Chapter 3

*** Author's Note ***

Hi guys, so if you didn't know already i have rewritten chapter one so if you could go look at that i would appreciate it. This will be the first chapter of the month and i'm hoping to have chapter four up for you guys shortly. The songs for this chapter are "It Has Begun" by Starset and "If Today Was Your Last Day" by Nickelback. Enjoy!

First Person

The last of a loud rumble of thunder died away as he spoke those words. Die today? Who does this guy think he is?

All too soon he was in front of me making a grab for my face. Ducking under his arm and spinning out of the way, i watched as his hand slammed into the wall behind me. Alchemic discharge in the form of red light burst through the air as yet another wall gained a new hole. He was quick to turn around and even quicker to launch another attack at me. Being wary of his strange alchemy i avoided another grab made by his hand and successfully landed a kick to his stomach. He flew back a few feet before regaining his footing.

I saw my opening as he tripped on a piece of brick from one of the previously destroyed walls. If i can get a few good punches in now i can disorient him long enough to get away. I don't particularly enjoy fighting this dangerous a battle this early in the goddamn morning.

Making my move i darted up the pavement. The light rainfall working fast to dampen the ground. Near silent wet slapping noises could be heard coming from my brown leather boots splashing in the water.

His eyes widened slightly as i got close and he moved to defend. Not good. I exchanged five blows with him. Two of which he managed to block. As i threw a well aimed punch for his right shoulder i noticed his hand moving up to grab at my arm. Shit. I jumped backwards into a crouch just in time for him to miss me yet again. Kicking my leg out i caught his own legs and pulled them out from under him.

As he fell he reached out his hand locking it onto a pipe attached to one of the alley walls. More red light filled the area where he was as steam gushed out of the pipe.

What the hell? Was that a hot water line? Keeping a calm face i flicked a chunk of wet, dark brown hair out of my face and spun around. He was gone. I highly doubt he just decided to leave seeing as he seems hell bent of killing me for whatever reason.

I cautiously looked around. A shock of lightning filled the alley, briefly allowing me to see through the steam. I flinched as i saw a shadow dance across the adjacent wall, barely visible in the still existent steam.

The expected thunder followed after the lightning, almost seeming to split the earth with its roar. Wait a minute. I'm so stupid. Clapping my hands and whirling to face behind me i let a potent bolt of white lightning shoot from my hands. It illuminated the whole alley, same as the natural flash of lightning.

Good thing i used alchemy right at that second because it hit my opponent right in his chest as he was attempting to hit me from behind. Seeing as my attack wasn't meant to kill it only surprised him for a second. Long enough for me to get out of his path.

Rolling to the side and out of the way his attack ruptured yet another alley wall. I skidded to a stop my foot catching on a piece of rubble. My luck must be somewhat good today because just as i fell flat on my back he had apparently been lunging for my head again. Seeing as i was no longer where he was aiming for, his hand shot over me getting one of the walls. Before i could do anything to protect myself or move i was covered in brick debris. Now bruised and covered in dust i quickly moved out of the way before he noticed me.

God damnit do i ever get a break today?! I thought as i was again sprawled out on the cold ground but this time, by my leg giving out was the cause.

The man with the hand that explodes things was making his was over almost too fast for a human and as i tried to get back to my feet in time i had a sudden realization. I wasn't going to make it out of the way in time. This psycho was gonna blow some part of me up.

"You will die for your crimes against my people Sta-!" he was cut off as a blur of brown and black tackled him. My god Ace had perfect timing. I stumbled to my feet, let out a high pitched whistle, then clapped my hands. For the second time today my white energy alchemy sparked through the air hitting the still fallen man. Turning around not more than a second later i took off running. Well running as best i can with my leg. Right out the alley way i continued down the street never looking back. A block down Ace joined me at my side.

He kept pace with me all the way to the hotel. We only slowed down as we made it into the lobby. A look around assured me the fucker hadn't followed us.

Temporarily forgetting about breakfast we headed up to our room. As soon as we walked in the door i fetched a towel for Ace then immediately checked my automail. A sisley dent was staring back at me when i looked at my leg. Sighing i pulled my pant leg back down and limped my way over to the bathroom. I was going to have to have that looked at soon.

