cornerofmadness

Strands of Nightmares
author- cornerofmadness
Disclaimer - not mine, all characters belong to Hiromu Arakawa et al, Square Enix and funimition. I don’t make a profit
Rating – PG-13
Pairing – Ed/Winry, Roy/Riza, Al/various
Time Line – manga based, future fic, based heavily on the dark future Riza predicted should Roy attain his goals. Spoilers for manga beyond #38.
Summary – It should have been a time of great happiness but fate is rarely kind
Warning – apparent character death
Author’s Note – This was written as a holiday gift for evil_little_dog for Yule 2006 and as per usual is a WIP. Sigh. Hope you enjoy
You can find previous chapters here

I'm deeply embarrassed in how long it's been since i've posted a chapter. Hopefully the next one won't take me months. My apologies and thanks for sticking with me



Chapter Six

“Where’s the bastard?” Ed asked, coming into the kitchen. Winry, Gracia and Eira all looked at him sourly, breakfast preparations momentarily forgotten. Distracted by the delicious smell of sausages cooking, Ed took a few deep breaths before noticing their angry looks. Surely it couldn’t be for his usual grumpiness.

“He’s cowering under the bar,” Eira replied, her eyes flashing darkly.

“No, seriously, I want to talk to him,” Ed said, managing to remember to find a smile for Winry, a touch more licentious than he meant it to be. Winry seemed a little tired, he thought happily, insanely proud of himself for that.

“No, really,” Eira assured him and Ed’s golden eyes widened, his attention swinging back to Eira then away again before her knife’s edge glare cut him in two.

After contemplating her words for a moment, Ed went into the pub and saw Al and Havoc sitting against the bar’s brass rail with their morning tea, conversing. They both gave him looks that left Ed blushing.

“Eira said the bastard was hiding,” he said quickly, swinging attention away from what happened with him and Winry last night. Havoc pointed down behind the bar. Ed leaned over to see Qiang next to the pipes for the wet bar’s sink. “Why are you cowering?”

“I’m not!” came the sharp retort. “I’m working and…thinking.”

“It’s called pouting and sulking, Qiang,” Eira said crossly, coming into the room with Gracia, Winry and Xue-Li following her like a rear guard ready to bear arms.

“I’m not pouting, sulking or cowering,” Qiang growled from under the bar.

“Sort of looks like it, Boss.” Havoc grinned and Qiang rapped on the pipe angrily.

“He’s not pouting, sulking or cowering because I told him that the doctor said we were having twins,” Eira said, not surprising Gracia, Al or Havoc who had already heard the news.

Winry and Xue-Li squealed, hugging the pregnant woman. Gracia looked on in delight. Ed clamped a hand to his forehead, this was the worst best news he had heard in a long time.

“Way to cower like a man, Brother,” Xue-Li called, her dark eyes dancing in amusement.

“Shut up!” Qiang roared, his voice echoing around the plumbing

Ed leaned even further over the bar, glowering. “What did you do, you bastard? As if one spawn wasn’t enough, now there’re two!”

“Edward!” Winry and Al cried in unison.

“What?” Ed sniffed and Al looked at him sourly.

“I can take your mind off your troubles, Qiang. Guess what Ed finally did. I’ll give you three chances.” Al’s eyes twinkled, especially seeing Ed squirm. Unfortunately, he forgot Winry until she rushed over to punch his shoulder.

“Al!” she snapped in concert with Ed.

Qiang poked his head out. “So those herbs worked.”

“Shut up! I don’t know what Al thinks he knows,” Ed growled, shoving his brother

Al shoved back. “I have ears, Ed.”

Winry glared like she was ready to smack them both.

“Weren’t you too busy kissing her outside to hear anything?” Ed stabbed a finger at Xue-Li as he turned a brilliant shade of scarlet.

“What are you doing? Spying?” Xue-Li grumbled, coming over to shove Ed, too.

“You were right outside my window. Winry nearly knocked me out on top of you,” Ed said, oblivious to Winry’s horrified look. Beets would envy her face its color.

“What did you do, Qiang? Put those herbs in the town’s water supply?” Gracia asked, laughing brightly.

