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Alphonse stared vacantly into the darkness ahead, the bruise on his cheek throbbing as he blinked away the beginning of tears.
"Stand up and walk..."
Brother's words to Rose echoed like a bell tolling in his head.
"You've got two good legs so use them."
Alphonse's hands curled into bony fists on his knees because Rose might never walk again and it was his fault. He had known Cornello was a threat with his mass of followers and fake philosopher's stone, yet he'd approached the Leto church without caution and nearly wound up being used to kill his brother.
Also, somehow he caused an imposter of Ed to show up in Amestris, someone who might be Envy. If it was the homunculus, Alphonse might have caught the attention of Father and gotten him interested in Ed and Al far earlier than he was supposed to be.
He shivered from the potential consequences of such a possibility, recalling the way Father had lumbered over to his trapped brother with every intention to kill him.
The boy shook off the thought, yet guilt stung his chest as he remembered his encounter with Hughes. Very likely the lieutenant colonel was investigating "Alex" out of curiosity, but that interest could be distracting him from more important things and might even cause the man to get killed sooner than he was supposed to be.
Alphonse grasped his shirt over his heart, teeth clenching. Considering a mere cat being brought to Liore had caused Rose to get shot, who knew what might happen? The only thing Alphonse was certain of was that every change so far had led to negative consequences, and that every change was caused by him. Because he couldn't keep it together when he ran into Hughes and couldn't resist bringing Dawnie to Liore, Alphonse was to blame for the future falling apart.
If only he had stayed in Central while Ed and Al went to Liore by themselves, none of this would have happened—
Alphonse paused, an idea rushing into his head. What if he left now? Could he stop himself from causing more terrible changes? Maybe even save the future?
The teen looked over to the side and saw Ed and Al were heavily engrossed in discussion. His eyes narrowed, and determination filled his heart as he latched onto his crutch and got to his feet because this might be his last chance to fix everything.
The other Elrics never looked his way as Alphonse backed up, his crutch's tapping no louder than the rustle of leaves. He waited to reach the entrance to Liore before facing away from Ed and rushing into the city.
The streets were empty, lights off and windows dark in every house and shop he passed. Alphonse was confused until he heard distant voices shouting from the street leading to the city square. He turned and saw red and orange flames moving like waves against the night sky near the Leto church. A mob?
Alphonse suddenly remembered an uprising had occurred in Liore right after he and Ed left the city. Immediately he turned around, leaving the mob behind. As much as he would like to prevent the violence that was about to erupt, he couldn't risk changing the future any more than he already had.
His legs trembled while he walked, muscles having been pushed to their limits after all the exercise he'd done today, yet he kept moving until a quiet murmur caught his ear. He glanced around and saw a short concrete bridge arched over a small stream, the space beneath it untouched by the glow of streetlamps.
Alphonse smiled faintly, the sight of the gently moving river calming him. Though soon he clapped his hands and bent down to touch the brick floor. Blue sparks flashed over the ground while a giant hand rose from the earth beneath his feet and carried him to the dark space under the bridge.
Once he was hidden from sight, he sat on the giant palm with his knees up, laying his crutch beside him and staring at the dark waters below.
After a moment, his face fell and a sigh passed his lips while he shut his eyes. He was going to miss being with Brother and his past self, but this was the only way to stop anyone else from getting hurt because of him.
Alphonse pulled his legs in close and rested his chin on his knees. Ed and Al must have noticed he was gone by now and were probably worried about him. Yet it could be disastrous if they tried returning to Liore in search of him when they were supposed to be heading back to East City, and they knew the risks that came with changing the future so hopefully the potential consequences would scare them into leaving.
The Elric sighed, mentally begging his brother to retrieve him soon and that he hadn't ruined the future entirely.
Al's soul fire gaze scanned the trees in front of him, though something told him he wouldn't find his future self anywhere near the forest. Yet he had to be sure.
"Alphonse?" he called, stepping onto the grass and peering around a tree trunk.
Empty branches and shadowed bushes were the only living things he saw, so Al returned to the pavement. He was about to call his brother and suggest they search for his future self in Liore when a clank resounded from a few meters ahead.
The armored boy turned, thinking the noise might have been made by Alphonse's crutch, but froze at seeing a young man standing under the shade of a tree branch. The shadows hid the stranger's face, yet something about his profile and dark clothing was familiar to Al as he said, "Excuse me, mister, have you seen a boy around here with gold—"
"Al?"
The fourteen-year old stopped, hearing a voice he knew as well as his own exhale his name in soft disbelief.
"Brother?" Al asked before glancing back at the station. Ed, his red coat snapping in the air while he flitted around the treeline beside the train tracks, was still behind him, which meant...could it be?
"Brother!" Al called to Ed, and the boy in front of him flinched, his left leg creaking with a metallic groan—automail? But no, his body should be whole.
Before Al could figure out if his theory was right, Ed came to a stop beside him and said, "Who are..."
He paused, eyes widening while the other boy raised his head to reveal bright golden eyes that locked onto Ed and then shifted to Al. Gradually the sixteen-year old's eyes grew and he made an aborted sound like he wanted to speak yet couldn't, Ed similarly gaping as he recognized his future self. However, Al's gaze landed on the older Elric's right arm. A flesh hand, a bit smaller than his left one, hung at Edward's side and pure joy raced into Al's heart.
"You both got your bodies back!" Al cheered, running up to the future Elric who was too stunned to react as Al scooped him off the ground and into a hug. "And look, Brother, he regained his arm, look!" He gently pried out Edward's flesh arm and held it out to Ed like he was handing him a gift.
