(A/N: Here's chapter three of 'Follow the Stone'! I tried dishing out this chapter as quickly as possible. Enjoy!)

Anime

"Rose, this is the price of their sin. These fools attempted Human Transmutation! The greatest taboo for any alchemist! In their alchemist, they tried bringing someone dead back to life."

I carefully examined the boys' expressions as I held up the video of the two of them going at it with Cornello. It started right after the Rose shot Al's helmet, showing his empty shell inside. They watched the video with jaw dropped, gobsmacked expressions.

I smirked cruelly. I felt so in power, so in control. Yes, I know blackmailing is such a dirty, almost criminal tactic, but at this point, I don't care. I am tired. I am fed up. I wanted to go home, and these punks ruined my chances of that. I didn't really care if that Cornello guy was an evil priest or not. All that mattered if he could help get home. What he does to the town afterwards was none of my concern. But because of them, I was back to square one. Stuck in the middle of f-ing nowhere with no idea how to get home! Great. Just great.

I couldn't tell what the fantastic armor was thinking, but the little nerd's expression went from startling shock to cold rage and blind fury. I could feel his anger coming off in waves. He was glaring at me and my phone with all the hate he could muster. At this point the video was already done, and I mischievously held my phone to my chest.

A dense, compressing silence filled the air.

"What…?" The blond one finally spoke. He was basically seething with anger. "What the hell?! How the fuck are their moving pictures of me and Al?!" he shouted, pointing furiously at my phone. "And why are our voices on it?!"

I rose an eyebrow at the way he described the video as a 'moving picture with voices on it'. Does he not know what a video is? Are they unfamiliar with cell phones? Dear god! Don't tell me in some sort of Isekai world where cell phones, no modern technology exist?

I shuddered at the possibility. I was already panicking at the mere thought. No, if there was no internet, that means I can't watch any anime or play any of my MMORPG games on my laptop. Fuck! This can't be happening! This is an otaku's worst nightmare.

I inwardly took a deep breath. I needed to calm down. I needed to remember that I was in control now. I was the top bitch around here. It wouldn't do me any good, if they sense the slightest weakness from me.

"Hey!" I barked at him. "I'm the one asking the questions around here. You better listen, if you know what's good for ya." I waved my phone, emphasizing my threat.

The kid's glare grew fiercer. He was grinding his teeth now. The armored giant demeanor changed as well. For the first time, it looked really dark and menacing.

The blond kid finally opened his mouth. "Or could I just take that thing from you, destroy it, and kick your ass," he threatened coldly, cracking his knuckles.

"Oh, you want this?" I mocked him sassily, lightly shaking my phone. "Huh? You want this?" I pulled at the collar of my tank top. I looked down to make sure I was wearing a bra. I smirked when I was. Fun fact, sometimes I don't when I'm going to sleep. I lifted up my phone and stuffed in my bra without a second later. I glanced challengingly at the now blushing boys. "Come and get now, perv! You touch me, and I charge you with sexual harassment!" I sneered at them daringly.

The short tempered one was first to react, his embarrassment almost fading. Wow. He really hasn't been around many women, has he? He was so innocent. Was he still a virgin?

"Why you little…!" he screamed at him, only to be cut off by a metal hand blocking his path. He gazed up, baffled that his brother tried to stop him from pummeling me. "Al?"

"Stop, brother," the armor said, trying to hide own anger behind a logical mind. "Let's just hear what she has to say."

My smirk grew wider. "That's more like it," I said hauntingly. "Seems like one of you have some brains around here." They both glowered at me, but said nothing.

"Shut up and tell us what you want already," the blond growled.

I frowned. "First question. Where am I? What country is this?" I started off easy. I was still hoping I was in a different country and not in some foregin Isekai shit.

The two just looked at me confused as if I had grown a second hand.

"You are in Liore," the armor finally answered. "In the country of Amestris."

