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Post by belated valentine on Jan 8, 2010 21:51:03 GMT -5
B L O O D R E D drown in it Amestris was a dump, a landfill. No state, no city, no town was safe from the military's wrath - or Wrath himself. The military literally controlled every bit of the country. The Fuhrer was a strong, respected man who would be least suspected of being a homunculus but in the past years his true colors had begun to show, along with his left eye. The other five - minus Greed of course - stood behind him. Father stood in the shadows, watching his creations. Besides, what could humans do anyway? It wasn't long before the military gained control of businesses, education, and everything else. The public had no privacy, no freedom. Everything was programed, everything was planned. 'The country of the lifeless inhabitants' became more well known than Amestris. But then, just as hope began to fade, an organization sprang up under the command of Roy Mustang. Those brave enough to go against the Fuhrer followed him, it was then that loyalties were tested and trust was put into play. They became known as the Resistance. Then the civil war broke out, far worse than even the Ishbalan one. Communication and transportation shut down. No one left, no one came. Family's were torn apart, children were murdered. All to prove a point. Just as the Resistance managed to over throw soldiers in one area, their own would be slaughtered in another. It continued, like a circle of hate that wrapped around all of Amestris. Neither side was giving up anytime soon. Y A O - CENTRAL Ling kept his hands in his pockets and his eyes drawn to the ground. A fleet of cars pulling trailers of prisoners made it's way down the road next to him, blowing his pony tail aside. He looked up, at their faces, at the smiles they wore even though they were on their way to execution camps. Here, it was better to die trying than to live useless. Not that Ling could exactly blame them, they were mostly the homeless.
They lost everything, what else could be taken?
Now that he had immortality, he could have left to Xing anytime to take the throne of emperor, but even if he had wanted to the lack of transport did not allow it. Neither did the military. Leaving was prohibited, even leaving the city to go to another wasn't allowed. Sometimes, the Resistance managed to gain control of other towns long enough to allow some people to leave, but it was never long.
Central was the most heavily guarded by the military, this was where the Fuhrer was after all.
And he thought he disliked Amestris before.
Ling would have felt somewhat better if his comrades had been here with him. He had no idea where they were. Last he had heard, they were somewhere in the South. Rumors spread quickly, but were never confirmed or disproved. So there was no way of knowing. At first it had felt slightly uncomfortable without his body guards around - not that he was afraid of getting attacked, he just liked the extra set of eyes.
He wondered how her arm was holding up. Ling couldn't imagine Ran Fan with a metal limb. In Xing, artificial limbs weren't the most popular thing, mostly because the Xingese were good at keeping their arms and legs. The Amestrians seemed to be the exact opposite.
The bag in his hand moved as he passed a few people. The streets weren't crowded like before, most people stayed indoors now a days. Ling sighed, stepping up the narrow concrete stairs and opening the door of the apartment building. He moved up the stairs slowly, reaching room 12 and opened the door. It was unlocked, meaning his roommate was probably home.
"Any news yet?" He asked, setting the bag of food down on the counter in the kitchen.
Greed smiled inside, "You should know better Yao, it's the same every day."
Ling ignored him, his eyes drifting across the room, to the blonde haired boy who sat on the discolored brown sofa.
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Post by Fateful on Jan 8, 2010 21:52:14 GMT -5
The calamity in Amestris was due to him... due to father... A virtual identical carbon copy of Hohenihem himself, but much more powerful and gifted in alchemy. This was all his doing, no one who knew the truth could deny this fact, and it was painfully obvious, but at the same time because nothing could stop it, no one could change it. The death and destruction of one of the most powerful regions was due to one man who loved and delighted (though it never showed) in the death of others. It was painful to watch, but to take part in it?
Worse still, the military was helping it. Those who refused to join the resistance just added to the tolls by doing their own thing. Most small children played cow boys and Indians, but now it was military and the resistance. They'd pretend to kill others, laugh and run around. Those were in the areas where the resistance was strong, name ably where Roy himself or those close to him, such as Armstrong resided and moved to keep the peace.
