DISCLAIMER: I don't own FMA, blah, blah, blah. However, I do own Madison! :D

Madison: Um, excuse me?!

Kate: *Nervously sweats*

Madison: Slavery was abolished! I can and will hit you hit a wad of paper until you beg for mercy!

Kate: *Gulps*

Okay, I feel like this is gunna start to get old real fast. Because once again, some part of my body hurt. The blood circulation in my arms was completely gone, leaving them sore and numb.

We'd been standing there for 10-15 minutes now, and I wanted to cut my arms off. The thugs were slowly and carefully checking each and every person from head to toe. They made it halfway across the car, but one of them seemed to keep glancing at our direction; more specifically Alphonse's direction.

It seemed the thug finally made up his mind, nudging the other and nodding at Alphonse. It looked like they were having a silent conversation, before they began to make their way over to us, their guns held out in front of them.

Cold sweat was trickling my eyebrow, and I gulped. "Guys...?" I whispered apprehensively, glancing at the two brothers with wide eyes.

Edward gave me a reassuring grin. "Don't worry, it'll fine." He seemed confident, but that didn't mean I was. However, I decided to trust his judgment. Worst case scenario, I'll wake up from this dream.

The thugs eventually stood in front of us, but their focus was more on Alphonse than Edward or me. "Helmet. Off," one of them growled, glaring heatedly at the suit of armor.

The two brothers gasped, and I made a split second decision.

"Oh my God! What is that?!" I exclaimed fearfully, pointing behind the two thugs with wide, scared eyes. The thugs spun around, looking for who I had been freaking out about.

They didn't have to worry. Edward had kicked one of them with his leg, his auto-mail one, while Alphonse hit the other on his head. Harshly. They both fell to the floor in a heap, and the two alchemist grinned at each other, even sending me grateful looks too.

"You stupid kids!" one of the passengers exclaimed, making us turn in his direction. I was gunna tell him off, before I saw his fearful, scared expression. "What if their buddies notice them gone? They'll retaliate and kill us all!"

Murmurs and nods of agreement rang throughout the cabin. I fidgeted under all the attention, that was more than negative. I was never good under all the spotlight, if the nervous wreck I always turned into during speeches vouched for.

With all the commotion and scared mutters from passengers, none of us seemed to notice that one of the thugs had arisen. Before we could tell what was happening, he pulled a gun on the little girl, Celia. She gasped in fear, and for a split second, I felt my heart skip a painful, agonizing beat.

Thankfully, Edward had a better reflexes than I did, and he kicked the guy in the head, the thug passing out with a thud on the floor. I felt a large sigh of relief escape me, and Edward knelt before the scared little Celia.

"No need to worry; your big brothers and sister will take care of it," he said, ruffling her hair with a smile. Celia smiled nervously, hugging her mom's skirt tighter. Honestly, it was kinda cute- wait.

Holy burnt oranges, did he include me in that sentence?!

It seemed he did, as he sent me a small, short smile before standing up. Oh god, I was just included in the schemes with a main character, by a main character. Dammit! Isn't that breaking some sort of Mary-Sue law, don't get involved with the the plot?!

Eh... I was already in too deep, might as well go all the way.

"Hey! You three, over here!"

Was it just me, or was I just visited my Jiminey Cricket?

Okay- it wasn't the weird conscience insect. It was actually the man we met earlier, Falman, who was all tied up thanks to the thugs. After releasing him from his bindings, he sighed, rubbing at his rope-burned, red wrists.

"How shameful. I can't believe I was one-upped by some petty thugs." He glanced at the three of us, sizing us up. "And who are you three? Freelancers?"

Edward chuckled. "Just some old-fashioned alchemists."

I perked up. "And I'm along for the ride!"

The man smiled. "I see. Well, I'm Falman, State Warent Officer."

Edward frowned. "Military? You don't look like it."

