Chapter 5

Sammy slowly opened his eyes against the light that glimmered off of the metal bars of his cage, blinking in the unexpected sunlight. The usually cold basement had warmed slightly, as it normally did in the mornings when the sun would grace them with its pleasant presence. The chimera looked towards the circular hole in the ceiling, watching with interest as a few birds flew past the glass overhead.

Sammy sat up and stretched in his cage, fluffing out his fur against the lingering chill that had yet to fully leave the air. He turned his head to the side, sorrow flowing through him at the sight he saw before him.

Roy and Pup were still asleep, both obliviously unaware of the world around them. Pup was curled tightly under his blankets, leaning deeply into Roy's arms, that were still holding his pup protectively even in his sleep. The two of them looked better than they had a few days ago, he still remembered the concern he felt when Vance had carried an unconscious and nearly lifeless Pup with an equally as weak Roy following close behind. As he watched his friends sleep, Sammy felt another pang of sadness strike him when he remembered how many days ago that had been.

Three days had passed; the dreaded day had finally come. Today Roy and his pup would become true members of The Pack, and the chimera felt like his heart would shatter at the thought.

"Sammy is so sorry, Roy and Pup…Sammy will take care of you though…No chimera in the pack is ever alone." Sammy gently ran his tail along Pup's thin back as he continued to look at his human friends, seemingly counting down the hours until they would finally lose their humanity.

"Sammy? Is Sammy awake?" The chimera pricked his ears as The Pack woke around him, their barks and yelps echoing in the air. He and the others had found out long ago that the scientists couldn't understand them if they spoke in a certain way that only their dog minds could understand fully. It came in handy and most of The Pack communicated in this way.

"Today is the day?"

"Pup and Roy still asleep?"

"Friends okay?"

At first the many voices had been maddening to Sammy, but now he was so used to it that to live without the almost constant chatter would feel wrong. He had also learned that some of his pack spoke better than others. A few of his fellow chimeras had forgotten their humanity just to stay sane in this place, speaking in broken sentences at best.

"Yes, today is the day," Sammy spoke up, his low voice bringing silence as his pack members stopped to listen to their leader. "Roy and Pup will become full members of The Pack. Friends will help them as well, yes?"

At his question many different voices answered, each trying to assure that they would help Roy and his pup the same way he had helped all of them, what now seemed so long ago to Sammy.

"Yes Sammy, we will help." One voice rose above the rest. Sammy turned his attention momentarily from his two friends to focus on who had spoken up. Anna looked back at him, her blue eyes glimmering with sadness and determination. "Pack will always help, Sammy."

Sammy nodded at her gratefully as the sound of approaching footsteps from the ground floor echoed around the basement. The Pack grew quiet, some chimeras letting out a fearful whimper almost instinctively as the sound drew nearer.

"Calm friends, it is Vance." Another voice spoke up and The Pack seemed to let out a collective sigh of relief. As the other chimeras went back to conversing with each other, quieter this time, Sammy watched as Vance appeared at the base of the stairs.

The young scientist was remaining true to his word and had been routinely checking in on Roy and his pup, making sure that the two of them safely recovered enough for the transmutation to take place. Vance caught his eye as he walked towards their row of cages, his green eyes glimmering with a soft sorrow. He must also know what the day would bring for Roy and Pup.

"Good morning, Sammy." Vance said as he neared, dropping down into a crouched position as he began to dig in his lab coat pockets. The young scientist's eyes were slightly narrowed as though he was thinking of something troublesome.

"Good morning, Vance." Sammy echoed back as he watched Vance pull two syringes from his coat, eyes no longer sliltted as he gazed at Roy and his pup, seemingly taking in their condition.

"Did they sleep well last night?" The young scientist asked as he began to slowly pull away a corner of Pup's blanket, searching for exposed skin.

"Yes, though both have had bad nightmares. They help each other." The chimera said as he watched Vance inject Pup with his special mixture, one very different from the ones the other scientists tormented them with.

"I'm glad they're so close…it should help them to handle this better in the end." The young scientist let out a sad sigh as he withdrew the now empty syringe, moving slightly to check over Roy.

"They will have Sammy and The Pack too." Sammy tried to reassure Vance, but he could tell it did little to truly comfort him. The young scientist's green eyes closed for a moment, as though he was physically in pain, before he opened them again.

"Of course," Vance's voice broke as he injected Roy as well, drawing back to look forlornly at the two. "I know you care for them Sammy. I'm very grateful that they've had you to help them."

Sammy nodded, noticing a stray tear shimmering in the young scientist's eye before it slowly trailed down his face. "But is Vance okay?"

"O-Of course," Vance said quickly, wiping at his eyes when he realized that he had started to cry. "It just hurts to know what will happen to them soon."

