Okay guys, I have to get serious for a minute. While writing this chapter, many things happened including:
The Orlando shooting (God bless the victims). As someone who lives in Florida and supports the LGBT community, this has affected me greatly.
The Bangladesh attacks
Cristina Grimmie's death
One of my animals getting sick and writer's block.
All of the incidents have taken their tolls on me and honestly I cannot guarantee longer chapters, edited chapters, or my best effort for the next few chapters. I will also be traveling a lot for the next few months. I had to cut this chapter short, so please forgive me. For now, enjoy!
Chapter 6: Burnt Memories
The rain poured down on the trio as the stood at the entrance to the Eastern Command Center. Elina felt herself sigh at the building she had refused to enter for years.
"Well, we're here" Ed stated.
"You got that right" Elina sighed.
The trio was silent for a minute.
"Shouldn't you just make your report and drop it off at your superior's office?" Elina suggested, hoping to avoid going into the building.
"Ed usually gives an oral report instead one on paper" Al explained.
"Which means I'll have to deal with colonel sarcasm once again." Ed began mocking Mustang's voice. "'Struck out on the philosopher's stone again, huh? How am I supposed to keep funding this goose chase? Money doesn't grow on trees there, chief!' 'Ed? Where'd you run off to?'" -He began looking at the ground- "'Oh there you are! I couldn't see you behind my paperwork, seeing how you're so short and all!'" Faking a laugh, Ed finish with a sigh. Al began backing into a dark alley beside the building, crouching down.
"Could be worse" Elina pointed out.
"How?"
"You could be stuck with him everyday" Elina smiled.
"He tracks my every move. Might as well be with me everywhere I go" Ed complained. "Hey, where did Al go?"
"He's over there. I think your Mustang impression scared him" Elina laughed.
Ignoring this, Ed called out to his younger sibling. "Come on, Al"
Alphonse turned around, holding his chest plate suspiciously, with his other hand on the back on his head. "Coming brother"
"What are you up to?" Ed questioned. Elina looked at Alphonse with a funny look as the meowing from Al's chest plate reached her ears. Al answered Ed's interrogation with a nervous chuckle.
Suddenly, a scream came from inside Eastern Command. "What…?" Ed questioned.
"I'm guessing something happened?" Elina shrugged.
"I'll ask. Are you coming with us this time?" Ed asked. Elina sighed. Every time the boys had gone into a government building (Minus police stations), Elina had waited outside for fear of a specific soldier being there. Unfortunately for Elina, the weather wasn't on her side today.
"I can't stay out in the rain, can I?" Elina shrugged with a nervous smile. "We'd better hurry inside"
The trio walked inside Eastern command and towards an office. Elina could feel her memory slowly recover the Command center her mother and father worked at. As the trio approached the door to an office, Edward slowly opened the door slowly. Elina felt herself tense as the door creaked open. Inside of the room were a group of officers. Edward recognized the officers as Breda, Falman, Havoc, Fury and Hawkeye. Elina recognized only one. Breda was on top of a set of cabinets, terrified, while sergeant Fury had a small black and white puppy in his arms.
"So, uh, should I come back later?" Ed asked. Everyone offered a warm smile. Elina felt her heart begin to race as she saw a familiar woman; Hawkeye.
"Hello Edward and Alphonse. I guess this- who is that?" Hawkeye asked as Elina bit her lip.
Before the boys or Elina could answer, a meow came from Al's chest plate. Al chuckled nervously.
"Excuse me, Al and I need to talk" Ed said through gritted teeth as he pulled Al out of the room.
"Edward, I believe you have a report to make" Hawkeye reminded.
Ed ran back in the room, saluting. "Thanks for the reminder, sir. I'll speak to the colonel now"
Before Elina could follow, Ed slammed the door, leaving Elina in the room. "Edward!"
"So what have the brothers done now?" Hawkeye asked as she took a good look at Elina. Suddenly, her memory recovered the image of an 8-year-old girl on a battlefield. "Fosther?"
Elina took a deep breath as she faced Hawkeye. The resemblance between her and her father was coming through like a light in a dark room.
"It's been a while. How's your brother?" Hawkeye asked. Elina flinched.
"That's something I prefer to keep in the dark" Elina said as she turned around and left the room.
"What was that about? You know her?" Havoc asked as he wiggled the cigarette in his mouth.
"Her parents were soldiers, one a state alchemist. She was in Ishval with her parents." Hawkeye sighed as she looked at the paperwork on Havoc's desk. "Shouldn't you get back to work?"
