Chapter 17
"I think that maybe we should start branching out towards the west today?" Havoc's statement sounded more like a question as he cocked his head towards one wall of the makeshift office. A large map of the Northern region hung along one previously bare wall, certain areas having been marked off and separated by different colors with pins pushed into sections they had already searched. "I think that area fits the given description very well and we haven't even started to look there."
"But should we really start searching that far out yet?" Fuery asked in a small and hesitant voice as he squinted his eyes in order to get a better look at the pushpins dotting a small section of the map. "We haven't completely ruled out the immediate north yet. I think that we should take it slow and focus on one area at a time."
"I agree with Fuery," Falman said as he nodded his head in a knowing manner, a thoughtful look on his stoic face. "If we start focusing on more than one sector then we may end up missing a valuable clue. I say that we stick to the north, for a few days at the least."
"Oh really? You think that—"
Alphonse couldn't stop himself from letting out a quiet and exasperated sigh as he turned away from the now fully bickering crew members to gaze listlessly out of the nearby window. It had started to snow again last night, the squall only continuing on well into the afternoon as the gray landscape had become bathed in a pale and hazy sunlight. Al was still mesmerized by the fragile, icy crystals as they fluttered serenely down from the thick clouds high above, sparkling when they were caught by the faint light that emanated from the lamps just outside of the room.
The sight helped to distract Alphonse from his now familiar dark and depressing thoughts, though it was sadly unable to banish them completely from his troubled mind.
In the past few days the crew had done their best to search around certain areas, sticking rigidly to one marked section at a time as they ruled out each location. It was a tedious and slow moving process that now seemed to be chipping steadily away at the team's initial morale and unity. While Alphonse knew that the unnecessary bickering would soon come to an end, more than likely through Hawkeye or Armstrong interfering, it wasn't happening fast enough for him at that moment.
With Havoc and Falman now slowly getting into a more heated debate over their differing ideas, Fuery as well as Breda each appearing to take a side while Armstrong began an attempt at mediating, Al took his chance and slipped unnoticed from the room. Only after he had closed the door behind him, knowing he was now completely alone, did Alphonse allow a pent up sigh of frustration to escape him.
"It's easy enough for them to fight amongst themselves and to take their time…but Ed and the colonel are counting on me to find them…and I don't have time for all this…" Al thought miserably to himself as he walked further away from the room and the needless arguing behind the closed door. As he leaned back against the nearest wall just a few feet away from the source of his disquiet, Alphonse let out a small groan before burying his face into one large leather palm.
For some strange and troublingly unknown reason Al had a very strong feeling that his brother and the colonel were in desperate need of help right now…That if he and the crew lingered too long in certain areas and continued on with the senseless bickering that they would end up being too late to save either of them. Alphonse feared that Ed and Mustang were in danger, maybe even fighting to stay alive…they could be close to dead, or something worse by now…
Yet Al held onto the very faint and foolish hope that maybe, just maybe, the two were still human. While Zep had merely alluded to his brother and the colonel's ultimate fate, the man had never seen either of them as chimeras. It was nearly impossible for Alphonse to think of the two as twisted, mostly canine monstrosities… he didn't even want to dwell on that thought…it would just be too heart rending to picture them as anything but human…
"Alphonse, are you feeling okay?" Al was snapped out of his dark and troubled musings by a kind, familiar voice. He lifted his head from his hand to see Hawkeye standing before him, meeting her concerned yet gentle gaze as she gave him a small, sympathetic smile. "I know that you don't like it when the others get too…heated, in their discussions. Armstrong is solving the problem right now, but I was worried when you left…Do you need to talk about anything? You know that I'm always here to listen."
While Alphonse longed to be soothed by the lieutenant's soft words, to tell her all about this strange and terrifying sense of dread he felt about Ed and Mustang, he knew that she wouldn't be able to truly understand or be able to help him at the moment. Still feeling a bit too overwhelmed and depressed to return to the room and face the crew, his emotions tumbling through his restless mind like butterflies caught up in a relentless gale, Al shook his head.
"I'll go back in a bit…right now I just need some time to think on my own." Alphonse finally managed to speak through his chaotic inner thoughts, guiltily averting his gaze from Hawkeye's while hoping that he hadn't accidentally insulted her kindness. Right now Al didn't even know what to think or feel about the situation.
Thought the lieutenant's brow furrowed uneasily, with an anxious glimmer to her tawny eyes, she only nodded in response. She seemed to understand exactly what Alphonse needed in that moment as she leaned forward to wrap her arms around his cold, hollow metal body as best as she could.
Truly touched by the sudden, compassionate gesture, Al carefully returned the hug before resting his head lightly atop one of Hawkeye's shoulders. It sometimes seemed that the lieutenant knew exactly what his weary soul needed, and he was very grateful to have her by his side during these troubling times. They stayed that way for a few comfortable moments until Hawkeye reluctantly pulled away, fixing him with a fond yet worried gaze before returning to the room.
Once the door had been shut and he was finally alone again, Alphonse allowed his anxiety and sorrow to slowly consume him. He slumped against the brick wall behind him and let his body slide down until he was kneeling in the snow. While Al was still physically unable to feel the cold in the air or from the frost around him, he felt as though his very soul was slowly freezing over, turning into solid ice that cracked and splintered with every miserable thought.
"Ed…Mustang…I am so sorry that I haven't found you both yet…" Alphonse only allowed the smallest whimper of grief to escape him, holding back the rising tide within that was his ever growing sorrow. He wished that his brother and the colonel could hear his thoughts and know how much their absence affected him, and while he knew it was impossible, Al still felt the need to talk to them through his mind. "But we're finally here in the north now, and everyone is doing all they can to find you…so just hold on for a little longer…"
While Alphonse lost himself in his bleak and sorrowful musings, he became deaf to the outside world around him and was unable to hear the distinct sound of snow crunching from underneath a heavy set of boots. A figure was cautiously approaching, walking towards him as though Al was a crouching lion waiting to snatch up its prey. He was finally pulled from his own dark thoughts when the person let out a faint cough, startled back into the present as he looked up at the figure that stood only a foot or two away.
Before him was a young man, somewhere in his twenties, with shaggy and disheveled reddish brown hair that partially covered his vibrant green eyes. He was dressed in tattered and baggy winter clothing, holes showing in his jacket and pants as the young man trembled from the cold. While there was fear glimmering in his eyes, there was a kindness glowing in the depths of his gaze that put Alphonse at ease.
"A-Are you okay?" The man asked in a quavering voice, his wide eyes looking him over as he took in Al's unusual appearance. "Aren't you f-freezing in that armor? A-And you're just sitting alone in t-the snow…"
"Oh…I'm fine, really." Al said quickly as doubt shadowed the young man's green gaze, not wanting this already troubled looking stranger to worry more because of him. Slowly Alphonse got up from the snowy ground, eventually standing to his full height and towering over the man, whose eyes only grew wider as his gaze remained locked onto Al. "But are you okay? You look a little lost…are you trying to find your room? I can help if you give me the number."
