Fullmetal Alchemist Fan Fiction ❯ Calling of Kurai ❯ It all begins... ( Chapter 1 )

Calling of Kurai
Chapter 1: It all begins

 

 

Disclaimer: All rights go to(c) Hiromu Arakawa: the author, artist, and genius behind FMA.

 

I'm very proud of this fic. I believe that, between my brother and me, this is a very good plot. I am also proud to say that I think I did a good job of keeping everyone in character. This fic has POST-MOVIESPOILERS, meaning that if you haven't seen the movie, or at least the end of the series, and don't want things spoiled, don't read this. Even if you haven't seen the end however, none of the spoilers are too big and are pretty much taken care of in the first part of this chapter. (With the exception of another tiny one in a later chapter.)

 

Warning: Later chapters in this fic will contain what may be seen as graphic imagery.

 

Anyway, this being my first fic, I hope you enjoy it.

 

 

It was a cool, fall day outside the office window Roy Mustang stood by. The multi-colored leaves gently drifted side to side with each gust of wind before settling on the ground. It wasn't too cold, but every now and then he noticed that the people on the streets would pull their coats tighter giving him reason to believe that the wind had a bit of bite to it.

 

He looked at his reflection contemplating whether or not he should trim his hair a bit. He hadn't cut it since he left the military after his fight with King Bradley. It now went a good inch past his right eye, the other covered by a large, black patch. After the he had taken control of the events in Central, the higher-ups had offered his previous position as colonel again. He had gladly accepted it happy to be working with his troop again.

 

“Colonel.” A sharp, yet kind voice brought him out of his thoughts and back to the room. First Lieutenant Riza Hawkeye held out a mug of fresh brewed tea for him.

 

“Ah, thank you, Lieutenant.” He took the mug from her and sipped it before sitting down and getting back to the previously neglected work on his desk. He looked at the document for awhile before moving the hair out of his eye with a quick huff. A small cough which sounded suspiciously liked a choked laugh brought his eyes back up to Riza. Though her expressions were serious as usual her eyes were clearly laughing at him. “You're laughing at me.”

 

“Of course not, sir, however you do seem to be having problems with your hair getting in your eye.”

 

Roy quickly sighed. “Yeah, I'm going to trim it to the length it used to be. Hopefully it won't get in my eye as much.

 

“That would probably be a good idea.” Riza replied this time favoring him with a small smile before turning back to return to her desk.

 

Roy looked around the room. It was a slow day and Roy, being so generous, had given everyone an extended break. Havoc and Breda were out of the room, Falman was quietly reading a newspaper at his desk, and Fuery was messing with some wires in a small radio. Riza had returned from the practice range about ten minutes ago to feed Black Hayate, her loyal dog, who was now sleeping contently next to her desk. She sat down and picked up a small novel, since she had already finished all her work. Roy tried his hardest to see what book she was reading, but between the distance, the print, and his hair, couldn't make out the title. Shaking his head, he returned to his work.

 

A sharp burst of laughter in the hallway interrupted the quiet of the room. Havoc entered, laughing loudly, followed by Breda, looking insulted.

 

“I'm telling you, it's true.” Breda stated, obviously trying to get Havoc to believe him.

 

“Are you telling me that you believe there's some kind of metal eating monster roaming the streets at night?” Havoc burst into laughter again. “What kind of sap do you take me for? You can't scare me with such a simple story. I mean how…” He was interrupted by Falman reading the paper aloud.”

 

“Top Story: Strange Occurrences.” Falman stood before continuing with the article. “People are in a panic over what is said to be some kind of creature that consumes large amounts of metal. Reports of missing waste receptacles, gates, even cars either half destroyed or completely missing have increased by 80% in the past week alone.” He walked over towards the door so that Havoc and Breda could both see the article as well. “Authorities believe that this could possibly just be the work of a prankster or a rouge alchemist, but still ask that all civilians remain indoors at night until the culprit is apprehended.”

 

Once again quiet filled the room, only to be broken a few seconds later by Fuery's trembling voice.

 

“Entire gates and cars just disappear as if they were eaten.” He quickly turned to look at Roy. “Do you really think it's a monster, Colonel?”

 

Roy looked up with a bored expression clearly written on his face. “If anything it's some kind of alchemist playing some kind of prank.” He looked back down at his work before softly adding. “Monsters only showed up back when the Elric Brothers were still around.”

 

Quiet filled the room once again. Just two months ago, the city had been in an earthquake. Shortly after, armored soldiers from the other side of the gate had started to attack Central headquarters. The military tried their best to keep them at bay while Roy went to assist Alphonse Elric, who had joined up with his older brother Edward, who had been of the other side for two years. After the battle both brothers disappeared back to the other side. There was little chance that the brothers would ever be coming back. One could be happy knowing that they were finally together again, but it was still sad for those who had to carry on without them.

