First... I just wanted to say... Bloody hell, I'm really sorry! I know it's been over a year and the only excuse I have is life. A lot of things came up and over the year I was working on an original story. I finished the first book of a trilogy, so now I'm just getting an editor to read it over. You'll probably also notice my writing is slightly different yet similar. That's because most of this story was written last year, but I didn't like how the ending was working and so couldn't post it. Anyways, here it is, after many many bloody months.
Warnings: Language and a lot of POV switching
Disclaimer: I do not own anything here, it all belongs to their respective owners and I am obtaining no profit from it's creation.
Now that that's taken care of, onto the story:
The day continued into evening with a rather somber and subdued aura. Edward acted fine, but his ears and tail showed otherwise. Al stuck close to Ed when he could and would often lean against him to show the boy he was still there, at least as a soul.
Ed no longer trembled. However, he did occasionally rub his skin harshly, as if he still couldn't get the blood off. Al would always watch worriedly, determined to stop the other if something happened. Yet Ed, each time, noticed and pulled his hands back.
And so, when Winry came back with two packages held tightly to her chest, she was not surprised to see the two together. Ed leaned against Al's back, while Al stared at his brother over his shoulder. Winry just smiled and walked forward.
She would wait for a little while to give them her present. She didn't want to break the two up when they looked so comfortable with each other.
Luckily she didn't have to wait too long, for a few minutes later Ed stood up and walked to the kitchen to grab something to eat as the smell of stew wafted to his nose.
"Granny, is it almost ready?" Ed asked as he plopped into one of the chairs. The old women glanced back, and then once again looked forward.
"Hold your horses boy, you'll have to wait, it takes a long time to simmer you know."
"So it IS stew."
Gold eyes watched as the older woman nodded. He grinned, "Thanks Granny!"
The women just swirled the ladle once more before she closed the lid.
"Ed?" Ed glanced over his shoulder to find Winry. The blonde stood in the doorway with a simple brown package in her hands.
She had already given one to Alphonse, so now it was Ed's turn.
"Here, I figured you might want something to take your mind off… things… it's not much, but it's the best I could find around here…"
Ed raised an eyebrow and lightly took the package from her hands. With a deft swipe of his automail he ripped off the packaging. His smile widened slightly as his eyes glowed softly with a mixture of nostalgia and gratitude.
He looked at the book in front of him, more specifically, the first book he had ever read related with alchemy. True, he knew it wasn't much of a gift since he remembered the original word for word, but just being able to hold the cool leather and smell the thick resin of the pages cheered him up. He opened the book and let one eyebrow rise questioningly. Right behind the cover was Winry's handwriting along with a small, handmade bookmark. The bookmark was decorated with wrenches and little automail sketches, along with, at the top, a detailed sketch of the flamel on his back. His smile turned genuine and sincere. He wasn't sure why, but he felt happier than he had in a long time, even though his heart still felt heavy.
"Thank you Winry." He responded as he turned to the girl with sincere gratitude on his face.
Winry smiled in return. She had gotten a similar reaction from Alphonse when she had handed him the book and book mark, though his had a cat in place of the flamel.
"You're welcome." She beamed as she placed her hands behind her back with a carefree movement.
Pinako watched the whole scene. A hidden smile covered her lips.
She had missed seeing the boys happy. It had been a long time since either had been able to smile genuinely. She hadn't expected to see the smile, especially after what happened only earlier that day, yet… that just made it all the more powerful. She looked forward and stirred once more.
Well, looks like she had a lot of work to do, especially since there was only two days left for the boys before they were forced to move again, either by their own drive, or by their acquaintance with the military.
Either way, they only really had that little time to just act like children… even if they were no longer able to be that.
Alphonse was happy.
True, he had the semblance of happiness and childlike innocence when with his brother, but, just like his brother, he often felt that it was just a facade, even more so after what had happened…
Yet right now he was content.
It had been a long time since he had received a gift, just simply out of kindness instead of necessity. Birthdays had come and gone and their search had continued coming up fruitless. They faced enemy after enemy. Sure some were good like Clara, who just wanted to bring publicity to the town of Agurya before it sank below the water, but most were twisted like father Cornello, Tucker, Barry the chopper and, most recently, the crazy lunatic that had hurt his brother.
Each time, they saw the worst of the world, yet he stayed positive. That was just the way he was. But it still hurt, seeing just how much pain and guilt his brother had to go through with each event.
So when he saw his brother genuinely smile his heart lifted considerably. That was the smile they were fighting for, that he was fighting for. He hadn't told his brother that when he had spoken earlier, but he figured he hadn't needed to.
He really didn't care about getting his body back. Not as much as he wanted his brother to be able to be happy for once. His body could come later.
He internally smiled and held the book tighter to his chest.
Of all the places to see that smile, he had known it would be here, their home. Even though Ed didn't think of this place like that.
He opened the book and once again looked at the handmade bookmark.
Yes, it really wasn't much, but it was the first gift he had gotten as a suit of armor that he could actually cherish. He softly closed the book and let his leather hands encompass most of the thick leather binding the well-known pages. His automated tail lay against his back and swayed jerkily as he moved.
He glanced at the tail as it came into view. He had been surprised when his brother had accepted the look so easily. He had figured that the older boy would argue, say that it just wasn't right for Al to wear it. Instead the boy had just smiled, as if, subconsciously, he was glad someone else was willing to take the burden of looking foolish and resemble a cat of all things.
He really would have to thank Winry for that.
His brother had been so distant, yet with a simple contraption he had returned back to normal, well as normal as his brother was ever likely to get.
Al internally smiled again as he noticed Ed and Winry start to bicker again over one thing or another. Winry was also still wearing the gadget she had created. She claimed that she enjoyed the feel of all the cogs and gears doing their thing. Yet he knew, as did, probably, his brother, that the young woman was keeping them on for the same reason Al was.
Maybe he was going to have to thank the colonel as well when he got back. Either that or let Ed pummel him into a pulp for putting them in this situation.
They spent the rest of the evening just talking, and eating, the mood was lighter than it had been in a while.
After Pinako had found the women she had contacted the officer and told him what she knew. After they had taken the body Pinako had cleaned up the scene. It was, basically, in her front yard. When she was done she moved back into the house.
At one point there was a call, and this time it was the colonel. He seemed tired, as if he hadn't slept much lately, and he was a bit more irate than normal. Yet when he heard the brothers were doing fine his tone lightened.