Falman gestured his head up the the front of the car. "Special guest on board. Wouldn't do to be recognized so easily, but I suppose it was still all for naught."

"No wonder thugs attacked the train," Alphonse muttered, his voice echoing as he tried to keep his voice quiet.

"And unfortunately, they brought down the passengers with them," Edward stated, scowling at the floor as he crossed his arms. He shook his head and glanced up at Alphonse. "Al, I'm gunna go up top to surprise 'em. You go with Falman from below." Al nodded his head in affirmation.

Suddenly, to my surprise, Ed turned to me. "You've seemed to wanna help, so what are you gunna do?" I avoided his gaze, awkwardly cracking my hands (it was a pretty disgusting habit, as I've been told many times).

I can't believe he was including me in these plans. I had nothing to contribute to them, I was practically dead weight. I wasn't an alchemist, I wasn't in the military like Falman, and I didn't have any special skills that could be of any use.

However... the small, very small part of me was screaming and and giggling like a school girl. I had the chance to work with one of my favorite fictional characters, and I was going to say no to that? Nu-uh.

So, instead of listening to my logic, I gave the blond haired boy a surprisingly confident smile and said, "I think I'll lend you an extra hand."

He smirked at me (I think a part of me just died inside). "Try to keep up."

He led me outside the car to where it connected with another. He gestured to a ladder, before beginning to climb it. I swallowed my nerves and began to climb it as well. Ed grabbed my hand to help steady me when I reached the top, which was a lot more shaky and unsteady than I had anticipated. "C'mon," Edward shouted over the wind, and I had to sputter out some hair that landed in my mouth. Eew...

I focused on walking one step at a time, not bothering to be quick about it. It was hard enough as it was with the shaky movement of the train under my feet, and the wind slapping against my skin. I wasn't gunna rush myself and end up a splat on the side of the mountain.

"You okay, Madison?!" Edward shouted over the wind again, quite a while in front of me.

I somehow gained the courage to look up at him. "Yeah! Just taking it a little slow!" I could see him nod, sending me a thumbs up, and I smiled a little. That is, before I saw a large tree branch in front of him. "Ed, look out!" I yelled in alarm, eyes widening.

He wasn't able to duck quick enough, and the branch crashed into his abdomen, sending him flying.

"Ed!" Crap! He couldn't die, he was the main character, he just couldn't!

He flew past me and over the edge, and before I could think about it I snatched out my hand and grabbed his, his weight pulling me down.

"Oh- God," I wheezed in strain, my arm stinging as if it had been pulled by it's socket. I grabbed onto Edward's arm with my other, balancing myself with my feet on the train. "Would it kill you to lose a few pounds?"

Edward didn't reply. He let out a large, shaky breath from his mouth. "Yeah," he squeaked in fear. He looked back up at me with a shocked looked. "Thanks for the save. Would've been a pancake if it weren't for you."

I attempted a smile, but it was more of a grimace. "Don't mention it."

"Can you pull me up now?"

I scowled. "Yes, your highness."

As I began to pull the elder brother up, with him also assisting by slowly climbing up the side of the train made a sudden lurch, lurching as it changed course.

I suddenly lost my grip on the train, and the sensation of floating assaulted my senses. I screamed in fear, Edward's own scream filling my ears. There was only one thought on my mind.

We were going to die. I was going to die.

I clenched my eyes tightly, holding back tears. I don't want to die!

The collar of my shirt was was wrenched back, nearly choking me at the sudden movement. I panted, holding tightly onto Edward's hand, even though he was somehow safely on the ground.

"Whoa there! That was too close for comfort, eh?"

Tensely, I turned to face our savior, who had a steady grip on my arm. He was on older man, who was smiling gently at me, with a goatee and black hair whipping to and fro from the wind.

This was Meas Hughes.

"You alright?" he asked me, before looking down at Edward.

Ed groaned, but was able to sit up. "Yeah. Could'a done without the fall, though." He rubbed at his head, before looking at our still intertwined hands. "Madison, you can let go of me now. I'm not dangling over the side of a train anymore."

