Soul Alchemist Ch. 6
Finally!!! I finished Soul Alchemist Ch. 6! Yay! Sorry it took waaaaaay too long. So I decied to make this chapter a bit longer than the the others, and add alot of drama! Hopefully you all like, I tried really hard to make this worth the wait.
Title: The Soul Alchemist: The Second Meeting
Author: Frankie_the_cat
Rating: R (for swearing?)
Warnings: More past event's revealed! Why Ed told Al he hated him!
Summary: "I'm sorry brother...I'm so sorry...but I have to do this...it's for the best..."
The automail hurt. Ever since Isaac had an automail mechanic apply the prosthetics Kid had been spending all his time getting used to the weight. It had been months since he had first awoken in that tent, all bruised and battered from the military attack, and still he had no clues about who he was. Despite countless tries at prying any bit of information out of the all the men in the camp, none said anything more than a few vague words.
It was even harder to get anyone to talk to him about his past now that they discovered he could do alchemy. He almost regretted warming up that bowl of soup, he didn't really mean to anyway. All he did was think about eating warm soup, and then boom, he had warm soup. His alchemy skill was all anyone wanted to talk about, especially Isaac. They had recently found out that he didn't need an array, just his two hands. Everyday he and Isaac would go out into the woods and spend countless hours trying to transmute tree stumps and boulders into different shapes. Kid would have to clap his hands over and over, causing a dull pain to rise in his left shoulder where the automail connected.
Rubbing his shoulder absently, trying to chase away the dull pain, he starred into the night sky. The day had been especially hard on him due to the freezing temperatures. It was winter now, and there wasn't much more than his lamps small fire to keep him warm. His tent was deeper into the woods than all the other tents, giving him his own private spot where no one could bother him.
As he stared into the stars his mind focused on one thing, his dreams. There weren't many to speak of, he rarely had dreams, but when he did they were always the same. He'd be dreaming of doing everyday things like helping around the camp, and other small chores, when the boy came. Kid had no idea who this boy was, or why he kept appearing in random places, always starring at him. Just as the mystery boy was spotted though, Kid would wake, shivering in the darkness. But last night, he dreamt of something different for the first time.
His dream was a series of flashing images, each one of the blonde boy. It seemed as though they were images of different times, spanning years. One image contained the boy as a small child, the next a young teenager wearing a red coat, and the last few images of him as a young man in a military uniform. Each picture was stunning, captivating Kid with the mystery person's beauty, but the last image was most incredible. It was the only flash in which the blonde boy spoke, and the words echoed in Kid's mind.
"I hate you."
Chapter Six: The Second Meeting
He didn't sleep, but then again who would when their mind was as active as his. It was only a few hours after his reunion with his long lost brother, but it felt like days. There were so many questions Edward still wanted to ask, so many things he needed to know, but he would have to wait.
Laying on his cheap Inn mattress he gazed out the window, watching the sun slowly rise high in the sky. His meeting with Alphonse ran through his mind over and over, leaving him feeling strange inside. He wasn't sure if he was happy to find Al, or if he was sad. Sure it was great that his brother was still alive, the problem was, Alphonse couldn't even remember he had a brother.
"...why...why must you torment us so..." He muttered to the sun, trying to reach out to whatever all mighty force there was up there. "...we've suffered enough...he's suffered enough...please...leave us alone already..." Although the blonde wanted his plea to be heard, he knew it would travel no farther than the small space of his room let alone to the heavens.
There was nothing to do for the hours that had to pass before his meeting with Alphonse later on that night, nothing to do but wander his own mind. And there was one memory that stood out amongst the rest. The one memory that he looked back to when he faltered on his quest to find his beloved. The memory of his last encounter with his love before he was lost.
*
Edward age: 18 Alphonse age: 17
"So you just want me to accompany some soldiers near the northern boarder?" The young brunette sat in the soft leather chair before his commanding officer's desk, confusion decorating his features.
"Yup, routine stuff. I figured you've had enough dangerous missions lately, so I decided to go easy on you for this next mission." The older man sitting at the desk smirked slightly, his dark eyes as calm and collected as always.
A small grin slide onto Alphonse's face, appreciation evident. "Thanks General." Even though the words were meant with all the young man's heart, there was still a hint on some other emotion.
Sensing an uncomfortable silence approaching, Mustang cooly provoked conversation. "So, when do you and Fullmetal plan on leaving?"
"...uh...I don't think Ed is coming with me on this one."
For a moment the General's mask nearly fell off, "...oh...and why is that? You two always go on missions together?"
"...I just...I don't think he'll want to come...that's all...". The hidden emotion was beginning to show more and more.
"Alphonse...is something wrong...you haven't been yourself lately?". It wasn't hard for the General to see there was something bothering the younger Elric, especially when the young man seemed distant for days.
"...well...no...it's nothing..."
"Okay, if your sure it's nothing then..." Roy said smoothly.
The Soul Alchemist couldn't help it. "You see I've been meaning to tell brother something for a while now...but I can't figure out how to say it."
Mustang knew pretending to not care would work, what could he say, he was slick like that. "Well, what is it you have to tell him?"
Alphonse fidgeted, scratching at the soft leather armrest, "...it..it's kinda personal..." A small blush formed on his cheeks, and Al knew it was there.
"Personal eh?" The old man was eager to hear what had been on his subordinate's mind, but he wasn't about to cross any boundaries trying to find out. "Okay then, just tell me what ever you're comfortable with telling me, and we'll see what we can do from there."
There was nothing Al felt comfortable telling Mustang about his situation, but he didn't know where else to turn. "Well, I guess you could say...brother and I are...well, too close..."
"Mm,hm."
"And I think it's time we...well...separated...go our own ways..."
"Ah, so your ready to live on your own, start a knew life as an adult, that sort of thing."
"...uh...yeah...sort of..."
Although the explanation didn't make complete sense to Mustang, he knew that as long as he gave advice to the best of his ability, the rest of the details didn't matter. "So whats so hard about telling Fullmetal. Just say your ready to move on and do things on your own. It's not wrong for teenagers your age to want to go out into the world and live by themselves."
"Well, I don't think he'll take it too well."
"No? And why is that? I know Fullmetal is stubborn and all but I'm sure he realizes your older now, and fully capable of taking care of yourself."
"But it's not that. He...well he's become...attached...he's not used to living without me."
This didn't surprise Mustang at all. After all the Elric brothers had been through together, it wasn't shocking they had formed a strong bond. "Well, he can't hang on to you forever. Your going to have to show him that, wether he likes it or not."
"I was afraid you were going to say that." The Soul Alchemist muttered, he wished there was a better answer.
"Look don't worry about it, if Fullmetal does throw a temper tantrum he'll calm down eventually. Then everything will be fine, you'll see. And besides your not a kid anymore, I think he'll understand."
"I hope your right General."
