Fullmetal Alchemist Fan Fiction ❯ Homunculi gone wrong? ❯ Almost free ( Chapter 4 )
[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]
By: TejinaShinsen 
Anime/Manga: Fullmetal Alchemist Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Occult / Adventure / Action | Type: Alternate Universe | Uploaded On: 05.03.2005 | Updated On: 05.07.2005 | Pages: 4 | Words: 4.7K | Visits: 171 | Status: Completed
Anime/Manga: Fullmetal Alchemist Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Occult / Adventure / Action | Type: Alternate Universe | Uploaded On: 05.03.2005 | Updated On: 05.07.2005 | Pages: 4 | Words: 4.7K | Visits: 171 | Status: Completed
Chapter three: Almost free.
Envy decided to jump out of the tree he had been watching the group from. “Incompetent. I expected better of you Sergeant Major Davis.” He looked directly at Jordan as he spoke.
Jan smiled as she recognized the green haired man. “I told you that if we kept playing with the paperwork He’d send someone.” She pouted slightly. “And I haven’t had time to break in our pet yet. Now the toy that got away is here and I want him back.” She purred with an almost insane look in her blue eyes.
Jordan cleared his throat and she sat down, looking like she was hurt.
Envy smirked slightly. The woman had been entertaining at least, each time he had come to visit the small village in the past few months. Their minds both worked along the same lines, and though he hated being in pain, she seemed to thrive on it if the company was right. “Relax Major.” He said ignoring all but her. “I was tailing the Fullmetal runt.” He leaned against the tree.
“Then it’s just you?” She smiled brightly. “Good, I can’t stand that immortal whore-bag Lust.” The young woman made her insult sound almost cute as she spoke.
“No one cares about your hatred for her. We need to get the brat and find out where the kid hid the book. We’ve searched all over town, even his other house and still can’t find it. Yashiro managed to create at least one of those damned things without the stone. I want to know how.” Jordan scowled. “Think of the army we can raise with that ability.”
“So that was the six-month cover up.” Envy grinned, /So Jordan is planning on breaking his agreement. And who was it that kept him and his wife out of jail... He’s not going to be too happy about this. / “We were wondering, considering the strings pulled to keep you out of prison. Wouldn’t want them to find out that your little wife here’s a complete flake since she’s been tested on would you.”
Jordan looked up at him. “Are you trying to threaten me? You forget I still have rank, you’re just a mistake.”
Jan giggled madly seeing her husband pissed. “Envy. You know that I’ll still let you take the payment with me... I love how you make me scream.” She went to him rubbing up against him purring. Her short skirt riding up a little so that her soft skin was against his thigh.
/Tempting as it is.../ He thought willing no reaction at all. /It’s more fun to make you beg for it. / He thought, feeling her fingers trail against his thigh and up to his stomach, purposely missing his crotch. “Payment will be watching the little bastard break.” HE watched her eyes go wide, like a child being given the perfect toy. /If she still had most of her sanity, I think I’d feel sorry for the runt. / He thought. /I almost wonder what Black Widow did to her before. And it’s clear that her idiot husband hasn’t noticed. “You know the secret with the brat right Jan?” He asked.
She shook her head as she sat on the ground looking up at him with child like wonder.
“Make it so he can’t clap. That will stop him from using Alchemy.” She grinned brightly hearing this.
Jordan sighed. /Can’t stop her, at least she is still as hot as she was when I married her. And I know he won’t kill her. Not after spending all the time training her. / He thought remembering the few years he had gone without his wife at his side as she tended to matters she still wouldn’t talk about. He had a feeling some of it had to do with the green haired man before her, whom she was drooling over, and part of it was with Black Widow, who had helped her become better with her toxins. “Jan, you’re in charge of bringing them back; first objective is the boy. Our pet if you have time. Flame if it’s easy.”
Jan stood turning to salute him, her mind snapping back to reality. “Yes sir.”
“And no killing any of them. Unless you think they’ll get in the way too much. We do want some word making it back to Central. Might tell our friends where to come when we find the book.”
“Now that I know how good the kid is. The more fun it will be. Care to come watch Envy?” She looked at the Homunculi smiling.
“Of course, I love watching someone torture the brat.” He smiled. “Any plans?”
“They won’t get out of the woods. We’ll let them think they’re safe for a while then get them. I have more than enough darts, and I can have Flame and our toy come here after the boy with this.” She held up a dart with a pink ring around it. “She’s seen it in action on kids... And there’s still one child young enough to use it on alive.”
“I was wondering why you let that one live. The look on Flame’s face when he saw the little gift left in the church was amusing.”
Warrant Officer Vato Falmon was uneasy as he searched around the empty village. So far he hadn’t found he Colonel, or his two companions. Nor had he found anyone else. /This place is a ghost town. The graveyard’s huge. I noticed it had taken up most of the land not used for housing.../ He thought seeing a few houses up ahead. /I wonder why the Priest didn’t get the kids out of here? Didn’t any of them have family? / He caught sight of Havoc’s light colored hair and ran to catch up with him and the others. “Colonel, Lieutenant!” He called out getting them to turn around. “Fullmetal returned o the church. Hawkeye thinks it might be a good idea if we stick together until we know what’s going on.”
