The Bloody Alchemist

The Waiting Game

        The roses were starting to wilt. Brown decay ate away at the deep red they once held. A few remained lush and full, but Cecelia could tell their fruitful days of beauty were coming to an end. She hadn't seen Greed since her first concert, it was coming on a week since then. The concern she felt was undeniable, the roses constantly reminded her of him. And of Ling. Where were they? Were they safe?

She changed out of her rehearsal clothes, planning on going back to Gracias to take a rest before returning to the Angel's Den for another night on stage. She could relax knowing she'd have a break tomorrow for Elicias fourth birthday. Her biggest concern was over the fact that the Elric Brothers still hadn't contacted her. The trip to Briggs was a slow one, especially if you didn't know the right people. Regardless Cecelia knew they should have made it up there by now.

Cecelia snipped a bud from its stem in the bouquet and pressed the flower gently between two pages of parchment in her alchemy book. Her friends were scattered across the country but all she could do was sit in Central waiting for someone to make a move. It put her on edge, contrasted so harshly by how safe she felt back in her childhood home. A normal life felt so foreign to her but now she had it. Cecelia would do everything she could to protect it, for herself and all of her friends. Cecelia walked down the stairs to the main theater where Archie was speaking to a military soldier, dressed in his blue uniform. "Cecelia perfect timing," he waved her over. "He says there's a call for you."

"Would you mind following to command center B? The caller says it is urgent, it's coming from northern command." Cecelia's face immediately lit up, finally!

"Yes certainly!" Cecelia practically dragged the officer back to the secure military communication center, there was no other person it could be. Cecelia pressed the receiver to her ear and spoke clearly. "This is the Bloody Alchemist, Cecelia Woods."

"Bloody Alchemist," a familiar young male voice spoke over the phone and Cecelia immediately knew who it was. "This is private Hateling I've called to inform you that the Elrics have been located. I'm glad I could get in contact to assure you of their safety. They are being detained until their identities can be verified."

"That is such a relief, thank you private. May I speak with them?" There was silence on the other end and some light scuffling, Cecelia waited with bated breath.

"He, hey Cecelia, it's been a while," Ed's voice sounded hesitant over the phone, and Cecelia was able to breathe finally able to believe the stupid boy had arrived at his destination safely.

Cecelia inhaled sharply. "Just where the hell do you get off by leaving Central and telling me nothing!?" She shouted so loudly that those around her at the command nearly fell over. Ed had to hold the receiver away from his ear as the sound wave bounced around his cell and the Briggs soldiers guarding him could only stare in shock. "I know you said we'd meet back up late, but the Northern Wall is too damn dangerous! What were you thinking?!"

Cecelia could hear Alphonse say "Told you so," as Edward brought the phone back to his ear.

"I'm sorry Cecelia, the information was fresh and we were already a few days behind our trail," Edward used vague words and Cecelia immediately knew why, Briggs soldiers likely listening right beside him. "Plus I knew you'd figure it out."

"Sure but I'm not in a place where I can meet up with you guys," Cecelia clenched her fist. She had gotten herself involved in Central and she wouldn't simply leave.

"I don't think you should come up quite yet anyway. Maybe you missed it but we're currently being held in a jail cell!" Edward responded hotly.