Other places held a strong concentration of starving children, parents dead and lying in the street, mangled, bloody and twisted. Like a resurrected human. It was haunting, to all those who witnessed it. Some had no children at all, others were empty, many groups of Amestrisians tried to join Ishvalans, and some were allowed to. After all, it was against Ishval to turn away someone hungry or injured. Strange how all those who once hated and despised these people, killing and persecuting them for years were now relying heavily on them. A turn of fate?
Rumors of death passed everywhere, some even claimed that Roy Mustang had been killed, but a week later another rumor surfaced of a victory in the northern province. The resistance seemed to be the only thing that could move. They had a connection under the fuhrer, which seemed to end quickly due to Pride's shadows and wrath's eye. No where was safe, and at night, fires would be set up around a perimeter to keep people safe, as well as to keep pride's shadows to a minimum, making it harder to find them.
This didn't last long, but it gave people hope - flames were the sign of the resistance, but more importantly, they were a symbol of hope. It was, after all, the flame alchemist who began the resistance. Younger orphan boys were learning alchemy watching or drawing symbols - out of need not always skill. In their eyes, fighting and killing would protect them and those who mattered. War was never pretty, but a civil war against beings which were almost immortal? How it such a war won?
One service the resistance provided besides protection was burying the dead, something that they couldn't help but do.
ELRIC- CENTRAL
A pain beat in Ed's chest with every passing moment. He knew that Al was alive, but that was only because he didn't felt part of himself shatter. Not to mention his appetite and need for sleep did not decrease. He was still fused with Al's body, and seeing it made his blood hot, moving through him faster. Alphonse was alive, and would come back to his own soul's call. After taking a nap for a few hours, he'd awoken to Ling's absence. It was welcome, giving him a chance to think for a while - about Al, the war, and this fucking father that appeared.
The copy to his own...
That thought made him die inside, and that caused the pain in his chest more than anything else. This... thing could use alchemy better than any other, looked like his father, even knew him... And Van Hohenheim's son's were a sacrifice... How did they know one another, and more importantly what was his connection to that bastard?! Why was... His automail hand touched his face, wiping away sweat.
In the chaos, electricity was disconnected in many areas, so no air conditioners or fans. Fuel was pumped electrically. So was water by the way... Sure it sucked, but he was hot and annoyed. He either fell asleep bumbled in blankets and woke up freezing because Ling or Greed took them after he'd fallen asleep, or woke up sweating because it was a hot day. There was no winning.
Ever.
Sighing, Ed ran a hand through his blonde hair. He'd used alchemy to pump water into the house, but the amount they got was limited, mainly because he did it to give most of the city power, and using too much would draw attention. It was rumored this region had a homunculus in it. A wife killed her husband with a gun and then herself, but had never used a gun. She was seen an hour after shooting herself running. There was only one explanation.
Envy.
He was here and he was hunting. For both Ed and Greed, or just for one, Ed wasn't completely sure, but it didn't matter. If he found both, he wouldn't hesitate to make it a brawl with them. Ling's changes were at time unpredictable, but when his energy was low, instead of passing out, he now switched into greed unwillingly. Keeping normal people fed was hard enough but Ling HAD to eat or he'd lose his mind and Ed knew he had to eat much more than normal to keep himself going. Not to mention he was scared for Al. He was so thin and dead looking, corpse like. He'd been starving. He wanted his brother's body to gain weight before returning to this side. His fear was that it would die as soon as the soul was attached, and force feeding Al wouldn't work out.
No.
It was Ed's job to eat as much as he could and help Al gain some weight. He needed it much more than he did, and he used enough calories and fats running, fighting, and using alchemy. He needed Al to get as much food as Ed could survive and swallow. The door opened and there was silence. No doubt Ling had gone to get something toe at and not share it. The sin he represented was just that - a representation of himself. Ed was scared at first, shocked, so many things, but he couldn't change it now. Not that he wouldn't try. He needed to make Ling himself again. So he was immortal. He wasn't human. Sighing, he rubbed the back of his head, pulling his hair from the ponytail it had been in. It had been two days in sweltering heat. The first thing he wanted was a shower, and the next thing was something decent to eat and a lot of it. He was starving. Saying he was eating for two was far too creepy, so he was just hungry. That's it!