/Did she notice... She couldn’t have, her back was turned dealing with the kid. / Roy thought s he nodded.
“Fullmetal had a young woman with him sir. She appeared o be wounded, but someone had taken care of her before hand. The child seemed to know her and was blaming her condition on herself. Hughes found the Father. He was shot a grazing blow.”
“Other than them, this place is a fucking ghost town.” Havoc growled slightly. “How could they let it go so bad?”
“We’re moving out. Havoc get the van ready. Fury, stay by him. I don’t like this.”
Havoc looked at Roy. /Okay, usually nothing gets to him. It’s not just Boss either. Something bigger’s going on here. / He thought not daring to voice his opinion.
Roy had already started back to the church. /I thought that they had been locked away with Kimblee and the others like them... After all they had caused as much damage as he had. And now I find out this is where they disappeared off to. What was he thinking when he did that? / He thought still keeping the expressionless face on. /At least we can get a few of the people here out. /
Falmon watched Mustang leave and looked at the Colonel’s two subordinates wondering if they knew what was bothering him.
Havoc just shrugged lighting his smoke. “Hughes might know.”
“And getting anything out of him about Colonel mustang is nearly impossible, without resorting to threatening his daughter.”
Roy walked back letting his thoughts wander. As he neared the church again his mask went back up. He didn’t want the others to worry about what was going on yet. /This shouldn’t be bothering me like this. That little girl, it was a trick of the lighting... That’s all. Jan can’t be running around loose. They wouldn’t be that stupid would they? /
Riza had found two blankets and some clothes for the child. The girl had begged her to stay with her while she had changed, not wanting to be caught again. When she had offered to give back her jacket Riza had told her to keep it on since the clothes had been thin. “It will keep you warmer okay?” She said leading her back to the others.
The girl had nodded and run back to where the older woman was sitting with Ed and Al.
Maes Hughes watched Al fret a little and could tell that the boy was blaming himself for what happened. /This can’t be easy for him. After having to question if he’s still human../ Maes glanced at the priest, who was giving the two boys their last rights. /We should have gotten here sooner. / The father thought noticing that it was effecting everyone in the room. /We may have been able to get here in time to save those two boys. /
/I can’t be of any help to them in this body. / Al thought watching his brother as he made the small child a metal bird from a spoon he had found. The girl took it thanking him and sobbed into the older girl’s shoulder.
“Thank you for trying to cheer her up Edward.” The woman gave a weak smile as she held the crying red head.
“They didn’t hurt her did they?” Ed asked. /Even if they didn’t, I don’t feel sorry for breaking that man’s nose. The way he was talking about her was like she was some kind of object. / Ed thought as Ritsuko shook her head.
“Not much physically. I think given time she’ll be okay.” The woman spoke calmly. She looked up at Al. “Edward, why don’t you talk to your brother... I think this is hitting him as hard as it is Mitsu.” She said softly.
/How can she tell? / Al thought. “I’m okay really.”
Before Ed could counter him Mustang returned, glaring at the room, not anyone in particular though.
Ritsuko held on to the child seeing the look on the man’s face. She bit her lip lowering her head. “We’re leaving. Bring them with us, I’m not leaving anyone behind.”
Edward growled slightly. “Shit, Colonel, what’s the big idea of coming uninvited and taking over? Al and I had everything under control.” The short blonde teen hissed knowing full well that he and Al were probably so far out of the loop with what was going on, but it made him feel a little better.
Maes watched his friend closely, trying to figure out what was going on in the shorter man’s head.
“Colonel, sir?” Hawkeye looked at him.
“Take the girls with you, I’m afraid I can’t leave, my work here is not done.” Father Rem looked up at them calmly.
“Father.. No.” Ritsuko tried to stand only to have her legs give out on her. Rem caught her before she fell.
“Miss Ritsuko, you’re really not in a position to talk, you can hardly stand on your own.” He said, not meaning to anger her. She bit her lip sobbing into his shoulder, losing her composure. None of them noticed Mustang until he was beside the Priest. Rem wrapped his arms tighter around the girl for a moment, then relaxed seeing the dark eyed man’s face soften slightly.
“Is she okay?” He asked softly, so that she couldn’t hear him.
“Yes, you better take them now before anything else happens.”
“You are still welcome to come with us Father.” Roy said looking at him. “I really don’t want to leave anyone.”
“I can’t leave, this village is my life, if it’s to die, then I will be here until the end if God so wishes it. I have a feeling I will meet with them soon. Please, take care of them. They’ve been through so much in their short lives, I wish I could have done more to help them, but I cannot.”
“Father...” Ritsuko felt Mustang take her from him and tried to fight against him. “No. Father; don’t make me leave... Father...” She reached out for him.
Roy made her look up at him. /She’s terrified.../ He thought seeing the tears threatening to come again. “Wouldn’t you rather get out of here? We can get you to a doctor; you look like you can use one.”
“I don’t care... My life isn’t worth anyone else’s... I don’t care...” She caught Rem’s look and lowered her eyes.
“Ritsuko, I need you to take care of Mitsu. She’ll need someone she trusts near her. Go with them, it will be easier on all of us if I know the two of you are safe.”
