TriMetal: Dual Destinies

by GnatGnat, van_writes

Summary:

“Hwha-what…?” Blearily, Edward cracked open his eyes, the delicate movement causing microscopic specks of sand to tumble from his lashes. He could feel the grit crunch in his teeth and stab under his fingernails. His hair, which was tied back in its usual braid, was pulled loose slightly and he was certain that every strand held a piece of dirt. Despite the intense heat, Edward could sense he was in someone’s shadow, and that alone livened him up.

 

"Kid?" Vash shook Ed again, and like a rug that hadn't seen a good cleaning sand flew off of the boy. "Oh! You're waking up hey, hey!"

 

—✦❘༻༺❘✦—

Two worlds collide in this anime crossover, roleplay-turned-novel! When the Elric brothers are transported to No Man’s Land, they’re rescued by Vash the Stampede, an eccentric outlaw with a bleeding heart and a bounty on his head. With the Elrics’ alchemy turning heads, trust and courage are put to the test in more ways than one in this tale of two brothers… or four brothers?

Two sisters wrote this so…🤭

Chapter 1: ᴅᴇꜱᴇʀᴛᴇᴅ

The entire ordeal was like a nightmare.

 

The Elrics had been deep in combat with a mysterious man claiming to have obtained a new form of alchemy; telekinetic alchemy. At first Edward had been skeptical, but it didn’t take long for him to become a believer. Massive boulders were hurdled at them from seemingly nowhere, and it took every bit of Edward’s attention and strength not to be crushed in the chaos. He had managed to send a few waves of rock of his own at the crazed man with a quick alchemic clap. He created two massive hands out of the earth’s crust, and in one swoop captured the criminal quickly between the rocky fists. However, just as he thought the fight was over, the man thrusted a hand at him, sending a massive ball of neon light towards him and his brother. 

 

The rest was a blur of white. 

 

Now, here he lay, face flush with a ground of sizzling sand, and a piercing pain in his shoulder. A desolate locale stretched before him, quiet save for the sound of his rattled breaths.

 

Unknowingly to the Elric brothers, across the never-ending sands walked a figure. Their silhouette wriggled in the distance from the intense heat that scorched the planet's surface. They approached in the silence of the wasteland, their footsteps crunching in the hardened sand before stopping merely a foot from Ed.

 

Soon, their shadow loomed over him, blocking the two suns behind their broad figure. 

 

Vash reached up to pull off his shades to inspect what he thought was a body. He had heard something about an ile away before noticing this boy as only a laying speck on the horizon a while ago. 

 

"Hello there!" Vash said, louder than any normal greeting. 

 

"Are you in need of some help, kid? You look a little washed up!" Vash reached down and grabbed the boy by one of his arms. Lifting him easily out of the sand. Sand cascaded off Ed's clothes. He seemed to be unconscious at the moment. Vash angled his head, trying to get a better look at the boy's slumped face. 

 

"Heelllo?"

 

Further in the distance, there was a shift in the desert and the clanking sound of metal broke the quietness. Alphonse tried his best to sit up in the sea of hot sand, but the fine grains trickled into the gaps of his hollow body, weighing his limbs and slowing his movements. He could hear someone talking nearby, but he couldn’t see where the voice was coming from. He peered around the wasteland of sand and grit, and prayed that his brother had landed somewhere safe, and that the stranger’s voice in the distance wasn’t someone with bad intentions. 

 

⋇⋆✦⋆⋇

 

“Hwha-what…?” Blearily, Edward cracked open his eyes, the delicate movement causing microscopic specks of sand to tumble from his lashes. He could feel the grit crunch in his teeth and stab under his fingernails. His hair, which was tied back in its usual braid, was pulled loose slightly and he was certain that every strand held a piece of dirt. Despite the intense heat, Edward could sense he was in someone’s shadow, and that alone livened him up.

 

"Kid?" Vash shook Ed again, and like a rug that hadn't seen a good cleaning sand flew off of the boy. "Oh! You're waking up hey, hey!"

 

Vash sat Ed upright, holding him by his shoulders to keep him balanced right. Crouching in front of him, Vash reached into his coat. Moments later, the outlaw pulled a dented up canister, wrapped in tattered leather, and held by a thin strap. Still balancing the kid, he opened up the top. 

 

"I bet you're dying of thirst, squirt." Vash said as he carefully held Ed by his back and tilted the water canister to pour some water into his mouth.

 

Though a million questions of who the man was before him plagued his foggy mind, the primal urge for hydration amidst the scorching heat overruled any other instinct at the moment. 

 

“Thankshh,” Ed sputtered on the water before a realization set in his veins like ice. He suddenly twisted his head to the side, and the stream of water splashed against his cheek as he peered around the tall man. “W-Wait, where’s Al?” His head was still spinning from the fight with that weird alchemist, and the heat radiating off the sand wasn’t helping him gather his bearings. Frantically, he gripped the man’s sleeve, trying desperately to keep the mounting panic out of his voice. “Have you seen a suit of armor around? Like 7 and a half feet tall? He’s my brother, and we were travelling together before…” a pause. “We got separated.”

 

Vash blinked, confused by what this kid was babbling about. "Uh... you have a brother who is armor? I think the dehydration is getting to your head."

 

Vash laughed lightly but was visibly worried for Ed's condition. "Maybe you should drink more water." He handed the canister to Ed. 

 

Irritably, Edward snatched the canister, his face twisting into a scowl. “Psh! Who the hell are you anyways?” He motioned his flesh hand at the dry land before them. “And what are you doing in the middle of a….” He trailed when he noticed the two bright suns in the sky shining down on them.

 

"Desert? Wasteland?" Vash said, finishing Ed's sentence. "Ya know.. I should be asking you the same thing, kid. What are you doing out here in the dunes without any gear? Was it bandits? Criminals? Outlaws?" Vash hummed on the last bit, brows raised with a lopsided smile.

 

“No, well, not exactly..” Edward shifted a little so that he was more upright. “My brother and I were attacked by this guy.. a self proclaimed state alchemist. He called himself the ‘Phantom Hands Alchemist.’ Said he could control and maneuver objects with some weird mental alchemic energy.” Ed fiddled with his glove. “We were fighting one second, and then suddenly wound up here the next.” The more he spoke about it, the more absurd the entire story sounded to his own ears. Still, with two glaring suns overhead, Ed couldn’t see how his situation could get any weirder. 

 

He gave the man in the red coat a firm stare. “My name is Edward Elric, and I’m the Fullmetal Alchemist.” He thought about extending a hand in greeting but decided against it, still feeling on guard about this mysterious stranger. He couldn’t risk giving too much info, at least not until he found Al and got himself in better shape. The symptoms of intense dehydration had embedded itself deep into his bones..

 

“Right.” Vash let out a nervous laugh, standing up.

 

He honestly couldn't believe his ears. What the hell was this Ed kid talking about? Alchemy?

 

"Honestly, I have not a single clue what you're talking about, but uhh, the next town is just behind me, maybe an ile or two on foot. You really might need to see a doctor or something cause it sounds like the dehydration has gotten to you." Vash joked, letting his laughing die out in an ermmuuhh...yeah.

 

"I can actually take you there if you want. I am heading that way!" He offered, smiling. "You can keep the canister too. I need to get a new one anyway."

 

Though grateful, Ed didn’t show it, opting to simply nod instead. The moment he tried to stand, his head was swimming and it took everything in his power not to go crashing face-first back into the sand. He gritted his teeth and righted himself without a word. Sand poured off his body, the fine specks slipped through the intricate wires of his automail like running water. 

 

Oh, yeah… Ed thought silently. He suddenly remembered the metal limb and hesitantly, he looked down at it. The steel plating that covered his forearm was broken, but otherwise, it was still completely functional. For now. He noted the intense heat and the blisters that were starting to form at the base of his shoulder and grimaced. 

 

“Okay, fine.” Ed decided as he fastened the water canister on his back. “I don’t think I caught your name though,” he trailed, looking up at the man expectantly.

 

"Oh yeah, that!" Vash rubbed the back of his neck. "You can call me Vash! And uh hey, is your arm made of metal or something?" 

 

Vash leaned down a little, observent as always. He'd seen Ed had taken interest in his arm for only a second. But there was a glint of discomfort behind the young boy's eyes. 

 

"Is your arm a prosthetic?? I've never seen that kind of tech before. Not only that, the funny clothes you're wearing! You gotta be from one of those fancy cities." Vash said more to himself than towards Ed. But his curiosity about this kid was never ending.

 

Red tinged his cheeks and he tried to pull at his sleeve, at least what was left of it anyways. “Yeah. My automail mechanic personally designed it.” He cracked a smile at the second comment. “And ‘fancy city’ huh? I really am far from home, heh.” 

 

He patted at his cloak and sided Vash. “Alright, now we’ve gotta find Al.” He gave the bounty-holder a firm look, demanding his attention. “Remember: giant suit of armor.“ 

 

Vash nodded before putting his shades back on. "Alright, boss!" He chirped, taking trail behind Ed who took lead.

 

Edward began the ascent up a particularly high mound of sand. He shielded his eyes against the suns and peered across the expanse of hot grit, until finally, he spotted the glint of metal just a couple hundred feet away.

 

"Hey! Actually, don't run around too much!! Don't want to waste your energy out here!!" Vash hollered, seeing Ed scramble up the huge dune to the top, sand sliding against the boys' feet, sending trickling streams to its base. 

 

Before Vash could say anything else, he watched the alchemist leap over the other side, vanishing. Sighing through his nose, Vash shouldered the bag he'd been carrying with him and climbed after Ed. 

 

At the top, Vash was huffing. "Wow, for looking like a raisin just a while ago, you're sure fast..." He wheezed. 

 

Not far, Vash saw Ed digging in the sand by the handfuls, racking out a giant piece of metal. "Is this your armor you were talking about?" Vash laughed, amused. "Your brother, right?" He teased, finding the kid's story all too funny as he seated himself on the other side of the armor to help Ed dig.

 

“Oh shut it and help!” Edward barked heatedly, rushing to unbury his brother. Relief surged through him when he swiped sand away from a familiar metal face.

 

“Brother?!” Al’s voice echoed in the armor in surprise. “How did you find me? I kinda started sinking..” he let out an awkward laugh. 

 

Edward didn’t slow his pace as he shoveled the sand aside. “Your shoulder spike was sticking out.” He continued to dig until finally, Al was able to pull himself from the ground. “There, can you stand now?”

 

The armor stood, and the sand within hissed loudly as it poured out from between his joints. Though Al was certain there was more trapped in the hollowness of his feet, he was mostly mobile now. Relieved, he sighed. “T-Thanks.” His gaze travelled to the other red coated rescuer. “Who’s this, Brother?” He asked politely, giving the man a small wave. 

 

“His name’s Vash,” the older Elric responded absentmindedly as he shook one of Al’s gauntlets free of sand. “He found me out here..”

 

Vash slowly backed away, letting armored boy rise out of the sand. His shades perched at the end of his nose he stared up at Al with huge blue eyes of astonishment.

 

"Whoa...." Vash muttered, shocked by the tremendous height difference and size. A silent moment passed, only the wind kicking up around them a bit, sending some grains tinking against Alphonse's metal body. 

 

"Well, hi there!" Vash snapped back to himself, a leather hand outstretched towards Al. 

 

"You know I didn't believe your brother here at first, but it seems he is telling the truth all along! He was babbling on about you when I found him. I thought it was because he was dehydrated." He took hold of Al's hand, giving it a silly shake. 

 

Simultaneously, Vash was taking mental notes about these two. Something wasn't right about them; the very second he saw Ed on the horizon, caution had already begun to knot in his gut.

 

Vash smiled up at Al, pointing out his humongous size. "You're big kid! Are you like his older brother?"

 

Alphonse sheepishly rubbed the back of his head out of instinct. “Haha, no I’m his younger brother actually!”

 

“I’m the older brother,” Edward cut in defensively, clearly offended. He crossed his arms. 

 

Alphonse looked down at Vash curiously. “Thanks for saving Ed, we both really appreciate it. If you don’t mind me asking… where exactly are we right now?”

 

"Oh! You're in No Man's Land, kiddo! But if you want to know the nearest town, it's not far from where we are. It's called Little Rock. I am actually on my way there right now to meet an old friend of mine." Vash hummed, a slight shade of pink warmed his face at the thought. "You two kids should probably do the same, I am sure your parents are very worried about you." He wagged a ringed finger at both Ed and Al, tsking. "Especially coming out here unprepared as a matter of fact is a death sentence!"

 

Ed and Al exchanged a glance, silent for a long moment before shifting. 

 

“Um, we—“

 

“We work for the military and haven’t been home in months.” Edward interrupted firmly. More calmly, he added, “And we didn’t come here willingly. Seems like that weirdo actually had some sort of messed up powers.” 

 

Alphonse gave Vash an appreciative look, as much as he could with an expressionless helmet for a face. “Thanks, Mr Vash. We’ll be happy to travel with you. Lead the way!”

 

"Kids working for the military?! Gosh, what has the planet turned into that's awful!!" Vash cried, throwing an arm over his eyes to hide the forming tears. 

 

He needed to be strong for these two, so pulling himself together, Vash stood at attention with a loud HUP! 

 

His heels together, feet apart, back straight, shoulder squared, and his bag thrown back over his back, he announced with a hardened face. 

 

"Alright, boys! Forward to Little Rock!! 1, 2, 3, 4! 1, 2, 3, 4!" Vash barked as he began to march into the sand that just looked to lead to nowhere.

 

Edward’s face fell into annoyance while Al could only laugh at Vash’s antics. “This guy’s insane,” Ed mumbled, trailing after the man with a huff. 

 

“At least he’s friendly,” Al pointed out, carefully treading across the sandscape. “Once we get to town, we could try asking for a phone to call Central.”