I froze. Amestris? I wired my brain for any country by the name of Amestris. Let's see… United States of America, Mexico, Canada, Puerto Rico, Russia, Germany, Japan, China, England, Nigeria, France, Egypt… I admit I don't know every damn country in the world. I'm not a history major. But I do know there's no such country as Amestris. It was way too fantasy sounding. Which means…

My eyes instantly widened with horror. Then I laughed. However, it wasn't a pleasant sounding laugh. It was filled with lifeless distress and terrifying dismay. I laughed with all my might, leaning back with one hand on my belly and the other on my face. I was laughing so hard, tears were starting to pour from my eyes. I barely noticed the guys were now staring at me like I was a crazed woman, but I paid them no mind as I slowly headed towards the empty train tracks. I put my bag on the side and gently laid down on it.

"Uh, Keke, what are you doing on the train tracks?" the armor's voice hesitantly drifting towards my ear. I could see them both staring down on me. The armored one seemed concerned about my mental state while the blond guy looked like he couldn't care less. The jerk.

"Shut up! Can't you see I'm trying to get run over?!" I cried hysterically. My eyes were bloodshot and I had a crazed look on my face.

"What?" he yelled alarm, shocked at my deranged declaration. "You can't kill yourself!" He grabbed my arm, pulling me up from the tracks. I still had some semblance of reason to grab my bag. I couldn't it there. It's all I have in this Isekai world.

I took a moment to regain my breathing. This was no time to go insane.

"Are you okay?" the armor asked me, voice dripping with concern.

"Yeah," I said. "Just give me a minute." Okay, I was officially trapped in a world, not my own, and apparently if I die here, I die for real. What the fuck is this? Some SAO bullcrap? You know, despite how insufferable Sword Art Online is, I wish it was because at least then I would be in my own territory. It's an anime I've seen, so I know the plot, and I'm a gamer, so surviving would be no problem for me.

But no, I was stuck in some weird Isekai world, and I have no damn clue how it runs. Think. Think! I gotta think of something. I stared at the near silent boys, then it clicked.

Wait! Weren't these two searching for some mystical item called the Philosopher's Stone? If this stone was as powerful as they say it was, then it could bring me home, couldn't it? Yes, at least have something to keep my hopes up now. Excellent.

"Okay, here's the deal," I said in an authoritative tone. The blond instantly narrowed his eyes on me. "You guys are going to take me with you. You would fed me and be my bodyguards."

"And why the fuck would we do that?" the blond yelled.

I glared at him. I was angry, okay? I was the point of wanting to rip my hair off. "Why? Because of you, fuckers, red riding hood idiot, my plan is ruined! You couldn't have waited a day until I got what I came here and left."

The boy scoffed. He had the nerve to scoff at me. "What you wanted Cornello to grant you a miracle?" he mocked me.

"Whether he does miracles or not was of no concern to me," I replied, hands on my hips.

"So, you think it's okay for Cornello to manipulate the people of Liore?" the blond sneered. "We stopped a tyrant from controlling the town."

"Wow, how noble of you," I said sarcastically.

"Spare me, you annoying idiot!" he yelled. "What were you going to do to Cornello? Plead and beg for him to help you?"

"Brother!" the armor chastised. We both ignored him, continuing our heated argument.

"Hey! Unlike you, at least I can pretend to be nice to people!" I shouted offended.

He rolled his eyes. "Sure, you can…" He rose a brow, gazing at me suspiciously. "Wait… Did you just say 'pretend'?

I ignored him, whistling innocently. "Look, nerd," I said impatiently. "Are you going to help me or not?"

"We're not taking you anywhere, you lousy-!" He was interrupted by his brother pulling him in.

I watched quietly as the two began whispering. I frowned, having half a mind to stalk up to them, so I could hear what they were saying. I don't want them getting any ideas on how they could steal my phone from while my guard is done. Well, as long as I am aware of all the tropes, cliches, and event flags, I'm good. I could stay one step ahead of them.

They broke away. The blond produced a sickening sweet smile. Okay. Now I know something's up. He wasn't in this good a mood a minute. But two can play that game. I'll play along with whatever crap he's trying to pull.

