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Beautiful Cruel World - Chapter 43

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- An earlier update as a present for all my followers and to celebrate 1K+ views. I know I write a lot of chapters and so it's rather expected of that, but thank you all! This chapter was dedicated to SliverCrimson No_giving_up sweet_demon14

Love you guys, enjoy! ^-^ -

[Jude's P.O.V.]


"Hey, where the hell are you taking us?" Ed asked Envy.

I was still in Ed's arms, trying to get as close to his chest for it was rather cold down here. We were in the underground floors of Central City, so there were tons of pipes leading to other people's houses. It was dark and unexpected chilling, making me feel slightly claustrophobic because of the small corridors.

"Get in," Envy ordered roughly as he opened a door.

We hesitated for a bit before finally walking inside the fully lit, white room. The doors closed automatically and I noticed that this wasn't a room, but a lift. We were moving up, I could feel it even though I wasn't touching the ground. Envy had changed his form into a military soldier and we simply pretended we didn't see anything. The doors opened, introducing a completely familiar environment to us.

"This is..." I trailed off.

"Military Headquarters?!" Ed gasped, looking out of the corridors.

"What does this mean?!" Al asked in disbelief.

"Hey," Envy called out. "You guys are filthy."

"What do you expect," Ed said, rolling his eyes as he put me down gently.

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Ed kept asking whether I would be all right to wash myself on my own, and I repeated the same thing. I told him that I was fine, but in my mind, I just didn't want him to see me naked of anything of that sort. Besides, it's not like he was even my boyfriend of anything. Yes, I have to admit mentally, I do like him, but I like to take things slowly with him. He probably likes Winry more than me anyway, they are suited for each other perfectly.

I finally convinced Ed to leave me alone to wash myself, sighing to myself as I entered the showers. It felt extremely uncomfortable to be in a headquarters filled with male soldiers, at least there was a women's bath.

I took off my clothes, trying to cover as much off myself with my towel. I washed myself, sighing as I felt the warm water hit my dirty and aching skin. There were still wounds and gashes, making me bit my lip to stop me from yelling in agony.

I came out, with my towel covering most of my body. I noticed there was a white shirt with black pants, probably the military's uniform. I put them on and then brushed my long black hair with my hands.

"Hey, what's taking you so long!?" I heard Envy shout from outside before opening the door.

"Idiot!!" I shouted, throwing a shampoo bottle at him. "What if I was still changing when you came in, for goodness sake!!" I shouted, my whole face red from embarrassment and fury.

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"What?! The midget?!!" Envy and I heard from inside the men's showers.

"Brother! Stop being so loud!" Al snapped. "Hurry and put your underwear on!" I blushed and I felt a shiver on my back as I pushed the thought of Ed being naked inside.

"What are you guys going?! Hurry up!!" Envy fumed, opening the door without thinking.

My eyes widened as I noticed that Ed was all naked, his abs were revealed and his muscles all wet from the water. Ed's face was shocked and red and our eyes met, making my whole face blush. My face grew all hotter and redder as I realized that I shouldn't be seeing this. I covered my eyes, my whole body red from head to toe.

"Uh... uh this is..." I heard Ed began.

"CLOSE THE DOOR FOR GOODNESS SAKE!" I ordered Envy, closing my eyes as I punching his face.

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For the next few minutes, I refused to look over at Ed or Al, my face was still red from the incident and I kept my distance away from them. I knew this was rude of me, but I couldn't help it, any other girl would have done the same if they saw a boy naked. Luckily I didn't see his... I shook my head, shrugging off the thoughts in my mind.

"Geez, why the hell did you have to bring her?" I heard Ed mutter to Al behind me.

"There was no other choice. She's injured," Al explained.

"Hey!" Envy snapped, making the three of us shiver from his venom voice. "I'm leaving the rest to Wrath. Go in." He opened the large wooden door, letting all of us go in.

"Wrath?" Ed asked as we walked in.

My eyes widened as I saw King Bradley sitting on a wooden chair, drinking a teacup. To the other side of the table was none other than Colonel Mustang. King Bradley was... Wrath... a homunculus. The colonel took a sneak peek at us, as if trying to tell the three of us something, but he looked away, closing his eyes.