 

Ed hummed, trying to relax. He didn’t know where he was and what lied ahead, but at least Al was right when it came to this Vash character. The man didn’t seem to be dangerous or anything, though he did find it weird that he just happened to be in the middle of a desert when he was. Ed swallowed what little saliva remained in his mouth. Who knew how long he had been unconscious out there in the sand… if Vash hadn’t come along when he did… I’d be a goner…

 

 

Vash hummed to himself as he marched along. 

 

Glancing back behind over his shoulder, he saw the two brothers following him. He smiled. Good, once they reach civilization, they can head back to wherever they need to go. 

Notes:

hi everyone!! this is van and gnat! ✧｡٩(ˊᗜˋ )و✧*｡ we really hope you’re enjoying this crossover so far! this is technically a roleplay we formatted into a google doc so we apologize if it reads a bit weird!

to help put this into perspective:

gnat roleplays trigun characters
van roleplays fullmetal characters

we communicate a lot to ensure the conversations are seamless!

we can’t wait to see you in the next chapter!!

Gnat: Letting everyone know that this is still being listened to and cleaned up! So if anything sounds strange we apologize! 🙉

- gnat 🖤 and vanny 🧡

Chapter 2: ᴛʜᴇ ʙᴏᴜɴᴛʏ

The two suns above them hung high in the blue sky, basking the sands in heat waves. Vash stopped his marching once, spotting Little Rock. The small settlement now in a distant view, it's buildings only visible against the empty sky. 

 

"I see the town boys!!" Vash twirled around, grinning. "We don't have too far to go--" 

 

Suddenly, a low rumbling sound interrupted Vash. He froze, his ear pricking to the familiar sound. An engine. A car. Someone was coming. 

 

Whipping back around, Vash saw a huge buggy racing across the dunes, its massive wheels ripped up sand behind it, throwing huge dust clouds in its wake. 

 

Atop of the modified vehicle, 5 rugged men were hanging off its open topped frame, their eyes set dead on their approaching target. 

 

Vash let out a hiss through his teeth. Danger? This close to town already?!

 

Ed and Al skidded to a stop behind him, confused. 

 

“Hey, what’s going on?” Edward asked, peering around Vash with a narrowed gaze. His pupils shrunk in realization as he spotted the approaching vehicle. “I take it these guys aren’t friends of yours?”

 

In response, Vash threw an arm in front of him, blocking him from stepping any further. His once lighthearted aura shifted as he dropped low into a defensive stance. "Get behind me! These are some unwanted guests." He firmly ordered, brows lowering. 

 

Vash's eyes narrowed behind his shades as millions of scenarios ripped through his mind. He just needed to get these kids to safety and fast, but the buggy was eating up more distance between them, the engine now roaring. He backed up, his arm still out, almost clothes-lining Ed. "Get into a tight circle, kids." 

 

Vash said as the dune buggy slung itself to a stop merely meters away from them, spraying sand out from under its massive tires. As the dust cleared, the men poured out of the vehicle with huge grins plastered on their faces as they eyed their prize. 

 

"Well, well, well!!! Look at what we have here, boys!" A raspy voice chuckled as a larger fat man pushed through the men to be in front. 

 

Vash kept calm, his eyes trained on what he now assumed to be the leader of the group approaching them.

 

Edward grimaced at the men. “Hey, we’re just trying to get to the next town, what gives?” He glanced at Vash, wondering what the man could be thinking. “These guys are obviously gonna be trouble,” he hissed, poising his hands together in preparation to clap.

 

"Stop, there's no need to get hostile." Vash snapped at him, but it wasn't aggression that edged his voice. 

 

He was looking down at Ed from past his arm, his blue eyes locked on him. There was a silent plea behind his gaze, and Vash hoped he'd listen.

 

"Hey kid!! Blink twice if you're in trouble!! Bahaha!" The group of bandits busted out in laughter. Vash pressed his lips together. 

 

Oh great. He thought. 

 

The fat leader smirked. "Yeah! Don't you know who you're hanging around, kid? That's Vash the Stampede!! The Humanoid Typhoon!! That blonde beauty got a nice bounty on his head, and we're after it. So you better step aside." 

 

The crook then yanked his gun from its holster and aimed it square at Vash, an eye closed behind the barrel whilst chuckling. "But if you'd like a one-way ticket to the pearly gates, I don't mind helping."

 

Ed’s doubts regarding Vash’s identity instantly resurfaced, but he pushed the thoughts aside. Instead, he let out a frustrated sigh when he was met with Vash’s calm, assessing gaze. Under the outlaw’s cool scrutiny, Ed’s hands slowly dropped to his sides. 

 

You better know what you’re doing… he thought silently, clenching his fists.

 

"There's really no need for that." Vash said to the leader, his voice calm. A small smile came across his face once he noticed Ed had taken his lead. 

 

His attention turned back to the gun aimed at him. "Just let them go, and I'll stay if that's what you want. But you gotta make me a promise that you won't hurt them."  Vash studied the leader, searching. 

 

The leader's lip curled up in a snarled annoyance, his gun waving as he barked. "Hey, you're not the one giving me orders here, outlaw! I get to do what I want! And if I say the kid goes, he goes! And I've decided that ain’t happenin’! And another thing!” The man gave a yellow-toothed grin. “Stop it with the act, it's really pissing me off!! Why not show these brats who you really are?!" He chuckled as the sound of the gun's hammer was being cocked back. 

 

Vash's body tensed as he prepared for the next move. 

 

Seeing that things weren’t deescalting, Ed gave Vash a nudge with a smirk. “So much for no hostilities.” He sided Alphonse, who in turn looked down at him knowingly. “Looks like we’ve gotta show these goons what kinda ‘kids’ they’re up against, eh, Al?” 

 

Two claps echoed in unison, and instantly the ground in front of the men exploded as billions of sand crystals were sent flying skyward. 

 

A sense of relief and familiarity washed over Ed at the sight: his alchemy still worked! Though he noticed he wasn’t able to form makeshift hands out of the unstable grains, the thundering in the ground seemed to be enough to shake the violent men before them.

 

A wave of screams filled the tense atmosphere, sending chills down Vash's spine. 

 

Vash let out a wobbly whoa as he was almost thrown off his footing when a giant wall of sand came bursting in front of him, shielding him from any gunfire. 

 

Through the chaos, the leader aimlessly fired into the wall of rushing sand that was unable to hold itself together, the grains making a loud hissing sound as they ran against each other by some unseen power 

 

In the frenzy, however, this triggered a reaction from the leader's men, who began blasting into the sand with all their ammo. 

 

Vash whipped around, instinctively his hand went to his gun at his hip. His eyes were wide with a mixture of confusion and shock, but he kept himself collected in these types of situations. 

 

"What the hell was that?!" Vash yelped as the wall of sand began to collapse.

 

“Alchemy!” Edward grinned widely, tossing his cloak back over his shoulder. “Hey, Al! Cover me!” Without thinking twice, the boy raced across the sandscape towards the disheveled men, full intent on keeping them down.  

 

Alphonse clapped his hands and attempted to transmute a wall to help shield his brother, but the instability of the sand made it impossible for anything to remain solid. Realizing this too late, he stumbled, and the sand wall collapsed into a waterfall of grains, obscuring everyone’s vision for a moment. 

 

“Crap!” Ed hissed as he was pelted in hot sand. He tried to look back the way he came but he could barely see Vash’s red coat or Al’s glinting armor. Instinctively, he pinched his lips shut and covered his eyes as sand poured over him.

 

Vash saw the error in the boy's judgment as the sand basically buried Ed in a heap, planting his feet in its weight. 

 

Vash's knees buckled, muscles tense before he ripped into a sprint for Ed before anyone could take notice of his fall. 

 

But Vash was, unfortunately, a second too late as one of the goons lept in his path, blocking Ed. The barrel of his pistol snapped up to chest level with Vash. His face was covered in dust and dirt, twisted with fear and panic in his eyes. 

 

Vash felt his breathing hitch, sliding in the sand to stop his sprint he watched the goon's finger trembling on the trigger, hesitation to pull it. 

 

Suddenly, a loud, CLACK! filled the dusty atmosphere and a cry ripped through the chaos. 

 

Everyone froze instantly. 

 

As the dust cleared, Vash had the goon in a neck hold. Disarmed and looking confused. "I-I-I shot him!! He was right there!!" The bandit cried out, still shaking violently in Vash's grip. 

 

In Vash's other hand was a giant handgun. Its silver body glimmered in the sunlight as it was steadily aimed at the leader who stopped in mid fight. 

 

"Now, gentlemen." Vash said coolly. "I don't like all the ruckus you've caused for me this evening. We wouldn't want anyone to get hurt now, do we?"  

 

There was a faint click from Vash's gun as he drew back the hammer. Everyone stood at a stand still, until the goon in his grip whimpered out. 

 

"Forget the-the money boss!! H-He's not playing around anymore!"

 

Edward scrambled to his feet, mouth agape in awe at the sight of Vash’s arm-made-weapon. The tall man, who had been frolicking only moments before, stood stoic now with a hostage in tow. Ed swallowed dryly, eyes locked ahead at the scene that was unfolding.

 

The bandits lowered their weapons, noticing that they've been given a bad hand. It was clear their plan of Vash's capture had been foiled by the unforeseen use of the Elric brothers so called, ‘alchemy.’ 

 

"Good boys." Vash smirked, raising the weapon away from the leader. 

 

"Now jump back into your little buggy and scram. I really don't like the sight of blood." Vash then released the whimpering hostage, who ran back to his crew on almost all fours screaming. 

 

Vash watched as the rest of the bandits scrambled back into their buggy, speeding off just as quickly as they came off into the dunes, disappearing out of sight. 

 

Vash let out a relieved sigh. "Phew!" He laughed, holstering the weapon back into its rightful place. "That was a close call, huh guys? With you and your....Alchemy?"

 

If Alphonse had a body of flesh and blood he was certain he’d be flushed with embarrassment. “Oops..” was all he managed to squeak as Edward sluggishly rejoined the group, completely covered in sand. “Sorry, Brother.”

 

Edward swiped at his arms, sending gold powder into the air once more. “Ugh… I don’t think I’ll ever be clean again thanks to all this sand.” The older Elric gave Vash a look that relayed indignation. “And that’s not usually how alchemy works, seriously!” He kicked at the sand with a leather boot. “Something must be different here…”

 

Vash laughed to the boys' embarrassment. "That alchemy stuff is quite the mystery to me, though. How were you able to control the sand like that?" A small bead of sweat had formed on the side of Vash's cheek, but he continued to smile.

 

Alphonse couldn’t suppress his own amazement. “Forget that, what about that arm?!” He gestured at Vash’s limb with his own, pretending to shoot. 

 

Edward looked more skeptical, although he too wondered the same. “Some crazy automail, huh?”

 

Vash felt his face warm up to the compliments. "Oh- this old thing?" He said before skillfully changing it back to the hidden weapon. 

 

He held up his arm to show Ed and Al, smiling. "I always hate using it, though. Rips up my sleeve every time!! Gotta re-wrap it. And leather isn't cheap!" 

 

Vash laughed before returning it back to his hand. He wriggled his fingers, sighing. "Well....besides that hiccup. Let's get to town."

 

Edward stared after him for a moment, before grabbing Al’s arm. The younger brother peered down at him, seemingly confused. 

 

“Keep your guard up, Al,” he mumbled quietly, “You saw that too right?” 

 

After a moment, Al nodded, his helmet clanking quietly. “His arm…and…”

 

“.. the gun.” Ed finished, exhaling.

 

Alphonse straightened up. “Let’s not jump to conclusions too quickly though, Brother. I mean, he did save your life.” He reminded, before looking back at the man who still hadn’t noticed they weren’t following.

 

“You’re right…” Ed hummed quietly, “Still..” The sight of the hidden weapon made him feel uneasy. With their alchemy on the fritz in this new land, Ed’s nerves were frayed with a new fear. It was only natural to worry.. 

 

“C’mon, let's catch up before he notices!”

 

“‘Kay!”

 

The two brothers ran to rejoin Vash, kicking up sand in their wake.

 

Vash strolled along, unaware of the brothers’ conversation behind him. 

 

That whole fight now had the two suns dipping down into the sky towards the flat horizon, telling him it was now creeping up into the late afternoon. 

 

"You boys hungry?" Vash asked as he spun around on his heel, his huge red coat twirled after him. He walked backward to look at Ed and Al, the town slowly coming up behind him. 

 

"I really have worked up quite the appetite after that squabble." He patted his stomach.

 

“Food, yes please! I’m famished!!” Edward couldn’t restrain his enthusiasm at that, his golden eyes glittering at the thought of a freshly cooked meal. He imagined a giant bowl of beef stew over fluffy white rice, tender carrot and celery slices decorating the gravy stock with small pops of colour. The mental image made a tiny river of drool leak from his mouth and he quickly wiped it away when he remembered Al couldn’t relish the luxury of eating like he could. 

 

“Is there a place in mind, Mr Vash?” Al asked, wondering where they could be headed now. If they stood out to Vash in terms of appearances, Al could only wonder what a town of people would think of them..

 

"Well, I think there is a diner here in this place. Hey, you can meet my friend! He'd love you guys! I'm sure of it!" Vash beamed spinning back around as they entered the town. 

 

As sandstone buildings began to surround them, Vash glanced around, feeling more at ease to be in a place so familiar with people again. But soon, he could feel more eyes on him than usual. He looked back at Ed and Al. These guys really did stick out here, didn't they? 

 

Vash suddenly stopped letting Ed and Al get to the sides of him. He dropped down to Ed's level, whispering with a shielded hand. "Hey uhh...your brother with the armor. He is kinda drawing some attention. Do you think he could like ya know. Take it off?"

 

Ed’s breath hitched and Al audibly stiffened next to him. Quickly, the older brother waved a hand assuredly. “Oh, um! He actually can’t… because…beeecause,” his gaze flitted up and he winced at the double suns above. “Because he’s got really sensitive skin! The sun rays here could seriously do some damage. R-Right, Al?”