I let out a shaky breath. "Y'never know, anything could happen and you'll fly off again," I replied quietly, but nonetheless let go.

"I'm surprised you two kids made it out this far. You're lucky I happened to catch you, but you may not be the next time," Hughes said sternly, fixing us with a harsh stare. I gulped back a lump in my throat, avoiding his gaze. He was right, I almost died. Hughes let out a chuckle, breaking the suddenly tense atmosphere. "Forgot to mention; I'm Major Meas Hughes. And..." he glanced at Ed, "you're Edward Elric, isn't that right?"

Ed blinked in surprise. "Um, yeah, that's me."

Hughes smiled. "Mustang mentioned you; I'm an old friend of his. Although," he turned his attention to me, and I tensed under his eyes, "he never told me about you."

I smiled nervously. "I'm no one important. Just happened to be along for the ride." I shook my head, fixing my smile to a more kind one. "I'm Madison." Hughes smiled back at me.

"Wait- Lieutenant Colonel?" Edward asked in surprise. Hughes nodded, before gesturing back to the top of the train.

"C'mon. If we wanna stop those terrorists, we'll have to work as a team."

Edward began to climb after Hughes, before stopping and looking at me. "You coming?"

I swallowed my nerves. "Yeah."

It was once again a long, challenging walk along the train. Thankfully, Hughes showed the two of us how to keep our balance, but with my tiny, small mass, if was still difficult just getting a proper grip.

Miraculously, we were able to reach the front of the train. Hughes explained his plan to us, which was that Edward and him were going to sneak up on the thugs forcing the conductors to continue the train on track. I was supposed to stay on top in case they needed any backup, (which, if I was being honest with myself, I sincerely hoped they didn't).

They sudden realism of the situation earlier made me scared. Really, properly scared. I nearly died, and I almost brought down Edward with me. It made me realize... this wasn't a dream. Truth had really thrown me here, trapped me here. I was just a source of entertainment for it, some sort of play-thing. And it terrified me.

I stayed near the tender, my feet buried in the coal to keep my balance. It smelled horrible, but I bore through it. In front where the engine was, I heard some shouting, along with thumps that sounded an awful lot like fighting, but I didn't dare leave my little safe haven.

Turns out, it wasn't as safe as I expected. My ears caught a sudden, "Madison, duck!" I complied without a thought, which I was very lucky I did, because the tell-tale sound of gun-fire echoed out, and bullets whizzing above me.

I let out a shaky breath. That was too close for comfort... again...

The height of the tender of coal was quite a bit less than the cars of the train, so if I stayed exactly as I were, face pressed up against the terrible smelling, skin griming coal, and the thug didn't climb over to me, I'd be safe.

A bright light unexpectedly obscured my vision for nearly two seconds, and I realized, with a blink that Edward had transmuted something and was now climbing back onto the cars.

A childish glee rose in my chest. I just witnessed alchemy! True, deconstructing and reconstructing, alchemy! Hmm... if I was going to be here awhile, maybe I could pick up an alchemy book...

There was a loud bang, a shout of alarm, until it went somewhat quiet. Then Edward's yell echoed over the wind, "It's safe now!"

I popped my head over the cart, and, indeed, only Edward was in sight. He sat beside a large canon, and I realized that must have been what he transmuted. A large grin broke across my face. "That was so cool!" I shouted in glee.

Edward smirked, opening his mouth to reply, when one of the conductors began to yell at him. "Hey! Don't mess around with the tender; that's the life of this train!"

"Oh, uh, sorry!" Ed shouted back, before putting on a thinking face. "Box of tender," he muttered to himself. I waited a few seconds for him to say something, before he suddenly cackled with a devilish grin.

"Why do I feel like you're about to inflict some pain on a lot of people...?" I asked hesitantly, giving him skeptical look. He only grinned larger.

