Archive of Our Own

Chapter Text

This is a Seme Male Reader story. 

The reader is bisexual.

Sometimes characters will act a bit out of character when interacting with the reader.

Ling will be 21 years old, Edward, Winry and the reader will be 20 years old and Alphonse will be 19.

WARNING FOR: Violence, gore, sexual themes and graphic content. 

All images own by Hiromu Arakawa/ Bones animation studio. All videos/music are owned by their respective owners.

I hate to ask but if you like it, please vote. It lets me know if people do genuinely like what I'm writing or if I need to change things up.

Romantic Interests:

Edward Elric.

"I know how to braid my hair, I just prefer you to do it. There's something special about it when you do it."

Alphonse Elric. 

"One of the things I'd like to do once I get my body back is to go on a date with you."

Winry Rockbell.

"Sometimes it feels like we're raising Ed and Al.... UHMM I DIDN'T MEAN IT LIKE THAT!"

Roy Mustang.

"When I see you, it reminds me I'm doing something right in my life."

Riza Hawkeye.

"Please be careful, (Y/n). You mean a lot to everyone around here. That includes me."

Ling Yao.

"I like your eyes. Red as a demon's yet filled with compassion."

Lan Fan.

"The Young Lord has taken a liking to you and I have to admit... I have as well."

Greed.

"I'm the embodiment of Greed. You can't expect me to not try to get into your pants when you look like that."

Olivier Mira Armstrong.

"I was rough on you to see if you meet my expectations. Now I see you far exceed them."

Chapter Text

It's been 6 years since the start of the Ishvalan Civil War which started in 1901. 6 years of chaos, destruction and death for those involved and innocents seemingly with no end in sight. The military state of Amestris - the nation that had been occupying Ishval's lands for decades prior to the civil war - had tried countless times to deliver decisive blows against the insurrectionists but somehow it always ended with even more deaths. This caused a massive uproar from the families of the slain soldiers. They demanded a swift end to the war no matter what, as long as families didn't have to keep receiving letters from the military about their son, brother or father's deaths.

With the support of the majority of the nation, the leader of Amestris, Fuhrer King Bradley, issued Order #3066 at the beginning of 1907. The order caused all pure Ishvalan's who served in the Amestrian Military to be stripped of their rank and arrested on suspicion of treason. More importantly it called upon the State Alchemists to be sent to the front and aid in the extermination of the Ishvalan people.

The overwhelming power of even one State Alchemist in an area forced the Ishvalan insurrectionists to be pushed back into a few of the larger cities that were in Ishval. The bombed out ruins of their cities served as both protection against the Amestrian military but it also served as a cage for when a State Alchemist arrived, killing them off like a farmer and their pack of dogs hunting rats.

========================================================================

A lone boy, 13 years of age, could be seen stumbling through the rubble of one of the major hold outs for the Ishvalan insurrectionists. His skin was that of an Amestrians and his hair was a (h/c) colour, but his eyes were red like any other Ishvalan. The tattered, bloodied robes he wore - along with his eyes - suggested he was the son of both an Amestrain and Ishvalan.

The boy kept a blood soaked rag pressed against his wound - where what used to be his left arm. His grip on it lessened as his strength started to falter, his legs struggled to lift up to get over the boulders and his eyes struggled to keep open. Fatigue racked the boy's body, goading him to just give up, but he refused.

"W-WWAAAAHHHHHH! WAHHH!" The sudden sound of a baby crying over the distant sound of gun fire forced him to look over to a nearby home.

A baby was lying in the limp arms of their dead mother - her corpse rested against a wall that was littered with bullet holes. By the look of it, the mother was executed but was able to shield her child, keeping them from meeting the same fate as her.

An urge to do something, to save the child, surged through the boy. A boost of adrenaline helped force himself to run towards the crying child. But after a few stepped, the crying suddenly stopped. Before his eyes an artillery shell crashed through the roof of the home and exploded. The baby was enveloped in the blast wave and then the shock wave came after, colliding against and sending the boy back.

A sharp pain against his back and head was all the boy felt before his eyes closed and slipped into unconsciousness.

========================================================================

Twelve figures in blue uniforms made their way through the city. Their gear clacked at sudden movements and the metal of their weapons shined as the light from the flares above illuminated the night sky.

They all formed up on a wall, a few watching the left and others watching the right. The squad leader peeked out around the corner, seeing the destroyed homes the recent artillery barrage managed to hit. His eyes scanned the windows of the homes that still stood, seeing nothing as they were pitch black. He pulled back and addressed the men of his squad. "Listen up! Five of you are coming with me. John, you stay back and wait for my signal to move up. Any bodies you see, make sure to stick 'em to make sure they're dead. Got that?"

"Yes, sir!" The men replied in unison. The majority who had rifles double checked to make sure the bayonets attached to their rifles were secure.

The squad leader, along with five men of the squad, started to carefully move up. Their eyes scanned the entire area, specifically watching the windows and rooftops for any movement. As they passed by Ishvalan bodies, they would stab their bayonets into their chest, where their heart was. It didn't matter if they were, the old, the women, the children and the ones missing limbs - if it looked like an Ishvalan, they made sure they were dead.

Once the squad leader and his five men got into a suitable position, he looked back and motioned for the rest to move up. The second squad made their way up, roughly following the same path the first squad took. One of the men tripped, causing him to stumble and fall onto debris.

The one ahead of him looked back and groaned. "Conrad, I swear you'll get us killed with how clumsy you are!" He went back and helped him up.

"It's all these damned rocks-" Conrad looked back and his eyes widened. There lied the mixed race boy. Blood from his arm stained the rubble he was lying on. "I-Is that... an Amestrian? W-Why is he here?!" He asked with disbelief.

========================================================================

At an independently run Aid Station in Ishval - Wounded Soldiers and Ishvalans laid on beds by the dozens in the basement of a government building. Nurses checked over the patents, changed their dressing and did whatever else they could for them to at least make them comfortable.

Near the entrance was where triage was. A short haired blonde male doctor examined and judged who should and shouldn't be looked after first.

 A nurse followed him, taking notes and giving out tags to keep track of everyone and their injuries.

"DOCTOR YURIY! DOCTOR YURIY!" A voice yelled and soon the person entered the room with the mixed race boy in her arms. "He needs your help now! He's already lost a lot of blood."

The blonde doctor motioned for her to calm down as he gently grabbed her to turn her and examine the boy's wound. He then looked to his nurse. "Get the operation room prepped."

"Yes, doctor." The nurse replied with a nod before running off.

========================================================================

With the boy on the operating table, Doctor Yuriy - who was now weaning a clean doctor's smock and mask - worked to stop the bleeding.

He raised a brow as he examined the wound. Something didn't sit well with him ever since he saw the black and white Ishvalan style tattoo's covering the boy's chest. And now it was getting weirder.

"It's finally slowed down out there." A woman said as she entered the room. She was dressed the same as the male. 

"How's his injury?" She approached the table and looked at the boy.

"Take a look at this, Sarah." He stepped to the side, allowing her to get close, seeing the stump where the boy's missing arm was. "There's no lacerations, ripped muscles, shrapnel or anything that would show how he lost it. And the bone socket is perfect like it just popped out. It looks like his arm was surgically removed."

Sarah examined the wound and came to the same conclusion but no answer to offer. Her eyes drifted to the boy's chest. She had no clue what any of it said but the skin tone alone caused questions to pop into her head. "Is he Amestrain?" She asked as she took a step back, allowing the other to take her spot and continued to work by sewing up what he could.

Yuriy shook his head no. "He has red eyes. One of his parents is probably an Amestrian for him to look like that."

Behind the mask - Sarah frowned, looking at the boy with pity. "Do you think his dad was a soldier?"

Yuriy kept quiet as finished sewing and then started wrapping a length of bandaging around the boy's chest and covering the wound. "I don't know, honey." He honestly answered, not that he wanted to. "All we can do is keep him healthy and hope for the best for him."

========================================================================

About a day after the operation, Yuriy got word that the boy was now awake. He believed it would have been longer, considering his size and the amount of blood loss, but he was happy nonetheless.

He entered the recovery room and immediately felt the tension in it. Almost all of the Ishvalans in the room glared at the boy as he laid in his bed. 'What happened?' He wondered before making his way to the boy's bed and checked his medical chart.

"Hey, there buddy. How are you feeling?" He greeted softly.

"I'm feeling alright, sir." The boy spoke quietly, his voice hoarse and shaking a bit. It was expected considering everything.

"That's good." Yuriy replied as he placed the medical chart back onto the hook that was at the foot of the old metal bed. He then couched down a bit to get to the boy's level and reached out with his left hand, offering a handshake. "We didn't get a chance to properly introduce ourselves. I'm Doctor Yuriy Rockbell."

The boy looked at his hand for a moment before holding it and shook it lightly. "(Y/n)."

Yuriy raised a brow. He assumed that maybe (Y/n) was too nervous to answer since he looked like any other Amestrian soldier - maybe the boy thought he was being interrogated. "We're not with the military. We're just here to help anyone." He reassured. "I'd just like to know your last name so that maybe we can contact your family."

How'd he or anyone else would be able to get into contact with his parents in the middle of a warzone was up in the air.

"I... I don't remember it." (Y/n) answered.

Yuriy hummed. 'There's a chance he's got amnesia from the head trauma he received. Or he's too scared to answer.' He thought before he asked another question. "Do you remember the last place where your parents were?"

The boy averted his eyes away from him and shook his head no. "I only remember waking up here."

Yuriy looked at him silently with knowing eyes for a moment. 'It's like when Winry gets caught doing something bad. But why would he lie about this? Wouldn't he want to get back to his parents?' He then nodded. "Alright, (Yn). We'll keep an eye on you to make sure you're alright. If you need anything just call for a nurse, okay?"

The boy nodded. "Yes, sir."

Yuriy stood up, waved goodbye with a small smile, and went to exit the room. As he walked past some other patients, he heard them muttering to each other.

"Why do we have to get stuck with the spawn of a traitorous whore and one of those damned Amestrian murderers?" One asked with venom in his tone, guessing the mother was Ishvalan.

The other shrugged as he shifted himself to get more comfortable on his bed. "Don't mind him. We're not going to be here much longer. Don't start anything otherwise you'll ruin it for everyone else." He warned.

A sad sigh left Yuriy's lips. He'd like to have the boy supervised but the Aid Station was over capacity and more were coming every day - there was no one to watch over him. All he could do was ask the nurses and Sarah to keep an eye on him whenever they could.

========================================================================

The following days after the operation the boy kept to himself - he hid in the corner of the recovery room, nearby some crates filled with supplies. Not that he had a choice. And seemingly his memories still haven't returned.

Once everyone there learned he was mixed, everyone either ignored him or outright hated him. Ishvalan's would call him the product of a Ishvalan whore who slept with an Amestrian soldier to get benefits. And to Amestrian soldiers he was just another Ishvalan who should have been left to die. The only people who treated him like an actual person were the medical personnel and the rare few soldiers who showed some compassion - although not openly as not to be singled out in their unit or worse get arrested out of suspicion for aiding the enemy.

The boy was grateful he was still alive but it was a hard existence. The only thing keeping him there and tolerating it all was the repeating of someone's words to him in the past. It sounded stern and hardy, like someone who's experienced struggling most haven't but also weak, struggling to say it.

"You need to survive... The world still has plans for you."

His mind would then go back to the baby. An overwhelming sense of guilt would fill his small body. 'What's so important about me? I couldn't save them... and I couldn't save you.'

Near the entrance of the recovery room, Yuriy and Sarah watched the boy with worried expressions. A silence lingered in the air between them, filled with tension.

Sarah broke the silence. "What are we going to do with him? Once he's recovered, he can't stay here. This is no place for a child."

"And no one will take him." Yuriy sadly added.

They watched as one of the nurses entered the room and started handing out meals - it wasn't a lot but it was better than nothing. She soon reached the boy. "Would you like to eat on one of the beds? It's a lot more comfy than sitting here." This was a question she's asked him multiple times before but the answer now, like it always is, was no.

"Sarah." Yuriy said, getting her attention. "I've been thinking... About a way to make sure he's safe."

"What were you thinking?"

"What if... we took him in." Sarah looked at him with confusion.

"We take him in?" She repeated to make sure she heard him correctly, in which he nodded.

"Well, not like he stays with us. Like you said, it's too dangerous for him. But I think we could get him out of here and have my mom look after him." Yuriy clarified but his partner still looked at him in bewilderment.

"Yuriy we can't..." She looked over at the boy. He didn't deserve any of this but it was like the world was against him, refusing to let him live without fear of death. She struggled to keep herself together and not break down crying at the sight.

Yuriy brought her into a hug, holding her close, as he gently petted her hair to calm her down. "You and I both know he can't live like this. He's all alone and no one will help him. But we can."

Sarha raised her arms to hug Yuriy back, her small hands grabbing the back of his shirt tightly. Her forehead rested against his chest, providing comfort as she heard his heart beat and stayed in his embrace. "But how do we get him out of here?" She asked.

"There's a troop train arriving tomorrow at the Amestrian military headquarters in the area. We can sneak him on and have my mom pick up at Central."

Sarah pulled away from his chest and looked up at him with a doubtful look. "Even if we were able to get him onto the train, do you genuinely believe Pinako is going to do that?"

Yuriy looked off to the side sheepishly, a coy smile on his face. "I kinda... already told her about it and she agreed."

Sarahs stared at him in disbelief before it slowly turned into a warm smile. "I should have guessed she'd say yes to it. I just hope we're not putting too much onto her since she's already watching over Winry and the Elric boys."

Yuriy stared into her eyes and smiled. "She can be a stern woman but I know she's got a lot of love to give."

========================================================================

During a dark night, Yuriy entered the recovery room and gently shook (Y/n) awake. "Come on, (Y/n). It's time to wake up." He whispered, trying his best not to wake everyone else up.

The boy rubbed his eyes one at a time before looking at Yuriy in confusion - his vision still blurry from sleep and getting used to the darkness. "What's going on, sir?" Once his eyes were fully opened, he watched as Yuriy placed some clothes onto his bed, along with a pair of shoes.

"I'll explain soon, just throw these on top of what you're wearing. We need to hurry." Yuriy urged.

With no objections, (Y/n) took the clothes and started to put them on. He needed Yuriy's help for obvious reasons.

Yuryi buttoned up the coat and made sure everything was on properly to keep him warm. "You should be good now. Now let's get going."

The two then exited the Aid Station. It was the first time (Y/n)'s been outside for about two weeks since he arrived. He knew it would look worse since last time he was up there. Everyone in the Aid Station could hear as artillery landed nearby, shaking the room like distant lightning strikes. But it still shocked him to see the devastation brought to the land.

The area around him was nothing but blown out homes and blood stained rubble. Further away, near the front lines, smoke and fire filled the sky along with the sound of gun fire. There was also the scent - or rather a stench - of war. Dirt that's been sitting in the corner of a room for decades, burnt wood and gunpowder stung the noses of (Y/n) and Yuriy as they ran alongside the ruins of homes, away from the fighting.

========================================================================

Outside of the Railway Station Headquarters -Yuriy and (Y/n) entered a ditch across from the headquarters. They were near the back of the building, being able to see troops unloading a parked train along with supplies being taken off by labourers.

The area was heavily guarded. Armed soldiers posted up inside guard houses and towers armed with machine guns. The loud sound rumbling generators that kept the search lights on drowned out any talking between soldiers - at least from where (Y/n) and Yuriy were.

Yuriy looked down the road, seeing a set of headlights approaching. "Get ready, (Y/n). We're going to get onto that truck as it passes."

The driver of the truck was Sarah, along with a male nurse in the passenger seat. The vehicle was often used to bring in medical supplies their group purchased or received as donations.

Sarah flicked her head lights on and off, seeing Yuiry and (Y/n) in the ditch. She slowed down a bit as she approached and soon felt the truck tip a bit as Yuriy grabbed onto the truck and helped (Y/n) into the back.

"Right on time, Doctor!" The nurse greeted with a smirk.

Yuriy went over to a crate - it was marked with the number 1899 and a description stating that only medical supplies were to be stored in it. He opened it before crouching down, holding (Y/n) by his shoulders and looked him in the eyes. "Listen to me, (Y/n). You are getting out of here." he said with determination. "You're going to get in and you need to stay quiet the entire time. I know it's cramped but it's the best I could get to hide you."

(Y/n) cocked his head to the side. "I'm leaving?" He repeated with confusion. "Where am I going?"

"Away from here. Somewhere safe." Yuriy reassured.

"We're almost at the main gate." Sarah informed the two. "(Y/n), I swear you'll be fine. Just keep quiet while you're in there, honey."

(Y/n) looked inside the crates and saw a few holes were drilled into the side and a small box in the corner. "That's some food for the trip. You'll be in here for a few hours, I'm sorry to say." Yuriy apologized. "But please hurry and get in or we'll get caught."

(Y/n) stared inside for a moment before he entered it. He needed to bring his knees up to his chest to fit. He looked up as Yuriy grabbed the lid of the container and covered the crate, casting (Y/n) in complete darkness. "Is it okay in there?" He heard Yuriy ask.

"Yes, sir." (Y/n) replied, soon hearing the creaking of the breaks and chatter between Sarah and a guard.

"Medical supplies again, Rockbell? This is the third time this week." The soldier pointed out. "Maybe you should stop treating the Ishvalans."

"We take care of anyone and everyone, sir." Sarah replied honestly as she handed over the needed paperwork.

As the two talked, (Y/n) said one last thing to Yuriy before getting put onto the train. "T-Thank you, Mister and Missus Rockbell. For everything." His tone was nervous, scared of what would happen next but hopeful it was brighter than this dark place.

========================================================================

Years later... 1914.

An older (Y/n), now wearing the same blue uniform of the soldiers who fought to murder his people, stood at attention by a large set of doors - The heels of his black leather boots stood tightly together but his legs stood tall and firm, thanks to training. His collar tabs and shoulder boards showed he held the rank of Major.

While muffled talking could be heard from the door, he was looking out to the nearby window, seeing the streets of Central City lit up brightly thanks to all the street lights and yellowish glow coming from the windows of a few nearby homes. His mind replayed everything that led him to where he was today. And the fact he still hadn't regain most of his memories.

The sudden opening of the large set of doors prompted him to pull his gaze away and look to the doorway, seeing a familiar black haired Lieutenant Colonel.

He saluted him and got a casual salute back. "Lieutenant Colonel Mustang, sir." He noticed the not-so-happy look on the man's face. "Something wrong?"

A sigh left Mustang's lips. "We're going to deal with the Freezing Alchemist and Edward's joining on Bradley's orders." The two walked together to exit the room and out into the hallway. A few other late night workers were there as well, filing paperwork and such. "Just having Edward around makes our job infinitely harder."

"Cut him a break. Him and Al are getting better at keeping things contained. Like how they dealt with Lieutenant Yoki." (Y/n) attempted to reassure, getting a smirk and eye roll from Mustang.

"I admit, it was nice to see that bastard stripped of his rank for what he did to that mining town. But that was far more tame than the usual stuff we deal with." Mustang replied, reluctant to easily give Edward a break. 

Chapter Text

In an alleyway of the heart of Ameristris, the heavily urbanized city of Central that was lit with an abundance of street lights and a full moon above, a lone caped scruffy, dangerous looking man was. 

He crouched down and drew with chalk. The symbol was of a circle within a circle. On the left and right side he drew two more small circles before adding one in the middle, adding a dot in it as well. He then connected the middle dot to the top and bottom with a swirl of a line. To finish it off, he wrote some sort of language in between the two circles.

========================================================================

At Central Command, In the personal officer of the Fuhrer - King Badley spoke with Mustang. The subordinate stood at attention, looking over documents that showed the face of the man who was currently drawing symbols within the city wearing an Amestrian military unifom. It also showed his name, Isaac McDougal.

"The Freezing Alchemist, really? He's here?" Mustang asked.

"We have information that he managed to slip into Central a few days ago. That's why I've summoned you here, Colonel. I need you and your men to smoke him out, and bring him in." Bradley explained.

Bradley was an older man, roughly in his 50s. He was rather intimidating looking, sporting a gruff squared off face, full mustache that was as black as his hair, and an eyepatch covering his left eye. The way he spoke would surprise most as it was calm but still demanded respect, not that he had to demand it. The title of Fuhrer, wearing the same uniform any soldier would with the addition of medals to show off his accomplishments and an officer's saber attached to his side showed to the world that respect was to be given to him regardless of how his face looked.

"Consider it done, sir." Mustang replied with determination.

Bradley hummed with satisfaction. "I'm glad you're with us in Central for a while, Mustang. It's good to know I have people I can count on."

Mustang bowed his head with respect. "Sir."

"Ah, one last thing." Bradley suddenly remembered another matter to discuss. "Our rising young star is here as well, along with Major (Y/n). I'm placing them at your disposal."

Mustang had to force back a frown once he heard that. "Forgive me, Fuhrer Bradely, but... just to bear clear, are you referring to-?"

"I am... The Fullmetal Alchemist. Edward Elric."

========================================================================

On a rooftop within the city, a short man - what most called him even though he was just slightly below average height - in a red coat that had a black Flamel symbol on the back sat with a pout on his lips. This golden haired and eyed man was the Fullmetal Alchemist, Edward Elric.

"Ah, dammit... The colonel's never gonna let us get outta here, is he?" He asked with annoyance before looking at a tall armoured figure standing by.

The armoured figure with glowing eyes was Alphonse Elric, Edward's younger brother. Also the person most people mistook for the actual Fullmetal Alchemist due to the name fitting him far better than his brother.

"(Y/n) said he already bought our tickets for Liore, too. Does this mean we're not going?" Alphonse asked. His voice sounded like an echo whenever he spoke, like it was bouncing off metal.

"I don't know, Al..." Edward groaned as he pushed himself up to stand next to him. "For now, let's just get this over with... OK?"

========================================================================

"THERE HE GOES! THAT WAY!"

The sounds of whistles and yelling filled the area as Isaac fled from the military police that were hot on his heels. Any corner he passed would quickly be covered with an armed soldier, forcing him to run further into the winding alleyways filled with puddles that filled Central City.

He soon came across two MPs who drew their pistols and took aim at him, their distinct black uniforms with matching sidecaps made them hard to see in the dark. "YOU, HALT! HALT OR I'LL SHOOT!"

Isaac pulled out and extended his arms to the sides, revealing that his right arm was covered in armor and had the symbol he was drawing on it. They crackled with blue, electric-like spark for a moment before a wave of spiked ice rushed the two MPs. Isaac heard the sound of someone clapping their hands together before the ground in front of the wave of spikes sparked brightly before a wall suddenly was erected, saving the two soldiers and preventing him from passing.

He went down another alleyway just in time to come face to face with two more MPs who hoped to catch him off guard. He took aim and fired but Isaac grabbed his wrist and pushed it upward. From where he gripped the MP, electricity wrapped around his arm, lighting up the dark alley for a moment before the man was covered with frost, skin suddenly pale.

The other MP watched in shock as his fellow soldier fell over stiff - frozen solid. He let out a scream as he tried to draw his weapon, only to be silenced as Isaac grabbed his face and was about to do the same to him as he did the other. A sudden stone pillar came from the ground nearby and dove towards him, forcing him to let go of the soldier and pull back. He looked over to see (Y/n) standing in between him and the two soldiers - the sleeve for his right arm was rolled up, showing off his automail arm.

It was bulkier than most but it was for a reason.

"Frederich!" The one MP called out before going over to the other and tried to hold him but the extreme cold nipped at his fingers like he was grabbing freezing steel. "What happened?!"

"Water freezes. Water boils... Either way, you're just as dead." Isaac muttered.

A whizzing sound caught his attention. He looked up and saw a spear flying overhead before it started to fall towards him. He jumped back just in time as the spear stabbed into the stone ground. He saw sparks come off of it and rectangular residual marks on the blade. "That's alchemy..."

"Fall back, take him with you." (Y/n) ordered the soldier as he kept his eyes locked on Isaac.

"What a nasty thing to do." Edward's voice came from the other side of the alleyway as the MP carried the now dead soldier and ran off. Isaac turned his head to see Edward approaching him with an anger filled expression.

Isaac smirked. "You of all people should know: Great deeds require great sacrifice!" His smirk turned into a deranged smile, his eyes bulging out of his head. "Isn't that the law of equivalent exchange?!" He asked with excitement.

"Save your breath." Edward snapped back. "The laws of alchemy don't justify murder!" He slapped his white glove covered hands together, sparks wrapped hand as he reached out and grabbed the spear. He lifted it up into the air, sparks intensified as it morphed into a long spiked club. He twirled it in his hand and pointed it at Isaac - the end had an angry face on it along with a metallic head of blonde hair, resembling himself.

Isaac's eyes widened in shock and jaw dropped. "No transmutation circle...?!"

"Don't be too impressed..." Edward looked to (Y/n), watching as he clapped his hands together before touching his automail arm, morphing it into a small shield. "NOW!" Both he and (Y/n) charged at the same time as Alphonse dropped down from a nearby rooftop.

Alphones swing down at Isaac, intending to deliver his full weight down onto him. However Isaac dodged the attack by rolling over, leading him to Edward who brought his club down onto him. A metal clang rang out as Isaac used his armoured arm to block the blow but still felt its force as his arms shook with pain from the impact. (Y/n) ran up and punched down with his right arm, striking Isaac in the face. The sudden strike pushed Isaac to swing his arms out, pushing Edward and his club back. He then got onto his hands and sent a kick back at Alphonse and (Y/n), forcing them back.

Once recovered, Edward swung his club at Isaac. The Freezing Alchemist was faster, using his armored arm to take the hit and grabbed onto Edward's right wrist, sparks soon emitting from his grip. Edward groaned, stumbling back as red shreds of his clothing flew up into the air.

Isaac looked at him in disbelief. "What?!"

With booths of his fists together, Alphonse swung down at his head. The clacking of his metal allowed Isaac to react in time by blocking it with both arms. He grabbed Alphonse by his arms and swung him over his head towards Edward. "NO! I HAD YOU! ANY WATER IN THERE SHOULD'VE BOILED!"

(Y/n) moved in and grabbed him by his neck and slammed him against the wall with his automail arm.

"If it's any consolation, you did ruin my coat." The light from the moon shined down onto Edward's automail, making it shine. He then threw off his coat, showing his usual black undercoat tied near the collar with white trim.

"An Automail arm... A young, blonde, gifted alchemist... the only other one who doesn't use transmutation circles... and who has an automail right arm!" Isaac listed off like a checklist to make sure who the man he was staring at was truly the one he believed it was. "I know you... You are the Fullmetal Alchemist! Edward Elric!" He then looked to Alphonse in confusion. "So... it's not you?"

Alphonse scratched his head nervously. "Oh, um... No. I'm his younger brother, Alphonse."

A look of disappointment came over Isaac's face. "But he's a runt..."

Immediately that comment angered Edward. "OH YEAH?! CANNA RUNT DO THIS?!" He clapped his hands together and then slammed them against the ground, sending waves of shocks towards Isaac. (Y/n) pulled away in time as the walls and ground moved to trap Isaac - a gap was left to see his scrunched up face.

"I'd heard the stories, but still, I never imagined this..." His voice was a bit muffled as he had very limited space to move his jaw. "The Fullmetal Alchemist is just a kid!"

"I'M A GROWN MAN! DON'T CALL ME LITTLE!" Edward barked with anger, clapped his hands and touched the wall, and sent out a stone hand to smack Isaac out of his stone cage towards the back of the alleyway, dazing him.

Alphones stood with dotted eyes while (Y/n) went over, reached into a pouch on his belt and cuffed Isaac - he also made sure to take off the armour on the man's right arm . "You know, Brother, he never called you little..."

Edward froze with realization. "...WELL, EVEN IF HE DIDN'T HE STILL PISSED ME OFF!"

(Y/n) pulled Isaac up as he reached into a different pouch on his belt and pulled out a whistle before blowing into it, alerting nearby MPs to get them to come to their location.

"And you." He heard Isaac mutter. "You're the Ishvalen Alchemist. The traitor who became a dog for the military!" He spoke with venom in his tone, a clear hatred was held against (Y/n).

(Y/n) just glared at the man with his red eyes. A part of him wanted to defend himself or insult him but he bit his tongue.

"Shut up, would you?" Edward snapped before fixing his coat with alchemy and put it back on. "A murderer like you has no right to judge him."

(Y/n) thought Edward could speak his mind a bit too much at times but whenever he defended him, he appreciated it.

Soon a squad of five MPs came running down one of the alleyways towards the four. (Y/n) looked to the one leading the men, a corporal. "He's cuffed but still dangerous." He informed them before handing Isaac over.

The corporal smiled brightly as his men started to lead Isaac out of the alleyway, two in front and two in back with Isaac in the middle. "Major (Y/n)!" He saluted, getting a casual salute back from the Ishvalan. "When we heard about you and the Fullmetal Alchemist helping us today, we couldn't believe it! You guys are as good as they say. Thanks for the help." He thanked as he looked at Alphonse.

Edward growled with annoyance. "I'm really not the one you should be thanking..." Alphonse corrected before Edward grabbed his and (Y/n)'s hand and started to drag them away, opposite from where Isaac was being led off to. "C'mon, let's get going... We've got a train to catch."

As the squad of MPs guided Isaac down the alleyway, his eyes looked to the ground, seeing puddles near a storm drain. He smirked as he worked his fingers to take off his glove, revealing he had the same symbol that was on his armor tattooed onto the palm of his hand. He then tipped himself to fall over onto the water and pressed his hand down onto it.

The crackling of alchemy made Edward, Alphonse and (Y/n) look back to see steam fill the entire alleyway, blinding everyone. MPs that were waiting near a car on the street, which was supposed to transport Isaac, ran to look into the alleyway.

Edward coughed as he lowered his arm that he used to shield his eyes. "What is that? Steam?"

(Y/n) ran over through the dispersing steam, seeing the four soldiers were alive but injured and that Isaac was gone - the cuffs that bound him now laid broken on the ground. "He's gone! Damnit, we had him!" He clenched his fists in anger.

========================================================================

"Looks like you underestimate your opponent, Fullmetal." Mustang said with a teasing tone.

(Y/n), Edward and Alphonse had to report back to Mustang's temporary office in central, informing him of Isaac's escape. Another person was there - A Lieutenant standing next to Mustang, Riza Hawkeye. 

Riza usually kept her appearance basic, at least while she was on duty. Her long blonde hair would be tied up and pinned to the back of her head, making it look like she had short hair from the front. Only other thing she had were two piercings, one in either ear lobe.  She usually kept a stern look on while on duty, but from time to time she would show more, mostly only to the ones she knew most like her superior Roy.

Edward was sat down on a couch in the middle of the room, resting his arms on the back with a frown on his lips and an annoyed cocked brow at Mustang. Alphones sat on the other couch that sat opposite of Edward, and (Y/n) stood at attention directly behind the coffee table in the middle of the two brothers.

Aside from the desk Mustang was sitting at, the couches, coffee table and map of Amestris and pinned to the wall behind - the room was empty.

"It was my fault, sir. I should have been more thorough searching him." (Y/n) spoke up.

Mustang pointed at him. "You should have but it's not all your fault." He looked to Edward, resting an arm on the table and leaned in a bit. "If you actually followed the plan and not jumped in when you weren't supposed to, we'd have him in custody. But no, you had to go charging right after him-."

An embarrassed look took over Edward's face before he threw his hands up. "Yeah, yeah! I get it, all right? I'm sorry, 'kay? Whatever."

Mustang tsked with a smirk. "Next time a superior tells you to pay attention, you might just try it." He suggested in a playful condescending tone.

"Fine." Edward muttered. "Who is this guy anyway?"

Mustang rolled his eyes before gesturing to (Y/n). "(Y/n), please remind him since you're the only one who listened."

"Former Major Isaac McDougal. He was a State Alchemist and gained the nickname "Isaac the Freezer."

"Former?" Edward repeated.

(Y/n) continued. "He served in the Ishvalan War..." Both Edward and Alphonse's backs straightened. "During the war he showed no signs that he'd turned traitor. But after the war, he immediately resigned his commission and went into hiding. Multiple reports suggest he's been working with the anti-establishment movement ever since."

"Taking him into custody is a matter of top priority. Whether it's dead or alive - that's up to him." He took over as he stood up and went over to a nearby window, and looked out, seeing the lit up streets down below.

Edward looked away, staring intensely seemingly at nothing. "No way. We aren't killing anyone for you."

"And that's your choice..." Mustang said, getting Edward's attention. "Your orders are simply to help us contain him. That's all." He looked back at Edward, locking eyes, seeing the stern expression on his face. A smirk came to his lips as he hummed. "...Off topic... Have you turned up any leads for getting your bodies back to normal?"

Edward's expression dropped, looking dumbfounded before shooting him an angry glare. "Maybe if you ever gave us time to look!"

The door to the room suddenly slammed open, revealing a black short haired male wearing glasses and a military uniform.

 A big smile filled up most of his face as he spoke with joy. "Roy! How does it go? Heard you let 'em put you in charge of catching the Freezer, huh? One hell of a nasty assignment... But hey, could be your chance to earn that promotion to Central?"

Mustang's eye twitched, already at his limit with the man. 'Here comes the pest...'

(Y/n) saluted the man. "Lieutenant Colonel Hughes, sir."

"Oh, heya (Y/n)! You got dragged in to help with the case I see." He cheerfully greeted before looking to Alphonse and Edward. "Oh, say! Looks like my timing was perfect! You two are the Elric brothers, right?" He asked with excitement before going over and grabbing Alphonse's armored gauntlet and shaking it enthusiastically with both hands, like a child meeting their hero. "Wow, it's an honor to finally meet the youngest State Alchemist ever. (Y/n)'s said so many great things about you and your brother! You're a real legend around here..." Alphonse stared at him nervously, as he continued to shake his hand. "I hope (Y/n) brought me up - I'm Lieutenant Colonel Maes Hughes. A pleasure."

"Umm..." Alphonse awkwardly hummed. Hughes stopped shaking his hand but held onto it. "You want Edward. I'm actually his younger brother Alphonse."

Hughes threw his hands up in the air and looked over at Edward in confusion. "WHAT!? You're the Fullmetal Alchemist? Sorry, (Y/n) never really described how you looked so I had no idea you'd be so-"

A murderous aura came off of Edward as he glared at Hughes, already expecting a comment about his height to come. 'Go on, say "little." I dare you.'

Mustang turned to the fellow Lt. Colonel. "Hughes."

"Yeah?" Hughes casually asked, ignorant of the feelings towards him from both Mustang and Edward.

"What are you doing here?" Mustang asked, knowing he should have headed home by now. "Go home."

"Actually... I'm here on official business." Hughes stated, getting an odd look from Mustang. He looked to the brothers. "You. Elrics... I understand that you two don't have a place to stay, which means you'll have to come with me."

Edward and Alphones joined Mustang and looked at Hughes in confusion as he reached into his jacket with a serious look on his face before whipping out an item that at first startled the brothers, making them yelp with fear.

(Y/n) couldn't help holding back a smile once he saw Hughes was holding a photo of a woman and her child. 'Here we go again.' He happily thought.

Hughes smiled proudly with a pink hue coating his cheeks. "My wife Gracia and my daughter Elicia. We'd love to have you!" He then looked to (Y/n). "You should tag along! It's been awhile since you saw them. You'd be surprised to see how much Elicia's grown since then."

"I'd like to, but I can't. I need to return some train tickets and do a look around for any evidence that could lead to McDougal." (Y/n) politely refused, wishing he didn't as he loved Gracia's cooking.

"You should go." Mustang urged. "You need rest like anyone else. MPs are handling evidence gathering anyway."

"Respectfully, sir, I don't feel comfortable leaving it till tomorrow. Especially considering what happened." (Y/n) said, referring to what he still viewed as his failure - both the objective and death of a soldier.

Mustang sighed, staring at (Y/n) for a moment before speaking. "Alright. But report if you see him. I don't want you going after him on your own. And leave some time so you can get some sleep."

(Y/n) gave him a firm nod before saluting. "Yes, sir."

Everyone looked at (Y/n), hiding their worry as best as they could.

========================================================================

The moment Hughes opened the door to his apartment, Elicia ran out and hugged him while Gracia leaned against the frame, smiling at the sight that warmed her heart.

Hughes couched down and hugged his daughter back with a big smile on his face. "Hi, princess!" He nuzzled his face against hers as she giggled.

"Ow! Daddy, your beard is itchy!" Elicia complained but still a smile remained on her face.

Edward and Alphonse quietly, and awkwardly, watched the loving moment.

"Like this?" Hughes asked before rubbing his face against hers at a different angle. "Itchy! Itchy!" He sang as he did so, getting more laughter out of his daughter.

Soon he gently placed her down and gestured her attention to Edward and Alphonse. "Look! We have guests! These are the Elric brothers."

She raised a finger to her chin as she looked at the two with curiosity. She then pointed at Alphonse. "Big Brother!" Her finger then pointed at Edward. "Little brother!" She assumed based on height.

"URG!" Edward groaned, frustrated that yet again someone assumed Alphonse was the older of the two. He fought back his urge to yell, his brow twitching. "Nice to meet you. My name is Edward Elric..." He pointed at himself with a thumb before pointing at his brother. "This is my younger brother Alphonse Elric..." He made a fist, shaking it as he angrily glared at the little girl. "Get that? Youn-ger bro-ther!" He spelled out to make it clear as day.

"But younger means little. You're little!" Elicia pointed out before Hughes picked her up and walked inside the apartment, making sure to give his wife a peck on the lips as he passed her.

"GRRR!" Edward snapped as steam shot out his nose and his angry filled frown became more predominant.

Alphonse could already tell this was going to escalate so he picked up Edward by the hood of his coat, lifting him off the ground. Filled with rage, Edward flailed his arms and legs around as he yelled. "WHERE DO YOU GET OFF CALLING ME LITTLE?! YOU'RE LOOKING AT ME AND YOU CALL ME LITTLE?! I'M TALLER THAN YOU ARE!"

"Just let it go, Ed." Alphonse urged as he walked into the apartment room while Garcia held the door open, holding in the laughter.

"Hope you boys are hungry. Gracia's cooking is delicious." Hughes said, practically drooling at the thought of the food.

=======================================================================

Once everyone was sat down at the dining table, Edward stared at the meal before him with a dropped jaw and hunger filled eyes. The delicious scent of a perfectly mixed quiche filled the room, its aroma practically begging everyone in the room to eat it. Other food dotted the table such as salad mixed with tomatoes, fresh bread, gravy and drinks.

"Ok, eat up!" Hughes announced to everyone, prompting Garcia, Elicia and Edward to pick up their fork and knife, grab a bit of everything and dig in.

"Thanks!" Edward thanked before wolfing up the food. A few bites in and it felt like his tongue was in heaven as the flavours danced around his tastebuds. "Wow, you weren't kidding! This is great!"

Hughes smiled, happy that Edward enjoyed the meal.

Garcia saw that Edward was already close to eating everything on his plate. "Don't be shy, eat all you want!"

"O-K!" Edwards replied happily before leaning over and filling his plate with more food.

Hughes looked to Alphonse, confused why he was still wearing his armour. "Alphonse, how're you gonna eat wearing that armor? Take it off, relax!"

Alphonse's back straightened as he looked to Edward, who was about to take another bite of a chunk of quiche but stopped midway. His happy expression slipped away as he placed the bit that was on his fork into his mouth.

"W-Well..." Alphonse rubbed his head meekly. "You see, uh..."

Edward gulped down the food he was eating before quickly speaking. "He's not allowed to! He has to wear it all the time! It's uh- It's part of his alchemy training! You know how it is.. " He nervously chuckled. "But I'll eat enough for both of us!"

"Training! Ch-choo!" Elicia suddenly cheered, taking the attention away from Edward and Alphonse.

========================================================================

Central Prison - practically a fortress with its tall standing thick concrete walls that surrounded the U shaped prison that reached even higher than the walls around it. Guards posted on all four corners on the walls along with search lights scanning the area 24/7 made escape practically impossible. But that didn't mean someone couldn't break in.

Pass an opened steel bar covered gate and a frozen solid security guard, Isaac spoke to a prisoner through a vision slit in the heavy metal door.

The cell was isolated, which would suggest the person Isaac was talking to was far more dangerous than others if he couldn't even be locked up with other people.

"Bwahahah!" The prisoner laughed with demented joy. "Hands down, that's got to be the funniest joke I've ever heard in a long, long time. The Freezing Alchemist wants me to come play sidekick. Well, as fun as that sounds - The Crimson Alchemist works alone. I always have"

Isaac could see into the cell, albeit limited. The prisoner sat on a bench, leaning against the cold concrete wall. He wore a dull green prisoner uniform and his hands were bound with a wood and steel block. He had long black hair, it looked surprisingly well kept considering where he is.

"Kimblee. If we work together, we can bring down Bradley and this god-forsaken military! You saw the horrors that took place in Ishval... You were there, dammit! You know the things Bradley ordered us to do, the kind of man he really is! That's why you killed all those officers, isn't it? To send him a message?" Isaac asked.

Kimblee laughed cold-heartedly. "I think you've got me all wrong." He raised his hands and held them open, tilting them as he spoke. It also revealed there was a triangle - in which was a crescent moon - within a circle with writing surrounding it tattooed onto the palm of his hand. The other hand was the same but rather than a triangle it was a circle. "My motives aren't so sophisticated as "revenge" or "honor" or any of that. The reason I killed all of those men... was because I could. It's that simple."

Isaac hummed and smirked. "That's too bad, Kimblee... That truly is too bad." He turned to leave.

"Hey." Kimblee called out, making Isaac stop. "Before you walk off to your demise, mind telling me how that Ishvalan Alchemist is doing?"

Isaac raised a brow. "Why do you care about how that lap dog is doing?"

Kimblee shrugged. "An Ishvalan that can actually fight peaks my interest - let alone him deciding to join the same military that sought to kill off his people." He explained. "Now are you going to tell me or not?"

"Unlike you Kimblee..." He heard him talk and then the sound of the outside jail door squeaking close with a rickety clack. "I don't have time to talk."

As he passed the frozen guard, Isaac gave him a tap on the shoulder, pushing his stiff corpse over, causing him to shatter. "Keep up the good work."

========================================================================

"Here ya go." The man across the counter said as he handed (Y/n) a few dollars.

(Y/n) took them and thanked him before exiting the train station, feeling the cold night's wind brush against his face. He flipped the collar of his jack up to shield him from the cold before stuffing his hands into his pockets and walking towards the area where Isaac escaped.

Rather than taking the long way, he decided to take a short cut. He approached a tall building, took out his hands and clapped them together before pressing them against the ground. He stepped forward onto where the sparks were crackling from and the stone sidewalk started to rise as it pulled more stone around it. He eventually reached the roof top and stepped off before clapping his hands again, touching the stone pillar that stood in the middle of the sidewalk, causing it to go back down and reform back into the way it was, like nothing happened.

He walked, and jumped, across the rooftops, remembering the few notable buildings that were near where Isaac escaped.

"Quite a way to navigate the city." He heard an old voice say, making him swing his head in the direction and see an Ishvalan.

He looked old - the wrinkles and white moustache would do that to anyone. But his build suggested he worked out on a consistent basis, one that no one would dare mess with unless they wanted a bruise covered face. What stood out most about him was the clothing, consisting of a black t-shirt, white robes that only covered his left arm and a black and orange striped sash across his chest, and his skin. The two matched that of a typical Ishvalan eldar.

Regardless of how he looked, it alarmed (Y/n) that a random man on the rooftops in the middle of the night casually greeted him.

"Yeah, I guess it is." (Y/n) replied before pointing down at the building. "Do you live here?"

"No." The man replied. "I live with other Ishvalans elsewhere." The man's closed eyes - at least they looked to be closed or near it - opened a bit, going straight to (Y/n)'s eyes, seeing they were red as his.

"Alright..." (Y/n) said with uneasiness, confused why he was up there with him. "Why are you up here if you don't live here?"

"To check on something." The man said as he walked towards the edge of the rooftop. "And I see that I was right." He stepped back and fell down.

(Y/n) dashed over, thinking the man was mentally unwell and plummeted to his death. But the moment he looked over, he saw nothing. No body, no blood - just a few stray cats enjoying what meal they could get from a nearby dumpster. 'Who the hell was that? Is he working with McDougal?'

On the other side of the building, the man dangled from a window sill. He used his body weight to swing himself to another windowsill before grabbing onto a roof drain pipe and climbing down. With quick steps he walked down the street, leaving the Ishvalan Alchemist alone.

========================================================================

Hughes sat alone on a couch in the living room with a lone lamp on, looking to be deep in thought. The clacking of a door opened brought his attention to see Garcia enter.

"Maes. dear. What's wrong? Can't sleep?" she asked as she made her way over and sat down next to him.

"Guess not." Hughes muttered.

"I know what's in that head of yours. You're worrying about the Elrics, aren't you?" Garcia asked.

Hughes leaned back and rested an arm on the back of the couch. "You do know what they call State Alchemists, right? "the Dogs of the Military" - not exactly the most popular bunch. I try to imagine what that must be like, enduring that with how (Y/n) described them, so pure in heart and idealistic."

Garcia softly smiled at him.

========================================================================

Edward and Alphonse were set up in the Hughes extra bedroom for guests. Edwards laid on the bed with his hair undone, sprawled out on the pillow. Even though there was an extra bed, Alphonse sat against the wall, staring out the nearby window.

"Brother? You awake?" Alphonse asked, keeping his voice quiet so as not to wake him up if was asleep.

Edward was so he turned his head over to his brother. "Miss Gracia's quiche. It looked a lot like Mom's, huh?"

Edward nodded with a soft smile, somewhat remembering how his mother's quiche tasted. "Yeah. Almost as good, too."

Alphonse perked up in surprise. "Really?!" He took out a small black journal and a pen and started writing in it. "In that case I'm definitely adding it to the list of things I'm gonna eat once I get my body back."

Edward's smile grew. "Right! Put it on there! Right near the top!"

Alphonse suddenly stopped writing. "Brother?" He asked in a quiet tone. "I sure would like to get our old bodies back soon."

Edward could hear the yearning Alphonse had for going back to before everything happened. "I know. Me too."

========================================================================

Elsewhere in the city - Isaac finished drawing another symbol, near a bridge that extended over the river. The bright lights of Central could be seen behind some nearby buildings, like a monolith made of concrete.

"One more... One more, and "Fuhrer" Bradley's on his way to hell." Isaac muttered to himself.

========================================================================

(Y/n) did eventually reach where Isaac escaped - the entire area was closed off by the Military Police to prevent any tampering with evidence and keep an eye out in case Isaac came back.

(Y/n) decided to speak with the officer of the unit assigned to guard the area, seeing if they found anything.

"I'm sorry to tell you, Major, but nothing's come up. The only thing we got was his cloak, which we sent to the labs to see if they could get anything off of them, and the handcuffs he broke." The officer reported.

(Y/n) sighed. "Okay. Thank you. Do you mind if I look around, see if there was something missed?"

The officer was about to speak but another voice spoke. "Sir! Sir!" One of the enlisted men came running over and saluted the two. "We just got word that someone broke into Central Prison. The one assigned to guard Kimblee's cell was killed and it matched the way Isaac killed Frederich."

"He broke into Central Prison?!" The officer barked with disbelief.

"What about Kimblee, did he escape?" (Y/n) asked, remembering the name.

"He was still in his cell. Another MP unit got dispatched to investigate the area and question him but he refused to talk to anyone but Major (Y/n)."

(Y/n) looked at the soldier in confusion. 'Why does that psycho want to talk to me?'

========================================================================

Kimblee heard the sound of the metal sheet covering the vision slit open, seeing a set of red eyes looking down at him. A pull on the corner of his mouth showed off a devious smirk. "Well, well, well. It took you long enough."

Just being close to the man made (Y/n) feel uncomfortable. "Let's cut this short. Just tell me why Isaac broke in to see you."

Kimblee raised a hand and wagged a finger. "As an alchemist you know that law of equivalent exchange. I give you information, you give me information. You can't just expect me to give you it out of the kindness of my heart."

(Y/n) rolled his eyes. He'd love to leave the man to rot in his cell but he needed any information he could get. "What do you want?"

Kimblee raised his finger "Just answer my one question. Honestly. I can tell if you're lying." He dropped his arms to rest on his thighs. "Why'd you become a State Alchemist?"

(Y/n) brows furrowed. "Because I wanted to." He answered defensively.

"(Y/n). Like it or not, you have to play my game to get what you want. Give me a real answer or I'm done talking." Kimblee stated. As much as (Y/n) hated it, it was a fact.

(Y/n) stared at the male for a moment, the silence allowed the two to hear nearby investigators talking amongst themselves. Both of (Y/n)'s hands curled into a fist, squeezed tighter. "So I could save people." He answered reluctantly.

"Save people, huh?" Kimblee adjusted himself to sit fully upright, interested to hear more. "Were you in Ishval, watching as people like me cut down your fellow Ishvalan by the dozens?" (Y/n)'s fists clenched harder, the sound of creaking metal came from his automail. "Did the guilt of being a pathetic weak worm who stood by and did nothing push you to-."

"I answered your question." (Y/n) interrupted with gritted teeth, pushing back the anger that was building up inside of him. "Now answer mine."

Kimblee smiled, seeing the rage that burned in (Y/n)'s eyes. He threw up his hands as if surrendering. "Got me there." he dropped his hands. "Isaac offered me freedom if I joined him to help kill our "oh-so glorious Fuhrer." He said sarcastically.

"Why didn't you take the chance to leave?" Was the first thing that popped up and was asked by (Y/n).

Kimblee gestured to the room he was in. "In here I have no enemies, at least ones that won't kill me off as of this moment. And even If I did succeeded in killing Bradley, I'd paint a target on my back and the entire country would be after me... that's not true freedom so I saw no reason to accept his offer."

(Y/n) was disappointed, hoping for a location to investigate, but at least learned something important. "Nothing else? He left after that?"

Kimblee nodded. "Yeah. That means you can run off and continue your investigation. I'll bet Bradley will give you a pat on the head and a treat for being such a productive military dog for him if you catch Isaac."

(Y/n) didn't need to be told twice, so he took his leave. Even if he had more information it wasn't like he'd let it go anytime soon, even with torture or promises.

========================================================================

The next day, at Central Command.

Mustang was walking down the hallway with an entourage of lower ranked commissioned officers following, "We have a confirmed report that McDougal broke into Central Prison last night and plans on assassinating the Fuhrer. He's growing more bold, that means our time is short. Close off all roads, search every square inch of the city. When you find him, shoot on sight... That is an order from the Fuhrer himself."

They all soon reached the main entrance of the building and exited. Mustang reached into the black trench coat's pocket that he was wearing and pulled out a pair of white gloves. On the top of them was a transmutation circle - it consisted of a ball of flame at the top, a lizard looking creature at the bottom, four triangles connected together by the tips, forming a diamond with another triangle in the middle. "But If I find him first... He's mine."

========================================================================

As soon as the order was given out over the radio, the entire area was filled with both infantry and military police. Checkpoints and roadblocks were set up by the MPs, checking every single person who entered and exited the area. The infantry broke up into squads and sent out search parties. They looked through all the cracks and crevices in the area, utilizing dogs to sniff out a scent they got from Isaac's cloak, and searching the rooftops and sewers.

========================================================================

"GET A MEDIC! HURRY!" An MP yelled.

Edward and Alphonse saw the man that needed a medic. Black marks on the wall behind the MP along with the steam coming off of him would suggest some sort of explosion was set off. A few other infantrymen stayed by his side, doing what they could to try and keep him alive.

"Report to headquarters! Five men dead!" Another Infantryman yelled out as he made his way over to a radio operator.

"How awful." Alphonse uttered.

"It looks like a steam explosion." Edward guessed on what he could see. "Raise the temperature of water fast enough, it expands with the force of a bomb blast. And the human body is 70% water." He started to walk off. "Let's hurry, we have to find him before he hurts anyone else."

Alphonse hummed and followed.

========================================================================

Isaac was somewhere else in the city, having just finished his drawing. The sudden cackle and sparks of alchemy emerged from a wall to his right. A second later three spikes emerged, almost impaling him if he hadn't jumped back in time.

"Impressive reflexes, Isaac." A booming well mannered voice complimented from behind the wall. "Few are able to dodge my alchemy so easily!"

"I know that voice! Is that you, Armstrong?!" Isaac asked before another crackle of alchemy was heard coming from behind him. He looked to see a wall was erected and (Y/n) standing on top with his automail shield arm at the ready. His attention was ripped away once a fist punched through the wall from where the spikes emerged from. The fist was covered with a metal plate that had a fairly basic transmutation circle on it and spikes on the knuckle, and the sleeve covering the arm looked to be military uniform.

"INDEED! NONE OTHER!" The voice said before the wall was torn down and smoke kicked up. Isaac felt the ground shake as the man's heavy steps got closer. "It is I! The Strong Arm Alchemist." A tall figure exited the smoke. He was practically bald aside from a small blonde bang on the top of his head and a just as blonde mustache that covered his lips - both being absolutely magnificent to the point they sparkled. The rank on the uniform showed he was a Major. 

"Alex Louis Armstong, in the flesh! I believe you are already acquainted with (Y/n), correct?"

"AH, SHUT IT!" Isaac reeled his arm back and charged forward to place a hand down onto a puddle. The direction he aimed it at would have gone straight towards Alex but a pillar popped out from beside Isaac and hit his arm, forcing the wave of ice to hit against the wall, cutting the spikes Alex made earlier.

Isaac bladed his body in an attempt to keep the two Majors in eyesight. "I've always wanted to chop that ego down to size!" The symbols on his hand glowed and flicked them down either way, sending another, even larger wave of ice towards the two.

Alex stared down the incoming ice wave, not moving an inch. "Except you'll need far more than water to quench my fists!"

========================================================================

The sounds of explosions going off down a nearby alley along with dirt, water, steam and stone flying up into the air caught everyone's attention. Two of them being Alphonse and Edward. Getting a closer look at the flying debris, some of them were shaped stones that looked exactly like Alex.

Nearby infantrymen helped civilians get out of the area while Edward and Alphonse ran to see what the commotion was.

In the alleyway there were faces of Alex from wherever he punched, blocks missing from where (Y/n) sent out attacks and cuts from Isaac's.

"Major!" Alphonse called out, referring to Alex, as he and Edward ran to get to (Y/n)'s side.

Isaac reached into a satchel that was slung on his side, pulled out a military canteen, opened it and threw it at (Y/n). Spark's emitted from it before it exploded into steam, sending out metal fragments. Alphones was just in time as he grabbed (Y/n) by his collar and Edward by his waist and then pulled them into his chest, using his back to cover them from the explosion.

Isaac used the steam to escape as everyone recovered. "Water from his canteen, huh?" Edward pointed out before he and (Y/n) tapped Alphone's chest, a metal clang coming from it. "Thanks for that, Al." (Y/n) thanked.

Alphonse let them go. "Let's go! He's getting away!"

Alex ran up to join the three. "Come then! After me!"

========================================================================

The sun was finished setting as the moon and night sky took over. A tired (Y/n) sat down onto a sidewalk with his feet out onto the empty road. His uniform and face were covered with dirt, reflecting how he felt at the moment.

Edward saw the look of frustration on his face so he spoke up. "Don't worry, (Y/n). We'll catch him."

(Y/n) brought up his legs, resting his arms on his knees and his head forehead on his arms. "It shouldn't take this long. I should have caught him by now but he keeps getting away and killing people."

Alphonse saw the frustration as well. He moved to sit next to (Y/n), the sound of metal tapping the sidewalk was heard. Edward picked up on what Alphonse was doing so he went and took the other spot beside (Y/n). The two moved in to get (Y/n) pressed against their sides.

"So beating yourself up about it is gonna solve everything?" Edward rhetorically asked, getting silence from the Ishvalan.

(Y/n) never knew why but whenever he touched Alphonse's armour or Edwards automail, they never felt cold. There was always a sense of warmth coming off of him. His body relaxed as he lifted his head from his arms, looking up at the stars. "I don't know what else to do..."

"How about we figure it out together?" Alphonse suggested. "It's not like you're alone in this, you know?" A warmth filled (Y/n) tired body.

"Yeah. Mustang dragged us into this too so it's our problem as much as it's yours." Edward jokingly said, making the warmth in (Y/n)'s body grow hotter.

A black government car soon rolled up and stopped in front of them. (Y/n) saw it was Riza driving so he waved to her, getting a wave back. The back door opened so that Roy could step out. "Long day, Major?" He teasingly asked with a smirk.

(Y/n) let out a short chuckle. "Yes it was, sir."

Roy extended his hand out to (Y/n). "It'll be over soon. I've come up with a new plan. But first let's get you cleaned up."

========================================================================

From a rooftop, near the alley he fought in earlier, Isaac stood. He looked down at the street, watching as patrols of infantrymen passed by. His gaze turned to Central Command that sat in the middle of the city, still lit up with white lights.

"It's been a long time, Freezer." Roy's voice came from behind.

Isaac casually looked back, seeing Roy standing there along with nine infantrymen aiming rifles at him. "Well, Roy Mustang." He chuckled. "That Ishvalan lap dog of yours failed you so many times so you decided to come out to play by himself?"

"You can make this easy on both of us. I'd rather not fight an old war buddy." Roy attempted to talk him down.

"War buddy?" Isaac repeated. "Please, don't flatter yourself. I knew no friends in Ishval, only military bastards and their damn dogs like you!"

Roy raised a hand and snapped his finger, sending a rope of flame towards him. Isaac's eyes glowed with how close the flame got before he sent up water with the use of a nearby water valve. The sky filled with smoke, embers, water droplets and steam.

Isaac pressed his hand down onto the pipe again and water started to spray out from all the nearby pipes, getting everyone to look around to see they were surrounded by pipes. With a flick of his hand as he ran away, the water was directed to splash onto Roy, soaking him wet.

Isaac smirked. "When water meets flame, the flame goes out." He used the excess water to form a frozen bridge to the rooftop across. He tapped it just before he jumped off, melting the ice into water to prevent Roy and his men from chasing after him.

He made his way over to where the fight between him, Alex and (Y/n) happened. A worried look came to his face once he saw there was rubble lying on his chalk drawings.

He crouched down and started to move the debris off of it. "Dammit!" Once it was cleared off, he let out a sight of relief, seeing the drawing itself was still intact. "Still there! Perfect!"

"Stop right there!" Edward spoke once he entered the alleyway, facing Isaac's back. "I was wondering what you were doing in this alley, so I came back to check it out - and bingo."

Isaac chucked as he stood, seeing Alphonse blocking off the other side of the alley. "There's nowhere to run this time!"

"Clearly... but who's running?" Isaac ominously asked with a smirk.

He extended his arms out and the symbol glowed red, bathing the area around in the colour as well. The symbol hummed as it chackled, raping up before a lightin-like bolt shot out to the sky. Soon all over the city, every single place where he drew the symbol, red-lighting shot out as well.

========================================================================

Somewhere in the city, an old golden haired and eyed man opened his eyes. A blinding light from above filled the room he was in for a moment before fading away, leaving him in darkness.

========================================================================

Edward, Alphonse and other bystanders looked up, seeing red light and sparks fill the sky, surrounding Control Command. An eerie sense filled the air, like the light itself had a murderous intent.

"An alchemic reaction on this scale..." Edward uttered in disbelief.

"Impossible-" Alphone's cut himself off. "Unless... you don't think he's-?"

"A Philosopher's Stone!" Edward exclaimed.

The red suddenly vanished as a light blue took over and the air around was pulled towards the symbol. The temperature dropped, a chill ran up Edward's back as ice slowly started to take over the alleyway. "He's freezing all the moisture in the air."

"Edward Elric!" Isaac called out. Edward looked to see he was standing in front of the symbol, which was now encased in ice. The symbol itself continues to glow red. "You've sworn your life to the state as a Dog of the Military. But do you really know the ones you serve? Or what their true plans are?"

"Who cares?! It's not my problem!" Edward snapped back.

A desperate look took over Isaac's face. "DON'T BE A FOOL! HE'LL LEAD US ALL TO RUIN! I'M ONLY DOING WHAT NEEDS TO BE DONE!"

"I TOLD YOU! I DON'T CARE!"

Alphonse leapt over the block of ice and dove down towards Isaac. His steel feet slammed against the ground a moment after Isaac pulled back. He charged forward, swinging his fists, only landing a hit once he raised a leg and kicked Isaac out of the alleyway, right past Edward.

Isaac tumbled over before colliding against the railing above the river. He let out a pain filled sigh as he leaned over.

"All right! Nice work, Al!" Edward complimented.

"But we still have to stop his alchemy!" Alphonse pointed out.

"I know." Edward replied as he and Alphonse approached Isaac. "So where is it?! You have a Philosopher's Stone don't you?"

Isaac smirked. "What are you talking about?"

"I won't ask again! Where is it?!" Edward barked.

"And what are you going to do, boy? Isaac asked before his eyes and smiled grew large. "YOU'RE OUT OF YOUR LEAGUE!" The symbol on his hand glowed before he threw them up. The water from the river flew up into the air, sparks emitting from it before turning into ice.

Edward gasped as Isaac shakily stood up, laughing once he grabbed onto the railing before the growing iceberg ripped it off its foundation along with destroying most of the river bank. Edward and Alphonse had to run away or risk getting enveloped by the ice as it slowly started tearing apart the road they were on.

As they ran away, they saw Alex standing in the middle of the road. "STAND BACK! AND PREPARE FOR A DISPLAY OF ARMSTRONG ALCHEMY!" He dramatically raised his arms before pointing them at the oncoming iceberg.

"HE'S ALL YOURS, MAJOR!" Edward yelled as he ran past him.

"Witness the alchemic arts passed down the ARMSTRONG LINE FOR GENERATIONS!" Alex's gauntlets glowed and sparked as he pulled his arms back and struck the iceberg just before it reached him.

The iceberg came to a halt and the spot where Alex punched exploded, sending blocks of ice and sparks everywhere. Isaac seemed to know it would happen as the a second behind where Alex punched suddenly veered off to the right, busting straight through a building. "That's unexpected." Alex uttered with worry.

"WHAT THE HECK ARE YOU DOING?! YOU'RE MAKING IT WORSE!" Edward yelled as he flailed his arms around.

"I was merely-" Alex was cut off as the iceberg tore through a building behind them and headed straight towards Central Command.

Other Ice walls soon appeared and connected to the one they were looking at. "The ice walls!" Alphonse exclaimed.

"They're merging!" Edward finished.

"But.. that would mean..."

"If they all meet in the middle - Ah, dammit! It's Central Command!" Edward realized what was going to happen.

"He's going to freeze it over!" The two exclaimed at the same time.

They soon saw a figure rise up from a stone pillar and land on the iceberg where Isaac was. The shimmering from the red and blue lights reflected off of a metallic object on the left arm. "(Y/n)'s on there!" Edward observed before looking at Alex. "Major! Al and I'll try to help (Y/n) to slow him down! Can you handle the transmutation circles?"

"Consider them erased! I'm on it!"

========================================================================

(Y/n) ran down the ice wall, soon coming face to face with Isaac. "STOP THIS NOW!" He clapped his hand, touched the ice to bring up a wall and smashed it with his automail, sending fragments at Isaac. Isaac sent up a wall of his own but (Y/n) used the shower of fragments to distract him as he closed in before grappling with him, engaging in a fist fight.

(Y/n) was cautious as to avoid letting Isaac touch his skin. It was a risky way to fight him but it prevented him from using alchemy and within moments he could tell hand to hand combat was something he struggled with - clearly relying far too much on his alchemy to fight.

"What the hell is wrong with you?! King Bradley is the reason why your people were murdered! Why are you defending him?!" Isaac asked before getting an automail fist to the stomach, making his knees buckled but was held up as (Y/n) had a hold of his collar.

"You're not just killing Bradley! YOU'RE KILLING THE PEOPLE I CARE ABOUT!" (Y/n) was sent back as Isaac touched the ice, striking him on the side and making him fall off the side.

(Y/n) used his shield arm to hand on before pulling himself up and charging at Isaac again. "You don't get to murder hundreds of people who were tricked to go to war! You have blood on your hands too, so you have no right to be their executioner!" He used his shield to protect himself as Isaac sent an ice spear his way, shattering it.

"Hope you don't mind us joining in, (Y/n)!" Edward said as he flew up to the sky with a stone pillar under his feet. Once he reached over the ice wall, he let go, letting it crumble away before he landed next to (Y/n).

On the ground, with a transmutation circle drawn onto the ground with chalk, Alphonse crouched down and placed both of his hands on it and launched up into the sky, the same as Edwad. His armor clanked together as he slammed down behind Edward and (Y/n).

Isaac crouched down, touching the ice and sent a wave at the three. Both (Y/n) and Edward crouched down and did the same, counteracting Isaac's alchemy. "We can play that game, too!" Edward proclaimed before the wall of ice Isaac was standing on pushed him a way and fell apart - this also caused the ice wall to come to a stop.

Isaac was able to touch a block of ice mid-air, melting it into steaming hot water that rained down onto the three. Alphonse was unaffected, (Y/n) raised his shield to cover himself while Edward got soaked. "ACKACHA GUAH!!!" Thankfully the water cooled down a bit as it had to pass by other blocks of ice, but Edward soon found out it was still hot as he let out unintelligible noise while flailing his arms around.

Isaac used other ice blocks to connect to the ground, using them to form small platforms to run towards Edward with a raised hand.

Alphonse pulled him back while (Y/n) bached him with his shield to hold him back. However Isaac was still close enough so he reached over and grabbed Alphonse by the face of his helmet. "TOO SLOW!" The area he grabbed glowed red with sparks before a cloud of steam fill the air and sent Alphonse back, his helmet falling and clacking against the ice nearby, revealing there was nothing inside the suit of armor.

Edward was still in Alphonse's hold as he tumbled back. "Alphonse!" He called out.

Isaac pulled back and touched the ground, sending a pillar of ice to push (Y/n) back before charging towards Edward, expecting an easy kill. But the headless body of armour kicked up at him, forcing him back.

On the inside of the collar in the armor was a transmutation circle, consisting of manly lines that made up a cross with a half formed upside down S in the middle. Isaac's eyes widened in shock at the sight. "There's no one in there, it's empty!" Edward went over and picked up the helmet. The eyes are no longer glowing. "But that-that could only be true if his soul was bonded to the armor." A realization hit him and he looked to Edward. "So you lost your arm, and your brother lost his entire body." A deranged smile took over his face. "Heh! I see - it all makes sense!" Alphonse took the helmet and placed it on his body, the eyes lit up again. "You fools committed the ultimate taboo!" He got a glare from both Edward and (Y/n). "YOU ATTEMPTED HUMAN TRANSMUTATION, DIDN'T YOU?! ALCHEMY'S ONE AND ONLY UNFORGIVABLE SIN!"

Edward's eyes shrunk with rage, remembering the day they attempted human transmutation.

========================================================================

"AL!!!" Ed cried out both in agony and pain. Only able to see the blood on his small hands and the blue glow of the transmutation circle he was lying near. "DAMMIT! THIS CAN'T BE HAPPENING! NO!" tears streamed down his face. He looked down to see his left leg missing from the thigh down, staining the floor red with his blood. "HE'S GONE! WHAT HAVE I DONE?!"

The transmutation circled died out as Edward crawled over to an armour stand and knocked it over. He grabbed the chest plate and started to draw the transmutation symbol on the inside of the collar with his own blood. "Give him back! He's my brother! JUST GIVE HIM BACK! HE'S MY LITTLE BROTHER! HE'S ALL I HAVE LEFT!" He cried out before slapping his hands together, the sparks and light of alchemy so bright it became blinding.

========================================================================

Edward dropped his head. "You know... There are some lines you really shouldn't cross."

Isaac hummed in confusion before Edward charged at him with a reeled back right fist and delivered a strike into his stomach. Isaac recoiled, causing him to bend over, allowing Edward to slam a double fisted grip onto his head, knocking him down onto the ice.

Isaac looked up at him and touched the ice next to him, sending spikes towards Edward. A quick kick and jump away got Edward out of harm's way. Both Alphonse and (Y/n) charged, breaking the ice together to let Alphonse kick Isace across the face, sending him over the side. He bounded against the ice as he fell down, cracking a few of his ribs.

The three slid down the ice wall and ran over to a now bloodied Isaac lying on the ground. With pain filled groans, he tried to push himself up.

'Give it up. There's no water for you to use here." Edward demanded.

"Heh!" Isaac laughed. "You've forgotten something. I have all the water I need, 70% of my body!" He flinched his wrist, sending frozen blood spears at Edward, impaling him in the shoulder.

"ED!" Alphonse called out as he broke the blood spears and checked on his brother who collapsed to the ground, holding his shoulder in pain.

(Y/n) clapped and touched the ground, trapping Isaac's feet before pinning him down, and then punching him across the face. "WHY CAN'T YOU FOOLS UNDERSTAND?! I'M TRYING TO SAVE THIS COUNTRY!" Isaac yelled out.

The other icewalls soon reached the moat that sat outside Central Command. Ice spilled from the wall and into the water, freezing it, before slowly climbing up the walls. Isaac saw all of this and started to let out a mad laughter. (Y/n) was looking as well, in shock. Isaac used the moment to grab a hold of (Y/n)'s automail arm and cover it with blood before freezing it and using it to smash open the restraints on his feet.

Before (Y/n) could react to restrain him again, a shard of blood ice shot out towards his head. He barely had enough time to tilt his head to the side, the blood ice cutting a gash on the side of his face near his eyebrow. This short window of time allowed Isaac to get up and run away, albeit limping.

A rage filled (Y/n) as he saw Isaac getting away from him, again. He slammed his automail against the ground, breaking the blood ice off and chased after him.

Edward saw this and started to stand up, but Alphonse was too worried, thinking the wound was worse than it looked, and urged him to stay down. "Brother. Brother!"

"Come on..." Edward muttered, grabbing the blood ice shard in his arm and tore it out. "We're going after him. I'm not done... Not even close."

========================================================================

At one of the other ice walls, combat engineers set up satchel charged along three points. Once the wire was connected, the ran back to the set up sand bag position, diving into cover, before the detonator was activated. Three explosions went off, filling the air with thick black smoke.

One of the combat engineers peeked over the cover. "Did we get it?" The smoke cleared, revealing they barely punched a hole into them and it soon got covered with even more ice. "Not again!"

A pair of water field boots marched up from behind the combat engineers. They looked to see a soaking wet - equally pissed off - Roy marching up to the wall and snapping his fingers, sending a flame spear forward, exploding into a raging fire once it collided against the ice wall and quickly heating up the area. "WHAT DO YOU THINK OF MY FLAMES NOW?! YOU BASTARD!"

Riza sighed as she closed a brief case filled with extra pairs of gloves for Roy. "When will he learn... It's bad enough that he's useless on rainy days."

Roy sent more fire at the wall, lighting up the entire area and melting away at the solid wall of ice with ease.

========================================================================

Isaac stumbled down an alley way, having to keep a hand up against the wall to help keep himself up. As he walked forward, a sudden chilling feeling ran up his spine. He looked forward, seeing Bradley standing in the middle of the alleyway, staring him down like a bull. "Bradley!" He calmed his breath before it broke out into laughter. "Ke-heheheh-HAHAHAH! PERFECT!" He held his arm out as a red aura surrounded his body, a blood ice spear morphing into shape in his hand. Insane laughter slipped past his clenched teeth.

His target, the man who forced him to do atrocities, was standing before him, completely helpless.

(Y/n) turned the corner just in time to see Isaac charging at Bradley with a blood spear. He pushed himself to run, clapping his hands before landing on the ground and touching the ground. A blue shock ran down the alleyway, a stone pillar shooting out and collided against Isaac's side, making him stumble and drop his weapon.

What came next something (Y/n) barely comprehended. All he saw was that in a blind of an eye Bradley drew his sword as Isaac fell past him. In that split second, Isaac's body was littered with slash wounds. From his shoulders, arms, stomach, chest, just about everywhere. And just as quickly blood spilled from those wounds, leading to a quick death due to bleeding out. Along with his blood, a small red ball fell out. It just barely tapped against Isaac's hair before it broke apart and fizzled away, like dust in the wind

With how far away he was and how small it was, (Y/n) wasn't able to see it. But Bradley did.

"F-Fuhrer Bradley..." (Y/n) stuttered with confusion.

Questions like "why are you here?" and "why did you kill him?" wanted to be asked but he didn't - he couldn't. The look in Bradley's eyes made him hesitant to ask. He was eventually able to get out one question. "Are you okay, sir?"

Bradley nodded as he sheathed his blade. "All thanks to you. I came out to see if I could lend a hand but he got the drop on me." He thanked before noticing the gash on (Y/n)'s head. "Looks like you got a serious wound there. Let's get you looked at."

========================================================================

Still in his cell - a big toothy smile came to Kimblee's face. "Now that is too bad..." He quoted Isaac's words to him.

========================================================================

Roy eventually reached one of the spots where a transmutation circle was, still encased in ice. He snapped his finger, melting away the ice but it was quickly starting to freeze over again. He looked back at Alex. "MAJOR! GO, NOW!"

Alext flexed his muscles, causing the jacket of his uniform to rip into confetti, revealing his muscle bound chiseled body. "LEAVE IT TO ME! THE ARMSTRONG FIST WILL NOT FAIL!" He slammed a fist into the ground as the transmutation on his gauntlet glowed. The ground in front of him crumbled, like something massive was burrowing below.

The impact soon reached the transmutation circle just as ice started to form on it again, kicking up bricks and breaking up the circle. As a result all the transmutation circles slowly died off, the red glow that filled the sky disappeared.

========================================================================

A light shone down onto the old blonde hair and eyed male as his eyes opened. And just as quickly his eyes closed shut as the light above dimmed until it was nothing but darkness again.

========================================================================

Edward and Aplhonse entered the alleyway, seeing two MP's looking over Isaac's covered corpse while an infantryman armed with a submachine gun stood on guard.

"Fuhrer Bradley. You're here?" Edward asked.

Bradley looked at him with a smile. "Ah, yes... Job well done, Fullmetal. I came out here to see if I could help lend a hand. I almost got run though by him but (Y/n) saved my life. This should make for an exciting story for my son."

Edward's heart dropped and a dreadful feeling filled Alphonse's soul. "Did (Y/n) kill him?" Edward asked, feeling sick to his stomach to even say that.

Bradley shook his head no. "I already had my weapon drawn to defend myself and slashed at him the moment (Y/n) stumbled him. He's keeping true to his promise not to kill, don't you worry." He reassured.

========================================================================

The next day, at Central Command.

A sneeze forced its way out of Roy's nose as he sat at his desk. The moment before Hughes barged in, like he always does. Riza was there as well, holding the door open for the Lt. Colonel.

"Ew, that cold I hear?" Hughes asked, now hesitant to approach him but quickly got over it. "Ah, nevermind." He ran in to stand in front of Roy while Riza closed the door behind him. "From what I'm told, you're the man of the hour!"

Roy waved him off. "Nah, I just helped destroy the transmutation circles. The Fuhrer is the one who actually brought down McDougal."

"Sure. But the Fuhrer's telling everyone it was you and (Y/n)." Hughes explained.

"(Y/n)'s report said he saw the Fuhrer kill Isaac after he tripped him. How did I get involved?" Roy asked.

"He was following your orders. So in a sense your order led to saving the Fuhrer. So congratulations!" Hughes cheered. Roy only offered an annoyed look while Riza looked at him in surprise. "Oh... It's like that, huh? Suit yourself. But some friendly advice - next time a superior tells you to take credit for something you didn't do, you might try it for once." Roy's eyes widened a bit before falling back down into an annoyed look that then shifted into a tired expression - so did Riza's.

========================================================================

In the medical wing of Central Command - Alphonse was speaking to Edward, who was wearing a medical gown and had bandaging across his chest.

"You know, we never did find out whether or not he had a Philosopher's Stone." Alphonse sadly pointed out.

Edward threw up his hands. "No, but maybe it'll say something in (Y/n)'s report."

The door to the room opened, revealing the tall Major Alex with a bouquet of freaks, bright red roses. "Greetings, Edward Elric. When I heard you were here in the hospital-" His eyes suddenly snapped open and his voice boomed. "I DASHED RIGHT OVER!"

The sudden shift of tone startled the two brothers, causing them to shake with fear. Alex placed the bouquet of flowers down onto a nearby table. "And as I suspected, you are in desperate need of my assistance!" He then took off his jacket, revealing his chiseled body. A scream of horror came from the two brothers as they recoiled back. "You need the example of a perfect physical specimen to inspire your recovery!" He flexed his arms, taking up various poses. "You see? You're looking livelier already!"

"WILL YOU GET OUT?!" Edward yelled as Alex let out joyful laughter.

========================================================================

(Y/n) was on the rooftop of the hospital wing. He held an open book in his hand as he drew a circle with a star in it with chalk. 'These Xingese symbols all look similar to others. It's hard to translate.' He lowered the book and looked at the circle. 'The five points of alkahestry must be united with similar items.' He guessed based on his rough translation of the text. 'Maybe I can just do what I always do...'

He got onto his stomach and rested the side of his head that was covered with bandaging onto the middle of the circle before clapping his hands and pressing it onto the transmutation circle. It glowed and sparked for a few seconds before dying down. He felt a warm tingling feeling around his wound.

He sat up and reached over to grab a mirror before lifting the bandaging to take a peek at his wound, seeing it still looked somewhat the same. 'Maybe it just speeds up the natural healing process. I'll have to keep an eye on it to see if that's the case.' He grabbed the book and flipped to the back before filling in a section that read "Tests for Alkahestry."

========================================================================

A beautiful woman, hair black as night, lipstick red as roses and voice smooth as silk spoke into a telephone by the window as the sun set - giving the room a blood red hue. "Ah... I see, so Isaac's dead, is he? That's a shame. I had such high hopes for him, too. But - the Philosopher's Stone?" She hummed as she listened to whoever was on the other line. "Sounds like he over-used it."

The sickening sound of meat ripping and bone cracking could be heard, making the woman pull the phone away to look over to a blob of a human, almost inhumanly fat. A bald head, blank eyes with red dots and lines connecting them from the neck, shoulders and arms was also on his strange looking body - similar to the woman who had the dot and lines but also what looked to be a dragon wrapped around three triangles, which formed a larger triangle, with disconnected wings above tattooed onto the middle of her chest.

"Gluttony - Try to chew quietly. I'm on the phone." She told before resuming her phone call. "Yes, things are going well here in Liore. We'll be ready. It all begins very soon."

Chapter Text

Alchemy - the science of understanding, deconstructing and reconstructing matter. However, it is not an all-powerful art. It is impossible to create something out of nothing. If one wishes to obtain something, something of equal value must be given. This is the Law of Equivalent Exchange, the basis of all alchemy. In accordance with this law, there is a taboo among alchemists. Human transmutation is strictly forbidden. For what could equal the value of a human soul?

========================================================================

In his office - Roy filled out paperwork pertaining to the McDougal case. He soon heard knocking coming from the door. "Come in."

Riza moved to open the door, allowing for (Y/n) to enter and salute Roy. "Lieutenant Colonel, sir." he looked at Riza as she closed the door behind him. "Morning, Riza."

"Morning to you, too." Riza greeted with a soft smile before heading over to the couch and working on a small stack of paper work that sat on the coffee table.

Roy's eyes looked up to (Y/n)'s head, seeing bandaging still covered the wound he got from Isaac. "Is that healing up well?" He pointed with his pen.

(Y/n) smiled "Pretty well, actually. It gave me a chance to test out some Alkahestry and I think it's showing results."

One of the obligations a State Alchemist has is that they focus on a certain subject, usually relating to their alchemy abilities, study it and then give any finding to the state. (Y/n) was studying the use of alkahestry - a form of alchemy that came from the eastern nation near Ishval called Xing - for medical purposes, a subject he was surprised to see very little textbooks on considering it exists just as long as alchemy.

"Were you certain it was going to work or did you guess and do it on yourself?" Roy asked with a bit of worry.

(Y/n) sheepishly smiled. "I was kinda certain it would work."

Roy simply smiled. His eyes looked to (Y/n)'s hand, seeing he was holding a folder. "Is that the rest of the report for the McDougal case?"

"Oh, right." (Y/n) realized he had forgotten why he came in and quickly placed it on his desk, next to some other paperwork. "Yes, sir. It's not very different from my initial report, just added more details."

Roy dropped his pen, grabbed the folder and started to skim through it. It did read pretty much the same but he was bored to tears doing paperwork and needed something to distract him for just a moment.

"Are you and the Elrics heading out to Liore soon now that everything's done?" Riza asked before looking at the paper work she and Roy had to get done. "Well, at least for you."

"I got the tickets last night and we're heading out in a few hours." (Y/n) patted his breast pocket where the tickets were. "Is there anything I can grab for you while I'm there?" He asked.

(Y/n), basically, served as the Elric's military escort, following them wherever they went. So he made it a habit to get gifts from all the places he traveled to.

Roy hummed and lowered the file he was reading. "Liore wine if you can find some."

"Some treats for Hayate. He'd appreciate it." Risa requested, referring to her loyal, well trained, dog.

========================================================================

With the train well on its way to Liore - the Elrics and (Y/n) sat in their booth, impatient to reach their destination.

Edward rested an arm on the window frame, resting his cheek on a closed fist, as he watched the passing countryside.

(Y/n) sat across from him on a bench facing him. His arms were crossed as he leaned against Alphonse with closed eyes, looking to be catching a quick nap.

"Brother..." Alphonse called out, getting his attention. "The stories about this priest in Liore, do you think they're true?"

A doubtful look came to Edward's face. "The one about his "miracles"? They say he can transmute flowers out of thin air, right? Could be just sleight of hand, some cheap trick like that."

"But, what if it's not?"

Edward's eyes shimmered with determination as he smirked. "Right... if it's not then I suppose all that leaves is the real thing, huh?"

========================================================================

Years ago, 1910.

With a missing arm and leg, a 16 year old Edward was seated upon a wheelchair on a green meadow in the countryside. Alphonse was there with him, having helped him get to that spot in the first place - he was sitting behind Edward, looking out at the herd of sheep as they grazed.

Edward had a large book opened on his lap. It was filled with information about the beginnings of alchemy and various other related subjects. "The celestial stone that destroyed the city of Xerxes in one night. The grand elixir, sealed away by the Eastern Sage. It goes by different names, but it's always the same thing - some kind of object that amplifies alchemy. And that's the Philosopher's Stone. If we could just get our hands on it somehow, I might be able to get your body back." In a split second, Edward's expression that was filled with curiosity was replaced with anger and he shook his arm around, shaking the wheelchair as well. "DAMN BOOKS! THEY TELL US EVERYTHING BUT HOW TO FIND IT!"

========================================================================

Edward smiled as that memory flashed in his head. "Al."

"Yeah?"

"I think I have a good feeling about this one."

Alphonse hummed in agreement. "Me too."

Edward retreated back into thought, remembering the events that led up to this point.

========================================================================

In a nice, cozy home on the countryside 10 Years ago, 1904.

"Ed? Al? Where are you?" A long brown haired woman called out as she walked through the halls of the small home, she carried a bowl filled with bright red tomatoes with her.

 She eventually reached a door at the end of the hall and opened it. In what looked to be a private study with a desk, bookshelf crammed full, crates and posters with information on alchemy covering the walls, she saw a 10 year old Edward sitting in the middle of the room with a stick of chalk in hand, he was midway through drawing a transmutation circle. A 9 year old Alphonse laid on his stomach with an open book in hand nearby. Scattered all over the floor were books, all of them relating to alchemy. "Oh, you boys... Are you in here messing up your dad's study again? And Ed, you know better than to scribble on the floor." She gently scolded.

"Yeah but, it's not scribbling. Here, watch!" Edward placed the stick of chalk down and placed his hands down onto the transmutation circle. A flicker of blue shocks emitted from it and bathed the room with a blue hue before quickly dying out.

The woman looked surprised, seeing Edward made a small bird out of the surrounding wood from the floorboard. "Oh, my. That's alchemy, isn't it? She went over, couched down in front of him as she placed the bowl of tomatoes down next to herself. Aplhonse joined in and sat with his legs criss-crossed by Edward. "Did your dad teach you that?"

"How can he teach us anything if he's not here?" Edward asked.

"Right, we read about it in these books." Alphonse explained.

"I can't believe you've done this." The boys took her words as disappointment in them, making their expressions drop along with their heads.

"I'm sorry, did we mess up?" Edward apologized.

"No, no!" The woman reassured with a bright smile, getting a confused look from the two. "It's great! You definitely take after your father. My little geniuses - you make me so proud!" The praise made the two boys smile with joy.

"And that was it - Mom had given us all the encouragement we needed. From that moment, we were obsessed with learning alchemy. But then, in the summer of that same year, an epidemic swept the country. The sickness came, and it took her."

========================================================================

In a graveyard surrounded by green rolling hills with the sun setting over the horizon, the two Elric brothers sat in front of a tombstone. They held their knees up to their chests, dried tears stained their small, sad faces.

The tombstone read "Trisha Elric, 1873 - 1904". There was a bouquet of flowers wrapped in pink paper, filled with local white flowers - Trisha's favorites.

"Hey, brother..." Alphonse quietly said. "I'm hungry, aren't you?" Edward stayed silent as he stared at the flowers. "And it's cold here. Let's go home, please?" He pleaded but still Edward stayed silent. "Once dad comes back, everything'll be-"

"DON'T EVEN TALK ABOUT HIM!" Edward barked with anger. "That bastard doesn't care about us. He's not our dad. He didn't even come for Mom's funeral."

Alphonse let out a sad sigh, focusing forward.

"You know there might be a way we can bring mom back." Edward ominous said, getting a worried look from Alphonse.

"But I thought it said in all the books that using alchemy to make people is something you're not supposed to do, ever."

Edward stood up. "That's right. That's why it'll be our secret."

"I thought I'd find you here." The two looked to see a girl, around Edward's age, standing at the entrance of the gate. Her bright blue eyes looked at the two with pity.

"What do you want, Winry?" Edward asked.

"You know what my Grandma says?" She asked. "She says you shouldn't cry for loved ones who've passed away, because when you do, it makes them feel sad in the next world, too."

Edward got defensive. "We're not crying!" Alphonse let out a silent gasp and looked to his brother. "A-And, who are you to talk, anyway? Every time your parents go away somewhere, you cry like a baby!"

An embarrassed blush coated Winry's cheeks. "I-I do not! I don't!"

"Are you sure, baby?" Edward continued to tease her.

Winry stomped a foot with anger and pouted. "I'm so stupid for worrying about you." She ran off down the road. "I'M GOING HOME TO TELL GRANDMA NOT TO MAKE YOU ANY DINNER!"

"Hey, wat'cha gonna do that for?" Edward asked as he ran after her. "HOLD UP!"

Alphonse joined him. "Y-Yeah! Wait for us!"

========================================================================

Late at night, inside of a home that had a sign out front that read "Pinako Rockbell's Auto Mail Workshop", the three children sat at the dinner table with an elderly woman, who was roughly the same height as them. She had a thick pair of round glasses and hair tied into a pony tail that stuck up behind her head.

"Thanks for dinner!" The three thanked before digging in.

Alphonse took a nearby bottle of milk and drank about half before placing it down onto the table. He lifted a hand to wipe away the milk moustache that was now on his upper lip. The old woman - the owner of the automail workshop named Pinako - looked to Edward and pointed at the milk standing near him. "Come on, Ed. Drink your milk, too." She urged.

"No. I hate milk." Edward whined.

"If you don't drink it you'll stay short forever." Pinako warned

Edward raised himself from his seat with his hands on the table, glaring at her. "Y'MEAN LIKE YOU, YOU SAWED-OFF OLD HAG?!"

Pinako returned the angry glare. "WHAT WAS THAT, YOU LITTLE HALF-PINT MIDGET!"

Winry and Alphonse quietly ate their stew as the two continued to shout at each other.

"SHRUNK DOWN MINI-WITCH!"

"MICRO PEE-WEE!"

"BABY ANT BABY!

"SUB-ATOMIC SHRIMP!

========================================================================

The next day - the bell at the rural school rang, letting everyone know school was done for the day.

Edward, Alphonse and Winry stayed close as they all headed home together.

"You were reading those weird books in the middle of class again. You need to pay attention to the lesions." Winry scolded the two.

Edward stuffed his hands into his pockets. "Leave us alone, will ya'?"

"So - what kind'a books are they anyway?" Winry asked.

"It's a secret." Alphonse informed.

"In other words, it's none'a your damn business, Winry." Edward rudely added.

Wintry pouted. "C'mon. No fair, you guys're always keeping secrets."

Once they reached a bridge, Winry came to a stop while Edward continued forward towards his home. "Bye, Winry!" Alphonse said as he ran to catch up with Edward.

Winry gasped once she remembered something. "Hey! I forgot! Grandma wanted me to tell you she's making stew tonight!" She yelled with her hands to her mouth to amplify her voice.

Alphoinse turned to her with raised arms and a smile. "Yay! Stew!"

Edward kept his face forward but raised a hand to wave goodbye to her. "Right! We'll be there!"

========================================================================

Later at night, at the Elric resident.

The two boys were in their father's show room that was filled with a few collectables like suits of armour - the one Alphonse would use to host his soul standing by as well. They were reading various books they dug out of the book shelf.

"Y'know, whoever invented stew must've been a genius. It's even got milk in it, and it still tastes good!" Edward randomly said.

Alphonse looked up from his book and showed a jokingly interested look. "So that makes it genius?"

"Someone came up with the idea to pour milk into vegetable soup for the first time, right?" Edward asked, sounding like he was going somewhere with it. "That's a leap of imagination - the kind a scientist needs to be able to make, too."

Alphonse's expression shifted into one of deep thought, thinking about what Edward said. "I dunno, I guess that's true..."

"Sure it is!" Edward proclaimed. "Just one leap, that's all it takes! And it's what we need to figure out human transmutation."

"And so, we began searching for the key that would unlock the secrets of human transmutation and bring Mom back to life. A piece of that key came in the form of (Y/n)."

========================================================================

1907.

Winry, Edward and Alphonse sat on the porch of the automail workshop. Edward looked impatient as he tapped a finger and foot against the wood while sitting on the stair steps up to the porch. "Winry, I'm starting to think you just have us sitting here to wait for nothing as payback for something I did."

"Am not!" Winry retorted. "She promised she'd be back today. It's just talking for a while because she had to go all the way to the capital."

Edward rolled his eyes. "Granny has gone to the capital before and it didn't take her this long. She must be in on your joke, too." He stood up and started to walk towards the road. "Come on, Al-" To his surprise, he saw one of the neighbors on their tractor down the road. And getting off if it was Pinako and (Y/n), who was wearing a simple Amestrian style outfit.

Winry and Alphonse ran up to his side, wondering what caused him to pause and then saw why.

Winry stuck a tongue out at Edward and blew raspberries. "See! I was telling the truth!"

========================================================================

Inside of the home, (Y/n) stood nervously next to Pinako as the three stared at him with curiosity. They took note of the missing arm, red eyes and the way he stood, like a soldier standing at attention with his heels together and feet out at an exact angle.

"This is (Y/n). He'll be joining our little dysfunctional family." Pinako introduced before looking at (Y/n) with a reassuring smile and gestured to him to speak up.

"It's nice to meet you." He bowed his head a bit. "Thank you for taking me in."

A moment of awkward silence passed before Pinako groaned. She looked at the three. "Introduce yourselves! He can't read minds."

"At first we were all shy, including (Y/n). We didn't know what to say to him since we were afraid of bothering him or bringing up something that might upset him, like how he lost his arm. But eventually, mostly thanks to Alphonse with how much more friendly he is, we grew together and learned more about (Y/n) and vice versa. A big step forward in our relationship was when we found out he could do alchemy even better than us."

========================================================================

Edward and Alphonse entered one of the neighboring farms. Pinako told the two they'd find (Y/n) there, and that they were to bring him back for dinner.

"Why's (Y/n) here anyway?" Alphonse asked as they walked up to the front door.

"Ever since he got that temporary automail, he's been doing random jobs for granny." Edward explained.

"That's nice of him." Alphonse stated with a smile.

Edward got onto the steps of the stairs and knocked on the door. They waited for a moment before an old woman opened the door. "Hi missus Turner, we're here to get (Y/n)." Alphonse politely greeted.

"Oh, my!" She gasped before looking at the barn that acted as the sort of workshop/ storage building of the place. The lights were still visible through the windows, with random flashes of blue light. "My husband should have told him to head home before it got dark." She pointed to the side entrance. "It should be unlocked. You can go in there and get your friend. You can also give my husband a smack over the head for me."

"Will do, ma'am!" Edward cheerfully said before he and Alphonse made their way over to the barn side door.

"Brother, you're not really gonna hit him, right?" Alphonse asked with worry that he took her request a little too seriously.

"Of course not! Mr. Turner's got a metal plate in his head. It'd hurt me more than him." Edward joked before opening the door, letting Alphonse in first before going in himself.

"You boy are a miracle!" They heard Mr. Turner cheered.

Both of their jaws dropped once they saw why he was cheering.

"Most of Mr. Turner's equipment was hanging on by threads. But with a few sheets of metal, a transmutation circle and a few hours, (Y/n) made it all look brand new."

========================================================================

After a quick dinner, Edward and Alphonse dragged (Y/n) to their house and sat him down in the study to talk. (Y/n) just stayed quiet, not exactly sure what was happening.

"Why did you never tell us you knew how to do alchemy!" Edwards asked with excitement. "We've been going at it for years and we still can't do it at the level you can."

"Yeah, that was awesome!" Alphonse praised as well.

A light blush coated (Y/n)'s cheeks as the two praised him before he answered. "I was just used to never telling anyone. Followers of Ishvala and our elders told us it's taboo to practice alchemy, so I wasn't allowed to talk about or show it to others."

Edward shook his head in confusion. "How'd you learn it then?"

"My mother." (Y/n) replied before his expression showed some frustration. "She said I needed to learn it but I forgot why."

"Because of the amnesia?" Alphonse asked, getting a nod from (Y/n).

(Y/n)'s attention was caught when he saw a book lying on the ground behind Edward. It was opened to a page that warned about human transmutation. He hid it well from the two but his red eyes flooded with dread.

========================================================================

"With (Y/n)'s help, we started to head in the right direction. But since he lost some of his memories, he couldn't teach us everything we needed. So, with (Y/n), we trained with an alchemy teacher, to prepare our bodies as well as our minds."

"It took years of constant effort, but me and Al wanted to see Mom's smile again. We wanted to go back to our lives with her the way they used to be. That's what drove us, day and night."

========================================================================

1910.

On a table in their home, Edward finished drawing a transmutation circle on a large sheet of paper. He finished it off by signing his name in the corner. He rested the pen down with a smile, satisfied with how it came out. "And we're ready."

========================================================================

With the sun setting, it casted a red glow over the Elric's home. An eerie aura came off of the building, so much that even the ravens took interest as they sat on nearby tree branches and waited.

An array of random filled pitchers and bowls sat on the floor in front of him as Edward listed them off. "Water, 35 liters; carbon, 20 kilograms; ammonia, 4 liters; lime, 1.5 kilograms; phosphorus, 800 grams; salt, 250 grams; saltpeter, 100 grams; sulfur, 80 grams; fluorine, 7.5 grams; iron, 5 grams; silicon, 3 grams..."

He then gathered up the ingredients and placed them in a large tub after Alphonse filled it with the 35 liters of water.

"Right. Now the constructional formula..."

The both worked together to copy the transmutation circle Edward drew earlier onto the floor of the show room. Their hands were still - extra cautious to draw with exact measurements.

"And finally..." Both brothers grabbed a knife before heading over to the tub of ingredients that sat in the middle of the transmutation circle "We need some soul data." They slid the blade across the tip of their fingers and let the blood droplets fall onto the pile.

They stepped out of the circle and placed the knives on the ground outside it. They then got on their knees and placed both hands onto the circle's edge. They both smiled at each other. "OK, this is it, Al."

The circle came to life as it glowed, filling the room with a blue hue. Cackles of alchemic electricity shot in random directions before focusing on the tub of ingredients in the middle. The two brothers watched with the tub with hopeful anticipation. But slowly the blue hue shifted to a mix of red and blue. Black smoke started to emit from the circle.

"Ed, something doesn't feel right..." Alphonse uttered with fear but the two kept their hands on the circle. They refused to give up now, not when they were this close to bringing back their mother.

Suddenly a line formed on the floor and a massive grey eye opened that either absorbed or dissolved the tub into thin air. Wiggly blank lines started to rise from random spots in the circle, slowly the ends formed small hands.

"AUGH!" Alphonse cried out in pain as a section of his arm shattered into rectangular shards. The space in his arm and hand looked like there was an entrance way into a black abyss filled with bolts of red lightning. More screams came from him as he pulled away but the small black hands shot out and grabbed onto his arm.

"AL!" Edward called out before screaming out in pain as the same thing happened to him but with his left leg. "NOOO!" He fell down onto the ground, he looked back to see more black hands moved to grab onto his leg and amputated foot. "It can't be! A rebound?!"

"BROTHER!" Alphonse cried as more hands grabbed a hold of him and dragged him towards the middle, tearing away at his body. "ED! HELP! ED!"

"AL!!!" Edward moved forward to grab his hand but a sudden explosion from Alphonse's hand blinded him.

========================================================================

Edward opened his eyes, now standing with his limbs intact. He looked around in confusion to see he was in a white void that seemed endless. Behind him was a tall floating stone gate. It looked like a tree, all the way from the roots, that stretched up to the sun. Every part of it looked named but it was written in an old language, looking similar to something found in an alchemy text book.

"Al?" He called out but it was deafening silence. "Wait... what was I doing? I just-"

"Hello." A sudden, taunting voice startled him. He looked forward to seeing a pure white featureless humanoid figure sitting on the ground with darkness floating around it and showing off some of its body like where their arms, legs and head were.

"Who are you?" Edward asked.

The figure raised its arms up with excitement. "Oh, I am so glad you asked!" Their voice sounded like it was made up of multiple people talking at the same time, made up of old men, young girls and so on. "I am called by many names. I am the world. I am the universe. I am God. I am Truth. I am all. I am one. And I am also-" The figure pointed at Edward. "-You."

The gates opened up behind Edward, revealing there was nothing but darkness inside. The same eye that opened up on the transmutation circle opened inside. Edward turned around to stare directly into the eye.

"You have dared to knock on the door. Now, the door is open."

The door opened wider before a flood of long black arms shot out and grabbed onto Edward as he tried to run away. "AHHHHH!!!" He screamed as he was pulled towards the darkness.

"Quiet, child. This is what you wanted, isn't it?"

Edward gripped onto the door as it slowly moved to close shut, desperate to escape, but whatever it was had a hold of him and they were not letting go.

"I will show you... the truth."

The door slammed shut. Any hands that were sticking out were cut off and dissipated in the air in a second.

Edward screamed at the top of his lungs as he was dragged through a black void. Soon he approached strips that showed off the world, passing by too quickly to focus on it all but select a few he caught like one of his mother, his teacher, his home, the countryside surrounding the countryside and more.

"It was like all of the information in the world was being poured into my brain at once."

"IT'S TOO MUCH! IT'S TOO MUCH! MAKE IT STOP!" Edward begged before being pulled into the middle where all the scenes were coming from, getting brighter as he approached it while his limbs fell apart into strands, like unraveling paper, before vanishing. "WHAT'S HAPPENING TO ME?! STOP IT! MAKE IT STOP! MAKE IT STOP!" The hands started to grab onto his face, rectangular artifact marks started to appear on his skin.

"My head felt like it was about to burst, but for an instant, it all became clear. The truth. of everything."

The white silhouette of his mother appeared before him. He reached out, trying to reach her. "MOM! MOM, PLEASE!" all the hands started to pull on him, preventing him from reaching her.

In the blink of an eye he was back, standing in front of the stone gate that slammed shut, spitting out clouds of dirt that slowly faded away. His hand was still stretched out from when he was reaching for his mother as he let out confused shudders of breath.

"How was it?" The Truth asked.

Edward dropped his arm and looked back at the gate, taking in all its details. "I see... My theory of human transmutation wasn't wrong." He started to approach the towering set of doors. "It can be done. It's possible." He placed both of his hands on the door, feeling the rough stone-cold texture. A smile came to his lips. "It's still just missing something! All of the answers I need are right here! The truth about human transmutation! Please! You have to show it to me again!"

The Truth stood up. "I can't do that." Edward looked back at them in confusion . "I've already shown you all I can for the toll you've paid."

"Toll? What toll?" Edward asked.

"This..." The Truth lifted their leg. Blue shocks emitted from it as the white peeled off in small squares before a human leg took its place. "Surely you knew?"

Edward's left leg fell apart at the same time, filling him with fear before the Truth got face to face with him, now speaking with a visible mouth that constantly smiled. "It's the law of equivalent exchange Right, young alchemist?"

========================================================================

Edward was pulled back into the hellish reality he and his brother brought upon themselves. The excruciating pain racked his entire body. He clamped down on his leg, just above the clean cut wound as it spilled blood onto the floor.