 

Without missing a beat, Alphonse nodded quickly. “Yep! It’s safer this way, promise!” The suit of armor peered at a small alleyway near the diner. Some large crates offered a makeshift resting place. “I can wait for you guys there if it means people won’t bug us.”

 

Vash raised a brow at the makeshift hiding spot. Concern on his face as he asked. "You're just gonna sit out here? I-I mean, don't you wanna eat too?" But Ed insisted Al was okay, so Vash gave Alphonse a little wave before he and Ed headed into the diner. 

 

The place wasn't the best of diners, but it was all this town could keep. Vash pushed open the doors, his eyes immediately sweeping the small space for his friend. He gasped, spotting the dark figure seated in the back of the diner in a beat-up booth, their back to them. 

 

"Come on, squirt!" Vash said before quickly walking to the back of the shady diner, a few tired heads lifted to his bubbling aura.

 

Ed bit his lip at the mention of his stature, but the hunger pangs overrode his ego. He quietly followed Vash with a symphony of growls in his tummy.

 

Vash's boots clopped on the floor as he took the seat in front of the stranger. "Hey there!! Is this seat taken, friend?"

 

Edward’s tired gaze brightened in interest at the sight of Vash’s supposed friend sitting rather coolly in the booth. The Humanoid Typhoon looked up at Ed, eyes shining brighter than ever. "Here, here!" He scooted over, making room, patting the tattered seat with his hand rapidly for Ed to sit. 

 

Ed obeyed, grimacing when his feet dangled off the ground. 

 

Smoke swirled around the air as the stranger looked up from the stained menu in front of him at the boy Vash had brought along. A frown came across his face, but it was brief. His gaze rose to Ed, cold.

 

"Who's this, spikey?" Wolfwood asked, turning to Vash, who only smiled. 

 

"Wolfwood! Ed! Ed! Wolfwood!" Vash introduced vibrantly. 

 

The Fullmetal Alchemist returned the unyielding eye contact, feeling slightly uncomfortable. It was hard to believe that Vash was friends with someone so…intense. Despite usually being unbothered by the leer of those older than him, Ed found himself blinking away. “Um, hey,” he mumbled, weakly lifting his hand in acknowledgment.

 

Wolfwood nodded while he plucked the crumpled cigarette he'd been burning to its end from between his lips. Snuffing it out on the way too cluttered ash tray that sat in the middle of the table. 

 

He clasped his hands together in front of him, wondering why Vash had brought this kid here. Wolfwood briefly wondered if the child was an orphan, and that this was all that Vash could think to do for him. 

 

Wolfwood let out a heavy sigh before catching a waitress's attention to get their order. 

 

She hurried over, pen and pad ready. "What can I get you gentlemen today, hm? Today's special is smoked tomas over rye." She said, looking over at Vash and Ed with an inviting smile. 

 

"I'll just have a drink." Wolfwood said, clapping the menu close before handing it back to the waitress. 

 

"Same! And get Tiny here, the special." Vash handed the other menu back, gesturing towards Ed with a grin. 

 

Still feeling cramped under Wolfwood’s gaze, Edward could only growl an incoherent complaint towards Vash. His thoughts more-so echoed the waitress’s mentioning of the ‘special.’ 

 

What the heck was a smoked tomas?

 

Apprehensively, the Elric scanned his surroundings, trying to study the people around him. Everyone looked to be bronzed by the elements; their clothes were more in tatters than they were pressed, and wrought iron and silver decorated their persons whether it be jewelry or automail-like limbs. 

 

Even the few women he saw at the entrance of the diner looked like they could easily hold their own in a fight. 

 

Feeling small, he tried to scoot up in his seat, stifling a gulp.

 

Vash's gaze flicked over at him, noticing his discomfort. 

 

"You okay?" He asked, his voice a lot calmer than before. "You look a little nervous." 

 

"Yeah..." Wolfwood's voice chimed in, Vash looked up.

 

"Where'd ya come from, kid? Looks like you haven't stepped outside a day in your life." Wolfwood grumbled and began to dig around in his pockets, searching for another cigarette to burn. 

 

Vash laughed in agreement. "You know now that you mention it. You do seem pretty clean cut for being way out there in the desert like that."

 

Normally, the young alchemist didn’t mind a bit of spotlight. But things were different now. From the occasional pitch of rowdiness in the diner making him flinch every now and again, to the two curious sets of eyes fixated on his every move, a sense of self consciousness made his skin itch under his clothes. Awkwardly, Edward cleared his throat. 

 

“I told you already,” he said lowly, realizing that anyone could overhear their conversation if they truly wanted to eavesdrop. “We were fighting a deranged alchemist with a weird, foreign alchemy and one of the blasts sent us here somehow.” He pinched the bridge of his nose as he wracked his brain for scraps of information in the haze of memory. 

 

If he and Al were truly in a distant world, he couldn’t see the benefits in spilling intricate details regarding the great powers of alchemy. Without knowing their way around, they could easily get tangled in a scheme and used as weapons for someone else’s own twisted purposes.

 

Not to mention, Edward admittedly was exhausted. The unwavering heat had left him feeling weak and dizzy. Even now in the shade of the diner, he felt faint. The smoke in the air made his lungs tight, and he was desperately in need of a bath and a fresh set of clothes. 

 

Though he had been grateful that Vash helped them get someplace more habitable, he still had no idea what the man’s true intentions were— better yet his identity. He thought back to the goons that had attacked them earlier, yelling something about a bounty or what not. 

 

Even if Vash had an upbeat demeanor, there was no doubt that he harbored a past that he wasn’t letting on. Edward didn’t know if he could risk him and his brother’s safety by association..

 

Despite the thoughts that ravaged his fatigued mind, the boy only managed to let out a small huff. “I just need to clear my head and maybe find a phone.”

 

Chapter 3: ᴛʜᴇ ᴡᴏʟꜰ ᴀɴᴅ ᴛʜᴇ ᴅᴏᴜɢʜɴᴜᴛ

Wolfwood let out a sudden laugh to the mention of a phone, making Ed jump in his seat a little.

 

 "A phone? Jeez kid, you really got your head in the clouds, don't ya?" The priest leaned back in the booth, looking amused, throwing his elbow back over the seat as he held another sadly burnt cigarette up to his mouth to light. 

 

"And what the hell are you talking about? Alchemy?" 

 

"I know! He's been saying that's what happened ever since I found him!" Vash hummed. "But his alchemy stuff is really weird. He’s capable of picking up sand with his mind!" Vash teased, making whooing sounds like a ghost. 

 

Wolfwood grinned, disbelief shining in his eyes. "Oh, really? That's something you don't hear every day!" 

 

Vash and Wolfwood began chuckling. Soon, the waitress returned with their order. She sat down the cups and the small tray of food in front of Ed. There on the metal tray sat a dried piece of tomas over the stalest looking rye one could ever see in their lifetime.

 

"There you are, gentlemen. Anything else?" She chirped, Wolfwood gave her a dismissive wave. 

 

Once alone again, Vash took his drink, his rings tinking against the foggy glass. "Yeah, crazy. But that alchemy saved my bacon before I got into town." His gaze fell to his hands, remembering how quickly everything had turned sour with the bandits. 

 

"Really?" Wolfwood said, not sounding very amused behind the cup he'd lifted up to his lips. 

 

"Yeah."

 

Edward stared at the meal placed before him, his longing for beef stew shattering into pieces at the sight of the platter. His stomach howled loudly in protest despite his expression being twisted in disgust. Gingerly, he poked at the meat with a bronze fork. 

 

“Uhm,” he began, squinting his eyes. “W-What exactly is this..?”

 

"That's tomas." Vash sitting his glass down with a small thunk. 

 

"It's a little tough, so you better chew it real good. Takes forever to digest, but it'll keep you fuller longer." Wolfwood's voice had growled from behind the rim of his glass, his cold gaze sawing through Ed with a judgemental stare. 

 

"Yeah, but it's better if you break off some bread with it too." Vash pointed at the thickly cut slice of bread at the edge of Ed's plate. 

 

"Maybe he's not that hungry..." the priest muttered before taking a drink, a twinge of distrust lingered in his tone.

 

Vash chuckled worriedly. "Of course he's hungry! Right?"

 

The boy nodded and, pushing past his initial distaste for its appearance, took a bite out of the dry thomas with bared teeth. 

 

Though extremely tough, Ed likened its taste and texture to cured meat. Hastily, he worked his jaw faster before grabbing at the cup set in front of him with both hands and gulping its contents down greedily. 

 

With every passing moment, he felt his energy slowly replenishing, and contently, he sighed, wiping at his face. It was nothing like Granny Pinako’s cooking at the Rockbell home, but at least it was some sustenance.

 

Both Vash and Wolfwood waited in silence, sipping on their drinks patiently. 

 

The sound of only the sleepy diner surrounded them for a while. The murmur of a few conversations drifted in and out of earshot or the clattering of dishes from the back. 

 

"Alright. So, you need a phone, huh?" Wolfwood sat up, now looking at Ed a little more intently. "Well, a phone is a pretty rare thing to come by, but they aren't completely wiped out." He explained, waving a hand.

 

"Phones are usually in more densely populated cities than these run-down towns. And they do cost a good couple of double dollars to get a hold of an operator." His eyes never left Ed's as he spoke. The priest had so many questions about this kid and his tall tale of some alchemist fight with a man. 

 

Wolfwood rubbed his neck, rolling his shoulders to relieve some unwanted tension off his back. 

 

Vash however, had been a little quieter than normal. He sat nearest to the wall of the booth, staring out past Wolfwood towards the doors. His thoughts wander how Alphonse was doing outside in that alleyway. 

 

Suddenly, Vash stood up abruptly, his hands slamming on the table. "I'll be right back! I gotta go do something!" He announced before wriggling past Ed and out the diner. 

 

Wolfwood raised a questionable brow at Vash's spontaneous decision to leave, but he didn't pursue.

 

Edward followed his gaze, a muscle in his chest seemed to tighten as the man in red disappeared through the saloon doors at the front of the diner. He tried to listen over the chatter around them for any sort of commotion— big or small—outside, but it was useless. Annoyed, he clenched his jaw, picking at some meat stuck in his teeth with his tongue. 

 

He could feel Wolfwood’s eyes trained on him, feeling out his movements and studying his face. He inwardly writhed under the silent pressure, and for a fleeting moment considered sliding out of the booth to check on Al as well.

 

Wolfwood laughed lightly, flicking off the ash that had collected at the end of his cigarette. "So is that all you're after? A phone to contact someone?" Wolfwood asked, his head now stooped low past his shoulders, voice to a whisper towards Ed. He didn't want anyone picking up on this conversation. Ears were everywhere in here, listening constantly.  

 

⋇⋆✦⋆⋇

 

Meanwhile, Vash waltzed outside of the diner. Glancing around for a second to make sure no one was watching, he slipped into the alleyway quietly. 

 

He hurried over to the multiple stacked crates that were hiding Alphonse, lifting one carefully he sat it down to see the giant boy seated in the middle of crates. 

 

"Hey, Alphonse!!" Vash hissed, trying to keep his voice down. "I brought you a little something, kid!"

 

Alphonse perked up at his name, wiping his hand on his apron where he had been drawing in the dirt while he waited. 

 

“Oh? Hey, Mr Vash!” he greeted warmly, before dropping his voice too, remembering. “How was dinner?”

 

"Oh great!" Vash said, leaning on the crate to lift his feet off the ground, kicking them behind him as he talked. 

 

"Your brother is still in there eating away. That kid is a bottomless pit! Anyhow-" 

 

Vash straightened up, digging in his coat for something. 

 

"Ah! Here it is!" 

 

Vash held up something wrapped up in what appeared to be a napkin. Carefully, he unwrapped the item, and it revealed a single donut. 

 

The Typhoon's eyes seemed to grow bigger at the sight of the sweet treat, holding up for him and Alphonse to admire. 

 

"I brought you this, my friend! Don't tell your brother! I was getting a little worried about you not getting to eat." Vash said, lowering the donut down to Alphonse. 

 

"This is my last one. So you better savor it!"

 

“Oh, um, t-thank you.” The suit of armor, though unable to express any emotion, looked uncomfortable somehow. Still, Alphonse hesitantly accepted the treat, dwarfing the baked good in his massive gauntlet of a hand. The sugar glaze that coated it crumbled and fell off in flakes as soon as he held it, and Alphonse realized that he was probably holding it a bit too tightly for what it was. 

 

Without having a sense of feeling in any part of his metal body, he struggled to find a way to look natural— especially under Vash’s shining blue eyes. He could see the outlaw was waiting eagerly for him to take a bite, to tell him how delicious it was and how grateful he was to have been given the very last doughnut in his current supply… 

 

Something resembling the sensation of a knot in his stomach lanced through his soul for a moment, and he stiffly looked around for any passerby or even Ed by some chance.

 

"Ah! Ah! Careful, you're breaking it!" Vash cried, witnessing the precious treat being smashed in Alphonse's hand. The urge to save the remaining treat tugged at Vash's fingers to swipe it away, but he kept himself there, hoping Alphonse would just hurry up and eat it. 

 

A tear stung in Vash's eye, his heart twisting in his chest at the sight of crumbs that fell into Alphonse's lap. 

 

"Alphonse! You're supposed to eat it, not wear it! My donut—!" Clutching at his chest with a dramatic arm thrown out to the darkening sky the outlaw then threw himself over the pile of crates, slumping over them in theatrics as if he had fainted. 

 

Earning a small laugh from Alphonse, he opened a single eye, smirking "Ya like that?"

 

Alphonse feigned applause before his gaze settled back on the doughnut. 

 

Vash’s attention returned, and he hummed expectantly, clearly waiting for his reaction. 