An answering laugh issued out from under the bar then a piece of paper with an array on it got slapped onto the bar top as Qiang levered himself out of his hiding spot.

“What’s that?” Al peered at it curiously.

“I was opening the slow drain with that. I told you I wasn’t hiding,” Qiang sniffed, tossing his braid over his shoulder.

“That took all morning?” Eira asked incredulously.

Qiang went over to her, taking her in his arms and kissing her. “You know I’m lazy.” Eira snorted and he continued. “And I’m very excited about twins and I’m scared to death, too.”

“And you’re honest.” Eira stroked his cheek.

Qiang leaned into her touch. “And I’m also afraid for you. There’s nothing I can do to help with the worst of it.”

“Not true. You do whatever I ask for get me whatever I want, no matter how weird some of the cravings are.” Eira grinned. “You fret and worry and baby me, which sometimes is annoying but other times is so sweet.”

“When the gun comes out, I know which is which.” Qiang laughed. Al shot them a horrified look. Havoc and Gracia wore expressions that said this was commonplace and nothing to get alarmed about.

“Gah, too sweet,” Ed waved a hand at them as he sailed toward the kitchen. If he were to die from sugar overdose, it had better be death by sticky bun.

“Where are you going, Fullmetal? I have not yet begun to tease you today,” Qiang called after him.

“Fuck off.” Ed didn’t even look at him.

“Nice language.” Winry glared after her new lover. Ed stopped and turned at that. He didn’t really want Winry angry at him, marveling at the new sensation that said, ‘keep her happy at all costs.’

“Twins, who knew life could be so evil,” Ed groaned, making the ugliest face he was capable of.

Qiang made an obscene gesture. “Be nice, shortmetal. I might name a son after you.”

“Don’t you dare.” Ed’s glare could have burned down the inn. “And who are you calling short?”

“There’s only one person here who qualifies,” Qiang shot back and the battle engaged.

X X X

The women, Al and Havoc retired to the kitchen, leaving the two alchemists to battle it out.

“Twins, that’s exciting,” Winry said then viciously pinched Al, who yelped loudly. “That’s for announcing you know what to the world.”

“Sorry.” Al rubbed his side.

“Don’t worry, Winry. We all share Al’s ‘about time’ attitude.” The barest hint of a wicked gleam hid in Gracia’s eyes, taking Winry by surprise. The girl couldn’t do more than gape.

“Twins…it’s really exciting, Eira. I can’t wait to become an aunt,” Xue-Li said, cocking her head, listening to something. “Sounds like my idiot brother might not survive to see his children.” She jerked a thumb back toward the escalating brawl in the bar.

Eira held up her hand to the ladies then bellowed. “If I have to come back in there, someone won’t live to see Elicia’s party this afternoon!” When dead silence greeted her, the blonde turned back to her friends with a smile. “It is exciting and at least now I know he’s going to be okay with it. Qiang didn’t take it as well as I expected.” A sudden sadness colored her brown eyes.

“You know Qiang,” Gracia said gently. “Sometimes he sees the negatives a little too quickly. That’s why he needed…” She broke off, her eyes glistening. Regaining control, Gracia cast a guilty look at Havoc. Her current lover put an arm around her to let her know it was all right that she missed Maes.

“He definitely has been more lost since Maes died,” Erie said, rubbing her heavy belly. “But I think Qiang’s getting better. He needs to make more friends. It helps that Qiang has you here, Havoc, and the boys. He really likes Alphonse.”

“And he seems to like teasing Ed,” Winry said, rolling her eyes.

“Oh, he lives for that. I think that’s one of his great joys,” Eira laughed. “The big brat.”

“Oh, Ed lives to dish it right back, little brat.” Winry grinned then changed the subject. “Do you need me to help you out with getting ready for the party this afternoon?”

“No, Eira and I have it in hand, but thank you, Winry,” Gracia said, patting the girl’s arm. “Besides, you’re a guest.”

“Do you know where I live, Winry? We hid the party from Elicia up at our place,” Eira said. “I don’t think the boys have been there yet, either. We didn’t move in until recently. Qiang has been doing a lot of work on the place. It’s looking very nice.”