The man seemed to snap out of his anxious trance at that, shaking his head quickly in response before speaking up in a timid voice. "Oh…n-no, I'm fine…and I don't h-have a room here. I…I am a bit lost though…and m-maybe you could help me?"
"What do you need help with?" Al asked cautiously, wondering how he'd be able to aide this man that seemed to jump at every little noise while casting occasional worried glances over his shoulder. It was as though he was fleeing from something…or someone, and Alphonse hoped that helping him wouldn't end up putting him and the crew into a potentially dangerous situation.
"Well I…um, are y-you part of the military?" The young man gazed up at him with a mixture of hope and fear in his green eyes. "I heard that some military officials from Central Command w-were staying somewhere nearby…and I n-need your help…a-and I can help you too in return…"
"Yes, I am involved with the military, though I'm not a soldier." Al replied in a level tone, not wanting this stranger to glean too much information from any sort of reaction. If Alphonse had had a physical body in that moment he knew that his heart would have been beating frantically in his chest, but he remained as stoic as ever. "We've just been tasked with looking the town over for any sort of disrepair in the nearby—"
"No…I know why you are really here." The man drew himself up as a sudden courage took him over from within, taking in a deep breath before continuing on. "You're looking for Colonel Mustang and Edward Elric…and if I'm remembering correctly…y-you must be Alphonse Elric…Edward's younger brother."
For a moment Al was absolutely stunned into silence, not knowing how to react as an avalanche of questions rushed through his still reeling mind. This man knew all of that? How had he found out? What else did he know about their search effort? Was he actually a spy for the scientists, here to put an end to their investigation?
"I-I mean you and the rest of the military no harm." The man seemed to be able to sense Alphonse's panicked thoughts, putting his hands up in a gesture of surrender. "I'm here to help you, I swear. Let m-me start over, my name is Vance Hoffman…a-and I know both Colonel Mustang and Edward. I…I met them after they were kidnapped, and I d-did all that I could to help them…"
"Y-You…you know my brother, and the colonel?" Was all Alphonse managed to rasp out, still completely shocked by this sudden and unexpected revelation. This man…Vance, as he went by…had encountered them both…after they'd been taken?
"Yes, I do, and that's why I'm here." All of Vance's sudden confidence seemed to completely disappear as a haunted, terrified look twisted his features. "I've wanted to help them so badly…b-but my sister was being held captive by the new leaders of the group of scientists. I just m-managed to rescue her and flee from them, but I'm scared t-that they will eventually f-find us a-and…please…Please help us! I'll tell you everything that I know…I'll do anything you ask…if you and the rest of the military protect us. Please, you have to help us!"
Al could easily see that Vance's pleas were no act; his green eyes were wild with terror as his panic only seemed to grow, his body beginning to shudder violently as he gazed pleadingly up at him. Alphonse was suddenly reminded of Zep's fear at the thought of the scientists finding and capturing him as well…he had watched the scared man die a horrible death…He had been unable to protect Zep…but Vance and his nameless sister…maybe he'd actually be able to save them.
"Who exactly are you running from? Is it from a man named Mark Kramer?" At just the simple mention of that name Vance grew deathly pale, all color draining from his face as his eyes practically leapt from their sockets. He flinched away from Alphonse, as though expecting a sudden blow, his gaze growing distant and deeply disturbed. He remembered that Zep had reacted in a similar manner too…God, who was this man that could send grown men into a frenzied panic with just the mere mention of his name?
"H-How…how did you…n-no, no…that would b-be impossible…I s-saw him…but he couldn't h-have survived that…there was s-so much blood…" Vance began to mutter fearfully to himself as he wrapped his arms around his trembling body as though seeking some form of comfort. Alphonse felt a rush of guilt and pity as he looked down at the near hysterical man before him, longing to console him yet not knowing how he could at that moment.
"Listen…it doesn't matter how I know the name, I can explain that all later, but that man isn't here now…and he'll never be able to harm you, not if I can help it. Do you…happen to know what became of him?" Al's calm, soft voice seemed to reach Vance through his blind terror and his wide green eyes rested upon him as he processed what Alphonse had told him. The man took in a deep and grounding breath, still trembling so hard that his teeth clacked together, before finally finding his voice.
"He…He's dead. His experiments…the chimeras…they killed him as well as Doctor Lawrence, the other leader. W-We left their bodies behind…there was no way they could have survived that…" Vance's voice was a hoarse whisper as he recalled the event with a violent shudder, sick horror glowing in his eyes. "We had no leader, so we fled the lab and left it far behind us…I don't know what happened there after that…"
"So this lab…do you remember where it is?" Al asked while leaning closer to Vance, a fragile bud of hope blossoming within his very soul at the thought of finally being able to save his brother and the colonel. The young man before him almost seemed like a gift from above…maybe there really was a god out there that was listening and able to answer Al and the crew's desperate prayers.
Vance seemed to sense his growing optimism and for the first time since meeting him, the man allowed a small smile to part his quavering lips. "Yes, of course I do, and I will be more than happy to take you and your group there. If you give my sister and I the protection that we need then I will repay you in any way, that I promise."
For the first time since Ed and Mustang's capture Alphonse felt pure joy and a great sense of relief flood through him. This was it, the break they had so desperately needed, and now the searching and needless bickering could end. Now they could finally rescue the two and everything would feel right again. Life could carry on as it had before, all of this sorrow and stress would fade away, things could finally return to…
As soon as the thought of normalcy popped into his overly optimistic mind, Al immediately realized how naive he was being…his brother and the colonel…were they really..?
"My brother and Colonel Mustang…what was their condition the last time you saw them?" Alphonse could hear his voice grow hollow as a sickening sense of dread swept through him, shattering his earlier hope into icy fragments. He didn't truly want to know the likely outcome, but he needed to…no matter how horrible the answer might be.
Vance's smile faded as he gazed somberly back at Al, clearly having heard the quiet question in his wary tone. The young man averted his eyes for a moment, the sorrowful look on his face confirming Alphonse's worst fears.