"Of course I'm right, when aren't I?" He joked, smiling softly.
It was still early in the day when the brunette left the military building, so he decided to go back to his apartment and rest up a bit. He would need it for the long train ride to Grimrock, which left later in the evening. There was another train that left the next day but he didn't want to waist any time, he would need as much of it when he got back so he could go looking for an apartment.
As he slowly walked the streets of Central the thought was heavy on his mind. He didn't want to do this, but there was no other choice, Edward was too attached for them to keep their relationship a secret. Alphonse thought that his brother could handle himself accordingly and they wouldn't have to worry about getting caught, but lately that had changed.
For example, just the other day while the two were out in public together shopping for groceries at the local market, Edward insisted on kissing Alphonse right in front of what had to have been one hundred people! What if someone they knew was there? What if someone recognized Edward as the Fullmetal alchemist, news of him kissing another man would spread like wild fire. If someone from headquarters heard that, they would be quick to ask him about it, and then what would he say?
But none of that was a problem to the stubborn blonde, he said he didn't care what other people thought. No matter what Alphonse said he could manage to show his beloved the severity of their situation. That little 'incident' was the last straw for Al, he had spent a long time thinking this over and now he knew it had to be done. For the sake of their relationship as brothers, and nothing more.
Before the alchemist knew it, he was at the doorstep of his apartment building. From there he could look up and see the window to their bedroom, and it made him dread what was to come. But now was the best time, this way he could give his brother time to cool off while he went on his new assignment.
Opening the door as quietly as he could, he quickly inspected the living room and kitchen, which were the only rooms visible from the door way. There was nothing there, leaving the bathroom and bedroom. It was the bedroom.
"Oh hey Al." The cheery faced blonde said, giving his brother a large toothy grin. He was doing something that Alphonse didn't expect.
"What are you doing?" The brunette questioned, puzzled as to why Edward was packing a suitcase.
"Duh stupid, I'm getting ready for our assignment. I figured it might be cold up north so I would need to pack as much warm cloths as possible."
"OUR assignment up north? How did you find out about that, I was just assigned to it?!"
"I just called you at work, but you had already left. Havok picked up and told me about it, I guess he was supposed to go up north but the bastard switched the assignment over to you. Did you know that?"
"Uh...no...I didn't..." Now it was going to be even harder to tell Edward why he couldn't come.
"Yeah, didn't think so. Havok was kinda mad at the bastard, he wanted that assignment, said it would be more like a vacation than a mission. Heh, to bad I guess we'll be going on that 'vacation' then, right Al." The same toothy smile from before appeared, brightening up the beautiful face that wore it.
Now this was going to be hell, Alphonse almost wanted to not say anything at all, but he had to. "Um...brother, can you stop packing for a minute? I need to talk to you about something."
"Hmm?" The packing stopped as Edward peered over at his love. "Sure Al, what is it?"
"Lets go to the living room, we should be sitting for this."
The words visibly worried the blonde, Al could see the happiness that once painted his brothers face, dissipate into suspicion and nervousness. Sitting on his recliner chair, Edward watched his brother as he took a seat on the couch. "What is it Al? Did I do something bad?" His voice laced with worry.
Alphonse almost laughed at how childish and innocent his love sounded, but chose not to. "No, brother...you didn't do anything bad."
"Then what is this about?"
"I need...I have to tell you something...and I don't think your gonna like it."
Edward's muscles tensed, he knew this was serious. "W-what is it?" He questioned worriedly.
"I don't want you to come with me on this assignment." The younger whispered in response.
"...is that it..." Edward was almost relieved by how simple a request like that was, but it was obvious there was more.
"No...there's more..." Taking a deep breath, the Soul alchemist continued. "I don't want you to come with me on any of my missions from now on."
"...what...?" The hurt was evident in not only his voice, but his face as well. "...why not...I thought you said you didn't want to be separated from me...didn't you...?"
"Of course I don't want to be separated from you brother...that's why I'm doing this." Looking deeply into his lovers eye's, Alphonse said the words he never wanted to say. "Brother...I've decided to move out of this apartment...and get one on my own..." They came out as a choked whisper.
"...w-what..."
"I'm sorry...I'm so so sorry...but we can't do this any longer...I love you brother...but I can't love you the way I do anymore..."
Edward shook his head as he processed the words in his mind. "No Alphonse...please don't do this..." he pleaded desperately, nearly tearing the fabric of his chair with the automail's grip.
"We can't do this any more...If we get caught...who knows what would happen to us..."
"I don't care what anyone else thinks, or what they do to me...as long as I have you..."
"Don't you get it! If the military finds out what we've been doing you won't have anything, including me!"
"..."
"And haven't you stopped to think that maybe this was wrong!? I know you don't think so, but I think mom would have gone mad if she knew!" The words tasted harsh, but he couldn't stop them. Just like he couldn't stop the tears streaming down his face.
Suddenly Edward rose from his seat, and threw himself to the ground, kneeling before Alphonse and taking his hands. "Please Al...think about what your saying...I know you don't mean it..." He begged, the tears threatening to pour from his eyes as well.
"I have thought about it brother! This is the only way for us to be together...we have to separate..."
"NO!" Edward yelled as he buried his face in his lovers lap, desperately trying to hide the tears in his eyes. "I won't let you do this...please don't do this Al, PLEASE!"
"I'm sorry brother...I'm so sorry...but I have to do this...it's for the best..."
"It is NOT for the best!" The blonde yelled as he raised his tear stained face to face Alphonse. "I can't live without you Al...please don't leave me!"
Alphonse hated himself for doing this to his brother, hated himself for how he made those beautiful golden eyes cry. He didn't deserve Edward, and so he wanted Edward to hate him too. Grabbing his brother's shoulders, Alphonse lifted him up as he stood himself. "I have to go..." His voice shook horribly, "...my train leaves soon..."
"NO! Stay! Stay here with me...please!" Hoping that in some way he could make his beloved little brother stay, he tried to wrap his arms around him.
"I CAN'T!" Alphonse yelled, violently thrusting Edward against the wall and pinning him there. "I can't. So please don't ask me to stay...please..."
"Al I'm sorry for whatever I did, I promise I'll do whatever you ask me to, just don't do this!"
"Oh god...just...just HATE ME!"
"...w-what..."
"Hate me, please just hate me!"
"No! I'll never hate you...I love you!"
"Thats the problem! You can't love me brother! Please...just say it. SAY THAT YOU HATE ME! PLEASE!"
"NO!"
"SAY IT!"
"NO!"
The brunette shook his older brother, banging his head against the wall. "Tell me that you hate me or I won't come back!"
"..." The thought ran through Edwards mind, causing a great fear to form in his gut. "...no...I can't..."
"...please brother..." Alphonse whispered into Edward's ear as he pulled him into a hug. "...say it for me...please say it..."
