Fullmetal Alchemist Fan Fiction ❯ Protection ❯ Chapter Nine ( Chapter 9 )

 

Protection

`Chapter Nine'

 

“Wake up sunshine.”

“Unh…” I felt my heavy eyes lever open on their own and then droop back down as I yanked the thick quilt back over my head.

“Come on, you can't sleep through breakfast can you?” Edward murmured into my ear through the thick cloth, I swatted annoyingly at his face and then pushed mine further into the pillow.

 

“I guess we'll have to do this the hard way then.” With a sigh, I felt brother's weight being lifted from my bed. I didn't really understand what he had said because my mind was still off and asleep. I didn't really care either; I just wanted to stay huddled in the blankets and sleep. Brother though had other plans.

“Up, up!” Edward announced and tugged the sheets until I felt the heat being sucked away from me. In a feeble attempt I curled into myself and moaned out sleepily. “Uuuhhhhnnnn!”

“Come on Al.” He said with a cheery voice. I ignored him and started falling back asleep until brother wrapped his arms around my waist and hoisted my up and onto his shoulder. “Can't let you sleep all day now can I?”

“Ed, put me down.” I said in a sort of yawn and plea.

“Sure thing, just as soon as we get outside.” Wait. Outside?

 

Edward started out of the room humming softly as I finally woke up enough to pick out what was going on. I looked around seeing the hallway grow smaller and smaller and then the light of morning hit my eyes. I squirmed around in brother's arms.

“I'm up! I'm up!”

“Good boy.” He said with a cheeky smile, lowered me to the ground and patted me onto of the head just in front of the shower. I swear, if he had put me under cold running water I would have killed him. I was waken like that once when I was younger and feared it now.

Being waken up in such a way had made me groggy. I knew now my day wouldn't be as energetic. I drug my body into the kitchen and sat at a small wicker chair in the corner, opposite of Winry. I watched curiously as she cooked wanting so badly to know what she was making. I could try peeking from behind her, but just as soon as I did it she would swat me away with a wooden spoon or something. She turned to look at me and gave a warming smile.

“You're up unusually early.”

“I would still be in bed if it wasn't for Ed.” I complained in a whisper and crossed my arms across my chest.

“Oh, I should have known.” She laughed and continued to stir whatever was in a silver bowl. From the way she was stirring, the concoction was most likely very thick. I hope she didn't think that I was going to eat that.

“Hey Winry, what'cha cooking?” I mumbled and leaned onto the table trying to get a look. She glanced over her shoulder and gave a little smirk. “Now you're just going to have to see when I get done.” Unh.

 

Falling back into my chair I exhaled heavily and stared at the table's surface. For some reason I felt different towards Scar. After brother told me last night what he thought, I couldn't help but believe him, after all, it fits. Scar wouldn't be here just to be here, there has to be some purpose behind it. I know brother wants me to be safe, and I will, but I have to know the truth. I have to know if Scar is a threat and to who.

I must go to the place where I found him, maybe that can answer some questions. I'd have to keep this silent, brother would never agree to this but I have to. I have to know.

 

“Good morning.” I peaked up from the table and glanced ahead of me to the man who I had once worked for I guess you can say. Roy stood with his back arched so his chest seemed to keep him balanced; he was wearing part of his uniform and held a roll of papers under his arm. He was looking at me curiously, had he just walked in or had he been there the whole time? With a blushing expression I managed a simple, “Morning.”

 

`Hm, don't you have somewhere to go?” Edward mumbled at Roy as he entered the kitchen with both of his hands tucked neatly in his jean pockets.

“Yes, I do and promise to leave you as soon as I finish my coffee, I wouldn't want to stay around you all day and catch your ailing nature now would I?” Mustang mumbled the last part under his breath and took a fair sip from a maroon mug; he must have been up earlier. It took Edward a while to catch on before he was throwing words back. “What was that?”

“Nothing at all Fullmetal, just a token of my mentality to you.”

“What's with the big words?” Ed grumbled softly and slid into a chair beside me, apparently giving up. He stared at Mustang for a couple more seconds before glancing at me and smiled. “See, aren't you glad I woke you up when I got up?”

“Thrilled.” I mumbled sarcastically and got an amused chuckle from Roy, “and why did I have to get up when you did brother?” Ed scratched his chin for a moment and picked up a cup filled with milk, made a disgusted face at it and then looked back at me.

“Because I love you.” He said giving the most innocent smile I could ever imagine from him.

“It's good to know.” I sighed while picking up a warm piece of toast from a small plate and then a small china bowl with butter in it. Again it took brother a moment to get what I had said.

“Hey…” Ed complained and too grabbed a piece of toast and started spreading strawberry jelly onto it.