"Okay, we'll take you with us." Even the sweetness in his voice was totally fake. Doesn't matter. I just want to get the fuck home, I would do anything for it.

In the end, I just cheered happily. "A black woman traveling with a couple of white guys. Let the controversy begin."

They frowned.

I was in a train's bathroom. I was currently changing my clothes. I was starting to hate how sweaty I was and the way my clothes stuck uncomfortable to my skin. I took off my sleep wear, and using a little ingenuity, I soaked a some toilet paper in soap and water, and used it to clean the areas of my skin I could reach the best I could. It was no bath or shower, but it would have to do for now. I'll deal with it until I can take a proper shower. I was just concerned about cleaning up all the sweat.

I dug into my bag and pulled out, a pair of very short jeans with a brown belt, knee high, black boots, and a black, sleeveless, crop jacket. I forgone wearing a shirt. I'm not wearing one in this damn heat. I made sure to change into a fresher pair of underwear though. I was showing a lot of skin with my choice of outfit. Anyone can see the scar on my chest, right between my breasts, my belly button piercing, and parts of daffodils tattooed on my right hip. Pieces of my dark hair was braided and tied at the back with a hair clip and the rest of my hair was let down.

Once, I finished dressing I walked out of the bathroom. As soon as stepped out of the bathroom, I could see the few people that were on the train besides us, stare at me with reddening, jaw dropped expressions. Men were ogling me and women were looking at me with disgust. I could hear harsh whispers about how uncouth I was dressing. I rolled my eyes. Say whatever you want, you snot nosed bitches! I feel perfectly comfortable in my body.

"WHAT THE FUCK ARE YOU WEARING?!" the blond screeched flabbergasted and absolutely flustered and embarrassed. His face was as red as a ripe tomato. He was pointing furiously at my outfit or lack of. Even his armored brother was blushing profusely. Huh. Didn't know a suit of armor could blush. Hmm. Guess with him, anything's possible. I am in an Isekai. Logic doesn't work 100% of the time.

I plopped down on the empty beach. "Oh, so you can walk around shirtless, but I can't?" I said annoyed. It was amusing to see them both covering their faces in embarrassment. God, they really were innocent.

"You're a girl!" the blond yelled exasperated and flustered. "You're supposed to be wearing a shirt!"

I scoffed. "So just because I'm a girl, I can't be shirtless?" I replied sassily. I rolled my eyes. "Whatever. I'll put on a shirt just to get to stop whining about it, you prune." I unzipped my bag and dug into it and pulled out a dark purple, sleeveless crop top and a dark purple fedora. I quickly put it on just to get him to shut up. My flat stomach was still showing of course.

"Shut up!" the blond growled, his face uncovered from his hands. His blush was still present though. "What kind of girl walks around half naked anyway?"

I just rolled my eyes. There was a moment of silence that passed by. I decided to break it. "You guys do realize Liore is fucked, right?" I said, matter of factly.

The blond narrowed his eyes at me. "What do you mean?"

I rose a brow. "Do you mean the fact that people of Liore are in disarray right now? Or the fact that you just triggered an event flag called bad ending?"

He scoffed, not taking me seriously. "What are you talking about? I exposed that fake priest. The people of Liore would be fine."

I snorted. "Really? What makes you say that? You do realize Cornello can just come back, right?"

The blond just stared at me like I was dumb. "Weren't you listening? I exposed the faker. The people of Liore knows he's false prophets now. There's no way he's coming back."

"Okay, calling him a false prophet is pretty vague at this point. But that besides the point. The point is all you did was get him to admit that he was just using his people. You did nothing to disapprove that his miracles."

The armored giant was the one to speak up this time, head tilted in confusion. "What do you mean? What are you getting?"

I crossed my arms, nonchalantly leaning back in my seat. "I mean, yes, it would be a big shock to the people to discover that they were being used by the bald bastard, but after the shock is gone then what? They would go right back to worshipping him. As long as he's granting them miracles, who cares if he's using them. Hell, some of them might think of it as owing Cornello for those said miracles."

