Disclaimer: I don't own anything... except maybe 'Charles'... everyone else either belongs to Hiromu Arakawa or KimiUzumaki.
Note: From now on it is officially my imagination coming up with this stuff, kind of scary to think about. Anyways I hope you can still enjoy it. Most of the first part is in Al's point of view... (why do I keep writing in his when he is so difficult to write! -.-")
Note 2: One of my reviewers, Ennalight, brought up a really good question: Is this going to be shounen-ai or yaoi? originally I was all for yaoi, however right now I am leaning away from that. Actually I think I am going to refrain from pairings for the moment, their will be hints like in the series, but nothing beyond that for now. The only other thing I am THINKING about doing is making this a little parental RoyRiza/Ed, I might have a poll regarding that... What do you guys think?
Anyways, enough author notes, on with the chapter!
Words: 4660~
Warnings: Possible OOCness (very possible this chapter...), grammar mistakes, kind of angsty and Ed's language.
"I'll figure it out… I always do…" Ed stated. After a few more moments of silence he stood up. Wiping himself down as he turned to Al. "Come on, I think we should get something to eat." Al glanced at the boy, and nodded.
Ed nodded back, smiling warmly at his younger brother then he spun around, facing the city. "Then, let's go!"
Al glanced at his brother worriedly. The other boy was walking carefully, as if trying to hide a slight limp. His hood was up, which was unnatural in itself. Golden matted hair fell out of the sides of his hood in thick, and sometimes bloody, strands. The boy stayed unusually silent, racing towards, and through, the city.
'Brother… what are you hiding?' Al thought looking at the back of Ed's head. Ed, sensing the other boys stare, turned; face half hidden by the hood. A look of innocent confusion crossed his features.
"Al, Is something wrong?"
Al mentally blinked.
"No, nothing, I was just wondering if you were okay…"
"Never better." Ed responded quickly, turning his head forward for a second. After a pause he looked back, the moonlight causing a sharp contrast of light and shadow as he smiled softly. "I was just hungry. I feel like I haven't eaten in weeks…" He looked down for a moment, and then, once again, resumed his previous action. Street lights glimmered as the two walked quickly down the cobblestone street. The moonlight shined around them almost as bright as the sun. Shadow fought against light as wind whispered around the residential homes. It was late so not many people were out; those that were were hurrying as much as the two boys.
"Hey… Brother… Did something happen to your voice?" Al asked glancing at the other boy. The other boy stumbled slightly and righted himself, using his arms to regain his balance. After that he glanced back, using the hood as cover.
Ed blinked, golden eyes shining. After a moment he spoke, "The bastard, he forced a bit of helium into my throat. He was sick, and enjoyed it…" Ed frowned, his expression was beyond pissed, yet his voice, already high, hitched slightly.
"Brother..." Al noticed the other boy smile, the smile was forced and unnatural, causing Al to once again feel his heart clench slightly in anguish. Ed looked forward again, grabbing his stomach as it growled, demanding food.
"Come on!" Ed stated, picking up speed as his nose tilted slightly to the right; sniffing the air like a blood hound. Al watched as the older sibling half ran half hobbled down the street. Al moved forward, keeping pace with his brother until they arrived at a restaurant that was still open. Ed dashed in, going immediately to the counter, startling the person at the desk.
"Do you have any food?!" Ed demanded, slamming both hands heavily down onto the desk. Al watched shaking his head with a sigh.
After a moment of shock the person nodded, directing them to one of the many open tables. Ed hurried over and sat down with a sigh. The boy reached up to bring his hood down then quickly changed the movement to moving his hair so it wasn't in his face. Al mentally frowned. He didn't say anything for a while, but he was a scientist… an alchemist. Curiosity would always be a part of his being.
"Brother… why are you still wearing your hood? You never wear it…"
"… I wonder what they have for dinner." Ed stated, glancing around the room. Al sighed at the diversion tactic then walked forward. He sat down with a clank next to Ed, who was being careful to turn his head away from the suit of armor. Al stared patiently, waiting for the other to say something. The golden haired boy began to fidget under the metals unyielding gaze.