"Hey, Hughes, c'mere!"

Hughes had climbed up to where we were, and Edward told us his plan. It was actually pretty ingenious, and to be honest, quite hilarious.

"Madison, right before I send the water into the cart, you're gunna go into where the passengers are, to make sure the water doesn't hurt them, okay?" Edward said, looking at me.

I blinked. "You want me to do that?" I asked incredulously.

He raised an eyebrow. "Yeah, that's why I'm asking you."

"I can take your place if you want, Madison," Hughes piped in. I gulped.

I honestly wasn't sure. I had been pretty useless thus far, but that's why I wanted to help. I didn't want to be useless. I didn't want to be a burden. By now, I was absolutely certain that this wasn't a dream. And that terrified me. My hands haven't stopped shaking, and I'm quite I was just running on adrenalin right now. But if Truth wanted me to play some god-forsaken game for it's enjoyment, then I'd sure as hell play to win.

"No, I got it. You can count on me," I replied, smirking with more confidence than I'd ever had.

"Well, we'd better get started then."

Hughes and I climbed onto the cart where the leader and the General's family was. I vaguely heard Edward giving a little speech into this microphone thing he had transmuted, but I was more focused on getting into the cart, which Hughes helped with.

He was able to lower my tiny, munchkin self down to the window. It took my frantically waving my legs to get a grip to actually enter, but somehow, with immense difficulty, I was able to jump into the booth without falling or making too much noise.

"... hold onto your seats! And get ready for some turbulence!"

Quickly rushing forward, I slammed the door shut, pulling the plank that acted as a sort of lock down. In the nick of time too, because as soon as I backed up, there was shouting and the unmistakable sound of rushing water.

The door creaked with the sudden weight, and I crossed my fingers and prayed to whatever deity (not Truth) listening that it would hold.

Some water began filled up the tiny cabin from the crack in the door. I gulped, nervous sweat tickling my neck, chanting, "C'mon, c'mon, c'mon!" under my breath. "Anytime now, Ed."

Before long, the water began to recede. I let out a breath of relief, watching as the water disappeared from the other side by the window on the door. I turned to the family behind me, giving them a shaky, broken smile. "You guys okay?"

The older woman nodded hesitantly, holding tightly onto the younger children she was hugging close to her body, while the man I assumed was the General gave me a tense nod.

All of a sudden, there was a loud, continuous gunshot. I ducked on instinct, my heart echoing in my ears.

"I don't think so!"

Edward?

I cautiously peeked out of the small window, quietly gasping as I saw Ed holding back a much taller, bulky man. He was gritting his teeth in strain, his legs shaking underneath him. He looked like he could be crushed like a cheerio.

They were speaking something, but I could barely hear them, it was all just a garbled mess.

Ed was beginning to lose his grip on the ground. Something had to be done, fast, or he was going to be trampled.

But I was the only one right now. What could I do? I was just a tiny, scared hermit who could barely lift anything heavier than 10 pounds. What could someone who could be frightened by their own shadow on more than one occasion?

Not much, that was certain.

Not much, but still something.

Swallowing my frenzied nerves, and somehow moving my stiff, awkward stubby legs, I ran out of the tiny cabin, and with a rather pathetic shout, I swung my leg up with all my might-

And kicked the guy right in the jewels.

He let out a tiny, high-pitched strained whine, but it gave Edward just enough leverage to crush the man's auto-mail arm. The guy let out a furious shout, but instead of retaliating against Edward, he whirled around to me.

His angry, nearly black eyes froze me into my spot. I was too stunned to move, my legs disobeying every thought my brain shouted, telling me to move, to get away, find a place to hide. You're going to die why aren't you moving?!

The angry man rose his other arm, and my eyes met with the barrel of a gun. My heart thumped in my ears, the world seeming to slow to a halt as I faced what could be my death.