Elina let out a breath as she closed the door and walked down the hall. Suddenly, there was a long clanging and the petrified mews of a kitten. Elina dodged just in time to avoid the crying suit of armor currently dashing down the hallway yelling.
"I HATE YOU BROTHER! YOU'RE NOT EVEN HUMAN!"
"Wait Al! Think of the kitten!" Edward yelled.
"I AM! I'M THE ONLY ONE WHO IS!"
"Alphonse!" Elina called out as the armor kept running. Ed ran up to Elina with a sad look. "I hope you know you slammed a door in my face. What happened?"
"Al snuck a kitten in his armor" Ed sighed.
"Again?" Elina groaned. "I'll talk to him. Where should I meet you?"
"Mustang's office. It's right down the hall" Edward said as he pointed in the direction.
"Thanks. I'll see you there" Elina smiled as she dashed in the direction of where the crying armor went. Elina stopped when she heard mewing behind a wall. On the other side of the wall was Al sitting on the ground with his chest plate open to reveal the smuggled kitty. "Alphonse?"
Al looked up and saw Elina smiling down at him. "Hi Elina. Are you going to tell me to put him back too?" Al sighed, referring to the kitten.
"Maybe?" Elina smiled nervously as she crouched to his level. "Look Alphonse, it's not bad you want to help small critters, but there's a fine line between helping and clinging."
"But he was out in the rain, cold and hungry. You understand, don't you?" Al pleaded.
"I do, but you can't keep him. We travel too much to have any kind of pet." Elina lectured softly. "It's hard to say 'no' to you. Edward realizes that, which is why he's so strict sometimes."
"But he doesn't-"
"Whatever you say, I'll have an argument, Alphonse" Elina interrupted. "You may seem grown-up, but the reality is that Edward is the older brother when he needs to be"
Al went silent.
"Look, I'll talk to Edward about the kitten." Elina sighed as Al perked up.
"Really?!" Al cheered.
"Hold on. You can't keep the kitten"-Al's mood sunk once more- "But you can find a home for it once the rain stops. Better than sticking the poor creature back on the streets, right?" Elina suggested as she reached over and pet the kitten on it's head. The kitten purred with pleasure.
Al nodded. "You really think brother will let me keep it until we find a home for it?"
"I have no clue, but it's worth a try" Elina smiled. "I'll go find Edward and talk to him. Why don't you find the kitten some food? No harm in feeding the little guy"
"Alright. Thanks Elina!" Al said happily as he got to his feet and headed towards the cafeteria.
"Now to Edward" Elina sighed to herself as she began walking to the office Ed had pointed to. She felt a nostalgic feeling as her feet took her down the halls. There was a time when she would sit in the halls of Central command memorizing military information for hours. Elina shook her head and the memories faded away like the sun in a cloud-filled sky. Approaching a door, Elina slowly opened it.
"Hey Edward, I need to talk to-" Elina froze when she saw a familiar man sitting at a desk in the front of the room she entered. Edward was about to walk out of the room as he looked puzzled at Elina's sudden reaction.
The man sitting at the desk had messy jet-black hair and white gloves on. His eyes widened as Elina walked in. Elina recognized the man immediately as a memory surfaced to her head.
Guns fired as a young girl ran through the battlefield with a notebook cradled in her arms. The Ishval rebellion was happening all around her as she ducked into a building and wrote in her notebook.
"The battle rages on in Ishval. The state alchemists seem to be doing a better job farther away from base. The Ishvalans near base are a little more common, but still manageable for regular soldiers" The young girl wrote. She flinched as the ground shook and screams were heard. Closing her book, she once again ran across the sand. Suddenly, a large blast ignited, knocking the girl down. The girl hands throbbed as she grabbed her book and attempted to rise.
"Hey kid! Watch out!" A voice yelled as the girl turned around to see an Ishvalan running towards her with a knife, ready to pierce her. Closing her eyes, the girl braced herself, but the knife never came. Opening her eyes, she saw a figure in front of her snap his fingers and a blast ignited. When the blast settled, all that was left of the Ishvalan was black ash. "Are you hurt?" The figure asked.
Before she could answer, her father came running through the sand. "Elina!" He yelled as he reached his daughter and embraced her. "I thought you were killed, you suddenly went missing. I was so worried!"
"I had to report" Elina answered as she held up her notebook.
"Not when I can't be near you!" Her father lectured. He turned to the figure as he helped his daughter to her feet. "Thank you so much, Lieutenant Colonel Mustang. I can't thank you enough"
"It's my job" The man -Mustang- said as he looked at Elina. "You shouldn't let a little girl out on the battlefield, Fosther"
"I'm aware, sir. She was supposed to be at base, making her report" He turned to Elina. "NOT in the middle of a battlefield with guns blazing"
"I could gather more data in the field than on a base" Elina shrugged.
