A cold prickle ran down my spine and traveled to the tip of every nerve. Every turn we took added to the weight in my chest. Several monochrome sets of buildings on either side of the wet asphalt tower us. Streets lamps illuminated the scene and puddles rippled the lights glittering reflections. Memories danced and flickered our minds. The scene brought them on. I recognize this place.
I noticed the transparent clouds that turn our labored breaths visible. We had ran for what seemed like decades. We keep going in the cold even when our legs begged to stop. We kept on going with no jackets, no shirts, and no footwear. We only had the pants that stayed in our name when all else was taken.
They took everything from us. And we'll most likely never regain all we lost. What they did is carved into us, taking our identities. All we have to look forward to is that we escaped.
We're free from those misguided people. We have no need to obey them. No need to pretend we don't have human will. We are no longer the pets they could just summon. We have ran from that prison, and we are free.
However we are not, and may never be, free from what they have done.
The weather was not being very friendly tonight. All most like it wanted to project his mood. Today had not been fun for him and the poor souls privileged enough to accompany myself.
Alphonse Elric, the brother of Edward Elric or the Full Metal Alchemist, came back from his search in the east with no sign or trace. Edward Elric has not been found. The boy has been missing for too long.
We've searched everywhere we could. But after the first few months the military grew sick of funding the search parties. Alphonse continued the search for us. Though we are trapped, like the dogs we are, and can only hope he'll bring back good news.
But he didn't.
And now I am walking down this street, allowing the hard pour to drench me through. Wondering if it's finally time to give up. To accept maybe Full Metal can die. Even though he would never dare purposely do so and leave behind the younger Elric.
I can't even imagine the squirt dead. Then again I'm having a hard time picturing what he looks like other then the obvious.
No Full Metal is alive. Something is just, keeping him. I won't give up on the kid until I have the proof he's gone.
But it's been over 2 years.
If he was trapped and was going to magically show back up it had been sooner. Alphonse knows not to give up; he's got the greatest connection with his sibling. As soon as Al no longer thinks Ed's out there, he probably won't be.
Glowing came from a bar I have never bothered entering before. It's a little seedy for my taste but change is good once and awhile. At least 15 sets of eyes burned marks into me as I entered.
It was a small establishment, probably just had a number of consistent customers. I am new. I do not feel welcomed. I won't leave because some burly men don't like this decision of change.
Sat right at the bar away from the glaring eyes, but purposely in their view. I have as much right here as they do. They complain to their mothers later if they want.
Tap. Tap. A knotty set of knuckles rapped the counter I sat my self in front of.
"Hey there you're a new face. Not only that but a dog." He gripped one wing of my collar in a non-threatening way. His mouth set in a grin.
He was referring to my blue uniform. I'm in the military. I'm a State Alchemist. Colonel Roy Mustang, Flame Alchemist. I am the military's dog.
He let go and I couldn't help but notice as he spoke. He had abnormal teeth. They were too sharp. They were unnerving. My heart dropped into my stomach.
His face, this man's face! He can't have this face! This man is the exact liking of Maes!
"Hey buddy I asked what you wanted to drink."
Hughes ghost frowned uncharacteristically at me. Here is the ghost of my deceased friend. And he's the bartender.
"Scotch. Straight up not on the rocks."
On closer inspection yea the man was different. He looked as though he hasn't shaved in a few days and his hair was longer and shiny with grease. His clothes were not the well-dressed bright colors of his casual wear. His shirt once white now tinted fairly yellow, and brown grass stained pants. And mud coated sandals protect his blackened feet.
He appeared as a working class citizen. Not a head investigator.
That did not change the fact that this man, with no doubt, was identical to the late Maes Hughes.
"Your scotch Colonel."
The glass shifter of amber liquid met my vision. He called me Colonel. He knows my rank?
"You know me."
Suspicion leaked into my words.
"Well yeah, Roy Mustang right? Everyone knows the womanizer of the Amestrian military!"
He laughed whole-heartedly and the burning from the glares seemed to release when they witnessed to bartender's cheerful attitude. Seems he's important in here. I twirled the scotch in my mouth concentrating on the tastes.
"Since I got your name without even asking seems fair if I share mine, name's Wolf."
I swallowed and a woody malt taste stayed in my mouth.
"Wolf? That's not your real name."
"Well no. But I've been Wolf for a while now. Wolf kind' a replaced the old one and I don't mind."
"Why Wolf?"
A toothy smile showed off the man's sharp carnivorous teeth once again.
"I just meet the part."
He seemed so amused by my question. He seemed too friendly to be called a wolf. Well I'm forgetting that wolves are just protective and can be friendly if approached right. I glanced at Wolf who was keeping himself busy by washing some cups.