"That's good, make sure they stay there till the evening after tomorrow."
"I'll tell them, though I'm not sure whether they will actually listen."
Roy chuckled into the phone in understanding. "Yes, those boys never did like listening to me or anyone for that matter."
"Indeed, though I still don't really condone the fact that they are in the military."
"And I'm not trying to convince you. No, it was the boys own choice."
"I know."
"Well, I have to get back to work, I'm not sure if anyone will be able to call tomorrow, but don't mention it to the boys, they'll use it as an opportunity to leave early."
Pinako chuckled quietly to herself, "Indeed." With that she hung up.
Just like the colonel stated, the next day they did not receive a call, which actually kind of worried Ed, though he wouldn't admit it.
Ed, Al and Winry had spent the day by the river, like they had done when they were kids. Ed had decided that he never really got a good chance to spar, so he wanted to try once more. Winry just watched and occasionally yelled at the blond when he was a bit too rough with her automail. They spent the rest of the day like that, relaxing and just having fun. They all knew that time was drawing to a close and because of it there was a wide range of emotions felt by everyone from excitement to worry. Yet no one spoke about it, there was no reason to. What would happen would happen.
It was the last day. Ed's automail was all set, and he had his travel bag over his shoulder. Al still continued to wear the ears and tail Winry had created, with the ear fixed just that morning. Unfortunately, Ed now found it both annoying and embarrassing. Yet he would never say it to his brother, who seemed so happy to have both.
He felt down to his belt, feeling the metal with his flesh hand. Winry had given him a replica of the head and waist pieces so it looked like they were both wearing her creation. The metal of the waist twisted around to join together like a small ring around his tail. It was wide enough to still allow him his normal range of movement, but narrow enough where it looked like it belonged. Behind his ears and bangs was a small headband that was the same color as the ears. It wrapped around the appendages in the same way as the waist band. Both were a little uncomfortable, but at the same time it made him look like he had just simply lost a bet or something instead of looking like he was turned into a chimera.
He fingered the headband uncomfortably then turned back to Winry. "It looks like we're all set, so we'll be heading out."
Winry nodded solemnly, she always did hate this part.
"Come back soon, and, if you could, for once, come back without doing something to my automail?"
Ed just grinned. He turned and walked away. He lifted his hand and waved as he left. His tail curved gently down, then up at the tip, while his ears twitched in contentment.
He smiled weakly as he let his hand drop and his gaze flitted forward. His ears twitched slowly as his thoughts shifted.
He was glad to have a rest, yet he felt restless, glad to be on the move once more. Gold eyes peered down as his tail swiveled into sight and he watched it for a moment in silence.
"I guess… I finally got some control over the damn thing…" he muttered softly to no one in particular.
"See you later Winry!" He heard Al shout as the suit of armor waved both hands widely. Footsteps sounded behind the blonde to prove that he had followed his restless brother.
Winry waved back until they were out of sight. Slowly she dropped her hand.
"They're gone… " She whispered quietly as the wind blew her hair softly around her face. She stared after where the two had disappeared to. Then, quietly, she turned, and walked back into the house.
"Come on! Hurry up! We're going to miss the train!" Ed shouted as he dashed towards the train that whistled loudly. A moment later it slowly began to chug forward. Smoke billowed as the siren rang one more time. Ed quickly grabbed a post and hopped on, momentarily followed by Al. Ed panted as he put a hand against the caboose. His breathes were short as he glared at his brother.
"Damn, we just HAD to get distracted by the stupid kitten."
"But, it was so cute! And it was following us everywhere!"
"Al, that doesn't mean you should pick it up and start cuddling it!"
"But, brother!~"
"Al!" Al pouted as much as a suit of armor can pout.
Ed sighed and then shook his head.
"If it bothers you, I'll let you pet my tail later. Now come on, we need to get a seat." Al jumped up happily.
"I still can't believe that, who would have expected-"
"Yeah, I get it, it's sensitive to touch, we all get it." Edward muttered as he slid open the door. The wind howled around them as the train picked up speed and sped over the golden fields.
Al chuckled, "But brother… you purred!"
Edward frowned and glared daggers at his brother. "I did not, it's was my stomach, I was hungry. There was no way that I would do that. I mean, why?-"
"Well…"
"Nevermind." Edward replied hotly as he stepped into the train's compartment. His thoughts flashed back and he pursed his lips to contain the slight blush that threatened onto his cheeks from the memory.
"Brother… are you sure your tail is alright?" Al asked as he glanced at the older boy worriedly. Ed sighed and nodded.
"Al its fine, if you're so worried you can check it yourself. There's no harm done, and it doesn't really hurt anymore." Al hesitated for a moment then cautiously reached forward. With a gentle touch he brought the tail up to his eyes. He examined it and carefully felt up and down the long smooth fur. He couldn't actually feel the texture, but he could tell when his hand might trail over a bump or crevasse created by a wound.
He didn't find anything, though he paused slightly when he heard a soft sound. The sound stopped when his fingers stopped moving. He glanced over at his brother. Then, slowly, he moved his fingers over the tail again. Ed closed his eyes, a soft sound rumbled from his stomach and chest. Al mentally blinked, then chuckled.
"Brother… you're purring!"
Ed's horror stricken face caused Al to let go with a boisterous laugh.
"Al! It's not funny!"
"But brother! You looked so content! And just like a kitty!"
"Al!"
After that Ed had blushed in embarrassment and made sure that no one else touched his tail, though Al always seemed to want to try anyways.
Al chuckled as Ed glared back at him. They plopped down into a seat, one on either side.
The compartment they were in was near the back, as per usual. There weren't many people in the car besides them. All they saw was a mother with her daughter and husband, an old man who was holding a cane that Ed instantly recognized as a walking cane due to the white stripe, and two young women who were chatting away without a care in the world.
Everyone, except the blind man, stared at the two boys. Eyes moved up to the ears on either boys head. They saw the headbands and a few of them chuckled.
Ed suppressed a blush and looked to Al. "I knew I should have just worn the hood."
"But brother! You look so cute with them! And anyways, you need to get used to it, as you well know, the hood isn't very good protection from people finding out."
Ed glowered and crossed his hands over his chest. Unfortunately the younger boy had a point. Ed sighed and relaxed his arms. He lay down on the seat before he put his flesh arm under his head.
"Wake me when we get there." Ed stated quietly and then promptly fell asleep.