"...I...I..." Edward's body shook, as a numb feeling spread throughout his body. He was broken. "...I hate you..."
The younger brother hugged as hard as he could, as the words penetrated him. "...I love you...I'm sorry..."
Suddenly Alphonse broke the embrace, promptly grabbing the suit case Edward had packed for him, and dashing out the door. Leaving Edward alone in the apartment, huddled on the floor shivering.
*
His eyelids flew open, revealing the beautiful golden eyes beneath. It was dark, and the moon was shining in through his window. "Must've fallen asleep.". He looked to the clock hanging on the wall to see how late it was. "Eleven thirty.", he said to himself as the realization of what this meant struck him. "ELEVEN THIRTY! SHIT, I'M GONNA BE LATE!"
Once again, ninja Elric stalked the streets of Grimrock, avoiding any attention until finally reaching the tree line. This time he ran through the woods, the moon light illuminating the path he took the night before.
Some time later Edward finally reached the small stream, and as planned, there on a small boulder sat his beloved. With a rustle he stepped out of the bushes and quietly padded over.
Kid hesitantly stood up, inspecting the ninja. "Hello Edward."
"Hello Alphonse."
"Your late."
"I know, I'm sorry." Ninja Elric stuck his hands in his pockets and kicked at the dirt. He didn't really know what else to say, not that there wasn't anything he wanted to say. It's just, what could he say to someone who wouldn't know what he's talking about. "So...Alphonse-"
"Um, that's my name right?" The long haired brunette cut in.
"...yeah, that's your name...anyway I wanted to ask you-"
"Wait," Kid cut in again. "I wanted to ask you some things first."
"Um, okay. What do you want to know?" Edward said as he took a seat on the boulder, urging his little brother to sit next to him.
"Well, I guess there's alot I wanted to know. I guess I'll ask how I became a rebel first."
Edward's thin golden eyebrow shot up at the question. "What? A rebel?"
"Uh...yeah...I mean...that's what I was right?" Kid replied, that's what Isaac told him at least.
"No! That's the lie Isaac told you right?!" The blonde still remembered the story this Isaac had told his little brother. "You were never a rebel Al. You were a State Alchemist like me!"
The younger brother's eyes flew open in surprise, "I was a State Alchemist?! And so are you?!" It was hard for Kid not to attack his so called brother, he was still used to being afraid of the military. Now that he knew there was a State Alchemist only inches away, he fought the urge to run back to camp and alert the others.
"Yes! Both of us were...ARE...famous State Alchemists. Didn't I already tell you all this?" Edward thought back to the previous day, and remembered the abrupt ending to their first meeting. "Oh yeah, that's right. I didn't get to tell you much about your past did I?"
"No, you didn't." Kid was still somewhat shocked to learn he had been a State Alchemist. All these years he had been taught to hate the State, and fear the State Alchemists. It was like his world was flipped upside down, and for some reason, he liked it. "I can't believe I was a State Alchemist."
Edward could see the strange look in his baby brother's face, as he processed this new information. "...yeah, you and I were some of the best too. Fullmetal and Soul, the only State Alchemist team."
Now Kid could see the strange look on Edwards face, it was sadness and happiness mixed in one. "Tell me...tell me who I was..."
Edward looked over to his beloved, and took a deep breath. "...okay, let's see, where do I begin...?"
Kid thought of the previous day and remembered the place called, "Resembool, tell me about Resembool."
"..." The blonde hadn't thought of going that far back, but was actually glad to start there. "...Okay, I'll start at Resembool, where everything started in the first place."
Kid listened to the beautiful voice as it told his life with it's words. He watched the golden eyes as they lit up with happy memories, and dulled with the sad ones. He learned of his mother, and how her tragic death brought about the beginning of their journey. He learned about the forbidden alchemy they performed, and how he was encased in a suit of armor. He learned about the military, and how Edward became a State Alchemist to find the Philosopher's stone. He learned the origins of the Homunculi, and how dangerous they were. He came to know the man named Maes Hughes, and the daughter he loved before he passed away. He found out about the man named Scar, and his plan with the city of Lior. He understood the importance of Scar's arm, when it was transmuted into him to make the Philosopher's stone. He cringed at the thought of his brother's fatal injury in the underground city, and how Al gave himself to bring him back. He wondered why Ed gave nothing more than his newly restored limbs to bring him back. He marveled at the story, at it's beauty and greatness, and wished dearly that he could remember this Alphonse.
After that though, as the story went on, Edward's flow changed. Alphonse learned of what happened after he was restored, but Edward seemed to be leaving out certain details. He knew why he joined the military so that he could be with his brother, and how they got an apartment together, but in between that Ed was vague. When Edward told his brother about the last time they saw each other, before Alphonse disappeared, he didn't really say why they didn't go on that last mission together. It was as though he was trying to cover something up, something he wanted to keep from Kid's ears.
"And there you have it Al. Our history." The blonde sighed, happy that the story was over, it took him hours to tell it all. The sun was actually beginning to brighten the sky way off in the horizon. "...so...?"
"...so...what?" The brunette questioned.
"Oh come on, are you telling me you don't remember anything!? I mean, none of that rung any bells or anything?"
"...sorry, but no. I still don't remember any of that." Alphonse's voice was low and sad, as he hung his head low. He had to admit though, anyone else who heard a story like that would have thought it's teller to be crazy. But Kid believed it, every word and he wasn't sure why.
Edward sighed loudly, frustrated. What was it going to take? "I promise Al, I will get you your memory back. I swear it."
Kid looked to Edward, surprised by the comment. It wasn't the words he used that startled him, it was the passion in them, the hidden emotion behind them. In the three years since Kid had awoken in that tent, this was the first time he felt deja vu. He could remember that passion, that emotion, it was as if it was embedded in his memory. "Edward?"
"Yeah Al?"
"I believe you. Even though I can't remember anything else, I remember you." Alphonse felt as though he was admitting a dirty little secret.
"Y-you remember me? What do you mean?"
"I can't explain it, but I've seen you before."
"What do you mean?" Edward's eyebrow raised, "You mean yesterday?"
"No, before that. I've seen you...in my dreams. I know that sounds weird but it's true. I didn't want to say anything before because I didn't know what it meant." Kid absently kicked at the dirt, not meeting his brother's gaze. He didn't know why but it was embarrassing to admit this.
Edward stood quiet as the night, his eyes wide open. "I...I've dreamt of you too..."
"...r-really...?" Alphonse exclaimed, surprised. "But...what does it all mean?"
Edward thought for a moment before answering. "I'm not sure, but I think it had something to do with the gate."
Kid thought back to Edward's story, and how terrible the gate sounded. "The gate? You mean the thing that held my body for all those years?"
"Yes. Remember how I only gave my newly restored limbs to get you back?"
"Yeah."