“But...” She nodded. “Fine, but once I’m better, if you haven’t come or us, I’m coming back here. Alone if I have to.”
“You won’t have to come back alone.” Roy said calmly. She looked at him.
/He really looks worried about Mitsu and me... Rem trusts him.../ She gave a faint nod.
“Will you allow me to carry you? I don’t want you to fall again.”
“Fine...” She sighed.
/She’s going to be as stubborn as Ed./ He thought as he picked her up a little better this time. She rested her head on his shoulder as he stood.
“Hey we can’t leave yet; we’re not done here.” Ed looked like he was going to say more, but Mitsu tugged his sleeve.
“I gave you an order Fullmetal, we’re leaving.”
Maes watched Roy with the older girl and went to Ed and the smaller girl. “Hey, why don’t we get you somewhere safe okay?” He asked offering a hand to the red head. She pulled back hiding between the brothers peeking out from behind Ed‘s real arm. Maes backed up a little seeing the girl was terrified. He cast a worried glance at Roy, watching his friend calm the other woman down a little more.
“Hey, it’s okay. Hughes won’t hurt ya.” Ed glanced down at the smaller girl; her head came to his shoulder. /Now there’s someone shorter for Roy to pick on at least. / He thought to himself, then noticed she was wearing Hawkeye’s jacket, pulling it close to her. The fear in the girl’s yes tugged at him. /I’m not going to let it stay there.../ He thought wrapping an arm around her. “Hey, don’t cry okay? Come on, you don’t want me to start now do you?” He knelt so that he could look her in the face as she looked down.
“He’s bigger than Boss’s men are though... And they...” She bit her lip glancing to Rem.
“They won’t hurt you Mitsuko. Go with them okay? I want you to be safe; this will be the best way.” He said calmly. “I’ll take care of your friends, don’t worry.”
/Boss? They had her working for them. Is that why she’s still alive? They couldn’t kill one of their own. / Maes thought angered that someone would hurt a little kid.
“Maes is a big teddy bear anyway.” Ed grinned. She looked at him again seeing the anger in his eyes. He quickly softened as he saw her looking at him.
“I’m not that soft.” Maes grinned rubbing the back of his head.
“When it comes to children you are.” Al agreed. “Especially when it comes to Elisya.”
“That’s because she’s my ..” He started rambling about everything his daughter was to him making Mitsu blink slightly.
She clung to Ed hiding her face. He felt her shoulders hitch and looked at her. “Hey, you okay?” He wrapped his flesh arm around her, not sure what to do. “Al... Could you help me out a little?”
“I don’t know what to do...” Al whispered back.
Hawkeye leaned forward whispering into Ed’s ear.
The boy nodded. “Come on, let’s get some fresh air okay?” Ed asked hoping to calm her.
“Sir, you really should come with us.” Riza started. He held up his hand to quiet her.
“I’m doing this for them. I’m trusting you to get them out of here. Please, both of them have much to live for if given the chance. God didn’t want them to have one because of Yashiro. I’ll stay;” He looked at both Riza and Maes as he spoke.
“We’ll do our best.” Hughes said calmly.
Brenda saw Roy coming out of the church with the woman in his arms. “There’s no sign of them anywhere.”
“Doesn’t mean anything. They could have set traps.” Roy said darkly. “Havoc are we ready to leave?” He set the woman he carried on her feet. She leaned heavily against him, clearly not having a lot of strength left. /She must have used up everything she had trying to keep me from pulling her away from the Father. / He thought worried that he might have hurt her.
“We’re ready sir.”
Ritsuko rubbed her arms a little looking back to the church. It was clear on her face that she didn’t like the idea of leaving Father Rem behind. “He’s trying to get me away from Master...” She whispered softly not meaning for anyone to hear.
“Those two aren’t your master.” Roy whispered to her. “You’re not an object.”
Sad eyes looked up at him slightly and she lowered her head a little. /You know nothing about me.../ She touched the bandages on her wrists wondering if anyone had seen the marks under them before Rem had covered them. She knew they were there, no one had seen them when she was being held in the house. All they had wanted was her body.
“Here let me help you into he car,” His voice softened a little as he spoke. It was clear he was trying to keep her calm. /Master? What did they do to you? /
She pulled herself into a corner staying quiet for a few moments. “Six... Six months ago they came here.” She whispered seeing he was still watching her. “They killed father because of what he was doing, and... And took me for themselves... I. I’m telling you this because I figured you weren’t like the other men that were sent to investigate. They went to him first and I...” She looked down her face red.
Roy’s jaw set. /They don’t have reason for this. / He thought catching her shiver again. “To be honest, we weren’t sent to investigate.” He slipped his jacket off putting it over her shoulders. “We came to ...” /Just get Fullmetal and his brother, / He thought to himself. “Make sure that nothing had happened, when we lost contact with the last person sent in, we thought the worst. I’m sorry we made it a little late to be of any help.” He said calmly. “You just try to rest okay? We’ll get you to a doctor as soon as we can.”
“I just need sleep..” She whispered. Roy glanced up at the rear view mirror seeing that Havoc had listened as well. Anger filled the young man’s eyes.
“We’ll take care of them first.” He lipped to him. Havoc nodded staying silent.