"How soon?" The chimera asked as he leaned closer to the young scientist, his tail twitching nervously.

"In about an hour," Vance replied as he gave Sammy an almost apologetic look. "We need some time to ready the circle and the alchemists performing the transmutation. Edward and the colonel should also be given some time for my mixture to kick in fully, or else the strain of the transformation may kill them both."

"You'll keep them safe for Sammy during it, yes?" The chimera leaned closer to Vance, willing him to tell him what he wanted to hear, even though he already knew the terrible answer.

"I'll try my hardest…but you know better than I do as to how painful the transmutation is." Sammy shuttered as he remembered his own horrible experience. Though it had happened many months ago, the memory was still fresh in his mind. The agony of bones breaking and muscles tearing…the feeling of his organs shifting below his straining skin…It was the worst pain he had ever felt, and he hated the thought of Roy and his pup suffering the same gruesome fate.

"Roy and Pup are strong though…They can handle it…" The chimera was still worried though. How true was that statement? When they had first arrived the two of them had held such a refreshing fire and determination within them that he hadn't seen in this hell for a long time. Then the torture and experiments had started, and Sammy had watched with great sorrow as that desperate will and vigor faded away. They still had some of their old tenacity buried deep within, even if it had been worn down over time. Looking at Roy and his pup now though, it was difficult for the chimera to see any sign of that hidden strength.

"I hope they can…" Vance said in a reluctant and slightly doubtful voice as he stood up, his attention focusing on Sammy. "You'll keep an eye on them while I'm gone, right?"

"Of course," The chimera said sincerely, nodding his head towards his two friends as he gazed deep into the young scientist's green eyes. There was such sadness and guilt glittering in their depths and Sammy wished with all his heart that Vance could forgive himself for something out of his control.

"Thank you, Sammy." The young scientist turned away as his voice broke once more, taking in a trembling breath to steady himself. Sammy watched him leave the basement, following him with his gaze until Vance disappeared from view.

The soft sound of blankets rustling brought the chimera's attention back to his friends. He turned to look at the two, both of whom were now very slowly rousing from their slumber.

As Pup let out a low and quiet whimper, Roy held onto him a little tighter even as he himself let out an uncomfortable moan. Sammy was touched to see how much the two cared for each other, both trying their hardest to comfort the other.

"Friends can do this…They can survive the pain as long as they have each other." The chimera thought to himself as he kept a watchful eye on his friends, his heart aching at the thought of the agony that soon awaited them.

And while Roy and his pup very slowly regained consciousness, Sammy continued to watch over them. He knew that he'd help them no matter what happened, and hoped that in the end they would be alright.

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Edward could feel the veil of a dreamless slumber slowly begin to lift from him, and as it did his senses gradually returned. He could hear the soft murmuring of the caged chimeras that surrounded him, their words sounding more like low whines and barks than actual human speech.

The basement was cold, but the air around Ed had a small hint of warmth to it, helping to ease the usually harsh chill. He was very aware of Mustang's warm arms wrapped gently around him, the colonel's hold remaining firm even though Ed could tell that he was still asleep. He leaned deeper into Mustang's touch, burrowing into his blankets as he struggled to shake the last remaining tendrils of sleep from his mind and body.

The past few days had been rough for both of them. While the first day after Doctor Kramer's horrible final experiment had gone by in a dizzying blur for Edward, he could clearly remember that Mustang had been there to comfort him the entire time. The memory of the pure anxiety and desperate hope that had glimmered in that dark onyx gaze as Ed had finally mustered up enough strength to even open his own eyes still sent a twinge of guilt through his heart. The colonel had just been so happy to see him fully conscious even though Edward still felt tremendously weak from the day before. He had managed to remain awake for the rest of the day, even if it was in a mostly lethargic daze.

From that day onwards Ed had noticed a subtle change in Mustang. The hope of escape or rescue had faded away, along with the stubborn and occasional optimistic gleam that would appear in his gaze. While the colonel had already been wary of any chance of freedom from this hell, it hurt Edward more than he could bear to see Mustang look so defeated and utterly hopeless. That wariness had only grown in the last few days, and as he mentally counted off the number of days since then, a deep pit of dread formed in Ed's stomach.

Three days had seemingly gone by in the blink of an eye…Today was finally the day that they had both dreaded since they had been captured.

Edward's eyes flew open from the shock and horror of that realization, his golden gaze locking onto Mustang as he held back a terrified cry. The colonel was still sleeping, though his brow was furrowed slightly as though he was trying to escape the grasp of a bad dream. Ed lifted his left arm from where it had been resting against Mustang's side and he gently ran his hand down the colonel's arm in a soothing gesture. As Ed watched Mustang stir and let out a quiet moan in his sleep, Edward thought back on all that had changed between them.