Ed's mouth dropped while Edward blinked in shock, and Al continued. "A-and he's taller!" he sputtered, hardly able to think straight as he examined Edward whose jaw was sharper and shoulders broader than Ed's, his body not only taller yet also wider from muscle development. He looked so grown-up!
Suddenly Edward registered what he was saying and his blank expression morphed into a smug smile. "Yeah, I am really tall, aren't I?" He straightened to his full height, though it was probably hard for him to do so since Al was still hugging him close and holding his arm.
"You're both whole again!" Al cried, his metal legs shaking from excitement and relief because Alphonse had never said Ed got his limbs back too, and he'd been worried since Brother always talked about getting Al's body back while only mentioning his own when Al brought it up. "I...I'm so glad!" he choked out, lowering Edward to the ground and dropping to his knees, his hands coming up over his eyes as his body rattled from emotion.
No wonder Alphonse was so worried about messing up the timeline, the future had everything Al had been dreaming of for four long years.
"Easy there, Al," Edward said, patting the top of his helmet with a fond smile. "I'm fine, we both are, so keep it together, okay?"
Al sniffled, quiet sobs echoing in his armor for a moment before he slowly lowered his hands and looked up at Edward. "I'm sorry, it's just..."
Edward's grin broadened. "I know, I can imagine how shocking it is to see me and your future self's body." His smile dimmed and he raised his head, glancing around Ed and squinting. "Where is Al anyway?" He looked back at the youngest Elric. "He should be with you."
Al stiffened with an audible clink and Edward's brow furrowed while Al said, "Well, he, um, left."
"Left?" Surprise splayed over Edward's face. "What do you mean?" He glanced at Ed who finally seemed to get over his shock as an uncomfortable expression passed over him.
"He ran away," Al said quietly and Edward whipped back to him with wide eyes. "We can't find him."
"Ran away..." Edward's lips parted and Al was going to assure him he had an idea where Alphonse went when suddenly he rounded on Ed. "You lost my brother!?" His hands clenched, something dangerous flashing across his face.
Ed reeled back in shock, but soon his eyes narrowed and he glowered. "Hey, why are you accusing me!?"
"Because Al wouldn't run off for no reason and I doubt his past self would say anything to make him leave, so you must have!" Edward's chest heaved as he towered over Ed, whose teeth clenched because why did his future self get to be so tall!? Not that he was short, but their height difference was quite noticeable and it wasn't fair.
Irritated, Ed snapped. "And whose fault is it that Al ended up in this time period, huh!?" Edward's eyes lit with surprise while he got in his face, snarling. "You're the one who left him on a bench to be kidnapped!"
Edward raised a fist, seething. "That's not nearly as bad as leaving my brother who can't even walk without a crutch in a city that's minutes away from breaking into a civil war."
Ed stilled. "What?"
His future self growled. "Liore is going to fall into chaos any second now and if Alphonse is there when people start fighting..." The anger faded from his face as fear darkened his eyes and Ed's heart clenched in realization.
"Then we have to find him now." Al rose behind them, voice calm yet grave. "And I think I know where to look."
Ed and Edward gazed imploringly at him. "Where?" they asked in unison, then regarded each other in shock.
Al blinked. "Wow, that is really weird." He shook off his surprise. "Anyway, I feel like Alphonse went to the river."
Ed immediately turned to the treeline. "So he's in the forest—"
"No." Al shook his head and Ed's mouth snapped close. "His crutch would leave a trail in the dirt, and he doesn't want to be found, so he would have found a river in the city."
Edward's gaze sharpened. "Okay, you two stay here and catch the train while I—"
"No way." Ed glared at his future self. "I'm going to get Alphonse. You can stay here." He pointed down with his automail finger for emphasize.
Indignation twisted Edward's features. "Are you crazy, you little brat—"
"WHO ARE YOU CALLING SO SHORT AN ANT COULD CRUSH HIM!?"
"YOU, OF COURSE! WHO ELSE HERE IS SMALL ENOUGH TO BE A MICROBE'S COUSIN!?"
"Guys!" Al shouted, hands slicing through the air above the two Elric's heads, though they continued glaring at each other until he added. "Alphonse is in trouble, we have to help him." The anger evaporated from both Edward's faces. "Let's all just go together, follow me!"
He broke into a run towards the city entrance and Ed and Edward were stunned for a second before scrambling after him.
The streets of Liore were battered and scorched like someone took a sledge hammer to the ground, black smoke curling through the air in the horizon and a broken fire hydrant spilling water onto the sidewalk. Nearly every streetlamp had been shattered, leaving most of the road in complete darkness except for the rare shop with its lights on. Screams of fear and rage echoed in the distance and Ed was about to run towards the sound, but his future self caught his shoulder.
Ed scowled at the flesh hand on him and ripped away from it. "What's your problem? We have to help—"
"I wasn't here when Liore had its uprising." Ed tensed while Edward gazed at him seriously, sadness welling in his eyes. "I don't have time to explain now, but if you interfere with the uprising and alter the past—"
"There could be ripples that spread across the timeline and impact our future," Al said without looking at them as he hurried in the opposite direction of the screams. "My future self warned us about that."
Edward nodded and looked back at Ed. "I know it's hard not being able to help them but," his head bowed and bangs shadowed his face, "We can't play God with people's lives."
Ed's hands clenched, anger and frustration churning inside him, but soon he forced them to relax. His future self was right, he couldn't help the people in Liore without risking many other people's lives. Therefore, he mentally apologized to the innocents who were trapped in the chaos and sprinted after the other Elrics, the screams growing fainter and fainter behind him.
"There!" Al came to a stop so suddenly Ed and Edward nearly crashed into him, pointing at a short bridge hanging over a stream.
Ed's eyes lit up when he noticed a brick slab erupting from the side of the stream and stretching out under the bridge like an arm, signs of transmutation clear on the ground where it stemmed from.