“Love you too.” I laughed and took a healthy sized bite of the toasted bread.

 

“Oh, that reminds me.” Brother whispered before taking off down the hallway. Both Winry and I bent as far as we could to see what Edward was doing. Just as soon as he came out of our room and started back at the kitchen we pulled into our original positions.

“This is for you Al, “Ed placed a box in front of me; about the size of a shoe box that was tied with two blue ribbons. I tilted my head sideways and poked it with a finger. I pulled my hand back when it suddenly started to shake, “and this is for you.” Brother went to Winry and pulled a small red box about the length of a pencil, but slightly wider from behind him. Hers was tied with two pink ribbons.

 

“I know you like auto mail and all, but when I saw this, I thought of you.” Ed murmured softly with pink tinted cheeks. Winry took the box and opened it slowly, pulling one ribbon at a time before lifting the lid. “This is beautiful.” She whispered softly and sat the box down while pulling a silver necklace out. From where I sat it look like it had three charms. “I'm; I'm glad you like it.” Brother replied gently and took the necklace, helping her to put it on.

 

“There, it looks wonderful on you.” Winry blushed and looked down for a moment and then back up at Ed just as he was leaning towards her; kissing her on her feverish cheek. I felt myself smile brightly as they hugged. “I'm sorry I wasn't here for Valentine's Day, but I want you to know I didn't forget you.” Winry smiled shyly and then returned to cooking while brother returned to the table.

 

“Aren't you going to open yours Al?” Ed asked while taking a long sip of water, his face just as red as Winry's. “Um, yeah.” I was going to open it, but I wanted to see Winry open hers first. That was very sweet of brother.

I cautiously pulled the ribbons away and stared at the box. I was being careful because I didn't know if something was about to jump out or what. Brother laid his head on the table and stared at me smiling as I lifted the lid. “Kitty!” I squealed and scooped a ball of fluff into my arms.

 

“I found her roaming around Xenotime the whole time I was up there, I never saw her with any other cats so I figured she might have been separated or abandoned by her mother. If Pinako will let you, then she's all yours.” Ed lifted his head up and took another drink from his cup.

I held the small Calico kitten up in my hands. She was so tiny! From the looks of it, she seemed to be a couple of months old. One thing that got me were her eyes, they were the most beautiful ginger that matched her smooth coat. The only other colour she had on her was a black splotch going under her left eye and then covering the entire left side of her head. “Mew.” I started squirming with giggles; I loved to hear a cat meow.

 

“Thank you brother! She's absolutely gorgeous.” I slung my arms around Ed's shoulders and hugged him firmly. “But one thing, how come I didn't hear her last night?”

 

“Because I didn't have her with me last night, I left her with Sciezka before I came here; I got up earlier this morning and got her.” Oh that's right, she works here at that book store now doesn't she?

 

“Aw, she's adorable!” Winry bubbled and placed her chin on my shoulder so she could see the kitten making itself a pallet in my lap. “I think Pinako will let you keep her, it would do the house well if we had a cat around here.” Winry stated and stretched her arm over my shoulder stroking the tiny cat on her head, getting a soft and vibrant purr. Edward smiled at me and then looked up at Mustang.

 

“Sorry Love but I didn't buy you anything; I couldn't find any lingerie in your size.” He ended the sentence with a cute smirk and closed eyes. Roy took a small sip from his mug and then retracted it to his chest. “Pity, a new gown would have been nice, but coming from you I'd rather walk around wearing a living human being, more or less.” Mustang nodded to himself before taking another drink from his cup leaving Edward staring at him for a moment.

 

“Did you note the sarcasm in my voice?” Roy finally asked when Ed only remained to stare bedazzled and most likely disgusted. I wondered if he had imagined his past officer wearing a gown, heh, poor Edward.

 

After a quick breakfast of a fork load of scrambled eggs, I silently slipped out of the kitchen with my small kitten tucked away in my in my tank top. She had found a way to get tangled within the thin fabric.

“Crazy little thing aren't you?” I asked the small Calico and got a “mew.” I started giggling held in laughter. Kitten noises were so soothing as well as entertaining. I could just stay in my room watching and listening to her soft calls.

 

************************************************************** **********

*Point-of-view switching to Scar*

 

It looked like it was going to be a beautiful day, even with my window heavily covered and it being the new born hours of the morning. Pity I wasn't going to see it; I haven't even been out of my room since last night, I doubt I was in good enough mood to actually come out. I felt no need to. A weird thing though, usually before Alphonse went to bed at nights, he would stop by my door, I could tell by his hesitance and soft breathing, and softly tap his knuckles on it waiting for me to answer; then he would give me a soft goodnight, but; I heard nothing from him. It's understandable if you're upset about something that you don't feel like talking to anybody, but this is Al; Al would never keep what ever was on his mind in. Something just didn't seem right.

