Protect Me

Written by: Luna

Chapter 17 – The Battle Begins

Disclaimer – I do not own Fullmetal Alchemist, yet any new characters that I have created to fit the story are mine, and part of Protect Me. Thank you!

Author's Note – Sorry this chapter is so short, guys! Things are about to get pretty hectic here soon, so I hope that everyone enjoys it! And just for the record…I'm not stopping the story, I've just got more going on in my life than to sit here and write, I'm afraid. I promise to finish this to the end though so be patient please! Thanks! Many thanks to all the reviews! You guys are great!

Edward stood there, stone still. His stare was sharp and the only movement was his fists shaking in anger. He was sick and tired of people screwing around with his family, and this man had no reason to. He had never done anything to him. Sid was sick and twisted and Ed was going to make the guy wish he had never crossed him.

Sid stood a few feet outside the cave with his hands on his hips and a smug smirk on his face. His eyes were hard and cold, and glared back at Edward, evil and unflinching. He was ready for this battle. He had been waiting a long time and now it had finally arrived.

Roze had brought her hands up to her chin and looked worriedly between the two men. She still stood near Ed, but neither of them were acknowledging her presence. That was when Sid looked over to her and called out, not moving from his spot.

"Roze, what are you doing here?"

Her eyes widened from the coldness in his voice. It had been years since they had seen one another, and this was all he could say? "I…I…"

"She came with me to find the cave." Ed interrupted.

Roze turned her head to look at him in surprise.

"Roze was the only one who knew where to find you."

She fought to hold back her tears, and returned her gaze to Sid.

The man stared at her, noticing she was upset. He smirked. "You are only in the way here." Sid brought up his arms and folded them across his chest. "Just like you always were, Roze."

The tears released and slid down her cheeks. She spoke quietly. "Why? Why, Sid?

Ed glanced over at her, then quickly looked back to Sid, his anger evident. "You have no right to talk to her that way! Roze cares for you! Don't you know that! How could you just push her aside after growing up together? Don't you care about anything?" He growled.

Anger flashed across Sid's face for a moment, then he spoke, still looking at Roze. "Have you not heard the truth about the Philosopher's Stone, Roze? Where it came from?"

Both Roze and Ed's eyes widened at the mention of the stone.

Ed held his breath. He knew there was no stopping Sid from revealing the truth to her. He had only hoped Roze wouldn't ever have to know.

Sid narrowed his eyes. "I see. Well, let me inform you. Then, perhaps you won't be so friendly with this guy standing next to you."

Roze was quite clearly confused. She turned slightly. "Ed, what is he talking about?"

Ed only turned his eyes away and said nothing.

Sid scoffed. "You want to know why Liore is nothing but a wasteland right now?"

This caught Roze's attention and she turned quickly to Sid. "What?"

"It is because of the Philosopher's Stone! That stone was formed from all the lives of our city!"

Roze stood very still, then slowly began trembling. "No. No! I can't believe this…I can't! There has to be…some other explanation."

Sid's expression was cold and unfeeling. "There is no other explanation. I'm sure you know who used this Stone of death after it was created using the lives of our family and friends."

Roze looked over at Ed who was shaking with emotion. He had his eyes shut tightly and appeared to be fighting with his own feelings. He looked up and spoke. "Roze, it's true about Liore, but I'm not the one who formed the stone."

This caused Sid to frown and then he suddenly became angry. "How dare you, kid?" His words came out strained from his attempt at holding back his rage. "You know nothing! This is no game I'm playing. I will end your pathetic life today if it is the last thing I do on this god-forsaken earth!"

"Roze! Stand back!" Ed shouted, pushing her out of the way as he got into a fighting stance.

Roze fell to the ground and looked up right in time to see Sid attack Ed. Her eyes grew wide with fear.

Sid had rushed and was on top of Ed instantaneously, swinging a punch with his right fist.

Ed had reacted at the last second and back flipped out of the way.

He's fast! Ed thought as he continued to dodge the onslaught of attacks Sid kept throwing.

Ed had to find a weakness. He was used to watching his opponents in battle and studying their moves until he could find an opening for attack, and now he had to keep a clear head. Sid was fighting for more than just to win. He wanted blood and he had anger to fuel his attacks.

Ed had a temper of his own, though, and he had reached his limit. He was not going to lose to Sid now. He'd come too far, and there was too much riding on this battle.

Ed's eyes narrowed as an opening came up. He jumped in the air, transmuting his automail arm into a blade at the same time, then came down aiming directly at Sid's head.

Then Ed hit the ground, Sid nowhere to be seen.

"You're slow, boy!"

Ed turned around just in time to meet Sid's fist that landed right into his cheek. The punch had incredible force behind it and threw him back several feet as he landed on his back.

Sid stood up to his full height and showed his evil smirk. "I was expecting more from the infamous Fullmetal Alchemist. I'm disappointed." He began slowly walking over to where Ed still lay on the ground.

Roze watched with horror from her place on the ground, looking between the two. "Ed! Ed, you have to get up!" She was just about to scream his name again when she stopped, seeing the young alchemist begin to slowly move to his feet. She breathed a relieved sigh.

Sid stopped walking. "So I see you still have more in you. That's good to know. I was hoping to have a little more fun before I kill you."

Ed stood up and glared at the man. "You think a lousy punch like that is going to knock me out? You underestimate me." He raised his automail blade in front of him, his other hand in an attacking position. "Now let's get serious."