The train ride felt short, as we'd been here a few times now, though it did take over half a day. Not many words were exchanged between us and Alex as he looked nervous more than anything.
"Resembool! This stop, Resembool Station!" the conductor called, the three of us got off the train and looked around. Alex walked forward and we both followed him down the path.
"Are you ever going to tell us what's going on?" Edward asked, "This is starting to feel a little too much like a kidnapping," Edward glared,
"Mmm… no this doesn't feel like a kidnapping to me," I pondered, this seemed too relaxed to be a kidnapping as I looked at Resembool station with a smile.
"I haven't been fully informed on the details. My only orders were to retrieve you both and rendezvous here," Alex explained,
"Rendezvous? With who?" Edward looked at me with suspicion in his eyes as I just looked at Alex.
Though, I somewhat relaxed seeing Breda up head waving at us,
"I'm glad you made it alright, Major Armstrong, Sir!" Breda stood up, "Hey! What's up big guy? Rea!" Breda smiled, I grinned,
"Breda!" I ran over to him and gave him a hug,
"Lieutenant Breda!" Edward was in shock to see the ginger haired man,
"Didn't except such a friendly greeting from you, Rea," Breda smiled,
"Well, it's been ages since we last spoke," I smiled.
Breda gave us a plain coat each and we made our way through Resembool, it took us some time to reach the desert but apparently, we were having to cross it. I stood at the edge of the desert… last time I was here was after I woke up all those years ago.
"Rea?" Edward looked at me,
"I'm fine." I frowned and looked out over the desert.
We started to travel, it was long and arduous. The heat was unbearable to most, I noticed Edward was having a rough time because of his automail.
"Hot…" Edward complained,
"I'm sure you'll live," I smiled, Edward half glared at me as I chuckled, I wasn't bothered by the heat, my body was used to hot weather,
"Colonel never said we'd be crossing the border. Tight-lipped bastard…" Edward complained again.
"Mr. Han, how much further do we have let?" Breda asked,
"We've almost made it. Look, you can see the ruins ahead." Mr. Han pointed up ahead. I took a breath, I recognised where we were… to my knowledge, this is where I was born, according to Van. I just stared at the broken pillars and worn-down buildings as we got closer, though Edward clocked onto my disposition as I stayed silent the rest of the journey.
I had no memory of what happened here, I had been too scared to come to here in the past…
The ruins of Xerxes.
The closer we got the heavier my heart got, I knew what happened here wasn't good… and I was possibly involved as Van had explained to me many years ago. It was a confusing time for me… I woke up on the edge of the desert all alone, watched Amestris grow, then, many years later I met Van and when he realised, I couldn't remember anything he refused to tell me what happened, apart from the fact that I was from Xerxes, and we were close friends. I realised I never spoke to Edward about his father in any depth, I concluded that Van knew about me because someone else I knew from my past told him, but I was never sure. Does Edward think I met Van when he was very young like so many other people… I hadn't seen Van for a very long time… and I believe that he was going to be relatively old now since I met him a long time ago, about 30 years when I initially met Van.
Once arrived Edward jumped into the water quickly, to cool his automail. I knelt beside the fountain and traced my fingers in the cool water. I watched Edward sit underneath as I smiled, I could see his body under the water and he moved over to me and lifted his head out of the water,
"Better?" I asked as he nodded,
"Yep," Edward grinned, he leaned up and kissed me quickly as I smiled, and he stood up. I looked over his torso and remembered the other day I had my hands all over him, I shifted on my knees and looked away as Edward went to dry off.
"So, this is Xerxes huh? Looks just like the fable described it." Edward looked, as he put his cloak on again,
"Did you say a fable?" Fu asked, and walked over to us,
"Yea, the Eastern Sage. It's the story about the origin of alchemy in Amestris." Edward explained.
"It claimed that the entire kingdom of Xerxes was destroyed in a single night, and the only survivor wondered into Amestris shortly after, he was the one who went on to spread the science of alchemy," Edward explained,
"How interesting, we have a similar legend in Xing, about a drifter from the west. It's said his teachings were combined with our ancient techniques to make the Alkahestry we practice today." Fu explained,
"And alkahestry, is primarily used for medical needs, isn't it?" Edward asked,
"Yes, he guided this process. And we greatly revere him, we know him as the Western Sage." Fu explained.
I walked away and through the ruins, leaving the group on their own but I knew they were following in the distance as I looked around. I recognised some of the buildings and I kept having flashes of faces that I recognised but couldn't put a name or memory to them…
"So, the 'West' in his title is supposed to refer to here?" Breda asked,
"It is believed so, yes," Fu replied.