"I'm really sorry to tell you this but they…they are both full chimeras now…but they were in fair health the last time I saw them. Though it's been so long now…and I don't know what became of the chimeras after the attack…" Vance supplied with heavy regret and pain in his voice as he finally managed to meet Al's gaze once more. "There is still a chance to return them to normal, but the answer to that secret is unknown to me and is more than likely hidden deep within the hellish depths of that lab…"
While Alphonse was able to hear the faint hope past Vance's bleak words, it did next to nothing to ease the pain of his soul shattering grief. They had failed Edward and Mustang…they were too late to save them from their terrible fate. Thoughts and bitter memories of Nina flashed through his anguished mind…of her own suffering and how he had been unable to save her as well…and now the same had happened to his own brother and the colonel…
It felt as though a wild animal was trapped deep within, ripping apart Al's very soul, tearing it into agonizing shreds as his mind threatened to crumble from under the sheer weight of his misery…How could he have let this happen? Why hadn't he tried harder to find them in time? All of this was his…
"No." Alphonse said sternly to himself as he slowly grew more aware of the world around him once more. "There will be time for this later…right now none of this is helping Ed and Mustang…I have to take Vance to see the crew and have him tell them exactly what he told me. After that, maybe there will be time for grief…"
Al shook his head vigorously in one last desperate attempt to force the anguished thoughts from his mind, knowing that the longer he let his sorrow control him that he was delaying the help that his brother and the colonel so desperately needed. There was still a chance to save their lives, but grieving over their fate would not help. Besides, the issue of changing them back was something to think about another day.
"Thank you for telling me…it's what I needed to know." Alphonse said as he gazed down at Vance, who was looking at him with a mixture of guilt and pity in his eyes. "If you come with me you can tell everything to the others, and I'm certain that they will happily help you and your sister in return."
Despite the misery coursing through his very being, Al was able to glimpse a small ray of happiness reaching through his shadowed mind at the sight of the profound relief that showed on Vance's face. The young man spun swiftly around before calling out to a second, smaller figure that had hidden in the shadow cast from the large building behind them.
A young girl, appearing a few years older than Al, hesitantly peered from her hiding spot just around the corner, her light green eyes full of a cautious hope. When she saw her brother beckoning to her she sprung up from where she had been hiding and trotted over to meet them, her light brown hair billowing in the icy breeze. Once Vance's sister finally reached them, Alphonse turned around and crossed the short distance between himself and the door separating him from the rest of the crew, the siblings following close behind.
Though grief and anguish darkened his mind, nothing but a menacing shadow looming over his soul as though waiting to attack once he let his guard down, Al was still able to see a very faint glimmer of hope behind it. There was still time to save Ed and Mustang's lives, and while whether or not they could be returned to their human forms was up in the air, there was still the faintest chance they could do it.
All Alphonse needed to do until then though was stay strong and keep that flickering flame of hope from being snuffed out. He and the crew could do this…there was no other option.
~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~
There was nothing but a vast and seemingly endless void surrounding Ed on all sides as he wandered aimlessly across the dark plane, desperately hoping to find any other signs of life beside his own. Not too long ago he had been trapped in a fiery vortex of fear and pain, his world nothing but flames as fire blazed mercilessly through his feverish body, but the earlier inferno had finally subsided just enough to bring Ed back to his senses. Now he was cautiously picking his way through the blackened and charred landscape that the fire had left behind, careful to avoid patches of still burning debris and smoldering piles of hot embers.
While Ed had no clue as to what was happening with his physical body, his mind had quickly become a world of near unbearable heat and disorienting shadows that he had reluctantly grown accustomed to, this place serving as a purgatory of sorts to his fever and pain rattled psyche. This was the first time that Ed had found himself completely alone here though, usually haunted by some sort of nightmarish monster that stalked him relentlessly through the void as he slept…now there was nothing but silence and shadows, this sudden lack of life slowly beginning to unnerve him.
The memories of his previous horrific visions flickered through Ed's troubled mind…remembering Anna's mutilated body following close behind him as blood steadily oozed from her numerous wounds, howling aloud her anguish through her torn throat…of Sammy standing before him, waiting for his pup's help before being washed away by his own overflowing tears…sometimes there was even random members of The Pack screaming as they raced blindly through the impenetrable darkness only to be swallowed up by shadowy flames…
As Ed continued to walk alone he only began to grow more confused and frightened over his current situation, exhausted by this listless and shadowed limbo, all the while expecting something horrible to happen to him at any second. Though the inferno had lessened in its intensity, the fire itself still lingered deep within his sore muscles, having settled down into the very marrow of his bones, showing no signs of setting him free anytime soon.
Sudden terror then washed over Ed like floodwater through an open sluice as his legs began to grow weak, his body starting to tremble from a mixture of pain and fear. He felt himself continue to grow weaker by the moment, strong tremors causing his aching muscles to spasm; Ed was unable to hold back a small and scared whimper. The faint and pitiful sound only echoed unsettlingly through the dense, lonesome darkness, taunting him with the sad noise.
Why was any of this even happening to him? What had he done to deserve his place in this horrid purgatory full of shadow and flames? Was there any way to escape this place, and if so, what would he have to sacrifice to ear his freedom? Another limb perhaps? His heart…or maybe even his own soul this time…
As he pondered those deeply troubling questions Ed's trembling legs finally gave out from under him and he fell, slowly being sucked down into the darkness below, only able to let out a fearful moan before attempting to curl in on himself. Now thoroughly trapped and still shaking violently from an ever growing terror and exhaustion, Ed let out a low whine as he closed his eyes. Without his sight he was able to sense the presence of another soul silently approaching him and Ed flinched fearfully as he waited for this new vision to speak and reveal its intentions.
"Everything is okay, Ed…" He had never expected to hear that soft and achingly familiar voice so deep within this hell, the sheer shock causing Ed to open his eyes to gaze in the direction of the sound. He watched as Roy slowly emerged from the surrounding darkness, a faint glow surrounding his body as his guardian calmly drew closer. The sucking shadows finally released him and Ed wasted no time getting to his still shaking paws and racing towards Roy, burying his muzzle deeply into the soft white fur of his guardian's chest as Roy's warm and comforting scent wreathed around him. "Just relax and be still…all will be well soon…"
"Roy…" Ed breathed out in profound relief as he leaned gratefully into the loving contact, a sudden yet gentle rocking motion slowly shaking his body and lulling him into a peaceful trance. Just Roy's presence alone in his mind soothed the fire and pain, banishing Ed's fear as he allowed himself to fully relax against the steady warmth at his side. "Roy…please don't leave…Ed is still so scared…just stay here with him…"
"Roy is right here, he would never leave his pup…Ed is going to be just fine…Roy will make sure of it…" Roy's gentle voice echoed through Ed's mind like a soothing melody, slowly pushing back the ever encroaching darkness as he sunk deeper into this pleasant reprieve. The disorienting and fear inducing shadows held no power over him in that moment, and Ed felt stray tears beginning to flow from his closed eyes as he let out a small sigh.
While he still ached all over and his body burned because of his fever, Roy was still right next to Ed, staying at his side even through the horrid darkness…His guardian would know what to do, how to help free him from this place…Roy would always be there to take care of Ed and keep him safe…
His blessed relief was terribly short lived as the world around him suddenly shifted and Ed was forcefully flung away from Roy, letting out a quiet and confused whine as he tried to reach for his guardian while tumbling through the darkness, but his front paws only batted uselessly through the air. Hard ice and freezing stone tore through his pelt as Ed soon came to a rest, the snow slowly soaking past his fur as a few sharp rocks dug into his flesh.
