Alphonse hung his head, taking the abuse. When she turned from him though he looked down at his hands.
"She wasn't so bad...when she wasn't trying to hurt anyone." He looked up and sighed.
"Shiba...you can't help her on your own...we're going to need help. I know..Ed's made some mistakes in the past...and this isn't really his brightest moment..but..he thinks he's doing right by you...trying to protect you from a threat that he percives...but if the Military has it's way Kiri's going to become a lab rat...and I don't want to see that happen to anyone ever again."He took a step toward her.
"So please..let me help you."

::"Kiri... felt like family to me... She was all I had..." I sighed and looked to him.
"you...want to help me get Kiri back? But how? Do you know where they're taking her? Don't you think Ed will get mad if youre betraying him..for me and her?" I quirked an eyebrow, wondering what he was thinking inside the empty metal head of his. I put my hands on my hips and looked at the ground.
"Well, how do you suppose we go about this? I cant exactly walk up to Ed asking for the address..." I groaned.
"And I don't think Ill be able to hold back another good punch to his pretty face if I see him again.." I clenched my fists and looked up into his eyes over my glasses, grinning.
"Whats the plan?"::

Alphonse thought a moment before speaking again.
"It's only logical that they'd be taking her to the nearest military outpost..that's not too far from here, but it'll take a while if we're on foot. Ed's going to be really mad if he finds out..but I'll risk it." He gave a thumbs up and chuckled.
"I really can't blame you for wanting to hit him...I've felt the urge numerous times...but I think--"
"I should have known I'd find you here..." Footsteps just outside the shadows stopped.
"I suppose that's why I didn't hear anything from Kiri for a while." One, two, three more steps and the light from a nearby lamp illuminated the yellow jacket.
"Damn...and I suppose that's why the military is here too?" Alphonse turned.
"S-Scar!!? What are you doing here?!"
"Trying to find that starry-eyed mongrel that follows me everywhere..but it seems as though...she'd been picked up by the dog catcher." Red eyes behind dark shades turned to Shiba.
"And you are?"
((XDD I wouldn't have brought him back..but I figure Shiba and Al are gonna need some firepower XDD Given Ed's the enemy now. Gomen last post 'Night!!))

::I nodded "I'm with you then.." The deep voice pierced my ears- It wasn't Ed and I hid behind Al's massive body and looked on.
"Scar? ..Aniki?" I came out from behind Al and walked up to him.
"Scar... Kiri was been looking all over for you... she's been caught... we need to help her!!" I took his hand and looked up into his eyes, though his glasses. he..was so tall and his posture and dark skin scared me a little.
"Kiri...needs you, Aniki. She needs US to save her... will you help?" I looked up at him worriedly, hoping my charm would do the trick, as it usually did.
"Im Shiba Katsugaia..I've been looking after her as my sibling..she means alot to me..." I released his hands and backed up, looking at the ground::

"I've been called that." He muttered.
"As well as a few other things." His face darkened as he listened to what had become of his shadow and his mouth turned into a scowl.
"I take it that the Military knows then?" Alphonse nodded in answer.
"Damn." He cocked his head and looked down at Shiba.
"There's no room for argument, of course I'll go." He turned back to the hotel wall.
"It's you two who don't need to come, I heard you mention the Outpost, am I right Elric?"
"Yes, but--"
"Then I'll go in alone, no sense in having to baby-sit while we're getting shot at." He smirked darkly.
"Besides...Fullmetal's the one behind all this isn't he? He's the only one not out here planning her escape."
--------------------------------------------
"In ya go!" The cell door swung open with a clang and harsh hands shoved Kiri inside. She fell against the far wall as it swung closed with the same metallic clang as before, and slid down along the wall. This was it then...she'd been caught...She sighed and leaned her head against the cold stone, wondering what would become of Shiba.
--------------------------------------------
Edward slumped into a chair back in their room, and looked around at all the scattered items that had been left..Shiba's supplies..the Elric's luggage..but nothing had been left of Kiri. He sighed and nodded.
"That's just as well then...when Shiba comes around, that'll make it easier on her..." Damn, what was she thinking, she'd been fawning over a Houmunculus, God knows how long it would have been before Kiri really did turn on them all...and then what? Shiba might have to witness her actual death. No..it was better this way..let the Military handle things.