"Elina, You're eight. You don't need to get killed. I can't protect you when I'm working at the base"
"Well I have a job to do!" Elina argued.
"Elina-"
"I'll watch her" Mustang sighed.
"Excuse me, sir?" Elina's father looked puzzled.
"You're right. This is a war and it's no place for a little girl, but if she refuses to go back, I have no choice but to watch her myself" Mustang stated.
"Sir, I couldn't-"
"I'll do it!" Elina interrupted. "If it means I can do my job, I'll do it. I'll stay with Mustang"
Finally giving up, Elina's father sighed. "I trust you'll take care of her?" Elina's father asked, turning to Mustang.
"Of course" Mustang smirked. With a sigh, Elina's father began walking back to base. Mustang looked at Elina with a sigh.
"Your stubbornness will kill you one day, kid." Mustang warned.
"Well, I'm not dead now"
Both Elina and Mustang had a moment of silence. The tension in the room was so thick you could cut it with a knife. Mustang broke the silence.
"Lina? Well, it's been awhile" Mustang grinned.
"I don't go by that nickname anymore, Colonel." Elina spoke. "It's Elina."
"I see. Is there a reason you're with Fullmetal, Fosther?" Mustang said with a smirk. Elina tightened her fists.
"She started traveling with us three years ago" Ed informed. "We met her in a town called Roxas-"
"Edward" Elina said cautiously. Ed nodded.
"I know, keep it short" Ed assured. "How's Al?"
"I'll tell you later" Elina chuckled.
"So Elina, if I may ask, why aren't you with your brother?" Mustang smirked.
Before Elina could snap back, the door opened to reveal Hawkeye with worry painted on her face.
"Company, sir!" She yelled.
Soldiers began to fill the room, arranging themselves in a line across the front of the room. The taller man in the middle caused a name to release itself from Elina's lips.
"Basque Gran" Elina said with a calm voice. "I see you've moved up the ranks."
"And I see you're still a soldier in training" Basque snapped. "Stand down. This is no time for chit chat. As of today, we'll be taking this HQ as a temporary Central command."
"May I ask what's wrong with the one in Central, sir?" Mustang asked with a salute. A laugh was heard as the soldiers by the door moved out of the way.
"I know, Mustang. I asked the same thing" An older man's voice agreed. Once he walked into the room, Elina let a smile through. "Sorry for the hassle! Everybody at ease, now" Furher Bradley yelled as his assistant trailed him.
"Furher Bradley, welcome sir" Mustang welcomed. Edward looked at Bradley's assistant closely.
"Your job is not to ask questions, Colonel. The Furher and his staff will run this place both to operate as Central command and to observe the region." Basque snapped. "I trust you'll make us comfortable"
The Furher walked up to Mustang's desk, only to stop when he made eye contact with Elina. The soldiers began leaving the room just as Bradley spoke up.
"Well, well. If it isn't Fosther's little girl" Bradley smiled. Elina returned the smile with a nervous chuckle. "It's nice to see you again, Elina."
"You as well, sir" Elina smiled.
"So what brings you to Eastern command, Fosther?" Bradley asked. Elina gestured to Ed.
"I'm traveling with the Elrics" Elina explained.
"I see. You'll be a good influence on them" Bradley agreed as he began walking out the door. "When you want to become an official soldier, just come to Central command and knock on my door"
When the Furher left the room, Edward looked at Elina with surprise. "Pretty much everyone knew my parents" Elina explained. "I was like the military's kid. Came everyday with something to do"
"Her parents were quite the officers" Mustang smirked. "Shame they left their kids to fend for themselves. They would be happy to know their son is following their footsteps."
"What the hell do you think you're doing?!" Elina snapped. Ed immediately looked curious.
"What do you mean? I thought Elina was an only child" Ed asked.
"So you don't know" Mustang smirked. "Would you like to tell him yourself, Fosther?"
Elina growled as she took a deep breath. "Fine. I have an older brother. I'm assuming he's around 24 years old."
"Why does he know this?" Ed asked, gesturing at Mustang.
"Because he has my damn file" Elina snapped as she left the room, slamming the door behind her.
The room was silent for a moment before Ed opened his mouth. "Why do you have her file?"
"Her father was under my command" Mustang explained as he sat at his desk, observing Ed's expression. "You want to see it"
"Elina will tell us when she's ready" Ed sighed.