 

Deciding that the atmosphere was getting a little depressing, Breda punched Havoc in the shoulder. “See, what'd I tell you?”

 

“You told me that a giant monster was going around eating things.” Havoc took out a cigarette and placed it between his lips as he fumbled around for his lighter. “As much as I hate agreeing with the Colonel, I have to agree. It sounds like a prank to me.” Finding his lighter, he lit the end of his cigarette and took a deep drag.

 

Breda about to argue back was stopped by Riza's sharp voice. “Anyway,” she started, replacing the bookmark in her novel and placing it on the corner of her desk, “break is over and we should all get to work. We may have had a slow day today, but anything we don't finish will only get in the way tomorrow.”

 

“Right, right.” Havoc walked over and took his seat, followed by Falman who folded up his paper and quickly went back to reviewing his reports. Breda poured himself some tea before sitting down to do the same. Riza, who had finished stood and walked over to Roy's desk to review his work for any spelling or grammar errors. Roy looked at his watch to see what time it was before getting back to work.

 

 

At 8:00 that evening, everyone except Roy and Riza finished and left headquarters for home or wherever they went in the early evening. Roy stood looking out the window again at the illuminated streets while sipping his tea while Riza scanned his last paper for errors. Finding none, she excused herself to take the reports down to be reviewed by the higher-ups.

 

Roy, content to taking his time continued to look out the window until he finished his tea. He once again remembered that he needed to get his hair trimmed. `I could probably just trim it myself but it'd be nice to have a professional do it. I wonder if any shops are open this late.' Hearing the door open again, he decided to gather his things and head out. Walking over to the coat rack, he pulled on his black trench coat. He started for the door when Riza's voice stopped him.

 

“Colonel.” He turned to see Riza behind him. She, too, had on a black trench coat knowing that it was getting cold outside. Her arm moved forward. Roy looked down to see a simple dark blue umbrella in her hand. “Here. You'll need this tonight.”

 

“Why, because I'm useless in the rain and the metal eating monster might attack me?”

 

“Precisely.”

 

Her quick response hurt him. All this time and he still hadn't gotten over her calling him useless. He hated feeling incompetent. Looking towards the window he saw the clear autumn sky. “It doesn't look like it'll rain tonight, Lieutenant.”

 

“One of the things we've learned during our time in the military is that sometimes what you see can not be trusted. The weather may seem calm now, but all can change in the blink of an eye. My intuition tells me that you'll need this tonight.” She held out the umbrella again. He gave her a small smile as he took it. She saluted, “Good night, Colonel.”

 

“Good night, Lieutenant.” He watched as she started to walk off, Hayate walking along with her even strides. Sighing, he took off in the opposite direction towards the main street.

 

 

About an hour later, Roy stepped out of the barber shop. Walking home, he wondered why he wasn't as tired as he should be. Looking at his watch he realized that, despite the darkness, it was still quite early. He still had time the wander around shopping or get himself a drink, maybe get himself a date. For some strange reason, the idea didn't appeal to him.

 

Confused, he looked up at his reflection in the window of a darkened shop. He noticed that he had been doing this more and more lately. With his hair shorter, he looked similar to how he was over two years ago, with the exception of the eye patch.

 

However, he definitely didn't feel the same. In the past, he would go to stay out late, either going to a bar to drink or on one of his many dates. He would walk into the office late and sit at his desk that would be covered in stacks of paperwork. Then he would procrastinate by sleeping or looking out the window until Riza made him get back to work. Five minutes before the deadline he'd quickly get to work and somehow finish on time.

 

Things were different now. He had been going home early and actually sleeping. In the morning, he'd walk in the office on time, or early, and get right to work. He knew the others thought it was strange behavior, especially since he once got to the office before Riza. No one said anything though.

 

Looking deeper at his self, he thought back to conversations with Maes Hughes, his dearly departed best friend. Hughes had always been the one to pick him up when his nights became too much. After the war, Roy had nearly shattered many times. Hughes would always scold him.

 

`Are you doing this simply because it's a taboo, or do you honestly want to kill yourself `cause there are easier ways to do that than this.'

 

`If you want to reach the top, you'll need someone beneath you to help push you up.'

 

Hughes had also scolded him for his personal life as well.

 

`Look at you. Don't you even hear what people say? `Oh there goes Roy Mustang. He's such a playboy. Women flock to him but he never settles down. It's as if he's trying to show off that he can do it better than us.' And they're right you know. You run around with all those women but do you even remember their names or even their faces. I'll bet that you can't even name three women your age that you truly know anything about.'