“Give me directions. I’ll make sure we get there. Ed probably won’t even complain since it’s Elicia’s birthday,” Winry said with an enthusiastic look.

“Oh, I trust that you can keep Ed under control.” Eira winked at the girl who laughed lowly. Winry hoped the older woman was right.

X X X

“Is this right?” Winry looked at the enormous house set back atop the hill.

Al checked the directions then looked back up to the turreted house, disbelief on his face. “Yes.”

“Figures the bastard would hide something this cool from us.” Ed snorted, obviously impressed.

“It’s amazing.” Winry started up the gaslight-lined drive way. The house, in deep red, had beautiful fish scales on the upper levels. The four turrets ended with gleaming onion tops in shiny metal. Crisp, white gingerbread woodwork dripped from the eaves and around the windows. “I love this. Half of Resembool could live in here.”

“It’s so like the bastard.” Ed looked back at the gaslights. “Those need to be fancier.”

“Leave them,” Al said sternly.

Winry caught Ed’s arm, yanking him along. Ed whined very loudly, like a child denied. Winry climbed the stone steps to the wraparound porch, trying not to show how sore her thighs were. Ed might freak if he knew and decide it hurt her too much but Winry really wanted to try sex again. She ran a finger over the spiraled wood railing to distract herself. “This house is so elegant. Can’t help but think this new life is a real reward for them.”

“They spent most of their youth denying themselves.” Al shot Ed a knowing look. “They’ve earned it.”

Pointedly ignoring his brother, Ed pressed the doorbell, a rich bong echoing in the house. A hint of smile ghosted over his lips, suggesting he liked the sound of it. Winry imagined what her and Ed’s house would look like should she and Ed ever marry, a huge monster of a place with gargoyle and dragon iron works and loud bonging bells. She shuddered.

Eira appeared at the door, grinning. “Come on in. You’re a little early.”

“I thought maybe we could help with any last minute things,” Winry said, peering into the black and white foyer.

“Oh, it’s fine. We’re done, but thank you. Qiang’s out back,” Eira said. “Why don’t you go get him? He can show you the gardens and then we can give you a tour of the house.”

“That sounds great.” Winry linked arms with the brothers and dragged them outside. She came to a sudden stop, the brothers banging off her. Winry stared out over the expansive back yard. Nearest to the house were a couple of long, wooden tables draped in red and white fabric for Elicia’s birthday party. Willows, maples and oaks shaded the rich grass as it spilled away from the house. Rounds and squares of flowers and herbs dotted around the perimeter, leaving wide open spaces, perfect for children to play in. “This is so beautiful,” she breathed, letting Ed and Al go. “I want something like this some day.”

“Granny has all the space in the world but you just kill plants by looking at them. You’ll never get it to look like this,” Ed said with brutal honesty, puzzled by the hostile look it earned him.

Al just rolled his eyes at his hopeless brother then gestured to a far flung willow surrounded by an unusual gray-beige patch. Qiang was a bright bit of color against the backdrop in his yellow and black outfit. “There he is.”

They went out to meet Qiang, realizing as they got closer, that he was surrounded by sand and stone with patterns raked into the pale sand. Behind him was a pond with a bridge over it. Winry and Al used the stepping stones to reach Qiang’s oasis of chairs under the willow, while Ed plowed through the sand. Qiang glared at his approach.

“So much for all my work.” Qiang snarled, his thumb and fingers rubbing each other.

Ed shot him a quizzical look. “What?”

“The patterns.” Qiang gestured to the spirals raked into the sand. “This is a practice in Xing, rock gardening allows you to free your mind as you let the patterns come.”

“Don’t let your mind free. It’s too small. It’ll get lost,” Ed smirked.

Qiang glowered, grabbing the rake up from under the tree. “Alphonse, Winry stand back please. I’d hate for any blood to splatter on you.”

Al stood back. “You’d better run, Brother, because I’m not protecting you.”

Ed raced out onto the bridge over the pond and stuck out his tongue. He looked so much younger than he was.

“While you’re out there, Shortmetal, make yourself useful and feed them.” Qiang pointed to the glass box on the railing, a box filled with some kind of grainy substance.

