Gold and Charcoal

Gold and Charcoal
Chapter 15
Game

-
Beta: Tahariel. Much love to her.
-

“Fury, no.”

“But red might look good on you.”

“I said no. As in, no fucking way.”

Fury regretfully hung the shirt back on the rack. “Oh, okay then. There’s some blue here. That should be nice with your dark hair.”

“I want black,” firmly said Roy, walking away on his own to hunt down darker clothing.

“Black is too hot when it’s sunny,” argued Fury, catching up to Roy as the later examined a sleeveless black shirt.

“I’ll take off my shirt if I’m too hot. That’s all.” He waved a hand to cut short whatever Fury was going to add. “Look, I want to dress to my tastes, not yours. You can play dress up the living doll with your boyfriend.”

“Okay, okay…” He stepped away, sulking slightly, but came back with a dark offering. “How about this one?”

“Not too bad,” nodded Roy. “Find me some black gloves as well.”

It was useless to discuss; Fury wandered away obediently. At his return, Roy was gleefully browsing through shirts that appeared to show more than they covered. Concerning the one he was currently holding, only the upper third was opaque, the lower part made of nothing more than threads woven in a manner reminiscent of a fishing net. The taller man approved, picked up two and moved on to clothes closer to normality. A few t-shirts – he indulged into some blue tones - and two vests completed his set. He examined pants next, finally deciding for dark blue jeans and a pair of leather pants with a price so ridiculous Fury choked.

“Never mind. I’ll pay you back.”

“It’ll take forever to pay that back!”

“I can count on my own.”

Even if Fury attempted to argue further, Roy wasn’t listening, busy turning over the gloves the younger man had fetched him. These would do nicely. Not leather, but fine for the time being.

They walked out five minutes later, bags in hand and suspiciously watched by the cashier. He must have been thinking they killed somebody to get this kind of money. What an idiot.

Black Hayate had been waiting for them outside; he yelped and trotted over as soon as he saw them exit the store. The sight made Roy smile. Real dogs were nice. So completely loyal. Nothing in common with the average mongrel.; those were more of the backstabbing brand.

They were slowed down two streets later as they crossed back into the area known as the slums. Everybody beyond the age of ten knew this was a dangerous spot at night but also the perfect place to pick up a pleasure girl – or boy.

The dense circulation was due to a man standing above the crowd, calling to the people. He was bald and wearing a dust-colored priest robe. Roy recognized him at once, as he did the man with an eye patch and a missing arm standing slightly in retreat.

“Don’t tell me Cornello and Bard are still at it?”

“They’re still trying.”

“I’m surprised they’ve been left alive this long.”

“They have people watching in case soldiers come around, but they rarely care to cross over here,” explained Fury.

“Mn,” agreed Roy. Nobody really cared what was going on around the slums, as long as it didn’t bother the honest citizens. If Cornello wanted to preach about equality and rights, suit him. People occasionally paused to listen but most didn’t care. What good did it do, to believe they were as good as everybody else? They weren’t going to be treated as equals any time soon. And Bard’s nagging calls to all rebel together were plainly ridiculous. Armstrong would flatten them all with a single hand, blindfolded, before they even made a dent in the inner city’s wall.

When he received a fifth elbow to the side, Roy elected to stop being subtle and shoved his way through, Fury in tow. They made it to the other side of the crowd and resumed walking toward home. Loud footsteps warned them somebody was running after then. Roy turned around, on his guard, and found Bard sizing him up.

“What do you want?”

“Where were you, Mustang? We haven’t seen you in weeks. There were weird rumors about your whereabouts.”

“Really. Tell me why I should care. I’ll go where I want to, whenever I feel like it.”

Bard stepped closer, not put off in the least by the aggressive tone. “Listen. I heard you were in there. Is it true? We could use somebody who has information like that.”

“I don’t have a clue what you’re saying.”

“The inner city. People saw you being carried in several days ago,” clarified Bard. “You should help us. We’re going to rise and attack them. We’ll take over the damn city and see how they like being told to live in dirt.”

“That’s appealing, I’ll admit as much. But if you think you can go against alchemists and chimeras, well, good luck. I’ll stay out of it.”

