An Alchemist's Envy

Chapter 12: Crimson Attack

"Hurry up, you guys!" Edward yelled, running down the train aisle.

"You don't have to be in such a rush, big brother..." Al sighed, following after him.

"It's not like the library is going anywhere, Ed," I laughed once I caught up to the brothers.

"Just hurry up!" Ed yelled as he hopped of the train.

"Yeah! Finally in Central!" He cheered, arms raised in the air and waving his suitcase around.

"They should be around here somewhere..." Armstrong mumbled, glancing around the station.

"Who?" I asked.

"Major Armstrong." A woman in a uniform walked up to us and saluted, "We're here to escort you."

She had short, black hair and dull blue eyes. Under her left eye was a small mole. Over her uniform she wore a black coat. Standing next to her was another soldier. He had scruffy, dark blonde hair and olive colored eyes.

"Thank you, Second Lieutenant Ross. And you as well, Sergeant Brosh." Armstrong saluted.

"Oh! And this must be the Fullmetal Alchemist?" Brosh asked cheerfully. He and Lieutenant Ross walked over to Alphonse with huge grins.

"My name is Maria Ross. It's an honor to meet you, sir!"

"Denny Brosh, reporting, sir. I can see where you got your name! Very dignified!"

Alphonse pointed over at Edward, who was growling under his breath. "Actually, he's the Fullmetal Alchemist."

"Hm?" Ross had a shocked look on her face.

"You mean the little guy over there?" Brosh asked.

Armstrong held tight to Ed's coat as he flailed, trying to get to the two soldiers.

"P-please accept my apologies!" Ross begged.

"I didn't mean little, per se... That is..." Brosh fumbled over his words. I patted his back.

"He's always like that. Don't worry." I laughed.

"Well, I had best head over to Central Headquarters to file my report." Armstrong sighed sadly.

"Eh? So this is goodbye?! Thanks for your help. Drop me a postcard sometime. Bye bye!" Edward gushed.

Armstrong suddenly burst into tears and hugged Edward tightly, "I will miss you as well, my lad! Ahh, the good times we shared on the road! Until we meet again!"

"GAHH! Get offa me!" Edward flailed. He suddenly froze when there was a loud CRACK sound. His face paled and he almost went limp.

'The major popped his back again...' I sighed to myself.

"Well then. I'll leave them to you!" Armstrong said, releasing Edward into his brothers arms.

"Yes, sir!" The soldiers saluted.

"Whaaaat? More bodyguards?!" Edward said, standing on his own.

"But of course!" Armstrong sparkled, "Farewell!"

~~~~~~~

"Sorry, there doesn't seem to be enough room for everyone in one car." Brosh apologized for the thousandth time.

"It's fine. I need to do something anyway." I shrugged and glanced over at the brothers, "I'll be at the hospital. Come by whenever."

And then I left.

"Man..." I groaned, "Why'd I leave? I could've just taken another car..."

My forehead stung and I rubbed it lightly.