InuYasha Fan Fiction / Fullmetal Alchemist Fan Fiction ❯ Humanity ❯ Women ( Chapter 19 )

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 19: Women

 

Alphonse peeked into Morrisa's bedroom. She had finally managed to fall into the dreamless sleep caused only by exhaustion. The endless searching was taking its toll on the young woman. Pharaoh had curled up on her feet, purring as he slept. The animal was oblivious to the problems his human companions were facing. Silently as his metal body would permit, Al closed the door.

 

Outside the city was both dark and hushed. His room was painstakingly lonely without anyone else in it. He took a seat and looked across to the other bed. `Brother, I hope you're safe tonight.' His mind was pained at the thought of the elder Elric being alone in the woods. It was late, and therefore more dangerous than during the daylight hours.

 

Time seemed as though it were standing still. Everyday Al and Mora would search until sunset only come home to an empty apartment. His sibling was continuously absent, with no news to give about where Willa might be. Of course that also meant that if Alphonse had been able to find some trace or even the girl herself, he would be unable to tell Edward.

 

`If I could at least sleep, escape these endless nights.' But of course, he couldn't. Dreams were a fantasy to him, something that remained unattainable. They had eluded him since he'd been bound into the armor. It was another way to pay penitence for what he and his brother had done, so many years ago.

 

 

Meanwhile Ed was busy worrying about the overall situation facing him. He was lying with a rock as head support, his red jacket rolled up atop that. He and the others had stayed at the campsite by the lake. His golden eyes watched as the last of the flames danced across the firewood. Soon it would go out completely, leaving the group in the cold darkness of night. He tightened his grasp on Willa, who was lying protectively under his arm.

 

Her breath was soft and steady as she slept. It was the best rest she'd gotten since she had been drugged. Her right arm was under her head as a pillow. With her other hand, she held on to arm of the man she loved. But no matter how much strength she gained through him, her dreams were still troubled with haunting visions. She could see herself attacking the others with her claws, unable to control her actions. Her heart ached as Edward turned away from her in the dream, never to return.

 

Inuyasha didn't bother trying to sleep at all. He rested with his legs crossed, his sword lying in his arms. His eyes were closed but he was nevertheless aware of the surroundings. He could hear that everyone, other than himself and the alchemist were sleeping. Pride refused to allow him to slumber before that particular human dozed off.

 

Kagome rested peacefully in her sleeping bag, Shippo curled up beside her. The kitsune had been apprehensive all day. These newcomers troubled his thoughts. They had caused quite a bit of trouble in the short time since he'd met them. It was something he hoped he wouldn't have to get used to. For the small boy, keeping up with Inuyasha was hard enough.

 

On a couple of pallets laid Sango and Miroku. Kirara had taken her place in the demon slayer's arms. Her ears twitched every now and then at small sounds. The woman was concerned for this new girl but had faith that they would be able to help her. She couldn't blame Ed for his reaction toward Miroku's proposal. To her, the monk needed something to make him break the habit of asking women to bear his children.

 

 

The night dragged on for the two alchemists as well as the hanyou. All were lost in thoughts as deep as the ocean itself. Willa seemed to be the connecting thread between the threesome. Her welfare meant a great deal to all of them, making it hard to distinguish who cared most. It was a close tie between Inuyasha and Edward.

 

The hanyou felt he needed to protect her because of guilt. It was his blood, after all, that had transformed her. Ed's concern stemmed from the love he felt for her. It was the kind of affection that goes beyond mere looks and passion. True love, as it were, tends to run deep and take root within a person's soul, just as it had in his.

 

 

As the sun rose, so did those who had slept through the night. Mora wandered into the bathroom for a hot shower. It had been a strenuous search for her friend. Leads were scarce and as time wore on so was hope. She tried hard not to loose faith, but it too was slipping way. Her heart found it could not hold on much longer without a clue of some kind. Soon, she felt, they would be forced to admit defeat.

 

Ever so slowly the water washed away Mora's drowsiness. The heat of it burned until her skin was bright red and the mirror had fogged over. She'd always been advised against having the water too hot. However this particular morning she needed it to burn away all the past failures. To purge the doubt that lingered in her mind.