The short one was starting to become irritated. "The Philosopher's Stone was a fake!" he sneered as if he hated being reminded of the fact he wasted his time. "So, he can't even perform his miracles anymore!"

I shrugged. "Then let me asking you a series of questions, you cock eyed smartass. What's stopping Cornello from finding another stone, real or not? What's stopping Cornello from just pretending everything that happened was just a fluke? To people, he only made one mistake. One mistake is no big deal. In fact, it would just humanize him, which would make it easier for people to connect and trust him. Why would Liore choose your word over his? To them, you're a nobody while he's a miracle granting prophet. And one more question, and this is the biggest one of all… Do the people of Liore even know what the fuck alchemy is? Seriously, does one person in the entirety of Liore know alchemy? Did you...even once...stopped by to explain to the people the difference between Cornello's so called miracles and alchemy?" I huffed, my voice getting louder and harsher with each rhetoric. "Or did you just run away, assuming everything would be fine and dandy after the radio fiasco?" I sighed, quieting down. "In all honesty, were you genuinely even thinking about the people of Liore when you made your grand prank against the fake priest? If so, that's stupidly optimistic of you to think Liore would be fine, even better right after you left. If you were only thinking about yourself, then how incredibly naive and selfish of you. You potentially left a town in ruin for your own personal gain."

Both boys stood there in stunned shock. The blond one's opening and closing, but he couldn't come with proper comeback or argument. He seemed genuinely horrified. I can't tell what the armor was thinking. No face, no emotion. But he did have that distressing aura clouding him. Judging by their expressions, no. They have not put in a single thought to the consequences of their actions. Good intentions or not.

I sighed in exasperation, shaking my head because these guys were complete morons. Clearly they have never seen a YouTube comment before. They don't know or they do not understand how batshit crazy people can get about their ideals, beliefs, and delusions. I am just so glad this isn't Higurashi. Messing with someone's messed up delusions is almost guaranteed to get someone killed.

"Listen, genius, the next time you come with a brilliant plan, keep it to yourself. The next time you think you're doing the right thing, you're not doing the right thing." I made a mocking sigh of relief. "So glad I left before the riots start happening."

The blond was growling lowly, his fists trembling in anger. It was obvious he was fed with my condescending attitude and sass. "If you're so smart, how come you didn't say anything? Instead you came chasing after us. You are no better than us, so don't act like it!"

I made a noise, showcasing my total indifference of the situation. I lazily lifted up a finger. "For one reason and one reason only… I. Don't. Care," I drawled out slowly.

They gave a look of disbelief, and I just shrugged my shoulders. "Liore is not my place," I said simply. "Don't know anybody."

"I thought you were from Liore, Keke," the armored asked, genuinely confused.

I shook my head sadly, already missing home. Kinda. "Nope. I was...lost, and ended up in Liore."

The blond narrowed his golden eyes, suspicion gleaming in them.

I whistled innocently, deciding to change the subject. "Hey, enough. Since we are going to travel together…" I could hear the blond growled angrily at that, probably remembering that I am basically blackmailing them into letting me join. "Can I have your names? You know mine, but I don't know yours."

"My name is Alphonse, Alphonse Elric," the armor, now known as Alphonse, gestured to himself. "But you can call me 'Al'. And this is my older brother, Edward."

I instantly frowned, shooting the blond, now identified as Edward, a vexed look. "Your name is Edward? Seriously?"

He glared at me in return. "You gotta a problem with my name?" he barked.

I stared at him for a good few minutes. I huffed out an air of exasperation. "Okay. We're doing this now." I breathed out my nose. "I have nothing against your name. It's just...I have met a lot of Edwards before, and to tell you the truth, I'm completely spent. I don't want to have to memorize anymore Edwards." I gave him a dirty look as if his name offended me. "Why can't your name be cooler, like Al's name? Something cool like Xavier or Micheal or Snake."