[I was hoping you'd come up with the idea of Shiba hiding in Als Armor, to get close to Ed and Kiri in the cell then spring her free XD Oh well >.>]
::I backed up from him and stood beside Al, crossing my arms.
"And what makes YOU so special? I care about Kiri too, I'm coming!" I wiggled my toes on the cold ground, my automail scraped against the brick.
"I..need to get my shoes though... theyre in the room.." I sent Al a blushing grin, sticking out my tongue. I remembered Ed hated that.. or so he teased me about it. I let out a sigh.
"Ed IS behind this... I want to face him... please, let me take care of him.. I need to let off some steam... he..really pissed me off tonight... made me remember why I prefer to stay alone in my journey..." I groaned and looked up at the night sky. It was sonly about an hour ago I was playing with Kiri in the warm water.
"That... bastard..." I clenched my teeth and started to get worked up again. "He'll pay for this... for hurting Kiri and my pride as an Alchemist.. and as a woman."::

((XDD I prefer the more...hands-on approach...i.e explosions XDD))
Scar sighed and turned to Shiba.
"I've watched her...day by day, she never ages...never dies...I've tried." He paused and one edge of his mouth turned up.
"But...I can see that you're adamant about this..so do what you will..." He turned back to the shadows.
"But I won't wait for you long...I'll be by the creek...that seems a familliar place...and Shiba..." Scar looked into the night and his shoulders seemed to relax a bit.
"Thank you....it's not often she meets someone like you." Alphonse moved in between Shiba and Scar and placed his hand on her shoulder.
"We'll be there...in a few minutes...Shiba...I'll be waiting for you outside the hotel..just...be careful...and try not to hate my brother too much..okay?" With a wave both men were off, one heading towards the outskirts of the town and the other to the hotel front.

[Im guessing you want me to bring Ed to the creek to fight?]
::I nodded as they walked off. I took a deep breath and clenched my fists and headed for the entrance. I slowly walked into the brightly lit room of the lobby, some guests still buzzed about what had happened and i got a few stares and snickers; they knew I was with the group. I ignored them and slowly climbed the stairs. Pat, thunk, pat, thunk, my feet sounded under me. i gritted my teeth as I drew closer to the room. Only a few hours ago I would have been happy for an opportunity to be alone with him... now I wanted him to pay.[ill stop here cause im unsure of where you want us to all go, if you want just Shiba and Ed to duke it out or what >.>]::

((I was going to leave Ed there and just let Shiba wail on him XDD naw, but I was just going to leave him at the hotel. So if you want to pound his face in go ahead XDD))
Edward's head was nodding into the pages of the book he read when he heard the sound of footsteps in the hall. He stood and crossed over to the door thinking it was Al since he didn't have a key.
"It's about time you got back I thought--" He stopped and blinked a few times.
"Oh..it's you Shiba."He rubbed away the sleep that had begun to gather in his eyes and he stepped back.
"Come in, what do you want? If it's about what happened I'm not sorry for it."

[LOL okay x.x]
::I stood for a moment in the doorway, he was only in his tank and I scowled at him. I looked deep into his tired but stern eyes, mine cold blue. I said nothing for a minute, just stared. I then broke the silence.

"How...DARE YOU PLAY WITH ME LIKE THIS!" I slapped him hard across the face, with everything I had. My eyes swelled up.
"I..trusted you...Edward.." I sobbed, hiding my eyes.
"And now..." My voice grew stern, "I have an urge to kill you so badly... to take out everything Ive been bottling up, on YOU. I dont know the state alchemists that killed my parents...but I know of one who killed my suspicion about all of them... and now I know theyre all the same.... bastards and cowards who hide behind alchemy and uniforms to pummel on the weak... pathetic mongrel, thats what you are. And tonight.. you've only proven me right." I kept my eyes locked with his, my nails dug hard into my palms, they felt like they were about to bleed. I wanted to hurt him so badly, but wanted to hear what he had to say in his defense.::

((Geeze you're so violent! XDDD))

Edward fell back against a chair that crashed to the floor with him as he was caught off guard by Shiba's slap.
"What the hell was that for!?" He cried.
"Play you..?" He sat there and listened, all the while his eyes narrowing and growing colder.
" 'The weak' huh?" He stood and glowered.
"Shiba, you don't know what she's capable of, Homunculi aren't human, they kill to get what they want, and what if she'd turned on you? What then?" He rubbed his jaw and spat.
"When I saw you two in the bath, that's what I thought, that she'd tried to kill you, well I see what I get for Caring, isn't it?"