 

Thinking as quickly as he could, Alphonse made a noise that resembled clearing one’s throat. The banter from their previous antics dissipated quickly, settling back into steely anticipation. Quietly, Al looked at his lap. “Uh, can you maybe look away?” A long awkward pause. “I’m uh….” More silence, and he cringed. “…shy.”

 

For once, Al was grateful to have metal over skin. Vash was staring at him with an utterly dumbfounded expression, his jaw was practically on the ground at this point. It took everything in Al’s power not to die of both laughter and pure embarrassment. He just continued to hold the doughnut patiently while Vash gawked at him.

 

"Uh-huh. Sure, kid. Whatever gets you to eat, I guess?" He questioned in confusion.

 

However, Vash respected Alphonse's request and turned around to face the opening of the alleyway.

 

Waiting a few heartbeats to ensure Vash truly wasn’t looking, Alphonse chucked the treat as far as he could in the opposite direction, feigning chewing sounds within the hollowness of his armor. 

 

“Okay, finished!” he announced after selling the bit the best he could. He swiped the crumbs off his leather gloves and faked a contented sigh.

 

"Wow, you eat fast!" Vash gasped whilst twisting back around, leaning on the crates again. "But who wouldn't!" He chuckled, waving a dismissive hand.

 

"Donuts are literally the best thing that could have ever been brought on this planet!" The outlaw beamed as he clapped his hands together to hold them against his face, smiling looking rather grateful for the treats creation. 

 

"So, what did you think? That one is literally my favorite flavor! I get it every time!"

 

Alphonse ran with Vash’s enthusiasm, clasping his hands together in thought. He racked his brain for memories of his childhood— from a time where he could eat and have a taste for certain foods and desserts.

 

He hadn’t had a doughnut before, but he noted it looked quite similarly to a treat his mother used to make for him and Ed when they were little. 

 

Cherry turnovers…

 

Alphonse noted that they had a similar golden outside, undoubtedly fried, and brushed in sugary glaze. The shape was just different. That had to be right. 

 

The more he thought about it, the more the memories came flooding back. The feeling of the crispy, flaky crust under his fingertips… the comforting, warm aroma of sugar and the tart but sweet cherry center…

 

“It was really good,” Alphonse hummed absentmindedly, still relishing the newly returned recollection. “I love how sweet the glaze is,” he said, dusting off his hands again. “Though my favorite part had to be the cherry filling!”

 

Upon hearing Alphonse describe the donut to him, Vash's face twisted more from intent to looking puzzled. The glimmer in his blue eyes fading. 

 

"Uh..." Vash started, his hand raised with his index finger pointed. "That donut, Alphonse. It wasn't cherry... It was just a plain cinnamon donut." 

 

He corrected as every part of his being felt like it was about to shatter to the knowledge that Alphonse lied to him. 

 

"Where's the donut? If you didn't like it you should have just told me!" Vash exclaimed, hurt edging his voice. Moving another box out of the way to get closer to Alphonse, Vash stepped into his circle of crates to look for the ruined treat. 

 

Questions began to swirl around Vash's mind as he casually walked around the giant boy acting like nothing was rather serious. Looking over his shoulder, the urge Vash had to rip off the helmet and confront Alphonse popped into mind. 

 

Without any warning, Vash lunged at Alphonse, his arms extended out. 

 

"AH-HA!" 

 

Slapping his hands on either side of Alphonse helmet, eyes sparkling with curiosity of who was behind this metal body, Vash hinged his arms upward. 

 

Alphonse let out a gasp, but before he could push Vash off, the outlaw had already plucked off the garment. 

 

"I got you...?" Vash trailed off upon seeing the inside of Alphonse. He stood there holding the helmet, as he leaned over the empty shell of the suit of armor. 

 

A crimson blood seal stared back at the outlaw. 

 

"Wha-Wha- " Vash shakily started, clutching at the helmet, visibly disturbed. "H-H-How?"

 

Defeatedly, Alphonse’s shoulders sagged a little. Without a word, he took the helmet from Vash’s grip, and fixed it back into place, a long sigh reverberating inside his armor. 

 

He hated to see people react this way, but he knew it was only natural. Alphonse was used to the shock; it was usually easy to explain away once a person found out. Still…

 

Brother’s words of caution echoed in his soul for a moment, and anxiously, he stared at Vash with a pleading gaze. 

 

“Please don’t tell anyone,” he whispered, violet eyes burning into his. He was counting entirely on the luck of the universe that Vash was on their side, and wouldn’t do anything to hurt them. He thought about tearing away from the crates and grabbing Ed and making a break for it, but his limbs wouldn’t seem to move.

 

Vash's own legs were trembling, but he gave Alphonse a forced smile, trying to remain calm. But the rivers of sweat pouring down from his pale face told otherwise. 

 

"O-O-oh no- I-I won't t-t-tell a s-soul!!" Vash stuttered, trying to reassure Al despite every fiber in his body screaming at him to run and never look back at these two weird kids. 

 

The shaking almost became uncontrollable as Vash attempted to step away from the armor and the crates. He wobbled slightly on the first step, immediately stopping with his palms out in instinctive submission. 

 

There's no one inside, there's no one inside, there's no one inside!! 

 

 ⋇⋆✦⋆⋇

 

Back in the diner, the waitress had sat another plate in front of Ed. But this one was made of glass, and atop it was a sliver of vanilla cake with a thin coat of icing. 

 

Wolfwood had got one as well and wasted no time lifting up the dessert fork to take a bite. 

 

"What's with the alchemy stuff too? I never of heard someone using it.  Sounds like some form of magic. Lifting tons of sand without lifting a finger? It sounds like a bunch of bogus to me." Wolfwood's lanky arms surround the small fluffy cake in front of him, his broad figure almost looking a little too intimidating as he spoke with his mouth full.

 

Grateful that the dessert looked like something edible, Edward pulled his own plate closer and stabbed off a small bite with his fork. The soft, spongy texture and generously topped cream icing reminded him of a distant past, when he, Al and Winry would visit a small cake shop back in Resembool. It was nestled deep in the days when worries were few and their bodies were whole, capable of indulging in life’s pleasures without constraint... 

 

For a few fleeting heartbeats, he cherished the memory, before swallowing.

 

“It’s a practice back home,” Ed replied faintly, carefully choosing his words. “That’s all you really need to know about it.”

 

"Mm. Alright." Wolfwood said softly, understanding. 

 

Jabbing his fork back into the crumbling cake, his eyes left his plate and back on Ed. 

 

He could tell there was something going on in the boy's mind. Ed's subtle expressions, the tension in his posture, a hand gripped at the seat... he was in his head somewhere, possibly thinking of a memory... 

 

Wolfwood took another bite, lowering his gaze, letting the silence fall back in between them for a fleeting moment. 

 

"Once getting that phone. Do you plan on going home?" Wolfwood asked, keeping things a little more light in his words.

 

Edward stared hard at the crumbs that were stuck in some icing on his plate. He chewed the inside of his cheek in contemplation, a small bead of sweat forming against his temple. 

 

He didn’t know what a phone call could do for them given the fact they weren’t even in a reality where Amestris existed, but he didn’t express his doubts. Instead he just poked at the cake again, taking smaller, tentative nibbles now. 

 

“That’s the plan,” he mumbled a response in spite of his uncertainty. He feigned a toothy grin, hoping to change the subject. “We stick out like sore thumbs here, huh? Not everyday do you guys get strangers like us, I bet.”

 

Wolfwood cut into the last remaining bites of his cake, taking the second to last bite he nodded, cheeks full. 

 

"Very much. I've never seen a boy your age running around with an outlaw so willingly.. You put too much trust in people." 

 

Wolfwood then drove his fork into the last bite of his cake, holding the white delicacy up to his mouth before eating it, savoring its sweet flavor. 

 

Chewing, he rinsed down the dry dessert that cluttered his throat with the little water he had left in his chipped glass, a relieved ahh escaped once finished. 

 

"I can help you get a change of clothes and somewhere to sleep tonight. But kid, you can't stick with Vash for very long." The priest suddenly said, catching Ed's gaze, seriousness now present in his tone.

 

Edward felt a subtle stream of apprehension trickle down his spine as he locked eyes with the dark-haired man, his warning reiterating his own past fears about Vash. Why would he say something like that about his supposed friend? 

 

Ed stiffened, remembering that the outlaw was outside with Alphonse now. A few dark scenarios suddenly danced across his vision for a moment, and it took all of his restraint not to leap out of the booth and go racing out of the eatery. 

 

Instead, he took in a shaky breath. “How can I trust you any more than him?” He challenged, the cake in front of him forgotten as he leaned forward.

 

Wolfwood blinked, surprised, but a smile tugged at the corner of his lips, amused at Ed's caution.  

 

"Ah. You're not as naive as I thought. At least you're sharp enough not to go blabbing your secrets to just anyone." 

 

He deflected the growing tension with a small laugh. The waitress returned to gather up the plates and dinnerware. "Here you go, sir, that'll be 100 double dollars!" 

 

Wolfwood's jaw clenched hearing the price. Sitting up, the priest dug in his pockets, grumbling something about Vash and stupid outlaw. 

 

Once scraping up enough money for the bill, Wolfwood handed the woman the 100 double dollars stiffly. 

 

"Thank you very much sir please come a-"  

 

"GHOST!!!!" 

 

A loud bang at the doors of the diner flung open. Sending heads spinning in the direction. Standing there heavily breathing was Vash, his blue eyes wild with a fear Wolfwood had never seen before. 

 

Immediately, he stood up in the booth, shocked at the sight, but slightly annoyed. 

 

"Keep it down, needle-head!!" Wolfwood snapped. Vash slammed his mouth closed as he hurried back over to the booth whimpering and trembling like a scared dog.

 

Edward sat up quickly, eyes wide. “W-What happened?” He hissed, warmth creeping into his cheeks when he noticed the remaining occupants in the diner were staring at them.

 

Vash collapsed into Wolfwood, who'd barely caught him in all of the confusion and annoyance that crumpled his face. 

 

"Will you cut it out?! Pull yourself together, man!!" 

 

Wolfwood ordered, grabbing Vash by the shoulders, trying to get this full-grown man to stand, but Vash kept melting like hot wax in his hold, crying something about spirits and ghosts. 

 

"Hey!! Speak coherent words!! I can't hear you through all the blubbering!!" The priest demanded in a growl, but Vash still continued babbling like a baby. Hot tears ran down his cheeks, making the heat of embarrassment linger in.

 

"Come on!! We're going outside! Ed! Let's go!"

 

Not wasting any time, the alchemist got to his feet and briskly followed the two men out of the diner, his heart starting to thump rapidly in his chest. What had Vash seen that had him in tears like that? The idea of some spiritual being briefly flashed in his mind but he pushed it away. That stuff wasn’t real… At least there wasn’t any proof of it logically. 

 

The harshness of two suns overhead made him squint as they exited the diner. Ed grimaced, shielding his face with his automail arm.

 

“Why’s he freaking out?” He finally grumbled, looking at Wolfwood with an irritated expression.

 

Wolfwood didn't answer Ed right away. He was too busy wrangling Vash to use his damn feet. 

 

Finally, Vash managed to start forming words for Wolfwood to understand. 

 

"There's no one in there- t-there's no one in there!" 

Vash whimpered repeatedly, his eyes sealed shut and wet from the tears that had run dry.

 

"Huh?" Wolfwood questioned not believing what the outlaw was spurting out in his fear stricken trance. He then shook Vash harshly, growing impatient. 

 

"What the hell are you talking about?! Going in the diner, causing a scene like that, do you want to get us killed?!" 

 

"Nuh-huh!" Vash protested before pointing towards the alleyway next to the diner. 

 

"T-Theres a ghost over there Wolfwood- g-go use your skill and expel the spirit!! I-I think it's restless!!" 

 

Wolfwood let out a low disgruntled growl from his throat at the nonsense. "This is gotta be the stupidest thing to cry over. Show me now."

 

Edward’s heart sank when he and Wolfwood were led by a trembling Vash towards the alleyway where Al had offered to stay hidden whilst they ate. It wasn’t long before he put two and two together.

 

Still concealed behind the circle of crates, the suit of armor sat with his legs crossed and his chin resting on his palm, visibly pouting. The metal clanked when he noticed Ed standing over him. 

 

“He found out?” Edward asked, voice low so that neither of the men could hear. Alphonse could only nod meekly. 

 

Ed sighed, scratching the back of his head.

 

Wolfwood and Vash, standing at the entrance of the alleyway, peered ahead. Vash, who’d cowardly hid himself behind Wolfwood, peaked past the priest's shoulder. Scoffing in disbelief, Wolfwood studied the scene. 

 

"What the hell is this all about Vash? Ghost? Spirits? Ugh, you honestly can't give me a break, can you?" 

 

Sighing, Wolfwood walked into the alley to inspect Alphonse, who was seated in the middle of a bunch of crates. "This is your ghost Vash?" The priest laughed at the ridiculous outfit this guy was wearing. 

 

Vash's hands could be seen gripping at Wolfwood's shoulders. "This isn't funny!! These kids are already strange enough, but inside—there's no one!" He cried, his eyes squinted shut, still hiding, trembling.

 

"Cut it out, and get off! Lemme look!" Shaking Vash off of him, he swatted down. 

 

"Alright, kid. Is this a prank?" Wolfwood chuckled before looking into the hollowed eyes of the armor, but as he stared into the holes, a dark feeling washed over him. 

 

Something dragged a cold chill through his being, a warning, a gut-wrenching feeling that made him feel weary of an unforseen presence. 

 

Wolfwood's face scrunched in concentration, suppressing the strange feeling that arose, studying Alphonse's empty gaze. 

 

"Something isn't right..." He whispered, drawing his head back starting to believe Vash. He stood up, his eyes landing on Ed, looking for an answer.