For a moment Ed tried desperately to find the strength to simply call out to his guardian, but his jaws refused to open enough to let out anything more than a few pained moans. As he continued on in his attempt to regain control over his battered body, Ed heard the sound of a creature's paws crunching through the ice and snow below.
"Ed? Ed!" There was a growing panic in Roy's voice, his cry echoing loudly through Ed's still confused and reeling mind, as the slipping pawsteps skidded to a halt beside him. By now Ed had gathered up enough strength to writhe feebly against the frozen stone, though his eyelids still felt like lead as he let out another small whimper. "Is Ed okay? Can he hear Roy? Please…please say something, Pup…"
Eventually, and with a disturbingly great amount of effort, Ed's eyes finally slid open, his tired and hazy gaze taking in his strange surroundings as lucidity slowly returned to him.
They were somewhere in the middle of the icy and frozen forest, leaf bare branches clattering together like long dried bones overhead as snow drifted down from the gray clouds above. Ed was soon able to make out a few patches of long and tangled vines that appeared to be brambles interweaved with drooping, frostbitten ferns nearby. There was little to no foliage here, large pine trees towering over him as their branches reached into the sky…but where was this place, and what was he doing out here? Where was the den that he had grown familiar with…a place he had considered a home of sorts for so long now…?
"E-Ed?" As his vision grew more clear and focused Ed finally noticed Roy standing at his side, his worried face hovering over his own as those wide onyx eyes met bewildered and cloudy gold. His guardian leaned in closer, looking him over with a faint hope glittering in his gaze as Roy gently ran his muzzle along Ed's jaw. "Is Ed really awake? Roy is so, so sorry that he let his pup fall like that…he hopes Ed isn't too hurt…"
"W-Where are they?" Ed's mouth finally opened enough to let out a rough sounding croak, and he winced at the harsh noise that was his own voice. Still struggling to regain control of his body, Ed somehow managed to prop his still trembling body up onto his elbows as Roy quickly crouched down to let his pup lean heavily against his boney shoulder. This small and simple exertion alone was slowly draining Ed of what little energy he had left to spare as he began to pant roughly. "This…this isn't their den…Where are Ed and Roy?"
His guardian only gazed blankly back at him in response, his gaze landing on everything except Ed as though he was thinking of what exactly to say. After a few seconds of nothing but silence, Roy finally spoke up in a wavering voice. "Roy and Ed are out in the forest…not too far from the den…"
As soon as the words left his mouth Roy immediately looked away from Ed in a slightly guilty manner as he tried to dodge the question. Ed felt a small surge of frustration rush through him, annoyed by his guardian's vague and absolutely unhelpful answer, but the anger was short lived as a particularly strong shudder passed through his aching body. At the sudden motion, alongside a low whimper escaping from him as well, Roy's gaze immediately returned to Ed, dark eyes full of a deep concern as Ed gasped for enough air to voice a response.
"Ed can see t-that…he is sick, not stupid…" While he had intended for his tone to sound more teasing than angry, the words came out sounding weak instead, his feeble attempt at a joke falling flat. Ed could feel the energy slowly leaking out from his exhausted body, growing weaker with each passing heartbeat as he let out a slightly distressed moan. Resting his heavy head carefully atop the cold earth below, Ed did his best to stay awake, at least long enough to get a real answer. "But why a-are they out in the forest? W-Where is Roy taking Ed?"
Roy looked uncertain, his gaze growing hesitant and troubled as he stared steadily back at Ed, looking like he was actually deep in thought. His guardian's evasive behavior was starting to unnerve him, and after a few agonizingly long moments of silent, internal debate, Roy finally spoke up in a slightly fearful voice. "Roy is…T-They are heading back to the lab. But let—"
Roy was cut off as pure panic lent Ed its strength and he sat up quickly, as though struck by lightning, now fully at attention. His body shrieked at him in protest of the sudden movement, the world around him starting to blur and spin sickeningly as Ed swayed and tried his hardest not to collapse. Roy now looked absolutely horrified by his pup's reaction and as he attempted to lean closer to him Ed flinched away, unwilling to be so easily soothed.
"Why? They d-don't ever need to g-go back there!" Invasive and unwanted memories of Sammy's bloody demise began to flicker through his panicked mind like silver minnows in a shallow stream, threatening to overwhelm him. They had sworn to never return to that living hell…nothing was waiting for them there except painful memories and fear… "T-That place is hell! Ed and R-Roy should…just h-head back t-to the den…they…"
Just as suddenly as his tired body had given him the very last of its strength the energy quickly faded away as Ed shuddered violently and gritted his teeth, trying not to pass out. He felt his eyes roll in their sockets, eyelids growing heavy once more as he began to fall towards the icy ground. Roy immediately knew what was happening and caught Ed before he could slam into the stone below, supporting his pup with his shoulder while wrapping his tail securely around Ed's body.
Completely and utterly exhausted, Ed's panting grew quick and labored in his efforts to remain conscious, slumping gratefully against his guardian's warm side. He felt Roy's tail tighten around him as his guardian gave him a moment to collect himself, waiting for Ed's violent tremors to subside a bit and his breathing to even out before explaining his reasoning.
"Roy would never, ever take his pup back into the lab. They will both be staying outside of it for a little while…but they need to be near it. Ed needs help for his wound, and Star's herbs are not strong enough to heal it alone. Roy will search the lab for better medicine, and once Roy finds some he is sure that his pup will start to feel much better." Roy's voice was soft yet decisive, leaving no room for any sort of argument as he lapped soothingly at Ed's still flattened ears.
While Ed could see the sense in his guardian's words and fully understood why this needed to happen, the thought of actually returning to that living nightmare was nearly too much for him to bear. Memories of the pain and fear that both he and Roy had experienced there…how they'd suffered both long before and after the terrible transmutation that had been the start of their desperate survival out in the wild…
He knew that Roy had not come to this decision lightly; Ed could see his own fear and anxiety reflected back at him in those dark eyes. Neither of them wanted to return to the lab, but if salvation truly did lie within that hell, Ed knew that absolutely nothing would stop his guardian from trying to find it.
Even now Ed's body was begging for any sort of reprieve, no matter the cost to him or his beloved guardian…and he too longed for this suffering to end. Fire continued to burn just beneath his fur as the pain that steadily radiated from his wound raced throughout his battered body. It was horribly true that Ed needed any help he could possibly get, and if it meant returning to the starting point of all their grief…then so be it.