"Everybody freeze!" Al snapped his head up as a scream reverberated through the train car. Soul red eyes glanced to the front of the car. He saw a man with shaggy hair hold a knife. The girl that had been near the front of the carriage with her mother and father was in his hands. She cried out in pain as the man gazed around the cab dangerously, his expression harsh and murderous. The little girl looked like she was barely older then Nina had been.
Al watched as the girl's mother dashed forward desperately. The man slashed forward as soon as she moved.
Her husband quickly pulled her out of harm's way.
Al glared as his fists clenched.
The old man from earlier glanced over in confusion. A moment later a look of understanding passed over his face.
"Please! Let go of my daughter!" The women pleaded as she reached out from her husband's arms.
"I heard theirs a state alchemist on this train! Take me to him and the girl will be let go." He stated harshly. He glared at the group as the knife dug deeper into the child's neck. "If need be I will kill you one by one. Now tell me." The man took a step forward and tripped.
The girl whimpered in pain as the knife dug dangerously close. The man quickly regained his balance and tilted his head to look at the old man who sat there as if nothing had happened.
"Old man. Do that again, and it's your throat". The girl sobbed louder as the old man spoke.
"I'm sorry, I didn't see you… As you can see I'm a little blind." The man replied calmly. The man glared before he closed his eyes, opened them and whistled. The cab door opened and a moment later the old man cried out as he crashed to the floor in a heap. In his place was a figure dressed all in black, his face was shrouded as he gazed impassively at the group.
"As I said, bring me the state alchemist."
Al slowly began to stand as his soul-fire eyes glimmered.
"Al."
The suit of metal glanced down to see Edwards's expression. The boy frowned softly as his eyes glanced back towards the voices.
"Theirs two?"
Al slowly shifted once more, though this time it caught the man's eye.
"You in the suit of armor, tell me who you are. Are you one of the damn scum that work for the government?"
Ed growled softly as Al tilted his head up.
"And if I said yes?" he questioned softly, his voice edged in a dangerous tone.
The man tilted his head before he grinned.
"Well then, DIE!"
Edward shot up from his seat in a flash as metal clanged against metal. A small knife clattered to the floor as golden eyes glared forward.
His golden eyes narrowed to slits as his tail slowly raised and fluffed out. "Why are you looking for state alchemists." He asked dispassionately, his voice cold.
"None of your business brat, if you get in our way again we will kill the girl and you." the man stated. The figure next to him shifted and slowly stepped backwards, as if to recede into the shadows.
Edward stayed silent for a moment as his tail swayed slowly from side to side. The movement caught everyone's eyes, mesmerized by the sleek movement of the 'supposedly fake' item.
Edward closed his eyes. "Al, on the count three."
"Already ready."
"Figured." Edward stated as he let his eyes open to a half lidded state. He stepped away from the bench and walked forward a pace before he looked straight at the man, his expression impassive. "Let her go, you know who the state alchemist is-"
The man stared at the boy for a moment before he shook his head. "No… everyone here, everyone who would let a state alchemist walk among them, should perish." He stated simply before he looked at the boy.
Edward closed his eyes once more and slowly let out a breath. "There's no talking to you, is there…" he said softly.
The next second Ed's eyes snapped open. Ears shot backwards as his tail slashed to the side viciously. Electricity crackled as a thick wooden fist slammed into the side of the man's head. Everyone watched in shock as he crumpled forward. Edward, without a missed beat, dashed towards the falling figure and grabbed the young girl out of the way. Metal clanged as the second figure moved. Edward rolled into a ball to protect them both from the lunge. His tail wrapped around him as his ears twitched.
He heard movement and shifted to the side one more time as his leg snapped outwards. He heard a snap as his leg connected with the man's flesh leg. He used the movement to shift himself and the girl out of harm's way, towards the two worried parents.
Carefully he stood up, as the girl sobbed fearfully, yet miraculously unhurt.
"You… You bastard!" The man stated as he struggled to his feet. The figure with him stepped forward, knives between the persons' fingers.
Edward merely shook his head as he turned towards the girl's mother. He stepped forward and placed the girl in the woman and man's grasp before he turned.
"You angered the wrong person." Edward stated before he moved.
Before anyone could react Ed snapped forward and slammed his flesh fist firmly into the guys face. The guy fell backwards as the second person jumped forward. Edward spun and used his tail to balance as he jumped and rolled to one side. He stopped near the old man who struggled to get up, his pants heavy and painful.
"You alright?" he asked as he gazed back at the figure who was squatted next to the winded leader."
"I will be…" he spoke and Edward grinned.
"Nice job by the way, that was gutsy." He stated as he stood back up and clapped his hands together. "Time for you two to get some quality time in jail." He stated as the sparks flared, he slammed his hands into the seat. Like a living thing the wood squirmed and shot forward. The two jumped out of the way.
Edward grinned.
Blue light flashed as wood paneling shifted around the two figures and snagged them. The two slammed into the wall, arms legs and neck bound into the very heart of the train. Ed turned to his younger brother with a thumbs up as Al pulled away from a chalk alchemic circle.
Edward sighed.
"You… you damn alchemist!"
"Guilty as charged." Edward stated as a dangerous grin flitted over his face. One hand sat on his hip as his appendages swayed in an almost sadistic movement, his expression was terrifying.
"You fucking little brat-" Edward gazed at the man and slapped his hands together.
He didn't speak again the entire trip.
Edward closed his eyes and turned before he let them open and paused.
Everyone stared at him with a mixture of awe and slight fear. They shifted their gaze from him, back to Al and then back to him.
"I guess I didn't need to count down, did I?"
"It was kind of obvious, are you alright?"
"Fine…" he replied before he knelt next to the old man and helped him back into his seat. The man groaned before he smiled.
"Thank you young man…"
Ed nodded, "It's fine."
After the man was stable he turned to the family. He bent down next to the little girl and patted her head gently, his tail swayed and drew the girl's attention. She giggled. "I'm glad you're alright," he whispered. The girl turned to look up and smiled widely. Her mother whispered a quiet, "Thank you." While her father nodded and gazed at the boy with respect. Ed nodded and stretched before he moved back to his seat.
"Ah~ I needed that. I've wanted to hit something for a while. It felt good." He grinned as Al shook his head.
"You're too reckless!"
"Well, I couldn't have him hurting anyone now could I?" Al sighed and shook his head.
"No," Ed smiled fondly then yawned again.