A moment later the waiter came up.
After giving Al a double take he spoke, "Do you need one adult and one kid's menu?"
Al responded quickly noticing the way Ed stiffened. "No no, two adult menus please." The waiter nodded, unaware off the bomb that he had just avoided.
Ed swore under his breath, grumbling obscenities at the waiter. Al just sighed and leaned back.
The two sat in silence, Al staring at Ed as Ed glanced around the room, pointedly avoiding his brother. A moment later the waiter returned handing the two a menu. Al held the menu, as if debating on what to get. He glanced at his brother whose mouth was watering. Yet the boy's mouth was firm, no teeth visible at all. After ordering the two once again played the patience game. Al waited, mental frown deepening with each silent moment that passed. They stayed that way all the way until the food came.
Ed glanced at the food and smiled in delight.
"Looks great!" Ed stated, spooning some soup into his mouth with gusto. A moment later he went for some bread. He put it in his mouth and ripped… or at least tried too. Al watched, mental eyebrow rising, as Ed frowned. After a moment he tried again. This time it worked. Al watched the other boy growl, as if frustrated with something. Al mentally closed his eyes and opened them.
"Brother… what happened in there?"
Al watched as the other boy stiffened. The hood tilted to cover his eyes for a moment, and then he looked up smiling. Al mentally pursed his lips, noting the fact that the other boy was smiling with his mouth closed and that the smile was, once again, strained. "Nothing I couldn't handle…" A slight, almost imperceptible, shudder racked the other boy's small frame, causing Al's heart to ache. 'What did that man do to brother?...' Al thought worriedly. He watched, noticing the other boy occasionally snapping his head one way or another as if hearing something others could not. Al clenched his fist as Ed continued to down the meal. After a few plates worth Ed suddenly slowed, a fork half way to his mouth sat suspended in his hand. Al looked over, waiting and wondering why the other had stopped. Ed's face lowered a little as he put the fork down, letting it rest gently onto the plate.
"Hey Al… did anything… happen while we were separated?..."
Al stared as Ed looked back up at him, worry, and a hint of pain, showing all over his face. The younger boy just shook his head, his eyes flickering as if they were slowly being closed. The suit of armor turned to his brother who was watching him with an apprehensive look. Al closed his eyes again and sighed.
"Brother. Nothing happened. All that happened is that I heard you scream and then silence. I had been sitting in that room the whole time. No one came in or out and nothing happened besides it being quiet… and a little dark… What about you?... why do you have your hood up?... and why are you limping?..." Al asked, keeping his voice level as he noticed his brother twitch slightly at the last part. He mentally pursed his lip, his thoughts ending the sentence he wanted to ask, '… and why aren't you telling me anything…'
"That's good… I was really worried… I wasn't sure… whether you were okay or not… but I'm glad." Al watched sadly as a relieved smile flitted across Ed's face settling into a genuine smile. A moment later Ed picked up the fork and, once again, dug in. Al shook his head, allowing his brother to continue. He understood his brother's stubborn streak when he saw it… and he decided he would wait until the boy was ready to explain… or something happened in which he needed to explain… hopefully the former would come first. Al leaned back, hearing his armor clank with the movement along with the chair. They sat in silence until Ed was done, eating enough to fill Alphonse's armor and then some. They paid for the food quickly, Ed patting his stomach with his automail arm contentedly.
"Whew… that was good. I really needed that…" A moment later he yawned, looking a little drowsy from all the food. Al watched, shaking his head.
"Brother! You ate too much! You're going to hurt yourself!"
"No I won't, I was hungry so I ate and anyways, I held back. I still had room for that pecan pie they had."
Al mentally rolled his eyes and huffed, folding his arms over his chest. "Brother!~" he stated, a little whine joining in the complaint.