I grinned to myself. A dark, creepy grin, liking the sound of that name. "Snake. Yeah, that's a good one," I muttered mischievously. "Snake Elric." I gleefully began imitating a snake by slithering my tongue like that.

"Stop that, you weirdo!" Ed shouted annoyed and disgust.

I huffed. "Fine." Way to ruin my fine. I gazed out the window and it was already dark. Usually, I would be watching anime on my laptop or playing my video games, but since there's no internet, there's no point.

I decided to just call it a day. Hell, going to sleep is probably the best thing I need to recharge my brain from all the craziness. I dug into my bag and pulled out my Pikachu and Eevee blanket. I zipped my bag back and used it as a pillow. Getting into a comfortable position, and closed my eyes. Not before muttering a "Goodnight." to the boys.

I woke up the next morning, feeling somewhat refreshed. And when I say 'morning', I meant early morning. It was dawn out. The sun hasn't even risen yet.

"Good morning, Keke."

I almost yelped in surprise at the sudden voice. I gazed to see Al sending me a sheepish look. Edward was still asleep.

"Sorry, I didn't mean to scare you," he said apologetically.

I shook my head and yawned, stretching my tired limbs. "No, it's alright. I kinda forgotten where I was, so hearing your voice startled me a bit. It's fine now."

I opened my bag and took out my laptop, ignoring the look of fasicantion coming from Al's glowing eyes. I know I made a mental note to keep my modern technology hidden, but I lasted too long without watching a single anime. At this point, I was like, fuck it.

I may not have the internet, but I have DVDs. Now I'm glad more than ever that I brought some anime DVDs during my sleepover at Emily's house. I pulled out my DVD case, and scanned my selection of DVDs. What to watch? What to watch? I have Death Note, the first three seasons of Bleach, One Punch Man, Your Lie in April, A Silent Voice, Wolf Children, Your Name, I have both Higurashi and Higurashi Kai, Another, Assasination Classroom, Madoka Magica and Rebellion of course, Yuki Yuna is a Hero, Made in Abyss, Hell Girl, Blood+, Blood-C and it's sequel, Blood-C: the Last Dark, Monster, Food Wars, Konosuba, Sunday Without God, Miss Koboyashi's Dragon Maid, Monster, Death Parade, Violet Evergarden, Nichijou, The Devil is a Part Timer, The Promised Neverland, Happy Sugar Life, School-Live, Akame ga Kill, Angel Beats…

I have a lot of DVDs, okay? In fact, this isn't even a portion of my collection I have more...back...home. I disheartened at the notion of home. I have more, which I probably would never be able to watch again. Dammit! At least I brought my favorites. I only buy DVDs of anime I have watched and thoroughly enjoyed. Sometimes, I question why I do it? Can't I just watch online, and save my money for something better or for buying more games? But now, I'm truly, truly glad I bought the DVDs because these anime would probably be the only ones I can watch until I return home. And who knows how long that would take? Months? Years? I also brought along some manga, like Elfen Lied and Berserk for example, but I'm not in a reading mood. Honestly, my bag was filled with nothing but anime and manga, besides the usual essentials needed in any sleepover. Some of the anime are subbed and some are dubbed.

I ignored the way Alphonse was still staring at my laptop and DVDs with great interest. I ignored him, only because I was staring at the next DVD in my hand in absolute horror and incredible repulsion. School Days?! Why the hell is School Days in my bag?! I don't even fucking own School Days!

Then I noticed a signature tear at the corner of it. Emily's! This is Emily's School Days! I remember her begging tirelessly to watch despite my efforts to ignore her. After a while, I caved, and did watch. Only the first three or four episodes. Afterwords, I raged quit. I needed all the brain bleach I can get my hands to get rid of the abinmotion that is School Days. I told Emily this, and she insistent I watch it to the very end. Watch...all...twelve...episodes. I shuddered, telling her I'm never watching School Days. Ever.