"Damn. That bastard woke me up from a pleasant nap, Good Night Al, I'm going back to bed." Al mentally raised an eyebrow as the boy once again collapsed to the side. He then looked up to see every eye once again on them as the man continued to struggle against his restraints.
He paused, where had the other one gone? He looked around before he noticed white where the other had been 'trapped'. He gazed at his brother before he stood and walked over. He gazed at the paper stuck in the wood before he pulled it out.
"No wonder father is so interested in him. Don't die little alchemist, at least, not yet." Al frowned down at the letter.
A moment later one of the two girls from earlier stood up and walked forward. Al paused and looked back at the girl.
She glanced at Edward for a moment as he peacefully slept. His ears twitched while the tail curled gently around him. Then she turned her gaze towards Al.
"That was amazing… was that alchemy? Is your brother really a state alchemist? He looks so-"
Al nodded quickly, "Yeah, he is."
"Oh!" the girl paused before her eyes shifted to the ears, "What are those anyways? They look so real!"
"Our friend made them. She and my brother had a bet and he lost, so she told him to wear these, I just decided I would wear them too so he wouldn't feel so bad."
Al felt a glare but ignored it. "Her name is Winry Rockbell, she's a mechanic. That's why they seem so real, I think she wanted my brother to wear it for publicity, she was probably going to try to sell some."
"You know… I probably would buy one… can you give me her number?" The girl chuckled quietly as she gazed back between the boy and the suit of armor. Her eyes shone with interest. "I think I want one for myself." Al smiled and quickly listed it off.
He really wasn't sure whether Winry would actually be willing to make more, but he wasn't going to say no. Mainly cause it also solidified his brother's alibi.
The girl smiled, said thank you, and then walked back over to the other girl. The two talked and the other girl squealed quietly. Al shook his head. He would never understand girls.
"I guess I should probably call the colonel and tell him what happened." Al stated quietly. He gazed at the man who continued to struggle. The family that had been up front had moved to the back to sit across from where Ed lay, half asleep. Al mentally chuckled as he noticed the woman talk to the two girls with a paper in hand. She wrote something down and stored it away.
'I guess that girl wasn't the only one who wanted it…'
After he took one more glance at his sleeping brother he opened the door and walked through to head up front to the phones. His mind flitted back to the note and he frowned.
'Father?... and what was that?'
The talk with the colonel's office had been brief. Feury had been the one to pick up. He said he happened to be in the office when the call came through. After being notified he told Al he would tell the colonel and hung up. Afterwards, Al headed back to their car. He got a couple odd looks, though whether it was because he was a suit of armor or because he was wearing cat ears and a tail, he didn't know.
Upon arriving back to his car he found his brother still asleep, though his face was screwed up in annoyance and concentration. The little girl from earlier seemed to be fascinated by his tail and giddily grabbed for it when it came near. Her mother chastised her softly, a small smile on her face anyways. Al suppressed a laugh. The scene was just so cute.
He walked forward, skirted around the girl and sat in the seat opposite from his brother. He looked at his brother, who seemed to be on the verge of snapping. Al could just hear the boy barely suppress a whine and sighed. Too bad he didn't have a camera like Lt. Colonel Hughes, this would be a rather interesting moment to show Ed later.
"Hey, do you want to touch mine? I think you're annoying my brother a little." The boy stated as smiled softly in his mind. The girl turned to him with bright eyes and nodded. She hurried forward and lightly brushed the tail with her hand. She squealed happily. He glanced over to his brother, who had finally relaxed.
The rest of the trip was spent in peace. Ed slept on while the girl played with Al's 'tail' until she was tired. Afterwards her mom took her in her arms and held her as she slept. The father glanced down lovingly then looked at the two.
"You know… I never imagined a state alchemist would do that… or wear those for that matter…"
Al chuckled quietly. "Yeah, that's my brother for you,"
"What's his name? I might know him. I've been keeping tabs on the military… for safety reason."
"Oh! Um… It's Edward, Edward Elric…"
The man paused for a second and then something dawned on his face. His mouth gapped open and he sputtered.
"You mean?! The Fullmetal Alchemist?!" Al nodded. Everyone in the car turned, eyes wide in shock.
"I never would have thought…" the women whispered as she gazed at the boy in appreciation and awe.
"He's known as the hero of the people…" one of the girls whispered, the one who had come up to them earlier. Al glanced over to see her look at the paper in her hand. She moved it closer to her chest while the other girl glared at her.
"Lucky." Al heard the other girl mumble.
"So… there really are human beings in the military." The old man stated with a subtle smile.
"This Winry person must be amazing, to convince a state alchemist to wear those…"
"My brother isn't exactly one to back down from a challenge."
The family man nodded and glanced at the boy. Then his eyes saddened. "Even so, to have such a young boy in the military…"
"It was my brother's choice." Al stated with finality. The man looked at him then nodded.
Ed slept on… well in everyone else's point of view. To Al it looked like the boy was listening carefully, a small smile adorned his face as his tail swayed gently.
They arrived quickly after that, Ed sat up with a stretch and a yawn after the other passengers had left. He grabbed his suit case and, followed by Al, jumped off the train. Again, he was given strange looks but he ignored it. His red coat lay over his arm as he walked forward purposely. He still had a score to settle with Mustang.
Al followed behind and kept pace with the shorter male as they moved forward. He only stopped when his brother froze in front of him.
"ELRIC BROTHERS! HOW GOOD IT IS TO SEE YOU AGAIN! MY MUSCLES HAVE MISSED YOU!" Al chuckled as Ed's face turned to one of horror. Eyes glanced over, curious about the commotion.
"Major Armstrong!" Said man beamed and quite literally started to sparkle. He wore a blue military uniform that stuck snuggly to his frame to exhibit bulging muscles. He had a small mustache and a single curl of blonde hair on the top of his head.
"What are those?" The major asked, a little softer, as he pointed at the pair of appendages on Ed and Al's heads. Ed tried desperately to keep a straight face as Al suppressed a round of laughter.
"Brother lost a bet with Winry." Al stated simply, unable to trust himself to say more.
"OH! HOW TRAGIC! HERE! LET MY MUSCLES EMBRACE YOU!" Ed panicked and quickly dodged behind Al. His ears flattened on either side of his head as his tail curled up behind him.
To a spectator, he looked cute.