Deciding i didn't feel like being covered in brick dust any longer or getting pneumonia from the cold rain clinging to my clothing, i hoped in the shower. The warm water from the shower head cascaded down my body soothing my sore, bruised muscles.

Squeezing some soap onto my hand i tried to avoid noticing the pale white line crossing my palm. I then moved my hands to my chocolate colored locks, slowly lathering the soap through my hair.

Now that i had time to think about more than how to avoid a deadly alchemy attack. It struck me. That must have been the State Alchemist killer from Central. Wait but if that was him, scar i think his name was, then does that mean he's now in East City. That's not good. Not good at all.

Emerging from the shower i got to work bandaging up my wounds which really only consisted of a few scratches and some bruised ribs. The thought that i just went up against THE State Alchemist killer and came back alive and mostly unscathed is kinda unexpected. I would've figured he would have at least broken a bone or something.

Just as i think that, i move to set the gauze down resulting in a painful jolt from my ribs. The gauze fell to the floor as i sharply twist back around. What was i saying about no broken bones? Pressing a finger to one of my ribs i wince in pain. Yup that definitely feels broken.

My stomach let out a loud gurgling noise alerting me to my hunger. A glance at the clock on the wall lets me know it's now ten am and Ace and i haven't eaten since nine last night. Walking out of the bathroom after getting dressed i grab my wallet and watch as i head for the door. The breakfast bar should still be open.

"I'm gonna head down stairs to get some food for us alright?" no response other than a slight shift under the towel Ace is currently lying under. Not that i really expected much of an answer. I'm used to the silence that accompanies a lot of one sided speech.

Heading down stairs as i planned i got in line. This isn't one of those fancy free breakfast bars that some of the nicer hotels have. Knowing this once i'm at the head of the line i pay for two meals. The man eyes me weirdly but my face stays neutral and i don't spare him an extra look.

Having accomplished what i came down stairs to do, i sneak past the security and back to the staircase to the upstairs. This place also has a stupid rule about taking food out of the dining area.

I return back to the room with our food. Ace and i make fast work of our pancakes and sausage, his paired with water in a dish on the floor while my meal includes a glass bottle of sweet, cold milk.

Finishing everything off Ace jumps onto the single bed in the room. Curling up at the foot he's asleep in no time. Shutting off the light then following his example, i collapse onto the bed. Too tired to even register the burning pain in my ribs from that action. Rolling onto my side i'm out like a light in a matter of minutes.

First Person

Waking up and seeing the world in an upside down position is not the first thing you expect. So then, why the fuck is everything upside down?

"Oh brother you're awake" i guess most people don't expect to see a suit of armor when they wake up either. "You fell asleep on the couch again". Huffing i sat up and readjusted myself.

"What time is it Al?" i don't even remember putting my book down last night.

"A little past 11, you stayed up late last night" Al said as he got up moving to the couch.

"You let me sleep in that late!?" i quickly jumped up rushing over to my suit case. My messy bed head of hair kept dangling in my face and frustrated i repeatedly pushed the strands away. "We are supposed to meet Colonel Bastard in like-" swiftly turning my head in the direction of the clock i groaned. "Twenty minutes!"

"BROTHER its not my fault you didn't tell me we were meeting the Colonel" he scolded me. Shit i did forget to tell him didn't i. Sighing he turned away from me. "I'm going to grab something from down stairs for you to eat on the way".

"Okay just don't take to long". It was his turn to huff as he opened the door and stepped out.

Pulling on my black leather pants i plopped back onto the green couch. I reached for my brush i had left on the table at some point yesterday and unwrapped the hair band from my wrist. Working quick i whipped the brush through my hair eradicating any knots. Soon as that was finished i began braiding my hair. Rewrapping my hair band around the end of the braid i tugged on my red overcoat and attached my watch chain to my pants.

I was about to go down and fetch Al because we really needed to leave but he practically ran into me when i opened the door. "Okay Al let's go before Colonel Bastard barbeques us".

"Alright here, eat this" he shoved a warm sweet pastry into my hand a piece of wax paper the only thing stopping me from getting sticky. A honey bun. Rushing out the door, down the stairs, and out the lobby entrance, i ate my sweet breakfast. We continued our rushed pace, only stopping when we entered East Headquarters.

Stepping up to the bastards outer office door, i knocked. Hawkeye opened the door revealing most of Mustang's team working on some task. The only person missing was Sergeant Major Fury.