Could the older Elric have said something to keep Al away; a warning or something? What the Hell did he think I was going to do, kill his brother; the one who had saved me?

Though I respected him very much because of what he had to deal with and him taking care of his brother, Edward was one of the people I hated most. Don't get me wrong, I hate Mustang with a passion, but Edward also ranks up there with him.

I was fuming now; the two men I hated the most were now under the same roof and I was unlikely to be able to see Alphonse.

 

I thought for hours until I heard the front door open and the last other occupants leave; Alphonse and Edward. Mustang had left rather early, followed by the young blonde girl and the woman. I glanced out of the thick curtain and watched as Al turned his head so he could look at my window. He had the saddest expression that I had ever seen; it looked like he was on the verge of tears. I quickly let go of the fabric and stood. No longer had I stood did I unleash my anger out on the wall. I breathed in heavily and felt shaky. If this hand were real, then I am certain I would have just broken it; the spiral spinning wrist was touching splintered wood.

 

“Tisk, tisk, taking your anger out on the wall, what an ungentleman-like thing to do.” A voice stroked inside of my ear, the breathy and mocking voice I had heard before; the one that had violated me intimately as well as mentally. I withdrew my metal fist and stared off at the corner behind me where the voice had just come from. I just stared. I had no idea what to say.

It asked, “Feel better now?” with a soft chuckle. I narrowed my eyes and bent my abdomen forward in a defensive position.

 

“Get out.” I mumbled through a deep intake of breath. I felt ridiculous for speaking to this voice; I guess because I'm not sure if I actually am talking to a living thing or to a figment of my imagination.

“Really? But I find your room so delightfully welcoming.”

 

“Now” I mumbled yet didn't hesitate to launch forward, aiming for the place where I believed this things head was located, from where I had heard its voice; swung my fist in a 360 degree turn and hit nothing but air. “Too slow.” I was thrusted against the wall, my face slamming into the unsmooth surface, my arms bent behind my back.

“I guess you might have hit me, that is, if you had seen me.” It laughed quietly against the back of my neck before turning my head to the side and running a warm tongue up my cheek until it reached my ear; caressing the soft mound of flesh and chuckling gently making me shiver in disgust.

“Get off me.” I growled in my throat and bucked my head backwards; I felt a shock of pain but I also felt the weight on my back pushed away as my assaulter stumbled back away from me.

 

I went to make it for the door; I didn't want to even try fighting something that I couldn't see. I had my hand enclosed around the knob but before I could even turn the brass, I was taken roughly by the throat and slammed backwards against the wall.

“I'm afraid I can't, I own you my dear Ishbalan.” It said through clenched teeth. It made a snort and then cooed, “Maybe this will make things even.”

I struggled against the uncomfortable grip until I saw a face slowly appear like smoke, as well as a whole body. I heard myself gasp right before a knee was brought up and struck me in the stomach, letting me fall to the floor. Slowly I looked up at scarlet eyes that seemed to be naturally narrowed and comfortable to everything even though there was a frightening smirk plastered on this mans face.

A Man; this thing was a man. I patted along the wall until I was back on my feet again. If I had to guess his age, I would say around twenty. Matching his bloody eyes was short coal black hair, except on the left side, he had a handful of hair that went past his shoulder and down his back, all together in a simple tie. His attire was what seemed to be a body suit except that when it got to his mid thighs, the fabric flared out and ended at his knees in a bunch. The suit would have revealed his stomach if it wasn't for a large belt; only leaving a small patch of skin above and below the leather. His hips weren't covered all the way, barely at all.

 

I felt sick all of a sudden as I glared ahead of me.

“Is this fair now? You can see me.” He laughed buoyantly and leaned forward on his knees. His voice was still soft and breathy, but this time gave off an accent which was close to mine, in depth wise at least. When I didn't reply he cocked out his hip and placed his hand swiftly on it. “Forgive me, I forgot to introduce myself,” Rolling his hand around continuously, he bent forward and ended by pressing it against his chest, “I wasn't really given a proper name, but you may call me Covet.” He smiled softly and then stood straight again. “I have no need for your name,” that mocking voice again, “I already know who you are.” I clenched my fists tightly. “Get out.” If I had to, I would keep repeating myself.

 

“Do we HAVE to go through this again?” Covet sighed and started towards me. I instinctively lowered my body and backed up against the wall. “Don't worry; I'll refrain from touching you when it isn't necessary.” He said in a whisper and turned his back to me, waved his hand which automatically caused the curtain to drape over what area of visible glass was left. I felt myself stop breathing as I caught a glimpse of the back of his neck; there, red as his eyes was the aura boros symbol. A homunculus!