Forcing himself up from the discolored brownish black sofa, Ed stretched hearing his roommates voice. Sighing, he shrugged. "We need to be on the look out for Envy, and I have to find Aru..." He said, looking over at him, an almost desperate look on his face. It had been over a month since he'd seen him. He couldn't even remember how long since they'd seen Winry, Ran Fan, or anyone else for that matter...
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Post by belated valentine on Jan 8, 2010 21:53:58 GMT -5
Ling shrugged. "Wrath's the intimidating one, Envy...not so much. More annoying than anything." He said, reaching into the plastic bag and pulling out a foil covered burger. He tossed the hot food at Ed, taking out another for himself. They had sold them cheap for today and he'd bought enough to last a normal person a few days but knowing Ed and Ling they were going to have to work at it. Ling could eat five without even trying. He liked food and he missed the good old days when he dined like a king then left the hotel bill for Ed to pay.
Sighing, Ling unwrapped the foil and bit into the hamburger, swallowing before he spoke. He smirked. "Have some faith, your brothers not an idiot." He said, opening one of the old, creaky, wooden cabinets and taking out a glass. He turned on the sink, relief hitting him when the water ran. It was slow, took awhile to fill even just half the cup, but at least it worked.
He crammed the rest of the burger into his mouth. "Mah Gah, 'O hawt.." He said, trying to speak around the food. Wiping a hand across his forehead, he made his way over to the window, hauling it open in attempt to let some air in. He missed wearing his Xingese clothes - light pants, thin jacket, and comfortable shoes. But he was trying to fit in, and that meant wearing what the Amestrians did. Plus, he didn't want to get dragged away again for being an illegal immagrant. He wasn't really sure how he would get out again, it wasn't everyday a butcher knife carrying suit of armor came and helped you out. He unbuttoned his shirt and groaned slightly. It didn't help.
He swallowed, making an 'oof' sound as the large morsel of food dragged it's way to his stomach. Ling sat down next to the window, his legs crossed. There were a few kids outside, probably coming home from school, their feet tapping against the hard ground as they ran passed. Their laughter swept into the small apartment room, making Ling open his eyes slightly to glance out the window.
Kids were kids, and even with nothing they still found a way to entertain themselves. The adults could definitely take a lesson or two from them.
Ling sighed. He hated living this way. He was supposed to be an emperor for god's sake. It wasn't just himself he was worried for, it was all the people of Amestris. The people who had done nothing wrong to deserve something as cruel as this. He wanted to leave, to get away from all this. He and Ed had planned escapes before but the various attempts they'd seen from other people proved that it was no easy thing. Even for an alchemist and a prince of a foreign country.
His head slumped back against the wall and his eyes opened to look up towards the ceiling, where a small ceiling lamp hung, looking like it was ready to fall out and smack one of them in the head.
He was starting to wonder if Xing was ever going to butt into this. They usually didn't, as previously shown. Xing was a country of their own, a peaceful one that didn't care much for the others. Sure there was poverty but no money didn't necessarily mean no happiness. And yeah there were wars, small ones that never involved all of the country like this one was.
"No offense, but I really dislike Amestris now." He said, "So much for what everyone says - or used to - about it."
Greed laughed. "Amestris was doomed for failure the day the poor fools even thought to set it up."
Ling frowned. Just shut up, you're not helping any.
Greed was a great use for power, and he was sure as hell happy that he'd finally gotten his immortality but at times he was down right annoying. Like now. Then again, everything was annoying when it was this hot and you had no way of cooling yourself off. And then there was the hunger, and the thirst, and the lack of water to even bathe correctly.
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Post by Fateful on Jan 8, 2010 21:56:19 GMT -5
"I know he can take care of himself, but that doesn't change the fact that I want to find him and make sure he's ok." Ed said sternly, as if trying to focus on how to improve the situation and the feeling he had about Al and how worried her was. Despite starting off on shaky ground with Al when they were both toddlers, he'd do anything for him now. Their bond couldn't be measured and was like no other. Of that much at least, Edward was 100 percent certain. Inside himself, even though he'd never admit it, he still wondered if Al hated him. Could he? Would he really lie about it? Maybe he liked being separated from Full Metal?