"DAMMIT!" Edward pulled his hand away from his leg and with a bloodied fist, he slammed it down against the floor in frustration. "THIS CAN'T BE HAPPENING! IT CAN'T BE!" He crawled towards the transmutation circle that continued to glow blue and shackle in alchemy, but the shadowy hands and grey eye were gone. "THIS WASN'T- THIS WASN'T SUPPOSED TO-"

He looked over to where he last saw Alphonse but he was gone. His clothing and shoes remained but the boy himself was nowhere to be seen, like he had just vanished out of this reality. "NO!!! HE'S GONE! WHAT HAVE I DONE?!" His arms holding himself up faltered, causing him to fall onto his side. "Somebody help me... Somebody please, Mom. Mom, please-"

The transmutation circle died out. The dust clouds settled onto the worn out chalk. And in front of Edward was a horrifying sight that shook him to his core, leaving him paralyzed. The tub that was in the middle of the circle was off to the side, looking to have been swallowed into the floor while a new object occupied the middle of the room now - a woman. Long hair and skin black as night, eyes red as blood and her limbs contorted beyond imagination. Her ribcage was out for the world to see, each rib as long as an arm.

The dark figure laid on its head, propped up but its own legs and arms that point in random directions. It let out steamy breaths through its sharp teeth. It let out struggling breaths as it attempted to reach towards Edward, a pool of blood spilling from it as it tried. A cough sent more blood onto the floor before its hand dropped and it laid limp.

"No..." Edward whimpered. "This... this is wrong- this isn't- this isn't what we wanted!" He looked back over to see that Alphonse clothes lay unoccupied on the floor. "Al! Alphonse! Alphonse! Alphonse!" He cried out, making a fist, leaving bloodied finger prints on the floor as reality started to set in. "This is all my fault! Alphonse- No!"

Dragging himself to a set of armor decorated with spikes on the forehead and shoulder pauldrons and knocked it over, the helmet clacking against the floor as it fell further away. Edward dragged himself over to the top of the armor - leaving behind a blood trail from his leg as he did so. "No, dammit! You won't take him, too!" With the blood on his finger, he drew the transmutation circle that would bind Alphonse's soul to it on the inside of the collar. "Give him back... He's my brother!"

With the risk of bleeding out, Edward fell back and reached to grab Alphonse's shirt, using it to bandage up his leg. The bandaging only served as a temporary stop gap as blood soon seeped through and pooled on the ground where he sat.

Tears streamed down Edwards face as he begged for his brother back - the only family he had left. "Take my leg! Take my arm! TAKE MY HEART! ANYTHING! YOU CAN HAVE IT! JUST GIVE HIM BACK! HE'S MY LITTLE BROTHER! HE'S ALL I HAVE LEFT!" He slapped his hands together and a blinding blue light filled the room.

========================================================================

Hours Earlier.

(Y/n) was at the local market, having needed to grab some supplies for Pinako. He was currently loading up a trailer connected to one of Mr. Turner's tractors - the old man was more than happy to lend him the vehicle considering everything he's done for him.

The market vendor, a man around his 30s named Herman, was helping load the trailer as well. It was getting to closing time and it was quiet, so he thought why not help the Ishvalan that's been helping anyone he could in the community. "You know." He huffed as he placed another crate onto the trailer before going back inside to grab another, passing by (Y/n) who was carrying one of the heavier crates. "I'd think Pinako would have had Ed and Al pick up this stuff since they were in town earlier."

(Y/n) raised a brow. "They were?"

It wasn't uncommon for him to do most of the work but usually, if they could, Ed and Al would tag along to look at any of the new stuff the vendors got in - suggesting various, outlandish upgrades for his new automail arm - after they helped load up everything. So them not wanting to come with him was odd.

"Yup. They spent quite a bit of time buying a bunch of weird things like limes, iron bits from me, carbon and a bunch of other chemicals." Herman explained before picking up another crate and shrugging. "Maybe it's a chemical cleaner or something like that."

"Chemicals?" (Y/n) repeated before his eyes widened with dread. The book warning about human transmutation flashing in his head along with a memory from years ago of his small hands holding a similar book on the subject.

(Y/n) immediately placed the crate down and looked at the tractor before shaking his head. 'No, the tractor is already too slow. That's not counting all the weight from the supplies.'

Herman noticed the worried expression on his face. "What's wrong?" He asked as he placed down another crate. "Did you drop something on your-"

(Y/n) jumped down from the trailer before running into a full blown sprint towards the Elric's home.

========================================================================

Eventually, while taking in deep breaths and legs aching from running, (Y/n) reached the door of the Elrics home. "HEY! ED! AL! ARE YOU GUYS HERE?!" He yelled as he grabbed the handle and it wouldn't open. He knocked on it heavily, so it was loud enough for anyone inside to hear, before going around the house and peeking through all the windows, trying to see if anyone was inside and if the window was unlocked, allowing him to crawl in. But sadly all of them were locked and still there was no answer from the door. "

"TAKE MY HEART! ANYTHING! YOU CAN HAVE IT! JUST GIVE HIM BACK! HE'S MY LITTLE BROTHER! HE'S ALL I HAVE LEFT!" It was muffled and quiet but (Y/n) was able to hear Edward's cries from inside.

Refusing to wait a moment more, he used his automail arm to break the door knob and bash his way inside. "ED! AL! WHERE ARE YOU!" He called out but soon heard the cackling of alchemy from a nearby door - the door to the showroom.

He yanked the door open and froze once he saw what had happened. The used transmutation circle, the dead mangled monstrosity that vaguely resembled a woman lying in the middle and an armored figure holding a heavily injured Edward to its chest - blood from Edward's missing left leg and right arm spilled onto the armor and onto the floor. It lifted its head, looking at him with small dull glowing pink eyes. "(Y/n)! H-Help, please!" it begged with Alphonse's voice.

========================================================================

At Central Command, 1914.

Hughes was in his office, looking over the McDougal case that was recently brought to his attention. Various notes about his service record, recent activities and use of the mysterious transmutation circle he uses filled the first page that sat on top of the pile that held together with a clipboard.

A knock on the door and and invite inside his officer later, Roy entered.

"Roy!" Hughes cheerfully greeted. "Hey, you're still in Central?"

"For now, anyway." Roy replied in a monotone voice. "They're shipping me back to Eastern Command this afternoon."

Hughes kicked his feet up onto his desk as he leaned further back into his chair. "Well now, aren't you the lucky one? Next time you come here, I expect you to have made Brigadier General. You got that?" He said with a wink and chuckle.

"Easy for you to say." Roy commented, getting a chuckle out of Hughes, as he approached his desk.

Hughes looked at the McDougal files sitting on his desk. "Oh. By the way, if you're leaving, I'll go ahead and give this to you." He stood up and handed him the file.

Roy looked at it. "What is it?"

"Something you might find interesting. The final report on Isaac Mcdougal." Hughes explained. Roy simply blinked as he stared at the file with a small frown. "I'm guessing it hasn't reached your office yet."

"(Y/n) gave me his report but I didn't receive the entire thing." Roy took the file and looked over it, a surprised choke came after. "Xingese Alkahestry? The thing (Y/n)'s working on?"

"Apparently, that's something they have. To be honest, I have no idea but (Y/n) knows a bit about it." Hughes answered honestly. "You don't know it?"

Roy shook his head no before reading more. "I assumed it was for medical purposes, at least that's what (Y/n)'s been using it for. I didn't even know it could be used the way Isaac did."

========================================================================

Having decided to tag along, Hughes walked alongside Roy as they walked out of the train station.

"So, how are the Elrics doing? You keepin' those guys out of trouble?" Hughes asked

"(Y/n)'s in charge of watching over them. I'm just their commanding officer, not their father." Roy replied with annoyance.

That last part caught Hughes' attention. "Hey... tell me somethin', Roy. Why did you decide to make Ed and (Y/n) a State Alchemist anyway? They weren't even old enough to enlist, let alone become State Alchemists when you asked them, practically kids."

Roy kept silent, his focus stayed forward as they walked past a large set of windows where anyone could see the tall walls and towers that surrounded Eastern Command Center.

"I mean, military life isn't easy, you know. Edward is going to have to go through hell someday. You, me and (Y/n) have certainly seen our share."

Roy continued to say nothing as they exited the train station. Hughes stayed by the doors while Roy descended down the stairs. The two exchanged a wave goodbye before parting ways.

'Hell, huh?' Roy thought. 'Both Edward and Alphonse have already seen it... and plenty of it.'

=======================================================================

4 Years Earlier, 1910.

A lone black government car sat in front of the Elric's home. The front door of the home was left open.

Inside - Roy's eyes widened in shock once he came across the blood stained floor that was covered with a transmutation circle.

"Lieutenant Colonel." Riza said as she entered the room. "They're not in back either." She reported before looking down at the floor in confusion. "What is this?

"Where are they?" Roy's voice raised as desperation and anger filled him. "Where are the Elric brothers? I WANT THEM FOUND!"

The sudden outburst even surprised Riza.

========================================================================

A knock at the door got Pinako out of her chair, not before setting the newspaper down onto the table. She walked to the front door while Den - the pet dog of the family that had a automail front left leg - barked with excitement.

"Oh, hush, Den. Don't bark at our guests." She lightly scolded before opening the door. "Yes?"

She saw an angry Roy, and Riza. Roy pushed the door open and walked inside, pushing Pinako aside. Again the sight of Roy so full of rage surprised Riza as she stood and watched her superior make his way inside.

"HEY! WHAT IS THIS?!" Pinako angrily yelled "YOU HAVE NO REASON TO COME BARGING IN HERE!"

Roy ignored her as he made his way further into the home, soon landing eyes on Edward sitting on a wheelchair and Alphonse armored figure standing behind. Edward looked tired - defeated even. With a frown on his lips, he kept his head low and his golden eyes duller than ever.

Edward didn't even bother to lift his head, only looking up as Roy angrily marched up to him, grabbed him by the front of his shirt and lifted him up, getting face to face with the Flame Alchemist. "WE WENT TO YOUR HOUSE! WE SAW THE FLOOR! WHAT WAS THAT?! WHAT DID YOU DO?!"

Edward stared at him for a moment before lowering his head again, letting out shaky breaths that signaled he was holding back tears.

A quick set of shoes clicked against the floor towards Roy. "BACK AWAY FROM HIM!" An automail arm grabbed the arm that was holding Edward. And then the sound of a weapon being drawn was heard.

Roy turned his head, seeing (Y/n). Riza was holding a gun to his head, ready to pull the trigger, but the teenager kept a tight hold of Roy's arm. Roy was about to push him back but he froze once he saw Ishvalan's red eyes.

(Y/n) appearance was dirtier than usual. His shirt and skin had a few spots of oil and the inside of his automail was exposed - the plate to cover it was missing.

Alphonse slowly and gently grabbed (Y/n)'s arm that was holding Roy's. "Please, (Y/n). Let go." (Y/n)'s rage filled eyes kept locked with Roy's for a moment before letting go and dropping his arm. Alphonse then looked to Roy. "We're sorry. We didn't mean it. We're sorry." He sadly muttered over and over, his armor lightning clacking as he shook.

Roy looked up at him in confusion before it changed to one of disbelief. "Wait- are you?"

========================================================================

At the dining room table sat Pinako on one end - an ash tray and her pipe sitting in front of her - and Roy on the other. (Y/n) stood to the side, eyeing Roy with daggers, while Alphonse stood with Edward on the other side.

"This is a surprise, to say the least..." Roy spoke. "I'd heard reports that there were a few brilliant alchemists living in this town, so I came to check them out... The last thing I expected to find was someone this young skilled enough to attempt human transmutation." He looked up to Alphonse. "Or advanced enough to bond a soul to a suit of armor." He then looked at (Y/n). "And an Ishvalan." He directed his attention back to Pinako. "I'd say they are more than qualified to become a State Alchemist. Should they choose to accept the position, they will be required to serve the military in times of national emergency. In return, they'll receive privileges and access to otherwise restricted research materials." He looked to Edward and Alphonse. "Given time, they may be able to find a way to get their bodies back, or even more."

Pinako smacked the ash out of her pipe into the ashtray, the brass end clacking as it struck the wooden block that held the ashtray. "Right after Al and (Y/n) came here with Ed half-dead and covered in blood... I went over to their house to see for myself." A look of disgust took over her face. "What was there... Whatever that thing was, it wasn't human! Alchemy that created that abomination. It nearly killed them! And you want to throw them headlong into it?! Would you really have them go through this kind of hell again? And do you really expect me to believe that the military will accept (Y/n) with open arms when people like you went over there to commit the genocide of him and his people?"

========================================================================

In the living room, Riza was sitting on a couch with her coat sitting beside her, hearing the muttering coming from the closed off room. She was unfocused, not even realizing that Winry was standing next to her, with a tray that held two drinks on it. "Some tea?"

"Yes... thank you." Riza thanked before taking one, feeling the warmth through the cup.

Winry sat down near the end of the couch with a gloomy look on her face, resting the tray on her lap. She stayed quiet for a moment, like she was building up her confidence, before speaking. "Say, um... Lieutenant?" She nervously spoke.

"Just "Riza", please. It's Riza Hawkeye. Nice to meet you." She introduced herself with a warm smile before offering a handshake but Winry refused and averted her gaze. She dropped her hand and the smile fell from her face.

"Lieuteannt Riza." Winry said, choosing to ignore her request of just calling her by her first name. "Have you ever had to shoot anyone?"

A quiet gasp left Riza's lips before turning her gaze away as well. "Yes, I have."

Winry dropped her head, her bangs that sat on either side of her face swayed a bit before settling. "I hate what you soldiers do... Soldiers like you are the reason why my mom and dad left during the war, and soldiers are the reason they're dead. (Y/n) lost his arm, his family, his memories and his home because of soldiers like you. And now you-" Her voice stuttered and shook. "Now you're here to take Ed, Al and (Y/n) away, too...

"If they go, that decision will be theirs, and theirs alone." Winry looked at her in surprise, seeing her keep a stern look forward. "Yes. It's entirely up to them now. Whether to move forward or stay still. It's their choice. They choose their own path."

========================================================================

"I'm not forcing either of you. I'm merely offering you the possibility." Roy reassured the two. "Will you sit in that chair wallowing in self-pity? Or will you stand up and seize the chance the military can give you?" Roy stood up from his seat and took his coat that was sitting on the table before looking at (Y/n). "I understand your distrust for the military but I personally promise you I will make sure you are treated the same as everyone else or they'll answer to me." His attention went back to Edward, who sat still, his expression still the same. "If you believe the possibility exists for getting your bodies back, you should seek it out. Keep moving, whatever it takes. Even if the way ahead lies through a river of mud."

========================================================================

Winry looked down at the lone, now cold cup of tea that sat on her tray. "Miss Riza... Why did you become a soldier?"

Riza lightly sighed. It wasn't out of annoyance but one of relief. "Becuase there's someone I have to protect." The answer made Winry gasp.

The moment the door opened and Roy exited, Riza grabbed her coat and stood up. "We're leaving." He informed.

"Yes, sir."

Winry stared at Riza with a mouth agape as the two put on their black coats and exited the home. With some hesitation Winry followed them, seeing Roy enter a black government vehicle while Riza was about to enter the driver's side. "Miss Riza."

Riza looked back, seeing Winry offering her a handshake while hanging her head in shame, clearly regretting the way she spoke earlier.. "It's Winry." A smile came to her lips and she shook her hand. "Right. Bye, Winry. I hope we meet again someday."

She entered the car, started it and drove down the dirt road. In the rear view mirror they could see Alphonse, (Y/n), Pinako and Winty standing, watching them.

"Will they be coming?" Riza asked.

"They'll come." Roy confidently replied.

Riza thought back to how Edward looked. "That boy. I've never seen anyone so defeated. And I can't image why (Y/n) would join either,"

"That's what you saw?" Roy asked with a smirk. "No... There was fire in those eyes. As for (Y/n)... You put a gun to his head but he stood his ground for Edward. If he's willing to do that, he'll follow him to hell and back."

As they were speaking, Edward was inside alone. The light of life - the determination to fight for a real life worth living - back in his eyes.

========================================================================

1914.

Edward's eyes never left the train's window, watching the scenery pass by as the past repeated in his mind. It was night time now, a dark blueish hue covering the rolling hills and the moon's light bounce of the flowing river.

The familiar sound of soldier hobnailed boots clacking against the floor approached the booth. Edward didn't look, he was far too deep in thought to even notice that (Y/n) was back after needing to use the restroom. Alphonse was the same. Sometimes he'd retreat into his mind and daydream since he couldn't sleep. A dream for some but it was hell for him.

(Y/n) noticed that Alphonse was sitting next to Edward now, leaving him the entire other booth. 'I can't hog him forever.' He jokingly thought before sitting down.

========================================================================

1910.

Edward was sitting on the medical bed used for automail surgery at Rockbell's workshop. The room was a stark contrast to the actual workshop that dealt with building and fixing automail. If you were to walk into it, you'd assumed you'd walked into a city hospital with how clean and up to date it was.

Winry stood by as Pinako's assistant, holding a trey with various surgical tools. Both here and Pinako wore medical gowns consisting of a blue short sleeved overalls and a white apron.

(Y/n) and Alphonse was in the room as well. The two kept mostly quiet as Edward spoke with Pinako.

"You're sure you won't regret this?" Pinako asked, this being about the 4th time now.

Edward hummed. "My mind's made up." He reassured. "How long will the surgery and rehabilitation take?"

"I'd say about three years, more or less." Pinako gave him her best guess.

"Didn't (Y/n) only take a little over a year?" Alphonse brought up.

"That's because he got it when he was 13. A younger body makes it easier to get used to automail since everything is not "set," leaving room to accept something different the body isn't used to. Since Ed is 16, it'll take more time." Pinako explained.

Edward took a deep breath in, his golden eyes shimmering with determination. "I'll do it in one."

Both Winry and Pinako gasped. (Y/n) then spoke up. "Ed, I know you're set on this but it's gonna hurt a lot and there's a lot of risks. You remember when I almost tore my nerves out? I almost bleed to death."

Edward's lips pulled into a frown, remembering that chaotic day. But still he nodded. "I got you to show me the ropes on how to get used to it." He gave a reassuring smile then looked at Alphonse. "Al... just hang in there a little longer, okay? Then we're gonna get you your body back, I promise."

"Right." Alphonse agreed. "And while we're at it, we'll get yours back, too."

========================================================================

1 Year Later, 1911.

At the front of the home, Edward and Alphonse were practicing hand to hand combat. As expected with their different heights, Alphonse always had a longer reach and harder hits but Edward was quick on his feet, darting around as much as he could to get to a weak spot. The two ended their fight once Edward's automail collided against Alphonse's arm, letting out a loud metallic clack.

Edward pulled away and looked at his arm, making a fist. A smile of satisfaction on his face.

"Seems like you're in perfect shape." Alphonse complimented.

"Yeah... Now I need to try some alchemy." Edward said before bringing up both of his hands, looking at them with excitement. "I guess it's been a while since the last time I used it..."

"I know. Not since the night we tried to bring mom back, right?"

Edward slowly inhaled as he readied to clap his hands together. He clapped them together before touching his automail arm, morphing the metal into a knife that extended past his hand. "Yeah, I'd say that's right on the money." Edward said with a proud smile.

Alphonse gushed over it. "No, it's amazing! You didn't even use a transmutation circle! You perform alchemy the same way that Teacher and (Y/n) does!"

Edward looked at him in confusion. "You can do it too, can't you?"

"Me? No. No way!" Alphonse said with certainty, chuckling a bit.

The grey eye, the Truth and the stone gate flashed in Edward's mind. "So you didn't see it, did you?"

"See what?"

Edward looked at the blade on his automail. "Uhh... nevermind- TACHEEE!" A wrench was suddenly thrown and struck his head, knocking him to the ground, leaving a big bump on his head and temporarily dazing him.

"HEY! YOU! DON'T MESS UP MY AUTOMAIL! YOU KNOW HOW HARD WE WORKED ON THAT?!" Winry angrily barked, her fingers digging into the railing of the front porch.

Edward curled up as he held his head in pain. "Hell, if it's half as hard as you throw a wrench I'd be surprised!" He stood up, groaning in pain. "For real... you could try acting more like a girl and less like a gearhead."

A light blush coated her cheeks for just a moment before she turned her nose up at him. "(Y/n) says he likes that I'm a gearhead because it makes it easier to learn how to fix and maintain his own automail! So be like (Y/n) and get used to it! 'Cause, as long as you're wearing my automail and I have the tools to fix it, you're stuck with this gearhead whether you like it or not!"

"Huh?" Edward shot a look of disbelief while, internally, Alphonse was smirking.

========================================================================

Edward and (Y/n) sat alone on a train that was bound for Central City to take their State Alchemist tests.

Ever since Edward learned he doesn't need a transmutation circle anymore, he wondered how someone gains the ability to do that. Maybe you don't gain it and it's with them the moment they were born? It also could be that it comes with years of experience or was it just dumb luck? All of these questions he asked himself and still not able to come to a conclusion. So why not ask (Y/n)?

"(Y/n)." He said to get the Ishvalan's attention. "When did you learn you could do alchemy like Teacher?"

(Y/n) looked at Edward, a bit surprised, before he averted his gaze by looking out the window. "I don't exactly remember. I know it was sometime after our time with Teacher. Probably when I was doing a job for grandma."

"Really?" Edward asked with disappointment. "Did you see a white figure? A big stone gate? Something like that before it happened?"

(Y/n) crossed his arms and furrowed his brows. "Like a ghost?"

Edward rolled his eyes. "No. It looked like a person with no features aside from a mouth. They were pure white." He further explained, hoping for anything at this point.

(Y/n) shook his head no. "I never saw anything like that." The hand that was under one of his arms clenched into a fist, gripping tightly.

========================================================================

At Central Command.

Fuhrer Bradly was walking down the hallway with two subordinates following close. Both of them tried but they were about as nervous as one could be.

"It's unusual for you to observe the examination, sir." One of the subordinates pointed out.

"That's true. But I hear we have two 17 year old boys taking the test and one of them is Ishvalan... I thought I would come and see what all the excitement was about." Bradley replied.

"Sir, we don't mean to overstep by saying this. But are you certain it's a good idea to even consider allowing an Ishvalan to be a State Alchemist? Who knows if he uses that position to try and assassinate you." The other subordinate warned.

"From what I remember, the order I gave out was that full-blooded Ishvalans may not serve. Half-blooded or less are still acceptable." Bradley reminded him. "But the risk does still stand so I will conduct a personal interview with him to see if he meets my standards and is worth the risk."

========================================================================

At the front of a large open room, Bradley stood in front of the flag of Amestria, his two subordinates standing right behind him. There were only 2 participants, that being Edward and (Y/n). The examiners for the test were also there, standing at attention ever since Bradley entered. Lastly a few enlisted and officers were looking down at them from the 2nd story mezzanine, looking to either kill time or to see what the participants had to offer - one of which being Roy Mustang.

Bradley's eyes went straight to Edward and (Y/n), seeing the dull steel color of their automail. Another mental note he made was that (Y/n) stood at attention like all of the other soldiers involved with the test. "Ah..." He hummed with interest. "Would those be steel prosthetics?"

Edward raised his automail and held it with his other hand while looking at it. "Happened during the Eastern Conflict." He lied, not wanting others to know the real reason.

"And you. Did you lose yours during the conflict as well?" Bradley asked (Y/n).

"Yes, sir." (Y/n) quickly replied.

"So you both had a rough time in Ishval, hum?" Bradley hummed.

Edward looked to (Y/n), who was beside him. "Do you know who he is?"

"Fuhrer King Bradley. The guy in charge of everything." (Y/n) explained. It was impossible for him to not know the name of the man who ordered the extermination of the Ishvalan people - his people.

Bradley looked to the examiners and nodded. "Thank you. You may proceed with the examination."

Two of the examiners approached Edward and (Y/n). "Do you need something to draw transmutation circles with?"

"No, that's ok. We've got it." Edward declined before clapping his hands together and touched the ground. A blue ring formed, glowing and sparking as Edward raised his hand while a spear formed from the stone below.

(Y/n) initially did the same. But rather than a spear he decided to make an almost 1 to 1 copy of one of the examiners. He even copied the medals on the uniform.

Roy looked down at them in surprise. "They're not even using transmutation circles."

"My, that's quite something, isn't it?" Bradley complimented while everyone looked with wide eyes and dropped jaws.

Edward stared at Bradly for a moment before charging at him with his spear raised. All of the soldiers drew their weapons while (Y/n) chased after Edward. "ED! WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING?!"

Edward stopped. The tip of the spear just an inch away from Bradley's throat. All of the examiners had their sidearms drawn and pointed at the two, believing they were working together.

"You know, there are some people who would see this as a good way to assassinate a VIP... In the future, you might want to rethink the way you conduct these examinations." Edward advised.

Bradley raised a hand, giving the order for his soldiers to stand down. Edward did the same, raising his spear to rest the shaft's end on the ground.

Bradley chuckled. "And here my guards thought the Ishvalan would be the one trying to kill me. That's good. You clearly have nerves of steel, young man. But, I'd say you still have much to learn about the world."

Edward hummed in confusion and a moment later the tip of his spear fell off, having been cut in half. Edward screamed once he realized Bradly had his sword drawn and didn't even notice he cut his spear. "When did he draw his sword?"

Bradley chuckled as he sheathed his sword. "You put on quite the show, my naive young alchemist." He looked to (Y/n). "As for you, I wish to speak with you after the exam is done." He then started to exit the room. "I wish you both luck."

========================================================================

Alphonse and Winry sat on a grassy hillside that overlooked the road - the same that Edward and (Y/n) traveled down hours ago.

"I wonder if they're doing alright on their exams." Alphonse openly thought, hopeful they would pass.

"Say, Al?" Winry asked.

"Yeah? What is it?"

"If they do become state alchemists, does that mean you'll be going away?" Alphonse could hear the worry in her tone.

"Yeah..." He answered truthfully.

========================================================================

At the Eastern Command Center in East City.

Edward was sitting on a couch in the middle of Roy's office. The room itself was more colorful than a normal office in central that mostly consisted of greys. His office had shiny brown wood and leather. Green trim for the walls, floor mat and desk mat as well.

Roy placed a box on the table. With a purple cloth, a silver pocket watch sat in it. Its designs had the dragon from the flag of Amestris with multiple lines going through it, forming a sort of angular cross with wreaths going from the bottom to about the middle of the watch's face. "This silver pocket watch will serve as proof of your state certification." He then pulled out an envelope and opened it, reading its contents. "This envelope contains your certificate of appointment." He chuckled. "And it would seem our Fuhrer is not without a certain sense of irony.

"Why's that?" Edward asked as he propped a leg onto his other.

"Nothing." Roy dismissed the topic before continuing. "Congratulations. You've just officially become a Dog of the Military." He pulled out the certificate and placed it on the table, prompting Edward to read it.

Edward got up, grabbed it and sat back down. "By order of Fuhrer King Bradley, this document certifies that Edward Elric has been appointed to the post of State Alchemist, and that is he hereby granted the title of "Fullmetal". He cocked a brow and looked over to see an amused Roy. "Fullmetal?"

"That's right. Along with their commission, State Alchemists also receive a code name. Officially, you will now be known as.... "The Fullmetal Alchemist".

A devious satisfied smile came to Edwards face. "I like that. It's nice and intimidating. I think that'll suit me just fine."

A missing familiar figure brought him out of his trance. "Hey, where's (Y/n)? I know he should have passed, he's better at alchemy than me."

Roy leaned back into his seat. "The Fuhrer himself is discussing matters with him. If he failed or passed might depend on how he answers whatever questions he has for him.

========================================================================

(Y/n) stood before Bradley in a random, empty office within the Eastern Command Center. The two were alone as the Fuhrer's bodyguard stood at attention outside.

"I hope you understand why I needed to have a talk with you." Bradley spoke. His arms rested on the table and his fingers intertwined.

"Possible complications involving the fact I'm Ishvalan. " (Y/n) answered, a bit dumbed down.

Bradley nodded. "Tell me, did you ever think about assassinating me? Either the moment you saw me enter the room or after you became a State Alchemist?"

(Y/n) stared at the man silently. His red eyes taking in the weathered but tough face that ordered his people's death. A rage built up in his body but it was akin to a controlled fire - a fire necessary for the whole to continue to thrive and live. "I've thought about it even before coming here."

Bradley hummed. "And what's stopping you?"

"Killing you isn't going to solve anything. It won't bring back all the Ishvalans you ordered to be killed. Even if I did managed to kill you, your followers would take over. They could easily use the fact that since an Ishvalan assassinated you, it's justified to kill off every Ishvalan that's still alive. I don't even know what would happen to the people I care about so I stopped thinking about ending your life years ago." (Y/n) truthfully and honestly answered, not holding back at any point.

Unexpectedly for (Y/n), Bradley smiled. "I like the way you think. You thought it out to the end. You didn't charge head first into a fight you barely understood like your friend tried." He rose from his seat and went over to (Y/n), standing a meter away from him. "I also noticed you stand quite a lot like a soldier. I assume one of your parents was a part of the occupation force?"

"Yes, sir. My father."

"That's good because you'll need whatever training and information they gave you."

(Y/n) didn't show it but he was confused by his statement. "I'll need it?"

"If you wish to become a State Alchemist... you must join the military." Bradley placed a hand on his shoulder. "Lieutenant Colonel Mustang will be your guide since he was the one who requested for you to be allowed to take the exam. I'll also make sure to tell him I expect you to pass anything thrown at you with flying colours." (Y/n) stayed quiet, seemingly having already accepted the cards life has dealt him at this point. "I take your lack of objections that you agree to the terms?"

(Y/n) let out a quick huff, the last he'll ever get out in front of Bradley. "Yes, sir."

========================================================================

1914.

Alphonse nudged Edward, waking him up. "He, wake up. We're almost here."

(Y/n) helped wake him by tapping Edward's automail leg with his boot, letting out a light clicking noise.

Edward slowly opened his eyes, seeing the towering cathedral that sat in the middle of the city. The sun was rising from behind the nearby mountain range, letting him see the building in most of its details, even with how far away they were. "So that's Liore." He commented before thinking. 'Could it really be there? The key to finally getting Al his body back.' He smirked. "The Philosopher's Stone!"

========================================================================

Drabble - Don't Get Too Cocky.

At the front of the Automail Shop, Edward and Alphonse stood together while (Y/n) stood across from them with a board made from random bits of metal and wood he whipped together with alchemy minutes ago. Both Edward and (Y/n) had sweat coming from their foreheads and wherever else skin was exposed due to the long time they've been training and the sun that was above cooking their already hot bodies.

On the board were some pages from a combat manual - some military surplus he was able to find from the markets.

Edward sighed as his shoulders slouched. "How are we supposed to remember all of this? Fights happen on the fly, it's not like I can think about all this stuff in the middle of one."

"My father taught me by knocking me on my ass over and over. And if I have to, I'll do the same to you." He pointed to the two. He was about to resume the lesson but Edward started chuckling. "Ed, please-"

"You got your butt kicked over and over and you want to tell us how to fight? How about I fight you and If I win, we will learn the way I want to." He proposed with a cocky smirk.

(Y/n) believed it was time to put Edward in his place. "Fine." He walked over to an open space and gestured for Edward to come at him. "Let's get this over with so we can get back to the lessons."

Edward was raring to go but Alphonse held him back. "Brother, I really think we should listen to (Y/n). He's given us a few pretty good tips." He argued but Edward wasn't having any of it.

"Relax, Al. You've seen my moves, I got this." He reassured before charging towards (Y/n).

"That's the issue." (Y/n) stepped to the side, grabbed Edward by his arm once he got close enough, and threw him over onto his back with a thud, kicking up some dirt as well. "I know your moves too and if your enemy does as well, you need to change it up."

Edward shook his head before pushing himself up. "That was just a lucky one!" He charged forward again but rather goes right into to attack, he did a side step to fake out (Y/n)

Too bad for him that rather than a punch towards where Edward's face used to be, he just leaned down and grabbed him by his torso before pushing him to the ground. Edward was about to push him off but (Y/n) straddled his chest, pinning his arms with both his legs and arms.

"The face isn't the only thing people aim for. The stomach, chest and back are valid if there is nothing else to hit and your enemy is vulnerable, got that?" He asked.

A blush crept across Edwards cheeks. The sweat on (Y/n)'s body gave him a shine and caused the muscle shirt he usually wore when working on anything in the workshop clung to his torso perfectly, showing off his pecs he got from lifting and carrying parts and supplies constantly. A warm feeling started to fill his chest.

"Ed, are you listening?" (Y/n) called out but all Edward did was stare at him.

"You're hot." Edward blurted out before the blush got darker on his face. "I-I MEAN YOU ARE HOT BECAUSE THE HEAT- THE SUN IS MAKING YOU HOT- GAHHH! NO! I MEAN-"

Alphonse looked on, his body posture making him look worried as he sheepishly reached out for Edward. "I think you broke him, (Y/n),"

Chapter Text

In Liore - from loudspeakers that covered the cathedral and radios all across tone, the voice of what sounded to be a sort of preacher. "God's children, who live upon this land, pray in faith and ye shall be saved. Those who have lost their way the Sun God Leto shall shine his light upon the..."

Edward, Alphonse and (Y/n) were also listening to the local broadcast while they sat and ate at a food stall - aside from Alphonse who sat between the two while they ate and drank.

The old vendor gave Edward and Alphonse an odd look. "So... do street performers usually get a military bodyguard?"

(Y/n) had to hang his head down to hide the smirk on his face.

"PFFFFTTTTT" Edward spat out while he angrily glared at the man before setting the drink down with a clack. "Seriously?! Do we look like street performers to you?!"

The man shrugged. "Well, yeah. S'why I asked."

The answer obviously further angered Edward. But he calmed down and got off his seat. "Let's go."

(Y/n) got up and then Alphonse. But with how tall he was, his helmet struck the sight above that hung over the market stall, knocking over and breaking the radio. The vendor leaned over the counter top and barked. "HEY! EASY! I didn't mean nothin' by it!"

Edward offered a reassuring smile. "Sorry! Accident! We'll fix it!"

The man clutched his own head, looking at Edward with doubt. "How's that? It's smashed ta' hell."

(Y/n) reached into a pouch that sat on the back of his belt and handed a chalk stick to Alphonse, who then crouched down and started to draw a transmutation circle. "Watch and learn, gramps."

A crowd started to gather around, watching as Alphonse placed the broken radio in the middle of the now finished transmutation circle. "Okay. Here it goes." Alphonse stood up and rested a hand on top of the other one.

People gasped in shock, fear and surprise once the circle glowed and a spark emitted. A moment after the blinding light faded, before everyone sat the radio in perfect condition.

"All good now, sir?" (Y/n) asked.

The vendor looked to Alphonse in awe. "Amazing! It's a miracle. You've been touched by the Sun God, just like Father Cornello!"

Edward's shoulders slouched, showing a "you have to be kidding me" look. "Touched by who now?"

"It' not a miracle. It's alchemy." Alphonse explained.

"Oh, so you guys are alchemists. Right, I've heard'a them." A random member of the crowd spoke up.

Edward puffed out his chest and crossed his arms as a proud smile covered his face. "Then maybe you've heard of us! We're the Elric Brothers!" Alphonse joined in as he puffed out his chest as well, placing his hand on his waist. "And that's (Y/n)."

(Y/n) didn't really expect anyone to recognize his name. Usually only soldiers did with a handful of exceptions. Not that it bothered him much.

"The Elric Brothers you say?" The old vendor hummed with a raised brow.

Other members of the crowd started to speak up. "Wait- I do know that name."

"The "Fullmetal Alchemist". Edward Elric, is that right?"

"Wow, so you're the young prodigy they tell all the stories about?"

"Well of course he is! Just look at that armor!"

"That must be how he got the name "Fullmetal."

Edward was so busy smiling with closed eyes, enjoying what he thought was attention towards himself, that he didn't notice they were all talking about Alphonse, even crowding around him while he tried to explain he wasn't the Fullmetal Alchemist... yet again. "No, um. It's not me..."

The crowd fell silent before looking over at Edward, who was frozen in spot still smiling all cocky like, seemingly refusing to believe this was happening again. "What? You mean it's the little guy there?"

Edward broke out into a rampage as he tossed around food and drinks, forcing the crowd to either duck for cover or seek it. Even a few cats and dogs got caught up in it. "WHO'S LITTLE?! COME HERE AND SAY THAT TO MY FACE, I DARE YA!"

========================================================================

After calming down, Edward looked to the radio as the broadcast countries. "So... what's with this guy on the radio?"

Those who remained and the vendor cowered in fear, forcing out an answer with stuttering. "Th-That's our leader Father Cornello."

"We were lost until he came to town and began teaching us all the ways of the Sun God Leto."

"He grants eternal life to the souls of the faithful."

"He can even resurrect the dead! His miracles are proof that what he says is true!"

"So this guy's claiming he can bring the dead back to life?" Edward asked with suspicion. "Now that's something I gotta see."

========================================================================

The Elrics and (Y/n) traveled to the cathedral and saw that there was a celebration going on. Hundreds of people cheering, clapping and whistling with joy filled the empty area in front of the steps leading into the large building.

At the top of the steps to the cathedral a tall large man sat in a throne that had the visage of the Sun God Leto. This was Father Cornello. He was dressed in robes, wore a crown with three sikes, a long beard that separated into two and he held onto a staff with the image of the sun on it as well as another sun in the background. Cornello waved to the crowd with a smile. There were also, what seemed to be, members of his religious group standing by in white uniforms holding up long sticks from which white banners fluttered in the wind along with glowing petals of roses that fell from the sky above the man sitting on the throne.

Cornello had a large chin and wore black robes with a strip of white cloth thrown over the shoulders and either end resting on his large stomach. He was an older looking man, the wrinkles, grey hair on his eyebrows and eyes that barely opened would at least suggest that. It was rather tame, mild even, aside from a silver ring on his left middle finger that had a bright red stone attached.

He reached out and grabbed a falling glowing rose before placing it onto the palm of his other hand, showing it to the audience, making them fall silent. He covered it with his other hand and brought it up to his lips before a red blow emitted from between the gaps of his fingers. He raised his hand and a blinding light emitted and once it dissipated, two large, gem like roses appeared on a shining metal stand in front of him and another above the visage of the Sun God. They even had golden-like balls inside to resemble the stamen.

The crowd roared with cheers, applause and praise.

Edward, who needed to stand on a luggage bag to see over the crowd, watched on, having to use his hand to shield his eyes from the sun above to see what was going on. "So that's it, huh? What do you think?

"There's nothing to think about. That's alchemy. No doubt about it." Alphonse replied.

"But somehow he's ignoring the law of equivalent exchange. He can't take something that small and expand it to that level." (Y/n) pointed out.

"And he's changing organic matter into inorganic matter. He shouldn't be able to do that, unless..." Alphonse added.

"Yeah, there's just one way." Edward caught sight of a shimmering red object in the man's ring. "Bingo."

========================================================================

After the celebration, inside of the church - a lone woman prayed with her fingers interlocked at the altar that sat in front of a large statue of the Sun God.

She wore a white dress and had two wrist rings on her left arm. The length of her hair was long and black while the bangs that rested on her forehead were a dull red

"O, merciful God... Please, hear me. Hear my prayer, I beg of you. Please bring him back-" Her prayer was cut short.

"Huh... So this is the almighty Leto?" She looked back to see Edward and Alphonse standing in the middle of the aisle, between rows of empty pews. Their military bodyguard was absent at the moment, doing his own looking around in the cathedral.

The woman stood up and went up to them. "Welcome. Are you interested in Letoism?"

"Nope, can't say I am - not really the "religious" type." Edward declined.

The woman looked sad but hopeful. "Well, I'm sorry to hear that. To know God is... to know hope. If we believe in divine grace then through him all things are possible. If you believe - I'm sure Leto would bless you and make you grow taller!" Her words, believe it or not, were sincere.

Regardless of its sincerity, it angered Edward. He was about to march up to her but Alphonse held him back. "WHAT'S THAT SUPPOSED TO MEAN?!"

"Easy, brother. She's just trying to help." Alphonse reassured, successfully calming him down.

Edward sat down on a nearby pew, throwing a leg on top of the other. "What about bringing the dead back to life? Do you believe that's possible, too?" He asked dismissively.

The woman smiled. "Yes."

Edward rested his arms on the back of the pew, lowering his head as he let out a sigh, before reaching into his jacket pocket and pulling out a dull brown notebook with the corners reinforced with steel. A few pieces of paper stuck out, acting as bookmarks. He opened the book and held the page down with his pinky. ""Water, 35 liters; carbon, 20 kilograms; ammonia, 4 liters; lime, 1.5 kilograms; phosphorus, 800 grams; salt, 250 grams; saltpeter, 100 grams; and various other trace elements."

The woman stared at Edward with dotted eyes, confused about what he was going on about. "Uh?"

He closed the journal and placed it back into his pocket. "That list represents the complete chemical make-up of the human body for the average adult. It's been calculated to the last microgram, but still there's never been one reported case of successfully creating a human life." His brows furrowed with anger. "And you're telling me something modern science can't do, you can do with prayer?!"

"Lift thy voice to God... and the prayers of the faithful shall be answered!" She retorted with a line from the scripture she believed in.

Edward threw his arms behind his head and leaned back. "Did I mention, all those ingredients I read off. Down at the market, a kid could buy every one of them for the spare change in his pocket. As it turns out, humans are pretty cheap."

The woman shook her head adamantly, glaring at Edward's smug smile. "No, that's blasphemy! People are-" Her voice shook and Edward leaned forward, now resting his arms on his thighs. "We're all children of God created in his image!"

Edward lightly chuckled. "Hehe. You have to understand, alchemists are scientists. We don't believe in unprovable concepts like creators or gods." He looked up to see the woman pouting with brows down. "We observe the physical laws that govern this world to try and learn the truth." His gaze shifted up a bit at the statue of Leto. "It's ironic, really. That through the application of science, we have in many ways been given the power to play god ourselves..."

"So you're putting yourself on the same level as God?" The woman asked in disbelief, feeling disrespected even having heard him say that. "That's just- sheer arrogance!"

"You know, there's an old myth - about a hero who flew on wings made of wax. He thought he could touch the sun, but he got too close, his wings melted, and he came crashing down to earth. Right al?" Edward asked before jumping up to his feet.

Alphonse could tell Edwards was talking about what they did - trying to play god by bringing their mom back. "Brother..." He quietly uttered.

"I'm sorry, miss. This is difficult for me to ask, but do you think your Father Cornello could even save an arrogant scientist like me?" Edward asked as he bowed with an arm to his chest towards her.

The sudden change of heart brought joy to the woman. She clasped her hands together. "Of course! That's wonderful! If anyone can lead you to the creator's light, he can!"

========================================================================

At the top of the cathedral, in the personal room for Father Cornello, one of his followers entered the room and addressed him. "Father Cornello, there are visitors here who wish to see you. Two men, one of them wearing a suit of armor. They would only give their names as "the Elric brothers."

Cornello waved him off. "I can't be bothered now, Cray. Just send them away." A realization hit. "Wait, "the Elrics?" He held his large chin in thought. "You're sure that's what they said. You're positive?"

"Yes, Father. That's what they called themselves, no mistake."

Cornello brought a hand to his forehead, holding it in frustration. "Damn, then this is a problem. Edward Elric, the Fullmetal Alchemist, has come to call on us."

"That's him? The man in the armor?" Cray asked.

Cornello hummed. "Dressing the part, it would seem."

"But why would a State Alchemist be here in Liore? Surely they can't have found out about our plans."

Cornello lowered his hand and looked out the nearby window that overlooked the city center. "It's possible this dog's nose is too sharp for his own good."

========================================================================

(Y/n) was wandering down a random hallway within the cathedral. He was thinking to himself that maybe it wasn't the greatest idea to spill off from Edward and Alphonse because now he was lost.

"HEY! YOU!" He heard from behind, seeing one of Cornello's followers. "This is a restricted area! You can't be here."

"Bring me to Cornello. I'm lost." (Y/n) simply replied honestly. He was too frustrated with the maze-like layout of the building to waste a second more in it while trying to keep up a cover story to find the Father - something dumb like he was the building inspector.

The follower angrily glared at him. "Did you not hear me?! You are trespassing! Leave!"

(Y/n) rolled his eyes and let out a sigh. "This is military business. Either you bring me to him or I make you."

The follower shoved (Y/n), making him take a step back. "Father Cornello only answers to who he deems worthy! Leav-"

Having patiently waited to be assaulted so that he could retaliate - (Y/n) grabbed the man by the collar of his shirt and threw him against the wall. This left the man dazed and the wall now having a few more cracks in it. There was also the sound of something metallic hitting the floor. (Y/n) looked towards the sound while keeping the man pinned against the wall, seeing a handgun lying there.

The man looked at the gun as well, his eyes widening in shock. Him and (Y/n) locked eyes for a moment, letting the man get an up-close look at the rage burning in his red eyes.

========================================================================

"This way, please. Father Cornello is a busy man, as you imagine. But you're in luck. He's decided to spare a moment for you." Cray said as he led Edward, Alphonse and the red tipped hair woman.

They approached a large set of doors and the guard stationed there opened it up for them, allowing them to enter before the two guards standing inside closed it.

The room they entered looked like a large storage area, a section that hasn't seen any changes in the last decade with how weathered and old the bricks on the walls and the floor looked. Also the room lacked any electrical lighting - relying entirely on torches on the walls to keep the place lit with a yellow-orange glow. Another area of the room was cast in pitch black darkness, which was behind a large steel gate.

"Yeah, thanks" Edward thanked. "We understand. We won't take too much of his time."

"Good, then it's agreed. We'll make this quick." Cray reached into his coat and pulled out a revolver, pointing it at Alphonse's head.

Edward was trapped in place as the two guards posted at the door moved to keep him in place with their quarter-staves.

The woman looked around in fearful confusion. "Brother Cray, what is this? What do you think you're doing?"

"Rose, these heathens have come to ensnare and discredit the Father. They're evil. This is God's will!" Cray tried to explain through lies but Rose still protested.

"Brother Cray..."

"Well, like you said. Let's make him quick!" Edward elbowed one of the guards and used his leg to topple him over. With the other one, he grabbed him by the front of his robes and arm before throwing him over his shoulder onto the ground.

Cray looked on for a mere moment before Alponse delivered a nose breaking punch into his face. This knocked him out and caused him to drop the gun which slid towards Rose's feet. She recoiled back, watching as Edward kicked a quarter staff up into his hand and threw it at the guard who was trying to flee, making him fall over and knock his head against the floor, knocking him out.

"Oh yeah! Strike!" Edward cheered as he pumped his arm.

"What's this commotion?" They looked to see it was Father Cornello. He descended down a parade staircase before ending up on the middle platform that overlooked the three, resting a cane against the railing. A smile laced with deception sat on his face. "Welcome to the home of our sacred order."

"Father Cornello!" Rose eagerly greeted.

"I must apologize for my disciples' behavior. It would seem they've been misguided..." Cornello apologized.

Edward was reluctant to accept it. "Okay, let's say I believe you weren't the one guiding them. What next?"

"Have you come to learn the ways of Leto?" Cornello asked with a smile.

"Well, there are a few things I'm curious about... Like how you've been using second rate alchemy to deceive your followers." Edward's accusation made Rose gasp in shock.

"My dear man, I don't know what you mean. What your doubting eyes see as alchemy are the miracles of the Sun God Leto." Cornello dismissed before clamping his hands together, a red shimmer escaping through the gaps. He raised his hand, revealing a small state of Leto. "Look again. Could mere alchemy create something from nothing in this way?"

Edward rolled his eyes once he saw Rose look at Cornello with star filled eyes. "Yeah, that's what I didn't get at first..." He raised a hand to scratch his head in exaggerated confusion. "How can you perform transmutations that ignore the law of equivalent exchange?"

Cornello's grey brows furrowed in anger, smelling the statue down onto the railing in front of him. "As I said, because it isn't alchemy!"

"But then I started thinking about it. If you'd somehow managed to acquire a certain object to amplify your alchemy, one that's said to make the impossible possible." Edward dropped his hand, his eyes focused on Conrello. "That would explain everything."

"What?"

"I'm talking about the Philosopher's Stone." Edward's eye focused on the red stone on Cornello's ring. "Your ring. That's it, isn't it? I've been looking for that."

"The ring is just a ring." Cornello retorted. "I am God's humble servant. It is from He alone that I derive my power!"

Rose's expression dropped. Cornello's charade was starting to show its cracks.

"Still tryin' to sell that line, huh?" Edward asked as he started to walk towards the parade staircase Cornello was on, with a grimace on his face. "If that's the way you want to play it, I guess I'll have to come up there and beat some truth out of you."

Cornello shook his head in disappointment. "My, you really are quite the incorrigible heathen, aren't you?" He asked insultingly. "Rose, dear."

Rose looked at Cornello fearfully, desperate for some sort of guidance or resolve to this. "Y-Yes, Father...?"

A wicked smile stretched across Cornello's face. "That gun there beside you. Pick it up."

There was hesitation in Rose's voice. "Uh... O-Okay." She leaned over and picked up the revolver by her feet.

"Now child, I want you to shoot the Fullmetal Alchemist." Cornello ordered.

Both Edward and Alphonse directed their attention to her, seeing the look of dread on her face. "N-No, I- Father, I can't do that!"

"I am the Sun God's chosen emissary! MY WORD is the word of Leto himself!" Cornello declared before raising a single eye, staring at Rose, instilling more fear into her heart. "Shoot him Rose. It's God's will." With a shaking hand she brought the gun up holding it with both hands, but still refused to point it at Edward.

"Why hesitate? When you lost your fiancé to that tragic accident last year..." Cornello's words invoked a reaction out of Rose. "...who was it that saved you from the very depths of despair?" He twisted his hand palm up towards her. "Have you forgotten?"

Rose whimpered as her grip around the weapon tightened. "It was you, Father..."

"That's right! It was I who took your hand and led you into God's light! And do you recall what it was I promised you then?"

"YOU SAID IF I HAD FAITH, YOU'D BRING HIM BACK TO LIFE!" She lifted her weapon and took aim at Alphonse.

Alphonse threw his hands up, realizing the two mistook him for the Fullmetal Alchemist. "NO, WAIT! IT'S NOT ME! HONEST!"

She lowered her gun and looked over to Edward in confusion, seeing him flailing his arms and legs around as he yelled. "DAMMIT, I'M THE FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST! IT'S NOT HIM! IT'S ME!"

Cornello recoiled back in shock. "It's the short one?! YOU'RE KIDDING!" The sudden sounds of men yelling and thuds came from the door behind the three. "What is Leto's name going on out there?!"

========================================================================

Minutes Earlier.

(Y/n) held the follower that attacked him by his wrist and shoulder, forcing him to walk forward down the hall. (Y/n) gave him a shove as his feet stumbled, forcing him to keep moving. "Quit dragging your feet."

They soon turned the corner, seeing two guards standing on either side of a door. The two guards looked over, seeing their fellow member was being held in place. "Brother, Troy?"

The man in (Y/n)'s grasp raised a shaking hand and pointed it at the door. "T-This is it. Father Cornello should be in that room meeting with the Elrics."

The two guards readied their staves as they marched up to the two. "Brother Troy, why is this soldier holding onto you?"

"I-" The man looked to the guards with pleading eyes, realizing now they outnumbered (Y/n), giving them a fighting chance. "HE'S AFTER FATHER CORNELLO! STRIKE HIM DOWN-" A quick punch to the back of the head knocked him out, his body dropping to the floor.

The two guards changed their stance, legs set further apart with their staves pointed at (Y/n) as he clapped his hands and used alchemy to morph a shield onto his automail.

========================================================================

"I'm sorry, but I have to do this. I don't have any choice." Rose apologized, on the verge of crying.

"He's been lying to you, Rose." Edward tried to explain.

"You're wrong!" Rose cried. "I've seen his miracles! Father Cornello will bring him back to life. I have faith!"

"Fine." Edward locked eyes with her. "Then shoot."

Rose whimpered as she brought the gun close. Just as she was going to fire, the door slammed open, startling her which caused her finger to pull the trigger unintentionally. (Y/n) entered the room, the unconscious bodies of the two guards seen lying on the floor behind him. The gunshot echoed through the room as Alphonse fell over, his helmet having been shot off.

The horror of what Rose did set in as she looked on in shock. Breathless - a dull look took over her eyes as she let the gun slip out of her hands before bringing them to hold onto her face as she screamed. "OOHAAAAAAAHHHHHA!"

"AL!" Edward called out.

Cornello looked to (Y/n) with a raised brow. "A soldier has come to attempt to corrupt my flock as well? No matter. Rose, you have done God a great service but you still have more to do. Now pick up the gun and shoot them as well."

"Haven't you made her do enough already?" Alphonse asked as Edward went over and picked up his helmet. He pumped his legs to help himself get up.

Cornello's eyes widened in shock. "UH-AHUH?!"

Rose looked at Alphonse in confusion. "But... your head! I thought you were-!" (Y/n) went over and picked up the revolver, stuffing it into his jacket to make sure Rose didn't have access to it.

"Don't worry 'bout it. He's pretty solid." Edward reassured as he knocked against Alphonse's chest plate.

"Yeah, see? No harm done." Alphonse also reassured as he bent over and let her see that the inside of the armor was empty. Edward handed him his helmet, which he took and put on.

Rose took small steps back before her back hit the wall, terror gripping onto her like a mad man.

"An empty suit of armor that walks and speaks?!" Cornello exclaimed. "Do you still doubt it, Rose? This unholy thing is an abomination!" He walked back away from the railing towards the wall behind him, reaching for a level that sat on the wall. "Evil of this kind must be purged!" He pushed the lever down.

The sound of clacking gears came from the steel gate as it rose. A growling came along with two pairs of red glowing eyes. The sound and eyes got larger as it approached the four, revealing it to be creatures that had the upper half of a lion, lower half of some sort of bird with a thick tail that swished around. The area around the eyes had rectangular residual markings, showing the creature was made from alchemy.

A cocky smirk came to Cornello's face. "And I believe my chimera should be up to the task."

(Y/n) used his arm to gently push Rose back, away from where the fight was about to happen. "Alphonse. Could you watch her?" He asked, getting a nod from him.

Edward stuffed his hands into his pockets, casually looking at the creatures. "So this is the sort of thing you do with the Philosopher's Stone. That's just twisted." Anyway, looks like I'll need a weapon." He took his hands out of his pockets before clapping his hands and touching the floor. A small ring of alchemy formed and glowed, slowly spitting out a spear for Edward to grab.

Cornello recoiled in shock. "No transmutation circle! So the State Alchemist title isn't just for show. You truly are gifted... However-!" He made a fist, signaling for the chimeras to attack.

One of the chimera charged at Edward, swinging its powerful arm toward him with its claws extended. Edward angled his spear to block the attack but the chimera's claws sliced through them with ease, cutting up the legging of his pants, exposing a bit of his automail leg.

(Y/n) went on the offensive, charging in to get on the chimera's side. He slipped through the flurry of attacks sent his way but the sight of its tail swinging towards him made him raise his arm-shield to take the hit. The impact sent him back, the hobnails in his boots scraping against the ground.

"YOUR LITTLE SPEAR IS NO MATCH FOR CHIMERA CLAWS THAT TEAR THROUGH IRON!" Cornello boasted.

Edward chuckled. "You shredded my pants!" The chimera's claws suddenly fell off, looking to have been sliced off. With his automail leg, Edward delivered a kick to its face, sending it back. "But I guess those claws don't do so well against steel."

"BITE THEM, YOU STUPID BEASTS!" Cornello barked.

The two chimeras leapt forward with their maws open, their sharp teeth ready to tear the two limb from limb.

(Y/n) used alchemy to summon a stone pillar, making it shoot out and strike the chimera in the chest mid-leap. At the same time he ran up it as it formed and jumped before falling and slamming his shield down onto the creature's head, rendering it unconscious.

The chimera that attacked Edward clapped down onto his arm, attempting to dig its teeth and claws into him, but failing. "You like that, kitty?" He asked as he held the creature back. "Go on. Get a good taste!" He kicked up, striking the chimera in the head and sending it back before it collided against the ground with thud and whimper.

Cornello stared in anger, his mouth agape, once he saw Edward's automail arm beneath his shredded red jacket sleeve. "Your arm! A brother trapped in armor!" A malicious grin came to his lips. "I see... It's all becoming clear now." Edward threw off his jacket, red bits of shredded cloth filling the air around him. "You did it, didn't you? The one thing even the most novice alchemist knows is strictly forbidden!"

Rose covered her mouth in shock, eyes wide as plates.

Edward glared at Cornello. "Why don't you come down here and try me? I'll show you real quick who the novice is!"

"Rose..." Cornello pointed towards the Elrics. "This is the price of their sin! These fools attempted human transmutation - the greatest taboo for any alchemist! In their arrogance, they tried to bring someone dead back to life!"

"He thought he could touch the sun, but when he got too close, his wings melted and he came crashing back down to earth."

Rose now realized what Edward said to her before was about himself and Alphonse. Her mind replayed his words. "Oh no...:

"This is what happens when you try to play "God," or whatever you want to call it... Take a good look, Rose. Is this what you want?" Edward asked - a warning from him to her.

Cornello chuckled. "So this is the great Fullmetal Alchemist, Edward Elric - Not even half a man!"

"And what're you?!" Edward angrily asked. "You're just a phony that can't do anything without a Philosopher's Stone!"

"Father, we just want you to hand over the stone before you get hurt." Alponse said, trying to reason with him.

But (Y/n) knew this man was beyond that. The power and popularity had gone to his head. "Cornello, I am ordering you to hand that stone over. Your power fantasy's over."

"Don't be absurd!" Cornello laughed. "Why?! So you can use it for yourselves?!" He grabbed the cane that was resting against the railing and rested the end on the palm of his hand. The ring started to glow, emitting a red light and sparks. "Please... If you fools are really so eager to play God, then perhaps I should send you to meet him instead!" His simple cane morphed into a shoulder mounted automatic gatling gun, complete with ammunition.

The weapon spit out lead, impacting against the grown, kicking up dirt and smoke, before reaching where the two stood. Through the smoke Cornello saw the sparks of alchemy. He looked on, waiting for the dust to clear to see if he had hit his mark.

"Nah..." Edward said from behind a quickly made stone wall that was covered with bullet impacts. "Me and god, we don't get along too well. Even if I went, he'd probably just send me right back here."

Now that a gatling gun was in play, Alphonse decided it was time to get Rose out of here before a stray round caught her. He picked her up and started running to the exit. Cornello aimed at Alphonse and opened fire, but thankfully Alphonse's back was toward him, all the rounds bouncing off his armor.

(Y/n) drew the revolver from his jacket, peeked around the cover Edward made. He took in a quick deep breath as he steadied his aim, bracing the weapon with both hands and resting against the stone wall, and fired. The shot struck the gatling gun, damaging the feeding mechanism which jammed the weapon.

"Father Cornello!" A few of Cornello's followers, armed with firearms and staves, arrived and blocked the entrance. Alphonse slid to a stop before slamming the door shut with such force it jammed closed but also sent one of the followers back against the wall before sliding down unconscious.

"Uh, A little help!" Alphonse called to the two for assistance.

"This way!" Edward clapped his hands together as he ran to the wall that was further down the wall and touched it, making a door.

Outside in the hallway, all of the followers looked to the newly formed door in confusion. One of them walked up to it. At the same moment, Edward pushed the door open, hitting the man standing nearby. The three made their escape down the hallway before Cornello exited out into the hallway through the newly made door, seeing his followers standing there in confusion. "WELL, DON'T JUST STAND THERE! AFTER THEM! THESE HEATHENS SEEK TO HARM THE ORDER! THEY MUST BE STOPPED!"

The three took a turn, seeing there were six armed men blocking the path. Most of them were smirking. "That's far enough."

"What are you gonna do? You're out gunned and out manned."

"Look, just come quietly. We don't wanna have to rough you up."

"Hehahahah!" A big smile stretched across Edward's face as he started to laugh. He clapped his hands and touched his arm, morphing it into a giant, jagged scythe.

"UUUHHHWWWWAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHH!!!" The group screamed in fear.

Around the corner more followers stood, watching as their fellow members got tossed out with bruises on their face onto the floor. "They're not going easy on us so don't go easy on them!" The leader of the group said before Alphonse rounded the corner and kicked him in the face, getting him out of the way, leaving the others in complete shock.

Those who were - barely - conscious were able to hear as Edward continued to laugh as he, Alphonse with Rose in tow and (Y/n) made their escape.

========================================================================

The three decided to split up, having come up with a plan to expose Cornello for the fraud he is to the entire city. (Y/n) went with Edward while Alphonse stayed with Rose in the belfry.

"What do you think of Cornello now, Rose?" Alphonsed asked as he placed the large bell - that used to hang in the belfry - onto the ground. A ring let out for a moment before he placed the bell down flat against the floor of the balcony Rose was standing on. "He just opened fire. He didn't care that you were in the way." He pointed out as he started to draw a transmutation circle with the bell in the middle.

"But... that's because-" Rose tried to think of any sort of explanation but couldn't. She looked away. "What he said back there, is true, isn't it?"

Alphonse paused. "We're not evil. All we wanted was to see our mom's smile again." The mangled corpse and Edward's mutilated body as a result of their attempt to bring their mother back flashed in his head. "But our transmutation failed... What we made wasn't even human." A silent gasp left Rose's lips. "We learned our mistake the hard way. People don't come back from the dead... Not ever."

"That's not true... I mean-"

"Alchemy is based on the law of equivalent exchange. The price of even a failed human transmutation was enormous. It cost my brother his left leg." Alphonse removed his helmet. "And it cost me my whole body." Rose saw the transmutation circle in Alponse's armor. "Do you see it? My brother drew that with his own blood. His leg had been taken. He was bleeding. I can't imagine the pain he was in. But through all that, he still gave up his right arm to transmute my soul, and bonded me to this suit of armor." He placed his helmet back onto his body before continuing to draw the transmutation circle around the bell. "Now, I just want to help him get his body back to the way it was. He wants to find a way to get me back to normal, too." Sadness took over Rose's face as her head hung low. "It won't be easy. We might even get killed along the way. But that's the path we chose... All we can do is keep moving."

"But... Father Cornello said-." Rose choked. "He said he could do it. He promised me. Just because you and your brother failed, that doesn't mean-" Tears started to stream down her cheeks. "I DOESN'T MEAN HE WILL!"

========================================================================

Cornello looked around frantically for the three, checking every room, corner and secret passages that dotted that cathedral. His followers were doing the same elsewhere, leaving him all alone.

He passed by a door but heard something hit the floor from inside. He cautiously approached it, keeping his cane close to use it as a club. He pressed his ear against the door, trying to hear what was on the other side. A moment passed before he heard something thud. He pushed the door open and readied his cane... only to see no one was there. "Huh?" He spotted a hole in the wall - tall enough for someone to walk through - and a few loose sitting bricks near the edges, just above where two bricks sat on the floor. His eyes widened once he saw the rectangular residual marks of alchemy on them and around the hole.

"Don't move or yell." He heard (Y/n) say behind him, also feeling the gun barrel of the revolver he picked up earlier press into his back.

"Wait a minute!" (Y/n) grabbed the back of his collar, pulling him out into the hallway and forcing him to walk. "I think we can make a deal-" He felt the gun get pressed deeper into his back.

"Shut up. I've heard enough from you today already." (Y/n) pushed him down the hallway towards an open door. He then shoved Cornello inside. "He's all yours, Ed." He said as he entered the room, placed the revolver into his jacket and closed the door behind him

Cornello looked forward to seeing a smiling Edward casually sitting on his desk where he would do his live broadcasts. "You infernal brat!"

"Look, can we just cut the crap and talk here?" Edward asked. "All I want are some straight answers about the Stone. Tell me what I need to know and I'll be on my way... or I let (Y/n) haul you off to Central for "enhanced interrogation tactics."

Cornello groaned before turning his nose up at Edward, a large pout was on his just as large head as well. "How can I trust that he doesn't just arrest me afterwards?"

"Soldiers don't get paid a lot but State Alchemists do. And I'm a State Alchemist who doesn't want the government knowing what I do. You understand, right?" Edward ominously asked.

'Even one person thinking I take bribes pisses me off to no end...' (Y/n) thought.

Cornello gestured for Edward to continue. "Ask your questions."

"You could do anything with the Philosopher's Stone, right? So why waste all that power performing phony "miracles?" Edward asked.

Cornello smiled, showing off his teeth. "Because with each miracle, I can attract new believers to the order, believers who would lay down their lives for my sake. I'm slowly building an army! A legion of holy warriors unafraid to die!" Edward rested his chin on the fist of his automail, looking at the man like he was a drunkard. "In a few more years, I'll be ready to unleash this mindless horde upon the world! And I'll use the Philosopher's Stone to tear this country apart. Who knows? I might even carve you out a slice for you! He-hahahaha!"

Edward leaned back with one arm while holding his stomach with the other, letting out childish laughter. Cornello suddenly stopped. "Wait, what are you laughing about?"

"I knew it. You really are a novice, aren't you?" Edward asked before bringing up a switch that showed it was flicked on.

Cornello looked back to see (Y/n) standing there with a microphone pointed at him. "I haven't, and will never, take a bribe in my life." (Y/n) clarified into the microphone.

Cornello's eyes blew open and his jaw dropped, sweat now pouring down his face.

========================================================================

Cornello's voice echoed through the loudspeakers and radios all over town. "YOU DON'T MEAN THAT-!" the sudden spike in sound startled the birds resting on the rooftops nearby, making them fly away.

One of the sources that helped amplify his voice was the speaker Alphonse had built out of the bell he was resting on his shoulder, pointing out to the city. "There were never any miracles, Rose. He lied to you. He lied to everyone." Alphonse looked to Rose, seeing the defeated look on her face as she now knew for certain Cornello was a fraud.

"WHY YOU! HOW LONG?! HOW LONG HAS THAT BEEN ON?!"

His most devout followers in the cathedral all had worried looks on their face, knowing the jig was up. Everyone else in the city was either shocked, saddened or mad as hell. Even the dogs and cats looked surprised.

"From the start." Edward answered. "You're "believers" heard every word.

"HOW COULD YOU?!"

========================================================================

"YOU'LL PAY DEARLY FOR THIS!" Cornello raised his cane, getting ready to transmute it. It was cut short as (Y/n) hit him over the head with the microphone. The gatling gun he was trying to make now only half competed.

Edward hopped off the table. "Just face it. You're outclassed here."

Cornello backed up into the corner of the room, glaring daggers at the two as his rage boiled over. "I AM WITHOUT RIVAL!" He grabbed the incomplete weapon with the hand that had the ring. The light and sparks emitted was far more intense than before, like he was charging the weapon or a powerful blast.

An explosion went off but rather than it being sent towards Edward and (Y/n), it back fired on Cornello. He looked down at his arm to see the incomplete gatling gun morphed into his hand. He could feel metal rods cutting him from the inside as he moved his arm, making him yell in pain.

"It-It's a rebound!" Edward exclaimed.

Cornello held onto his arm, more red sparks emitting from his grip. "NO! I WON'T BE DIGRACED LIKE THIS!" The room then suddenly turned red as more red sparks emitted from him, his eyes glowing red as well. "Now, behold..." His clothing ripped as his body grew, his skin, muscles and bone stretched beyond their limits. "...the chosen emissary of the Sun God Leto!"

========================================================================

An explosion was heard in the chapel. The wall near the statue of Leto bursts open with Edward and (Y/n) fighting off a massive Cornello.

His chest was the size of a car, his arms the length of an artillery gun coated in metal and eyes pitch black with red iris. A few marks around his body showed artifacting of alchemy, mostly near his now thick neck that supported his massive head.

Edward and (Y/n) jumped back as Cornello reeled his arm back. He launched his fist, leaving the two only a moment to get out of the way as it caved in the floor, trapping his hand. The two were too focused on the one arm that they didn't see Cornello swung with his other arm, colliding against the two. Edward and (Y/n) put all their strength to keep the massive fist back from crushing them.

"MY WORD IS THE DIVINE WORD OF GOD HIMSELF! MY FIST IS THE ALMIGHT FIST OF JUDGMENT!" Cornello roared with conviction.

"Oh yeah? The fist of god, huh?" Edward groaned.

He and (Y/n) were soon able to push the arm back before running off. Edward went around Cornello on his left while (Y/n) took the right. "Well if that's what you want, you can have it!"

Edward ran up to the statue as he clapped his hands before touching it. Alchemy sparked through it before reaching the hand that was holding the staff. Cornello's eyes widened as the stone hand shot out towards him and collided against his back.

Now forced to look forward as Edward's alchemy sent him forward, he saw another fist coming toward him - it having been made by (Yn). "OUGHAAAAAAAAAH!" He screamed before the fists collided with him in the middle, sending dust and debris all over the room.

Once the dust settled, a red spark emitted from the two fists and a small hole opened. Cornello pushed himself out onto the debris covered floor, holding onto his arm in pain.

Edward ran up to (Y/n), fist bumping his chest while getting a nod from the soldier, and joined him to approach Cornello. Edward grabbed Cornello by his head and lifted him up so he could head butt him, causing the fraud of a father to cry in pain. "SHUT UP! Just give me the Philosopher's Stone!" Edward let go, ready to throw a punch but the stone fell out of Cornello's ring. It faded into a dull red before hitting the ground, cracking and fell apart into a fine dust that blew away.

Both Edward and (Y/n) stared where it was a moment ago in shock. "What the hell? The stone... It's supposed to be perfect material!" Edward looked to Cornello. "How did it just break like that?!"

Cornello raised his hands in surrender. "I-I don't know! I don't know anything about it! Spare me! Please! I-I was wrong! Please! I beg you!"

Edward sighed as he stood up. "It's a damn fake."

"Please don't. I'm helpless without the stone. Spare me please!"

"You mean, we went through all this... risked our lives just for this one possible chance..." Edward felt his soul leave his body. "...and it was a fake."

Cornello nervously laughed. "So, uh... What about me?"

(Y/n) clapped his hand then touched the ground. Blue sparks traveled to where Cornello sat before the stone rose and trapped his torso to the floor. "You're under arrest. I'll send someone down here to collect you."

"B-BUT I'M OLD AND POWERLESS! YOU CAN'T DO THIS TO ME! YOU KNOW WHAT THEY DO TO PEOPLE LIKE ME IN PRISON!" Cornello cried but by that point Edward and (Y/n) were already walking out.

========================================================================

Alphonse grouped up with Edward and (Y/n) at the front of the chapel. The setting sun casted an orange glow onto them.

"And what about the Stone?" Alphonse asked, hoping for some good news on that front.

"A phony. Just like him." Edward answered.

Alphonse hummed sadly. "Oh..."

Edward made a fist and tapped Alphonse's chest. "I'm sorry, Al. For a while there, I thought we'd really found a way to get your body back."

"GIVE ME THE PHILOSOPHER'S STONE!" They looked to see Rose pointed a gun at him, more than likely having taken it off of one of the unconscious followers.

"Rose..." Alphonse said with surprise.

Edward spoke up. "Like I was just saying... It was a fake. It wasn't real. And besides, it's shattered now..."

"LIAR!" Rose barked. "You want to keep it for yourself, don't you?! So you can use it on your bodies... that's right! And so you can try to bring your mother back again!"

Edward's eyes widened with rage. "YOU SHUT UP! People don't come back from the dead, Rose. Not ever..." His face scrunched up as he bared his teeth. "Not ever..."

Rose collapsed to her knees. "But he promised me..." She dropped the gun. "He said if I prayed, it would happen. A miracle..." She cried as the three started to approach her. "That hope was all I had left! What am I supposed to believe in now?! Tell me what to do, please..."

Edward and Aplonse walked past her but stopped. (Y/n) stopped right in front of her, before crouching down to pick up the gun, putting on the safety.

"I can't tell you that. You have to figure it out. Stand up and walk... Keep moving forward. You've got two good legs. So use them. You're strong enough to make your own path." Edward encouraged before he and Alphonse continued to walk away.

(Y/n) rested the gun on the ground before taking out the revolver that was in his jacket and placed it down next to it. Rose watched with tear filled eyes as he clapped his hands together before touching the two guns. Before her eyes they started to morph together, eventually taking the shape of a small bouquet of roses, with the brass casings being used as flower pedals. "I wish you the best, Rose." He stood up and made his way over to the two Elrics.

========================================================================

The front of the cathedral was loaded to the brim with an angry mob carrying torches that lit the area around them that night. Everyone was telling, demanding that Cornello come out to face justice.

"BRING HIM OUT HERE!"

"HE MUST PAY FOR HIS LIES!"

"SHOW YOURSELF!"

Inside - Cornello lied alone. No follower to help free him, defend him or praise him. "Those damn bastards! It's all ruined- everything I've worked for!"

"Yes, all that hard work for nothing." A feminine voice spoke up along with the clicking of her high heels against the floor. It was the beautiful woman with black long hair and her rotund companion named Gluttony, who was carrying the back leg of one of the chimeras, it was picked clean with blood from it around his mouth. "I knew we should have just incited a little rebellion."

Gluttony threw away the leg. "I'm hungry, Lust." He rubbed his large belly. "Can I eat the old man? Please? He's big and fat." He begged like a child.

"Not this one, Gluttony. We don't want you giving yourself indigestion." Lust denied with a soft tone as she walked to stand next to his head, looking down at him.

"Now you, too?! EVERYONE IS MOCKING ME! I WON'T STAND FOR-" Cornello's words ended when one of Lust's fingers shot out like a spear and stabbed him in the head, killing him.

"I'd say this concludes our business." She retracted her finger, blood spewing out from the hole in Cornello's head.

Gluttony crouched down, his large hands easily wrapped around most of Cornello's head. He lifted him up as a drool started to leak from his mouth.

"Just as things were beginning to look promising, too..." She cleaned the blood off of her glove covered hand. "Now I suppose we'll have to start over from scratch... Father won't be pleased. In any case, it's time we started thinking about our next move."

Gluttony opened his mouth, his tongue falling out showing it had the same symbol that was on Lust's chest. The grotesque sounds of meat tearing and bones crushing filled the room.

========================================================================

Dabble - Does This Count as a Date?

(Y/n) was currently in a store that sold alcoholic drinks, ranging from liquor, whisky, scotch and more importantly wine. Alphonse was with him as well, looking at all the fancy names the drinks had.

"Well... this isn't great." (Y/n) uttered as he looked over the wine section.

"What's wrong?" Alphonse asked.

"Roy said he wanted Liore wine..." He gestured to the row that all said "Liroe Wine" but they also all had different words such as: Loire Fine Wine, Loire Aged Wine, Loire Reserve Wine and so on. "But I have no clue which one specifically he wants."

"Oh. Do you know the ones he already drinks?" Alphonse asked, hoping to be of some help in a matter he knew little of.

(Y/n) shrugged his shoulders. "He kind of just drinks anything. Or at least from what I've seen when there's some military event we had to go to."

Internally a blush coated Alphonse's cheeks. The thought of (Y/n) drinking and having fun with someone else wasn't the most pleasant thought. "D-Do you drink with Mustang?"

"Only a little but I never really got into drinking." (Y/n) uttered as he inspected a bottle reading "Liore Classic Rose Wine".

"Why not?"

(Y/n) shrugged again. "Guess I'm worried I'll end up like Jean. Getting drunk and making an idiot out of myself." A light blush covered his cheeks when he remembered the last time.

(Y/n)'s responses confused Alponse. Why go to them if you don't drink and you're worried? "Do those types of events make you uncomfortable?"

(Y/n) shook his head no. "I don't need to drink to enjoy my time with them. And since I'm not drunk I remember it. But also someone needs to be the designated driver." He chuckled before looking up at Alpnose. "Is a night out drinking something you want to do when you get your body back?"

Alphonse sheepishly tapped his fingers together. "Well... It's just that growing up, I thought adults have fun by drinking. But now that I am one and don't do it, I feel like I'm missing out."

(Y/n) looked at Alphonse in pity. His ideas of social life among adults were lacking because he couldn't do it. He couldn't go dancing, drinking or start up a conversation without eventually needing to explain he didn't have a body.

He shifted his look into a reassuring smile. "Alphonse, those types of events aren't just about drinking. They are about spending time with people you care for and having fun. No one I've met ever told me I had to drink to have fun."

Alphonse hummed. "Maybe you're right..." (Y/n) heard the hesitation in his voice.

"How about we do something together sometime soon? Like watching a movie, taking a walk... anything you want to do. And once you get your body back we can drink to see if it's any better." (Y/n) suggested. "I think we could use a day off or two. I've been drowning in work, you and Ed have been hyper focused on getting your bodies back - we barely spent time together like we used to."

Alphonse felt a warmth in his soul, like a hug with a warm blanket. "I'd like that... a lot."

(Y/n) nodded with a smile. "We can set it up after we look into that Cornello guy." He held up the bottle of Liore Classic Rose Wine. "I'll just buy this and then we'll meet up with Ed at the cathedral."

Alphonse nodded before (Y/n) walked off to the register and spoke with the cashier. As he paid for the wine, the blush Alphonse was feeling from earlier got hotter, it even became slightly visible on the visor of his helmet. 'Did... I just set up a date with (Y/n)?' He thought as metaphorically butterflies fluttered around his being.

Chapter Text

A lone soldier walked down an empty sidewalk in Central City under the night sky. The hobnails and heel irons of his tall black boots made a distinctive clack against the stone.

The rank on his uniform showed he held the rank of Brigadier General. He had a stern face with a scar across the bridge of his nose and on the left side of his jaw. His sharp upturned mustache was what most people's eyes were drawn to when they first caught sight of him.

The soldier came to a stop once he saw a hooded man down the street from him. "You are Basque Grand, the Iron Blood Alchemist... correct?" The hooded man asked with a deep, grizzled voice.

"Why? Who's asking?" the soldier asked with suspicion. There was an uneasy feeling coming from the hooded man.

The man removed his hood, showing he was wearing black tinted glasses and had a X shaped scar in the middle of his forehead. He then reached out with a hand. "Foolish alchemists who have turned their backs on the ways of God shall be punished." His fingers curled, the sound of the blood moving through his veins could be heard, sounding similar to the tightening of a noose.

"I see..." Basque flicked his arms down, revealing he had steel gauntlets hidden up his sleeves. He proceeded to put them on by slipping his fingers through the glove and securing a strap that went across the palm of the hand. "You must be the bloodthirsty murderer who's been making a habit of targeting State Alchemists lately..." He raised his hands up, taking a defensive hand to hand combat stance. The gauntlets shone in the moon light, highlighting all the alchemic words writing on them and steel bands that sat loosely near the writs. "Well this time YOU PICKED THE WRONG TARGET!"

He slammed his fists together, the cackling and sparks of alchemy emitting between them. A mighty slam down onto the ground with one hand causes an alchemy ring to appear around him. The ground sparked before tens of cannon barrels popped out of the ground and opened fire one-by-one.

The scar faced man charged with a stoic face, dodging the incoming explosives as they tore up the street with ease.

"You're fast. Try this!" Basque touched the gun barrels, shooting out chains with horned spikes on the end meant to dig into a target.

The scar faced man effortlessly danced past the chains, a few being pushed aside with the palm of his hand.

The frustration of not cutting the man down before him was getting to Basque. "A LITTLE MORE?" He touched the gun barrels again, more sparks of blue light than before emit and travel ahead as the scar faced man gets within feet of him.

Four walls of steel and rivets emerged from the ground, boxing in the scar faced man with a metallic crash. After that it was nothing but silence.

Basque scoffed. "Hmph... That wasn't so difficult." He jumped down from the gun barrel and walked to the wall of the metal box. A small spark of alchemy was all he saw before the wall exploited and blinded by smoke. Once the smoke cleared, the scar faced man's arm was reaching out from a jagged hole, gripping onto his face. "WHAT?! NO! HOW?!"

"Now you perish." The hum of alchemy came before sparks emitted from the man's grip. This was followed by blood spilling from Basque's nose, eyes, ears and mouth. A moment after the man let him go, letting Basque's corpse collapse onto the ground.

========================================================================

The Brigadier General's death was reported once someone came across his corpse lying on the street, along with the remnants of his battle with the scar-faced man. The Military Police quickly set up a perimeter while Hughes, Armstrong and two lower ranked soldiers investigated the scene.

"Another State Alchemist dead?" Hughes asked rhetorically as he lifted the sheet that was covering Basque's corpse.

Armstrong took in the scene, seeing the explosive marks, spear tipped chains lying on the ground, cannon barrels and the thickness of the steel box that would be next to impossible for any normal person to break. "The killer is highly skilled."

"Major, you watch yourself." Hughes lowered the sheet. "For all we know, you could be the next one he comes after."

Armstrong nodded. "Understood." His face lit up as the headlights of a car pulling up shined on them, soon coming to a stop as the tires screeched. They all looked to see the driver exit, it being a soldier, ran to the right side rear door and opened it, allowing Bradley to exit.

Everyone stood at attention and saluted. "Fuhrer Bradley, Your Excellency. What brings you here?" Hughes asked as the Fuhrer approached.

"I got word of what happened." Bradley looked down at the sheet covered corpse, dried blood going beyond what the sheet could cover. "Lieutenant Colonel Hughes, you're the officer in charge of this case?"

"Yes sir."

"Should you need any additional personnel, just ask. The man doing this is a traitor. I want him stopped." Bradley ordered with wrath in his tone.

========================================================================

Next day, at the Eastern Command Center.

Riza sat at one of the 6 desks that sat together in the middle of the room, hard at work as her pen danced across the page she was writing on. There were 4 others, also sitting at a desk hard at work.

The youngest was Master Sergeant Kain Fuery. The short spiky black haired male with glasses filled the role of technician expert mostly for radio equipment, like fixing the radio that sat on his desk.

The grey haired with a black fade and weathered faces that would belong to someone in their 40s was Warrant Officer Vato Falman, an intelligence officer.

With a cigarette in his mouth, blonde head of hair and blue eyes was the date-aholic Second Lieutenant Jean Havoc - one of Roy's go to when he needed a job done with no questions asked.

Lastly there was Second Lieutenant Heymans Breda. He was more rotund than most soldiers but he, like Jean, got the job done and did it well.

The sixth desk was (Y/n)'s. It was well organized and clean, aside from a few stacks of paper Falman placed on it to help space out his own workload.

"Lieutenant Breda." Riza grabbed a stack of papers and handed it to him - he was sitting across from her.

Breda stood up and took them. "Right..." The weight alone told him there was a lot of work to be done. "Jeez... The Colonel's sure letting his work pile up again, huh?" He sat down and looked to his left where Havoc sat. "Havoc, gimme a hand, will ya?"

"I've got plenty to do over here already." Havoc denied, putting what he had finished off to the side before taking another stack of paperwork. "Next up..." He looked at the photo in confusion. The man looked like the textbook definition of a con-artist with an untrustworthy face and a sharp thin mustache. "Who's this?"

"Former Lieutenant Yoki." Falman answered. "Remeber, the crook who was using the Youswell coal mine concessions to line his own pockets? Anyway, the Elric brothers exposed what that dirty thief was up to, and he's escaped custody."

Havoc hummed. "I bet (Y/n)'s gonna be happy to hear yet another person he put into custody got away..." Sarcasm filled his tone.

Riza looked to Fuery. "Master Sergeant Fuery, how's the radio?" She asked as he messed with the dials on the machine.

Fuery held the headset up to his ear, hearing nothing but static. "The receiver on this thing's seen better days. I think I'm gonna have to replace it."

A clap and a hum came from his left. A uniform sleeve covered arm reached and touched the weathered radio. Blue sparks spread across it for a moment before disappearing, letting Fuery see a shining brand new looking radio before him. He looked over to see it was (Y/n), with Edward and Alphonse standing behind him. "Hey, I didn't hear you guys come in!" He greeted with cheer.

"Welcome back, guys." Riza greeted then pointed to the door to Roy's office. "Go on it, the Colonel's expecting you."

Edward's expression dropped as he let out a tired groan.

========================================================================

In Roy's office - Edward and Alphonse sat together on one of the couches while (Y/n) stood at attention near Roy as he sat at his desk. Edward looked bored out of his mind, his arm propped up on the arm rest while resting his cheek against it.

"Well done on the Liore Case. Nice work. I appreciate you resolving the matter." Roy praised the three.

"No big deal. We didn't do it for you." Edward replied, dismissing the praise.

"Right. The Philosopher's Stone." Roy brought up, getting both Edward and Alphonse's full attention. "Another false lead?"

The two brothers stayed silent. Edward's expression changed to that of defeat, prompting (Y/n) to answer. "At the moment, yes. The stone Cornello used allowed him to ignore the law of equivalent exchange, even making organic matter like a chimera, but it was destroyed. I contacted the closest garrison to take him into custody for questioning to see where he got it from or how he made it, which could give us a new lead."

"I still wonder how he was able to use the stone to do that. I'm not familiar enough with the field of bio-alchemy to really understand it." Alphonse openly thought.

Edward raised a hand to his chin. "Yeah, I'm kind of curious about that too... It might be worth looking into. Who knows, maybe we'll find something that could help us restore our bodies." Alphonse hummed in agreement.

Roy turned his chair to the side, reaching to open a drawer to his desk. "It might help if you consulted a specialist." He placed some documents onto the table. There was a photograph of a nervous middle aged man wearing a suit and round glasses. 

"The Sewing Life Alchemist, Shou Tucker. He's done some heavy research into chimera transmutation. I'll introduce you."

Edward and Alphonse looked at Roy in surprise. "You would do that for us?" Alphonse asked.

Edward shot up and pointed an accusing finger at Roy. "Okay, what's the catch! You want something, don't you!"

"Ed." (Y/n) called with a stern tone. "Roy is capable of doing things to help you out without expecting something in return."

Roy looked to (Y/n) and nodded as thanks before directing his attention back on Edward. "I'm trying to repay you for your work on the Liore case." A coy smile came to his face. "Doing you a favor is better than being indebted to you."

========================================================================

With (Y/n) driving the car - Roy sat in the back, facing Edward and Alphonse, who was just barely able to fit in the car due to his height and bulkiness of his armour, revealing a bit about Shou Tucker from his file.

"Two years ago, Tucker transmuted a chimera could understand human speech. That earned him his certification as a State Alchemist." Roy pinched the page and lifted it to see the next.

Edward leaned forward with interest. "By "understand human speech," you mean-" His eyes widened. "Wait, you mean it talks? A chimera?!"

"Right... supposedly." Roy said ominously as he looked at the page in pity. "It only said one thing. "I want to die." Both Edward and Alphonse gasped in shock. "After that, it refused to eat until it got its wish."

(Y/n) listened to the conversation through the open slot behind him. 'What would drive them to the point they wanted to die?' He wondered.

Eventually they arrived at their destination. (Y/n) pulled over to the side and parked before they all exited and walked through the open gate of the small fenced off estate.

The nice green bushes dotted with flowers that line the sides of the building, just as green grass and large tree on the front lawn contrasted with how the cold industrial style 3 story building itself looked. All the windows were framed with steel, only the smallest of beings being able to fit if they found a way to break the glass. The double door entrance was steel as well, with small windows on them with metal bars bolted to the frame haphazardly.

It made sense why a State Alchemist would have a home like this. The material needed for research usually cost several thousand cens - a ripe target for thieves - so any and all precautions to protect it made sense.

Roy went up the short 5 step staircase that sat in front of the door, reaching for the rope to a bell that was attached to the wall next to the doors, and shook it, letting out a few chimes.

Edward looked up at the building as they waited for a response. "Man, this house is huge!" Suddenly a large shadow covered him, and then the sound of dog barking.

Above Edward was a large white dog, its long tongue hanging out of its open maw. Just as fast as it caught his attention, the dog fell on him, practically crushing Edward with its weight. "GHAAAAA!!!"

Both (Y/n) and Alphonse went over to check on him. He was face first against the stone walkway while the large dog laid on his back, tail wagging around happily as it whined for attention. "You okay, Ed?" Alphonse worryingly asked.

"Come on, boy- or girl. Please get off of him." (Y/n) gestured for the dog to get off of Edward but it just stared up at him blankly, barely a thought running behind its eyes. It wasn't being violent - quite the opposite with how cute it was like a gentle giant - so (Y/n) didn't want to get physical by grabbing a stranger's dog.

The door to the building opened. "Daddy!" A cheerful girl's voice said. Everyone looked to see a young girl with big blue eyes and brown hair that had two braided pony tails - similar to Edward's but having an additional one, longer and thinner. 

"There are people out here! Look!"

A tall man, matching the photograph of Shou aside from some stubble on his face, came up behind her. He lifted an arm to help keep the heavy metal door open. His other hand gently pressed on the little girl's back as he looked down at her worryingly. "Nina... this is why I told you to keep the dog tied up."

The lone bang that stuck out near the front of Edward's head of hair fell limp, seemingly not able to stay in that position as the dog remained on his back, crushing him.

========================================================================

Entering the home, it was obvious there was little care put into keeping it clean. Books, papers and boxes strewn about with cobwebs attached to any gaps. Entering the kitchen it was worse. The countertop was covered with filth, the sink filled with dirty dishes and water.

(Y/n) didn't say anything about it but he hated it. He hated it more knowing that a girl, a child, had to live in such a place. Having lived in a warzone where cleanliness was a rarity made him appreciate a tidy space - a space where there was care into keeping it clean, not to destroy it.

Shou was making some tea while Edward, Alphonse and Roy sat down at the dinner table. The one place that looked, at least somewhat, clean. (Y/n) stood by the window, taking an occasional glance through the window at what little of the car peeked out near the stone fence's open gate.

"I'm sorry about the mess. Ever since my wife ran out, this place has been a wreck. I'm not much of a housekeeper." Shou apologized as he brought over a cult of tea on a small plate to the three at the dinner table and one for himself before sitting down across from them with a sigh, interlocking his fingers and softly smiling at them. "Now that we're all settled in, let me say that it's a pleasure to meet you, Edward. As the colonel told you, I'm the Sewing Life Alchemist, Shou Tucker."

Roy gestured to Edward, who was sitting next to him in the middle with Alphonse to his left. "Ed is interested in the field of biologic alchemy. He would like to have a look at your research if that's possible."

Shou nodded. "Oh yes, certainly, I don't mind." Edward and Alphonse gave a hopeful look to the other. "However..." A silent, short gasp left Edward's lips while Alphonse's armor clacked as their eyes snapped to Shou. "If you want me to show you the tricks I've got up my sleeve, it's only fair that you show me the tricks you've got up yours as well." Edward's expression dropped into a stern glare. "It's the code we live by - equivalent exchange. Now. Why are you interested in bio-alchemy?"

Roy worriedly looked at Edward for a moment before looking back at Shou. "Oh, um... Ed... Well, you seem he's-"

Edward raised a hand, politely gesturing to him to stop. "Colonel."

========================================================================

(Y/n)'s eyes broke off of the car for a moment to see Nina and the family's dog sitting in the shade of a thick tree, Nina was making a crown out of flowers. Her back rested against her dog's side as they laid while both keeping an eye on her and keeping her company.

A light blush coated her cheeks once she finished the necklace - it was bright with green from the stems and white from the flowers. She turned to the dog with the crown in hand. The dog tilted their head down allowing her to place it on their head.

Shou looked at Edward's exposed automail arm in disbelief before being able to mutter. "You transmuted your mother... as a sixteen-year-old boy?" Edward kept his eyes closed, looking both frustrated and defeated, having been forced to relive what got him to this point in his life. "I see... So that's what earned you the title 'Fullmetal Alchemist.' You've had a rough time of it for someone so young."

Edward grabbed his jacket off the table and put it back on as Shou stood up, pushing his chair back with the back of his legs. "I can't say for sure if it's going to be of any use to you or not... But why don't you go ahead and take a look at my laboratory."

Everyone else stood up. Roy looked at (Y/n), seeing his attention was still outside. "(Y/n)." The Major looked back. "Come on. That car's not going anywhere."

========================================================================

Shou's laboratory was crammed with odd items and odd sounds. Animals in cages growling, roaring, chirping and everything else filled the room. A dog with three heads grabbed and chewed on the iron bars as it snarled at the passing humans. The shelves were lined with body parts in labeled jars that looked otherworldly like a small human skull on a slimy tree like stump. The only normal object in the room was the shelf of books next to the shelf of jars.

Edward went straight to the books. Alphonse looked at the jars in curiosity. Roy and (Y/n) looked over the caged animals, seeing the odd combinations like a piglet with snake-like legs and others. Shou stood behind while rubbing the back of his neck in embarrassment. "It's kind of embarrassing. I'm fairly widely regarded as an authority on chimeras. But the truth is..." His shoulders slouched. "It hasn't actually been going that well lately."

Disgust and pity was all (Y/n) could feel at the moment. Most of the animals were combined with ones that just made their life a living hell, as if Shou threw darts at a board to pick what combination of animal he should try next. This on top of the cramped, bare minimum living condition only fueled his growing disdain for Shou. 'No wonder that chimera wanted to die.'

========================================================================

Elsewhere in the home, Shou opened a large set of double doors. It was pitch black beyond what light from the hallway seeped in. Reaching over and hitting a light switch, the room filled with light from hanging lantern looking lights, revealing the room was crammed with shelves filled with books. All along the walls and in the middle of the room - it looked like a small library.

Edward gasped in amazement as they entered the room. "Ohh... Amazing!"

"This is my library. Feel free to look around." Shou gestured to the books, letting the two brothers free to have a look around.

"All tight, then let's dive in!" Edward announced with glee as he picked a nearby shelf. "I'll start with this shelf!" He reached up and grabbed what stood out most.

Alphonse pointed to the shelf next to Edward. "I'll try starting over here."

"Me and (Y/n) are going to head back to work now. (Y/n) will be back to pick you guys up later this evening." Roy informed the two.

The two remained silent, already buried in their books. Roy scoffed while Shou softly smiled. "They've got some ability to focus, I'm not sure they even know we're here anymore." Shou pushed his glasses up to sit properly on his nose. "Quite a catch, these two... A couple of prodigies."

========================================================================

Nina and her dog watched as (Y/n) and Roy exited the home and started to make their way to the car. She smiled brightly and waved to the two. "Buh-bye, mister soldiers!" Both Roy and (Y/n) smiles, waving back to her.

Once they reached the car, (Y/n) opened the back passenger door, letting Roy enter before closing it and heading to get into the driver's seat. "I know they didn't say it..." (Y/n) started the car and pulled away onto the road. "But they appreciate what you did."

Roy leaned further back into his seat, interlocked his fingers, resting his hands on his lap as he smiled. "I know." His smile soon fell and his eyes looked through the small window into the driver's cab, looking at the mirror to see (Y/n)'s face. "Onto other matters... Brigadier General Basque Grand."

Just hearing that name brought sickness to (Y/n)'s stomach, his fingers digging into the steering wheel. "What about him?" His tone was laced with venom.

(Y/n)'s disdain for Basque was because he was one of the "heroes" of the Ishvalan Civil War. "Hero" in this case meant having personally killed hundreds of Ishvalans, regardless whether they were combatants or unarmed civilians. And unlike others, he never showed remorse for what he did, instead touting it as "doing his duty to the nation."

"He was murdered." (Y/n)'s eyes widened and breath stopped. He looked up at the mirror to lock eyes with Roy, seeing that he was being serious before refocusing on the road. "There's been a string of attacks on State Alchemists that match that of whoever murdered Grand."

"Any State Alchemist like Ed or just the ones in the military?" (Y/n) asked, hiding his worry for not only Edward but also Alphonse.

"Any." Roy answered. "Ed needing to speak and stay at Tucker's home actually works in our favor. Means they are in a relatively safe location."

(Y/n) signaled to turn, waiting for the traffic to pass by. "So what's our first move?"

Roy sighed, hiding his frustration. "Hughes is in charge of the case and already has a team. We're sitting it out until either Bradley assigns us to it or the murderer comes to us."

"Is there a description or any leads?"

Roy shook his head no. "Nothing at the moment but Hughes will keep me updated."

The lack of evidence reminded (Y/n) of McDougal's case, specifically the strange man he ran into. "The Ishvalan I saw when I was heading to the last scene where McDougal was... Maybe he has something to do with the attacks."

Roy hummed, remembering the mention of (Y/n) running into a strange Ishvalan in his report. "He could be." He brought a hand up, holding his chin. "But if he is, why didn't he attack you? Even with you being a fellow Ishvalan, I'd think he'd gun after you the most seeing how some Ishvalans view you." (Y/n) hummed, now thinking the same.

When he officially became not only a State Alchemist but also a Major in the military, most Ishvalans were actually happy. They believed it was a massive step forward for all Ishvalans in Amestris but there were some who detested him, labeling him a traitor for joining the same people who worked to exterminate their people. It was a logical hatred towards him so if the Ishvalan man was the murderer, why didn't he take the chance to kill him on that rooftop? Or aid McDougal when his plan to assassinate the Fuhrer and many other high ranking officers almost came into fruition?

========================================================================

The sound of the grandfather clock ticking as the pendulum swayed side to side, counting down the seconds, and the flipping of pages filled the library. Edward sat on the floor reading with recently read books stacked around him. Alphonse stood near the shelf as he read, clearing row after row of books left to right.

Out of the corner of his eye, peeking from behind the end of the bookshelf, he saw the bright blue eyes and braided pony tails - Nina. Once they locked eyes she gasped before running away. She only got a few steps away before coming back and peeking at him again. She stared at him for a moment before leaning out further and giggling, showing him her small smiling face.

The giggling intensified to the point Edward could hear it. He placed his book down before standing up and following the noise. As he got closer he could hear the clacking of Alponse's armored feet tapping against the floor along with his laughter mixing with the girl's giggles.

"Woo-hoo! Way up high!" Edward saw that Alphonse was prancing about like a horse Nina, who was laughing with joy, holding onto his head, her legs held by him to keep her from falling down.

Edward glared at him, stomping his foot on the ground. "Al, what're you doing?!" He questioned, getting their attention as he aggressively pointed at him. "You're supposed to be reading!"

"Um... Nina looked like she wanted to play." Alphonse explained. Guessing based off of Edwards angry expression, it wasn't the right answer to give.

"Well, in case you forgot, we didn't come here to play horsie!" A familiar shadow covered Edward along with a bark. "GAHHHH!" Again Edward was face first on the ground with the large white dog lying on his back.

While still holding onto Nina, Alphonse crouched down, making sure Edward was alright.

Nina leaned forward a bit on Alponse's helmet. "Alexander says that he wants to play, too!"

Edward lifted his head. "That's what you want is it?" He asked with a devious smirk as got out from under the dog and stood up. "You've bested me twice, dog... but playtime is over. I WILL NOT LOSE THIS TIME! I, EDWARD ELRIC, WILL USE MY CONSIDERABLE POWERS TO VANQUISH YOU!" The god bolted out of the library with Edward in pursuit, filled with rage. "YOU MANGY MUTT!"

Alphonse watched on nervously while Nina laughed.

========================================================================

At Eastern Command Center - (Y/n) was walking back to the office room after dropping off some paperwork to the supply office. He soon reached the door and entered, seeing Breda and Fuery leaning against Falman's desk as they all spoke. Riza was minding her own business while Havoc had a blank, empty expression on his face with a cigarette loosely hanging from his bottom lip. Roy was also in the room, resting against the door frame to his personal office with arms crossed and folded newspaper in hand.

"Are you serious?" Breda asked Falman in disbelief.

"As a heart attack." Falman replied.

"Those rumors aren't rumors, they're true!" Fuery exclaimed, looking at Freda with some anger.

Breda reached up and grabbed his own head, digging his fingers into his hair like he couldn't handle whatever they were talking about before (Y/n)'s arrival. "Stop! Why are you telling me this?! I'm not gonna be able to walk home tonight!"

"I was gone for like 5 minutes, what's going on?" (Y/n) spoke up, confused as can be.

"They claimed to have seen the fabled Warehouse 13." Roy explained before shaking his head and muttering. "Idiots."

The three shot Roy a look. "There's nothing idiotic about being aware, Colonel." Breda retorted.

"Especially when there's a bunch of ghosts out there." Furey added.

"According to records there's only 12 warehouses here." Riza pointed out while keeping focused on her work.

Breda shot across the room, leaning in to get face to face with Riza, letting her get a good look at his frustrated look. "There may only be twelve now, but sometimes a thirteenth appears.

"They say this warehouse shows up on the old execution grounds where thousands have been killed!" Falman exclaimed.

Breda pulled out a handkerchief, the edges of which were decorated with little yellow chicks, and wiped the sweat of fear from his forehead. "When the sun goes down and darkness falls, the haunted building mysteriously rises through the BLOOD SOAKED SOIL!"

"And the ghosts of those who were executed there long ago can be heard to scrape... scrape... scraping as they dig up the ground, looking for their own bodies!" Fuery said a bit too enthusiastically, like he was taking joy in retelling a spooky tale. But it did make Breda and Falman frantic with fear.

(Y/n) stared at them with dotted eyes. "...O...K..." He then went up to Havoc and waved a hand in front of his face but got no response. He looked back at the group as he pointed at Havoc with a thumb. "What happened to Jean?"

"Major Armstrong's sister wanted to go on a date so he suggested Jean." Riza looked up to Havoc, the smoke trail from his lit cigarette slowly rising before disappearing. "I assume it ended as soon as she met him."