"I think something happened to us in the gate, I don't know what, but I think something happened with our souls. When I gave myself to bring you back Al, I lost consciousness so I don't remember what happened there..."
"So...what are you saying...that our souls were changed?"
Edward thought hard, trying to remember what happened, but he couldn't. "I don't know exactly what happened, but whatever the transmutation did must have created a bond between us. That's why we saw each other in our dreams, maybe our souls..." He trailed off.
Kid waited for his brother to finish, but he couldn't wait for Ed to gather his thoughts, he was eager to know. "What? What happened to our souls?" He urged.
"Well, I'm not sure about this, for all I know I could be totally wrong. But maybe it didn't cost me much to bring you back...because I already had your soul, and all there was left was your body."
"...huh...?"
"Okay look, maybe when you gave yourself to bring me back, part of your soul came back with me instead of going to the gate. That would mean than when I tried to use myself to bring you back, all I had to do was get your body from the other side of the gate."
Alphonse tried hard to understand, but he couldn't. "I don't get it. What would that mean?"
Edward sighed, if only Al had his memories, then he'd understand. "Okay basically what I'm saying is, you have a part of my soul, and I have a part of your soul. Maybe that's why we could see each other in our dreams, we were seeing eachother's soul."
Alphonse was amazed, he had no idea something like that was even possible. But from what Edward told him, the gate was capable of doing great things, horrible things, but great none the less. "I guess that makes sense."
The two sat on the boulder, thinking to themselves. Neither of them noticed the sun was beginning to rise. Edward glanced over to his brother's metal hand, and wondered who did it. "Hey, let me see your arm." He said as he lifted said arm into the air. To his great surprise, the automail was incredibly good. It was so good it probably rivaled Winry's work. "Wow! This is really good automail."
"Is it? I've never seen anyone else with automail, so I've never had the chance to compare. But when I think about it, this arms never failed me." Kid thought back, and it was true. His automail arm worked just as good now as it did when he first got it.
"You said some guy in your camp is an automail engineer right? I would have never thought he'd be that good though!" Edward marveled at the craftsmanship, and was happy that his brother got good automail at least.
"Yeah, he's a higher rank than me, although I'm not much of a high rank anyway. He works really close to Isaac, he's a real genius. I think that's why Isaac keeps him so close, in case he loses a limb he has an automail mechanic at hand."
"Yeah I guess your right." Edward looked up into the sky, fearing his time with Alphonse was almost up "It's getting light out, your boss is gonna be expecting you..."
"...yeah..."
Edward stared at his beloved, hesitating wether or not he should even ask. "Come with me?"
"Where?"
"To Grimrock. There I can get my things and we can leave together." Edward tried, hoping dearly that his love would agree.
"Wait a minute, your staying in Grimrock?" Kid asked, a grave look upon his face.
"Yeah, where did you think I was staying?"
"I don't know, I thought you were camped out in these woods somewhere. Oh this is not good, how could I have forgot!" Kid slapped his hands to his head, cursing himself for not remembering Grimrocks importance.
"What? What's wrong?" Edward rose, placing a hand on his brother's shoulder.
"I got so caught up with you, I forgot the plan! I have to do something...you have to do something!"
"What!? What plan?!" The blonde began to worry, something was bothering Alphonse and he didn't like it.
As Alphonse explained the situation, Edward listened, he had a bad feeling about this.
*
Kid Age: ???
The tent flap flew open, as Isaac made his way in. Kid, who was busy eating his supper, looked up in surprise. Isaac didn't ever visit him this late in the afternoon, and the look on his face troubled Kid. He immediately stood up and cautiously saluted his commander, "Hello sir, can I help you with something?"
"Come with me." Was all he said, as he twirled around with a great woosh and left the tent. Kid followed without hesitation, curious as to what this was all about.
He followed through the camp, getting hard glares from all the men he passed. Nervousness crept into his stomach, causing it to twist and turn, why were they all looking at him like that he wondered. Finally they reached Isaac's large tent and upon walking in, Kid saw two other men. Jovan was sitting at a small table in the center of the tent, while the second man stood behind him. The young brunette recognized the standing man as his automail engineer, whos' name Kid never learned.
"Sit." Jovan barked, as he pointed to a seat at one end of the table. Kid did so quickly, looking at each one of the men, who in turn stared right back at him.
Isaac then sat at the other end of the table, and pulled out a large piece of paper. Laying the paper flat on the table, Kid could see it was a map of what looked like a small town. In the upper right hand corner, written in bad handwriting, read the name 'Grimrock'.
"Grim-rock?" The brunette pronounced aloud. "Where's that?"
"That my boy," Said Isaac in a deep husky tone, "Is where our plan unfolds."
*
Suddenly the two were ripped from the story, as the sound of snapping twigs grew nearer and nearer. Then the loud booming voice of none other than Isaac, rang through the trees. "Kid! Where the hell are ya!"
Alphonse's eyes grew wide with fear. "You have to go!" He whispered quickly.
"No, not again!"
"You have to! If he sees us together he'll kill us both! I'll meet you here again tonight, same time." The younger urged desperately. "Please go!"
Edward desperately wanted Alphonse to come, but it was no use. If the rebels found out Alphonse ran away, they'd think he betrayed them. With all the knowledge he had about them, it wouldn't take long for Isaac to send out a search party. "Okay, I'll come back tonight, and I won't be late."
"Okay, now hurry!"
Just as Edward made to go, he hesitated. Alphonse could see the turmoil in his face, he wanted to do something, but was fighting with himself over whether he should do it. Then, just before he dashed into the woods he mumbled, "Love you little brother." and affectionately hugged him.
Although it took him off guard, Kid didn't have time to be surprised, as Isaac made his way to the small streams edge. "There you are dammit! What the hell are you doing out here?"
Ninja Elric had managed to hide in a bush nearby so that he could finally see this Isaac person. Alphonse was right, he was huge, probably close to seven feet tall. And he wore a long dark cloak that covered his entire body all the way down to his boots. From the looks of it though, the man had to be absolutely tremendous under that cover.
"Oh, sorry Isaac." Kid exclaimed as he rubbed the back of his head sheepishly. "I was just...uh...daydreaming, and I lost track of time."
"That's the second day in a row you've been late. Don't tell me your losing your touch so close to D-day." The tall man replied, his voice low and accusing.
"No,no! Of course not!" Kid waved his hands emphasizing his response.
"Good. Hurry up and get that bucket full, and meet me back at my tent. We need to discuss our strategy a bit more." As the man quickly turned around, a whoosh of air blew Alphonse's long hair about.
Edward watched as his little brother filled the bucket and followed the huge man into the woods. When the noise of snapping twigs finally disappeared, he cursed himself. For a moment there, he had almost slipped up and kissed Al.
___________________________________________________________________
That took so long to edit! So what did you all think? Hope you liked it!
And here are all the last chapters as well!