Oh God. This was it. I was going to die. I wouldn't be able to see home again, I wouldn't hug my mother goodnight or cook hot cocoa with my Grandma. I wouldn't make fun of Kate or laugh with her ever again, Oh God I just wanted to go-

A hand grasped my stomach, tossing me behind the large body connected to the hand that had saved me. They knocked the gun out of the angry man's grasp, and in the next second, he was tossed to the ground by a massive punch.

It took a few seconds to regain my breath, and I shakily turned to face my savior, letting out a little choked gasp when I realized that it had been Alphonse. Oh sweet Mary and Joseph I could hug him and never let go.

"Good save, Al," Edward panted, still a little strained from fending off the guy.

"Yeah," I gulped, voice croaky. "Thanks." I didn't trust myself to speak in simple, one word sentences.

Al chuckled, giving us a thumbs up. "No biggie." Ed followed his example, and I was somehow able to grin slightly.

The train had finally arrived in Central, and I was more than ready to get off the cursed, stupid transport that had caused me so much strife. Good freaking riddance.

"That wasn't how I expected to arrive in Central," I spoke breathlessly, trying to lessen the somewhat tense atmosphere. "Attacked by terrorists; can check that off the thing's I'd never thought would happen."

Alphonse chuckled cheerily, while Ed let out a grumble of sorts that sounded a lot like a noise of agreement. "You handled yourself pretty well, Madison," Alphonse said, and I whipped my head to him to give an incredulous look.

"Me?" I squeaked, pointing a hand at my chest. "I was useless. I nearly died a couple times; you guys did all the work!"

"I dunno," Edward piped in, and I whirled to face him this time. He had a scowl on his face, but his cheeks her tinged in what looked like embarrassment. "You saved me nearly twice; I wouldn't call that 'useless'." I didn't dare correct him. Instead, I hid my face behind my large curtain of hair, hiding my red face and bashful smile.

A yell of fury ruptured the air, and the three of us turned to see the leader of the terrorists leap at what looked like some sort of military officer. Before we could comprehend it, a huge explosion set off. A scream of torturous pain echoed in my ears, and my heart lept into my throat.

The explosion was gone as quickly as it came. What was left was the scarred man. I gagged, eyes widening with tears at the sudden smell of burnt flesh.

Soldiers came and took the man away, along with the other terrorists, and before long the other passengers were coming off.

Hughes came up to us, shaking his head at the man that the burnt man had tried to attack. "Same old Mustang; can't resist a show." Edward blinked, before he gasped in fury.

He ran off the Mustang to rant about something akin to the man planning to put him and Al on the train, to which Mustang responded he did nothing of the sort, (little liar, he totally did). He then mentioned about Edward having to prove his worth for the alchemy exam or something, but I wasn't completely listening.

Today had been... stressful. Ah, who was I kidding, it was complete hell. I had nearly died on a number of occasions. You never truly understand the fear of death until it stares you in the face, it's cold, icy hands drawing you in. But I faced that today. I faced it and I was somehow alive.

Never before had I wanted to go home so badly. Screw being able to meet my favorite characters. I just wanted to hug my parents and never let go. But I was trapped. I was trapped, playing a stupid pawn, a puppet meant for Truth's enjoyment. If it wanted me here, then it was sure as hell gunna stay that way.

"Madison?"

I blinked, flinching back from the hand that had been waving in front of my face. Alphonse chuckled, and I flushed.

"Sorry, spaced out there," I muttered brushing my hair from my face.

"It's okay, I don't blame you. It's been a long day," Alphonse replied, and I smiled. Y'know, Al was just the biggest teddy bear. Except he wasn't huggable. Well, I mean he was, but it wouldn't be very enjoyable. For either end. Then again, Al could probably need a hug every now and again. I personally wasn't much of a touchy-feely person, God knows how many times I tense when Kate would suddenly hug me. Hmm. Now that I think about it, Kate kinda reminded me of Al. Too kind for her own good, trusted people way easily than she should, and a huge obsession with cats. The one thing that she had in common with Ed was her shortness. God, she would get defensive, downright violent when someone mocked her height. She was feisty, that one.