 

`We'll start again.' She told herself as she turned off the water and got out to dry off. `Start fresh and check everything again. All those creatures couldn't have just vanished without a trace.' It was a good attitude to start the day with. Unfortunately, it usually didn't persist past the front door.

 

Alphonse had breakfast laid out on the table as Morrisa descended the stairway. The smell of muffins, eggs, and sausage make her perk up a little more. Although Al couldn't taste or even smell the food he was preparing, he made a better cook than she did. After Morrisa filling the apartment with smoke twice, he'd started fixing the meals.

 

“Morning.” She greeted with a smile. Pharaoh came rushing from behind the couch to rub against her legs. “And a good morning to you too.” She said, patting the cat on the head, in return receiving a loud purr. His back arched as he yawned before dashing off toward the kitchen for his own food.

 

“Did you sleep well?” Al questioned, pulling out a chair for her. With a roll of her eyes she took a seat. A hand brushed through her wet hair, a frown firmly in place across her lips. “That bad?” He soothed, sitting down beside her and rubbing her back gently. She stretched a little, the massage helping her aching muscles.

 

Mora moaned to show her exasperation. “I slept, but not necessarily very well. No nightmares this time, but there weren't exactly any good dreams either. It was like being in a restless void of nothingness.” After that she bowed her head and said a silent prayer before eating.

 

Al had learned to pray with her, though he wasn't able to eat. It was a ritual his brother didn't practice, but one Morrisa strongly believed in. For Alphonse, her belief was enough. He had always secretly supposed there was a God, someone who sat things in motion, though he wasn't sure who. Yet with Morrisa it wasn't so much who as the fact God was there.

 

She sighed heavily and picked up a warm muffin. Alphonse usually spoke during the morning, and this day was no different. “I was thinking that maybe we should take some time off. You're really tired and…” He paused as Mora gave him a glare that warned him not to say anything she didn't want to hear. “I think we could use the break.”

 

Her head shook as she swallowed the bite she'd taken. “No. We have to find Willa. You know how much it means to me. Besides we'll be able to get plenty of rest when she's back home.” Morrisa gave her love a weak smile. Her hand moved to touch his, though he wouldn't be able to feel it. “Don't worry so Al. It won't be too much longer before she and Ed are back here with us.”

 

“I hope you're right.” Alphonse murmured, turning his gaze back to the front door. “I want to believe that so much. But if brother doesn't return soon, I'll go out and try to find him.” She mumbled something he couldn't quite understand so he questioned. “What did you say?” He was looking back into her eyes.

 

“Edward wanted us to stay here and search.” She explained simply, glancing up at him. “What if he returned and you weren't here to greet him when he got home? Besides he told you to protect me. How are you going to do that if you're somewhere out in the woods?”

 

Al didn't really know what to say. He knew she was right but didn't want to admit it to her. He was worried about his sibling having been gone so long. Still, he chose to agree with the girl to ward off the impending argument. “Alright, but if he isn't back by next week we'll both go out and find him.”

 

“Deal.” She nodded before continuing to eat. That signified the end of the conversation. The rest of breakfast was spent in an awkward silence. Mora would wind up staying home and resting for the day. Meanwhile Alphonse would continue searching the city, checking various warehouses and other abandoned buildings.

 

 

Willa moaned in protest as Edward rose from his spot beside her on the ground. He shook his head while staring down at her. `She's beautiful. Even with those ears, she's still beautiful.' A smile crossed her lips and he realized she must have heard his thoughts. He bent down to whisper softly in her furry ear. “You're gorgeous.”

 

Two golden eyes watched the display. There was a definite frown on his face, but he turned his head away as the alchemist stood and glanced at him. Inuyasha trained his gaze on the lake, as though he hadn't noticed anyone was awake. Of course he never had been a very good actor.

 

“Morning.” Ed offered, stretching slightly. He received no reply which ticked him off a little. He walked over to where the hanyou sat and looked down at him. “I know you don't like me but you could at least be civil, for Willa if nothing else.” His stare was direct and unwavering as the other man glared back at him.