"THAT'S ALL YOU HAVE TO SAY? OK?!" Breda suddenly yelled. "(Y/N), YOU RAN INTO GHOSTS BEFORE! YOU SHOULD BE FREAKING OUT LIKE US!"

(Y/n) rolled his eyes, remembering his "encounter with ghosts". It was one of his first cases on his own. "There weren't ghosts... the guy just used alchemy on mannequins and made them look like ghosts."

"Did you ever stop to think that it's because you live in this state of fear you imagine seeing things?" Roy asked the three. "Your mind is just playing tricks on you."

"Doesn't anything scare you guys?" Breda asked the two State Alchemists.

"Of course not." Roy went over to the trash bin and dropped the newspaper in. "We're trained Alchemists. We look at things in a rational manner and there's nothing rational about ghost stories. The Majhal case (Y/n) worked on proves that."

"But we're not the only ones who saw it. There are stories all over the command center." Fuery pointed out.

Roy placed a hand on his hip while his other scratched the back of his head. "Tsk. What is this, a children's slumber party? You superstitious nitwits need someone to give you a reality check." He pressed a thumb against his now puffed out chest. "And it might as well be me."

The three looked at Toy in surprise. "Wow, really!" Breda beamed before him, Falman and Fuery looked at each other with smiles. "Did'ga hear that, guys! He's volunteered to help us with our midnight steakout!"

Falman nodded. "He's a noble leader, always looking out for his men."

"What a relief! With the Colonel along, there's nothing I'm afraid of!" Fuery stated.

Roy's expression dropped as did his arm. "Wait a minute! What steakout?"

"Our mission to prove whether or not Warehouse 13 is real." Breda answered.

"And you said you would give us a reality check." Falman added.

Roy's shoulders dropped. "Well... yeah, that's what I said." Before he could make an excuse to not go, Fuery scurried over to him with puppy dog eyes.

"I have to go by there every night on my way home and it's eating away at my insides! Soon there will be nothing left! Please Colonel, help me!" Fuery cried as Roy's eyebrows twitched.

If he had to go, he was dragging someone along. "(Y/n), you're coming with-" He looked to where he was standing but saw that he was gone.

"He left to pick up the Elrics." Riza chimed in once the lingering silence got too awkward. Everyone's attention was now on her and she could sense what they were going to say. "I am not helping you find ghosts..."

========================================================================

"Ed, Al. Are you guys ready to go?" (Y/n) asked as he and Shou walked into the library, seeing Edward was underneath Alexander again along with Nina who was hugging the big friendly dog. "Taking a break?" He lightly teased, getting a soft chuckle from Alphonse.

"Uh... yeah. A break from a long day of research." Edward groaned out like he was getting crushed to death.

Nina helped get the dog off of him. "After all that, you must be dog tired." Shou commented with a pun which pulled Edward's lips into an awkward and annoyed smile. Shou raised a hand to cover his laugh as if it was a cough. "Why don't you come on back tomorrow?"

Nina could barely hold in her excitement as she looked up at Alphonse. "You're really going to come again?"

Alphonse leaned down, and held a hand up. "We'll play some more tomorrow, okay, Nina?"

She happily nodded her head. "'Kay!"

========================================================================

Outside, with the sun setting, casting and orange glow over everything - The three walked out of the home. Edward walked with slouched shoulders, the toll of the day and his time with Alexander showing.

(Y/n) stayed behind near the door. "One last thing, Mister Tucker. Don't forget that assessment day is coming soon." A part of him hoped he'd fail. However Edward and Alphonse needed Shou and his library and who knows what would happen to Nina if he lost his job so he pushed that thought out of his head quickly.

Shou's entire demeanor dropped, quietly replying with. "Yes... I know."

(Y/n) nodded. "Right. We'll see you tomorrow." He said before walking to the car.

Shou retreated back inside and closed the door with a hunched back, fingers tightly wrapped around the door's handles and a sigh passing by his lips. "Hey, Daddy?" He looked back, seeing his daughter standing there. "What does 'assessment day' mean?"

Shou moved his head to look forward, hiding his worried look from his daughter. "State Alchemists have to report on their research once a year in order to keep their certification." He turned back and approached Nina. "You see, last year, Nina, your Daddy didn't get a very good evaluation. Unless I do something really impressive this year, I won't be a State Alchemist anymore."

"Huh? No! You'll do just fine Daddy! I know you will! You're always studying so much!" Nina attempted to reassure.

Shou nervously laughed as he dropped to his knees, getting to eye level with his daughter. "You're right, Nina." He brought her into a hug, on hand caressing her head and whispered. "I have to try hard." A grim look came to his face. 'Or we'll be left with nothing again...'

========================================================================

In the darkness of night with a few lamp posts lighting the way along the marked warehouses, Roy, (Y/n), Fuery, Breda, Falman and a still dazed looking Havoc walked.

(Y/n) thought he was able to avoid the "expedition" to find ghosts but the moment he dropped the car off at Eastern Command and headed to the barrack, Roy snatched him up and dragged him along.

"This is ridiculous." Roy spat. "Six grown men trying to sneak a peak at a ghost when we could be doing literally anything else."

"By ridiculous you mean scary." Furey nervously corrected, at least he believed it was the correct way to view the situation.

"Having you and (Y/n) along will be of great help." Breda said, showing his appreciation to the two.

"Let's just hurry so I can sleep." caterwauled Roy.

The group soon saw that the way ahead was pitch black. The only objects that were visible were the skyline of buildings in the distance.

"Oh, yeah... Did we forget to tell you that the lights are out from this point on?" Fretted Fuery, the will to keep moving forward through the darkness starting to falter.

Roy closed his eyes and pitched the bridge of his nose, feeling like he already was at his limit. "We have (Y/n) who can fix anything without a transmutation circle. Why the hell did no one report this to me or him so he can fix it?"

(Y/n) took this as Roy giving him the order to fix the lamp posts, which he started to do one by one while the rest chatted.

"We did. We reported it to maintenance." Falman assured.

Roy threw his hands up. "No wonder it never got fixed. You might as well tell a stray cat about it because they'll do nothing about it just like maintenance around here."

The group continued forward. (Y/n) did fix the power boxes but some of the lamp's bulbs were acting up, making them flicker. A certain flicker made Fuery's shadow look like a ghastly ghoulish figure, startling him. "GAHUHUHHUH!"

"It's just a shadow!" Roy smacked Fuery over the head.

"Yeah, calm down. These shadows can be your friends, Fuery." Falman raised his hands and made the shape of a dog, the light casting from the lamp casted the shadow onto a warehouse door. "Wook, here's a cute wittle puppy dog. Woof!" Again the light bulb flickered, distorting the shadow as if it were a demon morphing before them.

"GAAAAAHHHAAAAAAAAAAA!!!" The three screamed, shaking in their boots.

"Sorry. I'll have to fix the bulbs too." (Y/n) apologized, seeing Roy was glaring at the three.

"Stop freaking out!" Snapped Roy.

"That's easy for you to say!"

"I'll stop jumping when it stops being scary."

"I wanna go home!" The three retorted, excused and cried.

"Come on, I'll show you there's no such thing as a ghost!" Roy took the lead again, marching forward with (Y/n) following.

"Don't leave us alone!" Fuery cried as he, Breda, who was dragging along Havoc who was still not all there mentally, and Falman ran to catch up to the two State Alchemists.

Roy stopped with a stomp, turned to the four and pointed at the building next to him. It was a warehouse that had the number twelve painted in red on it. "This, ladies, is the twelfth and final warehouse." He pointed to the right where it was empty aside from a patch of dirt. "And over there is nothing but open space. So where is your phantom thirteenth warehouse?"

Fuery looked over at the empty spot in confusion. "Maybe it's a were-house like a werewolf and it needs a full moon."

Roy slapped him over the head again. "Give it up, Fuery!"

As they spoke, Havoc started to show signs of brain activity. He raised a hand and waved at (Y/n), his eyes were still blank and mouth in the same position it had been since earlier. (Y/n) gave a small wave back.

"Hold on, I think I know what you guys saw the other night." Breda pointed down from where they all stood. "Take a look over there."

There were more warehouses but instead of being numbered, they were alphabetical. The B, due to it using a military font that broke it into two different parts, resembled a 1 and 3 put close together.

"That letter B looks an awful lot like..." Breda trailed off.

"The number thirteen." Falman interjected. "I guess I can see how you can make that mistake."

"So you misread it thanks to the darkness and your own fears." Roy concluded with a sneer.

Breda chuckled. "I guess that's better than the alternative."

"I told you it was a figment of your own imagination." Roy chastised the three.

"Then what about the ghosts?" Fuery asked.

"Fuery, ghosts aren't real. That's what we've been telling you." (Y/n) replied with a deadpan tone.

Fuery let out a sigh of relief. "Oh, good. Starting tomorrow night I can take my normal route home."

"And we're all happy for you." Roy sarcastically stated before turning and starting to walk. "Can we go now?"

"You know, now that my nausea is settling down I'm getting kinda hungry." Fuery hummed as he and everyone else follow Roy.

"Yeah, I could go for some grub." Falman agreed, craving a late night meal.

"Dinner's on you guys." Breda spoke up.

"What? But I'm broke." Fuery fretted, his wallet a bit lighter than usual thanks to him betting and losing that Havoc would at least get a full date out of Armstrong's cousin.

"I'll pay. I got extra left over from my research funds." (Y/n) reassured.

Roy suddenly stopped next to the empty patch. "Hold up." He eyed the dirt intensely.

Furey looked over but saw nothing. "What's up?"

"You see that?" Roy got onto the empty spot and couched down.

Fuery was still confused. "See what?"

"The dirt. It looks like it's been dug through." Breda pointed out.

"Falman." Roy said, a way to order him to investigate.

"Yes sir." He couched down and started to shift the dirt around. He felt something that caused him to let out a gasp. He pulled his hands back to see there was a bone. "I found something." He grabbed it and handed it to Roy.

The bone was long and narrow, just barely the length of someone's forearm . "Yeah, it's a bone."

A shiver ran up the three spines and soon they started to freak out. "THE DEAD ARE DIGGING THEMSELVES OUT!"

"THIS MUST BE THE HAUNTED EXECUTION GROUNDS!"

"Pull it together." Roy scolded. "Even if this was where they executed people, they wouldn't have buried them here. This is more likely the work of a murderer." The three quieted down, now focused on Roy. "I think this bone is our only evidence of a crime that someone would rather have forgotten about. But what killer in their right mind would sneak onto a military base and dump a body?"

(Y/n) leaned in, getting a better look at the bone. A chuckle came from him which scared the three. "HE'S BEEN POSSESSED! WHY WOULD ANYONE LAUGH AT THE SIGHT HUMAN REMAINS?!" Fuery screamed.

"Calm down." (Y/n) took the bone and looked over it before finding what he assumed would be on it. He pointed to it and showed it to everyone. "Bite marks. This is a goat leg bone I got from Liore and gave it to Hayate when Riza brought him over a few days ago." He dropped it in the hole and covered it back up with his foot. He looked back at the group, seeing they were all staring at him, aside from Havoc who was just staring off into the distance, waving at nothing. "Let's just go get something to eat. It's been a long day."

========================================================================

Sitting in the back with Alphonse next to him - Edward's eyes watched the passing homes as (Y/n) drove him and Alphonse to Shou's home. His leg lightly shook, not able to hide his eagerness to get back to the library and, hopefully, get some information that could lead to the Philosopher's Stone.

(Y/n)'s eyes looked up at the mirror, seeing a bit of Edward's face. Alphonse took up almost half of it with how bulky and tall his armor was. His eyes darted back to the road ahead. "I've been wondering... is Tucker's daughter, Nina, doing alright?"

Edward raised a brow while Alphonse answered. "She seemed fine." He replied in a curious tone, confused why (Y/n) would ask. "Is something wrong?"

"You guys saw how that house is." (Y/n) reminded the two with a dreadful tone. "The kitchen was covered with filth. And If she got into his laboratory..." His grip on the steering wheel tightened. "Imagine how hurt she could get by those animals trying to get out. I haven't even seen any of the other rooms but it worries me. That's not a place a kid should be."

Both the Elrics stayed silent, thinking over what they couldn't deny.

Soon (Y/n) pulled up to the sidewalk next to Shou's home and parked the car. "Don't worry about it too much, (Y/n). We'll make sure she's okay." Edward reassured before he and Alphonse exited the car.

========================================================================

Once they arrived at Shou's home - the Elrics got back to work in the library. Eventually Nina came around, wanting to spend some time with the two as they read. But, sadly, it wasn't like the prior day with laughing and giggling filling the room.

"Your mother left two years ago?" Alphonse asked.

"Daddy said she went back to live with her parents' house." Nina explained, leaning her back against Alexander's side that acted as a big furry pillow for her.

Alphonse felt pity for the child. "It must get kind of lonely with just you and your dad living in this big house, huh?"

Nina smiled softly, shaking her head no. "Nu-uh, not really..." She turned around and wrapped her arms around Alexander's head, scratching it as she nuzzled her cheek against him. "Daddy's so nice, and plus, I've got Alexander to play with, too!" Her expression and tone dropped. "But lately Daddy's been studying in his lab all the time... I guess that does make me a little bit lonely." She closed her eyes, resting her forehead against Alexander's head.

Both of the Elrics thought back to their younger years. The two would peek into their father's office, seeing him working away at his desk in the dead of night with a lone lantern to provide light. He was far more focused on whatever he was working on rather than his own children.

Edward closed the book that was in his hands, stood up and stretched his arms while letting out a yawn. "My shoulders are killing me!" He rested a hand on his hip and the other on his neck, softly jerking his torso to the side to help loosen up his body.

"Maybe you should try to move around some, Brother." Alphonse suggested as Edward rotated his automail shoulder.

"Yeah, not a bad idea, Al..." Edward's eye locked onto Alexander and a hand shot out, pointing at the snow white dog. "Hey, you mangy mutt!" The dog barked in surprise. "Looks like you could use exercise."

Alphonse chuckled as he closed his book. "Let's go too, Nina!"

Nina stared at them for a moment, blinking twice, before a bright smile came to her face and giggles escaped her lips.

========================================================================

"AH, COME ON! YOU CAN'T CATCH ME!" Edward's cheerful taunting filled the air in the back yard of Shou's home as Alexander, with Nina riding him, chased after him. "COME ON, SLOW POKE!"

While running, Edward transmuted his hand, making it have a simple face, a long bang and braided pony tail matching his and a metal jaw. He turned around while making the jaw clack, like it was going to eat the two. "I'M GONNA GET YOU! LOOK OUT HERE I COME!"

Nina giggled, holding onto Alexander tightly as he ran away from Edward as he playfully and goofily ran after them.

The fun continued. Nina would hang off Alphonse before getting on his back and sliding down it to the ground while Alexander chased after Edward. Joy swelled in their hearts and laughter slipped from their smiling lips.

However, the exact opposite was true for Shou. In a dark room that was his laboratory with only a single lantern providing light, Shou sat at his desk, his frustrated face buried in the palms of his hands. (Y/n)'s words to him repeated in his mind like an alarm, over and over.

"Don't forget... Assessment Day is coming soon."

His fingers slid down his face, his tired eye drifted to the silver State Alchemist pocket watch that sat on his desk in between a clutter of notes and books.

========================================================================

At Central Command, Ales was with Hughes in his office looking over the murder case of Brigadier General Grand.

Hughes sat down and read over the notes of the case. "What I want to know is why this guy is only targeting State Alchemists and no one else. If it's the military he's trying to hurt, he could go after normal soldiers. Surely soldiers would be easier to kill than highly skilled alchemists. Especially ones who have been state certified."

"Maybe the certification is the reason." Alex suggested. "State Alchemists are given high pay and special privilege. There must be any number of people who envy them for their positions... or, perhaps they feel they have not upheld their creed: "Alchemist, be thou for the people." Alchemists, who are supposed to be pillars of science and truth, are turned into the military's walking weapons as soon as they receive certification." He bowed his head, a look of regret and guilt on his face. "There are plenty of people I'm sure, who have not forgotten the role that State Alchemists played in the Ishvalan Civil War."

"That would make a lot of sense." Hughes agreed. "But how would they find anyone to surpass not only an experienced alchemist but also a veteran?"

A silent sad sigh came from Alex. "That brings me to my next topic I need to bring up to you. Some of the higher ups in the Military Police believe (Y/n) has a part in the murders. They hypothesized that he used the time away while in Liore to have an alibi while someone he gave information to about State Alchemists to carry out the murders."

Hughes looked up at Alex in disbelief. "Why would they-" He went silent as his lips were pulled into a frown. "Because he's Ishvalan, of course." He slouched back into his chair. "Let me guess... they don't have any proof to even remotely suggest this?"

"I wished I could have ignored it but the upper command of the MPs were very adamant I brought it up with you." Alex explained. "It seems no matter what, someone high up in the chain of command wants (Y/n) gone."

The two looked to the door once they heard a knock from it. A woman - 2nd Lieutenant Maria Ross - entered the room with a file in hand. 

She stood at attention once she made eye contact with her superiors. "I have a report, sir. A canvas has revealed that yesterday, at 9:30 or right around that time, a man with a large scar on his face was sighted in the Central City Train Station by multiple station employees."

Hughes sat up straight in his seat. "The Station?" He and Alex locked eyes. "Looks like that bastard got away."

========================================================================

Edward and Alphonse sat across from Shou at the dining room table. The setting sun casted an orange glow through the window, illuminating Nina's figure as she rested against Alexander on the floor.

"Before I earned my State Alchemist Certification, our life was terrible. We were so poor in those days." Shou admitted. "My wife couldn't stand living that kind of life..." Nina remembered the nights her parents would argue, the only comfort she had was Alexander as she hid behind his large body, tears in her eyes. "So she left us. I can't afford to fail this assessment. I don't ever want to go back to those days again. I don't even think I could."

"Don't worry, Daddy, it's okay... If those people do tell you no, me and Alexander will growl at them until they say yes!" Nina reassured with a smile. Her young mind is not able to fully comprehend how dire the situation is.

Alphonse laughed. "You tell 'em, Nina!" He cheered, urging her to have an hopeful outlook.

Shou stared at Nina and Alexander for a moment before smiling. "Hey, Nina... I've got an idea. Do you want to play with Daddy tomorrow?"

Her eyes widened, shimmering with excitement. "Really?!"

"Yeah." Nina stood up, ran to him, jumped and wrapped her small arms around the back of his neck, hugging him close. Shour turned the hug and supported her with his arms.

"Alexander, Daddy says he's going to play with us tomorrow!" She cheered with a light blush coating her cheeks. The dark barked, seemingly in cheer as well as it wagged its tail.

Alphonse, internally, smiled the same as Edward.

========================================================================

In the telephone room of Eastern Command - (Y/n) was on the phone. His expression dropped to one of annoyance. "They're trying to blame me for Brigadier General Grand's death?"

"I know, I know. It's just accusations right now." Hughes, who was on the other line of the call, said trying to calm (Y/n) down. "Me and Alex are doing what we can to reassure them but you know how upper command is. For the meantime, with the actual murderer still on the loose, try to stick close to Roy and everyone else in your squad. The MPs will probably try to say you "planned out more murders" while you were away from them."

(Y/n) sighed, hating having to deal with this. "Yes, sir."

"Good. Keep yourself and the Elrics safe." Hughes was about to place the phone down but he quickly brought the receiver back up to his mouth. "And Roy too if it's a rainy day." Then the call quickly ended.

========================================================================

Edward and Alphonse approached Shou's home with dark grey clouds filling the sky.

"Hello, Mr. Tucker!" Alphonse greeted as he opened the door. "Thanks for having us again today!" He spoke loudly in case Shou was elsewhere in the home but he got no answer.

The two entered the home, taking a peek into other rooms as they tried to find Shou. They couldn't find Nina or Alexander either.

"Mr. Tucker?" Alphonse called out.

"Hey, Nina?" Edward called out.

The two soon reached Shou's laboratory and opened the door. It was pitch dark, only now lit up with the light coming from the hallway. They saw him couching down in front of a four legged creature with long hair covering its low hanging head.

"There you are. So you are home!" Edward greeted.

Shou turned his head to the two, a smile plastered on his face. "Yes." Edward and Alphonse entered the room, getting a better look at the creature that was sitting in front of Shou. "I did it. I finally did it." He whispered, sounding like he was barely able to contain his excitement. "A chimera that understands human speech." The sound of thunder marked the moment it started to rain outside, the droplet pattering against the roof of the home.

The creature looked similar to a dog. A white fur body with long paws and white, empty eyes. Long brown hair went from its head all the way to its tail, the excess of it laid on the floor.

"Here, let me show you." Shou beckoned the two to come closer, his focus went back to the chimera. "Listen to me..." He pointed to Edward. "This person here is Edward."

The chimera looked up at Shou with its empty eyes. "That person... Ed... ward." It said, its voice sounded unnatural - barely human.

Shou smiled with pride. "Yes, that's very good. Well done." He patted its head.

Edward looked on in surprise. "That's amazing! It can actually talk." He crouched down to get to eye level with the creature.

"Now I don't have to worry about losing my certification." Shou said with relief, standing up with a bit of a sway.

The chimera looked at Edward. "That person... Ed... ward." It cocked its head as Edward smiled at it, his golden eyes filled with amazement. "That person... Ed... ward. That person... Ed... ward." Its lips pulled back into its best attempt at a smile. "Big Brother Ed."

Edward's eyes widened, the smile on his lips vanished. Another rumbling of thunder shook the house and Edward to his core. "Mr. Tucker..." He slowly said. "When did you first get your state certification?"

Shou pinched his chin in thought. "Let's see... It was two years ago."

"And when did your wife leave you?"

Shou dropped his arm. "That was two years ago, too."

"I just have one more question for you... Nina and Alexander..." Edward glared at Shou with rage he rarely ever showed, surprising Alphonse. "Where are they?!"

Shout shifted his glasses before his expression dropped. "Damn brat, figuring it out so quickly!"

Edward leapt towards him, grabbing him by the collar of his shirt and slamming him against a nearby wall, pushing his elbow against his throat to keep him pinned.

"Brother!" Alphonse called out with worry.

"Oh yeah, I figured it out. You did it again!" Edward stated through gritted teeth. "Two years ago, it was your wife! This time you used your own daughter and her dog to transmute a talking chimera!" Alphonse looked over at the chimera with a sharp gasp. "You can only do so much with animals, after all. It's much easier when you start with a human, ISN'T THAT RIGHT?!" Edward pressed his elbow deeper into Shou's throat, snarling at the man.

Shou smiled, speaking with a hoarse voice. "I don't see what you're so upset about... This is how we progress." All of the animals watched quietly from their cages. The ones that clawed at their bars previously quiet as a mouse in church as well. "Human experimentation is a necessary step. I would think a scientist should understand."

"SHUT UP!" Edward barked. "Do you really think you can get away with this?! Messing around with someone's life like that? YOUR OWN DAUGHTER?!"

Shou's smile stayed on his now deranged looking face. "Someone's life, you say?" He chuckled. "You'd know all about that, wouldn't you? Look at you, Fullmetal Alchemist... Look at your leg, your arm, your brother! Those things are also the result of messing around with somebody's life, aren't they?!"

"SHUT UP!" Edward struck Shou across the face with his automail arm, knocking off his glasses before they fell and shattered against the floor.

Shou laughed wickedly. "WE ARE THE SAME! WE'RE THE SAME..." He looked at Edward with a bloodied mouth smile. "YOU'RE JUST LIKE ME!"

"WE'RE NOT!"

"OH, BUT YES WE ARE! THE OPPORTUNITY WAS RIGHT IN FRONT OF US, AND WE TOOK IT! WE HAD TO, EVEN THOUGH WE KNEW IT WAS AGAINST THE RULES!"

"NO!" Edward struck him across the face again but his smile never faltered. "NOT ME! ALCHEMISTS DON'T..." Another punched across the face. "DO THAT!" He punched again, Shou's blood splattered onto his face. "I'm not..." Edward's eyes were full of desperation. "I'M NOT!"

"BROTHER!" He got ready to punch again but Alphonse grabbed his arm, holding it back. "If you keep this up, he'll die."

Edward saw that Shou was barely conscious with blood spilling from his now broken nose and mouth. He shook with rage, the need, the want to hit him again filled his body. That was up until he saw Nina in the corner of his eye. He looked over to see her sitting there, looking up at him with her lifeless eyes. "Edward... No. Daddy, do you... hurt? Daddy?"

With a distraught look on his bloodied face, Edward let Shou slide down the wall to the floor.

Alphonse rested a hand on Nina's head, slowly petting her. "I'm sorry. Even with all our power, we can't do anything to change you back. I'm sorry! I'm sorry!" The glow of his eyes slowly faded - his eyes closing.

"Can we play... now? Can we play... now?" Nina asked repeatedly as Alphonse caressed her head.

Shou held his State Alchemist pocket watch in his hands with care, like he was staring at a bar of gold that would set him up for life. "I made it just in time... I get to remain a State Alchemist. I passed!" He cheered, not at all remorseful for running his daughter's life forever.

Edward glared at him, pressing the urge to beat him further. Instead he kicked the locket out of his hand, sending it up in the air before it landed on the ground, parts of the chain scattered around on the floor.

What came next was a pathetic sight. A bloodied and beaten Shou crawled over to the now broken locket, grabbing it like it was about to run away, trying to put it back together.

"Like hell, you're staying a State Alchemist! Like hell!" Edward seethed.

"Can we... play now? Can we?" Nina asked again. The sound of her distorted voice and figure, both of which will never go back to normal, caused him to snap and let out a scream. "ARGHAAAAAAA!!!"

========================================================================

"If ever there was an example of the devil's work in this world, this case would definitely be it." Riza muttered as she followed Roy outside the Eastern Command building into the pouring rain, the two of them putting on coats before doing so.

"The devil, huh?" Roy asked. "A State Alchemist must be willing to act, able to take another's life when ordered to without questioning. In some ways, Mr. Tucker's action and our own may not be all that far apart, when it comes to interfering with other people's lives. We choose our own path, knowing full well what we're doing." He came to a stop in the middle of the staircase next to Edward and Alphonse. "That's the way it is... Right, Fullmetal?"

Edward sat silently, his hands gripping onto his arms tightly, letting the cold rain drench him. Alphonse sat by, the rain droplets pattering against his armor as he stared at the staircase ahead of him.

"You will more than likely come across cases like this again in the future... And you may end up having to get your own hands dirty, as well." Edward remained silent. He shook his head and continued to walk down the stairs. "Are you going to shut down like this every time?"

"We may be called dogs of the military..." Edward muttered. "We may even be cursed as devils... it doesn't matter. Al and I are still going to get our bodies back." His grip on his coat tightened, Roy and Riza stopped and looked back at him. "Al and I are still going to get our bodies back. We know the truth. We know we're not devils. We know we're not gods!" He stood up as he held his head low. "We're human." His breath stuttered. "WE'RE ONLY HUMAN!" He yelled out. Riza and Roy continued their way down the wet stairs. "We can't even do anything to save one innocent little girl. So what good are we, then?"

"If you can't figure it out on your own, you should ask (Y/n) rather than wallowing in self pity." Roy suggested with a raised voice to make up for the sound of rain and distance as he and Riza walked down the stairs.

========================================================================

The gate to Shou's home was locked up, barricaded and guarded with two Military Police soldiers stationed on either side. A figure with a scar across his face approached the home with his hood up, his feet splashing water from puddles he stepped in.

Inside of the home, on the 3rd floor, (Y/n) stood guard as he watched over Shou, who was sitting across from Nina.

Shou looked at (Y/n), showing off his bandage covered face and fixed, but still broken, glasses. "You're an alchemist too. You understand that I had to do this, right?"

(Y/n) glared at the man - an imitation of a man that was nothing more than a pathetic husk of a being. Now that Shou's career was over and his daughter's life was ruined, he felt no need to hold back on him. "You had to ruin your wife's life, driving her to suicide? You had to ruin your daughter's life just so you could keep this job? You didn't "had" to, you wanted to." He chided.

"How else do Alchemists progress forward?" Shou asked with genuine confusion. "Every Alchemist- true Alchemists sacrificed something to get where they are today."

A flash of a bloodied, mutilated corpse flashed in (Y/n)'s head. "You need to survive... The world still has plans for you." Those words repeated, sending a shiver up his spine.

The sound of wet footsteps entering the room ripped (Y/n) attention to the doorway, seeing a tall imposing tanned skin man with white hair and an X shaped scar on his forehead. Black tinted glasses covered his eyes. The flash of nearby lighting lit the room, allowing the two to get a better look at the man.

"Who the hell are you?" (Y/n) asked, feeling like a fight was about to break out.

"You are (Y/n). And the man behind you is Shou Tucker, correct?" The man asked.

"Answer my question!" (Y/n) rolled up his sleeve and morphed his automail arm into a shield.

Shou stood up and backed away to the window. He looked outside to see the two MPs that were standing guard outside laid dead in a pool of their own blood. "H-HE KILLED THEM!"

The man started to walk towards (Y/n). "Foolish alchemists who turn their backs on the ways of God... shall be punished. Especially Ishvalans who betrayed their own people." He charged forward with his hand out.

(Y/n) waited till he was close enough before ducking and using his shield to push the man's arm up before using his other hand to jab him in the gut. He attempted a followup by grabbing his legs and pinning him down however a knee to the stomach made him stumble back.

The man capitalized on the moment and delivered a kick down onto (Y/n)'s head, making him fall to the floor. He dived down with his hand, trying to grab him. (Y/n) rolled over before the man's hand could touch him. The spot where his hand landed splinted, cracked and exploded.

(Y/n) delivered a blow against the man's head with his automail arm, dazing him for a moment, allowing him to twist his body to position himself to kick the man back. He looked to Shou, seeing he was standing there in shock. "GET DOWN STAIRS NOW! TAKE NINA WITH YOU!"

As the two continued their fight, narrowly dodging hits while also delivering hard hits, Shou picked up Nina and made his way to the door. The man saw this. He created distance between himself and (Y/n) before grabbing the chair Shou was sitting on, smashing it and throwing the splintered leg at him as he tried to escape, stabbing him on the back of his leg, causing him to stumble and fall.

(Y/n) clapped his hands and touched the floor, a short wall shot out and struck the man in the legs, making him buckle from the impact. He charged forward, raising his shield up, intending to bring it down onto the man's head and knocking him out.

The man used his arm to take the hit with the shield as his other arm shot out and grabbed (Y/n) but his face. The sparks of alchemy shimmered around his hand before spreading to (Y/n)'s body. And intense pain filled his body as the tattoos on his chest glowed, partially visible by the man for a mere moment before he pushed (Y/n) to the window and shoved him. His body shattered the glass before he fell down onto one of the bodies of the dead MPs.

The man shifted his attention to where he last saw Shou. He saw a blood trail leading out of the room and followed it, finding Shou crawling away while Nina tried to help him up. The man approached Shou and grabbed the back of his head, sparks of alchemy shot out from his hand and then wrapped around his body. A moment after blood started to pour out of Shou's nose, mouth and ears, his brain reduced to mushy paste. He let go of Shou's head, letting his corpse fall limp onto the floor.

Nina went over to Shou's corpse and started to nudge his fingers with her nose. "Daddy's hurting..." Tears started to form in her eyes, a look of dread overtook her face. "Daddy's hurt... No, Daddy."

"You poor creature." The man pitied. "Once you have been given this form, there is no way of separating you again." He approached her and placed a hand on her head. "At least... Your passing will be in peace." Sparks emitted from his hand before enveloping her body. Same as her father, blood poured from her eyes, mouth and ears before falling over dead next to her father.

========================================================================

Minutes earlier.

(Y/n) groaned in pain once his body landed on the dead MP, the sound of bone crunching could be heard and the wind knocked out of him. His entire body rocked with pain, screaming at him to stop.

"Dammit..." He uttered through gritted teeth, pushing himself off of the bodies before trying to get up but failed as he fell back to the ground. 'I think... my leg's busted.' He looked down, seeing there was a blood stain on his leg. The searing pain also confirmed that his leg bone was broken and pierced through his skin.

He looked to the pool of blood that was around the two MPs. He reached out, dipping his fingers into it before he started to draw an alkahestry transmutation circle before dragging himself to rest his leg on it, clapping his hands and touching it. "AUGH-MFFF!" (Y/n) screamed out before muffling his mouth by biting down on his bottom lip, not wanting the man to know he was injured. The sudden rush of pain mixed with a sense of overwhelming fatigue caused him to fall back and pass out.

========================================================================

The man exited the home out into the rain, washing away the blood that dirtied his face and hand. He looked over to (Y/n), seeing his unconscious body lying still in a pool of blood.

"God... Hear me..." He muttered to himself as he walked past (Y/n) and the two dead MPs. "Three human souls have just been returned to you. Please accept them into your loving arms. Please grant these poor, lost souls everlasting peace and salvation." He took off his glasses and looked up to the sky with red Ishvalan eyes.

========================================================================

Drabble - Want Some Cheese With That Wine?

Late at night after everyone else headed home, In Roy's office - (Y/n) handed the bottle of wine he got from Liore over to his superior.

"Liore Classic Rose Wine, huh?" Roy asked as he examined the bottle (Y/n) handed to him.

"Sorry if that isn't the one you wanted. Most of them had similar names and that one kinda stood out so I took it." (Y/n) explained.

"To be honest, I barely remember what exact one I wanted so it's alright." Roy reassured before standing up and walking to a nearby liquor cabinet he had in case of visits from higher ranking staff or celebration, opening it and taking out a wine glass from it. "Would you like some? The alcohol content is pretty low so you would have to worry about getting hammered like Jean." He teased.

(Y/n) shrugged his shoulders, not seeing the harm in one drink. "Sure, thank you."

========================================================================

When they first tasted the wine, they absolutely loved it. It had the same sweet flavor you'd get from a mixed drink with strawberry being the most dominant flavor of all. But minutes after finishing just one small glass of it, they started to feel a side effect from one of the ingredients of the wine.

With a blush coating their cheeks - (Y/n) sat across from Roy, the two had their uniform jackets opened up, the top few buttons of their dress shirts undone, using their hands to wave air onto their chests.

"Sir." (Y/n) breathed out, feeling like he was cooking alive. "I think I might have screwed up."

"You think?" Roy rhetorically asked. "The fire I make isn't nearly as hot as this. What the hell did they put in it, red peppers?" He stood up and went over to his desk, looking over the bottle's ingredients.

It said the basic things you'd find in wine aside from one he didn't recognize. Something called Ambergris. He let out a heavy, hot sigh as he placed the bottle down and turned to (Y/n). A sharp gasp pushed past his lips once his eyes settled on (Y/n).

Most of his chest was exposed now. The hard work out routines Alex put him through bearing fruit with his muscular tattooed torso glistening with sweat. (Y/n) looked over at him in confusion. "Sir?" He called out. Roy bit down on the inside of his cheek once he saw Ishvalan's red ruby-like eyes. They were soft with confusion but stern and sharp, like it was able to show off the years of hardship he's been through.

(Y/n) called out to him again but Roy was in a sort of trance as he walked over to him, standing before him as he stared the Ishvalan down, like he was contemplating what to do next, before moving to straddle him. The blush on (Y/n)'s cheeks got darker, his hand instinctively moved to hold Roy by his waist to keep him from falling off. "S-Sir, what are you-?"

Roy's hands pressed against (Y/n)'s chest, his right hand moved to trace the section where his automail connected to his chest. "You know how hard we all worked so you got the rank of Major, right?" His hands slid up his chest to his shoulders before wrapping them around the back of his neck.

(Y/n) didn't mean too but his grip on Roy's waist got tighter. "I- I do. And I thank you all for that again." He answered, having zero idea why Roy brought it up now of all times.

Roy leaned forward, rested his forehead on (Y/n)'s, their hot breaths mixing. "The rank of Major is given to those who can lead..." His and (Y/n)'s eyes locked, seeing the fire raging inside the other. "So show me you can lead." (Y/n) couldn't help but hear this as a dare - a challenge - to take this in a direction he'd never thought he would in Roy's office of all places.

With a burning desire fueling him, he accepted the challenge. His hand reached up to cup the base of Roy's head, tilting it down slightly. "Are you gonna complain like last time?" He teasingly asked.

Roy smirked, his eyes becoming foggy with a raw, primal desire. "I won't. Just don't leave any marks on my neck this time, would you?"

"I'll try, sir." (Y/n) answered sultry before leaning in and pulling Roy's head down into a kiss. Their lips locked together for a moment, retreating for a gasp of oxygen before diving back in.

Chapter Text

With something in his hands and excitement in his step, a 10 year old Edward ran into the tomato orchard that sat behind their home. "Hey, Mom...! Mom!" He called out, soon seeing her picking some tomatoes and placing them in her apron that she held up, using it as a basket.

She looked at him in confusion, seeing a smile on his small face and keeping his hands together. "What do you have there, Ed?"

Edward let out a chuckle as he presented a small simplistic metallic cow with a few residual marks of transmutation on it. "It's a present! I transmuted it!" He practically announced, his voice shining with pride.

"You did?" Trisha asked, impressed with the small work of art. She couched down to his level, rested a hand on his head. Stroking his short golden hair got a chuckle out of him. "You're your father's son, all right. Thank you very much. "That's an amazing thing you did... Creating something as neat as this takes talent." Edward closed his eyes, enjoying the words of praise and the caressing hand of his mother. "But..."

The sound of the tomatoes in her apron dropping and splattering against the floor forced him to open his eyes, seeing that he was now, somehow, inside their home. His eyes slowly drifted up, seeing a disfigured, empty eyed ghoul resembling his mother standing over him. "If you can do that... why couldn't you make Mommy better, Ed?" Her voice distorted as she spoke, like a demon was taking over her body.

Edward's face dropped, his eyes field with fear as he stumbled back. "Big brother!" He spun himself around to see Nina and Alexander standing behind him. "Let's play!" The two morphed together, turning her into the chimera body she was now stuck in forever.

========================================================================

Sitting against the wall reading a book, Alphonse heard a sharp gasp. He looked over to the bed where Edward was sleeping, watching as he shot up with sweat on his forehead and shaky breath, his fingers digging into the bed and looking like he just saw a ghost. "Brother, are you all right?"

Edward looked over to him in realization. "You were dreaming." Alphonse reassured, seeing how shaken up Edward was..

Edward let out a sigh and hung his head, hearing the sound of rain pitter-pattering against the roof and windows. He lifted his automail leg up and wrapped his arms around it, resting his head next to it as well.

========================================================================

The two Elrics traveled to the Eastern Command Center. They went straight to Roy's office and were about to knock but Edward hesitated. He pulled his hand away from the door for a moment before raising it back up to knock with his knuckle but again he hesitated, getting a look from Alphonse. The door suddenly opened, revealing it to be Riza with a coat hanging from her arm.

The dreary look on Edward's face let Riza know something was wrong. "What's the matter you two? What are you doing here?"

Edward spoke with hesitation. "We... need to know..." His head dropped. "What's going to happen to Tucker and Nina?"

Riza's eyes widened and a short gasp slipped past her lips. "No one told you two yet?" The two shook their heads no. "Mr. Tucker was scheduled to be stripped of his certification and stand trial for what he did to Nina. But... they're both dead."

The two Elrics looked at her in shock. "Dead?!" Alphonse repeated.

Riza closed the door behind her and put on her coat. "(Y/n) wanted to be the one to explain what happened but I might as well tell you... They've been murdered."

"They... How? By who?!" Edward questioned.

Riza walked past them and down the hallway towards the entrance while fixing her coat to fit properly on her. "(Y/n) was tasked with protecting them but someone matching the description of the murderer Hughes is after broke in, killed them and the MPs stationed there to guard the front."

"We're coming with you." Alphonse declared, keeping up with his brother as the two followed Riza.

"No." Riza replied sharply.

"Why not?!" Edward angrily asked.

Riza suddenly stopped and shot them both a glare. "You don't need to see this. You should go to the hospital and check up on (Y/n)... that's if the MPs allow you to see him"

Both Edward and Alphone's heart dropped. "W-What happened to him?" The two asked in unison.

========================================================================

In a local hospital room (Y/n) sat on a bed with frustration lingering in his eyes as he stared down at the metal brace that was wrapped around the leg he broke. The sound of the door opening ripped his attention away to see an MP entering the room with a tray with a cup of water and a few pills on it. "Here you are, sir." He placed it down onto a nearby table that was up against the wall.

"Thanks." (Y/n) stood up and went over to the tray with a slight limp, taking the pills that were on it, popping them into his mouth before washing them down with a drink from the glass of water that sat on the tray. He looked over at the guard who was now standing next to the door, guarding it. "Is everything set?"

The MP nodded. "Yes sir. All personnel and patients were moved to the basement."

(Y/n) limped over to the window and looked outside. Covering in rain water, a statue of a lone pillar stood in the middle of the way just before the entrance of the hospital, a stone bench surrounded it. The names of fallen soldiers, who were from that part of the city, filled the placard on it. A tired sigh escaped his lips. 'I hope Winry and Grandma never hear about this...'

========================================================================

At Shou's home, Hughes, Alex, Roy and a handful of MPs examined the room and all evidence. Hughes was crouched down, looking over Shou and Nina's bodies.

"He's always one step ahead of us." Said a frustrated Hughes as he covered up the two bodies with a blanket.

"With the way things are going, either we catch up to him quickly." Alex's words served as a warning for things to come.

Roy stared at the covered up bodies with pity and frustration as he spoke. "You sound as though you were expecting this..." Hughes looked over at him. "Fill me in."

========================================================================

In Liore, in front of the cathedral, a massive crowd was gathered. But rather than yelling for violence or justice for what Cornello did to them - how he exploited them for his own benefit - it was filled with joy as the audience, with hope filled eyes, looked up to him with hands held together in prayer.

Cornello was full of energy and physically fine, a contradiction to how (Y/n) and Edward left him. His arm that was morphed with a gatling gun looked completely fine, not even a scar.

"GOD HAS GIVEN US A GREAT TRIAL, MY CHILDREN! WICKED HEATHENS HAVE SPREAD INSIDOUS RUMORS, TRYING TO SHAKE OUR FAITH... AND NOW THE MILITARY SEEKS TO OPPRESS US! BUT WE MUST HOLD TIGHT TO OUR FAITH! THE TIME HAS COME TO RISE UP, WEAPON IN HAND, AND FIGHT IN THE NAME OF THE GREAT GOD LETO!" He made a fist, whipping it off to the side as one would to strike down an enemy.

Sadly the people of Liore were once again swayed by the man's words of faith. They all cheered as they raised what weapons they could gather like shovels, pitchforks and others. Their eyes filled with bloodlust.

"YEAH! WE FIGHT UNDER THE PROTECTION OF LETO!"

"DOWN WITH HEATHENS AND HERESY!"

But some questioned, receiving ire from the majority of the crowd. "No! Don't be fooled!"

"THAT MAN SPEAKS NOTHING BUT LIES! CAN'T YOU SEE THAT?"

"HOLD YOUR TOUGUE!" A supporter of Cornello barked.

"WE AREN'T PAWNS OF THE HEATHENS LIKE ALL OF YOU ARE!"

From the belltower Lust and Gluttony watched as the crowd started to devolve into a rabid mob as they fought each other, beating, stabbing and strangling those who went against Cornello and the faith he spouted on about.

The fighting, murdering and destruction spread throughout the city like a wild fire. Black smoke from burning buildings filled the orange tinted sky from the setting sun, windows of stores and homes smashed in and the places vandalized, and corpses soon started to fill the streets.

Lust chuckled with amusement, a wicked grin appearing on her lips. "Human foolishness never ceases to amaze me. Wouldn't you agree, Gluttony?"

"Fools, all of 'em!"

"Fools indeed." The two looked to see Cornello walking up the steps before standing behind them. "Sad but true."

Lust rested her hands on the railing, leaning back a bit. "Well-well, if it isn't the father." She spoke with sarcasm.

Gluttony chuckled. "Yeah, "Father."

"Sorry to have to put you through all this trouble." Lust apologized.

"As soon as we have everything handled here, I have my own responsibilities I need to get back to." Cornello informed the two.

Lust hummed, looking back at the destruction, hearing the sounds of screaming and gunshots in the distance. "The Fullmetal and Ishvalan interference was irritating, but at least we were able to make it work in our favor. Looks like we'll finish up ahead of schedule."

Cornello looked out to the destruction that was engulfing the city. He smiled. "Manipulate a little information, spout some empty rhetoric to the believers, and you have a fine recipe for instant violence... Humans are such simple creatures."

"Bloodshed gives way to more bloodshed, hatred breeds more hatred, until all the violence soaks into the land, carving rivers of blood." Lust looked at the corpses that lay still in front of the cathedral with disdain and disgust. "And no matter how many times it happens, they never learn. The human race is made up of violent, miserable fools."

"Who seem more than willing to play into our hands." Cornello added, getting a smirk from Lust.

Gluttony was crouched down a bit, his large nose resting on the railing as he white dot eyes looked down at the violence. "Are lots of people gonna die again?" He asked with excitement.

"Yes, they will." Lust answered reassuringly.

Gluttony became gity with joy, his large mouth stretched into a big smile. "Ohh! Can I eat all of them after they die?"

Lust placed a hand on his bald head and pushed him down. "No, you may not." She looked back at Cornello. "By the way, Envy, could you lose the old man costume? It's rather unattractive"

Cornello smiled. "Come on, I was just staying in character. But if you insist..." Red sparks of alchemy flicked around his head and feet and his eyes glowed the same colour. Starting from the feet and hands, alchemy residual markings appeared for a moment before fading away, like Cornello was shedding his appearance for another. "This time around I'll go with a younger, cuter model." His voice started to pitch up a bit. The gruff tone now exchanged for a young and cocky tone. "What do ya say?" Once the change was complete, the new figure's long black sharp hair fell down, as if it was helping add to his height as Cornello.

His build was rather slim which was shown off as his clothing only covered his upper chest, the palm of his hand to mid arm and from the waist down to his thighs in a sort of mix between black shorts and loincloth. He wore a headband that, along with his back, had similar red dots and lines that were on Lust and Gluttony. He also had the same dragon mark as Gluttony and Lust but it was on his thigh. With the addition of mischievous purple eyes, he looked the part for someone who took enjoyment out of others suffering.

One of Corello's followers witnessed the transformation - having stood further down the stairs as Envy started to shed Corello's appearance. His face dropped, his body shaking with fear. "A-A MONSTER! WHAT'S GOING ON HERE?! WHAT HAVE YOU DONE WITH THE REAL FATHER CORNELLO?!"

Envy looked back at him uninterested while Lust smirked. "It's your call."

Envy threw his hands to the side. "He said I was a monster. I think that's quite rude, don't you?" He asked with an exaggerated offended tone.

"Can I eat him? Can I?" Gluttony quickly asked - more liked begging.

The two weren't even able to get a word in before Gluttony pounced on him, tearing out his throat with his teeth to prevent him from screaming before he started to devour his entire body white Envy walked to the railing next to Lust, not wanting to get blood on himself.

"Oh, hey, did ya hear the news?" Envy asked. "Shou Tucker, that alchemist in East City... he's dead."

"Why should we care about a little nothing like him?" Lust spoke with disgust.

"Because it was him who was responsible for the murder." Envy answered. "But also our Ishvalan was supposed to protect him, and almost got killed by him too."

"Speaking of East City, isn't that where the Flame Colonel's staying right now?" Lust asked.

"Yeah... and apparently the Fullmetal brat's there too."

Lust perked up with interest. "Oh, is he? As furious as I am that those two interfered with our work here, we can't very well let them die. They are important sacrifices."

"OHH! THAT WAS SO YUMMY~!" Gluttony purred with blood running down his mouth and covering his hands that he started to lick up.

"We'll find some way of handling the situation." Lust reassured. "The other one we were speaking of... what was his name?"

========================================================================

At Eastern Command, Roy sat across from Hughes, the two of them sitting on benches on either side of the empty hallway. Alex and Riza were there as well, standing beside their respective superior.

"Scar? Because of his face?" Roy questioned.

"Yeah, we don't  know anything else about him other than what he was wearing so that's what we're calling him." Hughes answered as he lifted a leg to rest on his other knee.

"Our target elusive and an expert in hand to hand combat." Alex pointed to his own forehead. "The only information we have that can identify him is regardless of what he wears in the large scar on his forehead."

"Yes, I've heard stories about that man..." Roy leaned forward, resting his arms on his legs and chin on his thumbs as he placed his hands together. "That's who you're trying to hunt down?"

"By order of the military police command center. Meanwhile, all my other work is piling up..." Hughes rubbed his forehead. " Ugh, my head hurts."

"He's killed five people in Central, all State Alchemists... His body count nationwide is up to ten." Alex noted.

Their attention was taken when the sudden sound of clacking of boots came from down the hallway, seeing that a squad of armed MPs were heading towards the entrance.

Roy stood up and called out to them. "Hey, what's going on?"

One of them stopped just before passing. He leaned over to peek from behind the corner to speak to him. "We have orders from Lieutenant Colonel Diels to assist Major (Y/n) in capturing Scar, sir."

The four all gave him a confused look. "What are you talking about?" Hughes asked. "(Y/n) is in the hospital."

"That's where the trap for Scar has been set up-"

"Herman!" A hand reached and grabbed the MP by his arm and yanked him away out of sight of the four. "We got orders so stop chit-chatting." The four could hear whoever pulled him away scold the MP.

Riza's eyes widened with dread. "I told Ed and Al that (Y/n) was at the hospital..."

Roy realized what this meant, his eyes filled with dread as well. "Oh no!"

========================================================================

After being denied entry into the hospital, Edward and Alphonse sat on the stone bench that surrounded the pillar statue. The two felt like the weather, dull, grey and cold.

"I've been thinking about this for a long time." Edward spoke sadly and softly, just barely audible to Alphonse over the rain. "We put all of our trust in alchemy, but in the end, what is it? "Alchemy is the science of understanding the flow of matter and its laws... the process of comprehension, deconstruction and reconstruction. The world flows, too. It must follow laws. Everything circulates... even death is a part of that circulation. You must accept the flow." He hummed with a small smirk. "Teacher sure drummed that into our heads, didn't she?" At this point, his hair was soaking wet, a few bangs covered his eyes like golden curtains. "I thought I understood it... but I didn't understand anything." The memory of the mangled body that came as a result of their attempt at transmutation replayed in his mind. "Mom proves that. Now here I am again, trying desperately to figure out a way to do the impossible." Nina's joy filled giggles filled his mind. "I'm such a hopeless idiot... All this time, and I haven't grown up one bit. I thought maybe the rain would wash away some of this gloom that's following me. But right now, every drop that hits my face is even more depressing."

Alphonse looked up at the rain. The droplets splashed against his helmet, the sound echoing though his armor, and would slip though the eye holes. "I don't even get that much. I can't feel the rain hitting my face. That's something I miss... All the time." The water would leak down his face plate, making it look like he was crying. "I want to get my body back soon Brother... I just want to be human again. Even if it means going against the flow of the world and trying to do the impossible."

========================================================================

Through an open window at the back of the building, Scar entered the hospital, entering a storage room for extra beds and pans. He kept his head on a swivel and ears open as he approached the door out of the room. He slowly opened the door, peeking outside to see no one was there before fully emerging from it.

The moment his foot touched the ground outside the door, a transmutation circle glowed and sparked. He was able to leap forward to get out of the circle before the floor moved to form a sort of boot that would have held him in place.

Down the hallway, two MPs walked around the corner, seeing Scar. "ALARM!" "HE'S INSIDE!" The two yelled before heading back from where they came from. More than likely to gather everyone up, knowing just two regular soldiers stood no chance against him.

Disregarding getting spotted, Scar started to search the hospital, cautious on entering any rooms in case they had a booby trap like the previous one.

========================================================================

(Y/n) stood on the rooftop of the hospital. His eyes darted everywhere, from the door to the rooftop, the sides of the building and the floor he was standing on.

At this point Scar would have figured out that most areas were boobytrapped so taking the more obvious route, like the staircase and door to the roof top, would be out of the question. Then again, at least what (Y/n) thought, Scar could figure out a different way to get past the traps so his guess could be wrong.

Scar got him once and he'll do it again if he gets an opening.

A sudden explosion came from the door, sending it flying toward (Y/n). He clapped his hands and touched the ground, creating a barrier to protect him from the flying metal door.

Scar watched as (Y/n) stepped out from behind the barrier, seeing the metal brace on his leg. "Tell me... how were you able to withstand my attack?"

(Y/n) morphed his arm into a shield. "I'm not much of a talker during fights so let's get this over with."

========================================================================

Both Alphonse and Edward heard the explosion from the roof top. They looked to see small bits of falling debris, and (Y/n) fighting Scar. The MPs guarding the entrance stepped away to look where they were looking.

"(Y/N)!" The two Elrics called out.

(Y/n) saw them out of the corner of his eye but focused on the fight. "ED, AL! GO WITH THE MPs!"

The two guards approached the brothers. "Come with us. We're heading to the rally point-"

"Forget that!" Edward barked. "(Y/n) needs our help!"

Scar advanced onto (Y/n) before crouching down and swiping with his leg. (Y/n) grunted with pain from the strike against his still healing leg and colliding against the ground.

Scar slammed his foot down onto (Y/n)'s leg, pinning him to the spot, before striking down with a fist. Before it could impact (Y/n)'s face, he clapped his hand and touched the ground behind him and used his other leg to kick Scar back.

The wall of the hospital sparked with alchemy before morphing into a makeshift slide for (Y/n) to travel down. He looked ahead to see that Edward and Alphonse were still there. "GUYS! YOU NEED TO GO NOW!"

The two ignored his demand, instead going over to him once they saw Scar was going down the slide. "Al, grab (Y/n)!"

Alphonse grabbed (Y/n) by the arm while Edward clapped his hands and touched the ground, making a platform shoot out for the three to get some distance between them and Scar.

The platform got them to the road but ended once Scar reached where they started and touched the pillar that was attached to the platform, causing it to fall apart mid air and forcing the three to run on foot - Alphonse had to keep a hold on (Y/n) so that he could keep up with Edward due to his limp.

"Damn it, who the hell is that guy?! Making enemies isn't something that I-" Edward cut himself off, knowing making enemies is something he does quite a lot. "Well... I never really avoided it."

Civilians watched in confusion as the three ran down the road with Scar in pursuit.

"That's Scar. He's been killing State Alchemists." (Y/n) explained. "Now he's after me and you, Ed."

========================================================================

The squad of armed Military Police, Roy, Riza, Alex, Fuery, Falman, Havoc, Breda and Hughes sat in the back of a military truck, listening in on the radio.

"1st Squad: Reporting that the suspect known as Scar has been spotted heading down Abbey Street chasing after Major (Y/n) and the Elrics!"

Hughes made a fist and knocked on the back of the driver's cabin to get the driver's attention. "We got a place, let's go!"

========================================================================

Edward, Alphonse and (Y/n) turned the corner, running down an alleyway. They heard the familiar humming of alchemy and looked to the wall next to them, seeing sparks of alchemy crawling along the wall before eventually reaching a head of them. The walls exploded and the corner of the building ahead collapsed, blocking the three inside of the alleyway.

The three turned back to see Scar standing there. "Why are you after us?! Why are you murdering State Alchemists?!"

"As long as there are "creators" like you in the world, there must also be destroyers." Scar ominously said.

"Then it looks like we're gonna have to fight." Edward clapped his hands and grabbed a nearby mangled pipe, morphing it into a bowie knife.

(Y/n) grabbed a brick and morphed it into a sort of knuckle duster before slipping his left hand fingers into them. "Whatever you guys do, don't let him touch you."

Alphonse took up a fighting stance with his legs apart to keep himself stable, hands flat with one arm guarding his chest and the other pointing at Scar.

Scar smirked. "Gutsy one, aren't you?" He clenched his hand, and the rain water that was sitting on it jumped off.

Both Edward and (Y/n) attacked first by touching the ground and sending out stone pillars towards Scar. However Scar seemed to have known this was coming. In a blink of an eye, he jumped up onto the stone pillars before they collided against him, ran down it and leapt up into the air before landing next to Alphonse and touching his side. "Too slow."

Most of Alphonse's chest, upper thigh and shoulder shattered barely a second after Scar's touch. What parts of the armor survived now had jagged, rectangular edges, making it look like he'd been shot by a large caliber cannon round.

"AL!" Edward cried out, watching as Alphonse collapsed onto the ground.

Scar looked to see the armor was empty, shocking him. 'There's nothing inside!' A strike across the face with brick knuckle dusters and in the gut sent him flying back against the debris covered exit.

"Ed, get Al out of here now!" (Y/n) barked as he glared at Scar, rage filling his red eyes.

Edward was too enraged to listen. He charged forward with his knife raised. "YOU BASTARD! AHHHH!"

Scar reached out and grabbed Edward's arm. "You're too slow!" A spark emitted from his grip. But rather than explode his arm, Edward, and his weapon, was sent flying back into the rain water covered road.

"Damn it!" Edward cursed as he got up and took off his coat, revealing his automail arm.

"An automail arm..." Scar observed. "Then that explains why my attack didn't do the damage I expected." He looked back at (Y/n), seeing him standing in front of Alphonse. "And you somehow negated my attack as well. Most unusual."

Edward clapped his hands and hovered his normal hand over his automail, making a knife with the top cover plate.

"Brother, (Y/n)... don't!" Alphonse begged as he grabbed onto (Y/n)'s leg. "Just run away!"

"You idiot!" Edward retorted. "We're not gonna leave you behind, Al!"

"You two press your hands together to make a ring, and then perform transmutation... Now I see." Scar raised his hands as Edward charged.

"ED, STOP!" (Y/n) gasped but was too late as Scar grabbed Edward's forearm with one hand and rested the other near his shoulder.

"Then I will have to start by destroying this abhorrent right arm of yours..." In a flash of blue light, Edward's automail was reduced to bits and pieces beyond the point of repairable.

"EDWARD!" "BROTHER!" (Y/n) and Alphonse cried out.

Edward fell down with bits of his arm scattered on the ground beside him. His golden eyes filled with fear as Scar stared him down.

"Now you will not be able to use your heretic's alchemy." Scar started to approach Edward as he tried to crawl away but couldn't with his arm missing, causing him to fall over.

(Y/n) clapped his hands and touched the ground, sending several pillars of stone towards Scar. He was able to dodge a few but two were able to strike him in the leg and face, forcing him away from Edward. "DON'T YOU DARE TOUCH HIM!"

Scar looked down at (Y/n)'s leg, seeing it was bleeding. "All you are doing is prolonging the inevitable justice you and this "Fullmetal" will receive."

"What justice?! Murdering two brothers who didn't do anything to you?!" (Y/n) questioned.

"I do not intend on killing the once trapped in armor. I only aim to kill those holding the title of State Alchemist." Scar explained before point at (Y/n). "Espesially Ishvalans who turned their back on their people by becoming a dog of the military."

(Y/n)'s rage boiled over. "I DIDN'T TURN MY BACK ON THEM! THEY TURNED THEIRS ON ME...! I was alone with no one to look out for me! Ishvalans treated me like I was the one who started the war, like I was the one who murdered their family!" (Y/n) fumed. "Amestrians were the ones who showed me kindness and gave me a chance at life so don't give me that nonsense that I betrayed Ishvalans!"

Scar shook his head with disapproval. "Bickering with someone so lost in their own lies is a waste of my time." He charged forward and grappled with (Y/n), trying to do the same he did with Edward by destroying his arm.

"(Y/N) JUST RUN!" Alphonse yelled.

Edward was in too much shock to say anything. He could only watch on with a dropped jaw and shrunken eyes filled with fear. His body was numb, not even able to feel the cold rain water falling on him.

"NO! I'M NOT RUNNING AWAY! I'M NOT GOING TO ABANDON YOU GUYS!" (Y/n) was able to deliver a jab into Scar's side but in turn he was able to strike him across the face. Both of their attacks sent the other back a bit

The two charged at each other again, ready to get back into the thick of combat. The sound of a gun shot made the two come to a halt.

"THAT'S ENOUGH!" They all looked over to see Roy with a smoking gun pointed up in the air.

The road behind Roy was blocked off with multiple cars and trucks. And standing with Roy, with their weapons drawn and aimed at Scar, were Riza, Fuery, Falman, Havoc, Breda and the squad of MPs.

"You won't be killing anybody else today, Scar. I'm taking you into custody, where you will answer for the murders of at least ten State Alchemists." Roy announced loudly.

"Alchemists alter things from their natural form, perverting them to something else, something grotesque... They profane God, the true creator of all things. As an agent of God, I am here to hand down judgement onto these two. If you interfere, I will eliminate you as well." Scar threatened.

Roy stared at him for a moment before smirking. "Oh, is that right?" He scoffed before handing his gun to an unprepared Riza. "You guys stay out of it. (Y/n), stay there and protect the Elrics."

"Colonel Mustang, sir!" Riza called out but was ignored.

"Colonel Mustang..." Scar repeated. "So this is the Flame Alchemist." His hand twitched. "Volunteering yourself to receive judgement. This is truly an auspicious day!"

(Y/n) did as ordered and stayed put while Scar charged at Roy as he put on his gloves.

"So you know who I am and you still want to challenge me? Bad decision." He placed a foot forward and snapped his fingers... only for a puff of smoke to come out.

While Roy was in the moment, Riza ran up behind him and swept his leg, knocking him down just as Scar was about to grab his face. Roy was able to see Scars confused face while he himself let out a gasp of shock with his hair standing up.

Riza took aim with both pistols and opened fire on Scar. The rounds struck the ground as he jumped to dodge them, leading him to take cover in an alley way opposite to where the Elrics and (Y/n) were.

"HEY, HAWKEYE, WHAT THE HELL DID YOU DO THAT FOR?!" Roy snapped with confusion.

Riza moved to stand in front of Roy as she reloaded her handguns. "You know as well as I do, you're useless on rainy days. Please stay back." The brutal honesty felt like a punch in the back of the head for Roy.

"Oh yeah, I forgot." Havoc held out a hand, feeling the rain drops landing onto it. "It's kinda hard to get a spark going when it's raining, huh?"

"It is fortunate that you can't create your blasphemous flames, State Alchemist. FOR I WILL DESTROY ALL WHO INTERFERE WITH MY MISSION, RIGHT HERE AND NOW!" Scar roared.

A large figure with a just as large spiked knuckle duster came up from behind him. "I'D LIKE TO SEE YOU TRY IT!" Alext threw his arm down.

Scar leapt back just in time to avoid the heavy hitter's punch, seeing how it easily decimated the brick road. "A newcomer!"

"You have to be quick to avoid my fist." Alex pulled his fist out of the debris. "Not bad... not bad at all." He complimented as Havoc and an MP ran over to Edward and checked up on him while (Y/n) stood on guard for them. "You said you were going to destroy us all. In that case, why don't you start by defeating me? WE'LL SEE HOW YOU FARE AGAINST THE STRONG ARM ALCHEMIST, ALEX LUIS ARMSTRONG!"

"Yet another State Alchemist. God is putting them in my path for me." Scar uttered with annoyance.

"Not backing down?" Alex asked before leaning over to grab a piece of debris. "In that case, your courage will earn you a demonstration." He threw the debris into the sky, his lone bang of hair and mustache sparkling somehow. "I'LL SHOW YOU THE ART OF ALCHEMY THAT HAS BEEN PASSED DOWN THE ARMSTRONG FAMILY FOR GENERATIONS!"

Edward watched as the debris fell and Alex reeled his arm back before shooting his arm out, his fist connecting with the debris, sparks emitting, before shooting out towards Scar. Mid flight the debris turned into a dart, sharp to a point.

"Who is this Scar guy?" Edward asked as Havoc helped him sit up, coming to the conclusion he got the name due to the scar on his head and it not being his actual name.

"No clue but he's the same man who murdered Mr. Tucker, his daughter and almost killed (Y/n)." Edward looked up at him in shock.

Alex sent a wave of spikes toward Scar, which he easily destroyed by swatting them aside. It also ruined the street with the damage left behind because of it.

"It's him?!" Edward stammered.

"MAJOR, WATCH WHAT YOUR DOING!" Havoc barked. "WE DON'T WANT TO DESTROY THE CITY, DO WE?"

"WHAT DO YOU MEAN?!" Alex then suddenly took off his jacket, showing off his muscle covered torso and arms as he flexed. "DESTRUCTION AND CREATION ARE TWO SIDES OF THE SAME COIN. YOU MUST DESTROY TO CREATE. THAT IS THE LAW OF THE UNIVERSE!"

Havoc and a few MPs stared on with a deadpan look. "Did he have to strip?" Riza asked.

"Are you surprised? He's clearly insane." Havoc suggested.

Alex scoffed. "Non-alchemists may not fail to see the inherent truth of that statement. But we understand, don't we, Scar?"

Roy got up and looked at Scar in shock. "So this killer is an alchemist, too?"

"That's it!" Edward spoke up. "The stages with the transmutation process are construction and deconstruction, and reconstruction. This guy just must stop at the deconstruction phase."

"But if Scar is an alchemist as well... doesn't that mean he strayed from whatever his 'ways of God' are, too?" Havoc asked, finding it hypocritical.

Alex punched the ground, sending blue shocks down the way towards Scar, making the ground shoot up with spikes and debris.

"And what would be his reasons for only targeting alchemists with state certification?" Roy asked himself.

Scar was able to stop Alex's attack by striking the wave of rocks, deconstructing them. While he was distracted, Alex charged in and started throwing fists at him, forcing him on the back foot to avoid getting hit.

Scar leapt back as Alex threw a heavy punch. 'He's unusually coordinated for his size, and his strength is almost superhuman. That combined with his alchemy, he won't be an easy one.' His back hit a wall. He looked to see he was cornered in between two buildings.

Alex reeled his arm back, his large figure looming over Scar's. "I HAVE YOU CORNERED, SCAR."

Scar ducked down. 'But there's a moment when his swing is too wide.' He saw that Alex's right side, near his rib cage, was left open as he sent a fist forward. 'There it is!' Scar reached for it.

A quick step back and Alex was out of the way, taking Scar by surprise and leaving him wide open for Riza, now armed with a rifle, to open fire. One grazed his forehead while the others missed as his footwork was too fast to catch up with.

"Did you get him?" Roy asked.

Riza lowered her rifle. "He's too fast. I only grazed him with one shot."

The one round that grazed him knocked off his glass, revealing he had red eyes. Mostly everyone looked on in surprise while the others got into position to corner him, keeping a safe distance away with their weapons trained on him.

"An Ishvalan?!" (Y/n) muttered. "That's why you kept calling me a traitor of Ishval..."

Scar could see that this was a fight that he had little chance of winning now. "Perhaps there's too many."

Roy held up a hand, keeping the men from opening fire. "You might as well give up, Scar. You're not getting away."

Scar threw his hand down, palm against the ground , making it glow a blinding light of alchemy. He destroyed the ground around him and sent it towards all the soldiers while creating a smoke screen for himself thanks to the dust kicked up.

(Y/n) clapped his hands and touched the ground, building a wall to counter the wave and protect the soldiers.

Once the smoke cleared, they saw that the entire side of the street Scar was on was now caved in, revealing the sewer system. "Bastard is in the sewers." Havoc cursed.

"Stay put." Roy ordered.

"Sure. You don't have to tell me twice." Havoc replied.

Roy looked to Alex, seeing he had his jacket on but not buttoned up. "Sorry Armstrong, but thanks you for buying us enough time to surround him."

Alex hummed with disagreement. "I was hardly buying time. It was all I could do to keep myself from being killed."

"Oh! Is it over now?" Hughes suddenly appeared and spoke up, getting everyone's attention.

"Lt. Colonel Hughes, where have you been the whole time?" Alex questioned with annoyance as he could have helped out.

"I thought it best to lay low." Hughes simply answered.

Roy angrily glared at him. "YOU DIDN'T THINK ABOUT MAYBE BACKING US UP?!"

"OF COURSE NOT! A PERSON LIKE ME SHOULDN'T GET DRAGGED INTO A FREAK SHOW WITH YOU PACK OF PSEUDO HUMANS! IT'S BAD FOR MY HEALTH!" Hughes snapped back before looking at one of the MPs. "DON'T JUST STAND THERE! WE'VE GOT THINGS TO DO! DEPLOY TROOPS! UPDATE AND CIRCULATE HIS DESCRIPTION!"

"YES SIR!"

Edward looked over to Alphonse, seeing him sitting up against the wall of the alleyway. "Alphonse!" He called out as he ran over to him, which also got (Y/n) attention and came over.

With worry in his eyes, Edward crouched down, seeing the damage Scar did to his younger brother. "Al! Talk to me! Are you all right?"

"That suit of armor is Elric's younger brother, is it?" Alex asked as Roy, Riza and Havoc looked on in pity.

"Why'd (Y/n) never tell us that?" Havoc openly wondered.

"Al, you gotta still be with us. Your eyes are glowing, that has to mean you're okay." (Y/n) practically pleaded, not wanting to have lost someone, to have failed to protect someone again.

But a sudden punch towards Edward and himself, knocking them both back, let him know he was still in the land of the living. "WHY DIDN'T YOU RUN AWAY WHEN I TOLD YOU TO? WHAT KIND OF IDOTS ARE YOU?!"

Disregarding the punch to the face, (Y/n) wanted to calm Alphonse down. "I-"

"NO WAY! WE'RE NOT JUST GONNA RUN AWAY AND LEAVE YOU BEHIND! ESPECIALLY SINCE I'M YOUR OLDER BROTHER! IT'S MY JOB TO WATCH OVER YOU!" Edward didn't have the same approach as (Y/n).

"WHICH IS EXACTLY WHY YOU'RE AN IDIOT!" Alphonse punched Edward in the face again, startling everyone.

Edward held onto his face, trying to rub the pain away. "Why do you keep punching me like that for? If I'd run away, you could have been killed, you know that?!"

"AND MAYBE I WOULDN'T HAVE BEEN! MAKING THE DECISION TO DIE IS SOMETHING ONLY AN IDIOT DOES!"

Edward slammed his hand down onto his thigh. "Hey, easy on that idiot stuff! I'm still your older brother, GOT IT?!"

"I'LL SAY IT ALL I WANT TO!" Alphonse leaned forward, grabbing Edward by his shirt and pulling him close. "Survival is the only way, Ed. Live on, learn more about alchemy. You could find a way to get our bodies back and help people like Nina." Edward's expression dropped. "You can't do that by dying! I won't allow you to abandon the possibility of hope and choose a meaningless death!" Alphonse sounded like he was on the verge of crying and let Edward go before looking to (Y/n). "And why did you tell us to go away when you were injured and up against Scar on your own?! Why did you even think about fighting on your own in the first place?!"

(Y/n) tried to stammer out an answer. "I... I had to-"

The metal around Alphonse's shoulder soon snapped, causing his arm to drop to the ground with a metal thud. "OHHH GREAT! AND NOW MY ARMS COME OFF BECAUSE MY BROTHER AND BEST FRIEND ARE BIG FAT IDIOTS!"

Edward let out a defeated sigh, letting his head hang. A small smirk appeared on his lips. "We're really falling apart... aren't we, Brother? We both look like we belong in a junkyard."

"But we're still alive." Alphonse muttered as the rain started to clear, letting the sun's rays shine down onto the city.

Edward nodded. "We are."

Roy looked on with a warm smile while Hughes looked confused and awkward. "Good grief. I've stumbled into an extra special kind of freak show, huh?"

Roy chuckled. "Yeah, sorry."

Hughes slouched his shoulders and chuckled as well, a carefree smile on his lips. "Don't worry, I won't tell anyone upstairs." Riza went over and placed her jacket over Edward's shoulders, smiling down at him. "If this got out, things would get complicated."

Alex and Havoc came over to the three as well, checking up on them.

"Yeah..." Roy agreed. "The older brother aside, I wouldn't even know how to explain the younger brother's body."

Hughes' eyes rolled to look over at Roy. "I don't envy you. This is one tough customer you're dealing with."

Roy's expression turned stern. "And now we know he's Ishvalan."

"That reminds me..." Hughes looked over to (Y/n). "We're gonna have to question (Y/n) about this operation he intended on doing on his own."

========================================================================

With everyone in Roy's office, from his squad, Hughes, Alex, Alponse who'd had his destroyed parts covered up to keep what was there preserved, Edward, all eyes were on (Y/n).

"You guys never asked him about the war?" Breda asked the two Elrics.

"We just thought it would be best to not bring it up..." Edward trailed off for Alphonse to finish. "Considering the little bits we knew about it, we were worried we'd bring up bad memories."

"Sooner or later it had to happen." Roy spoke and gestured to (Y/n) to begin.

"This is from what bits I remember so it may not be exactly how everything happened." (Y/n) warned. "Before Ishval was annexed, there were some conflicts surrounding their belief in Ishvala, usually clashing with the other dominant religions in Amestris and their strong distrust of alchemy made them distrust the government. Once the nation was annexed and Ishvalans, at least the majority of them, were sent back to Ishval to contain it did alleviate some issues but then new ones came up like the wanting for independence and for all the soldiers to leave. Then, in 1901, an officer supposedly either accidentally or purposefully shot and killed an Ishvalan child."

"What do you mean accidentally or purposefully?" Edward asked.

"Some argue that the officer meant to murder her but everything surrounding it was just "he said, she said" with no proof to back up either story." (Y/n) explained. "Regardless, that led to the war starting. Causing uprising to spring up all over the Eastern sector and spilling into the Southern sector. After years of demands for the war to end, in 1907, military high command ordered the extermination of Ishval. This was sped up significantly due to State Alchemists being called in to aid the military."

"That man, Scar, is an Ishvalan survivor. In a sense, his revenge is justified." Roy admitted.

Edward gritted his teeth. "No way! There's no justification to taking revenge on people who had nothing to do with it! He tried to murder (Y/n) when he was just as much of a victim as him. He's just dressing his ugly lust for vengeance in the mantle of his God and calling himself an agent of justice."

Roy leaned forward in his chair, his arms resting on his large fine wood desk. "Still, the fact is, he's coming at us with full force. We can't let ourselves be killed for his cause. Next time there will be no more talk. Got it?"

All the soldiers in the room nodded. "Yes sir!"

Hughes looked over at Edward. "Well, Ed, Alphonse... What are you two going to do now? What's the plan?"

There was a determined look on Edward's face. "We're going to keep moving. We just can't sit around, not as long as we're still alive."

"Brother." Alphonse lightly called out with pride.

Edward rested a hand on his shoulder. "Before we can make any headway on getting your body back, we have to get my arm back to normal and your body fixed with the best quality steel."

Everyone looked on with a soft smile and warm hearts. "Uh-huh." Alphonse agreed.

Edward rolled his head upwards. "We've got no choice. It's been a long time... but we need to pay a visit to our mechanic."

========================================================================

Drabble - How Dare He Hurt My Ishvalan?

"So..." Roy started, his and everyone's eyes on (Y/n). "Mind telling me why you decided to fight Scar on your own, while injured, and not report it to me?"

(Y/n) slouched his shoulders, wishing he didn't have to answer. "After I made it to the hospital, I was placed under arrest by the military police since they suspected me for murdering Mr. Tucker and Nina." The group nodded. "Lieutenant Colonel Diels, the same man who's convince himself that because I'm Ishvalan that I should be kicked out of the military, came to question me but I made a deal with him."

"What kind of deal?" Roy questioned with a raised brow.

"I suggested that we leak the information out that I survived to the public to attract Scar to the hospital. With me being injured, I figured he'd want to come and finish me off so I boobytrapped the place and hoped I could capture him."

The group stared at him, shocked. Alphonse was the first to speak up. "HOW STUPID ARE YOU?!"

(Y/n) flinched at the sudden yelling, not used to Alphonse being this vocal when angry. "W-Well I made sure the place was evacuated and ordered all MPs there to only warn me about Scar once he got there and leave so they wouldn't get hurt."

"THAT'S NOT THE POINT!" Edward grabbed him by the collar of his jacket, making him bend down to his level. "Why'd you put yourself in that much risk when you could have asked anyone here for help?!"

"Lieutenant Colonel Diels said he wanted only the Military Police involved, no one else, so that he could take full credit for the operation." (Y/n) answer filled everyone in the room with rage. "And that since I was at risk of dying if I failed, or succeeded in capturing Scar, he'd get what he wanted either way." This just added a several ton bomb to the rage that everyone was feeling.

"WHY WOULD YOU AGREE TO THAT?!" Everyone suddenly asked at once. It was so loud that people in the other wing of the building could hear it.

"It was the only way he'd agree so I could get the charges against me dropped and it kept Scar away from the other, more vulnerable, State Alchemists."

The room filled with silence. To (Y/n), It felt like a horror film where the suspense was building up before a sudden jump scare appeared. Riza suddenly standing up with a blank expression startled him. She then started to make her way to the door.

"Riza, w-where are you going?" He asked with hesitation. She could be a very scary and intimidating woman at times without trying.

She stopped, her eyes remaining on the door. "Lieutenant Colonel Diels is about to have a terrible accident." She then exited the room.

(Y/n)'s eyes widened and chased after her. "W-WAIT, RIZA, PLEASE DON'T!"

Chapter Text

Lieutenant Colonel Diels' carried himself nervously as he made his way to Bradley's office, his mind filled with worry but also hatred for the Ishvalan who he believed was the sole reason why the capture of Scar failed.

If only he had done it without him and trusted his men more, if only he did things his way and so on cycled in his mind like a broken record, desperately trying to find a way to pin all the blame on Major (Y/n).

He soon arrived at the large double doors that were guarded by two tall, intimidating soldiers who glared down at him like a lost child, their eyes alone letting him know the two were mocking his slicked back hair that begged for attention from his superiors. He clicked his heels and saluted with a shaky hand. "L-Lieutenant Colonel Diels here to see the Fuehrer."

One of the guards held out a hand. "Papers." He simply said - demanding.

Diels produced his papers, quickly giving it to the guard. A look over and nod later, he was ushered in before the door was closed behind him.

A shiver ran up his spine the moment he stepped foot into the room. His eyes going straight to the source led him to lock with the single eyed leader of the nation. Again he clicked his heels, standing at attention, and saluted. "Fuehrer-"

"Take a seat." Bradley interrupted, gesturing to one of the nice leather chairs that sat in front of his massive fine wood desk.

Diels did as ordered as Bradely rested his arms on the desk, interlocking his fingers while he stared him down, an aura of dominance emitted from him like a raging fire.

"Lieutenant Colonel Diels..." Bradley spoke, his gruff voice making the name sound like it was being dragged across sandpaper. "I read the report your men made on the operation to capture Scar."

"Sir, please understand that I-" Diels attempt to explain - put blame on (Y/n) - was halted with a raised hand from Bradly.

"I will say what needs to be said and..." Bradley pointed a finger at Diels, making the subordinated feel like he was getting lined up to be shot. "...you will accept it." In his words lies a threat.

Diels gave a firm nod. "Yes sir."

"(Y/n) is very important." Bradley's one eye looked over to a folder that was sitting on the table. He reached over and opened it, going through the sheets. "Far more than you realise..." He looked up at Diels, seeing that he was on the verge of falling out of his chair and becoming a puddle with how scared he was. "So all this talk about getting rid of him, or using him without my or his superior's approval, is ending today." He arranged the sheets back into place before closing the folder and resting it at the front of his desk, gesturing for Diels to take it.

Upon taking and reading the first page, his eyes widened with shock, his heart dropping into his stomach. "R-Reassignment to the Southern Sector to the front lines with Aerugo?!" He exclaimed with dread in his eyes and tone.

Aerugo was the nation South of Amestria, a nation they were having border skirmishes with at the moment. So in other words he was going to war.

His eyes went back up to Bradley, wanting to protest but the glare he was receiving from just the one eye made it clear it was either this or see an early grave.

========================================================================

At an apartment building, (Y/n) knocked on the door to one of the rooms.

"Come in!" He heard Edward say from inside.

He entered, seeing Edward put on his coat, and Alphonse sitting on the ground with what parts were able to be saved in a crate next to him.

"Hey, are you guys ready... to..." (Y/n) trailed off once he fully took in Edwards appearance, specifically his hair.

He was so used to seeing it tied up with two notable bangs on either side of his forehead with a small lone one in the middle sticking up. But today his hair was down. A sight (Y/n) only saw when Edward was about to go to sleep or it was one of those lazy days where all he wanted to do was relax.

It was a sight he liked seeing. Just knowing Edward was relaxed, not stressing himself out, even for a bit, brought comfort to him. Especially when he was able to run his fingers - from his non-automail hand - through it, feeling the soft as silk golden hair as he gently scratched Edward's head as he fell asleep on him.

Edward saw the light blush coating (Y/n)'s cheeks, seeing his eyes were 100% staring at his head of hair. A blush coated his own cheeks as well. "Y-Yeah. I was wondering if you could braid my hair."

========================================================================

With Edward's back facing him, sitting with his legs crossed in front of him on the bed, (Y/n)'s hands moved with skill as he braided Edward's hair into its signature style.

The two brothers were talking. What it was about was unknown as (Y/n) just heard muffled muttering as he escaped into his mind, remembering what little he did of his mother.

========================================================================

In an Ishvalan home during the dead of night with only a few candles nearby to light the room, a child (Y/n) braided his mother's white as snow hair while she looked over some books about alchemy. His small hands moved with caution, wanting to take it slow so as not to ruin his mother's hair.

Once finished, at least he hoped it was, (Y/n) announced he was done, getting his mother's attention.

She reached back with a dark skinned hand, feeling the braids between her fingers. She looked back at (Y/n) and smiled, filling the young boy's heart with joy. But the smile was the only thing (Y/n) remembered about her face, everything else was a black void, like it was taken away from him.

"Good job, (Y/n). You're getting better." She praised with a soft tone, however her voice was slightly distorted, made up from the few other memories (Y/n) had of her speaking.

They say the voice of a loved one who's passed onto the afterlife is the first thing you forget. And that was sadly the case for (Y/n) as well as what little there was, was slipping away as the years passed.

========================================================================

Later, Hughes ran into the crowded train station, hearing the train that was about to depart whistle and its bell chimed, letting everyone know this was the last chance to get on.

A familiar head of blonde hair caught his attention. He ran up to the window and tapped on it with a single knuckle, getting Edward's attention. He gave the Elric a casual salute. "Hey."

Edward stood up from the booth seat and opened the window. "Lt. Colonel?" He greeted with confusion.

"The folks at Eastern Command Center were a little too busy to make it down here today, so I came to see you off instead." Hughes explained.

Edward looked back at the large, dressed in fine civilian clothing, Armstrong sitting opposite from his booth, taking up most of it. "Great..." He groaned. "But would you mind telling me what the Major's doing here?"

"For protection. Since (Y/n) decided to go off on his own to fight Scar and with you and Alphonse in no condition to fight, Roy asked Armstong to tag along to make sure he doesn't do something like that again." Edward gripped into the dangling sleeve to his left arm. "The Major's here to help. Just try to grin and bear it." He reassured, seeing how uneasy Edward was.

Armstrong held his head high, arms crossed and closed eyes. "Children can be so stubborn."

The disappointed remark angered Edward. "HEY, SHUT UP! I'M 20 YEARS OLD!"

'Then maybe stop acting like a child...' Alex thought, not wanting to make more of a scene in front of other passengers.

"Anyway..." Edward calmed down, getting Alex to look at him. "Are you sure Al made it on board?"

"Of course. (Y/n)'s with him."

Edward remembered not seeing either as he got onto the train. "Where?"

"In a train car filled with sheep." Alex answered, resting his large hand on his chin. "I imagine it's a pleasant experience to have those cute little things-"

"MY BROTHER AND (Y/N) AREN'T SOME KIND OF FARM ANIMAL!" Edward barked with anger.

"It isn't easy to get someone the size of your brother onto a packed train at the last minute. It was all they had." Alex explained.

The bell from the train ran, its sound filling the train station. "Oh, it's time." Hughes stepped back away from the train as the engine whistled, black smoke shooting out from the smokestack. Hughes stood at attention and gave the two a proper salute with a smile. "Okay, you guys have a safe trip. Stop in and give me a shout the next time you make it to Central."

The two saluted back with Edward having to salute with his left arm for obvious reasons as the train started to slowly move forward.

========================================================================

With sheep bleating every few seconds, (Y/n) rested up against the crate Alphonse, and his broken parts, were in. The top was open with Alphonse's head sticking out, letting him see the fluffy sheep eye him with their odd eyes.

(Y/n), just like Alex, was dressed casually, wearing an outfit he liked but rarely ever got to wear due to his job. The two didn't want anyone to spread word that there were two Majors, one of which being a State Alchemist, were traveling in case Scar overheard and could track them down.

"Hey, (Y/n)..." Alphonse called out with hesitation, a part of him hoping the bleating of sheep would cover up his voice but that wasn't the case.

(Y/n) looked back, seeing Alphonse in the corner of his eye behind him. "Yeah?"

"Are you... uncomfortable with talking about the war?" Alphonse must have asked because of the talk about Scar the night before.

"It isn't pleasant." (Y/n) answered honestly.

A sheep approached (Y/n), nudging their head against (Y/n)'s arm, trying to scratch their own face with it. He smiled, lifting a hand and gave the creature what it wanted as they moved their head around to get scratches on more specific spots.

"Oh... Sorry." Alphonse said with a low, sad tone.

(Y/n) heard the sadness in his tone. "No, it's fine...I know almost everything about you guys so I should tell you more about myself in return." A sick feeling filled his stomach - the feeling of guilt.

========================================================================

After a day-long ride, the group arrived at the train station of Saint-Marie-Mountain city. Thankfully for them, especially Edward since he fell asleep, it was a bright and sunny day.

Edward's jaw practically was forced to open wide as he let out a yawn as he stretched his one arm. This was abruptly interrupted when an older looking man carrying a doctor's bag, with a large nose and face that looked to be stuck frowning passed by, causing Alex to shoot up from his seat and lean out the window, pinning Edward between the glass and his large chest. "GAHHHH!"

"DOCTOR MARCOH!" Alex called out. The male came to a stop as Edward looked to see what was going on. "Doctor Marcoh, that is you, isn't it?" The man looked back in confusion. 

"It's me! Alex Louis Armstrong from Central!"

The man's face quickly contorted into one of fear before he ran off, confusing the two.

"Freind of yours?" Edward asked.

"He's from Central... A talented State Alchemist. He was researching into possible medical application of alchemy. But after the Ishvalan Civil War, he went missing - just disappeared." Alex explained.

(Y/n) raised a brow in interest upon hearing that Marcoh did similar research to himself.

Edward looked up at the city that rested on the side of a small mountain with determination. "Let's go, Major." He beckoned as he started to run out of the train car. "A guy like this doctor might know some useful things about bio-alchemy."

========================================================================

Walking down the narrow roads, Alex, who was carrying Alphonse who was still in a crate, Edward and (Y/n) questioned the locals about Marcoh, hoping someone might have at least seen the deserting State Alchemist.

The group approached a lone man. Alex held up a very accurate drawing of Marcoh, showing it to the man. "Excuse me, but do you know who this person is by any chance?"

Edward looked up at Alex in surprise. "Wow, Major, you can really draw."

Alex held his head up with pride. "The art of portraiture has been passed down through the Armstrong family for generations."

"That man looks like Doctor Mauro to me." The man answered.

"Mauro?" (Y/n) repeated with a raised brow.

"All of our town's doctors were drafted to help on the battlefields during the civil war." The man said as another man approached, looking to be a friend of his. "Then Doctor Maruo came here. He's really been a lifesaver."

More joined in on the conversation. "He'll save any patient and he never gives up on anybody. We're lucky he's here."

"You see this big bright flash of light, and then you're cured, just like that!" This caught both Edward and (Y/n)'s attention, remembering that was how Cornello was able to do transmutation while ignoring the Law of Equivalent Exchange.

========================================================================

Running up a flight of stairs to the 2nd story entrance of an aged concrete home with the windows covered with curtains from the inside, Edward raised a hand to knock on the door while Alex and (Y/n) walked up the stairs.

"This is it." Edward gave the door two firm knocks on the door. "Um, hello?" He grabbed the handle and pulled, seeing it was unlocked.

The moment he fully opened the door, he was face to face with Marcoh, who pointed a revolver at his face.

(Y/n)'s body acted, jumping up the few steps he still had to get up to get on the same level as Edward and grabbed Marcoh's gun, forcing it up just as he pulled the trigger, the sound of a single gunshot filling the air.

"IS IT A HABIT OF YOUR'S TO SHOOT ANYONE WHO KNOCKS?!" (Y/n) barked as he snatched the gun away from the man.

"Please don't bring me back there! I don't ever want to go back! Anything but that!" Marcoh pleaded now that his only means of defense was taken away and like hell he'd try to fight hand-to-hand someone at his age and condition.

Alex raised a hand, showing he wasn't a threat while Edward was clutching at his heart after almost getting a new hole in his head. "Please, Doctor, calm down. We're not here to take you anywhere."

"So you're here to silence me, then?!"

"N-No, nothing like that!"

========================================================================

Inside Marcoh's home, Alex and Edward sat with Marcoh with Alphonse sitting down next to the table on the ground, his eyes just barely able to see over the table. (Y/n) was looking over the shelves and crates filled with various chemicals, medicine and drugs.

It reminded him a bit of Shou's home but far cleaner, so clean he could see his reflection in the wood floors.

"So, you changed your name and decided to live in hiding way out here in the countryside." Alex summarized what was previously discussed. "If the rumors I've heard can be believed, when you disappeared... You took top-secret materials with you."

Marcoh's arms rested on the table, his hand grasped onto the other one tightly as he leaned forward. "I couldn't handle it anymore. Order or no order, to have to dirty my hands researching that thing was too much."

"What "thing" is that?" Edward asked.

Marcoh's face grimaced, remembering the things he did in Ishval. "It took so many lives... During the Civil War, so many innocent died because of it." He lowered his head in shame, eyes closed and teeth clenched. "I could spend my whole life trying and still never atone for the things I've done. But I had to do something, so I came here to be a doctor, to save lives instead of taking them."

(Y/n) looked at the doctor, remembering the moments that people like Roy, Riza, Alex and Hughes told him what they had done in Ishval - the innocent lives they took while following orders.

"Doctor... What exactly was it you were ordered to do research on? What "thing?" Alex repeated Edward's question.

Marcoh raised his head a bit and opened his eyes. "The Philosopher's Stone." Everyone in the room let out a short gasp of surprise. "The top-secret materials I took were my research documents and the stone itself."

Edward shot up from his seat, knocking his chair back, glaring at Marcoh. "Do you mean you still have it? It's here?!" The sudden outburst made Marcoh recoil back, his mouth agape.

Marcoh's expression dropped as he reached into his brown jacket and pulled out a small vial with a bright, red liquid inside.

"How can that be the stone? It's liquid." Edward pointed out.

Marcoh twisted the cap off the vial and poured it out onto the table. To everyone's surprise it didn't splash against the wooden table, instead pouring out like slime. Once it hit the table it started to take shape, pulling liquid that got away towards itself till it formed a self sustaining ball.

"The Sage's Stone... The Grand Elixir... The Celestial Stone... The Red Tincture... The Fifth Element..." Marcoh listed off as Edward stood up and started to poke the "stone", seeing it still retain its shape without it sticking to his glove while Alphonse, Alex and (Y/n) watched on in curiosity. "Just as the Philosopher's Stone is called by many names, so it can take on many forms. It is not necessarily a stone." He grabbed the vial and pressed the opening down onto the stone, collecting it inside before sitting it down on the table. "This is an incomplete product, however... There's no way to know when it will reach its limit and become unusable."

"Finished or not, it demonstrated plenty of power during the Ishvalan Civil War, right?" Edward asked, getting Marcoh's attention. "It's just like the stone that false priest had in Liore. It was incomplete, but it still amplified his powers considerably." A smirk came to his lips. "If imitation stones this powerful can be produced, who's to say a complete product can't be created?" He slammed a hand down onto the table that let out a bang in the small room. "Please, Doctor Marcoh, I need access to your research materials."

Marcoh looked at Alex. "Major... who exactly is this man?"

"This man is a State Alchemist, Doctor."

Marcoh looked at Edward in surprise. "What?! A State Alchemist this young?" He pinched the bridge of his nose, a grunt passing his teeth as memories of war torn Ishval and the corpses that littered the debris covered roads played in his mind. "After the war, there were many State Alchemists who turned in their certifications because they refused to serve as human weapons any more. And now there are State Alchemists who are barely old enough to enlist!"

Feeling like he was being talked down to due to his age, Edward spoke up. "You think I don't know what I've signed up for?!" Marcoh looked up to see Edward holding onto the stump of his arm. "I know what I'm doing, but I don't have any choice. If this is a mistake, then it's a mistake I have to make. There is no other way." His eyes, filled with determination, locked with Marcoh's.

========================================================================

Marcoh stood before Alphonse, taking in what was left of his suit of armor. "I see... So you've committed the taboo?" His eyes locked with Alphonse's glowing ones. "Amazing... the ability to transmute a specific person's soul like this. Maybe one as talented as you would be able to produce a complete Philosopher's Stone."

A smile came to Edward's lips, filled with hope like his eyes. "So-"

"But I can't show you my research."

Disappointment and frustration threw away what hope Edward was showing. "Why not?!"

Marcoh turned away from the two brothers, not able to look at them with his fists clenched. "You must not seek after the stone."

"Not even if it's to get our bodies back?" Alphonse asked.

But Marcoh was certain of his decision. "Never!" His exclamation earned him an angry glare from Edward. "This is the devil's research. If you chase the stone, you will go through hell!"

Edward shot up from his chair. "I'VE ALREADY BEEN THROUGH HELL!"

A moment of tense filled silence passed before Marcoh spoke. "Please... Please, just leave." He said, his voice but a tired whisper.

========================================================================

As Edward and Alex, who was carrying Alphonse on his shoulder, descended down the staircase that led up to Marcoh's door, (Y/n) was about to exit but came to a stop halfway. "Doctor Marcoh..." He turned back, letting the doctor get a proper look at his red Ishvalan eyes, causing a silent gasp to slip past his lips.

With how tense the situation was for him, he wasn't able to get a good look at the ruby like eyes (Y/n) had until now. The stern look showed him that the Ishvalan in front of him had a life of hardship, likely a hardship that he helped cause during his time in the Civil War.

"I understand why you don't want others to know how to make a Philosopher's Stone. I too would be reluctant to let anyone have that sort of power."

(Y/n)'s time in the military, as well as his time in Ishval, made him a realist, able to see things as they were without letting things like hope sway his perception - the opposite to how Edward was an idealist.

Even people with the best intentions can either purposefully or accidently do horrible things. He learned that first hand.

"But if you do have research notes on how alchemy can be used for medical purposes, without a Philosopher's Stone, I'd appreciate it if you'd let me see them."

Marcoh's eyes widened a bit, watching at (Y/n) exited his home, closing the door behind him.

========================================================================

At the now empty train station, waiting for the next train, Alex and Edward sat on a bench while (Y/n) stood by Alphonse on the platform.

"Are you sure about this, Ed?" Alex asked, getting Edward's attention. "Even an incomplete Philosopher's Stone could be useful. You could have taken it from him by force."

Edward rested his one arm on the bench's back rest and leaned back. "Yeah... I wanted it so badly, I could almost taste it. But still..." He looked over at Alphonse.

"But still, we don't want it so badly that we'd be willing to deprive this town of their only doctor to get it." Alphonse finished, practically reading his brother's mind.

Edward smiled, the breeze from the surrounding rolling hills, bright with life as the grass and trees shined green thanks to the sun shine, gently caressed his face. "We gained plenty just by finding out that the Philosopher's Stone can be made. Now we'll just have to look for some other way to do it."

(Y/n) hummed. "That reminds me... I should have gotten a report from the Headquarters near Liore about their questioning of Cornello by now." The loud blowing of an incoming train's whistle tore him away from his train of thought.

Alex picked up Alphonse and placed him on his shoulder while Edward and (Y/n) stood on either side of him.

"What about you, Major? How do you feel about not reporting back to Central on Dr. Marcoh's location?" Edward asked as the train slowly came to a stop in front of them.

"We met a simple small-town doctor today. I can't see any real reason to report that." Alex simply answered, getting a chuckle out of Edward.

"WAIT!" The three looked over to see it was Marcoh, hunched over with his hands on his knees, trying to catch his breath. The three had to wait a moment for him to get some oxygen in his aged lungs, seeing him stand upright with sweat pouring down his face.

"Doctor Marcoh?" Edward called out in confusion.

Marcoh walked up to Edward, taking a folded piece of paper out from his jacket and handing it to him. "This is where my materials are along with some of my medical research. If you're certain you won't regret learning the truth in the end, start looking here. Look closely... maybe you'll find the truth hidden within the truth. But I've already said too much already."

After Edward took the paper, Marcoh turned his attention to (Y/n). "I can never atone for what I did to your people but I hope with this you are able to help as many people as possible... the thing I should have started doing a long time ago."

With that he turned around and started to walk away. He raised a hand, waving goodbye to the group. "I hope the day will come when you are able to restore your bodies."

Alex put down Alphonse and saluted, Edward bowed and (Y/n) nodded as he waved goodbye back.

========================================================================

With Alphonse and (Y/n) now in the passenger car with Alex and Edward as the train sped down the tracks, they looked over the paper Marcoh gave them.

"Brother, what does the note say?" Alphonse asked, trying his best to lift his head to get a look at the paper.

The paper had very little writing on it. "Natinal Central Library, First Branch."

"I get it. Like hiding a tree in the forest... Finding one book in that giant library will be difficult indeed." stated Alex.

Even with the difficult task ahead, Edward smirked. "Finally, another clue about the stone!"

========================================================================

Marcoh entered his home, turning to close the front door before letting out a sigh as his shoulders slouched.

"I've been looking for you, Marcoh." His eyes shot open, his head whipped around to see Lust sitting at the table with a fine coat with a fur collar on.

Her red lipstick covered lips stretched into a devious smile as she lightly laughed.

========================================================================

As Edward, (Y/n) and Alex, with Alphonse on his shoulder, walked up the dirt road that the two brothers and (Y/n) knew like the back of their hands, they heard the family dog, Den, barking.

Looking up the hill, they saw the place they called home for many years, and Den standing in front of the Auto mail's shop sign, happily wagging his tail.

========================================================================

In some dirty tan overalls and a green head band on, Winry sat at a table inside of the workshop, grinding away and a new wrench she made. 

The place looked exactly as one would expect. Machines for drilling, grinding and cutting occupied large sections of the room. The table and floor was covered with metal bits from other projects. Crates filled with spare parts, schematics and other necessary things a master metal worker needed.

"Our best customers are here!" Pinako's tone was filled with cheer, making Winry pull herself away from her work.

========================================================================

"Yo! Granny!"

"We're home!"

"It's good to see you, Grandma."

The brothers and (Y/n) greeted with a smile as they approached Pinako and Den. She held a slime smoking pipe up to her lips, taking an occasional puff out of it, the smell of tobacco filling the air around her.

She shook her head, seeing Edward missing his auto mail arm, a brace around (Y/n)'s leg and Alphonse's head peeking out of the crate sitting on Alex's shoulder. "Oh dear, what have you done now?"

"A lot has happened." Edward summed up without telling her the specifics as he placed his large suitcase down. "Can you fix us up?"

"I'll see what I can do but regular legs aren't exactly my specialty."

With a thud, Alex placed Alphonse down onto the ground, letting Den jump and start to lick his helmet.

(Y/n) gestured to Alex as he leaned over and offered a hand to shake Pinako's hand. "This is Major Alex Louis Armstrong." The Major's massive hand practically ate Pinako's small hand as they shook. "He's one of the soldiers who helped me during my time at the Infantry Officers Academy."

Based on his massive stature and build, Pinako could tell he helped (Y/n) with his physical tests. "I'm Pinako Rockbell" She introduced herself while Alex smiled warmly at her.

Her attention went to Edward. Him standing next to Alex was like comparing an elephant to a dog. "I know I haven't seen you for awhile, Ed... But you've gone and grown smaller!"

A comment on his short height - average height - always ticked Edward off. "Granny... you've got it wrong. You're supposed to say "how big you've grown lately, Ed." He angrily uttered between clenched teeth and lips barely able to keep still.

Behind her circular glasses, Pinako stared blankly at him. "If I said that to (Y/n) that would make sense. But why would I say something so clearly untrue about you?"

"I'M STILL TALLER THAN YOU, YOU MINI-HAG!" Edward snapped back.

Before the two could get into a shouting match, a flying wrench made its way to Edward, striking him in the head. "GAHH!"

Looking to the 2nd floor balcony, the group saw Winry leaning over the railing, the top part of her overalls taken off and tied around her waist, revealing her slim figure. "I thought I told you guys to call first when you're heading back here for maintenance!"

Rubbing the bump now on his head, Edward angrily glared at Winry. "WINRY! ARE YOU TRYING TO KILL ME?!"

Winry busted out with laughter, having missed the three, even when it was shouting. "Welcome back guys!" Edward pouted, still upset about the wrench to the head while (Y/n) waved to her.

========================================================================

"OOOOOH NOOOOO!"

Winry's happiness was quickly blown away once she saw the condition Edward's arm was in. Practically unsalvageable with how little there was to build off of.

Edward was sitting on the couch behind her, a leg thrown over the other with a cup of coffee in hand and dotted eyes. "Yeahhh... sorry. It's a little smashed up."