 

Instinctively, the older brother folded his arms, returning a scathing glare at the man. “It doesn’t concern you,” he started, trying to keep his tone level. “He isn’t a ghost.” 

 

He knew it was risky resisting them. With Ed’s current state, they could easily turn them over to some form of authority with a bit of force. Maybe they’d have Al sent to some organization specialized in studying apparitions while Ed would probably be held up in a prison and interrogated for being a spy with ‘magic’ powers. He shivered, sucking in a breath.

 

"Right." Wolfwood muttered, narrowing his eyes down at Ed in suspicion, but something else lingered there more evident than before, distrust. "Well, whatever he is, I don't like the feeling. Ghost or not."

 

The air seemed to get thick in the confined alleyway, and Vash could hardly breathe. Due to it, he knew he had to think of something and quickly deescalate the rising tension.

 

"Guys, it's alright.” Vash waved his hands, getting between the gap Wolfwood and the Elric brothers created. “I overreacted. It just scared me!" He explained, trying to smooth things over with careful words. 

 

Wolfwood shouldered past Vash. "Get him up, and let's go before anyone else gets curious. We'll discuss this later. It's getting late anyway."

 

Edward seethed, but clamped his mouth shut, helping Al to his feet. 

Notes:

vanny and gnat here! •ᴗ•

we had so much fun splitting up the duos this chappie! like i (van) mentioned before, this entire fic is a roleplay between each other so it worked really well to separate the elric brothers and the gun goobers for the scenes to play out!

gnat and i both agree that the doughnut scene was the most fun to write out— poor al being caught in a lie while vash is crashing out/sobbing was just comedy gold

at the same time tho, we also really enjoyed the back and forth between ed and wolfy >:3

we really hope you enjoyed this chapter and we’ll see you in the next one!

- gnat 🖤 and vanny 🧡

Chapter 4: ꜱᴛᴇʟʟᴀ’ꜱ ɪɴɴ

The suns were almost fully set now, the town of Little Rock bathed in an amber glow. The Humanoid Typhoon and his friend led the way while Ed and Al hung a few strides back, eyes downcast. They were silent save for the whipping sounds of Edward’s cloak in the dry breeze and the usual clanging of Al’s armor as he walked. 

 

They hadn’t spoken to each other since Alphonse’s identity was exposed, only exchanging occasional glances and mutely gesturing when needed. Edward just couldn’t form an excuse for leaving his brother alone, and Al couldn’t bring himself to explain how he had let Vash figure him out. 

 

They both had been careless.

 

Vash and Wolfwood hadn't said much either as they led the way. Soon, the group of four stopped at a multi-leveled building, its sign above them creaking on rusted chains in the breeze reading: Stella's Inn. 

 

Wolfwood rummaged around in his pockets, pulling out a handful of cash and coins, counting them in silence in his palm while Vash did the same. 

 

The tension was still awkwardly hanging around like a persistent mosquito on a hot summer night. It was clear that everyone in the party was on edge, tired, and ready for the day to be done. 

 

Shifting the cigarette in his mouth, Wolfwood huffed through his nose. "I don't have enough for them. What do you have needle-head?" He glanced up at Vash, who nervously smiled. 

 

"I only got enough for, well, me." He replied, and it was quickly determined they didn't have enough cash for the four of them.

 

"Hey! You two. Do you have any money?" Wolfwood hollered over to the boys, eyes squinting against the setting suns.

 

Edward promptly dug in his pockets, opening a palm to reveal 4 coins to his name. “I’ve only got 1,020 cens,” he said in a monotone voice, shrugging. It wasn’t like his currency worked here anyways.  

 

Al simply stood still with his hands at his sides, shaking his head slightly when Wolfwood looked at him expectantly.

 

"Wha... okay." Wolfwood closed his eyes, his brows furrowed in frustration. Maybe if he hadn't bought everyone's damn food back at the diner, he'd have enough for him and the kid. 

 

Vash snapped his fingers, an idea popping into mind. "Hey, I know how we can pay the bills!" He said, walking over to Ed and throwing a friendly arm around the boy humming. 

 

Wolfwood looked over, seeing the huge grin plastered on Vash's face. "What is it?" He asked, sounding a little hesitant.

 

"Look at this kid! He looks a lot like me, huh? They don't charge children!! What if I act like he is my son? And Wolfwood, you can get another room and try to sneak Alphonse around back." 

 

"So this is how you're gonna handle your little ghost problem by giving me the biggest eye sore?" Wolfwood shot angrily but then sighed in defeat. They didn't have enough cash to get everyone rooms, so Vash's plan had to do.

 

Edward wriggled out from under Vash’s arm with a heated scowl. “No way,” he hissed, teeth gritted. There was absolutely no way he was going to let them get separated now, even if it was just to obtain a room. 

 

Vash’s outburst at the diner replayed over again in his mind and he fumed angrily. 

“Just how do you think we’re gonna sneak Al in? We’ll be lucky if half the town didn’t hear your squalling earlier!”

 

Ironically, Ed's rising voice already began to draw heads. Vash recoiled immediately, folding his arms and legs away from the alchemist, who spat at him. 

 

Wolfwood clenched his teeth, his hands curled into fists as his patience was growing thin. He marched over to Vash. "Go in there and get a room. I'll handle this." 

 

"But—" 

 

Vash went to protest, but Wolfwood glared at him, angry. "Now,!" 

 

"Okay, jeez!! Just don't kill them, okay?" Vash yelped before breaking away from the group. As he crossed the entrance threshold, he glanced back, feeling a surge of worry at the sight of Wolfwood crouched down, his face inches from Ed’s, a belligerent scowl etched across his features. 

 

"You better cool it, kid. I don't need you to cause a whole scene." Wolfwood’s eyes were blazing, but he kept his voice down.

 

“Well, maybe start by not calling my brother an ‘eyesore’,” Ed snarled back lowly, his fists clenched and shaking at his flank. It was taking every fiber of his being to keep from decking the man square in the face with his metal arm. 

 

“How can you expect me to trust you guys when your first instinct is to go screaming at the top of your lungs and making Al a spectacle?!” Ed knew that he was spewing flames now, but he couldn’t hold back. A fire raged behind his golden irises, burning into Wolfwood’s cold gaze with such intensity he swore he could see his own reflection in the dark orbs.

 

"Sorry that we don't see giant suits of armor waltzing around on a regular basis, boy!" Wolfwood threw his arms up above his head, exacerbated.

"I don't know who you think you are, but you two are basically screaming to be gawked at! If you keep this up, you'll be plucked off the streets and sold to some freak show or something!" Wolfwood hissed, trying to get Ed to understand how serious this was.

 

“If you’re not the one selling us first!” Ed was sure to get the last word in before shutting his mouth. As much as he could go on and on with this guy, he knew there was some truth in the priest’s words. It wouldn’t be smart of him to fight out in public. That certainly wouldn’t help their situation. 

 

He sided Alphonse, who had remained silent during the heated exchange, and waited for Vash to return.

 

Wolfwood could only narrow his eyes at Ed as the boy retreated to his mystery of a brother. He couldn't help but feel a frown weighing at the corners of his lips, his foot tapping impatiently against the hardened sand. What was taking Vash so long? 

 

He let out a frustrated groan, but as if cue Vash bounded out of the Inn, a key twirling on the end of his finger, completely unaware of the events that'd just happened merely moments ago. 

 

"Alrighty, Vash Jr. Let's go! Wolfwood, you're next!" Vash gave Wolfwood a playful slap on the shoulder, trying to keep the atmosphere light.

 

Wolfwood sighed, shaking his head, the frown faltering slightly. "Alright...You.. Alphonse. C’mere, I'll tell you where to go and I'll come get you." 

 

Vash walked over to Ed. "Hey. Ed!"

 

The Elrics exchanged a glance before parting, seemingly communicating a silent message that only they could understand. 

 

Alphonse joined Wolfwood, while Edward hesitantly shuffled closer to an approaching Vash. 

 

“Hey,” he returned a greeting, though his voice had an edge. He tried to relax, but found himself fiddling with a glove to entertain himself, mind racing with far too many thoughts to simply stand still.

 

"You okay there? Did ol' Wolfwood have a few stern words with you?" Vash laughed nervously, knowing that Wolfwood could be a little rough on the edges. 

 

"Don't let it get to you too much, Ed. He just says those things cause he really cares." Vash reassured, hoping that Wolfwood really didn't say anything to cruel to the boys while he was getting their room. 

 

"But hey! Lighten up!" Vash snatched Ed up by a shoulder, pulling him to his side. "Little Vash Jr. gets a hot shower and a clean bed to sleep in tonight thanks to yours truly!!" He said heroically, sparkles seeming to radiate off him as he beamed with pride. 

 

“Mhmm,” was all the young alchemist could muster as he was held by his pretend father. Edward couldn’t lie, he was ready for a shower. He could feel the grime from the day’s events layering his skin. His hair felt terribly rough and gritty.

 

While Vash’s excitable energy did little to calm his nerves, at least he wasn’t quaking with anger anymore. 

 

Wolfwood, on the other hand, walked with Alphonse down the side of the inn, an awkward silence returning.

 

He didn't want to acknowledge it; he hadn’t liked the energy being emitted from Alphonse back at the alleyway. Something about the gaping emptiness of the armor and how the boy’s somber voice echoed within just made his skin crawl. His guard couldn’t be set any higher at this point.

 

The perimeter of the inn was lined by a narrow fence that made the walk a little tight, but they managed to squeeze to the back without any problems. 

 

Alphonse was at a loss for words as he followed Wolfwood around the back of Stella’s Inn. The man had a strange aura, something that felt intrusive and almost predatory. Admittedly, despite the fact that Vash had ignored his plea to keep quiet about his hollow body, Al would’ve rather been with the tall blonde man than this guy.

 

⋇⋆✦⋆⋇

 

Vash gave the top of Ed's head a rough whirling around. The loose braid that had been barely hanging on untied on itself from the aggressive rubbing, prompting a small oops came from Vash. 

 

Grabbing the boy by the hand, Vash pulled Ed's now hair covered face into the inn, barking at him like a parent scolding their child. "Look at you! You know your mother is going to be pretty upset with you seeing how you’re this filthy!" Vash chastised as he pulled a practically limp Edward through the doors. 

 

A few eyes glanced up, but many didn't pay much mind to Vash's antics. Vash smiled. Good, the plan was working.

 

"Boys, am I right?" Vash laughed at one of the occupants that had been walking down the small narrow staircase, their luggage in tow. 

 

"Yeah, yeah! Looks like you got yourself a little rascal there!" The unseen face matched Vash's energy from what Ed could hear past his own golden curtain of hair. 

 

The alchemist bared his teeth but said nothing, grateful that his hair covered his expression for the most part. He felt Vash’s hand squeeze his in warning, and he rolled his eyes. 

 

“Can we go now?” a pause, before he added reluctantly, “Dad.” 

 

Vash hummed in delight. "Oh, of course, son! As long as you don't go playing in the tomas pens again, you wouldn't have gotten this hard of a scolding!" Vash continued playing his role whilst wisping Ed up the stairs. The boy tripped a few times on his own feet, but Vash kept a firm hold on his hand as he watched for any more flukes in his walking. 

 

"Almost there, kiddo." Vash whispered down into Ed's ear a little too loudly as they were now speed-walking down the corridor. 

 

Suddenly, Vash made an abrupt halt, causing Ed to  slam into his leg in the process. He crumpled a little to the impact, laughing down at Ed. "Car crash!!" 

 

The metallic click of a key being jammed into a door and the knob twisting made Edward perk up. Vash pushed the door and a low creak cried from its copper hinges, sounding like a choir of angels. 

 

⋇⋆✦⋆⋇

 

Outside, Wolfwood and Alphonse were in the back garden behind the inn, though the priest could hardly call it a garden. Only a few dried up bushes and some gangly vines that hung brittley to the dusty sandstone exterior remained.

 

"Take you apart, huh?” Wolfwood echoed the words Vash had told him in front of the inn. 

 

There was a long pause before the priest let out a scoff, sounding a bit irritated. 

 

Shoving his hands into his pockets, he looked up at the wall of windows of the inn. "Gonna have to try and book us on the bottom floor..." He muttered, weighing out the options.

 

"Alright... kid..." He turned a little to face Alphonse. "I want you to crouch down in this brush right over here while I go book us a room on the bottom floor. Once in, I'll open up a window and start haulin' you in piece by piece, just like broom-head suggested." Wolfwood grumbled. 

 

This is gotta be the dumbest idea you've come up with, Vash. And these 'kids' are really a pain in my ass..

 

⋇⋆✦⋆⋇

 

Edward peeked through his bangs to find a room made almost entirely of wood staring back at him. From the thick floorboards to the slatted planks on the ceiling, it was clear that everything in the space was crafted lovingly by man. A large bed was placed under the window, and a rocking chair was positioned in the corner with a small bookshelf at its flank. On the opposite wall, there was a dining table made of mahogany wood with beautifully carved designs along its legs and two simple, yet sturdy chairs tucked neatly under it. A dangling chandelier overhead lit the space in a honey glow.

 

Edward stepped into the room and slipped his hand out of Vash’s.

 

Vash didn’t seem to notice, instead taking in a deep breath and breaking in the stale room with his presence. 

 

"Ahhh, it's good to be in a room again. I was getting tired of sand scorpions crawling in my boots every night! Now I don't have to worry about such a thing!" He cheered, grateful to not be sleeping in sand on a restless night out in the barren wasteland he called home. 

 

Vash threw the bag he'd been carrying around since he and Ed first met onto the neatly made bed, disheveling the sheets with a soft, fumph!

 

Without any words, he hurried over to the wooden trunk that was placed at the footboard of the bed with a glint of determination in his eyes.

 

Crouching down, he flipped open the lid gingerly between his fingers to collect the contents inside. 

 

"Alrighty. Here you are." He hummed, standing up, arms full of what appeared to be clothes. Vash closed the trunk with his foot behind him before coming towards Ed. 

