Chapter Text
Central City – 1914
Edward ran around the corner after the suspect, Ceruledge close behind him. The two ran through several alleyways before finally reaching a T between three apartment buildings, suspect caught deciding which way to go next. “Ceruledge!” Ed called out, and his partner readied its blades in front of him.
“Glalie, blizzard!” The man threw a Pokeball and out burst his Glalie, already attacking.
Ceruledge acted fast and used lava plume, blocking the brunt of the cold wind. He also got in between Ed and the attack for safe measure, turning his back on the target. “Don’t let him get away, use bitter blade!” Ed yelled as the remaining snow swirled around the sides of the lava plume and settled down.
Before Ceruledge could even ready his move, the suspect yelled another command. “Icicle crash!” Ceruledge rose his arms to just barely block the attack in time, shards of ice flying around him. The force of the attack slid him back a few feet, almost careening into his trainer.
The target ran to the left, his Glalie floating with him. “Damn it, I wish anyone would’ve told us what this was about!” Ed cursed as he and his partner took off running again. Ceruledge let out a metallic whir in agreement. The two didn’t have to run far, as Golurk blocked the suspect’s path. He stood with his knees bent, looking between the Golurk and the young trainer, trying to find his best way out.
“You’ve got a Golurk too, huh? What are you, some kind of vigilante ghost-type trainer?” The suspect questioned.
“Gck-,” Edward choked, “he’s not my Pokemon, he’s my brother!” The Golurk raised a hand, waving. In raising its hand, it revealed a belt lined with a team of Pokeballs. “And I’m not a ghost-type trainer, I’m the steel-type Master, code-named Fullmetal, maybe you’ve heard of me?”
The suspect didn’t even bother with the gravity of having a State Certified Master fighting him – he’s dealt with that type before. Was that type before. His attention was instead on the Golurk, who he now noticed looked different compared to other Golurks he’d seen. “I’ve never seen a Pokemon have it’s own Pokemon before. And I’ve never seen a Golurk with a two-way crack like that one’s.”
“That’s because I’m not a Pokemon.” The voice of a young boy came from the Golurk, echoing in the hollow stone body. The suspect grimaced, surprised and unnerved. The talking Golurk tossed the Pokeball and out came an Armarouge, assuming a ready stance. “My name’s Alphonse, what’s yours? And why are you freezing the city?”
He didn’t have the time to process the talking Golurk, or whatever the implications said it was. Clearly these kids were sent out to capture him as some sick bid by the League. He could give them a name, at least, before turning them and their partners into icicles. “McDougal. Isaac McDougal. I was part of the League too, once. The ice-type expert, the Freezing Master.”
Ed and Al looked at each other, shaking their heads and shrugging. They hadn’t heard of him. “And the city?”
“You should understand, being a State Master. There’s dirty things going on in the League. Bad, corrupt, things.” He slowly reached for another Pokeball on his vambrace. Neither brother knew what he was talking about. “I’m trying to save the city, don’t you see?”
“By freezing over the infrastructure? You’re harming civilians, McDougal. I hardly count that as saving anyone.” Ed responded to his claims.
“Oh but that’s just it, it is saving them. Or, will save them at least. As soon as I get to Central Command… I just need to get to Central Command. We’re running out of time.”
“Enough chitchat.” Ed raised an arm. “Ceruledge, swords dance.” His Ceruledge raised his arms and shone in the moonlight, feeling strengthened.
“Calm mind.” Al ordered, and his own partner shone as well, also feeling amped up.
“Heh,” McDougal began laughing, “Articuno!” He threw the ball and a bright blue light illuminated the alleyway. The screech of the Pokemon echoed and its flapping wings pushed dust and cold wind towards the brothers. Ed covered his face. “Sheer cold!”
The legendary Pokemon shrieked in compliance, and emanated a below-freezing aura. With flaps of its wings, the cold air was pushed outwards, and the walls of the building around it began freezing. The ice crept down the side of the building to the ground, glistening. “Get back!” Ed yelled. Al and Armarouge began running down their side of the alley, and Ed and Ceruledge took off as well. McDougal reached up a hand, and his Articuno dipped down, allowing him to grab onto its leg. It lifted the both of them up, out of the alley, and McDougal returned his Glalie to its Pokeball. “You’ll see, you’ll see!,” he shouted as he headed towards the eastern side of the city.