Grabbing random parts and holding them up, they continued to fall apart in Winry's hand. "A LITTLE SMASHED UP." "A LITTLE." ED?! DID YOU SEE WHAT YOU'VE DONE TO MY BEAUTIFUL CREATION?! I SLAVED OVER THIS!"

Edward smiled, ignorant of how bad it was. "It's basically the same; it's just in smaller pieces." His comment got a well deserved punch across the face, knocking him off the couch.

While (Y/n) looked over Edward, Winry glanced over to Alphonse with her hands on her hips, shooting him a glare while he tried to hide himself in the crate he was in. "Don't tell me... You a little smashed up too, Al?" She then looked at (Y/n)'s leg, seeing the brace that was on it. "What kind of trouble have you guys been getting yourselves into?"

"I can put Al back together and my leg is fine. It's actually been healing well, the brace is just-" (Y/n)'s attempt to avoid answering her question got him a slap upside the head.

From the dining table, Alex watched on in pity while Pinako just stood and watched, knowing the three had a habit of going too far. On the other hand Den seemed happy as can be as he ate some dog food.

"You idiots! All you ever do is worry me." Winry scolded the three.

"All right. I see." Pinako tapped her smoking pipe onto an ash tray. "In order to get this information you need, you want to go to Central as soon as possible, am I right?"

"Yeah... this is kind of a rush order." Edward answered honestly.

========================================================================

With Edward's legs resting on a foot rest, Pinako compared the length of them, seeing the auto mail leg was shorter than the other leg. "Hmm... it's not just the arm. Your leg needs adjusting too."

Winry slyly smirked. "Guess your growth's not completely stunted after all."

"GR- OH SHUT UP!"

Pinako tapped Edward's auto mail knee with the end of her pipe, the brass hitting the steel making a metallic clacking sound. "The leg aside, the shape the arm's in, we'll have to build it from scratch."

"Is there any chance you can have it done in a week?" Edward asked, eager to get to the library.

Pinako heard the clacking of metal from the open door that led to the workshop. "(Y/n)! You feel like giving us a hand with Ed's arm?"

(Y/n) pulled his head out of a crate marked "High Carbon Steel Scrap". "Sure! Just give me a minute so I can fix up Al!" He hollered before diving back in.

========================================================================

Alex and Edward watched as (Y/n) laid out all of Alphonse parts and the scrap metal he found in the workshop down onto the ground that was covered with a thick blanket.

"You can fix him right here?" Alex asked as he held onto his large broad chin.

"Yep... You have to know the trick to it, though." Edward explained as (Y/n) removed Alphonse's helmet and gently placed it onto the ground nearby.

Edward pointed at the chest piece, specifically where the bloodied transmutation circle was. "Major, you see that seal on the inside of his back? That's the medium between Al's soul and the armor. So me and (Y/n) have to be sure not to ruin it."

(Y/n) clapped his hands together and touched the scrap metal and Alphonse's chest. The metal morphed, stretching to connect to Alphonse, taking shape to how his chest, arm and leg used to look.

"Should be good as new now, Al." (Y/n) announced as Alphonse stood up and moved his arm and leg around, getting a feel for them.

========================================================================

"Three days." Pinako said as she attached a temporary, bare minimum, auto mail leg to Edward's stump while Winry looked over the original. "But you'll have to make do with this spare for now."

Edward pushed himself up off the coach. His first few steps forwards were clumsy, almost causing him to fall over. It was different from regular auto mail since it was, in basic terms, a metal peg leg as there was no need to connect nerves but that also meant far less control over it. "It's a little difficult to walk on a leg I'm not used to."

"We'll be finished before you get used to it." Pinako reassured.

Winry stood with the leg slung over her shoulder. "Three days, huh?" She raised a hand and started to list off her to do list. "Between machining, assembly, connecting, and finishing... That's three all-nighters."

A pang of guilt rang in Edward's chest, his expression dropping. "I'm sorry for all the trouble."

Sensing his sadness, Winry looked at him with a happy and determined look on her face. "Well, you want to get to Central as soon as possible, right?" A light blush coated Edward's cheeks. "Then I'll work my butt off for you. But you better believe you're gonna pay a fortune in rush order fees!"

========================================================================

Alex decided rather than sitting around and doing nothing he'd do something for the Rockbells as thanks for their hospitality. So he decided to chop wood - as in he was punching wooden logs and, somehow, splitting them perfectly for fire wood.

After every punch he couldn't help but flex his muscles as he had taken off his shirt.

After collecting a bundle of thirteen, which easily fit under his arm, Alex went back inside of the home, seeing Pinako "The wood you requested."

"Oh, thank you." Pinako thanked as she worked, soon picking up a flat head to lift a small metal cover.

Alex looked outside the open door. "I haven't seen Edward or Alphonse anywhere around the house in a while."

"Yeah." Pinako hummed. "The boys said they were off to visit their mother's grave."

At the same moment Alphonse and Edward walked down a dirt road. Due to the temporary leg Edward walked with a limp which made the walk a bit slower but the two didn't mind it as the peaceful familiar countryside eased their hearts.

Den was also with them with a bouquet of white flowers in his mouth. A gift to the brother's late mother.

It didn't take too long until they came across Mister and Missus Turner as they tended to their flock of sheep. They stood up and waved to the three, a wrinkled smile coming to their face.

The two brothers waved back but the moment Mr. Turner came over and started to pat Edward on the head like a child, it ticked him off a bit.

"Major." Pinako spoke up, almost saddened, as she started to unscrew a bolt to the auto mail's knee cap. "What kind of lives are the boys leading these days?" Alex hummed. "Ed and Al have yet to send us so much as a single letter. (Y/n) does give us a call from time to time but it's always the same."

Alex closed the door, put on his shirt and leaned against a nearby wall next to a board filled with photographs. "Ed and Al are well known for their alchemy, even in a high-profile place like Central. (Y/n) is the same but mostly only within the military. Most people simply view him as another soldier so he isn't as well known as much as the Elrics. Sometimes that gets them into trouble. They seem to have a knack for finding it." He answered honestly. "But don't worry. They're all right. They're strong men."

"Strong, huh...?" Pinako trailed off, becoming silent for a moment. "Yes, I think you could call them that."

Alex looked at the board filled with photos. A familiar one was one of (Y/n)'s graduation photos from the Officers Academy. With a stern look on his face, looking past the camera, he wore his uniform with a green sash across his chest, a sign of an officer who passed with the highest grades out of his class.

The photo next to it brought a smile to Alex's face. It was taken moments after the first one when himself, Roy, Hughes, Riza, Havoc, Falman, Breda, Fuery and Ross rushed over to (Y/n), taking up any spot they could to press themselves against the Ishvalan. They all had bright big pride filled smiles on their faces as they laughed just as the camera took another photo.

With Riza and Roy hanging off his arms, (Y/n) was smiling and laughing like an idiot just like everyone else in the photo. It was a sight that brought warmth to Alex's heart.

His gaze went down to a picture frame sitting on the table under the board. He picked it up and saw it was a photo of a happy child Winry with her arms wrapped around Edward, who had an annoyed look on his face, and Alphonse, who had a blush on his cheeks and looked surprised.

Pinako and Trisha were behind the three as well. Pinako had her regular expressionless face on while Trisha smiled brightly at the camera.

The lack of (Y/n) in the photo let Alex know this was before he was adopted by the Rockbells.

"I'm curious, Madam Rockbell... You speak of the Elrics as though they were your grandsons." He placed the picture down right where he found it.

"Of course. I've been watching over them since they were born. I'm a friend of the family, you see. The boy's father is an old drinking pal of mine." She explained.

========================================================================

After placing the bouquet of white flowers onto it, the two Elrics and Den stood before Trisha's grave. The tombstone was now considerably more worn as the weather and passing of years aged it.

"Brother..." Alphonse quietly called out as they stared at their mother's grave. "Do you think Mom would be proud of us?"

Silence filled the air. No speaking, no wind, no rustling of the nearby trees, even Den stayed silent.

Edward was the one to break the silence with an exhale. "Mom always wanted the best for us..." He looked up to Alphonse as the sun started to set, giving the area a light yellow glow. "We're alive. We got people like Winry and Granny to fix us up and (Y/n)-"

"To pick up our pieces and bring us back to them." Alphonse finished, bringing a smile to Edward's face.

"Yeah. I can't think of a better life. So I think Mom is proud of us." Edward said before a look of realization took over his face once his eyes darted to and settled on a lone, tall dead tree on a nearby hill.

========================================================================

Pinako continued. "One day he up and left the village, abandoning his wife and sons. I don't even know whether he's alive now or not.

Alex looked over the board, seeing a photo - the only photo - of the entire Elric family together. Trisha held a 6 year old Alphonse to her chest, the two smiling. Edward's father awkwardly held a 7 year old Edward up by his chest. Edward looked ecstatic but Alex couldn't see that father's face as it was covered by the corner of another photo.

"Come to think of it, Madam, where are young Winry's parents?" Alex asked. "(Y/n) said they were doctors but never where they worked."

"Gone, Major. They both died in the Civil War. (Y/n) didn't tell you out of respect for Winry and not to upset you." The tone in the room shifted quickly for the worse. "They went to the battlefield to do what they could. There were never enough doctors for all the injured soldiers and civilians."

"It was... terrible... the war." Alex sadly muttered.

"Yes, it was indeed." Pinako placed the screw driver off to the side and grabbed a wrench before getting back to work on Edward's leg. But she stopped once she saw the yellow glow of the setting sun from the window.

"Oh, looks like it's about time for me to get supper started." She placed her wrench down, got off her chair and started to make her way over to another table where her pipe and ash tray sat. "You look like you eat a lot, but don't worry; there's plenty."

Alex, respectfully, raised a hand to stop her. "Oh no, please don't trouble yourself on my account."

"Food always tastes better with guests anyway..." Pinako reassured him. "We also have an empty patient's cot and some spare bedding if you'd like." She reached into her pants pocket and pulled out a match book, took a match out, striking it against the small case and lit the tobacco in the pipe before taking a puff, savoring the flavor, before blowing it out. "The boys don't have anywhere else to stay but here... Adding one more guest won't be any inconvenience to us."

Alex looked at her in confusion. "What about the house they grew up in?"

Pinako sat herself down on the nearby couch that sat against the wall. "It's been gone for a while now... The brothers don't have any home to return to. The day they left, after Ed had gotten his state certification, they burned down their own house. My guess is they did it because with no house to come home to, there could be no turning back."

========================================================================

Edward, Alphonse and Den stood in front of what used to be their home that was nothing more than a pile of ash with bricks and burnt wood. The large tree that used to shield the home from some wind and offer shade was long dead but refused to fall over. An orange tint from the setting sun reminded the two of the fire they witnessed - that they started.

Den started to whine, getting the two's attention. Edward looked down at him and smiled. "Yeah, you're right. We should head back."

========================================================================

In the workshop, (Y/n) was working on the drill press, using it to make screw holes for Edward's arm plates, while Winry looked over the schematics of a new more modern auto mail arm.

She looked back at him, seeing that his back was towards her. Her blue eyes went down to the brace around his leg, a pull on her lips made her pout. "Hey, (Y/n)."

(Y/n) stopped working, stepped back from the drill and turned it off so he could hear her properly. "Sorry, did you need something?"

Winry opened her mouth to say something but nothing came out. Hesitation was forcing her words down.

(Y/n) saw the hesitation in her ocean-like eyes. "Are you alright? Is something wrong?"

Those were words Winry heard plenty of times from (Y/n). When they were younger, he would always look out for her. Whenever Edward said something that upset her or some of the other kids at the school would say something mean to her, he always would show up and do what he could to make her happy.

Some believed he did it out of obligation since her grandmother adopted him. That was partially true, he wanted to do anything and everything he could to help the Rockbell family as thanks for saving him. But he did genuinely care for her as much as he did Edward, Alphonse and Pinako.

He lost his family but was given another. He'd rather die than see them suffer in any way.

Winry needed a moment to build up her confidence to say what came next. "I should be asking you guys that... you guys come here all broken and act like this is just a regular check up."

(Y/n) stiffened up a bit, his eyes widening in surprise for a moment before calming down. "I... admit we've been getting into some trouble." It was impossible to explain away all the damage and injuries as an "accident" so might as well be honest to an extent. "But we have good people looking out for us, making sure we don't go too far into the deep end."

Winry looked off to the side, a feeling of dread filling her stomach. "What would have happened if-" Wirny stopped once (Y/n) gently placed a hand on her arm and another on her cheek. A slow and gentle pull made her look up at him, seeing those red eyes that perfectly contrasted her blues.

"Nothing will ever happen to them as long as I am alive. I will always bring them back - drag them if I have too." (Y/n) stated with full confidence and no hesitation in tone or eyes.

A tug on Winry's lips made her frown. Before (Y/n) could say anything she moved in, wrapping her arms around his back and pressing the side of her face against his chest, hearing and feeling his heart beat get faster as the seconds passed.

She wasn't able to see the blush on (Y/n) cheeks.

"You idiot." She whispered as she held onto him tightly. "I care about you too." She pulled her head away from his chest, locking her eyes with his. "You keep promising to bring them back but you never promised that you'd come back."

(Y/n)'s mind froze. Not knowing how to reply to what he knew was true.

"GYAAH! GYAHH! GYAAH!" The two looked over at the door to the living room in confusion.

========================================================================

A few seconds ago.

The front door opened, revealing it to be Edward, Alphonse and Den. "We're back..." Den rushed past their legs to get inside and head straight to the where the dog food was.

"OH, EDWARD AND ALPHONSE ELRIC!" A crying Alex muttered between sobs before he brought the two into a hug, practically strangling the smaller brother.

"GYAAH! GYAHH! GYAAH!"

Winry and (Y/n) exited the workshop to see what was going on.

"WHAT A UNYIELDING LOVE TO TRY AND BRING YOUR MOTHER BACK TO LIFE! WHAT A TREMENDOUS SACRICE TO GIVE UP YOUR ARM IN ORDER TO TRANSMUTE YOUR BROTHER'S DISEMBODIED SOUL! WHAT DETERMINATION TO BURN DOWN YOUR OWN HOUSE-!" He needed to take a gasp of air to continue. "-TO MAKE SURE THERE WAS NO RETREAT! COME ELRICS!" He then pulled off his shirt. "ALLOW ME TO OFFER YOU THIS COMFORTING EMBRACE!

"JUST STAY BACK! DON'T RUB YOUR CHEST ON ME! AHHH!"

"I APPRECIATE THE OFFER BUT MY ARMOR MIGHT BREAK AGAIN IF YOU HUG ME THIS TIGHTLY!" The two Elrics yelled, trying to push Alex back as he tried to hug them properly.

========================================================================

Edward was fast asleep in bed. His blonde locks sprawled all over the pillow beneath his head and a bit of droll was slowly falling from the corner of his lips. He was so deep in sleep that the crows from the rooster in the chicken coop didn't wake him.

But the sound of buzzing from a machine did wake him. He closed his eyes more, trying to wake himself up before getting up, hobbling out into the hallway to walk down towards the open door where the workshop was.

Once at the open door, he saw Winry working with some small tools on a nearby table while (Y/n) was running some wire through a steel reinforced cord.

Edward snuck in and got a closer look at what the two were doing. With an impressed look he held his chin with a thumb and finger. "Look at you guys, working hard so early in the morning." He said with a chippy, child-like praise.

"Oh, sorry. I must have forgotten to close the door." (Y/n) apologized as he tied off the end of the wire with a pair of pliers.

"We've been up all night." Winry said before taking measurements, putting on some goggles and begin to solder some metal together.

Edward's expression dropped, having expected at least a snarky quip from the fellow blonde.

========================================================================

"(Y/n)!" Looking back to where he heard his name called, he saw Pinako at the doorway to the workshop. "There's a phone call for you from someone in Liore."

(Y/n) stared at her in confusion for a moment before remembering. "Oh, Cornello!" He placed his tools down and headed to the door. "I'll be back soon, Winry." He said, getting a hum from her as she focused on her work.

Getting to the kitchen, he saw Edward looking over Alphonse's armor, seemingly admiring the alchemy he did on it a day ago.

He saw the phone was resting off its stand and picked it up, bringing it up to his ear. "Hello?"

"Hello, this is the Ansbach Headquarters. Is this Major (Y/n)?" A woman on the other line asked.

Ansbach Headquarters watched over a large section of mostly rural areas and conducted military training. It also was the headquarters that was responsible for Liore.

"Yes, is this about-"

"I need your code first, sir."

It was a pain in the ass but a necessary one for the military. Thankfully (Y/n) always remembered him. "Anton, Caesar, Bertha. One, Nine, Zero."

"Thank you sir. We are calling to inform you that the operation to capture Cornello was a failure."

(Y/n) eyes widened and his grip on the phone tightened. "What do you mean it failed? I bound him to the ground with 10 inches of stone and all the doors to the place were locked!"

Edward and Alphonse looked over in confusion.

"Our reports from the civilians of the town said he came back and caused a riot. We were ordered to move in and repress it. It seems Cornello was able to escape. We have squads looking for him but nothing has turned up."

"Why would anyone listen to him after we-" A sick feeling came to (Y/n)'s stomach. "What do you mean repress?"

"We attempted to control the crowd with standard riot procedures but once shots were fired, we were free to engage with lethal force."

A cold breath left (Y/n) lips, like the wind got knocked out of him.

Edward slowly approached (Y/n), seeing him taking in shaky breaths. "(Y/n). Does that call have to do with Cornello?" The binding in stone and locked doors reminded him of what (Y/n) did the day they spoke to the lying preacher.

"Is that all?" (Y/n) asked in a cold tone, not answering Edward's question.

"Yes sir. We apologize for how things ended but we had no other-" He hung up the phone before she could finish.

Alphonse joined Edward to check up on (Y/n). "What happened?"

"Cornello..." (Y/n) brought his hands up to his face, rubbing it to get rid of both the tiredness and frustration. "Got away. Our only other lead to how to make a Philosopher's Stone is gone."

He chose to not mention the riot. The two brothers didn't need to hear that right now. Cornello getting away was more than enough bad news for now.

========================================================================

Later in the day, (Y/n) was able to deal with some of his anger by hammering out some steel while Winry got the wiring set up for the hand.

Edward, seemingly bored out of his mind, but also wanting to check up on (Y/n), came and watched him work. Every few seconds he would move to a different spot, looking at his work at a different angle with a finger on his chin like a curious child.

This eventually ticked off Winry, causing her to drop her tools, shoot up from her desk, grab Edward by his shirt with a single arm and carry him out into the hallway. "GET OUT!" She barked before slamming the door shut.

Poor Edward felt a bit of his pride slip away once he realized how easily Winry carried him out.

========================================================================

The next day, Alphonse sat next to Edward and Den as they laid on the lush green grass near the Rockbell home.

Seeing how Edward was bored out of his mind, Alphonse spoke up. "They said it would take three days, right? So give 'em three days."

"Yeah, I know, I know..." Edward repeated. "It's just when I think of a clue to the stone sitting in Central library somewhere, especially now that Cornello got away leaving it to be our only lead on the stone, I get so impatient!" He flailed his arms and legs, lightly tapping the earth with his fist and the heel of his feet.

Den seemed to join in and he rolled around on his back, scratching himself or imitating what Edward was doing.

That came to a stop once he saw Winry come out with a now completed auto mail arm that looked similar to Edwards old one. She held it out with a big smile and a light blush on her cheeks. "Here you go! It's all ready!" She exclaimed before chuckling.

========================================================================

Gritting his teeth, ready to bear the pain that was to come, Edward sat on the couch while Pinako got ready to connect his leg and Winry ready to connect his arm.

"Ready?" Pinako asked once she got the nerve cables aligned and slipped an allen key into a socket that connected the new leg to the stump.

Winry did the same.

"Ah-h... yeah." Edward replied with hesitation.

"On one... two..." The two said before turning their allen keys. "Three!"

"URK- UHHH!"

Edward's normal arm and leg tensed up as a sharp pain shot up from his stumps. A pain filled grunt passing through his clenched teeth. "That's the worst part every time. When the nerves have to connect like that."

Pinako and Winry got to work to fully assemble the arm and leg while Edward spoke.

"Once we have the Philosopher's Stone, I can kiss that pain goodbye!"

"Our biggest source of income... I'll be sad to see you go but at least we'll still have (Y/n)." Pinako turned the allen key again, making another agonizing shock of pain shoot up Edward's leg.

"GAHHH!"

"Hold still." Winry told Edward, placing a hand on his shoulder to keep him still. "Ugh... Do you want me to do this right or not?" Another sudden turn from her allen key.

"GAHH! WARN ME FIRST, WOULD YA?!"

"It's just..." Taking a note from Alex, she started to speak about her work with unbridled passion. "So lovely! The smell of oil! The hum of the ball bearings! The rugged yet amazingly beautiful form created through anatomical engineering! Ah~! How wonderful you are! My Automail!"

"Crazy gearhead..." Edward quietly muttered, getting a glare from Winry.

"You're lost without me, alchemy freak."

"All right. We're all done." Pinako informed.

Edward stood up, rotating his arm and leg, making sure it was responding on time without any hiccups. He pushed it further by approaching a wall, raising his automail leg and pressing it against it, showing off his athletic skills.

"Well?" Pinako asked, seeing if it met his expectations.

With his arm it was more simple as he did basic stretching. "Yeah, it feels good."

"We increased the percentage of chrome this time, so it should be less prone to rusting." Winry explained before raising a finger. "The trade off is that it's not quite as strong so don't try anything crazy so don't try anything crazy-"

As she was speaking, Edward ran outside, not caring to hear whatever else she had to say as (Y/n) could explain it later.

Winry glared at Edward as he ran off. "HEY! LISTEN UP!"

"AL, LETS FIGHT! I WANNA TEST OUT MY AUTOMAIL!"

"YEAH!" Alphonse enthusiastically agreed a moment before they charged at each other and started to fight.

The fight went as usual between the two. Alphonse remained most static and swung heavy hits and punches while Edward leapt around, trying to find an opening.

Pinako went outside and watched the fight. "It'll be quiet around here without those boys."

(Y/n) came outside to watch the fight as well. The metal on his arm shined thanks to replacement parts and a proper coating to protect it against the elements.

"Well, Brother?" Alphonse asked between strikes.

A cocky smile came to Edward's lips. "Yep, it's time to head to Central and find Dr. Marcoh's documents." He said between dodges and deflecting attacks. "We leave first thing tomorrow morning."

========================================================================

Later that night.

On the couch (Y/n) sat with his arms crossed and body leaning towards the armrest as he slept. The three straight nights of working and stress having taken their toll on him. He was joined by Edward as he slept lengthways on the couch with his head resting on thigh, lightly snoring.

Alphonse saw that Edward's hand was resting on his stomach with his shirt slightly lifted up. "Sleeping with his tummy out again. What am I gonna do with him?"

He looked over to see (Y/n)'s jacket was resting on the other side of the couch. He grabbed it and used it to cover Edward's chest. A moment later once Edward took a breath in from his nose, smelling (Y/n)'s jacket, a soft smile came to his lips.

Pinako chuckled. "It's like you're the older one... huh, Al?"

"He can be a handful but with (Y/n)'s help, it's easy to look after him."

Winry came over with a blanket in her arms and covered (Y/n)'s sleeping figure before taking a seat near the end, watching Edward with a smile. "To think someone as young and as small as he is... could be used as a human weapon. It's almost funny... especially watching him sleep."

"Thanks..." Alphonse suddenly said. "Both of you."

Winry looked at him in surprise. "What's this? Why so formal?"

"Granny, Winry... I'm so grateful to you for always welcoming us like we're really family. Ed would never say it, but... I know Brother feels the same way."

"Don't you worry, dear. We know he feels that way, too. He doesn't have to say it." Winry reassured the younger brother.

Internally Alphonse smiled, his heart, wherever it may be, felt warm with happiness. "Granny... Winry... thank you."

Out in the hallway Alex listened with tears running down from his eyes, whipping them away with a handkerchief.

========================================================================

At the crack of dawn, the four got ready to head out but made sure to say their thanks and goodbyes to the Rockbells.

Alphonse made sure that Den got a goodbye as well, giving him scratches, pats and loving words before leaving.

"Thank you again for everything, Granny."

"Thanks for taking care of us, Grandma."

Both Edward and (Y/n) thanked.

"Try not to get banged up too bad, would you?" Pinako asked the three but knew that wouldn't be the case.

Alphonse stood up, looking around in confusion. "Hey, where's Winry?"

"Resting. She stayed up three nights in a row. Want me to wake her?" Pinako sarcastically asked, wishing (Y/n) would do the same.

"No, that's okay... She'd just nag me." Edward waved it off as he started to walk down the road. "I already got (Y/n) to pester me about maintenance and whatever else."

The three joined him on their walk down the road. "Hold on a second, boys." They looked back at Pinako, seeing that Den sat next to her. "You should come back once in a while and have dinner with us."

The brothers laughed and (Y/n) smiled. "A long way to go for dinner at home... but I'd like to do that more often."

"Edward, Alphonse, (Y/n)!" They looked to see a dead tired Winry with bed head slumped over the 2nd story balcony. She tiredly waved at the three with a smile. "Come back soon, 'kay?"

Edward turned around, rubbing the back of his head, hiding the blush that was covering his cheeks.

"We'll try. Hopeful under better circumstances." (Y/n) said as he, Alphonse and Edward waved goodbye before heading down the road just as the sun started to shine.

========================================================================

Late in the afternoon, Winry finally awoke from her slumber. She descended down the stair case and she let out a long yawn and rubbed the tiredness from her eyes. "I just about slept through the entire day."

She made her way into the living room and started to go through a crate filled with the few parts she was able to salvage of Edward's arm. "Whenever Ed comes over it's like a tornado hit this place."

She picked up the old arm plate and put it in a different crate. Underneath it was a single long screw that had a tag attached to it reading "A-08". She picked it up in tired confusion.

The realization that she forgot a part of Edward's arm that, judging on its size, was rather important at keeping something in place. She scratched her head. "Whoopsy..."

========================================================================

Drabble - Dreaming of You.

As (Y/n) and Edward slept, their minds drifted into the one place where a person can experience either the most exciting or most terrifying moments of their lives yet forget about it the moment they wake up.

========================================================================

On a bright and sunny day, on one of the many rolling hills that covered Resembool, (Y/n) sat against a tree with Edward resting between his legs, his head on Ishvalan's stomach.

The tree's many branches and leaves casted a shadow down onto them, protecting them against the heat.

The two's heartbeats were calm and slow. A rare thing as their lives had been filled with suffering, anxiety, stress and death.

(Y/n)'s fingers mindlessly raked through Edward's golden locks, feeling the strands slip through his fingers like fine silk - just like his mother's hair.

"Random question." Edward suddenly said, making (Y/n) smile.

"Fire away."

"Do Ishvalans have their own wedding ceremonies?"

(Y/n) lifted his head to look down at Edward, silently staring at him. The silence and feeling eyes on the back of his head made Edward look back at him in confusion. "W-What? Do you guys do some freaky stuff like stand on your hands and exchange rings with your feet?"

(Y/n) stared at him for a moment longer before bursting out with laughter. "Where did you get that idea?"

A blush coated Edward's cheeks, quick to avert his gaze. "Can you blame me?! You guys don't have things like cars and stuff-"

"So you thought we all just walk on our hands and exchange rings with our feet?" (Y/n) asked between chuckles. "What made you ask that question anyway?"

(Y/n) dumb smiling face was quickly changed to one of confusion as Edward rolled himself over and moved to straddle him, resting his behind on his thighs and arms around his neck. His golden eyes stared directly into his red ones.

"You know I'm not religious." Edward stated as he started to do what (Y/n) did to him by combing his fingers through his hair, getting the bangs in just the right spot that he thought made (Y/n) look the best. "But, if you want to, we can get properly married, like our parents... well with two grooms because- you know." He stuttered a bit, not knowing what to say but wanting to make (Y/n) happy.

(Y/n) had zero idea how a Ishvala marriage ceremony played out but he knew how a regular one did. So his mind went to how a marriage between them would work out in a more Amestrian way with the two in fine black suits, exchanging rings and vows before topping it off with the first kiss of their marriage.

A blush as dark as his eyes started to take over his cheeks, getting a smirk from Edward. "You know..." He moved to rest his forehead against his, their lips just a hair widths away from touching.

Not wanting this to stop, (Y/n) rested his hands on Edward's thighs, slowly rubbing them, getting a satisfied hum from the blonde.

"It's usually me getting all flustered." The two read the other's mind as they both closed their eyes and dove in for a short but passionate kiss. "If all this talk about getting married lets me see you flustered more often." Another kiss shared. "I wonder how red you would get for what comes after?"

(Y/n) let out a shaky breath before it turned into a soft laugh. "I swear... You've been listening to Jean's dating advice with the way you're talking now."

Edward pulled away with a pout on his lips and crossed his arms but still kept himself in (Y/n)'s lap. "Hey! Those are my own genuine words. They're not from that man whore!"

(Y/n) continued to laugh, soon dragging Edward into a chuckle fest.

========================================================================

Even in the complete darkness of the room, the blushes on (Y/n) and Edward's cheeks were visible.

========================================================================

They say that when you sleep with someone you love, there's a chance that your dreams connect in a way, letting you spend time with them even when you slumber.

Cases of this happening could be just a coincidence - summed up with the explanation that lovers think of the other all the time and that they share interests. So it's just logical they would eventually have the same dream as their partner.

Regardless of which one is true, it's a cute thought. 

Chapter Text

Chapter Text

"AAAUUGGGHHHH!!! DR. MARCOH'S RESEARCH! IT'S ALL GONE!" Edward screamed at the top of his lungs.

The group stood before what remained of the First Branch of the National Central Library. The concrete building was, somehow, reduced to a shell of its former self. The smell of ash filled the air, bringing back bad memories for (Y/n) and Alex.

========================================================================

From atop of one of the four guard towers that dotted the corners of Eastern Command Headquarters, Lust and Gluttony spoke.

Lust lifted her arm up, seeing there was some dust and ash on her long glove. A few bits of concrete, metal shreds of rebar and wood were stuck between the weaves as well. "In the end, destroying the entire place was easier." She started to dust it off with a few pats.

Gluttony perked up in interest. "Oh, is that what you were doing in Central?"

"Yes..." Lust bemoaned, finding it annoying that Gluttony couldn't come to that answer on his own. Then again the ball-like figure's brain was focused on eating all the time so expecting any sort of simple logic from him would be a waste of thought. "Fullmetal and the Ishvalan found out about Marcoh's research. Something had to be done about it."

A scent in the air caught Gluttony's attention, his large nose twitched as he sniffed.

"With that issue taken care of, I thought I would come to see how things are progressing in East City-" Gluttony's sniffing caught her attention. He looked like a dog, sniffing the air and blankly staring in a random direction. "Is he here?" He stood up, not answering her. "Gluttony?"

"I smell 'im... I can smell him!" His eyes locked with the nearby river that sat between two blocks of homes with bridges every few hundred meters to connect to two sides. " The scar-faced Ishvalan. "He's close. I can taste his stink - like blood! I still get to eat him, right?"

Lust smirked, her eyes like a predator hunting their prey. "Oh yes, down to the last strand of hair."

========================================================================

The sewers of East City were the way Scar traveled around. Thankfully for him it was a well maintained sewer with walkways next to the river of human waste. The smell was terrible, as one would expect from a sewer, but it was the only way for him to get around without getting spotted.

The sudden squeaking of mice and rats from behind caused him to come to a halt. Looking down he watched as the rodents ran past him, even running between his legs, not at all trying to avoid him like most rodents do when they see a human.

He looked back, seeing Gluttony standing eerily still in the sewage water. There was a big smile on his lips, the corner of them almost reaching his ears. And his usually white blank eyes glowed red, making him more visible in the darkness.

Once his eyes met with his prey, Gluttony charged forward, the water barely affecting his speed.

Scar pulled a hand back, watching as Gluttony leapt up onto the platform he was on. His mouth opened, revealing his large set of teeth and tongue.

A quick throw of the hand and fingers latching onto the rotund man's head, the sparks of alchemy made the area around them glow blue.

Gluttony's massive hand grasped onto Scar's torso, a squeeze from them could easily break his ribs and crush his organs. Before he could do that, Scar threw his hand down, cutting off Gluttony's arm near the shoulder, making him scream out in agony.

Lust charged into the fight from the opposite direction. She threw her hand out before her fingers extended into long sharp tip just as Scar turned to meet her glare.

Outside the tunnel - it being located alongside the river with a few inches thick brick wall separating the two - the wall exploded, kicking up a massive cloud and catching the attention of nearby civilians.

========================================================================

Roy sat in his fine leather chair within his office, looking through the window that sat behind where his desk was in the room.

"Scar hasn't been sighted. Not since (Y/n)'s operation to capture him failed." Riza read off the report she had in her hands to Roy.

Havoc looked over a map of East City that sat on Roy's desk, seeing areas marked where Scar was previously spotted and possible locations he could be in. "Maybe he's not even in East City anymore."

"I hope you're wrong about that." Roy openly thought. "This case had obviously gotten to be too much for Central to handle. If I can close it quickly enough, I'll be golden." A smirk came to his lips before he spun around in his chair and faced the two blondes. "I've got a ladder to climb, and this is how it's done. I need every mark in my favor that I can get. At least until I've assumed the office of Fuhrer, that is."

Havoc and Riza smiled at boldness to say such a thing while Bradley ruled with an iron grip. "You may not want to display your ambitions quite so nakedly, Sir." Riza advised.

Roy spun around to face the window again, resting a leg on top of the other. "Yeah... I'll be sure to remember that in the future."

The door to his office suddenly opened. "REPORTING IN, SIR!" Havoc and Riza looked to see a soldier standing at attention and saluting. "We've just received word of an explosion occurring on the Marl River."

Roy stood up from his chair, looking the soldier dead in the eyes. "What?!"

========================================================================

The area where Scar, Gluttony and Lust fought was completely caved in with debris from the street above and a nearby, several tall story building. The scale of it and the involvement of the Military Police brought a crowd to its attention, wondering what happened.

"Was it a gas explosion?" An MP asked another.

"With everything else that's been going on around here, who knows?" The other wondered.

Soon Roy, Riza and Havoc arrived on the scene and started to investigate. The first thing that was brought to their attention was a tattered and bloodied yellow jacket with a white cross on the back of it - Scar's jacket.

"There's no mistaking it. This is definitely Scar's jacket." Riza stated.

Roy looked to Havoc. "Have you found the body?"

A sigh left Havoc's lips and a hand went up to scratch the back of his head. "Not yet, but we're still searching. We should get (Y/n) down here to clear out the rubble." He suggested.

"Either way, he can't be in good shape after losing this much blood." Riza pointed out.

Roy rested a knuckle on his chin. "Yeah, but we do this by the book. We need to find hard proof that he's dead. All right, Lieutenant Havoc."

Havoc looked to the nearby bridge, seeing the entire stretch of it was filled with people looking down at them. "Yes, Sir?"

"You and your men go through the debris as much as you can in the meantime. Don't take so much as a coffee break until (Y/n) arrives. Is that understood?"

"Come on Colonel can't you cut us some slack? (Y/n) can get this entire place cleared out in seconds, why do we have to do anything?" Havoc whined.

"Shut up!" Roy barked. "Everyone is going to work until I've seen Scar's body. You and your men standing around doing nothing while you wait for (Y/n) doesn't make that any faster."

Seeing that his superior didn't care for his objection, Havoc rolled his eyes, a pout coming to his lips. "I guess we'll get to work then."

In the crowd overlooking them, Gluttony, dressed in a cloaked hood while he sucked on his finger tip, and Lust, dressed in her fur collared coat, were in the crowd as well.

"Looks like he got away." Lust said a bit playfully with a hint of sarcastic disappointment.

Gluttony whimpered, a tear sat in the corner of his eye. "I didn't get my snack."

"Yes, I know. Maybe next time..." Lust trailed off. "Though I think we can safely assume that Scar will be out of the game for a while. I suppose I'll be heading back to Central again. I need to report to Father about everything that's happened here."

========================================================================

Edward's group entered the front entrance of the destroyed library, seeing the wooden book shelves were blackened with carbon.

(Y/n)'s eyes took in the building, the holes and cracks along the bunker-like walls caught his attention. 'Only explosives or some extreme force could have demolished this building. A simple fire couldn't have damaged entire sections of the concrete walls.'

Edward leaned down and tried to pick up a book but it crumbled into dust as soon as he lifted it up. "There's nothing left here but ashes. Everything's gone."

"Major Armstrong and (Y/n)!" The group looked to the entrance to see Ross and another soldier standing there at attention and saluting.

The man, as shown on the collar, held the rank of Sergeant. He looked to be around his mid 20s with his youthful face showed he hasn't been in the military for long - at most two years. A dull medium length blonde hair sat on his head and not-so-common green eyes shined with inexperience. 

Alex hummed while (Y/n) gave a salute back, bringing the two at ease. "Oh, 2nd Lieutenant Ross and Sergeant Brosh. To what do we owe this pleasure?"

"You have been ordered to report back to the Eastern Command Center, sirs." Ross answered.

"We'll be taking over supervision of Edward Elric and his brother, effective immediately." Brosch added.

"What is this, more bodyguards when (Y/n) is supposed to be our only bodyguard? This is getting old!" Edward complained with annoyance, practically ripping his hair out.

Edward would say he never liked dealing with anyone in the military as they would usually scold him as Roy does often. But in actuality he just didn't like being told what to do.

"I have other responsibilities other than watching over you guys 24/7." (Y/n) explained as he and Alex walked out of the building. "And make sure you don't get into too much trouble. I trust Brosh and Ross but you guys can definitely be a handful at times." Ross handed him the keys to the second vehicle they brought along for them to head to the Eastern Command Center.

Edward stomped onto the ground in frustration. "THAT'S THE WHOLE REASON WHY YOU'RE OUR BODYGUARD! YOU HANDLE US PERFECTLY!" Alphonse on the other hand kept quiet, getting second hand embarrassment as his brother called out to (Y/n) in desperation,

"I'll see you later guys!" (Y/n) responded with a wave as he walked away to the car with Alex. Arguing with him sometimes was the equivalent to talking to a brick wall.

He got to the passenger side and opened it, letting Alex inside before walking around to the diver's side, getting in and starting the car.

"I can tell those two are quite fond of you." Alex commented. "It's almost like they hate being away from you." His observation made a blush coat (Y/n)'s cheeks.

========================================================================

With Edward, Alphonse, Ross and Brosh in the back, the driver started to drive down the road.

"All might not be lost." Ross said, getting the brother's attention. "There's a woman who was well acquainted with the materials in the first branch. Unfortunately she wasn't working there anymore."

Edward crossed his arms and looked away in disappointment. "That sounds incredibly helpful." He said with sarcasm.

Brosh's stern, almost worried, expression caught Alphonse's attention. His head cocked with curiosity. "Something wrong?"

Brosh nervously smiled. "Oh..." He stammered. "It's nothing. Although, if you don't mind me asking, do you always wear a suit of armor?"

Both the Elrics looked at each other nervously with sweat on their faces, even Alphonse had some on his helmet somehow. After a moment of silence they looked to the two soldiers as best as they could. "It's a hobby!" The two answered in unison.

Brosh and Ross moved close together, both of them raised a hand to cover their mouths as they "whispered". "(Y/N) NEVER SAID THEY WERE INTO WHAT EVER FREAKY KIND OF HOBBY THAT IS!"

"YOU'D THINK THE ARMOR WOULD BE THE FIRST THING (Y/N) WOULD HAVE TOLD US ABOUT HIM!"

The two brothers, still looking nervous but now looking out the window, avoiding eye contact with the two soldiers.

"So..." Edward trailed off, trying to make up something to talk about to avoid continuing the conversation. "What d'ya say, Al? It's a lovely view, isn't it?"

"Oh yeah, yeah, it's gorgeous!" Alphonse replied with faked enthusiasm.

========================================================================

With nothing else to go on to find out how to make a Philosopher's Stone, the brothers decided to see if they could speak with the woman Ross mentioned.

They went to her apartment building, eventually finding her room. All their faces flashed with surprise once they opened the door, seeing books of all kinds littering the floor and stacked from the floor all the way up to the roof.

"Oh, wow, there's gotta be millions of 'em!" Edward exclaimed.

Getting inside of the room was tricky, especially for Alphonse, as the wall high books forced the four to shimmy between them as well as having to mind where they step; otherwise they risk tripping and knocking over the books, creating an even bigger mess.

Except for Edward. His size made it perfect for him to walk about casually with his hands stuffed into his jacket pockets.

"Is there really someone living in this place?" Brosh asked with concern.

"Miss Sheska! Are you here?! Miss Sheska?!" Ross called out.

A muffled female's voice called out. "Is someone there?! Please help me!"

Alphonse heard the voice coming down from a different, even more narrow, corridor lined with books. Down from him was a literal pile of books with a hand sticking out. A pair of glasses sat between the fingers, the light from the roof made them shine like finding treasure.

"Umm... Brother." Alphonse got the group's attention, seeing where he was pointing. "THERE'S SOMEBODY UNDER THERE!"

"START DIGGING! WE'RE COMING!" Edward shouted as the four pushed past the corridor of books towards the pile and started to dig their way to the person.

========================================================================

With the space now cleared and the woman now free, the group took the moment to sit down and catch their breath. Brosh somehow ended up upside down in a different pile of books.

"Thank you! I'm so sorry! I got myself trapped under a whole mountain of books!" Sheska apologized, staying on her hands and knees as she bowed to everyone. "I thought I was going to suffocate under there." She then placed the glasses that were in her grasp when she was buried.

Sheska looked like a typical cute book worm. She wore a fairly normal set of clothes that didn't stand out - a long sleeve dull purple shirt and jeans. Her eyes were a dull green that almost looked black. And medium length brown hair that came out to a spike on her bangs and the back.

"Thank you so much!" She thanked the group again.

Edward removed the open book that was sitting on his head and closed it. "So, uh, are you Sheska?"

"Yes."

"And you worked at the National Central Library?"

Sheska flinched before a bright smile and shining eyes filled her face. "Oh, the library~! The word itself is so beautiful~! I've loved books my whole entire life, ever since I first learned to read as a girl, that job WAS HEAVEN~!" She beamed, barely able to contain her love for literature.

Her head and shoulders dropped with sadness. "But I forgot that I was supposed to be working, and all I ever did was read... So they fired me." She looked up with her hands clasped together, the lone light on the roof shined down onto her with a yellow, angelic glow. "If I don't find another job, I'll never be able to move my poor, elderly mother into a better hospital." A saddened whimper pushed out of her lips. "But I'm hopeless! The only thing I can do well is read! I'll never find another job as long as I live! I'M USELESS! GOOD-FOR-NOTHING! MORE PATHETIC THAN POND SCUM!" The sudden outburst startled the brothers.

Edward sheepishly raised a hand. "Excuse me..." He said between her babbling cries. "There was one thing we wanted to ask you."

She suddenly stopped, resting a finger on her chin. "Yes?"

"Do you remember seeing any research belonging to someone named Tim Marcoh?" Edward asked as Brosh pulled himself out of the pile of books he was in.

She tapped her chin, mentally looking through her memories. "Let's see. Time Marcoh. Where do I know that name?" She clapped her hands together and smiled. "Oh! Yes, of course. I remember now!"

"Really?" Alphonse asked with hope while Edward leaned in with interest.

"Oh yes, I'm absolutely positive. There were some handwritten notes stuffed into a bookcase where they didn't belong."

"The notes really were there after all!" Edward proclaimed with a smile which very quickly fell when he and Alphonse remembered what happened to the building. "Which means they burned up along with everything else in the library..."

"Did you want to read them? Is that why you're asking?" Sheska interrupted the two's pouting.

Edward got up and started to leave, his legs slowly taking him into the corridor of books they went through to get there. "Yeah, but it's too late now. They're nothing but ashes."

Alphonse joined him as well. "Sorry to bother you."

"I remember everything that was in them. Would that help at all?" Sheska asked, getting the two brothers to come to a stop mid step.

In a flash they turned and darted towards her, making her recoil back a bit out of fear of getting trampled. "HUH?!" They both exclaimed with wide eyes.

Sheska nervously smiled. "It's just how I am. I'm able to remember the content of any book I've ever read. It'll take awhile, but I could write them out for you."

The two brothers screamed out in surprise, both of them thinking "ARE YOU SERIOUS?!"

The two grabbed onto one of her hands and aggressively shook it. "THANK YOU BOOKWORM! YOU'RE OUR HERO!"

Again Sheska nervously smiled. "You're... welcome?"

========================================================================

"Glad you guys finally made it." Havoc greeted with relief once (Y/n) and Alex arrived on the scene.

They didn't see how relieved the rest of the soldiers under his command were once they saw the Ishvalan Major show up to do the majority of the work. It was finally time for a coffee break for them.

"What happened here to cause this much damage?" Alex asked, looking at the now caved in sewer, road and building.

"Higher ups think it could have been Scar. We were able to locate his jacket covered in blood but haven't found a body yet." Havoc answered before gesturing to the pile of rubble. "(Y/n), if you would be so kind as to clear this out and ease our commanding officer's mind?"

(Y/n) nodded before going over to the pile, clapping his hands together and touching the debris. Onlookers from the bridge nearby "oh'ed" and "aw'ed" in surprise as the entire pile morphed together, forming a large square so the soldiers could go in and look around before he covered it.

========================================================================

Later at night, after having finished clearing out and fixing the sewer, road, nearby building, and filling out the necessary reports at Eastern Command and doing any other duties that needed to be done, (Y/n) went straight to the hotel Edward and Alphonse were staying at.

He sat down on the couch in the living room, letting a tired sigh out as he started to undo his jacket. "So..." He placed the jacket on the arm of the couch. "Did you guys find any new leads?"

Edward crossed his arms, pouting. "We met a woman named Sheska who says she memorized all of Marcoh's paperwork but we have to wait a week for her to get all of it typed out and organized."

Yet again Edward was facing one of his most hated enemies - Waiting.

(Y/n) raised a brow at the familiar name. "Sheska? A girl with short brown hair and looks like a bookworm?"

"You know her?" Alphonse asked.

"I remember I used to see her a lot at the Central Library while I was studying at the Infantry Officers Academy. Then one day she stopped showing up."

"She got fired for reading more than actually doing her job." The two brothers said in unison.

"She worked there? I thought she was just a teacher for a private school or something like that." The two nodded, understanding his confusion.

"Anyway." With a hop, Edward fell onto the couch, resting his back in the corner between the backrest and armrest with his legs swinging up to cross and rest on (Y/n)'s lap. "Now that you're done dealing with the Lt. Colonel, does that mean we get you back as our bodyguard?"

(Y/n) hummed, resting a hand on Edward's leg while Alphonse moved to take the seat next to him. "Sorry but no." Edward's face fell with disappointment. Alphonse showed his disappointment by dropping his shoulders and head a bit.

The disappointment was clear as day to (Y/n). It brought some warmth to his heart knowing how much the two liked having him around. "We're all working around the clock to make sure Scar doesn't hurt anyone else. Besides, it's good for you guys to spend some time with Ross and Brosh, they're good people."

Alphonse hummed, understanding it but still upset. "Do you think... o-only if you get free time... can we go on that date we talked about while we wait?" He asked with some hesitation, not at all used to talking about such a thing.

Edward shot up with wide eyes, looking at the two in confusion. "DATE?!"

(Y/n) casually looked at Edward, not understanding why he was so shocked about it. "Yeah. I thought it would be nice to have a night out doing something relaxing." He turned his attention to Alhonse. "I'll see if I can get in early so I can get off around the afternoon and we can do something. Does that sound good?"

Internally Alphonse smiled, a light red tint came to the cheeks of his helmet as he nodded. "Yeah, sounds good." Behind (Y/n), he saw the irk that appeared on his brother's forehead.

'Why does he look angry?'

========================================================================

(Y/n) was able to keep true to his promise and get the afternoon to spend with Alphonse, much to the younger Elric's joy.

Their date officially began with a walk through a park. They did receive a few odd looks from passersby, causing Alphonse to become anxious, feeling like they should stop the date.

"(Y/n)..." Alphonse uttered, seeing people down the well kept stone path, off to the side near the cluster of trees and on the edge of a pond staring at him. "Maybe we should just forget about this..."

A pull on (Y/n)'s heart hurt him. He would never understand what Alphonse was going through with him being always being looked at like an oddity by strangers, always awake and never dreaming, never able to enjoy meals with family or feel the wind on his face, always thinking with no breaks. Worst of all was knowing that others would wither away and die but he would still be here, never allowed to pass on and forced to watch forever.

Immortality like Alphonse's was what some would call a dream come true but in reality It was a hell unlike any other.

Alphonse deserved something to at least help him keep his head above the water as that was all (Y/n) could do until they found a way to get his body back.

(Y/n) reached over, grabbing Alphonse's index, middle and ring finger. He wanted to hold his hand but the armored gauntlet hand was far too large for that. Alphonse looked down with a short gasp.

"We're not forgetting about this, Al." (Y/n) grip tightened, giving Alphonse a reassuring squeeze. "If the looks are getting to you, we'll just go somewhere else that's more private."

A light blush coated Alphonse's faceplate, his eye nervously staring at (Y/n) automail hand that held onto his. It felt right but the annoying chirping of doubt filled the back of his mind.

The chirping was somewhat quelled once he held (Y/n)'s hand. There was the sound of light tapping of metal as his armored fingers held onto (Y/n)'s automail hand - technically just his fingers but it was close enough to calm him down.

========================================================================

After some traversal through the forest on the outskirts of East City, (Y/n) was able to find the perfect spot for him and Alphonse.

The trip took some time - the time now close to 7 PM with a half moon above providing some natural lighting - but it made the sight before Alphonse even better.

They stood on a cliff with a vast forest, lush green forest bathed in bluish light from the moon and star filled sky down below. It was quiet as all the animals slept aside from a few creatures who thrived in the night.

Beyond the forest, about 2 miles away, was East City itself. The light pollution of yellow, white and orange filled the sky above. You could practically see the workers pulling late nights, friends and family having a night out on the town and soldiers on duty patrolling the streets.

A tap on the ground caught Alphonse's attention. He looked to see (Y/n) was sitting near the cliff edge, his hand patting the spot next to him.

He went over and occupied the space next to the Ishvalan. "This is a really nice view."

"It is." (Y/n) agreed. "Hughes brought me out here for training a few times and said he and his family would picnic here."

The memory of Hughes dragging him through the forest, showing him the tree he and Gracia marked with "H + G" and later added "+ E" for Elicia, brought a smile to (Y/n)'s lips and a warm feeling in his heart.

Alphonse hummed. It brought back memories for himself as well but of his own family. Him, Edward and their mother, Trisha, would take a small walk to a large tree that sat alone on a tall hill.

========================================================================

1902, Resembool.

It was a beautiful sunny day with a light breeze that shook the trees and blades of grass that nearby husbandry farmers would use for grazing, helping brighten the nature as every year passed.

With how nice it was, the Elrics decided it would be a good day for a picnic. Aside from the father who, sadly, was absent as always. It was how it's been for a while, the three were used to it.

The three walked up the steep hill towards a lone tree that offered plenty of shade. Trisha held a basket filled with freshly made baked treats and bread, and some meat for sandwiches. Her sons held onto the skirt of her dress, keeping close.

Alphonse looked across the rolling hills, seeing other trees that were closer to home. "Mom, why don't we go to the other trees?"

"Yeah. Why do we gotta walk so far for this single lousy tree?" Edward asked, looking at the tree dismissively, viewing it as insignificant.

Trisha looked down at Alphonse, softly smiling. "Becuase it's special."

The three reached the top of the hill, getting under the shade of the tree. Edward and Alphonse sat up against the thick trunk of the tree as their mother sat the basket down in front of them and started to set out a blanket.

"How's this "special"? Edward asked with skepticism as he pointed at it with a thumb. "It's just a tree like any other."

Once the blanket was set out, Trisha started to pull out food from the basket and set them down in front of herself and her sons. "It's special because your Great-Great Grandparents planted this tree." She looked up at the towering tree, watching as the leaves slowly waved as the breeze passed by, letting out a soft rustling sound that was soothing to the ear. "They picnicked here just like we are now decades ago. This tree is practically a part of the family with how many memories were made with it."

========================================================================

As the two watched the scenery before them, they scooted closer and closer until they were arm to arm, soon leaning against the other.

Alphonse was always worried when it came to showing physical affection to the point it became rare. He was a suit of armor one-to-two heads taller than most with spikes and sharp angles at various points. If he wasn't careful, he could hurt someone.

But with (Y/n), there was no worry.

The Ishvalan always wanted to show Alphonse more physical affection ever since the incident, reminding him he still deserved things like hugs, hand holding and head pats even with his new body. Because of that the two practically became two puzzle pieces that fit perfectly together, letting Alphonse relax and enjoy intimate moments such as now.

"(Y/n)..." Alphonse quietly said, getting a hum from the Ishvalan. "Thank you... Thank you for being here with me."

A soft smile came to (Y/n)'s lips as Alphonse's words warmed his heart.

========================================================================

Days later at Sheska's Apartment.

With a thump, Sheska placed a stack of manuscripts onto a table that had about over 20 books worth of pages. She gestured to the organized stacks with a smile. "Here you are! Complete copies of all Tim Marcoh's notes!"

The group looked at it in disbelief, all of their jaws dropped.

"Sorry, I know five days is a long time to wait, but there was quite a lot to write down."

Edward reached to grab a manuscript that sat on the top of a stack that read: "1000 Recipes for Today - By Tim Marcoh." The manuscript under it read: "Nutrient Rich Meat - Volume 2."

It seemed most of them were about food.

"Unbelievable!" Alphonse exclaimed. "There are some amazing people in this world!"

Edward flipped the page and read through the manuscript. "These are really Dr. Marcoh's research notes?"

"They sure are! Come and take a look at them." Sheska invited, gesturing for Alphonse to come over to the table before grabbing two and offering them to him. "Written by Tim Marcoh "1000 Easy Recipes."

Everyone's jaw dropped except for Edward's as he looked to be deep in thought, continuing to read.

Ross picked up a manuscript, flipped a page and read out loud. "Six cups of rice, one carrot, two onions, salt..." She raised a brow, feeling like an idiot. "Oh great. Does this mean we came all this way for a cook book?"

Brosh picked one up as well that read "War Time Meat Recipes." He looked at Sheska, who looked worried, thinking she screwed this up beyond comprehension. "Miss, which part of this made you think it was an important document?"

"Is it not what you're looking for? A-All I did was copy down what I remember."

Brosh held his head, disappointed. "Wonderful - so this was just a wild goose chase?"

Sheska lowered her head in shame. "Sheska." Edward called out to her, getting her attention. "Are you absolutely sure this is a flawless reproduction of the notes?"

"Oh, yes! I'm one hundred percent certain!" She said with certainty.

Edward turned to her with a smirk. "Then thank you very much. You're incredible!" He placed the manuscript back onto the stack before lifting the whole thing up. "All right. Let's get these back to the library." He stuffed the stack under his arm and started to head out while Alphonse picked up a stack and gave it to Brosh.

"They should have related materials there." He commented before grabbing the last stack on the table.

"Oh..." Edward came to a stop. "I almost forgot Sheska's fee." He placed the stack down before reaching into his jacket, pulled out a small brown leather book with steel reinforced corners and started to write in it with a green pen.

Once finished he ripped out the page, placed his State Alchemist pocket watch on top of it and gave it to Ross. "Lieutenant, here. This is my registration number and the pocket watch for my ID. Withdraw that amount from my annual research grants and make sure Sheska gets it, okay?"

"Right. I'll get on that right away, sir. I assume that I can just take this note down to the State Alchemist office?" Ross asked just to make sure.

Edward, Alphonse and Brosh started to make their way out, not before picking up the stack of manuscripts he left on the floor. "That should work." Just before leaving, he peaked inside of the room from the open door. "Well, Sheska, you're a life saver! Bye!"

Sheska awkwardly waved to Edward before he, and the other two, left.

"From his research grants, huh?" Ross opened up the note, reading it with Sheska peaking a look.

"BWAHHHHHHHHHHHH!" The two cried in shock with dropped jaws. "DID HE MISS A DECIMAL POINT SOMEWHERE?!" Sheska asked in disbelief.

"Do all State Alchemists throw money around like this?!"

========================================================================

The Elrics decided to head to the Second Branch National Central Library, itself being just a short walk down the street from the now destroyed First Branch. Alphonse hoped that they could find more books relating to Marcoh's research that would help give them more hints on how to create a Philosopher's Stone.

Alphonse was looking through various book cases, collecting any that caught his attention, and Edward reading over Marcoh's research. Brosh was there as well, looking over the table of what were Tim Marcoh's notes in confusion. "I-I don't understand... These are cookbooks. What could they possibly have to do with alchemy?"

"Alchemy's a powerful art... It can be incredibly dangerous if misused. In order to prevent that-" Edward held a manuscript open, showing it was a recipe for poached eggs. "Alchemic research is always encrypted. These are designed to look like recipes to the average person, but they're actually advanced alchemical notes. Only the alchemist who originally wrote them can understand."

"If they're so heavily encrypted, then how are you going to be able to decipher them?" Brosh asked.

Edward started to look over the manuscript again. "It's not going to be easy. We'll have to use all our alchemical knowledge."

Brosh scratched his head, having no idea how anyone could figure out Marcoh's encryption. "Wow, sir... that sounds really complicated."

Edward gasped and his eyes widened. "Al, there's a section in here on green tea!"

Alphonse, with a stack of books in his hands, turned to him. "Green tea? Are you thinking what I am?"

Edward smirked. "Uh-huh. It might be a reference to the Green Lion of metallurgic alchemy." He looked back at the manuscript. "Do we have copies available of Flamel's Codex or Lambspring's Concerning the Philosopher's Stone?"

Alphonse went over to the table and placed down the stack of books in front of Edward. "Of course."

"Alright." Edward showed Alphonse the manuscript, pointing at a specific part. "Take a look at this here." Alphonse leaned down, reading over what Edward was pointing at. "And here too, you see?"

"Yeah, you're right." Alphonse agreed before pointing at another section. "And maybe here, too."

"Great, we've got a place to start. Let's do this!" Edward announced with a smile.

Brosh still had zero idea what they were talking about but seeing Edward so giddy brought a smile to his lips.

========================================================================

With a few bags of food he recently got from a nearby sandwich shop, (Y/n) entered the Second Branch Central Library.

The Elrics spent most of the day at the Second Branch so (Y/n) thought it would be nice to bring Edward, Ross and Brosh something to eat as he checked up on them.

"Major!" (Y/n) heard as soon as he turned the corner. He looked to see Brosh and Ross standing at attention and saluting at either side of a double door with chairs behind them.

(Y/n) saluted back, letting the two relax. "Hey." He casually greeted as he handed a bag to either of them, getting an odd look from them as they took the bags and looked inside. "I hope a regular turkey sandwich is fine. I don't know exactly what you guys like."

"Oh!" "Awesome!" The two hummed with satisfaction and a smile. "Thank you, (Y/n). We haven't had a chance to go out and grab something since this morning." Ross thanked while Brosh went straight to eating the moment he sat down, letting out a loud sigh of satisfaction the moment he bit down on the sandwich, feeling the texture and taste on his tongue.

"Don't be afraid to go out and eat. When it comes to stuff like this, those two would stay here day after day if they could so you don't have to worry about them wandering off." (Y/n) said, getting a nod from Ross before she sat down and started to eat.

Upon entering through the doorway to where Alphonse and Edward were, he saw things weren't going well. Edward and Alphonse were slumped over the table, the air was filled with the aura of tiredness one goes through that makes you feel any action felt like walking through a field of mud that went up to your thighs.

"Guessing the decryption isn't going well?" (Y/n) asked as he went over to the table, placing the bag of food down onto the table next to Edward.

The delicious smell of a freshly cooked turkey sandwich caught Edward's attention. He tried to lift himself to get at the food but failed as he flopped back down onto the table. "M-My entire body is too tired..."

(Y/n) smirked as he reached into the bag, ripped off the end of the sub sandwich and hovered it in front of Edward's face, waiting for him to open his mouth for him to pop it into the blonde's mouth. "Sshank youuu." Edward thanked as he chewed.

"We've been stuck for a while now." Alphonse answered (Y/n) question.

(Y/n) looked at him with a raised brow, seeing that the spike on his helmet was digging into the table. Hopefully they either pay for the damage or no one noticed.

"Maybe we should ask Dr. Marcoh about this directly." Alphonse suggested.

Edward snapped up, his grip on a few random bits of manuscript and a green fountain pen tightened as his face contorted with frustration. "NO WAY! THAT'D BE ADMITTING DEFEAT!"

Alphonse raised his head. "So this is a contest now?"

"Excuse me..." The three looked to the double doors, seeing Sheska and Brosh enter.

"Sheska!" Edward greeted, getting a bow from her.

========================================================================

With it now just being Edward, Alphonse, (Y/n) and Sheska, the four chatted.

"Thanks to the money you gave me, Edward, I was able to move my mother to a better hospital... I really appreciate it." Sheska thanked, bowing again.

Edward sheepishly waved it off with a smile. "Aw, it was no big deal, really."

"Have you had any luck deciphering it so far?" Sheska's question was met with an immediate shift in tone in the room as the two brother's arm's dropped, a sense of dread surrounding them.

"Have you found another job yet?" Alphonse asked, wanting to change the subject.

Then she did the exact same thing the two did. A gloomy look took over her expression as her shoulders slouched.

"Anyway..." Sheska started off. "You two made me feel better. It was nice to know that even a pathetic mess like me can help out sometimes." She bowed again. "So thanks for that as well."

'Was she always this harsh on herself?' (Y/n) wondered.

"You're not a pathetic mess." Alphonse stated, getting a surprised look from Sheska. "I think that kind of dedication you show to reading is a talent all on its own... And besides that, your memory is incredible. You should have more faith in yourself."

Sheska softly smiled, a nod caused her short brown hair to bounce a bit. "Thank you, Al."

========================================================================

Outside the doors, Brosh let out a burp as he held his stomach with a smile on his crumb covered lips. The sudden sound of footsteps, the clacking of hobnails letting him know it was a soldier, caught his attention. He and Ross stood at attention as a Lieutenant Colonel walked to the door and opened it.

"YO!"

Once he saw who it was, (Y/n) stood at attention and saluted. "Lieutenant Colonel Hughes, sir!"

"Major Armstrong told me you guys were here." He walked to the table Edward and Alphonse were sat at and slammed his hands onto the table, shooting a look at (Y/n). "What gives? You could have told me Elrics were here in Central!"

"Apologies, sir. I have my hands full with my duties with me needing to go back-and-fourth between here and Eastern Command."

"It's just as well. I've been busy too." Hughes then started to rattle on about the past few days, making sure to let them know what his wife and daughter were up to as well.

Outside the open doors, around the corner, Brosh and Ross whispered to one another. "Colonel Hughes talks to him like he's an old friend!"

"He helped (Y/n) out while he attended the Infantry Officer Academy. He's practically his step-son." Ross explained.

Once he was done rambling on about his and his family's life over the past few days, Hughes rested a hand on the back of his neck. "Just like Eastern Command, we've had a lot of cases to deal with lately... And we're still dealing with the Tucker Chimera situation settled."

Edward's downcast look - a small frown, hands clenched into fists and eyes lingering on the table - caught Hughes' attention. "Sorry... I guess that brings up some unpleasant memories, huh?"

He looked at (Y/n) seeing he had a stoic expression on but could tell he was hiding his feelings. There was a sort of pride filled melancholy Hughes was feeling at that moment. Proud (Y/n) was able to control his feelings like a soldier, putting on a straight face no matter how hard things got. Sad that he had to go through it considering his past.

Hughes grabbed a nearby chair and pulled it away before taking a seat at the table. "Anyway... As if things weren't bad enough for us already. The First Branch had to burn down in the middle of all this."

"That's been a problem, huh?" Edward asked.

"A big one." Hughes emphasized. "All our case records were stored in the stacks at that location. (Y/n)'s been able to get a few case files that crossed paths at Eastern Command but with the majority of them missing it isn't exactly a picnic, let me tell ya."

Edward's eyes widened as a realization hit him.

Hughes raised a brow at the odd expression. "What?"

Both Edward and Alphonse hummed, slowly turning their head to Sheska who was standing there awkwardly.

The sudden attention caught her off guard. "HHUUGGHHH!?"

Edward smirked. "Hey, Lieutenant Colonel, I think I've got exactly the person you guys are looking for!"

Sheska nervously raised a hand to her cheek. "Well, I have read the military's criminal case records, and I do remember them all."

With a light of hope of making his job a hell of a lot easier, a smirk broke out on Hughes' face. "That's all I needed to hear, lady, you're hired! My office pays well so don't worry."

"Oh, I-" Sheska stammered at the sudden flood of news of finally landing a job perfectly suited for her. "You're saying you want me... Oh!" She looked at Edward and Alphonse with a bright smile, barely able to hide her excitement. "Thanks so much! I'll have faith just like you told me too! Thank you! Thank you!" She thanked as Hughes grabbed the back of her shirt and dragged her out of the room.

"Come on now, right to work!" Hughes announced with a chuckle as Ross, Brosh and (Y/n) saluted him.

Edward, with a fountain pen between his teeth, and Alphonse smiled and waved as well. It was nice to see a cute nerdy girl like her finally able to do what she loved.

Once the door shut, (Y/n) spoke up. "Does she know she'll be joining the military and have to complete basic training?"

Edward let out a sigh, resting his head jaw first on the table, the pen now between his lips and waving around. "I think Al said it best. "I think dedication is a talent all on its own." Very smooth little brother. Very smooth..."

Propping his head up with a hand, Alphonse leaned on the table, watching Edward play with the pen between his lips. "Well, it's something I always think whenever I see a certain someone I know."

Edward flicked the pen up in the air before catching it, the sun through the windows making the gold alloy shine. "In that case, a certain someone should hurry and get back to work, or you're gonna have to come up with a new motivational phrase.

========================================================================

Now that Sheska was helping Hughes, (Y/n)'s work load was lightened considerably, allowing him to help Edward and Alphonse with deciphering the code over the span of the next 10 days.

The three worked around the clock, going through each page of every single manuscript they had and any books that could possibly help them, even with a very little chance of it helping. They hit occasional brick walls where a lead led to nowhere, frustrating Edward to the point he'd scream and toss up random sheets of paper that were nothing more than physical evidence of wasted time.

A massive breakthrough happened as (Y/n) looked through what parts they were able to decipher.

"Look at this." (Y/n) said, getting the two's attention. He went through several pages, circling specific sentences that were confirmed to be a part of the cypher. "The first letter and last letter of the sentences are all the same."

A common tactic to decipher enemy communications - a lesson (Y/n) learned from Falman - was to find repeats or patterns. A notable case was during the Amestria-Drachma War of 1900 as it was discovered every single communication between Drachma positions, no matter how mundane, would end with "Glory to Tsar Vladimir".

This let them figure out what codes would be used for the letters used in that one sentence, leading to cracking their encryptions, letting them know exactly where troops and supplies were being moved to and from.

========================================================================

The ringing of the bell of a nearby clock tower let everyone know it was the end of the day and for everyone to close up.

The ringing eventually woke up a sleeping, and drooling, Brosh's eyes snapped open, almost falling out of his chair. "I'M AWAKE!"

Ross stood up from her chair. "The library's closed."

Brosh stretched his arms as he stood up and made his way to the door. "They've been at it for ten days now. I'm impressed they're still going after all this time." He grabbed onto the handles of the double door.

"TO HELL WITH IT!" They heard Edward's muffled yell along with some paper being thrown.

The two opened the door just enough to peek through, seeing Edward and Alphonse sitting on the floor, looking to be frustrated, that was covered with scrap paper, books and turned over chairs while (Y/n) stood by with a downcast look on his face.

Brosh and Ross entered the room. "What did you guys do to this place?" Brosch asked with worry.

"Don't get angry because you can't crack it. Throwing things won't help." Ross advised.

"We did crack it." Alphonse uttered, making the two gasp in shock. "We cracked the code and decrypted the notes." His voice was fearful, not that Brosh realized as a smile came to his face.

"Really? You did? But that's a good thing, isn't it?"

Edward slammed his automail fist onto the floor. "THERE'S NOTHING GOOD ABOUT THIS, DAMN IT!" The smile on Brosh's face dropped. "This is the devil's research. It should have been destroyed." Edward brought his hand up to his forehead, digging his finger into it. "Doctor Marcoh was right. It's evil.

"What's so evil about it?" Brosh asked.

Edward took in a stutter of a breath, unable to answer.

"The main ingredient for a Philosopher's Stone..." (Y/n) spoke up. "Is human life..." Ross and Brosh gasped in shock. "Just a single stone, like the one Marcoh has, needs multiple human sacrifices."

"How could the military authorize research into something so horrible?!" Brosh exclaimed with disbelief.

"You're surprised?" (Y/n) asked dead in tone. "This is the same military that cut down innocent people during the war. It only makes sense it would want the power of a Philosopher's Stone no matter the cost."

Edward's fist clenched harder, the sound of creaking metal could be heard coming from his automail. The acceptance of this by (Y/n) enraged him.

Ross shuttered. "I can't believe it. How awful."

(Y/n) let out a huff before he started to clean up the books and papers. "I'm giving you two an order to not speak a word of this to anyone."

Ross and Brosh looked at him in confusion. "B-But, sir-" Brosh stammered out but halted as his breath hitched and eyes widened.

(Y/n) stopped, glaring at the two as the fires of rage burned in his crimson eyes. "That's an order, Sergeant Brosh. As far as you know, we haven't broken Marcoh's cypher."

========================================================================

During a dark night, Alex entered a hotel in Central with a Amestris dragon banner over the entrance. Near the entrance, at the reception desk, stood Ross and Brosh who both stood at attention and saluted the towering Major.

"Sergent Brosh, 2nd Lieutenant Ross..." Alex greeted with a salute. "Do you happen to know where the Elrics are along with (Y/n)?"

"They are in their hotel room at the moment, sir." Brosh reported.

Alex rested a hand on his hip. "They're held up in their room again tonight?"

"Yes..." Ross affirmed. "They haven't been eating, either. (Y/n)'s been trying but no luck."

Alex held his broad chin with his large hands, humming. "The fatigue must be catching up to them. They seem to have devoted all their energy to these notes."

While Alex was deep in thought, Ross and Brosh turned away and started to whisper begin a held up hand.

"They worked so hard to decipher those notes only to find out that." Ross spoke silently.

"It disturbed me too, just thinking about it." Brosh agreed. "I was surprised how (Y/n) took it."

Alex turned around, his bland head gleaming thanks to the lights overhead. "What was that?"

The two shot up and turned with hands up. "OH! IT WAS NOTHING, SIR!" They lied in unison but the sudden rush of the towering now shirtless Major caused them to yelp in fear as they flailed their arms around.

Flexing his muscles that were as thick as bunker walls and eyes glowing red, Alex spoke. "YOUR BEHAVIOR IS MOST SUSPICIOUS!"

========================================================================

In the Elrics' hotel room, Edward watched the ceiling fan slowly spin as he lay on the couch. Alphonse was close, sitting on the floor behind the couch, using the rear of it as a back rest. And (Y/n) sat across from Edward with a worried look on his face.

The lights were off. The only source of light was from outside light polls and lights inside the windows and signs of the opposing buildings.

"Ed... not eating isn't going to do you any good." (Y/n) warned softly.

"I just don't have an appetite." Edward uttered. A moment of silence pasted before he spoke again. "Pretty awful, huh?"

Alphonse hummed in agreement.

Edward reached up at the fan with his automail arm. "You know... it's like. We try so hard to grasp the truth..." He made a fist, as if grabbing something. "But it slips away. And now that we finally have caught it, it turns out the truth is too dangerous to hold." He lowered his arm to his forehead, a light chuckle came out as a small smirk came to his lips. "I'm starting to think this is God's special way of torturing people who've committed taboos." He lowered his arm to cover his eyes, his lips pulled down into a frown. "I wonder... if it'll be like this all our lives? Us never finding the answer to our problems and (Y/n) working for the same people who ruined his life."

It was hard to say anything to lift up the brother's spirits. An issue (Y/n) encountered rarely when the two were so hopeful. But today they weren't.

"You know, Al... there's something I've been wanting to tell you for awhile." Edward said, Alphonse lifted his head up a bit. "But I guess I've been too afraid to say it."

"What?" Alphonse softly asked.

With hesitation Edward opened his mouth to answer. "I-" A sudden banging on the door stopped him, making the three look over at it in confusion.

"ELRIC BROTHERS, (Y/N)! I KNOW YOU'RE IN THERE! OPEN UP! THIS IS MAJOR ARMSTRONG!" Alex's voice boomed, likely waking up anyone else in the hotel or disrupting whatever they were doing.

Alphonse cowered behind the couch. "What do we do?!"

Edward rolled his eyes. "We ignore him, that's what."

"You can't ignore someone like Alex-" (Y/n) was cut short when the door swung open, revealing Alex with the now ripped off door handle in hand.

Ross and Brosh stood behind him with tears streaming down their eyes.

"I KNOW WHAT IT SAID!"

"BWAAAHHHHHHHHHHH!!!" Both Edward and Alphonse cried out, scared out of their minds.

(Y/n) on the other hand raised a hand to his forehead, rubbing it in frustration. 'I ordered them not to say a thing and they still say it...'

Now tears started to stream down Alex's cheeks as he cried. "HOW TRAGIC! TO THINK THE LEGEND OF THE PHILOSOPHER'S STONE IS BUILT ON SUCH A TERRIBLE SECRET!"

(Y/n) shot a glare at Ross and Brosh, seeing the two playing with their fingers nervously. "We're- we're really sorry."

"It's hard to stay quiet when someone like him asks you..." Brosh explained.

(Y/n) dropped the glare. He couldn't argue with him on that one.

"Imagine the military behind something like that. Often the truth is more cruel than we bargained for." Alex continued, making Edward's eyes widened.

"The truth!" Edward exclaimed, getting a worried look from (Y/n).

"What is it, Brother?" Alphonse asked.

"Do you remember what Dr. Marcoh said at the station?" Edward asked. "Look closely... maybe you'll find the truth hidden within the truth." He quoted the doctor's words before a smirk came to his face. "I didn't have a clue what he was talking about then but now... It's the same as with alchemical notes. What you can see on the surface is only a portion of the truth. There's still more to find here. There has to be."

========================================================================

With the light in the room now on, Alex laid out a map of Central City on the coffee table with everyone standing around it.

"Currently there are four operation alchemy laboratories in Central that have connections to the government... We can narrow it down even further. Marcoh worked in the third laboratory." Alex's large finger tapped on the lab's location. "We should start with that one. It's the most suspect."

Edward looked over the map, holding onto his chin and hummed. "Al and I've been to all the laboratories in the city. None were doing any remarkable research." His golden eyes looked over the map, soon landing on one that was labeled 'Fifth Laboratory (CLOSED)" with a large red X over it. "Here. What's this building used for?"

Ross read over some documents that covered the government buildings within Central City. "It was designed for the fifth laboratory, but it isn't currently in use. The building isn't structurally sound, so it's been classified off-limits."

"It's there." Edward said with certainty.

Brosh leaned in. "Huh? How can you be so sure that's it?"

Edward's fighter dragged to the right of the building, pointing to a location called "Central Prison". "There's a prison right next door."

Brosh was still confused. "Okay, so?"

"Plenty of criminals on death row can be used as sacrifices. And the government can hide it as official executions." (Y/n) explained.

In a military state such as Amestris, capital punishment is widely accepted. From repeat violent offenders, murderers, sex offenders and other crimes that were deemed a crime against the state itself landed a person on death row - the row itself being short as criminals would be dealt with within days of sentencing.

Ross brought a hand to her mouth as a feeling of disgust filled her stomach. "They're using prisoners to make the stone."

"Prisons from other jurisdictions could be used too." Alphonse added. "(Y/n), are you sure the government is involved with this? Maybe it's someone abusing their powers and the government doesn't know a thing about it."

"It's possible you're right." (Y/n) admitted. "But to have access to Central Prison and its prisoners isn't something any regular person can do under the Fuhrers or Military Police's nose without them noticing."

Both Brosh and Ross shuttered. "Why do I have the feeling that we're getting involved in something really dangerous here?" Ross worried.

"I did order you not to tell anyone." (Y/n) lightly scolded.

Alex rolled up the map, stood up and headed to the door. He turned back to face the group. "This has the potential of becoming a political nightmare before long... I'll look into what we've talked about tonight." He brought his attention to Ross and Brosh. "In the meantime, officers, speak of this to no one. And be sure to actually follow that order this time"

Ross and Brosh stood at attention and saluted. "Sir!"

"And you Elric brother behave yourselves!" The two brothers shot up in fear as Alex let out a visible huff like an angry bull. "I KNOW you two boys! You were thinking about sneaking into this building and taking a look around, weren't you?! ADMIT IT!"

Edward and Alphonse held their hands up and shook their heads vigorously. "WE WEREN'T! WE WEARN'T! WE PROMISE!"

"AND (Y/N)!" Said male stood at attention now that Alex was towering over him. "We may be equals in rank but I am still ordering you to stay away from the laboratory."

(Y/n) saluted. "Of course, sir!"

========================================================================

"Yeah, sure we weren't." Edward said with sarcasm.

Literally the next night, the three went out to sneak into the Fifth Laboratory.

They made it down the street corner of the front giant of the laboratory.

Thick tall walls of dull gray concrete with barbed wire stretched across the top surrounded the main building which was 4 stories tall. The building looked like a bunker. Just looking at it, a person could tell the walls were thick enough to resist artillery fire and small narrow windows looked perfect for occupants inside to shoot out off. The front gate - where a single Military Police Officer stood guard with a submachine gun - had lamp posts on either side with a tall metal gate with the words "KEEP OUT!" written on it. There was also a smaller door for the guard to exit and enter through.

Edward, Alphonse and (Y/n) peeked from behind the corner wall, seeing the lone guard yawn as his gaze slowly shifted left to right.

Edward hummed. "A guard posted at an unused building. Interesting."

"That is suspicious." Alphonse said before the three pulled away and looked up at the tall wall. "How do we get in?"

"We could make our own entrance." Edward suggested.

"The light and sound from the transmutic reaction would catch the guard's attention." (Y/n) warned.

"In that case... mind giving us a hand, Al?" Edward asked, getting a nod from his brother.

Alphonse pressed his back against the wall, crouched down and locked his fingers together. (Y/n) went first, putting his foot on Alphonse's hands before being thrown up in the air, grabbing onto the edge of the wall as he fell before letting go and dropping quietly on the ground.

He took a look around, seeing there were no patrols. "All clear!" He whispered

Edward was next. Alphonse flung him up, allowing him to get high enough to grab the barbed wire with his automail and tear it off to the side, giving him some room to sit as he lowered the length of wire to Alphonse.

Alphonse grabbed onto it, giving it a yank to make sure it could take his weight before he started to climb up the wall. As he reached the top, Edward dropped down next to (Y/n) with Alphonse soon joining them after.

They quietly made their way to the closest entrance only to see it was boarded up with long metal rods covered in barbed wire also blocking the entrance.

"They're not taking any chances, are they?" Edward looked along the walls of the building, soon seeing a small vent.

With Alphonse's help, he climbed up and tore off the grate, handing it to (Y/n) so he could gently put it down. He looked inside, seeing the size of the vent was small, too small for either Alphonse or (Y/n) to fit.

"You guys are gonna need to wait here." He said to them before he started to crawl in.

"You're fine on your own?" Alphonse asked with worry.

"Whether I'm fine on my own or not isn't the issue." Edward's voice echoed in the vent. "This vent is cramped so there's no chance you guys are going to get through here." He explained before he started to crawl further in.

Alphonse sat down, bringing his knees to his chest. "It's not like I asked to get this big." He sadly muttered.

(Y/n) patted him on the head. "It's okay to be big, Al. Don't let it get to you."

========================================================================

Inside the laboratory was, as expected, an absolute mess. Rusted door and metal railings, broken chairs, tables and lockers, and filth from a number of animals that have now claimed the place as their home.

But others also claimed it as their home.

"66? 39?" A deep voice in the shadows called out.

"What is it, 48?" One asked with a more chipper but annoyed tone.

"What? Another rat scared you?" A gruff, older sounding voice asked sarcastically.

"Not rats but guests." The deep voice figure exited the shadows, revealing him to be clad in a suit of armor with an older style chest plates and cloth over where his mouth would be in a T style visor helmet where his red eyes glowed.

A chuckle came from the chipper one. He was clad in armor as well but instead of a normal helmet his was a skull of a sort of fanged humanoid beast with long hair and horns. "Hehahaha! Some daredevil idiots came to visit, did they?"

The last to emerge was one wearing armor that was covered in scratch marks and the helmet was an old style knights helmet with a thin vision slit and elongated back to help deflect attacks. "It's time to show you youngins how a real man deals with pests." He chuckled as he flourished two blood stained weathered hammers.

========================================================================

As Edward crawled through the vents, he had to push aside the many cobwebs that filled the small space. "Damn. It's even tighter in there than I thought." He paused his movement. "I couldn't get through this far if I was regular sized... Lucky I've got a small body."

The gears in Edward's head started to slowly turn.

... ... ...

"OHHH NOOO!!! I JUST CALLED MYSELF A TINY LITTLE PIPSQUEAK!" He cried out as he shook before quickly making his way to the end of the vent, just barely dodging the cobwebs, kicking out the grate and dropping down.

The path before him was a hallway. The walls and floors were covered in cracks with debris littering the floor but the lights along the bottom of the walls were still on, giving off a faint yellow glow.

"There are lights on." Edward observed. "Not currently in use." He sarcastically quoted. "Who are they trying to fool?" He smirked as he looked at the way forward. "This is it all right."

========================================================================

"Ed's taking a long time." Alphonse spoke up with worry.

(Y/n) looked up at the almost cloudless sky, seeing the crescent moon above glowing a faint blue. It was a pretty sight. But the moment of appreciation ended as the armored figures of 66 and 39 appeared on the rooftop of the laboratory, leaning over and looking down at him and Alphonse with blood lust filled, soulless eyes.

In either hand, 66 raised two large butcher knives while 39 raised his hammers before the two dropped down, ready to cut down Alphonse and (Y/n).

"ALPHONSE, WATCH OUT!" (Y/n) yelled out before a metal clang rang out.

========================================================================

Drabble - Cain and Abel Minus God and Death.

After his date with (Y/n), Alphonse walked to the hotel room he and Edward were staying at. There was a hop to his step, feeling like he was on cloud nine. And if he was in his regular body, his lips would have been stretched into a smile, filled with glee.

He didn't realize how much a simple date with (Y/n) could improve his mood. Then again he enjoyed any time he could get with (Y/n) so it made sense.

Once at the door to his room, Alphonse slowly and quietly opened the door. With how late it was he didn't want to wake Edward with a creaky door.

He entered the room like walking into a black hole. The room was completely pitch black aside from what light leaked in from the open door.

"Well, well, well..." A lamp near the couch suddenly turned on, revealing Edward sitting there with a pout on his lips. "Do you know how late it is?"

Alphonse looked at him in confusion as he closed the door behind him. "I think it's around 11..." He stared at Edward silently for a moment before speaking again. "Were you sitting there for hours waiting for me to enter?"

"I'm asking the questions." Edward retorted, avoiding the question. "What were you and (Y/n) doing out so late?"

"Just sight seeing."

"How does sight seeing take that long?"

Alphonse threw his hands up, fed up with being questioned like he committed a crime. "Why are you asking so many questions?"

"I'm your older brother. It's my job to make sure you're alright." Edward answered with crossed arms.

"It was a date with (Y/n). He's been watching over us for years now. I cannot think of anyone else I'd be more alright with." Alphonse's answer caused Edward to sneer for a brief moment.

The expression, which only lasted for a few seconds, made Alphonse remember how Edward reacted when he first told him about the date he and (Y/n) would go on.

Internally, a smug smirk came to Alphonse's face. "Are you... jealous?"

"Pfff!" Edward scoffed, waving off Alphonse's claim with a relaxed smirk. "Don't be such a simpleton. Little things like that don't affect me." He stood up and started to head to the bedroom. "Like it or hate it, little brother. I'm always going to watch over you."

The moment Edward entered the bedroom, he let out a massive sigh of relief, wiping off the sweat from his brows. His golden eyes darted to his black leather boots that were covered in mud.

Did he follow (Y/n) and Alphonse into the forests to snoop in on their date and only just got back to the room minutes ago or decide to go for a walk down a muddy path earlier? Only the "not jealous" brother himself knew the answer for certainty.

Chapter Text

With a loud metal clack, 66's butcher knives collided against Alphone's chest plate. The odd angle of it made the knives slide off to the side, leaving behind some scratches in the metal.

(Y/n) was just in time as he transmuted his automail into a shield to block 39's attack. He was unharmed but the collision of the hammers caused a painful vibration to shoot up nerves, making him hiss between his teeth in pain.

Both Alphonse and (Y/n) pushed their attackers back, sending them opposite directions before backing up to the middle of the area with their backs against each other, taking the moment to do a quick look over on their attacker.

"I must be getting rusty..." 39 said as he rotated his arms and neck.

"Or you aren't used to people who fight back, you old fart." 66 insulted with a chuckle. "So much for showing how it's done."

(Y/n) turned his head a bit, turning so his ear would catch some of what 66 said. 'That voice...'

"Who are you?!" Alphonse questioned.

"I don't really see a point in telling you since we're gonna kill you but for my good deed for the day I'll be polite. I'm 39." He said, sounding eerily casual about it.

"I'm Number 66... Well, that's the name they gave me when I came to work here, anyway." He introduced himself before raising his blades and smacking them against each other, letting out a metallic clack. "Now I'm going to cut you up, nice and neat. So just SIT BACK AND SCREAM!"

========================================================================

Edward entered a large empty room lit by somewhat dull yellow lights on the pillars supporting the roof, seeing a sort of transmutation circle in the middle of the room with a small, table height pillar that also had a pentagon with circles marking all corners.

Within the transmutation circle on the floor there were lines connecting to smaller circles - in which was a dried dull red stain of blood - forming a pentagon.

The sight before him confused Edward. "Not a clue what all this is but I bet it's what they used to transmute a Philosopher's Stone."

"Yes, that's right." Looking over to the sound of the voice and metal chains clacking against each other, to an open doorway shrouded in darkness, Edward saw 48 enter the room. "I don't know who you are, but you figured out a lot just from looking at a transmutation circle..."

Once he got into the light, Edward saw that 48 was armed with a saber. Attached to the bottom of the handle, just like what was wrapped around his waist like a belt, was a length of metal chain. The cross guard was a single strip of brass that covered 48's fingers with a few spikes on it.

Edward shot him a glare. "I'm just good like that. Who are you, pal?"

"The one in charge of guarding this place from curious brats." 48 answered calmly. "For the moment let's just say my name is Number 48. And believe me, I'm not your 'pal.' My orders are to dispose of anyone who wanders in here, poking their nose where it doesn't belong... Try not to take it personally, boy."

"I'M A GROWN MAN! AND I WON'T!" Edward clapped his hands together, transmuting the top half of his automail into a blade that extended past his hand. "And you try not to take it personally when this 'boy' kicks your ass!"

48 hummed. "Hmm... you're an alchemist, are you?"

In the blink of an eye, he dashed forward, getting face to face with Edward with his sword down to the side. The frighteningly fast speed caught Edward off guard, his eyes widening in shock.

"All right then let's see what you've got." 48 slashed his sword up, missing Edward as he ducked to evade.

Edward leapt back, raising his automail to block a downward slash, sending sparks up into the air along with bits of his black coat.

"A prosthetic arm, huh?" 48 charged forward with his sword raised to stab. "No matter. My sword can pierce steel as well as flesh." He suddenly changed his attack into a sideways slash, aiming it at Edward's neck.

Edward raised his arm, bracing it with his other to take the hit before pushing it back and dashing forward, lunging with his blade.

48 was forced to fall back a few steps before attacking. The swipe of the blade struck Edward on the shoulder of his automail, only ripping the coat.

Edward closed the gap and delivered a kick to his gut, letting out a hollow clang as he was sent back.

Edward recoiled, his eyes widened before a devious smirk came to his face. "My, my, what's this?" He asked teasingly. "I'm gonna go out on a limb here and say you're hollow inside."

48 straightened his back. "You're a perceptive one."

"I could tell from the sound. I spar against someone like you all the time." Edward said.

This caught 48's interest. "So there are people like me on the outside too, are there? That's surprising."

"Yeah, it makes me sick..." Edward stated. "To think there's more than one idiot in the world who came up with the brilliant idea of bonding a disembodied soul to a suit of armor."

48 hummed. "Perhaps I should introduce myself again. 48 was the number I was assigned when I was on death row. Back when I still had a living body, I was better known as Slicer. I was a mass murderer, you see."

Edward relaxed his stance but still kept on guard. "So you were slated for execution. Tell me something then... This laboratory. Are they using condemned prisoners like you to make Philosopher's Stones here?"

"That I can't tell you. It isn't my area. They simply recognized my skills, gave me this body, and made me their trusty guard dog." Slicer answered, his tone shifting to one of frustration when he referred to himself as a "guard dog."

"Interesting. I'm sure they gave you a seal too - to serve as a medium between soul and armor?"

"Yes. I have a bloodseal." Slicer undid the cloth around his helmet and lifted his visor, revealing a seal at the back. This is it right here. If you destroy this, the fight's yours.

The seal was a triangle within a circle with a S style symbol in the middle along with three number 1 looking symbols on all sides of the triangle.

Edward gave him a look of uncertainty. "That's awfully considerate of you to show me your weak spot."

"I like to give myself a little extra challenge during a fight now and then."

Edward smirked. "As long as you're in such a giving mood, then how 'bout this. Why not just let me go?"

Slicer lowered his visor. "Nice try, but what kind of mass murderer lets his prey get away so easily?" He redid the mask to cover the mouth of his helmet before gripping onto his saver with two hands. "Now let's fight!"

========================================================================

"Did you hear what I said... My dear little Elicia is about to turn 3~!"

Within the telephone room of Central Command, Hughes was talking over the phone with a smile on his face, blush on his cheeks, arms resting on the table while his hips swayed side to side as he gleefully talked about his daughter.

Sat at a counter a few feet from him was the Receptionist. She had her eyes closed and eyes furrowed. Hearing Hughes talk about his daughter on the phone happened just about every single day.

It was admirable that he cared so much about his daughter but hearing about it day after day would make anyone get somewhat annoyed.

"Lt. Colonel Hughes... Do you think this could wait? I'm at work with stacks of paper work to go through." Roy's annoyed voice came over the phone.

"Oh, what a coincidence, I'm at work too!" Hughes cheerfully said, not at all picking up on Roy's tone. "She's the cutest little thing!" He pulled out a photo of Elicia while she was playing with a big smile on her face. "You should see her~!"

"I'm sure she's adorable, but stop calling me to gush over your daughter - and on a military line, too!" Roy scolded.

Hughes' expression stiffened but the blush on his cheeks remained. "Not just my daughter, Colonel-" A pull on the back of the photo revealed he had another photo of Gracia doing a cute pose by pointing her fingers up to the left as if she was pointing to the other photo, a smile on her lips and blush on her cheeks. "I'll gush over my wife, too~!"

Roy sighed, the audible sound of his head falling onto his desk could be heard. "It's a wonder how you got your rank..."

"Now it's your turn! Go ahead, Colonel. I know you're dying to gush over your very own... Scar-faced Ishvalan." Hughes whispered.

Roy stayed silent for a moment before replying. "We've found many bodies on the site where he vanished. But all of them are so decomposed that it's been difficult to identify them. He hasn't been sighted anywhere in the east. So at the present, many people here think it's most likely that he's dead."

"If that's the case, I should be able to lift the bodyguard from the Elric brothers soon."

"Is Major Armstrong still in charge of their protective detail?"

"He was... But a couple of his men have taken over now. (Y/n) drops in from time to time with all his back-and-fourths from here to you." Hughes shifted himself to lean against the vision blocker that sat on the other side of the phone box, giving privacy to whoever was making a call. "I've been meaning to ask you... why have you been making (Y/n) go on wild goose chases for paper work? Seems like a waste of his skills to do such a mundane task, especially when you can get someone else to do it."

"He was right when he guessed that Scar would come after him once he learned he was alive. I'm..." Roy paused for a moment. "I'm worried Scar will come after (Y/n) again so I'm keeping him on the move as much as possible to make it harder for Scar to find him."

Hughes hummed with a smirk. "It's cute how much you care for him."

"Shut up."

========================================================================

Inside the apartment room the Elrics were using - Ross stood in shock, looking at the rope that was tied to the head of a nearby bed and led outside a window. Brosh stood beside her while he sobbed.

"I thought it was suspiciously quiet in here!" Ross went over to the window, seeing the rope lead to the street down below.

Brosh grabbed his head, an aura of dread emitted from him like a stench. "AH! MAJOR ARMSTRONG'S GONNA TAKE HIS SHIRT OFF AGAIN AND YELL AT US SOME MORE, ISN'T HE?!"

Ross looked down at the bed, seeing a note that read "To Ross and Brosh - Show to Major Armstrong." She picked it up, turned it over and read it out loud. "I, Major (Y/n), take over protective detail for the Elrics. If anything happens I take full responsibility."

"Maybe with that, Major Armstrong won't yell at us." Brosh suggested.

Ross tucked the note into her coat pocket before pulling up the rope and closing the window. "Do you know how this makes us look, Sergeant?!" She angrily uttered. "They are the same rank but Armstrong, just like us, is under Central Command, not Eastern! (Y/n) shouldn't be telling us what to do or taking over our duty in the first place."

Brosh looked at her in confusion. "Huh? Where?"

"Where else do you think, Brosh? To the Fifth Laboratory!"

========================================================================

"HRRRGGGHHHH!!!" Both Edward and Slicer charged at each other, their blades clashing together.

Edward kept mobile while Slicer remained stationary, only moving to face Edward once he attacked from a new position.

The sudden sound of metal snapping came from Edward's arm, sending an odd feeling through his arm.

'What happened?!' Edward looked at his arm in dread. 'My shoulder doesn't feel right.'

Edward was so focused on his arm that he had forgotten the threat ahead. 48 slashed at him, forcing Edward to his knees to avoid the hit, though a few locks of his hair did get cut off.

Slicer shifted his blade to perform a downwards strike, forcing eded to launch himself back, landing on his hand before pushing himself back to flip onto his feet.

Slicer charged at him, continuing the fight while Edward remembered Winry's words to him about his new arm.

"I increased the percentage of chrome, so it's less prone to rising, but it's not as strong, so don't try anything crazy!"

Edward did his best to keep his distance from Slicer. 'I have to find a way to end this quickly... or else I'm dead!'

Sliding to a stop, Edward went on the offensive, striking Slicer's sword and forcing him to move to block. Slicer did a quick slash down, failing to hit Edward, before spinning to slash, again missing Edward.The fight devolved into blocks, narrow misses and leaps.

Edward's and Slicer's blade locked together for a moment before Slicer kicked Edward back, knocking him to the ground.

Slicer approached, thrusting his blade in an attempt to impale Edward only for the blade to get stuck in the floor the moment after Edward flipped himself back.

A slash up forced Edward to do a back flip and hop on his hand before landing on his feet. A spurt of blood came from Edward's other arm, showing Slicer's attack landed.

Slicer charged forward, forcing Edward back against the wall of a pillar. A flurry of slashes forced Edward again to evade, rolling off to the side.

While Edward was on the ground, Slicer thrusted his blade. It ended up just an inch away from Edward's head before he turned the blade's edge towards him and slashed.

Edward raised his blade in time to meet Slicer's sword, forcing him to drag the sword before pulling away, throwing sparks up in the air.

Edward pulled back to avoid getting struck by a downward thrust but he failed the landing, causing him to stumble and fall back.

Edward breathed deeply, trying to catch his breath as his heart pounded in his chest and blood from a wound to his head started to flow down his forehead and cheek.

With his blade in the ground, Slicer looked at him in amusement. "What a cute monkey."

Edward snapped up, sitting crosslegged as he angrily glared at Slicer. "WHO ARE YOU CALLIN' LITTLE?!" He barked.

Slicer's eyes closed with delight. "Hahahaha! It's been too long since I've had prey that was worth hunting!" He pulled his blade out of the floor. "But you're tired and wounded now. You won't last much longer. Right about now, my companions should be finishing off the two you left outside."

"Are your companions strong?" Edward asked as he glared at Slicer.

"Yes they are." Slicer declared. "66 isn't as strong as me, though. As for 39, he's on par with me."

Edward smirked, showing off his teeth. His shoulders shook before he let out a laugh. "Muahahah!" He placed a hand on his knee and stood up. "In that case I don't need to worry. You see... me and Al have been sparring partners for a long time. I've never beaten him. And for (Y/n)... he's been the one training us and we've never beaten him!"

========================================================================

In a swift strike, (Y/n) clapped his hands before his automail hand groped onto 39's left arm. The angle he grabbed it at forced 39 to pull his other arm away to strike down at his head.

39 was focused on attacking, not noticing that the armor along his left arm was being transmuted. Bits of metal, along with the blue sparks of alchemy, crawled up his arm and around his neck, forcing him to look up.

With not being able to see where (Y/n) was, 39's hammer just barely missed (Y/n)'s head. With this opening (Y/n) was able to deliver a few more strikes before 39 broke free from the transmutation around his arm and neck and went on the offensive again.

Alphonse delivered a mighty blow against 66's face, sending the big bodied figure back. "UUURRRRAAAGGGGG!!!" He screamed before landing on his back with a thud and sliding for a few inches, leaving a trail in the dirt.

"Damn it!" 66 cursed as he stood up with a stumble. "Why can't ya sit still for a second and let me cut you up you big bucket of bolts!" He raised his knife and charged forward.

Alphonse simply side stepped and sent a punch to his head, knocking off his helmet as he screamed. "RRGGGGGHHH!!!"

Alphonse eyes widened, not by much though. "Huh?"

66's headless body turned to face Alphonse, revealing nothing inside.

Alphonse gasped. "You're empty!"

"Hahaha!" 66 laughed as his body walked over to and picked up his head. "There's a bit of a story behind that. Would you like to hear? It's a pretty good yarn. You probably already know it, though. It all starts with a man by the name of Barry."

(Y/n)'s eyes widened, a shocked gasp slipped past his lips. He wanted to look over but he needed to focus on his fight with 39.

"Once upon a time, right here in Central, there was a butcher named Barry who loved his work. His part was cutting up the meat into little tiny pieces... But one day, Barry found that cutting up beef and pork wasn't enough anymore. So, whenever he dropped off meat for his customers, he'd pick up someone to bring home and cut up. People of Central City love meat, ordering tons of it each day so he did this day after day. In time, of course, Barry was caught. He tried to have some fun with a soldier but her friend came and saved her." He pointed to his missing eye. "And took his eye away."

"AL, HE'S-" (Y/n) was cut off by a kick from 39, bringing his attention back to the fight.

"23 victims had fallen prey to him and his knife before he was sent to the gallows for his wicked deeds, and the world was happily rid of yet another evil man. At least, that's what everyone out there believes. But our story isn't over yet. We haven't even reached the good part. Barry isn't actually dead, you see. He's very much alive and charged with guarding a certain place - only, without his body." 66 spun himself around with a leg raised and arms outstretched, seemingly dancing in joy. "YES, THAT'S RIGHT! HE'S STANDING IN FRONT OF YOUR VERY EYES!" He slammed his head onto his torso, the eyes hole glowed with life.

"THAT SICK BASTARD IS BARRY THE CHOPPER!" (Y/n) yelled out once he was able to create distance between himself and 39.

Barry looked over. "Oh, you must have read about me! A fan, I presume?"

"I'M NOT A FAN, YOU DUMBASS! I WAS THE ONE WHO ARRESTED YOU!" (Y/n) yelled with anger, getting a shocked gasp from Barry.

39 stopped his attack, now interested in the conversation. "Now, I gotta hear this."

Getting a proper look at (Y/n), specifically seeing his red eyes, Barry brought a hand up to his mouth. "Oh my goodness gracious... (Y/N)?!" He exclaimed like an old friend from school meeting up again, making (Y/n) feel disgusted.

"You met him, (Y/n)?" Alphonse asked.

"He has! And I bet he's told you all about me!" 66 said with pride.

"(Y/n) never brought you up and I've never heard of you..." Barry practically turned to stone once his pride was smashed to bits. "I think me and my brother were somewhere else while (Y/n) was working... sorry."

'Apologizing to a murderer. Al can be too nice sometimes...' (Y/n) thought.

"FINE, BUT EVEN IF YOU DON'T KNOW WHO I AM, SHOULDN'T YOU AT LEAST BE A LITTLE SCARED?!" Barry yelled with frustration as he took his helmet and lifted it off his torso repeatedly. "SHOUDLNT YOU BE GOING, "AHHH!" OR "WHAT HAPPENED TO YOUR BODY?!" OR SOMETHING?!"

Alphonse proceeded to lift his own helmet off his torso.

"AHHHHHHH!!!" Barry screamed as he pointed a shivering finger at Alphonse. "WHAT HAPPENED TO YOUR BODY, FREAK?!"

