InuYasha Fan Fiction / Fullmetal Alchemist Fan Fiction ❯ Humanity ❯ Fort Promise ( Chapter 5 )

Humanity

By Joyfulmusic

 

Disclaimer: I do not own Fullmetal Alchemist or Inuyasha. Never have, never will.

This fanfic contains some spoilers. I haven't seen the whole series of either show so I'm not sure how they end. But that's why this is a fanfic

 

Chapter 5: Fort Promise

 

They walked on for the remainder of the day. Without realizing it, they were being pursued again. It was a different being, but still favored the other. This one was stronger, more flexible. He had the skills needed to see without being seen, and to hunt without being detected. Like a young American Indian he shadowed his prey, waiting for the perfect moment to strike the killing blow. It knew that the female had to be taken alive. That was what his master had commanded of him. The other two, however would be eradicated, if he got his way.

 

Reaching the city of Fort Promise the creature fell back into the woods, unwilling to follow into civilization. It was dusk as the threesome entered the city gates. There was no question about allowing Alphonse to pass. This city was full of different people. Most looked human, at least to the untrained eye.

 

A bakery cook watched the trio as they crossed to an inn. She wore the type of full veil some muslin women wear, which covered her face and hair. However her reasoning for it was so she could keep her identity hidden from those who entered her establishment. After seeing their destination she moved to make a phone call.

 

“Yes, the wretch with the red hair.” She paused, waiting for the other party to respond. “She is here, with two others. Are they to be taken as well?” Again she waited. “Yes I see, just the girl. As you wish it master.” Hanging up she walked from the phone to speak with a young man behind the counter. “You will retrieve her.”

 

He glanced up at the woman, his black hair brushing against his shoulders. His red eyes were well hidden behind a pair of dark sunglasses. “Alive I presume?” The other nodded to him. “Very well, but should the others get on my nerves, I shall handle them my way.” Sighing he moved to the back of the store.

 

 

In the room the travelers had rented were two queen-size beds. One was against the wall under the window, which was to the right of the door. The other sat in the opposite corner. There was a small indention in the right wall where a cabinet sink had been built in. To the sides of that was an extremely small bathroom and closet.

 

Looking around Edward led the way in, and then flopped on the bed by the window. Every muscle seemed to ache within his body. He could feel the damage the stress had caused them. Now all he wanted to do was sleep, though he knew he needed a shower and something to eat. However he allowed his eyes to fall shut for a moments rest.

 

Al opened his chest plate, allowing Pharaoh to jump out. The establishment didn't allow pets, so they had to smuggled him in. “It's alright I'll get you some water.” Alphonse stroked him gently then moved to fill the sink with water. Pharaoh jumped up and began to drink eagerly before the basin had been filled.

 

Willa smiled as she locked the deadbolt behind her. She honestly hadn't expected to make it out of those woods alive. But here they were, safe within the city walls. Leaning against the door she sighed slightly and closed her eyes. `Safe, after all this time I'm actually out of harm's way. It must be a miracle.'

 

The alchemist was watching her closely. He didn't want to leave her, for something could still happen. He needed more information before trying to piece the facts together. “Do you have any idea why those things are trying to catch you?” His voice wasn't accusing her of doing anything wrong, just questioning.

 

She opened her eyes and moved across to the other bed. Sitting down made her realize just how tired she really was. “I don't know. Maybe it has something to do with the changeling that wanted me to move in with him. But I'm not sure now. That thing was… different.” Her voice softened as she lay down. “It looked like nothing I've ever seen before. Almost human but, catlike at the same time.”

 

Al nodded thoughtfully as he moved to sit on the bed where his brother lay. “It did look like a cat. It seemed to be part tiger or something… moved that way too. Brother,” He turned to face the blond, who was staring up at the ceiling. “Do you suppose it could have been a chimera?”

 

The man nodded. “I already thought of that. It looked like something that had been grafted together. But still… there are so many different creatures in this new world. You never can tell, maybe that's the way humans look where it comes from. Yet those eyes…” He didn't want to finish the statement, wasn't even sure if he could.

 

Willa's soft steady breath showed that she was sleeping soundly. Alphonse stood, taking an extra blanket from the closet he draped it over her curled up body. Her brow was furrowed with worry. “She's having another nightmare. She had one last night too.” Sitting back beside his sibling he could see the other boy had cocked and eyebrow at him with interest.

 

But Ed let out a sigh without pursuing whatever thought had gone through his mind. He knew his brother watched as he slept. It bothered him sometimes, knowing that Al could never slumber. The younger had no escape from the real world. There was no blissful nothingness for him to slip into during the long nights. Instead he was forced to spend them alone.

 

Edward's stomach growled from lack of food. They had left Willa's house long before breakfast. There were no places to stop along the road for lunch. Now his insides demanded nourishment. “I'm gonna go get something to eat Al. Stay here and watch over Willa.” He sat up then stood, moving to the door.

 

“You think they'll come after her here?” Al questioned. He had supposed so but hoped his brother would disagree. In this instance, he didn't want to be right. Yet to his great dismay the alchemist nodded before leaving, reassuring the fear they both held.

 

The sound of the door closing brought Willa out of her slumber. She blinked a few times before regaining her surroundings. `Al? Did I fall asleep? I thought I was talking with Edward. Must have dozed off though.' Her mind had already been clouded by shear exhaustion.