Before this horrible incident they had both hidden their true feelings behind a mutual mask of displeasure. They had done all they could to show the world that they didn't care for each other. Ed had always insisted on Mustang being an utter bastard while the colonel had argued that Edward was nothing but a loud mouthed brat.

But Ed knew as well as Mustang that they had always cared, even if they'd never show it. While it certainly hadn't started out that way, gradually Edward and the colonel had developed a certain type of bond. Ed had always held onto the hope of Mustang becoming the father figure he had never known deep within himself, fearful of being rejected once more. And, unbeknownst to him, Mustang had hid similar feelings towards Edward, guiding both him and Al as a silent support while pretending not to care about them in the slightest. But when put under all the stress and fear that this terrible place had put them through, they had finally found the strength to tell each other of their true feelings.

While Ed despised this hell and the scientists that had tortured them to no end, he was grateful that at least he and the colonel had finally said what had needed to be said. Edward felt his eyes slowly fill with tears as he gazed fondly at Mustang, the only one who had been able to break through his thick wall of distrust. Ed loved Mustang more than he had ever thought possible towards someone other than his closest friends and his brother. The man had truly taken over the role of father better than Hohenheim could ever have done.

At the thought of Alphonse, a sudden and hazy memory stirred in his mind. The last thing Ed had remembered when he had woken days ago after the experiment, curled as close as he could possibly get to Mustang, still haunted him even now. He had stood on The Plane of Truth with Al, both of them just so happy to see the other once more. Edward remembered hugging his younger brother, crying into his armor as Al had returned the gesture. But the rest of the strange dream was a blur. They had talked but the words themselves had been lost to the realm of dreams. All Ed remembered was that his brother had promised to find him before the world around them had faded away. But it had all just been a dream brought on by an oxygen deprived, dying mind…right? While he was almost certain that was what it was, he still held onto the hope that Al really was searching for him and Mustang.

"Good morning, Pup." Ed jumped slightly at the sudden yet familiar voice, tearing his attention from Mustang to focus on its owner. Sammy was looking down at him, gazing through the bars with a sad glimmer in his blue eyes. It seemed as though he also knew what today would bring for his friends.

"Good morning, Sammy." Edward said softly, his gaze returning to the colonel as sorrow clutched violently against his throat like a rough hand. "Do…Do you know when they'll be coming for us?" He finally managed to croak out.

"Yes…Very soon…" Sammy sounded almost as distressed as Ed himself felt, his usually cheerful voice nothing but a pained whine. "Vance said an hour…Vance been gone long time now…"

He flinched slightly at the thought of his and the colonel's dwindling time, like sand through an hourglass that was tumbling away all too quickly. Edward had hoped to have some more time to process what was going to happen to him today, but that seemed a luxury that fate would not allow him.

Vance had been a huge help to him and Mustang, always checking in on them when he found the time and even giving them a special mixture he had created that left both of the captured alchemists feeling better. Ed knew the scientist had done all he could to delay this dreaded day, but he had only been able to do so much.

As Edward became lost in his thoughts, he almost didn't notice that the colonel had finally woken up until he felt Mustang hold him a little tighter. Ed was dragged back to the present as he gazed into those onyx eyes, seeing the same anguish and fear reflected in their depths.

"So it really is today then…" The colonel let out a forlorn sigh, eyes closing for a moment as though he were feeling physical pain. Edward ran his hand over Mustang's arm once more, hoping to ease some of his pain. After a moment the colonel's eyes opened, a faint gleam of gratitude in his gaze.

"Yes…Sammy is so sorry, Roy and Pup…" The chimera's voice broke and Ed could hear the sounds of Sammy shifting in his cage, most likely turning away in an attempt to keep his own sorrow in check.

Mustang and Edward continued to gaze at each other, both taking in the sight of their true human bodies, knowing that today everything as they knew it would change. The life they had lived for so long would be over, and who knew when, or if, they could ever return back to it.

"Ed…I'm sorry that I failed to get us out…" Mustang said in an utterly broken voice, something Edward had never wanted to hear from the man. The colonel's eyes glistened with tears as Ed returned his sorrowful gaze.

"There was nothing either of us could do…We were doomed from the moment they took us." As he spoke Mustang slowly shook his head, closing his eyes for a moment before opening them once more.

"No…I should have never even thought of giving you this mission…I should be here alone…You should be somewhere far away with Alphonse right now…and I'm so sorry that I got you into this mess…" A stray tear ran from the colonel's eyes as he tried to blink it away, his expression full of so much sorrow and guilt that Ed felt like his heart would shatter.