"Hey... now that's impolite." Alphonse said with his head still raised.

"Oh! I see! You were on death row too." Barry said with relief as he threw his hands up. "You had me startled there."

Alphonse slammed a foot down in anger. "NO WAY! I'M NOT A CRIMINAL!"

Barry looked at him in confusion. "Huh? Then what happened to you?"

Alphonse placed his helmet back onto his torso, giving it a few twists to keep it in place. "It's kind of a long story."

"Al, don't tell-" (Y/n) was cut off when he heard the sound of metal clacking together charging towards him.

He leaned back, dodging an air sweeping kick from 39. "Conversation got boring! LET'S GET BACK TO THE KILLING!"

The fight between (Y/n) and 39 was back on while Alphonse continued to talk to Barry, hoping to gain some more information about him, the place and maybe even the Philosopher's Stone.

Might seem a bit rude of him not to go help (Y/n) but he knew he could handle a threat like 39.

"When I lost my body, my brother transmuted my soul and bonded it to this armor." Alphonse explained.

Barry pointed to (Y/n) as he lept over 39, colliding the sharp bottom corner into the soul-bound-armored figures helmet, piercing it. "Your brother?"

Once (Y/n) landed behind 39, with his helmet now stuck on his shield, he looked down at it, seeing no seal on it. 'The seal must be in the body somewhere.'

Alphonse shocked his head no. "He's my best friend."

"Ohh..." Barry hummed with amusement before letting out a laugh. "Hehahahah! Of course! Your best friend! And the one inside is most definitely your brother!"

"What's so funny about it?" Alphonse asked with a mix of frustration and confusion.

"Hahaha! Are you sure you and your brother are really related?" Barry suddenly asked.

Alphonse shoulders slouched. "Well... I guess we don't look that much alike anymore."

Barry wagged his blade side to side at him. "No, no, no. That's not what I mean. Are you sure that you're not a puppet created and controlled by your so-called brother?" Alphonse gasped, the pinkish hues of his eyes widened. "Were you ever even a real person to begin with?"

Alphonse took an assertive step forward. "How can you ask something like that?! I was a real person, and my name is Alphonse Elric!"

Barry sadistically chuckled. "Hehahaha! How can you be so sure of that?"

"I have memories! I remember who I was before."

"And who's to say those memories aren't made up?" Barry asked.

Alphonse stiffened up, his voice becoming soft and vulnerable. "But Winry, Granny, (Y/n), they know me!"

"That's easy... They're in on it too." Barry stated, getting a gasp from Alphonse. "Silly fool. You were never alive to begin with. It's as simple as that."

"Then how do you know that you were really alive?" Alphonse shot back.

"ENOUGH!" (Y/n) barked as he clapped his hands together, getting in low on 39 before touching his torso.

The midriff of 39's chest plate started to transmute, the metal peeled back into rolls before the torso was separated from the legs, causing 39 to fall onto his back. "SON OF A BITCH!" His legs soon after fell over with a metallic crash.

(Y/n) flipped 39 onto his chest so he was facing down before placing a foot on his back to keep him in place as he angrily glared at Barry. "You were nothing more than a crazy murderer! Don't you dare try to gaslight Al into believing everything of his life was made up!"

The group was unaware as a Military Police soldier, armed with an MPL - Machine Pistol Light - peeked from behind the corner of the building. He took a moment before emerging, taking aim at Barry. "THIS AREA IS OFF LIMITS! DON'T MOVE!"

(Y/n)'s eyes widened. "GET BACK!"

With a sickening thud, the soldier's head recoiled back once the knife buried itself in his head, causing blood to spread out against the nearby wall and ground once his lifeless body fell to the ground.

"There, didja see that?! There's nothing I love more than chopping up live people." Barry declared with glee as he went over and retrieved his now bloodied blade from the soldier's skull with a yank. "I can't control myself. I kill, therefore I am... As long as I know that, It's all I need to prove to myself that I've always been me! Hehahaha~!"

Tired of dealing with him, (Y/n) clapped his hands before touching 39's hands, forcing them to roll up until they fell off his arms. 39 was reduced to a damaged chest piece.

========================================================================

Slicer stood with his weapon at the ready. The nearby yellow tinted light brought a shine to his weapon's edge. "Your companions are that good? Then I'll have to hurry up and defeat you so I can get around to taking care of them."

Edward, still breathing heavily and sweat rolling down his blood stained face, offered a toothy smirk. His eyes darted to the entrance way he came through earlier - the sudden alertness caught Slicer's attention.

"GO AL! DO IT NOW!"

"WHAT?!" Slicer turned his head and blade to where Edward was looking, expecting someone to emerge from the darkness of the entrance way.

With his attacker distracted, Edward charged forward. Slicer turned to attack but it was too late as Edward struck with his automail, knocking off Slicer's head and reducing the face cloth to bits.

"THAT WAS DIRTY!" Slicer's usually composted tone was replaced with one of frustration.

"THERE'S NO SUCH THING AS 'DIRTY' IN A FIGHT!" Edward landed on his feet, just as Slicer's head landed nearby and body crashed against the floor, before transmuting away the blade on his automail.

Slicer's eyes watched as Edward approached him. "What's the matter? You still haven't destroyed the bloodseal I so kindly pointed out, are you going to or not?" He asked with impatience.

Edward leaned down and grabbed Slicer's head, lifting it up to eye level. "There's something I need to ask you about."

"The Philosopher's Stone?"

"Yes. Tell me everything you know about it."

"Sorry, can't." Slicer sarcastically apologized.

Edward lowered Slicer's head so that he could glared down at him with a cocky smirk. "Hey now... Tell me. I did beat you at your own game."

Slicer locked eyes with Edward, not showing any fear or hesitation. "That's where you're wrong... I'm not beaten yet."

Without Edward noticing, Slicer's body had gotten up on its own, pointed the blade at his back and pulled back. Edward looked back in time to see the body of his attacker. He side stepped to avoid the strike, letting go of Slicer's head in the process. The dodge did avoid getting impaled by the sword but it did leave a nasty gash on the side of his stomach, forcing him to clamp a hand down on it to quell the pain and bleeding.

"IMPOSSIBLE!" Edward saw that inside the armored collar of Slicer's body, there was another bloodseal, but instead of an S style symbol in the middle it was a V.

Slicer's body moved to stand next to his head. "I forgot to mention something about this mass murderer, Slicer."

"His crimes were really done by a pair of brothers. The two were nicknamed Slicer and Vicious." The body spoke with a younger, just as sadistic, voice compared to Slicer.

"An independent head and body?" Edward asked with frustration. "That's a dirty trick!"

"Now, now, weren't you the one who said there's no such thing as "dirty" in a fight?" Slicer mockingly asked.

"Are you ready?" Vicious asked, barely able to contain his excitement. "Roud two's about to begin, short stuff."

"DON'T CALL ME SHORT!" Edward raised his hands to transmute his arm.

Seeing this move before, Vicious charged forward, closing the gap quickly. "I DON'T THINK SO! I'M NOT GONNA GIVE YOU TIME TO TRANSMUTE!" As soon as he got close, he started to slash and keep close, forcing Edward to move to evade.

The effects of blood loss were starting to take their toll on Edward. Blood from his head, shoulder and stomach stained his clothing and any excess dripped onto the floor forming a trail. 'Damn! I've lost too much blood. I'm starting to feel dizzy.'

In an expected move, Vicious used the handle of his blade and bashed Edward in the ribs, sending him flying back, bouncing against the floor before falling against a pillar.

Edward winced, clenching his teeth to bear the pain. 'Not good... Not good!' He watched as Vicious charged at him, his sword positioned to slice his head off. 'Here he comes... I'm gonna die, I'm going to die!'

Edward's eyes widened as his memory played back to the fight he had with Scar. He clapped his hands, the blue spark of transmutation emitted between his palms.

Vicious thrusted his blade forward. "DIE!"

In Edward's perspective, the sword was Scar's hand. A single touch and he's gone. He pushed himself off the pillar and reached out with his palm, touching Vicious's torso. Sparks of transmutation and bits of metal filled the air as Vicious was split in two. Slicer's eyes widened as he let out a gasp of shock.

Edward fell to his knees, taking in deep breaths. "You remind me of someone I don't like... and now I've done exactly what he did."

"HOW COULD YOU, YOU LITTLE BRAT?!" Vicious yelled with anger, flailing his arms around like a child.

The sudden outburst did startle Edward, causing him to kick a leg up and raise his hands in expectation of an attack before falling on his butt and pushing himself back with his feet away from Vicious' torso. "HE'S WRIGGLING! THAT'S FREAKY!"

"BROTHER!" Vicious called out, his arms falling limp once he realized he wasn't going to accomplish anything.

"As much as I hate to admit it, we've lost." Slicer said.

Edward tapped Vicious' leg with his boot, making sure it wouldn't move. "So you're not going to tell me you're really three brothers, are you?"

Vicious waved his hand dismissively and he and Slicer repeated with a defeated tone. "No, no."

"Come on, you won... Hurry up and destroy us." Slicer stated.

Edward relaxed his back against the column. "No. I'm not a murderer."

"With bodies like these, are we really even people?" Slicer asked.

Edward huffed, a pull on his lip made him grimace. "I consider you people whether you have physical bodies or not. If I didn't, that would mean I didn't believe my own brother is a person either."

========================================================================

Barry's large blade collided against Alphonse's gauntlet before spinning to swing at (Y/n), forcing him to pull back. "Come on, what's the matter little puppet?!"

"I TOLD YOU! I'M NOT A PUPPET!" Alphonse angrily stated.

(Y/n) tried to get in close to destroy any part of Barry's armor he could but his blade was quick and movements quicker, making it hard to get a hit in.

"You keep telling yourself that! But how can you know for sure? How can you be certain you were really alive? There is one way you can prove that you're not just a puppet made from scraps of armor." This caught Alphonse's attention. "You got a bloodseal too, right? Destroy it... Go ahead, break it yourself! If you die, you were a real boy all along, just like you want to believe."

"Alphonse! Don't listen to him!" (Y/n) pleaded.

"There's no way I could ever do that!" Alphonse's voice was shaking. He was struggling doing what (Y/n) told him to do and not listen.

"Oh, no?" Barry asked with a cocked head. "THEN I GUESS I'LL HAVE TO DO IT FOR YOU, WON'T I?!"

========================================================================

"I know that my brother is a human being..." Edward's hand moved to put pressure on his stomach wound. "That means you guys are human, too. I will not take the life of another person."

"Ho! HAHAHA!" Slicer laughed. It confused his brother just as much as it did for Edward. "My brother and I have been lying, stealing, cheating, and killing together for as long as we can remember. And now that we're in these pseudo-bodies, we're being treated like humans for the first time. Don't you see the irony? For that, I'll give you a parting gift. I'll tell you everything - I'll tell you who made the Philosopher's Stone and ordered us to guard this place."

The sound of high heel shoes clicking against the floor entered the room and two sharp shadow-like vines darted forward, impaling Slicer in the back of his head.

"BROTHER!" Vicious called out in agony.

Edward's eyes darted up, seeing the soft evil filled smile that belonged to Lust. The sharp shadow vines were coming from the index and middle finger. Her red lip stick painted lips stretched further to show off her teeth.

"My, that was a close call." She raised her hand, making the shadow vines pulled back, in turn pulling Slicer's head towards herself. "Number 48, you should know better than to talk about things that don't concern you." With Slicer's head now pressed against her knuckles, Edward saw that one of her fingers and pierced through the blood seal.

Another figure emerged from being Lust. Like a show they started off with their back hunched, hiding themself before standing tall, revealing it to be Envy. "Well, well, would you look at that..." He looked at Edward as if he were insignificant, a mere ant to be stomped on. "What's the Fullmetal pipsquick doing here?"

Edward was at a loss for words, his body shaking.

"Such a troublesome human..." Lust scolded. "How did you find out about this place?" She started to spread her fingers apart, the sound of metal cracking rang out.

"URRRRGGGG-!" Slicer's head was split in half. The now two halves fell to the ground.

With a hop and a skip, Envy made his way to Vicious' sword and picked it up/

"BROTHER! BROTHER! BROTHER-" Vicious' last words before Envy stabbed his blood seal, causing his arms to shake violently.

"Quit your pathetic blubbering, you idiot! You were trying to kill one of our most important sacrifices. " Envy insulted as he repeatedly stabbed Vicious' bloodseal.

Edward's mouth hung open in horror, eyes widened as he watched Envy continue to stab and insult Vicious.

"DO YOU UNDERSTAND ME?!" Stab after stab, more holes were made, splitting the blood seal apart. "YOU COULD'VE MESSED UP THE ENTIRE PLAN! WHAT WOULD WE HAVE DONE THEN?! HUH?!"

Vicious' arms fell limp before Envy rested the blade on his own shoulder, stepped over his torso, and walked up to Edward with a vicious smirk. Lust joined him as well, cornering Edward as he forced himself to stand up but still needed to lean against the pillar for support.

Edward glared angrily at the two. "Tell me who you people are. What plan are you talking about?! What do you mean when you say 'important sacrifice'?"

Envy leaned in, half an inch between his nose and Edward's as his purple eyes started into the gold that was filled with hate. "Oh, my! The pipsqueak's raring to go - I think I made it angry!"

"Don't call me pipsqueak again!"

"Then what would you prefer? Eh, pipsqueak?" Envy taunted, narrowly avoiding a kick to the head. He took a few paces back, creating distance between himself and Edward. "Whoa, now. There's no need to fight here. Someone might get hurt, you know."

Edward clapped his hands together. "This is a fight that you started! So come on!" A loud metal crack rang out and his automail arm fell limp. His eyes darted down in both confusion and embarrassment.

"Technical difficulties?" Lust asked deadpanned.

"AUUGHHH!!!" Edward screamed.

"Lucky me!" Envy cheered as he ran over, his hand before he grabbed Edward by the pony tail and kneed him in the gut. The impact rocked his entire body, making him go limp. "You're fortunate your arm's broken." He lifted Edward up by his hair. "If not for that, you wouldn't be getting off so easily." He let go, letting Edward's body drop onto the floor.

"Listen to me well. Don't ever forget this. Always remember we allowed you to live." Lust warned as Edward's tired eyes drifted upwards to a mural that sat on the wall above the entrance.

The symbol resembles something akin to an overtly complicated transmutation circle with an upside-down star with the moon and sun in circles right and left above the star connecting to it. Three other circles were under the start with circles inside of triangles inside of diamonds. There were two more circles that sat on top of the other on top of the star. One read "FILTVS REDEMPTOR ETMEDI ATOR" and the other "PATER ABAVO ESTCRE ATOR."

"We can't have him poking around this place again - it's too dangerous." Lust spoke as Edward's vision darkened. It'll have to go. Blow it up."

========================================================================

"You know, Al... There's something I've been wanting to tell you for a while. But I guess I've been too afraid to say it." Alphonse recounted Edward's words to him. 'What was Ed about to tell me? He said he'd been too afraid to say it before. What could have frightened him that much?'

No matter how much (Y/n) warned him not to let Barry's words get to him, Alphonse couldn't help but think.

"Are you sure you're not a puppet created by your so-called brother? Were you ever even a real person to begin with?"

With a hop in his step, Barry eyed Alphonse, seeing (Y/n) in the corner of his eye.

(Y/n) thought he could deal with Barry but it seemed that he remembered some of the tactics he used and, more than likely ever since his execution, has had time to hone in on his own skills. And with Alphonse seemingly out of it, not able to concentrate on the fight, he needed to react to defend him as well.

"What's the matter, fool? You got something on your mind?" Barry charged in, turning himself into a sharp whirlwind as he spun himself around, forcing (Y/n) and Alphonse back until they hit a way.

The two split, Alphonse went right while (Y/n) went left just as Barry's knives dug into the walls.

"SHUT UP...! YOU'RE WRONG!" Alphonse yelled as he and (Y/n) threw a hook punch, smashing Barry's face in the middle.

He jumped back, stumbling a bit with his back bent backwards before he threw himself up to whip his head at Alphonse. "Just accept it. You'll feel better!" The sudden sound of two gunshots rang out, the knife in Barry's hand now on the ground.

Barry looked at his hand in confusion, seeing two steaming holes in the palm of his hand. "WHAT?!"

"STAY RIGHT THERE!" They all looked over to see Ross and Brosh standing there with their handguns drawn - both of them using the Amestian standard issue .45 caliber P-02 pistol. "Or the next one puts a hole in your head!" Ross warned.

Barry scratched the back of his head. "This isn't going quite as I planned."

"No shit." 39 spat.

(Y/n) looked on in worry. "Ross, Brosh, what are you-" The very earth beneath their feet started to shake before a massive wave came, knocking everyone to the ground just as a crack started to form on the laboratory's wall.

The wall, bit by bit ranging from the size of small rocks to boulders, started to fall apart, landing next to Alphonse and Barry. Brosh looked back with a dropped jaw, taking a step back.

(Y/n)'s eyes widened, his breath hitched. "EDWARD!" He clapped his hands and ran to the wall of the building.

"ED'S IN THERE?!" Ross asked with worry.

(Y/n) touched the wall, sending sparks of alchemy up in. The entire wall struggled to stay together but was able to eventually form a triangle shaped ramp, the shield himself, Brosh and Ross and let all the boulders roll off the sides. He moved back, clapping his hands and touching the roof to extend it to the cement fence.

Seeing the falling debris but not able to move, 39 let out a guttural scream. "AAAAHHHHHHH!!!" A crash of a boulder crushed the body armor he was bonded to.

The sight of the crumbling building even terrified Barry. His skull's eye holes are larger than ever. "Hmm... I know what this means. TIME TO GET OUTTA HERE!" He started to run towards the fence and climbed up it with his knives. "I'D GET GOING IF I WERE YOU!"

"HEY, YOU! HOLD IT!" Brosh ordered, trying to go after Barry but a yank on his collar by (Y/n) forced him back into the makeshift shelter.

"BROTHER! BROTHER!" Alphonse called out, his legs slowly moving to approach the building as it was falling apart.

"DON'T GO OUT!" (Y/n) ordered before contradicting himself by going out, using his shield to shield himself from falling debris as he ran up to Alphonse and pulled on his arm. "ALPHONSE, WE NEED TO GET TO COVER! WE CAN WORK TOGETHER TO GET INSIDE AND FIND EDWARD UNDER THE SHELTER!"

But Alphonse refused to leave. He was in too much shock. "ED!"

The wall in front of them suddenly exploded, kicking up smoke and smaller bits of debris. From a newly formed hole and smoke, Envy exited with Edward thrown over his shoulder. "There you are!" Envy greeted. "I brought a little present for you."

"BROTHER!" Alphonse ran over as Envy placed Edward on the ground.

"His life's not in danger, but he has lost a lot of blood, so you might want to get him to a hospital as soon as you can." Envy said as he stood up, hands on his hips and a big smile on his face with closed eyes. "Also, you really should keep a better eye on him - stop him from taking these crazy risks. He's a precious resource." His gaze shifted to (Y/n). "Same goes for you. Can't have you both dying."

(Y/n) shot Envy with a look of suspicion as Alphonse held Edward in his arms. The odd style of clothing and symbol on his thigh stood out the most to him. "What are you-"

"GUYS! WE NEED TO GO NOW! THE SHELTER (Y/N) MADE IS GOING TO CRUMBLE AND WE'LL HAVE NO WAY OF GETTING OUT OF HERE!" Brosh yelled from the protection of the shelter, him and Ross waving to them to come over.

It was just for a few seconds but when (Y/n) looked over, Envy was gone. A frustrated grunt past his clenched teeth. "Al, let's get going!"

Running to the shelter, (Y/n) went to the back where the fence was and transmuted it, making an exit for everyone to go through just as the entire building caved in on itself.

========================================================================

The destruction was so fierce and violent, that its rumbling and crashing could be felt at Central Prison.

"LET US OUT!"

"THE BUILDING IS GONNA FALL APART WITH US IN IT!"

"SHUT YOUR DAMNED MOUTHS YOU INGRATES! NO ONE IS LEAVING OVER AN EARTHQUAKE!"

It caused mass panic as all the prisoners gripped on their jail bars, slamming their fists against it, yelling to be let out. The jailers did what they could to calm them down through violence and barking orders for them to calm down.

"ALL OF YOU! QUIET! CALM DOWN NOW OR YOU GET PUT ON DEATH ROW!"

Deeper inside the prison, inside his private isolated cell, Kimblee smiled. "What a lovely sound." The guard station at the gate to the hallway that led to his cell took his attention away from the newspaper, listening to Kimblee's rambling.

"I know it well... That's the sound of a building exploding. Close as it is, I'd say it's coming from next door, the Fifth Laboratory."

The guard stood up, peeking through the gate's bars towards the armoured door of Kimblee's cell.

"Ah..." Kimblee hummed with content. "It's such a comforting sound. The way it reverberates through your entire body!" He spoke with glee.

"You keep it down in there, Kimblee!" The guard ordered before going back to his chair, continuing to read as if nothing was happening.

"Oh, do excuse me. I was just recalling the Ishvalan War of Extermination, and it put me in such a good mood!" Kimblee apologized with a big toothy grin.

========================================================================

Down the road from the now destroyed Fifth Laboratory, Alphonse watched as (Y/n) drew an alkahestry transmutation circle on the ground with some chalk from his pistol holster before putting Edward on it so (Y/n) could stabilize him. Barry's words repeated in his mind.

"Are you sure you're not a puppet created by your so-called brother?"

========================================================================

Hours earlier.

"So things here at Central are pretty hectic. The senior staff in charge of State Alchemists is shorthanded, thanks to Scar's killing spree." Hughes informed Roy over the phone.

Roy perked up with interest. "Oh?"

Hughes smirked. "Rumor has it; a promotion to Central for one Colonel Mustang isn't far off."

Roy hummed. "Central, huh? Not bad at all."

"Watch yourself, though. You can't move up the ladder as young as you are without making enemies." Hughes warned.

Roy smirked. "I've been prepared for that from the start."

Hughes' eyes narrowed. "Just a word of warning from someone who knows the game. You need as many people on your side as you can get your hands on now, Colonel."

"If my promotion goes through then (Y/n) will take over my position. Having one of the best State Alchemists there is in the military in charge of my squad already puts me leagues above most." Roy said with confidence.

"You're forgetting the most important thing..." Roy raised a brow at Hughes' words. "Get yourself a spouse!" Hughes quickly whispered.

Roy angrily slammed his phone down. "GAH! SERIOSULY?!"

Hughes pulled the phone away, staring at it in confusion while down the hall the Receptionist shook her head softly as she read. "I don't get it... He hung up on me just like that."

"LIEUTENANT COLONEL!" the Receptionist called, getting Hughes' attention. "Stop making so many personal phone calls, okay?"

Hughes sheepishly smiled, scratching his head with the telephone. "Oh... So sorry!"

========================================================================

Dabble - How (Y/n) Earned the Rank of Captain.

Eastern Command, 1912.

(Y/n) was standing inside the mess hall watching all the soldiers eat their meals. He had a worried scowl on his face.

'This is the last place where Hawkeye was seen with no one ever seeing her exit.' (Y/n) looked around, seeing mostly everyone was focused on their food or, for the kitchen staff, focused on making food. He questioned every single person who was reported at the mess hall at the time of Hawkeye's disappearance but got nothing.

He was practically on his own as everyone in the squad, including Roy, had to do their duties and rely on the Military Police to find Hawkeye. An issue with that was that the investigator assigned to the case was none other than newly promoted Warrant Officer Diels - in other words he would never solve the case as he relied on ass kissing, black mail and stealing credit to move up the ranks rather than actually doing his duties.

His red eyes caught a glimpse of something that caught his interest. In the back of the kitchen a man was unloading some crates. He was fairly slim. His head of blonde hair was fairly short with the sides reduced to a buzz cut. Having spoken with all the staff and the fact he wasn't wearing the standard white smock uniform like the rest of the staff, (Y/n) knew he didn't work there.

(Y/n) made his way to the kitchen, getting a wave from one of the servers. "Hey, Lieutenant (Y/n)! What can I offer you?"

"Sorry, I have questions to ask someone back there. Don't mind me." (Y/n) said, raising a hand to wave as he entered the kitchen. With the possibility of someone with new information, he couldn't waste time on idle chatter.

(Y/n) tried to head straight to where the man was but other chefs in the kitchen cooking and moving dishes became obstacles. He needed to wait a moment for the area to clear out, forced to watch the man exit through the back.

"Damn it..." He muttered under his breath before slipping past everyone, saying "Sorry, coming through." multiple times to avoid a collision.

Once in back, he ran to the exit, seeing the back of a teal truck that was parked with its back closed at the loading dock. It read "Barry's FooDShop."

"HEY!" (Y/n) shouted as he ran up but then the truck started to drive off. "WAIT! STOP THE TRUCK!" He chased after it, dropping from the loading bay and ran down the road, pushing himself to reach out and grab the handle of the back door before climbing onto the rear running board.

The speed the truck was going at was abnormally fast. The driver was rolling through stop signs, speeding, cutting people off. Something wasn't right.

========================================================================

The truck soon came to a stop just before a large garage door within an alleyway. The moment (Y/n) heard the truck's door opening, he stepped off the back and rounded to the corner, confronting the man.

"Excuse me." (Y/n) called out, getting the man to quickly turn around with a startled look on his face. "Sorry. I wanted to talk to you at the mess hall at Eastern Command but you started to drive off."

"Oh... you were calling for me?" The man nervously hummed, taking in the fact the person before him was a soldier, before composing himself as best he could. "Sorry about that uh... sir? The truck can be a bit loud so I didn't hear you." He turned his head to the truck. "Any chance I can get this inside my shop? It's got a lotta money worth of meat on it and I'd like to get it inside in case some rifraf try to take it."

Not seeing an issue with that, (Y/n) nodded.

The man approached the door, dug into his pocket and pulled out a set of keys before unlocking and opening the door. He entered, holding the door open with his torso's side as he beckoned (Y/n) to enter. "Can you wait here while I open the garage and pull in?"

What (Y/n) didn't see was that the hand hidden by the door was reaching to grab a thick metal hook meant for suspending the legs of cows on rails. And as soon as he got close enough, a thwack against the top of his head with the flat side, knocking the Ishvalan out.

The man smiled sickly at (Y/n) unconscious body before he dropped the hook and dragged him inside. "Two soldiers all to myself tonight..." He happily hummed. "What fun it'll be!"

========================================================================

(Y/n)'s eyes squeezed, hearing the sound of metal grinding against stone. Pain pulsated through his head from where he was hit. He forced his eyes to open, blood that dried over his eye from his head cracked, seeing the man who had knocked him out sharpening his butcher knife.

The room they were in was the storage cooler for cow carcass. Row after row attached to meat hooks were cows by the dozens.

(Y/n) tried to get out of his chair but couldn't. He looked down and his eyes widened. His torso was bound to a wooden chair in chains but also his automail arm was missing.

"About time you woke up, Ishvalan Alchemist." The man said as he turned off the sharpener before flicking his thumb over the knife's edge, seeing how sharp it was. "I heard you can perform transmutation without circles. So... He reached back, grabbed (Y/n) automail and lifted it to show it to him. "I made sure you couldn't ruin this night for me."

(Y/n) glared at the man. "Were you the one who kidnapped Hawkeye!?"

"Indeed I am but before we continue, I think I should introduce myself. Wouldn't want to come off as rude." the man chuckled. "My name is Barry and this here..." He gestured to the room. "Is my butcher shop." He moved to stand next to one of the hung carcasses, resting a hand on it. "Tonight... I'm going to enjoy a nice three way slice and dice."

He pushed the carcass, sending it flying down the railing and slamming against the wall next to (Y/n). Further down the line, and now next to Barry, was Hawkeye. Her wrists, attached to the hooks on the railing, and ankles were bound in chains and her mouth was gagged with a length of cloth. Her clothes were wrinkled and stained and her hair a mess.

"Let her go!" (Y/n) demanded as Barry held Hawkeye in place with a hand on her shoulder.

Barry smiled, leaning in next to Hawkeye as she tried to push him away. "Did you know she had 35 confirmed kills during the war? 35 times she saw someone like you running across a street. 35 times she pulled the trigger and ended a life. She's kinda like me in a way"

"Why are you doing this?!" (Y/n) questioned. The anger inside of his building, hating seeing the state Hawkeye was in.

"Why?" Barry repeated before bringing a hand up to his chin and rubbing it in thought. "Huh... What a strange little question that is." He went over to the table and picked up the newly sharpened butcher knife. "I suppose it's because I enjoy it. The first person I killed was my wife. She was nagging me about something and, without meaning to, I chopped her to pieces. But when I saw how finally I could slice her up, I wanted more. More people to cut up, to reduce them to their most basic building blocks. And I wanted everyone to see."

Barry approached Hawkeye, resting the knife on her shoulder with the edge pointed at her neck. "I've killed plenty of people who couldn't fight back. But to kill a fellow killer just sounded... invigorating."

"So you do all this for a sick kick, is that it?!" (Y/n) said to get his attention away from her.

It worked as Barry started to make his way to him. "Sick kick?" He laughed. "People have morals but the moment you send them to war, they do whatever they're told to." He swung his knife, slashing (Y/n) on the cheek. Blood spouted out onto the old brick floor. "Do you know why they do it so easily then? It's because everyone wants to kill. They just need the go ahead from society to give them that little push. That is why people like her and all the other State Alchemists killed your people in droves in Ishval. Turning market places into sites of massacres in an afternoon."

As they talked, Hawkeye carefully raised her legs, reaching for the nearby table. She gave it a good kick, knocking it over, causing everything to crash onto the floor and get Barry's attention.

With the moment of distraction, (Y/n) stood up hunched over due to his torso still being bound to the chair. He pumped his knees, headbutting Barry in the gut, causing him to recoil back and fall over on (Y/n)'s automail.

(Y/n) jumped as high as he could before landing on the chair at an odd angle, breaking the legs. Barry looked over with a snarl. "THAT WAS A BRAND NEW CHAIR!" He grabbed his knife and charged.

As Barry was about to cut him down, (Y/n) turned. Because of the chains, the back of the chair was still stuck to (Y/n) so Barry's knife got buried in the wood. Before he could pull it out, (Y/n) turned and headbutted him on the bridge of his nose.

"GAHHH!!!" Barry stumbled back, blood pouring down his nose. He flicked his tongue across the top of his lips, tasting the blood. "Hehe-haha! You're still bound!" He mockingly sang.

From behind (Y/n) saw Hawkeye jerking her head towards the cow carcass in front of her. Understanding what she was planning, (Y/n) moved to position himself in front of the carcass, getting Barry to come after him head on.

Just as (Y/n) started to side step, Hawkeye kicked the carcass, sending it flying at Barry. "HUMPFFF!" The several hundred pound mass of meat slammed into him and carried him back until he crashed against another hanging carcass.

With a short window of time, (Y/n) went over to Hawkeye and leaned down. She lifted her legs and rested them on his shoulder, giving her enough height to pull her chained wrists off the meat hook before jumping down.

"URAAAAAA!!!" Barry charged at them, with a new butcher knife he got off a nearby knife rack.

Hawkeye ripped the knife in the back of (Y/n) seat and fended off Barry as best she could considering her wrists and ankles were still bound.

(Y/n)'s eyes darted to his automail. He ran over, turned it over so the plug faced up before laying on it and slamming his shoulder into it. "ARUGGHH!" The nerves connecting so roughly caused pain to shoot through his body but now was not the time to be crying about that. He needed to end this.

The chain on Hawkeye's ankle caused her to trip over, letting Barry straddle her. He looked down at her with a sick smile as he raised his blade. "LADIES FIRST TO GET CUT UP!"

An automail hand shot out and grabbed the blade from Barry's grip. He whipped his head around to see (Y/n) turn it around to its back and stuck him over the head, knocking him out.

Taking in heavy breaths, (Y/n) tossed the knife away. He saw a set of keys lying on the floor along with everything else that was on the table. With there being quite a few, it was going to be awhile till he found the key especially for Hawkeye's chains.

========================================================================

"ARE YOU FUCKING KIDDING ME!?" Diels barked as he trashed his hotel room with his sergeant standing by with a 'blank expression.

"EVER SINCE THE ACADEMY, THAT DAMNED ISHVALAN SHOWS UP AND RUINS EVERYTHING!" He took a nearby lamp and threw it though the window, shattering the window itself and the lamp as it crashed against the road outside. He whipped his head to his sergeant and marched up to him like a mad man. "MARK MY WORDS, EICHMAN, I WILL MAKE THAT RED EYED BASTARD WISHED HE DIED IN ISHVAL!"

"As long as it counts as following orders, I don't care, sir." Eichman replied. He was no better than Diels in any regard but always wanted to be the one that could use the excuse of "following orders." in case things ended horribly. 

Chapter Text

At the Hospital - Brosh and Ross stood at attention at Edward’s bed. With the help of (Y/n)’s alkeahestry, Edward was expected to recover quickly, only needing bandaging to his head, shoulder, wrist and cheek. Many would be happy to get out alive after he went through but the scowl on his face showed he was still upset about what happened the night before.

“Looks like you can sit up now, huh?” Ross asked with a smile, trying to lighten the mood.

Edward furrowed his brows. “What happened with the Fifth Laboratory?”

“Well, it, um…” Brosh stammered as Ross’ smile dropped. Both of them lifted a hand, a sort of way to say “things happen.”

“Somebody blew up the building and there’s nothing left of it now but rubble.” Ross bluntly answered, forcing a smile as Edward slammed a hand to his forehead.

“DAMN IT! YOU MEAN THEY WIPED OUT EVERYTHING?! GAUH!” A sudden pull of a muscle in his stomach made him yelp out in pain. He placed a hand on his stomach as tears rolled down his cheeks. “That… didn’t feel good!” His eyes twitched with frustration as Brosh and Ross motioned for him to calm down. “This isn’t fair!” He uttered with his teeth clenched. “Do you know how close I was to finding out the truth?! This is no time for me to be lying around in a hospital!”

Ross and Brosh’s heads turned to face each other before giving a single nod. They brought their attention back to Edward. “FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST, SIR!” They said loudly in unison, getting a confused look from Edward with a hum. “WE DO APOLOGIZE IN ADVANCE FOR THIS!”

“Huh?” Edward watched as Ross reeled her hand back before throwing it forward, slapping him across the cheek that wasn’t bandaged. The sudden hit dazed Edward, his head tilting side to side as he had an surprised expression with a new red mark on his cheek plastered on his face

Ross glared down at him. “You acted like a selfish child! You only escaped with your life because you were lucky!” She scolded. “You don’t have to do everything all on your own, you know…” Her tone dropped, more soft than before. “You can lean on other people.” Her expression softened as well. “Like us. Not everyone in the military is your enemy. You can trust us.”

Edward’s head dropped, taking in their words.

“THAT’S ALL!” Brosh and Ross said in unison, standing at attention, again confusing Edward. “PLEASE FORGIVE OUR ABUSIVE WORDS AND CONDUCT, SIR! IT WILL NOT HAPPEN AGAIN.”

Edward’s gaze went down to the blanket that was covering him. “No… you’re right. I should be apologizing.”

Brosh sweat dropped as he and Ross stood at ease with their hands behind their backs. “My punishment… for slapping you?” Ross asked.

“N-Nothing. I had it coming.” The moment those words left Edward’s mouth, Brosh kneeled over, putting a hand on his chest while Ross leaned against a nearby wall, both letting out a massive sigh of relief. “What’s got you two so scared of me?”

“Did you forget?” Ross asked. “State certified alchemists carry a military rank equivalent to that of a major.” Brosh nodded. “Uh-huh!”

“Don’t worry about it.” Edward reassured. “I didn’t get my certification so people would kiss up to me. You don’t have to talk to me like I’m a high-ranking officer.”

Ross held her own cheek in pleasant surprise. “Really? So you’re just like (Y/n).”

Brosh scratched the back of his head. “Huh… I guess we were scared of the brat for nothing.”

Edward’s face tightened with annoyance. ‘They adjust quickly…’ The annoyance slipped away once he realized (Y/n) and Alphonse were nowhere to be seen. “Where’s Al and (Y/n)? I haven’t seen either of them.”

“(Y/n) is giving his report on the destruction of the Fifth Laboratory and Alphonse got his own lecture earlier.” Brosh explained, raising his right hand up to show it was glowing red and throbbing. “But… I was the one who did the slapping.”

Edward let out a light chuckle, careful not to laugh too hard as it would strain his already injured body. But the laughing suddenly stopped, the lone bang in the middle of his hair line stood tall and a look of dread took over. “Do you guys think (Y/n) will be able to look at my automail anytime soon?” He asked with pleading hope.

“Lieutenant Colonel Hughes said after he’s done giving his report he’d be assigned to him for a while.” Ross answered, making the dread that was in Edward twist and turn his stomach.

Edward’s shoulder’s dropped. “Guess I gotta make a call and get another lecture…”

========================================================================

With his automail kept in place with a sling, Edward sat out in the hallway on a padded bench next to a small telephone, using it to make a call. He waited for a moment as the line rang a few times before someone picked up.

“Hello, Rockbell Prosthetic Limb Outfitters.” It was Winry who answered. She was sitting on a table next to Pinako, working away at an ankle prosthetic while Pinako worked on the leg it was supposed to connect to.

Den was there too. Like any dog who loved their owner, he was happy with just being near them.

Edward’s face shifted, field with nervousness which matched his tone. “Uh… hey, Winry. It’s me, Ed.”

“Oh, Ed! Since when do you ever bother to call us? Is something wrong?”

“Yeah…” Edward trailed off before speaking slowly. “Here’s the deal. I hate to ask you, but… do you think you could make a service call out to Central for me?”

“A service call?”

“Yeah… my right arm’s messed up again. (Y/n)’s too busy with work to look at it.” His index finger twitched. “I can move the fingers, but that’s about it. I can’t lift the arm at all.”

Winry’s mind went back to after Edward left last time, finding the lone A-08 bolt. She looked around for a bit before finding the same bolt before her eyebrows furrowed, frustrated at herself for forgetting to put that in Edward’s arm. “Yeah, that sounds about right.”

The lack of getting yelled at and what sounded like an admission surprised Edward. “Huh?”

“Nothing, just talking to myself.” Winry dismissed. “So, what were you doing when the arm stopped working?”

Edward’s eyes rolled up as he sweat dropped, blinking hard once before realizing he shouldn’t explain away what happened. “I was in a really rough fight.” He admitted quietly.

“YOU DID IT AGAIN, MORON?! HOW COULD YOU TREAT MY PRECIOUS AUTOMAIL LIKE THAT, ALCHEMY FREAK?!” Winry yelled with anger, forcing Edward to pull the phone away from his ear or risk hearing loss.

Edward held the phone away from his ear for a moment, making sure Winry calmed down a bit before bringing it back to his ear. “Um… are you there?” He got no answer. “Hello? Winry…”

“Guess I’ve got no choice? Tell me how to get there.”

Edward recoiled at her acceptance. “You’re sure in a good mood today. I thought you were gonna- You know what, never mind, forget it.” He stood up, facing the telephone box. “Yeah… Yep. Sorry again. And thanks. Right… Goodbye.” He hung up the phone, letting out a sight of relief while looking like he just got out of a war zone.

Unnoticed, Brosh approached from behind. “Aw, was that your girlfriend?”

“MY GIRLFRIEND?! NO WAY!” Edward yelled as he shook, the sudden stress making the wound on his stomach bleed.

========================================================================

Edward sat in a wheelchair with the same scowl that was on his face earlier. His hand clenched in a fist as Brosh pushed him down the hall.

“It’s nothing to be embarrassed about. When I was in high school, I had a different girlfriend every week.” Brosh tried to reassure before the two came across a hallway to their left, seeing Alphonse sitting in the darkness by himself on a padded bench, hunched over with his arms resting on his thighs.

“What’re you doing sitting there in the dark by yourself?” Edward called out but got no answer. “Hey! Hey, Al!”

Alphonse finally looked over to Edward. “Brother.” He quietly said.

“You know you can come to the room, right?” Edward asked.

Alphonse stayed silent for a moment before answering. “I’ll be there in a little while… You go on ahead.”

Edward eyed his brother for a moment before agreeing. “Okay.” Brosh started to push him down the hallway, out of Alphonse’s sight.

Alphonse looked to the ground, looking deep in thought for a moment before the sound of light metallic clicking approached him. He looked down, seeing a walking toy robot walking up to him from the other hallway and soon hit his foot, continuing to walk without getting anywhere. A small pair of legs with pink medical slippers showed before two small hands reached down and picked up the toy. Alphonse looked up, seeing a child in a purple medical gown and bandaging wrapped around his head. The child stared at him for a moment before smiling brightly and chuckling.

“Bye!” The child said as he waved goodbye before running down the hallway and taking a right, the same direction Edward and Brosh came from.

“Are you sure you’re not a puppet created by your so-called brother?” Barry’s words repeated in Alphonse’s head, his hand making a fist.

========================================================================

At Central Command, in Hughes office - (Y/n) stood at attention before Hughes and Armstrong, both of them looking at him sternly.

“So… multiple suits of armor with souls bound to them which requires a skilled alchemist. A strange man with long sharp-looking hair and revealing clothes- oh and the entire building exploding.” Hughes semi-sarcastically listed off from the report (Y/n) had given him before dropping it onto the table. “And at no point prior did you request permission to enter the Fifth Laboratory, report it to your commanding officer or wait for Major Armstrong to talk to me.”

(Y/n) clenched his teeth together for a moment before speaking. “Permission to speak freely, sir?”

Hughes waved a hand as he leaned back in his seat, resting his feet on his table. “Granted.”

“You, Roy and Alex always told me that I would need to seize opportunities that laid before me. That if I let them slip away I’ll regret it later.”

“We did. What you forgot was that we meant it as a squad leader!” Hughes answered with frustration before calming himself down, his shoulders relaxing and tone softening like a father speaking to his son. “You were the best in your class… And do you know how that happened? You had help.”

“We want the Elrics to succeed in their goal just as much as you do, (Y/n). Putting yourself at a disadvantage by going it alone will eventually end much worse than last night did.” Alex said.

(Y/n) eyes dropped, a defeated sigh quietly slipped through his nose. A memory flashed before his eyes. His father, sporting the hair and skin tone his son inherited, laid bloodied on the floor. His hand reached out to (Y/n)’s small dirt covered hand as he spoke but the words were silent. ‘I don’t want anyone else to get hurt… I don’t want to lose the people important to me. Not again.’

The silence and look on (Y/n)’s face prompted Hughes to speak. “I’m assuming you made sure your fake report matches Ross and Brosh’s?” He tapped the fake report that was sitting on the desk.

Snapping back to reality, (Y/n) nodded. “Yes sir. I made sure after I apologized to them.”

========================================================================

Minutes ago.

Ross and Brosh stood at ease in front of (Y/n) in the hallway next to Hughes’ office with a nervous look on their faces.

“A-Are you sure about this sir?” Brosh asked nervously.

“We already forgiven you. We don’t have to go this far.” Ross said.

“I’m sure. Ed and Al are getting one then I should be getting one as well.” (Y/n) closed his eyes and tilted his head up a bit. “Go ahead.”

Both Ross and Brosh looked at each other before shrugging their shoulders. “An order is an order.” They said in unison before both of them slapped across the face on either side. The sound of the slap rang through the hallway and the skin of (Y/n)’s cheeks were as red as his eyes.

========================================================================

“That explains why your cheeks were so red when you came in.” Hughes said before stuffing the real report into his coat pocket. “I’ll deal with this. You and Armstrong head to the train station. Edward said he called his automail specialist and said they’d be arriving soon.”

(Y/n)’s eyes widened. “Winry’s coming here?”

“Seems like it.” Hughes said. “After you pick her up and drop her off at the hospital you’re heading to the Fifth for cleaning up before doing your most important job of the day…” The sudden seriousness made Alex raise a non-existent brow. “ATTENDING MY ELICIA’S BIRTHDAY~!” The Lt. Colonel stated with glee as he threw his hands and feet up in the air.

========================================================================

After a long but short trip, Winry’s train arrived at Central Station. She exited the passenger carriage out onto the platform with a long metal case, holding all of the tools she would need on her back, sling over her shoulder and resting on her back and rubbing her behind in pain. She wore a white dress with a short blue skirt attached along with a short long sleeve coat with the collar popped up that matched the colour of her skirt. It was simple but matched her perfectly.

“Ugh…” Winry groaned. “That left me really sore.” She shot the passenger carriage itself a glare. “I don’t understand how Ed, Al and (Y/n) can ride on these things.”

She made her way to the main area of the train station and saw how packed it was but also the brutalist architecture that made up the majority of Central’s military and government buildings. People stood and talked to one another all over, some sitting against a nearby wall or reading a newspaper as they waited for the next train and a few lined up at the ticket booths. A fountain sat in the middle of the room with a brass clock on a pole in the middle of the pool of water, in front of a parade staircase that led to a mezzanine that wrapped around the left hand wall and overlooked the main floor. The arched roof was several stories high with tall windows every few feet, letting in plenty of sunlight from outside.

“Ed said to look near the west exit - there’d be someone familiar there who I’d recognize right away.” Winry reminded herself as she made her way through the crowd, narrowly bumping into a very tall, rotund but muscular bearded man and woman with pulled back black hair with a few loose dreadlocks like bangs hanging off to the side of her face.

Winry looked ahead, seeing Alex as he stood behind a crowd of people. Thankfully his absurdly tall height and blue uniform made him easy to spot. She raised a hand to her mouth. “Hello Major Armstrong! It’s Winry!” She called out as she ran over to him.

As she ran, the crowd dispersed as the bell rang for everyone to announce boarding for the train, letting her see that (Y/n) was standing next to Armstrong, smiling softly with a hand raised to greet her. “Hey, Winry!”

“(Y/n)!” Winry smiled, walking up to him and giving him a hug with her free arm. The sudden act made (Y/n) blush, a gasp pushing past his lips before he composed himself enough to return the hug.

“Hello, Miss Winry. Did you have a pleasant trip?” Alex asked as Winry pulled herself away from (Y/n).

Winry looked around in confusion. “Where are those stupid Elric brothers?”

Alex’s eyes darted to (Y/n). “I think it’s best for you to explain.” Winry raised a brow at the two.

“W-Well.” (Y/n) shuttered, knowing he’ll probably get an earful and something knocked over his head sooner or later. “Ed and Al are in the hospital.”

Winry’s eyes widened in shock. “THE HOSPITAL?! WHAT HAPPENED?!”

========================================================================

The moment Winry entered Edward’s room at the hospital and saw all the bandaging covering his exposed torso, wrist, head and cheek, she dropped her long tool box. The various tools inside jumbled around, creating a loud metallic thud which caught Edward’s attention. Brosh, who stood at the end of the bed, looked over as well.

Ross was in the room as well, having opened the door for Winry, Alex and (Y/n) moments ago.

With Winry staying silent, Edward decided to speak up. “Well… that didn’t take long! ” He nervously started off as his face shifted to match his tone. “You’re gonna charge me an express service fee now, aren't you?”

Winry’s worry filled blue eyes looked over Edward’s bandaging before slowly looking down and spoke softly. “No, I… I won’t charge you for this. I didn’t do a good enough job on your automail last time…” She lowered her head as the guilt ate away at her. “And now you’re badly injured.”

Everyone’s eyes went straight to Edward, seeing him sit there with a blank expression. (Y/n) gestured for the blonde to say something to ease Winry’s mind.

“I-IT’S NOT YOUR FAULT!” Edward yelped as he waved a hand. “You can’t blame yourself for this! I broke it because I was being reckless! Your repairs were flawless as ever. This was all my fault!”

Winry’s eyes became dotted. ‘He has no idea… he never noticed that I forgot to put in that screw.’

“Besides, if my arm hadn’t broken when it did I would’ve kept fighting and then I would’ve been hurt even worse! So don’t worry about it. Okay? Okay?” Edward continued with his arm waving in a desperate attempt to get Winry’s attention.

‘So it turned out all right?’ Winry lifted her head and eyes flickered like light on diamonds. She jumped forward with arms up, a smile on her face and light blush on her cheeks. “Hehaha! Well then, let’s go ahead and get right down to business, shall we? I’ll have to charge you the usual rush order fee, of course.”

The sudden change in tone and backpedaling on her not charging him for the repair confused Edward. “Huh? But you said-”

Winry’s gaze shifted to the side table, seeing a tray of food that was practically clean… aside from a full bottle of milk that looked like it never had been touched. She narrowed her eyes. “You didn’t drink your milk.” Her head cocked right to Edward just as he turned his head away in frustration, sweating a mile a minute.

“Why should I? I hate it.”

“YOU’RE GOING TO BE SMALL AND STUNTED FOREVER IF KEEP USING THAT STUPID EXCUSE!” Winry yelled out as she gripped the back of her head in frustration.

“SHUT UP!” Edward barked. “I DON’T HAVE TO DRINK IT IF I DON’T WANNA!” This earned a cheek pinch and pull by Winry.

“YOU SOUND LIKE A SPOILED LITTLE BRAT, EDWARD ELRIC!” Alex hollered after removing his jacket, revealing his muscular torso before flexing his arms.

“Milk is good for you. You should always drink it when you can.” Ross said.

“You’re an adult but there’s a chance it’ll help you grow taller. And women love tall guys!” Brosh added.

(Y/n) stayed silent, biting his tongue. His time in Ishval made him savor any food he could find, even when he was at the field hospital the Rockbells ran due to the fact food supply was severely limited. Perfectly good food and drink being ignored, even if one didn’t like them, didn’t sit well with the Ishvalan.

The sudden click of a door closing caught everyone’s attention. They looked to see the silhouette of Alphonse in the blurry window walking away.

“Was that Al?” Edward asked

“I think it was.” (Y/n) said. “I’ll go talk to him. It’s not like him to not greet Winry.”

Alex hummed. “I’ll be waiting in the car. We still need to go and help with the clean up.”

========================================================================

Edward rested on his stomach and rested his automail on the side table that was moved over and covered with a sheet while Winry worked on it - now wearing a light pink apron to protect her clothing. Her case of tools sat next to her open, various parts, pins and wrenches laid nearby it and on the table.

Edward bunched up the pillow and placed it under his chin. “I don’t get it. Al’s been acting really weird lately. “

Winry removed the shoulder plate before reaching into the pocket of her apron, taking out the A-08 bolt and started to screw it in. “Weird how?”

Edward sighed, burying his face into the pillow. Just seems like something’s been bothering him.”

========================================================================

(Y/n) lightly ran down the hallway, following the familiar sound of metallic clacking that came from Alphonse's armor. He soon saw Alphonse leaning over on a sink in the hallway left of him. The lights above were off, leaving the only source of light coming from the main hallway.

“Al…” (Y/n) called out. Alphonse’s posture looked tired, both physically and mentally. Worry started to flood (Y/n)’s body. “Is everything alright? You didn’t say hi to Winry.”

“I’m… alright.” Alphonse lifted his head, looking at the mirror that sat on the wall above the sink. “Just been thinking.”

“Want to talk about it?” (Y/n) asked but got no answer. ‘Thinking…’ (Y/n)’s eyes widen, remembering all the talk Alphonse had with Barry. ‘Is he really believing what that sick freak said?’

“Are you thinking about what Barry said?” (Y/n) asked and again got no answer but did notice Alphonse’s grip on the edge of the sink tighten. “Al, he’s a murderer. He said all that stuff to you to mess with your head-”

“I don’t need you telling me.” Alphonse uttered before whipping his head to stare down at (Y/n). “I’m an adult… I know what’s real and what’s not. I don’t need you to tell me like I’m a delusional child!”

The sudden lash out caught (Y/n) off guard. His eyes and their brows narrowed as his face tightened. “Alphonse-”

“JUST…!” He shouted before he trailed off, his tone quieting down as well. “Just leave me alone… please.” No longer a demand, instead a plea.

(Y/n)’s eyes softened as they looked down at the ground. “I…” He stopped before looking back up at Alphonse. “Alright.” He turned and started to walk down the hallway before stopping just before the corner. “Alphonse… I know I’ll never relate to you with everything you’ve been through. But please know that you are real. Your life is real and we all care about you.” He said before leaving.

Alphonse raised a hand and rested on the mirror. The image of himself slowly shifted into Barry. “Are you sure you’re not a puppet created by your so-called brother?” The face suddenly came close, his glowing eyes filling most of the mirror. “Just accept it… You’ll feel better.” With a punch, Alphonse shattered the mirror.

========================================================================

With a rag, Winry wiped the length down Edward’s automail, giving it a shine only polish could get. “Okay, you’re all set!”

Edward got up and sat crosslegged, rotating his automail with a smile on his face. “Well done! Ah! It feels good to have it back! Wow, thanks a lot.”

Winry smiled. “Sure, no problem.”

Brosh smiled softly, finding the interaction between the two cute.

The door suddenly burst open. The three looked to see a happy Hughes wearing a black jacket, dull purple button up shirt and black slacks. It looked like he was going to have a night out on the town. Ross could be seen standing around the corner of the now owned door, looking like she was struggling keeping in a laugh as she held a hand up to her mouth and her shoulder shaking as she tried to keep in her laughter.

“YO, ED, MY BOY!” Hughes greeted with an exaggerated wave. “Is it true you brought a pretty blonde into your room to service you?”

“GAH!” Ed fell face first onto the floor while Winry stared, dotted eyed at Hughes. Edward sat up, looking angrily at Hughes. “SHE’S MY AUTOMAIL MECHANIC THAT’S ALL! NOTHING MORE!”

“Oh… I see.” Hughes punched his chin in thought. “You’ve seduced your mechanic, have you?”

“GAHHHHHH!!! THAT ISN’T WHAT I SAID AT ALL! WERE YOU EVEN LISTENING TO ME?!” Edward gripped his head and screamed out.

Hughes went right over to Winry, reached over the bed and grabbed her hand, shaking it for longer than he needed to. “Maes Hughes. I’m pleased to meet you, young lady.”

“You too. I’m Winry Rockbell. (Y/n)’s said a lot of good things about you.”

Edward slipped into bed, getting under their prolonged handshake. “Nice to see ya, Hughes… But don’t you have work to do?”

Hughes stopped shaking Winry’s hands and gestured to Edward that everything was alright. “No, it’s all under control. I gave Sheska some overtime and with Armstrong and (Y/n) handling the clean up at the Fifth, I finally got some time off.”

Just imagining Sheksa getting downed in paperwork and (Y/n) doing most of the clean up on his own, even with very little effort on his part, irked Edward. “You are a real jerk, aren’t ya?”

Hughes chuckled a bit. “Oh yeah, and I think you’ll be happy to know I just found out you and Al shouldn’t need to be kept under Ross and Brosh’s supervision for too much longer.”

Edward beamed. “Great!”

Winry looked at the two in confusion. “What’d you say? If (Y/n) isn’t their bodyguard that means something important is happening.” She glared down at Edward. “Hold on just a second!” She leaned in, making Edward recoil back. “How much trouble have you guys been getting into this time? Last time (Y/n) busted his leg, Alphonse was in pieces and now you’re here looking like a mummy!”

Edward became a stuttering mess. “Uh- well… you see… it’s…” A breath in through the nose came before Edward averted his gaze. “Well… it’s nothing that concerns you.”

Winry stayed bent over, staring at Edward for a moment before standing up straight. She jerked her head up, raising her nose. “Of course not. I don’t know why I bother to try. It’s not like you guys will talk to me about that stuff anyway.” She looked over to her tool box before she removed her apron, placed it inside, put on her coat and put the sling of the box over her shoulder. “Fine. I’ll see you tomorrow. I have to go and see if I can find some place to stay tonight.”

“Come on… No need for that, why don’t you spend the night at my place?” Hughes warmly offered.

Winry looked at him with wide eyes, surprised. “Really?”

“Yes, of course. My wife and daughter will be delighted to have you!”

Winry hesitated to take the offer. She didn’t want to burden the family. “No, I-”

Hughes wasn’t having any of that. “It’s settled! Come on! Here, let me take that.” He walked over, taking and shouldering the tool box before grabbing her by the collar of her jacket and starting dragging her out of the room.

“Ah, once second-”

“Come on! Let’s go!” Hughes said with excitement.

Winry was still with dotted eyes as her heels dragged across the floor. “Do you really have to drag me!?”

The last thing the three in the room heard was Hughes’ hearty laugh.

========================================================================

Inside the Hughes’ resident - the crack of party favours filled the room. Ribbons and confetti shot out from them, filling the air with various shades of purple, orange and yellow.

Winry sat at the dinner table with dotted eyes, still taking in what she just got dragged into. Elicia stood on the chair at the head of the table with a strawberry vanilla cake sitting pretty before her. The table was covered with food, plenty of plates and drinks for the family, Winry and other invited guests like extended family of either Maes or Garcia, or family friends, all of whom brought their children along.

“Happy Birthday, Elicia!” The room cheered as Elicia stared at the cake - her cake - with a dropped jaw, giggling with excitement.

Elicia placed her hands on the table before leaning over and blowing out the three candles on the cake, receiving a round of applause.

With everyone’s focus on Elicia, Winry stood and slid up to Hughes, giving him a nervous look. “Um…” She quietly started. “If you don’t mind me asking, Mr. Hughes. What is this all about?”

Hughes smiled. “I’m so glad you asked that, Miss Winry!” He held onto his own cheeks with a joy filled smile and light blush on his cheeks, unable to keep himself still as he rocked side to side with excitement. “Today happens to be my darling little Elicia’s birthday~!”

Winry’s expression stiffened. He seriously didn't invite a stranger to her daughter’s birthday party, right?

“Yeah, my birthday!” Elicia said with a smile, getting a nervous chuckle from Winry.

Regardless if she wanted to or not, she was here so might as well try to be nice. She wouldn’t want to ruin the day for her. She couched down to her level. “That’s exciting. How old are you now, Elicia?”

Elicia held up to small fingers. “I’m 2!” She paused, looking at the cake and counting the candles before looking back to Winry and held up a third finger. “No, I’m 3!”

Winry recoiled back, placing her hands on her blushing cheeks and swayed her hips left and right - same as Hughes. “Oh, how adorable~!"

“Daddy!” Elicia said. “When is (Y/n) coming?”

Hughes leaned over, placing a hand on her head, feeling her soft hair, before it fell to rest on her cheek. “He’s a bit busy with work right now but he’ll be here soon. Don’t you worry.”

========================================================================

Winry was sitting on a chair against the wall with Elicia sitting on her lap, her arms wrapped around the child’s waist as she played with one of her new toys - a wind up mouse. The other guests mingled, as did their children, elsewhere within the room as the day turned to night. Hughes sat on his own chair to her right, also against the wall, as they talked.

“I’ve known the Elrics for about as long as I can remember. We grew up together. They’re like my brothers.” Hughes chuckled. “And I’m sure, knowing those two, they must give you plenty to worry about.”

“That’s an understatement.” Winry said with a smile. “When they finally came back for a visit, it was because Ed’s arm was all busted up.” Her smile dropped, her gaze drifting to the right before falling to the ground. “And now he calls me out here because he’s been seriously injured again… At least he let me know about it. (Y/n) keeps his automail in good condition so he rarely needs work on it but he’s usually getting hurt in other ways, like how he broke his leg. Something’s bothering Al, too. They keep their mouths shut, though… They don’t ever tell me what’s going on. It’s just like when they left Resembool for the first time.” She closed her eyes, tired.

“Maybe nothing needed to be said.” Hughes said, getting a confused look from Winry. “You know these guys, Winry. It’s possible they thought you’d understand without them saying anything.”

Winry dropped her head. “Maybe… But there are some things that I actually need to be told.”

Hughes smiled softly as he hummed. He reached up and removed his glasses. “Just what am I going to do with you?” His dull green eyes watched as he wiped away some smudges on his lens with a cloth. “In general, men prefer to let their actions speak instead of words. When they’re in pain, they don’t want to burden anyone with it. Not if they can help it. They don’t want anyone to worry about them. That’s how they are.”

The look of Edward as he pouted and averted his gaze away from her flashed in Winry’s mind. And her last time speaking alone to (Y/n) - a statement that never got addressed. "You keep promising to bring them back but you never promised that you'd come back."

“Even so, there may come a time when they’ll ask for your help.” Winry’s eyes widened, locking with Hughes’ as he spoke. “And when they do I know that you’ll be there for them. Isn’t that enough?”

Three of the children, all being boys, ran up to Elicia with smiles on their faces. “Elicia, we want to play! Let’s go!”

Elicia smiled, turning her head up to look up at Winry. “Can you put me down now?”

“Kay, down you go.” Winry helped her down onto the ground.

The moment she was able to stand on her own, a boy with slicked back brown hair grabbed Elicia’s hand, getting a jealous look from the boy wearing blue shorts.

“Hey, you get away from her! Elicia wants to play with me, not you!”

The third boy also got jealous, his hand reaching out to grab her other wrist and pull her towards himself. “Huh? No way, she’s playing with me!”

Winry smiled softly as the boys argued with each other. “She’s quite the heartbreaker already, isn’t she?”

“No, with me!”

“She picked me!”

“Come on, Elicia!”

“Leave us alone!”

However Hughes didn’t look like he was enjoying the fact his daughter was so popular with the boys. He placed his glasses on before standing, reaching into the back of his waist band and pulled out his handgun, racking it to get the boy’s attention. All three’s legs shook and teeth chattered with fear as sweat poured down from their foreheads, feeling the murderous aura coming from Hughes.

“Listen up, boys.” Hughes spoke with venom. “You try anything with my daughter and you’ll answer me.”

“Your actions speak too loudly!” Winry spoke up.

While this was all going on, a knock came from the door and Garcia went to answer. Opening the door, seeing the familiar blue uniform and red eyes, she smiled. “(Y/n), it’s good to see you!” She gestured for him to come in before closing the door and giving him a hug.

(Y/n) returned the hug. The delicious scent of most of the night’s feast coming off her dress came to his nose. “It’s good to see you too, Mrs. Hughes.”

“(Y/n)!” He looked over to see Elicia smiling at him. He also saw Hughes holstering his firearm just as three boys ran off towards their parents, and Winry standing by.

He walked over, slipping past the other guests towards the three. Elicia ran, reaching her hands out as she giggled, soon getting scooped up into a hug. “There’s the birthday girl!” He shifted her to let her sit on his forearm with her body resting against his chest. “How was your big day?”

“It was awesome! I got so many gifts and Mommy made tons of food! Daddy got me this, he said it reminded him of me with how I run around the house.” Elicia beamed as she showed off her brand new toy mouse.

Winry’s cheeks reddened slightly as a short chuckle came out of her while Hughes hummed with satisfaction, both thinking the same thing. ‘He’s a natural care taker.’

(Y/n) placed her down so she could run over and play with the boys - all of them looking hesitant out of fear of the father. “I’m guessing you’re staying here tonight rather than a hotel?” He asked Winry.

She nodded. “Mr. Hughes was very… insistent on me coming over.” She sweat dropped, getting a chuckle out of Hughes. “So I thought I might as well stay. Saves on expenses too.”

“Why don’t you stay the night as well, (Y/n)?” Hughes suggested. “You and I can escort Miss Winry back to the hospital tomorrow morning.”

(Y/n) looked at him with uncertainty. “I don’t think there would be room for me since Winry will be using the guest room, right?”

Hughes slapped a hand onto (Y/n) shoulder. “Nonsense! We’ll figure something out.”

========================================================================

Later, at night - Winry laid in the bed of the guest room. The humming of the ceiling fan filled the room. She tried to sleep, shifting her body to get more comfortable, fluffing her pillow, but nothing worked.

Her gaze drifted off to the side, fairly seeing (Y/n) through the darkness. He was on the floor with a makeshift bed that was made out of a few spare blankets and pillows. Most might view it as crude, like Winry did, but he’s a soldier and survivor. He’s had far worse.

“(Y/n)...” Winry quietly called out.

“Yeah?” Seems (Y/n) was awake too.

“I can’t sleep.”

“Are you thinking about Al?” He asked, getting a sad hum from Winry. “I think I know what’s wrong. I’m going to talk to Ed about it tomorrow, and hopefully have a talk with Al later.”

“Will you tell me what’s been bothering him?” Winry asked. Hesitant as she feels he’ll just tell her it’s none of her business just like Edward does to her.

(Y/n) sighed. “Some guy was putting ideas in Al’s head and I think… after being in that suit of armor for so long he’s starting to doubt if his life before that was real.”

A pull on Winry’s lips made her frown. (Y/n) not bringing up the name of the person showed he was still hiding something from her but at least he was opening up somewhat.

“Is there anything I can do?” She asked hopefully.

A light chuckle came from (Y/n). “We might need you to knock some sense into Al. Kinda like you do for Ed.”

A soft smile came to Winry’s lips. “Alright.” Her gaze went up, watching the spinning of the ceiling fan for a moment before realizing she still couldn't sleep. A thought back to when she was younger came to mind.

Winry was a country girl. Nothing really scared her. But the one thing she hated and feared was ghost stories, specifically well told ones that left just enough up to imagination to make her stay up most of the night, afraid of a spectral being just appearing in her room and hurting her. So, one night after noticing the light in her room was still on in the dead of night, (Y/n) checked up on her, leading to him sleeping with her to make her feel safe.

Maybe the comfort of having him next to her will help her fall asleep?

She rolled to get herself on the edge of the bed and grabbed (Y/n)’s arm, giving it a tug.

“Winry, what are you doing?” (Y/n) asked with confusion.

“Come into the bed. I don’t like you sleeping on the floor.” She answered which was true but the whole truth.

“B-But you’re-”

“In the bed.” With a yank Winry got (Y/n) onto the bed, catching him by surprise. Never underestimate the strength of a female auto mechanic.

Mentally deciding to go along with it, knowing Winry wasn’t the type of person to take no, (Y/n) shifted himself to get next to Winry under the same blanket. The darkness of the room helped hide the blush on both his and Winry’s face.

At first it was awkward. The two facing away from each other, back to back, with the blanket stretched to its limit.

“I-I can grab another from the pile.” (Y/n) said as he tried to get out to retrieve one from the makeshift bed on the floor but a pair of arms pulled him close.

The sudden closeness let the two feel their pounding hearts, like someone was trying to knock down their chests from the inside.

“Just… sleep close to me.” Winry said tiredly, her hand reaching to grab (Y/n)’s right hand and place it on her exposed hip.

(Y/n)’s breath hitched as he swallowed hard. With what little light there was, that being from the street lights outside the window that was covered with black out curtains with some light seeping through the cracks, allowed him to see Winry. Her sleeveless shirt that hung loosely on her torso was crooked, exposing the top of her chest, and her smooth stomach. Looking down at his hand made him realize how close they were to her white panties that only covered what was needed, letting her thighs and hips stand out.

“O-Okay…” (Y/n) got comfortable, snuggling up to Winry’s back with his right arm wrapped around her waist and left arm digging under the pillow to support his head. He wanted to hold her properly but didn’t want to put cold metal to Winry’s exposed skin.

Soon both of their heart beats relaxed as fatigue started to kick in. The white noise of the ceiling fan and their faint breaths helped soothed their minds, lulling them to sleep.

========================================================================

The next morning Garcia and Elicia saw Winry, (Y/n) and Hughes out.

“Are you sure you have to go?” Garcia asked. “You’re more than welcome to stay with us for as long as you’re in town.”

Winry used her tool box as an armrest, smiling. “I don’t want to put you out more than I already have.” A tug on her sleeve brought her attention to Elicia, seeing her little fingers grab onto her sleeve.

Both Mister and Missus Hughes looked at their daughter with fondness. “Elicia’s gotten very attached to you.” Garcia said as Hughes laughed. “Well, would you look at that? The two of you could be sisters.”

“Sissy! Be safe, okay? And come back and visit me real soon with Big Brother (Y/n)!” Elicia said, making (Y/n) smile.

“It’s settled. You’re staying with us again tonight.” Garcia said, watching as Winry crouched down and brought Elicia into a hug, both of them smiling brightly.

“It looks like I’ve found myself a little sister.”

========================================================================

A look of dread took over Edward’s face as he stared down at his morning meal. Seeing his dreaded enemy Milk. “So we meet again you little bastard… I’m not gonna drink you.”

Alphonse, who was sitting across from him against the wall, spoke up. “Brother, you have a living body that needs nourishment.” Barry flashed in his mind for a split second before he hunched over. “You have to drink it.” He said quietly, sad almost.

Edward began eating a croissant. “I don’t have to if I don’t want to! It may not look like it but I have grown some. But everyone still calls me a pipsqueak!”

The sound of two sets of military boots clacking together came from the door.

“I wish I was like you, Al.” The door opened as Alphonse raised his head, glaring at Edward. “You’ve got such a big body now.”

Alphonse shot up from his stool, knocking it over as Winry entered the room. “IT’S NOT LIKE I ASKED FOR THIS BODY, BROTHER!”

The sudden outburst pulled everyone’s attention to him. (Y/n) peeked inside from behind Winry to see what was going on.

Edward lowered his head. “S-Sorry… You’re right.” He spoke softly, a tone filled with guilt. “It’s my fault that it happened. But me and (Y/n) will make it right. We’ll get you back into your real body, you’ll see Al-”

“THAT’S WHAT YOU AND (Y/N) ALWAYS SAY BUT YOU DON’T KNOW THAT FOR SURE!”

Edward raised his head, looking over to Alphonse with a reassuring smile - the best he could put on at the moment. “Look-Look, we both promised we were going to get you back. Believe me Al, we can do it!”

“BELIEVE YOU?!” Edward recoiled back. “HOW AM I SUPPOSED TO BELIEVE ANYTHING WHEN I’M STUCK IN THIS BODY?! WHAT SHOULD I BELIEVE IN? MY MEMORIES? MEMORIES ARE JUST SCRAPS OF INFORMATION THAT CAN BE MADE UP AS EASILY AS ANYTHING ELSE.”

Edward looked at Alphonse like he was insane, not understanding what made him talk like this. “Al, what… What are you talking about?”

“Do you remember when you said there was something you were afraid to tell me?” Alphonse asked, sounding like he was on the verge of crying. Both (Y/n) and Winry gasped before he continued. “I think… I think I might know what it was. Maybe you wanted to say that my soul and my memories are really artificial constructions you created!” Edward’s eyes widened, a silent gasp pushed up his throat.

Alphonse formed a fist, clenching it, feeling the frustration eating away at him bit by bit. “You, (Y/n), Winry, and Granny. You’ve been lying to me all along, haven’t you? What do you have to say for yourself, Brother?!”

Edward slammed both of his fists onto the table in front of him, sending his food scattering all over the tray and just barely knocking over his milk. The act pulled a gasp from Alphonse.

“Is that what you really think? Have you believed that all this time?” Edward spoke as his anger built up, body shaking, making Alphonse take a step back. “So are you finished… or is there more you wanted to say?”

Silence. Nothing but the feeling of tension in the air.

Edward lifted his head, an odd soft smile on his face. “Okay.” He rolled the table away from himself, stood up and made his way out the door.

“Don’t go.” Winry called out but got no answer. She watched him walk down the hallway. “Ed!”

(Y/n) placed a hand on her shoulder. “I’ll go talk to him. Please stay with Al.” He said before running off to catch up with Edward.

Winry brought her attention to Alphonse, seeing him looking at the ground. “Al, you…” Alphonse looked over to see that she had taken a wrench out of her tool box and reeled her arm back. “YOU MOROOOOOOON!” A metallic clack rang out as she struck him over the head.

The sudden act of violence shocked Brosh, Hughes and Ross, even making them shiver with fear.

Alphonse’s head rattled around, looking up at Winry in confusion. “WHERE DID THAT COME FROM?!”

Winry clenched her wrench and other hand made into a fist, digging her fingers into the palm of her hands as she breathed heavily, angrily glaring down at Alphonse. Her lips quivered as tears came to her eyes and started to roll down her cheeks.

Alphonse reached out. “Winry!”

“YOU IDIOT!” Another hit to the head with her wrench. “YOU HAVE NO IDEA HOW ED FEELS! DO YOU KNOW WHAT HE WAS SO AFRAIND TO TALK TO YOU ABOUT? HE WANTS TO KNOW IF YOU BLAME HIM FOR WHAT HAPPENED TO YOUR BODY, AL!” She cried out.

========================================================================

A memory from years ago when Edward was getting prepped for surgery to get his automail. Winry, Pinako and (Y/n) stood at the bed side. The stumps at his arm and leg had tubes attached to it, connecting to nearby medical devices along with both IV and blood drips. His eyes were covered with a cloth but sweat still rolled down his face.

“It’s all my fault. Al lost his body and it’s all my fault! He can’t eat anymore. He can’t sleep. He can’t feel cold or warmth… He’s my little brother and I’m supposed to protect him, and I did this.” His hand clenched the bed sheet. “How could he ever forgive me?”

A rare sight - Pinako looked at Edward with pity. “Al isn’t the type of boy who would resent you for this. Just ask him and I’m sure you’ll see.”

“No…” Edward gritted his teeth. “I’m… I’m too afraid.” A tear rolled down his cheek. “I’m too scared of what he’ll say.”

========================================================================

Winry fell to her knees between Alphonse’s legs, weakly hitting his chest with her wrench. “And then, you idiot, you said that!” She sobbed. “Who would ever do something like that? Who would be prepared to risk his own life to create a fake brother? Why would (Y/n) do the same, forcing himself to join the military to help him? Don’t you get it?” Her arm dropped, the wrench clacking against the ground. She raised an arm to clean off the tears. “All the two of you have left… is each other and (Y/n).” She pointed to the door. “Now go after them!” With hesitation Alphonse stood. “Start running!”

“Right!” Alphonse ran out the door.

========================================================================

On the rooftop of the hospital, (Y/n) and Edward stood at the railing, feeling the wind hit against their faces and hearing the fluttering of nearby sheets left out to dry on a railing.

“So that’s what got Al like this…” Edward rested his chin on his arm, watching the streets across the front yard of the hospital.

“I didn’t know what to say to him so I was hoping you’d be able to find the right words.” (Y/n) said. “Sorry. It sounds like I’m just dumping the problem on you.”

Edward shook his head a little. “Don’t be. I’m his big brother. It’s what I’m supposed to do.”

The creaking of metal caught (Y/n)’s attention. He looked back to see Alphonse standing at the roof entry.

“Broth-” “You know something, Al…” Edward interrupted, keeping his body forward and back to his brother. “We haven’t had a good fight in awhile. I’m starting to get flabby.”

Alphonse stared at him in confusion. “Huh?”

Edward kicked, getting the slippers off his feet, before turning to face Alphonse. With a focused look he charged forward.

“Huh? Hey!” Alphonse narrowly dodged a kick to the chest. He stumbled back with fists raised. “Hold on, Brother!”

Edward charged with his automail arm bent to protect his body - a move (Y/n) recognized as one of his own. He threw his arm out, bashing them against Alphonse as he blocked.

“STOP! Your wounds haven’t healed enough for this!” Alphonse warned as dodged Edward’s attacks.

“I did some alkehestry on him a few days ago so he should be fine.” (Y/n) spoke up, realizing what Edward was doing.

“But-” “But nothing. You’re brothers and brothers fight. So start focusing.”

Edward was able to force Alphonse near the hanging sheets before he took one and threw it up, blinding his brother. Edward jumped, placing his hands on Alphonse’s thigh and sent an automail leg kick to his upper chest, sending him back onto the ground.

“I beat you!” Edward announced, looking down at Alphonse’s sheet covered body. “The first time I ever won.” He sat down, turned himself around and laid flat on the ground with his arms sprawled out, the top of his head near Alphonse’s.

Alphonse threw the sheet off of himself. “That wasn’t a fair fight, Brother.”

“Don’t give me that! Like (Y/n) says, a win is a win. You know that as much as I do, Al.” Edward pointed out. “We’ve always fought like this, ever since we were really little.” Alphonse hummed in agreement. “Now that I think about it, we’ve fought over some really stupid things, haven’t we?”

“Definitely. Like who would get the top and bottom bunks.”

The two’s eyes went to the sky, watching as clouds slowly passed over and birds danced in circles. (Y/n) rested his back against the railing, seeing Winry and Hughes standing at the open doorway before raising his gaze to the sky. This was a talk between brothers, he didn’t need to say anything.

“Yeah.”

“We fought over candy a lot too, huh?”

Edward chuckled. “And that toy, you remember?”

“I won that one. And when we played in the Rain River, too.”

“Oh yeah, you shoved me into the water.”

“And that fight we had during our training.”

“Teacher said we were being too loud, then she beat us up herself… Why don’t we call that one a draw?”

“We even fought over which one of us would marry Winry someday.”

Edward flinched. “What?! I don’t remember that one!”

“I won the fight… but she shot me down.”

“Oh, did she?” The back-and-fourth paused for a moment before Edward spoke again. “You’re telling me that all those memories are lies?”

“Sorry.” Alphonse quietly apologized.

“And your determination to be whole again, to get your body back, no matter what, that’s a lie too?”

“No, it’s not a lie.”

Edward made a fist with his automail. “That’s right! You, me and (Y/n). We’re in this together, all the way. Don’t forget that, and we’re gonna keep pushing forward. We’ll make ourselves stronger faster and better until we get our bodies back.” The two raised an arm

Alphonse giggled. “And the milk?”

“Milk!? Edward exclaimed before muttering. “Fine, I’ll drink a little.”

The two brothers laughed as they raised their arms above their heads, fist bumping each other.

Whatever it takes, Brother.” Edward stated.

“Mr. Hughes.” He looked over to Winry, seeing her smiling softly. “Maybe you don’t have to hear something out loud, but it sure is helpful sometimes.”

Hughes smiled, his eyes drifting over to the brothers and (Y/n). “I guess it is.” He said, watching as (Y/n) and Alphonse helped Edward inside.

========================================================================

Scar stood among the ruins of a city in Ishval as a strong wind blew by, kicking up dirt and bringing a chill down his spine. The scar on his forehead was nowhere to be seen and wearing tattered Ishvalan robes. “My brother… Master. They’re gone… all gone.”

“Hey!” A joyful but sickening voice called out. Scar looked over to see Kimblee standing on a cliff that overlooked him with a twisted smile on his face.

Kimble was dressed in a white muscle shirt with his hands stuffed into the pockets of his Amestrian military pants that were tucked into his boots. For a Commissioned Officer, he wasn’t dressed the part.

“You don’t look like an Ishvalan. Who are you?” Scar asked.

“Oh, where are my manners? I should have introduced myself.” He held his hands out, showing alchemy tattoos on the palm of his hands. “I’m a State Alchemist sent here by the military. I’ve been sent to exterminate this sector.” The symbols glowed brightly, blinding Scar.

========================================================================

Scar’s eyes whipped open. His eyes took in what was around him. There was an old Ishvalan man - his eyes, brow, beard and what little hair he had on his head were white as snow - and young Ishvalan boy kneeling beside him as he laid on the ground within a crudely made tent. A tattered blanket covered his body along with a rag sitting on his forehead.

“Hey! You’re awake!” The boy announced, his smile showing he was missing an upper tooth.

“Where am I?” Scar asked.

“In a slum outside of East City. You’re among friends now.” The old man reassured.

Scar raised his head slightly, getting a better look at the man. “Who are you? You old man.”

“Me? Why, I’m a man of Ishvala, just as you are, son. There’s nothing to worry about here. I won’t sell out one of my own.”

“Are we the only ones here? Are there other Ishvalan survivors?” Scar questioned.

“Yes… Indeed there are. A run down slum such as this may bear no resemblance to our ancestral home but you know what they say “The world is God’s bosom", our great, loving God Ishvala. Am I right?” The old man chuckled.

“Yes, you certainly are.” Scar tried to roll over to sit up but a stinging pain in his chest made him stop.

The boy placed a hand on his shoulder, looking worried. “You can’t, you’re not ready! We found you floating in the sewers. You were hurt bad.”

Scar remembered fighting Gluttony, also remembering the hit he and Lust got in on him. A grunt pushed past his gritted teeth. “Boy… My right arm. Did I lose it, or is it still with me?”

“Yeah, it’s still there, mister.” The boy reassured as he reached over and pulled off the blanket to expose his arm and bandaged chest.

The tattoos looked similar to the ones on (Y/n)’s chest but his was covered with snakes, arrows and a band around his forearm that read “TERRA A Nclan.”

“Your tattoo… It’s really amazing.” The boy commented.

“Yes… it’s important to me, a precious gift.” Scar’s eyes started to slowly close. “From my family.”

========================================================================

Dabble - ⚠️ A Cure for Sleepless Nights.⚠️

“(Y/n)~...” Winry whimpered, her back arching, arms clinging onto the pillow she was holding tightly to her chest and using to bite onto to keep herself quiet. The spot she was biting on was already strain wet with drool.

(Y/n) was laying between her legs, his right hand slowly dancing from her stomach to her thigh, fingernails occasionally digging into her flesh. He pressed light kisses against her vagina, giving it a lick every now and then that would send a shiver up Winry’s spine, also making her let out a muffled moan.

“You’re so wet, Winry…” (Y/n) resting his tongue at the bottom of her opening and slowly went up, tasting her juices before wrapping his lips onto her clitorus, sucking on and biting on it gently.

Winry squirmed, her legs shaking in (Y/n)’s grasp. She was so close. “Umfff~! Fuck~!” She pulled her mouth away from the pillow, a string of saliva connected from it to her lips stayed for a moment before breaking under its own weight. “P-Please, (Y/n)... I-I need you inside~.”

“I want as much as you do, Winry. But we can’t. I don’t have a condom on me.” He placed a kiss on her thigh as she groaned in frustration. “Sorry, I didn’t get a heads up that you were coming so I could get one. But…” He brought the finger of his automail to the lip of her vagaina, slowly dragging it up and down, putting in some of it before pulling it out. “I can put something else in you that should help you fall asleep.”

“GAH- MFFFFF~!” Winry moaned loudly before she forced the pillow onto her face to cover up the noise. The feeling of the cold rounded metal slowly working its way inside of her was driving her crazy, making her body act sporadically at the sudden coldness that made her nipples hard and goosebumps cover her skin.

(Y/n) smirked. “I love watching you get this crazy over a simple thing like a finger.” He pushed his middle finger deeper inside of her as he lapped up the juices that were leaking from her. He could hear Winry pant and moan on her pillow. His red eyes looked up to see her using one hand to grope her breast and pinching her nipple.

Winry was there, just needed a nudge to get her over the line. Her legs wrapped around (Y/n)’s head and pulled him close, making him push his tongue in deeper. She could feel a chuckle come from him as it rumbled his tongue inside of her. “G-Gonna~! Uhh-ahhhhah~!”

Her body tensed up as her orgasm hit. Her juices covered (Y/n)’s mouth and finger with her sticky fluids. She held him there for a moment before she became limp, taking in deep breaths without the pillow in the way anymore.

(Y/n) pulled away, seeing the state Winry was in. She looked like she was about to nod off to sleep. “Guessing that did the trick?” She only groaned “Uh-huh.” 

Chapter Text

During the time the Elrics needed to wait for Sheska to compile Marcoh's notes, (Y/n) was able to find some information that the two would find very interesting.

They all met at a local cafe that was well known for their coffee and various sweets and treats. Edward couldn't pass up the opportunity to try out some of the popular dishes, having already eaten three cups of various icecream flavours and was now on his fourth - vanilla ice cream with strawberry slices and flakes of cookies set up to look like a blooming flower.

Edward took a spoon full, getting a mix of everything, before popping it into his mouth. It tasted exactly as it looked, delicious. But (Y/n)'s reveal of information pulled him from that enjoyment.

"DID YOU SAY HUMAN TRANSMUTATION?!" Edward exclaimed before quickly eating up his meal so it wouldn't melt while he listened to (Y/n).

A few stray shots of ice cream flung and hit Alphonse on the face of his hamlet, making him wipe it off with a nearby napkin.

"Acording the the rumors that's been going around the nobility they actually did it."

"And who's this they?!" Edward quickly asked, pointing a spoon at (Y/n), before going back to devouring his frozen treat.

"An alchemist that serves the Hamburgang Family."

"Ahhh!" Edward sighed with satisfaction, placing the now empty cup onto the table with the others as he wiped his mouth with the back of his hand. "What's his name?"

"Judou." (Y/n) said, getting a smirk from Edward. "Thankfully the Hamburgangs know the Armstrong family well so I should be able to ask Alex to get you guys an invite into their estate."

========================================================================

The sound of small light feet trapping against a wood floor could be heard, soon coming to an abrupt stop. "Judou!" A cheerful young girl called out before the tapping of shoes were heard again, sounding like she was jumping. "They measured everyone in school today and guess what? I'm the tallest girl in my entire class!"

An old man chuckled. "Well, isn't that something? You're growing up to be a big girl, aren't you Lady Rosalie?"

"I'm worried that since she started going to school she's only been interested in playing pranks." A woman softly said. "Wonder who she has taken after?" She jokingly asked.

The old man could hear the soft rustling of hair but couldn't see it. The only thing he could see was darkness and what his imagination came up with based on sounds. Right now he imagined a caring woman caressing the top of a child's head, sensing the compassion radiating off the two like a smile you could hear.

"Hehehe. Well, if she grows up like you, Madam, I'm sure she'll be very beautiful." The old man said, hearing the daughter giggle with joy.

Another set of footsteps was heard. They were heavier, one of a man. The fine taps of shoes against wood were easily identified as someone wearing the finest of shoes, one a servant would wear. "Sir Judou, you have guests. They are accompanied with a letter of recommendation from Sir Armstrong."

The old man raised a brow. "Guests for me? How rare."

"They claim to be traveling alchemists."

The old man reached his hand off to the right, feeling around till he felt the weather handle of a cane, and took it before standing up from a chair. "Alchemists you say... I would love to meet them. And what are these visitor's names?"

"There's a Mr. Edward Elric and Mr. Alphonse Elric."

========================================================================

Minutes ago.

(Y/n) pulled up to a large set of gates that were at least two stories tall. Two armed guards stood on either side of the gate with the Amestrian standard issue rifle and older ceremonial great coats with white trim, black pants and shoes, and black shako style hats with a grey band around the crown.

"Edward, please be on your best behavior." (Y/n) said as one of the guards approached, heading towards the diver's side of the car.

Edward shook his head in confusion, glancing over at Alphonse, seeing him chuckling, before looking at (Y/n) with crossed arms and a pout on his lips. "Why are you only telling me that?"

"They're nobility so there's a chance they act all high and mighty. But that doesn't mean you can talk to them like you do with Roy sometimes." Once the guard reached the driver's side, (Y/n) pulled out a letter from Armstrong and presented it, letting the guard take and inspect it before handing it back and going to a small guard house that sat off to the side of the gate and got on the phone. "And since Alex's father recommended you, if you do something bad it reflects on his whole family."

The guard hung up the phone and walked out of the guardhouse before approaching the car. "I can only let in the Elrics. You must stay here." He said to (Y/n).

(Y/n) looked back at the two Elrics. "You guys head on it. I have a few things I have to do anyway. I'll be back and wait here once I'm done."

========================================================================

After the Elrics entered the estate, another set of guards closed the large gate behind them. Even inserting a large metal bar to lock in its place. The two looked back at the Elrics with a distrustful look, a look Edward got a glimpse of before the two marched off to their posts.

The estate was practically an entire block worth of land in the city. The walkways are covered with stone with lamposts dotted every few feet with small bright green hedges and trees in small squares like small forests. A few of the servants of the house were out doing their duties, either cleaning off the stone patches, cleaning rubbish, or trimming the plants.

Ahead of them was the main mansion with either side of it having additional housing for servants looking like it could house a small town. All of them being three stories tall with light grey trim, red brick walls and plenty of windows.

"It's such a spectacular mansion, right, Brother?" Alphonse asked.

"I wouldn't be surprised if there were twenty or thirty alchemists hidden here." Edward commented.

"Do you mean because it's so big, or because of its isolated location?"

Edward stretched, interlocking his fingers and resting them on the back of his head. "Both."

After they passed, the gardner glanced over to the two, shooting them a glare as he menacingly held up his hedge clippers. Feeling the glare, Edward shot his head back. It wasn't quick enough as all he saw was the gardner clipping away at the tree - it was quicker than usual making it look odd.

Edward pouted with an annoyed look as he crossed his arms. "What the hell? Did we already do something wrong here?"

"They're probably just playing it safe." Alphonse suggested.

Edward turned his head away. "It's not very hospitable."

A shocked gasp came from behind. The two looked to see a small girl looking up at Alphonse with a dropped jaw. Her fanciful attire and perfectly kept straight brown hair suggest she was a child of the Hamburgangs.

"Can I help you?"

"YOUR WHOLE BODY IS METAL! YOU'RE A FREAK!" The girl exclaimed.

The sudden blunt insult immediately turned Alphonse's mood gloomy. "I'm not a freak!"

The girl made it worse by dancing around him and chanting "METAL FREAK!" over and over.

"Who's this brat?" Edward asked.

"Rosalie!" The three looked to see a fine dressed woman with silk like hair matching the young girl

 walking alongside a tall man in a fancy vest suit with a black cape and a cane in hand. There were large scars across his closed eyes and cheeks. 

There was another, an old servant based on his uniform and white moustache that connected to what was left of his hair. He held onto the other man's hand, looking to be guiding him forward.

The girl latched onto Alphonse's arm before he lifted it up, letting her dangle and swing from it.

"Edward and Alphonse, the Elric brothers." The man with scars greeted. "My name is Judou." He gestured to the female to his left. "And this is my Master, Mrs. Hamburgang."

"Yeah. I'm Edward." He pointed at himself before looking back at Alphonse. "And that makeshift jungle gym over there is my brother Alphonse."

Now that the girl was giggling and having fun rather than teasing him, Alphonse was in a much more cheery state. He nodded with a chuckle towards the three.

Judou brought a hand up to his face. "As you can see, I am blind so I don't go outside often. So I don't get many opportunities to speak with alchemists." He smiled, reaching toward Edward for a hand shake. "Thank you for coming all the way over to visit me."

Finally being shown some good hospitality, Edward smiled. He reached over and grabbed Judou's hand with his automail that let out an almost dead quiet metal clack. Judou's expression stiffened.

"Looks like my hand surprised you."

Judou shook his hand. "No. I wouldn't exactly say that."

"I've heard rumors about you, Mr. Judou. And I'd like to have a nice long conversation about alchemy with you."

Judou furrowed his brows. "Really? Rumors?

"For example, that you have worked for the Hamburgang family for years, you're just as skilled as any State Alchemist, that you saved someone from a near death situation with those skills." The servants looked to Judou and softly smiled. "Or that human transmutation that you did, for example."

All of their expressions dropped, a tense aura came off Judou before the corner of his lip was pulled into a smirk. "You believe every rumor you hear?"

Edward threw up his hands and shoulders. "Well you can't blame me for wondering why someone would start a rumor like that, can ya?"

Judou hummed, not seeing the worried expressions on the servant's face. "It would be best if Lady Rosalie weren't present for this discussion."

"Very well." Mrs. Hamburgang looked at her child, seeing that she was playing with the length of white hair that was attached to Alphonse's helmet. "Rosalie!" She got the child's attention. "Come along now."

The child pouted. "No! I'm playing!" She tugged on the length of hair.

Alphonse stood silently, looking worried about the child damaging the length of hair he cared very much about.

"You shouldn't do that, my lady!" The servant warned. "Our guests have an important matter to discuss." The servant approached her.

Throwing a fit, Rosalie tightened her grip on the hair and pulled. In turn the servant grabbed a hold of her and pulled, forcing Alphonse to grab onto his head so it didn't fly off.

"BEHAVE, MISTRESS!"

"NO! NO! NO! I WANNA PLAY MORE!"

"Why don't you just go and play with her, Al?" Edward suggested, making the three freeze.

"Really?" Rosalie asked before smiling and chuckling, looking like a cat. "I'll show you around the mansion." She announced as she dragged Alphonse to the main building by his hair while the servant chased after them.

"MISTRESS, PLEASE STOP RUNNING!"

"I'LL GO WITH YOU JUST STOP PULLING ON MY HEAD!"

The woman sweatdropped. "Why don't we have this conversation at the arbor?"

========================================================================

On a stone platform in the middle of a large pond connected by a dock to land, Edward sat across from Judou on a stone table and bench with Mrs. Hamburgang standing by.

The place was beautiful. Above them, supported by four white pillars, was a trellis with vines interwoven, giving some natural shade to the three. The pond ahead was like a mirror, able to reflect the blue cloud filled sky above with several lily pads decorating it.

"I don't like dragging things out so I'll get straight to the point." Edward started, leaning against the table with an arm resting on it. "Did you perform human transmutation or not? That's all I want to know."

Judou interlocked his fingers and rested them on his thigh. "And if I tell you?"

"It stays between you and me."

A sigh came from Judou's nose. "I had both my eyes taken away."

"Yeah, and I paid with my left leg."

Judou hummed. "And you're arm?"

Edward raised his automail hand up. "Not quiet. I sacrificed that in order to bring my brother's soul back."

Judou smiled. "We're of the same kind."

Edward forced out a chuckle. "I'd say the unpleasant kind." He looked at Mrs. Hamburgang, seeing her look at Judou with sadness, almost pity.

"Then we can speak."

"But, Judou..." the woman softly said.

"Don't worry, it's all right Madam. The young man has no intention of doing any harm to me." Judou reassured.

"Harm you?" Edward chuckled. "Did you really think we were going to do something to you?"

"You can never be too safe, even with Armstrong recommending you. But now that I'm certain I can trust you, what else would you like to ask?"

It was finally time for Edward to get a straight answer. "Is it true that you succeeded in human transmutation?"

The two stared at him for a moment before lightly laughing. "But Edward, you already know the answer to that. You've seen the results." The woman said, confusing Edward to no end. "Rosalie, she's the result."

========================================================================

After enough pulling and tugging, Alphonse helmet finally came off after he fell onto the ground, leaving Rosalie frozen as she held onto the pony tail of the helmet with a dropped jaw. "Y-You're empty..."

Alphonse shoots his hands out, desperate to explain this quickly. "T-THERE'S NOTHING TO BE SCARE OF, ROSALIE! It's a long story but I can explain!"

Rosalie climbed onto Alphonse and looked inside the chest piece, seeing nothing. "Amazing, the armor is moving on its own!"

Alphonse scrambled to pull her off as she tried to climb inside. "That's a little rude!" He grabbed her and pulled her out, his massive hands easily holding her entire torso.

"You can think and talk but you're just a suit of armor, aren't you?" She asked as Alphonse placed her down. "I don't understand. Judou told me that only humans can think and talk."

"So you're not scared?" Alphonse asked as he grabbed his head and placed it on.

"I was a little surprised." She admitted, weirdly calm about it considering prior reactions. "But I've seen even stranger things." Alphonse looked at her in confusion as she turned around and pleased a finger to her chin. "I get it. So that's why you two came here. Makes sense." She turned to face Alphonse, looking excited. "Come on, follow me!" She grabbed his arm and tried to pull him forward. "I think it's alright to show you. The secret of Rosalie." She ominously said, giving Alphonse a wink.

========================================================================

"It's been three years since I transmuted her. As you can see, she has grown up very healthy." Judou said.

Edward smiled as the sun shone through the vines and leaves above. "So it's possible!"

"Then I take it you met with failure, Edward?"

The smile fell from Edward's face, his head hung low as a cloud covered the sun. The shining light that once made him shine is now gone, replaced with darkness. "Y-Yeah... We tried to bring back our mother. That's how Alphonse ended up in the armor. He paid with his entire body."

"So you transmuted his soul?"

"Yes... And I-I gotta get his body back!" Edward's fists slammed onto the table. "So please tell me how you brought back Rosalie!"

Judou and the servant lowered their heads. "I'm afraid he can't answer your question." The servant said.

"AND WHY CAN'T HE?!"

"Judou's an employee of this family." Mrs. Hamburgang said. "His skills are to only serve our family alone. We cannot share our secrets with every outsider who passes by."

A look of desperation took over Edward's expression. "B-But please..."

"You must understand. These were the wishes of my late husband."

As the clouds pass by in the sky, letting the sun seep through and coat his figure in light only to bring it back into darkness by another cloud, Edward's hope was smashed. He looked at Judou with pleading eyes, wishing that he could give the answer he was seeking for these past years.

"I must respect the family's wishes. I served Mr. Hamburgang as I serve Mrs. Hamburgang now. I'm truly sorry I cannot help you. Also..." Judou pointed to his eyes. "I'm afraid I can't show you the transmutation circle I used either. I sincerely pray you'll find a way to help your brother."

With that, Mrs. Hamburgang gestured for Edward to follow. Reluctantly he stood and forced himself to follow her down the dock.

"So listen..."

"No." Mrs. Hamburgang quickly shut down the attempt.

Edward stuffed his hands into his pockets. 'Well thanks for hearing me out, lady.'

"Trust me, Edward. Don't pursue human transmutation." She urged.

"I'll do anything it takes to get Al's body back! Please, let Mr. Judou help!" He pleaded.

She came to a stop. "There's nothing he can tell you."

"THAT'S BECAUSE YOU WON'T LET HIM! IF HE BROUGHT BACK ROSALIE-"

"He can't help you." She looked over her shoulder, looking at Edward with sadness, her green eyes pleading for Edward to stop.

"Okay, fine." Edward uttered as he walked past her. "I'll find Al and we'll leave." After he stepped off the dock onto land, he looked around for his brother.

"I believe he was playing with Rosalie inside the manor." Mrs. Hamburgang said.

"Yeah. I can find him. Is that alright with you?" Edward asked.

"That'll be fine. But I ask that you please stay away from the second floor in the east wing. That's where I store my late husband's belongings."

Edward sighed. "You're the boss." He glanced down the dock, seeing Judou resting a hand on his face. He looked distressed.

========================================================================

Sneaking up the stairs with his hood up, Edward made his way to the second floor. "So you want me to stay away from the second floor of the east wing, do ya?" He sporadically moved up the imperial staircase as he kept his head on a swivel, checking for anyone watching. "Why not just give me a written invitation, lady?" He pressed himself up against the wall, eyeing up the second set of stairs."

"Hurry, come on!" He heard down the hall as he started to peek over the last step, seeing Rosalie dragging Alphonse for a moment before they disappeared around the corner.

"Uh- okay." Alphonse nervously replied.

Edward pulled back his hood. "That's the east wing. What's the deal?"

========================================================================

Rosalie pushed up the double door and entered the room with Alphonse.

The room was barren. Not a thing in sight aside from something at the end of the room draped in white cloth. He watched as Rosalie ran to it and pulled the cloth aside and peeked in. "Rosalie, look you have a guest."

Alphonse pushed the cloth that was obstructing his view aside. What he saw tore a gasp from him.

Before him, sat in a chair with freshly picked flowers of all colours, piles of stuffed animals and presents surrounding it, and a bird in a luxurious cage behind, was a mummified corpse of a child. Skin grey as stone and constricting around the skeleton and eyeless. She wore a white dress, clean as the day it was bought. and hair looking exactly the same as the Rosalie that stood next to Alphonse, somehow not falling out as the corpse rotted away for who knows how long before mummifying.

"Judou brought this Rosalie through human transmutation." Rosalie said before approaching the corpse, smiling at her. "How are you, Rosalie?" She calmly asked as if the corpse could respond.

Alphonse raised a shaking hand up. "Aren't you scared?"

She looked back at him. "Not anymore."

"W-Wait, so you're not the real Rosalie?"

She shook her head no. "No, I'm a fake. Mister and missus Hamburgang adopted me from the orphanage. They did it right after Judou tried human transmutation. I apparently look just like Rosalie did. My name was Amy before I came to live here."

"Kinda complicated, huh?" Alphonse commented.

Rosalie leaned over, picking up a hair brush from a nearby box and starting combing the corpse's hair. "It's great. All I have to do is act like Rosalie. As long as I do that, I get a nice family and pretty clothes. And this place... it's like heaven. Rosalie's hair is always so pretty, it's like silk."

The jaw of the corpse slightly moved, startling Alphonse. "GAHHHHH!!! IT MOVED! SHE MOVED!"

Rosalie looked back at him in confusion. "I don't understand why you're so surprised. You two are so much alike."

"S-So... she's alive?" Alphonse asked with hesitation, finding it hard to believe considering that state she was in.

"I don't know if you could really say she's alive. She's been like this for as long as I've known her. But there's no way to tell if it's really Rosalie in this body. For all we know, there's a good possibility there's something inside her that isn't Rosalie."

"A-And this isn't some kind of prank?"

"No. Like I said, she's the real Rosalie and I'm the fake. Which means I can never be Hamburgang's true daughter." She said with an eerily calm soft smile.

"Amy..."

Edward stood by the doorway, seeing the corpse, but stayed silent.

"But I'd rather be a fake than go back and be the real Amy. I've spent enough time in a dark cold orphanage."

"So you chose to ignore me?" A stern voice said, startling Edward. He recoiled back, seeing that Mrs. Hamburgang standing there with a cold stare. "I had no choice but to respect my late husband's wishes." She looked down the room at the corpse of her daughter. "But I thought it was necessary for you to see this."

"So... you were hoping I'd ignore you."

========================================================================

Years ago.

"GUAHHAHHH!!! MY EYES! MY EYES ARE BURNING!" Judou screamed as blood poured down his face. "NO! I CAN'T SEE! MY EYES, THEY'RE BURNING!"