Catching the burgers that were thrown to him, he unwrapped it. How could something like milk come from an animal that this came from? This was actually good for him and would keep him live. Milk on the other hand was disgusting and wasn't good for anything. Whatever, it's not like they had milk here anyway. Pulling open the wrapper, he took a bite of it and looked around the room. "... Give me back my wallet!" He exclaimed, suddenly jumping up from the sofa, a half masticated cow still in his mouth. Swallowing quickly, he snatched it out of the back of Ling's pocket and slid it back into his own. Not that he was surprised. He fell asleep in a strange position, so it must have made it easy for ling to pull the wallet from his back pocket.
He continued to eat his burger, grabbing another one as he looked out the window. Some kids running around. At least here things were a bit more normal. Central was mainly for those who still somewhat obeyed the military. Whereas Ed wasn't their favorite, he was a sacrifice and he didn't want him dead. Not to mention, they considered him to be with one of them. After all, as much as he hated to say it, Ling was now Greed. The oroborus symbol on his hand never faded even when Ling's voice projected from the body rather than the other. Looking at the back of Ling's head, he stared for a few moments and then walked back over to the couch.
Sitting down again, he sighed, already used to the heat. "You want to abandon central tonight?" They'd been talking about for for a while, but Ed was never really sure if or when Greed would reappear. If he did come back, he was on the side of Father and the others - meaning he would stop it from happening. As much as Ed didn't want to say it, if it came down to it, he'd have to fight this greed, and this one had a face that he didn't want to fight. Not that he couldn't. Fighting Ling wasn't like fighting Alphonse or Winry's faces, but still...
Ripping open the foil on the second burger, he started his way into it, chewing a little more than ling did. Swallowing, he sighed, rubbing the back of his head with his automail hand. Damn he could really use a shower, but that would probably be best if they left and then got one. He could always break a few water pipes above ground to cover them and make their escape easier. Not to mention clean them both off. It was a win win really.
As long as one of the homunculus weren't around.
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Post by belated valentine on Jan 8, 2010 21:57:16 GMT -5
Ling smirked, reaching into the bag for another burger. "I only bought food with it - which you're eating, so be grateful." He smirked, though it appeared more like a grin. It was Ling after all. He was sneaky, and it hadn't been the first time he'd taken stuff from people without asking. Why ask when you already knew the answer?
Despite the fact that he'd just shoved another half a burger into his mouth he sat unfazed, nodding his head, his thin eyes closed. "I suppose, we can't keep putting it off. I must get in touch with Ran Fan." He said after swallowing the food. "Maybe Mustang can help sneak us away, he's your friend correct?" Thin eyes glanced through the window again. He couldn't see from here, but the edges of Central were lined with soldiers, like the great wall of Xing in his country - only this one was human and had guns.
Guns can't hurt us.
A nod from Ling. I know, fortunately. But it won't do me any good dragging Ed's body back to Al if he got shot.
So let's go alone, Greed replied.
I don't abandon comrades, the only reason I wanted immortality was so I could become emperor and protect the people of Xing.
Pansy...
The laughter continued as more children filled the streets. Momma, momma! Will daddy come home today? It was a good thing children were easily fooled. He continued looking out the window, his lips set in a grim line, as if he were thinking. "So..this time, we really go through with it? No...chickening out, that's what you say right?" He asked, looking back and raising an eyebrow. He knew the language, but the expressions they used were still weird and he had the most trouble getting used to them. He moved his hands through his hair, removing the loosening ribbon to retie it. It was incredibly hot and he didn't really like wearing his hair down when it was. He pushed aside his bangs, sighing. "Bathing would be wonderful right now." He let out a loud whine and dropped back on the hardwood, outstretching his arms.
Sighing, he looked up at the ceiling. He wondered whether Ran Fan was with her grandfather - his other body guard. The man was getting old so it worried him slightly. He didn't want her going through her grandfathers death alone and he himself wanted to see the old man again before he scratched the dragon's underside. He rolled his eyes. What was he thinking? Fu WAS old but he was healthy and fought by his side, along with Ran Fan. Living in this hell hole was starting to mess with him, he hated it. He missed Xing. He missed home. He missed the other squinty eyed people, he hated people telling him to open his eyes - especially when they WERE open.