We walked closer to him and Ed whispered, "What the hell happened?"

"Quite a bit," the Colonel said. "Sergeant Fuery was transferred to the South, Warrant Officer Falman to the North, and Second Lieutenant Breda to the West."

I knew there was something else to what he telling us. A clue. But what? This wasn't what he exactly wanted to tell us, there was more to that.

"And Lieutenant Hawkeye is going to be assistant to the Fuhrer President," Colonel finished.

My eyes widened and Ed gasped, narrowing his eyes to the Fuhrer. I walked closer to Ed, trying to keep my cool.

"What the hell..." Ed whispered to me. "That's no more than taking hostages."

"Have a seat," King Bradley said calmly, his eyes closed.

I sat beside Ed, once in a while stealing a glance at him. Right now, it was just us and the Fuhrer in this room, and he only had one weapon; a sword. Could we beat him? But would that mean that the whole military will be against us if we attack the leader? This was a risky choice. But he seems really relaxed, even if we all knew that he was a homunculus, a traitor. Was he confident that he can beat all three of us?

There was complete silence for a while, and we glanced at each other, feeling slightly uneasy.

Suddenly, there was a small cough from inside Al's armor, making Ed and I jump. Then, I remembered, the little girl was still inside Al. Al instantly started coughing and I pried myself not to laugh at this.

"President Fuhrer!" Ed began awkwardly, trying to think of a subject to talk. "You came to visit me in the hospital once, right? I was completely fooled."

"'Don't meddle in things. Think of the entire army as your enemy.' That's what I told you," he said quietly. "You are all important to us."

Sacrifices, you mean, I mentally said.

"You don't need to know about the minor details, but behave until the time comes," he said. "As long as you keep that promise, we won't harm you."

"And when that time comes, what'll happen to the civilians who aren't "human sacrifices" like us?" Ed said.

"I just told you. You don't need to know the minor details," King Bradley said. "Fullmetal and Phantom alchemist. Oh right, it was a pleasure to meet you again, Princess Jude," he said, smiling cheerfully at me.

"The pleasure is all mine," I said sarcastically.

"'Fullmetal Alchemist', huh?" Ed said with a smirk as he took out his silver pocket watch. "I chose to become a dog of the military in order to get my body back. But the State Alchemist Institution itself was probably created to pick out these sacrifices. Jude is also a sacrifice, isn't she?" Ed asked, taking my silver pocket from my pocket.

"Why, yes she is," King Bradley said.

"In that case... If we're going to be used by you guys again on top of that..." Ed hissed, taking both his and my watch, which were filled with blood. "We quit our job as a State Alchemist!" He threw it to the other side of the table towards King Bradley.

My eyes widened, realizing what he was trying to do now.

"Ed..." I began.

"Your proof of being a dog is covered in blood," King Bradley interrupted me.

"Whatever you guys are planning, I'll put an end to it," Ed snapped, taking my hand underneath the table. "I'll tell to other alchemists, and..."

"Jude," King Bradley said.

"Yes, sir?" I asked.

"I would like you to stay with my family," he said, making my eyes widened. "I heard that you have a sister too, she could accompany you too. To a live of wealth and happiness. What do you say? Jude Bradley."

"Sir, I..." I was at loss of words.

"Lay a finger on her and see what happens!" Ed snarled at him.

"So what are you going to do? Protect her for the rest of your life? Keep her as a prisoner?" King Bradley said, poking the silver watches. "If you still want to quit, then I'll take her away," he said simply, walking over at me as he handed Ed his watch back.

Ed was glaring daggers at him, as if warning him that if he touched me he would pay for it. He reluctantly took the watch, keeping it inside his pocket. King Bradley gave mine, smiling broadly at me, which scared me.

"Excellent," he said pleasantly as he walked away from me.

"Excuse me..." Al began. "We get the idea. So, umm... Like before, please let us continue to search for clues for getting our bodies back while being under surveillance. Please."

"Very well," King Bradley said, sipping his teacup. "As long as you don't interfere with our plan. What will you do, Colonel Mustang? you're not going to tell me that you plan to resign from the military too, are you?"