"Hello Edward" the First Lieutenant moved to the side allowing Al and i to enter.

"Mam" Al said once we walked in. She nodded at us.

"The Colonel is waiting for you in his office".

"I know" i answered glumly. Shifting my weight i started heading for his office. Al following closely behind me, i slammed the door open. I heard Al let out a quiet sigh as we entered, obviously annoyed with my antics.

"Fullmetal so nice to see you" his ever present smirk already firmly planted on his face. "Even if you did show up late" the smug bastard.

Que a deep scowl to form on my face, "you're the one who called so late last night, it's your fault i was so tired that i overslept".

"My bad i thought someone of your-" smirk growing ever so slightly "stature would be able to handle waking up early".

"WHO ARE YOU CALLING SO SHORT HE CAN'T BE SEEN WITH A MAGNIFYING GLASS!?" The fucker knew just how to piss me off.

"Brother calm down you're gonna get us both in trouble" Al stammered keeping me in place before i could break some part of Mustang. Right, he's right, Ed you need to calm down.

"You called me last night and told me to come here so cut the crap what do you want?" i tried to sooth the rage. Keyword 'tried'. I'm sure both of the other occupants in this office could clearly see my anger just boiling under the surface barely restrained. If he wasn't my commanding officer i would probably have beat him up by now seeing as he plays this game of his far too often for my liking.

"I have an alchemist i think you boys could benefit from going to see" the Bastards previous smirk had vanished to be replace with a more neutral expression. "His name is Shou Tucker, the Sewing-Life Alchemist, i have reason to believe you might find some of his knowledge useful in your current research" he said as he crossed his arms and leaned back in his chair. "Hawkeye has a piece of paper with his address and other basic information on it for you, make sure to get it on your way out".

"What makes you think we will get any information we need from him?"

"He made a talking chimera" dead silence followed his statement.

"A… a talking chimera is that even possible?" i asked with a hint of doubt ebbed into my voice.

"Apparently so, the reports state he brought in a talking chimera but it only spoke once" his voice taking on an even grimmer tone than he was originally using. "It only said 'i want to die' after that it refused to eat and eventually starved to death" grim didn't even describe the harsh fog that fell over the room. I grimaced slightly.

The conversation shifted to more information about The Sewing-Life Alchemist along with other military matters. "When you do go see Shou can you pass on a message for me? Tell him his reexamination is coming up" Mustang tacked onto the conversation as Al and i were leaving his inner office.

"Ya sure" i gave him a backwards wave while Al shut his door.

"Brother don't forget to get the address from Miss Hawkeye before we leave" he mumbled in my ear reminding me to talk to The First Lieutenant.

"First Lieutenant, Colonel Bastard said yo-" she started speaking as she turned, an outstretched hand holding a folded piece of paper.

"Here you go Edward". I took the paper from her sticking it in my pants pocket.

"Thank you Mam" i said with a sheepish grin. She smiled and nodded her head going back to what she had been doing. Hearing about this Sewing-Life Alchemist has me thinking maybe we should do a little extra research before paying him a visit. As we headed out of the office and down the hall i turned to Al.

"How about for the rest of the day we go to the library and do a little research on bio-alchemy?" i said speaking my thoughts from a few minutes prier. Al nodded and we headed down the winding corridors of East Headquarters and out the front gate.

We decided to go to First Branch. Besides what appeared to be a minor scuffle security had with some guy trying to get into the library without military identification, it was a pretty uneventful trip. Evidently after we got there and got all settled in we actually did spend almost our whole day researching. Leaving, the clock on the wall behind the mousy, brown haired librarian stated it was near eight pm meaning a late dinner for the two of us. I mean a late dinner for me.

About two blocks away from First Branch i bumped into a man on the otherwise desolate street. My watch chain jingled as i was almost knocked down to the ground. The man was tall and bulky wearing a bright yellow rain coat with the hood pulled up over his face. He stopped only a foot away and turned his head in my direction. I was met with the sight of tan toned skin and dark tinted sunglasses. Really sunglasses at night?

Al lightly poked my side "are you okay?" he asked a slight bit of worry in his voice. Sparing him a quick glance i nodded. Something about this guy didn't feel right. Call it intuition or instinct if you want but, his next words had me on edge.