"-adison!"

"I am an innocent smol bean!" I screamed, scooting back from the person who yelled straight in my poor, poor ear, waving my arms in some pathetic attempt at self-defense.

I was faced with the laughing Elric brothers. Edward was hunched over, wiping tears from his eyes and nearly wheezing at my defense, while Al was laughing much more politely.

"Smol bean?! What kind of term is that?!" Edward gasped out between laughs, and I pursed my lips in embarrassment, placing my hands on my hips and sticking my nose in the air to gain some sense of the nonchalance I did not have.

"I'll have you know smol bean is a totally acceptable term, as well as peasant, Commander Duck, hooligan, and turtle necked ducks." I blinked. "I use duck quite often. Hmm."

The two brothers stared at me in what looked like incredulous amusement, before Ed shook his head. "You're a very strange girl."

I stuck my chest out, smirking. "I'll take that as a compliment." They both chuckled.

"Well, we gotta get going," Edward suddenly spoke, grabbing his bag and as he began to walk away. "Nice to meet you. C'mon, Al!"

My heart sunk into my stomach. I didn't want them to go. I knew they had to, and that they didn't have time for a silly, scared girl like me, but... I was hoping, if I stayed with them... I could find a way back home. Maybe, somehow. I dunno.

Alphonse tapped my head, and I looked up at him from under my curtain of hair. He nodded his head to follow him, and if Al had his body, I'm sure he would be smiling.

"You don't have a place to go, do you?" Alphonse stated, loud enough for Edward to hear. The elder brother stopped, and I'm sure Al would be grinning deviously.

"No... I'm all alone for now..." I replied sadly, trying to contain my grin.

"Hmm... hey brother-"

"No," Edward cut in, giving Al a harsh stare. "We are not bringing a random girl with us."

"But brother, she doesn't know anyone, she's all alone!" Alphonse argued, towering over Ed. "Just for a bit, that's all I'm asking."

"Um, Ed..." I muttered, making the blond turn to me. I fidgeted under his gaze, biting my lip. "I know I'd be a burden. I wasn't very much help on the train, so I understand that you don't want me..." fake tears sprung to my eyes. "I'll somehow find a place. Maybe I'll study alchemy, find a job with that..."

Edward hesitated, and I nearly blew the act by nearly laughing. I turned around to hide my grin and began to walk away. 1, 2, 3...

"Wait!"

I smirked. Bingo.

I turned around to face Ed, putting on an innocent, curious expression. "Yes?" Ah, the wonderful powers of manipulation.

He scowled, avoiding my gaze. "You can stay with us..." he muttered. I smiled, before he pointed a finger in my face, giving me a harsh stare. "But only until you get some memories back!"

I blinked. "How'd you know that?"

He snorted. "I heard you talking to Al." I blushed, and he smirked. "Yeah; wasn't asleep."

"Sneaky," I said, repeating my earlier words. He chuckled, before turning around and walking away.

"Come one!" he said impatiently. I shared a smile with Al before we followed after the short blond. He turned his head to face me, before saying, "And I'm only letting you stay with us because you saved me twice, and because you're interested in alchemy. Can't let an inspiring alchemist get away."

I snorted like he had, giving him a closed eye smirk. "What ever helps you sleep at night, Ed."

AN: Cough* Uh... hi?

I know it's been awhile... Just... things have been going on in my life that have been pretty stressful. I just moved in with my Nanna, and I also had to change schools due to personal reasons. It really took away my motivation. I lost interest for art and writing. I was depressed for awhile, but I kept it bottled up.

Recently, someone was talking about this story, and how much they enjoyed it. It suddenly sparked my motivation, and writing has made me much more happy. I hope you enjoyed this chapter, and expect some more soon!

-Adios!