Ed just grinned and stood up, once again favoring his right leg. The awkward gait continued as they left the restaurant but Al tried his best to ignore it, he knew he wouldn't get anywhere if he asked… and maybe all his brother needed was some sleep… It had been a bad day for him… though that didn't mean he would let him forget the work he still had to do.
"Brother… you should fill out your report for the colonel and head home. It's late and you have had a rough day, don't you think?"
Al noticed Ed frown, annoyance flashing across what he could see of the others face.
"… The Bastard can wait… I guess I will get some sleep though…" there was a pause, almost as if he had thought to say more in that sentence, but then he shook his head and looked at the younger boy.
"So let's go back to the dorm… we can take care of everything tomorrow… We can tell the colonel then, and he'll get around to catching that guy, then we can go back to looking for the stone… how does that sound?" Ed asked, giving Al an almost pleading look. Al paused for a moment then nodded, surprised to see the other boy like that.
"Fine… let's get home."
Ed smiled warmly and strolled forward.
His right leg collapsed under him causing him to quickly flail out his arms for support, the automail leg holding out for a second longer than the other. Al hurried to his side catching him right before he fell. Ed looked up, a slight half smile gracing his lips.
"Thanks Al."
"…You're welcome brother…"
Al watched as Ed stood up once more, pushing against his suit of armor. The boy took a careful step with his right leg, just for it to once again collapse forward. Al reached for him, grabbing the other boy around the waist before he could injure himself any more. From the position they were in Al could hear a soft stream of words lilting from the other boys mouth. Al frowned as he deciphered some of them, still tightly gripping the older boy.
"Damn… creep… tail… hard to walk…! How… cat's…?! Al…"
"Brother…" Ed's head snapped up to look at Al realizing what he had been saying. A second later he looked down, slumping, even more, into Al's arms.
"Sorry… I guess I'm just tired…"
Al tilted his head down. "…Come on… We're almost there…"
Ed nodded, once again trying to push himself away from his brother. Al saddened as he watched the boy struggle forward. After almost collapsing a few more times Ed finally allowed Al to help him. Ed held on to the armor, leaning heavily against the cold metal, as if seeking a mixture of comfort and need.
"… thanks Al…" Ed murmured under his breath, eyes drooping slightly as he collapsed for the fifth time. Al nodded, holding the other boy carefully. After a moment he picked the boy up, causing Ed to jump slightly.
"Al?!" Ed exclaimed holding onto his hood desperately as the younger brother held him, bridal style; his legs flailing in response.
"It'll be faster this way, and you're tired. Let me carry you." Al responded matter-of-factly, walking smoothly forward.
Ed struggled for a moment longer, but couldn't break free of the other boys iron grip. After a while Ed sighed, letting his shoulders slump. He closed his eyes and snuggled closer to the younger boy's metal chest, muttering a quiet and resigned, "Fine."
Al smiled softly, noticing how the other boy's breath evened out almost immediately.
'He's already asleep…' Al looked up walking quickly and purposefully down the lane. His movements were smooth, allowing the boy in his arms to sleep on.
As they got closer to where they were staying Al looked down. The golden hair glimmered in the moonlight as one tanned hand gripped the cloth hood, the other hand laid across his stomach, lightly touching the cool metal of his armor. There was a movement near the boy's leg, but Al paid it no mind, he was more looking at the others face, or at least what could be seen of it. It was serene, without the furrowed brow that signaled pain or anger. His mouth was slightly parted and his eyes were shaded by the hood. A flicker of pain flashed across his features suddenly. He wrenched himself to the side, head burying deeper into the others tight, and welcoming, hold.
'Brother… why won't you tell me... What happened...' Al thought, holding the boy in a hug as they plodded along, aiming for home.
Fifteen minutes later the two had arrived at the place they were staying while in central. Al walked in, ducking slightly to avoid banging his helmet against the door jam. He walked into Ed's room and placed him gently onto the bed. He pulled his arms away, hearing a slight whine coming from Ed when the older boy noticed the lack of a comforting embrace. Ed's red coat splayed around him as he curled up into the fabric of the bed.