"You have nothing to be sorry for, none of this was your fault…" Edward said as he gently wiped the tear from Mustang's cheek. The colonel looked away from him as he continued on. "I'm glad that you didn't suffer through all this on your own…I'd never want that, even if it meant my own safety."

"I don't think I'll ever be able to forgive myself for this, even if you can…" Mustang went on as if Ed had never spoken, tears now falling steadily from his dark and bloodshot eyes as he gazed miserably at Edward. "I almost got you killed…You actually died…I've failed you in every way I could…Fuck, I'm just so useless…"

"You tried your best, and you've helped me in more ways than you can ever imagine." It felt strange to be comforting the colonel of all people, someone who had once been so proud and confident. It truly showed the pure evil of this place, if it could break even someone as strong as Mustang. "I'd never have survived without you by my side…"

"But you shouldn't even be here!" Mustang's voice broke as he tried to turn his gaze away from Ed, but his head was held firmly in place by his hand as Edward felt his own eyes begin to overflow with tears. "I knew that the lead was dangerous, now look at us! I-I am just so sorry Edward…All of this that's happening is my fault and mine alone."

"Roy," At the use of his first name the colonel seemed able to reel in his emotions momentarily as Ed gazed back at him with nothing but misery and love flowing through him. "I never blamed you for any of this; I never did and never will. This was neither of our faults…it was all out of our control. If I can get anything through that thick head of yours before the transmutation it's this: You were never to blame for what has happened, and you are as much of a victim as I am. You did nothing wrong, and I hold no grudge."

Mustang's eyes once again filled with tears as he broke down, sobbing against Edward's hand as he held him tightly. Ed lost his own battle against his tears as he buried his face against the colonel's arm. They stayed that way for a few moments that felt all too short, both taking in the fact that this would be their last conversation as humans.

"I love you Ed, and I'll always blame myself for this…" As Ed gazed at Mustang, taking in the messy black hair and slight stubble that contrasted against his pale skin with eyes as dark as night, he felt a surge of love so strong that it nearly took his breath away.

"I love you too…" Edward said as he nudged the colonel's arm in a slightly playful way, which earned him a confused look before he continued on. "And I'll never blame you for this."

Mustang's eyes gleamed with a fond amusement as a small and genuine smile parted his lips. Ed smiled back at him, closing his eyes for a moment as he basked in the warmth of the colonel's loving embrace for what could well be the last time. The moment was short lived as Edward's eyes snapped open at the sound of approaching footsteps from above, knowing that their time had finally reached its end.

"Whatever happens now, we'll get through it together…" Ed whispered to Mustang, who grasped him tightly in a protective manner. The footsteps were now clanging down the metal staircase, almost obnoxiously loud as the sound echoed around the stone walls of the basement.

The first person Edward saw was Vance, who looked at the two of them with eyes that gleamed with deep regret. Behind him appeared Doctor Lawrence, his face showing little to no emotion as he strode ahead of the younger scientist. The last one to reach the bottom of the stairs was Doctor Kramer, a sneer on his face as his eyes lit up with a dark and twisted glee.

"Ah, and so this day has finally come," Doctor Kramer lamented. "Such a shame that my experiments must now officially end, though there is still nothing stopping me from torturing you if I get the chance."

The group of three stopped in front of their cages, the two doctors looming over them as a trembling Mustang held onto an equally as scared Edward as tightly as possible. He heard Sammy whimper in his cage as Doctor Lawrence nodded towards Vance, who was the holder of the remote that would lead to their brief freedom.

"The time has come," Doctor Lawrence said as the cage doors creaked open and his two captives cringed fearfully. "I've waited a long time for this, and I'm very interested in the results of this transmutation."

Edward held back a terrified moan as rough hands grabbed his ankles, dragging him from his cage and out of Mustang's comforting embrace. He felt the air leave his lungs as Doctor Lawrence flung him carelessly over his shoulder and Ed tried to take in a trembling gasp. He heard the sound of a chain clattering from behind him and as Edward attempted to raise his head to see where the noise had come from, he caught a glimpse of Sammy's terrified gaze.

"Sammy is sorry…" Ed was shocked to see real tears leaking from the chimera's hazy eyes, something that was impossible for a normal dog to do, and that filled him with even more dread. Before Edward could say anything to comfort Sammy, Doctor Lawrence turned and he couldn't see the chimera anymore.

As the twisted doctor began to walk away from the cages, Doctor Kramer and Vance fell into step behind him. Mustang was propped up between the two men, leaning heavily on Vance, with a chain connected to his collar to seemingly prevent escape. It was unnecessary though, the colonel looked so weak and frail that Ed doubted Mustang could get far even if he tried.