“Don’t be a pussy, Mustang,” grunted the one-eyed man. “You fight well. You’d be useful to us. We wouldn’t send you to the front lines. Think about it. You could live in riches soon. Screw working. You’ll have slaves, blond slaves, to feed you, clean after you, whatever. Doesn’t it sound great?”

“Don’t try to get me involved in your stupid plans.” Bored tone now. “I like to take care of myself and your plan sounds nothing more than suicidal. I’m not interested.”

Bard stepped even closer, too close for comfort. But Roy wasn’t afraid in the slightest. He had an extra arm over that guy to begin with. He did mind the smell though. Oil, gunpowder and dirt. Wonderful mix, really.

In a low growl, Bard accused, “You’re not a spy are you? What did you offer them to leave?”

That earned a laugh. The sheer stupidity of the concept was just too much to keep a straight face. “Please. I got out of there because of my seduction skills. Women are the same everywhere. I didn’t see much. I’m simply not interested in getting caught again. I’ll stay far away from that place. What you want to do is none of my concern.”

“Suit yourself.” Bard added what he thought was a threat. “We’ll be watching you.”

“Likewise.”

Roy had a faint smile on his lips but it only lasted until the man turned and strode away from them. Then his smile fell and he reached to wrap an arm around Fury’s shoulders, dragging him forward.

“Stay away from them,” he advised. “No matter what they try, stay out of it and as far as possible. Got it?”

“Yes.” Fury looked confused. Roy had never made a habit of touching him in any other way than the occasional light punch to the shoulder.

“I didn’t kill people to save your ass only to see you get fucked over along with those morons. They will fail. I don’t want you or the others anywhere around when it happens.”

“You’re sure it’ll fail?”

Roy picked up the light disappointment. “You’ve been listening to Cornello’s crap,” he accused.

“I just…”

“We know what we’re worth. That doesn’t change things. The fact is that Blondies have the power around here. More than enough to crush us all. Watch out for yourself. That’s how it works.”

Hayate whined for attention. Fury picked him up and proceeded to nuzzle the creature. Roy watched him from the corner of his eye, musing to himself. Maybe the kid was still a kid after all and more babysitting was required.

-

Edward was strolling down the hall, ranting to himself. Even without the telltale red coat, people recognized him and knew it was wiser to stay away from this moody boy.

“Geez, why me? Right, because I’m the useless one who’s not working! I bother him he says! He’s trying to work and he wants me away for a bit! Yeah, I’m really feeling the love here! I don’t even know what to buy!” He twitched. “Wait, he gave me a list. What did I do with that...”

Turning his pockets around provided a crumbled piece of paper on which food items were listed, written in a neat hand that had little resemblance to Edward’s scrawls (Ed would claim it was because he couldn’t use his right hand to write anymore). Ed eyed the paper, wondering where to find all the things. And why was ‘milk’ on there? If Al even dared to suggest he should drink any…

Edward was pushed aside by running men. He drew air to start yelling at them – who was so damn short you didn’t even see him in the hallway? – when he realized they were hauling medical equipment with them and were tailed by Clara herself. Edward watched them disappear around the next corner and felt ill at ease. His work area was that way. Or was, incidentally. It wasn’t any of his business. Not anymore.

Edward couldn’t fight the urge to follow, even knowing he would regret it. He dragged his feet on the polished floor, wondering what he would see. He walked so slow that by the time he reached the restricted area’s entrance, the men were rushing back out, a young girl lying on the litter. Ed paled recognizing one of his students – one of the few worthy ones too. Her shoulder and neck disappeared under gauze and yet blood was creeping through, blossoming in a large crimson flower.

The guards didn’t bother Edward to see his alchemist’s watch, knowing him by sight. Ed nearly collided with Russell as he entered the room used for transmutation practice. Cages were lined against the wall, half of them holding an animal or a chimera. In the center, a large array had been crafted in chalk with the care of a student willing to prove themselves. Nothing wrong with the array, judged Edward with a quick glance. There was the corpse of a chimera on the floor and the scent of blood was floating on the scene.

Edward looked back at Russell. “What happened?”

The blond pulled himself together with visible efforts. “Her first transmutation. It worked fine. Unfortunately, the chimera was wild and attacked her. I tried to stop it.” Russell grimaced and held his arm. He had a bandaged covering his entire upper arm.

“Is she going to live?”