Across the floor that had a transmutation circle drawn onto it stood mister and missus Hambergang. The two barely visible with all the smoke and steam that filled the room. The husband held onto his wife tightly as she recoiled in fear, wanting to cover her eyes but couldn't, forcing herself to see what she made Judou do.

"Was... was Mistress Rosalie- I can't see..." Judou sobbed, pushing more blood out to fall and pool onto the floor. "Please! Please tell me! Was my theory on human transmutation correct?! DID I BRING HER BACK!"

"Judou." Mr. Hamburgang said. "You can rest now. Your theory was exact, my friend." He brought his crying wife into his chest, silencing and sobs and cries that tried to come out. "You did it. You've returned our daughter to us. Just as we last saw her."

In the middle of the circle was the mummified corpse that would sit still in a chair day after day, surrounded by gifts and flowers, none of which she could enjoy or see.

A crazed laugh came from Judou as he smiled with bloodied lips. "MISTRESS ROASLIE!"

========================================================================

The old servant walked down the stone path towards the gate with Rosalie in hand while the Elrics followed.

"Master Judou has served as the family's alchemist since the previous generation. It was a standard work relationship during the first few years of his employment. But within time, he became part of the family. And as a result, he could hardly tolerate witnessing the pain his beloved employers suffered after the death of their only daughter." The servant paused. "Actually, I'm sure Mistress Rosalie's death struck him just as deeply as the rest of the family."

The guards removed the bar holding the gate shut and opened it, revealing (Y/n) leaning against the car, his red eyes looking off towards the sun set.

"He had in fact grown to consider her to be his very own daughter."

"And what about you, Mr. Butler?" Alphonse asked.

"I'm in on the hoax as well. Every employee here is playing along. And we'll continue to deceive him for as long as he lives. There's no reason for him to know the truth and we'll make sure of it." The servant looked down at Rosalie. "Well, come along now Mistress. Let's get you ready for bed."

She hummed before looking at Alphonse, giving a soft smile and waving. "Bye bye, Al."

Alphonse waved goodbye as well. ""Bye bye, Rosalie."

The guards pushed the gate closed as the two Elrics watched Rosalie and the servant walk back to the manor.

"They're nice people, huh?" Alphonse asked.

"Yeah." Edward agreed as the doors shut. "Even though their lives are broken."

========================================================================

The moment the two entered the car quietly, (Y/n) knew things didn't end the way the two brothers wanted it to. He opted to stay quiet, knowing nothing could be said to lighten things up.

Just wait. Wait for the wound to heal. But whenever the memory of his father's bloodied ragged body lay before him before the sound of a gun shot going off rang just as loud as that day, he'd have a hard time believing it himself.

========================================================================

Dabble - Armstrong Hospitality is Unlike Any Other.

Alex and (Y/n) walked the pathway towards the Armstrong Mansion.

Within the tall brick walls that fence the estate, it consisted of the main manor, standing at three stories tall with white brick walls, blue roof, and three staircases connecting to one platform before leading to the main door. Both sides had servants quarters, both of which only had a ground floor. Four patches of grass with knee height hedges fencing off green grace decorated the front along with a fountain in the middle, that sat in the middle of white stone section with everything else around being grey stone. Thanks to the surrounding forest, the estate had some more natural beauty.

"Are you sure about this, Major? I don't want to bother-"

"Non-sense!" A solid pat on the back from Alex nearly knocked (Y/n) over. "You are never a bother. In fact I bet they've been wanting to have a visitor come and spice up their day."

The two got to the staircase and walked up it just as the front door opened, revealing the youngest of the Armstrong family - Catherine Elle Armstrong. 

"Oh, (Y/n)! It's been awhile." She softly smiled.

(Y/n) remembered that Catherine, like her older sister, were walking text book examples of never judge a book by their cover. The small woman could easily lift an entire truck loaded with troops and not even break a sweat.

"It has." (Y/n) greeted with a small bow. "I hope you've been doing well."

She nodded. "I am, thank you." She paused for a moment, looking like she remembered something, before speaking. "Say, aren't you a part of Lieutenant Havoc's squad? Alex said you are mostly stationed at Eastern Command."

(Y/n) raised a brow. "Yes, I know Jean."

"Is he doing alright? He left the mansion with a rather gloomy look after I turned him down."

(Y/n) stared at her for a few seconds, the gears started to turn, and then his eyes widened with realization. The memory of Jean being in an almost vegetative state while dealing with the Hanger 13 myth filled his mind. "Ohh... H-He's gotten over it. There's no need to worry."

========================================================================

Upon entering the dining room, Alex and (Y/n) saw the head of the family - Philip Gargantos Armstrong - seated at the end with a large painting of himself when he served as a general years ago.

 His fingers straightened out the end of his very fine beard that sparkled with pride - it was clear as day where Alex got his moustache, the iconic Armstrong lone bang, look and hairless eyebrows.

"Ah! (Y/n), my dear boy! How have you been!" Philip greeted cheerfully.

(Y/n) stood at attention and saluted. He knew he didn't have to since Philip has long since retired but knew the older man enjoyed the salutes. "I'm doing well, sir. Yourself?"

"Dealing with the financial, political, and military business of Amestris after 180 years, is as busy as ever."

(Y/n) sweatdropped as he stood at ease. 'I knew it would have been better to ask Alex to get the recommendation by himself. I hate bothering them about things with how much they have on their plates.'

"Why don't you have a seat? Take a load off while our chief prepare something." Philip offered before ringing a small bell that sat on the table.

"I thank you sir but-" The strong hand of the Armstrong Alchemist rested on (Y/n)'s shoulder as the other hand pulled out a chair and forced him to sit down.

The door near Philip opened, revealing the family chief. "You call, Master Armstrong?"

"Yes. Make something extra special, we have an esteemed guest." Philip said, sending the chief away.

"Wait, I don't-" "Say, have you by chance seen Olivier? It's been quite a few years since we last spoke." Philip interrupted.

(Y/n) looked over at Alex, seeing him standing by with his cheeks stretched, his mustache hiding his smile. 'You knew this would happen, didn't you?' He looked at Philip. "No, sir. Last I heard was, that with her promotion, she was put in charge of Fort Briggs. That's a post I really haven't gotten around to visiting as of late."

"That is a shame. I think she was taking a liking towards you during your younger years as a lieutenant."

"Taking a liking to." (Y/n) repeated. "I guess you could say that."

========================================================================

1912.

"AHH! BRIAGIER GENERAL! PLEASE STOP!" A shirtless, covered in sweat (Y/n) yelled as he ran down through forest, dodging trees left and right, with an angry Oliver chasing after him as she whipped his back once she was able to get close enough, leaving even more red marks across his already beet red back.

Who knew someone so beautiful looking could be so cold and cruel?

"ONLY WAY THIS STOPS IS WHEN YOU OUTRUN ME, ISHVALAN!" Olivier yelled back, delivering another lash to his back, making the Ishvalan yelp.

His legs, lungs, and back burned. His entire body begging for him to stop. But the fear of punishment by the beautiful Brigadier General was more than enough to encourage him to not give up.

"I WILL NOT HAVE SOMEONE OF MY BLOODLINE WASTE THEIR TIME ON YOU IF YOU CAN'T EVEN OUTRUN ME!"

At the manor, Philip sat at the table on the patio with an umbrella covering him as he sat and spoke with Alex who looked on nervously, worried about (Y/n). Maybe bringing (Y/n) to the estate for training was a bad idea.

"I must say, Alex, that Ishvalan is quite the man. Do you think Olivier would ever wed him if he succeeds? I'd be delighted to have him as a step son."

A deep blush coated Alex's cheeks. "I don't think settling down is something Olivier is planning on any time soon, Father."

Chapter Text

Ishval, 1907.

Explosions, gunfire, and the mass wave of boots running rocked the battlefield as Amestrian troops charged forward, trying to overwhelm the enemy position with numbers. However their numbers were not great enough to even get close to the entrenched Ishvalan rebels as they easily picked them off with makeshift explosives, rifles, and machine guns. The Amestrians did themselves no favours by shelling the town before the attack as all it did was give their enemy more places to hide and fire from, making any angle a kill zone.

“The power of one man doesn’t amount to much.”

One of the soldiers there was Roy. He watched as young men charged to their deaths, having accomplished nothing more than making than wasting the enemies ammunition. He got out of his cover and with a snap of the wrist and snap of a finger, the Ishvalan’s were set ablaze. Their screams of agony as their entire body melted from the inside out and vice-versa filled the air like howling banshees.

“But however little strength I’m capable of…”

Roy walked across the battlefield. His shoes stained with dirt washed away as he stepped in a puddle of blood, and the metallic clacking of an empty shell casing as he kicked them away as he walked. There was a dead look in his eyes as they focused forward on any threats, ignoring the charred corpse and those barely still alive writhe in pain, begging to either be saved by Ishvala or be put out of their misery.

“I’ll do everything humanly possible to protect the people I love. And in turn they’ll protect the ones they love.”

========================================================================

With the end of the war in sight, the Fuhrer himself decided to visit the troops at the front line. He stood atop of a now bullet ridden staircase draped in the white dragon of Amestris that led up to an old place of worship. Before him stood thousands of troops as they celebrated the fact they were now able to go home. Some sat alone as the guilt of what they had done was setting in or reminiscing about times before where their friends were still alive and well.

Roy stood with Hughes, looking tired as ever. “It seems like the least we tiny humans can do for each other.” Roy said.

“Sounds like a pyramid scheme.” Hughes commented before pushing up his cracked glasses. “There’s just one thing. If you hope to eventually protect everyone, then you’ll have to figure a way to stand at the top of the pyramid.” He pointed to the platform Bradley was standing on.

Roy looked, seeing Bradley standing, resting both of his hands on his sword as he used it as a cane. A few of his generals in pristine white coats and shiny medals, the same as him. It was like they were mocking every soldier there. Showing they could wear white with shiny medals without the worry of getting filth on them. “I can only imagine how good it must feel up there, Hughes. Although… I’ll never be able to find out without all the support I can get. There’s no doubt about that.”

Hughes gave Roy a playful nudge with his elbow. “You’re not very subtle, y’know.” He smirked. “You’ve got my support. But you could’ve just asked me. It ought to be fun to watch though.” His eyes went back to Bradely. “And maybe your naive idealism might actually do some good.”

Bradley turned his head and lowered his gaze down at Roy. His one eye seeing the anger in his eyes even with how far apart they were.

========================================================================

“Colonel.” Hawkey called out, seeing Roy sitting in his office chair with his eyes closed. “Colonel?” His brows scrunched together before he opened his eyes, seeing Hawyeye standing next to him. “There is an open bunk on the barracks if you need a nap.”

Roy leaned forward, slapping a hand onto his face as he let out a tired sigh. “I’m fine. I still need to organize and pack up all of my paperwork before we transfer to Central.” He leaned back in his chair, making it let out a light creaking noise. “I haven’t had much time for sleep.”

“It looked like you were in the middle of a pretty vivid dream there.”

Roy lifted his hand enough to see Hawkeye with one tired eye. “Not really. It was just an old memory.”

========================================================================

At the hospital, Alphonse, Hughes, Alex, and (Y/n) stood around Edward as he sat on his bed. The blonde was drawing what looked like a goofy rendition of Envy. Underneath that was an image of Lust but crossed out. “Well, the last thing I remember was this guy kicking me.”

“It’s odd that he let you live.” Alex pointed out. “And what about this sacrifice and these other armored souls?”

“Not to mention the Uroboros tattoos and the transmutation circle.” Hughes added, looking over the report (Y/n) given after he spoke with Edward a day ago. “And Dr. Marcoh claims they were using Philosopher’s stones in Ishval?”

“Every clue we have to work with seems to lead to its own mystery.” Alex said.

Hughes brought a hand up to his chin, looking deep in thought. “Not much we can do about that, though. Any answers we might’ve found are under a ton of rubble back at the lab.”

“And how odd is it that High Command ordered me and Alex to create road blocks rather than clean up the lab, stating it was “too dangerous for us in case of chemical leaks?” (Y/n) asked with a hint of frustration.

Outside the room, Brosh listened in on the conversation with a hand cupped around his ear as he pressed it against the door. “They are talking about some seriously crazy stuff in there.”

Ross plugged her ears with her fingers and closed her eyes. “You’ve heard the old cliche about how curiosity killed the cat, right? Well it’s true.” Her statement made Brosh go dotted eyed.

“Pardon me, Lieutenant.” A deep voice said along with the clicking of shoes. Brosh flinched when he realized who it was. “I’m looking for Major (Y/n). I heard he’d be here along with Edward Elric. The Fullmetal Alchemist.”

Hearing the muffled voice, Ross unplugged her ears and opened her eyes. “Sure. They are in here- AHH!” She gasped as her face filled with shock.

Hughes looked at the sketch of the Uroboros symbol. “I’ll run a search and see if I can find some priors on anyone with an Uroboros tattoo.”

“Very good.” Alex picked up a file that held the drawing of the transmutation circles and any other details Edward added. “And while you do that I’ll continue into the research team that was working with Dr. Marcoh in Ishval.” A knock on the door tore their attention away from the matter at hand.

“Sorry to interrupt.” was said before Bradely stepped in with a warm smile on his face and a basket with a melon in it, making everyone mentally freak out for a moment.

Alex, Hughes, and (Y/n) stood at attention and saluted while Edward shot up from the bed onto his feet. “Fuhrer Bradley! Your Excellency!” Alex greeted somewhat startled.

He calmly waved them off. “Calm down, gentlemen, this is just an informal visit.”

“Yes, sir.” Hughes stammered as he, Alex, Alphonse, and (Y/n) bowed as he passed by them to approach Edward. “But may I please ask the occasion, sir?”

“This young man.” Bradley said. “Heard you’re injured.” He raised the basket up to Edward, letting him see the fresh fruit and twirly pink ribbon that was wrapped around the handle. “I thought a nice melon might cheer you up.”

Edward’s eyes widened in confusion. “I guess…?” He took the gift before realizing he might have worded his thanks wrong. “AH, THANK YOU, SIR!”

“I understand you’ve been checking up on some of the senior staff. Is this true Major Armstrong?” Bradley asked, the soft smile now long gone.

Alex’s eyes shrunk as he sweatdropped. “Uh… yes… sir, but, uh… how did you know I was-”

“You should know that nothing gets past me, Major. And (Y/n)... You went off and investigated the Fifth Laboratory, correct?”

(Y/n) locked eyes with Bradley, his teeth and fists clenching. “Yes, sir.”

Bradley’s eyes went to Edward. “And now you… my revered Fullmetal Alchemist. Tell me what you know about the Philosopher’s Stone.” He took a step forward, forcing Edward to lift his head to look up at the imposing figure of the Fuhrer that was making him quake in his automail. “And I hope for your sake… that you don’t know too much.”

‘Was (Y/n) right? Is Bradley in on this?’ Hughes thought as the room filled with a tense aura. Everyone was scared out of their mind, desperately trying to force it back.

Bradley smiled as he let out a chuckle before bellowing out with laughter. Everyone looked at him with confusion. “Hmhmhm. HAHAHA! I’m only kidding! There’s no reason for you to be so uptight.” He places a hand on Edward’s shoulder, giving it a reassuring squeeze.

Edward’s jaw dropped. “Huh?”

“I know that there’s been some suspicious activity within the military lately. I’m certain (Y/n)’s come to that conclusion as well and I believe it’s necessary for something to be done about it.” Bradley went over to the table and picked up the documents Alex brought.

“Oh…” Alex reached over, trying to grab it, but it was too late. “That’s just-”

Bradley skimmed through the pages. “A list of the research team assigned to study the Philosopher’s Stone. Every person listed in this document has been reported missing.” Alex gasped. “They all vanished several days before the Fifth Laboratory collapsed. It seems the enemy is always one step ahead of us. Even with my vast network of informants, I have no way to determine how far our ranks have been infiltrated. The most we know about them is that they know a lot about us.”

“In that case… this is proving much more dangerous than we imagined.” Hughes said.

Bradley placed the documents down onto the table. “Major Armstrong, Lieutenant Colonel Hughes, Major (Y/n), Elric Brothers. You’ve all proven yourselves to be men of trustworthy character. From this point forward I’m giving you the direct order to forget this matter and all that it concerns. At this time, suspicion is our strongest line of offense, and our only form of defense is discretion. Do not trust anyone. Keep this to yourselves at all costs. However…” A smile came to Bradley’s face. “When I deem the time is right to confront the enemy, I expect you to be prepared to join me in the effort.”

Hughes, Alex, and (Y/n) saluted. “Sir!”

“WHERE IS HE?! HAS FUHRER BRADLEY BEEN THROUGH HERE?” A voice said, coming from the doors.

Bradley quickly saluted back to the three soldiers before turning and opening the window. “Gotta go. The damn bodyguard thinks he’s my shadow.” He muttered as he climbed out the window, seeing everyone looking at him like he was crazy. “Y’see I snuck away to get a few minutes of privacy.” He explained before waving goodbye. “Well, farewell for now!” He leapt out. Thankfully for him the window was on the ground floor so it was a small drop before he casually held his hands behind his back and walked off.

The entire group looked out the window, still confused.

The door opened. “He, Ed!” Winry entered and saw everyone at the window, all of them looking like they’ve been through something traumatic. “What the…? What’s going on? Did I miss something?”

“Not really… just a tornado passing by.” Edward answered with a straight face.

Winry closed the door behind her as she entered. “Well I don’t think there’s anything I can do about that, but I did buy the train tickets you asked for.” She held up a thin brown envelope.

“Thanks, just in time.” Edward thanked.

“You sure are a man on the move, aren’t you?” Alex asked. “Your wounds haven’t even healed completely. I’m starting to think you picked up that bad habit from (Y/n).”

“Yeah, well two days of sick people and hospital food is enough for me, thanks.” Edward sarcastically thanked.

“And where are you heading off to this time?” Hughes asked as he leaned over to get a peek at the tickets. “What’s in Dublith?”

Edward smiled as he patted Alphonse and (Y/n) on the back. “Well, with the way things have gone lately, we decided we should go back and visit our old teacher.”

The sound of metal shaking came off of Alphonse. Looking everyone saw that he was literally shaking with fear. “I think I’m too scared, Brother.” Edward broke down and held Aplhonse’s hands as both of them cried. “There’s no way that she’s not gonna kill us!”

The two Elrics looked to (Y/n) with pleading eyes. “PLEASE DON’T MAKE US GO!”

“We’ve been struggling lately. We need a refresher at least.” (Y/n) argued as the two clung onto his uniform, continuing to beg him to cancel the trip.

“I thought you said that “we decided”?” Winry asked with a raised brow.

“I LIED! IT WAS ALL (Y/N)’S IDEA!” Edward cried.

“What exactly does this person teach?” Winry asked as she got second hand embarrassment from the two brothers crying.

Alex looked over to a map of Amestris that was sitting with his documents and (Y/n)’s report. “It appears you have a rather lengthy journey ahead of you.”

“How far is Dublith?” Winry asked as she looked at the map.

Alphonse broke away from (Y/n) and went over to the map. “Welll, let’s see…” He pointed to the dot marked Dublith. The city sat in the South Area somewhat close to the border with Central Area. “There it is. All the way down here.”

Winry hummed before her eyes widened and she cried out, alerting everyone, “Wha-What is it?” Edward asked.

Winry pointed to a city in the South Area that was the closest near the border with Central area, making it along the way to Dublith. “That! Right there! Right before Dublith!” She practically cheered with joy before bursting out with passion. “IT’S THE HOLY LAND OF AUTOMAIL ENGINEERING~! IT’S RUSH VALLEY~!” Sparkles filled her eyes as a smile came to her blushing face while she shook her arms with excitement. “WE HAVE TO GO, WE HAVE TO GO, WE HAVE TO GO, YOU HAVE TO TAKE ME~!”

A blush coated (Y/n)’s cheeks. ‘She’s so cute when she gets passionate about automail.’

Edward looked at her, annoyed. “Yeah, whatever. I don’t have to take you anywhere.”

Winry immediately broke from her excitement, leaned in close, and glared at Edward. “Well somebody has to pay for my travel fare!”

Edward leaned forward, making her stand up straight. “And why does that have to be me?!”

“I’ll pay.” (Y/n) said, getting an eyeroll from Edward.

“YAYYYY!~!” Winry cheered, quick to run over and hug (Y/n), nuzzling her face into his chest. “THANK YOU~! THANK YOU~! THANK YOU~!”

“You spoil her rotten, ya know?” Edward asked with crossed arms.

(Y/n) smiled as he rested a hand on Winry’s lower back on one on her head. “It’s on the way to Dublith so it's no inconvenience. Besides, she’s done more than enough to earn a trip. Maybe there’ll be some parts she can pick up and improve our automail.”

With excitement in her step, she ran to the door giggling. “I’ve gotta call and tell Grandma!”

Hughes placed a hand on both Edward and (Y/n)’s shoulder. “May the best man win. She’ll make a fine wife someday.”

(Y/n) blushed while Edward glared at Hughes. “Don’t start that again!”

Hughes chuckled, a light blush came to his cheeks as he scratched the back of his head. “I would rather talk about my wife anyway!”

========================================================================

Later in the day, at Central Command, (Y/n) was setting up the office where Roy, and the rest of his squad, would be set up once the transfer order was issued. Hughes was there as well as he sat in the fine crafted leather chair at the large wood desk that Roy would call his personal space soon.

“What are your thoughts on the Fuhrer's orders?” Hughes asked as he watched (Y/n) shift through documents, looking frustrated.

“Bullshit.” (Y/n) uttered, getting a chuckle out of Hughes. “I was thinking the same thing.”

“If that’s the case, I imagine you’ll ignore his orders and look into the Uroboros symbol?” (Y/n) asked, getting a hum from Hughes. He paused, a worried expression he was trying to hide by concentrating on work now visible. “Sir… I think maybe you should hold off on it for the time being.”

Hughes raised a brow. “(Y/n) telling me to hold back? Who’d think I’d see the day.” He chuckled.

“I’m serious, sir. I think it’s dangerous to look into this with the Furhrer’s eye on us.” (Y/n) reaffirmed.

Hughes’ expression dropped a bit, the corner of his lips pulled down a tad. “You’re seriously that worried?”

“Yes. I’m worried about you, Alex, and both of your families.”

“I’m gonna be honest, (Y/n).” Hughes leaned on the dead, getting closer to (Y/n). “Bradley probably knows what's going on. Like you said, there’s too many coincidences happening for it to be dismissed.”

“Then you understand why I don’t want you or Alex getting involved by helping us.”

“It’s not just that.” Hughes said, making (Y/n) look at him in confusion. “I’m not doing this purely to help the Elrics. I’m doing this to protect my family - everyone’s family. If Bradley is hiding something that involves human sacrifices there’s a chance it could involve innocents also being sacrificed. I’m not going to stand and do nothing, hoping that Bradley won’t hurt my, or anyone else's, family. We’re soldiers of Amestris and our priority should be protecting the people.”

An uneasy feeling filled (Y/n)’s body. “You sound just like my father…” He said, bittersweet.

========================================================================

Next Morning.

At the entrance to the Hughes’ home, Hughes crouched down and gave his daughter a hug. Winry and Garcia stood at the door frame, watching on with a warm smile. “It’s time for bye-bye! Daddy’s gotta go to work now!” Hughes said with an adorable tone and a light blush on his cheeks as he smiled with closed eyes.

“Daddy! Come home early today, okay?” Elicia asked with a smile.

Hughes hummed. “Well I can try but Daddy has a bunch of important work that needs to be done.” He cupped her cheeks and lightly squeezed, making her smile more curved as she happily accepted the affectionate act. “But I promise I’ll do it as fast as possible!”

He let go of her cheeks before she let out a cute giggle. “That tickles, Daddy!”

Garcia hummed with a soft smile. “Alright, don’t be late now.”

Hughes stood and looked to Winry. “Well Miss Rockbell, I probably won’t see you again before your train leaves, but it’s been fun. Oh, and tell the boys I said goodbye.”

“Thanks, Mister Hughes. I really appreciate your hospitality.” Winry thanks as she bowed her head to him.

“You just make sure to visit us anytime you’re in Central, okay? Our home is your home too. ‘Till then, take care of yourself.” Hughes said before kissing his wife on the cheek. “Bye hon!”

“Right!” Winry said with a smile, watching as Hughes walked down the hallway towards the stairwell.

Elicia’s small hand waved goodbye to her father. “Work hard, Daddy! Bye bye!” Hughes retired the wave with one of his own as he looked over his shoulder to them.

“You be safe out there.” Garcia said.

========================================================================

At Central Station, the departing train blew its whistle as a plum of black smoke erupted from the smoke stack before it set off. At the windows, Edward, Alphonse, Winry, and (Y/n) waved goodbye to Ross, Brosh, Alex, who saluted the four, and Elicia who was being held by Garcia.

========================================================================

With the sun setting, the train sped across the railway on a bridge suspended over a large river. Edward rested his cheek on his open palm as he watched the sun set.

“(Y/n) said you guys were going to see your teacher because you’re struggling. What’s your teacher going to do to help?” Winry asked, her hand resting on a small picnic basket that sat to her right on the seat.

“After thinking about it for a bit, there are a couple of reasons. For starters, I’m a little tired of getting my ass kicked.” Edward started.

This startled Winry. “Wait… is this some kind of combat teacher? Why don’t you just quit fighting?” She asked with worry.

“Oh that’d be nice. But sorry, it’s not as simple as that, okay? Especially with (Y/n) needing to for his job, we need to find a way to improve.” Edward sarcastically said. “This isn’t only about our fighting… Our core needs a little work too. Right?” He looked to Alphonse and (Y/n) who sat on the opposing bench, getting a nod from the two.

“Exactly. We feel like seeing our teacher will help us grow, and make us stronger on the inside.” Alphonse agreed.

“Yeah, and we’re gonna need as much strength as we can get.” Edward reaffirmed.

“I thought you got trained by Alex?” Winry asked as she pointed to (Y/n). “You’re telling me he can’t make you as strong as our teacher?”

“I don’t mean any offense to him but Teacher is on a league way above Alex.”

Winry was skeptical but hummed. “Okay… What’s reason two?”

“To see what she can tell us about the Philosopher’s Stone.” Edward answered.

“And to ask her about the truth within the truth. We haven’t gotten any closer to figuring it out. There’s a chance our teacher knows something about it.” Alphonse added.

(Y/n) was skeptical about those last two. Teacher was indeed a great teacher but if Dr. Marcoh’s notes didn’t give a clear answer the two were seeking even though he worked with a Philosopher’s Stone, he doubted their Teacher could give an answer.

“Let’s hope she at least gives us a chance to ask her. You should be more worried about explaining your appearance to her, Al.” Edward advised. The gears in his head started to turn and face slowly started to shift into one of utter dread. “Considering…” Both he and Alphonse leaned over and hugged each other as an aura of fear filled the small space. “S-She’s gonna kiss us when she finds out what happened…”

“It would have been nice to at least go on more than one date before I die.” Alphonse whimpered.

Winry sweatdropped. “Maybe you guys should get a new teacher.”

“She’s the best of the best. We really don’t have a choice.” (Y/n) said as the brothers comforted each other.

========================================================================

Later that night at the Central Command.

Hughes was sitting at his desk in his office as he read a late edition of the newspaper with another officer.

The officer - a Captain - was named Focker. He had dark skin, a short flat top black hair cut with the sides shaved down and a pair of reading glasses. He was a reliable man for finding the more obscure reports and kept up to date on current events outside of Central Command.

Hughes read the headline. “Riots in Liore.”

“Yes… it’s apparently in response to that sham religion that was preying on the townspeople. Major (Y/n) worked on that case before the riots broke out. His report stated he and the Elrics were able to expose the man pushing the religion but somehow there were some who fell back into believing him, leading to a clash.” Focker explained.

“Yeah…” Hughes hummed as he read more. Articles stating that violence was spreading in the east, the army being mobilized, expansion of insurgency, and high alert warnings. “Ishval and Liore. The east had been a real hotbed, huh?”

Across from them, Sheska rested her head on a different table, getting a well deserved sleep as shown by the stacks of books she went through that day.

“I’m afraid it’s not just the east. There have been reports of uprisings in the north and west as well.” Focker added.

“The bodies are piling up all over. The government’s gonna have a hard time keeping control at this rate…” Hughes placed the newspaper down onto the table and pushed himself back before getting up and walking off.

Focker looked at him in confusion. “Colonel Hughes? Is something wrong?”

Hughes went through the exit. “I’ll be in the archive room.” He said before closing the door behind, leaving Focker and the now awake Sheska confused.

========================================================================

With the only source of light coming from the open door from the hallway, most of which was blocked by row after row of book shelves, Hughes laid out a map of Amestris onto a table in the Archive room before taking out a pen and circling “Liore, these useless uprisings, the Philosopher’s Stone, human sacrifices, and the outright genocide of Ishvalan people.” He picked up the map. Then this means… How could this even happen, and who could’ve orchestrated something as terrible as this? I gotta find a way to let everyone know what's going on right away.”

A feminine figure’s shadow cast across the room from the hallway before the door was slammed shut, enveloping the room in darkness.

“Hello, Lieutenant Colonel.” The sultry venom filled voice of Lust spoke. “It’s nice to meet you. Well, actually… ‘Hello’ really isn’t the word I’m looking for.” A metallic rang filled the room as she raised her hands and fingers turning into blades.

Going off the sound, the later footsteps, Hughes slowly walked back. Once his eyes got used to the darkness, he saw the Uroboros tattoo on her chest. He smirked. “Cool tattoo you’ve got there.”

“Those are your last words?” She continued to approach, forcing Hughes back. “Wouldn’t you rather scream?” She raised her hand and readied to strike.

Hughes reached to the back of his belt and pulled out a concealed push dagger. He threw it just as one of Lust’s fingers pierced through his shoulder. Luckily for him the dagger struck Lust square in the head, making her collapse.

With a staggered step and bleeding profusely from his shoulder, he made his way to the door, opened it and staggered out, falling onto the floor. He hissed in pain as he put pressure on it while he got back up on his feet. As he walked he staggered off to the side, making him collide against the wall. “Dammit.” He uttered before forcing himself forward.

The dagger seemed to only incapacitate Lust as she raised her hand and pulled the dagger out of her head before tossing it to the side. Her eyes darted to the blood trail on the floor that led out of the room. “‘Dammit’? That’s exactly how I feel.”

========================================================================

Hughes stumbled into the phone room, seeing the usual receptionist at her post. She looked back at him. “Oh, my, you’re back again already? Who gets to hear about your daughter this time-” A gasp forced its way out of her once she saw the blood. “Lieutenant Colonel! You’re bleeding!”

“It’s nothing.” Hughes reassured with struggle. “I need a private line.” He made his way to the closest phone, grabbing the handle with a bloodied hand. “I have to tell him…” He lifted the phone but stopped. He stared at it for a moment before placing it back. He started to limp his way back towards the exit. “Sorry. Forget I was here.”

The receptionist reached out with worry in her eyes. “But, sir!”

========================================================================

Outside Central Command, under a lone street light, Hughes stumbled into a phone booth. He picked up the phone and dialed the number for an operator.

“Good evening, Eastern Command.”

“I need you to connect me to Colonel Mustang, right away!” Blood from his wound pooled at Hughes’ feet while the blood on his hand stained the telephone.

“I’m sorry, I’m not allowed to connect from an outside line.”

“YOU’RE SPEAKING TO LIEUTENANT COLONEL HUGHES! THIS IS A MATTER OF LIFE AND DEATH!” Hughes barked.

“Can I have your code, please?”

“WHAT?!” Hughes growled as he dug into his pocket. “ARE YOU TRYING TO WASTE TIME?!” He pulled out a small black journal and opened it, several other personal items fell out onto the floor and out onto the walking path, one of which being a photo of himself with his wife and daughter, all happy as can be. “It’s Uncle, Sugar, Oliver, then 8, 0, 0.”

After a moment the operator spoke. “Your code was verified. Please hold while I connect you.”

“WILL YOU HURRY?! IT’S AN EMERGENCY!" An unheard footstep came from behind. Shortly after the metallic clack of a gun cocking was heard, making Hughes freeze up. The life from his face drained. He looked over his shoulder to see it was Ross pointing a gun at him.

“I need to ask you to put down the receiver.” She calmly asked. “Please, sir.” He looked back at her, his eyes focusing on her face, noticing something was missing. “Go on. Just hang it up.”

“You look just like-” Hughes paused before smirking as he stared daggers at Ross. “But you’re not… who the hell are you, lady?”

Ross smiled with ill intent. “I’m 2nd Lieutenant Ross, sir. You’ve lost too much blood.”

“Drop the act already.” Hughes snapped. “You’re not 2nd Lieutenant Ross. She has a mole under her left eye!”

Ross looked at him in shock before smiling. “You’re observant.” She said in the same voice as Envy. “I can’t believe I forgot.” She raised a hand and tapped the spot just below her left eye. Red sparks looking similar to those of alchemy shimmered and crackled, the space moved showing transmutation marks before it cleared away, leaving behind a mole. “There. How do I look now?” He asked with a smirk.

Hughes shuttered with a gasp. He leaned against the telephone box. “This is not happening. Please tell me I’m hallucinating or something.”

Envy stepped forward, his shoe now sitting on the photograph of the Hughes family. “You really are a smart man, Lieutenant Colonel. Did you ever think that’d be the cause of your death?”

“C’mon, have a heart, will ya? I’ve got a wife and daughter waiting for me. So the last thing I’m gonna do…” He flicked his wrist, making another dagger fall from his sleeve. “IS DIE ON THEM!” He turned, ready to stab Envy in the head, but he stopped.

Before him was Garcia, smiling softly at him as she pointed a gun at him. Envy changed his form. His lips pulled into a large smile. “You look surprised~!” He sang.

Hughes shuttered, gritting his teeth, trying to refuse to believe what was before him was his wife. “W-WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU?!” A gun shot rang out.

========================================================================

The telephone in Roy’s office rang. He went over to his desk, leaned over, and picked up the phone.

“There’s a Lieutenant Colonel Hughes on hold for you. He claims it’s urgent.” The operator informed.

Roy sighed. “Of course he does…. Put him though.” The sound of the line changing was heard. “Look, Hughes. I don’t have time for daughter stories.” He expected some excuse but there was nothing. The line was dead silent. “Hey, Hughes?” Still no answer. “Hughes?! You okay? Hughes?!”

========================================================================

With shaky breath, Hughes laid on the blood covered floor of the phone booth. His shaking hand tried to reach for the phone, faintly hearing Roy on the other line. But the slim hand belonging to Envy in his original form calmly grabbed it and hung it up. He looked down at Hughes with a sick smile. “You humans don’t make any sense to me. You throw away your lives for nothing.”

The blood from the wound to the heart spilled down Hughes’ uniform, down onto the floor of the phone booth, then onto the photo of him and his family as Envy walked away, leaving him to bleed out all alone.

“Gracia… I’m so sorry… Elicia…. Remember, Daddy loves you… I’m sorry. (Y/n)... don’t you dare give up…” He breathed out before slumping over.

That was the night Lieutenant Colonel Maes Hughes died. Aged 29.

========================================================================

With the sun shining down onto the passing countryside, a big smile came to Edward’s face as he enjoyed a treat from Winry’s basket. “Oh man! This is hands down the best apple pie ever!”

Winry smiled as she enjoyed her own slice of pie. “Isn’t it though? Mrs Hughes is a really excellent cook!”

(Y/n) was absent from the quick meal. Having excused himself minutes ago.

“Too put it mildly. Not to mention that quiche she made for us is also pretty delicious.” Edward gushed.

Alphonse helped up a small black journal. “Yeah, I actually wrote that quiche down on the list of things I’m gonna eat when I have a mouth again.”

“Well, she gave me the recipe. So when you’re back to normal, Al, I’ll make it for you.” Winry said, patting the picnic basket that had the recipe written down on a folded sheet of paper.

Alphonse threw his arm out in celebration. “Awesome! Thanks!” He laughed.

Winry softly smiled. “I had such a good time staying with them. They’re both really great people.”

“Yeah, but Hughes is obnoxious. He doesn’t know when to shut up and he spoils his daughter rotten.” Edward said before golfing down what was left of his slice of pie. “I guess that's where (Y/n) gets from when he spoils you.”

“He did come by your hospital room a lot to talk to you.” Alphonse commented.

“Every damn day.” Edward said as he chewed before swallowing. His golden eyes looked outside, seeing the bright green forests that separated large swaths of rolling hills. “He always made a point to come and keep me company, and it didn’t matter when. He’d even blow off work.”

“We should figure out some way to thank him next time we’re there.” Alphonse said.

“Yeah. We should ask (Y/n) and see what he likes to keep it a surprise.”

========================================================================

(Y/n) leaned against the railing at the back of the train. His red eyes watched the railway track and countryside sped away. His grip on the railing tightened as that uneasy feeling still lingered inside of him. “Hughes… I get why you worry about me so often. I thank you for that. But please… be careful." He quietly uttered before shaking his head. “He says that to me all the time and I ignore him. How can I say that to him and not look like a massive hypocrite?”

He was thinking of what to say when he got back from his trip.

========================================================================

At the military cemetery in Central, several soldiers, all dressed in black funeral uniforms, carried the casket that had the Amestris banner draped over it over with a lone black cap in the middle, to an open grave.

A line of soldiers stood at attention with rifles resting at their sides on the ground. The commanding officer stepped forward. “PRESENT ARMS!” all the soldiers raised their rifles to their chests. “TAKE AIM!” they shouldered their rifles, aiming them up in the air. “FIRE!” all of them fired, the lack of recoil showed they were using blanks.

Other high command officers were there as well, along with Bradley himself as he stood with his hands resting on the hand of his saber that was resting on the ground. Among those were friends, such as Roy and Alex, family like Garcia and Elicia, and other extended family.

Elicia cried, flinching at the sounds of gunshots, her grip on her mother’s hand tightened. Garcia did her best to hold back the tears, doing the best to keep composed for her daughter’s sake.

The priest of the funeral spoke. “We gather here today to celebrate the life of Maes Hughes. He was a brave soldier, a loving father and husband, and loyal to all, especially to his friends and comrades. It is a sad day to have lost such a man, a true patriot of this nation, but we now return his soul to the loving embrace of God where he can truly rest. As he led a life leading others, our Lord will guide him to his final resting place among those who have also lived good, just lives. Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul and all the souls of the faithful depart, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.”

The soldiers lowered the casket into the grave before they started to bury it.

“Mommy?” Elicia quietly called out as she watched the soldiers bury her father, confused. “Why are they putting all the dirt on Daddy?”

With tears streaming down her cheeks, Garcia answered honestly. “They’re burying him, dear.” She used a handkerchief to dab away the tears but they still kept flowing, overwhelming the small square of cloth.

“But if Daddy gets buried, then we won’t be able to do all his work.”

Garcia sobbed. “Elicia…” She leaned down and picked up her child, holding her close to her chest as she cried.

Elicia reached over her mother’s shoulder, reaching out to her father’s grave. “Daddy said he has a bunch of work he needs to do! No, stop it! (Y/n) can help him, he’s always been there for him!” Alex had to raise a hand to his face to hide his tears. “STOP PUTTING DIRT ON HIM! DADDY!” Bradley’s grip on his saber shook as the child cried.

========================================================================

Well after the funeral, Roy stood before a tomb stone the read: “Mae Hughes 1885 - 1914”

He placed a wreath of white flowers on the bottom section of the tomb stone that read out his military service and rank before taking off his cap and tucking it under his arm. “Promoted to Brigadier General… Just for dying in the line of duty. You were supposed to be helping me work my way up through the ranks. You got it all backwards. You damn crazy fool…”

“Colonel?” He looked back to see it was Hawkeye. She walked up next to him, her own funeral overcoat resting on her arm and black sash across her chest.

Roy looked back at Hughes’ grave. “Alchemists as a whole, we really are horrible creatures, aren’t we? There’s a side of me that’s desperately trying to crack the theories of human transmutation right now. I think I understand what drove those boys when they tried to… bring back their mother.”

Hawkeye stayed silent for a moment before speaking. “Are you alright, Colonel?”

“Yeah, I’m fine.” He took out his hat and placed it on his head. “Except… It’s a terrible day for rain.”

Hawkey looked up at the partially cloud filled sky in confusion. “What do you mean? It’s not raining.”

A tear fell down Roy’s cheek. “Yes… it is.”

Seeing that Roy was crying, Hawkeye sadly hummed. “Oh, so it is… Why don’t we head back? It’s getting chilly out here.”

========================================================================

Walking down the hallway of Central Command, Roy followed Focker.

“He said he’d be in the archive room, and then he just left. But he had this look… Like he realized something terrible.” Focker said.

Once they reached the Archive room, Focker started to move the small barrier that was blocking the door. Roy looked over to see the blood stains on the floor and on the wall nearby. The clicking of the door pulled open his attention to inside the room, seeing all the paper that littered the floor and blood trail leading to out in the hallway.

“So he must’ve been attacked in here.” Roy said.

“Looks like it.” Focker agreed. “He left a trail of blood. He left a trail of blood. It runs all the way down the hall.” He pointed down the hall. “Apparently, he was heading straight to the phone room.”

The two went over and questioned the receptionist. She was shook up with dried tears on her cheeks and reddened eyes. Her body shivered with fear. “He was hurt… And he said that he needed to call someone. But then…” She said with a shaky breath, needing to dry the tears in her eyes. “He just walked out instead. He didn’t even dial a number.”

========================================================================

Roy approached the telephone booth where Hughes was shot and killed. A guard was posted with a rope barrier surrounding the booth. He could see the dried blood stains at the bottom of the door.

‘He obviously picked up on something big. He was gonna call the office but something occurred to him and he used an outside line.’

Once close enough, the soldier on guard stood at attention and saluted. “Sir!”

“I’m investigating the scene. Am I authorized to look?”

“Yes, sir.” The guard went over and undid the rope, letting Roy approach and open the booth.

‘The code that he gave the operator is only supposed to be used for military emergencies.’

The whole phone box and floor was covered with dried blood, showing there was a struggle.

‘So what was it? What the hell was he trying to tell me?’

Hawkeye and Alex approached the phonebox, the two of them getting a salute from the guard.

“Colonel.” Hawkeye said to get his attention. “I found Major Armstrong as you asked me to.”

Alex saluted. Roy noticed he was still wearing the black sash for the funeral service, same as Hawkeye.

========================================================================

The three left the scene, wanting to speak in private somewhere else in the park on the grass.

“We have a strong lead on some potential suspects in the murder of Lieutenant Colonel Hughes.”

“Then why aren’t you hunting them down right now?” Roy questioned with a hint of aggression.

“We are confident that we know who committed the crime, but we’re unsure of their identities.” Alex vaguely answered.

“That doesn’t make any sense, Major. Clarify for me.”

“I’m afraid I cannot.”

“I’m TELLING you to explain as your COMMANDING OFFICER! You’re disobeying a direct order, Major!”

“I cannot tell you.” Alex repeated.

A stress filled moment of silence passed before Roy spoke again. “Fair enough. I apologize for my tone.” He waved a hand. “You’re dismissed.”

Alex saluted. “Sir!” He turned to leave but soon came to a stop. “Actually, sir, there is another I’ve neglected to mention. The Elric brothers were recently here, as was Major (Y/n). They only departed a couple of days ago.”

“They were here in Central?” Roy asked.

“Yes sir. For a number of days.”

Roy huffed. “And did they manage to find whatever they were looking for?”

Alex looked back at Roy. “No sir… That would be rather difficult as they are pursuing a legend.”

Roy smirked. “Is that so? Well thanks for your help.” He thanked before Alex walked off.

Hawkeye looked at Roy. “So, I guess he wasn’t as helpful to us as we had hoped.

Roy crossed his arms. “But not a waste of our time. He was more helpful than he meant to be.” Hawkeye looked at him in confusion. “He said that they had a strong lead, singular tense, on a few suspects. Multiple suspects. Which leads me to believe they suspect a group is responsible. And his obstinate refusal to talk, even though I ordered him to, can only mean, there’s gotta be an officer above me that’s ordered him to keep quiet. Most likely someone of senior ranking. The last clue was that he happened to mention the Elric brothers and (Y/n). They were researching the Philosopher’s Stone.”

Hawkeye gasped before quickly composing herself. “I hate to say it, but it sounds like there might be some kind of conspiracy going on here. But how does it all tie together?”

“That’s the big question. But Hughes… I’d say he deserves an answer. Once I’m transferred to Central, I’m gonna start shaking things up until I find one.”

“Doesn’t sound like you mix your public and personal concerns.” Hawkeye pointed out.

Roy combed his fingers through his hair with frustration. “There’s no difference between the two. I will become the Fuhrer of this country. And I will take vengeance for Hughes. I’ll do these things because I have to do them.” He locked eyes with Hawkeye. “I’m going after the senior staff. Are you with me, Lieutenant?”

Hawkeye was unshaken. “Do you even have to ask?”

The two made their way out of the park, the fires of determination raged in Roy’s eyes.

========================================================================

Dabble - Rest Your Weary Head.

With such a long trip, the train needed to stop in order to refill on coal and other necessities for the rest of the trip. Most people took the time to stretch their legs, talk a walk through the town, and do some light shopping. (Y/n) on the other hand used it to relax. He found a nice spot on a nearby hill.

With the angle of the hill he was able to lie down and be able to watch the sun set behind the mass of the forest ahead. The grass was lush, like a big blanket, giving him some comfort as worry filled his mind.

“Hey.” He looked straight up, seeing Edward standing there with a smile, a worried one. “Yo doing alright? You haven’t talked much during the trip.”

“I’m fine… Just a lot of stuff on my mind.” (Y/n) answered with a half truth. He was stressed out of his mind, knowing that Bradley was up to something.

Edward sat down with crossed legs, his fingers moved around some of (Y/n)’s bangs as if playing with them. “Are you thinking about what the Fuhrer told us?”

“Yeah.”

“I get the feeling you don’t exactly trust him.” Edward took a handful of grass blades and started to braid them together.

“Can you blame me?”

Edward hummed, remembering the reason why (Y/n) lost everything was because of Bradley’s order. “I can’t.” A moment of silence passed before Edward smirked, placing the finished crown of grass blades off to the side. “Lift your head up for me, will ya?”

(Y/n)’s red eyes met the gold of Edward as he cocked a brow. The blonde’s soft smile and hair blowing in the breeze like golden curtains easily won him over as he did as told, watching as Edward scooted forward, spreading his legs apart just enough to make a small area where he could place Ishvalan's head onto his legs.

“Try to relax, would ya?” Edward asked. He reached over and grabbed the crown of grass blades and placed it on (Y/n)’s head. “You gotta enjoy the good times. Especially with us.”

A light blush coated (Y/n)’s cheeks as his heart sped up. The previous things that plagued his mind seemingly melted away. “I guess you’re right… Thanks for the crown.”

Edward chuckled. “Anytime.” He leaned back with the support of his arms, watching the sunset with (Y/n). 

Chapter Text

Rush Valley was a town situated within the arid mountains. It wasn’t that pleasant weather wise but due to the large deposits of minerals needed to produce steel, automail engineers moved there in mass to support not only themselves - even making the entrance to the city from the train station held up by two automail arms - but also the industry, making the town one of the biggest producers of steel within Amestris.

The temperature of the place was higher than most. Anywhere you look and most were wearing at most a t-shirt or nothing at all aside pants. (Y/n) and Edward needed to take off their jackets with Edward carrying his on his arm with his other arm holding his luggage while (Y/n) wrapped the arms of his own jacket around his waist, leaving him in a white button up shirt.

Walking down the road there were colorful houses packed together on either side with every other one an open market for an engineer selling their goods and services. Some with automail seemed to treat it like a fashion statement or new found strength as they showed it off.

“RUSH VALLEY~!” Winry cheered with excitement, her eyes darting side to side, seeing just about everyone having some sort of automail from legs, arms, and eyes. “Automail~! Automail~! Automail~! Hehahahah~! I’m so happy~!”

Alphonse, carrying Winry’s tool box, and Edward stood by with an embarrassed look on their faces as Winry giggled with joy, unable to contain it by hopping around. (Y/n) couldn’t help but smile.

With star filled eyes, Winry rushed over to a shop window, seeing an automail that shined like fine silverware. It sat in a fine purple velvet case with gold trim. The price tag of 100,00,000 cen made sense but still would make one’s jaw drop. “Look, it’s the most recent God's Model!” She pressed her face against the glass as steam shot out of her nose like a locomotive. Her waist rocking side to side. “I never imagined I would behold such a thing with my very one eyes!” She gusted before squealing with excitement.

The two Elrics turned away and sweat dropped.

========================================================================

“Welcome to the Holy Land of Automail!” Alphonse said as the group walked down the busy streets, setting all the market stalls filled with automail or engineers working on someone else's. “This place is bustling.”

Edward sighed with frustration. “Ugh! Remind me again why we let ourselves get dragged out into the heat to look at a bunch of automail? We should’ve dropped Winry off at the station and headed straight on to Dublith.” He complained with an erk on his head while Winry gushed over every single thing she saw.

“Come on, Ed. This is for Winry. We can stand the heat for her.” (Y/n) said.

“Hey, man, come back here a sec!” The group looked back to the excited voice. In a fraction of a second a man with an automail eye went over and started to inspect Edward’s arm while another man looked at (Y/n)’s. While they did so, a large group started to form around the two, looking interested to see the two’s automail.

“I’ve never seen an automail model quite like this before!” Edward’s face showed he didn’t like the attention.

“They’re custom made.” (Y/n) said as the man inspecting his weighed the arm, noticing how heavy it was.

“How can you lug this thing around? Isn't it too heavy?”

“I need it to be a bit more hefty for personal protection.”

“It really is unusual.” An older man commented. “Everyone take a look!”

The crowd gasped, a few further back needed to step on the tips of their toes to get a loot at the automail. A female with dark skin weaved though the crowd as multiple people tried to grab and take a look at the two’s automail.

“Hey, stop that!” Edward said but was ignored as he and (Y/n) were practically being crushed. “HEY, HOLD ON A SECOND! HAVE YOU EVER HEARD OF PERSONAL SPACE?! QUIT IT!” He and (Y/n) then felt hands start to move on them to take off their shirts.

The moment the few in the audience saw (Y/n)’s tone torso with his tattoos, they wooed with interest.

“THIS IS GOING TOO FAR!” A tug on his pants made him shoot out a hand to hold it in place. “I DON’T EVEN HAVE AN AUTOMAIL LEG! I THINK YOU GUYS ARE JUST BEING PERVERTS AT THIS POINT!” (Y/n) barked.

“NO, NO! DON’T UNDO THAT! AHHHHHH!!!” Edward yelled as his and (Y/n)’s clothing were tossed in the air, leaving the two only in their underwear.

Winry smiled. “Don’t be so rude. They just want a closer look.”

Edward, now only in a pair of white boxers, and (Y/n) in pants broke free from the crowd. “CAN WE GET A LITTLE HELP HERE, WINRY?!” Edward yelled.

========================================================================

With the crowd's attention now directed at Alphonse, as they looked over his armor, and Winry as they questioned her about the automail she made and show off their own, Edward and (Y/n) were able to get their clothes back and put them on.

“Jeez! I guess you’re sooo glad you let Winry come along so we could get felt up by a bunch of weirdo automail engineers.” Edward sarcastically said as he did up the belt of his pants.

(Y/n) threw his hands up. “Was I supposed to know they would literally take off our clothes to look at our automail?!”

Edward noticed there was something missing from his pants pocket. His eyes widened as a look of dread took over. “Oh no…” He patted both of his pockets, feeling nothing.

Winry, Alphonse, and (Y/n) took notice of his worry. “Something wrong, Ed?” Winry asked.

Edward furrowed his brows. “It’s gone…”

The crowd left the group alone, letting them go over to Edward. “What didja lose?”

Edward pulled the inside of his pockets out, showing there was nothing. “Only the thing that proves I’m a State Alchemist. My silver watch… gone!”

Dread took over Winry and Alphonse. They joined Edwards as they threw their hands up and yelled. “AHAHAHAAAAA!!!”

“It sounds like you guys had a run in with Paninya.” The engineer with an automail eye said.

“Paninya?” (Y/n) repeated.

“A pickpocket around here who likes to target tourists.” The old man explained.

A thief. A job for a soldier and the least (Y/n) could do since it was his idea to make a stop here. “Do you know where she hangs out? Or someone else who would know where to find her?”

The old man and engineer turned with a look of faked deep thought. “Let’s see, where is she again?”

“I know what might jog my memory…” The old man said suggestively.

The two blushed as they turned with their wrenches. “If only we could have one more look at that automail!”

The two State Alchemists snapped. (Y/n) and Edward transmuted their arms into their signature weapons. “I’M NOT LETTING YOU PERVERTS GROPE ME AGAIN! UNLESS YOU WANT TO SPEND THE NIGHT IN THE CLOSEST JAIL, TELL ME WHERE SHE IS!” (Y/n) roared as rage flamed in his red eyes.

The two nervously spun around and pointed at a road that was further up on the mountain. “The automail shop run by an engineer named Dominic!" the two answered in unison.

======================================================================

With (Y/n) leading the group, the four traveled the narrow roads that lined against the mountain walls. (Y/n) had taken off his button up shirt, using it as a head cover, and jacket loosely on and open to protect him from getting sun burnt as the heat beat down on them. The Ishvalan and Alphonse were fairing well but Winry and Edward looked ready to collapse as sweat poured down their faces.

“Apparently this guy lives deep in the mountains because he can find the highest quality ore way out here. Are you absolutely sure we’re going in the right direction? ‘Cause those engineers could’ve tricked us.” Winry asked, looking like a ghoul.

“Those two had their own shops so unless they felt like losing their businesses and getting arrested for lying to an officer to protect a pick pocket, I’m certain they’re telling the truth.” (Y/n) reassured.

“What are you complaining about anyway?” Edward asked Winry. “This is at least half your fault since (Y/n) couldn’t help but bring you along so you could see that stupid automail town in the first place.”

“HALF MY FAULT?!” Winry barked with anger, making the entire group come to a halt. “(Y/N) WAS JUST BEING NICE, NOTHING IS HIS FAULT! YOU’RE THE ONE WHO WAS DUMB ENOUGH TO LET HIS WATCH GET STOLEN!”

Edward chuckled with frustration. “OH-HO-HO! REALLY?!”

“Guys, please don’t fight. We need to get out of the sun as soon as possible. Not stand around arguing.” (Y/n) tried to calm them down as they butted heads.

Alphonse looked across the water filled valley, seeing a girl with dark skin walking down a road further ahead. “Um, hey, you guys…”

Edward and Winry snarled at Alphonse. “WHAT, AL?!”

Alphonse pointed at the woman. “Could that be her?”

Everyone looked to see a female figure running across a long wooden bridge. She soon came to a stop and looked back with dark blue eyes, seeing the group.

She wore a black sleeveless shirt and woodland camouflage pants with military style boots. Her short black hair was pulled back into a short pony tail. This was Paninya.

The group saw that in her hand was the silver pocket watch, thanks to the light of the sun bouncing off of it.

(Y/n) transmuted his arm into a shield while Edward broke out into demonic laughter. “HA! HA! I’VE GOT YOU NOWWWWW!”

Paninya gasped, seeing that even with the great distance, Edward and (Y/n) came at her with transmuted platforms from the stone of the mountain.

(Y/n) saw that she was starting to run. He split off from Edward, going up to the left to get ahead of Paninya. He got to the exit of the bridge, seeing the women enter a fairly flat area with Edward chasing after. He clapped his hands and touched the ground, raising a stone wall with him on it in front of Paninya, cutting off her escape. “Stop running! Just give the watch back.”

The woman looked back at him and smirked. “That was awesome! How’d you do that, mister soldier?”

Edward started to transmute the ground, the crackle of blue sparks catching Paninya’s attention. “We’re alchemists! Want more?!” The ground around him shifted into hands.

As they shot out, Paninya leaped to the side, avoiding the strikes as they hit the wall and sent debris flying. Even in mid air she was able to avoid Edwards attacks by jumping off one of the other hands. “WOW! SO COOL!” The woman cheered.

“QUIT MOVIN’ AROUND!” Edward yelled as he and (Y/n) chased after her.

“What’s the matter? Can’t catch a little girl?!” She teased before leaping down, ending up near a lone homestead with Alphonse blocking her way.

Alphonse raised his hands, resting the palm of one on top of the other. “I’ve been waiting for you.” The ground around Paninya glowed blue. She looked down, seeing she was standing in the middle of a transmutation circle.

“Huh?!” The sparks of alchemy cackled as stone was lifted from the ground, soon taking the shape of a bird cage, even having the loop for hanging it.

Winry, (Y/n), and Edward approached Paninya as she looked at the cage in awe.

“Nicely done, Al.” Winry praised.

“Now…” Edward smirked. “Why don't you hand it over? My watch-” (Y/n) grabbed Edward by the back of his belt and pulled him out of the way as a large blade emerged from Paninya’s leg before she swiped her leg to cut away at the cage.

“She’s got an automail leg!” (Y/n) warned as he, Edward, and Alphonse grouped up while Winry got back.

Paninya tsked as she raised her leg and smirked. “Come on, you can’t be too surprised… You’ve seen the town, haven’t you?” Oh, and.” She raised her other leg, pointing her knee at (Y/n) before an orange glow came from it and a projectile shot out.

(Y/n)’s eyes widened. He shifted himself to the left and lifted his shield as he bladed his body, making the projectile bound off the automail with the odd angle and explode once it impacted the ground.

“My other leg’s got a 1.5 inch cannon. What do you think of that?” She asked before running off, the knee cap of her automail leg covering the barrel and blade receding into the other.

“COME BACK!” Edward yelled as he, Alphonse and (Y/n) chased after her.

“No way!” She looked back with a smirk and wink. “Why don’t we see if you can catch me?”

Winry was able to grab a hold of her, seemingly coming out of nowhere. She gave Paninya’s arm a tug, almost making her trip as her fingers dug into her wrist. The hands of a female Automail should never be underestimated with how much strength they hold.

A nervous look came to Paninya’s face as Winry smirked. “Well now, how do ya like that? That wasn’t so hard.”

“Nice work, Winry!” Edward praised. “And now don’t let her get away!”

Winry squeezed Paninya’s hand with both of hers. “No way I’m letting her go!” Her blue eyes filled with stars and a warm smile came to her lips. She looked like she'd fallen in love. “Not quite yet, anyway… Not until I’ve had a closer look at that automail~!”

“GAHHHHHH!!!” Edward and Alphonse fell, sliding on their sides past the two while (Y/n) shook his head. “Winry, please don’t gush over the thief’s automail.”

The door to a nearby home opened, revealing a blue eyed, brown haired pregnant woman and a tall man with a blue jacket, teal blue head scarf on top of his black hair and a pair of glasses. 

“Oh, hello there, Paninya.” The woman greeted as she stepped aside, letting the male see the scene before them, leaving them confused as Winry hopped with excitement. “Friends of yours?”

“Not really…” Paninya answered, making the two in the home look at each other in confusion.

========================================================================

“WAHHHHHH~!!!” Winry squealed with excitement with a blush coating her cheeks as she looked over Paninya’s automail legs. “I’ve never seen craftsmanship like this before! It has an advanced suspension, and would you look at this balance~! The design of this piece is truly a work of art~! It’s incredible~!” She praised as her body wiggled with joy.

The group sat around in what looked to be a workshop. Shelves filled with spare parts, chemicals, and oils sat along a wall off to the left of the main entrance. A standard work bench on the other side with pin ups of instructions schematics covered the wall below a row of cables and wires.

The family that owned the home was the LeCoutles. The man in blue was Ridel, the son of Dominic and husband to Satella.

Edward reached out awkwardly. “Um… Do you think we could have a talk about my watch?” He was ignored as Winry literally rubbed her face against Paninya’s cannon automail leg, making the woman blush with embarrassment.

“It’s no use Brother.” Alphonse said.

Winry got up and spun around to the male in a blue jacket with a blush on her cheeks and hands clamped together like speaking to a sweetheart. “The work you’ve done is simply fantastic. You’re a wonderful engineer!”

He held up his hands, a nervous chuckle coming out. “Oh, no, don’t look at me miss. I wasn’t the one who made them.” Winry’s expression dropped.

“I am.” A deep voice said. They all looked to see a tall man they would soon learn was Dominic.

His skin was tanned, most likely due to the heat of the area, and a lone scar lightened his skin on the left side of his jaw.. His brows were angled and jagged, with his sharp eyes he looked like he was upset all the time. His facial features made his cheek bones and square chin very pronounced. With his arms crossed his muscles bulged. He looked exactly what one would think of an experienced automail engineer who was able to make a functioning leg that also could be used as a cannon.

His small black eyes darted to Edward, making the blonde nervous.

========================================================================

In just his white boxers, Edward sat on a crate while Dominic held his automail arm, giving it a few taps with a small hammer. “This arm seems a bit heavy.”

Winry shrunk. “Yes, I guess it is.”

Dominic let go of Edward’s arm. “You want to be more careful not to strain your outfit-ee. That could be the reason why his growth is stunted.”

Edward’s hair shot up like a cat’s. “HEY, SHUT UP!” His eyes widened with realization and gasped. He leaned in with interest. “Wait, are you telling me that if my automail was lighter, I’d grow taller than this?”

Dominic held his own chin. “It is a possibility.”

Edward imagined himself being freakishly tall, even towering over the nearly 7 foot tall Alphonse as he had to lean down to place a hand on his shoulder and Winry’s head. (Y/n) had to practically break his neck looking up at him with an impressed look.

“Wow, Brother, you’re so big!” Alphonse exclaimed.

“You’ve grown so tall!” Winry added.

“You’re taller than Alex now!” (Y/n) pointed out.

A smirk came to Edward’s face. “Next to me, you guys sure look small!”

A big smile came to Edward’s face as tears of joy ran down his cheeks while Dominic and Alphonse awkwardly stared at him, seeing Edward was in his own world at the moment.

Ridel was at his workbench, watching Edward with confusion before looking at (Y/n). “He’s very self conscious about his height.” (Y/n) quietly said, careful not to pull Edward out of his daydream.

“Right! That settles it.” Winry stated. “Mister Dominic!” She bowed her head to him. “I beg you. Make me your apprentice!”

Dominic picked his ear with a pinky. “Not a chance, girl.” He immediately shut her down, making her go white as a ghost.

“M-Maybe you’d like more time to consider the idea?”

Dominic crossed his arms and turned up his nose. “No need. I don’t take on apprentices.”

Edward places his hands together, slowly rubbing them simulating rubbing rosaries in the palm of his hands. “I understand but maybe you could take time out of your busy schedule to teach her how to make automail to make me taller?” He softly begged.

Dominic swung his head away. “Can it, ya little flea.”

To the atomic particle, Edward was shook, making him collapse onto the floor while Dominic exited the room.

The rejection hit Winry hard, getting a look of pity from Ridel. “Sorry about that. My old man can be pretty stubborn.”

Outside the clouds started to grey, bringing the whole area into darkness and soon rain poured down. The droplets crashed against the roof of the building, letting out light taps at a constant rate.

========================================================================

Alphonse dragged Edward down the hallway, dragging Edward by the back of his jacket. The older brother sadly muttered to himself. “Little flea… a little flea. He called me a flea!”

Entering a different room, Alphonse saw Satella sitting on a chair, her hands slowly caressing her pregnant belly. “Excuse me, but are you having a baby?” He softly asked as not to startle her.

“Why, yes I am.” She answered as Alhponse walked over, still with Edward in tow who was still thinking about Dominic’s words to him.

“Do you think…” Alphonse hesitated. “Would it be alright if I touched your tummy?”

Satella hummed with a smile. “Go right ahead.”

Edward broke out of his trance just in time to see Alphonse’s hand gently rest on the woman’s stomach. Edward took the spot next to him. Satella reached out to Edward, grabbing a hold of his hand and placing it on the free spot next to Alphonse, letting him feel her stomach as well.

Heart beats. The steady tune of life. Small as it is but still able to be felt.

Edward and Alphonse pulled away. “It’s like there’s a miracle in your stomach.” Edward whispered.

“Yeah… we were inside Mom’s tummy like this once upon a time too.” Alphonse added.

Satella hummed before she winced in pain, gritting her teeth to bear the pain. “Are you okay?” Edward asked with worry.

“Y-Yes.” Satella stammered.

========================================================================

Dominic took the time to inspect (Y/n) automail as well since there wasn’t anything for him to do at the moment. Not that he really gave (Y/n) a choice in the matter.

“Yours is heavier than the flea’s.” Dominic said, unimpressed.

“I need it to be for my job.” (Y/n) replied, also to defend Winry’s craftsmanship.

“If you need it for fights, it doesn’t need to be that heavy.” Dominic looked to the open window, seeing the water pouring down from the lift up shudder while the sound of water splashing against the ground could be heard. “It’s bad for your back. That’s on top of whatever you’re keeping bottle up inside.”

(Y/n) furrowed his brows at the man. “What are you talking about?” he asked defensively.

Dominic pointed at (Y/n)’s eyes. “I can tell you’re hiding something behind those red eyes. It’s weighing you down as much as that arm.” (Y/n) ignored him, proceeding to roll down the sleeve of his white shirt. “You ignoring it doesn’t help. In fact it makes it worse.” Dominic stated. “If you don’t acknowledge it, it’ll blow up in your face and be a whole hell of a lot worse than if you did.”

“I don’t mean to be rude since your family is giving us shelter for the time being…” (Y/n) did up the button on the sleeve. “But kindly refrain from telling me how I should deal with my problems.” He said calmly, repressing his annoyance.

“Do you think just because you're Ishvalan that you know how to deal with everything? Or are you just naturally so full of yourself?”

A frustrated sigh came from (Y/n). “What does being Ishvalan have to do with that?”

“To anyone those eyes show you’ve had a hard upbringing. Most Ishvalans I’ve met get kicked down and accept it, never complain about it because they know if they did, something worse could happen. So they keep everything to themselves and think they can solve any problem by themselves since that’s what they're used to. It’s made you people too headstrong to admit you need help. But I can tell you for a fact that you’ve had help to get where you are today as did any other Ishvalan.” He stood up and walked over to (Y/n) before tapping his forehead. “You need to get it through your thick skull. That way of thinking is stupid and selfish.”

(Y/n) swiped the man’s arm away before storming out of the room. “You know nothing about me…” He uttered under his breath.

========================================================================

Paninya grunted, gripping onto and rubbing the area before her automail, above the knee. Winry watched with a raised brow with a cup of hot chocolate in hand, steam still coming from it.

“Whenever it pours down like this, my stumps get achy.” Paninya explained.

This was due to atmospheric pressure change that comes during or after a rain storm. It is similar to those who have arthritis.

“If you don’t mind me asking, what happened?” Winry suddenly asked.

Paninya crossed her arms, pouting for a moment before she started to slowly rocker herself back and forth on the crate she was sitting on. “I was in a train accident when I was a kid. I killed my parents. I wound up losing both my legs in the wreck.” She let out a bittersweet chuckle. “I couldn’t even walk anymore… and I had nowhere to go. It felt like my entire world had come crashing down. That’s when I met Mister Dominic, and everything changed completely.”

========================================================================

The memory of their encounter replayed in her mind. She was lying on the dirt ground of an alleyway. The wheelchair she used was turned over, showing it had fallen over, leading her to fall as well. She had a dead stare on her face. She watched as people passed by but ignored her, a legless, dirty, child in rags. All she was doing was waiting to die at this point.

Soon Dominic, carrying a bag over his shoulder, passed by the alleyway and saw the girl. He came to a stop and looked down at her. “You look like the most miserable, pathetic girl in the entire world.” He approached her. “Nothing annoys me more than mopers like you.” He reached down, wrapping an arm around her small torso and picked her up.

She tried to pull herself away from him. “LET ME GO, YOU MEAN OLD MAN! PUT ME DOWN!” She cried but Dominc continued to carry her with him as he walked out of the alleyway.

========================================================================

“He said I had the eyes like a dead person. Probably not far off. I’m sure I really did look miserable.” Paninya admitted before slapping her knee. “So, without anyone ever asking my opinion. I was outfitted with automail legs. The surgery and rehabilitation were painful - by far the hardest thing I’ve ever done. But then… soon enough I was back up on two legs, and I was so happy! All thanks to him.” She smiled softly, still remembering how the sun felt on her skin the day she stood. “Mister Dominic… I owe him everything.” She placed a hand on her thigh and leaned towards Winry. “I’m gonna pay him back somehow, even if it takes me my whole life! Of course, he’s never willing to take any money from me, so that makes it a bit more difficult.”

Winry placed her cup down. “That’s why you’re a thief?” She got face to face with Paninya, forcing the other girl back. “If you’re so grateful to him, you should clean up your act and stop picking pockets!” She grabbed a hold of Paninya’s kneecap of her automail and her hand gripped onto her ripped pants for her other leg. “Mr. Domini gave you these legs out of a selfless act of good will. So if you really wanna pay him back, use that act as an example!” She stood, staring down at Paninya. “Instead of stealing trinkets from hapless tourists, stand on those two legs that he made for you. STAND UP and get to work!”

Paninya stared, not knowing what to say.

Winry offered a reassuring smile. “Mr. Dominic would respect you more for doing that than for stealing.”

Paninya lifted her leg, looking at it. “Probably…” She smiled. “You know what, you’re right!” She stood with excitement. “From now on, I’ll work honestly to pay him back myself! So…” She dug into her pocket and pulled out Edward’s watch. “I should probably give this thing back.” Winry hummed in agreement before Paninya started to try and open the watch but couldn’t. “Hey… What.. Uh-oh. I think I may have broken it or something. Can’t get it to open.”

“Let me see.” Winry went over to take a look. She took a finger and dragged across the surface, feeling micro-jagged edges aftermarks of transmutation. “No, don’t worry, it wasn’t you. It’s been sealed up using alchemy.”

“Why would he do that?” Paninya asked.

“I think I have a pretty good idea why.” Winry took the watch, brought it over and placed it onto a workbench before finding some flat edged screw drivers and filers. “Something’s in here he’s too embarrassed to let anyone see!”

The task of getting it open even with something as advanced as alchemy was easy for her, with her getting it open in under a minute. “Open! Now… let’s have a little look at what Ed was hiding.” Paninya peeked to watch as Winry opened it.

As soon as it was open, Winry’s expression fell. Paninya read out what was etched into the metal that covered the watch. “Don’t forget. October 3rd, year 11.” A date?”

Winry stayed silent as she closed the pocket watch and handed it to Paninya , getting an odd look from her. “Here… You should give this back to Ed.” She spoke softly, her tone filled with guilt.

“What is it, Winry?” Paninya asked, watching as Winry raised a hand to cover her eyes and turned.

“Nothing…” She removed her hand, showing a look of determination. “I’m going to ask Mr. Dominic to apprentice me again.

========================================================================

Winry approached a door within the home and gave it two soft knocks. The sound of footsteps rapidly approaching from behind pulled her attention, looking back to see Edward out of breath. “What’s wrong?”

“The- ba… The-bay.”

Winry stared at him with dotted eyes. “The bay?”

Edward just kept mumbling as he shook his head. “The bay! The bay! The bay!

“A bay is a type of horse. What about it?”

“The… the… THE BABY’S COMING! THE BABY’S COMING!” Edward screamed out.

The two stared white eyes at each other, still as a statue. “AHHHHHH!!!”

========================================================================

With the front door open, letting everyone hear the heavy downfall of rain and crashing of thunder, Dominic started to do up his raid coat. “In a storm like this, we can’t get her to the hospital in town. I’ll fetch the doctor myself.” He pulled up his hood before turning to exit.

He mounted up on a horse that was in a nearby shed before dashing off down the flooded road.

In the bedroom, Satella laid in bed. She was set up with the help of a pile of pillows. Her face contorted with pain as sweat poured down her face. Ridel was at her bed side. “Pop will be right back with a doctor. Just hang on a little longer for me, okay?”

“There’s no hanging on here. It’ll come whenever it’s ready to.” A sharp pain made her tense up just as everyone entered the room.

“What’s the matter, hon?” Ridel asked.

Satella started to mumble, slowly moving herself to get closer to her husband. He leaned in but it was still nothing but mumbles. Everyone raised a hand to their ear and leaned in. “Uh, sorry, one more time? I couldn’t hear that.”

Satella gritted her teeth. “I SAID IT’S COMING!”

Everyone started to yell and freak out, aside from (Y/n). “Yelling is just going to stress her out more!” his warning was ignored.

“WHAT DO WE DO? THE DOCTOR’S NOT HERE!” Edward panicked. And then everyone started to yell over each other. “(Y/N), USE YOUR ALKEHESTRY ON HER!”

“I can’t! I’ve never done it on a pregnant person. There’s a chance I could accidentally kill the baby or both of them.”

Winry was silent, watching the chaos before her before speaking. “We’re just going to have to do it!”

Everyone stopped. “Have to do what?” Edward asked.

“Deliver it.”

“AHHHHHHH!!!” Everyone screamed again.

“S-So you’ve seen a baby being delivered before?” Ridel asked.

“No, I… I haven’t. But we don’t have any other options here. I need everyone’s help.” Winry saw the nervous expression on everyone’s faces. “WE ARE GOING TO DO THIS!” She grabbed an apron and put it on. “Ed and Al, go get me some boiling water!”

“Right!”

“Sure, Winry!”

“Paninya, go find some towels. And hurry!”

Paninya raised a hand. “Roger!”

Winry looked to Ridel, seeing that he was comforting his wife. “Mr. Ridel, do you have any rubbing alcohol we can use for disinfectant?”

“I think we have some in the store room.”

“(Y/n), go get some.”

(Y/n) nodded. “You got it!” He went to exit the room.

“Oh, and some ice chips!”

“Gotcha!”

========================================================================

After retrieving the rubbing alcohol, (Y/n) ran to the kitchen. He grabbed a big bowl and started to fill it with water before clapping his hands and touching the water, turning it to ice. He used his automail and smashed it to bits.

He ran to the door, seeing Ridel, Edward and Alphonse there holding buckets and towels. “Uh… are we sure your friend can handle this?” Ridel nervously asked.

“Winry comes from a family of doctors. She grew up reading medical textbooks instead of picture books like most kids her age.” Edward said, getting a nod from (Y/n) and Alphonse.

This answer didn’t satisfy Ridel. “That’s all well and good, but it isn’t exactly the same as a medical degree!”

“Well it’s clear that she at least vaguely remembers some of it.”

“Some of it?!”

Edward looked back at him. “Right now the only choice we have is to defer to her knowledge and the sheer force of her nerve.”

========================================================================

Winry stood at the door to the bedroom, speaking to herself. “Boiling water, disinfectant, towels… And what else was there? Remember it now…”

“Winry!” She turned, seeing Edward, Alphonse, Paninya, and (Y/n). “You can do this!” They cheered her on in unison.

Her expression hardened with determination before nodding. “(Y/n), since you have some medical experience, come help me.”

(Y/n) nodded as he followed her inside the room and closed the door behind.

Edward made a fist with his automail. Alphonse noticed this, also seeing the worried expression on his face. “Brother.”

“Now, when it really counts, I can’t do anything,”

“OWWWW!!!!” Satella screamed from inside, making the door bulge and startle the three. “AGH! I’M GONNA DIE IN HEREEEEE!”

Alphonse held Edward close as the two hid in a corner, shaking with fear. “IT HURTS! I CAN’T TAKE ANYMOREEEE!”

========================================================================

Little over an hour has passed. The Elrics could still hear the pained screams from Satella as they sat on the floor against the wall near the door to the bedroom.

“I know we’re not big believers in God. But maybe he could help us… this once.” Edward lowered his head, worry racking his tired body.

Satella screamed in pain, her grip on Ridel’s hand tightened like a vice. Winry leaned in between her parted legs while (Y/n) stood by with a towel.

========================================================================

The door burst open. The three looked to be (Y/n) dead eyed, his white shirt covered in blood. Everyone shot up, alarmed by his expression. “Wha.. what?”

(Y/n) stayed quiet. He marched out of the room and walked outside. The water pelted him, helping wash away the blood.

The three looked inside the bedroom, seeing Winry on her hands and knees on the floor, her apron covered in blood. She was breathing heavily. Edward went over and crouched down. “What’s going on? Hey!” She weakly lifted a hand and pointed towards the bed.

Edward looked over and his eyes widened. In the hands of both Ridel and Satella was a new born baby. It cried out, bringing a smile to the two new parents. They saw Edward, Alphonse, and Paninya standing there. They raised the child up slightly and laughed.

A large smile broke out of Edward. “It… It’s a baby!” Both him and Alphosne threw their hands up in the air. “HOORAYYYY!”

Winry looked up, seeing Ridel gently washing off the blood that covered the baby.

“Awesome! It’s a real, live baby! Awesome! Awesome, awesome, awesome!” Edward rapidly chanted with joy, getting a smile from Winry.

“Really? Awesome? That’s all you can think of to describe this?” Winry asked.

Edward shot her a confused look. “How else should I describe it? This is the birth of a new life!”

Paninya brought a towel over, letting Ridel rest his child in it to dry them off. Alphonse watched on eagerly.

“Alchemists have worked for centuries, and we’re still not able to do that! A person creating another person.”

Winry took off her apron, glaring up at Edward. “You gotta be kidding me! Now you’re lumping in alchemy with the miracle of birth?!”

“An occupational hazard. It’s just the way I think.” Edward defended himself. He watched as the now wrapped up baby was given to Satella. She held the child close to her chest as they continued to cry. “Besides, whatever you say it really is awesome. People are awesome.” He brought up his hands to rest them behind his head, humming to himself as Alphonse, Paninya, and Ridel gushed over the child. “All right. The baby’s born, and everything’s good. So do you think there’s anything else you’re gonna need me for now?”

Winry nodded. “Yeah, there is.” She reached out and tugged on the bottom of his jacket. “Do you think you could… pick me up please?” The strength in her legs were barely there after hours of standing and attending to Satella.

Edward crouched down, letting her cling onto her back, before standing up and walking out of the room. He went to the chair next to the door.. “It’s humiliating to be carried by a man who’s smaller than I am.”

“I could easily drop you, you know?” Edward glazed back at her as he turned around to set her down on the chair.

Ed.” Winry whispered before he set her down.

Edward paused. “Huh, what is it?”

“I saw it… The engraving that’s inside your watch…. AH!” Edward immediately dropped her, letting her crash onto her bottom. “OW, OW, OW! That really hurt!”

Edward kept his back to Winry. “You forced it open?”

Winry paused. She looked at him before hanging her head. “Yeah… I’m so sorry.”

Edward let out a sight before looking back at Winry. He offered her his hand. “You idiot.” She grabbed in, helping her to stand up before guiding her to the chair which sat to another one.

The two sat down and a silence enveloped. An awkward one filled with tension. “I haven’t shown that to anybody. Not even Al and (Y/n).”

“But why not, Ed?”

Edward rested his automail hand between his legs on the seat, making a fist. “It’s private. An admonition to myself. I hate to admit how weak I am. That I had to give what happened that day substance, and then carry it around with me as a reminder.”

Like the rain outside, water fell from Winry’s eyes. Edward glanced over to her. “Winry, why are you doing that?” He looked away. “What are you crying for?”

========================================================================

1911.

She remembered the night. The night Edward and Alphonse burned down their own home. Herself, Pinako, (Y/n), and Den witnessed as the place filled with memories was reduced to ash. She also remembered how rightly Edward held onto his pocket watch and said “Well… there’s no turning back for us now, brother.”

The fire spread to a large nearby tree from which a swing was attached. Thread by threat burned away before the simple wooden plank of a seat fell to the ground, left to rot away. The cracking of wood and glass from beakers inside was heard clear as day.

Winry looked to (Y/n). The Ishvalan was used to this and showed no emotion as the fires danced, like it was mocking him that no matter where he goes the same destruction that took away parts of his old life will show up elsewhere in his life.

Winry started to cry. Edwad looked over at her, a frown came to his lips. “What are you crying for, Winry?”

========================================================================

Winry wiped away the tears. “You guys won’t cry… Someone else should do it for you, don’t you think?” She stammered out between sniffles.

“Don’t be an idiot." Edward stood, stuffing his hands into his pockets. “You should get back to Resembool. You’ve been gone a long time. Granny must be lonesome without you.”

Winry shook her head no. “No… I’m not leaving.”

Edward turned to face her. “Why?”

“Seeing your and (Y/n)’s resolve inspired me. I wanna do more, Ed. I can’t just commit halfway.”

“Don’t do anything. There’s no need to get more involved.” Edward urged.

“Yes there is. I want to hone my skills so I’ll be able to make and (Y/n) the finest quality automail prosthetics. That way you can continue your journey knowing you guys are as strong as you can be.” Winry raised her head and smiled. “I’m going to try again. I’ll ask Mr. Dominic to make me his apprentice.”

Edward smiled. “Okay. Well then, good luck.”

The door to the bedroom opened and Paninya exited. “Winry! Mr. Ridel said he wanted to talk to you for a-” She noticed the two looked to be in a serious conversation. “What’s up? Is there something wrong?”

Winry stood up. “Oh no, don’t worry. It’s nothing. I’ll be right there, okay.”

“Paninya…” Edward called out with annoyance, getting her attention.

A loud metallic thud rang out as Edward smacked her upside the head with his automail, making her hold on her head in pain. “HEY! OW! WHY’D YOU GO AND DO THAT?!”

“QUIT WHINNING, YOU DIRTY PICKPOCKET, AND GIVE ME MY WATCH BACK RIGHT NOW!” Edward yelled with anger.

“DIDJA HAVE TO HIT ME WITH YOUR RIGHT ARM?!”

“I CAN HIT YOU AGAIN WITH MY LEFT IF YOU PREFER!”

========================================================================

Minutes ago.

(Y/n) marched his way to the horse stall, feeling the cold rain soak his clothing. He found an empty bucket and turned it over before taking a seat on it, making sure he wasn’t in sight of the door or windows of the home.

His heart racked in his chest, his breath becoming heavy as the faint cries of the newborn baby were able to peirce through the rainstorm. “Stop it…” He closed his eyes and covered his ears but still heard the crying. “Stop it… stop it. Stop it! STOP IT! STOP IT!” His yells quieted as thunder roared.

Mentally (Y/n) was back in Ishval. Forced to relive the moment that’s haunted most of his life. The cries of the baby that lay in the arms of their dead mother. The smell, the stench, filled the air of the rotting corpses and destruction before it was blown away by an artillery shell. Every time he thinks of it, he’s forced to think of how, even for a split second, the immeasurable pain that child went through as their body was reduced to almost nothing in the explosion. How the child’s only time on their earth was filled with suffering.

The guilt of not getting to them earlier, not being able to bring them along and maybe find help, was like a cancer on (Y/n). It ate away at him everyday. Often he questions why he gets to live while others die but is reminded of some of his father’s last words.

“You need to survive… the world still has plans for you.”

Tears tolled down (Y/n)’s cheeks, mixing with the rain that was still dripping from his hair. The rain clouds started to clear, letting the sun seep through. “Then the world better hurry up… I’m tired of this.”

========================================================================

“Hello, there - I’m your granddad!” Dominic said in a light tone with a smile across his face and light blush on his cheeks as he spoke to his child that was being held by Satella. “What a cutie!” He chuckled.

A doctor from town was there as well, making sure the baby and Satella were healthy.

(Y/n) stood near the doorway, drying himself as best as he could with a towel. Thankfully in Edward’s lugged there was another uniform for him to change into.

Edward and Alphonse watched on with a deadpan look. “That’s sure out of character…” His comment got a glare from Dominic.

“Mother and baby both look perfectly healthy.” The doctor announced with a smile. “It seems like the delivery was handled expertly.” He looked back at Winry. “Well done. For someone so young, you’re quite talented, especially for childbirth.”

Winry lightly blushed, waving her hands. The compliment embarrassed her. “Oh, no! I just read some books. Nothing to praise really.”

“We are truly in your debt. What you did was amazing. Especially you, young lady.” Dominic praised before bowing his head to Winry. “Thank you.”

Winry held up her hands. “Please, sir, there’s really no need to thank me!” She chuckled, feeling that all eyes were now on her. “Oh my goodness, now you’re going to make me blush!”

Edward went dotted eye for a moment before an idea came to his head. He made his way over to Dominic. “Maybe you could make an exception and take on an apprentice?” He asked with a soft tone and face.

Dominic turned his head up and away from Edward. “One had nothing to do with the other. I don’t take on apprentices, and that’s that.” He stood up and looked at Winry, seeing how disappointed she looked. “But… if that’s what your heart’s set on I can recommend you to an accomplished engineer at the base of the mountain.” He averted his gaze as a very light blush coated his dark cheeks.

Ridel and Satella looked at each other and smiled.

“Pardon me…” Winry said as Dominic started to walk past her. “Would it be okay if I came by and watched you work sometimes?” She nervously asked.

“I won’t stop you from coming once in a while.” He scratched the back of his head. “To see my grandchild. Same goes for the tomboy.” He referred to Paninya, who started to smile at his words.

========================================================================

“Move it! We’ve gotta hurry!” Edward warned as he, Alphonse, and (Y/n) ran to the train station, having heard the warning for departure whistle go off a few minutes ago. Winry and Paninya followed them as well.

(Y/n) saw an information board as they ran, seeing there were wanted posters posted for Scar, former Lieutenant Yoki – which angered him off since he was the one who arrested him only for him to somehow escape - and another unnamed man with spikey hair, sharp teeth, and a fur collared coat.

They turned the corner, seeing the train was already departing. “If we miss this train, there’s not another one for three days!” Edward reminded.

Winry smiled. “Now you guys be careful!”

Alphonse reached the train first, getting on the back. Edward threw his luggage case to him before looking back at Winry. “You too, Winry!” (Y/n) grabbed Edward by his leg and arm before throwing him forward, ending up in Alphonse’s arms. “Thanks, guy!”

“Make sure to show Rush Valley the skills of the Rockbells, Winry!” (Y/n) said before transmuting a small pillar from the ground to launch him forward and land on the back. After a second the pillar retreated back into the ground, leaving the path unobstructed.

“And don't forget to call Granny and keep her posted!” Edward reminded.

Winry rolled her eyes. “Oh please, like you’re really the one to talk, Ed!”

Edward pointed at his automail. “And make sure to steal that old man’s techniques so you’ll have something even better for me and (Y/n) the next time we see you, okay?!” He, Alphonse, and (Y/n) waved goodbye.

Winry and Paninya reached the edge of the platform, watching as the train sped away. “We’ll, that’s it. They’re gone.”

“They’ll be back.” Winry said with certainty and a smile.

========================================================================

Dabble - Nothing in the World Can Bother You as Much as Your Own Mind.

One they made it to an open booth, (Y/n) and Edward sat in the booth while Alphonse put Edward’s luggage overhead. “Thanks for letting me keep a spare uniform in your bag.”

“No problem.” Edward said as Alphonse sat on the bench opposite to them. “About your uniform… why did you storm out after the baby was born?”

“Yeah, I was wondering that too. You looked really shaken up.” Alphonse pointed out.

“Oh, that…” (Y/n) hummed. “I… I just needed a breather I guess.”

“A breather?” Alphonse repeated.

“Well, yeah. It was stressful. I was worried that the child wouldn't-" A sick feeling filled (Y/n)’s gut, remembering the crying, remembering the past again.

Seeing how just talking about it stressed (Y/n), Edward patted him on the thigh to get his attention. (Y/n) turned his head to see Edward smiling softly. “You don’t need to say anything else.”

(Y/n) hummed, his eyes went to the window. “Thanks…”

The two brothers knew something was wrong. Even with the worst of things a human could witness (Y/n) could keep himself composed. But now after what they believed was the most beautiful thing in life, the creation of another life, (Y/n) looked upset.

‘Maybe it’s best to get his mind off of it.’ Alphonse thought before speaking. “Even with how hectic things got, I’m glad you brought Winry along, (Y/n). And I know she does too.”

Seeing what his brother was doing, Edward joined. “Yeah.” He said with faked sarcasm as he crossed his arms. “Even with her being a pain in the butt, I think this was great for her as an automail engineer. Now we can get some crazy automail like Paninya! Like a flame thrower or-or something that shoots out blades! Wouldn’t that be awesome?” He playfully nudged (Y/n), getting a smile out of him.

“I think something like a flamethrower would be a little too far… but something to light a small fire at least would be nice.”

“Like a lighter you don’t have to worry about losing.” Alphonse said, getting a nod from the other two.

And with that, the three talked on and on. The clouds that clouded (Y/n)’s mind, leaving him in cold darkness, was cast away by the light brought to him by the Elrics.

========================================================================

Central Command.

Roy looked over the office (Y/n) organized for him and the rest of the squad. Hawkeye was there as well, watching her superior glide a finger across the desk before ending up behind it.

“Let’s see if (Y/n) remembered.” He sat down and opened the top drawer on the left hand side. He smirked. “Of course he did.”

“What is it, sir?” Hawkeye asked. She watched as Roy reached in and pulled out two chocolate bars. “You have your Major stashing snacks for you now, sir?” Roy tossed her a bar, which she snatched out of the air with ease.

“One of the many benefits of being a Lieutenant Colonel.” He ripped off the wrapping and bit down, letting out a hum of satisfaction.

Hawkeye smiled, finding it cute, before pocketing the candy bar. “Speaking of (Y/n)... should we contact him about Hughes?”

Roy stopped eating. A pull on his lips making him frown. “No… I need to tell him face to face. I know he’ll need someone there for him. And I don’t want him telling the Elrics either.”

Hawkeye hummed and nodded in agreement. “I understand sir. I’ll be sure to inform the squad, Major Armstrong, and 2nd Lieutenant Ross to leave the matter to you. Let’s hope no one else outside our group tells him before you.”

“Me as well…” Roy hummed. 

Chapter Text

Before Edward stood a man that towered him. Golden eyes and hair styled into a pony tail and a full beard. He stood at the doorway to their home, hand holding onto the handle. His sharp eyes stared down at Edward. His expression wasn’t a welcoming one, holding some sort of disdain.

Through the window above the door a light shined, blinding Edward, forcing him to close his eyes.

========================================================================

Edward’s eyes shot open as sweat rolled down his face, a short gasp slipped between his lips. He relaxed as he realized he was on the train.

“Brother. We’ve almost reached the Dublith station.” Alphonse informed before Edward slouched in his seat and crossed his arms.

“Were you having a dream?” (Y/n) asked.

Edward’s eyes went off to the side. “Yeah… I was dreaming about him.” He uttered with contempt.

========================================================================

“Well… we’re finally here.” Edward said with very little enthusiasm and he, Alphonse, and (Y/n) came to a stop before a local butcher shop.

“Yeah…” Alphonse said with just as much enthusiasm, dreading the reunion as much as his brother.

The town was simple - average even. A lot of fairly dull colored homes made up the urban center with plenty of trees every few feet and a lush green forest surrounding the whole town.

Edward let out a sigh, hanging his head low. “It’d be nice if Teacher wasn’t home.”

“Uh-huh.” Alphonse quickly agreed.

“It’s either this or we end up 6 feet under next fight we get into.” (Y/n) reminded.

Loud thuds came from inside the butcher store. The ground quakes by the sheer mass of whatever was approaching. The door creaked open and a large man the width of a wall and taller than Alphonse exited - having to lean down to get his head under the door frame - and brandished a bloodied knife which startled Edward and Alphonse.

“Hmmm?!” His hum sounded like an annoyed bear.

Edward and Alphonse recoiled back, hiding behind (Y/n). “You talk to him, this was your idea!”

(Y/n) rolled his eyes at the childish behavior before looking up at the man. “Mr. Curtis… been a while sir.”

“You made a hell of a career choice, didn’t you?” Sig greeted with a light joke before he looked at Edward, resting his large hand on his head, scuffing it up a bit. Edward refused to complain as he shook in his boots. “Good to see you. You’ve grown up a little huh?”

‘He’s squishing my head!’ Edward mentally screamed.

“You probably don’t recognize me, but it’s Alphonse.” He greeted himself nervously before bowing. “Sorry we’ve been away so long.”

Edward and (Y/n) watched on, waiting to see Sig’s response. They were surprised when the giant started to pat Alphonse on the head, making Edward let out a sigh of relief.

“Looks like you’ve grown up more than a little!” Sig joked with a deadpan voice.

Alphonse hummed, enjoying the feeling. ‘Only (Y/n) pats my head like this… I wish I could get pats more often.’

========================================================================

Sig led the three around the corner, the back of the butcher where a small home was. It was painted white but it was fading away on some sections of the wall, revealing red bricks that made up the walls of the home. A short white picket fence stood in front of a green grass yard. Sig went up to the open window and leaned in. “Izumi. The Eric shrimps and soldier boy (Y/n) have come for a visit. Do you think you can see them?”

“I’ll be right there… I’m feeling a little better today.” A fairly young woman said with a weak voice.

“Lying down?” Alphonse asked with worry. “That’s not a good sign.”

“I guess she hasn’t gotten any better since last time.” Edward said.

“GAHHHHH!!!” The door slammed open, startling the three. Edward was met with a solid kick to the face by a sandal covered foot reading “W.C”, sending him flying past the fence and colliding against the wall of the opposing building.

Alphonse and (Y/n) watched as a female exited the home, seeing the snarl on her shadow covered face and eyes that glowed red with rage. “Hello, my stupid pupil… I hear you’ve become one of the military’s dogs!”

The door creaking caught her attention. Poor Alphonse was closest to it, meaning Izumi’s sights set on him. “GAH! UH, T-Teacher… you see it’s because- umm-” He nervously stammered, unable to find his words.

Izumi’s face dropped with shock, the shadow that covered it left letting everyone see her properly. “Al?!” She smiled. “Look at you! You’ve gotten so big!”

Izumi was a woman in her mid 30’s, fit as anyone her age could be. She wore a unique white sleeveless button up coat with a duster. Her black hair in dreads with a ponytail matched her just as dark eyes. Peeking out from behind the collar of her jacket, on her chest, was a blue tattoo of a Flamel icon that was similar to the one on Edward’s red jacket.

Alphonse relaxed. He walked over and offered a handshake. “Teacher! It’s really good to see you-”

She was being way too nice, (Y/n) thought. “Al, wait!”

Too late as Izumi effortlessly threw Alphonse to the ground by his forearm. Her sights went to (Y/n). “You were the smartest one out of this pack of idiots and you went and got chained to the military?!” She sent a kick his way, colliding against his automail arm that he raised to block.

“T-Teacher! Just let me explain!” His attempt was met with a punch to his gut, making him reel over before Izumi landed a downwards kick to the back of his head, making him slam face first onto the ground.

She crossed her arms and shook her head with disappointment. “All of you, your skills are rusty.”

Edward stumbled over, holding a hand on his head to quell the pain, as (Y/n) and Alphonse got up. “You’ve got lots of energy for someone who’s not feeling well.”

“NOT FEELING WELL?! WHAT’RE YOU TALKING ABOUT?!” Izumi exploded. “I’M PERFECTLY- BLAHHH.” She coughed up blood, making the three scream.

Sig came over, placing a hand on her shoulder, as he brought out a bottle of pills. “You shouldn’t exert yourself.” He gently advised.

The two blushed as they held each other closely. “How sweet of you to worry, dear!” Izumi said before being pulled into Sig’s chest by a big hug, popping her leg up. “Thank you!”

The three awkwardly watched on as the two lovers embraced each other.

========================================================================

In the kitchen of their home, Izumi sat next to her husband with arms crossed and leg resting on the other. At the small round wooden table they all sat at having cups of tea for everyone, including Alphonse.

“The Philosopher’s Stone?” Izumi asked. “No, I don’t know much about it. It holds no interest for me.”

Edward nodded with some disappointment but knew it was a long shot. “I see. Okay.”

“There was that one alchemist.” Sig spoke up. “I thought that one man from Central knew a good amount about the Stone.”

Edward and Alphonse beamed with hope. “So who was this guy?” Edward eagerly asked.

Izumi held her chin in thought. “Let me think… What's his name? Ah. Hohenheim.”

Edward’s face controlled with disappointment and frustration. Anger started to boil up inside of him, getting a worried look from (Y/n) and Alphonse. The image of the man he dreamt of earlier flickered in Edward’s mind.

Izumi saw how Edward was shaking with anger. “What is it?”

“Then he’s alive.”

Izumi raised a brow. “Someone you know?”

“He’s our father.” Alphonse answered.

Izumi gasped with surprise. “The one who ran out on you when you were little?”

“Yeah, that’s the one!” Edward said with gritted teeth, attempting to repress his anger. “It’s all because of that bastard that our mother’s dead and if it wasn’t for him…”

========================================================================

Elric Home, 1902.

Edward had to rub the sleep out of his eyes as he walked down the hall, seeing two figures at the front door. Alphonse stayed close, his eyes closed with how tired he was, relying on Edward to lead the way as he held onto the sleeve of his pajamas.

At the front door was Hohenheim and Trisha. They looked like they were having a serious conversation. Taking notice of the two, Trish looked at them with a smile. “Oh! You boys are up early.” She said with surprise. “What’re you doing out of bed?”

Edward let out a long yawn, using his hand to barely cover his mouth, while Alphonse started to nod off. “Al said that he had to go potty.”

Trisha went over to him, couched down, and caressed his head, making the boy smile. “And of course his big brother took care of him. Thanks a lot, little man.” The praise was more than enough to wake up Edward and put a smile on his face.

Looking off to the right, Edward saw how Hohenheim looked at him. His lips pulled down into an old scowl. Eyes sharp as a knife glaring down at him with disdain. The joy that was on Edward’s face slipped away, now confused and hurt, wondering why his father would look at him like that.

Without another word said, Hohenheim opened the door and left just as Alphonse was able to force his own eyes open, watching with his brother as their father.

========================================================================

Later that night, At the dinner table, Edward and Alphonse ate breakfast while their mother went through a cabinet that sat in the corner of their room that held all the dishes for the home. With their meals were a cup of milk. Of course Edward was again refusing to take even a sip of it while Alphonse drank his gladly.

Edward’s eyes drifted to the end of the table, seeing an empty seat. “Hey… why isn’t Dad here?”

Trisha froze up as she closed the cabinet doors. Her eyes widened. A frown came to her lips as she fully closed the door before she leaned against it. “Your dad left.” She said sadly.

The tone was lost on Alphonse as he turned in his seat, arms resting on the backrest with a smile. “When’s he coming back, Mom?”

Silently, Trisha took a breath in, composing herself, before she turned to face the boys with a bright smile and light laugh. “I’m gonna getcha~!” She went over, playfully tickling Alphonse, making the boy laugh. “You silly boy!” Edward saw that even with a smile on her face, a tear was visible in the corner of her eye. “He’ll be back before you know it, Al! Now, finish your dinner boys.”

“Mom..”

It was like that for a while. Trisha always put on a happy face, trying her best to raise the boys on her own as they explored alchemy even after they created a massive mess.

“Mom?”

The times Edward would act as if drinking milk would kill him, watching his brother out of the corner of his eye as Alphonse gladly drank his and got praise from their mother.

“Mom!”

The moment when the boys finally were able to perform transmutation. Their first being a piece of paper, turning it into a sawn. That smile on Trisha’s, the pride in her eyes, to see them create something would forever be ingrained in both Edward and Alphonse.

“MOM!!!”

Then one day, after school, the boys opened the door to see Trisha lying on the floor. A tomato from a tipped over basket was pushed away by the door and rolled, eventually bumping into Trisha’s arm but she didn’t react.

This was the day in 1904 Trish Elric died. Aged 31.

Little of this story was shared with (Y/n) when Pinako adopted him. When he asked the Elrics where their mother and father were, Pinako quickly shut it down before explaining to him that they were gone and not to delve deeper into it. When the time is right, they would tell (Y/n) themselves, which they did eventually.

========================================================================

With Edward being unresponsive, Alphonse spoke up. “Um… did our dad say anything about the Philosopher’s Stone?”

Izumi held her chin in thought. “Something about a life-long dream coming true. He seemed very happy when he said it.” Seeing that Edward was still quiet, looking gloomy, she stood up and punched him in the head, making him yelp. She angrily glared down at him. “Now we’re going to eat!”

“Okay!” Edward answered as she went over the (Y/n), grabbed him by his wrist and dragged him along.

“You’re helping.” She announced as a dotted eye (Y/n) was dragged across the floor.

========================================================================

Having taken off his military jacket, leaving him in his white button up shirt with the sleeves rolled up, (Y/n) prepared some steaks as he seasoned them. Izumi was prepping all the vegetables, tomatoes, lettuce, and others. There were other things cooking at the moment as well like fresh bread, chicken, spaghetti, and more.

While working on her dishes, like a horse, Izumi sent a kick back, hitting (Y/n) on the rear. “OW!”

“Gonna tell me why you made a dumb decision like joining the military?”

(Y/n) glanced back at her, annoyed. “Did you really have to kick me in the ass? You could have just asked.”

“Answer or else you’re getting another.”

(Y/n) sighed. “I wasn’t allowed to become a State Alchemist unless I became a commissioned officer equivalent to the rank a State Alchemist is. Me being Ishvalan and all…” He trailed off with annoyance.

Izumi scoffed. “You’re telling me Edward holds the same rank as you?”