The world around Edward seemed to turn into a hazy gray tunnel as he kept his attention locked onto the colonel. Those dark onyx eyes held so much anguish as the two gazed at each other that Ed had to close his eyes momentarily to prevent himself from crying out.

"How did it all come to this?" Edward wondered to himself as he listened to the sound of footsteps echoing against the dark stone walls. He bit his lip as an involuntary tear escaped from his still closed eyes, opening them as Ed returned his now tear blurred gaze towards the colonel. "Where is the equivalent exchange in this?"

He got no answer as the small group continued on deeper into the underground facility. Edward could feel the hairs on the back of his neck stand on end at the terrible feeling that hung in the still and stagnant air. He could practically feel the heaviness from the dark aura of taboo surrounding him, pressing against him like a snake slowly coiling around its prey. It reminded Ed so much of how he had felt when he'd been dragged through the Portal of Truth, and that thought alone was enough to make him horribly nauseous. By the low and faint moan of distress that escaped from Mustang, Edward knew that he too could feel the sickening aura that hung around them as well.

Suddenly the group stopped and the sound of a heavy metal door grinding against the concrete echoed around them. Many different and unfamiliar voices spoke in hushed tones around the room, growing almost completely quiet as Doctor Lawrence made his entrance.

The room they had just entered was seemingly carved from stone, very similar to the basement, but it was so much darker here without the skylight. Various vials and beakers littered the tables and other surfaces scattered throughout the room, most containing materials that Edward had no real knowledge of. Along one wall was a row of cages, two of which held normal looking dogs. One had a light honey colored pelt and pointed ears, while the other was black with a white chest and paws. As he took in the two creatures he realized with growing dread what they were doing so deep into the compound.

"Hello, Doctor Lawrence." A light and melodious female voice spoke from somewhere in the dimly lit room, her tone sounding almost casual as she greeted the twisted doctor that currently held Ed. Edward looked warily up at Mustang, following his anxious dark gaze as he got his first look of the woman.

This new scientist was just a little shorter than Doctor Lawrence, her form tall and almost intimidating. Her hair was a light brown color, pulled back into a loose bun that allowed a few stray strands to slightly cover her face and light blue eyes. While Ed knew that she was just another scientist, this woman seemed to give off a strange an ominous feeling, much like the one that hung in the air.

"Doctor Young, I assume that you've had enough time to prepare?" Doctor Lawrence asked as he strode farther into the room, stopping to stand in the middle of an ornate and complex circle that was carved deeply into the stone floor. A twinge of horror flowed through Ed as he recognized a few of the symbols that lined the circle, some unnervingly similar to the ones he and Al had used in their failed attempt to resurrect their mother.

"Yes, everything is in proper order and my alchemists and I can get started as soon as you wish." As Doctor Young spoke, Ed looked up at Mustang, seeing the same horror he himself felt written all over the colonel's face. As their gazes met, Edward felt Doctor Lawrence's body beneath him rumble with a pleased laugh.

"Excellent," The cruel doctor said as he set Ed down into the center of the circle. Edward trembled as the freezing stone below slowly seeped into his flesh, chilling his already cold body down to the bone. As Doctor Lawrence knelt in the circle beside him, Ed watched Vance and Doctor Kramer drag Mustang off to the side, removing the chain that was attached to his collar. "I'll prepare the boy since he'll be going first."

"No!" The colonel shouted as he struggled against his captors, distress gleaming in his eyes as he desperately thrashed in their arms. "Let me go first instead!"

"He's the one I want to see changed the most." Doctor Lawrence said, nodding to Doctor Young as his large and calloused hands ran down Ed's body. "Never have we had a captive with automail before. I'm very eager to see what will happen to it once he's transformed."

Edward's trembling reached its peak as his thin hospital gown was roughly ripped off, leaving him lying bare in the circle as the twisted doctor carefully ran his hands over Ed's automail arm and leg. His body spasmed involuntarily as the limbs were reactivated, sending a painful jolt through his body as he let out a small cry of pain.

Mustang was still struggling against Doctor Kramer and Vance, his eyes wild with horror and anger as Ed saw the female scientist reappear from out of the corner of his eye. The sound of a low whimper and the clicking of claws against stone alerted Edward before he felt the sensation of soft fur press against his back. He looked over his shoulder and met the wide and confused gaze of the light brown dog, feeling its tail thump slightly against his flesh leg.

Doctor Young handed something to Doctor Lawrence and Ed could feel tugging against his limbs as they were bound together with thick rope. He put up no fight, knowing he was too weak and that it would be useless anyway as he gazed forlornly up at Mustang.