"Al!" Edward called, running up to the river while Ed peered around him to gaze under the bridge.
Golden eyes glimmered through the darkness from atop a giant brick hand and Ed smiled as Alphonse slowly lifted his head off his knees, gasping. "Brother?" His voice was small and wobbly, disbelief woven into every syllable.
Ed was going to respond when he noticed Alphonse wasn't looking at him, but at his future self.
"Al," Edward said, smiling in relief and leaning over the stream to offer Alphonse his hand. "Come on, let's get you out—"
"Brother!" Alphonse cried, lurching to his feet and launching himself at Edward.
The sixteen-year old yelped, catching his brother around his waist and hefting him up before he could plummet into the river. Though he staggered back from the force while Alphonse wrapped his thin arms around him.
"Y-you're really here!" Alphonse beamed, squeezing his brother as hard as he could.
Edward's shock faded and he smiled. "Of course, I came." He pulled back slightly, eyes raking over Alphonse to ensure everything was in order. Yet he stilled at seeing the hand-shaped bruise on his brother's cheek.
Alphonse noticed and forced a grin. "That was an accident, I'll tell you about it later."
Edward didn't speak for a moment, expression eerily blank, but gradually his face eased into a tight grin. "It looks like you had quite the adventure," he said idly, though his tone was clipped. "I guess we both have," he sighed, shaking his head. "You really need to stop doing this to me, Al. I'm not sure I can handle another scare so soon after everything." He held his hand over his heart jokingly, but Alphonse heard the slight waver in his voice and knew his brother must have been going out of his mind with worry since he'd last seen him.
"I'm sorry, Brother." Alphonse bowed, truly remorseful for the stress he put his sibling through.
Yet Edward chuckled warmly in response. "Don't worry about it." His forehead suddenly scrunched up, expression growing concerned. "But why did you run away?" His eyes slid over to Ed and narrowed. "Did my past self say something?" A warning rang through his light tone and Ed was going to shout a denial when Alphonse shook his head.
"It wasn't because of him, Brother." Alphonse gazed at the floor and whispered. "I...I saw Hughes."
Edward's eyes widened before a look of infinite sadness flooded his golden orbs. "Oh, Al..."
Ed's gaze sharpened, noticing Hughes' name brought the same sorrow to his future self that it did to Alphonse. But why?
"He touched my shoulder." Alphonse's breath hitched, misery etched into every line on his face. "And his hand felt so warm, and he was really nice even though he didn't recognize me...but then I thought about the future..." His hands balled up. "I want to do something so bad and yet..." His body sagged like all his strength suddenly drained out of him, his legs teetering until Edward drew him in for an embrace.
"It's okay," Edward said quietly, and Alphonse buried his face into his brother's shirt, sniffling. "I can't imagine how hard that was for you." He combed his fingers through the back of Alphonse's hair. "Let's talk about it later, alright?"
Alphonse raised his head with hope flickering in his eyes, but as he went to speak, Al shouted. "You're okay!"
The armored boy ran up to hug the future Elrics, being mindful of Alphonse's fragile body, though he didn't give Edward the same regard.
"Easy with the spikes, Al!" Edward gasped, turning slightly red as the air was squeezed out of him, and startled laughter burst out of Alphonse's throat.
"Sorry for worrying you." Alphonse beamed at his younger self, looking absolutely radiant and more relaxed than Ed had seen since he showed up two days ago.
And part of Ed was still amazed by the sight of his brother's lips curving into a grin and eyes squeezing shut in contentment, because he hadn't seen Alphonse smile for four long years. However, a smaller part of him was upset that Edward was the one who drew such a happy look from Alphonse when he'd been trying to elect the same response for days and yet failed.
The fifteen-year old's eyes cooled as he gazed upon Edward, and resentment flared in his stomach like a gunshot signaling the start of war.
The train whistle pierced the silence of night and all the Elrics stared in horror as the train slowly began pulling away from the station.
"Hurry!" Ed cried. "That's the last train in Liore until morning!"
He swiftly took off down the platform, Edward right behind him, and Al picking up his future self before sprinting after the two. The youngest Elric swiftly passed the others, having always been faster than his brother even with his heavy armor body. Though he waited to be slightly ahead of the train's rear platform, then leapt up over the guard rail and touched down on the wooden floor.
Al swiftly lowered Alphonse to the ground who slipped his arm into his crutch while shouting. "Brother, hurry!"
Ed, seeing he was near the end of the station, put on an extra burst of speed until he was right behind the train. He reached out with his automail hand, fingers just missing the guard rail before he threw himself forward an inch and caught it. Al quickly helped pull him onto the train and he breathed a sigh of relief once he landed, but stopped as fear stained Alphonse's eyes.
"Brother!" Alphonse threw himself forward and Ed whipped back to see Edward leaping off the station platform, arms stretching towards the railing. Yet he was much too far to catch it and started falling towards the tracks.
Alphonse clapped his hands and grabbed the rail, alchemical lightning sparking over the metal as it stretched out into a ladder. Edward caught onto its last rung with a grunt, his legs dangling a mere foot over the tracks while he climbed onto and across the metal structure.
"Are you okay?" Al asked as Edward dropped beside them, breathing heavily with his hands on his knees.
"Brother?" Alphonse gazed worriedly at Edward, but his sibling waved him down.
"I'm fine, it's just been a while since I've had to chase a train." Edward grinned and straightened up. "Well, let's go get some seats!" He opened the door and quickly entered the compartment.
"Brother, wait!" Alphonse called, disappearing into the door after him with Al soon following.
Ed blinked, finding himself alone, though he quickly scowled. "No one's going to wait for me?" he scoffed while turning to transmute the ladder back into a guard rail. Once done, he moved to enter the train, grumbling as he passed sleeping passengers.