"But if Xerxes was such a highly advanced society, how were they wiped out in a single night?" Breda asked,
"It could very well just be a legend," Fu said as we came to an opening. I stopped and looked back at the group, I noticed Edward was staring at something in the room and I followed his gaze to a broken glyph on the wall.
I saw a flash of it the wall rebuilt in my mind, purple and red light all around a building in which once stood, as I turned out I saw Van holding a flash which held a black orb and myself standing next to him.
I covered my ears as screams of pain filled my head.
Spots filled my vision as my head spun. I felt my legs give way as my vision blacked out.
Edward heard a thump and looked to the side to see Reaka on the floor, Alex was already moving to her side,
"Rea?!" Edward called and ran over to her as Alex lifted the young woman in his arms,
"She was fine earlier. I don't know what could have happened?" Alex looked at Edward and he looked at the glyph on the wall again, there was something about this place… Edward looked back at Reaka as Alex stood up with her in his arms, "I'll carry her Edward, she will be okay." Alex spoke as Edward nodded, he frowned in concern and put his hand on her arm gently,
"I know she will…" Edward agreed.
The group continued through as Reaka stayed asleep, though she would stir every now and again and he swore she said his dads name… Edward clenched his fists, his dad was always involved in ruining things. The further they walked the more covered over the buildings became,
"We're going in pretty deep now, aren't we?" Edward spoke,
"Edward!" a woman's voice called.
Edward and Alex looked up and saw a figure standing at the top, when the figure came into focus Edward had a big smirk on his face,
"That damn Colonel!" Edward spoke.
"Lieutenant Ross!" Alex yelled, he gently put Reaka down before going to attack Maria with a hug.
"There really was no place in Amestris we could safely hide a dead girl, especially one that's still alive you know." Breda smirked.
"The Colonel knew she was innocent all along?" Edward asked, I woke up and rubbed my eyes, everyone was looking in one direction as I was on the floor,
"Oh, Rea, look who's over there," Edward pointed with a smile on his face. I looked over and saw Maria Ross,
"M-Maria…" I muttered and smiled. "Colonel, you son of a bitch…" I stood up and ran over to Maria and gave her a hug.
"Rea!" she smiled,
"It's so good to see you!" I smiled at her with tears in my eyes,
"Oh… Rea," Maria smiled, I grinned at her.
To say I was relieved that she was alive couldn't justify the amount of happiness I was feeling right now! The Colonel had fooled us hard! I felt guilty for not believing in him during that night but by God did he put on a hard front to make sure it was believable. I needed to talk to Roy on my return to Central… I needed to apologise for my words. Maria and Fu told us what happened, we couldn't believe our ears, but it was a miracle that everything worked out and the people believed she was dead, and Roy was off the real murderers back.
"After Madam Ross was prematurely freed, my young Lord made a deal with Barry the Chopper, the orders I've been given are to escort this woman to the east to take refuge," Fu explained,
"So, we all agreed to rendezvous here, in one big effort to air the Lieutenants escape," Breda added,
"I see," Alex folded his arms,
"You've got to be joking, I can't believe the Colonel was able to pull one over on us like this." Edward smirked as he leaned forward,
"He knew it'd be easier to convince you if you actually saw Lieutenant Ross," Breda explained,
"Then, why pull me along?" I asked,
"He said, the reason he wants you to come along is, so you don't feel another burden of someone else close to you dying before you," Breda explained,
"So, the Colonel really does have a heart…" I smiled, "I do owe him an apology after that little lecture I gave…" I scratched my chin as Edward took my hand, Maria's eyes seemed to light up seeing that as I looked at her.
"Fine, I'll admit it alright, he actually knew what he was doing this time," Edward smirked,
"He mentioned something else. He said he didn't want to take a chance on some hot-tempered kid endangering the operation, so he sent you out here," Breda smirked,
"Hot-tempered Kid!" Edward yelled, I hit Edward upside the head,
"Chill! Just be happy she's here with us!" I laughed as Edward pulled me towards him quickly and I squealed.
"You said the operation? Is there are phase beyond liberating Lieutenant Ross?" Alex asked,
"Indeed, he's got a plan to reel in the puppeteer, the one that's behind the conspiracy." Breda smirked,
"No one calls me A-! Wait, what did you say?" Edward asked, as he tried to stop me from stopping him from overreacting.
"You remember Barry from the 5th Lab right? He went on one hell of a rampage; they're bound to send someone to reclaim him." Breda smirked.