"No no! It's okay Major! I'm really not upset about it! I decided I would do it to help Winry! She wanted to sell some!" The major, who had just been about to rip of his shirt once again, stopped.
"OH! HOW NOBLE OF YOU TO HELP YOU'RE GIRLFRIEND!"
Ed's face turned tomato red as he shouted in return, "SHE'S NOT MY GIRLFRIEND! SHE'S JUST A MECHANIC!"
Al couldn't suppress it any more. He started to laugh. His raucous laughter rang through the terminal which caused even more people to glance over.
"Al!"
"Come on brother… haha… let's get out of here." Ed glared, a pout on his features.
"You are SO going to pay for this Al." The boy mumbled. Al just shook his head as they followed the, still surprisingly clothed, major. They piled into a taxi. Ed opted to sit in the front seat, so as not to be squished. Al agreed to let him. The taxi driver gave them an odd look for a second and then shrugged it off. It wasn't his business.
"Central headquarters." Armstrong stated calmly.
They headed off as Al turned to face the man. "So, major, why are you picking us up?"
"… We'll talk once we arrive," the man stated, uncharacteristically calm. Al paused and nodded as Ed narrowed his eyes worriedly.
They arrived quickly and piled out of the car. The major went up first, followed by Ed and Al. They walked in as everyone saluted the major. Though just as many then stuttered in there salute once they saw Ed. The boy glared venomously at them and they quickly took the hint.
The major led them to Mustangs office then knocked. With a firm voice he stated that the Elric Brothers were back.
A tired voice from inside called back with a, "come in." Ed took a deep breath and then slammed the door open with his foot.
"Colonel Bastard, I'm back." The boy stated, hands folded in front of his chest. Golden eyes pierced the room. Everyone looked up just as Roy was about to respond.
Instead he choked and stared at the boy in front of him.
"Uh… Boss… what are you…?"
"Don't. Ask." The boy growled and glared at Havoc who, once again, had a toxic stick in his mouth.
"Brother lost a bet with Winry."
"Al!"
Mustang quietly laughed and shook his head. He glanced at Alphonse and took in the ears and tail as well.
"So Alphonse, anything interesting happen?"
"No…" Al responded hesitantly, unable to really lie.
Roy nodded anyway and leaned back in his chair in obvious exhaustion. He glanced at the men around him who nodded and moved aside. He turned back to Ed and gestured the boy forward. Ed growled, yet followed the command none the less.
"So, Fullmetal, have you learned your lesson?" he asked as he folded his hands in front of his face. Upon closer inspection Ed found, shockingly, that there were bags under the superior's eyes.
"No. and I found it a fucking waste of time that could have been better spent searching for the Philosophers stone."
"Edward, please watch your language." Hawkeye stated impassively. Ed glanced at her, his tail swept back and forth in agitation.
"The bastard deserved it." Ed muttered under his breath.
"Brother!" Ed sighed then looked back at the colonel.
"So colonel bastard, what's going on? You wouldn't just randomly send the major out for no good reason."
"The amount of kidnappings have increased lately, along with the death count. All of which resemble the being in the report you gave me." Ed froze. The smirk dropped off his face in an instant.
"No way…" Al whispered, almost hoarsely. Roy glanced at the boy and then turned back to face Fullmetal.
"We've had our hands full lately, the people have started to panic and there is civil unrest. We're keeping it on the down low but…" The man paused and then continued, "The criminal has gotten bolder, not only that but, there has been a much higher rise in chimera sightings… which is causing almost as many problems." Ed waited, he wasn't one to be patient, but something told him that wasn't the worst of it.
"As you well remember from before you left… We cannot research anything about your case… and no one else has any knowledge of the situation besides Hughes…" Ed's eyes widened as he suddenly understood.
The military had their hands tied behind their backs, they couldn't do anything.
"Then the Fuhrer?!-"
"At this point we don't know, but we have a strong suspicion that it is related to him… or at least his secretary" the man smirked behind his hands, "…which makes it easier for me."
Ed rolled his eyes and huffed, "Thinking of a promotion even now? You really are a bastard." Roy turned cold blue almost black eyes towards the young alchemist.
"… Fullmetal that is none of your concern. Now, if you will please, I need to meet with a state alchemist. It turns out that he recently acquired his alchemy title, courtesy of the Fuhrer, and is going to be assigned here for the time being. I was told it was to see how my group works, now if you don't mind?..."
"Fine, I understand. I'll come back later." The boy frowned and stomped out the door. Roy let out a breath and massaged his temples.
"Sir?..."
"Nothing…" Roy responded quietly. He already knew what the question was going to be.
Before he could say another word, there was a knock on the door.
He sighed, "Come in."
The man walked in smiling. "Are you Colonel Roy Mustang? I've heard a lot about you. Greetings, I'm the new state alchemist." The man extended a well-manicured hand towards the older man. Roy pursed his lips slightly, and then took it to give the other a firm grip.
"Welcome. The Fuhrer's secretary seems a little slow today, so I don't have any information on you. So may I be so inconsiderate as to ask for your name?"
"Oh it's fine." The man smiled and Roy's frown deepened.
"My name is Harold," Roy nodded and let go.
"Well, it's a pleasure to meet you." Roy stated carefully. The man's smile widened, "Oh, yeah, I heard you have the Fullmetal alchemist under your wing."
Roy's eyes narrowed slightly, "I do…"
"I would love to meet him."
A while later Ed walked back in. The state alchemist was gone and all that was left in the room was the colonel and his right hand woman.
"Well?" Ed stated as he waited for the two. He crossed his hands over his chest. Mustang sighed exasperatedly, too tired to deal with the boy.
"Edward… are you feeling better?" Edward glanced over at Hawkeye, confusion written over his face.
"What do you mean?"
"When you were here last week you were limping quite badly, plus you had your coat hood up…"
Ed shook his head, "I'm fine, you don't have to worry." Hawkeye pursed her lip, but remained silent.
"Fullmetal, one other question. What happened to your voice?"
"And what do you mean by that bastard colonel?"
"Other than the fact that you vaguely sound like a girl, have cat ears due to a "bet" with Mrs. Rockbell and are shorter than normal-"
"WHO ARE YOU CALLING SHORT! I'M NOT SHORT!"
"- you still say nothing's wrong… is there something you didn't write about in the report that I would like to know?" The man finished, unperturbed by the blonde's rant. Ed growled and shot the man a glare.
"What is there to explain? If it's annoying you then good," the boy huffed.