In the low lighting, it took him a few minutes to find the Elric trio in seats near the front of the train, Al on one side and Edward sitting beside Alphonse on the right. He stood by Al, waiting for his brother to move so he could have the window seat, but none of the Elrics seemed to notice his arrival as they talked.
"So you read up on time travel theories too?" Al asked curiously.
"Yeah." Edward shrugged. "I checked out some books at the library while I was waiting for someone to arrive and activate the transmutation to send me here."
Alphonse's brow furrowed. "But why didn't you just make a reversal and bring me back to our time?"
Edward frowned, expression falling. "I wanted to, Al, trust me." He gazed earnestly at his brother. "But once I made the array, I realized it would be impossible to bring you back."
His eyes narrowed at the table. "I needed some of your blood to direct the transmutation to you." He sighed. "Without it, the transmutation couldn't locate where you were in the past." He raised his head, lips hitching up in a smirk. "So I got creative and found another way—"
"You're the anchor," Ed whispered in realization, making the three Elrics jump. Though Ed didn't notice as he considered what his future self had done. "You left some of your blood with whoever activated the transmutation and they're going to use that blood to locate you in this time." He looked to Alphonse. "Assuming you compensated the transmutation to carry two people, so long as you're near Alphonse when they activate the array, you'll both be recalled to the future."
Alphonse made an understanding noise while Al quietly asked, "Does that mean you're leaving soon?"
A sad note rang in his voice, and Edward must have noticed because surprise filtered over his face before he gently said, "No, actually, we'll be here for at least another two days." He leaned back into his seat and crossed his arms. "I wasn't sure I'd be able to find Al immediately, so to be safe, I told them to give me four days to find him." He turned to Alphonse and smiled bashfully, rubbing the back of his head. "Sorry, Al, guess you'll have to wait a bit longer for that apple pie."
Alphonse grinned. "That's alright, I'm just glad you're here."
Edward smiled back, yet frowned when Alphonse's eyes suddenly widened. "Wait, you've been here since yesterday...haven't you?"
The eldest was taken aback, but nodded. "Uh, yeah, I arrived yesterday morning at the Central train station."
Alphonse gasped. "So that's why Mustang called about someone impersonating Ed!"
"What?" Ed questioned, and Al cocked his helmet in confusion.
"Mustang called the hotel." Alphonse regarded Ed. "He wanted me to let you know someone was impersonating you in Central." His gaze lowered to the floor. "That's why I was heading to the Leto church, to warn you..."
Guilt pricked the fifteen-year old as he realized he'd nearly gotten Ed killed by Cornello over nothing.
However, he refocused as Edward growled. "It's not my fault they put me in a hospital!" His voice dropped to a frustrated grumble. "I was knocked out by the transmutation, and when I woke up, a nurse told me I was in Central Hospital."
"Brother," Alphonse began worriedly. "Colonel Mustang said he and Lieutenant Hawkeye tried to fight you."
Edward scoffed. "Some fight, considering he couldn't land a hit on me." He frowned. "Though Lieutenant Hawkeye almost got my leg, but I managed to jump out of a window before she could get in a good shot."
"You jumped out of a window!?" Al squeaked, grasping his helmet.
"Brother, you could have been hurt!" Alphonse admonished.
Yet Edward huffed, crossing his arms. "Would you have preferred I stay still and let him set me on fire?"
Alphonse glared, cheeks puffing up slightly, and Edward raised a fist. "Hey, don't look at me like that! You're the one who got into an actual fight," he pointed at his bruised cheek, "Or you going to tell me that's from a fall?"
His eyes narrowed dangerously, and Alphonse looked away. "Like I said," he replied flatly, not wanting to explain how he might have ruined their future by being reckless. "That was an accident."
Edward's expression became fiercer. "And where was my past self when this 'accident' happened?" He side-eyed Ed who scowled.
"Why do you keep accusing me of stuff?" Ed demanded, leaning over the table to get in his older self's face.
Fire sparked in Edward's eyes. "Because you're the older brother, you should have been watching him!"
"We're the same age in this time period," Alphonse cut in, noticing the tension between the two. "And he had nothing to do with what happened."
Edward was going to shout when Al said, "Some ice should help with his bruise." He turned to Edward. "Could you go find some, Brother?" he asked sweetly, yet Alphonse recognized he was trying to cut through the tension swirling between the two Eds and subtly nodded a thanks to him.
The eldest hesitated, but eventually said, "Okay, I'll see if they have some." He slid out of his seat and didn't even glance at his younger self as he passed him, though his shoulder bumped into Ed's automail one.
Ed whirled around, ready to let threats fly, but Al got up and waved towards the bench. "You can have the window seat, Brother."
Some of the tension faded from Ed, seeing Al remembered his preference, and he muttered a thanks before sliding into the bench while Al sat beside him.
"I'm sorry about Brother." Ed looked up in surprise to see Alphonse staring guiltily at him. "He's just on edge because of my condition." He smiled faintly. "I'm sure he'll be in a better mood tomorrow."
Ed's lips drew to a line, pretty sure his future self's mood wasn't going to improve in a day. Yet his little brother was clearly trying to be positive, and he didn't want to wipe that smile off his face, so he said, "You're probably right." He turned to stare out the window. "Maybe tomorrow will be better."
He gazed through the darkness and could just make out the faint outline of Liore, black clouds hanging above the city like the prelude to rain.
Sleep beckoned Edward like a siren's call, but he fought off his fatigue even as his eyes drooped. Maybe he should close them for a second just to give them a break, not falling asleep...only resting them...a little...