Mitsuko grabbed Ed’s metal arm as he and his brother lead her outside. “It’s cold.” The child looked up at him. “Why doesn’t it feel alive?”
Ed laughed nervously. /They always ask... why can’t kids ever just be quiet.../ Ed thought. “Because it’s metal. You want to see?” /Just don’t as why it’s metal.../
The child’s eyes brightened. “Can I? I’ve never seen anyone with a metal arm before.”
Ed wasn’t sure if she was trying to push the past events out of her mind or if she was really curious. He hoped that she was forgetting about it at least for a few minutes.
“What about my armor?” Al asked.
“Doesn’t count. Boss has armor in his office. But why do you wear the helmet? Isn’t it hot in there?” She looked up at the boy.
Al tried to think of an answer that wouldn’t be telling the girl everything. /With what she’s been doing so far, I don’t think she’s realized there’s an exchange... If she sticks to little things she might be safe. / He remembered his first attempts at Alchemy. /Without any real point to start from, she’s already better than I was at her age.../
“His armor’s his baby blanket. Al is really shy around people.” Ed answered hoping that she’d buy it.
Mitsuko looked at the metal arm, not pulling back in fear. She looked up into Ed’s golden eyes. “I think it’s pretty.” She then looked up at Al. “And hope you don’t stay like that all the time. Father Rem says that it’s not good to keep things bottled up.”
/No like I have a choice at the moment. / Al thought missing Ed’s comeback.
Riza and Maes both started back for the van. “Roy’s taking this really hard.”
Maes looked at the blond woman as she whispered. “Most likely, and he’s not going to let us in to get it out of him.”
The two were quiet as they got there. Riza caught Ed’s jacket figuring the boy would try to escape.
“Lieutenant...” Al looked at her.
“Climb in boys. We’re leaving for now. We’ll get the girls out of here then come back.”
/Damn it, and I was hoping to ditch the stupid Colonel before he started making the short jokes. / Ed sighed.
“How is she?” Maes asked seeing the red head curled up against the woman. The child had started crying again and she was calming her.
“She’s a little shaken up still, I think she’ll be okay though. Thank you.” Ritsuko said trying to be polite. He nodded to her sitting nearby.
“Havoc, try to avoid the bumps this time will ya?” Falmon gave him a smug grin.
“Back seat driver...” Havoc glared back as he started back out of the town.
“Fullmetal, why don’t you tell us what happened.” Roy asked once they were out of the village.
“What you mean to tell me you don’t know?” Ed snapped at him making both girls cringe slightly. /Shit, I don’t want to scare them any more. / He thought instantly feeling sorry about it.
Al looked at his brother then at the Colonel. Then back to his brother. He sighed.
Ritsuko stayed quiet, remembering only bits and pieces of what happened after she had crashed into Al. Most of it was still fuzzy so she had an idea of what Rem had given her to make her sleep. /He would knock me out to make sure I slept... Always worried about others.../ She thought remembering what Mitsu had told her about the Father.
“Remember how long it took to get here by train? It takes an hour longer by car.” Roy responded coolly. The blond didn’t say anything.
“When we got off the train they were searching for someone they were calling a child killer.” Ed started, looking up at Ritsuko seeing her curl up more around the child hearing that. He wondered if he should continue. “I think they were looking for someone to bully.” Ed looked over at Roy. “When Ritsuko crashed into Al, they were going to execute her on the spot. I managed to have them spare her.” He grinned. “I’m glad I broke one of the asshole’s noses.”
“It wouldn’t have happened if I didn’t leave them...” Ritsuko looked down. “They wouldn’t have involved her if she hadn’t helped me either.” The small girl was sucking on her thumb as she slept.
“Those Bastards de.... Ow!” Ed winced as Hughes smacked him on the back of the head. “What the hell was that for?”
“Watch your mouth Edward, there’s a little girl present.”
“They needed to be found out about, now we can take it to the military...” Ed finished, still glaring at Hughes.
Mitsu and Ritsuko both cringed at that. “No. Please, I don’t want them to come near us anymore... They’ll question her about what happened. I don’t want Mitsu to live through that again.” She closed her eyes. “She’s only a child. She shouldn’t have even been there when they...” Ritsuko held Mitsu tighter trying to fight tears.
“Huh... Ritsuko, they’re military.” Al said calmly. “And I think the only ones you’d have to worry about are Mustang and Havoc... But they wouldn’t put you in danger. And they wouldn’t do anything unless you wanted them too.”
Riza bit back a laugh hearing Al putting Mustang and Havoc in the same category.
Roy coughed. “Alphonse, I wouldn’t put a child in such a situation...”
“No but you’ll blackmail...” Ed started.
“Different situation Edward,” Roy said testily.
Ed rolled his eyes and glanced out the window.
“I just meant hitting on her. I mean Miss Ritsuko; you do look older than Ed does. No offence. And you’re really pretty.”
This made Ritsuko blush. “I’m twenty-one, I think. My memories of everything before six months ago are a bit hazy... The first real vivid one is Yashiro being killed. Father Rem was trying to protect me and he was stabbed. Then there’s a weird glow, and I woke up in chains in a small room.” She bit her lip not wanting the memories of what had happened there to come to her.