“Do your own chores, bastard.” Ed turned his back to Qiang and looked down into the glassy pond.

Qiang turned to Winry, a hopeful look on his face. “May I drown him?”

Winry snorted, crossing her arms. “Some days, like today, I’d say yes.”

His smile took over his face. “You are a very gracious young lady.” He held out a tattooed hand to her. “Come watch while I feed him to them.”

Winry followed Qiang out onto the bridge, Al moving along behind them, torn between saving his brother and helping Qiang. “What are you feeding exactly?” Winry asked, scanning around for ducks.

“Them.” Qiang pointed to the water then lunged for Ed’s braid, pulling. Ed returned the favor.

Winry slapped them both. “If you get messed up now, Eira and Gracia will kill you and I’ll help.” She favored them with a sobering glare then glanced at the water. “I don’t see what you were pointing at.”

“I do,” Al said, pointedly ignoring the childish alchemists. “There.” He gestured to a flash of red-gold.

Winry hugged the railing as she leaned out to get a closer look. Fat fish swam lazily below them. “Oh, they’re pretty.”

“They’re bred to be beautiful from above. That’s one of my favorites.” Qiang pointed to a red, black and golden one with long lacy fins. “Would you like to feed them, Winry?”

“Sure,” she said brightly then gave it a moment’s thought. “Um, how?”

Qiang opened the glass box and scooped up a metal scoopful of pellets. He handed it to her. “Throw just a few pellets at a time and watch.”

Winry did as instructed and the water boiled with the movement of gathering fish. She laughed. “Oh, how greedy.”

“I know. Toss in some more and really watch them go,” Qiang suggested, drinking in her obvious delight.

Winry gave an enchanted laugh as the fish swarmed, occasionally surfacing to flap their mouths at her.

“Look at them come in.” Al chuckled then pointed at a fish. “Awww, that little one is missing a fin.”

“I think a raccoon almost got him. I call him ‘Ed’.” Qiang smirked and Ed punched him, rocking the older man back. “Owww, that was the metal hand!”

Winry stepped between them, favoring each with a hot look. “If there’s an Ed, is there an Al-fish?”

“Oh yes.” Qiang gestured to an almost solid white fish with an orange star-like mark on its head.

“Al gets to be the pretty one and I’m the raccoon-chewed one,” Ed huffed, blazing a wilting glare Qiang’s way.

“Think about it for a moment,” Qiang replied. “Finish tossing out that food, Winry. It’s getting close to the time for the party.”

“Eira wanted us to see the house,” Winry said, throwing gobs of meal into the water.

“Let’s not keep her waiting,” Qiang said, heading back to his home with his little flock.

Outside next to the house, Eira was waiting for them at the table. She sat in one of the wrought iron chairs, her hand on her belly.

“The baby is kicking?” A knowing smile flitted over Qiang’s face.

“Yes they are,” Eira replied, giving him a look. “We’re apparently doing battle with each other. Here comes a big one.”

Her companions could see something burrow from one side of her belly to the other, making her tunic swing.

“That was both the coolest and creepiest thing ever,” Ed cried, his eyes so big that if they were gold coins they would be worth a fortune.

Eira laughed a little then beckoned them over. She captured Al’s hand and put it on her belly.

“Oh, that is so neat.” Al’s eyes glowed with an inner love for his chosen ‘family.’ He surrendered his spot so Ed and Winry could get a feel.

“Am I the only one who is thinking this is very neat but I’m glad I’m male?” Ed asked, rubbing the flesh hand he had rested on Eria’s bulging belly with his metal one as if wondering if the sensations he had just felt could possibly be real.

“No, that’s pretty much my main thought ever since she told me she was pregnant,” Qiang said, wrapping his arms around his wife’s shoulders.

“At least I never have to guess what he’s thinking.” Eira laughed, patting his hand.

“I can’t imagine it was ever very hard to read an empty mind,” Ed said, loftily.

“I see they’re still getting along as good as always.” Eira rolled her eyes as Qiang let go of her to rabbit punch Ed.

“One day they’ll mature past the age of twelve,” Winry replied, putting a supportive hand on Eira’s arm.

“I’ll be a grandmother by then,” Eira snorted.