Though Ed couldn't help feeling a small pang of loss at the thought of never returning to their familiar and cozy den again, he now knew that there was nothing left for them back there either. He could feel that his fever was only growing worse, and he dreaded to know what havoc this fire was wreaking inside his body as the flames only burned hotter and hotter. Ed had no clue how long he could hold out against this blazing inferno…but he felt that he didn't have too much longer until…
"O-Okay…Roy c-can take Ed to the l-lab…but Ed w-will not be going inside…" Despite his valiant efforts to keep his tired eyes open, his eyelids slid closed for a long moment before finally opening again. The world around him was only growing darker and more unfocused with each blink as he struggled to stay awake. "Ed trusts Roy to…to make these decisions…n-no matter how stupid t-they sound…"
He could almost feel Roy smile as his guardian let out a quick and amused chuckle before curling tightly around Ed in an attempt to keep his pup from collapsing to the ground. "Thanks, Roy will do everything that he can to help his pup, no matter the cost. But they should try to get to the lab before nightfall; the forest is still dangerous…even without Anna around."
Ed felt Roy carefully crouch down low to the earth as he slowly slid underneath his pup, practically draping Ed's body over his back and shoulders like a human would shrug on a coat. Fearing that he would still manage to fall off of him, Ed clumsily shifted around until his front paws were wrapped loosely around his guardian's neck. His upper body feeling more secure, Roy stood and cautiously walked back up the small embankment they had both fallen down.
While his guardian padded on in silence Ed was very quick to notice the limp to Roy's step, his left hind paw barely touching the ground as his guardian continued to toil up the rise. Instantly worried over Roy's newest injury, Ed spoke up in an anxious voice. "Roy is l-limping…is he hurt bad?"
Roy stopped walking for a moment, his injured paw still hovering just above the ground, seeming shocked by his pup's concern. His guardian quickly collected himself though and started padding back up the small hill, appearing to shrug off Ed worries. "Roy is fine; he just landed wrong on his bad leg when he slipped on a patch of ice. He is very sorry for dropping Ed like that earlier, but his paw hardly hurts, so there is no need to worry."
While Ed longed to stop his guardian in his tracks and look over the injury himself, the earlier burst of energy he had been surprisingly graced with had now completely faded, leaving him more exhausted than he had been before. Ed couldn't even stop his eyes from finally closing for good as the rocking sensation from Roy's walking lulled him towards the realm of sleep once more. "Roy needs t-to…be careful…if t-they both g-get too hurt…"
"Everything is going to be fine with both Roy and Ed, Roy knows what he is doing." His guardian's reassuring voice sounded so distant now, nothing but a quiet whisper fluttering upon the cold breeze as the world around Ed began to slip farther and farther away. As he rapidly started to lose consciousness, his thoughts blurring together in his tired mind, Ed shared one last sentence with Roy.
"O-Okay…Ed loves Roy…s-so much…" Already he was sinking back into the darkness once more; though this time he held no fear of any nightmares, not with his guardian there at his side. Roy was probably right…that everything would turn out fine…Roy would never lie or try to give him false hope…right?
"And Roy loves Ed…his pup is going to be just fine…" Right before slumber completely claimed him Ed heard his guardian's fond tone echo through his ears like a dull lullaby. Knowing that there was nothing more for him in the waking world, Ed then fell asleep with warmth radiating from his heart.
~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~
Silence gradually settled over the frozen forest, only the sound of the icy breeze whistling through the dry branches of the surrounding pine trees able to reach through to Roy. On his back Ed's body had gone limp, his pup's paws slowly sliding down Roy's neck to rest softly against his chest as he carefully navigated up the hill and towards the path he had been following through the woods. It was very clear that Ed had fallen unconscious once more, flickering out like the smallest of flames caught up in a mighty and chaotic whirlwind.
As he retraced his steps to the top of the rise Roy felt himself only growing more and more concerned over his pup's wellbeing, deeply worried by how Ed was barely able to stay awake for no longer than a few fleeting minutes. He could see that his pup was only getting weaker and weaker with each passing day; even now Roy could feel Ed's fever blazing through his own pelt, the heat unnatural and unnerving. The only thought that brought him even some semblance of comfort was that at least Ed seemed to be sleeping peacefully, not crying out fearfully from unseen nightmares.
Still, Roy knew that he had to do something; anything about his pup's slowly deteriorating condition as soon as possible. Fear coursed through him at the thought of not knowing exactly how long the frail and suffering body draped over his shoulders could hold out. Roy had a terrible feeling that he didn't have too much longer to find any sort of cure…a few days…maybe only a week at most now…
Shaking those troubling thoughts from his head he instead concentrated on the task at hand, finally reaching the patch of frozen stone where he had slipped only a few minutes ago. Roy glared down at the ice and let out a frustrated growl as he remembered the panic he had felt when his paws had suddenly skidded out from under him, sending both him and Ed tumbling down into the small ditch.
Roy had somehow managed to spit out the leaf wrap filled with what remained of Star's herbs before falling, and it remained seemingly undisturbed on the rock just beyond the patch of ice. It looked as though none of the wilted leaves and dry flowers had escaped from their leafy binding as Roy gazed down at it, wincing and gritting his teeth as a sharp twinge of hot pain flared up from his twisted paw. Despite what he had told his pup earlier, Roy's paw and leg were hurting badly, the pain now starting to radiate up from the injury to spread throughout his battered body.
With a pained hiss Roy carefully placed his injured paw onto the frigid earth and applied just the smallest amount of pressure only to quickly withdraw his leg to let it hover above the ground and close to his body. Roy returned his attention to the leaf wrap at his paws, temptation flashing through his mind as he thought about the herbs that lay within, herbs that could ease his growing agony. All he had to do was unwrap the green binding and grab the right leaves…he could surely take just a little bit for himself…there was probably enough to spare…
Instant guilt flooded through Roy at the thought of stealing the herbs that were meant for his poor, already suffering pup. Ed needed all of the help that he could possibly get, even if what he was given hardly seemed to work anymore, and if Roy's desperate plan happened to backfire then those herbs would be the only things keeping his pup from succumbing to the infection ravishing through his body. He also knew that he'd never forgive himself if Ed died because Roy had been foolish and greedy enough to take away his only hope.
With his mind now thoroughly made up, Roy snatched up the leaf wrap securely in his jaws before carefully padding along the faint trail that he knew led through the forest and directly towards the lab. A few stray and fleeting memories of when he and Ed had first cluelessly stumbled along this makeshift road, what now felt more than a lifetime ago, flickered through Roy's mind alongside the realization of how completely different the two situations had been.
Silently, Roy admitted to himself that he had actually lied to his pup about their exact location, the two now much closer to the lab than they were to their den. As soon as he'd sensed Ed's growing terror he had told the smallest of lies in order to keep his pup from going into a full blown panic and hurting himself more in the process. If all it took to keep Ed calm was a simple lie then Roy had no regrets in telling it.
As he carried on his lonesome journey in silence, Roy noticed that the steadily falling snow seemed to be slowing slightly, almost as though nature itself took pity upon the two weary chimeras instead of lashing out in a full-fledged storm. He was extremely grateful that at least one of his problems had been taken care of, and without a constant blizzard of snow falling from the sky Roy could travel as fast as he possibly could with his injured paw and Ed's limp and feverish body draped over his back.