The Soul Alchemist 1, The Soul Alchemist 2, The Soul Alchemist 3, The Soul Alchemist 4, The Soul Alchemist 5
Title: The Soul Alchemist: The Second Meeting
Author: Frankie_the_cat
Rating: R (for swearing?)
Warnings: More past event's revealed! Why Ed told Al he hated him!
Summary: "I'm sorry brother...I'm so sorry...but I have to do this...it's for the best..."
The automail hurt. Ever since Isaac had an automail mechanic apply the prosthetics Kid had been spending all his time getting used to the weight. It had been months since he had first awoken in that tent, all bruised and battered from the military attack, and still he had no clues about who he was. Despite countless tries at prying any bit of information out of the all the men in the camp, none said anything more than a few vague words.
It was even harder to get anyone to talk to him about his past now that they discovered he could do alchemy. He almost regretted warming up that bowl of soup, he didn't really mean to anyway. All he did was think about eating warm soup, and then boom, he had warm soup. His alchemy skill was all anyone wanted to talk about, especially Isaac. They had recently found out that he didn't need an array, just his two hands. Everyday he and Isaac would go out into the woods and spend countless hours trying to transmute tree stumps and boulders into different shapes. Kid would have to clap his hands over and over, causing a dull pain to rise in his left shoulder where the automail connected.
Rubbing his shoulder absently, trying to chase away the dull pain, he starred into the night sky. The day had been especially hard on him due to the freezing temperatures. It was winter now, and there wasn't much more than his lamps small fire to keep him warm. His tent was deeper into the woods than all the other tents, giving him his own private spot where no one could bother him.
As he stared into the stars his mind focused on one thing, his dreams. There weren't many to speak of, he rarely had dreams, but when he did they were always the same. He'd be dreaming of doing everyday things like helping around the camp, and other small chores, when the boy came. Kid had no idea who this boy was, or why he kept appearing in random places, always starring at him. Just as the mystery boy was spotted though, Kid would wake, shivering in the darkness. But last night, he dreamt of something different for the first time.
His dream was a series of flashing images, each one of the blonde boy. It seemed as though they were images of different times, spanning years. One image contained the boy as a small child, the next a young teenager wearing a red coat, and the last few images of him as a young man in a military uniform. Each picture was stunning, captivating Kid with the mystery person's beauty, but the last image was most incredible. It was the only flash in which the blonde boy spoke, and the words echoed in Kid's mind.
"I hate you."
Chapter Six: The Second Meeting
He didn't sleep, but then again who would when their mind was as active as his. It was only a few hours after his reunion with his long lost brother, but it felt like days. There were so many questions Edward still wanted to ask, so many things he needed to know, but he would have to wait.
Laying on his cheap Inn mattress he gazed out the window, watching the sun slowly rise high in the sky. His meeting with Alphonse ran through his mind over and over, leaving him feeling strange inside. He wasn't sure if he was happy to find Al, or if he was sad. Sure it was great that his brother was still alive, the problem was, Alphonse couldn't even remember he had a brother.
"...why...why must you torment us so..." He muttered to the sun, trying to reach out to whatever all mighty force there was up there. "...we've suffered enough...he's suffered enough...please...leave us alone already..." Although the blonde wanted his plea to be heard, he knew it would travel no farther than the small space of his room let alone to the heavens.
There was nothing to do for the hours that had to pass before his meeting with Alphonse later on that night, nothing to do but wander his own mind. And there was one memory that stood out amongst the rest. The one memory that he looked back to when he faltered on his quest to find his beloved. The memory of his last encounter with his love before he was lost.
*
Edward age: 18 Alphonse age: 17
"So you just want me to accompany some soldiers near the northern boarder?" The young brunette sat in the soft leather chair before his commanding officer's desk, confusion decorating his features.
"Yup, routine stuff. I figured you've had enough dangerous missions lately, so I decided to go easy on you for this next mission." The older man sitting at the desk smirked slightly, his dark eyes as calm and collected as always.
A small grin slide onto Alphonse's face, appreciation evident. "Thanks General." Even though the words were meant with all the young man's heart, there was still a hint on some other emotion.
Sensing an uncomfortable silence approaching, Mustang cooly provoked conversation. "So, when do you and Fullmetal plan on leaving?"
"...uh...I don't think Ed is coming with me on this one."
For a moment the General's mask nearly fell off, "...oh...and why is that? You two always go on missions together?"
"...I just...I don't think he'll want to come...that's all...". The hidden emotion was beginning to show more and more.
"Alphonse...is something wrong...you haven't been yourself lately?". It wasn't hard for the General to see there was something bothering the younger Elric, especially when the young man seemed distant for days.
"...well...no...it's nothing..."
"Okay, if your sure it's nothing then..." Roy said smoothly.
The Soul Alchemist couldn't help it. "You see I've been meaning to tell brother something for a while now...but I can't figure out how to say it."
Mustang knew pretending to not care would work, what could he say, he was slick like that. "Well, what is it you have to tell him?"
Alphonse fidgeted, scratching at the soft leather armrest, "...it..it's kinda personal..." A small blush formed on his cheeks, and Al knew it was there.
"Personal eh?" The old man was eager to hear what had been on his subordinate's mind, but he wasn't about to cross any boundaries trying to find out. "Okay then, just tell me what ever you're comfortable with telling me, and we'll see what we can do from there."
There was nothing Al felt comfortable telling Mustang about his situation, but he didn't know where else to turn. "Well, I guess you could say...brother and I are...well, too close..."
"Mm,hm."
"And I think it's time we...well...separated...go our own ways..."
"Ah, so your ready to live on your own, start a knew life as an adult, that sort of thing."
"...uh...yeah...sort of..."
Although the explanation didn't make complete sense to Mustang, he knew that as long as he gave advice to the best of his ability, the rest of the details didn't matter. "So whats so hard about telling Fullmetal. Just say your ready to move on and do things on your own. It's not wrong for teenagers your age to want to go out into the world and live by themselves."
"Well, I don't think he'll take it too well."
"No? And why is that? I know Fullmetal is stubborn and all but I'm sure he realizes your older now, and fully capable of taking care of yourself."
"But it's not that. He...well he's become...attached...he's not used to living without me."
This didn't surprise Mustang at all. After all the Elric brothers had been through together, it wasn't shocking they had formed a strong bond. "Well, he can't hang on to you forever. Your going to have to show him that, wether he likes it or not."
"I was afraid you were going to say that." The Soul Alchemist muttered, he wished there was a better answer.
"Look don't worry about it, if Fullmetal does throw a temper tantrum he'll calm down eventually. Then everything will be fine, you'll see. And besides your not a kid anymore, I think he'll understand."
"I hope your right General."
"Of course I'm right, when aren't I?" He joked, smiling softly.
