"Then don't worry about it, I'll take care of whatever alchemy you need done, alright?" He smiled and then hid his eyes from the flash of light, as did the others. Edward and Kiri were the first to recover, Kiri tossing the clothes she held back to Scar and racing to where Shiba had fallen.
"ANE!" She cried.
"Ane, are you alright!?" She lay a hand on her shoulder and then cried out as her mark burned, she ripped her hand away to look at it, glowing a deep purple. She tilted her head and then shook it off opting not to make contact this time.

::I slowly opened my eyes and looked to the friendly face. I nodded slightly, my eyes half closed.
"I'm... still half naked...and I can't move..." My body tingled and ached. I closed my eyes tightly.
"His body... was different than the others I've fused with before... Ive never felt so much pain after...a fusion..." I panted.
I sent Kiri a slight smile "Put my coat on for me, will yah? Then..." I struggled to speak, only toning down to a whisper.
"..then I want you to go with Scar... Ill be fine... I.. just need to rest for a while..." I opened my eyes again, sending a sad gaze to her.
"He..will be able to protect you.. plus..." I gasped, "you'll be wandering... I cant leave here... I need to finish..school.." I closed my eyes again and lost the tingly feeling. Now I couldn't feel my body. I tried to speak again, but no words came out.::

She nodded her face worried and confused. She ran back and grabbed Shiba's coat and raced back to gently drap it over her.
"But..Ane..." A strange feeling crept over her then...it wasn't sadness...she knew what that was...it wasn't anger...and...it wasn't lonliness.
"Aniki.." She said turning back.
"What do you call a feeling that...is like you're alone...but not? Like...when I see you leave..It's not....not fear...but something like it."
Scar sighed as he shoved his glasses back over his eyes, finally glad to be in his own body and dressed.
"I think the word you're looking for...is abandonment."
"Is that it?" She looked back to Shiba and felt the tears welling.
"Ane..if I leave...it'll be my fault...it'll be my fault that you feel this...this abandonment." She clutched her chest and sniffled.
"It hurts."

::My voice cracked, feeling the still red, but now ripped coat lay over me.
"Kiri..I'm not being..abandoned... i have Ed..and Al... for a little while...i'm sure of it. Ed said... Hnn..." a sharp pain ran up my right arm.
"...he said...he'd use his alchemy for me...while I cant... he's bound by those words now..."
I opened my eyes again and looked to her feet.
"Scar...needs you... he may not show it... but he does..." My voice was barely audible, I wasn't even sure if Kiri heard me.
"Ill be fine... im not being abandoned... I was...blessed to have... met someone like you..." I began to sweat, the pain ran up my arm and to my spine. i let out a low toned groan and turned my head away from her with all the strength I had.
"Please..go before the Military catches up to us...don't...let our efforts go to waste.." I stared dimly at the bark in front of my face.::

She fell silent, seeing the pain Shiba was in, and nodded.
"I know Ane....I know." Her head hung down to her chest, hiding her tears, she didn't move for the longest time...then stood.
"Edward....we'll lead the Military away from you all, after all...it's the only thing I can do now." She smiled sadly and looked down at her hands.
"Take care of her for me..."
"Don't worry about Shiba...she'll be fine."
"I know. Thank you. If I get a chance...maybe I'll come back and see how you all are doing?"
"That'd be nice." She started to make her way back towards the compound where she was sure the Military would be gathering.
"You said before...that you hoped it wasn't too late to say 'Thank you'...but is it too late to say 'I'm sorry'?" Kiri blinked as she turned and shook her head.
"It's only too late for that if people can die..Goodbye Edward...Alphonse....." She took a final look back.
"Ane.....I hope we see each other again." Turning then, she moved beside Scar and nodded, they were gone with only a rush of wind, racing off to act as decoys.