 

“Don't you think you should leave before she wakes up?” Inuyasha's voice was as cold as his expression. “You know, to make it easier on yourself. Just walk off without the long goodbye. Isn't that what you were planning? Or do you feel like hurting her even more by pretending?”

 

An angry fire blazed in Edward's heart. “I'm not leaving.” He hissed the words low enough so as not to bother the others who were still slumbering peacefully. “I'm sticking around. And when we find a way to change her back, or suppress those powers, we'll be leaving. So don't get too attached.”

 

“Edward?” Willa called out in her sleep. Her brow was furrowed with concern. Due to the increased powers she was able to pick up on the mood around her, even while sleeping. It was causing her to have nightmares about being left alone again. A tear formed in the corner of her eye, then ran slowly down her cheek. “Don't go.” She begged, her voice trembling.

 

In a moment Ed was at her side, his hand brushing the salty droplet away. “Hey, don't worry I'm here.” As he whispered the words her eyes fluttered open. Those blue orbs seemed even deeper than usual and were full of sadness. “Morning beautiful.” He soothed, caressing her face tenderly.

 

She gave him a weak smile. “Hey.” Her fingers stroked gently against his cheek. “I had a dream that you left. That you changed your mind and didn't want to be with me anymore.” Another tear began to form but she wiped it away before it had a chance to fall. Suppressing the feelings, she sat up with a small yawn. Unfortunately sorrow still hung in the air around her. “You need to go back to Fort Promise to tell Al and Mora about me and get that arm fixed.”

 

He shook his head and gave her a wry smile. “I'm not going to abandon you. We'll get you a sword made first. Then we'll go back to town together. I don't want to leave you behind.” His fingers ran through her red hair, the tangles catching them every now and then. But she was still frowning. “What?”

 

Her head bowed. “I want you to go tell them Edward. They need to know that I'm alright. And you have to get your arm fixed.” She nodded toward Kagome and the others. “One of them can go with you. Meanwhile I can see about getting a weapon that will restrain my powers.” She could see the dispute in his eyes so she beseeched further. “Please Ed, do this for me. Then I swear I'll stay with you.”

 

“You won't go off with him?” He pointed toward the hanyou with a frown. “You're not leaving me for that guy are you?” His own nightmares had revolved around Willa abandoning him for Inuyasha. The argument he'd had with the other man earlier didn't help to quell his fears about their feelings. After all, he wasn't sure what those people had done that would affect her emotions.

 

But Willa smiled and shook her head, giving the alchemist a peck on the cheek. “No I'm not leaving you for him. You know you're the only one I want. Besides, Kagome would have my head if I went after her man.” The tease wasn't received as well as she had hoped. So in a low voice she soothed his ego. “Just like I'd rip out the hair of anyone who came between me and you.”

 

At that Edward allowed himself to smile. “Alright then, I'll go ahead and leave so that I can come back soon.” He kissed her lips lightly before standing and turning to look at the other sleeping figures. “But who should I take with me?” Then he got a wicked idea, one that made sure his rival would bring his woman back. Kneeling down he gently shook Kagome's shoulder. She mumbled something about an exam before opening her eyes. “Hey time to wake up.” He told her. “I need you to come back to Fort Promise with me so that I can get some repairs done then get back here.”

 

Inuyasha was over him as soon as the sentence had been spoken. The blond looked up at him. “You're not taking her anywhere.” The hanyou snarled, taking the alchemist by the shirt and bringing him to a standing position. “She's staying here with me. Do you understand?”

 

“Inuyasha…” Kagome was fully awake now. “Sit boy!” With a thud he hit the dirt face first. Luckily he'd let Edward's collar go in time for the man to remain standing. The miko peered up at him with a smile. “You want me to go into the city with you?” He nodded so she rose from her sleeping bag. “Alright.”

 

And so, against the hanyou's wishes, Kagome left with Ed for Fort Promise as soon as breakfast was over. Inuyasha had spent the entire morning grumbling about it. Willa on the other hand didn't bother. She knew Edward was taking the woman as a type of collateral. He had the hanyou's love and Inuyasha had his. That way he could be sure that Willa would be brought back to him.