“I’m sorry.” Al said not knowing what else to say.
Havoc listened quietly while Falmon turned to watch them.
Ed thwacked his brother. “Shut up Al.” He whispered.
The car stopped suddenly. “Sorry guys, we kinda have a problem.”
Roy looked up. “What is it?”
“The road’s blocked.”
Envy decided to jump out of the tree he had been watching the group from. “Incompetent. I expected better of you Sergeant Major Davis.” He looked directly at Jordan as he spoke.
Jan smiled as she recognized the green haired man. “I told you that if we kept playing with the paperwork He’d send someone.” She pouted slightly. “And I haven’t had time to break in our pet yet. Now the toy that got away is here and I want him back.” She purred with an almost insane look in her blue eyes.
Jordan cleared his throat and she sat down, looking like she was hurt.
Envy smirked slightly. The woman had been entertaining at least, each time he had come to visit the small village in the past few months. Their minds both worked along the same lines, and though he hated being in pain, she seemed to thrive on it if the company was right. “Relax Major.” He said ignoring all but her. “I was tailing the Fullmetal runt.” He leaned against the tree.
“Then it’s just you?” She smiled brightly. “Good, I can’t stand that immortal whore-bag Lust.” The young woman made her insult sound almost cute as she spoke.
“No one cares about your hatred for her. We need to get the brat and find out where the kid hid the book. We’ve searched all over town, even his other house and still can’t find it. Yashiro managed to create at least one of those damned things without the stone. I want to know how.” Jordan scowled. “Think of the army we can raise with that ability.”
“So that was the six-month cover up.” Envy grinned, /So Jordan is planning on breaking his agreement. And who was it that kept him and his wife out of jail... He’s not going to be too happy about this. / “We were wondering, considering the strings pulled to keep you out of prison. Wouldn’t want them to find out that your little wife here’s a complete flake since she’s been tested on would you.”
Jordan looked up at him. “Are you trying to threaten me? You forget I still have rank, you’re just a mistake.”
Jan giggled madly seeing her husband pissed. “Envy. You know that I’ll still let you take the payment with me... I love how you make me scream.” She went to him rubbing up against him purring. Her short skirt riding up a little so that her soft skin was against his thigh.
/Tempting as it is.../ He thought willing no reaction at all. /It’s more fun to make you beg for it. / He thought, feeling her fingers trail against his thigh and up to his stomach, purposely missing his crotch. “Payment will be watching the little bastard break.” HE watched her eyes go wide, like a child being given the perfect toy. /If she still had most of her sanity, I think I’d feel sorry for the runt. / He thought. /I almost wonder what Black Widow did to her before. And it’s clear that her idiot husband hasn’t noticed. “You know the secret with the brat right Jan?” He asked.
She shook her head as she sat on the ground looking up at him with child like wonder.
“Make it so he can’t clap. That will stop him from using Alchemy.” She grinned brightly hearing this.
Jordan sighed. /Can’t stop her, at least she is still as hot as she was when I married her. And I know he won’t kill her. Not after spending all the time training her. / He thought remembering the few years he had gone without his wife at his side as she tended to matters she still wouldn’t talk about. He had a feeling some of it had to do with the green haired man before her, whom she was drooling over, and part of it was with Black Widow, who had helped her become better with her toxins. “Jan, you’re in charge of bringing them back; first objective is the boy. Our pet if you have time. Flame if it’s easy.”
Jan stood turning to salute him, her mind snapping back to reality. “Yes sir.”
“And no killing any of them. Unless you think they’ll get in the way too much. We do want some word making it back to Central. Might tell our friends where to come when we find the book.”
“Now that I know how good the kid is. The more fun it will be. Care to come watch Envy?” She looked at the Homunculi smiling.
“Of course, I love watching someone torture the brat.” He smiled. “Any plans?”
“They won’t get out of the woods. We’ll let them think they’re safe for a while then get them. I have more than enough darts, and I can have Flame and our toy come here after the boy with this.” She held up a dart with a pink ring around it. “She’s seen it in action on kids... And there’s still one child young enough to use it on alive.”
“I was wondering why you let that one live. The look on Flame’s face when he saw the little gift left in the church was amusing.”
Warrant Officer Vato Falmon was uneasy as he searched around the empty village. So far he hadn’t found he Colonel, or his two companions. Nor had he found anyone else. /This place is a ghost town. The graveyard’s huge. I noticed it had taken up most of the land not used for housing.../ He thought seeing a few houses up ahead. /I wonder why the Priest didn’t get the kids out of here? Didn’t any of them have family? / He caught sight of Havoc’s light colored hair and ran to catch up with him and the others. “Colonel, Lieutenant!” He called out getting them to turn around. “Fullmetal returned o the church. Hawkeye thinks it might be a good idea if we stick together until we know what’s going on.”
/Did she notice... She couldn’t have, her back was turned dealing with the kid. / Roy thought s he nodded.
“Fullmetal had a young woman with him sir. She appeared o be wounded, but someone had taken care of her before hand. The child seemed to know her and was blaming her condition on herself. Hughes found the Father. He was shot a grazing blow.”