The others had more open eyes sure, but the Xingese saw with their minds and hearts rather than their eyes. And hell, their country wasn't the one always fighting with itself.
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Post by Fateful on Jan 8, 2010 22:02:51 GMT -5
Ed continued to eat and sighed. He supposed that he should be grateful considering he was eating and Ling didn't just buy food at take off with it, but knowing were his things were was a benefit. Not that he should be surprised or anything... When he first met Ling he liked to charge vast amounts of money, not to mention eat it on his own. The two could eat a lot, but Greed was all too fitting for him. As much as Ed hated to say it, Ling was the epitome of greed in his desires and what he'd do for them. He had things he cared about, and knowing that was the only reason Ed hadn't tried harder to kill him. Ling had still been in there... And now he knew he was right.
Grabbing another burger, he continued to eat, eyes out the window. "Yes, we're leaving tonight. No backing down." Ling's confusion in their language was actually comical, but he never really made fun of him for it. He was squinty eyes. He swallowed the food that was in his mouth and grabbed another burger. He was hungrier than normal and he'd need the calories if they were going to take off. Not to mention he wanted Al's body to get something before they made their move. "If Roy is around here we can get out, if not... we'll go underground."
Originally, Greed ran away from the others and was separate from them, and it seemed even within Ling, the same would occur, even if Ling was dominantly in this world. The thought of Ran Fan seeing Ling like this... he wasn't sure how she'd react to him, all he could see was her reaction being just like Winry's. A barbaric assault before concern was shown. He was worried about Winry, but he assumed that Ran Fan had to be with her. She was strong, and he only hoped that she was protecting Winry...
He was itching to leave, but the sun lingered in the sky, not wanting to fall beneath the horizon. They needed the cloak of the night to make this escape easier, and he was debating if they should just go underground and not even bother with a fight on the surface. Either way was a possibility, but underground they had an almost definite chance of making it out of here alive.
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Post by belated valentine on Jan 8, 2010 22:04:46 GMT -5
Ling nodded, getting up. He was tired and could really go for a nap. The food had given him some energy, but he was still drained and couldn't wait to lay down. "I'm going to rest, wake me when you wish to leave." He said, pulling his shirt off as he walked toward the room. Sleeping in the heat was unbearable and hard to do, but he'd learned to cope with it. He shut the door behind himself and opened a window, flopping down on the mattress.
A couple hours into his sleep he heard a knocking sound but chose to ignore it, he also ignored the multiple calls. "Hey!" It was until he felt something hit him in the face that he finally sat up, a tired an annoyed expression occupied his face. "There are other ways to wake a person Ed, ways that don't include hitting them in the face with pillows." He ignored the glare he was giving him, Ed was just too impatient. He grinned, patting his head. Ling knew that would piss him off even more, being treated like a child. It was exactly why he did it.
He moved across the room, picking up his shirt and pulling it on, fixing his hair as well. "So, did you speak with Mustang while I was asleep? Are we leaving soon?" He asked, looking outside. It was dark and appeared safe, but he knew that outside the soldiers still stood like a wall. It would be nearly impossible to pass on ground. He was just hoping that underground escape route Mustang had told him he was planning on making weeks ago was finally finished because he wasn't sure how much longer he could wait. He needed to get out of there now.
Ling exited the bedroom and was slightly surprised to see Roy sitting on the couch. He greeted him with a nod and leaned back against the wall.
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Post by Fateful on Jan 8, 2010 22:05:55 GMT -5
Ed left the house when Ling went to lay down. To be honest, he would have been content to sleep but he knew that he had to move. He walked out of the house, grabbing his jacket, taking the rest of the food with him, sliding it into the large pocket of his jacket, contently munching as he walked. Turning his head, he saw a group of kids much younger than the ones before. They were thin, huddled together, and moved away as he approached. Stopping to see them, he sighed, looking at the group.
A male stepped forward, but he couldn't be older than ten or so. Ed pulled the bag out of his pocket and tossed it to the older boy. He caught it in what seemed like protection and his eyes widened slightly. He smirked at them and walked away, his hands in his pockets. Maybe he needed something else to eat, but what kind of state alchemist would he be to just let them starve? He sighed and continued to walk into the city.