::I only listened, closing my eyes softly. I cracked a smile... Edward had finally..realized she wasn't that bad. I wanted to hug him, but my body didn't respond to my commands.
I wanted to give Kiri a final hug... but was unable to. I cherished the memories I had with her and would only hope for her happiness and survival.
Now...to get out of here.. Edward coulnd't strong enough to carry me and run...
I said with a low breath, "Edward..Alphonse...get out of here while you can.." They were a few feet off, I didn't know if they heard me or not. My body remained still, the pain had stopped, only because I went numb. Damn Scar and his weired body... I brethed, taking in the scent of my own coat. it had a tint of Edwards scent, it was soothing.::
[I had a dream about Mustang x.x']

Edward and Alphonse nodded to each other and started back for Shiba, when gunshots fired not too far from where they were standing.
"That'll be them, come on." Without a second thought, Edward jerked Shiba to her feet and wrapped the coat around her.
"This should be fun." He smirked.
"Now you'll get to see what all the fuss was about." For the fifth time that day, Alphonse sighed and allowed Edward to stuff Shiba inside.
"Just don't blame me if you get tossed around too much, alright, this was all big brother's idea."

((And? XDD I'm curious now))

::I looked into his eyes as he picked me up and put me in Al's chest. I stayed limp inside of him. I looked out of a few small openings and sighed. Just as Scar had experienced...only mine was gonna be worse. I couldn't move...i'd be tossed like a ragdoll as Al moved...but I accepted it and waited for him to move.
I was hot inside him...and dark. I hoped Ed would grab my clothes and toss them inside here or something... My body lay back against the cold armor and I cracked a smile. it..was cold...and it felt good. I cursed at myself under my breath, here I am being a burden again... but I knew I did well... I helped get Kiri out and she was alive and safe. i just wished we'd get back to the hotel soon so I could give in to the temptation of sleep::
[oh i WISH it was that kind of dream, LOL but it was only imaged of him snapping his fingers, all cool like. >.> I hope I get to meet him in this rp, I LOUFF him secretly...]

(( XDDD You probably will...he's gonna be pissed that she escaped XDD))
They waited a few minutes as the gunshots echoed, and then faded.
"Right." He made a grab for the clothes that Shiba had left and motioned for Al to follow him.

It was late by the time that the three got back to the hotel, midday when they'd sprung Kiri, and now by the clock tower, nearing eleven. He opened the door to their room and gratefully flopped into a chair, glad that they hadn't seen any of the other tennants. Alphonse helped Shiba out this time...seeing the effect that the ride had on others, he didn't want to risk Shiba straining herself anymore than she had.
"You alright?" Edward asked as Al lay her out on the twin bed next to the window.

::I cracked my voice, feeling it come back slowly. I rolled my head to the side where he was and cracked a smile. "Ill be alright... I just need to sleep...hopefully this pain will be gone by tomorrow.." I closed my eyes tightly and grimaced.
"It...had never hurt this bad after a fusion... Scar is very different indeed..." I whispered.
I looked to Alphonse and cracked a smile.
"Its like a... little hideout in there. I can watch Ed and not have to worry about you while watching him..." I lifted my hand slowly and looked at my palm.
"I heard...that the fusion alchemy is rare... Thats why I try to keep it a secret... I don't want the military to find out.."
I laid my hand back down and hit Eds which was resting on the bed. i blushed and put my hand on my chest "Sorry.." I was still dressed in just my coat, buttoned up the front. I longed for a shower, laying in the dirt wasn't fun.
"Sorry for being a burden yet again..." I looked at the ceiling, rolling my head to look forward::

((DDXXX COMPUTER IS BAADDD!!!! *smacks it*))
Edward nodded and smiled relieved.
"I hope it is too."
Alphonse laughed lightly and nodded.
"I get that a lot." Edward's face fell and he narrowed his eyes in confusion.
"No...it's not rare...it downright unheard of...Shiba...how did you do that?" He thought back a moment and finally understood why she didn't like Military that much..she must have thought if he found out that he was going to turn her in...just like he had Kiri.
He shook his head.
"No way...you're no burden at all...just take it easy and sleep."