“Damn it!” Ed yelled. The League wouldn’t be happy with him letting the suspect get away. He pinched the bridge of his nose. A chirp from Ceruledge brought his attention back to the present, seeing the ice still slowly creeping down the alley. “Let’s melt this crap. Lava plume.”
Ceruledge whirred, and used the move as directed by his trainer. When the flame cleared, the ice had barely melted, and was still approaching- at a Slugma’s pace but growing nonetheless.
“What the hell…” Ed looked in fear. “Try bitter blade, it should be powered up by swords dance.” Ceruledge looked at him skeptically, but complied and swung his flaming blades to the ground in front of him. It melted, but not by much and began freezing again immediately.
“Brother, we need to evacuate the block!” Al shouted from the down the alley. His Armarouge had also tried using his flamethrower to minimal results.
Ed sharply inhaled and nodded. “You take those two buildings, I’ll take the big one here!”
Alphonse nodded and ran into the closer apartment building. He and Armarouge ran down the halls, Al screaming to evacuate and Armarouge furiously knocking on doors. A few residents and their Pokemon poked their heads out, confused about the interruption. When the words caught up to them, they began shuffling out in droves, trying to figure out why they had to leave at such an hour. No one complained when they saw the ice.
Ed entered the other building and began his own evacuation order. While running between doors, he pondered McDougal’s statement. He knew the League wasn’t the greatest organization in Amestris, but what did he mean by bad things? Why would freezing over city utilities save the citizens? And was this block an intended target, or just because he got cornered and needed to get away? Ed had too many questions for his own good, and he needed to focus on the task at hand. He was out of breath at the top floor, and Ceruledge took over knocking on doors while Ed yelled from his position at the top of the stairs. When all the residents and their dependents exited their apartments, Ed directed them to leave through the stairs. Before making his own descent, he noticed there was an outlet to the roof. Curiosity got the better of him and he went up the ladder. Ceruledge cautiously followed.
Ed surveyed the city and made note of the facilities that McDougal had already attacked. He came to a realization, McDougal so far had only targeted electrical plants. He looked across the city and counted, six hit so far with another nine to potentially be attacked. “Hey Cer, why does Central City have so many power plants?” It was a rhetorical question, obviously a Ceruledge would be oblivious to the electrical needs of a city, but his partner tilted his head anyways, picking up what the trainer was putting down. “I know the League uses a lot of electricity to run things smoothly from Command, but we can’t possibly need this many power plants. They’re powering something big.” Ed put his gloved finger and thumb on his chin, thinking. His train of thought was interrupted by Ceruledge pulling him back towards the ladder, as ice was creeping close to his feet, covering the roof.
When back outside, he was greeted by Alphonse. “You had me worried when you didn’t come out with the rest of the people in the building.” Ed smirked and waved a hand, dismissing the idea that he could ever be in such peril to require worry. “My two buildings are evacuated. You have to call the League for backup, pretty soon the whole block will be covered in this ice.”
Edward hummed when he saw how much further the ice had moved down the alley. “You’re right, Al.” He walked down the street to a phone-booth, brother and their partners following suit. The civilians were either watching awestruck as their homes were frozen over, or staring at the Golurk that just saved their lives, trying to figure out how it could speak. Ed picked up the phone and pressed a few buttons on the box, the League code for a direct line to Central Command. It rung a few times before a click let him know someone had picked up.
“Your identifier, please?” A voice on the other line asked.
“Fullmetal, XER-301,” Ed responded, “please patch me through to anyone at all.” A tone sounded.
After a few seconds of static, “Fullmetal? Great to get a call from you!” The booming voice of an over-muscled ground and fighting type trainer greeted him from over the line. He swore he could hear flexing.
Of course it had to be Armstrong… Ed grimaced and leaned his head back. “Major – Al and I just encountered the suspect between…” He looked around, trying to find any landmark to cement his location. “The southeast plumbing utilities and power plant five. It’s hard to miss, we need any fire type users ASAP. He hit a block of apartments.”
“They’re spread thin trying to keep the ice from spreading past power plants one through four, nine, ten, and we got reports of twelve and fifteen getting hit not that long ago. You might have to call in the Colonel. I can send units to assist the civilians, though.”
Edward choked. Anyone but the Colonel. “No no, if there’s no one to spare, we can leave our fire types here. I trust Ceruledge to keep things in check. League members to manage the residents would be great, though.” The trio outside of the phone-booth looked at each other, not expecting that to be the plan.