 

"Go ahead and wash up. These clothes are complimentary." He said, plopping the pile of cottonwear into Ed's arms. "Paid extra to get a room a little more for your liking." He added, hoping the boy would pick up on the apology laced in this expensive purchase. 

 

Vash felt awful for embarrassing everyone, but seeing that body of armor speak with no one in it truly scared him. How was such a thing even possible? 

 

Vash could feel his skin prickle as goosebumps lifted under his sleeves, the memory of Alphonse's shell of a body still fresh in his mind. 

 

He couldn’t stifle a whimper as he turned around, heading back for the door. "I’m…. gonna go check on Wolfwood, k?”

 

Edward stood stiffly with the wad of clothes in his arms, only able to stare blankly at Vash as he exited the room. He listened for a few heartbeats as the outlaw’s steps retreated against the hardwood before sighing. 

 

When the alchemist finally shuffled over to the washroom, he was instantly drawn to his reflection within a brass-lined mirror adorning the wall. His golden eyes widened at the sight of his dirt-streaked face and scruffy hair. Had he really looked that rough? For a fleeting moment, Ed realized that Al probably wasn’t the only one turning heads based on appearances. 

 

Dread sunk into the pit of his stomach when he rotated on his heels and found a massive clawfoot tub staring back at him. 

 

He glanced down at his metal arm and leg and exhaled.

 

⋇⋆✦⋆⋇

 

What remained of the sun-scorched garden captivated Alphonse’s attention while Wolfwood had gone to book their room. When he returned with the key, he looked anything but relieved. He stood in front of the window with his hands on his hips, contemplative. 

 

It was kind of comedic watching the man repeatedly measure the length and height of the opening with his arms and then trying to poise them against a portion of Al’s body as a makeshift guideline. This process seemed to go on for forever before Alphonse was finally called back over for the final time. 

 

He could tell Wolfwood was confused on where to start, and to put it plainly, Al couldn’t say he knew what to do to help. Still, it was getting late and he could tell the temperature was dropping— not based on sensation, but because of how Wolfwood’s shoulders were hunched up and shaking just the slightest bit. 

 

Even though the man was clearly disturbed by Alphonse’s body, it was evident that he still wanted to help him and Ed. Al supposed that alone made the idea of being disassembled by an entire stranger a little less terrifying.

 

“Okay,” he began, grabbing his helmet in both hands and lifting. He could practically see the colour drain from Wolfwood’s face at the action. “Let’s hurry, it’s getting dark..”

 

Wolfwood, in hesitation, took Alphonse’s head, passing the window seal with utmost caution. 

 

A small groan of discomfort came from behind his teeth as he held the helmet out awkwardly with stiff arms, before walking briskly over to the bedside to place him there. 

 

Wolfwood immediately wiped his hands on his pant legs, shivering from the cold and the slight disgust that he couldn't press down. 

 

"Gah, don't look at me like that!! It's creeping me out!!" Wolfwood said, his voice audibly strained. He couldn't help  express how uncomfortable this all was making him, seeing the eyes of Alphonse following him around from the bed as he went back for the rest of his body standing outside, headless.

 

"Okay, give me your arm, kid." Wolfwood instructed as he leaned his torso a little out the window, arms outstretched with his wrist pinwheeling his open hands, gesturing for Al to come closer.

 

Carefully, Wolfwood brought in every piece he could until it came down to the huge chest plate. 

 

Suddenly, a loud knock came to the door, making Wolfwood almost jump out of his skin. 

 

"Who is it?!" Wolfwood hollered, a bead of sweat forming on his face. 

 

"It's Vash! Can I come in?" The muffled voice of the outlaw called from the other side. 

 

"Yeah, actually! I need a hand!" Wolfwood responded. Not skipping a beat, Vash pushed the door open to see Alphonse's dismembered body scattered across the inn's floor. 

 

"GAH! I-Is he still conscious??!" Vash shakily closed the door behind him, trembling at the sight.

 

Amidst all the pieces, Al made himself known with a shaky laugh. “It’s okay, Mr Vash,” he reassured the man the best he could, though Al wasn’t sure he’d even believe it himself 

 

⋇⋆✦⋆⋇

 

Soft steam and the gentle fragrance of rosemary soap filled the air inside the bathroom, the space embodying an almost overwhelming sense of calmness and serenity. 

 

Edward was hidden within a ridiculous amount of suds, his head tilted back and resting against a bath pillow that was fixed on the edge of the tub. 

 

He had wrapped his automail limbs in the tattered remains of his old clothes and was careful to ensure he didn’t accidentally submerge them in the warm water. 

 

When he finally had soaked for long enough, the Fullmetal Alchemist pulled the plug and stumbled awkwardly out of the tub and into his new clothes. 

 

He was fitted in a baby blue collared nightshirt and soft, brown wool pants. A new look that was for sure.

 

After spending a few too many conceited minutes at the mirror, Ed finally left the bathroom in a cloud of steam. 

 

His automail leg thumped loudly against the hardwood as he walked back into the center of the bedroom, looking around. The space was empty. 

 

Vash still hadn’t come back yet?

 

Ed was surprised, especially considering how long he’d spent in the bath. He gripped the ends of the towel he had draped over the back of his neck before decisively sitting down on the edge of the bed. 

 

The mattress sunk under his weight, but also cradled him at the same time— clearly on the more luxurious side. Vash’s apology echoed briefly in his mind. 

 

Ed felt a familiar tiredness start to pull at his eyelids, and it wasn’t long before he found himself lying down against the plush comforter under him. He’d just close his eyes for a few minutes, and then he’d go check on Vash and the others…

 

Vash nimbly stepped over the scattered pieces of Alphonse on the floor. He could sense the strange, black aura swirling off of the possessed armor, making his insides twist and turn, repulsed. 

 

Not only did he not want to test his luck touching the agony that radiated off of it, but he had enough bad luck already. 

 

Siding next to Wolfwood he looked at his friend to see a very unamused expression, his black brow arched, head lowered tiredly below his shoulders. 

 

"Done dancing around like a fairy?" Wolfwood grumbled, exhaustion edging his voice. Vash could only stiffly laugh a response before squaring up his shoulders to focus on the big problem standing outside. The huge chest plate. 

 

"I can't grab it from in here," Wolfwood started as he shuffled over to the window. "So jump out there and pass it to me." He ordered, clearly already devising a plan. 

 

"Me? Touch...uhh..." Vash's gaze flicked over to Alphonse's head, his eyes watching them blankly in silence. 

 

"Eeeeghh..." Vash groaned before tromping his feet on the hardwood floors in place like a distressed tomas. 

 

"Vash!! This was your idea!! It's getting cold, and I'm tired, so let's get going!!" Wolfwood abruptly pushed Vash by the shoulder towards the window, his patience dissolving. 

 

The outlaw stumbled before actively throwing himself out the window with a yelp. Awaiting only a mere foot outside was the rest of Alphonse's body, which Vash crash landed onto.

 

The impact sent the rest of the armor tumbling into pieces across the garden, followed by a long oww from the spiky haired blonde. 

 

Wolfwood gripped at the windows edge, seeing Vash sprawled out in the sand like a fool. "Stop horsing around!" 

 

"Maybe if you weren't such a big bully, I could do this! It's scary." Vash whined, dragging out the task at hand. 

 

Wolfwood let out a hiss of annoyance. "I swear you're the biggest baby I've ever dealt with." 

 

"Hey, Alphonse!!" Vash called to what remained of the armored boy. "Can you like...use your ghostly powers and float the rest of yourself into the room?"

 

“Psh, I wish,” Alphonse scoffed, and if he had eyes, he would’ve rolled them. “But I can steal your soul,” he joked, making a ghoulish sound. “Oooooooh!!”

 

Vash let out an eek to the statement. "No, please!! I want to live!!" He waved his lanky limbs in the sand, kicking up dust around him, still stalling to not touch Alphonse cursed armor. 

 

"VASH!" Wolfwood yelled this time, half of his body now almost out the window. "Get the chest plate, NOW." 

 

Vash angled his neck to look at Wolfwood's slumped figure against the window frame. A pang of guilt shot through Vash, seeing how selfish he was acting. So Vash stopped it with the procrastinating and got up to collect the smaller pieces that had broken apart. 

 

There was a silence for a while as Vash passed Wolfwood the rest of Al.

 

With a few more soft thuds, all that was left was the huge chest plate and backing that held the seal. Vash crouched down, wrapping his arms around the barrel body. He then waddled over to the window seal to Wolfwood’s awaiting arms that dangled patiently.

 

Wolfwood had noticed the seal earlier when removing Al's head, but now he was getting a much better look at it in the inn's room light as Vash helped him push it inside. 

 

Grunting, Wolfwood sat the piece down, a heavy exhale escaped his lungs before his attention quickly returned to the emblem. "What is that?" He asked Alphonse, his hand growing a little too close to the blood dried seal.

 

“Don’t touch it!” Al’s voice was a bit aggressive, but he couldn’t stifle the sudden fear. It pained him that he had let his guard down for only a moment and it almost cost him greatly. 

 

“It’s the only thing keeping me… here,” he reluctantly explained, keeping his voice level. Very few people had disassembled him, and for good reason. The slightest smudge against the blood rune would break the bond he had to the armor, and his soul— the very soul his brother sacrificed so much for— would be lost to the Gate. He half wondered why Ed hadn’t offered to help now that he thought about it… He forced the mounting worry away, trying to focus on Wolfwood’s movements.

 

The priest flinched from Alphonse's cry, his hand whipping away from the area. 

 

"Sorry, sorry." Wolfwood apologized quickly, seeing that this had upset Alphonse, who seemed to be mostly the quiet type. 

 

"I didn't know what it was." He admitted, his eyes never leaving the strange marking. He was trying to memorize it, nothing too serious, but it was honestly something that he took keen interest in.  

 

"What happened?" Vash's shoes could be heard thunking on the floor as he pulled himself back inside the inn. 

 

"Nothing, nothing." Wolfwood half-heartedly assured, walking away from the chest plate. He didn't want Vash to be curious, not after how aggressively Alphonse reacted.

 

"Okay. Well, Al. Let's get you to Ed." Vash said, smiling, easily dismissing whatever had happened earlier. 

 

"You did get a room on the bottom floor, right?" Wolfwood questioned as he began collecting arms full of Alphonse's body. 

 

Vash looked up at the ceiling, humming in thought whilst rocking on his boots a little bit, knowing what was going to happen next when he answered. "Uh, well actually I got the boys the best room in the house?" He squeaked as he watched the color drain from Wolfwood's face. 

 

"YOU IDIOT!!"

 

“I can stay in this room, I don’t mind,” Al offered through the chaos, and he noticed that both Vash and Wolfwood couldn’t tell where to look while he spoke. “Although we might need Ed to help put me back together,” he added with a sheepish chuckle.

 

There was an indistinctive exchange of words between the two men as they stared down at the metal puzzle scattered about the floor, and simultaneously they agreed that maybe getting help was for the best. While Alphonse did what he could to help direct Wolfwood verbally, Vash volunteered to fetch the older brother, slipping out of the room in a blur of red. 

 

The Humanoid Typhoon trudged tearfully back upstairs, the back of his head still stinging from where Wolfwood had hit him with one of Alphonse's gauntlets in a fit of rage regarding the more expensive suite. He sniffled, his hand reaching up to lightly touch the injury. 

 

"Big bully..." He whimpered, feeling awfully tired himself. Vash stopped at the door to his room and quietly pushed open the wooden door. 

 

"Hey Ed, Wolfwood and I need some help putting your brother—" Vash stopped himself in mid sentence when his eyes fell on the sleeping boy in the inn's bed. 

 

The Typhoon  froze, letting his eyes study the surroundings. Ed was curled up in the bed, mouth slightly agape, snoring softly. It was peaceful, something that Vash couldn't bring himself to disturb. But as he stood there, the door just ajar, his thoughts spoke to him in the silence. 

 

Poor kid. A lot has happened today for him...I would be tired too if I got dragged around by me.. Vash frowned at the thought, his fingers tightening around the door's edge. He was the reason why Ed looked like this, he'd put so much pressure on a child that he felt his heart breaking at the selfishness he could feel. Not to mention how he unintentionally endangered his younger brother by his fear-induced shenanigans back at the diner. 

 

How could I do that to him? Vash clenched his jaw. A small tremble came from his grip as a faint, disheartened smirk pulled at one side of his lips. Some father-figure I am.

 

The Typhoon straighten his shoulders, sighing.

 

 I need to get these two back to where they came from before… Vash furrowed his brows, clutching at the door as darker thoughts rushed in quicker than he could suppress them. 

 

I'm sorry, Ed. Vash slowly opened his eyes, looking back at the bed. I'm sorry about today...I promise to make it up to you. And with that Vash quietly closed the door, his spirits a lot lower than before as the sworn safety of these children wore down on his shoulders.

Chapter 5: ɢᴀʟᴇ

Notes:

Hello! Gnat here! 🫰💖 I hope everyone is having a fabulous day! 🤩 cause today me and my sister have cooked up quite the feast for you all! This chapter includes a personal oc of mine named Gale! I really hope you guys enjoy this little bit with her xoxoxox!!

The next morning, despite the peaceful sunrise, was packed to the brim with crazed antics. Ed had slept soundly until dawn, and having been completely rejuvenated by the bath and a full night’s rest, was raring to go as soon as the double sun’s light struck his face. He transmuted his old clothes with some extra bedding he found in the dresser and quickly got dressed. 

 

The quietude didn’t last long.

 

“YOU DID WHAT??” Ed practically screamed at the two men, both of which wore wide eyed expressions as they instinctively held each other. 

 

Alphonse had been half-assed put together, his limbs stacked and propped awkwardly and resting against the wall. “They tried their best, Brother,” Al had swore to him, but Ed ignored, snapping the last leather strap back into place. 