"Let's see... even if I became a dog of the military, I'd rather not become a loser," Colonel said. "Either way, because of my ambition, I won't be able to take off this uniform or get rid of this. For now, at least," he gestured to the silver watch.

"Very well," King Bradley repeated once more. "You all may leave."

We stood up from out chairs and I heaved a sigh or relief. It wasn't so bad at being with the Fuhrer, living the good life. But I knew that he wasn't going to promise me any of that, it was most possible that he would keep me prisoner. And I knew far better that I didn't want to be separated from Ed like this.

"May I ask you one thing, sir?" Colonel Mustang asked.

"What is it, Colonel?" King Bradley asked.

"Are you the one who killed Hughes?" the Colonel asked, and my eyes widened.

"No, it was not me," he said, I knew he wasn't lying. I heaved a sigh of relief.

"Then who?" the Colonel asked.

"You said "one thing", did you not?" King Bradley asked and I heard Ed click his tongue.

"Please excuse me," the Colonel said, walking out of the office.

"Oh. Wait a moment, Alphonse," King Bradley said and the three of us stopped.

He came charging at us, drawing his sword as he ran towards Alphonse, piercing through the leather on the armor. My eyes widened, the girl! Ed had the same expression as me. The three of us froze where we were, our feet rooted to the ground.

But there was no blood when the Fuhrer retracted his sword.

"U-Umm... Is there something..." Al stuttered.

"No, you may leave now," King Bradley said.

The three of us tried to maintain as cool as we could, as though we didn't even know there was someone inside or not. Colonel Mustang closed the door behind us once we got out and we finally showed our true expressions. Al was sighing in relief as he was touching the plate of his armor. Ed's and my expression were rather similar, we had gritted teeth and our eyes were widened.

"That was close!" the three of us sighed.

"Umm... Colonel could I ask, where is my sister?" I asked.

"Oh you mean Akitla?" the Colonel said. "I haven't seen her ever since you guys disappeared off somewhere."

My eyes widened, what if she was killed by the homunculi? What if she was taken by King Bradley?!

"I need to find her!" I demanded, running away from my companions.

"Wait! Jude!" I heard Ed call.

Once I got outsideheadquarters, I called out her name, hoping that she would appear anywhere. I just needed to know whether she was all right, and maybe find a safe place for her to stay. I can't keep dragging her everywhere I go.

"Dammit! Jude wait up!" Ed ordered behind me, his voice like venom.

"Akitla!" I called out, ignoring Ed's calls. "Akitla where are you?!"

I was about to start running, but I felt someone wrap their arms around my waist.

"Ed let me go!" I struggled.

"Idiot! At this rate, we won't be able to find her!" Ed shouted.

"But!-"

"Do you want us to help or not?!" Ed demanded, pinning me to a wall. "We are your allies now, and if you are alone who knows what might happen! I don't want you being taken away from me!"

"Ed..." I trailed off.

"Brother's right! Akitla is someone who is special to us too, a friend! We must work together to find her," Al encouraged.

"Thanks... I think I am back to my senses," I said, embarrassed. "Sorry."

Ed sighed, moving his hand off the wall before smiling at me.

"Love's in the air," we heard someone say and we jumped.

We turned to our right, facing a man with his black haired tied up in a ponytail. His eyes small and narrowed, indicating that he wasn't from Amestris.

"Ling!" I said.

"It's Greed," he repeated angrily.

"What the hell do you want?!" Ed hissed, putting me behind him.

"Your buddy asked me to give you this," he said simply, handing us a white cloth.

"Ling did?" Ed asked, snatching the white cloth away from his hands. "This is in Sing's language, huh... What's it say?"

"I don't know. Can't read it," he said more simply. "He wants you to give it to a woman waiting for him."

"Lan Fa-" Ed began, but quickly stopped. "You're not planning on following us and killing her, are you?"

"I'm not that low," Greed said, his hands on his hips. "Besides, I don't like fighting girls."

"...Do you not classify me as a girl?" I asked, feeling slightly annoyed.

"Well, you are quite flat," he said flatly, and I completely lost it.

"WHO THE HELL ARE YOU CALLING FLAT YOU SMALL EYED BASTARD!" I ranted.

"Now I kinda know why you and him are together," he smirked, gesturing to Ed and me.

"S-shut up," I hissed, my face blushing.