“Who knows. She will most likely lose her arm. It nearly tore it off.” He added, bitterly. “It wouldn’t have happened if you’d been here.”

Edward buckled at the barely veiled reproach. “What the heck? You blame your mistake on me? I can’t always be there to save everybody’s ass with my shiny automail! How lame are you? You can’t even keep a chimera from tearing into a student!”

The taller – and younger – blond raved back. “You’re the one who quit without warning! Where else do you want me to find somebody with your strength to keep this safe? I’d never seen a chimera attack its maker! I wasn’t prepared to deal with it!”

“And you call yourself an alchemist! You’re utterly useless in a genuinely dangerous situation! Geez, don’t ever take a walk outside the gate, you’ll get throttled in seconds!”

Russell didn’t answer, grimacing and holding his arm in a way that clearly said pain outranked Edward’s outrage on his list of things to worry about. Ed watched him stumble to the nearest chair and wipe sweat off his forehead. He gave the taller boy a few moments to recover, strolling over to consider the fallen chimera. Dog, bird and…snake? He frowned and crouched, opening the creature’s mouth. He found no fangs but felt the need to ask anyway as he walked back to Russell.

“What snake was that? Nothing poisonous I hope?”

“I’m not crazy. It just had mean teeth. I’m not poisoned.”

“Good. Because I wouldn’t try and save you.” He scowled. “And by the way, it was aggressive because it wasn’t done properly. She didn’t hold the reaction to its end. It was in serious pain. It would have died anyway. In fact, I’m half sure it collapsed while you were trying to wrestle it. That must have saved your life.”

Russell didn’t deny any of it. “You have more knowledge than I do. Why are you so stubborn? It’s difficult to handle everything on my own. Father would probably be grateful for help from you as well. If they can make the red stone, they’ll be closer to the Philosopher’s Stone. And if they manage to create that…” He openly glanced at Edward’s right arm. “They could fix that. They could fix all of it. Wounds would be healed easily. We wouldn’t lose anybody to accidents. That girl wouldn’t be fighting for her life. You wouldn’t have to keep automail that slows your growth.”

“You don’t know anything,” coldly answered Edward, hands twitching.

Unable to take a clue, Russell carried on. “And what do you know that I don’t? Are you afraid of losing more? Fixing what you did to your brother isn’t enough of a reason to try?”

“Shut the hell up!” The temper kicked in one more. “You know what their goddamned theory is, don’t you? They’re going to kill people in their stupid experiment!”

“They won’t pursue it,” weakly argued Russell. “They’re bound to see it’s immoral and dangerous. They’ll use another way.”

“I saw what your father is asking my brother to research,” lowly replied Ed. “They are already planning to do it. They are planning to kill.”

“But they’ll surely use mongrels. It’s not the same, they’re aren’t bl-.” Edward hadn’t meant to jump on Russell and pin him to the wall to punch, but he certainly wasn’t sorry to see the other’s head snap back against the wall and to hear a groan escape his lips.

“Don’t ever say that again. You have no fucking right to say who’s worth more.”

It took a certain time for the other to clear his head. “I wasn’t talking about your mo-“

“Shut up if you don’t want to be punched again,” said Edward, matter-of-fact. “It’s not a good idea to anger me. And right now, I’m seriously pissed off.” His breathing wasn’t even but his voice didn’t waver. “That’s the problem, you see. Killing people is probably the way to go. What has a higher value than a life? It would surely give an alchemist the boost of power to bypass the equivalent trade law. But you aren’t really bypassing it. The stone will die once it’s drained. It’s just a slightly different form of equivalent trade.”

Edward patiently waited for the comeback. “But that’s just what you think, just a theory.”

“When have I ever been wrong?” Russell’s look at the automail made Edward smile in a chilling way. “We didn’t fail. We just didn’t know what exactly we would gain in exchange. But we brought her back, didn’t we?” He knew the rumors. It was said that Sloth had been created in their mother’s image to spite them. It was close enough, but not quite true.

Russell looked unsettled. “That can’t be. It isn’t possible for children to -” Ed’s expression made him fall silent. Seconds later he began to pant and gasp. “Edward, my arm…” Blood had begun to drip from the bandage.