“Techincally.” (Y/n) clarified as he oiled up a pan before setting it on the stove, letting it heat up before placing the steaks on it once the oil started to sizzle.

“Sometimes I think those two take advantage of you.” Izumi went next to (Y/n), checking up on the spaghetti.

“They aren’t. They’re my family so I’m going to help them.” (Y/n) said with certainty, making Izumi hum with a soft smile. “Caring as always, (Y/n).”

========================================================================

With a full feast before them, the group dug in, aside from Alphonse. Sig took notice of him not touching his meal and offered a chicken leg. “You aren’t eating, Al?”

Edward froze up while Alphonse started to stutter. “Oh, no, I’m fine! I had a big meal on the train ride here.”

“Hey, Al… You should tell her about Rush Valley, about the baby being delivered. ” Edward said, trying to divert the conversation elsewhere.

Alphonse mentally thanked Edward for the save. “Oh, yeah! We helped deliver a baby! There was this big storm and we couldn’t get the mother to a doctor!”

Sig glanced over at Izumi as she took a drink of tea.

“I don’t know. It’s pretty generous to call what we did was ‘helping.’” Edward clarified.

Alphonse chuckled. “Heh.. Yeah, it was mostly Winry with a bit of (Y/n)’s help since he was there with her. And the whole family pitched in, too! The mother was so brave! Everyone’s blessed when a baby’s born, huh?”

(Y/n) tried not to force himself to think about the birth. It traumatized him more than anything.

A sad look came to Izumi’s face, her eyes lingering on the drink in her hand. “Yes, that’s right.” She placed the cup down. “That same miracle brings us all into this world. Always take pride in the lives that were given to you.”

Edward and Alpohnse looked at each other and let out a light laugh while Sig looked away from Izumi, looking saddened. (Y/n) hid how he felt about her words, keeping silent as he ate. Only the Elrics were happy at that table.

========================================================================

In the guest room, Edward laid on the bed, his head turned up to look out the window to see the night sky glowed brightly with all the stars. (Y/n) laid on the bed next to him, trying to fall asleep but couldn’t. Izumi’s words and his own father linger in his mind.

“Teacher hasn’t changed, has she?” Alphonse asked. He sat at the end of (Y/n)’s bed, using it as a back rest as he sat on the floor.

“Nope. She hasn’t changed one bit in all this time.” Edward agreed.

========================================================================

1908.

The river that passed through Resembool, named the Rain River, was living up to its name as a downpour from a severe rainstorm was making the river on the verge of flooding the area. Just about every man who could come to help out but building a wall of sandbags to keep the water at bay. Even with all the help the water kept riding. It was only a matter of time before it would overcome the sandbag barrier.

“Stack ‘em up tight!”

“We need more!”

“We just need to hold out for a bit longer! That Rockbell boy’s close to getting a barrier up!”

Up on a nearby hill, the elderly, women, and children watched on. Further behind the sandbags was (Y/n) with a bare basic automail arm. He was using chalk powder to form a transmutation circle on the ground. He and a few others tried to make it work but the rain kept washing it away and soon the sandbag barrier caved in, rapidly filling the area with water.

“HEAD FOR HIGHER GROUND!” Multiple shouted as they pulled back.

(Y/n) stayed, refusing to leave. He picked up the bucket of chalk one of the men dropped as they ran and tried to finish the transmutation circle only for the barrier to fall apart further, sending a massive wave at him. The wave crashed against him, sending his arms up, his hands clapping together. He tried to grab onto something as the water pulled him away. His fingers latched onto the dirt beneath the water, the blue sparks of alchemy cracked under the water before he was pulled away by the current.

“(Y/N)!” Edward and Alphonse called out, trying to run down to go after him only to be held back by others.

“Don’t! You’ll get caught in the current!”

“WE CAN’T LEAVE HIM!” Alphonse yelled, pushing away those who grabbed at him.

Slowly the dirt where (Y/n) touched started to rise with marks of transmutation, eventually forming a wall that was formidable enough to keep the water back.

With desperation, (Y/n) reached out in an attempt to grab onto anything. This was in vain however as the current was too much for him to handle, forcing him away just as his fingers latched onto something to hold him in place. He struggled to keep his head above the water, tasting the dirty water that got into his mouth as gasped for air.

Further down the stream, (Y/n) saw Izumi approach. She clapped her hands together before leaning down to touch the ground. With alchemy she made a large hand out of the ground and sent it to (Y/n), grabbing him, and then pulling him back onto the land.

“ACK! HAK!” Coughing up water was the first thing (Y/n) did once he was set down, his heart racing from the adrenaline, and body aching from the multiple things his body was thrown against while in the current.

Izumi went over to check up on him while Sig came over and covered the two with an umbrella. “You alright kid?” She asked.

(Y/n) nodded, looking at her in confusion. “W-Who are you?”

She smiled softly. “Just a housewife who was passing by.” She coughed up some blood.

(Y/n), along with the crowd that gathered to see what was going on, watched with confusion and worry as Sig took out a handkerchief and cleaned up any blood that was left on her lips while holding her up.

Edward and Alphonse rushed out of the crowd. “(Y/n)! She saved you!” Alphonse cheered, going over and helping him up.

“Hey, old lady! Could you be our teacher?” Edward immediately asked once he saw the (Y/n) was okay.

“She doesn’t look that old...” (Y/n) commented.

Izumi shot Edward a glare. She clapped her hands and transmuted the ground to send Edward back with a fist made out of dirt. “AHHHH!!!”

He ran right back to her with eagerness. “Pretty please old lady?” He and Alphonse asked.

Izumi glared down at the two as she cracked her knuckles, hair standing up making her look like a deranged killer. “I’m a little hard of hearing, you see, so I didn’t quite catch that…” She angrily muttered with clenched teeth as she brandished her fist. “Maybe you’d like to repeat yourselves?”

Edward and Alphonse glanced at each other, looking worried, before looking back at her with star filled eyes and hands clasped together. “Uh… We’ll try again!”

“Please, please teach us… pretty lady!” Alphonse added.

Izumi closed her eyes and turned away. “No way!”

“Why not?” Edward asked with a pleading tone.

Izumi leaned in, making the two recoil. “Because I don’t take on students, and besides I’m in the middle of a trip!”

Edward and Alphonse latched onto her arm. “PLEASE TEACH US!” She swung them around but they refused to let go.

“YOU BRATS! WHAT ABOUT YOUR PARENTS!?”

“They’re… they’re gone.” (Y/n) answered sadly. “I’m sorry about them. They’re very interested in alchemy.”

Izumi’s expression dropped. “How do you know them?”

“My adoptive mother takes care of them. We friends”

Izumi looked at the three with pity. “How am I supposed to say no to that then?”

========================================================================

On a sunny, beautiful day, the group sat in a small row boat. Sig rowed, his large muscular arms made it look easy as the boat sailed quickly towards a lone island with a forest. (Y/n) looked around, seeing the mountain range reflected onto the lake’s light blue surface and lush green forest islands that dotted the lake. It was a beautiful sight no matter where he looked.

Once the boat touched the shore of an island, Izumi stood, getting everyone’s attention. “Alright! Off the boat!”

The Elrics and (Y/n) looked at her in confusion before they all shared a glance. Questioning her wasn’t the best idea considering how reluctant she was to even teach them so they nodded before climbing out of the boat. They looked at the forest ahead, hearing the various sounds of wildlife that inhabited the small island. The sound of water splashing brought their attention back to the boat, seeing the boat was away from the shore “Huh?”

“You three are on your own.” Izumi said, confusing them even more. “This is your introductory training! If you do well, we’ll move on to the main training phase. During this first stage, the use of alchemy is totally forbidden.”

The three’s expression’s dropped. “Huh?!”

“One is all… and all is one. You have one month to figure out what that means.” Izumi said before smiling. “You’d better find the answer in the allotted time. If not, you’re headed back to Resembool!” She grabbed a sheathed knife that sat on the floor of the boat and tossed it towards the three. (Y/n) caught in, looking back at Izumi as she waved goodbye as Sig rowed away. “Bye!”

“GAHHHHHH!!!” “AHHHHH!!!” Both Edward and Alphonse screamed “WHAT DO WE DO NOWWWWWWW?!”

========================================================================

With a full moon in the sky above, Edward and Alphonse laid on large leaves that acted as a makeshift bed. The light sounds of frogs croaking, owls hooting, and crickets chirping fill the air as the two try to get some sleep.

“I’m so hungry…” Edward held onto his stomach, hearing it growl with hunger.

“I wanna sleep in a real bed.” Alphonse whined, the rocks from underneath the leaf digging into his back.

Edward shot up with anger. “HOW IS A CAMPING TRIP CONSIDERED ALCHEMY TRAINING?!” He swung his fists in the air, only stopping when Alphonse’s stomach started to growl as well.

“Maybe we should go find (Y/n)? He said he’d get something for us but it’s been awhile…” Alphonse said with worry, his eyes looking into the darkness of the forest.

“He told us to stay so we don’t get lost…” Edward reminded, looking just as worried as his brother. “But I’m worried about him too.”

========================================================================

Deeper in the forest, (Y/n) sat up in a tree. In his hand was what used to be a slim tree branch with the knife tied to the end of it with the shoelace from his right shoe. His red eyed stared scanned the area, on the look out for anything.

========================================================================

Ishval, 1899.

Overlooking a valley with a few bushes and trees, a young (Y/n) and his father, with a rifle shouldered and aim, laid still. His father had the Amestrian standard issue Desert coat over top his uniform while his son had one white robe with a hood on. The color helped the two blend in with the terrain.

(Y/n) watched as a pack of four wild donkeys approached. They sniffed around for a moment before they descended upon the bushes, eating entire sections out of it. A moment after the Father opened fire, making (Y/n) wince and cover his now ringing ears. A few rounds missed, kicking up dirt and sending the small pack running and braying but he was able to kill the two larger ones of the group. The other two didn’t get too far as an Ishvalan hunter who was sitting up in the tree gunned them down with an old bolt action rifle.

“(F/n)... did you really have to kill them?” (Y/n) asked, his red eyes locked onto the corpses.

“I’m sorry to say but yes.” (F/n) answered as he got up with a grunt. He looked down at his son and offered a hand, which he accepted, his small hand grabbing onto his before he pulled the boy up onto his feet. “Those bushes down there feed hundreds of birds all year round. Those donkeys destroy them, meaning the birds don’t get a chance to live.”

With the boy’s hand still in his, they carefully descended down into the valley, seeing the Ishvalan hunter speaking to another group of armed hunters that approached from the valley exit with a wooden cart in tow. “Can’t the birds eat somewhere else?” (Y/n) asked.

“They can but then the ecosystem here gets destroyed. Without the birds, bugs overpopulate. And with no one to keep them in check they’ll further ruin the ecosystem before moving on to do the same elsewhere, even back at the village.” He looked down at his son, squeezing his hand. “And you know how your mother reacts when she sees a bug, right?”

“She goes crazy!” (Y/n) answered, exaggerating his answer but throwing his hands up and shaking them around, making his father chuckle. “Exactly.”

(F/n) slung his rifle over his shoulder by the sling before he went over and helped the hunters putting the donkey corpses onto the cart. “We can hunt for a few more.” He looked at his son. “And this time you’ll be the one to do it.”

(Y/n)’s expression dropped, his fingers fidgeting and his eyes darted to the ground. “B-But I don’t want to kill…”

(F/n) hummed. He went over to his son, couched down, and placed a hand on either shoulder. “Son… I know it feels wrong. Ending a life is something you’ll never forget. But you have to learn. To survive you have to do things you’re uncomfortable with.”

“It’s the way we live and the way your ancestors hundreds of years ago lived as well in this same valley.” One of the older hunters spoke. His rough leather like hands gestured across the valley. “Surviving off the land is what all Ishvalans should know how to do and we’d be happy to show you more.” He offered a warm smile that hid underneath his white as snow beard.

A small smile came to (Y/n)’s lips. He eagerly nodded, making his father smile.

========================================================================

At the butcher in Dublith, Sig and Izumi were in the back prepping up some meat. The duo wore white aprons, both stained with blood.

“I wonder if they’re doing all right out there.” Sig wondered aloud as he hooked up a cut up pig leg on a rack next to a few others. His tone held some worry in it.

Izumi sharpened her knife to a flat stone, bringing the edge to a fine finish. “You know what they say: no better teacher than experience. This is the best way for them to learn the essentials of alchemy. I’m teaching them the same way that I was taught. If they don’t learn anything from this it means their talent as alchemists will be limited.” He raised her blade and flipped it, examining the edge. “And I’ll have to give up on them as pupils.” She threw her blade up, making it twirl in the air, before throwing it towards Sig.

Sig caught the blade between his fingers. “It’s not their education I’m worried about. Their lives could be in danger out there.”

Izumi rested her hands on her hips, shooting a look towards her husband. “They’re not doing anything that I haven't.” Her arms crossed and head raised with pride as she saw herself fighting off a grizzly bear with a makeshift spear. “My training began with a whole month in the Briggs Mountains in winter!”

Sig removed one of the legs off the rack, letting it slam onto the cutting table before cutting into it. The newly sharpened blade went through it like butter. “You know you shouldn’t compare yourself to normal people.”

“That island has plenty of things to eat. They’re not going to die.”

========================================================================

Next Day.

On the island, a lone rabbit hopped its way across the forest floor. It paused near the trunk of a tree, sniffing the air for any predators, before continuing. Its journey was cut short at a trap set off, catching it by the hind legs and the stick that was attached to it sprung into the air, suspending the cute creature.

“GOT ONE!” Edward and Alphonse cheered as they emerged, having used some large leafs as camouflage

The two tied up the animal further, binding all the legs together to keep it from running off. It squirmed with desperation trying to run away. “How are we supposed to eat it?” Alphonse asked.

Edward pulled out the knife Izumi gave them, making Alphonse nervous. “We kill it. Like (Y/n) told us.”

Alphonse looked at the rabbit with pity. “Kill it?”

Looking at the rabbit made them even more hesitant to go though with it. It looked at them with pleading eyes, shivering in fear. The longer the boys stared at their eyes the harder it became to bring themselves to kill it.

Edward handed the knife to Alphonse which was pushed back. “No way! You take care of it, Brother!”

Edward humbly smiled, pushing the knife back. “Catching them is more my area.”

Alphonse pushed back. “You always make me do the dirty work!”

“Al, you have to! We can’t keep relying on (Y/n) to do it for us!”

They heard a squeak. They looked to see the rabbit was gone. Looking further ahead they saw that it didn’t escape but rather was caught and killed by a fox. Once it locked eyes with the boys, it bolted.

“HEY! COME BACK HERE!” The two shouted as they ran after it.

The fox zipped under fallen trees, through narrow spaces between bushes and trees. The boys were barely able to keep up but soon came to a stop once they saw the fox go over to a tree stump with the bottom lifted up, looking like a cave. From the hole came two fox cubs. They watched as the larger fox placed the rabbit before them before they started to devour it.

“Fox cubs, look!” Edward pointed out only for him and Alphosne to immediately look away and gag once they saw the foxes rip apart the guts. Alpohnse had to cover his ears to block out the squishing sound of the flesh being torn.

“Maybe we should just switch to fish. We’ll let (Y/n) handle the hunting on land.” Edward suggested, holding a hand up to his mouth.

========================================================================

Edward, Alphonse, and (Y/n) leaned over the hanging rocks, looking down at the water below. They saw as fish, both big and small, swam around.

“GREAT! HOW’RE WE SUPPOSED TO CATCH A FISH?!” Edward yelled with frustration. “WE DON’T HAVE ANY RODS OR LINE OR HOOKS OR BAIT OR ANYTHING!” Alphonse dropped his head as his brother yelled.

“We got the knife.” (Y/n) brought up. “Just attach it to a stick and you got a spear.”

“We still have to kill them like that?” Alphonse asked. “I thought once you take them out of the water they just… die naturally."

(Y/n) shook his head as he took the knife from Edward and tied it to a stick with the shoe lace he stuffed into his pocket. “Even if you caught them with a fishing rod you still have to kill them after.”

========================================================================

Later that night.

The three finally had a shelter, made out of several sticks stacked against each other forming a V structure with leaves covering them to keep out the wind. They sat in it while a small fire burned in front of them. They had some fish stabbed with sticks cooking over the fire, turning them over every few seconds to see how well it was cooking.

“Thanks for catching these for us, (Y/n).” Alphonse thanked before lifting the fish up, blowing on it to cool it down, and then taking a bite.

“Yeah… thanks.” Edward muttered sadly. “Just wish we weren’t so reliant on you to do everything for us.”

“Where did you learn all this stuff anyway?” Alphonse asked with a full mouth.

“In Ishval… My father served as a conservation officer and we hunted with the locals.” (Y/n) leaned over, resting hit arms on his crossed legs and watched the fire dance. “It was one of the only times when other Ishvalans didn’t treat me like I was another Amestrian soldier… an occupier.” A small bitter sweet smile came to his face while the brothers looked at him with pity in their golden eyes.

“I think…” Edward spoke with hesitation. “We should try and do things on our own.” Both Alphonse and (Y/n) looked at him in confusion. “And I really mean it, without (Y/n)’s help no matter how hard it gets. Maybe it’ll help us figure out what ‘One is all, all is one’ means.”

Alphonse opened his mouth to say something but it died before it came out. He hummed as he nodded with a pout. “We haven’t made much progress so doing something different might work.”

“Are you alright with that, (Y/n)?” Edward asked. “I don’t want you to feel left out.” A light red hue came to his cheeks, making (Y/n) think it was because of the heat of the fire. If only he could hear the Elric’s heart beat after he said that.

“It’s alright.” (Y/n) reassured. “I could set up somewhere else and at the end of the day we can group back up and try to figure it out together.” His suggestion was met with eager and determined nods from the two blondes.

========================================================================

A Day after.

After a long day with little to show for it, Edward and Alphonse laid on their makeshift bed. The fire (Y/n) had made laid quiet and cold, a few nearby rocks and sticks showing the two’s attempts to bring it back to life were strewn about. Their bodies racked with fatigue. Edward raised a hand up, the little light the moon gave let him see how worn and dirtied it was.

“Here we are… no food… no fire… no nothing!” Alphonse uttered with frustration.

Edward glanced back at him. “Don’t remind me!” He snapped before resting his head on his bent arm, a pull on his lips making him pout and eyes quivered, disappointed in himself.

========================================================================

With the knife Izumi gave them, the two Elrics marked the days that passed against the tree their shelter was posted up against. 4 slashes, 4 days, and not any closer to understanding what ‘One is All, All is One’ meant or how to do the basics of survival. The heavy downpour that day only added to their frustrations, forcing them to stay in their shelter and wait it out.

(Y/n) was doing the same in his shelter, not that he minded. He reached his hand out of the entrance, feeling the cold water droplets splash against the palm of his hand.

========================================================================

1901, Ishval.

“YOU MURDERERS!”

“WE DEMAND JUSTICE!”

“YOU COME TO OUR LANDS AND SOIL IT WITH OUR BLOOD?!”

A crowd of hundreds of angered Ishvalans stood before a tall metal gate that barred entry onto the property of the government building. The cold downpour of rain only furthered their anger and eagerness to avenge the young girl who was murdered by an Amestrian soldier.

Amestrian soldiers stood in watch towers and near the gate with their rifles lowered, fingers near the trigger. They watched the crowd intently, watching some throwing rocks, bottles, and anything else they could get their hands on. Some struck the concrete fence, the gate, or the shields of the riot squad that was deployed near the gate.

An officer came out of the building with a megaphone in hand. Once he got behind the line of riot control soldiers, he raised the megaphone up to his lips and pointed towards the crow. “BY ORDER OF THE FUHRER, MARSHAL LAW IS IN EFFECT! GO BACK TO YOUR HOMES AND STAY UNTIL ORDERED OTHER WISE! FURTHER ACTS OF VIOLENCE AND REFUSAL TO FOLLOW LAWFUL ORDERS WILL RESULT IN ARREST!”

“BASTARD BRADLEY ISN’T OUR LEADER AND YOURE HIS DOGS!” The yells and screams of the Ishvalans only loudened and more objects to be thrown at the soldiers, forcing them to duck or those in the riot squad to use their shields.

(Y/n) watched on through the window within the government building. His red eyes focused on his father. He recognized the hand movements he was giving to other soldiers, he was giving them orders - telling them where to go.

A gentle hand of an Ishvalan rested on his shoulder from behind. “(Y/n), let's get you to bed.” It was the gentle voice of his mother.

“W-What about dad?” (Y/n) asked. His heart sank when he saw the hunters of the village get to the front of the angry crowd, spitting insults towards his father. “Why are they angry at him?”

“He’ll be fine, we just have to trust him.” A gentle turn made the boy turn and be brought into a hug. He looked up and saw darkness. Her face a black void that oddly enough gave him comfort. The only feature he could see - he could remember - was her white braided hair.

========================================================================

6 days in and the Elrics were not fairing any better than they were days ago. The two laid on a leaf bed that was outside of their shelter, letting them get some sunshine. Edward rolled over, his golden eyes dull and tired. His lips dried and stomach hurt. His vision started to become blurry as the buzzing of cicadas continued.

Forcing himself up, Edward sat up and looked over at Alphonse, seeing he was sleeping. The hunger was getting to him, making him see Alphonse as a large steaming ham. He looked away, scratching the back of his head, before he gasped. He whipped his head back as a hunger filled smile stretched across his face, droll slipping out and down his chin. He leapt onto Alphonse and dug his teeth into his arm.

The sudden pain woke up Alphonse. He got up and pried Edward off of him, pushing him off. “HEY!” Alphonse rolled up his sleeve, seeing the bite mark Edward left behind. He looked back to his brother, seeing him eye a row of ants passing by with leaves and seeds in their grips. “Huh?”

To Edward, they were moving pieces of chocolate. A sign of starvation as a human’s survival instincts kick in to try and make them eat anything, no matter how disgusting or questionably moral it was. Edward smiled as he reached out and grabbed one of the ants before popping it into his mouth.

Alphonse looked on with worry. “Uh, Brother?!”

“AHHHH!!!” He recoiled back when Edward stood up on his knees and let out a yell, fists clenched. And then he bent down and at another ant. “GAHHHH!!! SO GROSS!” He fell onto his back and kicked his legs around.

Edward suddenly stopped, seeing the sun in the blue sparsely clouded sky. His once dull eyes shimmered with life again. “Al… I’m still alive.” Tears poked at the corner of his eyes. “I’m alive because I ate the ants. I’m alive because I consumed life.” Tears started to roll down his cheeks. “I’m still alive.”

========================================================================

With a renewed sense of determination, the Elrics got to work. Their first step was hunting.

“AHHHHH!!!” The blonde duo yelled as they chased after a rabbit through the woods with sharpened sticks and makeshift camouflage - a few leaves on their shirts and head bands. They pushed the rabbit towards a trap, ensnaring its leg and suspending it in the air.

This time the boys were ready to take a life. Edward held the small creature down as it looked at them with pleading eyes. Alphonse clasped his hands together in prayer while Edward looked down at the animal apologetically as he raised his knife. “I’m sorry.” He dove the knife down.

========================================================================

Alphonse placed a rock on a stick that was inserted in a hole in a small log. Edward held onto the stick with a length of string, pulling left and right, making the stick spin rapidly, creating heat and eventually burning the wood.

“We’re not going to die!” Edward stated, getting a determined nod and hum from Alphonse.

“Just keep going a little longer!” Alphonse encouraged.

“AHHH! JAAAA!” Edward sped up as much as he could.

Eventually the saw dust that spilled out started to burn. Alphonse got some wood shavings and dumped it onto the sawdust before he and Edward blew onto the fire, giving the fire oxygen to grow. Soon enough they succeeded as the small pile caught fire. The two cheered, laughed, and hugged each other.

========================================================================

Red eyes watched as a large fish swam around in the water. (Y/n) kept as still as possible, feeling the ripples hit his legs. He raised a spear and waited until the soon to be dinner held still and then dove the spear down, impaling the fish.

The familiar smell of wood burning came to his nose as he lifted the spear up along with the fish. “Looks like they finally figured it out.” He said with a sense of pride.

========================================================================

That night was a celebration for the Elrics. And that meant a feast was in order. The two Elrics along with (Y/n) sat on wooden logs that surrounded the fire the two made earlier. Around the fire on sticks were fish, frogs, and bits of the rabbit.

Edward ate like there was no tomorrow. He eats an entire fish in the matter of seconds before throwing the bare stick back and grabbing another, not caring what was on it. He suddenly paused and smiled. “Hey, guys.” He got the two’s attention before he pointed behind them.

Looking back, they saw the two fox cubs from the first day they got there. Feeling generous, Alphonse threw one of the rabbit’s hind legs to the two, watching as they fought over it for a moment before they took a bite on the other side and pulled. Both the Elrics lightly smiled at the sight.

========================================================================

With the Elrics having learned to sustain themselves, (Y/n) stuck around with them. The three acted like a small family. One would collect and start a fire and one would go hunt while the third would help out whoever needed it most - that being mostly (Y/n) as he showed the two tricks to make things easier.

However, that day was relatively calm. Edward and Alphonse went about their duties for the day with ease, letting (Y/n) relax. He laid on the ground near the water, listening to the water gently crash against the shore and watching the clouds in the sky.

========================================================================

Ishval, 1902.

(Y/n) always got odd looks from other Ishvalans because of his looks and who his father was. But usually once they learned how (F/n) worked with hunters in the village and worked as a conservation officer, they’d open up to him. However after an innocent girl was killed by an Amestrian soldier that completely changed.

“We do not hunt traitors and murderers!”

The hunters who welcomed him into their group casted him and his father out. The old man who often showed a prideful smile as he taught the boy to hunt, making the boy feel like he had a sort of grandfather, was arrested along with others for assaulting soldiers. The younger men of the group blamed (F/n) for this when in actuality he tried his best to get the charges dropped.

“Who wants to hang out with the spawn of a traitorous whore and murderer?”

The other children would avoid him like a plague. Often they spoke loudly and openly how much they hated him and his family and others would join in on the ridicule just to fit in even if they disagreed. The idea of having a friend his age was forcibly pushed out of (Y/n)’s mind.

The only people in Ishval who treated him like a person were his parents, some of the Amestrian soldiers and the small group of people who worked with his mother who practiced the taboo art of alchemy.

(Y/n) would watch intently as his mother and fellow members of the small group showed him how alchemy worked and how to perform it. One day he was given an odd request his mother was very adamant on.

“A tattoo?” (Y/n) asked. His mother and the man next to her nodded.

The man next to her was a well built young man with short white hair, a simple pair of glasses, and tattoos on either arm in both black and white ink. He gave off a warm and inviting vibe that (Y/n) missed.

“It’s not bad.” The man crouched down and showed the boy his arms. “I’d be giving you one similar to mine.”

(Y/n) had to admit, the tattoos were beautiful, but a fear of it outweighed his interest. “Doesn’t getting a tattoo hurt… a lot?”

“Kinda.” The man admitted with a sheepish smirk and shoulders shrugging. “But it will protect you and the people you care about.”

(Y/n)’s mother came over, crouching down next to the man and softly smiled at her son. “I know it sounds scary but you’ll need it.” She gave the man next to her a playful jab to the chest with her elbow. “I know Ubayd seems kinda thick skulled but he knows what he’s doing. You couldn’t be in better hands.”

(Y/n) nervously huffed, his eyes darting to the ground as he fiddled with his fingers. His father’s words echoing in his mind. “To survive you have to do things you’re uncomfortable with.”

“...Alright.”

========================================================================

(Y/n) sat up, placing his hands behind himself before leaning back. A frustrated look came across his face. “I remember his name but not my own mother’s…”

========================================================================

Edward, Alphonse, and (Y/n) lay on the ground in front of their well-lived in shelter, their eyes looking up at the sky, seeing how stars dotted it like a firework show. Edward rolled his head towards the shelter, seeing the tally marks on it were at 29. “Tomorrow will be one month.”

“Hey… have you guys figured out what Teacher meant by “One is all, and all is one?” Alphonse asked. “I’ve been thinking about it this whole time but I still only have a few vague ideas.”

“I’m not really sure about this.” Edward spoke once he looked back at the sky. “But do you remember when I was weak from hunger and ate those ants?”

“You ate ants?” (Y/n) asked, finding it odd.

“He ate a lot of ‘em.” Alphonse added.

Edward hummed. “I sure did. And boy did they taste nasty.” He cringed at the memory and taste. “But then that got me thinking. If I hadn’t eaten them, I might’ve died, then I would’ve been eaten by them. I’d go into the earth and become grass and then the rabbits would eat that.”

“You’re talking about the food chain, right?” Alphonse asked.

“Yeah but… it’s not just that, either. A long time ago, this whole island was probably at the bottom of the sea and tens of thousands of years from now it could be the peak of a mountain for all we know.”

“All things are connected. Is that what you're saying?” Alphonse asked.

“Everything we see, everyone we meet, is caught up in a great unseen flow.” An ant crawled onto Edwards chest, its antennas moving around to get a sense of its surroundings . He lowered a hand down, letting it climb onto his finger and then raised it to the star filled sky. “But it’s bigger than that. It’s the entire world, the entire universe, even. And compared to something as big as that we’re tiny, not even the size of ants. We’re only one small part within the much greater flow. Nothing more than a fraction of the whole. But by putting all those ‘ones’ together, you get one great ‘all’ just like Teacher said. The flow of this universe follows laws of such magnitude that we can’t even imagine them.”

“I guess this is why Teacher left us on this island.” (Y/n) said. “To isolate us and make us realize how important every little thing is… like a massive ecosystem that can fall apart if you're missing something from it.”

========================================================================

In the morning, Edward, Alphonse, and (Y/n) sat at the shore line as Izumi and Sig approached in a row boat. Izumi stood. “Today is the day.” One they got close enough to shore, she hopped out and stood before the three boys. “Let’s hear what you’ve learned about “One is all, and all is one.”

“All” is the world!” Alphonse said.

“And “one” is me!” Edward continued.

“And without either one, neither can truly exist.” (Y/n) finished.

“Pffttt.” Izumi brought a hand up to her mouth as she chuckled before she burst out with laughter, throwing her head back with a smile stretched across her face. “BAHAHAHAH!

(Y/n) nervously looked over at the two blondes and thought. ‘Does she know when Al said “me” he meant living beings as a whole and not him specifically…? Maybe we could have worded it better-’’

“Very well…” Izumi broke out of her laughing fit. “Now the real training starts.”

A sigh of relief came from (Y/n) as Edward and Alphonse high fived each other before bumping elbows. They dragged (Y/n) into the celebration as they threw an arm over either shoulder and tugged him around as they pumped their fists into the air. “OH YEAH!” “YEAH!!!!”

========================================================================

On the front lawn of her home, Izumi read from a book called “Easy Cooking” while Edward, Alphonse, and (Y/n) tried to get a hit on her. It was demoralizing to see the woman pay almost no attention to them yet easily block or dodge their attacks.

“The basics of transmutation is the power of the circle. Which denotes the circulation of power.” She read out as she tripped and swatted away the three boys with ease, like dealing with an annoying fly. “In order to call upon and harness this power, one must draw a structural matrix over the circle.”

People across the street looked on in confusion. “Should we call child protective services?” One asked with worry.

The other glared at him before grabbing the collar of his jacket and dragging down the street. “Are you crazy?! That’s Mrs. Curtis! She’ll kick our ass six ways from Sunday before anyone even dares to think to come and stop her.”

Edward charged, getting kicked back. (Y/n) went for an attack on her side but the sweep of her leg knocked him down. Finally Alphonse leapt forward and threw a kick towards her left which she blocked after throwing her book up in the air. With her free hand, she pushed on Alphonse’s legs, making him twirl before falling to the ground.

“This is also the circulation of power.” Izumi raised her hand and caught her falling book. “It’s best if you experience it for yourself.” She gestured to Edward and (Y/n) to come attack, making the two sweat drop.

‘How tough is this lady? My dad taught me a few tricks but she’s still kicking my ass.’ (Y/n) though as he stood up and joined Edward in another charge.

“GAHHHH!!!!” Edward got smacked down immediately.

‘Alright… the tactic of charging at her isn’t working. Gotta change it up.’ (Y/n) made it look like he was going to charge again, making Izumi raise a leg to kick him back, however he stopped and side stepped, trying a jab to the stomach. A chop to the back of the head was just as quick as him realizing that attack wasn’t going to work either.

Izumi looked over at the three boys as they laid on the ground, catching their breaths. “Enough of that. Keep reviewing the morning’s lessons until lunch is ready.” She started to walk down the path towards the door.

Alphonse lifted himself up and started to draw a circle with his finger on the dirt pathway. “Let’s see, the circle denotes the circulation of power. In order to call upon and harness this power, one must draw a structural matrix over the circle… But Teacher, you just put your palms together to perform transmutations, don’t you?” He clapped his hands together as he asked, getting both (Y/n) and Edward’s attention.

Izumi paused mid way opening the door and looked back at them with furrowed brows.

“You can do it without drawing the structural matrix?” Alphonse asked, knowing it was true but wondering how she did it.

Izumi’s head lowered, a pull on her lips showed a frown. “If you think about it a certain way, I myself am the matrix.”

“A person can be the matrix?” (Y/n) asked.

“How do we become a matrix? Tell us, Teacher!” Edward asked with enthusiasm.

She stayed silent, closing her eyes. “Perhaps it’s something you learn when you see the truth.” She entered the home, closing the door.

========================================================================

Edward’s eyes snapped open as a gasp pushed up his throat. He threw himself up to sit on the edge of the bed, getting (Y/n) and Alphonse attention.

“Something came to you, Ed?” (Y/n) asked.

“Our Teacher has seen the truth too.”

========================================================================

In their bedroom, Izumi tried to read a book while her husband was lifting a barbell. Her eyes furrowed, filled with worry.

========================================================================

In the morning, Edward, Alphonse, and (Y/n) met with Izumi outside on the front lawn. She stood facing the back wall of the butchery.

“So…” Izumi started quietly. “What is it you wanted to ask me?”

Edward nervously rubbed the back of his head. “Uh well…” He looked to (Y/n) and Alphonse.

Izumi clapped her hands and touched the wall. Blue sparks emitted from it as a spear emerged from it. She grabbed it and swung at Edward, making him pull back. He was able to grab the end of it, controlling it for a moment before dodging a high kick which made him release his grip on the staff. He pulled back, avoiding a few more attacks to get enough room to transmute his arm into a blade and cut off the end of Izumi’s spear.

Izumi narrowed her eyes at Edward. “As I suspected, you can transmute without a matrix.” She pointed to Alphonse. “Al is now a suit of armor…” She then pointed to (Y/n). "On top of which, that day you made the wall at Resembool, the water washed away the transmutation circle.” Her finger then switched to Edward and Alphonse. “And two of your limbs are made from automail!”

“Teacher, how did you know?” Edward asked with confusion.

Izumi slammed what was left of her spear on the ground, startling the three. “Please! I could tell from sparring with you!” She barked. “You saw it… didn’t you?”

(Y/n) breath quicked and narrowed his eyes at her. “Saw what?”

“YOU SAW IT!” Izumi yelled.

(Y/n) stayed silent, getting a confused look from Edward and Alphonse.

“It seems we’re beyond help.” Izumi spoke quietly.

Edward’s eyes quivered as he reached to grab onto his automail arm, his gaze shifting between (Y/n) and Izumi. “(Y/n)... did you?”

Izumi looked at (Y/n) with pity. “It was during the war… wasn’t it?”

(Y/n) stood silent as his eyes widened. He tried to look at Edward and Alphonse but couldn’t bring himself to.

Izumi headed to the door. “Let’s go inside… I’ll explain things but we expect an answer from you, (Y/n).”

========================================================================

Within the same home behind the butchery, years ago Izumi attempted to perform human transmutation. The floor was littered with the supposed material that was needed to make a human along with a transmutation circle.

When she placed her hands down on the circle, the same outcome Edward and Alphonse got happened. The light glowed to life with blue sparks before black tentacle-like arms reached out. And eyes opened across with the lift of whoever Izumi was trying to bring back to life sitting on its pupil before being swallowed.

Izumi looked around in confusion before a blue spark shot out and struck her in the stomach. She held onto it, screaming out in pain as she fell over. The next thing she saw was a white void and the white silhouette that called itself “Truth” standing before her. Her eyes went down, seeing the figure had organs around where the stomach was - it was hers.

Coming back to reality, Izumi caught up blood, staining the floor red. Sig ripped open the door and rushed in, seeing his wife on the floor and the blood. He rushed over to her, and lifted her up to have her rest on his bent knee. But she pulled away, reaching towards the middle of the transmutation circle. A gasp came when she saw a broken basked, half a head and some random bits of flesh and bone sitting there with steam coming off of it.

Izumi shuttered as tears started to steam down her face. She reached out as she let out a shriek but Sig held onto her and pulled her back.

========================================================================

Alphonse, Edward, and (Y/n) stood before Izumi as she sat on one of the chairs in the dining room with Sig standing beside her. The couple looked at each other and nodded. “For a while it seemed we were barren. We wanted a child but couldn’t conceive. When we were finally able to conceive… I ended up falling gravely ill.” As she spoke, she and Sig kept their eyes closed. “And our child as well. He was not able to take a living breath in this world.” Izumi opened her eyes, showing the sadness that was in them. “And so… I committed the taboo.” She rested a hand on her stomach as Edward grasped onto his arm. “As a result, I lost parts of my inner organs. What an idiot I was.” The entire time (Y/n) kept his gaze down, fists formed and clenched. “Now I realize I should have told you sooner. It must have been awful.”

Edward looked down with dread in his eyes. Slowly his lips pulled into a smile. “Nah… I did it to myself, after all. It hasn’t been that big a deal, actually.”

“Besides, now I’ve got this long list of things I look forward to eating when I have my body back” Alphonse took out a black journal from the pouch on his thigh. “Right, brother?”

Edward smiled brightly. “Yeah! It’s nothing!”

Izumi stood and went over to the two and brought them into hug. “You darling little idiots.” She placed her head above the side of Edward’s and below Alphonse’s. “It’s okay to hurt.”

The two whimpered, finally giving into their emotions and hugged her back. “Forgive us.”

“We’re so sorry, Teacher.” Alphonse apologized as well.

“Please forgive us.” “We’re so sorry.” The two continued to apologize, pleading for forgiveness as (Y/n) watched on with his head hanging.

========================================================================

1908.

“The flow of this universe follows laws of such magnitude, that we can’t even imagine them. You have to understand that flow, deconstruct it, and then reconstruct it.

“I guess this is why Teacher left us on this island.” (Y/n) said. “To isolate us and make us realize how important every little thing is… like a massive ecosystem that can fall apart if you're missing something from it.”

The two hummed in agreement. “That’s what alchemy is.” Alphonse said.

“You’re right… but it’s also what living is” Edward pointed out just as the sun started to rise, making the three get up.

“So the basis of alchemy, deconstruction and then reconstruction is just like the food chain then, isn’t it?” Alphonse asked.

Edward nodded. “Like when you eat a rabbit and your body breaks down its flesh, then it’s restricted as part of yourself. And even before that the rabbit restricted the grass it ate into a part of its own body.” The three walked to the shore, seeing the sun peek from behind a mountain. It’s light reflecting off the surface of the lake’s water. “Alchemy is part of that flow and the flow is life itself.”

========================================================================

The three broke away from the hug and then looked to (Y/n).

“Is it true?” Edward asked slowly. “Did you try human transmutation?" He knew the answer but he wanted (Y/n) to give the final answer.

After all the silence, from the front yard to now, (Y/n) finally spoke. “...Yes…”

“Why did you never tell us?” Alphonse asked with worried confusion.

“Because…” (Y/n) let out a shaky breath. “I ended someone's life to do it...”

========================================================================

Dabble - A Helping Hand.

“(Y/n), could ya show me how to make that knot you made to catch the rabbit?” Edward asked, holding up a length of show sting that he got from his own shoe.

“Sure.” (Y/n) went over, took the shoe lace and started to tie it. Edward leaned in, watching (Y/n) hands skillfully worked. “Make sure to leave as many of the ends as you can so there’s room for the hoop to close otherwise the knot will fall apart.” He pulled it apart and handed it to Edward. “Now you try.”

Edward let out a nervous smile. (Y/n) tied a knot a little too fast so he missed a step or two but he was still willing to try off vague memory. His memory was lacking as once he finished the knot, (Y/n) put his finger in the hole and pulled, unraveling the whole thing.

“Sorry.” Edward apologized with his cheeks a light red from embarrassment.

“Don’t worry. I messed it up a lot when I was learning to do it. Let me show you in a different way.” (Y/n) gave him the length of the string before holding his hands and manipulating his fingers. “Like that… and then…”

Edward’s heart was beating against his chest, his eyes watching (Y/n) hands hold his more than the tying of the knot made him miss the instructions (Y/n) was trying to give him.

“Did you get that?” Edward snapped out of his trance when (Y/n) spoke.

A nervous look came to Edward’s face as he sheepishly smiled. “Uh… Can you show me again? I promise I’ll get it right after.”

That would soon be proven to be a lie.

========================================================================

“EWW!” Alphonse pinched his nose and backed away from the rabbit corpse he was tasked with cleaning out.

(Y/n) was sharpening a stick into a spear when he heard Alphonse's sudden disgust. “Whats’ wrong-” The sudden smell of stench hitting his nose made him realize what happened. He rested the half completed spear and went over to the makeshift log table Alphonse was using to cut up the rabbit. “You cut open the gut.”

“If it smells like that, is it safe to eat?” Alphonse asked, his voice nasally which almost made (Y/n) chuckle if not for the smell.

“It’s fine. You just cut it open when it needed to go. That’s why it stinks so much.” (Y/n) explained before picking up the knife and cutting out the stomach.

Alphonse peeked from behind (Y/n), watching (Y/n) work. He wanted to watch for longer to learn how to do it but the sounds and blood made him sick, forcing him to pull himself away.

Once he finished removing the guts, (Y/n) took them into the forest, away from the shelter, and threw it. It would serve as a nice meal for whatever other creatures were there.

Heading back to camp, he saw Alphonse hunched over and dry heaving. “Next time- hruahhh!” He held a hand to his mouth, keeping down what was trying to force its way up. “Please show me…”

To survive you have to do things you’re uncomfortable with. And at least Alphonse was trying.

Chapter Text

One death - a single young life taken away by an Amestrian soldier was the spark that brought to life the flames of war and destruction. At first it started off with brawls between locals and soldiers, and massive protests against the government continued. As the years passed, these would intensify.

In 1902, the first death of an Amestrian soldier happened. And through the window of the government building that was now his home, (Y/n) witness to it.

========================================================================

A riot squad holding off a massive crowd of Ishvalan protesters held the line, preventing the angry mod from reaching the government building. They had their shields raised and beat their batons on the back of them, creating a constant heavy beat that promised the crowd that if they persisted they would be on the receiving end of them.

The warning wasn't enough. Their rage burned too hot to care for repercussions. Some armed with homemade petrol bombs flung them towards the riot squad. One of the soldiers was able to see the burning rag that flailed about from the bottle as it fell towards him. “FIRE BOMB!!!”

“RASIE SHEILDS!” The commanding officer barked, all of the men under his command did as ordered.

The barrage of petrol bombs collided against their shields. Some bounced off and fell to the ground safely while others cracked open and spread fire onto the ground in front of them. The heat, both literally and in the context of the crowd getting more bold, made the officer signal to the troops. “PULL BACK 5 PACES! SECOND SQUAD, DEPLOY TEAR GAS!”

Three soldiers took out stick grenades with holes drilled into the head. They unscrewed the bottom, letting a cord with a ball attached fall out. “DEPLOYING TEAR GAS!” A quick pull of the cord was done before they threw them into the crowd. Moments after smoke bellowed out from the holes.

As the smoke filled the air, some ran off, afraid of further retaliation from the soldiers. But most stayed, using rags to cover their mouths and noses. They didn’t work well as tears streamed from their eyes and coughed but they were determined. Some even looked more eager than before to get past the shield wall.

A soldier - a sergeant - ran up to (F/n). There was a look of fear on his young dirty face. “Lieutenant! You need to give the order to open fire!”

“No! We are not shooting! We are following the rules of engagement!” (F/n) quickly dismissed with a throw of a hand.

“We can’t reason with these savages!” The sergeant's plea was met with a grab and pull from his collar, pulling him face to face with a now angry (F/n).

“THESE ARE PEOPLE, SERGEANT! AND WE ARE NOT AN EXECUTION SQUAD!” His voice died when they started to hear a man’s blood curdling screams.

“AHHH!!! GET OFF OF ME!!! GAHHH!!!”

“PRIVATE HOTCHKISS GOT PULLED OUT OF FORMATION!” (F/n) heard from the riot line.

Running over, (F/n) peeked through the broad shoulders of those at the shield wall, seeing a soldier flail around as surrounding Ishvalans pulled away at his body armor and started beating him with first, bricks, feet, just about anything was used to beat the man into a bloody pulp. “SQUAD, FORM A BULGE IN THE LINE! I’LL PULL HIM OUT!”

The sickening sound of impacts against bone and the screams of the soldier starting to die out, the squad acted quickly to form a U in the line to push forward. Using their shields the soldiers pushed back the protesters that stood in their way, eventually able to reach Hotchkiss as he lay still on the blood covered ground.

Two soldiers parted just enough for (F/n) to reach pass, grab Hotchkiss by his tattered collar and pull. The U formation retracted to get back in a straight line, covering (F/n) and Hotchkiss.

Hotchkiss weakly reached around as he muttered incoherent noises. “Umpf…. Fuhh- ahh..” (F/n)’s (e/c) eyes went wide once he saw the condition Hotchkiss was in. The young man’s face was distorted. Nose crooked, eyes swollen, cheek boon looking to be caved in. Further up on his head wasn’t any better. The skin of the scalp was torn away and gushed blood from the wound. A cracked skull hid under the poll of red that rushed out like a river.

“MEDIC!” (F/n) yelled at the top of his lungs, being able to be louder than the crowd and banging of batons.

========================================================================

Inside the government building, (Y/n) peeked from behind the door frame that led into the infirmary. He saw his father speaking with a blood covered doctor, both looking defeated.

“Lieutenant (L/n)...” The doctor spoke slowly, his tone filled with restrained anger. “You know me better than most. You know how I hate violence but you need to give the order to open fire. A soldier is dead because you refuse to see the reality of the situation.”

“So we should gun down a crowd of innocent people?!” (F/n) looked at the doctor like he was crazy. How could he, out of everyone, think this?

“They are helping the enemy that just killed a soldier under your command.” The doctor said, making his anger known but jabbing a finger into (F/n)’s chest. “Are you really going to let the men under your command die just because you’ve grown attached to these people?!”

“It isn’t that! This entire thing…” Looking over at Hotchkiss’ covered corpse, (F/n) brought a shaky hand to his forehead. “Is what they want…”

The doctor looked at him in confusion. “What are you on about? Did you get hit on the head while you were out there?”

(F/n) looked at the man, about to say something but stopped himself. “N-No… I’m fine.” He brought a hand to rest against the table where Hotchkiss laid, leaning against it. His worried expression not seen by (Y/n).

The doctor’s expression tightened, looking like he didn’t fully believe him but decided to drop the matter. “Alright but you need to straighten your shit out now. I, nor anyone else in the platoon, will follow you if you keep this up.” With that, he took his leave, eyeing (Y/n) as he walked past him. For the moment (Y/n) locked eyes with him, he saw there was a mix of pity and hatred in the doctor’s eyes.

========================================================================

From then on the situation escalated. From a few remote incidents that resulted in the death of a soldier or Ishvalan to organized attacks. Communities across Ishval had a decision to make. Put their trust in Amestris and follow their orders. Join up with the growing number of partisan groups to fight back against Amestris. Or flee their homes in hopes of a better future elsewhere.

(F/n) had the idea that fleeing was best but there was objection to it.

========================================================================

The office space of the government building was cleared out to make way for cots for the soldiers stationed there. (Y/n) was told that it was only temporary and that soon they would be able to live in the city again once things quieted down.

The boy wasn’t stupid. He saw the violence first hand. The word “soon” was said out of hopeful optimism in an attempt to reassure him.

Looking left and right, at the cots where his mother and father would have been, (Y/n) saw that they were missing. The light peeking out from the door that was ajar across the room caught his attention. He got up, tip toes past sleeping soldiers, eventually reaching the door.

“We can’t stay here.” He heard his father’s hushed voice slip past the slightly opened door. “The fighting will eventually intensify.”

“We can’t and you know that.” (Y/n)’s mother said, sounding tired of having to say it. “We still need to train (Y/n) or else…” She stopped, letting a worried sigh out instead.

“Can’t we find someone outside Ishval to train him? I’m sure with your help-”

(F/n) was cut off. “There’s no one as skilled as Ubayd to teach him and he’s made it clear he’s not leaving Ishval. Without him, (Y/n) won’t survive.”

What else? (Y/n) wondered. What was so bad that he needed to stay and learn alchemy? The train of thought ended when his mother glanced over at the door, seeing those familiar little red eyes peeking at her.

“Racham, what are you doing up so late?” The mother asked calmly and softly, dropping the serious tone she had a moment ago.

Racham is a word from the old language Ishvalans used to speak hundreds of years ago, often found in religious scripture - it’s a word meant for a beloved

She crouched down and opened her arms, inviting the boy into her embrace. Slowly the boy opened the door enough for him to exit and hug his mother. She held him close to her chest as she stood, letting the father place hand on his head and rough up his hair. “Didn’t even hear you. Either you’ve been getting better at sneaking around or my hearing is showing its age.” (F/n) chuckled.

Any good parent can put on a mask of happiness so as not to stress their child. But nothing much could be done when the child learns to see through it.

========================================================================

As the years went on, (Y/n) didn’t get to see his father as often. It became a rarity to see him, mostly only able to speak with him for a few minutes at the government building before he had to go back to his duty or he himself had to go with his mother to learn more alchemy with Ubayd and the rest of the group.

He, like any child does, asked a lot of questions when he got the opportunity to talk with his father.

“What do you do now?” - This was as asked since (F/n) no longer served as a conservation officer. The answer was simple and vague - “My new duties.”

“Were you busy with another riot?” - (Y/n) would later in life wonder why he bothered to ask this. The answer was yes, you couldn’t walk more than a few feet without hearing about a riot, an ambush on a patrol or supply train, and so on. Maybe he just wanted to see how his father answered.

“People are upset but we managed to talk it out. Don’t worry about it. Things are getting better.” - Having overheard other soldiers talk among themselves helped him figure out for a fact that the answer was a lie that was meant to reassure him. (F/n) was put in charge of an Anti-Partisan unit. What exact things he did in the unit would be revealed sooner rather than later.

========================================================================

1907.

The sound of gun and artillery fire was heard in the distance. The smell of fires that ragged on elsewhere in the city filled the air. The occasional scream of agony rang out when the silence broke up the gun fire. The war was in full swing and made the entire place stench of death.

The government building (Y/n) was abandoned. The exterior was covered with bullet holes and larger holes from explosives from either hand grenades or captured artillery guns. Lifeless rooms riddled with holes were bare, not a single thing of water, food, clothing, munitions, not even anything made of wood that could be used to keep warm was left. The only thing left behind were the spent shell casings that littered the blood stained floors.

(Y/n) stood in the back yard of the government building, hearing everything happening across the city. His father, two other soldiers, and their Captain - a middle aged veteran named Heydrich with a notable horizontal scar on his left cheek - stood in front of him.

========================================================================

Minutes Ago.

(Y/n) looked over at his father. He was leaning against the wall, carefully looking out the window. His entire body was covered in dirt and blood - none of which was his. He kept a finger on the trigger of his submachine gun. The sagging ammo pouches on his belt suggested he may only have a stick or two of spare rounds for the weapon. He crouched down, collecting some shell casings that were on the floor and placed them into a satchel that hung off his belt. He would then shuffle elsewhere and repeat this.

“S-Should we go out to find mom?” (Y/n) quietly suggested, worried loud noises would get picked up by someone.

(F/n) stayed silent, his eyes darting across the destroyed street. There was something he still needed to deal with first.

“She said she’d be with Ubayd…” (F/n) stayed quiet, frustrating (Y/n). “We can’t just stay here-”

“Lieutenant (L/n)!” The two heard from outside. The voice was familiar to (F/n).

Running to the window where he heard the voice come from, (F/n) looked to see who it was. Standing there casually smoking from a large pipe, wearing a great coat with an officer’s cap slightly tilted on his head was Captain Heydrich. He looked like he didn’t have a care in the world as the city around him burned. His retinue consisted of two middle aged men armed with sub machine guns. Their hardened faces and calm composure suggested they were infantry veterans.

“You must be here!” Heydrich asked to no one specifically, his eyes scanning the windows of the building. “Your platoon said you ran off towards here before the order to attack was given.”

(Y/n) watched as his father went pale, like he just saw a ghost. “What’s wrong?” He was hushed by his father.

“I have a keen sense of hearing, Lieutenant!” Heydrich playfully tapped his ear. “Even after all the fighting I’ve been through. You should know that about me by now. Why don’t you show yourself… I think I understand why you ran off. I just want to talk!”

“It’s a wonder how you haven't got killed yet, sir!” (F/n) said as he motioned for (Y/n) to go out the door of the room. He looked back and spoke quickly and very quietly, at best mouthing his words. “Go to the back yard.” He undid the satchel from his belt and handed it to the boy. “Make a large transmutation circle near the entrance and stand near it.”

“Everyone else says that about me too!” Heydrich said, making himself chuckle as puffs of smoke filled the air.

========================================================================

“So this is your boy?” Heydrich asked, eyeing up (Y/n), making the boy feel like prey. “Aside from the eyes, he didn’t fall far from your tree.” He said, sounding like a complement. “It’s almost a shame you have to kill him.”

(Y/n)’s eyes widened and blood ran cold. Heydrich gestured to him, looking at his father expectantly. “Well? Go on, he’s not going to kill himself any time soon.” His casualness was eerie. Ending a life was on par with breathing to this man.

“Sir…” (F/n) shot his superior a glare. “I’m not going to-” The muzzle of a submachine gun to his back made him stop.

Heydrich smirked. “You are. Our orders from our Fuhrer are to kill each and every single one of these Ishvalans.” He looked over at the boy, seeing the fear in his eyes. “Please understand this is nothing personal. I’m just following orders as any good soldier should.” The smirk on his face never left. He was teasing the boy. His attention went back to (F/n). “I’m giving you a chance to put him down so as not to make him suffer.” He gestured to his retinue. “They like to “play with their food” as some would say.”

(F/n) narrowed his eyes at Heydrich, his teeth clenching together. He dragged his eyes across the ground, seeing the dull shimmer from the casings on the debris-covered ground, before meeting with his son’s red eyes. “(Y/n)... just do what I say and everything will be alright.”

(Y/n)’s heart racked in his chest, his hands and legs shaking. He managed to nod his head yes. “Get on the ground… press yourself against the ground.” He did as told, some bits of debris poked at his skin.

The smirk on Heydrich’s face grew as (F/n) raised his weapon and pointed it at (Y/n)’s head. “NOW!” He heard (F/n) yelled, watching as (Y/n) slammed his hands against the ground.

The outline of a transmutation circle formed on the ground thanks to the shell casings. The ground around them shifted and two pillars sent out, striking Heydrich, knocking the pipe out of his mouth. The other pillar went forward before taking a sharp turn, hitting the retinue soldiers in one hit. A gun shot rang out.

On the ground, Heydrich reached for his holstered pistol. “YOU BASTARD-” A second shot rang out. A single round from (F/n)’s gun ended his life. He turned the weapon on the two retinue soldiers as they were recovering, gunning them down with two bursts into their chests, killing them.

(Y/n) lifted his head once the shooting stopped. With his back to him, (Y/n) saw there was a hole through his father’s stomach and the blue of his uniform was quickly becoming red. “DAD!”

The gun in (F/n)’s hand slipped from his grip as he stumbled back, falling onto the ground. (Y/n) quickly went over to him. Taking the bottom of his robe he ripped it, getting a large section and applied it to (F/n)’s wound. “DAD! DAD, PLEASE DON’T!”

(F/n) spoke with weak breaths. “Son…” He grabbed the boy’s shaking hands. “DAD, PLEASE, I NEED TO-”

“Listen to me.” (F/n)’s grip shifted to (Y/n)’s wrists. “With this wound… I’m already done for.”

Tears started to steam down (Y/n)’s cheeks, his breaths quick and panicked. “N-NO! YOU’LL BE ALRIGHT!”

“I’m not lying, (Y/n)...” (Y/n)’s breath hitched. “I know… I’ve lied to you a lot.” (F/n) said between deep breaths, his hands getting colder. “But this time… I’m telling you the truth.” He reached up with one hand, caressing his son’s cheek. “I’m a terrible person. I’ve murdered innocent people as much as any other soldier here… And now I’m pushing a responsibility onto you that no one should ever have to do.”

(F/n)’s hand fell down and reached out to grab his gun. He was able to hook a finger on the sling and pull it towards himself before lifting it up, resting the barrel over where his heart is. His hand moved to the trigger but they gave out. “Damnit…”

(Y/n) watched on in terrified confusion. “W-What are you-”

“(Y/n)...” (F/n) said, using the last of his strength to speak. “You have to kill me… and perform human transmutation on me before more soldiers come.”

(Y/n) let out a shaky breath. “What?! W-What are you talking about?!”

“Ubayd tattooed me as well…” (F/n) weakly gestured to his chest. Pulling down on (F/n)’s collar, (Y/n) saw he had the same tattoo that was on his own chest. “They connect us. It’s to protect you from a rebound that could kill you.” He took a moment to take a deep breath. “You need to perform human transmutation on my corpse… that’s the only way you’ll be strong enough.”

“STOP! STOP TALKING LIKE THIS!” (Y/n) pleaded through sobs.

“Take the gun… (Y/n).” (F/n) locked eyes with his son. “Please.”

With shaky hands and hesitation, he grabbed a hold of the gun, pressing it against (F/n)’s chest. “D-Dad… I-I can’t-”

“To survive you have to do things you're uncomfortable with.” (F/n) reminded.

Gritting his teeth and clenching his eyes shut, (Y/n) resting his finger on the trigger. “Me and your mother love you so… much, (Y/n). We’re sorry… but this has to happen… You need to survive… The world still has plans for you.”

“I… I love you too, dad.” Those were the last words (Y/n) said before he shot and killed his own father. The gun shot was louder than any before. As the life drained from his father, both his and (Y/n)’s tattoos glowed for a moment before dying off slowly, as if to recreate the father’s last breath.

========================================================================

1906.

In the basement of the home of Ubayd, (Y/n) watched in scared confusion as his mother and Ubayd drew the transmutation circle often associated with human transmutation. “W-Why are you teaching me this? Isn’t human transmutation forbidden?”

Ubayd looked at the mother and nodded before getting back to work with the calk powder. The mother went over to (Y/n), looking at him with a soft expression. “It is…” She answered honestly. “But there will come a time you will need to know this.”

“But why? You all said that playing God and trying to create life is wrong.”

The Mother looked at her son with pity, staying silent. Ubayd took notice of the silence and spoke up. “Sometimes you have to break the rules to win when you have the world against you.”

This confused (Y/n) further but he stayed silent. The words pulled him into deep thought.

========================================================================

With the shell casings rearranged into that of a human transmutation circle and his father’s body in the middle, (Y/n) pressed his hands down within the circle. The circle glowed to life with blue sparks before shadowy hands emerged from the edges. A large closed eye stretched across the circle before opening, revealing a gray eye that swallowed up (F/n)’s body.

A spark shot out, hitting (Y/n)’s left arm. “AUGAHHHHHH!!!!” Bit by bit the flesh tore away, then the muscles, and finally the bone before the entire arm vanished. He screwed his eyes shut as he writhed in pain, a hand clamped down on the stump where his arm used to be.

========================================================================

Opening his eyes, (Y/n) saw he was in a white void. The lack of pain brought his attention to his arm, seeing that it was still gone but the pain was as well. He looked around, eventually turning around to see a tall, large stone door suspended in the air.

“Hello…” (Y/n) whipped his head around, seeing the white figure known as Truth. The only thing on its blank face was a large toothy smile.

(Y/n) was taken aback, feeling like the wind got knocked out of him. “W-Who are you?! Where am I?!”

“I am called by many names but the name “Truth” always appealed to me most.” It raised its left arm before slowly (Y/n)’s arm replaced it. “And this is the place where the humans who dare to commit human transmutation go. Lucky you~!” It sang teasingly as they wiggled the fingers on their new arm.

(Y/n) eyes widened, seeing the arm. “My… arm…” He could barely speak.

“It is the price you pay for knowledge.” The door slowly started to open with a long dragged out creek. Multiple shadowy hands shot out and latched onto (Y/n). “S-STOP! AHHH!!!”

Truth smiled dropped into a serious frown. “Stop?” It asked before holding its stomach in laughter. “Hehahah~! The deal has been made! There is no stopping it!”

(Y/n)’s fingers hooked onto the stone door as it started to close, feeling the hands tearing away at his body. The pain engorged him to summon all his strength into his remaining arm to pull himself arm but it was futile.

“You, son of Ishval, have seen death, suffering and just about everything else horrible this world has to offer. Too bad the world has worse in store for you. But you humans often find a way to reach that light at the end of the tunnel, or at least try to as long as you have hope.” A final yank pulled (Y/n) into a dark void, watching the stone doors close shut.

========================================================================

Sitting on one of the chairs in the kitchen, (Y/n) kept his head low. In the corner of his eyes he saw Edward, Alphonse, Izumi, and Sig look at him with pity in their eyes. He hated it.

“I remember seeing… everything. The answer to every question one could ask, before forgetting it and waking up.” He swore it was clear as day when he first saw it but as soon as it ended, it became nothing more than a dream you barely remember. “I tried to go find my mother but I passed out from blood loss. Some soldiers took me to the Rockbell’s field hospital.” He gestured to himself with self deprecation, ashamed and disgusted with himself. “And you guys know the rest…”

“(Y/n)...” Edward spoke softly. “You- You could have told us, we would have understood.”

“Understood?!” (Y/n) snapped as he shot up from his chair, making the chair clack against the floor. The group recoiled back in surprise. “I murdered my own father! I didn’t fight to stay in Ishval to find my mother! I just took the easy way out and ran away!” Tears pricked at the corner of his eyes and fists clenched. “I’M A SELFISH COWARD!”

Edward’s face contorted with anger. “NO, YOU’RE JUST AN IDIOT!” He marched forward, grabbing (Y/n) by the collar and pulled him down to his level. His golden eyes glaring into (Y/n)’s reds. “YOUR BLAMING YOURSELF WHEN YOU WERE JUST A KID! HOW STUPID DO YOU HAVE TO THINK A ONE ARMED 13 YEAR OLD COULD MAKE IT THROUGH A WAR TORN COUNTRY?! WOULD IT HAVE BEEN BETTER FOR YOU TO DIE IN ISHVAL AND LET WHAT YOU DAD DID GO IN VAIN?!” (Y/n)’s mouth hung open, surprised by Edward’s words. “WHAT ABOUT US?!” His voice slowly started to drop, as if he was holding tears back. “If you died, we would have never met you. Winry and Granny would have never met you… You wouldn’t have met anyone in the military that’s been helping you since day one.” Edward sneered, squinting his eyes slightly in an attempt to keep up his angered look that was falling apart second by second. He leaned forward, pressing his head against (Y/n)’s chest, his grip on his collar tight as ever as if afraid to lose him. “You’ve done a lot for so many people. That means a lot of people care about you too.”

Alphonse moved to the side of the two, wrapping his arms around them both and brought them into a hug. “Please don’t hate yourself.” He pleaded softly. “You’re a great person and don’t deserve to think about yourself like this…”

(Y/n)’s eyes quivered, he was close to crying again. Izumi moved in, taking the opposite side Alphonse was and wrapped her arms around his waist. “These idiots act like everything's okay while you suppress it entirely. Don’t bottle up everything.”

Finally Sig came over. He reached over Edward, his large hand resting on (Y/n)’s head and started to mess up his hair. “You worry too much. Just trust in the people who trust in you.”

“Damn it…” Tears started to roll down (Y/n)’s cheeks and he melted in the group hug and head scratches. They weren’t tears of sadness but of joy. 

Chapter Text

With Sig out of the room, Izumi spoke with the three as she looked out the window, seeing the orange glow of the setting sun in the distance.

“The chance of surviving an attempt at human transmutation, let alone seeing ‘it’, are beyond rare. Majority of the time attempts lead to death with vital organs missing. You realize it now but I doubt you understood that it takes great skill and incredible luck to survive before your attempt.”

“I…” Edward paused before uttering with defeat. “No…”

“Regardless. I can’t accept the decision you made.” Izumi turned to the three, her brows furrowed. “You’re expelled.”

Edward and Alphonse gasped with shock while (Y/n) dropped his head, accepting the decision on the spot.

“But, teacher!” Alphonse cried out with desperation.

Edward placed a hand on his chest. “Al.” Looking down to his older brother, Alphonse saw he was hanging his head the same as (Y/n). He had come to that same conclusion as (Y/n).

Izumi crossed her arms as she turned to face the window. The sun was lower now as it made room for the moon and stars that would arrive soon. “The trains are still running… get on one.” She spat.

Edward raised his head, his lips quivering as it struggled not to pull down, looking at his now former teacher. He slowly bowed his head. “Thank you… for everything.” (Y/n) and Alphonse bowed as well.

========================================================================

Edward, Alphonse, and (Y/n) stood outside the entrance of the train station speaking with Sig before they left. The lights inside and street lamps gave off a welcoming yellow glow which other people basked in as they waited to either leave or pick someone up after a long trip.

“Feel free to drop by if you’re ever in town.” Sig offered.

Alphonse dropped his shoulders and head. “I’m not so sure about that.” He uttered sadly.

“You idiots!” Sig suddenly barked, making the three recoil back out of fear of further scolding. “You’re so busy pouting you can’t see what your expulsion means. You aren’t her students anymore, so now you’re finally free to speak to Izumi as equals!”

The three exchanged glances with each other at this revelation while Sig crossed his arms and held his head high with mock smugness. “Unless, of course, you’re too chicken to try it.”

“Awwwww, DAMN!” Edward slapped a hand against the side of his face, his teeth gritting with frustration. “We haven’t done what we came here to do in the first place!” Alphonse stiffened, realizing he was right. We’re heading back there right now!” The three ran around Sig and down the street.

(Y/n) waved backwards to Sig as he ran. “Thanks, Mr. Curtis!”

“Stop bein’ so formal and don’t let her kill you!” Sig replied as he waved back.

========================================================================

With a scowl on her face, Izumi used the sharpening stone in the butcher shop, sharpening one of the many knives to a fine tip. Her strokes were rough and heavy. It seems this was done more out of anger than out of necessity.

The door to the alleyway swung open, revealing and heavily breathing Edward. “TEACHER!” He entered just as Izumi threw a knife. “GAHHHH!!!!” He ducked in time to avoid the hit as the knife embedded in the wall behind him.

Izumi snarled, looking like a rabid wolf. “WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING COMING BACK HERE?! AND YOU CALL ME TEACHER?! I DO NOT TEACH SCUM LIKE YOU! GET OUT OF MY HOME!”

Edward practically cried as he tried to silently calm her down with hands up. (Y/n) and Alphonse peeked in from the doorway, wary of any other objects and feeling the heat of Izumi’s fiery anger.

“Just give us a moment to talk!” (Y/n) did not plead but demanded as he and Alphonse entered.

“Teacher!” Edward slammed his automail fist down onto the ground as he, Alphonse, and (Y/n) kneeled before Izumi.

“We came to you because we’re trying to find a way to get our bodies back.” Alphonse said.

“And we won’t leave without your help!” Edward reassured Izumi of their determination.

“GET OUT NOW!” Izumi barked again.

“We’re staying!” The three said in unison.

A moment of tense filled silence took over the room. Both sides looked to be unwavering in their decision. Eventually Izumi’s sharp eyes darted over at (Y/n). “This entire time… Were you helping them so you could get your arm back? Was all that talk about helping your family a lie?”

(Y/n)’s heart twinged, the words hurting him deeply. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath in, calming himself, before opening his eyes and looking Izumi in the eyes and spoke with certainty. “No… Ever since I lost it I believed I deserved it. I still believe that now, even after everything you all said. It’s a permanent reminder of the last thing my father did for me and what I had to do to live. Even when we find a way to restore Ed and Al’s bodies I’m keeping my automail.” He softly smiled, his eyes drifting down to the hand of his automail. His red eyes taking in the details he's seen thousands of times by now. “Also it was one of the first gifts from my new family. It means too much to me to get rid of it.”

Edward smiled while Alphonse’s posture perked up. Izumi closed her eyes, looking away as she muttered. “You idiots…”

========================================================================

The four sat in the living room of the Curtis home. A lone candle lit lamp hung over the four as they spoke.

“Al, you didn’t see “the Truth,” did you?” Izumi asked.

“No… I don’t really even know what that means.” Alphonse answered honestly.

Izumi held her chin in her hand. “You must’ve lost your memory from the shock.” She concluded. “We need to get Al’s memory back. His entire body was taken from him.” Her eyes narrowed. “Just think what he must’ve seen.”

Edward perked up with interest. “Oh yeah! We only exchanged parts of our bodies for what we saw but Al paid the “toll” with his entire physical being. He must’ve seen more of “the Truth” than us!”

“So… if I can remember what I saw, then we’ll know how to get our bodies back?” Alphonse asked, making sure he was on the same track as the two.

“But the memory of that thing…” Izumi trailed off as she shivered.

“That thing.” Edward added quietly, as if he was retelling a ghost story.

This alarmed Alphonse. “What, is it something bad?!”

“No, it’s more like awful.” Izumi said as she wiggled her arms.

Edward did the same. “Yeah… and horrifying.”

(Y/n) watched the two practically cornered Alphonse and covered him in a blanket of dread as they continued to speak. The poor soul trapped in armor whimpered.

“It could drive you insane!” Izumi exclaimed before Edward added. “Or even leave you brain dead!”

(Y/n) shook his head lightly. ‘Is now the time really to tease him?’

“That doesn’t matter.” Alphonse spoke up. “If there's a chance that it can help us then I wanna do it!”

A moment of silence lingered at Izumi deep in thought, eyes closed. Once she opened her eyes, she spoke. “Alright… I have an acquaintance that might know a way to retrieve your memory for you.” The three gasped with pleasant surprise before Izumi smiled. “But! Let’s eat dinner first. Gimme a hand.” She stood up, grabbed (Y/n) by the collar of his uniform and started to drag him out to the kitchen. “Also, lose the jacket. You’re not on duty right now.”

“YOU DON’T NEED TO DRAG ME… AGAIN!" (Y/n) yelled but let Izumi drag him away, watching as Edward and Alphonse laughed.

Outside from the window, attached to the wall by the hands and feet, a short male figure watched from the group from the upper corner of the window. He had on a tattered cloak with a rather large wedge nose that stuck out from the shrouded in darkness face. From under and behind the cloak, a lizard-like tail stuck out.

“The rumors are true… He’s able to transmute human souls.” He muttered to himself before climbing along the wall to the roof and then scurrying away. His voice was gravelly and higher pitched than most, similar to a lizard’s squeaking.

========================================================================

Eastern Command Center.

With the sun pouring in through the window into the office of his superior, Roy played chess with his commanding officer - General Grumman. He was an old man and past his prime as a soldier as his uniform hung off his skinny frame. His eyes were obscured but a thick pair of round glasses. A long mustache stretched out past his face and what was left of his hair on the side and back of his head was white as snow. On his chest were two medals and a few service ribbons above them.

The room was filled with personal items from the nations that border Amestris. A couple of stuffed beavers native to Aerugo sat on a short bookshelf in the corner of the room. Three very colorful large nesting dolls from Dracchma along with a few vases from Xing sat on the other side of the room. Finally, on his desk was a cigar box with gold damascening from Creta next to a selection of alcohol from all around Amestris. The General certainly had an eye for foreign pieces.

Grumman held the Queen piece in his hand as he looked over the board carefully. The game looked to be in Roy’s favor as his pieces cornered Grumman’s.

“There’s only one week left until the big transfer, huh?” Grumman knocked over a Pawn that was next to his Rook before placing his Queen on the tile.

Roy kept his eyes focused on the board. “Yessir.”

“It just won't be the same without you… You brought a little color to this dreary desert and (Y/n) basically did everything around here.” Grumman chuckled. “I haven’t seen him for a while… Is he on assignment?”

Roy chuckled as well before he moved his Rook to threaten Grumman’s Queen. “He said they’d be in Dublith for a while to refresh on a few combat lessons considering how his last fight with Scar almost ended.”

The two took their turns moving their pieces. Grumman tried to find a way out of the corner but Roy kept finding new ways to keep him in place.

“Well all of your hard work has made my life easier. Finally got to relax.” Grumman moved his Queen forward, finally able to break out of the encirclement.

“And I feel like I’ve grown as an officer thanks to the variety of work you’ve allowed me to take on.” Roy moved a pawn to sit in front of Grumann’s King. “I’m certain (Y/n) would say the same.”

“I somewhat feel bad for the young man. I realise he has to take on so many duties to keep his rank and reassure High Command but I think he should have some sort of vacation to make up for it.” With a worried look filled with hesitation, Grumman took the King piece and pulled it back from the Pawn. A pull on the corner of his lip made Roy smirk.

Roy took his Queen and slammed it down across from Grumman’s King. “Checkmate.”

Grumman leaned forward onto the table, looking at the pieces with disbelief, before throwing his hands up. “AGH!”

“It took me long enough to beat you.” Roy said pridefully as he collected all the pieces and placed them to the side before he started to fold the board.

Grumman reached into his jacket and pulled out a black book with brass reinforced corners. “You can consider that as my going-away gift.” He opened the book and started to write in it.

“Well, then.” Roy said, making Grumman lower his book. “If you’re in a gift-giving mood, there’s something else I’d like.”

========================================================================

In his office, Roy looked over the soldiers that stood before him.

“Master Sergeant Kain Furey.” The young man nervously tugged at the collar of his uniform. “Warrant Officer Vato Falman. 2nd Lieutenant Heymans Breda. 2nd Lieutenant Jean Havoc.” Even now he still held a cigarette between his lips. At the very least it was unlit. “1st Lieutenant Riza Hawkeye.” She bowed her head respectfully. “Gather up your things. All five of you are transferring to Central with me.” Roy placed a hand on the desk in front of him, looking at them all with a stern look. “And no objections. Understood?”

One by one they all saluted. But suddenly Jean froze up, looking like he just remembered something. “I’ve got a problem, sir… See, I just started dating this girl and I really like her.” He made a fist, gesturing he was grabbing the opportunity.

Roy looked at him annoyed. “Dump her.”

Jean launched himself back and collided against the wall. How cruel, he thought.

“What about (Y/n)?” Kain asked, noticing the lack of the Major.

“He’ll be away for some time but he’s set up the office for us at Central so we should be able to get settled in soon and get to work.” Roy answered. “Also, remember not to tell him or the Elrics about Hughes. I will address it personally.”

========================================================================

With a scowl on his face and blanket over his shoulders, Scar lifted a makeshift dumbbell made out of concrete and rebar. He was still in the slums that a group of Ishvalans called home.

The flap of the entrance opened, revealing the small Ishvalan child who greeted him when he woke up. “Come on, not again!” He groaned. Scar paused and looked over, seeing the boy had a bowl with a rag sitting on the edge. “Your wounds are never gonna heal if you don’t give it a rest.”

The boy looked outside and then pushed the flap further open. A moment later, the same old Ishvalan man who spoke with (Y/n) during his search for Isaac McDougal appeared. Scar’s eyes widened. “Master?!”

========================================================================

The Master sat across Scar. His back and head were straight while Scar was slouched over and hanging his head. His hands rested on the floor either side of him with the knuckles down. The boy and another old man sat off to the side, watching the two speak.

“I’m glad you’re well.” Scar said with relief.

“I was informed that you’ve been targeting State Alchemists for execution.” The Master softly spoke. “I know the animosity you feel… A State Alchemist is responsible for the burning of our village and the death of our loved ones. But, your vengeance will sow the seeds of further violence.” His white brows furrowed. “What you’re doing is senseless revenge and it’s feeding a fruitless cycle of death. You must end this cycle, once and for all.”

“What of the Ishvalan Alchemist?” Scar asked with frustration. “He betrayed us by joining the same military that sought to annihilate us! He lives a life like any officer while we’re here in the slums! There must be justice for his crime!”

The Master sighed. “If only you knew the life he’s lived and the heavy burden that’s on his shoulders…”

“Would you look at that!” The conversation came to a halt when two large muscular men opened the flap to the tent. They weren’t Ishvalan and looked like typical punks. One was wearing leather pants, a leather vest, a pair of sunglasses with a scar covered bald head and the other, a younger man, wearing a designer double belt and mohawk. “He really is here! He’s got the scar and everything.”

The bald man looked back. “Looks like you’ve got yourself a deal. We’ll split the bounty three ways with you. What the-?” He looked around in confusion. “I guess he didn’t want the reward.”

Several other Ishvalans were there as well. All of their eyes were locked on a destroyed bit of brick wall. A man emerged from behind the wall, immediately getting angry glares from the Ishvalans.

The man was former Lieutenant Yoki. His long mustache was crooked, looking like a run over metal coat hanger. Along the underside of his jaw were a few stray patches of hair and the hair on his head was unkept. The clothing he wore matched his hair. Just rags at best.

“Yoki!”

“How could you do something like this?!”

“We took you in and treated you like family when you had nowhere else to go!” Three Ishvalans confronted him with disappointment.

“JUST SHUT UP!” Yoki exploded with anger, glaring at the three. “I NEVER EVEN WANTED ANYTHING TO DO WITH YOU ISHVALANS! ESPECIALLY AFTER ONE OF YOU MADE ME LOOSE MY RANK!” A twisted smile came to his face. “YOU LOST YOUR WAR, BUT I’LL RISE AGAIN! I’LL RISE UP! I WILL RISE! AND I’LL USE MY POWER TO ANNIHILATE EDWARD ELRIC AND THAT ISHVALAN BASTARD (Y/N)!”

In his mind, Edward, Alphonse, and (Y/n) were akin to the devil. A force of evil he alone had to defeat.

“Now then…” Yoki calmed himself down. “Capture him please so we can fetch our money.”

Scar stood up and approached the two males at the entrance. The two were distracted, paying too much attention to Yoki. “It’s obvious that I’ll only bring more trouble if I stay here.” He walked past the two.

The bald man watched him with a smile. “Well, thanks for making this easy, pal.” He reached out to grab Scar by the shoulder. However Scar wasn’t going to surrender himself.

In a flash, Scar reached back and tapped the man’s arm. Blue sparks, blood, flesh filled the air as the man’s arm was separated into two. “GAHHHHHH!!!!” He fell back, sending his glasses flying, gripping the stump to quell the bleeding. Other Ishvalans watched on in horror.

“THE HELL?! WHAT’D YOU DO TO HIM?!” The younger punk barked with confusion before throwing a punch.

Scar side stepped, avoiding the strike. He reached up, grabbing the man by the mouth. His red eyes locked with the punks’ as he tried to yell, only for it to be muffled by the hand. “I’ll give you a moment to pray to god.”

The punk grabbed Scar’s hand, pushing it down enough so he could speak. “YOU SHOULD BE THE ONE PRAYING! YOU FREAK!”

The man screamed as his arms flailed around. Scar gripped down onto his mouth as blue sparks fielded the space between them. The crowd watched as the man fell limp. Blood poured from his eyes, mouth, and ears as Scar dropped him. He then started to walk towards Yoki.

“NO… NO, WAIT!” Yoki pleaded with his hands up and tears streaming down his face. “PLEASE, I’M SORRY! PLEASE DON’T KILL ME! PLEASE, I’M BEGGING YOU TO SPARE MY LIFE, I’LL DO ANYTHING!” He clasped his hands together in prayer.

Scar stopped before him before leaning down and picking up the sunglasses. He then walked past the now confused Yoki.

“So you’re leaving then.” The Master spoke, making Scar stop. “Your brother would be sad.”

Scar placed the glasses on. His arm dropped, moving the blanked enough to let everyone see the tattoos on his arm. “Still, it’s… too late… to turn back now.” He uttered before taking his leave.

Yoki looked around, seeing the crowd with mixed emotions of anger with him and horror from what they jaw saw, before running away towards Scar.

========================================================================

Out front at the butcher shop, Alphosne was sweeping near the entrance. With him, Edward, and (Y/n) staying, they insisted on helping out however they could between training as a sort of thank you and rent as they stayed in the guest bedroom.

A crumpled up piece of paper bounced off the ground before rolling and hitting Alphonse’s foot, getting his attention. He looked around in confusion. The ball of paper couldn’t have appeared out of the ether so where did it come from? But there wasn’t a soul around so Alphonse leaned over and picked up the paper as he rested the broom down beside him.

From a nearby rooftop, the lizard-like man peeked, watching as Alhposne carefully unraveled the crumpled piece of paper. A toothy grin and quiet laugh came as he slipped away and out of sight.

========================================================================

In a part of town that was usually avoided, in an alleyway near a bar called the “Devil’s Nest”, four figures stood.

One is a woman with short blonde scruffy looking hair. Two green flame tattoos on her right cheek extended down to her neck and another tattoo was on her left shoulder, looking to be a snake wrapped around a pole. She wore pants that were far too big for her, needing to be pulled up to her stomach and held tightly with a belt. On her black muscle shirt was a dagger in a sheath. The aged leather and wrap around it suggested she’s had it for quite some time.

The shortest of the group was the previously cloaked figure but his hood was down. There was a lack of even a single hair on his head and brows. There were small patches on the side of his head and cheek, looking like the scales of a lizard.

Another was the second shortest male. He wore white robes that one would expect from a karate student, even having a black belt that held a long blade on his lower back. His hair was sharp and slicked back, matching the black wrap on his arms and black t-shirt.

Lastly there was an absolutely giant of a man. He had a large frame that fit his squared off head. His grey hairs on his head with a pony tail, large eyebrows, and jagged side burns showed he lived a lot longer than the others in the group. The clothing he wore was a double breasted green military style coat, suggesting it was either something he picked up from a used clothing store or his own from service from years ago. The latter seemed more likely with his build and cold serious look.

The male in robes sniffed the air. “He’s here.” The three looked down the narrow road between the towers of homes on either side, seeing Alphonse approach. “There you are, ‘bout time.” As the man spoke, Alphonse could see that his teeth were unusually sharp.

Alphonse raised the wrinkled covered piece of paper. “We know your secret. Meet us at the Devil’s Nest if you want to talk.” He read out loud before lowering his hand. “I’m guessing you’re the people that wrote this note?”

“That’s right.” The man in robes answered as he approached. “And we know a lot about you.”

“Well that’s good ‘cuz there’s a lot about me I don’t know.” Alphonse answered honestly but kept his guard up, watching the male approaching carefully and taking note of their weapons.

“Then I’m the guy you wanna talk to.” The man pointed at himself with a thumb as he smirked. “Why don’t you come with us?”

“But my teacher always said I’m not supposed to go with strangers.”

The male’s expression immediately dropped, from confused to disappointed as his shoulders dropped. “How old are you?”

“Nineteen.” Alphonse answered.

The man spun around while twirling a finger in the air, putting back on a face filled with charisma. “You’re more than an adult at that age. You should be thinking for yourself by now. Otherwise, you’ll live a pretty boring life if you don’t take any risks.”

Alphonse perked up. “You think so? I should think for myself?”

The man turned to Alphonse, eyes closed and smiling as he beckoned for him to follow. “Yes! And you can start by coming wit- GHHAAA!!!” A metal kick to the face sent him flying back.

“So I thought it over for myself… And I decided that I should just make you tell me what I want to know.” Alphonse approached the male as he laid on the ground.

“So you wanna do this by force?” The male leapt up, drew his blade and took a stance. “GUHHH!!!” An open palm strike to the face broke his nose, spilling blood onto his face and Alphonse’s gauntlet.

As he fell back from the strike, the male thrust his sword forward, getting it in the space between Alphonse’s helmet and protective collar before popping his helmet off. The female leapt onto Alphonse’s shoulder. “Sorry to drop in!” She said as she slid inside the armor.

Alphonse’s headless body flailed around as he tried to shake the woman out. “YOU’RE INSIDE OF ME?!”

“Hey! Be a good boy and hold still!” The woman shoved her arm into Alphonse’s, keeping them still. “So what’s it like having someone control you from the inside?”

Alphonse struggled to move his arms. “You can’t stop me from moving!” He was able to make a fist. “And you’re not strong enough to hold this up forever!”

“You’re right…” The woman admitted ominously. “But all I’m trying to do is slow you down a little”

“For my turn.” A deep voice came from behind Alphonse. He spun around with an arm raised but it was easily blocked by the giant man. He could do little as the man grabbed his forearm and upper arm, holding it in place, as he fell onto his back, making his metal body crash against the ground. “Are you all right in there?”

“Oh, I’m wonderful…” The female sarcastically quipped, feeling the pulsating pain that was coming from the new bump on her head.

“You’re making this way too hard.” The male in robes said as he walked over with Alphonse’s helmet in hand before tossing it over, letting it bounce off the stone path.

“You people aren't human, are you?” Alphonse asked as the lizard-like male came over and looked him over.

“Good guess!” A cheery masculine voice filled with ill intent spoke up. “They’re Chimeras and they happen to work for me.”

The voice came from a man with slicked up spiked hair and what looked to be an almost permanent smirk on his face. He wore a pair of round sunglasses, a fur collared vest on top of a skin tight sleeveless shirt that showed off every crease and line of his well toned torso, black leather wraps around his forearms, and black leather pants that matched his boots. On the top of his hand had the ouroboros tattoo, the same seen on Envy, Lust, and Gluttony.

The male picked up Alphonse’s helmet by the hair and lifted it up, looking at it for a moment before showing a toothy smile.

========================================================================

Inside of the Devil’s Nest, Alphonse sat against the wall, his arms and legs bound by metal chains. The male with glasses looked inside of his armor with his brows raised in curiosity, seeing the female pouting up at him. “Cool! You’re actually hollow.” He placed the helmet on Alphonse’s body, seeing the eyes glow back to life.

Looking around the room, Alphonse saw that all of the “workers” of the male in front of him were in the room along with a few others. The tallest brandishing a sort of make shift war hammer. On the roof were an abundance of pipes and along the walls were dust covered bottles of wine and crates, suggesting they were in the basement that acted as a storage room.

“The name’s Greed.” The fur vest wearing male introduced himself as he tapped himself on the chest before gesturing to everyone else in a flamboyant fashion. He rested his hand on his hip that popped out as he shifted his weight onto one leg and gestured to everyone else. “And I wanna be your friend.”

“Then why don’t you tell me what you people really are?” Alphonse asked, reminded of Nina when she was turned into a Chimera. It was an easy thought to remember for him sadly. “You’re not Chimeras. It’s impossible. No one’s made a Chimera that can talk.”

“You can’t believe everything the government tells you.” Greed stuffed a hand in his pocket as he crouched down to get eye to eye with Alphonse. He brought a finger up to Alphonse’s shoulder and started to tap on it. “You got all the proof you need right inside of you. The girl in there, Martel, is part snake. And this big guy here…” He looked back at the tall older man. “Roa, what were you made with? Cow?”

The man nodded. “Yeah.”

“Bido’s a lizard.” Greed pointed to the male with the lizard tail and then to a taller muscular male with a mohawk and a very squared off jaw. “Smith’s a croc, and the little runt that you took down earlier tends to lift his leg when he pees. Right, Dolcetto?”

The male in robes angrily glared at Greed as he threw his arm out, as if to dismiss the claim. “ONLY ONCE!”

Alphonse blankly stared at him in disbelief, eventually able to mutter. “You’re part dog?”

Dolcetto smirked as he held his chin. “Yep… it’s really not so bad.”

“I don’t believe it… It’s not possible!” Alphonse exclaimed, the chains on his body rattled as he leaned forward, trying to hear more. “Who would even be capable of creating one?!”

“The military.” Greed answered.

“Are you saying…”

“You got it.” Greed reaffirmed. “There’s a shadow world beneath yours that’s jam packed with the impossible. Hell, I’m more uncommon than they are.” He held up his hand, showing Alphonse the tattoo. “I'm a Homunculus.”

Alphonse stiffened up. “A Homunculus?!”

“You know what that means, right? I’m an artificially created human.” Greed’s words shocked Alphonse further, making him press his back against the wall as the man smirked at him. “Really, no joke.”

A memory came to Alphonse’s mind. He and Edward in their younger years sat at the kitchen table in their home, reading over textbooks covering alchemy. A specific word took his interest.

“Homunculus?”

“It’s a person made from alchemy.” Edward answered.

“But doesn’t that book say you’re not supposed to try and make people?”

“You’re lying!” Alphonse suddenly yelled. “A Homunculus is just a theory, nobody’s made one!”

“Oh, man…” Greed uttered as he removed his glasses, revealing his purple slit eyes with slits for pupils, and stood. “Guess I’ve gotta prove it.”

Roa swung his warhammer, striking Greed in the head. The sharp steel point and weight easily cleaved off the top of his head, leaving only the jaw. Blood spattered everywhere, soon hitting the ground the same time as Greed’s body.

Alphonse’s head darted from the body to Roa in confusion. “WHY’D YOU DO THAT TO HIM?!”

Greed raised a finger, gesturing for Alphonse to pause for a moment. Red sparks chackled from the stump as he stood up. Vein by vein, bone by bone, and skin by skin the head started to form. The scene got various reactions from his crew. Roa kept his eyes closed. Docletto and another looked on in disgust. And Bido and Smith had a look of amazement on their faces.

Once his head was fully formed, Greed held the back of his neck and he let out a long groan. A sudden snap came from the neck when he threw his head forward. He held down on one of his nostrils before blowing out some blood that lingered inside and then wiped away the blood that stained near his mouth. He looked at Alphonse with a smirk. “That’s one time I’ve died.”

Alphonse stared in disbelief. “No way.”

“You get it yet? Nothing is impossible, alright? I’m a little surprised you would have such a hard time accepting that. Considering you’re just a soul in a suit of armor.”

“Who told you that?!” Alphonse saw a sick smile stretch across Greed’s face.

“People like to talk in the shadow world and I’ve got plenty of friends.” Greed leaned over, getting face to face with Alphonse as he chuckled. “Well… Let’s skip this casual chit-chat.” His smile dropped, moving forward, invading Alphonse’s personal space. “I’m more interested in hearing what it’s like to have a body that’ll never die.” Alphonse stayed quiet, turning his head, making Green smirk again. “An individual soul transmuted? And bound to an object? It sounds like that’s the perfect recipe for immortality to me. Let me explain. See, I’m Greed… I want everything you can think of. Money, women, men, power, sex, status, glory!” His tone grew louder as he spoke, his face contorting with feral hunger driven purely by desire. “I demand the finer things… And of course…” He made a fist with his tattoo covered hand. “I crave eternal life.”

“Aren’t you already immortal?” Alphonse asked.

Greed shrugged his shoulders. “Well, I guess I was put together a little sturdier than most. I am nearly two hundred years old but I wouldn’t exactly say that I’m immortal. So… I’ve spilled my guts all over. Told my darkest secret… Now it’s your turn. How’d you get your body?”

“Just make this easy and tell him.” Martel urged threateningly. “Unless you’d rather be examined… which means he’ll have to take you apart.”

“I wish I could tell you. That would mean I actually remember how I got it. But even if I could, I’m not the one who did the transmutation.” Alphonse replied.

Greed flicked a finger at him. “That’s not a problem. In that case… I’ll just ask the person who did.” Alphonse stammered in fear.

========================================================================

With brooms in hand, Edward and (Y/n) walked down the road, keeping their heads on swivel. (Y/n) did as Izumi told and left his military jacket at her place, wearing his usual button up white shirt with the sleeves rolled up. The only thing on him to tell he was a soldier were his pants and boots.

“Now where’d a seven-foot tall suit of armor run off to?” Edward thought out loud.

“Maybe one of the neighbor's cats caught his attention.” (Y/n) suggested.

“I’d be happy to tell you where you could find him.” The two became alert, ready to transmute their brooms into weapons. They looked to a dark alleyway, seeing Bido with his hood up. “But first you tell me what his secret is.”

Edward and (Y/n) looked at each other, stared for a moment before nodding.

========================================================================

The basement door to the Devil’s Nest flung open, sending one of the members of Greed’s crew flying before he collided against the stone wall. Everyone looked over, seeing (Y/n) standing, holding by the hood of his cloak an unconscious, bruise covered Bido. He was thrown onto the ground before (Y/n) and Edward entered.

“Brother! (Y/n)!” Alphonse called out.

“Never really crossed my mind that you could get kidnapped.” Edward said as (Y/n) looked over Greed and the rest, gauging how much of a threat they would be.

“This guy’s a Homunculus!”

The two looked at Alphonse in shock. “Are you serious?!”

Greedy gave Alphonse a sassy look, a hand on his hip and other hand dangling with a bent arm. “Hey! Way to ruin it.”

“You might be able to get some leads from him on how to get our original bodies back!” Alphonse brought up, seeing how angry the two looked.

Greed smirked as he presented his tattoo to the two. “An Uroboros tattoo.” Edward pointed out.

“Aren’t you observant?” Greed teasingly said. “I was hoping that I’d only have to deal with the armored giant.” His eyes went over to (Y/n), seeing the fire that was raging in his red eyes.

“Why don’t you just ask your partners whatever you want to know?” Edward asked.

Greed looked offended, leaning over with his hands resting on either hip. “Partners? He spat.

“Yeah, the rest of the Uroboros gang from the fifth lab. They had a couple of armor bonded souls with them as well.” Edward explained.

Greed’s eyes lit with interest. “Y’don’t say… Well, it’s kind of a long sort but we don’t talk much anymore…” He trailed off before boarding a new train of thought. “I’ve got a proposal for you. You guys are pretty desperate to get your bodies back, right? Because I could teach you how to fabricate your own Homunculus in no time at all. In return, all I ask is you teach me how to transmute a soul. Classic equivalent exchange.” He chuckled, glancing back at Alphonse. “But I really don’t understand why you would want your body back.” Edward stiffened while (Y/n)’s brows furrowed further at Greed. “Seems like you’ve got one that’s perfect already.”

“NO, I DON’T!” Alphonse barked.

Greed looked at him skeptically. “You’re joking, right? You don’t need to eat. You don’t need to sleep. You don’t even need to use the toilet! Sounds great to me!”

“That’s enough…” Edward uttered between gritted teeth. “Shut your… DAMNED MOUTH! GRAHHHH!!!” An automail leg stop to the floor cracked the surface beneath Edward’s boot, also kicking up dust. “SOUNDS GREAT TO YOU?! IT SEEMS PERFECT?! YOU DON’T KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT THE HELL HE’S HAD TO GO THROUGH STUCK WITH THAT BODY!!!” Veins bulged from his forehead and the eyes became blood shot. “AND YOU WANNA KNOW HOW TO TRANSMUTE A SOUL?!” The anger emitting off of him nearly knocked all of Greed’s gang off their feet while leaving Martel shivering inside of Alphonse. “YOU KIDNAP MY BROTHER AND YOU WANNA TRADE SECRETS WITH ME?! I’M GONNA CRUSH YOU CREEPS! I’LL SMASH YOU- END YOU! AND I WON’T GIVE YOU SLIME - ANYTHINGGGG!” Sensing where things were going to go, (Y/n) transmuted his arm into a shield as a murderous aura came off of Edward. “In other words, there won’t be an exchange… with you SCUUMMMM!!!”

All of Greed’s gang looked on with shock while Greed calmly clapped his hands. It was hard to tell if he meant it genuinely or to mock.

“I guess we’re doing this by force again.” Dolcetto popped the sword from his sheath while Smith and two other Chimera’s got ready for a fight.

“Don’t kill them, alright?” Greed told.

“Yeah, yeah…” Dolcetto hummed before charging forward and drawing his blade.

Edward leapt up, avoiding the strike. “You’re a lot slower than a prisoner I know!” In mid air Edward spun and delivered a punch across Dolcetto’s face. Once landed and Dolcetto out of the fight for now, Edward transmuted his automail into a blade. “Need any help?”

In the few seconds he was fighting Dolcetto - The three Chimeras charged towards (Y/n) with their fists reeled back, intending on overwhelming him with numbers. A quick step back, clap, and touch of the ground shot up three pillars, all of them striking the three under their jaws. To make sure the three were retired, (Y/n) swung his automail arm, smashing against the side of the three’s heads as his arm plowed through the pillars.

(Y/n) dusted off his automail. “Not at all.”

Greed looked over his now defeated gang members, rolling his eyes. “Roa, get the armored guy outta here. Guess we’ll dismantle him.”

“Right!” Roa went over, throwing Alphonse over his shoulder before running to a nearby exit.

“DROP HIM!” Edward and (Y/n) ordered as they charged, hearing Alphonse yell at Roa to stop.

With Greed blocking the way, Edward and (Y/n) intended to smash through him to get to Alphonse. They both threw their automail out only for them to be suddenly stopped. Greed had readied his hands, taking the hit the moment after a black metal like substance covered them and added long sharp nails to his fingers.

The two tried to brute force their way forward but Greed wasn’t letting up. The two recoiled back, attempting to hit elsewhere on Greed. It soon became a spark field fight as the two fought to try and land a hit while dodging Greed’s sharp nailed swipes.

“(Y/n)!” Edward called out. “You go after Al! I’ll keep this freak occupied!” (Y/n) grunted in agreement.

“Ho, ho, hold up now! The fun just started!” Greed chuckled as he pushed his attacks.

Edward transmuted the ground, making pillars for him to jump to and from to get an overhead strike on Greed. (Y/n) transmuted to form a wall, forcing Greed to focus on Edward before he started to run to the exit. A sudden hand shot out from the wall nearly decapitated him if he hadn’t ducked in time.

The overhead attack, like the ones prior, was easily deflected by Greed. “Pity… guess it’s just you and me. You might want to try something different because that little hand-sword of yours can’t even scratch my Ultimate Shield!”

Edward transmuted the ground, sending fourth spikes. Greed swiped away the stone spike before his attention was drawn to Edward as he held the top of the spike closest to him and demolished it, sending forward debris and stone dust.

Greed recoiled back, dropping his guard, letting Edward quickly close the gap. Hooking a leg around his head, Edward used his momentum and weight to knock over Greed, his body making a creator in the floor once he fell over and blood to shoot up.

“Guard your head next time!” Edward taunted. The swipe from Greed made him retreat back. However it wasn’t fast enough as Greed was able to get a hit on Edward’s side.

“Awww, that hurt!” Greed grunted as he sat up, blood spilling from his mouth and head. “That move would’ve hospitalized most people.”

“But you’re not like most people, huh?”

Greed snapped his head back, cracking things back into place. “Well, my body is…” Red sparks emitted from his head, healing his wounds. “All that sets me apart are my Ultimate Shield and my advanced healing powers.” The sparks stopped once all of his wounds were tented to. “Nothin’ special.” He stood up. “But you’re never gonna beat me and your ruby eyed buddy is gonna struggle a lot with Martel and Roa. So I suggest making a deal.” The lack of an answer and determined look in Edward’s eyes was enough of an answer. “Oh… You’re one of those guys. You don’t care if somebody beats the crap out of you but if someone lays a finger on a family member, you completely freak out.” He looked at Edward in disappointment. “What a waste. You lose your temper like this and you’re gonna lose my information, your brother, and that other guy.”

Edward scoffed. “Al and (Y/n) are fine. And minute now and they’ll come from that door to either help me kick your ass or see you laid out. You’ve already told us you’re not immortal, remember? And your Ultimate Shield doesn’t cover much.”

Greed threw his head back as he burst out with laughter. “BWAHAHAHAHA!” He took off his coat, revealing he had red dots and lines on his skin tight shirt that were similar to the other Homunculi. “Sorry to let you down, but I’ve been holding back!” He held out his arm, showing as if the black metal started to travel up his arm. “This obscures my handsome face so I try not to wear it that much.” The metal enveloped his entire body.

Edward’s face dropped once he saw how Greed looked with his Ultimate Shield fully up. Red bumps covered his ears, and lines from those went to his mouth and eyes that were now completely black with an orange glow. His bottom teeth sported two large fangs sharpened to a tip.

“I wasn't kidding, kid… Try all ya like, but you’re not gonna beat me.”

========================================================================

Out front of the butcher shop, Sig showed Izumi the broom Alphonse was using. “I found this lying in the alley.”

“Then you’re saying they’re missing?” At first, Izumi’s tone was filled with worry. “THOSE IDIOTS!” She snapped as she cracked her knuckles while Sig looked on nervously. “THEY CAN’T EVEN SWEEP THE STREET WITHOUT GETTING INTO TROUBLE! THEY’RE LUCKY I EXPELLED THEM, OTHERWISE I’D KILL THEM!!!”

“I-I think I can help.” A nervous athletic male spoke up, getting the two’s attention. Looks like he was out on a jog. He threw a small box to Izumi. “Here, catch. A friend of mine noticed a short blonde guy and an off duty soldier heading into the bar called the Devil’s Nest.”