"You're the Fullmetal Alchemist, Edward Elric aren't you?" he phrased it like a question yet it sounded more like a statement.

"And if i am?" i probably should've asked who he was or what he wanted but, i could already feel the air around us shift colder. He wanted trouble and who he was wasn't my top priority at the moment.

He spun around with a fast dash in our direction, his hand reaching out to grab me. I ducked out of the way and Al came at him with a punch. The man shifted his attack to Al's side. Al's punch didn't connect and i shot around him to land one of my own. Out of nowhere red alchemic light sparked from the hand holding Al's side. As the man jumped back also avoiding my attack, Al flew backwards a fresh hole in his armor.

"ALPHONSE!" i screamed. Al gave no response. What the fuck type of alchemy was that? Tearing my gaze from him i focused back on the tanned man.

He charged me, trying to land a hit anywhere he could. I dodged everyone not sure if what he did to Al could also be done to me. He seemed to be nursing a wound on his shoulder. I tried to use this to my advantage. A particularly fast hit was aimed toward my face and with no time to dodge i made the decision to block. I luckily used my automail arm and that seemed to confuse him for a moment. Long enough for me to jump back a few steps.

"You have an automail arm" again worded like a question but instead stated. I looked down at said arm. There was a large portion of missing material showing off my metal arm reflecting the glow from the street lamp. Before i had time to further examine he was already attacking again. "I won't make the same mistake twice".

It was me who struck first this time. Punching and kicking while also trying to avoid being touched. At one point i caught a glance of his eyes as his glasses slid down his nose. They were red. Red like and Ishvalans. With those eyes, that scar, and his want to know if i was a State Alchemist, it wasn't hard to come to a conclusion. He was the State Alchemist Killer. The thought quickly got me worried.

Where was Al? Was he ok? I looked distractedly to him for just a second but, a second was all this man needed.

Before i could truly comprehend the situation my automail arm was in the man's hand shattering into a million peices. Shards of metal and wires cut into my skin as they blitzed around me. The red discharged light dying out as the transmutation ended.

At first the pain didn't hit me. My nerves in too much shock but, when the pain hit, it brought me to my knees. The seemingly always gray clouds above opened to hail down heavy, freezing downpour of large droplets. The sky seemed to be in just as much distress as i was.

A streak of metallic gray blurred across my vision. It was Alphonse. Snapping out of my daze i looked up to see Al trading blows with the man. I was still a little too out of it and didn't trust myself to get up and help him yet.

Al was okay. That was a huge relief but, it was short lived.

I watched as the man blew another hole through Al. This time in the middle of his stomach rendering the lower half of his body useless. He crashed to the ground. A loud clanging noise echoed around the street as he fell down into a slouched sitting position against one of the buildings. The rain giving his hollow armour the same sound as an old tin roof being pounded upon by vicious rainfalls.

"Al" i quietly whispered. "ALPHONSE ARE YOU OKAY!?" i screeched through my tears. Tears i'm not sure could be distinguished from the rain.

"I'm alright brother" came his weak response. The man just stood to the side watching our exchange a blank expression on his face. Enraged i stood up launching a series of rash and blind attacks. Blatantly ignoring the fact my mind was to clouded and my body to exhausted to do anything other than hinder me.

It wasn't long till he had my other automail limb in his grasp. More than likely feeling the extra weight of it from all my previous kicks. He made quick work of it, its fate now matching my arm. My mind was to worried about Al to let my body process the pain of more nerves severing.

I tumbled over. Collapsing down to the sidewalk where a well aimed kick from the man sent me skidding into the wall of a nearby alley. The man clad in a yellow raincoat slowly advanced on me greatly intensifying my fear. Fear for myself and mostly for Al manifested across my face.

"BROTHER" Al cried out from the mouth of the alley. "DON'T HURT MY BROTHER" he pleaded.

Was this it? Were Alphonse and i gonna dye at the hands of some State Alchemist killer before ever reaching our goal?

*** Author's Note part 2 ***

So there you have it, chapter three. I know in the anime Scar attacks Ed and Al during day hours but, the idea here is that the day he would have attacked them he attack Elizabeth instead. That's why her attack happened during the day. Please review and all that good stuff. Thank you.

For all the luck that rains down from the clouds I'll see ya next time!

TheDreamFlareAlchemist