Edward shoved Russell aside with a sneer. He was surprised to find himself weak on his legs. He leaned his burning forehead against the wall; he hadn’t realized he was shaking. The cold anger faded as quickly as it had risen, leaving him to ponder his rash actions and their potentially disastrous consequences. He breathed a curse and cast alarmed glances around. They were alone, and Russell was bleeding, which indicated he was quite human. No immediate danger then.

Ed stepped back, eager to leave. He warned, “Don’t tell anyone what I told you. Not a word. If you do, don’t be surprised if I show up as Pride to skin you and your brother alive.”

“They wouldn’t…”

Edward laughed. “I think they will. Explain to me why else I’m still here. I’m quite the troublemaker, aren’t I? Perfect subject for an accident.”

Russell was obviously trying to grasp the concept of what Edward had told him, on top of being hurt and perhaps still shaken from his early encounter with the chimera. Not that Edward cared if Russell’s first alchemical incident had troubled him. “Are you…trying to divert their attention?”

“It would be better for you to shut up and forget about it,” noncommittally answered Edward.

The taller blond slumped back in his chair, hissing in renewed pain. “God, you’re violent. What’s wrong with you?” The question was purely rhetorical. Russell could probably write the list himself. At least he’d taken the hint this time.

“I’ve got issues. Stay out of my way.”

“Niisan!” Automatically, both boys glanced at the door. It was Fletcher, looking quite worried for his older brother. “I heard you were injured and-“

Edward didn’t hear the rest, already gone.
-

Roy couldn’t tell how many pictures had been shoved under his nose in the last hour, but it was clearly over his personal limit. Hughes’ random and frequent spacing out – still thinking about Gracia, was he? – didn’t make the situation more enjoyable. Finally, Roy snapped. “Let’s go out for girls. You’re sickening me with your pictures.”

Roy didn’t give his friend a chance to answer. They were out the door and down the stairs in the blink of an eye, Hughes firmly dragged along by his collar. It had the plesant effect of choking him. Quiet was nice to have sometimes.

“Okay, okay, I’m going! Stop trying to strangle me!”

Roy let go. They walked side by side, Hughes with a hand in his pocket, without a doubt stroking the handle of one of his knives. It was late after all.

No trouble came to them. They left the slums, interested in something classier than a dark room full of grumpy drunk men and working prostitutes.

“How about the Chimera? I heard they have half price nights for the ladies. That should be a nice hunting ground for you.”

“Sounds good.”

The nightlife was only just stirring, a few half-naked women strolling up and down the road while small groups of teens walked by, some to pick up friends, others going to a party. In this city, you didn’t go out alone after dark, or not without a good weapon. Just to be safe. The streets were gloomy, the lights either dead or vandalized, only a few left to fight off the darkness. Shadows moved and it was hard to tell if it was somebody hurrying somewhere, a homeless child, a stray animal or a murderer out for your blood – and cash. At their age they did not fear the slaves traders but for children and teens that was another danger. Smart kids found a good hole and made sure not to come out until the sun was back.

They reached their target. The bouncer looked bored out of his mind at the moment but they knew from experience there would be a line in a few hours. It was easier to enter now and be patient than hope to gain entrance when things were in full swing.

They flashed a handful of credits to the bouncer and were allowed inside immediately. Mongrels or not, they had cash. That was enough here.

“You’ve been back for the whole of two days and you’re already in debt to all of us,” grinned Hughes as they sat down at a free table. “How did the job hunt go? We’ll have to sell you if you don’t start paying us back soon.”

“Not bad. The junkyard is looking for help. They were surprised I can read, write and count. I might end up working with numbers this time instead of breaking my back playing with rusty piles of metal.”

“Don’t forget who you owe those skills to.” Hughes nudged him.

“I won’t.” Roy rolled his eyes.

Hughes pressed a hand to his chest and sighed dramatically. “It was such a pain to teach you. And what did I get for my hard work? A man who avoids my pictures and mocks me. ”

“I am an horrible person who abuses his friend,” agreed Roy. “Now hand over some cash. I want a drink.”

By a drink, Roy meant three. They leisurely watched the crowd, idly pointing out the straight girls and gay men and studying them according to their personal tastes. They discussed two girls who kept touching each other, Roy maintaining they were siblings while Hughes thought they were lovers.

“Both, perhaps,” finally said Roy. “The two terms are not mutually exclusive.”