His head fell back, but the second it touched the seat Edward's eyes popped open and he flung himself up. No, he couldn't sleep, not yet.
"You should get some rest, Brother."
Edward flinched and turned aside, but Alphonse was sound asleep with his head laying on his shoulder.
Realizing his error, Edward gazed across the table to Al. "Huh?" His muddled mind took a moment to recall what Al had said. "Oh," he remembered, and waved him down. "It's okay, I got plenty of sleep earlier."
Al cocked his head. "But you've almost nodded off three times now." Edward stiffened, having thought Al was too busy watching the scenery outside to notice he was forcing himself awake. "Why don't you sleep, Brother?" He sounded merely curious.
Yet Edward didn't reply, though his eyes drifted over to the golden crown of hair laying against his arm.
Seeing this, Al put it together, and softly asked, "Is it because of his nightmares?"
Edward's head shot up. "How did you know about them?" His voice held an edge of franticness. "Did he have another one?"
Al nodded and Edward slumped, running a weary hand down his face. "How bad was it?"
"Not too bad," Al was fast to reassure, seeing how stressed out Edward had become. "I woke him up when I realized what was happening."
Edward nodded. "Good, too much adrenaline could set back his recovery."
Al hesitated, but then carefully began. "You don't have to stay awake for me, Brother, I know Alphonse wouldn't want you to exhaust yourself." Edward went to speak, but Al added. "And I can watch him for you tonight since I'll be up anyway."
Edward froze, appearing to contemplate it. However, he shook his head. "No, he needs someone to talk to when he wakes up, and he won't be able to tell you anything without revealing stuff about the future." He sighed heavily. "Besides, it's my fault he keeps dreaming about when I—" He stopped short, recognizing he was about to talk about fighting Father, and his lips pressed together.
"When you what?"
Al started, turning to find Ed awake, but Edward merely appraised his younger self warily. Ed had bags under his eyes, though his voice was clear and his gaze alert, making it obvious he had never really gone to sleep.
Why he would do this, Edward wasn't sure, but regardless, he crossed his arms and said, "None of your business."
"Actually," Ed sneered. "It is my business since you're supposed to be me." Edward cocked a brow, unimpressed by his reasoning, and Ed's gaze sharpened. "It has to do with how your alchemy got messed up, doesn't it?"
Edward's eyes widened. "How did you know about my alchemy?" He leaned forward, but stopped to avoid jostling Alphonse.
Ed shrugged with a smile. "Alphonse told us everything to explain why you were taking so long to transport him home."
His future self gaped, but soon his mouth snapped shut and his expression eased. "You almost had me." Ed's smile fell as he smirked. "But I know what I look like when I'm fishing." His younger self's mouth twisted into a scowl, realizing he'd seen through his act. "Al must have mentioned something to you, but he didn't tell you anything specific."
Edward leaned back into his seat, at ease again, and Ed glared, leaning over the table to hiss. "Well, I know what I look like when I'm trying to deflect, and that's what you're doing." Edward's eyes narrowed slightly, though his expression remained flat, but that was enough for him to know he was right. "I'm on the right track and you're trying to throw me off." He leaned back, growing smug. "I'll find out eventually, so you might as well tell me now."
The sixteen-year old scoffed and Ed's face hardened until Al sighed. "Brother," mild disappointment colored his tone, "You know he can't tell us about the future."
Ed shook his head angrily. "But this is important! If my alchemy gets messed up then I might not be able to use a philosopher's stone, and it could affect us getting back our bodies." He sent Al an earnest look before glaring at Edward. "And unlike him, I actually care what happens to my brother." His voice was laced with accusation and Edward's golden eyes burned bright as fury overcame him.
"Of course I care what happens to Al!" The vehemence of his growl made Ed flinch. "Maybe I made mistakes and I didn't always do the right thing in the past, but I was a pretty stupid brat back then." His mouth became a cruel smirk while Ed glowered.
"You—"
Alphonse twitched against Edward's side, slight frown tugging his lips, and all the Elrics immediately hushed, realizing how loud they'd been talking.
"Brother," Al whispered and both Eds turned to him, which was okay since he was addressing them both, "I know you're worried about me and Alphonse, but I think you'd feel better if you just got some sleep."
Ed and Edward gave him a look of consideration before turning to each other with a glare.
"Fine."
"Whatever."
Both of them slumped back in a sulk, arms folded over their chests and observing each other coolly. Neither of them closed their eyes or adjusted their position to get comfortable. Instead, Al would watch them glare at each other for the next hour until their eyes started to droop and they succumbed to their need for sleep at the exact same time.
By dawn, Al still couldn't figure out whether it was funny or sad how much Ed didn't like himself, and he sighed. "I guess Brother never changes, huh?" He regarded his future self, and wondered if he imagined Alphonse's lips twitching into an exasperated smile.
It was sunset by the time they arrived in East City, which was early enough for them to decide they could grab some food before Ed went to drop off his mission report without arriving too late at Mustang's office. However, it was while they were crossing a park that Ed and Edward got into an argument about where they should eat, and that led to—
"Don't call me little!" Ed launched himself toward Edward with a flying kick, which the sixteen-year old dodged while smirking.
"Who said I was talking about you?" Edward asked oh-so innocently. "All I said was that I used to be a tiny little pipsqueak back in the day." His smirk broadened.
Ed glared fiercely as he whipped back from where he landed. "That's the same thing!" he roared, scaring off a flock of birds by a stone bench. "And if you call me that again, I'll—"
"What?" Edward cupped a hand around his ear. "You're sooo far down there, I can't hear what you're—"
With a mad growl, Ed charged his older self and managed to strike Edward's shoulder before the older boy caught his collar and threw him back. Soon after their images blurred as they sent kicks and fists towards each other rapidly, Al cocking his head at the scene and Alphonse sweatdropping beside him while they stood in front of a flower shop as the woman inside flipped her Open sign to Sorry, we're closed.