[I loved Edward, and now he made me mad...]
::I gritted my teeth as I stared at him sitting on the floor, then he stood. My eyes followed his gaze.
"YOU MEN ARE ALL THE SAME! Thinking only of yourselves!! Kiri..." tears flowed down my cheeks, "Kiri was like a sister to me. Homoncolus or not, she seemed to be the only family I had! And you... YOURE THE MONSTER WHO TOOK HER AWAY FROM ME!"
I sniffed "I dont know much about Homonculus, only the stories I heard from my parents when I was a child, but I was always taught there is good in every being...human or not... and you have NO right to decide her future... or mine."
I stepped closer to him, still frowning, tears flowing down my cheeks, but I kept on:
"Did you even stop to think what this would do to me? It made me realize you played me for the fool... and I fell for it. Your nice acts and trying to get close to my heart... was all a lie from the start to find out more about Kiri. Selfish bastard... I know now why you'll be alone for a long time... and why this Winry seems to mean nothing to you. Youre a heartless selfish child that will NEVER grow up!" I held my fist back from punching him in the face. My body shook with anger...hatred for him... my face was burning and soaked, but I remained strong::

((XDD Note to self: Never piss you off XDD o.0))

I didn't take her away...I just alerted the people that did. Edward rolled his eyes and opened his hands to plea his case.
"I didn't play nice Shiba, I didn't even think anything was wrong with her until I ran in to see what the screams were. I thought she was odd yes, but everyone had quirks right?" He flopped back into his chair and looked away.
"What if the Military had found out anyway? Not that she wasn't Human..but that she was with Scar..someone's bound to have seen them together, she would have been picked up, and what if she'd fought back? Do you want to see her shot? Numerous times, just to come back everytime without a wound? Why can't you get it through your head that I thoughtI was doing right by you. That I might like you...really like you."

::I folded my arms and rested my weight on my automail foot.
"You were cold to her from the start and you know it Ed. You never gave her a chance..." i muttered.
I let out a sob "i...dont want her to die...or suffer... she doesnt deserve it... she only attacked us because Scar did...I... we, were a positive influence on her... dont you see that? She was good and I know we could have done something to convince the military of otherwise and maybe let her live..like a normal being... everyone deserves a normal life... Alphonse got his chance.. why can she have hers?"
I brought up my voice,
"WELL GUESS WHAT ED?! You thought wrong! And stop lieing to yourself and me... youre too much of a immature child to even know what love is.. stop playing with my emotions!"
I looked to the floor and plopped down, slipping on my socks and shoes. It grew quiet and I remained on the floor as my shoes were on. Pulling my gloves from my bag I stuffed them into my pocket::

It was almost too much when Shiba brought up Al.
"Al...Al's different." He muttered lamely, realizing that he had no case if he went that way.
He hung his head, Shiba was right...he was lieing to himself..if he'd cared anything for Shiba..he wouldn't have let the fact that Kiri wasn't Human drive him to alert the Military.
"You're right....about everything..." He slumped into the cushion and wanted to dissapear.
"But..you're going...so what is there to do to prove to you that it was all done with the best inentions?"

::I snapped a stare to him as he sat down across from me "He is not that different. If it weren't for his blood seal and that armor being in reach he'd be gone. As of right now... he isn't human. You and he defied the laws of alchemy and equivalent exchange. You should be dead. You cheated death... she...just did it a different way."
I heard his words echo in the room, about my being right and I raised my head, wiping my face on my arm. My eyes were wide. It took alot of guts to admit that..
"You can start..by being true to yourself... be more impulsive.. like me. My heart told me not to hurt you... but my mind told me otherwise. I bet you can guess which one I listened to." I stood and looked to him.
"My mind told me something wasn't right with Kiri... but my heart told me to love her... My mind told me not to trust you.. but my heart..." I paused. "..My heart said to give you a chance.."
"You can prove this to me by helping me get Kiri out of that prison... Scar is waiting for me. Then... Ill let her go back to be with him. Its... only natural." I pushed my hands in my pockets and about-faced.::

He sighed.
"Fine, but if I were more impulsive like you...then I wouldn't be doing as you asked." He smirked and stood, realizing how close he dodged the bullet that time.
"Wait, you've seen Scar? He's here?" Edward shuddered.
"He's not going to be happy to see me that's for sure." Edward gathered his things and then slung his jacket over his shoulders.
"I'm likely to get court-martialed for this you do know that right?" He sighed and then moved beside her.
"But that's the price I pay for shoving my foot in it."