It was still early in the day when the brunette left the military building, so he decided to go back to his apartment and rest up a bit. He would need it for the long train ride to Grimrock, which left later in the evening. There was another train that left the next day but he didn't want to waist any time, he would need as much of it when he got back so he could go looking for an apartment.
As he slowly walked the streets of Central the thought was heavy on his mind. He didn't want to do this, but there was no other choice, Edward was too attached for them to keep their relationship a secret. Alphonse thought that his brother could handle himself accordingly and they wouldn't have to worry about getting caught, but lately that had changed.
For example, just the other day while the two were out in public together shopping for groceries at the local market, Edward insisted on kissing Alphonse right in front of what had to have been one hundred people! What if someone they knew was there? What if someone recognized Edward as the Fullmetal alchemist, news of him kissing another man would spread like wild fire. If someone from headquarters heard that, they would be quick to ask him about it, and then what would he say?
But none of that was a problem to the stubborn blonde, he said he didn't care what other people thought. No matter what Alphonse said he could manage to show his beloved the severity of their situation. That little 'incident' was the last straw for Al, he had spent a long time thinking this over and now he knew it had to be done. For the sake of their relationship as brothers, and nothing more.
Before the alchemist knew it, he was at the doorstep of his apartment building. From there he could look up and see the window to their bedroom, and it made him dread what was to come. But now was the best time, this way he could give his brother time to cool off while he went on his new assignment.
Opening the door as quietly as he could, he quickly inspected the living room and kitchen, which were the only rooms visible from the door way. There was nothing there, leaving the bathroom and bedroom. It was the bedroom.
"Oh hey Al." The cheery faced blonde said, giving his brother a large toothy grin. He was doing something that Alphonse didn't expect.
"What are you doing?" The brunette questioned, puzzled as to why Edward was packing a suitcase.
"Duh stupid, I'm getting ready for our assignment. I figured it might be cold up north so I would need to pack as much warm cloths as possible."
"OUR assignment up north? How did you find out about that, I was just assigned to it?!"
"I just called you at work, but you had already left. Havok picked up and told me about it, I guess he was supposed to go up north but the bastard switched the assignment over to you. Did you know that?"
"Uh...no...I didn't..." Now it was going to be even harder to tell Edward why he couldn't come.
"Yeah, didn't think so. Havok was kinda mad at the bastard, he wanted that assignment, said it would be more like a vacation than a mission. Heh, to bad I guess we'll be going on that 'vacation' then, right Al." The same toothy smile from before appeared, brightening up the beautiful face that wore it.
Now this was going to be hell, Alphonse almost wanted to not say anything at all, but he had to. "Um...brother, can you stop packing for a minute? I need to talk to you about something."
"Hmm?" The packing stopped as Edward peered over at his love. "Sure Al, what is it?"
"Lets go to the living room, we should be sitting for this."
The words visibly worried the blonde, Al could see the happiness that once painted his brothers face, dissipate into suspicion and nervousness. Sitting on his recliner chair, Edward watched his brother as he took a seat on the couch. "What is it Al? Did I do something bad?" His voice laced with worry.
Alphonse almost laughed at how childish and innocent his love sounded, but chose not to. "No, brother...you didn't do anything bad."
"Then what is this about?"
"I need...I have to tell you something...and I don't think your gonna like it."
Edward's muscles tensed, he knew this was serious. "W-what is it?" He questioned worriedly.
"I don't want you to come with me on this assignment." The younger whispered in response.
"...is that it..." Edward was almost relieved by how simple a request like that was, but it was obvious there was more.
"No...there's more..." Taking a deep breath, the Soul alchemist continued. "I don't want you to come with me on any of my missions from now on."
"...what...?" The hurt was evident in not only his voice, but his face as well. "...why not...I thought you said you didn't want to be separated from me...didn't you...?"
"Of course I don't want to be separated from you brother...that's why I'm doing this." Looking deeply into his lovers eye's, Alphonse said the words he never wanted to say. "Brother...I've decided to move out of this apartment...and get one on my own..." They came out as a choked whisper.
"...w-what..."
"I'm sorry...I'm so so sorry...but we can't do this any longer...I love you brother...but I can't love you the way I do anymore..."
Edward shook his head as he processed the words in his mind. "No Alphonse...please don't do this..." he pleaded desperately, nearly tearing the fabric of his chair with the automail's grip.
"We can't do this any more...If we get caught...who knows what would happen to us..."
"I don't care what anyone else thinks, or what they do to me...as long as I have you..."
"Don't you get it! If the military finds out what we've been doing you won't have anything, including me!"
"..."
"And haven't you stopped to think that maybe this was wrong!? I know you don't think so, but I think mom would have gone mad if she knew!" The words tasted harsh, but he couldn't stop them. Just like he couldn't stop the tears streaming down his face.
Suddenly Edward rose from his seat, and threw himself to the ground, kneeling before Alphonse and taking his hands. "Please Al...think about what your saying...I know you don't mean it..." He begged, the tears threatening to pour from his eyes as well.
"I have thought about it brother! This is the only way for us to be together...we have to separate..."
"NO!" Edward yelled as he buried his face in his lovers lap, desperately trying to hide the tears in his eyes. "I won't let you do this...please don't do this Al, PLEASE!"
"I'm sorry brother...I'm so sorry...but I have to do this...it's for the best..."
"It is NOT for the best!" The blonde yelled as he raised his tear stained face to face Alphonse. "I can't live without you Al...please don't leave me!"
Alphonse hated himself for doing this to his brother, hated himself for how he made those beautiful golden eyes cry. He didn't deserve Edward, and so he wanted Edward to hate him too. Grabbing his brother's shoulders, Alphonse lifted him up as he stood himself. "I have to go..." His voice shook horribly, "...my train leaves soon..."
"NO! Stay! Stay here with me...please!" Hoping that in some way he could make his beloved little brother stay, he tried to wrap his arms around him.
"I CAN'T!" Alphonse yelled, violently thrusting Edward against the wall and pinning him there. "I can't. So please don't ask me to stay...please..."
"Al I'm sorry for whatever I did, I promise I'll do whatever you ask me to, just don't do this!"
"Oh god...just...just HATE ME!"
"...w-what..."
"Hate me, please just hate me!"
"No! I'll never hate you...I love you!"
"Thats the problem! You can't love me brother! Please...just say it. SAY THAT YOU HATE ME! PLEASE!"
"NO!"
"SAY IT!"
"NO!"
The brunette shook his older brother, banging his head against the wall. "Tell me that you hate me or I won't come back!"
"..." The thought ran through Edwards mind, causing a great fear to form in his gut. "...no...I can't..."
"...please brother..." Alphonse whispered into Edward's ear as he pulled him into a hug. "...say it for me...please say it..."
"...I...I..." Edward's body shook, as a numb feeling spread throughout his body. He was broken. "...I hate you..."