“Other than them, this place is a fucking ghost town.” Havoc growled slightly. “How could they let it go so bad?”
“We’re moving out. Havoc get the van ready. Fury, stay by him. I don’t like this.”
Havoc looked at Roy. /Okay, usually nothing gets to him. It’s not just Boss either. Something bigger’s going on here. / He thought not daring to voice his opinion.
Roy had already started back to the church. /I thought that they had been locked away with Kimblee and the others like them... After all they had caused as much damage as he had. And now I find out this is where they disappeared off to. What was he thinking when he did that? / He thought still keeping the expressionless face on. /At least we can get a few of the people here out. /
Falmon watched Mustang leave and looked at the Colonel’s two subordinates wondering if they knew what was bothering him.
Havoc just shrugged lighting his smoke. “Hughes might know.”
“And getting anything out of him about Colonel mustang is nearly impossible, without resorting to threatening his daughter.”
Roy walked back letting his thoughts wander. As he neared the church again his mask went back up. He didn’t want the others to worry about what was going on yet. /This shouldn’t be bothering me like this. That little girl, it was a trick of the lighting... That’s all. Jan can’t be running around loose. They wouldn’t be that stupid would they? /
Riza had found two blankets and some clothes for the child. The girl had begged her to stay with her while she had changed, not wanting to be caught again. When she had offered to give back her jacket Riza had told her to keep it on since the clothes had been thin. “It will keep you warmer okay?” She said leading her back to the others.
The girl had nodded and run back to where the older woman was sitting with Ed and Al.
Maes Hughes watched Al fret a little and could tell that the boy was blaming himself for what happened. /This can’t be easy for him. After having to question if he’s still human../ Maes glanced at the priest, who was giving the two boys their last rights. /We should have gotten here sooner. / The father thought noticing that it was effecting everyone in the room. /We may have been able to get here in time to save those two boys. /
/I can’t be of any help to them in this body. / Al thought watching his brother as he made the small child a metal bird from a spoon he had found. The girl took it thanking him and sobbed into the older girl’s shoulder.
“Thank you for trying to cheer her up Edward.” The woman gave a weak smile as she held the crying red head.
“They didn’t hurt her did they?” Ed asked. /Even if they didn’t, I don’t feel sorry for breaking that man’s nose. The way he was talking about her was like she was some kind of object. / Ed thought as Ritsuko shook her head.
“Not much physically. I think given time she’ll be okay.” The woman spoke calmly. She looked up at Al. “Edward, why don’t you talk to your brother... I think this is hitting him as hard as it is Mitsu.” She said softly.
/How can she tell? / Al thought. “I’m okay really.”
Before Ed could counter him Mustang returned, glaring at the room, not anyone in particular though.
Ritsuko held on to the child seeing the look on the man’s face. She bit her lip lowering her head. “We’re leaving. Bring them with us, I’m not leaving anyone behind.”
Edward growled slightly. “Shit, Colonel, what’s the big idea of coming uninvited and taking over? Al and I had everything under control.” The short blonde teen hissed knowing full well that he and Al were probably so far out of the loop with what was going on, but it made him feel a little better.
Maes watched his friend closely, trying to figure out what was going on in the shorter man’s head.
“Colonel, sir?” Hawkeye looked at him.
“Take the girls with you, I’m afraid I can’t leave, my work here is not done.” Father Rem looked up at them calmly.
“Father.. No.” Ritsuko tried to stand only to have her legs give out on her. Rem caught her before she fell.
“Miss Ritsuko, you’re really not in a position to talk, you can hardly stand on your own.” He said, not meaning to anger her. She bit her lip sobbing into his shoulder, losing her composure. None of them noticed Mustang until he was beside the Priest. Rem wrapped his arms tighter around the girl for a moment, then relaxed seeing the dark eyed man’s face soften slightly.
“Is she okay?” He asked softly, so that she couldn’t hear him.
“Yes, you better take them now before anything else happens.”
“You are still welcome to come with us Father.” Roy said looking at him. “I really don’t want to leave anyone.”
“I can’t leave, this village is my life, if it’s to die, then I will be here until the end if God so wishes it. I have a feeling I will meet with them soon. Please, take care of them. They’ve been through so much in their short lives, I wish I could have done more to help them, but I cannot.”
“Father...” Ritsuko felt Mustang take her from him and tried to fight against him. “No. Father; don’t make me leave... Father...” She reached out for him.
Roy made her look up at him. /She’s terrified.../ He thought seeing the tears threatening to come again. “Wouldn’t you rather get out of here? We can get you to a doctor; you look like you can use one.”
“I don’t care... My life isn’t worth anyone else’s... I don’t care...” She caught Rem’s look and lowered her eyes.
“Ritsuko, I need you to take care of Mitsu. She’ll need someone she trusts near her. Go with them, it will be easier on all of us if I know the two of you are safe.”
“But...” She nodded. “Fine, but once I’m better, if you haven’t come or us, I’m coming back here. Alone if I have to.”
“You won’t have to come back alone.” Roy said calmly. She looked at him.
/He really looks worried about Mitsu and me... Rem trusts him.../ She gave a faint nod.
“Will you allow me to carry you? I don’t want you to fall again.”