“You give them too much credit,” Al said, looking as if he wished to be related to a whole other family.

“I have to. I married one of them.” Eira favored her husband with a sour expression as he left off his Elric battle to help her lever herself out of the chair. “Come on, let’s give them the tour, love, before other guests start arriving.”

The Lius showed off their elaborate home, finishing up just as the guests began to accumulate. Balloons and fruit juice, cake and presents festooned the tables in the backyard much to Elicia’s delight. Havoc monitored a game of pin the tail on the donkey while the Elric brothers were conned into giving horseback rides to a variety of partier-goer’s. Noticing Qiang was avoiding party-duty, Ed proclaimed him ‘It’ but changed the rules to ‘everyone gang up on the It.’

As the party began winding down, Qiang sat down next to Ed, finding the boy alone. Winry was helping Eira and Gracia clean up the tables a bit while Al and Xue-Li were mysteriously missing. Qiang glanced over at Ed. “Is your brother off doing unspeakable things to my sister?”

Ed shuddered. “I hope the hell not but with my luck, this time next year I’ll have a bastard for a brother-in-law.”

“Then it’ll be something we’ll have in common.” Qiang smirked. “To think, the words ‘Uncle Ed’ will one day be coming out of my children’s mouths.”

Ed made a face. “You even having children…it’s so wrong.”

Qiang laughed then glanced over at Winry and Gracia as they cleaned up some more. “You finally admitted that you love the girl.”

Ed’s brow beetled. “What? No teasing me about doing…you know?” A flush blossomed on his cheeks.

“Oh, I’ll be teasing you about that for weeks to come,” Qiang assured him. “But seriously, I’m glad. She’s loved you a long time, I should think, very protectively at that. I remember the look on her face when she was a little girl and she knew I had come to take you and Al away from her.”

Ed nodded. “She hated you for that, and because of what happened to her parents, of course. She just didn’t trust the military.”

“Who could blame her?” Qiang rested his chin on his fist, leaning against the table. “I took you away from her and now you’re back. Don’t mess it up.”

A determined expression settled over Ed’s face. “I won’t.”

“You will. We all do. Just don’t mess up too bad. You’re young.” Qiang sighed, “and you’ve kept her waiting, not as long as I made my love wait but still.”

Ed eyed him suspiciously. “Why do you care?”

Qiang rolled his shoulders. “Maybe because I’m finally really happy and I want you to be as well.”

Ed snorted. “More likely you’re trolling for better baby gifts.”

“Damn straight.” Qiang poked Ed’s shoulder. “They’re going to be born with an inbred irritation at their Uncle Ed so you have to compensate.”

Ed nudged him back. “Do not include me in your madness.”

“Hey, give it time. You’re the one who just said Al will make it official.” Qiang nudged Ed who moaned loudly as Armstrong stalked across the yard. Qiang’s smug expression faded into suppressed worry as Ed’s face went grim. Both alchemists got up, knowing Armstrong hadn’t been able to attend the party since he had been tracking down the Kimbley sighting and his appearance didn’t bode well.

“It’s possible that the Crimson Alchemist is at a local pub. I thought it was wise to get some reinforcements before I proceed,” Armstrong said in his usual bluff tones.

Qiang nodded. “Edward, get your brother. I’ll tell the ladies where we’re going.”

“Al, finish what you’re going and get over here!” Ed bellowed before Qiang could move then glared at the man, muttering gruffly, “That had better not involve pulling up your pants.”

“Edward Elric,” Armstrong huffed disapprovingly and Ed had the good graces to blush.

“You know, Edward, after having finally discovered the joys of sex, you shouldn’t begrudge your brother.” Qiang kicked the young man’s metal ankle.

“I’m not! I’m begrudging him your sister.” Ed scuffed Qiang’s shoe.

“Learn to adjust, brother-in-law.” Qiang’s smirk got another work out.

“Say it again and you won’t need Kimbley to kill you,” Ed growled, feeling Armstrong’s restraining hand on his shoulder.

Al jogged across the yard. “Brother, what is the problem now?”

“He’s a bastard.” Ed slapped a hand against Qiang’s chest.