The younger brother hugged as hard as he could, as the words penetrated him. "...I love you...I'm sorry..."
Suddenly Alphonse broke the embrace, promptly grabbing the suit case Edward had packed for him, and dashing out the door. Leaving Edward alone in the apartment, huddled on the floor shivering.
*
His eyelids flew open, revealing the beautiful golden eyes beneath. It was dark, and the moon was shining in through his window. "Must've fallen asleep.". He looked to the clock hanging on the wall to see how late it was. "Eleven thirty.", he said to himself as the realization of what this meant struck him. "ELEVEN THIRTY! SHIT, I'M GONNA BE LATE!"
Once again, ninja Elric stalked the streets of Grimrock, avoiding any attention until finally reaching the tree line. This time he ran through the woods, the moon light illuminating the path he took the night before.
Some time later Edward finally reached the small stream, and as planned, there on a small boulder sat his beloved. With a rustle he stepped out of the bushes and quietly padded over.
Kid hesitantly stood up, inspecting the ninja. "Hello Edward."
"Hello Alphonse."
"Your late."
"I know, I'm sorry." Ninja Elric stuck his hands in his pockets and kicked at the dirt. He didn't really know what else to say, not that there wasn't anything he wanted to say. It's just, what could he say to someone who wouldn't know what he's talking about. "So...Alphonse-"
"Um, that's my name right?" The long haired brunette cut in.
"...yeah, that's your name...anyway I wanted to ask you-"
"Wait," Kid cut in again. "I wanted to ask you some things first."
"Um, okay. What do you want to know?" Edward said as he took a seat on the boulder, urging his little brother to sit next to him.
"Well, I guess there's alot I wanted to know. I guess I'll ask how I became a rebel first."
Edward's thin golden eyebrow shot up at the question. "What? A rebel?"
"Uh...yeah...I mean...that's what I was right?" Kid replied, that's what Isaac told him at least.
"No! That's the lie Isaac told you right?!" The blonde still remembered the story this Isaac had told his little brother. "You were never a rebel Al. You were a State Alchemist like me!"
The younger brother's eyes flew open in surprise, "I was a State Alchemist?! And so are you?!" It was hard for Kid not to attack his so called brother, he was still used to being afraid of the military. Now that he knew there was a State Alchemist only inches away, he fought the urge to run back to camp and alert the others.
"Yes! Both of us were...ARE...famous State Alchemists. Didn't I already tell you all this?" Edward thought back to the previous day, and remembered the abrupt ending to their first meeting. "Oh yeah, that's right. I didn't get to tell you much about your past did I?"
"No, you didn't." Kid was still somewhat shocked to learn he had been a State Alchemist. All these years he had been taught to hate the State, and fear the State Alchemists. It was like his world was flipped upside down, and for some reason, he liked it. "I can't believe I was a State Alchemist."
Edward could see the strange look in his baby brother's face, as he processed this new information. "...yeah, you and I were some of the best too. Fullmetal and Soul, the only State Alchemist team."
Now Kid could see the strange look on Edwards face, it was sadness and happiness mixed in one. "Tell me...tell me who I was..."
Edward looked over to his beloved, and took a deep breath. "...okay, let's see, where do I begin...?"
Kid thought of the previous day and remembered the place called, "Resembool, tell me about Resembool."
"..." The blonde hadn't thought of going that far back, but was actually glad to start there. "...Okay, I'll start at Resembool, where everything started in the first place."
Kid listened to the beautiful voice as it told his life with it's words. He watched the golden eyes as they lit up with happy memories, and dulled with the sad ones. He learned of his mother, and how her tragic death brought about the beginning of their journey. He learned about the forbidden alchemy they performed, and how he was encased in a suit of armor. He learned about the military, and how Edward became a State Alchemist to find the Philosopher's stone. He learned the origins of the Homunculi, and how dangerous they were. He came to know the man named Maes Hughes, and the daughter he loved before he passed away. He found out about the man named Scar, and his plan with the city of Lior. He understood the importance of Scar's arm, when it was transmuted into him to make the Philosopher's stone. He cringed at the thought of his brother's fatal injury in the underground city, and how Al gave himself to bring him back. He wondered why Ed gave nothing more than his newly restored limbs to bring him back. He marveled at the story, at it's beauty and greatness, and wished dearly that he could remember this Alphonse.
After that though, as the story went on, Edward's flow changed. Alphonse learned of what happened after he was restored, but Edward seemed to be leaving out certain details. He knew why he joined the military so that he could be with his brother, and how they got an apartment together, but in between that Ed was vague. When Edward told his brother about the last time they saw each other, before Alphonse disappeared, he didn't really say why they didn't go on that last mission together. It was as though he was trying to cover something up, something he wanted to keep from Kid's ears.
"And there you have it Al. Our history." The blonde sighed, happy that the story was over, it took him hours to tell it all. The sun was actually beginning to brighten the sky way off in the horizon. "...so...?"
"...so...what?" The brunette questioned.
"Oh come on, are you telling me you don't remember anything!? I mean, none of that rung any bells or anything?"
"...sorry, but no. I still don't remember any of that." Alphonse's voice was low and sad, as he hung his head low. He had to admit though, anyone else who heard a story like that would have thought it's teller to be crazy. But Kid believed it, every word and he wasn't sure why.
Edward sighed loudly, frustrated. What was it going to take? "I promise Al, I will get you your memory back. I swear it."
Kid looked to Edward, surprised by the comment. It wasn't the words he used that startled him, it was the passion in them, the hidden emotion behind them. In the three years since Kid had awoken in that tent, this was the first time he felt deja vu. He could remember that passion, that emotion, it was as if it was embedded in his memory. "Edward?"
"Yeah Al?"
"I believe you. Even though I can't remember anything else, I remember you." Alphonse felt as though he was admitting a dirty little secret.
"Y-you remember me? What do you mean?"
"I can't explain it, but I've seen you before."
"What do you mean?" Edward's eyebrow raised, "You mean yesterday?"
"No, before that. I've seen you...in my dreams. I know that sounds weird but it's true. I didn't want to say anything before because I didn't know what it meant." Kid absently kicked at the dirt, not meeting his brother's gaze. He didn't know why but it was embarrassing to admit this.
Edward stood quiet as the night, his eyes wide open. "I...I've dreamt of you too..."
"...r-really...?" Alphonse exclaimed, surprised. "But...what does it all mean?"
Edward thought for a moment before answering. "I'm not sure, but I think it had something to do with the gate."
Kid thought back to Edward's story, and how terrible the gate sounded. "The gate? You mean the thing that held my body for all those years?"
"Yes. Remember how I only gave my newly restored limbs to get you back?"
"Yeah."
"I think something happened to us in the gate, I don't know what, but I think something happened with our souls. When I gave myself to bring you back Al, I lost consciousness so I don't remember what happened there..."
"So...what are you saying...that our souls were changed?"