“Fine...” She sighed.
/She’s going to be as stubborn as Ed./ He thought as he picked her up a little better this time. She rested her head on his shoulder as he stood.
“Hey we can’t leave yet; we’re not done here.” Ed looked like he was going to say more, but Mitsu tugged his sleeve.
“I gave you an order Fullmetal, we’re leaving.”
Maes watched Roy with the older girl and went to Ed and the smaller girl. “Hey, why don’t we get you somewhere safe okay?” He asked offering a hand to the red head. She pulled back hiding between the brothers peeking out from behind Ed‘s real arm. Maes backed up a little seeing the girl was terrified. He cast a worried glance at Roy, watching his friend calm the other woman down a little more.
“Hey, it’s okay. Hughes won’t hurt ya.” Ed glanced down at the smaller girl; her head came to his shoulder. /Now there’s someone shorter for Roy to pick on at least. / He thought to himself, then noticed she was wearing Hawkeye’s jacket, pulling it close to her. The fear in the girl’s yes tugged at him. /I’m not going to let it stay there.../ He thought wrapping an arm around her. “Hey, don’t cry okay? Come on, you don’t want me to start now do you?” He knelt so that he could look her in the face as she looked down.
“He’s bigger than Boss’s men are though... And they...” She bit her lip glancing to Rem.
“They won’t hurt you Mitsuko. Go with them okay? I want you to be safe; this will be the best way.” He said calmly. “I’ll take care of your friends, don’t worry.”
/Boss? They had her working for them. Is that why she’s still alive? They couldn’t kill one of their own. / Maes thought angered that someone would hurt a little kid.
“Maes is a big teddy bear anyway.” Ed grinned. She looked at him again seeing the anger in his eyes. He quickly softened as he saw her looking at him.
“I’m not that soft.” Maes grinned rubbing the back of his head.
“When it comes to children you are.” Al agreed. “Especially when it comes to Elisya.”
“That’s because she’s my ..” He started rambling about everything his daughter was to him making Mitsu blink slightly.
She clung to Ed hiding her face. He felt her shoulders hitch and looked at her. “Hey, you okay?” He wrapped his flesh arm around her, not sure what to do. “Al... Could you help me out a little?”
“I don’t know what to do...” Al whispered back.
Hawkeye leaned forward whispering into Ed’s ear.
The boy nodded. “Come on, let’s get some fresh air okay?” Ed asked hoping to calm her.
“Sir, you really should come with us.” Riza started. He held up his hand to quiet her.
“I’m doing this for them. I’m trusting you to get them out of here. Please, both of them have much to live for if given the chance. God didn’t want them to have one because of Yashiro. I’ll stay;” He looked at both Riza and Maes as he spoke.
“We’ll do our best.” Hughes said calmly.
Brenda saw Roy coming out of the church with the woman in his arms. “There’s no sign of them anywhere.”
“Doesn’t mean anything. They could have set traps.” Roy said darkly. “Havoc are we ready to leave?” He set the woman he carried on her feet. She leaned heavily against him, clearly not having a lot of strength left. /She must have used up everything she had trying to keep me from pulling her away from the Father. / He thought worried that he might have hurt her.
“We’re ready sir.”
Ritsuko rubbed her arms a little looking back to the church. It was clear on her face that she didn’t like the idea of leaving Father Rem behind. “He’s trying to get me away from Master...” She whispered softly not meaning for anyone to hear.
“Those two aren’t your master.” Roy whispered to her. “You’re not an object.”
Sad eyes looked up at him slightly and she lowered her head a little. /You know nothing about me.../ She touched the bandages on her wrists wondering if anyone had seen the marks under them before Rem had covered them. She knew they were there, no one had seen them when she was being held in the house. All they had wanted was her body.
“Here let me help you into he car,” His voice softened a little as he spoke. It was clear he was trying to keep her calm. /Master? What did they do to you? /
She pulled herself into a corner staying quiet for a few moments. “Six... Six months ago they came here.” She whispered seeing he was still watching her. “They killed father because of what he was doing, and... And took me for themselves... I. I’m telling you this because I figured you weren’t like the other men that were sent to investigate. They went to him first and I...” She looked down her face red.
Roy’s jaw set. /They don’t have reason for this. / He thought catching her shiver again. “To be honest, we weren’t sent to investigate.” He slipped his jacket off putting it over her shoulders. “We came to ...” /Just get Fullmetal and his brother, / He thought to himself. “Make sure that nothing had happened, when we lost contact with the last person sent in, we thought the worst. I’m sorry we made it a little late to be of any help.” He said calmly. “You just try to rest okay? We’ll get you to a doctor as soon as we can.”
“I just need sleep..” She whispered. Roy glanced up at the rear view mirror seeing that Havoc had listened as well. Anger filled the young man’s eyes.
“We’ll take care of them first.” He lipped to him. Havoc nodded staying silent.
Mitsuko grabbed Ed’s metal arm as he and his brother lead her outside. “It’s cold.” The child looked up at him. “Why doesn’t it feel alive?”
Ed laughed nervously. /They always ask... why can’t kids ever just be quiet.../ Ed thought. “Because it’s metal. You want to see?” /Just don’t as why it’s metal.../
The child’s eyes brightened. “Can I? I’ve never seen anyone with a metal arm before.”