"When will that be?" Mustang asked. Ed looked at the ground. Mustang grabbed a file from his desk and blew the dust off, causing a little cloud to form.
"Jeez! Ever think of dusting?!" Ed coughed. Mustang held the file out. Ed hesitated, but took the file, opening it's contents. The first few pages was simple information (Gender, birth date, age, etc.) and some photos from when she was younger. On the third page, Ed froze as he read quickly. Elina's voice rang through Ed's mind as he remembered everything Elina had said around the subject of her family.
"I don't give a damn about my mother!"
"You can try to change my mind, but I've seen this before. And I won't be fooled by that, ever again."
"Do you even know what it's like to be betrayed?! You don't!"
"Because my mother wasn't a regular state alchemist… "
Rosalie Cross was known as the Jade alchemist until September 1909 when she was killed during a raid. Information had been leaked that Officer Cross had been murdering anyone associated with the military in some way. Her certification was stripped, which prevented her from gaining the two ranks usually given to officers in death. Her daughter, Elina Fosther, had been at the crime scene...
"She was a monster"
"Stupid bastard! Giving away my info like it's some kind of raffle prize!" Elina muttered. Even if he did save my life back then… I owe him nothing!
Elina gradually fastened her pace as she walked down the halls, allowing old memories to seep through the cracks of her mind.
"One day she'll be an alchemist, just like her mother!"
Elina shook her head as if the voices were water droplets she could easily shake off. The memories clung to her mind like candle wax on a table cloth.
"She's just like her mother!"
No Elina thought as she stopped running and began pulling at her scalp. Images of her mother on the night of her death flashed through her mind. Soldiers nearby began to stare. ...All that blood… The bullet… Right through her skull…
"Miss, are you okay?" A young soldier with jet black hair asked. "Do you want me to call a medic?"
No… Stay away… For all I know, you're just like her… Elina struggled with her words. Elina fell to her knees, only worsening her panicked state and the worried expression on the officer's face.
"Can we get a medic over here?!" The officer shouted. Elina closed her eyes and tried to block out any noises with her hands over her ears. Elina began hearing the sentence that ruined her life four years ago repeat in her head.
"You have to understand"
"You have to understand"
"You have to understand"
"Lina, please… "
No!
"I can't"
"STAY AWAY!" Elina shouted, grabbing a dagger from her back pocket and struck whatever was in front of her. Instead of a scream, Elina heard a clang of metal against metal as her heart began to soften its rapid pounding in her chest.
"You should know it takes more than that to kill me, Elina" A voice broke through to Elina's ears as she lowered her weapon and looked up. Staring down at her was Alphonse, with a very noticeable scratch on his chest plate, and beside her was the soldier, who appeared as if he had been pushed when Elina drew her weapon.
"A-Alphonse?" Elina whispered as she let reality sink in. She felt tears flowing down her face as she dropped her weapon and embraced the suit of armor. "I-I'm so s-sorry, Alphonse!"
"Elina… What happened?" Al asked. The trembling Elina shook her head as the tears kept flowing.
"I-I don't know…" Elina sobbed. "I d-don't want to be like h-her"
"Like who?" Alphonse asked, confused as to who Elina was referring to.
"I d-don't want to be like h-her, Alphonse… I-I don't w-want to be a m-monster… P-please... " Elina begged with tears flowing down her face. "N-no more… P-please... No m-more…"
"Look! Can you believe how big Elicia's gotten? She can even ride a tricycle now!" Hughes bragged as he showed off a picture of his daughter to Edward. "She follows me everywhere on that thing, like my own escort of cuteness!" He sighed as he kissed the photograph.
"You're the same as ever, Major. Nice and insane" Ed sighed.
"I've got more pictures, wanna see?" Hughes offered.
"Maybe later, okay?" Ed skipped to the point. "Anyway, if you knew this transfer was gonna happen, you could've warned Mustang"
"Not a chance!" Hughes pouted. "I had to see the look on Roy's face! Oh, by the way, I'm a lieutenant Colonel now! Got me in charge of court marshal investigations."
"Sounds fun-filled beyond belief" Ed brushed off. "Shouldn't you be in Central, then?"
"Why? So I can work in a bunch of empty offices?" Hughes pouted. "All the major big leagues are fleeing Central as fast as they-"
This got Edward's attention. Hughes got nervous and switched subjects.
"Nevermind! How's the search going for the, uh,-" Hughes leaned in and whispered. "The you-know-what stone?"