"Fullmetal. If it has to do with the case then-"
"It doesn't, so back off!"
"Fullmetal…" Roy sighed and then leaned back in his chair to massage his temples.
"Lieutenant?"
"Right away sir."
Ed blinked in confusion and glanced between the two while Hawkeye walked away.
"Bastard, what are you up to?..."
The man didn't respond, though he didn't have to because when Hawkeye returned Ed swore.
"You got to be fucking kidding me! Paperwork?!" in Hawkeyes hands was a large stack of papers, each obviously needed to be signed accordingly.
"Yes Fullmetal, paperwork. As a military officer it is your duty to complete your assignment. And right now were stretched as it is. Now I ask that you sit down and get to work."
"Bastard! You never do your own! Why the hell are you shoving it on me?!"
"Because I can." He stated then turned to Hawkeye. The women glanced to him then looked at Ed.
"Edward, you will be using my desk."
Ed swore under his breath. His tail jerked erratically and his ears twitched in an annoyed fashion. Roy had to force his eyes away from the twitching limbs and back to his own pile. He smiled and started to doodle on one of them until he heard a click. He quickly changed the doodle into a signature.
Riza put the safety back into place and then turned back to Ed. She handed him a pen and then sat down opposite of him. She started on her own work while she watched the colonel and Ed out of the corner of her eye.
Ed pursed his lips. Did he REALLY have to do PAPERWORK of all things? He sighed and looked at the first sheet. He paused and then threw it down.
"Why the hell am I signing MY OWN PAPERWORK?!"
"Well, one, because it's your fault that I have all that paperwork and two, I really don't have the time right now to do them, and many of them are due soon."
"Then why the fuck didn't you do them earlier! Hell, the first one relates to the Youswell Coal Mines! That was ages ago! And this one? Isn't it from when we went to Xenotime?!" Ed raised an eyebrow and glanced at Roy who whistled innocently.
The boy growled.
The man turned to him and shrugged.
"Well, they need to be done, and what's in the past is what's in the past. And hey? If you hadn't gone around destroying buildings, forests and disrupting the natural order of those places then you wouldn't have that large pile to do now would you?" Riza glanced at the colonel for a second then turned back just to hear Ed snarl. The boy's lips curled up, as his ears went straight back. His tail whipped parallel with the floor. Riza blinked and put her pen down while Roy did a double take.
"Fullmetal…" Ed's eyes narrowed even farther.
"What?" the boy seethed. He didn't realize what he was doing.
"Those aren't fake… are they?"
Ed started, eyes widened only for them to quickly return to a glower. "And why do you say that? You know my mechanic; she's not one to do things half-heartedly."
"… Then how do you explain your teeth?"
"What's wrong with them?" Ed asked carefully as his ears slowly shifted backwards. They twitched as if a barely suppressed nervousness begged to seep through. His tail slowly started to curl closer to his body.
"Dammit Fullmetal! Just tell me what the hell happened to you!"
"Bastard, as I said in the report. We were captured by the guy, however we escaped right afterwards. We went back later to examine the place once we were fully prepared, but by then they were gone."
"Edward…" Ed glanced over to see Riza, her hands were on the table while her amber eyes watched the boy. A flicker of emotion passed through her eyes. Ed blinked in surprise.
The normally stoic woman was worried.
"Lieutenant… I'm fine." The boy smiled slightly which just made the two adults frown. Mustang sighed and then stood.
"I'll be right back," he muttered.
Ed watched his superior warily as he left.
"Ed… you should get to your paperwork." Riza stated softly. Ed glanced at her then nodded. He looked down, grabbed a pen and began to write.
"Dammit Fullmetal, why won't you tell me anything?!" Roy swore quietly to himself. He paced for a moment then sighed.
"Roy?" With a start Roy turned to see Hughes. He looked tired but he had a pleasant smile on his face. "I didn't expect to see you out of the office."
"… There was a slight predicament…"
"Does it have to do with Edward?" Roy glanced at the man who shook his head.
"Roy, I know he came back today, I saw the major escorting him in with those weird contraptions on his head. I've heard rumors that they were made by Winry…" Hughes glanced at Roy and shook his head. "You don't believe the rumors either, do you..."
Roy started before a coal gaze shifted towards the man. The man's smile was sad, unlike the Hughes Roy was used to. "What do you mean by that?"
Hughes just shook his head. A moment later he spoke. "Oh, and you should know, I was keeping tabs on Edward… maybe you shouldn't have sent him to Risembool."
"Why." Roy said worriedly.
"… He didn't tell you?"
Roy's expression grew from worried to frustrated, "Dammit Hughes! Just tell me what happened!" Hughes looked at him for a second then grinned.
"How about I show you a picture? I just got this new one of Elicia! She was wearing one of her mother's old dresses! She looked adorable in it!"
"Hughes…"
"Come on Roy! You know you want to see it!"
"Tell me what happened."
"And I also got this gorgeous picture of Gracia, she is just like the sun! So bright! See see!" He stated as he pushed the pictures into Roy's face.
Roy growled and stomped off. Maes watched him go as he slowly let the pictures drop to his side.
"If the boys didn't tell you… then it isn't by business to intervene. Plus… I think you figured it out anyways…" He stated quietly.
A moment later his eyes sparkled as he turned back to the pictures.
"Oh, Elicia! You're so cute!" he stated and kissed the picture in delight.
Roy was frustrated, not only was Fullmetal being infuriatingly silent, but now even Hughes was not telling him everything!
"What's it take to get some god damn respect around here." The man muttered viciously. A moment later he sighed and thought back to the conversation with Hughes.
"I don't believe it's fake?... what happened in Risembool?..." he closed his eyes and massaged his temples. This day was NOT going as planned. After another moment he sighed and turned to head back to his office. On the way there he paused and noted the line of telephones. He looked at them, frowned and shook his head. He walked over and picked one up.
"Rockbells automail! How can I help you?"
"Mrs. Rockbell, its Colonel Roy Mustang."
"Oh… I didn't think you would be calling so soon…" She responded warily.
"… I didn't think I would be either… Now Mrs. Rockbell, I have a question for you regarding Fullmetal."
"Edward?..."
"Yes… What happened while he was with you?"
The women paused then she spoke coldly, "What do you mean?"
"… I have a report that an incident occurred, and I would like to verify with those in contact with the witness."