"Ed…" The colonel whispered in a low tone as Doctor Lawrence stood up and withdrew from the circle, leaving Edward and the dog behind as he and the other scientists murmured amongst themselves. He wanted to look away from those terrified onyx eyes but found he couldn't. The sight of Mustang still brought him comfort even in this dark and horrible hell.

"Roy…" Ed felt his eyes fill with tears as he gazed at the colonel, wanting nothing more than for the man to break free and whisk him away to safety, back to Al…At the thought of his dear brother Edward felt a shard of despair pierce his heart. Would he ever see Alphonse again? And if so, how would they be able to continue on in their search to regain their original bodies when he would be a twisted half dog abomination?

Ed tried to reach out to Mustang, but his tied hands only made it so far before falling back against the cold stone. As he continued to stare intently at the colonel, he heard the soft talking fade away as the scientists and alchemists moved into place. Edward kept his gaze locked onto Mustang, flinching fearfully at the sound of a clap before the transmutation began.

As soon as the circle was activated a horrible and agonizing pain, a thousand times stronger than anything he had ever experienced, raced through him. Ed couldn't hold back a shriek of pure and undiluted agony as he felt his muscles and bones being forcefully reformed. The dog beside him added in its own pained howls as the agony only grew stronger and more intense. Edward screamed through the blood that began to flood his mouth, feeling the viscous liquid ooze from his eyes in hellish tears as he gazed helplessly at Mustang.

"ED!" The colonel's cry was just barely audible over the loud hum of alchemy. Ed felt like his vocal cords would be shredded as he continued to scream, the light emanating from the circle glowing even brighter as he felt his body spasm violently. The pale purple light took over his sight and Edward could no longer see Mustang…his only source of comfort now gone.

As his agony seemed to reach its peak, Ed felt his consciousness slip away from him. It was like his whole being was ripped from his body, hovering over the grisly scene as a strange and completely foreign entity pressed against him. Edward could see nothing but the transmutations light, the feeling only growing stronger. As the new presence was forced into his own, Ed felt like he was losing a part of himself. The feeling of two becoming one was almost unbearable as he felt a dark shadow slowly swallow him, bringing with it a strange sort of peace and comfort.

And like a dying man gasping for one last breath, Edward gratefully let the darkness sweep him away from the hell that raged around him. His pain seemed to fade blissfully into the background as the almost animalistic darkness hungrily consumed him whole, and he knew no more.

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Mustang had never thought he'd ever experience such a primal and completely terrifying despair as he had while watching Doctor Lawrence tie up Edward's wrists and ankles, knowing what horrors laid ahead for the boy. He could see that all the fight had left Ed; he hadn't even tried to escape after having both automail limbs reactivated. And as those wide and brilliant golden eyes had fixated onto him, full of so much sadness and fear, he felt his heart break even more.

"Oh god, Ed…I am so sorry…" Mustang's already shattered heart felt as though its splintered shards were stabbing through his entire being. Everything that had happened to them had all led up to this single heart wrenching moment, breaking them both into jagged pieces along the way. Mustang knew that he and Ed had mentally and emotionally changed, both now so different from the people they had once been, and soon that change would be physical as well.

While he knew that it all had been the scientists plan for that to happen, it didn't stop the thought that he should have never let them break him. He had needed to stay strong for Edward…but look where that had taken them both in the end.

Mustang's dark musings had been cut off abruptly as the alchemy started, the deep purple light only growing brighter and brighter. He had watched on in horror as Ed had choked on his own blood, the boy letting out agonized scream after agonized scream while blood oozed from his eyes and nose. It had been the single worst sight he'd ever seen in his life.

"ED!" Mustang cried out, his voice barely rising above the boy's horrific screams as he tried to comfort Edward in any way he could, keeping his trembling onyx gaze locked onto him. Then the light became too strong to see through, the sight of Edward's suffering now completely obscured to him.

After a few anguishingly long moments, Edward's screams were cut off abruptly, only to be replaced by the howls of a tortured dog as the transmutations light began to fade. As Mustang's dazzled eyes gradually readjusted to the rooms dim light, he felt a pit of pure despair drop painfully in his stomach.

In the center of the circle, where there had once been two bound figures, now lay a single twisted creature covered in blood. Through the dark maroon stain Mustang could make out honey colored fur along with a mane of finer gold fur running from the top of the creature's head to end in a long and plumy tail. The canine seemed to be unconscious as it took in deep and irregular breaths, clearly in pain as its body trembled violently.

But no…This wasn't just any suffering creature...And even though his form had been drastically changed and his identifying collar seemed to have been disintegrated by the transmutations power…it was still undeniably Edward.

Mustang wanted to call out to him, but he knew that Ed was too far gone to hear him. His mouth grew dry, felling like choking sand filled his mouth as the scientists and the alchemists that surrounded the circle descended on its occupant. While they murmured amongst themselves all he could do was gaze at Edward's changed form through the gaps of the human circle surrounding him.