"Well, we're closer or I'd like to think we are. We started traveling with someone who knows the military pretty well a few years ago" Ed informed, thinking of Elina's sudden appearance in the middle of their search. " Now I'm looking for a guy named Marcoh, who might have answers for me. I can't get Mustang to tell me what he's got on him."
"Considered that he might not have anything?" Hughes asked.
"I know Mustang's hiding stuff from me" Ed growled. "I can tell-"
The two's conversation stopped when a certain person shadow loomed over them: Basque Gran. Hughes began slightly glaring and Ed kept his expression neutral.
"Did I hear you say the name 'Marcoh', Fullmetal?" Basque questioned, using Ed's title.
"Brigadier General Gran" Hughes said with a solemn tone.
"The Iron Blood alchemist…" Ed slightly spat. "What do you want?"
"What do you want with Marcoh?" Basque growled. "He's a filthy deserter." All eyes turned to Gran. "6 years ago, a brigade of state alchemists were called to neutralize the Eastern rebellion. Marcoh was in their ranks, He went awol before the battle was done. The coward's been missing ever since. "
Everything was silent until an officer approached Edward.
"Mr. Elric?" The officer asked, running a hand through his ginger hair. "An Alphonse Elric has requested you at the infirmary."
"Did something happen to my brother?" Ed asked, worry in his expression.
"He seemed fine, but the girl with him was a bit worse for wear" The officer confessed.
"You mean Elina?" Ed asked. The officer shrugged.
"I'm assuming that's her name" The officer said.
"Thanks, you're dismissed" Hughes said as he rose from his chair, accepting the salute from the young officer. "Is it that partner you were telling me about earlier?"
"Yeah, I guess something happened." Ed sighed.
"Well, better not keep her waiting." Hughes said, patting Ed on the back. "I'll catch you later"
"You too" Ed nodded as he began making his way to the infirmary. Elina, what have you done this time?
Alphonse sat quietly as Elina slept in one of the white infirmary beds.
"I-I'm so s-sorry, Alphonse!... I-I don't w-want to be a m-monster"
Alphonse sighed as he recalled everything Elina had said, how terrified she had seemed. If Alphonse hadn't stepped in…
"STAY AWAY!" Elina shouted as she grabbed her dagger. Alphonse pushed the soldier in front of her out of the way and held his ground as the dagger hit his chest plate with a clang.
"Elina… What happened to you?" Al whispered
"What happened?"
Alphonse spun around to see his brother standing at the infirmary door. "Brother! I don't know. She just… Lost herself for a moment."
"Did she say anything before she passed out?" Ed asked, messing with his coat.
"She said ' i don't want to be like her'..." Al answered with a gloomy tone.
Ed immediately knew who Elina was referring to and drew in a sharp breath.
"Brother?"
"Yeah Al?"
"Who was Elina talking about?" Al asked innocently.
"... I don't know" Ed felt his voice slip. His mind went to Elina's file once more. I shouldn't have read it… I'm just as bad as Mustang
Elina's eyes slowly opened as she looked around the room. It seemed she was in an infirmary judging from the lack of color and the type of equipment she saw (Syringes, stethoscopes, etc.).
"Oh, you're awake" A familiar voice said, causing Elina to look beside her. Beside Al was a man with spiky black hair, glasses, and a smile on his face.
"Oh, it's you Alphonse" Elina smiled. "But who's he?"
"You don't remember me? I'm insulted, Ellie" The man laughed.
Al looked at the man with confusion. "Lieutenant Colonel Hughes, do you know Elina?"
"Who didn't?" Hughes laughed.
"Hughes?" Elina repeated as she tried to remember where she heard the name. Elina's expression changed to a smile when she realized who the man was.
"Remember now, Ellie?" Hughes laughed. Elina jumped out of the bed she was in and embraced the man.
"Mr. Hughes! It's nice to see you again!" Elina laughed. "How's your girlfriend?"
"Wow, she's not my girlfriend anymore, she's my wife!" Hughes bragged as he pulled a photo out of his coat. "And this is my darling daughter Elicia!"
"Really?!" Elina smiled "That's awesome! She looks just like you!"
"Woah, woah" Al said as he tried to clear up his confusion. "You two know each other?!"
"Yeah. Roy was my dad's superior it was only natural that I met Hughes!" Elina smiled.
"It' good to know the boys are watching over you" Hughes smiled. "With Ed and Roy's fight approaching, he'll need all the help he-"
"Wait, what fight?" Elina asked.
This may upset some people, but I will be taking a three week break from Fanfiction and writing in general. I just need to get back in the swing of things and be able to care for my sick animal. Happy late 4th of July.
Everyone stay safe and positive until my next update!
- Jackie C.A.