Al pursed his lips, tempted to just hold his brother a little longer. He shook his head. Taking the quilt that was under the other boy he quickly laid it over the boy's thin frame, noticing the slight shiver that had been present for a while, calm down. Al pulled back, slumping slightly in the armor. After a moment he reached forward, towards the boys boots. Quickly he pulled them both off, being careful not to wake the peacefully sleeping boy.
Upon pulling them off, however, he stared, confused. Ed's leg looked slenderer and a little smaller than earlier that morning, It wasn't an, over the top, difference, but it was slightly shorter than the automail.
"…So that's why he was limping…" Al thought, narrowing his eyes. He glanced up to the others face, hood still covering most of the boy's face.
Curiosity once again piqued he stepped forward reaching for the hood.
"…Al…Al!… Please… Don't!…" the words came out with a dream-like, yet somber and heart-wrenching quality. Al stopped, realizing what he was doing. He slowly pulled his hand back watching the other boy breath in and out at an even and slow pace; the red coat hiding most of the older boy's small frame. Al moved away from the bed and leaned back, resting against the wall closest to his sibling's bed. He slumped to the ground and just watched the other sleep peacefully.
Al mentally closed his eyes then opened them, looking pointedly out the window. The silver moonlight shined around them, descending away from the sky.
"It's going to be morning soon… I guess we were in their longer than we thought…" Al turned looking back at his sibling as the other boy moved, letting his hood slip down slightly to reveal more of the other boys golden blonde hair. Beyond that, in the shadow something twitched causing Al to tilt his head slightly in confusion. Ed moved again, causing the hood, once again, to move, hiding most of his face in the process. Al stayed put, watching the other for a while longer; then, once again, he looked out the window.
They stayed that way until late the next morning. Ed woke drowsily, stretching his back to get out the kinks from sleeping. He yawned and went to push his hair back. He froze as he realized his hood was still up.
"Wasn't it a dream?..." he whispered, then he looked around, recognizing the location. "How did I get here?..."
"Brother. You awake?" Ed blinked then looked up to see Al standing next to the bed, looking at him. A flicker of something passed through the other boy's soul fire eyes. After a moment Ed nodded.
"Yeah… How did we get home?" Ed asked looking up to the other boy.
"I carried you, remember?" Ed blinked then frowned in annoyance.
"Oh yeah…" He sighed and looked at his hands for a second. He closed his eyes and clenched his fist till it was almost painful. His ears twitched erratically, flicking at the coat hood carefully. 'So it wasn't a dream…' he thought relaxing his hands with a sigh. He looked up grinning at Al. "So what should we do today?"
After a moment Al responded, a hint of a sigh spreading through his voice. "You still have to turn in that report for the colonel."
Ed rolled his eyes then sighed, again, resignedly. "Fine, I'll write it… but first… a shower. I should have taken one last night anyways." The boy stretched, careful to tilt his head forward so the coat wouldn't fall back. Al nodded and left, giving the other boy a moment of privacy.
Ed let his hands drop, from their stretching position, limply. He took his hood and slipped it off, letting the wind from the window ruffle the long strands. His ears twitched at the change, perking up slightly as the breeze caressed the sensitive fur. Ed breathed in and out glad to get the fresh air. He let his tail loose, the additional member curving gently around his frame. Ed closed his eyes and put his face in his hands.
The automail felt cool against his warm skin, so he just let it rest there.
After a while he stood up noticing that his boots had been taken off.
"Al…" The boy just shook his head. He reached back, once again putting the hood up, and headed to the bathroom. He could hear sounds coming from the kitchen as he quickly crossed the hallway. He walked in, noticing that another set of clothes were laid out for him clean and prepped.
After stripping he walked forward and paused, seeing a mirror to his left. He felt his tail swish and his ears perk up slightly out of curiousity. He paused and then walked forward until he saw his reflection. His eyes widened and he quickly gripped the sink so that he didn't collapse.
He just stood there, staring at the person in front of him.