::I looked up at him tiredly and let out a long sigh.
"I think I'm going to skip class tomorrow... I think I'll just tell my instructor I was sick.."
I closed my eyes and shook my head, slowly regaining the movement to my body.
"I..dont know... I could do it ever since I could remember, when I got my automail foot..and my burns... It was an accident...at first...I.." I paused, "..may be revealing too much.." I looked to him.
"I..dont know if I can trust you with this information.. I want to tell you.. but how do I know you wont just go to Mustang and get me locked up? I'm sure alchemy...like mine can get you some good cash, huh? Just like Kiri's capture? I saw that sack of gold tied around your belt... couldn't have been more obvious..." I sighed and looked out the window.
"This... is why i don't get attached to anyone. They always betray me." I let out a groan, my face started to sweat. "I always end up the fool, and alone..." I closed my eyes slowly and sadly.
"Ugh....I feel like..Ive been hit by a truck..." My head throbbed.::

He nodded his face serious.
"That would be wise. You look it if nothing else." Edward's eyes blinked and he looked down.
"Gold?" He shook his head.
"I don't need to get paid by the likes of those guys, I make more than they do anyway, this is a poishing kit..for my watch." He unhooked the sratp and opened the bag, revealing a small oil can and a cloth.
"Winry was obsessed over it when I showed it to her, she made me take this along so that it wouldn't rust or anything before she could crack into it and see how it worked." He turned a sad face to Alphonse and the brothers nodded as if a secret had passed between them that only they knew. He looked around and found the water from the night before, then dunking his handkerchief into it he folded it up and laid it across Shiba's forhead. It might not have done much..but it was better than nothing.

::I looked up into his gold eyes... I wanted to touch his face to much... but decided not to.
"The military..didn't pay you for her capture??" I looked at the small oil can and smiled.
"My mistake.. this Winry must be very important to you..you seem to bring her up alot... I bet she misses you both very much..."
I closed my eyes as he lay the cloth across my forehead, his hands bare. His automail fingers glinted in the moonlight that shined in though the window... he..was so amazing and strong..my heart started to race and I smiled at him.
"So... you really wanna know more about me? To turn me in...or just to learn more about me before you leave me? Were you off to next, anyway..?"::

He shrugged.
"I guess she misses us...we've known her forever, haven't we?"
"Uh huh. I guess the reason Big brother brings her up so much is because you remind us of her a lot."
Edward placed his hand over his heart and gave Shiba a look of indignation.
"AH! To think I'd stoop that low!" He chuckled and placed his index gently against her nose.
"I'd like to know all I can about you. So I won't ever forget." He cocked his head.
"I still don't know where we'll be going...but one thing's for certain....Mustang isn't going to like that Kiri got away...undoubtably someone's told him that there was a Homunculus in custody and then that she escaped...we're in his jurisdiction after all..."
"It's not going to be pretty if he decides to show up is it?"
"Nope...not a bit."

::I smiled.
"I..remind you of Winry huh? then why not go to her.. tell her how you feel... I can see it in your eyes when you bring her up.. and when you look at me.." I smiled at him sadly.
I blushed as his fleshy finger touched my nose and I wiggled it under his touch, sticking out my tongue.
"You..want to know about me? but Why? You're... just going to leave anyway... I'm just another fling on your journey to find the solution to your bodily problems... so don't get too attached to me. Or..it'll hurt me more when you leave..." I closed my eyes and turned my head away from him. I could feel the tears brimming in my eyes, but held them back the best I could... but I failed.
"Mustang...will undoubtedly punish you, Fullmetal.."::

Edward turned and looked away.
"I can't...I can't tell anyone..anything like that. Not while I'm still the 'Fullmetal Alchemist'. It's not fair to those I love if they know it and I still go off and get into dangerous situations when there's someone waiting on me." He looked back, his smile solemn.
"You're not a 'fling' and even after I leave...we'll still be friends right? And if that's true you'll always have that. Kiri's threatened to come back, why can't I do the same?" He fell silent and Al's great head moved to face him.
"She's right brother...if the Colonel finds out.."
"That's if Al, the guards saw Shiba's face...what if we tell him Scar forced us into it...it's not like he'd be any more wanted after that, and it'd save all our hides."

::I smiled sadly back at him "I..guess youre right...so you DO love her...thats...so sweet. Shes..a lucky woman you know..its nice to have someone to love..and love you in return.."
I nodded "Of course...I'll aways be waiting for your return...and hers. It..gives me something to live for...other than my art..." i groaned.
"If I feel better tomorrow, I need to look for a friggin' model... I hate finding male models... I need to get that painting done by Friday..."
I shook my head, "I'm not sure of Mustang will believe you.. if youre as strong as everyone says you are, I dont think he'll believe a story that Scar made you do anything..." I licked my lips and rolled onto my side, and the cloth slipped off my head. I moaned at the sudden pain that rushed up my back as I lay on my side.
"Hnn.. so...did you get an eyefull of me in my underwear?" I grinned like a cat, looking up to his eyes::