It prompted a raised eyebrow. “I hear an interesting story there.”

“Not much to say. Those boys are hostile to everything but each other.” He shrugged. “Figure it out.”

“I see. Seen anything interesting?”

“They’re far too decent,” mourned Roy.

“A pity.”

“Indeed.” Roy was silent for several minutes. “They’re very close. Because they’re siblings I suppose.” He paused again, unsure of where he was going. “Do you miss your sister?”

“My sister?” Hughes considered the question even if it was weird and unexpected. “Not really, no. She was too young to be very interesting to me. Didn’t really know her.”

“Would you like to? Know her?”

Hughes shifted in his seat, curiously examining his friend. “I don’t have a clue what you’re getting at. My father would shoot me if he saw me. I’m his greatest shame and all that. He’s probably still bitching at my mother for not telling him my hair color.”

“I’m surprised nobody else informed him.”

“They thought he knew. He didn’t claim he was colorblind back then. Maybe he does now, as an excuse for keeping me in his household for so many years.” Hughes grinned in his glass. “It wasn’t a bad childhood. It wasn’t such a bad teenage life either. And look at me now. We’ve got it good in the end.”

“Look at the two girls who just walked in,” said Roy, changing the subject. “Single and looking for a good time.”

“Agreed. But they’re not poor, it won’t be an easy shot. Look at that, one of them has automail.” The girl in question wore a tank top that exposed her arms; the right one was indeed automail.

“You’re the one who said I could seduce a plant.”

“Yeah, yeah.” Hughes resumed the view. “So, one’s got light brown hair and green eyes behind glasses and looks lost as to why she’s here.” He gave his friend a look. “Heh, you love glasses, don\'t you? I bet she sneaked out without her parents knowing. The other one has dark brown hair, her skin is nicely tanned but she looks a bit of a pretentious female and she has…if she’d turn maybe I would see her face…” On cue, the automail girl, glanced to their side, obviously checking out the males. “Nice face, green eyes as well. Doesn’t look shy, but probably difficult. She could also break your neck with that arm.”

“I’m on it.”

“You’re not difficult tonight,” noted Hughes, grinning wolfishly. “Isn’t she a bit young for you?”

“I’m certainly not too old for anybody.” Roy rolled his shoulders, straightened his blue shirt, tugged his gloves on and walked toward the ladies, predatory. They noticed him quickly, probably more due to the fact their parents must have warned them hundreds of times about mongrels than from his sheer sexiness. But when their gazes stayed on him, helplessly drawn to him, he knew that was entirely his doing. He was careful not to stand too close to avoid intimidating them with his stature and strength.

Roy gave a small bow and smiled. “What are two lovely ladies doing in such a tacky neighborhood?”

“Celebrating my birthday,” answered the tanned one, without a trace of discomfort. She was bold and Roy found it attractive.

“There are better places to hold a party.”

“I had a party already. It sucked. I want something interesting.”

Roy’s smile eased into a smirk. “Then I suppose you did chose the right place. May I offer a drink to the both of you?”

“I, uh, don’t like alcohol,” muttered the girl with glasses.

“That’s no problem.” He easily convinced her to go talk to Hughes. “If you want a laugh at my expense, he’s the man to talk to,” he concluded with a slightly sour smile, which seemed to amuse her. She bravely walked away, leaving Roy to kick up the flirting with the other girl. “Am I right if I say one of your legs is also automail?”

The girl grinned. “Ehhh, you’re not bad. How could you tell?”

“You walk in a…rigid way I’d say.”

“I suppose. But you’re not entirely right. They’re both automail actually.”

The right rubbed the sides of her thighs, letting him know where the automail began, and watched Roy’s reaction. She must have expected disgust or second thoughts but Roy’s expression did not change.

“It wouldn’t be in my best interests to upset you then, would it?”

“No, it wouldn’t.” She grinned. “Name’s Paniya. Who are you?”

“Roy Mustang, and I happen to be bored. Would you care to join me for a drink?”

“Sounds good, Roy.”

-

The rising creep factor informed Edward of Envy’s approach before he heard the soft footsteps. He turned around, intending to get it over with immediately.

“Don’t you have anything else to do?”