Long hair trailed down over a slender set of shoulder, matted and bloody, yet still a vivid gold. Dirt, sweat and blood mixed into the hair, almost, but not quite, hiding a set of beautiful ebony black cat ears. The black fur seemed to mingle with the gold of the hair, until one couldn't differentiate where fur ended and hair began. A slightly slimmer face looked back at him, just like the rest of the body, giving everything an almost feminine curve. Muscles were still visible and one of the few things that seemed to remain unchanged, though they still fit with the new slenderness of the body itself. Ed snapped his eyes away, not wanting to look at the odd person who stood in front of him in the mirror. After a moment he looked back into the mirror, against his better judgment, and bit his lip. Bright golden eyes glared forward as the sharp fang like teeth lightly pierced the flesh of his lips. His fists were clenched as his tail came into view, curving around his body. He tilted his head, closing his eyes as he looked away. He turned towards the shower and, after turning it on, walked forward, letting the hot water run over his skin. A small part detested the fact that he was there, under the spray, but the majority of his thoughts were focused on letting the water wash away the blood, dirt and everything else. It felt good, just standing under the spray as the water cleansed his tired body.
He stopped when his stomach grumbled from hunger. He relaxed his shoulder, turning off the water in the process. Leaving the towel on his head, he walked carefully forward to change. The clothes were the exact same as usual; so he gratefully put them on. He looked around noticing his coat was nowhere in sight.
'I guess it needed to be washed…' he thought holding down the towel that was slung over his- now clean- wet, dripping hair. He walked out to see Al at the kitchen table, breakfast already made. Ed's eyes widened in delight as he raced forward, half tripping to get to the food. He sat down, towel still draped over his ears. His tail was tucked carefully under his clothes, and he was trying his hardest to keep them from moving. He scarfed down the food as Al patiently watched.
After a while Ed let out a breath of content, patting his stomach gently, He felt his ears twitch and the towel shift. Instantly he snapped his eyes open, grabbing the towel. He looked over to see Al tilting his head slightly, as if confused, or suspicious. He could feel his ears flatten to his head as if they were glued there. After a moment of tense silence he stood.
"Well, I guess I should probably notify the bastard colonel… just to annoy him." Ed could see the other boy rolling his eyes at that comment.
"Brother~" Al whined. Ed just grinned.
"It won't take long, I'll drop it off and then we can go to the library to check up on the philosopher stone. Okay?" After another moment Al nodded. Ed grinned, his eyes softening.
"Well I'll go write that stupid report." He turned and left, waving his left hand as his automail arm tightly gripped the towel, as if it was a lifeline.
"Clip… Clop. Clip… clop." The door opened with a loud thump as a vivid red coat walked into the room. Everyone in the room paused and looked up to see Edward Elric, with his hood up and a file under his arm.
"Chief… what's up?" Havoc stated, a lit cigarette once again sitting in his mouth.
"I'm here to give the bastard a report." The young boy replied, continuing to stride forward, half limping on the way.
"Edward…. Did you hurt yourself?" Hawkeye asked; for a split second worry flashed through her usually stoic eyes as she saw the boy stumble forward. Ed shook his head, the fabric of the hood following the movement. He continued forward until he was face to face with the colonel, who was sitting behind a huge pile of paperwork, looking down.
"Ah, fullmetal. Glad that you could join us today. Though you're a little late… I do hope you finished that small report like I asked…"
"… Bastard… Here's your stupid report." The young boy seethed, slamming the folder onto the desk with such force that the top levels of papers scattered into the colonel's view, mixing together with a flourish onto the ground. The colonel looked up impassively, and froze.
"Fullmetal… are you okay?" Ed blinked raising an eyebrow and drawing back slightly.
"He finally noticed." Someone whispered behind Ed but the boy ignored it.
"… I'm fine." He stated simply, turning to leave.
"Did something happen to your voice?"
The boy froze slightly, and then shook his head. "I'm just tired and I find dealing with you to be too aggravating… plus it's in my report." He responded, quickly leaving the office before the other could even voice an objection.