“Very well. But if the situation gets any worse, we’re bringing in Colonel Mustang.” Before Ed could protest again, Armstrong hung up the phone.
Ed sighed and hung the receiver. He looked at his shoes before turning around and addressing the group. “Al, we need Pyroar.” His large brother nodded and picked the right Pokeball, sending out his Pyroar. “Ceruledge and Armarouge, you two take the either end of the T, and Pyroar, you go to the far side. Use your fire moves over and over, you can’t stop until the ice stops. Concentrate on the streets, it’ll take longer to make its way through the buildings. We’ll be back for you.” The Pokemon nodded and ran to their assigned positions. He looked out to the anxious crowd, feeling guilty over being unable to stop their forced involvement.
“We should go, brother.” Al nudged Ed with a large finger.
“Yeah. He probably already hit power plant five, let’s try to beat him to number six.” The two took off towards plant six, praying they’d make it before it was frozen over.
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Central City, East Wing Prison – 1914
“Dragalge, scald.” McDougal ordered and his Pokemon sent his attack down the hallway. Screams of pain erupted from the guards, and shuffling could be heard from inside the cells as the prisoners tried to avoid getting burnt.
“Stop right there!” A group of guards rounded the corner behind him, gaggle of partner Pokemon poised to attack.
“Muddy water.” McDougal commanded, and Dragalge sprayed a dark water across the floor.
“Ember!” One of the guards yelled, his partner complying.
“Rock throw!” Another guard ordered, her partner summoning and tossing a rock at the enemy.
Dragalge tanked the ember and dodged the rock throw, waiting for his trainer’s next order. The muddy water slowly made its way down the hallway, and McDougal’s lack of action made the guards confident they could make a winning move. They stepped forward with their Pokemon, feet splashing in the layer of water. “Thunderbolt.” McDougal said, too calmly for the gravity of the order, and Dragalge sent a bolt of lightning into the water. The electricity traveled through the liquid and electrocuted the approaching guards. The attack didn’t stop until the bodies were limply convulsing on the ground, steaming and smoking. The prisoners who were smart enough to avoid the pooled water and the metal bars of their cells didn’t know whether to cheer or stay silent, there was instead a chorus of nervous grunts and chuckles.
McDougal strode down the rest of the hallway, hearing the frantic footsteps of fleeing guards. They didn’t matter, he wasn’t there to kill but if anyone got in his way he would. He approached the solitary confinement wing, and broke down the door. A set of guards were on the other side, sitting outside the cell of his target. A quick scald dealt with the group.
“Kimblee, today is your lucky day.” He spoke to the prisoner. “I’m here to break you out.” He looked between the guards, trying to spot who might have a key-ring on them.
“What makes you think I want to leave?” Kimblee responded, stealing the attention of his rescuer.
“Do you not?” Though not really expecting a response, McDougal was disappointed by the only answer being a devious smirk. “Join my cause, help me stop the League. You tried to back in Ishval, didn’t you? You saw through their plan and wanted to stop them?”
Kimblee laughed and stood from his cot. He approached the bars, leaning near the door. “I killed those officers for fun, not for some political agenda. You thought I was some sort of dissenter?” He licked his lips and looked past McDougal. “They tried to send me home, so I had Zekrom take care of them. I got sent back home anyways though, didn’t I.” He laughed again and walked back to his bed, sitting back down unceremoniously.
“Hmph. Suit yourself, I thought you were better than this.” McDougal turned on his heels and his partner followed. “Well I’ll either end up here in this prison with you, or you’ll hear about me in the papers.” He waved behind as he walked off.
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Central City, Power Plant 6 – 1914
“I’m surprised we beat the bastard here.” Ed commented as he and Al walked around the outside of the building. “Seriously, where is the guy!?”
As if summoned by the mention, McDougal stepped into view on a roof across the street. “Ah, caught onto my pattern, did we?”
“It’s not that hard to figure out when you target one specific utility.” Edward said flatly. “What the hell do you want with the power plants, anyway?”
“I told you, you’ll see. Whether that be today or in whatever time the League decides to make its move, you’ll see.” He grabbed onto a pipe running along the building, and slid down. He strode towards the brothers, who assumed ready positions, hands poised over their belts. “Or maybe you won’t make it ‘til then. Ice punch!”