"… Nothing happened…"
Roy paused and sighed as he recognized the harsh tone for what it was. "Thank you, I'm sorry to bother you." He hung up and slumped against the side wall. His eyes slid closed.
"What the hell is going on around here…?"
Ed growled as he signed another paper. He was fast at it, but he was still bored out of his skull.
"No wonder the colonel never does his work." The boy muttered under his breath.
"What was that Edward?"
"Nothing!" The boy glanced back down as he signed another sheet. His tail and ears slumped, as bored as their owner. As he signed yet another sheet accounting for his damages to one town or another, the colonel walked back in. He looked even more tired than he did when he left. His feet seemed to drag as he plopped into the leather chair at the front of the room.
"Sir?" The man waved, too tired to respond. Hawkeye nodded and went back to work. Ed smirked, maybe paperwork wasn't so bad. He rarely got to see this side of his superior.
"Fullmetal, what's so funny?" The man stated as his gaze shifted towards the blonde.
Said blonde's smile widened. "Oh nothing… just taking in a weak bastard colonel, that's all."
The man glared and sat up.
"For your information I can still beat you, remember the last time you tried to fight me?"
"Wasn't it a draw?"
"No… I obliterated you."
"In your dreams, I sooo won."
"Well-"
"Will you two stop squabbling like little children and get back to work?" Riza stated impassively, her gaze still on her papers as she jotted down another line. A vein popped on Edwards head yet he stayed silent, he really didn't want to get on the lieutenants bad side. Roy just frowned. He had been close to riling the blonde up like normal. It was always fun and sometimes an interesting stress reliever.
He glanced at Edward as the boy snarled and pouted.
He blinked as he thought he caught a flash of sharp inhuman teeth. 'Equal to the size of the boy' Mustang thought with a chuckle then pushed it to the side as he continued to discreetly watch the boy. The ears twitched and quivered minutely. They seemed to move smoothly from one action to the next. His tail curved in and out and swayed gently, there was no hint of mechanization or anything. Heck he half wanted to pet it. He shook the thought out of this mind and continued his observation.
The boy was thinner and, yes, smaller. If he was a girl Roy would have qualified her as a cute petite blonde, yet he wasn't.
Lastly the voice, if that wasn't accusing enough.
The boy had a higher voice in general, seeing as he was still young, yet after visiting the lab his voice resounded about a perfect fifth higher. He had dismissed it the first time but this time he couldn't deny the fact that it was off. He glanced to his right to find that he still had the report from the boy.
'I guess I am worried.' He thought as he flipped it open to once more read over the contents. The report was simple. The boy talked about how they had found the secret passage and explored the area until they came to a large room with a transmutation circle in it, along with a bunch of cages. Then he described the malformed body that he found, which, it turns out, had matched the body that was found a week ago. He read on to find a description of the man who was in the room, along with the fact that they had been caught, unawares from behind. This had initially explained why Ed had been limping. Then it started to get confusing, as if the boy suddenly couldn't think of what to say. The rest came out in short clips and anecdotes.
Each one made sense but over all, it looked like he had rewritten that part over and over until he had finally gotten down something that he thought would work. Roy looked over the ending again. The boy stated how he was able to escape, being very vague on the how or why, he then mentioned how he had found the entrance with his brother and created stairs to the top. This confused Roy, seeing as, from what he knew, the man wasn't likely to make a mistake like that. And then, it suddenly skips forward saying that they simply "prepared" and went back down to find it empty.
He closed the folder and glanced back at the boy whose frown had deepened until he was practically burning the paper with his eyes. Roy had to chuckle. He remembered doing that quite a few times himself over the past few years… well until Hawkeye had decided to lock his gloves into one of her drawers. Roy sighed and looked at the looming devil next to him.
'So… something happened after he was kidnapped… and, most likely, instead of being caught off guard, he was overpowered. This could mean that there was probably a large group of people in action. It would be even less likely for them to make a stupid mistake like keeping the entrance open, or even letting them get that far without some form of surveillance. If that was the case… that means…' Roy glanced over to the boy again, this time he didn't even try to hide the fact that he was looking. The boy noticed and glanced up.
"What?" he frowned.
Roy narrowed his eyes as he stood up.
Ed's eyes widened as Roy stepped forward and practically pounced on the younger boy. With a sharp tug he pulled at the headband around Ed's ear. Ed noticed and desperately grabbed hold of it… too late. Riza's pen stopped and Roy let go of the headband in shock. Ed quickly thrust it back on, though he didn't know why. Roy glanced over and then before the boy could stop him. He touched the tail.
Edward's hair stood on end as he hissed. Roy pulled back, as if he had been burned by his own fire.
"Are you satisfied bastard." The boy stated as he stood up. His whole body was tense and his voice lowered enough to more closely resemble his original voice. His ears were pointed straight back as his tail stood rigidly, slightly arched and bristled. His eyes were narrowed to slits as gold pierced into black. Roy backed away, eyes widened at the feral look the boy had.
"Edward…" Riza stated, shock leaked into her voice as she stared at the boy. Ed whipped his head to look at her as he slowly backed away.
"Fullmetal calm down! We're not going to do anything!" Roy stated as he put both hands up in a placating gesture. Riza nodded as she looked pointedly at the boy. A flash of something flickered across her face.
Ed paused as he noticed the look. It was just like the look his mother gave him when he had not told her he had cut his knee while playing with Al. It was a look of disappointment, worry and affection, an expression of exasperation yet understanding.
Ed slowly let his hands relax as his tail drooped to curl between his legs. His ears moved forward until they were more sideways on his head.
The two noticed the change and Roy breathed out in relief. After a moment he turned to the boy, hands on his hips.
"Now… Fullmetal, tell me what happened… and don't leave anything out." Ed glanced at him, paused, and then glanced at Riza who watched patiently. Ed had to chuckle at that. They looked just like two parents waiting for their child to say some forbidden thing. Then he saddened and closed his eyes.
'Fuck.' He thought as he realized what he had just imagined. After another moment he sighed and sat down on the leather couch with a plop. His tail wrapped into his lap, as if to try to comfort him. The other two noticed and moved to their own seats. Mustang sat behind his desk while Hawkeye stood next to him, paperwork completely forgotten.
Edward paused again, and then cleared his throat.
