeah, you're probably right," Adele replied, smothering a yawn behind her hand.
Elmina sighed, preparing to rise to her feet when an unexpected chill prickled across her skin. She blinked in surprise and frowned, glancing across the field into the gathering gloom. That strange feeling from earlier was coming back. A strange, anxious dread invaded her core making her shudder.
"Do you feel that?" she whispered, tone uneasy. Adele glanced at her in surprise.
"Feel what?" she sounded taken off guard. Elmina shook her head, rising swiftly to her feet as her gaze darted over the landscape searching for the threat that was suddenly setting every nerve in her body on edge. She could already feel adrenalin beginning to fizzle through her veins. It was difficult to see much in the low light levels but she got the distinct feeling that something was out there. Whatever it was, her fight or flight instinct was trying to kick into full gear. There was no movement her eyes could detect anywhere in the immediate proximity. There were patches of trees here and there in the distance, but none close enough to pose an immediate threat. What on earth was causing this?
"Is something wrong?" a slight frown settled across Adele's features as she rose to stand next to her. Elmina swallowed nervously, the feeling of growing agitation eating at her. Something was very wrong. She just didn't have a clue what it could be.
"I'm not sure…" she said, feeling her heart rate beginning to speed up uncomfortably, "I think we should—" her voice abruptly caught in her throat and her eyes widened as a cripplingly intense sensation crashed over her like a fiery wave.
"Mina, what is it?" Adele grabbed her friend's wrist, the tension radiating from the dark haired girl making her nervous. Elmina blinked repeatedly. What was this feeling? She felt herself beginning to tremble. It was like her blood had turned to fire, racing and burning throughout her body. A horrible devouring energy exploded through her limbs, making her gasp. She staggered slightly, bringing her arms in to wrap around herself tightly. It was like her body had spontaneously combusted. If she just held herself tightly enough maybe she'd be able to smother the invisible flames.
"Mina!" the alarm in her friend's voice brought her attention to a sudden stinging pain. Her nails had begun to gouge scratches down the sides of her upper arms as she clung to herself with a white knuckled grip. Her legs gave out and she fell to her knees, eyes scrunching shut as a faint whimper escaped her lips. She needed to move. She needed to run, jump, scream, hit something, anything that would bleed off this energy before she disintegrated or completely lost her mind. But she couldn't move. The intensity left her paralyzed. She gasped in each breath of air, expecting her lungs to seize up on her at any minute. She was going to die. Hell she wanted to die. Anything to escape this... Anything at all…
"Enough. She hasn't built up any tolerance for you yet. Don't break her," the voice which suddenly rang out behind them was chillingly devoid of emotion. Elmina felt Adele turn beside her and heard her give a fearful gasp. A feeling of panic shot through the dark haired girl. Someone was there! She had to get up! She had to do something! But she couldn't even turn her head to see what was causing her friend's alarm. A moment later the blonde girl gave a sharp yelp.
"Mina!" her voice was filled with a horrified terror. Elmina's eyes snapped open, a scream of outrage rising up in her throat and spilling out with startling force.
"Adele!" She cried desperately, still frozen in place. Another surge of energy washed through her, causing her to let out a gasp. To her growing fear she received no response. The presence of her friend standing next to her had disappeared. "Adele," she whimpered, slowly regaining use of her arms as the wave of fire passed. She gasped in several breaths, her head spinning from the invisible assault. A moment later she was able to push herself upright, arms trembling weakly from the effort. She glanced up and her eyes widened.
Her gaze was drawn to a lithe figure strolling towards her through the gloom. It was the only thing she could see and it moved with a captivating, feral grace. She couldn't look away. Long billowing trousers, a bare, muscular chest half covered by an odd, crop-top-like shirt with long sleeves that left the shoulders bare. Both were made of a strange, dark material which glinted with hints of deep crimson in the dim light. Her gazed was drawn up further, past the figure's neck and jawline and she was frozen in place by a pair of blood red eyes. They seemed to glow in the dark, making a shiver run through her already shaky form. An odd, crooked looking headband held back a wild mane of red hair cascading down past its bare shoulders to its waist, fluttering about with a life of its own in a breeze she couldn't feel. There was a wicked smirk twisting its lips, the alarming eyes dancing with an insane sort of glee. It was difficult to tell in the gloom with its long hair, but from the face shape and posture she uncertainly pegged the figure as male.
A bizarre feeling washed over her. Part of her mind was screaming that she needed to get away. She might be a fairly skilled fighter, but there was no doubt in her mind that this was a predator she wouldn't be able to beat; even if she wasn't already prostrated with weakness. There was something about the creature that terrified her, rattling her to the core of her being. There was no way the thing was human. No human could look like that; or move like that. There was an unnatural fluidity and grace about him that was alien to her. But she couldn't move; she couldn't look way. More disturbing was the fact that she didn't want to look away. An electric sort of energy seemed to radiate from him… just looking at him felt oddly intoxicating. His expression was a confusing mix of threatening yet inviting. She was unnerved to realize she wanted him to come closer. It was a bizarre contradiction of emotion.
The creature reached her a moment later, crouching down in front of her to peer into her face. Despite its lithe build and the wiry nature of its muscles she suspected it would still be at least several inches taller than her if they were both standing. It reached out, its fingers grasping her chin and tilting her head up slightly to get a better look at her. She gasped slightly in shock. His touch burned like fire. She wanted to jerk away from him but she couldn't move. She was still held captive by those ominous red eyes. She was slightly creeped out to realize that his pupils were slit like a cat's. His smirk grew to a grin, revealing some very sharp looking teeth.
"Well, well… you were easier to find than I expected," his voice was unexpectedly friendly. She regarded him with wide eyes, still unable to look away. She felt uncomfortably like a butterfly specimen, pinned to a board by his gaze. "Just so you're aware, if you want to find your friend she'll be waiting for you in Central," he informed her casually. Then he chuckled, making the hairs on the back of her neck stand on end, "You and I are going to have so much fun together." There was a wild light flickering in his eyes that sent a thrill of fear through her. This guy wasn't stable. He suddenly leaned in close, his lips brushing lightly against her ear. "Just you wait," his voice was low but gleeful. The feeling of his breath tickling across the side of her face and down her neck lit every nerve ending in her body on fire. She jerked away from him with a pained cry, eyes scrunching shut as she battled an intense desire to crawl out of her own skin to get away from the unpleasant sensation.
Then just as quickly as it hit her, it was gone. It was like someone had dumped a tub of water over her, quenching the flames beneath her skin. Her breathing was ragged as she glanced up to see what had become of her unnervingly alien assailant. A cold surprise settled over her as she realized he had disappeared. He was nowhere in sight. And neither was Adele. She was completely and utterly alone in the middle of the field.
"Adelina!" she tried to scramble to her feet, but her legs gave out beneath her and she collapsed into the grass. Every muscle in her body trembled with exhaustion. It was like her limbs had turned into lead weights. She needed to get up. Her friend was in danger. It was her job to keep her safe! But her vision was growing hazy and dark around the edges. She could barely muster the energy to hold her head up. She fought desperately for a moment to get up and find help, but it was a losing battle.
"Adele…" she whispered painfully. A moment later her eyelids slipped shut and she lost consciousness.
-Author's Note-
Bwahaha! You've met the first "villain" of the story. I put that in quotes because he's really more of a "chaotic neutral" than he is evil. You'll see what I mean as the story progresses. I love writing him *chuckle* he's fun. That's really all I have to say about this chapter. I'll leave you sitting on this lovely little cliff hanger for a bit till I get the next chapter posted. ;P