Eventually, as the silence dragged on, it felt as though the world around Roy was slowly beginning to tunnel before him, his surroundings growing hazy as he focused his complete attention on simply walking. Nothing else mattered outside of his growing pain and the desperate desire to reach the lab…that hellish nightmare he wished he could forget…and hopefully saving his beloved pup.
As Roy continued to traverse through the icy forest with only one simple goal in mind he eventually realized that the path was no longer overgrown and frozen. The ground beneath his paws had seemingly turned into a well-worn path made from tires that had flatted the muddy yet firm earth long ago. The patches of hard stone and nearly invisible ice were now gone, and Roy breathed a sigh of relief before picking up the pace, panting around the leaf wrap in his jaws as his speed gradually increased.
A small and nearly inaudible whimper came from the suffering bundle of hot fur on his back and Roy nearly slipped once more as he quickly glanced over his shoulder. While Ed was still unconscious, his breathing had grown labored, his tawny brow furrowed in distress as his front paws batted through the air as though he were fighting an unseen enemy.
The sight brought back a recent memory of the one thing that Ed himself had told Roy that could reach him through his nightmares. He began to hum a soft and quiet tune as he limped onward, the sound echoing gently through the trees as the wordless melody seemed to slowly soothe his pup's distress. Roy slowed his pace slightly so he could draw in air easier to keep up the steady tune, feeling Ed's once tensed muscles slowly begin to relax and go limp once more.
He had no clue how long he had been walking now, time seeming to come to a crawl as Roy stumbled along the trail, still humming quietly while his injured paw began to grow more painful as he continued on without a break. Eventually though, Roy noticed that the trees and undergrowth had dwindled, seemingly cringing away from a pale building that loomed menacingly in the distance. A wave of pure terror washed over him at the sight, bringing horribly painful memories up from the dredges of his mind.
"No, now is not the time…" Roy thought to himself as he gave his head a quick, sharp, shake in a desperate attempt to chase away the horrors of the past. Ed needed him to be strong and aware right now…if Roy lost his nerve and succumbed to his terror then his pup would more than likely end up dead. With great strength, he succeeded in keeping the memories from swallowing him whole, though the unease remained despite his efforts as Roy slowly drew closer and closer.
Time blurred once again and the next thing Roy knew he had just stumbled to a halt only a few feet away from the entrance to the lab. The heavy metal doors still remained open a crack, seeming to not have moved at all since The Pack had fled from the depths of the building, leaving more than enough room for a chimera to easily slip inside. Remembering the events that had led up to their escape, and only growing more anxious by the second, Roy turned away, not knowing if he was ready to enter just yet.
Instead, knowing full well that he was only delaying the inevitable, Roy padded back from the doors to walk around the outside of the building. He had never intended to take shelter inside the lab, despite knowing that it would make for a better refuge from the cold and snow, there was nothing in the world that would ever make Roy even consider it. So the search for a suitable new den started then as he kept an eye out for sheltered spots around the outside of the lab, narrowing his focus to mainly areas of dense undergrowth.
On his back, almost as though able to sense their surroundings, Ed let out a tiny whimper before burying his muzzle deeply into the fur of Roy's neck. A fierce surge of protective fondness coursed through Roy's tired and aching body as he gazed back at his sleeping pup, some of his fear slowly beginning to melt away as he thought about how all of this stress would be worth it to help Ed in the end.
As Roy continued to walk the perimeter his injured paw cried out for any sort of reprieve, the pain only increasing in its intensity as it throbbed up his leg. He grit his teeth against an agonized howl, the world around him blurring for a moment as he kept on walking. There would be time later to rest and treat his injury, right now Roy needed to find shelter before the sun fully set. His gaze wandered from the forest to the lab, seeking out a new den, and as his scanning eye returned to the pale stone building Roy stopped dead in his tracks.
Before him, pressed up against the side of the lab, was a large metal barrel with a few long and thick slabs of weathered wood propped up beside the overturned drum. Next to the barrel on one side was a water spigot that had somehow managed to escape the worst of the frost, clear and crystalline droplets leaking from the end of the metal tap to land in a small puddle that had formed nearby to a hose hidden partially in the overgrown grass.
Sensing that this would be the most promising place that he'd find near the lab, Roy drew close enough so that he could peer into the gap between the wood and the barrel. Just as he had hoped there was a perfectly sheltered section underneath that appeared big enough to house both him and his pup comfortably. As soon as Roy crawled inside he knew that this was the best place to make their new den, with only a few scattered patches of dead leaves and snow needing to be cleared away before he could start digging out a small dip in the earth to serve as their nest.
Finding a clear stretch of long wilted and dry grass, Roy slowly crouched down and let his pup slide gently from his back, landing with a soft thud on the brittle grass below. Ed let out a small whine as he was suddenly separated from the warmth of his guardian's body, still staying unconscious as he curled in on himself with a quiet whimper. With his pup's comfort in mind, Roy quickly began to dig out a shallow dip in the ground, shifting through frostbitten grass and cold soil as he swept away any nearby leaves with his tail.
Satisfied with his work, Roy found a good place to store their herbs in a hole beside the metal barrel before turning back to Ed and grabbing him gently by the scruff. His pup's pelt slid over his pronounced bones as Roy very carefully settled Ed into the indent, the golden chimera making no noise or waking as he curled up into a ball to wrap his long and fluffy tail around his frail body.
Regret tugged at Roy's heart as he took in a deep breath to help steady his nerves, realizing that the time to enter the lab had finally arrived. He knew that he had to do this in an attempt to save his pup, but it still made leaving him no easier as he gazed forlornly down at Ed.
"Roy is going to go search for medicine now." Roy said in a quiet voice as he nuzzled gently at his pup's ears, knowing full well that Ed was unable to really hear him. "He'll also bring blankets to make the den warmer…so Ed just needs to be patient and Roy will return soon."
With one last fond lick at his pup's cheek, Roy turned and limped quickly from the den, doing his best to remain calm as he circled back to the front of the lab. He could feel his body trembling from his suppressed fear, the fur along his spine bristling with unease as Roy continued on. The thought of medicine to help cure Ed's infection, as well as bedding that would be much warmer than what they ever found have could in the forest helped to ease some of Roy's anxiety and kept him from fleeing in the opposite direction.
He reached the large metal doors faster than he had thought he would, the dark gap in the entrance leading into the hell he thought he'd never have to face again. Roy felt himself freeze almost out of instinct, standing just in front of the doors with trembling legs and rippling fur. He forced himself to take a deep and grounding breath, closing his eyes for a moment as he attempted to calm his fraying nerves.