"E-Ed…" Mustang managed to choke out past the lump of sorrow in his throat, trying to take a step forward only to be held back as he was reminded of the two others that had him firmly in their grasp. He could hear the sound of Vance talking to him in a gentle and somewhat reassuring voice, but his complete attention was locked firmly onto Edward.

"How interesting…" Doctor Lawrence said as he held up Ed's right arm in a close examination, prodding the furry limb with a strange and curious fascination. Mustang tensed as he watched the man lift Edward's bloodied and abused form from the ground by the arm, anger flowing through him at the thought of Doctor Lawrence hurting Ed any more than he already had. "It seems as though his automail has fused with the dog's bones. We'll need to perform some tests to see if he feels any pain in these limbs once he's recovered enough."

While the rest of the scientists murmured excitedly at that realization, one or two of them grasping at Edward's left leg in curiosity, only Doctor Young remained unmoved. Out of the corner of his eye he could see that the female alchemist had turned her attention towards Vance, fixing him with a compelling gaze through narrowed eyes.

Mustang continued to watch as, through all the poking and prodding, Edward made no attempt at movement, nor did he make a sound. He remained still and silent even as Doctor Lawrence dragged his limp body from the circle by his right arm. He left Ed lying a few feet away from the circle as he turned his attention to Mustang.

"But let's not forget that we have one more chimera to make." The vile doctor said as his malignant gaze fixated firmly onto Mustang, who felt his whole body shutter with dread. As though the doctor's words had been an order, Doctor Kramer dragged him toward the blood drenched circle, Vance losing his light and reluctant grip on him.

As Mustang was roughly shoved to the ground, he felt the horrible sensation of the still warm and sticky blood of his beloved subordinate seep through his hospital gown and onto his skin below. He kept his gaze locked onto Edward's new tortured form that lay only a few feet away. Even as Doctor Lawrence ripped Mustang's thin gown from his body, beginning to bind his limbs in preparation, all he could think of was Ed.

"Oh Ed…" Mustang thought in despair, knowing what hell was to come as he felt fur brush softly against his back. The dog beside him let out a small whine, its tail curling slightly over Mustang's leg as though it was seeking comfort, no doubt scared after seeing what had just happened to its companion as well. "I…I truly failed you, haven't I? I promised to get you out of here…but now look at us…I am so, so sorry that I allowed this to happen to us, Ed…"

Almost as though Edward had heard his distressed inner thoughts, the bloodied form before him shifted for the first time as he let out a low whimper of pain. Mustang's breath caught in his throat as Ed's eyes opened for just a moment, hazed over with agony and confusion. His heart cracked once more as Edward shuttered violently and fell still once again, letting out a soft cry as his head fell back against the cold stone.

Then Mustang heard the unmistakable sound of a single clap, the hum of alchemy starting up once more as he tried to prepare himself for the agony that awaited him.

But nothing in his life could have ever prepared him for the absolutely horrendous pain he would actually feel. As the circle was activated completely, Mustang threw his head back violently, smashing his skull against the furry neck of the dog behind him as he screamed louder than he'd ever had.

Mustang could feel the agony of his bones being forcefully broken and reformed, the loud and sickening cracks echoing through the small room along with his pained shrieks. His muscles twisted and tore beneath his skin, writhing like wild snakes in a frenzy as they followed in the trail left by his shattered bones. Blood began to flow like a river from his mouth, nose, and eyes, blinding him as he choked and gasped against the thick and free flowing liquid. The dog behind him was no doubt experiencing the same horrors as its howls mixed with his own agonized screams.

Mustang screamed until his throat felt raw, and even then he continued on helplessly as wave upon wave of agony washed over him like a dark tide. He could feel his body beginning to fuse together with the dog's. His skull elongated, both his jaw and teeth breaking as they were shaped along with it. His shoulders hunched forward as his collarbone was shortened and his ribs were agonizingly pushed back. His spine cracked and snapped as each vertebrae was forced into a new alignment, stretching painfully to create a tail at the base.

As his broken bones and twisting muscles seemed to find their new and proper place, the purple light of the transmutation blinded him. Mustang's agony seemed to reach its peak, and while his body continued to settle into its new form, his consciousness began to slip away.

Before he could fully delve into the blissful ignorance of unconsciousness, his entire being seemed to seperate from his body. Mustang was able to catch faint and flickering glimpses of his twisted and bloodied form as it changed below him; he now seemed to be hovering over the scene like a ghostly spectator. As confusion and fear flowed through him, he was suddenly aware of another entity floating and pulsating beside him.