Ed wasn’t sure if she was trying to push the past events out of her mind or if she was really curious. He hoped that she was forgetting about it at least for a few minutes.
“What about my armor?” Al asked.
“Doesn’t count. Boss has armor in his office. But why do you wear the helmet? Isn’t it hot in there?” She looked up at the boy.
Al tried to think of an answer that wouldn’t be telling the girl everything. /With what she’s been doing so far, I don’t think she’s realized there’s an exchange... If she sticks to little things she might be safe. / He remembered his first attempts at Alchemy. /Without any real point to start from, she’s already better than I was at her age.../
“His armor’s his baby blanket. Al is really shy around people.” Ed answered hoping that she’d buy it.
Mitsuko looked at the metal arm, not pulling back in fear. She looked up into Ed’s golden eyes. “I think it’s pretty.” She then looked up at Al. “And hope you don’t stay like that all the time. Father Rem says that it’s not good to keep things bottled up.”
/No like I have a choice at the moment. / Al thought missing Ed’s comeback.
Riza and Maes both started back for the van. “Roy’s taking this really hard.”
Maes looked at the blond woman as she whispered. “Most likely, and he’s not going to let us in to get it out of him.”
The two were quiet as they got there. Riza caught Ed’s jacket figuring the boy would try to escape.
“Lieutenant...” Al looked at her.
“Climb in boys. We’re leaving for now. We’ll get the girls out of here then come back.”
/Damn it, and I was hoping to ditch the stupid Colonel before he started making the short jokes. / Ed sighed.
“How is she?” Maes asked seeing the red head curled up against the woman. The child had started crying again and she was calming her.
“She’s a little shaken up still, I think she’ll be okay though. Thank you.” Ritsuko said trying to be polite. He nodded to her sitting nearby.
“Havoc, try to avoid the bumps this time will ya?” Falmon gave him a smug grin.
“Back seat driver...” Havoc glared back as he started back out of the town.
“Fullmetal, why don’t you tell us what happened.” Roy asked once they were out of the village.
“What you mean to tell me you don’t know?” Ed snapped at him making both girls cringe slightly. /Shit, I don’t want to scare them any more. / He thought instantly feeling sorry about it.
Al looked at his brother then at the Colonel. Then back to his brother. He sighed.
Ritsuko stayed quiet, remembering only bits and pieces of what happened after she had crashed into Al. Most of it was still fuzzy so she had an idea of what Rem had given her to make her sleep. /He would knock me out to make sure I slept... Always worried about others.../ She thought remembering what Mitsu had told her about the Father.
“Remember how long it took to get here by train? It takes an hour longer by car.” Roy responded coolly. The blond didn’t say anything.
“When we got off the train they were searching for someone they were calling a child killer.” Ed started, looking up at Ritsuko seeing her curl up more around the child hearing that. He wondered if he should continue. “I think they were looking for someone to bully.” Ed looked over at Roy. “When Ritsuko crashed into Al, they were going to execute her on the spot. I managed to have them spare her.” He grinned. “I’m glad I broke one of the asshole’s noses.”
“It wouldn’t have happened if I didn’t leave them...” Ritsuko looked down. “They wouldn’t have involved her if she hadn’t helped me either.” The small girl was sucking on her thumb as she slept.
“Those Bastards de.... Ow!” Ed winced as Hughes smacked him on the back of the head. “What the hell was that for?”
“Watch your mouth Edward, there’s a little girl present.”
“They needed to be found out about, now we can take it to the military...” Ed finished, still glaring at Hughes.
Mitsu and Ritsuko both cringed at that. “No. Please, I don’t want them to come near us anymore... They’ll question her about what happened. I don’t want Mitsu to live through that again.” She closed her eyes. “She’s only a child. She shouldn’t have even been there when they...” Ritsuko held Mitsu tighter trying to fight tears.
“Huh... Ritsuko, they’re military.” Al said calmly. “And I think the only ones you’d have to worry about are Mustang and Havoc... But they wouldn’t put you in danger. And they wouldn’t do anything unless you wanted them too.”
Riza bit back a laugh hearing Al putting Mustang and Havoc in the same category.
Roy coughed. “Alphonse, I wouldn’t put a child in such a situation...”
“No but you’ll blackmail...” Ed started.
“Different situation Edward,” Roy said testily.
Ed rolled his eyes and glanced out the window.
“I just meant hitting on her. I mean Miss Ritsuko; you do look older than Ed does. No offence. And you’re really pretty.”
This made Ritsuko blush. “I’m twenty-one, I think. My memories of everything before six months ago are a bit hazy... The first real vivid one is Yashiro being killed. Father Rem was trying to protect me and he was stabbed. Then there’s a weird glow, and I woke up in chains in a small room.” She bit her lip not wanting the memories of what had happened there to come to her.
“I’m sorry.” Al said not knowing what else to say.
Havoc listened quietly while Falmon turned to watch them.
Ed thwacked his brother. “Shut up Al.” He whispered.
The car stopped suddenly. “Sorry guys, we kinda have a problem.”
Roy looked up. “What is it?”
“The road’s blocked.”