The clang of metal clashing against metal barraged my ears as I sat in the lush grass. My eyes were locked on the two brothers who mock battled 10 feet from where I sat. The second Edward had recovered from having his nerves reattached he had repaired Al before herding him outside to spar.
I had asked Winry if it was a good idea for them to be moving around so soon after being repaired. She had assured me that this was normal for the two boys.
The two had been at it for the last 20 minutes at least, I was amazed at their stamina. Al, for such a large person was quick on his feet and never missed a beat which I could not believe. Size really isn't everything though, because Edward landed quite a few solid hits.
My fingers itched at the thought of being able to spar again and silently I battled with myself if I should ask to go next. Secretly I was embarrassed and too shy to ask for such a favor after running out the other night.
So instead I decided to sit and watch the brothers and bide my time until I worked up enough courage to ask for a go. Reaching back I attempted to lean back on my arm but gasped as I was met with the ground and groaned remembering that Winry had borrowed my arm this morning as a reference to add some adjustments to Ed's arm.
Rolling over onto my stomach I pushed myself up with my good arm and was about to head inside when a bleary eyed mechanic caught my eye. She held my arm and my blade fitting for my flesh arm in her grasp.
"I was about to fall asleep and I remembered that I had borrowed this. Sorry." I smiled up at the girl who was now bending down, getting ready to replace my arm.
"It's no problem. I was actually just about to go looking for it but this works to." I took a deep breath as she prepared to reconnect it.
A short scream followed by a string of curses that caused the Elric brothers to look up the hill to see a retreating Winry and Hayden clutching her re-attached automail.
"Are you alright?" Al called concerned at the noises I was making. I waved the two off standing up and stretching out my arm.
"Ya, I'm fine. It's funny, my arm is reattached a few times a month but it never gets any easier." Ed nodded understanding before catching sight of my blade sheath which lay at my feet.
"What's that?" I hummed looking down before grabbing the contraption in question.
"Oh, this is a little something Winry whipped up for me by request. If you come help me put it on I'll show you how it works." Ed hesitated before making his way up the small hill to me. "Alright it's really simple, It's like a belt for my arm, just slide it up and then tighten the notches till it fits." I watched as he first tightened the belt just below my wrist then the one around my wrist.
As he finished I bent my arm a few times testing the tightness before I nodded, satisfied.
"Ok so what does it do?" he asked impatient. Clicking the switch the boy jumped as the blade shot out of its sheath and stopped inches from his face.
Smiling I watched in amusement as the speed of my false attack caught him by surprise.
"Care to spar? Or do you only do hand to hand?" he smirked knocking my blade away from his face with his automail arm before clapping his hands together.
I watched awe struck as his arm morphed into a long blade.
"That's amazing!" I cried as I moved forward to take a closer look. "It's like magic!" I looked up at his scoff.
"It's not magic it's Alchemy." I shrugged, not understanding the difference. A moment of silence passed before we crouched down in fighting positions. "You know, typically I don't like to fight girls. But since you asked for it I'll just go easy on you."
Sticking my tongue out at him I ignored his taunt, and then we were off.
Again I was amazed at the speed and power behind his hits. Up close it was even more apparent that he was a formidable opponent. Every time I tried to land a hit he would quickly parry and return a blow which I had to be careful to avoid. After a few moments we broke apart, a slight sheen of sweat on my brow.
"You know you're pretty good with a blade."
"You're not that bad yourself." I shot back with a grin. My senses were spinning and my mind was in ecstasy being able to finally test out and work on my skills again.
"I'm done going easy on you, so watch out." and with that he launched himself at me again. This new burst of energy from him caught me off guard and I stumbled back sloppily knocking his blow away before catching my ground and returning to the offense. Dang, he's good! I realized now that I couldn't keep messing around and with a small click Ed was sent to the ground when a second blade came at him causing him to fall to the ground quickly to dodge it.
"Wait a second! That's cheating!" he yelled rolling away from my down wards slice.
"Don't be a baby, all's fair in love and war." I danced away from a round house kick. He grinned darkly.
"Fine if that's the way you want to play…" and with another clap of his hands large spikes were heading straight towards me. Rolling out of the way I stared in awe, and fear.
"Now that's cheating! We're fighting with blades." a rumble and I was knocked back by another wall of earth sent at me, this time unable to dodge.
"All's fair in love and war" Ed quoted with a grin. I glared as he clapped again and I understood. That's it! If I just don't let him clap then he can't perform his magic!" Sprinting forward I hurdled over the wave of earth that he sent at me yet again.
Metal clashed against metal and I fought back more aggressive than before. Gritting my teeth I pushed this body as hard as I could, but it was still sloppy and it's speed and reflexes weren't enough. I cried out as my feet were knocked out from under me and a blade was thrust in front of my face, between my eyes. I looked up panting, to a slightly out of breath Edward.
"I win." he grinned down at me before offering his flesh hand to help me up. Retracting my blades I took his offered hand I let him pull me to my feet.
A second later his arm was around my waist as my legs gave out from under me. My face heated up further from embarrassment.
"I guess I overdid it." I meekly said, slightly annoyed at the smug smile on his face.
"It's ok; can you stand on your own?" I nodded and he removed his arm from my waist but stood at the ready. I took a step away and again his grasp held me up as my wobbly legs shook violently under me. With a small chuckle he bent down and maneuvered so I could get on his back.
"I don't need to be carried." I said to proud to allow him to help me. Shaking his head he yanked my wrist pulling me onto him and stood up grabbing my thighs and securing them around his hips.
The entire 20 feet back to the Rockbell house I pouted and made it very clear that I was not happy with the situation I had found myself in. Stupid out of shape body. This would never have happened if I still had my own body. This girls legs can't even properly support her after a little work out. Walking up the front steps Ed set me down next to Pinako who had been watching all the while.
"You overdid it." she stated matter a factly before taking another drag from her pipe.
"You don't say!" I sarcastically remarked.
"Ed, would you go get us some water." he nodded before disappearing inside the house.
As the door shut she blew out a puff of smoke.
"I understand you wish to leave." I was caught off guard by her question.
"Uh, well yes I do. Not to sound un grateful or anything but It's time that I move on." she nodded understanding.
"Very well, but keep in mind that just like Edward and Alphonse you are about to set foot on a very dangerous path." Before I could inquire further the door opened and Ed returned, thrusting a glass of water in my face.
"You know, you're not half bad for a girl." taking a gulp I smiled at the boy.
"Thanks. It's been a lot of work trying to relearn everything, especially with automail."
"I know how that is. That's why Al and I spar every time I get a new arm. Have to get the feel of it." I nodded understanding. A soft clink and Al was at the porch with us.
"That was amazing," he cheered. "I never knew you could fight like that!" I thanked the boy smiling up at him. It was weird, now that Al had his body repaired he was such a huge figure but his voice so childish.
"Well Ed, now that you have everything back in order when are you planning on taking off?" Pinako asked.
"First thing in the morning." He replied setting his hands on his hips. I was taken aback, they were leaving so soon. I had to ask quickly.
"Very well, Hayden if you're feeling better why don't you head inside and start dinner." I nodded and stood up stretching my legs at first before heading into the kitchen.