He went underground, wandering around before looking for Roy. As always, there was no sign of him or anything else. It wouldn't surprise him if they moved. Glancing around, he saw a small scratch in the wall and touched it, running a hand over it. It seemed unimportant, but he continued to walk more, as if looking around for something. He moved down the hall and the dashes got smaller and smaller. They weren't in the same place, or equally spaced from one another. That was comforting.
Finding no more, he stopped and turned. Using alchemy he opened the wall and ran through, closing it once he was through, making sure that nothing was left and there was no trace of alchemy here. Running down a hallway which had already been cleared, he smiled and went through a door.
Most of the resistance was there and Ed met with Roy for a while. They were leaving the village, and had a group of soldiers who were going to flee with them on the northern side. Ed was to meet them there at 10 sharp of they'd been left behind. They were going somewhere to help another town. They had word there was help there. Some soldiers had lost arms, and they had automail makers there.
When he returned it was around 8 or so. Ed wrapped up, and washed part of his body packing what they'd need and sighed. He missed Al, and hoped her was there. Knocking on the door a few times, he called Ling over 10 and then went in, and rather than punching him, he slammed a pillow into his head.
"Yeah yeah whatever..." he muttered, glaring at Ling slightly. "Yeah, I met with him, and they're taking off in about a half hour. We need to be in the northern part of town. We're going with them to another town. There's a rumor of automail makers there." Ling didn't seem interested and he shook his head.
Looking out the window, Ed wondered if he should tell Ling what else he heard. "There's a warrior there which face has never been seen. But this warrior fights like ten. "Their left arm is automail."
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Post by belated valentine on Jan 8, 2010 22:07:58 GMT -5
Ling nodded."That's Ran Fan, Amestris is famous for Alchemists, not warriors or ninja like Xing is. There aren't many warriors here." He decided he wasn't going to take a jacket, he rarely used them and with all the heat he wouldn't mind being cold. Ed, however, carried his red jacket despite the weather. Ling wondered about it, but never really asked. "At least we know she's with Winry and most likely Alphonse, meaning we won't have to track down everyone." He said, leaning one of his legs back against the wall. Despite the fact that he wore different clothes to fit in more, he still wore his Xingese shoes. They were light and comfortable, the ones here made his feet hurt.
Riza looked at them from the door she was standing beside. "We've gotten news of the Rush Valley raid weeks ago. The military ransacked the town for automail engineers, apparently we're doing a great deal of damage because they're in major need of arms and legs for their soldiers. We managed to help about a dozen or so flee, Winry Rockbell was among them - as was your brother." She said, looking at Ed. "They were relocated to a small town up north, free from the military as of now, and the rumors state that they were reunited with two xingese girls, a warrior and an alchemist. These rumors were confirmed true this morning when our troops arrived in Senra."
Ling grinned. "Comforting to know, thank you Miss Hawkeye." He felt a sudden wave of relief hit him. They were safe, all of them. He felt lighter now, better, and even hopeful. "We should get going then." He said looking at them. "We don't have any time to spare, I would like to get there as soon as I can." He said, sounding impatient.
When Roy signaled their leave, Riza opened the door and they made their way down the stairs of the little apartment building. The darkness enveloped them when they stepped outside. Strangely enough, it was a comforting feeling. They were covered, like children hiding below their covers after witnessing something scary. They stayed away from the main streets, walking in alley's and between buildings to avoid getting caught. The entrance to the underground tunnels was well hidden, but the only thing they needed was a single person to notice before they revealed it. The military liked to bribe the non wealthy, promising them money if they could find any information on the Resistance and their plans. A lot lied and were killed for it.
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Post by Fateful on Jan 8, 2010 22:08:25 GMT -5
As Riza spoke before they left, Ed was comforted. Not that finding a six foot of armor was hard, but he was there, and he was safe. If Al broke or was cracked, the only person that could fix him was Ed. And that old guy, but Ed didn't want to think of him - it only made him angry. As they ran, it seemed so natural, so... easy. It was sad. Running, hiding, fighting.. It was all so natural that he hated to think that this was normal, because for the most part, to him, to Roy, to Ling - it was regular, it was a reality.