"There is nothing in there that can physically harm you…" Roy told himself fiercely while he opened his eyes to gaze into the darkness of the lab. He tried to tell himself that this was just like any other place, but still Roy felt uneasy at the thought of entering. "Those monsters have long gone…all that is left is just memories…bad, bad memories…"
Letting out the breath he had been unconsciously holding as a weary sigh, Roy braced himself both physically and mentally as he finally slipped through the gap in the doors and entered the lab.
The room that greeted him looked just as normal as the front desk of any other building, successfully hiding the true horrors of this place as Roy walked across the misleading area and towards another set of doors that swung open easily with a single push. Now that innocent façade had cracked just a bit, the walls of this hallway being lined with small cages set into the stone walls that used to house the smaller, simpler chimeras.
Now only decaying bodies remained, helplessly trapped behind the metal bars, hunger and dehydration having claimed each poor creature one by one. Roy felt a small surge of sorrow course through him at the thought of these creatures' terrible ends while knowing that there had been nothing that he could have done to save them anyway. Still, to see their frail and tiny bodies lying lifelessly in their cages cut deeply into Roy's heart…how easily that could have been him or Ed…
With those dreary thoughts tugging at his troubled mind, Roy soon left the hallway and entered the ground level of the horribly familiar main atrium. A chill ran down his spine when his paws touched the cold metal catwalk, the scent of decay and dry blood reaching out at him from the bowels of the stone hell…knowing exactly as to what lay at the very bottom that gave off the nauseating stench.
Roy did his best to keep that disturbing knowledge from consuming him, not letting his gaze wander in the slightest as he approached the nearest doorway and looked inside. The interior of the first room was nothing but a few rows of long abandoned, metal cots, this seeming to have been where some of the scientists had stayed before they'd been chased out by their own creations. Bedding lay scattered on the ground, dusty blankets and pillows lying next to the surrounding beds, and Roy took note of this for later use after he had gotten what he had initially came for.
The rest of the rooms of the ground floor were mainly the same, a mixture of dormitories and offices with empty and cleared off desks, and soon Roy had completely rounded the catwalk that ran along the level. While he had figured that this floor would have no medicine, there had still been a faint hope that he was wrong. Roy had never actually seen this part of the lab up close until now…most of the time he and Ed had been tortured in the basement or the row of rooms right above it.
Roy then cautiously padded towards the metal spiral staircase that would lead him down into those dreaded rooms, the disgusting scent of death growing stronger as he descended deeper into this hell. He was aware of the faint and fading sunlight shining through the dirty and cracked skylight above…formerly their only glimpse of the outside world as his pawsteps echoed through the room. Knowing that he definitely didn't want to search the lab in the dark, Roy picked up the pace a bit as he neared the first open door.
Even just a single glance of the room was enough to send terror racing through his body, his fur bristling as an almost instinctual growl escaped from deep within his chest. Seeing the glimmering metal instruments lying scattered upon the floor, the same ones that had caused him and his pup such pain, made the bile rise up in Roy's throat. He could practically feel the agony of cuts and flames dancing carelessly across his flesh…the scent of burning alongside the sight of blood as it stained those horrid instruments in crimson…shaking, trembling uncontrollably from the pain and fear…
Roy shook his head vigorously in a desperate attempt to push away the awful memories invading his rattled mind, trying his hardest to remain focused on the task at hand as he quickly turned away from the room. Still shaking from the deluge of past horrors, terror clinging to him like an impassioned lover, Roy continued on. He cautiously peered into each open door, taking stock of the contents with a nervous detachment only to come to a terrible realization when he had fully rounded the metal catwalk.
Every single room on this level seemed to have been cleaned out of nearly anything of use to him, as though the scientists had somehow managed to snatch up every bit of medication before fleeing. He knew that there was no use in searching the basement, knowing from experience that there was absolutely nothing useful that far down into the depths…the only things remaining there being the horrid transmutation circle and the long decayed bodies of the two monsters that had brought them such pain.
There was no cure for Ed's worsening infection anywhere in this hellish building. Roy had failed again, and there was little to nothing he could do to save his pup…in a few short days the infection would finally claim Ed…and he would be dead.
Roy sat down heavily with a loud clang of metal as tears stung his eyes, hopelessness crushing down on him as he held back a sob of pure misery. He'd really thought that there would be something in the lab to help, but without stronger medicine there was no hope in sight. All Roy wanted to do in that moment was to sink down into the depths of his despair, to start grieving for Ed and his now inevitable fate…he was just so terribly tired and heartsick…
Before Roy could fully lose himself to his near unbearable sorrow he felt as though someone was sitting next to him, supporting his exhausted body. He turned his head in surprise only to see nothing, but instead of feeling fear of this unknown presence, Roy actually felt relaxed, soothed down to his very soul. Roy had never believed in angels or an afterlife…but maybe there actually was a spirit there beside him, looking over him and his pup and doing all it could to help them…
With renewed hope, Roy stood once more with determination replacing his sorrow as new ideas rushed through his mind. While there was no medicine here, the trip hadn't been completely for nothing, as there were still items in the lab that could help Ed in other ways. Out of the corner of his eye Roy spotted a tiny stack of clean, rolled up bandages on a nearby cart. Knowing that an actual cloth dressing would be better at keeping the infection from getting worse, Roy quickly grabbed a few in between his jaws before padding back to the spiral staircase to return to the ground floor.
Before he had even reached the stairs a glint of silver caught his eye from the doorway of one room, and with a quick glance Roy realized that it was an overturned dog bowl. He shifted the metal dish so that it was back to its usual upright position before placing the bandages inside and picking up the cloth laden bowl. Roy then turned back to the stairs, cautiously setting his paws down onto the meshed steel as he slowly padded upwards.
Pain flared up from Roy's injured paw as he ascended, carefully keeping his leg close to his body and well away from the hard metal below. He gritted his teeth as he limped to the top of the stairs, pressing through his growing agony as a low growl escaped from his throat. Roy would take care of his paw after he had gathered all he needed to keep Ed comfortable, his pup would always be his main priority, even at the cost of his own health.
Soon Roy stumbled up onto the ground floor, limping heavily back to the first room he had seen that housed the abandoned cots, grateful that it was nearby and not on the opposite side of the catwalk. Not setting down the items he had already collected, Roy entered the room and pawed together a decent sized amount of blankets and a few stray pillows before burrowing under the soft fabric and slowly standing back up.
With a few of the blankets and a pillow or two draped across his back and shoulders, Roy knew that he had gathered all that he could possibly carry in one trip. He set off through the hallway lined with cages and back to the entrance, grateful to be done with the lab for now. Though if they were to need anything else Roy would simply return to the building to retrieve it, more than willing now to fight his inner demons once more if he needed to.
Roy hardly payed much attention to the short journey back to the den, too focused on keeping the blankets from dragging in the snow as the sunlight grew dimmer and dimmer. It had taken him the whole day to get Ed here to the lab, and even though there had been no medicine at least now Roy knew that fact for certain and could move on from that earlier fantasy. He was more than eager to return to their new den and be with his pup again, hoping with all his heart that Ed had stayed asleep and oblivious to Roy's absence.