"Okay, short version. Al and I got captured by a crazy lunatic who doesn't even have a name. He threatens Al after finding about his blood seal and we TRY to escape. They blocked the entrance and we didn't find an exit in time. A while later the lunatic, as you so nicely put it when you sent me to Risembool, took me back to the room. Simply put, I was trans…mu… Fuck!…"
Roy and Riza glanced at each other and then back at the boy who was swearing obscenities.
"How the fucking hell did I not notice that?! I'm a fucking dumbass! "
"Edward, what seems to be the problem?"
"The problem, I just fucking realized, is that that bastard did HUMAN transmutation! And he didn't even give a single fucking thing up! What is up with that shit?!" Ed growled eyes narrowed to slits. Roy's eyes widened in shock, while Riza just stood there. A stony expression graced her features.
"Fullmetal, describe exactly what he did, along with the transmutation circle as best as you can." Ed glanced at him then closed his eyes. His ears and tail moved erratically and it took all of Roy and Riza's willpower not to follow the movements, which so clearly showed the usually expressionless emotions of the child before them.
"Hm… the transmutation circle was quite complex and I never did get a good look at it, the first time being because it was mostly coated in blood the second time… I kind of had a concussion…" Ed muttered the end. Roy's eyes sharpened, his expression serious and angry.
"Continue."
"Uh… They put me into the center of the circle, I remember that there had been two circles instead of the normal hexagonal sides which are signature of human transmutations… but… after that the lunatic had stepped forward injecting me with some sort of serum. I don't know what it was or anything about it really… hell I don't really recall what happened after that. It becomes a little blurry… I just remember feeling something slam into my chest and a screech…"
The boy mockingly chuckled and subtly shook his head as he continued, "It sounded kind like I do now… though a little higher. Anyways, after the transmutation started, it was nothing unusual, just the usual blue charges of a normal reaction. Again, it becomes blurry during this part… I think once it finished he checked me for any problems. After that I lost consciousness. After I woke up, I had what you see before you." He stated and turned to look back at the two. Riza watched, impassively, while Roy held his hands in front of his face in his signature pose. His eyes were closed in silent contemplation. After another moment he opened them and put his hands down.
"Fullmetal, why did you not tell me this earlier? We could have used that information."
"Well geez, I just realized that it's important." The boy growled. Roy sighed and massaged his temple.
"Well congrats kid, you are officially a chimera, with there being no actual knowledge of how to turn you back. Oh! And the guy who made you? Is out making more, killing more people and, on top of everything else, most likely has a philosopher's stone. Great job Fullmetal, just great."
"Well, it isn't fucking my fault." The boy murmured, "You shouldn't have sent me on that blasted mission. If you remember… Never mind." The boy looked to the side, his bangs hid his face. His ears were flat against his head and his tail quivered, curled up on itself.
"Unfortunately… I had no other option at the time. The Fuhrers secretary had made it clear that it was to be done, post haste… and unfortunately there were no other state alchemist available, they were either on a mission, MIA or too far away to be of much help. I had no other choice."
"And you couldn't do it because?"
"… I had a meeting regarding an issue that was occurring out west…" The man muttered quietly, almost guiltily.
"It sounds more like… they specifically made sure I was the only one who could go…" Roy glanced up and nodded.
"Indeed."
"Sir…" Roy glanced at Riza than closed his eyes, after a moment he opened them and once again leaned forward, hands clasped in front of him.
"Now… can you tell me what happened in Risembool while we're at it?"
Ed stiffened slightly then glared. "… nothi-"
"Fullmetal, I really don't want to hear crap right now, I know from Hughes that something happened, now tell me or I will convince Maes to." Ed pursed his lip and glared even harder.
"Other than the fact that, lunatics seem to be following me lately, and people are dying in front of me? Nothing."
"Can you expand on that?"
"Well, as you probably know, there was a wonderfully crazed man who had taken over a part of the train we were on, knowing there was a state alchemist on it. Ironically I just barely made it on that train… so how did he know? Secondly a woman from our village lost a daughter a year ago, and somehow mistook her for me. You can probably guess how well THAT went over." Edward glanced to the side at that, his bangs covered half his face. His arms crossed over his chest more like a hug then an affront.
Roy exhaled and shook his head and half laughed, half exasperated. "Only you, Fullmetal, would attract so many problems. Though it is concerning, how did that man know? And why did that women mistake you for her daugh… nevermind on the second one."
Ed bristled, "What the hell does that mean?!"
"Sorry Fullmetal but… with that new look, and a coat… you do kind of look like a girl… the added appendages don't really help much either." Ed snarled, eyes sharp, a vein popped yet he reined in a rant. He didn't want to allow his superior another reason to gloat.
"Well geez colonel, glad to have your support." The boy growled.
"You're welcome, now, the new state alchemist should be coming soon… be warned… he… is an odd one."
Ed glanced at the colonel and raised an eyebrow. "That's saying something in this fucking place."
"Indeed." Roy stated with a deadpan expression.
A moment later there was a knock on the door and it opened.
"Colonel Roy Mustang, I have the new state alchemist information for you." The women stated. Ed glanced back and raised an eyebrow slightly.
"Who is she?" Ed muttered as she walked forward and placed the folder on the desk. A moment later she turned and walked out to leave the three behind in silence. Ed looked forward as Roy read through the report.
"To answer your question, Edward, that is the temporary secretary for the Fuhrer. It seems his previous secretary got sick and she is taking her place until a full recovery can be made." Ed's eyes narrowed again and he glanced back at the door.
"… I didn't expect this… nor do I think I like it." Roy stated coldly. Ed and Riza glanced over as Roy snapped the folder shut.
"The new state Alchemist has a… very familiar title..." the man stated as he folded his hands in front of his face.
Down the hall, footsteps echo happily, with a speedy spring to the steps.
"You'll recognize it Fullmetal…"
The man whistled contentedly as he walked up to the door. He thumped with slightly uneven steps.
Ed felt a bone-chilling tingle run up and down his spine.
"He is…"
A knock on the door.
"… come in…" Roy turns to the door as it opens slowly inwards.
His eyes stay focused on the newcomer as he muttered a quiet.
"The Sowing Life Alchemist."
(End chapter)
Honestly if you're reading this, I'm really glad. I would like to thank everyone whose reviewed and I want to give a shout out to Himitsu no Neko whose review reminded me to move my lazy ass to finish this. I will tell you that, most of the story is written except for the very end, so just know that, it might take a while, but this story will be finished.
I sincerely thank you if you're still reading this, and I hope you enjoyed the latest chapter of 'How could this happen to me!'