"This is ridiculous," Alphonse sighed. "They've been arguing all day."
"I know," Al huffed. "And it doesn't make sense because we get along perfectly, yet all they've done—"
"Is fight," they finished together.
"Well." Alphonse rubbed his chin, a thoughtful look crossing his face. "Brother never gets along with people like himself," he said causally while Ed used alchemy to launch boulders at his older self, who weaved around them and flipped through the air to aim a kick at Ed's head.
"Because Brother is stubborn, so when he meets someone else who's stubborn..." Al placed a hand under his metal chin, taking up the same position as Alphonse while Edward cried out as an automail fist clipped his side.
"They don't get along." Alphonse stepped behind his younger self, dodging a piece of concrete Ed had accidentally flung their way.
He stepped back out and frowned at the once beautifully-architected stone ground that had once been encircled by strips of potted flowers, yet was now transformed into stone walls, fists, and even some gargoyle-shaped boulders. At this rate, the whole park would be in ruins soon.
Alphonse's eyes narrowed. "Guess we have—"
"To be the responsible one—"
"Again."
Alphonse smiled at his younger self, who he sensed grinning back, and asked, "Let me handle this, okay?"
Al nodded and Alphonse's smile dropped as he turned to the two Edwards who were rolling on the ground, long hair flying with strands loose from where it was tied back, and looking less like they were fighting now and more like two squabbling children.
"That's it!" Alphonse's voice slashed through the air, and Edward froze with his fist raised above Ed who was pinned under him. Alphonse took advantage of the distraction and clapped his hands, swiftly bending down and sending a transmutation at his brother.
Ed's eyes widened and Edward gasped as the stone ground rose around him. It picked him up and twined around his torso like a rope, pinning his arms to his sides and forcing him into a stand.
"H-hey!" Ed yelped as stone chains also dragged him onto his knees and wrapped around his arms to force his palms flat on the ground in front of him.
"You two," Alphonse seethed, "Are going to stay here until you learn how to stop fighting!" He glared and the Edwards stared at him wide-eyed because Alphonse's anger was so rare. "Otherwise, I'll leave you like this all night!"
"W-what!?"
"You can't be serious!"
"You bet I'm serious!" Alphonse snapped, stern expression reminding both Elrics of when their mother caught them fighting and gave them extra chores as punishment.
"Come on, Al," Alphonse turned to his younger self. "Let's go out to eat." He stuck his nose in the air. "You can help me pick out what dishes to get."
Al gasped. "Really?" He shook with eagerness, pulling out his green journal. "In that case," he flipped through the pages, "There's this place called Hewz with a Creta dish that Brother really liked."
"Sounds perfect." Alphonse smiled sharply before sending a glare over his shoulder at the Eds. "I'm going to eat my fill there, then I'm going to check out a furniture store, and after that I might even go shopping to find something better than these funeral clothes I borrowed from you."
"They're gothic, not funeral clothes!"
"Dark colors make the greatest style!"
Alphonse glowered, yet didn't respond as he started to walk away with his younger self following.
"Al!" Edward called in horror, realizing his brother was actually leaving.
"Oh, great!" Ed glared up at his future self. "Now we're stuck here because of you!"
Edward's head whipped down. "My fault? And how's that, you micro-sized pipsqueak!?"
"I AM NOT SO SHORT I HAVE TO USE THREE LADDERS TO CLIMB UP ONE STEP!"
Ed lurched towards Edward, straining his neck against the stone holding him on his knees and hands. He writhed, gaze murderous while Edward watched him blankly. However, eventually the fifteen-year old had to stop, his chest heaving and body sore from banging it against the stone.
Though he kept glaring at the future Elric until Edward slumped, looking disappointed. "Ugh, I thought getting you riled up would give you the strength to break out." Ed paused, realizing his future self had antagonized him on purpose. "Alright, new plan." He stared at the ground, muttering. "Your hands are too far apart to form a ring and I can't move, so..."
Ed's brow wrinkled, but seeing as he couldn't fight his other self in this position, he calmed and also started considering what to do. If Alphonse really didn't come back until after he ate and went to a furniture store and clothing shop, they really might be here for hours...
"Wait," Edward looked down to see Ed frowning confusedly, "Why did Al say he was going to a furniture store?"
Edward blinked. "Oh, that?" He shrugged. "Al likes touching the different types of wood and cloth the furniture is made of." Ed raised a brow and he elaborated. "You know, because he forgot how those things felt."
Ed's eyes lit up with shock, but soon sadness permeated his face. "Oh..."
Guilt touched his heart because even with his body, Alphonse was clearly still recovering from spending so many years unable to feel anything. Ed's face screwed up. Did Alphonse hate him even after he got his body back, since he had to go without one for years due to Ed's foolishness? He wouldn't blame him if he did.
"Well, since we're being civil," Ed looked up as the older Elric smiled sharply, "Mind telling me how Al got that bruise?"
Ed was taken aback for a moment, though he swiftly grew smug. "If I do, will you show me the transmutation circle you used to travel through time?" Edward's eyes widened while he needled. "As equivalent exchange?"
Edward's gaze turned flinty. "That depends," his voice dropped to a hiss, "What are you planning to use it for?"
The younger Elric's expression hardened. "You know what I'll use it for."
Edward bared his teeth in a bitter smile. "You really are desperate, aren't you?" Ed stared defiantly at him and he sighed. "Fine, I'll show you."
The fifteen-year old jolted, not expecting Edward to concede. Yet already his future self was stretching his leg to the side and dragging the edge of his heel across the ground to etch out a circle. Ed watched eagerly as he started inscribing symbols and he was confident he could recreate the transmutation until he saw the array's balance equation.