 

After some bickering and some sneaking— Al had left the inn via window— the party of 4 soon found themselves on the road with Stella’s Inn at their backs.

 

Wolfwood did not get much sleep last night, his head lowered tiredly past his slumped posture, his feet shuffled in the sand alongside the boys. 

 

He had stayed up by lamp light sketching the seal on one of the notepads left in the nightstand. The image of the dried crimson symbol plagued his mind, especially after how Alphonse reacted to him yesterday to almost disturbing it. 

 

How the hell is a kid capable of doing this voodoo magic? And why would his brother so willingly let him do such a thing to his body? Ugh, none of this is making any sense…

 

Wolfwood let a defeated sigh out of his nose, his lips pressed together, thinking harder.  

 

So many questions… but few were being answered by the blonde brat that walked next to Vash, it was so irritating. The priest narrowed his eyes a little at Ed, a sense of spite poked behind the black shades.

 

"Plan today, boys, is to get to the city of May!" Vash announced, looking on either side of him at Ed and Al. "I have a really good friend here who can help us out too! And she can totally do it for free!" 

 

Vash threw his hands behind his head, smiling up at the morning sky. Today was going to be a good day. He could feel it! 

 

After walking through the awaking town, Vash, Wolfwood, Ed, and Al came up to a large yard that was closed off by a huge wooden fence that held these gigantic birds the Elrics have never seen before. The dinosaur looking creatures lazily walked around. Their long necks and tiny heads draped towards the sand for any traces of food. 

 

Sitting behind this yard of thomases was the police station, a large porch stretched out in front of it, a few chairs littered around. 

 

Wolfwood knew exactly who they were seeing, his head lifting up a little, surprised that Vash would bring them here. 

 

Vash bounded ahead of the group. His spirits up as he scrambled up the low steps of the porch, the group following sleepily behind. 

 

With a few rapid knocks on the station doors, Vash waited. He looked at the tin mailbox that was nailed outside of the station. Slowly, his eyes drifted to the large cork board that was covered in posters. 

 

"Oh.." Vash took a side step over, his hands placed behind his back as he inspected the cluttered board. One of the topmost pages caught his attention, and Vash felt his heart drop when he locked eyes with himself in the parchment. 

 

Gasping, he snatched the wanted poster off of the board, sending a few tacks tinking across the wood floor as he stuffed the poster into his coat, not wanting Ed or Al to see. 

 

The station door suddenly opened. The sound of rattling metal spurs made Vash's head snap up from the shoving of papers into his coat. 

 

"Vash?" 

 

"Gale! Hello!!" Vash greeted in a tiny wave whilst he did a quick pat to his chest to ensure the poster was hidden.

 

There standing at the door was a woman. She had black hair rolled into a loose bun and flat stone turquoise earrings fluttering in the morning light. She wore a loosely short sleeved shirt and a pinstripe yellow vest. Tucked in by a high waisted pair of straight legged pants that'd been worn down by the elements. 

 

Her hands placed on her hips upon seeing Vash at her doorstep. 

 

She grinned. "Well, hello! Long time no see, outlaw." Gale teased, not seeing the group coming up the steps yet.

 

Edward had just finished tying his hair back into a braid when he bumped into something metal. Alphonse was stopped at the steps of the police station, massive body blocking the way. 

 

“What gives, Al?” He complained, peering at his brother with an exasperated expression. When the armor didn’t respond, he arched a brow, confused. “Al?”

 

Alphonse was hunched over looking intently underneath the porch. “I saw something,” he whispered seriously, not budging. 

 

“Yeah, you and me both,” Ed replied dryly, directing a glance at one of the thomas that grazed nearby. “Weird looking, isn’t it? Wonder if it’s like this world’s version of a chimera?”

 

Wolfwood had stopped to look at the thomases. Not like the creatures interested him, but he really didn't want to be around anyone just yet. 

 

One of the thomases took notice of Wolfwood. It let out a low bleating sound from its throat before tromping over to him, it's small wing fluttering expecting treats, or maybe even a good chin scratching. 

 

Wolfwood leaned back a little, seeing the thomas crane its neck over the fence, crying for attention that he refused to give it. 

 

"I have nothing for you, sorry." Wolfwood said flatly. 

 

Wolfwood pulled his hands free from his pockets, letting the animal sniff at them. Its nostrils flaring open  as hot breath blasted into his palms. 

 

"See..." the priest hummed. The thomas drew its head back staring at Wolfwood with its beady eyes, an odd look  of intelligence shimmering behind its black pupils.

 

Out of the corner of Ed’s eye, he spotted Wolfwood stepped out to the side, hand extended towards one of the weird , feathered creatures. With Al blocking the stairs and Vash conversing with what Edward could only assume to be the owner, he found Wolfwood’s sudden solitariness interesting. Curious, he drew closer to the man, watching his actions with a skeptical gaze. After several minutes of watching in silence, he sidled up to the priest with his hands in his pockets. “What is that thing?” He asked, squinting at the creature.

 

Wolfwood's eyes glanced over to Ed's voice briefly, but they flicked back over to the curious thomas. His hands returning back to  his pockets, him and Ed almost mirroring the same stance as the two watched the creature sniff at the ground past the fence. 

 

"It's a tomas." Wolfwood finally responded. "They are essential creatures. They can carry goods, pull wagons, till farm land, and are also a good companion when traveling out on the desert." Wolfwood explained, his eyes never leaving the feathered animal. 

 

It had scooted over alongside the fence, its neck extended as far as the fence could keep it. Small wobbled grunts came from it, its head bouncing a little at Ed trying to get his attention. 

 

But as Ed curiously went to pet it, Wolfwood calmly interjected in the transaction. 

 

"Did I mention tomases also eat little boys that run away from home?" Immediately, Wolfwood locked in a cold poker face. But his insides were literally trembling from a laugh watching Ed rip his hand away from the creature's lowered head. 

 

The boy gripped his hand, eyes widening in realization. “Wait, did you just say this was a tomas?” He asked, horrified. “I-Isn’t that what WE ate yesterday?!” 

 

He stared at the feathered creature and it squawked at him, its skinny tongue flickering across its beak. Ed nearly leapt out of his boots, hiding his face under his arm and stifling a screech.  

 

⋇⋆✦⋆⋇

 

Meanwhile, back at the porch, The Humanoid Typhoon was practically on his knees. His hands gripped at the end of Gale's pant leg, pleading incoherently into the ground, searching for her empathy and understanding. 

 

"I am not going to 'loan' four of my tomases, Vash." She said firmly, mind clearly made up.

 

She then gave her leg a shake, Vash's hands flopping down onto the porch defeatedly.  Gale's brows furrowed down at him like a disappointed mother watching her child throw a tantrum. 

 

"But please, Gale," Vash cried into the porch, his hand curled into balls in front of him. "We really need to get to the city of May, and I need all the help I can get!! I need those tomases!" The outlaw pleaded,  his groveling almost made Gale regret her answer. 

 

"You really haven't changed, have you, outlaw?" Gale teased, her eyes rolling up, scoffing a grin. Vash stood up, dusting off his red coat, a lopsided smirk tugged at the corner of his lips, his face brushed with a hint of pink. 

 

"Nope!" He chirped, acting as if he wasn't on the ground begging moments ago. 

 

Under the porch, a small shadowy figure slipped around. Watching Al, who had taken interest in its silent presence.

 

Al could see a small set of eyes reflecting back at him from under the porch, so he leaned closer, his metal body creaking slightly. “Aw, c’mere,” he tried, extending a hand and rubbing his thumb and index finger together. 

 

Wolfwood let a few giggles slip, witnessing the horror that had struck across Ed's face about the thomases being what he ate back at the diner. 

 

The priest held his stomach, doubling over as the giggling soon grew into laughter. He no longer could contain it.

 

"Oh God, the look on your face is priceless, kid!" Wolfwood wheezed behind a covered mouth, tears brimming his eyes from laughing. 

 

Edward stuck out his bottom lip, face flushed red. “Yeah, yeah, go on. Get it out of your system,” he grumbled, crossing his arms while Wolfwood cackled at him. 

 

After several minutes of being ridiculed, both Edward and Wolfwood started to rejoin the group, their footsteps falling in sync against the dry, dirt path. 

 

⋇⋆✦⋆⋇

 

Gale could only shake her head, smiling in disbelief whilst trying to collect everything that Vash had info dumped about his current situation up until needing these thomases. 

 

"This doesn't even sound real, Vash-" She started, but the outlaw threw his hands up, pleading again. 

 

"I know, I know!! It all sounds ridiculous - but Gale, please, help an old friend?" He drew his hands up to his face, his blue eyes watering as he let out these helpless whimpers. 

 

Gale laughed, giving Vash a playful shoo to cut it out. "Okay! You've twisted my arm. But I'll have to give you unmarked tomases." Gale informed stepping past Vash towards the yard of thomases. 

 

The shadow that had been cautiously watching Alphonse slowly came out from under the porch. At first, whiskers were the first thing Alphonse could see, before a small pink nose, twitching to smell. 

 

Then ears and the big green eyes that had been staring back at him. A small mew came from the creature. It was a black cat. Her tail held high as she carefully slinked out from the porch.

 

Alphonse could hardly contain his excitement at the sight. “Aww, hi there!” He greeted the feline warmly, leaving his hand out so that the cat could make its own judgement of him. 

 

The slinky black creature gingerly sniffed at the leather glove before promptly sneezing, earning a few more awww’s from the armored boy. After a few minutes of petting, Al gave the cat a sympathetic look. “Doesn’t look like there’s much to eat under this cold, dark porch, huh?”

 

Sudden footsteps overhead told Alphonse that Vash and Gale’s conversation was wrapping up, so hurriedly, he popped off one of the leather straps fixing his chest plate together and gestured at the newly formed opening. “C’mon, get in! Maybe if Mr Vash stops at another diner tonight, I can get you some sardines or something!”

 

Gale and Vash fell in stride as the pair walked towards the gate that opened up into the yard of tomases. 

 

Wolfwood and Ed rejoined them midway. 

 

Gale smiled up at Wolfwood, giving the priest a small wave, acknowledging him.

 

"And you must be Ed. Hello there." Gale offered her  gloved hand to greet the young boy, not wanting to be rude to this supposed traveler Vash had described back on the porch.

 

Edward accepted the handshake with his automail limb, smiling. “That’s me, nice to meet you,” he laughed shyly, pink dusting his cheeks. Clearing his throat, he glanced back at the field of thomases. “So, what is this place? A farm and a police station?”

 

Gale smiled. "Not exactly a farm. It is just the thomases the police have for traveling when we need them. We don't actually loan them out." She said, shooting a playful glare at Vash, who could only give her a sheepish grin. 

 

"But luckily I can loan you my own personal thomases." Gale reassured pushing open the wooden gate. Immediately, the animals in the yard began walking slowly towards them, their heads rising up to inspect the new visitors. 

 

Wolfwood stopped at the gate, letting Ed and Vash follow suit after Gale, who took them around the back of the station, where the stables were kept–about 10 stables lined the back fence, and a small barn with a tack room stood close by. 

 

"CheeChee!! Little Brother!! Come here, boys!!" Gale hollered through her cupped hands she'd brought up to her mouth. 

 

Seconds later, the sound of heavy footsteps could be heard thumping towards the group. Two huge thomases came running towards them, one a snowy white whilst the other was a soft brown with speckled black spots littering its body. 

 

The birds stopped abruptly in their run, feet impatiently stomping in place before dying out to Gale scratching the top of their heads. 

 

Vash's eyes beamed at the animals. "Awwww!! Little Brother is all grown up! Look at him!" He awed wanting to get a few pets in, too. "I remember when you only hauled snacks around!" He cooed, giving the bird's neck a good scratching. 

 

Gale turned to Ed, smiling. "Wanna do me a favor, kid? Since you guys will be taking my boys, you gotta learn how to ride them and saddle them up! Run to the tack room and grab a blanket and saddle. I'll bring them closer!" Gale instructed Ed.

 

Edward gaped at the woman. “You mean we’re riding these things?!” 

 

The larger tomas, CheeChee, let out an indignant chuff at Ed, and he recoiled with a yipe. “Jeez, okay! I’m going, I’m going!” 

 

Not waiting around to see if the Tomas fancied human flesh, the young alchemist swiftly bounded for the barn that stood just a few hundred feet from the stables. A thick layer of dried grass and hay peeled back as he pushed the barn door open, and instantly his senses were shrouded in the earthy odors that came with harboring livestock. The tack room was chock full of saddles, reins, stirrups, bridles and all kinds of gear specially designed for the feathery mounts. It was borderline excessive, at least to Ed. Following Gale’s instructions, he scooped up some blankets and saddles and scampered out of the barn.

 

Gale and Vash had led their mounts over to Ed, whose arms were full of the gear. 

 

Gale chuckled a little, seeing Ed's blonde head barely peeking over the wad of blankets and saddles. 

 

"Thank you!" Gale hummed, hurrying over to help lighten the load from Ed's arms. Taking a blanket and a saddle from him, she gestured with her eyes for him to follow. 

 

Vash had steadied Little Brother. Lining him up with the mounting block, he smiled at Ed, who approached the creatures side, blanket, and saddle ready. 

 

"These guys are really friendly, Ed. They've gotten me out of a jam a couple of times, so don't sweat it!" Vash said seeing sweat had already started to form on Ed's face. He could understand that the Tomas were intimidating, but these were gentle giants. 

 

Little Brother let out a low discomfort worble, its head pulled back to eye Ed cautiously. Vash gently rested his hands on either side of Little Brother's long neck, calming the animal. 

 

"Don't look so scared, Ed! They sense fear!" Gale warned as she fixed the blanket and saddle over CheeChee, who stood perfectly still for her. The animal’s patience and trust in Gale was evident and yet truly remarkable. 

