The Shadowed Alchemist {Hiatus}

Chapstick 2

I let Ed go through with his test but requested that he also tell them I was home and not feeling well. Which was in a way true enough. I was not feeling well and was most definately on my way to our hotel to pack up my things.

Al had tried to follow me but, glad that I had gone through all the training they had and more I shook him sooner than his pride might have allowed had it not been me.

I was invisible to the city pedestrians as I went from rooftop to rooftop. Concealed already by the height of the buildings I jumped from as much as my speed. I made it to the hotel in quick time. I bypassed the elevator in favor of the stairs. My adrenaline was pumped to much and I think better when i'm moving. I climbed them easily, taking three at a time. By the time i got to the hotel room I was sweaty and had a well thought out plan and destination.

I went over everything as i walked in the door. Only to find Al sitting on the couch waiting for me. He stood and crossed the room, coming at me and ranting all the while.

"Do you have any idea how long I waited for you here?! And how dare you lose me like that, I could have gotten lost or something!" I bypassed him and headed to the bed nearest the windows that overlooked the city streets. I grabbed my duffel from under and began emptying my drawers. "Ray are you hearing me?! What's wrong?!" I sighed and looked at him from the corner of my eye. He was really worried. I can never understand why I know his moods so well unless you count my history with him but I'm like that with everyone else too.

"I'm leaving Al, I've suddenly decided I'm not going to be a state alchemist thats just too much for me to be under the military's thumb."

"But Ray you've been with us since before mom died. Your family. You don't have to become a state alchemist but you should still stay with us." I looked at Al; my expression probably seemed hard to him and my choices confusing but I honestly do try to put them first. I could no longer be seen with them because now, I knew they would be under constant surveillance.

"Al I can't stay." I sighed zipping my duffel and heading out the door Alphonse closely following. When we got to the roof he crushed me in a hug. His voice sounded so desperate as he pleaded to me.

"Ray please don't go! You and Ed are the only family I have! We've lost dad and mom, so please ... Don't go. Don't disappear just like dad. Don't abandon us!" Tears slid down my face as loosely as a waterfall. I didn't want to go but what am I supposed to do. What else am I to do if I'm to be able to protect them. "You can't go raven! You are our sister and our friend our teacher and sometimes a student your like our substitute mom." I froze at his words, as they hardened my resolve

I fought to keep my composure as I shrugged off his words for later. I noisily blew out a deep breathe of air and l turned to look at Al. He seemed so forlorn and desperate my face softened for that moment. Dammit I am such a fucking softie.

"Okay Al okay fine, I'll stay." For now. I had my fingers crossed underneath my bag he didn't seem to notice that as he cheered up and eagerly pushed me back downstairs then into our hotel room.
He had probably already figured I was going to leave again. He just didn't know how soon.