Whatever this unknown being was, it pressed itself tightly against him, holding on as it grasped at him like an impassioned lover, entwining itself into him. The pain only continued to rage on as this entity slowly and agonizingly became a part of him, forcing strange thoughts and feelings into his mind. Mustang felt like his head would split open as these strange and primal instincts pushed forward like a dark shadow, snapping and growling like a feral animal as he tried to keep his sanity and sense of self.

"No! Go away! Leave me alone!" He screamed at the hungering darkness, knowing then that there was no hope of escape as it latched onto him, sinking its fangs deep into his very soul. As it tore him apart, the dark shadow promised him a painless slumber in return for his surrender, but Mustang continued to fight against it, even as his body continued to break and bleed beneath him.

But his energy was quickly spent and his fierce animalistic adversary was finally able to consume him as the world grew dark. Both Mustang and the entity crashed painfully down to earth, settling together into the body they now shared. He could feel the alchemy around him begin to ease as he finally conceded his defeat, though the agony still remained.

He cracked open his blood encrusted eyes and let out a low whimper as he squirmed painfully against the stone below him. Mustang's body felt strange, twisted and unfamiliar as he blinked the blood from his eyes and tried to move. His arm reached forward, trembling violently as he took in the sight of a white paw passing in front of his nose.

Before he could panic though, the once hostile enemy returned, now much gentler than it had been moments earlier. It helped to guide him along, moving by his side like a patient mentor, softly allowing his consciousness to lean heavily against it.

Mustang let it guide him, giving up most of his control in the wake of such an agonizing and terrifying experience. The entity happily took over, and as he let it give him enough strength to stand, he was finally able to make out a now familiar form that huddled a short distance away.

"Ed" was the only word that made sense to him, echoing in his mind as he began to drag himself to Ed's side, hearing a few quiet gasps of surprise sound from around him in the murky darkness that clung like a thick fog that stayed at the edges of his vision. "Need Ed…"

Once he had finally reached the prone figure's side, he gently brushed his muzzle against Ed's shoulder, leaving a small trail of blood on the already stained tawny fur. "Need Ed…Ed…He is Ed…I…I am..?"

As he pondered his own name, that remained elusive in his hazy and pain rattled mind, he reached forward once more until his paws pulled Ed close, like he had longed to do so many times before this hellish agony. Yes…This was all so familiar to him now…Just him and Ed together…They would never be separated. He needed Ed, and Ed needed…

"Roy," He felt his mouth move slowly in order to form the words, his voice sounding rough and painful even to his own ears. Yes…He was Roy…Roy and Ed…Ed and Roy…Always together…

"E-Ed is safe now…Roy w-will keep E-Ed safe…H-Hurt no more…" Roy spoke again, adjusting to the feeling of speech that rumbled through his bloodied throat. Talking wasn't so hard…It would just take some time; all he needed to do was remember certain words…

As Roy curled himself tightly around Ed, his pup he suddenly remembered, his eyes slowly began to slide closed. Roy watched as his and Ed's blood mixed together, the thick and warm fluid still sluggishly oozing from their mouths and noses, seeing it pool onto the stone below them as Roy rested his head against Ed's neck. He listened to the sound of their labored breathing, the sound slightly soothing to him, as Roy finally gave in completely to the darkness that had earlier promised him such relief.


...And so the dreaded transmutation has finally happened. Ed and Mustang are now complete chimeras...how will they get out of this now? You'll know in due time, don't worry...

Anyway this is probably going to be the last chapter that is uploaded in 2021. Since the holidays are fast approaching I may not get as much time as usual to work on Chapter 6 as I have had with other chapters. I will say that at the moment I am working on the second part of the 6th chapter, but it's been a slow process right now.

Chapter 6 will most likely be uploaded by either the very end of 2021, or close to the beginning of 2022. But hey, so far I've been able to steadily upload these chapters and I'm pretty happy about that!

Also, Ed and Mustang's chimera references will be up on my Reddit account by the time this is uploaded, so if you want to get a better picture of what they look like going forward feel free to check it out. All the other chimeras have their references up, and I actually got a decent picture of the basement's layout that I'll eventually post when I find the time. Scientist references are still in the works, I just need to color them and then they'll be posted.

I also want to say that if anyone wants to contact me for any reason (I really don't care and I quite enjoy messages! :3) I am pretty active over on Reddit as well as my Discord, which has the same name as my other accounts, so feel free to add me on either. I also update my profile over here on FanFiction almost weekly, so keep an eye out on that too!

Hopefully I'll be seeing you guys one more time this year with another chapter, but if I don't then I wish everyone a happy holiday and a happy new year! I'll see you all in the next chapter! And thank you all so much for the follows, favorites, and reviews, they make me super happy!

:3