They moved around for days, picking up a few people, helping them get there. Once they got closer, Ed started to itch. He wanted to get close... he needed to see Winry and Al. He had to see them. Winry was the best automail maker there was... They'd want her to help them. His body was shaking slightly as he ran, it could have been from exhaustion, hunger, anxiousness, but it would be all his fault if they were hurt. He hated thinking that, but as he ran, he stumbled. He stopped walking and realized that the ground was shaking?
Hearing something dart forward, Ed punched back a member of the military. He glared and saw dozens of alchemists, loyal to the Fuhrer, surrounded the small rag tag team around them. Ed grinned slightly. "Great, just when I needed something to take out ALL my aggression and frustration on." He clapped his hands together, transmuting his automail into a blade and ran forward, attacking one of the alchemists.
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Post by belated valentine on Jan 8, 2010 22:09:15 GMT -5
Ling smirked. After days of traveling he'd gotten quite bored, and what better way to entertain himself than to fight? He pulled out his sword, smiling slightly. It had been awhile since he'd used it and was feeling pretty good now that it was back his hands again. He was no alchemist, but he was a skilled martial artist and swordsmen and could defend himself pretty good with that. The only time he really had trouble was when he was hungry and passed out, but that was what Ran Fan and Fu were there for - and to watch his back. He looked over at the soldiers coming at him and smiled.
He jumped up, stepped on one of their heads, and as they fell to the ground he sliced at the man behind him, then got off the guy on the ground, stabbing the sword into his chest. There weren't many soldiers there, probably because most of them in this area had been wiped out by the Resistance.
Greed was starting to act up. I want to fight, let me fight! I haven't any action for a long time!
Ling pushed him to the back of his mind. Not now, let me have a go.
Greed sighed, but sat back. As long as Ling didn't fuck up and die, he was okay even though he was dieing to kill someone right now. At least let me have a few.
Shut up, you're distracting..Ling muttered and as he went to atack one of the men, his left foot slipped in a puddle of blood, sending him flying back onto the ground.
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Post by Fateful on Jan 8, 2010 22:09:27 GMT -5
Ed punched them on the face, using his arm to hurt them, but not to kill them. As much as he hated to admit it, he didn't want to kill these people. Maybe Mustang was right... maybe he was weak, but he didn't care. These men didn't deserve to die just because they were loyal to the wrong person. The Fuhrer had always been their leader, and to object to that?
Flames engulfed those he'd forced to the ground and a loud sound of them burning alive sounded, causing the Elric to make a face. This was... a disgusting smell...
"You're mistake!" One of the men yelled, a sword suddenly coming down to stab through Ling's chest - a blow which would completely destroy his heart, ending any probability of it being repaired. When suddenly, the blade shattered like it was nothing more than glass and the man fell to the ground, his body in several pieces on the ground beside Ling before the human mind even could process such an event. A black cloaked warrior hit the ground, killing another two, leaving all of soldiers dead.
As the black garments settled around the body, an automail arm gleamed, even in the dull light. six small studded bands were around the wrist and lower arm, one large spiked band was the lowest on the artificial limb, a long sword was erected from the elbow, firm, shining in the red blood of the fallen military soldiers. A red and white mask covered the face, but blue eyes shot on in stark contrast from the face piece. Looking away from those in the group, she turned and darted off, motioning for the other to follow.
It was not safe in this area, and to stay in chat would do more harm than good. Her heart was throbbing hard, and it wasn't because of the battle. It was Ling. She saw him, and he looked at her. He opened his eyes, something he rarely did... Their people, especially the future Emperor saw with his mind and heart, and no one knew his better than Ran Fan.
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Post by belated valentine on Jan 8, 2010 22:09:44 GMT -5
Ling gasped as the sword came down toward him, his body instantly hardened as Greed took control. He jumped to his feet and as he glanced around slightly, noticing there were no more men, his body faded back to it's flesh form. Was that...? He smirked, looking toward Ran Fan. "Ah! Ran Fan!" His hands clasped together and he grinned, leaning toward her, his eyes closed as usual. "Hawkeye was right, you were here. And your automail is wonderful, I apologize for putting you through the pain." He said, tilting his head to look at it. After
He looked back for his weapon, picking it up and then fanning the sword through the air slightly, trying to get the blood off before he put it back. When Ran Fan motioned for them to follow, he did so. Something was missing...