"I've got nothing to do with this, zilch, and yet here I am stuck in the middle of it… and framed by homunculi…" Maria sighed,
"Could be worse," I shrugged,
"How so?" Maria asked as I moved away from Edward,
"You could actually be dead," I smirked, Maria understood my point,
"Oh… right…" Maria put her arm around me. We immediately felt the heat, and both regretted the hug and backed off from one another,
"It's too hot to hug," I stated,
"That's true," Maria, agreed as Alex put some pictures in the middle.
"We've collected a fair amount of intelligence and once we properly piece it together, we'll have the General's killer," Breda explained,
"I promise you this Lieutenant, we will absolve you of this crime," Alex sat up folding his arms.
"Lieutenant Colonel… I mean General Hughes… it's just hard to accept that he's dead." Edward muttered,
"And what shall you do now Edward Elric?" Alex asked, Edward sat there for a moment, considering the answer.
"Al and I committed a taboo. We still have people that help us. Some people get angry at us, and others support us silently. Each one of them has helped me to try and keep my promise to my brother. So, I have no choice. I can't turn back, which means all I can do is move forward, right? And I'll protect everyone I can along the way; I refuse to let another person become a victim. Not while I'm alive." Edward gripped his wrist for a moment and then opened his hands up, "I know that's a hard promise to keep, it's hard enough just trying to take care of myself. I don't think I'm even capable of it, maybe I'm just arrogant, but… it's the only thing I can think of, so I have to do it. I have to," Edward explained,
"And you, Lieutenant, where do you intend to seek asylum?" Alex asked,
"Well, I think that I'm going to give Xing a shot," Maria smiled as I looked at her with a smile, it was nice that she'd have a second chance at life at least.
We spent some time eating and relaxing before Maria had to leave for Xing, she was ecstatic that Edward and myself were together, apparently, they had been winding him up in the hospital about talking to me about it all that time ago. We all stood on the edge of Xerxes saying goodbye to Maria,
"Any parting wishes? Shall I tell your parents?" Alex asked,
"No sir, as much as I want them to know I'm ok, I'm scared it will be too much of a risk. I just don't want to put them in that kind of danger." Maria explained,
"Very well," Alex replied,
"Major Armstrong, Lieutenant Breda. Please deliver a message to the Colonel. I need him to know how grateful I am for what he's done, if there's any way I can help him tell him to send for me. I owe him a great debt and I am willing to put my life on the line for it!" Ross saluted them both. Edward went to salute Maria, but she held out her hand,
"Goodbye Edward, take care of yourself ok," Maria smiled,
"I still owe you, for slapping me, that is." Edward smiled,
"You can get me next time," Maria smiled, Edward shook hands with her, and Maria turned to me.
"Well Rea, at least we won't leave on a bad note," Maria smiled, I looked at her shocked,
"Oh… yea… sorry about that outburst before, it was uncalled for and I shouldn't of-" Maria hugged me, "The only reason I'm protective over you is because you're a good friend," Maria spoke, I smiled and returned the hug,
"Thank you," I smiled,
"Take care Rea," Maria smiled,
"Yea, you too," I smiled, Maria looked shocked for a moment and then as she smiled, I saw tears in her eyes.
I stood with Alex, watching them ride off towards Xing as I cried, I was going to miss Maria. But I knew I'd see her in the future if I ever travelled to Xing.
I noticed that Edward had disappeared while we were making camp to stay the night before heading back home. I walked back through the ruins and found Edward walking back as I saw some people leaving the scene, Edward had a look of anger and distress on his face,
"Edward?" I spoke, and put my hands on his arms,
"Rea…" Edward looked at me,
"What's wrong?" I asked,
"I… I just found out who killed Winry's parents," Edward looked away, I covered my mouth,
"Who?" I asked,
"They didn't know his face, but apparently he has a tattoo on his right arm," Edward explained. Scar? We hadn't seen him for some time… I looked down and bit my lip in thought,
"Are you going to tell Winry?" I asked,
"No," Edward replied,
"She has the right to know, they are her parents," I spoke,
"I know… but… I hate seeing either you or Winry cry…" Edward looked away,
"You… hate to see us cry," I muttered, then smirked. "You're not going soft on me are you, Edward?" I asked,
"What?! No way!" Edward quickly spoke,
"You sure?" I smirked.
"Damn right!" Edward glared and puffed his chest as I laughed.