Edward thought hard, trying to remember what happened, but he couldn't. "I don't know exactly what happened, but whatever the transmutation did must have created a bond between us. That's why we saw each other in our dreams, maybe our souls..." He trailed off.
Kid waited for his brother to finish, but he couldn't wait for Ed to gather his thoughts, he was eager to know. "What? What happened to our souls?" He urged.
"Well, I'm not sure about this, for all I know I could be totally wrong. But maybe it didn't cost me much to bring you back...because I already had your soul, and all there was left was your body."
"...huh...?"
"Okay look, maybe when you gave yourself to bring me back, part of your soul came back with me instead of going to the gate. That would mean than when I tried to use myself to bring you back, all I had to do was get your body from the other side of the gate."
Alphonse tried hard to understand, but he couldn't. "I don't get it. What would that mean?"
Edward sighed, if only Al had his memories, then he'd understand. "Okay basically what I'm saying is, you have a part of my soul, and I have a part of your soul. Maybe that's why we could see each other in our dreams, we were seeing eachother's soul."
Alphonse was amazed, he had no idea something like that was even possible. But from what Edward told him, the gate was capable of doing great things, horrible things, but great none the less. "I guess that makes sense."
The two sat on the boulder, thinking to themselves. Neither of them noticed the sun was beginning to rise. Edward glanced over to his brother's metal hand, and wondered who did it. "Hey, let me see your arm." He said as he lifted said arm into the air. To his great surprise, the automail was incredibly good. It was so good it probably rivaled Winry's work. "Wow! This is really good automail."
"Is it? I've never seen anyone else with automail, so I've never had the chance to compare. But when I think about it, this arms never failed me." Kid thought back, and it was true. His automail arm worked just as good now as it did when he first got it.
"You said some guy in your camp is an automail engineer right? I would have never thought he'd be that good though!" Edward marveled at the craftsmanship, and was happy that his brother got good automail at least.
"Yeah, he's a higher rank than me, although I'm not much of a high rank anyway. He works really close to Isaac, he's a real genius. I think that's why Isaac keeps him so close, in case he loses a limb he has an automail mechanic at hand."
"Yeah I guess your right." Edward looked up into the sky, fearing his time with Alphonse was almost up "It's getting light out, your boss is gonna be expecting you..."
"...yeah..."
Edward stared at his beloved, hesitating wether or not he should even ask. "Come with me?"
"Where?"
"To Grimrock. There I can get my things and we can leave together." Edward tried, hoping dearly that his love would agree.
"Wait a minute, your staying in Grimrock?" Kid asked, a grave look upon his face.
"Yeah, where did you think I was staying?"
"I don't know, I thought you were camped out in these woods somewhere. Oh this is not good, how could I have forgot!" Kid slapped his hands to his head, cursing himself for not remembering Grimrocks importance.
"What? What's wrong?" Edward rose, placing a hand on his brother's shoulder.
"I got so caught up with you, I forgot the plan! I have to do something...you have to do something!"
"What!? What plan?!" The blonde began to worry, something was bothering Alphonse and he didn't like it.
As Alphonse explained the situation, Edward listened, he had a bad feeling about this.
*
Kid Age: ???
The tent flap flew open, as Isaac made his way in. Kid, who was busy eating his supper, looked up in surprise. Isaac didn't ever visit him this late in the afternoon, and the look on his face troubled Kid. He immediately stood up and cautiously saluted his commander, "Hello sir, can I help you with something?"
"Come with me." Was all he said, as he twirled around with a great woosh and left the tent. Kid followed without hesitation, curious as to what this was all about.
He followed through the camp, getting hard glares from all the men he passed. Nervousness crept into his stomach, causing it to twist and turn, why were they all looking at him like that he wondered. Finally they reached Isaac's large tent and upon walking in, Kid saw two other men. Jovan was sitting at a small table in the center of the tent, while the second man stood behind him. The young brunette recognized the standing man as his automail engineer, whos' name Kid never learned.
"Sit." Jovan barked, as he pointed to a seat at one end of the table. Kid did so quickly, looking at each one of the men, who in turn stared right back at him.
Isaac then sat at the other end of the table, and pulled out a large piece of paper. Laying the paper flat on the table, Kid could see it was a map of what looked like a small town. In the upper right hand corner, written in bad handwriting, read the name 'Grimrock'.
"Grim-rock?" The brunette pronounced aloud. "Where's that?"
"That my boy," Said Isaac in a deep husky tone, "Is where our plan unfolds."
*
Suddenly the two were ripped from the story, as the sound of snapping twigs grew nearer and nearer. Then the loud booming voice of none other than Isaac, rang through the trees. "Kid! Where the hell are ya!"
Alphonse's eyes grew wide with fear. "You have to go!" He whispered quickly.
"No, not again!"
"You have to! If he sees us together he'll kill us both! I'll meet you here again tonight, same time." The younger urged desperately. "Please go!"
Edward desperately wanted Alphonse to come, but it was no use. If the rebels found out Alphonse ran away, they'd think he betrayed them. With all the knowledge he had about them, it wouldn't take long for Isaac to send out a search party. "Okay, I'll come back tonight, and I won't be late."
"Okay, now hurry!"
Just as Edward made to go, he hesitated. Alphonse could see the turmoil in his face, he wanted to do something, but was fighting with himself over whether he should do it. Then, just before he dashed into the woods he mumbled, "Love you little brother." and affectionately hugged him.
Although it took him off guard, Kid didn't have time to be surprised, as Isaac made his way to the small streams edge. "There you are dammit! What the hell are you doing out here?"
Ninja Elric had managed to hide in a bush nearby so that he could finally see this Isaac person. Alphonse was right, he was huge, probably close to seven feet tall. And he wore a long dark cloak that covered his entire body all the way down to his boots. From the looks of it though, the man had to be absolutely tremendous under that cover.
"Oh, sorry Isaac." Kid exclaimed as he rubbed the back of his head sheepishly. "I was just...uh...daydreaming, and I lost track of time."
"That's the second day in a row you've been late. Don't tell me your losing your touch so close to D-day." The tall man replied, his voice low and accusing.
"No,no! Of course not!" Kid waved his hands emphasizing his response.
"Good. Hurry up and get that bucket full, and meet me back at my tent. We need to discuss our strategy a bit more." As the man quickly turned around, a whoosh of air blew Alphonse's long hair about.
Edward watched as his little brother filled the bucket and followed the huge man into the woods. When the noise of snapping twigs finally disappeared, he cursed himself. For a moment there, he had almost slipped up and kissed Al.
___________________________________________________________________
That took so long to edit! So what did you all think? Hope you liked it!
And here are all the last chapters as well!
The Soul Alchemist 1, The Soul Alchemist 2, The Soul Alchemist 3, The Soul Alchemist 4, The Soul Alchemist 5