"I do not!" He protested. He stopped and thought.
"At least, I think I don't...I don't know..it's too confusing." He smiled and nodded.
"Thanks." It took him a minute, but Edward let out a groan and as he hung his head, he raised his hand.
"I'll do it...it's the least I can do since we might have to get the hell out of dodge any day now." He grimaced and slapped both hands back into his lap, shaking his head.
"Don't tell me that! I do not need the image of me roasting over an open fire thank you." He started and then moved to return the cloth, handing it to Alphonse to dip in the water once more before returning it to Shiba's temple.
"No I did not....didn't need to...got that eye-ful in the bath." He grinned back, then let out a stifled yell as Alphonse whacked him upside the head.
"Brother! You should be ashamed!"

::I smiled warmly at his confusion.
I lifted my head blushing, I looked into his eyes "Edward! You dont have to do that.. I need a nude model.. Its alright, really. I'll..find someone..." I let out a sigh and lay my head back down, it strained my neck lifting my head up. I closed my eyes an accepted the cloth on my head, and looked up at him with thanks in my eyes.
I let out a shriek and sat up quickly, and painfully. "YOU SAW ME??" I crossed my legs, tightly confined in the buttoned up coat. I looked down at my hands, still red as ever and fiddled with my coat buttons, which was still red and looked like Ed's. I couldn't look at him... this was too embarrassing..::

He twitched and nodded...sealing his fate.
"And...I still owe you. So long as it doesn't appear in the painting...I'm okay with it." He grinned.
"Got to keep people guessing."
He plugged his ears against her shriek and held his head where it still throbbed.
"Yes...well...What was I supposed to do, You were nekkid!! How was I not to?!" Alphonse jerked him up out of the chair and let out a sigh.
"That's it Brother, you're sleeping in the hall." He motioned for Shiba to lay back down and began hauling Edward, thrashing and wriggling like he was to the door.

::I blushed and laid back down "Well...if you insist..." I was still blushing and nodded.
"Yeah...guessing.." I bit my lip and looked out the window, to hide how flustered I was.
"Well...I guess I'm alright with you seeing me naked..." I turned my head slowly to him, flashing my blue eyes lovingly. "It would've happened sooner or later, right?" I blushed and a huge grin masked my face.
"Besides..i get to see you now too..." I covered my face and laughed as Al hauled him up.
"You guys are so cute together" I laughed.
I let out a yawn and closed my eyes.
"I should get sleep...and you boys should too... hopefully, if Im feeling better tomorrow, I can start my painting...Thanks Edward.."::
[Ill havta draw him how she painted him *researches his arm and leg looks- mostly leg. if you find any images where it shows how his whole automail leg looks and how it attaches to his thigh, send it to me, I have a feeling ill have trouble finding that..]

Edward smiled up at Alphonse and his brother just dropped him where he was, by the door.
"Whatever...I'll be watching you though Edward." He pointed a finger meaninfully at his brother and moved to a remote corner to wait out the night. Edward smiled, then checking the cloth once more, he moved to his own bed.
"We'll be fine, you just worry about taking care of yourself now." He slipped in between the covers and kicked off his boots next to the side of the bed, easy access if he needed them.
"Goodnight Shiba...Al."
"Night Brother, you too Shiba."

::I sighed and brethed a goodnight. I glanced over at Edward who lay in the bed beside me and I smiled. The moonlight danced on his face, his eyes closed and his face so calm. He... was so beautiful.. I looked forward to tomorrow. I flexed my fingers and yawned, closing my eyes softly. It wasn't long before I was consumed by a deep sleep.::

The dawn broke bright and clear, with faint remnants of the morning fog fading away by the time Edward opened his eyes. He hadn't realized how exhausted he'd been, running from the Military and then taking care of Shiba, he'd been up and down most of the night, worried sick about her pale color, and watching over her as she slept, before curling into the armchair and falling into his own dreamless bliss. He smiled as he looked over at his brother, the constant voice of assurance that kept him sane during his midnight prowls.
"Morning."
"Morning."
"How's Shiba?"
"Asleep...her cheeks aren't as white as they were..but you might want to keep her out of school at any rate."