A Seismitoad leapt down from the roof, winding up her fist as it covered itself in ice. Her trajectory targeted Edward, and he barely moved fast enough to dodge the first punch. She wound up her other fist and swung again, this time moving too fast for the small boy. He instead blocked with his right arm, sliding backwards with the force. The Seismitoad held her icy fist against his forearm, trying to overpower him, or have him yield to the cold. He still braced, and her attack lost power. She swiped her arms to the side and glanced worriedly at her trainer. No one had been able to endure her attack like that before.
Ed shook off his arm, drops of water splattering against the sidewalk. “I’ll bet you’re wondering why I didn’t scream in pain.” He chuckled as he grabbed his red overcoat, whipping it off in a far too dramatic style. He was wearing a long-sleeved shirt and white gloves, so removing the coat didn’t actually accomplish much. He rolled up his sleeve, revealing a shining steel arm. “You see, I can’t feel it in this arm. I’m the Fullmetal Master, incase you’ve already forgotten.”
The Seismitoad jumped backwards to stand by her trainer, who was taken aback by Edward’s display. “Wait a minute… Your brother’s a Golurk, you’re missing an arm… You two upset the balance, didn’t you?” McDougal cracked. “I thought you were dumb for joining the League at such a young age, but you’re dumber than I thought! Which Legendary Pokemon did you ask for a favor? What was it? Something as drastic as what happened to you two could only be from asking to bring someone back to life!”
“Shut up!” Ed yelled. He grabbed a Pokeball and threw it, revealing a Lucario after the flash. “Aura sphere!” The Pokemon howled and drew in his arms, concentrating energy on his palms. He released the built up energy and it chased after the Seismitoad, who was attempting to flee. It landed squarely on her back, knocking her to the ground.
“You don’t learn, kid. Stay out of my way or die. Seismitoad, stomping tantrum.” She jumped up, then slammed her feet into the ground, repeating the action. Lucario jumped to avoid the first shaking of the ground, but couldn’t land far enough away to dodge the attack. McDougal stepped towards Alphonse, who was standing in the way of the entrance. He grabbed a Pokeball from his vambrace and let it roll off of his hand. The Glalie from earlier appeared.
Al braced himself, placing one foot behind him. He also grabbed a Pokeball from his belt and tossed it forward. A Rhydon emerged from the light and roared. “Rock blast!” he yelled.
“Icicle crash.” McDougal ordered. Rhydon stomped on the ground, lifting chunks of earth. She swung her head, sending the rocks speeding towards Glalie. The cold Pokemon grunted and shot three of the rocks out of the air with his icicles, the fourth hit him square in the face – as if there were anywhere else for it to hit. He closed his eyes and shook to dispel the impact.
To the right, Seismitoad’s stomping tantrum had finished, and a fistfight of metal claw and ice punch had broken out. Ed kept an eye on his own battle, but desperately wanted to run after and stop McDougal.
Using the opportunity, Alphonse called out another attack. “Horn attack!” His voice echoed. Rhydon blew out air and pawed the ground, then sprinted towards Glalie. Her horn made contact, and she pushed Glalie back into the street. He tilted and glanced off the side of her face, spinning around to face the back of her neck. “Blizzard.” Glalie took a deep breath.
Al gasped. “Run!” Rhydon attempted to take a step forward but was soon chilled to the bone. Out of Glalie’s mouth was an onslaught of crisp, freezing, air and snow. Still, Rhydon tried to follow Al’s request, and fought to put one foot in front of the other. She grumbled in the effort, baring her teeth. Before her skin could freeze, fast and heavy footsteps approached her from behind and suddenly she was tackled by a large force. The two skidded out of range of Glalie’s blizzard, halting by the far street curb. Al released his Golurk-sized hug, “Are you okay?” Rhydon nodded and stood, shaking the frosty crystals from her back.
A well-timed rock smash from Lucario sent Seismitoad soaring past the two, tumbling down the street. McDougal scoffed and watched her return to her feet. He grabbed another Pokeball and produced Articuno. The bird screeched, flapping its wings towards the brothers. It landed with a rumble. “I told you, stay out of my way.”
“Three Pokemon at once hardly seems fair.” Edward commented as he helped his brother stand.
“Send out as many as you want, too. It won’t change the outcome.” McDougal spoke in a low voice. “Articuno, shee-.” Before he could finish the order, a familiar roar sounded, and a shining black figure tackled the overgrown icy chicken to the ground, somersaulting in a flurry of wings and claws.
“Oh no, that means…” Ed’s shoulders drooped.
“Hey there, Fullmetal.”
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