“But I must talk to you, so don't go bitching at me to get out” He continued and then went to the wall opposite to where I was, probably wanting me to feel safer while he was at a distance. He saw me staring hard at his neck; which I couldn't help; he was a homunculus.

 

“I assume you've seen the seal.” He chuckled softly and ran a hand until he had his palm lying over the aura boros. “No matter, it changes nothing. Now,” He seemed to be sitting on air as he folded his hands neatly over one another in his lap, “I believe you know what the Philosopher's Stone is, if my research has been done accurately, then I am correct that you have knowledge of it, am I not?” The stone? He couldn't be talking about the cursed crimson stone I died to create; I had put that all behind me. What did this demon want? I glared at the wall for a moment though the homunculus didn't seem to mind; actually he seemed to be of a patient manner. “You are correct.” I mumbled in a jagged whisper, I didn't know much about the homunculi except what I had learned through the Elric brothers and having abrupt crossings with the creatures on my journey. I may not know much about them, but I didn't like the way this conversation had started off and I didn't like the thing that was sitting in front of me.

“Good.” He said with a smile that sent an unwanted chill down my spine. For a moment, he reminded me of someone I knew; someone I had killed. “What do you want with me?” I said in a hushed voice. I was afraid that I might start yelling if I allowed my voice to go any higher. Covet smiled for a moment, his eyes darting over my face gently. “You shall know in good time, scarred man.”

 

He stood suddenly from his unseen throne and crossed the room swiftly. I found myself trying to grasp the wall for protection and staring ahead with my heart throbbing in my chest. Inches away from me, he smiled and then cupped my cheek in his gloved hand, “So much pain, sorrow, and so much malice revolves around you. You've tried secreting your pain with hatred and anger,” saying this he leaned closer and pressed his body against mine, the hand that wasn't stroking my face intertwined with mine; his mouth right to my ear, “I've seen your pain unleashed, you poor soul.” He grieved and tilted my head so that I had no other option but to look at him. The part that frightened me was that I obeyed the movement.

 

“I'm here for you.” I moaned softly as my lips were taken by his; leaning into the softness I closed my eyes and found myself in a warm place, a place that I had always dreamed about when I was a young child. My brother was there, sitting under a large oak tree, no forbidden alchemy books, no taboo, just him and I, lying in the grass and staring at the sky, together.

My eyes snapped open when I heard a familiar voice in my head, always in my head, never to go away, and then, a sweet flowing scent. I pushed the homunculus from me and stared at the ground violently as my body shook under the mental assault.

“Don't give me your sympathy,” I straightened my body without making eye contact, “because I don't need it.”

 

Covet watched me and then slipped on the smile, “good.” He backed away from me and then bowed gracefully, “I knew not to underestimate you, dear scarred man; until we meet again.” He gave me one last smile and then disappeared leaving me looking around neurotically. He was playing around with my mind, the image I got when he kissed me, the way he can seem to paralyze me when I'm at full strength. This was the thing that had kept me awake, thinking about stuff I had long ago forgotten. I clutched my fists to keep them from shaking any faster and dropped to my knees, tears leaving dark stains on the hard wood floor as they soaked in. He was going to mess with my head until I lost it, until I was no longer civilized enough to think straight. My sobs came out thick; he had broken something, some kind of barrier that I couldn't protect any longer, a barrier that ever since my brother died, I built up, to protect myself.

I stood silently and let my body sway from side to side for a moment before I started at a fast pace out of my door, not even caring if I had shut it back or not. I had to get away from here.

As the house grew smaller behind me, I wiped away the last bit of tears that had streamed in a silver streak down my tanned cheeks. I couldn't stay there and let that homunculus destroy what sanity I had left; promise or no promise to Alphonse Elric.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Authoress notes:

Yay for angst! *Randomly does spirit fingers* you've just read chapter nine of Protection; don't you enjoy the violence/angst? It makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside*hugs self*

We have the entrance of Covet!*glomps* Now this little guy I own *licks* and if you've noticed, he is the `thing.' I got Covet from Covetous, which is kind of like Greed, but I didn't take any of Greed's personality, name, attire, or looks so no killing me *holds up shield* I know everything is going to start getting confusing, but it will all come together soon enough^-^ Just try storing the information about him in your heads for later use. :P Oh yes, and Alphonse's new kitty cat *pounces on cat* is based off of a cat that I had a couple of years ago that I picked up off the street and kept her as my own. You'll find out the kitties name in good time*poke*

As I've said many a time, Ideas, flamers and comments are always welcome. Until the next chapter… *flies off on giant energizer bunny*