 

Roy thought about it. He knew Gracia because of Hughes and, of course, Riza because she was always with him, diligently watching over him as he worked. He furrowed his brow. Hughes had been right; Roy didn't know much about other women.

 

When he went on a date with woman it was always the same. They went to dinner, maybe a show. They would talk about what was going on in their lives, but he'd never remember any of it. Why bother? After all it wasn't like he had wanted a relationship with any of them.

 

`What do you see in them, a challenge of some sort? Is it all a game to you? Do all those women mean anything to you? It's as if you see them all as the same person wearing different costumes. Do you have any respect for them as individuals?'

 

Why would he have? They were all the same; hanging on his every word, smiling and sighing, fawning over him. They would all lean on him as they walked, as if they would fall if they didn't have anything to hold them up. They all painted up their faces and did their hair just so, hoping he'd like it. They were all like porcelain dolls; he was positive that if someone were to push them slightly, they would shatter. Or maybe more like princesses being held captive in a tower. They wouldn't have enough will to stand up and fight. Instead they would sit, weeping as they waited to be rescued by their `knight in shinning armor.' Pathetic. All of them. Absolutely pathetic.

 

`One of these days, Roy, you're going to grow up and realize what you had been doing was stupid. You're going to look back and remember all the random women. That you've never cared for any of them one bit; that you used them for you own personal games. And that knowledge is going to make you feel absolutely sick.'

 

“You were right, Maes. As always, you were right.”

 

When did it happen? When did he lose all desire to be the envy of the town? When did he start to care about what kind of people he associated himself with?

 

“Maybe, just maybe, I have grown up, Maes.”

 

Roy was brought out of his thoughts as a cold drop of water hit him harshly on the cheek. Looking up, he allowed a small smile to appear on his face. He had been so caught up in his thoughts that he didn't even notice the clouds gathering in the darkened sky.

 

“Speaking of always being right,” Roy chuckled to himself as he opened Riza's umbrella to shield him from the incoming rain. Looking back at his watch, he decided that he might as well head home.

 

He started down the familiar street when he heard a loud scraping noise. Stepping off of the main road and into the alley, he carefully walked towards the noise. Pulling out his handgun, he peered around the corner. His eyes widened in shock at the sight.

 

A large, metal-covered creature, creature being the only word that came to mind, was hunched over what looked to have once been a dumpster. The creature seemed to be absorbing the dumpster into its body, making it grow even larger. It now towered a good four feet above Roy's head. The creature paid no attention to his surroundings or the pouring rain around it; it just continued absorbing the metal. Aiming his gun, he shot at the creature hitting it directly in the shoulder. However instead of going through the creature body or ricocheting off, it, too, was absorbed. Not even turning around, the creature jumped up, grabbed a wall, and climb out of sight.

 

Completely stunned by what was going on, Roy finally let out a breath and replaced his gun. Hearing what sounded like a strangled gasp behind him, he turned to see two military policemen behind him. Both wore expressions of disbelief on their faces, though the younger of the two seemed like he was about to pass out. `How long have they been there? I didn't even notice them.' Looking down, the older MP recognized Roy and quickly saluted.

 

“Ah, Colonel Mustang. What are you doing here?”

 

Roy looked strangely at the man. What kind of a question was that? “I heard a sound and decided to investigate.”

 

“Oh, yes, of course. That makes sense. Anyway,” he cleared his throat and shoved the younger officer who was still gaping, “we need to report this right away.” The younger MP quickly ran off to call for back-up. “You don't need to stay here Colonel. I'm sure you're a busy man.”

 

“But,” Roy started but quickly thought of the situation. Most likely the creature wouldn't come back again so there wasn't going to be any fighting. He'd just be in the way of the MP's investigations. Sighing deeply, he nodded. The officer saluted him again as Roy started off towards his house again.

 

Picking up a paper at a news stand, he looked over the article Falman had read at the office. What he had claimed earlier as a simple prank was now showing itself to be a real problem. He'd have to look more into it later. Noticing that the rain was coming down ever harder now, he tucked the paper under his arm, gripped the umbrella tighter, and started for home.

 

 

Roy walked into Headquarters, glad to be out of the chilling cold. Climbing the three flights of stairs and walking towards his office, he let out a loud yawn. He had been up late trying to figure out exactly what it was he saw last night. The day before he had been quick to say that it was an elaborate practical joke, but now, he didn't know what to think. Shaking his head, he decided to get his mind off the subject anyway possible, like doing his paperwork. He knew he must be tired of thinking about the creature, if he was more than willing to do his paperwork with out prompting.

