Stuck in : Fullmetal Alchemist

Chapter 22 : Fifth Laboratory (part 1)

We are now walking for ten good minutes. I am anxious about the next fights, but I don't know how to tell him. He will say I'm idiot to think I'd ever be a burden, but I can't stop thinking about it! I swallow discreetly as we enter in the circular room, with the stone transmutation circle in the middle. Edward's eyes widen as he walks in quickly. I stay a little behind him, with my beguiles, as I hear footsteps.

-Edward be careful.... There is a powerful enemy in here.... I say quietly.

My limbs are lightly trembling as I look at number 49 entering in the room.

-Who is that? he asks looking at me.

-A soul in an armor.... An ancient prisoner....

-HEH?!?!

He looks at him. Then back at me. Then at him. Then down.

-How....?

-Alchemy experience? The prisoners are their tests.

-I don't know how you know that, the armor tells trying to slice me as I dodge, but I have to kill you.

-Gyaaaah!!!

The fight begins. Edward attacks the armor and kicks his head away, discovering the blood mark. I try to defend myself the best I can with the alchemy basics Edward learnt me, but I am not skilled enough to change anything anyway.... I wince as my leg begins to hurt again and I fall on the ground holding it painfully. I hate that feeling... I hate it.... I can just watch as Edward is being wounded, and I am not even able to act to protect or help him. Taking my chalk, I draw a circle, very slowly I admit it, and close my eyes to visualize a fist coming out of the floor, praying for it to work. Blue sparks appear and a very very small fist, not even as big as my hand, appears and I look at it, not controlling the frustration and the disappointing flowing in myself. I try again, focusing harder, and all I get is another small fist. I think a little. Alchemy is supposed to respect the Equivalent Exchange law, so if I can gather a lot of material in the ground I would be able to create something bigger. But really I need training.... My skills are so bad I think if he can see that, Edward will laugh at me....

-Wah Jane, what's this thing?? he suddenly asks turning his head toward me.

-Shut up!! I'm trying that's all!!

-You've got bad skills there!!

-Thanks, but focus on your fight!!

I take a deep breath and draw a new circle. This time, I have to succeed. If I can't.... I am stopped my a shout. Edward's shout. Then a loud sound coming from the circular movement my professor makes when he tried to hit the armor but fails. I look up and see the armor running toward me.

-Jane run away idiot!! Don't stand there he'll kill you!!

But I can't move. All my limbs are numb and I can but watch in fear, my eyes widened. I can't explain what I do, it's like I'm moving alone and my brain is not controlling my body anymore. From what I know, it's called "human reflexes before death". Reassuring right? But whatever happens, there is a huge and strong wall in front of me when I become conscious again, and blue sparks are still escaping the circle freshly made with my chalk. I look up at the wall, then at the circle, and I understand. Yeah, I might not be very smart - only sometimes - but I can at least understand that I actually made this wall. I've created it. With alchemy. Number 49 breaks it and I am not powerless, looking at him with same fear in my eyes as some minutes ago.

-You're with the shrimp. I have to suppress you too.

He's about to cut my throat when something hits his back, behind him. It's Edward...

-Hey the big armor, I'm your enemy.

I swear this one... He threw a small stone on him to attire his attention so I wouldn't be hurt! Really now...

-Edward!! You're hurt too!!

-But I know how to fight, me.

-Why do you have to insist on the "me"???

Number 49 seems annoyed and begins to get angry.

-I'll have to kill you two anyway, so I'll begin by the young girl here, she's the easiest.

Why thanks.... I know I am hurt, I am scared and powerless, but that's mean!! I glare at him and draw another circle in front of me.

-No use trying!!

In a quick movement, he pierces my shoulder with his blade as I shout, but I don't stop. I keep drawing and I slam my hands on the floor when it's finished, focusing as much as possible on spikes coming out to pierce his iron body. Blue sparks appear and I put all my energy in it. Finally, a unique but real big spike comes out but he dodged before I can hit him or anything. I pout lightly but can somehow be proud of myself. I succeeded at least, even if it's completely useless.

-Oh, nice try Jane! Edward exclaims clapping his hands.

He created a field of smiles directly toward the enemy, smirking.

-Professor, I'm still learning!

-That means you admit I'm stronger!

-Meany....

-What? I didn't hear!~

-Nothing!!

After some punches and kicks from Edward, he finally loses his head, where there is the blood mark. My professor is happy, thinking it's over. However, I know it's not.

-Edward, they are two.

-What do you mean?

-That there is- be careful!!! I shout.

He barely dodges an attack coming from the body as a new voice escapes from it.

-Surprised eh? We're two in this body!

-Oh shit....

Edward is really hurt. I don't know how he will do after. And all because of me. If only... If only I can do better alchemy... I look down and attempt to do another transmutation. If I hope, it will bring nothing. I have to act. I slam my hands next to it and shout as a fist raises and crushes the armor on the floor. It works because he didn't expect it that's all... But still, it works.... After that, I'm heavily panting and also sweating. I'm tired. I let myself fall on the cold ground as my leg begins to hurt again. And that's just the beginning....

//um I'm terribly sorry for this somehow late update... I know I said "weekend" but that you all want it to be Saturday... But well, I hope you'll enjoy though!