Fu?
He looked around and then back ahead at Ran Fan, who was in front of them. He probably stayed back, he didn't blame him. He was old and he didn't want him pushing himself beyond the limit. "The old man's back resting right? I can't wait to see him and tell him we can go back home now that I have my immortality." He said, delightfully. He was so happy at teh moment...and a little hungry, but that was beyond the point. Now that they were reunited he felt a lot better. He wanted to go back to Xing, but he didn't really like the idea of leaving Amestris like this, knowing that his friends here could get killed at any moment.
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Post by Fateful on Jan 8, 2010 22:10:03 GMT -5
Ran Fan eyes closed, her body hurting inside. She looked forward, continuing to run, not wanting to hear Ling speak at the moment. She cared for him, deeply, more than anyone in her life now. All her life she'd been trained to protect him, and she'd die doing that. Without hesitation, and she was willing to die for him earlier, and now, even though she was deformed and unworthy, she wasn't sure how Xing would react to her when she returned. Not having a limb there was far different than here. They didn't have automail, nor did they really openly accept most Amestrisian products.
Even with this thought in mind, she would never let herself regret protecting Ling, or getting hurt protecting him. He saved her when he didn't have to. He cared for both her and Fu, and she'd never forget that. She'd never allow herself to forget. Smiling behind her mask, they approaching teh safe house they'd been staying in. She ducked suddenly as a wrench flew out of one of the houses and Winry came out.
They'd been arguing about Ran Fan fighting. Something that took Ed a year to go through took her a few months. Not that he was weak, but because she refused to go through any rehab. She went from the operation table, to the shower, got dressed, and left. Without any hesitation - she battled and searched for Ling, and that's all she'd done since she was able to fight once more.
Once they arrived, she pulled her mask off and looked over at Ling. "Are you hungry?" A smile was plastered on her face, ignoring all that he'd previously said to her. It's not that she made a habit of it, but she knew his personality all to well. But... at the same time, something seemed... Off about him. Something inside... wasn't right.
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Post by belated valentine on Jan 8, 2010 22:10:10 GMT -5
"What have I told you about this, you're going to get yourself killed, you're not fit to fight yet! And I JUST replaced the hydraulic joints in the elbow, you'll destroy the arm if you put too much pressure on it so soon after repairs..." The voice got louder as the person neared the doorway as she went to retrieve her tool from the ground, probably to throw again. "I can't believe you would do this...AGAIN." AS she came through the front door, she stopped. "No way...Ed?" Her eyes widened, despite the fact that they wanted to squint from the sun. She was clad in her worksuit, which was zipped up to keep from getting herself dirty. Her hair was tied up and a grease stain occupied her left cheek.
"Thank god you're alive! You wouldn't believe all of the rumors I've heard concerning the fullmetal alchemist.." She said, picking up her wrench from the ground. Usually this was when she'd beat him over the head for not calling or for mangling her automail, but this time she couldn't really blame him - for the not calling part at least, or visiting. Azure hues eyed his right arm, searching for deformities, wrench clenched in her hand just in case.
Ling blinked, going with the flow instead of asking questions. "Uh, yeah. Starving actually." He smiled at her. "Are you going to feed me?" He asked, mimicking a hopeful little kid. He had lost a great amount of energy during the trip and battle, he'd passed out a few times on the road too. He looked at her arm and then up at her. "I think Winry is right, you shouldn't be pushing yourself. This arm is still new and I've heard of the pains of automail surgery. You should be worried about recovering fully." He folded his arms across his chest. Did she fight before this? Why would she? She was his body guard and with him gone she wouldn't have a reason for it. He sighed slightly. Maybe they'd gotten attacked before? He doubted it. The way Winry was talking about it made it seem like she went out alone to fight, for no reason at all.
"But I'd rather we discuss this over a steaming meal, perhaps with rice?" He asked. He was starting to feel slightly dizzy, the way he usually did before he was going to pass out. His stomach grumbled and he couldn't help but agree with it, plus Greed was whining too. He seemed to do that often, always wanting something.
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