Ed blanched and Edward pulled back his leg, sneering. "Something wrong?"
His younger self's mouth dropped and he shook his head. "Why..." His expression turned fierce and he screeched. "What type of moron puts time symbols in the balance exchange equation!?"
Edward chuckled. "I wondered the same thing." He exhaled, mirth leaving him. "Time symbols are only supposed to be used on the outer ring, to make the transmutation finish in seconds, but I guess that novice assumed putting them in the balance exchange equation would make the transportation work faster." He scoffed. "But all he did was change the destination from miles away to months in the past."
"And it imbalanced the transmutation, creating a rebound." Ed's eyes narrowed. "That's why you and Alphonse were unconscious after the transmutation sent you back in time, the array is slightly imbalanced so it causes a bit of a rebound." Despair wracked his face, hands arching as he seethed. "And because he put time symbols in the balance exchange equation, the further back in time you travel—"
"The worse the rebound gets," Edward said evenly while Ed's jaw clenched. "So going back about a year into the past might not hurt you much, but if you go back four years to the night you attempted human transmutation..."
Ed's eyes squeezed close, understanding a rebound of that extent would maim him if not outright kill him.
"Seems like you'll have to wait to regain your bodies like I had to."
Ed glared up at his smirking older self because he'd figured out Ed's plan and yet let him foolishly hope he could actually use the time travel transmutation to change that night.
"Well, a deal's a deal."
Edward stared him down expectantly, and as much as Ed wanted to punch him, his alchemist pride wouldn't allow him to ignore his end of an equivalent exchange, so he admitted. "Cornello caught Alphonse and tried using him as a hostage." Edward's mouth dropped. "But Alphonse escaped."
He looked away sadly. "Though Rose ended up getting hurt when we were leaving and Alphonse blamed himself because she didn't get hurt in his timeline."
His future self paled. "Oh, Al," he whispered, head bowing. "No wonder you ran." His hands balled up. "It must have been so hard on him these past three days, having to see his friends in trouble and not being able to help them."
Ed's breath hitched, the boy suddenly recalling all the times he had haggled Alphonse about how to get back Al's body. Only now did it hit him that Alphonse probably wanted to tell him, but knew he couldn't without risking their future. How much did it pain his brother to see his younger self trapped in a suit of armor, knowing he could help him and yet forcing himself to stay silent? Did it make him feel helpless? Frustrated? Lonely?
He gazed at Edward's two flesh shoulders and then stared at his own gloved automail hand. A future where they were whole, that was what Alphonse would be risking if he told Ed how to get his body back... Ed really had been thoughtless, hadn't he?
The fifteen-year old bowed his head. "I think we earned this punishment." He smiled wirily. "It can't always be easy having us for a brother."
Edward frowned, hearing the self-deprecation in the boy's tone and unsure where it was coming from. Though eventually, he nodded. "True enough."
They both fell silent, thinking again of the problem at hand while the sun dipped into the horizon and the orange sky became a rich purple and blue. Ed was still thinking when his stomach gave a loud growl right as Edward's did.
They frowned down at their guts, feeling sharp hunger pains. Also, Ed's knee was starting to hurt, his arms cramped from being in the same position for so long, and he glanced up at the starry sky. "Is he seriously going to leave us here all night?"
Edward didn't respond, his brow knitting together as he stared hard at the ground. "That or..." Suddenly his eyes lit up and he raised his leg, dragging his heel on the ground in a round motion between them.
"What good is any transmutation circle going to do us?" Ed asked, glancing at his trapped hands.
Edward smirked. "Nothing good for me, but you can still perform alchemy as long as your hands are touching the circle."
Ed's eyes widened and his head whipped down to see the edge of Edward's circle was right by his fingertips. "So Alphonse—"
"Left us a way out as long as we work together." Edward's eye twitched like he wanted to hit himself and Ed groaned because they could have left over an hour ago!
Edward finished the circle and Ed made sure the transmutation would release both of them before touching his fingers along the circle and activating the array. In a flash of light, the stone bonds retreated from them, and Ed leapt to his feet.
"Finally!" He shook his right leg to get rid of the pins and needles feeling there while his future self did the same.
"Al is probably waiting for us at Eastern HQ by now." Edward stared mournfully at his stomach and rubbed it consolingly. "I'm hoping he saved us some food."
Ed nodded, certain Alphonse had because his brother was always too nice, but he paused as he noticed the destruction around them. "Ahh, gotta fix this first." He bent down and transmuted the park back to normal, though the soil from tipped over potted plants still littered the ground.
"This truce ends once we find Al."
Ed stood and looked back at his future self who was holding out a hand for him to shake, expression grim.
The younger boy's eyes narrowed, but soon he grinned, took his future self's hand with his automail hand and squeezed.
The older boy winced while Ed's grin turned vicious. "Agreed," he said, teeth gleaming predatorily in the moonlight and Edward's eyes responded in kind, the look in both their gazes saying one thing.
You're on.
They found Al and Alphonse sitting on a bench in front of Eastern HQ, Al's hands moving animatedly while Alphonse's shoulders shook with laughter and giggles spilled from his lips.
Ed normally would have basked in the sight of Alphonse's happy expression, but his stomach was an empty void gnawing on its self, so he simply staggered over to his younger brother and said, "Please tell me you saved some food for us." His stomach released a pitiful whine, as if to emphasize his need for nourishment.
Alphonse grinned, though it wasn't a nice smile. "That depends on if you two are going to argue again."
Ed and Edward shared a look and then put their hands together while pleading. "We won't, see? We're not arguing!" they said in unison.