"Though, it's nice to know you care," I smiled, Edward blinked then smiled in return, Edward put his arm around my waist and pulled me close,
"Of course, I care, Rea." Edward spoke as I smiled, Edward leaned in to kiss me as I put my hand around his neck and returned the kiss. My heart was leaping as he held me, as we pulled back Edward was a little red in the face as I smiled at him confused.
"What's up Edward?" I asked,
"Rea, I…" Edward moved one hand to my face and brushed his thumb across my cheekbone gently, "I've never experienced the feeling you make me feel…" Edward muttered as I rested my hands on his upper torso, "Ah… I don't know how to explain it…" Edward stepped back and put his hand behind his head as he was embarrassed about expressing his feelings. I stepped towards Edward and turned him to look at me,
"If you can't say it… then show me… because I'm pretty sure I know what it is." I smiled at him softly as Edward just stood there, "I love you, Edward Elric." I smiled and he suddenly pushed me again the archway and pressed his body against mine.
Our lips met as his hands held my hips securely, I groaned as his kiss was hungry for passion as our tongues danced and his automail hand moved down my leg and he lifted it to sit on his hip. I moaned as he gripped my leg, his other hand moved the cloak from the front of my body so he could see my T-shirt and three-quarter length trousers. Edward pulled away for a moment as he bent down and lifted my other leg around his waist and hoisted me up against the wall and pushed me back into it with his body, I wrapped my arms around his neck and as Edward lifted my body, he leaned up to kiss me as I moaned. I moved one of my hands into Edward's hair and as his body pushed mine against the wall, I felt his hand moved up my waist and onto my breast as I moaned, and Edward moved his head to my neck and kissed at my neck.
Edward's hand moved down and under my top and I felt him grab my breast,
"No bra?" Edward muttered as I took a deep breath as his fingers across my nipples,
"It's too hot for one…" I groaned as I leaned my head back against the wall,
"But not too hot for this?" Edward smirked as I frowned and glared at him,
"Well, you have pinned me, Mr. Elric." I chuckled as he lifted my T-shirt and then I felt him kiss my skin above my breast and then suck on my chest as I tried to move but he kept me still, "Ed!" I gasped as he pulled away and I saw he'd left a mark on me. I playfully frowned at him as Edward smirked.
Edward pulled down my top and kissed my lips once more as his automail arm let go of my leg, I moved my legs to stand as Edward's hands moved to my hips, his breath was heavy as I put my hands against his torso,
"Getting all hot and bothered?" I smirked as I could see sweat beading around his forehead slightly, Edward just looked over my face as he smirked,
"I love you too…" Edward breathed as I gasped and smiled at him.
I looked down and saw Edward's trousers were tight as I bit my lower lip. Edward leaned his forehead against mine as I slowly moved my hand down his torso and over his belt. Edward looked at me suddenly as I rested my hand gently on his crotch as I leaned forward into him. I used my other hand to turn him and pushed him against the wall as I kept my hand on his crotch and gently rubbed my hand against his trousers as his cheeks burned and his expression changed, he was panting lightly as I smiled mischievously.
"R-Rea…" Edward groaned as I pushed my other hand against his torso, and I could feel his heartbeat quicken.
Edward grabbed my wrist and looked at me,
"Not… here." Edward spoke as I nodded,
"Okay." I smiled and I moved my hand away as Edward took a deep breath. I went to move away but Edward grabbed me,
"Don't move, in case someone comes along…" Edward muttered as I chuckled with a nod. I pulled his cloak around and covered the front of his body,
"That should help," I smirked as Edward looked down and sighed,
"You're driving me crazy…" Edward groaned as I chuckled,
"You enjoy it." I smiled as Edward nodded,
"Can't deny that." Edward spoke as I smiled and walked back away,
"Come on, we've got to go back to camp to head back to Central tomorrow." I smiled as Edward nodded.
Alex and Breda had a camp set up with a few tents to sleep in before we were to head back. We had some food, sat around a fire for a bit before heading into our tents. I went into my tent for myself and wrapped up under my blanket, I had only been wearing a loose top and my pants as I was too warm to wear anything else.
I heard movement just outside and sat up,
"Who's there?" I whispered and I saw Edward open the tent as I smiled, "hey," I smiled as I moved the cover to the side so Edward could join me, "I thought we all had our own tents?" I smirked as Edward climbed in,
"Yeah, well… you know I don't listen to anyone else." Edward smirked as he moved next to me and wrapped his arm around my waist,
"That's true." I chuckled and Edward dropped his pillow next to mine and lay down. I relaxed on my bed as Edward kept his hand on my waist as I fell asleep.