“Don’t glare at me, shrimp.” The sin held up his hands. “It’s just my job, I don’t like it either.”

When confronted with Edward, most people stepped aside. At the sight of Envy, half of them right out turned around while the others hunched or straightened and scrapped the wall until the next corner. Slaves, commoners and blondies all followed this pattern.

“Can’t you switch with Lust? She’s way less annoying than you are.”

Envy stepped uncomfortably close; Edward refused to move a muscle. “Oh? You’d want Gluttony around your little brother?”

“He doesn’t eat anything before asking Lust.”

“Funny how much you think you know about us. Almost cute.” Envy leaned on Edward’s left shoulder, smiling when he felt the blond tense. “Scared? Why? Is there something I should know?”

Envy was just baiting. He hadn\'t heard anything. He wasn\'t screwed yet. He didn\'t have to jump out the window right now. Hopefully...

Ed snarled instead of answering the question, desperately wishing to change the subject. “Liar. You enjoy stalking me.”

“I’m just making the best out of this boring job.” He idly tugged on Ed’s braid, his other hand playing with Ed’s shirt. In reaction, the boy bolted away, to Envy’s amusement. “What’s making you so edgy today, shrimp?”

Edward rubbed his neck. “It’s gross! Don’t touch me!”

Envy pretended to sulk. “I get a boring job and the kids don’t want to play. How am I supposed to distract myself?”

“Find somebody else to harass!”

“Not a bad idea.” Envy’s smirk was as chilling as always. “Now that you’re done with the mongrel, he’s cheap meat, isn’t he?” His form shimmered into that of a harmless-looking dark haired woman. She clapped her hands, sickeningly sweet. “Marvelous idea indeed. I’ll go find that hunk and have some fun.”

Just baiting. Envy didn’t have a damn clue about Roy’s whereabouts.

The fake lady clamped her hands on his shoulders and bent to whisper in his ear, “You know…red stones do exist. You’re a smart boy, aren’t you? I’m sure you already suspect what they’re made of. And, you know, you are quite right.” She straightened, still smiling. “Well, I shall be off. You just…carry on.” She waved delicately with her fingers. “Try not to get in trouble, little boy.”

He didn’t react. Mostly because he was frozen by shock and instant panic, but he deserved credit for subduing any upcoming freak-outs. Envy’s female form looked vaguely disappointed at his self-control. Just baiting. Totally just baiting. Bitch.

Edward walked away, shoulders taut. His first impulse was to run home and send Alphonse to live with Armstrong for a while – it was the safest place he could think of - but it would be too suspicious. It was better if Al didn’t look involved in this mess, assuming there was a mess. Envy had this natural talent to make anyone absolutely paranoid. It worked every damn time. Edward wasn’t willing to take a chance and dismiss the incident too soon.

Ed tried to analyze the situation while navigating his way in the interconnected corridors. Considering Envy’s reaction, his bet was that the sin had thrown in the red stone bit by pure coincidence, expecting to get a nice rise out of him. As for the truth of the statement… Envy had no reasons to lie about the stones. Telling such a truth was surely amusing enough to him. Ed could have lived without that confirmation though.

However, if Envy had actually heard his conversation with Russell - or if that idiot talked – then there was a mess and he was not going to like the clean up. Russell would be lucky if he was allowed to live with those tidbits of information, but if they didn’t kill him, he would. Assuming they were now aware he had started talking about the stones and the Sins’ secrets, they’d be quick to shut him up before he spilled any more.

Envy, Gluttony, Lust, Sloth, Wrath and another he’d never met but heard of. Six sins out of seven. They only needed one more. He’d stick by the old plan. If things got bad, kick Al out of there – he’d find a way to survive on his own – and deal with his mess. Like it or not, he had a knack for getting into trouble.

Edward ignored home, heading down to the bar. If Envy was tailing him, he shouldn’t be seen around Al. Might as well give them the time to act, if they did plan to.

Beneath the calm reasoning, Ed’s mind was still spinning for answers. Was Envy merely baiting this time? Damnit, had Envy heard or not? Was it serious? How likely was he to be found dead the next morning? Was it time to panic and just give away all he knew in some sort of last minute revenge or was it better to shrink in a corner and hope nothing came of it? How the hell could he know? Reading minds would have been such a useful skill to have right then.

Damned homunculi.