As he eventually reached the overturned barrel Roy stopped just outside of the entrance to the den, taking the bandages out of the dog bowl and setting them on a patch of snow free grass before carrying the dish to the partially frozen tap. Roy watched a few drops land into the bowl, knowing that it would take some time for it to fill up enough with the water sluggishly leaking from the icy spigot. He instead left the bowl there and grabbed up the bandages before crawling under the wooden planks and into the den.
Ed was still asleep and hadn't moved much in Roy's absence, something that both relieved and scared him at the same time as he set the bandages down on the ground next to the leaf wrap of herbs. Roy turned back towards his pup and looked him over, taking in the gaunt and trembling form before him with a pang of sorrow as he crouched down next to Ed. He softly placed a paw on top of his tawny shoulder, still able to feel the steady and unnerving heat radiating from his pup's body, holding back his despair as the blankets slid from Roy's back to land next to the nest.
"Roy is back now, Ed." Roy whispered as he lapped gently at Ed's ears, wondering if his pup was even able to hear him through his fever hazed slumber. "He has brought things to help his pup…and Roy is sure that Ed will start to feel better soon…"
With that Roy gathered up the fallen blankets into a pile before doing his best to line the shallow dip in the ground with them. He carefully moved Ed just enough to get a blanket and pillow between his pup and the cold earth, then used the leftover bedding to tuck him in more comfortably. Now that Ed was finally settled under a layer of blankets Roy began to nudge gently at his pup's cheek in an attempt to put the last pillow under his head.
This sudden movement seemed to have roused Ed, his pup letting out a tiny whimper as he weakly writhed underneath the blankets. Once brilliant golden eyes, now hazed over from fever and confusion, slowly opened to fixate listlessly onto Roy. Recognition shimmered in the murky depths as Ed continued to look at his guardian, slowly growing more aware of his surroundings.
"R-Roy…" Ed seemed to notice his change in location, his eyes going wide as his gaze wandered to take in the den. Though he still seemed confused, his pup appeared to calm slightly as he looked back towards Roy, speaking up in a hoarse voice. "Where a-are they now? W-What is g-going on?"
"Roy and Ed have made it to the lab." Roy said in a soft voice as he crouched lower in order to nuzzle Ed's cheek. His pup leaned gratefully into the contact, letting out a pleased sigh when Roy draped his tail over his still trembling body. "Roy found them this new den, and he even got some blankets and pillows from the lab. Everything will be okay now, Ed just needs to rest."
"T-They made it?" Ed leaned back just enough to stare into his guardian's onyx eyes, his eyelids starting to droop as his consciousness slipped away once more. The confusion returned to his pup's gaze, and before Ed could settle his head onto the ground Roy quickly shoved the final pillow underneath his chin. "So Roy f-found what they n-needed then?"
"Roy gathered all he could…everything will be just fine." Roy repeated in a soothing voice, hoping to calm his anxious pup. He watched as Ed squirmed in their nest, burrowing deeper into the blankets before letting out a tiny, dry cough. Roy was suddenly reminded of the dog bowl just outside, it was more than likely close to full now and it was clear that his pup needed a drink.
"Wait here, Roy is going to get Ed some water. He will be right back." Either Ed was okay with him leaving or had dozed off and wasn't completely aware of his surroundings at the moment, but Roy took his chance to quickly crawl out of the den. Once he had crossed the short distance to the tap he looked into the dish and was happy to see that the metal bowl was nearly full of fresh, clean water, and he did his best to carry it into the den without spilling too much of the cold liquid.
As Roy had expected Ed remained unmoved in their nest, his eyes half open and clouded over as though he was fighting to remain conscious. Hoping that his pup was still aware enough of his presence, Roy crouched down and slid the water dish slowly in front of Ed's nose. For a moment the golden chimera showed no signs of awareness, not until Roy lapped softly at his cheek and gave him a gentle prod with one paw.
Ed's tired gaze wandered from Roy to the bowl, lighting up at the sight before his pup began to eagerly lap up the water. After taking a long drink Ed relaxed and settled more comfortably down amongst the blankets, eyes still half open and shimmering with exhaustion. Roy then took his usual place in the nest right next to his pup, feeling Ed instantly lean against his body before resting his head atop his guardian's paws as he usually did.
"Night, R-Roy…" Ed breathed out in a quiet sigh, his eyes finally falling closed as he went completely limp against Roy's side. His pup certainly looked much more comfortable now, no weary or pained look contorting his features as he succumbed to sleep.
"Goodnight, Pup," Even though he knew that Ed was well beyond hearing him now, Roy said it out of reflex as he curled protectively around the feverish body pressed up against his own. The sun had now completely set and Roy was too tired at the moment to care much about anything other than sleep. It had been a long a stressful day, and after getting some rest Roy would set about re-bandaging his pup's wound and searching for food.
As he closed his eyes a cold breeze rushed in through the entrance and he felt a few stray snowflakes land in his pelt. Roy decided then that he would also weatherproof the den and do what he could to make it as nice and comfortable as their first. He knew now that this location next to the lab would be the best possible place to stay if they had any hope of their human friends finding them…they were the only ones who could save his pup now.
The last thing that Roy felt, before falling unconscious was a strong surge of hope that they would actually be rescued in time…even if it seemed very unlikely at the moment. Maybe their guardian angel would step in and give them the luck they so desperately needed…whoever was watching over them would make sure that they were found…
Sleep then descended over him like a gentle, warm wave of water, and Roy happily allowed it to sweep him away.
So Al finally gets to meet Vance, but will it be in time to save Ed and Roy?
This chapter took a long time to finish and for the worst reason. A little over a month ago my aunt died, and it was a week of hell wondering if she would ever wake back up or even be the person she once was. After being told that she was essentially brain dead, the family made the choice to pull the plug per her wishes. My aunt was one of the kindest people I ever knew, and losing her was a heavy blow, it still hurts to think about how everything happened.
Needless to say the chapter took much longer to finish than I thought it would, I was too emotional to write and was out of commission for over a week. But here it is, finally finished, and now I can try to put all of the sorrow and anxiety I felt while writing this chapter in the past were it belongs.
Anyway, sorry for the sad stuff. I have no clue when the next chapter will be uploaded, seeing as I still need to prepare for my event alongside getting hooked on the newest Zelda game. I'd say the chapter will be up no later than mid August, but that's up in the air right now. I'll update my profile here with any updates as they come.
The name of this chapter is not only fitting for what was written, but it's in homage of my aunt. I'll always miss her and wish that everything had turned out differently. This is my way of saying goodbye, I just hope that where ever her soul may be that she is finally at peace with her many cats that she loved and lost throughout her life.
Hope you all enjoy this chapter, and I'll see you in the next one.
