Blood Connections
Chapter Two - The challenge
On to.
It took all of my willpower not to smirk when my colonel came up, making their faces turned quickly into surprise, then to contempt.
"Archer."
"Mustang."
I looked up at my pale colonel. "You know each other?" I asked quietly. He glanced at me and nodded, but gave me a look that told me to ask questions later.
"Drop him Zaire."
"Yes sir." I grumbled, but complied, crackling of alchemic energy making the vines retract, and I let go of the now unconscious man. He fell and crumpled up to the floor.
"Armstrong, go get a medic." Archer ordered. The major saluted him and rushed off to find someone to help the men.
"Next time, Mustang, I expect you to get me, not threaten my subordinate."
Mustang glared at him, and made a motion that told Hawkeye to drop her gun, which she did obediently.
"That guy would have been dead in less than two minutes! Do you think we had time to get someone!?" The short blonde kid yelled. I looked at him curiously, as Archer look mildly amused at the kids antics.
"And I suggest you keep your alchemists under control as well."
"You shouldn't be talking Archer. If anything, she was more out of control than Fullmetal."
"I trust her to have a good enough reason."
"A good enough reason to attack a man?" Hughes questioned, coming into the conversation.
"Sir..." I spoke quietly. He glanced at me before look up at the group again.
"Remember Mustang, you are in my headquarters, not your own. Well talk about our subordinates behaviors later. But for now, I have business to attend to. Come on Zaire. "
When we were out of sight and sound, did Archer turn to me, his steely glare telling me that he was not happy.
"Zaire...." He hissed. Quickly, I bowed my head to show submission. If I was a wolf, I'd be on my back by now, tail between my legs.
"Care to explain your behavior?"
I told him how I was looking for Armstrong, and why I attacked the men. When I was finished, he sighed.
"Sir...?" I asked tentatively.
"Zaire, I realize you have an uncontrollable temper, and I know you desperately try to control it. Like I said, I trust that you had a good enough reason."
My insides warmed up to know that this man that didnt trust many, trusted me.
"But, realize that Mustang doesn't trust me; nor will he trust you. Even more now, because of this recent incident. So, we must make sure your other secret doesn't get out as well."
I nodded. "Of course sir."
"Now, go find Armstrong once more. He does have a important message for you."
Archer turned, and started to walk away. But he paused, and said one final thing.
"Be careful of Fullmetal. He has a tendency to put his nose in places where they don't belong. "
It took me 45 minutes to find the muscle bound man. And within those forty-five minutes, I had gotten, really, really cranky. I can only take so many cat-calls, not even mentioning being asked out twice. I don't think was because of my looks, I'm not that special, but because to them, I was merely a challenge.
Lets see who can ask out the quiet one who never goes out on dates! Who ever can do it is a great man, and we like to bare our chests in pride like the cavemen we are!
Feh. Men.
Anyways, when Armstrong saw me walking towards him with all the signs I was ready to snap someone's neck; mumbling under my breath, clenched fists, narrowed glare that if looks could kill, someone would be merely ashes on the ground. He wisely decided to play nice.
"Zaire...I have a message for you." He said quickly, almost as if he was hoping it would save him from being my next victim.
"So I've been told." I hissed between gritted teeth.
"Your assessment is coming up. The Furhur may becoming, he says he looks forward to your assessment."
The corners of my mouth quirked up in a smirk, as I allowed the joy to flood through. I was famous for my battle assessments, and the Furhur enjoyed watching them.
"Who should I challenge....?" I wondered.
"You!" I blinked in surprise, and turned to see the short blonde kid and the suit of armor.
"You called, shorty?" He snarled, and lunged at me, only to be stopped by the suit of armor grabbing him.
"WHO ARE YOU CALLING SO SHORT THAT A ANT COULD STEP ON HIM!?!"
I tried to cover my mouth to stop the laughter for escaping, but I couldn't help it. I started laughing, much to the surprise of the other three.
"Cute runt, cute. A bit subconscious of your size?" I grinned, patting his head. He glared up at me, and I wouldn't be surprised if he tried to bite my hand.
"Um....I'm sorry. My big brother, he doesn't like to be reminded of his size." I looked up at the armor in surprise. He didn't even sound like he had hit puberty, yet he was huge, standing at least a couple inches taller than Armstrong. While my brain was quickly working at the possibilities, I stepped back as he let his big brother down.
"Its alright. May I ask for your names?"
"Its polite to give yours first." The blond one grumbled.
"Zaire."
"Edward Elric." The kid muttered.
"Alphonse Elric. But just call me Al." The armor said, bowing politely.
"Um...did you say Ed was your older brother?" I asked. Al nodded, and Ed glared at me as daring me to say a word. To his surprise, I didn't. There was a silence.
"So you are a state alchemist?" Ed looked up at me challenging.
"Yes..." I said slowly.
"And your assessment is coming up?" I narrowed my eyes down at him. "Yes."
"Then I challenge you!"
"Colonel Archer!" The door to his office slammed open, startling the pale man. He looked up annoyed, as chocolate brown eyes stared at him frantically.
"Jessica, how many times have-"
"Sir, its urgent! Please!"
Archer frowned. It's wasnt often that his subordinates disobeyed him, so it was probably important as she said. "Continue."
She straightened up, and spoke. "Right after Armstrong gave the message about her assessment, the Fullmetal Alchemist challenged her. His own assessment is due as well."
Archer raised an eyebrow. "She has the right to refuse."
"But sir..she didn't."
Jessica looked confused as her colonel grinned. "Actually...that will work out perfectly. "
You know the routine.
So...what do you think? I haven't had anyone message about this series? What do you think? Is there a way I can make it better?
Cheers!