Alphonse's brow rose and Al asked, "Did...you two practice talking in synch?"
"No," Edward said, rubbing the back of his hair and looking away nervously. "What gave you that idea?"
Alphonse appeared unimpressed and turned to his younger self. "What do you think?"
Al hummed. "They did have to work together to get out of your transmutation, so I guess that's progress." Alphonse nodded, and Al reached for his chest plate, opening it and pulling out a plastic takeout bag from inside. "Here, Brother."
"Food!" Ed shouted, snatching the bag away, only for Edward to swipe it out of his hands.
Ed moved to grab it back, but his future self sent him a meaningful look before glancing at Alphonse who was observing them with wary eyes and hands laying dangerously close on his lap.
The Edwards gulped, and the oldest Elric forced a grin, taking out the first plastic container and handing it to Ed. "Here's your half...pal."
"Uh, thanks." Ed graciously accepted the food, breathing a sigh of relief when Alphonse's suspicious expression faded.
"I'm glad you two are getting along," Alphonse said sweetly, but everyone heard the threat underlining his tone.
However, Ed's stomach growled again and his fear was swiftly replaced by the overwhelming desire to eat. Therefore, he flipped open his container and barely remembered to grab the plastic fork before shoveling the food into his mouth, unsure what he was even eating until the taste of lemon on fried fish hit his tongue.
"By the way, Brother." Ed and Edward stared at Alphonse, cheeks stuffed with food. "I meant, him." He waved at Ed, and Edward shrugged, returning to his food. "Colonel Mustang also said during his phone call that he needed to talk to you about something when you turn in your mission report."
Ed swallowed the mashed potatoes in his mouth and scowled. "What did I do that could possibly warrant a talk?"
Alphonse stared disbelieving at him and Al said, "I think the better question is, when don't your actions warrant a talk?"
Ed lowered his food on the bench and growled. "What's that supposed to mean?"
Al didn't answer as he turned to Alphonse. "It's probably best if you don't come inside with us."
Ed was still scowling, but added. "It might take a while, so you should probably head to the military dorms and wait for us there." His eyes suddenly slid over to Edward, who he gave a critical stare.
"What?" Edward questioned defensively while shoving his food in a trashcan.
Ed frowned. "You're technically a wanted criminal for impersonating a state alchemist." He began shrugging off his cloak as Edward's eyes widened. "And since officers across Amestris have been alerted about your appearance, you should disguise yourself." He held out his cloak towards Edward, leaving himself in his black outfit.
Edward blinked twice, then he burst into laughter.
Ed instinctively took offense. "What's the problem!? My cloak looks perfect!"
Edward shook his head, eyes alight with mirth as he calmed. "Yeah, it is perfect." He gave the cloak a fond look. "But I'm not exactly your size anymore."
He smirked as flames sparked in Ed's eyes, yet Alphonse said, "That's okay, Brother." The Edwards turned to him. "We can switch." He pulled off the hoodie his brother had given him and handed it over to the eldest, revealing he was wearing a light purple long-sleeve with a black vest. Apparently he really had gone shopping.
Edward blinked, but nodded and handed him the red cloak. They then tugged on their new apparel, Al gasping softly when Alphonse tugged the hood over his head because he looked exactly like Ed. Alphonse's eyes being slightly rounder was the only difference, though the hood obscured that detail.
Ed's expression soured at the white cloak his older self was wearing. "You look weird in that color."
Edward smirked from beneath his hood. "You do realize you can't insult me without insulting yourself?" He shrugged. "But like I said, I wasn't very bright back when I was a half-pint—"
Ed launched himself at Edward with a battle cry, but Al predicted this and caught him by the collar. "Come on, Brother. We should see Colonel Mustang before it gets too late."
His brother's only response was to flail his limbs around and shout obscenities in Edward's direction until he was dragged through the headquarters' front doors.
Alphonse sighed. "Brother, do you really have to aggravate him?"
Edward didn't seem to hear him as he suddenly stated, "Follow me, Al. We gotta find something." He moved towards the entrance, but Alphonse caught his shoulder to stop him.
"What are you talking about? We should head to the dorms."
Edward waved him off. "Don't worry, it will only take a minute." He latched onto Alphonse's arm and tugged him forward, only Alphonse's quick reflexes allowing him to lean on his crutch before he could fall.
"Just make an opening." Edward stopped by an unlit window and pointed beside it. "Right here." He sent Alphonse a hopeful look, and the law-abiding citizen in Alphonse wanted to refuse, but the doting little brother wanted to please his elder.
Therefore, Alphonse held in a sigh as he said, "Fine, Brother." He clapped his hands and placed them on the wall.
A hole swiftly formed in the window and Edward immediately crawled in and landed on his feet in the hallway. He scanned the area, making sure no one was around since some of the offices still had lights on as officers worked overtime to complete paperwork.
Though seeing the corridor was empty, he turned to Alphonse with a grin. Yet he froze as a click resounded behind him.
"Don't move."
Edward gasped, and slowly looked back to see Brigadier General Hughes at the end of the hall, his gun aimed at Edward's chest.
"Brother?" Alphonse called, but Edward couldn't speak as he felt all the oxygen leave his body while his eyes widened at the dead man walking.
Hughes stared at him sternly. "Don't move or I will shoot," he warned.
"Hughes?" Edward choked out right when a force struck his back and he stumbled towards the lieutenant colonel.
Startled by the movement, Hughes reacted like he was trained to.
He pulled the trigger and the bullet fired at Edward's chest.
So Hughes loves making dramatic appearances. How and why he is in East City, you'll find out later. Also, next chapter will have an explanation for what just happened to Edward and Alphonse and the fallout of Hughes actions.
See ya then!
Revised: 10/20/21