“You called me over here for that? It isn’t news.” Al glared.

“No, Alphonse, we called you because we think we’ve spotted Kimbley and we could use your help,” Qiang said, eyeing Al sourly for the slight.

“Of course,” Al said without hesitation and Ed couldn’t contain his look of dismay at Al wanting to put himself at risk.

“Let me tell Eira and the others,” Qiang reiterated as he headed inside, a hint of his old fire at the prospect of getting to fight once more.

X X X

They stealthily tried to study the slender man sitting in the corner, secretive being a loose term for such a motley crew. Even though they had come in separately and weren’t really sitting close to one another, Armstrong didn’t lend himself to being covert.

Qiang didn’t know exactly what they might do if it turned out the man was Kimbley. It wasn’t a very well thought out plan but it was what they had. He thought back to just a few minutes before and how they arrived at their strategy. “Ed, Al, head to the bar. Armstrong, stay by the door. I’ll get close to him.”

“Are you sure, sir?” Al asked. “I mean, you’re about to become a father. Eira will not be happy if you get blown up,” he added practically.

Qiang’s smile was more wicked and frightening than anything. “I can handle Kimbley if it’s him,” he said, feeling comfortable with that arrangement or so he told himself. Al had a good point. It would suck to die now but he wasn’t all that convinced this man was Kimbley. The only reason he could think for Kimbley to be here was that someone had penetrated either his or Eira’s disguises. It could happen easily enough, he supposed.

Pushing the recent past out of mind, Qiang went over and sat down as close to the stranger’s table as he could. The man didn’t miss the movement, Qiang was sure of it, his eyes tracking Qiang as he sat down. Qiang studied the man’s hands, no tattoos and no smudged make-up covering them. The sweating beer mug would have made short work of any concealer. There were no scars suggesting a tattoo had been removed. Qiang glanced at the tattoo on the back of his own hand, a pang of regret about having to cover his own array scar racing through him. No, Kimbley would never flay his own hands to remove his array tattoos. This man wasn’t Kimbley.

“Is there a problem?” the man asked, his voice lower than Kimbley’s and tinged with an accent.

“Hmm?” Qiang tried to look clueless. “Oh, sorry if I was staring. I drifted off in my own thoughts. My wife just told me she was having twins and I’m sitting here thinking ‘what now’?”

The stranger laughed. “You enjoy them every moment, even when they’re making you crazy. I have five kids, two sets of twins and my youngest. They’re magical.”

Qiang chuckled. “You sound like my best friend did about his daughter,” he said, thinking wistfully of Maes.

“Do you realize that the enormous man at the door is looking at you? He’s a threatening fellow.” The stranger eyed Armstrong uneasily.

Qiang glanced over his shoulder. “Oh, I know him. I should go see what he wants.” He got up and held out his hand. “I’m Qiang Liu, by the way. I own the apothecary shop and my wife is part owner of the Black Swan inn.”

“Oh, I know that place, good pot pies. I’m Sinjin Cox. Pleased to meet you.”

Sinjin had a handshake that was nothing like Kimbley’s, who used to all but crush a hand as if to say ‘I have power.’ Nodding politely in farewell to Cox, Qiang went over to the bar, utterly convinced it was a case of mistake identity. He sat with the brothers and nodded for Armstrong to come over.

“Not him,” Ed guessed.

Qiang shook his head. “Not even close. Armstrong, make sure our operatives know Kimbley has tattooed hands. I can’t imagine him cutting a part of his core being off.”

Armstrong shook his head. “No, and there would be scars if he tried. I’ll be sure they know.”

“I’m just as glad it wasn’t Kimbley. We deserve time free of threats,” Al said, a miserable expression on his face. His brother patted his shoulder.

“Yes, Alphonse we do,” Qiang agreed, eyeing the whiskey behind the bar hungrily. He sighed. “Let’s go home. They’ll be worrying about us.”

He led his group out, thinking about what Alphonse had said and felt somehow ashamed that he had been excited to see action again. On one hand, it was nice having nothing to worry about other than if a shipment of herbs was late. Still, it was somewhat boring, too. Well, he was alive as was Eira. Maybe there was something to be said for boring.




on to the final chapter