"Wolf you hear a lot of rumors right?"
"I exchange tales yes."
"You hear about the disappearance of a 15 year old kid about 2 years back?"
"That's a long time ago. I've been working here for 8 months. But I did hear the Full Metal Alchemist disappeared around that time."
"Yea, do you know anymore about it?"
Wolf gave me a questioning look. He doesn't know. I don't have a chance in the world to find Ed.
"I think he was kidnapped."
My head snapped up. He had his head down, bangs shadows his face, glasses glinting keeping his eyes hidden.
"Do you know by who!"
"I'd say your lousy military!" Wolf snapped his teeth creating a clank and lip pulled back in a snarl. I was surprised in the man's flare of temper. It was strange to see Hughes face in a fit of rage. He visibly calmed down and looked remorseful for his behavior.
"It doesn't matter. Like I said it was a long time ago. I'm surprised you haven't given up."
I can't just give up. Full Metal doesn't die that easily. And if I give up, Al will have no one to help him.
"The kid wouldn't just die."
"It may seem that way. But you need to realize you are talking about a child. And even if they act adult the child is still there."
I was surprised to hear this man with so much insight on people he supposedly doesn't know.
"Hughes?"
He looked at me with a frown and waved a hand in my face.
"Have I lost you? Why you calling me that?"
It really isn't him. Well of course it isn't I watched Hughes burial. This man just resembles the kind-hearted friend of his.
"I'm sorry. You remind me of someone. How do you have this much insight?"
He grinned at me proudly. He had a fist to his chest, his right foot on a stool, and a wet rag over his shoulder.
"I'm a father! A guardian! Protector of the future! I know kids!"
I couldn't help but chuckle. Just like Maes to be so proud of fatherhood. Except, he isn't Maes.
"Really now. What's your kid's name?"
"Not telling you. I don't know you. Could be a creep. I've been separated from her anyway."
"Separated? Your wife divorce you and take the kid?"
"No, I lost them. They're out there somewhere but not with me. It's ok though! I got Kitty now!"
Why do I get the feeling he isn't talking about just a cat. I get the feeling he's more then what he says he is anyway. Or I'm just hoping. Hughes.
"Who's Kitty?"
"Oh. Kind' a like my daughter. I treat her like it anyway. It's in my nature to be a father. She and I are both lost from our families so we might as well be there for one another."
"That sounds, nice."
"Yea but I didn't want to deal with a teenage daughter for a while. I mean either way I'd eventually have to but I didn't expect it so soon. Kitty's reasonable though so I can handle it."
I stared at the man. He was taking care of a teenage girl. I've heard plenty from men with the same experience and it seems Wolf is handling things just fine.
"Well you don't seem too bothered by it. She must not be much trouble."
"Not much trouble! That girl is anything but! Every time you think she's going to behave she's wreaking havoc behind your back!"
Wolf fumed and wiped the counter. Another bartender came over and smiled. He gladly joined into our conversation.
"He's over exaggerating that girl is the most well behaved girl I know! She's just got this smart thing for her. Makes her seem like she's disrespectful. But I ain't never heard her say a thing louder then a mouse!"
"Quietness has nothing to do with behavior."
The man slammed his palm down onto Wolf's back and grinned.
"I could take the lass off yer hands if ya need Wolfie." A perverted grin crept onto the other man's face. Wolf let out a growl true to his name that sent shiver through my spine.
"Watch what you say about my daughter."
"Calm yerself Wolf! I wouldn't dare do a thing to the girl! She's like a niece t'me!", sometimes you just can't take a joke!"
"I'd believe you if I didn't catch some of the boys eyeing her when they thought I wasn't looking."
The other man sighed and looked out at the other customers.
"They can't help but admire the young beauty you bring here. Like an angel keeping company with a group of devils."
"As long as the devils don't corrupt the angel."
"I assure you they wouldn't dare."
I was completely forgotten. The two men were in their own conversation. As amusing as it is I did not feel right listening in.
"Here."
I gave wolf the money for my drink plus tip.
"Thanks doggy!"
"Wolf yer shift's over might as well go home and get back to Kitty before she worries."
"Yea I know thanks, see you tomorrow!"
Wolf waved to the other bartender then followed me out the door.
"Dog, you come back whenever you want all right? I usually have night shift. Well be seeing you then!"
He walked towards the direction of the forest. I watched him leave. He was a strange man. He was very like Hughes in a way. But he was so different from Hughes it scares me. Somewhere inside I know I want my friend back. I also know that friend isn't coming back.
I still have a chance to find Full Metal though. I won't give up till I have better reason to.