"Anyway, later. Be sure to give it to her," he said, walking away casually.

"Hey, Ling!" Ed shouted.

"I'm Greed," he repeated, not stopping to listen to us.

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The three of us decided to split up; Alphonse was going to bring the girl to the doctor that was taking care of Lan Fan. And after much convincing from Ed, I told him that I was fine and could accompany him on repairing several parts of Central City, for that was our job as State Alchemists.

"Seriously, look at this," a woman said. "I was at a loss about what to do."

Her balcony was destroyed - pieces of stones were shattered everywhere, her glass windows were broken, shards of crystals scattered everywhere. Ed and I glanced at each other, suppressing a small smirk. Simultaneously, the two of us clapped out hands and placed them on the ground. Blue sparks appeared and the sound of transmutation ranged in my ears, making me feel revealed that I could do alchemy now.

We fixed the pillars of the balcony making them appear better than new. The railings were made pure iron that shone as the sun reflected above the sapphire blue sky.

"Huh? Now that I think about it, we can use alchemy again," Ed said blankly, looking at his hands.

"It seems like," I said, unable to think of what to say.

We walked out of the woman's house as she observed her new high-quality balcony. I was at the loss of words about what to talk to Ed about, I didn't want to bring up any subject about anything that was going on. I just wanted to talk about something different either than all this mess that was going on. I want to forget about the homunculi and the military, I just want to talk to Ed about how beautiful the day was, or how much I liked to be by his side. I sighed, taking a deep breath.

"Ed, I-" I began.

"Very nice work, the pair of you! This is all for the repairs," a police officer said, waving at the two of us. His companion was looking at the balcony that we fixed with disbelief and I tried not to laugh.

"But serious, State Alchemists are something else," his companion said. "The thing is, we asked nearby alchemists to help us this morning. They were completely useless."

"They came to the scene all full of themselves, and as soon as they were getting started, they told us it wasn't working," he explained.

"Mr. and Miss Alchemist!" we heard from on top of us, the woman was waving at us from her balcony as she hung out her wet clothes. "Thanks!"

I waved back, forcing a small smile as I cried out, "No problem Lady!"

Ed was looking slightly sad as he looked down. His lips sealed and his eyebrows, furrowed.

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"Can we really believe what Envy said?" Ed asked me. "That those people are only made of energy, without body or soul..."

I looked over at him, but he gently punched himself, making me jump.

"Pull yourself together! Think about the future, not the past!" Ed told himself and I chuckled.

"You sure sound like you are sitting on the fence," I cackled. "Like you are deciding on the future or past."

"Well, I suppose I'm not the only one thinking that," Ed smiled at me.

"I'm not thinking about my past!" I said defensively. "I am looking forwards to the future at will, never looking back."

"Sure," Ed said sarcastically. "But at that time, other alchemists aside from me and you are unable to use alchemy. But that midget and Scar could."

"...It could be because it's different types of alchemy," I repeated, shrugging.

"Could be," Ed said, looking at me. "But if we could find out the secret behind it, there may be a way to get Al's body back and fight against that geezer without using philosopher's stone..."

"In that case, I'll help!" I said readily.

"No," he said flatly.

"But!-"

"No 'buts', I am still your master and you will listen to me," he smirked at me.

"Don't you be all sassy at me," I stuck my tongue out.

"You're adorable when you are angry," he said suddenly. "Wait- did I say that aloud?" he started blushing, waving his hands on the air. "I meant to say, you look great when you are angry! Wait- no I meant-"

"Ed," I chuckled, unable to say anything else as I started laughing uncontrollably.

"What?! Stop laughing!" Ed snapped.

"Sorry, sorry," I gasped for air as I laughed harder. "It's just that the way you stutter is really funny."

"Yeah, yeah, I get it," Ed said, clearly annoyed.

"Come on, don't be mad at me," I dramatically pleaded.

"In that case, you owe me one later," Ed grinned.

"Owe?" I asked. "I don't owe you anything-"

He kissed my forehead, making me blush redder and redder as I hid my face. I muttered words such as 'idiot' or 'pervert' as we continued to walk. Ed, in the contrary was enjoying the way I was right now.

"Now we are even," he chuckled.
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