 

“I-I’m not scared of it! It’s just weird-looking!” He fumed, forcing the tremor out of his voice. He peered up at the one they were calling Little Brother, and it was clear that Gale and Vash’s words of encouragement weren’t convincing enough. 

 

Once CheeChee was equipped, Vash and Gale helped saddle up the smaller Tomas while Ed fiddled with his braid, a bead of sweat tickling his temple.

 

"There we are!" Gale grunted as she tightened the strap that went underneath Little Brother's belly with a second yank. 

 

She then gave him a good firm pat on the side, a plume of dust puffing out from the layers of feathers.  

 

Little Brother let out a sound of excitement as he rocked his weight, looking a little impatient. 

 

"Good boy! Look at you all ready for another ride! Now you behave yourself, I just broke you in." Gale wagged a finger at the tomas, knowing how cheeky Little Brother could be, unlike his much calmer counterpart CheeChee, who hadn't budged after getting geared up. 

 

Vash, still at the block keeping Little Brother to stay put, looked at Ed. 

 

"You're up, Ed." The outlaw beckoned him forward. 

 

Gale hoisted herself up onto CheeChee with minimal effort. Sitting a top of the bird, she collected the reins and walked CheeChee closer to Little Brother's flank, boxing the younger tomas against her and Vash at the mounting block.

 

Feigning nonchalance, the Fullmetal Alchemist stepped up the mounting block and stood at the top, staring at the Tomas’s back with a determined gaze.

 

Before he attempted to mount the feathered creature, Gale began to give him a basic rundown on the nature of the beast, all the while Vash was making a goofy expression, clearly trying to get his attention. 

 

“What?!” Ed finally hissed quietly, the entire exchange feeling like passing secret notes in class. 

 

The blonde peered at him with a set of glittering eyes that were now level with his, lips tugged up into a dopey smile. “We’re the same height now, hehe.” 

 

Ed’s face shriveled into pure rage. “SHUT UP!”

 

The crash course concluded with new knowledge and a smarting head wound, both administered by Gale thanks to Vash’s buffoonery. 

 

Pushing past the antics, Ed slowly fixed himself onto the saddle, gripping Gale’s extended forearm as he lowered his feet into the stirrups. He shifted until he felt somewhat balanced before looking to the woman for guidance.

 

Gale kept her instructions clear to him, her voice calm, but she emphasized the importance of controlling the animal rather than force if it's disobedient. 

 

"You'll learn cues and things about your mount the more you ride them, Ed. So keep watch of him at all times. Little Brother is a mischievous fellow, so don't let him go sprinting off on you." 

 

Slowly, Gale removed her arm, letting Ed scoop up the reins. 

 

"Alright, good." Gale's eyes were watching tentatively. "Now, to get him walking, give a little tap on the sides with your heels." 

 

Gale did it first. Tapping softly against CheeChee's sides, leaving the reins slack. The animal walked forward, taking its place in front of Ed. 

 

She looked back. "Alright. I want you to bring Little Brother in front of me. Nice and slow.”

 

Conscientiously, Ed held onto the reins he was given and as gently as he could, tapped his heels into the Tomas’s flanks. “Nice, birdy…” 

 

Little Brother’s head instantly snapped to one side and its pupil shrunk, expression crazed. 

 

Ed could only gulp before the tomas charged forward in a blur of feathers, its massive hooves tearing into the ground and kicking up huge pieces of dirt. He frantically grabbed at the reins, tugging, but to no avail. Childishly, he screeched for help,  desperately kicking his legs in the stirrups. 

 

The bird violently shoved past Vash and Gale’s makeshift barrier, nearly throwing CheeChee into a frenzy as well, before thundering across the clearing with a sobbing Ed in tow. 

 

“HOW DO I GET IT TO STOP?!” He screamed over the whipping wind, eyes shut tight in terror. He had greatly underestimated the tomas’s strength, and at this velocity, he was doing everything he could not to be thrown off its back.

 

CheeChee thrown his head upward towards the sky, a cry of confusion echoed from its lungs while Gale wrestled the reins in her hands. "EDWARD!" She cried after him, watching Little Brother carry him back to the front of the yard, screaming. 

 

Wrapping the reins round one hand keeping control, Gale anchored her feet down into the stirrups. 

 

"Alright boy, yip-yip!!" She tapped her mount's sides firmly, ordering the tomas to sprint. 

 

CheeChee didn't hesitate, understanding Gale completely. The animal kicked off, sending sand spraying at Vash, who'd been unfortunately pushed over in all of the turmoil. "Hey!!" Vash yelled watching the back off CheeChee and Gale chase after the loose tomas. 

 

Wolfwood was busy staring at the sketch he had of the seal when suddenly the sound of screaming from the back of the police station made his head snap up. 

 

With a faint gasp, Wolfwood saw a tomas sprinting out into the yard with Ed wailing atop of it. His legs splayed outward, his hands gripping at the horn of the saddle trying his best to keep upright. The scene was too comical, and Wolfwood began chuckling. He felt a huge grin on his face as he strolled over to the fence, folding the sketch to tuck it back into his pocket. 

 

Leaning against the wooden fence with his forearms, Wolfwood watched the show. 

 

Gale reached for her whip with her free hand, guiding CheeChee with her other hand she began closing the gap on the fleeing tomas. 

 

"ED!! GRAB THE REINS!" She hollered over the wind that howled in her ears. 

 

"Get control!!" She reminded, not wanting to use force to stop Little Brother's antics.

 

Ed glared at her with the reins held tightly in his fists. “I AM HOLDING THEM!!” 

 

Despite the chaos, he tried pulling again, and this time, the tomas’s long neck shot up, a panicky chitter thrumming in its throat. Edward gasped softly, recognizing the universal sound of unbridled fear… 

 

Remembering Gale’s brief training, he placed a cool, metal hand on the side of the tomas’s neck and repeatedly brushed the fluffed feathers down. He could feel its muscles growing lax from under him now. A small bout of relief allowed Edward to take in a full breath.  

 

He leaned backwards just a little on the saddle, and instantly the bird began to slow its pace. Thinking a bit more clearly, Ed grabbed the reins again and pulled, and finally, Little Brother eased to a halt. 

 

Ed sat in the saddle, panting as Gale and CheeChee caught up to them, his face drenched in sweat.

 

Gale let out a sigh of relief as she came up to Little Brother's side. "Oh, thank heavens you managed to calm him down, damn bird!" She exclaimed, glaring at the younger tomas, disappointed. 

 

CheeChee let out a low growl of disapproval before nipping at Little Brother’s neck. 

 

Little Brother let a rumble of protest escape his throat, but CheeChee, using its spiked, clubbed tail, thumped the back end of Little Brother.

 

"Ay, boys!" Gale warned firmly towards the animals.

 

Finally, once things seemed to simmer down, Gale dismounted. 

 

Her spurs rattled as she walked over to Ed, then, extending her hands upwards to him to help him get off without the mounting block. 

 

"Sorry about him. I didn't think he'd take off like that." She laughed nervously, her face glistening in sweat from the heated pursuit.

 

"That was quite the show!" Wolfwood hollered to them, his eyes sparkling with amusement as he clung lazily to the fence. 

 

“Yeah, yeah!! He's learning okay!!" Gale barked back at Wolfwood, annoyed by the remark, she found none of the incident a laughing matter. Her gaze turned back to Ed, immediately inspecting him for any injuries. "Did you get hurt? Anything hurting?" Her voice was soft and filled with concern.

 

The adrenaline from the escapade was still buzzing through Edward’s nerves like electricity, but somehow he managed to find the sense to shake his head. 

 

“I’m fine, thanks,” he finally replied, out of breath. He mopped his forehead of sweat with his sleeve and swallowed, mouth feeling dry. “S-Sorry about that, hah… I think my automail spooked him.” Whether or not that had been the case was beyond Ed, but he couldn’t deny he was undoubtedly embarrassed. Abashed, he chanced a look at Gale, wondering if she would even consider lending Vash the birds thanks to his mishap with Little Brother…

 

Vash was running around the corner of the police station to catch up with the whirlwind of events that'd unfolded. 

 

His eyes landed on Gale and Ed, who'd manage to stop the tomas, thankfully, a wave of relief washed over him.

 

But as he absorbed the scene, Gale was visibly checking Ed for any injuries, lifting the boy's arms, and double checking his limbs to ensure everything looked normal. 

 

Vash felt a silent breath escape his lungs at the sight. It suddenly stirred an unexpected memory within him, and his sprint soon faltered into a walk.

 

Rem...

 

He instinctively grabbed at his chest, pain shot through it. 

 

His pulse quickened. Her face shrouded his thoughts: silky, flowing, dark hair and kind, gentle eyes.. 

 

Rem....

 

Her image instantly shattered, and the vision was gone just as quickly as it had appeared. Vash gasped, trying to calm himself. The tidal wave of emotions had built out of seemingly nothing, leaving him sputtering for breath.

 

Gale had glanced up, noticing his slow approach. She started to face him but soon noticed he looked distraught—expression twisted with worry. 

 

"He's okay, Vash." She assured him, slapping a hand on Ed's shoulder and giving him a good shake. She assumed this might have been making him look so upset, so reassurance was evident here. 

 

"I-I am glad you managed to stop them. It could have ended in a hospital trip," The outlaw exclaimed, his face struck with worry. 

 

Ed gave Gale an appreciative look, lips quirking up into a small smile before he noticed Vash. 

 

The man’s expression looked oddly strained, he noticed. Something distant hidden expertly underneath a face of knitted brows and glistening eyes… Edward stared for a few heartbeats longer than he intended before blinking and shaking a chill out of his shoulders. 

 

“Woah, what did I miss?” Alphonse’s voice sounded from somewhere by Wolfwood, causing Ed to twist around to face him. 

 

“Nothing!” He answered tersely, grinning widely as a bead of sweat clung to his face.

 

"No. No! " Wolfwood's voice edged with panic, hands waving in front of him trying to find the words to describe the scene to Al, not wanting the moment to slip into obscurity. 

 

"You totally missed the part where Ed was on the back of that tomas, screamin' his lungs out, Alphonse!! It was hilarious!" Wolfwood chuckled, throwing Ed a devilish smirk from across the yard. 

 

Vash on the other hand had mentally stitched himself back together, the hot sensation that'd prick under his cheeks now gone. The certain memory fading like a cloud against the hot sky. 

 

He relaxed, letting out a soft sigh through his nose. "Alright, well, it seems Ed isn't quite cut out for a tomas yet, Gale." 

 

Gale had taken Little Brother and CheeChee by their reins. "Yeah, it takes time and patience to learn these creatures. But Little Brother is stubborn anyway." She said, trying not to snuff out any of Vash's hope. 

 

"However." She hummed thoughtfully. "I do have an extra wagon." 

 

"What do we need a wagon for?" Vash asked, not realizing the elephant in the room. 

 

"Don't you need to carry that big guy around?" Gale questioned before pointing behind her at Alphonse, who was standing next to Wolfwood. 

 

Vash blinked, feeling sheepish. "Oh...I didn't even think of that.”

 

Edward gave his younger brother a nudge at the mentioning of a wagon. “Hear that, Al? We get to ride in style!” 

 

“Aw, but I wanna ride the tomas!” 

 

“No, you don’t, trust me..” 

 

With the midday suns beating down overhead, the group worked tirelessly to help assemble the caravan, replenish their inventory and prepare the tomases for the long journey ahead. Gale had given Al a map and Ed a dagger as a parting gift before helping them into the wagon. 

 

A large, wooden crate sat near the back with some books stacked neatly next to it, and Al recognized the set up was personalized for him. When he’d looked to Gale, she thoroughly explained that certain town regulations had patrol units stationed at its borders for inspections, and that by placing him in a box, he’d look far less conspicuous than he would at the front of the caravan. 

 

Edward appreciated this gesture greatly, and was sure to give the woman a hug before the group parted for the town of May.

 

Vash and Wolfwood both sat at the helm, their eyes hidden by their respective shades as they beheld the horizon through a sea of wiggling heatwaves. Edward sat just behind the men, peering out one of the window-like openings of the canvas as Little Rock faded from view.

 

Somehow, amidst all the stress that had led up to this point, the alchemist soon found himself being lulled into a peaceful place. He let his eyes flutter shut in contentment; the rhythmic sounds of the tomases hooves thumping, layered with the occasional swish of paper from Alphonse as he silently read a book…

 

Wolfwood and Vash’s voices were distant in his ears but Ed could pick up the conversational harmony between them as they rode along. Gentle laughter and the faint smell of smoke tickled Ed’s nose, and despite detesting tobacco, he relished the familiarity of Wolfwood’s habit with open arms. He felt safe.. A sense of hopefulness filled his chest. Maybe things would work out now.

 

Ed inhaled deeply before drifting off.

Notes:

van here! hope you guys enjoyed this chappie! poor ed got a tossed around lmaoo

see you all in the next one!
✧⁺⸜(･ ᗜ ･ )⸝⁺✧

Chapter 6: ɢɴᴀᴛ ᴀɴᴅ ᴠᴀɴ’ꜱ ᴀʀᴛ ᴅᴜᴍᴘ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀꜱ 1-5

Summary:

art scribbles by US!!! we hope you guys enjoy!!

- gnat and vanny

art by @ oh_van_go on Instagram

 

art by @gnat_gnatty on Instagram 

Notes:

hi everyone!! this is van and gnat! ✧｡٩(ˊᗜˋ )و✧*｡ we really hope you’re enjoying this crossover so far! this is technically a roleplay we formatted into a google doc so we apologize if it reads a bit weird!

to help put this into perspective:

gnat roleplays trigun characters
van roleplays fullmetal characters

we communicate a lot to ensure the conversations are seamless!

we can’t wait to see you in the next chapter!!

Gnat: Letting everyone know that this is still being listened and cleaned up! So if anything that might sound strange we apologize! 🙉

- gnat 🖤 and vanny 🧡