That little troll…! She must have slept her DVD into my bag when I wasn't looking. Damn you, Emily. Damn you. I have half a mind to toss this into the nearest trash bin when I find one. Then I remembered this is Emily's only copy, and she probably wants it back. ...Someday.

I paused, resisting the urge not to be sad. Yeah, I'm just going to put School Days in the very, very bottom of my bag, where I would never touch it. Again.

After a bit of eni, meani, minie, mo… I chose to watch Another. Why? Well, I only watched it once, and I always wanted to watch again. Now's the time than any since I have nothing new to watch.

I popped all the DvDs back in the case collection while leaving Another out, and stuffed the case back in my bag. I switched on my laptop. I finally gazed at Al while I waited for my laptop to load up.

"Hey, you want to watch some anime?" I asked. It's always better to watch with company. As long as it isn't Hentai, then it's just awkward.

He tilted his head in confusion. "What's anime?"

I lightly chewed on the bottom of my lip. How do I explain anime and DvDs in a time, I'm guessing, where TVs don't even exist yet?

"Do you know what books are, Al?" I answered a question with a question.

Confused, he slowly nodded.

"Do you know what pictures are?"

Another nod.

"Well, think of anime as moving...picture books," I finished explaining. Wow, my explaination sounded so dumb, but it was the best I could come up with.

He seemed to give it some thought before nodding once more, most likely remembering my blackmail video of him and his brother.

I popped the DvD in my laptop and waited for Another to come up. "Oh, I hope you don't mind horror," I hurriedly said, immediately clicking on it. I turned my laptop, so Al could get a better look. Man, I wish they had tables.

He shifted, so he could get a better view. He awed at the bright flashes and lights and mechanics. I smiled slightly at his childish wonder.

Then the first episode started playing.

A couple of hours or so has already passed, and we already watched five episodes of Another. The sun had risen quite a while ago. My eyes glued to the screen, not wanting to miss a single moment of what happened. This is what happens when I watch anime. I'm always totally quieted and focused on the screen.

What about Al? Well, Al was… He was… He's shivering in the corner right now. , he's not a big fan of horror. Go figure Kinda ironic, really. A giant, intimidating suit of armor, who chases around bad guys, probably on a regular basis, is scared of a little guts and gore.

If he was scared, why didn't he say anything? Maybe he's read horror books before, but never a horror anime. Now, he has the misfortune to know that horror books and anime are completely different. At least with books, the horror is left to the person's own imagination, and the limits they allow themselves to imagine it. With anime, they can't do that. It's all there for them in its horrifying magic.

I heard Ed began to stir right when the sixth episode was just about to finish.

He yawned loudly, stretching his body as far as his short body could. "Morning, Al," I said groggily. I was aware of the way he purposely didn't say "good morning" to me.

He took a good look around his surroundings, then gazed at us. "What are- WHAT THE HELL IS THAT?! WHAT THE FUCK'S GOING ON?!" he screeched with massive appalling alarm and horrifying shock, his golden eyes almost bulging out of his head. He screamed right at the part where the teacher committed suicide in front of students.

Wow… Part of me kinda felt bad. That isn't… That isn't something anyone should wake up to.

However, I ignored that part of mind, and continued keeping my eyes glued to the screen. "Shh," I shushed him.

He glared at me. He opened his mouth, only for his angry retort to be blocked by Al covering his eyes.

"It's an anime called Another, brother," Al squeaked fearfully. "Don't look. Please don't look. It's...too...terrifying. It's not meant for mortal eyes."

That just caused millions of questions to grow inside Ed's head. He struggled against his younger brother's hold, but Al was adamantly refusing to let go for the sake of his older brother's sanity.

That just how the rest of the morning went. Me watching Another, Al shaking in terror in his seat, and Ed struggling viciously against his brother's hold.

(A/N: That's the end of chapter three! Yes, Keke is a cruel, manipulative bitch with a lot of sass and a bit of a no nonsense attitude. Next up, the rest of the train ride and East City where Mustang and his crew would make their appearance. Leave any you like in a review, and thanks for reading!)