 

Slowly she sat up, feeling her tight muscles, which ached from the long walk. Noticing the restroom door stood open she was confused. She'd thought perhaps the elder brother had been in the bathroom. “Where's Ed?” Pharaoh was brushing against her side, purring rather loudly.

 

“Brother went to get some food.” Alphonse explained from where he still sat on the other bed. “You two haven't had anything to eat all day. He told me to stay here with you while he went to find something.” He didn't bother to explain why she needed to be watched over. It was clear that she was already extremely agitated.

 

Willa sighed a little and nodded at the thought of food. She was hungry, her stomach could attest to that. But she also felt the need for a hot bath. All her muscles were throbbing with physical exhaustion as well as stress. “I'll take a shower before he gets back. If you don't mind that is.” She stood stretching her back somewhat, causing it pop a few times.

 

Al nodded to her so she went into the bathroom. The cat had started to follow but Alphonse picked him up. Pharaoh glared at him momentarily but decided it didn't matter who was paying attention to him, as long as someone did. So the armor took him into his arms. Cradling the feline he tried to relax his mind which had been wound up since the night before.

 

 

Passing the different shops Edward decided to look around a bit. They would need a few supplies for their stay in Fort Promise. He wasn't sure how long they would be here. It could be for a few days, or quite a while longer. He wanted to make sure Willa would be safe, which was his new goal.

 

The Elrics no longer had a need to continue their journey. There was no longer a glowing jewel at the end of the tunnel. Since coming here they found it almost impossible to research the Philosophers Stone. The knowledge from their world had not been transferred to this one. It seemed to be a lost cause, which broke the elder inside.

 

He'd wanted so much to regain a body for his little brother. It was the only thing that had kept him going. Now it seemed that would never be possible. Had it not been for his younger sibling he never would have tried so hard. He probably would have died shortly after the failed attempt to bring back their mother. In all truth he would have, from loss of blood if nothing else.

 

It hurt him that people would not accept Alphonse. He hadn't found anyone in this world who, when they knew the truth, wouldn't run in fear or call him a demon. That proclamation had cut straight through the armor, they'd both known that. It could be heard in his broken voice, though he'd tried to keep the painful emotions he felt from Edward.

 

Now looking in the store windows he thought of the woman they had come here with. Willa was so different from anyone else he'd met in the new world. She didn't shrink away from Al, didn't even flinch. In a way she reminded him of Winry. Both treated Alphonse as a human being. Willa had even allowed his brother to carry her that morning. So many others wouldn't even speak to him.

 

`She is different, so strong in spirit.' He paused before a clothing shop, glancing at the dresses. `That would fit her. And she needs something else to wear. What she has on is covered with mud.' He'd noticed how the long skirt had been drug in the puddles, so he entered the shop.

 

 

Alphonse stroked the cat. It rose to the touch, grateful for not having been left behind. The sound of running water could be heard through the wall. He could tell Willa was going to take a bath instead of a shower. It was the noise of quickly running water, splashing into the tub bellow.

 

His thoughts began to wander. `She didn't mind. Didn't care about what I am. It was like she accepted me without a second thought. Willa let me carry her. That other girl, the one brother and I tried to save a few weeks ago… she screamed when my helmet came off, and then ran.'

 

Al glanced down at Pharaoh who'd decided to curl up on his lap. His eyes, or what he used to see with, watched the cat closely. `She called me a demon. But Willa… Willa doesn't mind. She still speaks with me, treats me like a person instead of an object. It's nice. I hope brother doesn't want to leave her now that we've made it to the city.'

 

 

Edward came out of the store with a two bags. One contained clothes for himself, while the other was for the girl he was traveling with. He hoped he'd gotten the dimensions right. But the dress should fit, even if it wasn't the exact size she wore.

 

Walking back toward the hotel room he spotted a small grocery store. He walked in and began looking around. There wasn't much to choose from. But he was hungry enough that it didn't really matter what he bought. Moving down a random isle he spotted cat food. Grabbing a small bag he moved on.

 

Seeing small cups of soup he chose four. The directions said `Just add hot water'. That would be easy enough. Then he picked up some plastic spoons and moved to the checkout counter. Glancing down he saw a small sign which read. `Don't Forget the Milk' He frowned; usually signs said that same thing about ice. `But the cat might like some.' So he went to pick up a small jug.

 

Moving back to the counter he put a hand in a pocket for his wallet. As he pulled it out he noticed that the cashier was watching him carefully. The man was doing his job but had his attention trained on the alchemist, making Ed feel uncomfortable, though he tried to shake it off.

 

He laid down a large bill and waited for the change. When it was passed to him he glanced up. Though the man wore shades Edward could see there was something about those eyes. They definitely had a red glow that was of course unnerving for the young man. Quickly he collected the bags and left.

 

`They were like those of that creature back in the woods.' His mind raced as he jogged back to the inn. `It's not safe, not even here. That guy knew something. They must be everywhere.' His adrenaline was raised once more. Things were getting out of hand and he wasn't sure what to do next.

 

 

Authors Note:

 

Yes Inuyasha will be in the story. He shows up in Chapter 12: Transformation. Kagome and the others come in during Chapter 10. While he doesn't show up too early he is important to the story. Without Inuyasha, well a lot of things wouldn't happen... I could tell you what all but that would ruin it! So I'll just say that once he comes in, well nothing will be the same!

By the way maybe I should have mentioned this in the first chapter, I don't like Kikyou. So she doesn't have much of a role. In my mind she's a bad guy so if you're one of her fans I'm sorry.