[you should buy your superstar headphones now, youre getting rich LOL.]
::I quirked an eyebrow and looked into his, now warming, eyes. "Then what would you be doing?" I put my hand on my hip and looked back at him.
I nodded. "he found me in the alley where Kiri dropped me off..he's going to help me get her out..call a temporary truce until Kiri is safe, alright? Then we'll all go our separate ways... and you and Alphonse can move on with your lives... and I can move on with mine.."
I looked to the blank 18x24 canvas that lean against the wall and I laughed "I gotta paint that by the end of the week...its due friday.." I laughed pathetically.
"I should be focused on my work... not playing the hero... but I wouldn't have it any other way." I sent him a warm smile and opened the door.
"You have the room key right? This is paid for... I do plan to sleep here tonight... I just thank God I have a 12:30 pm class tomorrow. I can sleep in" I nodded::

((YOu know I about forgot about them XDDD))

"I'd be thinking about what I was planning to do....then forgetting it all and diving head-first into the Outpost." He sighed and nodded.
"Fine...truce it is...and then..." They would all go their sperate ways...sure.why not..Shiba must really hate him for what he did..and he couldn't blame her.
"And what fun would painting be when you get to make a raid on the Military you hate so much?" He smirked and nodded, jingling the key in his coat pocket.
"Alright...let's move."

[LOL buy them!!]
::I let out a chuckle and opened the door and waited for him to exit then I locked and shut it silently behind us. Walking down the hallway I continued.
"Good, Im glad you're seeing things in a different light... He cant be that bad if he's looked after Kiri for so long.." I looked to his wet coat and let out a soft chuckle. I did throw it in the spring.
I let out a loud laugh as we approached the narrow stairs "Youre right... I just need to find a good model for this next one... It's got to be male this time..my mentor scolded me today for always painting women... he wondered if I was a lesbian." L sent him a grin, then laughed again.
"i just told him men are more expensive... and want more than money when it comes to posing, but Ill havta give in one of these days, wont I?" I looked to him and sent him a worried smile. I put my hand over my heart and headed down the steps.
"For the sake of art!"

The fluorescent light of the lobby pierced my pupils yet again and I headed out the front door, and I looked around for Alphonse::

((XDD I will...later...XDDD))
"Says you...you wern't on his 'To Kill' list for the past three years." Edward grimaced comically as he followed.
"Eh, once things quiet down around here, you'll find a model." Because I'll be gone, right? He wanted to say.

"Shiba!" Alphonse moved out of the shadows and waved to her as he moved to them.
"Edward?!" He gasped looking around.
"What are you doing here?!"
"I'm here to help you traitor." He answered with a smile and a smack on Alphonse's paldrons.

::I rolled my eyes "Well I guess youre right... and its easy to find a model..its just hard to find a serious one. Most men will only pose nude for me if I..do..something for them..." I groaned.
Upon exiting I smiled at Al.
"Hey there.. I didn't expect to bring him along either but what the heck? With his skills and my smarts, we'll have Kiri back in no time. Now to the creek to find Scar...and unbury my coat" I laughed and rubbed my arms. It was colder than usual.
"C'mon, no time to waste!" i started to sprint towards the lake, the boys close on my heels::

Scar was waiting by the creek bank when he heard footsteps. He turned slightly and nodded as he saw Shiba and the others making their way.
"Fullmetal? I never expected to see you here." He glowered, and kept his hands in his pockets, but made no attempt to move closer to him.
"Yeah...me either."
"Has the Judas come around?"
"Something like that."
"Please there's no time for this, let's just get Kiri back and then bite each other's heads off later, okay?"

::I went to the hut I slept under last night and whipped my coat in the wind, and slipped it back on. I shivered at its coldness, and it was damp. I went back to the boys and nodded.
"Well, gets guu, I wanna get her out and make sure shes safe as soon as possible. Ed...We're all behind you" i gave him a thumbs up and winked at him, smiling. I then looked to Alphonse and Scar. "Thanks...everyone..." I tucked my hair behind my ear as a brisk breeze whipped by us. I closed my eyes and pushed my glasses up the bridge of my nose.::

Alphonse nodded in his agreement, and then groaned as he watched his brother stand there.
"Wait..what!?" He sputtered as all eyes turned to him.
"I'm leading this suicide mission?!"
"It's only logical, you're the best canidate to get close enough to the compund."
"And what am I supposed to tell them? How are we going to get you in?" He asked pointing to Scar.
"They won't suspect Al and me...Shiba isn't going to be a problem...not if I tell them she's with us...but you...." He looked back to Al and then mentally sized Scar up while nodding.
"Somehow...I don't like where this is going..."

"Open it up!" Edward and Alponse, with Shiba in tow, moved through the gate...he'd explained that Shiba was there to say her farewells to the prisoner that they'd recently aquired, before she was shipped off to Central. A wave of his watch and a few orders later, the small group made their way inside the Outpost with a escort to take them to Kiri's cell.
All the while Scar felt like he was going to melt away inside the cavity that Alphonse used as a body.
"I hate you all." He muttered, shifting his weight around.
((Took a page from your book if you don't mind..XD Funny and Functional!! LOLZ))