Everyone watched after the retreating boy until four sets of heads turned to stare at Roy, who was still staring at the doorway. Noticing the looks he turned his head. Havoc was leaning back in his chair looking at him impassively; Hyuman Breda was holding a chess piece in the air, watching him as if waiting for something. Kain Fuery, who had been tinkering with a radio, looked up, confusion playing across his young face and-
Hawkeye's eyes were narrowed slightly, an odd look visible only to the colonel passing across her features.
Mustang looked down at the report then looked back up. Noticing that they still hadn't moved he sighed.
"I can't exactly think of what I might have done this time… he didn't even respond to the little comment…" He once again looked at the report and flipped it open. After a moment of tense silence he closed his eyes, placing the folder back onto the surface of the desk and putting his head into one hand.
"What the hell Fullmetal…" he muttered, moving both his hands to message his temples.
"Sir, what seems to be the problem?" Hawkeye asked placing the papers she was organizing back on her desk.
For a while Mustang didn't respond. Finally after a few moments of tense silence he stated, "That little brat can't do one stupid reconnaissance mission…"
The group blinked in confusion waiting for the colonel to explain, he didn't.
"… Sir… shouldn't we check the place out ourselves then?"
Roy's mouth flickered into a frown. "I'm not so sur-"
"Roy~" The colonel felt his hands slip slightly as a jovial face appeared out of nowhere.
"Hughes…" Roy sighed as the glasses wearing lieutenant colonel walked in, smiling. Everyone blinked, glancing at the man in slight surprise.
"Yo! I stopped by to say hi and see what was going on… and to show you pictures of my wonderful Gracia and beautiful Elicia~!" The man smiled widely, brandishing a set of pictures right in front of Roy's face. Roy moved both his hands back to his temples and started messaging them again, closing his eyes in the process.
"Hughes… You know… now is REALLY not the time…"
"We've found another victim."
Roy paused looking up, frown deepening. Hughes expression was suddenly impassive, the pictures gone as fast as they appeared. Roy narrowed his eyes slightly.
"Any details?"
"Just that it matches the previous incidents as well."
"Time?"
"… About a day ago."
"Witnesses?"
"None, but a women was the one who found him. We've already questioned her, but she has a solid alibi for the time of death." Roy nodded, glancing down at the folder sitting unabashedly on the desk.
"Roy… did something happen to Edward?" Roy looked back up noting the worried look on the other man's face.
"You saw him?"
"When he entered with his brother… from the looks of it… his brother doesn't even know what's going on…"
Roy raised an eyebrow. Hughes looked at him, shifting the folder that was under his arm slightly. "I think you might want to take him off this case."
"I can't…" Roy replied looking back at the folder. After a moment he picked it up and flicked it to Hughes who caught it expertly, opening it with a swift movement.
After a moment Hughes looked up, frown deepening.
"He is the only one who can take care of it… and we can't spare any other state Alchemist at the moment…" Hughes closed the file and laid it carefully back on the desk.
"Roy…" Roy grimaced at the other man's tone. After a moment he looked up to see Hughes still standing there, a slight frown gracing his normally cheerful features.
"Hughes… can you find information on the people Fullmetal listed?"
"… I can… but I don't think we can do anything…"
"…It's fine, just get me information… anything you can dig up… he might be who we're looking for for the other crimes as well."
Hughes smiled slightly, noticing the others composure, as well as the slight fire that seemed to burn in the other's eyes, all too ready to do what must be done, for his subordinates. Even though the other would never flat out admit it.
He nodded, smile widening a little more, "I'll see what I can do."
Chapter five:... well... it looks completed...
A/N: Wow! 12 faves? You guys are the best! This is officially my most favorited story. :D
By the way, sorry for the long wait. School started up again and I ended up being swamped from day one. D: but luckily I have started to get into the swing of things, not to mention I already have a vague outline for the next two chapters.
Anyways:
Regarding reviews: Okay okay, I'm putting away the chainsaw!...
(now where was my flamethrower again?...) ;)