 

Unfortunately, it didn't look like he'd be able to escape the subject as he was taken out of his thoughts by a loud, familiar voice.

 

“No way! The Colonel? Seriously!” Roy could hear Fuery's voice before he even reached the doors to the office. Placing his hand on the doorknob, he drew in a breath and exhaled it. Putting on a stern face, he opened the door and walked in. Fuery noticed his superior and rushed up to him. “Colonel, is it true? Did you really see the monster?”

 

He wondered how on earth this news could have traveled so quickly. Looking up at the other gentlemen, Falman eventually stepped forward.

 

“I heard it from one of the MP's this morning, sir. They said that last night, just off of Main Street, you were seen shooting at the monster.”

 

Roy sighed before looking up at his men, who had all gathered around him. “Yes, although I wouldn't call it a monster just yet.”

 

“But Colonel,” Breda broke in, “they said it was over ten feet tall.”

 

Roy thought back to last night. “Yes, I suppose it was,” he stated calmly.

 

“You act like it's not a big deal, Colonel.” This time it was Havoc's turn to break in.

 

“I'm not saying that.” Roy walked over and poured himself some tea into a mug. Sipping it he walked over to his desk and sat down, surprised to not see any paperwork on it. “Is Lieutenant Hawkeye not here yet?”

 

Falman once again stepped forward. “I believe she went down to pick up today's work. Although,” he looked at his watch, “she has been gone longer than normal.”

 

“Maybe she's checking on something or was stopped by someone.” Fuery put in his opinion.

 

“Maybe, but I'm sure she's alright.” Havoc started. “Hawkeye's a big girl and can take care of herself. Anyway, let's get back to last night.”

 

Roy looked to the door, and then back up to Havoc. “Look. Last night, I went to the barber's and got my hair trimmed. Around 9:00 I was walking home when it started to rain.” Roy was interrupted by Breda and Havoc laughing. Falman and Fuery were both smiling but refrained from laughing out loud.

 

“Poor Colonel. All alone in the rain. I'm surprised that you're so calm.” Breda said while still laughing.

 

“I had an umbrella. Anyway, I..,” This time it was Falman who cut him off.

“Umbrella? You didn't bring one with you yesterday.”

 

“Hawkeye gave me it.”

 

“Ah, that makes sense. I can't see you ever thinking far enough to take an umbrella with you when you go out on the town.” Havoc's words were starting to anger Roy even more than all the interruptions. “Poor Hawkeye. It's hard enough thinking ahead for herself and her precious dog, but she also has to think ahead for you as well.”

 

“What do you mean by that, Havoc?”

 

Havoc smirked at Roy before doing his best impression, switching between a deeper voice for Roy and a more feminine voice for Riza.

 

“ `Lieutenant, where's this month's financial report? `On your desk, Colonel.' `Where? I can't see it. There's too much paperwork.' `Well, Colonel, if you did your paperwork, you'd be able to find it.' `I am doing my paper work, but I need that report now.' ” Havoc placed the palm of his hand on his forehead and sighed deeply, still pretending as Riza. “ `It's right here, colonel. See it says `Financial report' in big bold letters.' `Huh? How'd I miss that?'

 

Breda, Falman, and Fuery all stood to the side with worried smiles on their faces. Roy was visibly shaking with rage. Havoc was making fun of the other day when Roy had asked Riza for the financial report, forgetting that she had already retrieved it for him an hour earlier when working on a different report. After he had finished the earlier report, he had put it on the corner of his desk and forgot about it. It hadn't been as bad as Havoc was making it out to be, but Roy was still slightly embarrassed about it.

 

“Shut up! I'm not a child.” Havoc was laughing again at Roy's outburst, but quickly calmed down. “Anyway, as I was saying, before you all interrupted me,” he looked at each in turn before continuing, “I started for home when I heard a scraping sound coming from the alley. I went to investigate when I saw a large creature. It was about ten feet tall and covered with different types of metal. It was absorbing the dumpster into itself. I shoot at it but the bullet just absorbed into it as well. Afterwards it jumped and climbed up the building and disappeared.”

 

The room got eerily silent after Roy finished.

 

“But,” Fuery's voice trembled, “but you said that you didn't think it was a monster.”

 

“No, I said that it's too early to call it a monster.” Roy corrected. “It's too early to say what it is right now. If anything we should not be hasty and jump to conclusions.”

Everyone was once again quiet. Roy looked at his watch again wondering what could possibly be taking Riza so long. “Fuery, could you go look for Lieutenant Hawkeye?”

 

Fuery saluted and turned to go when Riza came running into the office, out of breath. Everyone was shocked to see that she truly looked panicked.

 

“Colonel, come quickly. You're needed outside immediately.”