Izumi examined the box. It was a box of matches. It had a demon with red eyes, wings on his arms, sharp ears, horns, a tail with the end in the shape of a spade, and a mischievous grin on his face next to the text that read “Devil’s Nest.”

========================================================================

In the basement of the Devil’s Nest, a bloodied Edward was slouched against the blood stained wall. The top cover of his auto mail was sitting on the ground away from him, exposing the wire, tubes, and gears within his arm.

The room was empty aside from the two. Seems that the other members of his gang woke up and went to deal with (Y/n).

Greed eyes the blonde. “You dead yet?” Edward forced himself up, nearly falling over. “There ya go! You’re chock full of piss and vinegar!”

Edward shot forward, delivering an uppercut. The impact shattered the automail, setting bits of metal and screws up in the air.

Greed grabbed Edward by the face. “I appreciated the effort but you just can’t win!” He threw him towards a crate. Edward smashed through it, reducing it to wooden bits and pieces, the same for whatever was inside. Greed went over and pulled Edward by the collar, lifting him up in the air. “Sooo… are you ready to tell me your secret now?!” He heard Edward muttering something. “Huh?” He lowered Edward to his level to hear him.

“Thanks for toying with me.” Greed looked at him with furrowed brows. “What?!”

“You gave me just enough time to cool off and start thinking clearly.” Edward’s automail twitched, pieces of metal from the fingers fell off, before he was able to make a fist. “Is my mechanic amazing or what? Even after all this, it’s still working.” He clapped his hands together and touched Greed’s arm. Blue sparks filled the space between them.

Edward landed on his feet after Greed let him go. Whatever he tried seemed to not work as Greed examined his arm, seeing nothing. “How long you wanna drag this out, kid? It’d be so much easier if you’d just…” He reeled his arm back. “STAY DOWN!”

Edward transmuted what metal he could from his automail, making the knuckles spiked, and threw a fist out to meet Greed’s. Upon contact, the metal started to peel away on Greed’s hand and arm, revealing a layer of muscles and veins.

“GERRR!!!” Greed recoiled back, holding his bloodied hand, watching as Edward swung his arm off to the side to fling the blood off. Red sparks emitted from Greed’s hand, healing it before the metal to cover it again. He swung his arm, hitting one of the other spikes Edward made earlier. “Well. That was bizarre… Good as new.”

Edward raised a finger and beckoned from Greed to come at him. He accepted, flying forward and throwing a kick. Edward stepped to the side and moved up, pressing a hand to Greed’s chest. Sparks flew but like last time, initially nothing happened.

“WHAT WAS THAT FOR?!” Greed swiped, making Edward hop back and transmute the ground, sending another wave of spikes his way. “Come on, again? Try a new one- OHHHH!!!” Two spikes shot up, impaling Greed on either side of his torso.

Pulling himself off, Greed stumbled back before falling to his knees, blood spilling from his wounds. “What the hell did you do to my shield?!”

“It’s actually pretty simple once you think about it” Edward wiped the blood that was coming from the wounds on his forehead and getting into his eyes. “You may be a homunculus, but you really shouldn't have told me your body is human, considering that means a third of it is made of carbon. The hardness of carbon varies depending on how the atoms are arranged so it’s obvious that’s what your shield is made of.” Greed stood up as his wounds healed. “Once I’ve got that figured out, the rest is simple alchemy.” Edward smoked, wiping the blood from his bottom lip.

“I’M GLAD TO HEAR IT!” Greed charged forward with a slight stumble. “IT’S NO FUN IF IT’S NOT A CHALLENGE!” He threw his fist forward.

Edward side stepped and pushed Greed’s arm to the side as his other hand dove in and touched his stomach. Blue sparks again filled the space. “AND THERE’S ONE OTHER IMPORTANT THING I NOTICED!” Edward spun, gaining momentum, before hitting Greed in the stomach with his automail’s elbow. The metal layer flacked off, revealing the flesh beneath. “YOU CAN’T HARDEN YOUR SHIELD AND HEAL AT THE SAME TIME!”

Greed slid back, holding onto his stomach as his wounds healed. “I think that it is safe to say that I underestimate you.” He forced himself up, his voice strained. “But how much longer can you keep this up in your condition.”

The roof started to shake before a part of the roof caved in, kicking up dust that filled the room. “Sorry to barge in like this.” The two looked to see it was Izumi in a black dress and with one of Greed’s unconscious gang members in hand by the collar of their shirt.

“Teacher?!”

“YOU DAMN IMBECILE!” Izumi threw the unconscious man at Edward, sending him flying and colliding against the wall behind Greed. Thankfully for him the male took the blow against the wall rather than Edward. “Yiy think it’s funny to not put the broom away?!” Edward stared at her with a dropped jaw while Greed looked on in confusion. “I ASKED YOU A QUESTION!”

“N-No! I’m so sorry!” Edward apologized.

Izumi looked over at Greed. “Thanks for the hospitality. He definitely needed the exercise.”

“Teacher, careful! He’s a-”

“Yes, I know…” Izumi interrupted. “I could hear your entire conversation down the hall.”

Greed’s shoulder’s slouched. “Oh gimme a break, don’t tell me you’re gonna try and start anything, lady…” He looked away, as to dismiss her. “It’s no fun fighting a woman.”

The quick and approaching tap of shoes caught his attention. He couldn’t react as Izump gripped onto his face and used alchemy on him. After the light show of blue, Izumi kicked out a leg, hitting him on the side of the head. The metal tore away as he spun around and collided against the wall.

After a brief moment as sparks of red, Greed broke out into laughter. However only the skin healed this time, giving him a two faced appearance. “MUHAHAHA! Well now! Just what the hell are you?”

Izumi took two steps forward. “You asked what I am?” Her eyebrows furrowed with anger, teeth gritted, as she pointed at herself with a thumb. “A HOUSEWIFE!!!”

========================================================================

Drabble - ⚠️Slacking Off. ⚠️

“Ed…” (Y/n) uttered between breaths, having to clamp a hand over his mouth to muffle his moans. He had to pry his fingers apart to speak through them. “Teacher is gonna kill us-”

(Y/n)’s red eyes watched as Edward was kneeled between his legs. His automail hand gripped onto his ankle to keep it in place while his other hand was holding his throbbing. The blonde’s lips tightly wrapped around the head, his tongue swirling the way that made (Y/n)’s head spin.

Edward had dragged him into Izumi and Sig’s bedroom, urging him that they needed to do something to relax on the days of either getting their asses kicked by the housewife or working like mules - not that they could complain about the latter since they offered.

Edward pulled away with a pop, stroking (Y/n) length to keep it tall and hard. “Stop worrying. They said they’d be out of the city for a while to go get more meat from the farms.”

“This is Teacher we’re talking about! I bet she can sense something is happening in her bedroom! She’ll skin us- gah~!” Edward suddenly taking in half his length into his mouth made the words turn into incoherent muttering. “Ed!”

Again Edward pulled away, his golden eyes looking up at (Y/n) with reassurance. “Relax. We’ll make sure to put everything right.” He started to trail kisses along the side, the act of both affection and lust made (Y/n) blush like crazy. “It’ll be like we were never here.”

“Couldn’t we have done this somewhere else?” (Y/n) asked. At no point did he try to leave. His body was in full control and telling the mind that their worries were to be ignored.

“And have Al walk in and us?”

(Y/n) stayed silent for a moment. No way would Al ever risk even coming close to Izumi’s room. “Makes sense…” He admitted.

“See? I thought ahead.” Edward reassured before he stood up, showing the bulge that was practically being strangled in his leather pants. “You mind helping me? This thing practically becomes a few sizes too small and hard to get out of when we do stuff like this.”

Thankfully for the two, the Curtis’ would have to stay out of the city for longer than anticipated while Alphonse took the time to explore. Plenty of time to re-explore the other’s body and remember new and forgotten ways to make the other shiver in pleasure.

Chapter Text

Whispers filled the hallway of Central Command as Roy walked down it. He paid no mine to it, keeping his eyes forward and ignoring the gossip that was spreading.

"I think that's Roy Mustang."

"The big, bad Flame Alchemist himself, huh?"

"He must have some serious connections to have made it this far at his age."

"So did that Ishvalan that's under his command."

"Yeah, well you can't climb to the top that quickly without falling just as fast."

Roy hummed as a smirk came to his face. He soon reached the end of the hallway, arriving at a set of double doors with gold trimming along the top that read XXI - the old numeral for the number 21. After two knocks on the door he heard a woman's voice from the other side. "Come in."

Roy entered the room, seeing a secretary behind a desk to his left. A name plate that sat on the edge of the table read Traudl Junge. On the floor leading to another double door with the old numeral XX - 20. On either side of the door, on the walls, were the bright green and white flag of Amestris.

"Good morning." Roy greeted as he walked to stand at attention before the secretary. "Colonel Roy Mustang." He presented himself with his new rank.

Traudl looked as if she remembered something. "Oh, yes, Colonel Mustang. I'm terribly sorry, but your transfer was poorly timed. His Excellency the Fuhrer is away."

"Where is he?"

"Conducting an inspection at Southern HQ."

Roy raised a brow. "He's in the South?"

========================================================================

In the basement of the Devil's Nest - (Y/n) was fighting his way down a hallway. Three Chimeras stood at the end blocking the nest doorway, intending to prevent him from getting to Alphonse.

All three's appearances matched what they were mixed with. The largest was a rhino, with a single horn on his forehead and rough gray leather like skin. The other two looked to be some sort of felines with whiskers protruding from around the nose, claws for fingernails, and furry ears.

In the military, it is taught that the first to react is often the victor in a fight. So (Y/n) charged forward. "URAAHHHHH!!!!" The largest male of the group charged with his body slouched and arms extended, seeming to want to take (Y/n) head on.

(Y/n) transmuted the wall, sending a blue shock down it before a pillar shot out and struck the male in the side of the head. It did little as he easily smashed through it but was blinded by the debris. While he was blinded, (Y/n) slid past him on the side. On the way he grabbed the male's ankle and gave it a pull. The momentum forward helped crash his head down onto the floor, knocking him out.

"DAMNIT!" (Y/n) looked down the hallway, seeing the other two were now running to join the fight. With the short gap, the two were within a foot of (Y/n).

Using his hands to push himself up, (Y/n) kicked out a leg and kicked one of them in the face, sending him back. However with his leg out the other male grabbed it and threw him to the side against the wall before he pressed an arm on his chest and stuck him across the face with a fist.

With his automail arm, (Y/n) swung with an open palm, slapping it against the male's ear. The sudden air pressure against his ear drum made the male wince in pain and recoil back. A kick to the middle of his chest sent him further back against the wall before (Y/n) moved in and delivered an uppercut, making him slide down the wall and then colliding against the floor.

The last male seemed to have decided the lifestyle of a gangster wasn't for him anymore as he turned on his heel and started to run away. As he ran, he saw blue sparks traveling between his legs before stopping before him. He pushed himself to run faster however, only resulting in him colliding against the pillar that shot up from the floor harder, joining the other two in unconsciousness.

========================================================================

Dolcetto, Roa with Alphonse over his shoulder, and a third rather rotund and hairy man ran down the walking path of a sewer. The conditions of the walls and path suggested that the government has neglected maintaining the place for some time.

Dolcetto came to a stop as he sniffed the air, shifting though the stench that was in the river of water beside them. A sneer came to his face. "Something doesn't smell right to me."

"Y'know what it feels like to me?" Roa asked. "Old times. Right, Ivan?" The rotund, hairy male hummed with a nod.

========================================================================

"What an interesting discovery for such a routine inspection..."

At the entrance to the Devil's Nest, Bradley stood. Instead of his normal great coat he wore a black sleeveless shirt with slings across his chest to support the four blades that sat on his lower back. As usual he had another sword in his hand, using it as a cane to rest his hands on. Behind him was a full squad of soldiers armed with submachine guns, pistols, and shotguns. Also there was Alex who had on his alchemy gauntlet.

"MOVE IN!" Bradley ordered, getting his men on the move.

========================================================================

Edward and Izumi stood in a fighting stand, keeping their dominant arm out and pointed at Greed as he backed away from them. A blade was now on Edward's automail which suggested Izumi's arrival gave him time to retrieve it and put it back on before facing Greed for a second time.

After a moment of silence, Greed started to laugh. "Hahaha! A housewife and a hotheaded brat. What a team!" He jeered. "Though to be honest, it's not one I'm particularly interested in fighting... That red eyed guy looked much more... fun~. So maybe I'll go catch up with him."

The suggestive way Greed said that made Edward glare at him. "WHAT?!"

"You coward-" Izumi stopped before coughing up blood. "BLERGGH!"

"AHHHH!!!" Edward looked over with worry. "TEACHER! WHAT'S WRONG?!" He went over and held her up before she collapsed.

Greed took the moment to make his exit and run out the same door (Y/n) went through. His Ultimate Shield faded away as he passed the three men (Y/n) defeated earlier.

Izumi angrily glared at the door with blood dripping from her mouth. "He ran away... how pathetic."

"You okay now?" Edward asked. She coughed up more blood before her head fell limp, her arm weakling holding onto Edward. "AHHH! TEACHER! JUST HANG ON!"

At the doorway from the opposite way from where Greed went, two soldiers appeared with their weapons drawn.

========================================================================

Face down, Alphonse struggled to crawl forward with his arms and legs still bound in chains. His metal chest and face scraped against the ground as he struggled to kick out his legs to move forward while his arms pulled. Ivan held onto his legs, attempting to hold him still as he dug his feet into the ground and pulled.

"WILL YOU STAY PUT!" Martel barked from inside, trying to rein control over him. "QUIET STUGGLING, YOU OAF!"

"I... DON'T... WANNA!" The sound of fine leather boots approaching made Alphonse stop to look up, seeing Greed.

Martel emerged, lifting Alphonse's helmet to look at Greed in surprise. "Greed!"

Greed hummed with satisfaction. "Ah, Martel, Ivan. I'm glad to see that you're safe. You haven't run into ruby eyes I'm guessing?"

The two shook their heads no. "What's going on up there? No one else had made it back yet." Martel asked.

"Yeeahhh..." Greed dragged his reply out, getting an odd look from Martel. "Things have gotten a little out of hand, so we need to figure a way outta here."

"ALPHONSE!" They looked down the way to see (Y/n) with dried blood near his nose and a few bruises.

"(Y/n)!" Alphonse yelled back before Ivan dropped his legs with a metallic clack.

"Lookie here! The ruby came to me..." Greed said as he crossed his arms, his eyes taking in (Y/n) roughed up figure. "Red eyes are a thing unique to Ishvalans, right?"

(Y/n) stared at the three with furrowed brows. "Undo the chains..."

Greed pouted as he cocked his head to the side. "Kinda rude to not answer-"

"Either you do it or I dump you in the river and do it myself." (Y/n) coldly replied, sending a shiver down everyone's spine even Alphonse's somehow.

But it seems that Greed got some enjoyment out of the shiver. A smirk came back to his face. "Oh! The fighting spirit of an Ishvalan. Never seen it myself but I have to say, I like it."

"Looks like you could use a hand, Major (Y/n)." Looking past the group, (Y/n)'s eyes widened and lungs halting for a moment. "F-Furhrer?"

Everyone's head snapped back to see Bradley standing there with a sword in either hand. He had an unusually calm look on his face, even his one eye was closed. Martel yelped as she dove back into Alphonse's body armor. "King Bradley?!"

"Why is he here?!" Alphonse asked with confusion and shock.

Greed narrowed his eyes at Bradley. "Just what do you want, old man?" Bradley didn't answer, making Greed hum with curiosity. "What's the most powerful man in the land doing down here?"

"Not that you'd know, but growing old isn't easy." Greed hummed in confusion. "This year marks my 60th birthday. It's frustrating how your body stops moving the way you want it to... So I'd like to finish this job as quickly as possible and return home." He approached, the light hitting of his blades made the shimmer. "(Y/n), you handle that large fellow. This one is mine to deal with."

"I've got an idea... Retire!" With the flick of a wrist, Greed's hand was coated in his shield. But just as fast Bradley shot forward and cut off his arm just above the elbow, sending the limb into the filthy river nearby.

Greed looked at his arm in disbelief before forcing a smile. "Well look at this!" He took a few steps back. "The old man's got some moves!" Bradley charged forward, swinging away with his swords that forced Greed to fall back, receiving a few cuts across the face from the near misses.

"GRRRAAAAA!!!!" Ivan roared like a bear as he turned to charge at (Y/n). Hair started to cover his entire body and hands became large like a bear's. He shortened the gap quickly and swiped at (Y/n) with his hand, striking him on the side of his torso and slamming him against the wall.

Before he could let out a grunt of pain, (Y/n) was dragged to the floor beaten. The weight Ivan had was similar to that of a bear and the strength of his punches were the same. (Y/n) tapped the floor before raising his shield up, taking some of the hits as he waited for spiked stone pillars to shoot out and pierce Ivan's legs and arms, making him wail in pain like a wounded beast. A bashed to the chest with the shield knocked the bear man off the spikes and onto the walk platform across the river.

Bradley's slices got more accurate as he landed more hits on Greed, slicing his torso, leg, arm, and eye before sending him flying into the roof with a shoulder check.

"GREED!" Martel screamed out.

Alphonse turned his body away from the fight and shushed her.

========================================================================

Elsewhere in the sewer, Alex was, like every other time, shirtless as he fought. He was up against Roa as he used his warhammer.

The two threw their choice of weapon and they collided. Sparks of alchemy came from between the two weapons. Roa's weapon swung back on its own as it recoiled. He looked down to see that Alex had turned the weapon into a bust of himself flexing his arm.

"BEHOLD!" Alex shimmered with pride. "YOU HAVE JUST HAD THE RARE PLEASURE OF WITNESSING THE FAMOUS ARMSTRONG STATUARY TECHNIQUE!"

Roa stared at him annoyed before tossing the perfectly usable weapon over his shoulder and ripped off his coat. "Well then. I guess my ordinary methods aren't gonna work." His entire body shook as he grunted in pain. The muscles across his entire torso grew, veins protruding from the skin, fingernails sharpening to a fine point, hair let loose, and horns shooting out for his forehead.

Alex's eyes widened in surprise. "Now that's certainly peculiar." Roa swung a fist, forcing Alex to duck. Roa's massive hand struck and shattered the wall as Alex jabbed him in the stomach, making him hunch over. An overhead punch to the face came next but his fist came to a stop. A feral like smile came to Roa's face, his head able to withstand a punch from Alex.

========================================================================

The Devil's Next became a bloodbath as the troops gunned down the Chimeras with ease. Their corpses littering the hallways and the ones defeated by (Y/n) laid dead as well, with a single bullet hole to the back of the head.

"We've secured Fullmetal and the woman!" The officer in command of the squad shouted over the gunfire. "Now eliminate every last one of these freaks! Those are the Fuhrer's direct orders!"

========================================================================

Roa gripped Alex around the neck and slammed him against the wall, creating a creator the size of the blonde's skull. His other arm wrapped tightly around Alex's arm, preventing him from using it.

Pushing his weight forward, Roa pushed Alex deeper into the wall, sending bits of debris flying off to the sides and kicking up smoke. A smirk came to his face before he started to drag Alex's body across the wall and down the hall. The jagged edges dug into Alex's face, causing bleeding and bruising.

With his free hand, Alex slammed a fist against Roa's cheek, sending the man stumbling forward. This gave Alex an opening to continue the attack, delivering another punch to the face that knocked Roa's head back. The two exchanged punches, delivering blow after blow that would make an average person crumble. The two stuck the other's chest at the same time, sending them both stumbling back and dropping to a knee.

Alex chuckled, blood from the side of his head seeping into his eye, forcing it shut. "You are a most commendable adversary, sir." He wiped away the blood with his hand.

"And you're just as tough as ever, Major Armstrong." Roa complimented. "The last time I saw you in action was the Ishvalan Civil War."

Alex stood up. "A former ally, eh? Even more reason to end this. No need for such bloodshed. Surrender." He offered a hand.

"And just let myself be killed?" Roa asked.

"MAJOR!" Alex looked back, seeing a squad of five come up from behind and take aim. He barely had the chance to jump out of the way as they opened fire on Roa as he raised his thick arms to take a few of the shots.

From being the squad, Dolcetto approached with his blade drawn. With the slice of a blade he cut down four of the soldiers before charging forward. "ROA!" He sliced at a nearby pipe, causing a smoke screen of steam to pour out and cover their escape. The soldiers opened fire, blindingly shooting in hopes of getting the two.

With him in the cloud of steam, Alex watched as the two's blackened figures turned and ran.

========================================================================

"URAHHHHH!!!!" Greed let out a yell as he reeled back his fist while it healed with the flesh still visible. He threw a punch, grazing the side of Bradley's head causing his eyes patch to fall off and fall into the river.

Alphonse, (Y/n), and Ivan weren't in sight of the two. The fight moved the two of them elsewhere in the sewers.

"URGGGHH! Hhhhggghh..." Greed's voice was stuck in his throat as Bradley dove two blades into his neck with them crossed over the other and lifted him up. There was a crazed smile on his face and his head twitched around and blood spilled from his neck wounds along with sparks of red filling the air, struggling to heal.

"Bradley spoke quietly and calmly but his tone was that of a man talking down to someone inferior. "I understand why you'd think you have an advantage over a man like me since I possess neither your impenetrable Ultimate Shield, nor an Ultimate Spear that can pierce any substance... But I'll tell you a secret. Do you know how I managed to distinguish myself amongst the storm of bullets on the battlefield time after time to rise to my current position?"

Greed lowered his head, blood spilling from his mouth and nose, the blades in his neck feeling like spikes made of ice. "Y-You're-" He saw it. The eye Bradley kept covered had a small scar across the eyelid slowly opened, revealing a red Uroboros symbol.

Bradley leaned forward. "I may not have the protection of your Ultimate Shield but I clearly see your weakness with my Ultimate Eye." He gave Greed a push, his body sliding off his blades before impacting the wall, spilling blood across it before he fell to the ground. "Now then, Greed..." Bradley watched as the man struggled to look back at him from the ground, red sparks coming from the wounds on his neck. "How many times am I going to have to kill you before you stay dead?"

========================================================================

"URAHHH!!! YOU DAMNED MILITARY DOG!" Alphonse watched as (Y/n) transmuted a small section of a nearby wall into a stone gauntlet before dodging an attack by Ivan, his large hand getting stuck where (Y/n) transmuted.

Stuck in place, Ivan could do nothing as (Y/n) delivered blow after blow, knocking his head around. (Y/n) didn't let up, knowing this could be his only chance to bring down the bear that's been giving him a hard time. A final upper cut knocked Ivan out and shattered the stone gauntlet, his body falling limp with his arm still stuck in the wall.

"Where the hell is Greed?" Martel asked with worry.

Alphonse looked down the way where he saw Greed and Bradley go. It was nothing but darkness. "I don't know... It's too dark to see anything."

The clicking of shoes caught his and (Y/n)'s attention. He leaned forward, trying to see who was approaching. Emerging from the darkness was Greed. He walked with a sway and head hanging and looking tired. His missing arm slowly healed.

(Y/n) ran, putting himself between Greed and Alphonse. He raised his fists, ready for another fight. However Greed soon collapsed, his body suspended from the ground as a blade sticking out from his neck stuck into the ground.

"NO, GREED!" Martel cried out as she tried to crawl out of Alphonse. "Quiet!" She was pushed back in by Alphonse, using his arms to keep his helmet down and trapping her inside. "LET ME OUT!" She shook his body around, trying to find a gap big enough to escape. "Quiet!" Alphonse repeated but she refused to listen. "LET ME OUT! C'MON, DAMMIT!"

Bradley emerged from the shadows, placing a foot on Greed's back as he pulled out his blade. Covering his eyes was a new eyepatch.

"I SAID OPEN UP!" Martel demanded. "I can't! He'll kill you!" Alphonse warned.

With the flick of his blade, Bradley cleaned the blade of Greed's blood. "That makes fifteen times you've died now. How many lives have you got left? Hmm?"

"Ahh... damn you!" Greed cursed with pain, struggling to push himself up.

"Ahhh, crap." Everyone looked to see a bloodied Dolcetto and Roa standing on the other side of the river. "I kinda wish we'd died back there."

There was a smirk on Roa's face. "There's still plenty of time to tuck your tail and run away."

They both hopped across, getting on the other side of Alphonse and (Y/n). "Trust me, I'd love to. But I've got this obnoxious canine sense of loyalty." Dolcetto said before looking to (Y/n), seeing that he was now blocking the way forward. "Do you mind if I free your friend? This isn't a fight he or Martel need to be around for."

(Y/n) looked at him with suspicion. "It's alright, Major." Bradley reassured as he approached.

"Dolcetto?! What are you talking about?!" Martel shouted, able to get a peek through the gap between the neck armor and jaw of Alphonse's helmet.

With some hesitation, (Y/n) stepped back next to Bradley, letting Dolcetto cut the chains that were on Alphonse's arms and legs. This also made (Y/n) take a mental note to avoid the blades, looking like they could easily go through his automail if it could do that.

"Do us a favor and get her out of here." Dolcetto said to Alphonse, making Martel gasp in shock.

With blood running down the corner of his mouth, Roa softly smiled at Alphonse. "Protect her."

"ROA! DOLCETTO!" Martel's cried, desperately trying to push off Alphonse's helmet to get out. "HEY! QUIET TRYING TO STOP ME!"

"URRRAGGGGHHHH!!!" Roa and Dolcetto charged forward, their war cries heard by Martel. Dolcetto's blade clashed with Bradley's while Roa and (Y/n) engaged in hand to hand.

"LET ME OUT!"

"I CAN'T!

Martel banged on the inside of Alphonse's chest plate. "I DON'T HAVE TIME TO ARGUE, NOW OPEN UP! THEY NEED MY HELP, DAMMIT!"

"I SAID NO! I CAN'T LET YOU OUT!"

"JUST SHUT UP! I NEED OUT OF HERE! YOU'RE NOT GONNA MAKE ME SIT HERE AND WATCH MY FRIENDS GET KILLED, ARE YOU?!"

Bradley quickly dispatched of Dolcetto by cutting him in half, his torso flying off of his legs as they buckled.

Alphonse gripped on to his head tightly, feeling Martel still trying to get out. "They asked me to protect you! So quit struggling and be quiet!"

From the gap in the armor, Martel watched as both parts of Dolcetto's corpse fell into the river. "DOLCETTO! NO!"

Next to go was Roa as (Y/n) fought him. (Y/n) kept his shield up, taking any hits Roa sent his way. It blocked the attack but the sheer weight behind them made him stumble back. The giant was too focused on dealing with (Y/n) that he didn't notice as Bradley came up from behind and sliced his head open with a vertical and horizontal slash. The sight made (Y/n) sick to his stomach, made worse when the blood splattered onto his face as he watched the corpse fall into the river with Dolcetto, staining the water red.

"ROOOOAAAA!!!!" Her scream rattled inside of Alphonse before she slammed a fist against the inside of his chest. "Please... I'm begging you!" She broke down as tears streamed down her face.

This was affecting Alphonse just as much as it was affecting Martel. "I'm sorry... I can't." He spoke with a tone filled with guilt.

"Whoa, that was a little excessive..." (Y/n) looked to see it was Greed standing in the water, looking over Dolcetto and Roa, the wounds from where he was impaled, along with his arm, still in the process of healing. "Killing me is one thing, but they're not coming back."

"Pitying the lost lives of your pawns?" Bradley asked with disgust before dropping down into the water. "Pathetic."

Greed cocked his head to the side. "Excuse me? Are you senile? Did you forget who I am, old man? I'm the living incarnation of greed..." He raised his still healing arm, showing the bone and flesh was all there, the only thing left to heal was the skins. "Those weren't my friends, Bradley, those were my possessions." A deranged smile came to his face. "MONEY! WOMEN! MEN! HENCHMEN! THEY'RE ALL MY POSSESSIONS!" The skin of his hand finally healed, red sparks lingered in the air before disappearing. "SO KILLING MY HENCHMEN IS THE SAME AS STEALING FROM ME! AND I DON'T LET PEOPLE TAKE WHAT'S MINE!" His Ultimate Shield soon started to crawl up his hands and arms.

"Greed... You grow more pathetic by the second!" Bradley charged forward. The sudden rush of water slammed against Greed's body almost made him lose his footing.

(Y/n) stood, watching the fight as sparks flew from the collision of blades and Greed's shield. The two's dance was too fast for him to enter otherwise he'd risk getting in Bradley's way. It was unbelievable to see someone as old as Bradley move with such speed and skill, as if he was a young master swordsman with years of combat experience.

Greed desperately tried to avoid Bradley's strikes but eventually got impaled in the shoulders with two blades. Bradley leapt over Greed as he drew two more blades, landed behind him and thrusted his swords backwards into Greed's gut, making him scream out in pain and collapse into the water. The lack of response in his eyes and movement meant he died yet again.

"Now you stay put. I'll be right back." Bradley said before turning his attention to Alphonse and he pulled himself away.

"We gotta run!"

"Not so fast." Bradley exited the water. "Aren't you the younger brother of Edward Elric?" He asked as he approached. (Y/n) saw that he still had the blade in hand and ran over. "They didn't hurt you, did they? Can I help you at all?" His tone was eerie. So calm and offering for a man who just cut down three men not even a minute ago.

Alphonse held his hands up. "Uh sure... I-I mean no! No, I'm fine! Thanks, but I'm alright!" He stammered, trying to compose himself.

"ALPHONSE! GET BACK!" (Y/n) yelled as he got between Alphonse and Bradley. The moment he did, Martel slipped her arm into Alphonse's, using it to reach out and grip onto (Y/n)'s neck and hold him up, strangling him.

"MARTEL! DON'T DO THIS!" Alphonse pleaded, attempting to gain control over his arm, forced to watch as (Y/n) struggled to breath, his legs flailing around as he tried to pry Alphonse's fingers off his neck. "STOP IT, MARTEL! PLEASE!" He banged onto the arm Martel had control over.

"DIE, YOU BASTARD! BRADLEY, YOU'RE NEXT!!!" Martel screamed with anger, her grip around (Y/n) neck tightening.

Bradley stepped forward, diving his sword down between the gap between Alphonse's neck and helmet. The sickening sound of metal piercing flesh rang out before blood poured out from every opening on Alphonse's armor. A stray few droplets flew, splashing against Alphonse's blood seal, triggering a flood of forgotten memories from the day he and Edward attempted to bring their mother back to fill his mind.

========================================================================

"AAAALLLLL!!!!" Edward screamed, his hand reaching out to grab a hold of his brother as darkness consumed his vision. A blinding flash of light soon came after.

Opening his eyes, Alphonse saw he was in a white void. Behind him was the same door his brother, (Y/n), and Izumi saw. Looking forward he saw the figure known as Truth sitting before him, looking like it was waiting for him.

Before he could say anything, the door behind him opened, showing there was nothing but darkness inside. A grey eye opened before black arms shot out, wrapped around every one of Alphonse's limbs, and pulled him inside. "AHHHHH!!!!"

Hands forced him to keep his eyes open, making him watch as all the information of the world passed by faster than any human could take in. Images of his mother, his home, friends, and other similar sights passed by as the black void became brighter and brighter by the second. The small black hands started to rip away at him, taking bit by bit.

A pure white figure resembling his mother made him look at it with pleading tear filled eyes as he reached out to it. "It's Mom!" But the hands around him pulled him away. "WAIT, MOM! WAIT! MOMMM! MOMMMM!!!!" The figure reached out, eventually able to grab a hold of his wrist.

Alphonse's expression dropped as he watched the parts being torn away from his own body moved to the figure's, turning whoever was holding his wrist into him. A twisted smile was on their face before Alphonse's body was gone - taken away.

Being able to see again showed Alphonse was able to see what the black corpse-like figure came from his and Edward's attempt at human transmutation. With a weak, limp hand he tried to reach Edward, seeing the pool of blood that was coming from his missing leg.

"Al! Wake up!" "Say something, Al!" He heard bother Edward and (Y/n)'s dampened voices calling out to him.

========================================================================

"ALLL!!!" Edward's final shout pulled Alphonse out of his memories. First thing he saw was a bandaged up Edward and (Y/n) kneeling in front of him with worried looks on their faces.

"Brother? (Y/n)?"

"You okay?" Edward asked.

"Are you okay? You guys are covered in blood." Alphonse worryingly asked. The two stayed silent, their eyes looking down to his chest which brought Alphonse's attention to it as well, seeing his chest plate was gone. A gasp came from him once he saw all the blood that stained his thighs, waist cloth, chainmail that would connect to his chest plate, and floor beneath him.

Following the blood trail, he saw Martel's feet sticking out from a blood stained blanket where two soldiers stood. His eyes went back to (Y/n), realizing the blood that was on his chest and arms wasn't his.

With bandaging wrapped around his head and eye - Alex came over and kneeled. "We thought it best to open you and remove her before you awoke."

Alphonse brought his shaking hands to his face, leaning against them as he hid his eyes. "I couldn't save her." He sobbed, his entire body shaking.

Edward looked over to (Y/n), seeing the guilt in his eyes that matched Alphonse's tone. "You can't blame yourself..." He showed a tired smile. "Come on. Let's go home, 'kay."

Alphonse stayed quiet. (Y/n) moved to rest a hand on his shoulder but noticed his hand was covered in Martel's blood, making him pull away. "Al?"

"Hold it." Bradley spoke, taking their attention. Every soldier in the room stood at attention and saluted as he walked down the hallway. "There are a few questions I need to ask before you can leave." Alex stood up to make way for him. "Have any of you had any previous dealings with the man who referred to himself as Greed?"

Edward shook his head. "'Couse not." He noticed how every armed soldier in the room eyes him, (Y/n), and Alphonse.

"Did you happen to trade any manner of information with him?" Bradley further questioned.

"None at all. And the military wasn't even mentioned, not once." Edward answered.

"That isn't my concern. Let me be more specific..." The soldiers behind Bradley hand their weapons lowered in the direction of the three, making (Y/n)'s fist clench as he remembered his father dealing with Heydrich and his men. "If you arranged a deal or shared any knowledge with him... Then I'll execute the three of you right now." All of the soldiers raised their weapons. "I'll ask again, did you share any knowledge that might affect the military? I'd prefer if Major (Y/n) answered this time."

Alex stood by, his one eyes nervously darting to the soldiers in the room, looking helpless.

(Y/n) locked eyes with Bradley's one. "No, sir."

Bradley stepped forward, getting almost toe-to-toe with (Y/n). "Then why did you try to stop me from approaching Alphonse?"

(Y/n) gestured to Martel's corpse. "I wanted to take her in for questioning."

No. It was his desperate attempt to prevent Bradley from killing Martel.

Bradley looked over to Edward and Alphonse. "Question her about matters that could relate to Edward's steel arm and leg and his brother's armored body? I admit I am curious about them as much as anyone else." The question made Edward freeze up.

"Just general questioning, sir." (Y/n)'s answer was met with a long, tense filled silence.

A low chuckle came for Bradley as he showed a smile that was hidden under his mustache. "Always thinking ahead. That's good." He turned and started to walk away. "Alright, men, pull out." The soldiers lowered their weapons, gathered their equipment and started to leave one by one.

Just as Edward, Alphonse, (Y/n), and Alex started to relax, Bradley came to a sudden stop. "Oh, I almost forgot..." He turned to face (Y/n). "Congratulations on the promotion to Lieutenant Colonel."

(Y/n)'s eyes widened with realization. "Oh... the transfer to Central was completed?" That means Roy's finally a full Colonel... I wonder if anyone else in the squad got promoted as well, he wondered.

"Indeed it was and I look forward to seeing you around at Central Command." Bradley started to make his way down the hallway again. "Keep up the good work, (Y/n). And try to make sure you and the Elrics don't get into too much trouble."

========================================================================

Izumi sat in her bed covered with multiple blankets over her legs and wearing a Xing style sleeping robe. The nearby lamp gave the room a comforting yellow glow as she spoke with Bradley - he was now in his usual attire.

"I appreciate everything you've done for those boys." Izumi thanks.

"Oh no, it's nothing at all." Bradley reassured. "It's simply one of the many duties of the military to protect our State Alchemists. But what about you? I'm sure you could use a little extra protection."

Izumi looked at him, surprised. "You mean as a State Alchemist?"

Bradley nodded. "Why yes, exactly."

Izumi softly smiled. "You're asking a bedridden housewife to join the military? You can't be serious. Is the country really in so much trouble that you'd need the help of someone like me?" She asked with a cocked brow.

"Hahaha!" Bradley laughed. "There's no need to be harsh." Izumi's eyes widened before he stood up. "Well. I will be back." His eyes behind the patch opened for a moment. "I'll keep my fingers crossed that when I do return, perhaps you'll have a change of heart." He exited the room, closing the door behind him.

As soon as the door was shut, Izumi glared at where Bradley once stood. "So... that's the ass hat that's forcing (Y/n) to serve?"

========================================================================

At the Butcher Shop - the door to the alleyway was open, letting light from inside spill over Alphonse as he sat on the top of the steps up to the door. Edward was sitting on the ground, cleaning Alphonse's chest plate. Alex and (Y/n) stood nearby on either side of Edward.

"There's something we forgot to mention... Greed had an Uroboros tattoo." Edward said, confusing Alex.

"I'm not sure I follow."

"Think back. The fifth laboratory? The Philosopher's Stone? Remember the guys I told you, (Y/n), and Colonel Hughes about?" Edward reminded.

Alex stiffened up. "C-Colonel Hughes? I..."

(Y/n) noticed his sudden change. "Is something wrong?"

Alex let out a sigh before going over to him, grabbing him by the shoulder, dragging him over to where Edward was and then grabbing his shoulder as well. "Listen..." He stared into their eyes for a moment, making sure their attention was fully on him. "Do not do anything rash."

The lack of an answer to his question made (Y/n) uneasy. Before he could ask, Edward spoke with confusion. "Sure..."

Alex let them both go before walking down the alleyway. "Well then... Goodnight." He turned the corner, leaving the three alone.

"Guys?" Alphonse spoke up, getting the two's attention. "They're back... All the memories of when my body was taken away? I remember."

Both looked at him in surprise. "What'd you see?" Edward asked.

Alphonse hummed, thinking for a moment, before wiggling his arms. "Well it was definitely weird. But unfortunately I didn't find out anything about how to get our bodies back."

Edward gave him a reassuring smile. "That's okay."

========================================================================

Once he was finished cleaning, (Y/n) helped put the chest piece back onto Alphonse. The two went over a few clamps and hooks to make sure it stayed in place.

"So I guess we haven't made any progress." Alphonse said once the check over was done.

"No. That's not entirely true. Remember what the Fuhrer told us back at Central? About the unrest amongst the ranks of the military?" Edward reminded as he stood with the bucket in hand, getting a hum and a nod for Alphonse. "

"And it all had something to do with the Philosopher's Stone and those Uroboros guys. He said he was trying to gather info on them."

"And just so happens the Fuhrer himself comes to the exact place where Greed was and kills off everyone in his gang even though they were incapacitated." (Y/n) pointed out. "With Greed's body missing and that, It makes me believe Bradley came specifically after him and didn't want anyone to talk."

"I'm starting to think you're right, (Y/n). There's too many coincidences to ignore that Bradley might be involved." Alphonse said, getting a nod from his brother.

"No matter how you look at it, none of this adds up." Edward paced around with a hand on him before coming to a stop, shifting his weight to one leg, and looking back at the two. "We've been warned but we need to get closer."

========================================================================

Under Central City there was a place hidden away from society. Through maze-like tunnels with pipes ranging from all sizes littering the walls, the voice of Lust bounded off the walls and pipes.

"Welcome back, Fuhrer... How was your inspection of the South?"

Bradley stood with a sheathed sword, the tip resting on the floor. He stood in a lone light that shined from above. Around him were even more pipes connected to others with smaller hoses. "To say the least, it was a very productive visit. It seems both Fullmetal's younger brother and their teacher are worthy candidates for human sacrifice... Oh, and one other thing. I made an unexpected catch."

Behind, bound, and suspended on a pillar was Greed with swords impaled in the small red circles that were on his stomach and chest. An occasional flicker of red sparks came as the wound attempted to heal. His eyes stayed closed but they would twitch with pain every now and then.

"Talk about a blast from the past." Lust spoke teasingly. "It's been a century since I've seen that face. Rise and shine, Greed, you can't sleep all day."

Greed opened his eyes slowly, getting used to the bright white light that shined from above. "Well, well. The gang's all here."

"Looks like your Ultimate Shield let you down after all." Greed looked over at Lust, seeing the disappointment in her eyes.

"Maybe, but you never do, Lust the Lascivious. Feel free to pierce me with your Ultimate Spear anytime you want." Greed flirted before his eyes darted to the figure next to her, seeing the rotund man sucking on his thumb. "Hello, Gluttony the Voracious. Still haven't found the right diet for you yet, huh?" Next was Envy. Sat on a large pipe, he glared up at him from the corner of his eye, resting against the palm of his hand. "And little Envy the Jealous. Please! For the last time, get a new outfit." Envy said nothing, just narrowing his eyes more at him. "And where is Sloth the Indolent these days?"

"I'm sure he'd love to be here slacking off but we have to keep him working." Lust half answered.

A cocky smile came to Greed's face. "Sorry to say it, but it's kind of depressing that none of you have changed in the past one hundred years... So..." He looked down at Bradley with curiosity. "Who's the new addition?"

"I am Wrath the Furious." Bradley answered, keeping his gaze forward.

"Fuhrer King Bradley and Wrath, one of the same." Greed commented.

"Indeed..." Lust assured him. "The humans know him as the leader of Amestris. But the truth is that he was created by Father for the final stage of the plan."

Greed's eyes widened with shock. "A Homunculus that can grow older? That's impossible."

Envy let out a laugh. "Oh really? I thought nothing was impossible... You used to toss that one around like it was your catch phrase, you changed your mind or something?"

Greed turned his head away from Envy. "Shut your worthless trap, ugly." The words struck several of Envy's nerves, making his eyes filled with anger as they became bloodshot and hissed. Greed smiled with amusement, seeing the reaction. "Uh-oh. That's a scary face. Go on and let it out. Why don't you show us what you really look like? You hideous freak!"

Envy shot up, looking ready to pounce and maul Greed to death. "YOU SCUM!" Red sparks flicked from his back. "CALL ME THAT AGAIN AND I WILL DESTROY YOU!"

"Stop your nonsense. Both of you." A deep voice spoke. Everyone looked over to where seemingly every pipe led to. It was a chair with piles connecting to it from all angles. With only the back of his head visible, there was an old man with aging blonde hair. In his lap, peeking from behind the armrest, was an open book that covered alchemy. In front of him looked to be a sort of work station with vials, books, and other personal items like a skull.
"It's time you resolve this sibling rivalry. Your father does not wish to see such ugly behavior."

Greed chuckled. "Hey, Pops, long time. I know it's been a hundred years and all, but you sure do look decrepit."

The man, referred to as Father by Lust, closed his book. "Greed. You are both my son and a piece of my soul. So why would you betray your loving father?"

"I'm surprised you asked. I mean, you know the answer to that better than anyone, Dad." His tone was filled with venom. "I'm Greed the Avaricious. You were the one that made me this way, after all. I'm just being myself. I simply had larger ambitions than spending my life working for you."

Father leaned forward, resting his cheeks on the half-opened palm of his hand. Two of his fingers stood up, resting near his eye. "And if I were to ask you to return and work for me again?"

Greed scoffed before snarling at Father. "NEVER!"

"As you wish." Father said before the gears on a wall nearby started to turn, creating a rumbling sound throughout the room.

Soon a doorway under Greed opened, revealing a pool of lava, its heat felt in his feet even with how high up he was. A nervous stifle game from him as a large cauldron rose along with the heat it brought with it. "Geez, talk about cheesy." The pillar he was attacked too suddenly gave out, dropping him inside. "GRAUUUUUHHHH!!!!" The lava ate away at him while boiling everything else underneath before eventually being consumed. "HAHAHA!" He broke out into laughter between his blood curdling screams of pain. "WHY DON'TCHA COME ON IN KIDS, THE WATER'S FINE!!! NICE AND HOT! JUST LIKE THE FLAMES IN HELL! I'LL SEND YOU A POSTCARD, LET YOU KNOW WHAT THEY'RE LIKE! AND WHEN THE REST OF YOU GET THERE - I'LL BE WAITING FOR YOOUUUUU!"

Father held his hand up. "Now return from whence you were born. Return to my depths and rejoin my soul! Return, Greed!"

"IF THAT'S WHAT YOU WANT, DAD!" Greed writhed around, the metal chains and swords melting and fusing with his flesh as his body further sank into the lava. "JUST DON'T BLAME ME WHEN I GIVE YOU A STOMACH-ACHE! YA DID IT TO YOURSELF! BWAHAHAHA!" Once his body was fully emerged, the lava rocked as red sparks filled the air.

A substance traveled through the pipe from the cauldron to the pipes in front of Father's desk. A pure red substance started to leak, filling a beaker that was filled with a cloudy liquid. From another tube that was connected to the beaker, the red substance came out with a more dark shine to it into a wine glass.

Once the cup was filled, Father took up and brought it up for a toast to the four he brought into this world. "I propose a toast, my children. I shall drink on the Promised Day. And to you undying loyalty." He opened his mouth and poured the red liquid straight down his throat, taking every single drop.

========================================================================

At the dead of night, at his private estate, Bradley walked down a path under the 2nd floor balcony towards the main entrance.

"Father!" He came to a stop when he heard a child's voice. "Welcome home, Father! I'm so glad you're back!"

Bradley turned his head to see a young boy with black hair and eyes, dressed in a small gray suit.

There was an older woman next to him roughly in her early 50s. She had a pony trail with three red knots along it.

A soft smile came to Bradley's face. "And it's good to be back, Selim."

The boy leaned forward, hugging Bradley. His head just barely reached the height of the Fuhrer's stomach. "Did you have a good trip?"

"Why yes, I'd say it was productive at the very least." Bradley answered before patting the boy on the head.

The older woman smiled. "I do wish you would act your age, darling. Why couldn't you just retire and try to enjoy some peace and quiet for a change."

"Hey, now, I'm not that old yet, Eva." Bradley playfully sides, making her hum. "Oh Selim, you'll never guess who I ran into down south. Both the Fullmetal and Ishvalan Alchemist!"

The boy looked overjoyed to hear this. "You saw the red eyed and little alchemist?! Can I meet them sometime, Father?"

Eva leaned over, seeing the excitement on Selim's face. He was starry eyed and there was a light blush on his cheeks. "You sure do like to hear about Edward and (Y/n), don't you, Selim?"

"Well, they are both the youngest State Alchemists ever, right? And father talks all the time how good of a job (Y/n) does for the military! That's so cool!" Both Eva and Bradley took one his hands and started to walk towards the entrance. "And if they can learn alchemy at their age, then maybe I can learn it earlier and then I'll be the youngest State Alchemist ever!"

"Why would you want to learn something like that?" Eva asked. "State Alchemists are pretty busy people. More so for (Y/n)."

"Yeah but then I can help Father more!"

Bradley chuckled. "You never know, Selim. Maybe you will help me out someday."

========================================================================

Drabble - Matching.

Inside their room at Izumi's, (Y/n) looked over Edward's automail on a nearby desk. With a set of tools he borrowed from Sig, he shifted around on the insides, doing some jury rigging with alchemy and scrap metal. Both Alphonse and Edward watched him work, peeking over his shoulders to do so.

"I can't do much Ed with what's left..." (Y/n) said, tightening the bolts on the knuckles. "It'll hold up for now as long as you don't get into any fights or break it doing something else. But we definitely need to-"

"DON'T SAY IT!" Edward barked as he backed away, his arms out as if afraid of what (Y/n) would say next.

"Brother?" Alphonse called out with confusion.

"You know what'll happen! Either I gotta buy Winry another gift or she'll beat me half to death with a wrench!" Just imagining getting a metal tool to the head made Edward shuttered with fear and dread. "It's not fair!"

"Edward, calm down..."

"Why?! I know she's gonna do it!"

"... I can't argue with that." (Y/n) blunt answer made Edward fall back onto his bed, his one hand slapping against his face before dragging down. "Maybe get a heavier automail like mine so this doesn't happen as often. It takes a hell of a lot more damage than yours and keeps working fine."

"I couldn't lug around an arm like yours. I need speed and mobility."

(Y/n) hummed, knowing he was right. It was his combat style.

"Maybe Winry has access to some new material or techniques at Rush Valley." Alphonse pointed out.

Edward sat up, looking to have been perked up. "Something new, huh?" His golden eyes looked over at Alphonse, specifically the red flamel painted on his left shoulder. He then looked to his red coat that sat on the back of the chair (Y/n) was working at, again seeing the flamel symbol. "If it's better then what I got now, sure. But... when's the last time you got your automail upgraded, (Y/n)?"

(Y/n) leaned back in the chair, looking deep in thought. "I think... when I ordered a part from the workshop while I was at the Infantry Academy was the last time. So three years ago."

"I'd say you need an upgrade just as much as me then!" He stood up, went over and pointed at the flamel symbol on Alphonse armor. "And you could get this added. Get some durable paint that makes it stand out."

(Y/n) smiled. "And then we'll be all matching, huh? That sounds nice."

========================================================================

As they traversed the tunnels, Lust looked over at Envy, seeing he was in a much more cheerful mood. "Did seeing Greed burn alive put a pep in your step?"

"Ab-so-lutly!" Envy enunciated with a smirk.

"Was it because he kinda smelled like fried chicken?" Gluttony asked, getting his question waved away by Envy.

"Nah. I'm happy to know that the bastard is finally out of my life after he almost ruined the hard work I put in for that Ishvalan."

Lust hummed. "Weird to see you filled with so much pride."

"HEY!" Envy glared at her with furrowed brows. "That wasn't easy and you know that! Only I could get that done and that's why Father chose me to do it!"

========================================================================

PART 1  COMPLETE.

Chapter Text

In a city within the South Area of Amestris during the dead of night, a fight was going on. The blue sparks of alchemy filled the air before an explosion went off, sending debris from a nearby building flying.

Once the cloud of smoke dispersed, it revealed an old short man in a well fitting suit with a top hat. His long grey mustache hung off either side of his face. The most notable thing about him what the silver peg leg he had on his left leg.

He chuckled as he bared his teeth, seeing his opponent - Scar.

“So you dare challenge Giolo Camanche, the Silver Alchemist to battle, do you?!” He presented his hands, showing there was writing and symbols covering the palm and fingers. “You’ve got guts, I’ll give you that. However!” His hands glowed before he slapped them to the ground.

From the ground two silver daggers connected to chains shot out towards Scar. A flick of the arm, Scar easily destroyed them, reducing them to bits and pieces.

Giolo continued to transmute the ground beneath him, making two circular throwing blades before taking it and throwing it at Scar as he charged forward. Avoiding them both, Scar leapt up and dove down at Giolo with an open palm. The old man dashed back, watching as Scar’s hand smashed through the ground.

Pushing himself off the ground as he flew back, Giolo transmuted the ground, creating a short sword and catching it before sliding to a stop, his peg leg digging into the ground. He spun himself around at break neck speed, looking like a spinning top, and shot forward towards Scar. With a side step Scar avoided the attack. He turned to see Giolo slide to a stop behind him before launching the same attack again.

Driven by the eagerness to kill, Scar charged towards the bladed spinning top of a man with a hand out, aiming to grab the old man by the top of his head. However his greediness for blood had a price - Giolo was able to slash at his thigh.

Giolo landed on top of one of the posts of a railing next to the large river with his peg leg, showing off his balance unlike any others. He tipped his top hat towards Scar. “Not bad, not bad at all. You got off with just a scratch.”

Scar stared at the man for a moment. “You can’t say the same.”

Blue shocks came from Giolo’s peg leg before it shattered, causing him to fall over into the water. Not a moment later that Scar dove in, gripped onto his small face, and killed him. His blood rising to the top of the water next to his top hat.

========================================================================

Upon entering a dilapidated, abandoned home in the countryside, Scar saw Yoki speaking to a young girl - looking around the age of 10 with her size. Her pink and white clothing and features were that of a Xingese. Her black hair that matched the colour of her eyes was done up into two spiky buns on either side of her head with six braided lengths behind with two white beads on the end - it must take her quite some time to do it up every morning.

“What’s going on? Who is this?” Scar asked with a scowl on his face.

“Oh, sir, you’ve returned! Welcome back.” Yoki eagerly greeted.

“I SAID, WHO IS THIS?!” Scar’s bark made Yoki recoil back, bringing his arms up to protect his face.

The girl turned to face Scar, staying on her folded knees. “Pleaseded to meet you.” She showed a bright smile. Clinging off her shoulder was a panda no bigger than a new born puppy. It’s expression always matching that of the girl’s. “My name is May Chang, sir.”

Scar glared down at her. “How did you get here?”

“I was collapsed by the side of the road. Your master, Mr. Yoki, revived me and brought me back here.” May answered, getting an odd look from Scar.

“Master?” Scar looked at Yoki, seeing the man avert his gaze as he sweat bullets. His attention went back to May. “If you recovered, there’s no need for you to stay.” He walked past her. Her head followed him. “Be on your way at once.”

Both May and Show’s expression’s dropped once they noticed the large cut that was on Scar’s upper thigh. From where they were, it looked deep. She got up and followed Scar as he sat down against the wall with a hiss of pain, having to be careful of his wound opening up further.

Scar looked at May in confusion as she stood beside him. “What, girl?”

She couched down before reaching into a pouch that was attached to her rope like belt. “Allow me to close your wound.” She took out a piece of chalk and drew a star within a circle under his lifted leg. Yoki came over, watching with a confused look as she took out five throwing blades with red tassels and stuck them at all points of the star. She placed both hands down onto the circle, making it come to life as the chalk glowed blue and sparks of the same colour filled the air.

Before his eyes, Scar watched as the wound on his leg slowly closed. Eventually looking like he never got cut. His eyes widened with shock while Yoki looked to be having a full blown panic attack as if he watched a witch do black magic. “It’s healed?!” Yoki exclaimed.

“It’s a skill called alkahestry, from the land of Xing.” May explained with a smile.

“She’s from Xing?” Scar asked.

“That’s right, sir.” Yoki replied before pointing at May with disbelief. “This girl… crossed the desert from the east by herself to come here - Ha!” He scoffed. “Clearly ridiculous…”

May furrowed her brows at him as she stood. “No, I wasn’t alone! I had her with me, too!”

The little panda turned her head around, looking at Scar with a soft smile. It was adorable but he fought the urge to react. But he wasn’t winning as he lifted a hand to pet her.

“Her?” Yoki pointed at the panda. “You mean this little creature here?”

May nodded. “That’s right. Her name’s Shao May.” She turned just in time to see Scar extending his arm. He completely froze up as she stepped back to examine the tattoo’s on his arm. “Oh, your arm! That’s alkahestry, right? The art of reading the dragon’s pulse, of knowing the power that flows through the ground and how to use it?” She noticed that further up on his arm was a scar that wrapped around his upper arm. But her attention went back to the tattoo. “That matches the flow of alkahestry used in my homeland.”

Yoki looked on slacked jaw, having zero idea what she was talking about.

Scar lowered his arm. “My brother was a student of alchemy and alkahestry and he conducted a great deal of research into both fields. The tattoo that I bear is a result of that research.”

May held her hands together in excitement. “That’s incredible!” She clapped her hands. “Your brother must’ve really been something!” Based on Scar’s face, her complement did little to make him happy, if not doing the opposite.

“I’m not really sure what you two are talking about but your wound is healed now, sir. We can be on our way to Central without further delay.” Yoki informed.

Again May clapped her hands in excitement. “Oh, that sounds great! I’ll go get my things.” She ran over to a light blue sack that sat on the floor.

Yoki glared at her. “What do you think you’re doing?! Didn’t he tell you to shove off, kid? We’re not exactly going to Central for a picnic, you know?!”

“I know, but I meant what I told you.”

Yoki showed a mocking smile. “You mean all that immortality stuff you were blabbering about earlier?” He threw his hands up along with his shoulders. “There’s no such thing.”

“YES, THERE IS!” May shot up, glaring at Yoki. “AND I CAME HERE TO FIND IT!”

“OH, SHUT UP! KIDS DON’T KNOW ANYTHING!” Yoki yelled back with a finger pointed. It was a perfect target for Shao to bite down on. “AHHH-HAAAAA-HHHHHAAAA!!!!” He tried to pry Shao off, even flailing his arm around in an attempt to either make it dizzy or fly off.

Scar had a look on his face that made it clear he was wondering why these people decided to accompany him.

‘I already know that immortality can’t be accomplished by alkahestry but it is possible through the use of alchemy.’ May thought with determination. ‘That’s why I have to find him, the incredible man I’ve heard so much about. They say his hair and eyes are golden like the sun! He wears a dashing red coat as he strides forth to save people in need. The brilliant State Alchemist - Edward Elric~!’ She gushed with a blush on her cheeks and wiggled her body side to side, imagining Edward as a handsome, tall nobleman with charisma that matched. 

Shoa even joined her, leaving Yoki alone.

Yoki held onto the hand that Shoa bit on, trying to quell the pain. “What do we do about her?” He asked Scar.

Scar lowered his head and closed his eyes. “Suit yourself, girl…”

========================================================================

During a dark night at Central City, Riza - dressed in her casual clothes - was walking down an alleyway with a bag of groceries in hand. In her free hand was a red leash to Black Hayate’s collar.

Hayate came to a sudden stop before whipping around, lowering his body as he barked and growled. Riza looked down at him in confusion. “Black Hayate? What’s gotten into you, boy?”

“He-haha…” A laugh filled with ill intent came from another alleyway. Riza saw a cloaked dark figure peeking from around the corner. In their hand was a large square object. “It’s dangerous to be out walking the streets alone at this hour.” He stepped out of the alleyway. Riza dropped the leash as she glared at the figure. “You never know when you might meet…” the figure pulled away the cloak, revealing their face, as they raised a butcher knife. “THE TERRIBLE SERIAL KILLER, FEARED BY ALL, BARRY THE CHOPPER!”

Riza immediately reached into her bag and pulled out a revolver and started shooting him. He danced around, trying to avoid getting hit but all six rounds hit their mark and knocked him down.

“NO FAIR! WHAT’D YOU HAVE TO PULL A GUN FOR!?”

Riza dropped the revolver, reaching down, lifting her skirt, and taking out a semi automatic pistol that was strapped to her thigh. Again she opened fire, sending Barry rolling back.

“ALL RIGHT, THAT’S IT, LADY!” Barry angrily spoke as he stood and removed his helmet. “NOW I’M GONNA HEAR YOU SCREAM!” This only got a surprised gasp out of Riza before she shot him in the head, making him drop his head and scream. “AHHH!!!” His headless body shook with fear. “Hey! How come you’re not paralyzed with fear?”

“You actually remind me of someone else I know.” Riza replied.

“Lemme guess… Alphonse Something-or-Other?” Barry guessed.

Riza gasped, a shot one as she refocused her sights on Barry. “You’ve met Alphonse before?”

Hayate went over to Barry, biting down on the end of his clock and shaking his head as the murderer retrieved his head and laughed. “Hehahaha! Oh, so the guy’s a friend of yours, is he?” He placed his head on his body, giving it a few twists to keep it in place

Riza raised a brow. “You’re voice… It sounds familiar.”

Barry leaned in, taking in her appearance by looking over all of her details. The earring and hair stood out. “Wait a minute… GAHHH!” He took a surprised breath in. “I remember you! I was gonna chop you and that Ishvalan up! I must say you’ve become one strong woman!” He proclaimed with hearts in his eyes, creeping Riza out.

========================================================================

At Central Command’s supply depot at Hanger 5, Hayate stood guard at the doors that were slightly ajar, letting light slip through, as he kept a look out.

In a room with a single light bulb lighting the room and crates stacked high to the roof, Barry sat on the floor bound in chains. In front of him, sitting on a crate and going over a note pad, was Roy. Behind him was Falman and Riza. The two males, like Riza, were also wearing their casual clothes.

“The Philosopher’s Stone.” Roy said.

“I can’t believe the fifth laboratory was being used to make something like that.” Falman openly thought.

“It gets worse. There’s a chance that military senior staff was involved as well.” Riza added.

“Plus, there were those other two, Lust and Envy… Are they the ones who made you into what you are now?” Roy questioned.

“Nah, it was the researchers who did that… Ripped my soul right outta my body and slapped it into this suit of armor you see here.”

“We can try and track down these so-called ‘researchers’. If we find them, maybe they can tell us who ordered the experiments.” Falman said.

“Fat chance of that. They were all used to create Philosopher’s Stones. There’s not a single one of ‘em left alive.” Barry informed the three.

“Sileneced and then used as ingredients…” Roy uttered. “How efficiently planned.”

“Do you think this means they have what they need, or will they try to make additional stones?” Riza asked.

“I have one more question for you.” Roy glared at Barry, the hold on his pen tightening. “A little over a month ago, a military officer was killed in a telephone booth in Central. Were you the one who did it?” The question made both Falman and Riza look at him in shock.

Barry thought for a moment. “Phone booth doesn’t sound familiar... And the last time I tried to kill soldiers was what got me put on death row so I’ve been trying to avoid them as much as possible.”

Roy closed his journal. “Nevermind…”

========================================================================

Outside the hangar, Riza and Roy spoke.

“So (Y/n) was at the fifth with the Elrics looking for answers about the Philosopher's Stone. And with 2nd Lieutenant Ross and Sergeant Brosh showing up later, there must be some report on it we can find at Central Command.” Riza summed up what information they gained from their interrogation before noticing the worried look on Roy’s face. “Sir?”

“I’m starting to think I made a terrible choice in helping (Y/n) and Edward become State Alchemists…” Roy said, feeling Riza’s eyes on him as he looked up at the moon that barely poked out from the darkness. A sliver at most showed, making it a dark night. “They probably know more than we do about this. It probably put a target on their backs. And with (Y/n) being Ishvalan, I imagine whoever's behind this is eager to deal with them like they did with Hughes.”

Riza stayed silent. That worry was as much in her mind as Roy’s. “They knew the risks… same as everyone else under your command.”

“They were kids…” He brought a hand to his forehead and leaned against it, rubbing it out of frustration. “W-Why the hell did I offer-”

“You gave them hope.” Riza spoke up, getting Roy’s full attention. “It was either this or the Elrics stayed in that house forever, consumed by a mistake they made. Without the Elrics and (Y/n), we wouldn’t have even learned about the fifth and what the military is up to. And without (Y/n) we’d still be in Eastern Command, scrambling to find a way to climb our way up in the military.”

Roy lowered his hand, staring at Riza for a moment before letting out a dry, saddened laugh. “Heh… We need them as much as they need us even with how violent it can get…”

Riza went over, pressing her side against him, making the black haired male look at her in confusion. “You clearly need a shoulder to cry on so do it. We need you with a clear mind if you want to find the one who murdered Hughes and become Fuhrer.”

A soft smile came to Roy’s lips. He had to lower himself a bit to get to Riza’s height and lean his head on her shoulder. It was surprisingly soft with how much she’s dealt with.

========================================================================

At Rush Valley, Winry was hard at work. Dominic got her an apprenticeship at a workshop called Ateleir Garfiel. The sign outside was very flamboyant with flowers making up the f and i along with a larger purple one next to the name.

On top of the new job, Winry’s clothing style changed. She wore a short zip up top with a white stripe down the middle. It exposed her midriff and arms, more than likely to deal with the heat from the metal forging furnace she works on most of the day.

Picking up a box filled with scrap metal, Winry made her way out of the shop. But not even a step out she heard a very cheerful, familiar voice. “Hello there, Winry~!” She looked over, seeing Edward with a large forced on smile while Alphonse waved a hand fan, lifting up little red pieces of paper that were on the palm of his hand - it looked like a sort of butterfly flying around. (Y/n) was there as well with a soft smile on his face. “You look like you’re in a very generous mood today!” Edward pointed out.

A smile came to Winry’s face. “Hi guys!” She softly chuckled. “What’re you doing showing up like this?” Edward presented his arm. The plate covers for the hand and arm were missing. The metal all over was scratched up and parts of the finger were bare.

Winry froze. A sense of dread took over, feeling as if Dominic himself was coming up behind her to impale her with a dagger as punishment for her work getting destroyed.

========================================================================

Inside, Edward was laid down on a table with blood coming from his head. A bloodied wrench nearby explained what had happened. Winry sat on a crate next to him, wrapping up Edward’s automail along the elbow and wrist.

“Even Paninya is holding down an honest job now, and you two still can’t stay out of trouble!” Winry scolded the two Elrics. “You’re lucky (Y/n)’s with you.”

“Paninya got a job?” Alphonse asked with surprise.

Winry nodded. “Yeah. She’s given up her former life as a pickpocket and now she earns her money by fixing roofs and doing other odd jobs around town.”

“That’s nice to hear.” (Y/n) commented.

“And what about you guys, huh?” Winry’s glare went across the three. “Made any progress yet?”

Edward turned his head to hide his worried look while Alphonse stiffened up. “Yeah, we have…” Alphonse nervously said.

“It’s been slow going though.” (Y/n) added, seeing how nervous Alphonse was getting.

Edward sat up once Winry was done wrapping his arm. “We’re still moving ahead, little by little… I guess.”

Winry could tell the two were hiding something. Rather than call it out she stayed silent on it - she was used to it. “Good… I’m glad to hear it.” Her expression didn’t match what she said, more looking reluctantly complacent. “All right, I’ve done all I can for now.”

“Thanks, Winry.” Edward thanked.

“I’m missing some parts, so you’ll have to make do with what me and (Y/n) gave you for now.” Winry stood up, taking a note pad from the pocket of the back of her pants and taking the pen that was attached to the spine of it before writing down a list. “I’ll go get what we need, but until then, you’ve got some time to kill.”

“If it’s not a bother, Winry…” (Y/n) spoke up. “Is there any chance you could find a new cover for my automail and some durable red and black paint?”

Winry looked at him in confusion. “Did you break something?” She asked, surprised since it was a rarity he did.

“N-No.” (Y/n) waved his hands. “Ed suggested I get a new cover and add a flamel to it. I thought it would be nice.”

Winry softly smiled. “So you three would be matching? Aww, that’s cute~.” She said teasingly, seeing a light blush coat (Y/n)’s cheeks. “I’ll grab those too.”

========================================================================

With his automail hand stuffed in his pocket and an orange drink in the other, Edward walked down the bustling streets of Rush Valley with Alphonse and (Y/n). Thankfully this time there was no crowd to bother them about their automail.

“Kill some time, huh?” Edward muttered with the straw to his drink still between his lips. “Yeah… how do we do that in a town made up entirely of automail shops?” Edward asked but got no answer. He stopped and looked around, seeing Alphonse was sitting down, facing an alleyway with (Y/n) peeking over his shoulder. “Guys?” He pulled his drink away, keeping the straw between his teeth.

Alphonse and (Y/n) looked back. “Brother?”

“What now?” Edward walked over. “Did you find a stray cat or something?” He took a sip from his drink.

“Ah… Well… No.” Alphonse said, sounding uncertain. Single handedly, he lifted up a limp man with black hair with spiky bangs and ponytail with a small white bow. He wore an open yellow Xingese style coat with white trim that resembled flames, white pants and shoes that matched, and a strap across his exposed chest. Across his stomach and arms was bandaging but the lack of blood suggested it was there for fashion more than anything. On his lower back, wrapped up in a sort of makeshift sheath, was a long Xingese sword with a purple tassel on the handle.

Edward spit out his drink, filling the air with orange liquid. “PFFFFF!!!”

========================================================================

The three treated the man to a meal at a restaurant called Meshi. The man took advantage of their generosity as he stuffed his face like he was starving, leaving several stacks of plates and bowls on the table that he, Edward and Alphonse were sitting at while (Y/n) stood off to the side.

“OH-HO! I feel so much better!” The man proclaimed with a smile and eyes that always stayed closed. Edward sat across from him, glaring at him. “You guys are lifesavers! Thanks a lot!” He held up a hand, a sort of half way to putting both his hands together as thanks. “Your treat, right?”

A passing crowd looked over in disbelief as the table was outside of the restaurant, seeing the vast amount the man had consumed in such a short amount of time.

“When did I say that I was paying?” Edward asked with annoyance.

The man waved his hand. “Let’s not quibble over something so small!” He chuckled.

“WHO’RE YOU CALLIN’ SMALL?!” Edward barked.

“How lucky I am to have found such hospitality…” The man said with a single tear running down his cheek. He took out a handkerchief with a small panda head stitched on it to wipe it away. “So far from home.”

“About that…” (Y/n) started, having had a look over of the male’s appearance, clothing, and weapon while he ate. It all looked familiar to the few books he read about alkehestry. “Do you happen to come from Xing?”

The man nodded. “Yes I am! I’m surprised you realised that. Most people around here seemed to have never seen someone from Xing.”

“Oh, Xing?” Edward started to think. “That’s… the country to the east of the desert?” He asked with disbelief.

The man nodded again. “Yeah. And crossing that desert was rough, let me tell you.”

“Why in the world would you take that route?” Alphonse asked.

It would have been safer and easier to travel to Drachma as it’s closer to Xing and then go down to Amestris. Instead the man went the route that would take the longest over the desert.

“I wanted to visit the ruins of Xerxes. That route goes by them.” The man replied.

“The Xercies ruins?” Edward repeated. “I’d heard there’s next to nothing there.”

“I wanted to see for myself.” The man explained himself. “Anyway, I was headed here to do some alkahestry research.”

“You came here to learn about alkahestry?” (Y/n) asked, confused. “Isn’t that from Xing?”

“I believe it’s what you here in this country call alchemy. Do you know anything about it?” The man questioned (Y/n).

“I’m studying it for my job.” (Y/n) replied. “Information on it’s hard to come by here. I guess since it's used more for medical reasons the government doesn’t see a reason to keep much knowledge about it as we use alchemy mostly for military use with the skirmishes on the border with Aeugo and Creta to the west. To the North is Drachma. We’ve been at war at them in the past but we’ve got a tentative nonaggressive pact with them. But I think it's in place while Drachma finds a way to get past Briggs Mountain that stands between us and them.”

A waitress came by, collecting all the dishes and left. The Xingese male raised a hand and nodded as thanks. “Sounds like you guys have got your hands full, all right.” He leaned onto the now cleared table, curious on what (Y/n) had to say.

“Things didn’t get any better when the new Fuhrer, King Bradley, came to power…” Being reminded about Ishval made (Y/n) trail off, not wanting to talk about it further.

“By any chance… are you guys alchemists?” The male asked.

“Oh, yeah, we are, actually. I’m Edward Elric, a State Alchemist.” Edward introduced himself.

“And I’m his younger brother, Alphonse Elric. It’s nice to meet you.” Alphonse warmly introduced himself.

“I’m a State Alchemist too. (Y/n).”

The male raised a brow. “What’s your last name?”

“I forgot it a long time ago.” (Y/n) replied.

The male stared into his red eyes for a moment, looking to be analyzing them, before he stood up and offered a hand. “My name is Ling Yao.” Everyone took part in a group hand shake. “It’s a pleasure.”

“Is there anything else you can tell us about alkahesty?” (Y/n) asked with a hopeful tone. “I’m kinda desperate to find anything new about it.”

Ling crossed his arms and smiled. “Nothing.” (Y/n)’s expression dropped. “Yeah, sorry, but I’m not actually an alkahestrist.”

Both Edward and Alphonse smashed their heads against the table, letting out a loud thud. (Y/n) looked at him in confusion. “If you don’t practice alkahestry, why come all the way here to research it?”

Ling rested his cheek on the knuckles of his hand. “Well, see, I’m looking for something. It’s possible you have heard of it before.” The smile fell from Ling’s face and his eyes cracked open, revealing his light black eyes. “The Philosopher's Stone?” Both Edward and Alphonse froze up. (Y/n)’s eyes locked with Ling’s, unwavering. “I’m very eager to find it. Do you know anything about it?”

“No, sorry. We can’t help you.” Edward squad as he and Alphonse got off their chairs and walked away with (Y/n).

Ling hummed, his lips stretched into a smirk. “You wouldn’t be lying to me, now would you?” He snapped his finger.

In the blink of an eye two male figures in Xingese body armor, masks, and black robes appeared. One with gray hair and mustache peeking out from the mask held a long blade into Alphonse’s armpit while the other held a dagger to Edward’s throat. Their masks matched somewhat with the same color scheme: black, white and a bit of red. On the forehead of the older male’s mask was the white of the ying yang symbol while the other had the back on hers.

Knowing Alphonse would be fine, (Y/n)’s attention went to Edward. He reached out to grab the cloaked figure holding Edward in place but the sudden feeling of cold steel on the back of his neck stopped him. Looking back, he saw that Ling was resting his blade on his neck. “So, do you have something to tell me?” he playfully asked.

“Why the interest in the Philosopher’s Stone?” Edward asked.

Ling showed a toothy smile. “I want to achieve… immortality!” He answered. “Now out with it. What do you know?”

“Immortality?” Edward scoffed. “Please… what a bunch of nonsense.”

Ling shrugged. “Not to me it isn’t.”

“In any case. I can’t say that I care too much for your way of asking questions.” Edward pushed away the dagger that was to his throat with his auto mail while swinging his other arm back. “KINDA RUDE, DON’T YOU THINK?!”

The cloaked figure leapt up into the air and kicked down at Edward, striking him in the face. “GAHHH!!!”

“Brother!” Alphonse called out before grabbing the blade from the older man.

The man backed up but kept a hold of the handle of the sword. “You’re going to fight us too?”

“HEY! HOLD ON!” Alphonse pleaded as the man pulled back before getting a running start.

He landed on Alphonse’s arm, propelled his legs and delivered a double legged kick to his helmet, making him stumble over and fall next to Edward.

(Y/n) spun around, using his auto mail to push Ling’s blade away before kicking him back. With the distance created, (Y/n) pulled back, standing between the three and the Elrics as he transmuted his automail.

“Jeez… Is that guy an acrobat?!” Edward complained.

“Must be a Xingese fighting style.” Alphonse remembered the three assassins he, Edward, and (Y/n) fought years ago, recognizing their fighting style. “Could be tough to beat.” Alphonse guessed.

The two started to get up. “Even so…” Edward smirked. “They’re still not as strong-”

“As Teacher!” (Y/n) finished.

“Young Lord, please stay back.” The older man said to Ling.

Ling approached, resting his sword on his shoulder. “And miss out on the fun while leaving you guys with two on three fight?” He flourished his blade. “Not a chance!” He charged first before the other two joined.

========================================================================

While working on a rooftop, Paninya looked across the city, the sparks of alchemy and explosions going off in the distance. “What’s happening down there?”

========================================================================

The fighting had separated the three. Edward went after the younger cloaked figure, chasing them down a set of pipes. As he slid down, he transmuted the pipe, making a staff, and thrusted it forward.

The cloaked man’s eyes widened before turning his torso, and parrying the staff, sending it back. Before Edward could attack again the man sped up his descent, creating distance, and landing on a different rooftop where the pipes led to.

Once the two landed, the cloaked male charged forward the same times as Edward did. With the thrust of his staff, Edward aimed for his legs. It missed as the male leapt over him. Edward swung his staff, trying to hit him mid air, only to collide against a pipe.

Landing, the male watched as Edward thrust his staff again. He moved his head to the side, letting out two white strings from the inside of his hood and wrapped it around the staff, holding it in place before cutting it with his dagger.

Stepping forward with a spin, he delivered a punch across Edward’s face. As Edward prepared to attack, the man jabbed him in the face, making him stumble back and drop the staff.

Edward threw a fist. The male ducked to the side, wrapped his arm around Edward’s and locked it in place. “CRAP!” Edward pulled, falling to his back and bringing the male close before throwing over.

It was quite impressive how the guy landed with such graze, Edward had to admit as he stood up. “Damn! You’re persistent. Picking a fight like this just because we won’t give you information. What’re you guys after?” He questioned. “You and your boss with freaky closed eyes.”

The insult to his boss made the male charge forward, sticking out two fingers to jab into Edward’s eyes. Just in time, Edward leaned back and kicked up, striking the male in the head and with the end of his foot kept it in place before slamming him onto the ground. “Hey! I landed one- GAHH!” Edward’s cheek was interrupted with a kick to the face, sending him flying and colliding against the pipes along the wall.

Sliding down a bit until he was on his head, Edward let out a groan. “Owww… that hurt.” He then started to think to himself. ‘That’s strange… As soon as I insulted Ling, this guy completely lost it.’ His eyes widened with realization before a smirk came to his face.

========================================================================

Alphonse was running down the street with his attacker, the older man, hot on his steel heels. Paninya saw this from a roof top and decided to join in. She jumped down and started running next to Alphonse, casually stuffing her hands in the packers of her overalls and a soft smile on her face.

Alphonse looked over. “Hey! Long time no see, Paninya!” He greeted as if he wasn’t in a fight.

“Why in the world are you doing here, Al?” Paninya asked, looking back to see the old man still following. “Besides getting yourself into more trouble.”

“Yeah, about that… Can I ask you a favor?”

‘Strange… Every living person emits a flow of chi. Yet I don’t sense one coming from this suit of armor. What is he?’ The old man wondered, seeing the two were approaching the archway that held up the sign with the town’s name.

Both Alphonse and Paninya came to a sudden stop and turned to face the old man.

“You think the aid of one person will do you any good?! HOW VERY FOOLISH OF YOU!” the old man barked.

========================================================================

The sound of metal glancing of metal rang in the air. (Y/n) kept close to Ling, preventing him from using his sword to the fullest as he was forced to do short attacks with little weight behind them.

“You know…” Ling said as he dodged (Y/n)’s attacks. “The amount of chi coming off of you is almost overwhelming.” He pointed out with interest.

‘What the hell is this guy going on about?!’ (Y/n) snatched Ling’s leg as he tried to leap away and pulled, headbutting him on his head towards him.

However this would work against him as it let Ling wrap an arm around his neck, using it to stabilize himself as he threw his weight up and over (Y/n) before slamming him onto the ground once he got behind the Ishvalan.

With him dazed, Ling wrapped his arms and legs around (Y/n)’s automail, locking it into place and started to pull. “AHHH!!!” (Y/n) yelled out, feeling the nerve connections starting to pull.

“Like that?!” The cocky smirk on Ling’s face fell once (Y/n) started to stand and to lift him up with one arm alone. “Uh-oh.” A slam onto the ground made him let go.

========================================================================

Edward and his attack got into dance with kicks and fists. Sparks flew as the male’s dagger glanced off Edward’s automail. A smirk stayed plastered on Edward’s face as it was starting to become easier to keep up with the male’s movements. “What’s the matter? You’re starting to slow down a little!” The male threw his full weight into his next attack, colliding against Edward’s automail and knocking the dagger out of his hand. “If this is the best his flunkies can manage, that bastard Ling must be pretty pathetic too! (Y/n)’s probably having the easiest fight of his life!”

The male’s eyes narrowed before he charged, jumping to knee Edward in the face but the blonde side stepped to avoid it. ‘Just like before, as soon as I insult his boss, this guy completely loses his cool, and when that happens…’ Edward landed on his hands, controlling himself to land on his feet. “His attacks become weak and useless!” A blind charge by the male was met with an elbow to the gut. “Now then, I think it’s about time…” While he was in mid air, Edward clapped his hands and touched his mask. Sparks flew along with pieces of the mask. “FOR ME TO HAVE A LOOK AT YOUR FACE!”

Edward’s eyes widened when the mask broke, revealing a woman with shoulder length hair and a bun at the back of her head. “A GIRL?!”

She snarled at him as she reached back and threw a dagger at his automail, piercing the pneumatic tube and severing several cords. She then pulled out a round object and pulled on the cord attached to the top with her teeth. She threw it forward, letting Edward get a good look at what was clearly a bomb with the fuze lit.

========================================================================

Paninya crouched down with one knee up and pulled back the pant leg, revealing her cannon knee cap. A yellow glow made the old man’s eyes widen.

Two explosions rocked the town at the same time, causing panic and confusion among those still out on the streets.

Emerging from the smoke, the old man latched onto the Rush Valley sign, his eyes scanning the smoke for any movement of the two. ‘She has a cannon in her prosthetic?! This country is a place to be reckoned with.’ He watched as blue sparks came from the cloud before Alphonse shot out. “WHAT?!” Alphonse ascended with a platform made of stone, clapped his hand and grabbed the old man’s mask. Another hand placed on the sign made steel shoot out and wrap around his body, keeping him in place.

Alphonse hummed with satisfaction. “Not too bad considering it was my first time.” He pulled away the mask, revealing, as expected, an old man with a white headband.

The old man’s green eyes widened. “It’s Alkahestry… but without an array?!”

People started to slowly fill the streets, seeing what all the commotion was. Alphonse turned around, looking in two different directions. “Now. I wonder how things are on Brother and (Y/n)’s end.”

========================================================================

Poking out from a pile of rubble was Edward’s automobile. A lost bit of bandaging fluttered in the breeze as the wind blew by, also pushing away the smoke that enveloped the area because of the explosion.

Covering her mouth and nose with her hood, the woman climbed the debris, seeing the hand. A sad look came to her face. “I overdid it.” Her hand dropped as a tear fell from her eye. “Look at this place. Master Ling will be furious.” She leaned over, grabbed the hand, and pulled.

Her eyes widened in confusion once she realized it was only the arm. The bottom half had the after marks of alchemy on it. As she pulled more, a cord attached to the automail was pulled. She didn’t realize until it was too late. It was a trap. A rope on the ground pulled up and tightened around her torso and pulled her up towards a crane, making her drop the arm.

“HEY, GIRLY!” She looked down to see Edward standing there with what was left of his automail resting on his shoulder. “You should be more careful about where you use that thing. It would have killed anybody else.” She looked to his shoulder, seeing the loose wires and tubes dangling out of the socket.

There was a blush of embarrassment covering her face. “But how? You removed your own arm?!”

“I spent a fair amount of time hunting rabbits when I was a little kid. Setting a trap for you was easy.”

“Brother!” Alphonse called out as he reached the top of the pile of debris along with Paninya. The old man was tied up and handing from his folded arm.

“Oh, hey Al!” Edward greeted. “Did ya see (Y/n) on the way?”

“I’m here too.” (Y/n) said, popping up from the side with a tied up Ling over his shoulder.

“Okay! Good work, guys!” Ling complimented cheerfully.

Edward glared at him. “WHY YOU- WHAT ARE YOU SO CHIPPER ABOUT?!”

“You guys’ve got some pretty impressive skills.” Ling complimented. “I know, come work for me and together we can take over this country. Whadda say?”

“You realize I’m a Lieutenant Colonel in the military, right?” (Y/n) asked. The rank wasn’t on his uniform yet but still the uniform alone should have been a sign that asking that kind of question was dumb.

“Are they paying you a lot? I could pay more-” “I’VE HAD ENOUGH OF YOUR IDIOTIC CHATTERING!” Edward barked as (Y/n) set Ling down near the older man. “JUST GO BACK TO XING!”

“THERE THEY ARE!” They all looked over, seeing an angry crowd of people. “LOOK AT THE MESS YOU’VE MADE! YOU PRACTICALLY DESTROYED OUR TOWN!

“You’re covering the damages!” A tall muscular man said.

“And your restaurant bill, too!” The restaurant wonder said as he waved around a receipt.

“Hey wait! J-Just hold on a second! This guy and his little entourage should be paying for everything!” Edward spoke up as the crowd approached. He pointed over to where Ling was but soon realized he was standing off to the side, his binding laying on the ground.

“So sorry!” Ling threw up his hands, wiggling around. “I no understand much language of this country.” He spoke with an exaggerated accent. “Okay, Bye-Bye now!” He quickly tip-toes away as he waved goodbye before jumping off.

“DANMIT! GET BACK HERE!” (Y/n) barked, running after him. Once he reached the edge he saw that the man was long gone.

Alphonse looked over to where the old man was, noticing he was missing as well. The only thing left behind were the cut up ropes. “HUH?! HE RAN AWAY!”

Looking towards the trap, they saw that the woman was missing as well. “THE OTHER ONE DID, TOO!” Edward exclaimed. “You gotta be kidding me…” He looked over to (Y/n). “Any chance you could fix all this up?”

(Y/n) nodded, ready to get to work but Alphonse stopped him. “I’ll take care of it.” Edward and (Y/n) looked at him in confusion as he clapped his hands.

“Huh? You mean you can do alchemy without a transmutation circle now?” Edward asked.

Alphonse nodded. “Yeah. I think it’s because of the memories I recovered.”

Edward’s eyes narrowed. ‘Which means!’ Edward imagined himself on a scale. Two things made him weigh more: Alchemic technique and being the older brother. With Alphonse all he had as his height. With Alphonse now able to do alchemy the same way he can, that made the scale weight in Alphonse’s favor. “AHHHH!!!”

“Don’t worry. You can leave all this to me.” Alphonse reassured. He looked over to see Edward lying on the ground with a pool of blood with the word “Older Brother” written - the only thing Edward had over Alphonse now. “What’s the matter, Brother?”

========================================================================

“We’re back!” The three announced as they entered Atelier Garfiel.

“Hello! We meet again!” At a table covered in a fancy pink cover drinking tea with the owner of the store was Ling. There was that familiar smile on his face that made him look stupid for not reading the room.

The owner of the store shared the name of it. He was a both masculine and feminine man. He was built like a strong man, had a subtle goatee and hairy arms. But also he wore bright red lipstick and hair done up with the best in hair care products. His skin glowed brightly and was as smooth as one could get.

Edward darted over, smacking him over the head with his automail, making him fall over. “WHAT’S YOUR SORRY BUTT DOING HERE?!”

Ling lifted himself up with the help of the table. “Now, now… we’re all friends here, right?” He nervously chuckled.

“YOU AND YOUR "FRIENDS" TOTALED AN ENTIRE BLOCK OF THE TOWN AND ASSAULTED US! ME AND AL HAD TO CLEAN UP AFTER THE MESS YOU MADE! I SHOULD DRAG YOU AND YOU BUDDIES TO JAIL!” (Y/n) angrily barked.

“Let it go. I promise I’ll give them a talking to later.” Ling reassured. “The woman’s name is Lan Fan. The old man is called Fu. Their family has served mine for generations. They’re quite good at what they do.”

Edward stared at him blankly while Garfiel’s drank his tea with a pinky out. “Oh… So, you shake down strangers for food, and yet you can somehow afford two personal attendants?”

Ling threw his hands up. “Well, I am the emperor’s son, after all.”

(Y/n) rolled his eyes while Edward and Alphonse looked at Ling in disbelief. “Huh?! Emperor’s son?” The two’s minds came together as they thought the exact same thing. “That makes you…” They imagined Ling as a stereotypical, flamboyant prince from the old times with big poofy pants, shoulders and custom collar. “A PRINCE!” The two fell over laughing. “PFFF HAHAHA!

“Not the reaction I anticipated.” Ling said disappointed.

“S-Sorry!” Alphonse apologized between laughs. “We just didn’t see that coming!”

“Yeah, the guy who collapsed on the road and then mooched food off us is the son of an Emperor!” Edward chuckled before a dagger was thrown his way but was caught by (Y/n).

Peeking from an open window was Lan, her eyes glaring at the two. “You will not speak badly about Master Ling.”

“Great to see you…” Edward sarcastically greeted.

“Him being the Emperor’s son isn’t that big of a deal.” (Y/n) said as he tossed the dagger back to Fan, which she caught with ease. “The Emperor has tens of sons. Some of them use that fact in order to sell fake books about alkehestry… something I fell for.” He admitted, still angry for falling for any book that read something like “Alkehestry 101 by the Emperor’s own Son!”

Ling nodded. “It’s like this. Xing is broken up between fifty different clans with an Emperor at the top, reigning over all of them. The daughter of each clan’s chief becomes one of the emperor’s wives and bears his children. The current Emperor has nineteen daughters…” He stuffed his hands into either sleeve of his jacket. “And twenty-four sons. I come up at number twelve in that line-up.

Edward looked at Ling in disbelief. “Forty-three kids, that’s incredible!”

“The issue of succession must be a tricky one.” Alphonse commented.

“Indeed it is.” Ling agreed. “That’s the problem we’re facing right now. The Emperor’s health had begun to deteriorate recently. Each clan is doing everything they can to curry favor and I’m no exception.” He smiled.

Edward stared at him. “You wanna up your chances by discovering the secret of immorality.”

“Exactly! Okay! The Philosopher’s Stone. What information can you offer?” Ling asked, not at all reading the room.

“Not happening!” Edward turned his nose up at him. “The Stone isn’t a tool for some political game.”

Ling looked to (Y/n) with hands clamped together. “Give me a break! You have to know more than these two! You know a little about alkehestry and you’re a part of the government!”

“The only thing I should give you is a kick in the ass right back to Xing. Besides, immortality isn’t something people should want in the first place.” (Y/n) refused.

Ling stood up, wrapped his arms around (Y/n)’s upper back and back of his head while digging his head into the crook of his neck, rubbing his face against. “Aw~! Then I’ll have to stay with you until you tell me!”

Seeing Ling latching on (Y/n) made Edward explode with anger. He marched over and smacked him around with his automail. “OH NO YOU DON’T! GET OFF OF HIM, FREAK!” The Xingese man wasn’t letting go any time soon.

Fan was about to leap through the window and go in for a seconds round with Edward but a voice halted her. “I’m back!” Edward halted as well. “Did you see that? There was some kind of fight on main street.” Winry walked in as she looked outside. Over her shoulder were some cables and under her arms were several boxes with various parts and a bag with various things related to paint like primer and the paint itself. “So it took a while to-” Once she looked inside the shop, she saw Ling latched onto (Y/n)’s leg with Edward nearby, ready to beat the man over the head again with his broken automail. “WHAT HAPPENED TO YOUR ARM?!!!!”

“GAHHHH!!!!” She immediately started reaching for the closest tools and throwing them at Edward. “EDWARD ELRIC, YOU CARELESS LITTLE JERK!!!!”

“WINRY!!! STOP! LET ME EXPLAIN!”

As wrenches, screwdrivers, and pliers though, Ling watched on with a smirk. “Young Lord!” He looked over to the window, seeing Fu peeking down from the top of the open window.

==========================================================================

Sitting on the edge and on top of Garfiel’s workshop, Ling got an earful of worried questions from Fu.

“Why do you put up with those people?! That soldier hurt and humiliated you and now that arrogant short boy has done the same! There’s no need to bow to people so far beneath you.” Fu urged.

“If all it takes is a little bowing, I’ll consider it a small price to pay.” Ling said, resting his head in the palm of his hand. “The fate of five hundred thousand Yao Clansmen rides on this.” His eyes opened, showing his determination. “We can’t worry so much about appearances.”

==========================================================================

After the shop was closed up, Winry started to work on Edward’s automail. Garfiel was taking a peek at her work, making sure she was doing everything to his standards. (Y/n) was nearby, working on his new plate cover to paint in the flamel symbol.

“So, where are you headed to break your automail this time?” Winry asked as she cut out the severed lengths of wiring and replaced them.

Edward hunched over on the stool he was sitting on. “You just assume I’ll break it?”

“We were thinking about doing some digging in Central.” Alphonse answered.

Winry broke away from her work, looking at the three with a smile. “You guys are going back to Central?! I wanna come too! Take me with you!”

“What do you wanna go there for?” Edward asked.

Winry let out a chuckle as old memories played in her head. “I’d like to go see the Hughes family again.”

“Don’t you wanna stay and learn more from Mr. Garfiel?” (Y/n) asked.

“And I assume you’ve got a lot of work here to do.” Alphonse added. A depressing realization hit Winry and her face dropped.

Garfiel giggled. “It’s okay if you want to go, Winry. You should take a break every once in a while.“ He reassured.

Winry beamed, bringing a smile to Atelier’s face. “Oh, really?! Thanks so much, Mr. Garfiel!”

“Okay, we’ll all go!” Edward said with a smile.

“Central, here we come!” Alphonse gave a thumbs up.

Ling peeked from the top of the window. “Oh, we’re going to Central?! How exciting!”

Edward’s face contorted with pure annoyance and anger. He grabbed a nearby cup and threw it at Ling. Thankfully for him, he moved his head to the side to dodge it. “I TOLD YOU, YOU’RE NOT COMING WITH USSSSSSS!”

==========================================================================

In the dark at night, Yoki rode on a small horse down the road. More than likely got it cheap too as it’s size couldn’t do much. Attached to the horse was a carriage with a stitched up cover where Scar, May and Shao were.

Yoki looked back, seeing May asleep with Shao next to her, her little leg sitting on the top of May’s hand. “So, the little girl is coming with us after all, huh?” Looking further back, he saw Scar sitting on the edge, watching the road, crashing some walnuts with his bare hands. “Sir, there’s something I’ve been meaning to ask you… You never have told me what your name is. If you don’t mind, I would very much like to know it.”

“Ishvalan names are sacred. The Ishvalan people take great pride in speaking their names aloud as they are gifts from God.” Scar answered, sounding both annoyed and angry.

Yoki nervously stammered. “Well them, sir… your name must be a special one indeed.”

“I have renounced my Ishvalan name.” Yoki looked at him, confused. “NOW GO! KEEP MOVING” With a single hand he crushed two walnuts.

Scared out of his mind, Yoki gave the reins a whip “RIGHT!”

“I’m walking down a path of no return. So I will leave behind me every gift I have received from God.”

==========================================================================

Drabble - A Warning.

On the train ride to Central, (Y/n) walked down the aisle towards where Edward, Alphonse, and Winry were sitting. He had the intention of sitting back down with them but a tug on the sleeve pulled him into a different booth. The three didn’t even notice as they were focused on the conversation they were having.

(Y/n) fell onto the bench. “What the-” He looked over, seeing Ling sitting there with the usual smile on his face. His arms crossed and leg resting over the other.

“You want to sit with me?” Ling said with faked surprise. “That’s so nice of you, I was getting kinda lonely here.” He spoke cheerfully, as if he wasn’t the one who pulled (Y/n) into the seat.

(Y/n) stared at him blankly. “I gotta give your bodyguards some credit for dealing with you…”

“I’ll have you know that people enjoy my presence.” Ling asserted. “Anyways, let’s talk about the Stone. Not like you’ve got much else to do.”

(Y/n) shifted himself to sit upright. He was about to decline once again but maybe this time you could reveal a little, for the sake of trying to convince him to let this go. “You know what? I will.”

“You will?!”

(Y/n) nodded. “When we found out about the Philosopher's Stone… we realized it’s the most extreme case of equivalent exchange.”

Ling raised a brow. “What’s that?”

“In alchemy, you must give as much as you take.” (Y/n) answered. “So, if you happen to find the Stone before us… be ready to take a lot from this world.”

Ling’s expression fell, with his closed eyes focused on (Y/n) while he stood up and walked away to join the others. A moment after he smirked. “This is gonna be an interesting journey.”

Chapter Text

Edward let out a long groan, stretching his arms, after he and everyone else exited the train once they finally arrived in Central. “Ahh, man, am I beat.” He brought up his other arm to rest his suitcase on his upper back.

“Being spied on for hours will do that.” Alphonse said, seeing Edward looked ready to fall over and sleep on the floor of the train station.

“Mr. Fu and Lan Fan were keeping eyes on him?” Winry asked.

“Hey!” They looked up to the roof of the train, seeing Fu and Lan. “Where’s the Young Lord?” Fu asked.

The three looked around, not seeing the yellow coat wearing male anywhere. (Y/n) looked back at them. “Is it not your job to watch over him?”

Lan and Fu lowered their heads, disappointed in themselves. “Good grief. I can’t take my eyes off him for a second…” Fu muttered before dashing to the end of the train towards the railway tracks that headed outside of the train station. “YOUNG LORD! WHERE HAVE YOU TAKEN OFF TO THIS TIME?!”

Lan looked around nervously while Fu jumped to other train cars, looking high and low. “What if he’s collapsed somewhere again?”

Edward started to head out. “If so, I’d say it’s a relief… Let’s go.”

“Coming!” Alphonse and Winry said as they followed him.

“I actually just remembered…” (Y/n)’s uttered, getting Lan’s full attention, looking hopeful. “You guys crossed the desert and got into Amestris… Did you report to customs?”

Lan looked at him in confusion. “Customs?”

(Y/n) threw his hands up. “You can’t enter the country without being processed and given entry visas.” He saw the blank stare the Xingese bodyguard was giving. “...You didn’t get any paper work, did you…?” He sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. “I’ll ignore it but if he or any of you run into any MP’s or soldiers, they’ll lock you up so you better go find him.”

“Hey! (Y/n)! Hurry up!” Winry called out, getting the male to run to catch up with the four.

Fu leapt over to a lamp post that stood on the waiting platform. “MASTER LING! WHERE ARE YOU?!”

Ling was around. He stood atop of the train station, above the clock. It was high enough to see the sea of rooftops that surrounded the area. His eyes cracked open, an uneasy feeling filled his body. “Something about this country doesn’t feel right…”

========================================================================

A black car drove down the streets of the slums area of central. Mostly every building was boarded up and abandoned, mostly used by the desperate or outcasts of Central.

The car soon came to a stop. Exiting the vehicle was Havoc, wearing his casual attire of a brown leather jacket with a popped up collar and jeans. In his hand was a basket filled with food and a bottle of wine. His blue eyes darted to one side of the road to the other, seeing nothing, before entering the building he parked at.

He accented the stairs, side stepping and trash or questionable liquids that covered the floor before arriving at a room and knocking on it twice slowly. “It’s me… I’m just checking in.” The door opened and out came Falman with stubble on his face. “You’re doing well…” Havoc joked before offering the basket. “Here, it’s from the colonel.”

The two entered the abandoned apartment room, seeing Barry sitting at a coffee table that was covered with bottles, cups, paper with a single pen, and a chess board. The murderer looked bored out of his mind.

Barry looked up when he heard the door close. “Hey, it's the smokin’ guy!”

“How’s it goin’? You won a single game yet?” Havoc asked, seeing the side Barry was sitting on only had a few pieces on the board while the other side had double.

“Not even close…” Barry admitted. “But this game is boring anyway. Hey, since it’s night now, I can go and cut someone up, right?!” He perked up, hopeful to have some sick twisted fun.

“Of course not.” Havoc chastised.

“Ya gotta give me something! At least bring that Hawkeye lady for a visit.” Barry pleaded.

Havoc gave him a dismissive wave. “Yeah… I’ll let her know that you’re interested.”

Falman placed the basket onto the table after clearing off some of the empty bottles. “He’s not the only one who’s bored. How much longer am I stuck here keeping watch on this guy, anyway? What does the Colonel say?”

Havoc held up three fingers. “The Colonel apologizes for having to give you such a dangerous assignment.” He dropped a finger. “He also says don’t worry about your other duties; your absence is being treated as sick leave.” Another finger dropped. “But if anyone - even military personnel outside of our unit - sees you, he’ll have you court-marshaled before you can blink. That is all.”

Falman shuttered, feeling like Roy was over his shoulder, rubbing his head in anticipation to write up the court-marshal. He gripped his head as he shook it. “I don’t suppose you have any news of a happier sort to report?”

Havoc smiled. “Indeed.”

Falman looked over with a hopeful smile. “Oh? What is it?”

A blush came to Havoc’s face as he rested a foot on the table, knocking over the chess pieces, and pointed ahead like a sailor who spotted land. “FALMAN, I FOUND MYSELF A GIRLFIEND!” Falman groaned, gripping onto his head tighter. “She’s been really sweet, helping me adjust to the move here and everything.” Havoc clasped his hands together, wiggling his hips around as he chuckled, absolutely love sick. “And oh, boy is she hot!”

“Hey, do you think this new girl would be fun to cut up? Come on, what d’ya say?” Barry asked but got no answer as Havoc was in his own world. “Can I cut her? Just a little, I promise.”

Tears flowed from Falman’s eyes. “Please, just get out of here…”

Havoc came out from his trance and snapped a finger. “Oh, and (Y/n) wrote saying he’d be back sometime soon. So we’ll have his help.”

Falman’s expression dropped, more serious this time. “The Colonel thinks he can get him along with the mission after telling him what happened to Hughes that quickly?”

Havoc sighed, stuffing his hands into his pockets. “It’s gonna hit (Y/n) hard… especially with how close he was with Hughes. But Roy’s got a knack for getting people straightened out quickly.”

========================================================================

Face down in the middle of the sidewalk with a crowd of people and two Military Police officers, Ling lied. One of the officers crouched down, looking him over. “Hey… are you okay?”

“F-Food…” Ling muttered, sounding like he was on the brink of death.

“Collasped by the side of the road, huh?” The younger MP stated.

“Where did you come from?” The one crouched cupped a hand to his ear to hear Ling as he muttered weakly. “What’s that? From Xing, you say?”

“Well, you’re a long way from home, all right.” The other said, seeing Ling move his head to the side to see his faked dried lips and tear in the corner of his eye.

The older MP lowered himself down near Ling’s ear. “I’ll need to see your entry visa, please.”

“KAHHHHH!” Ling’s fake starved look quickly went away as he started to sweat bullets.

The two officers knew exactly what Ling was doing. Both grabbed one of his wrists and started to drag him away. “Outta the way, everyone!” They walked through the crowd, letting everyone see the 12th in line to be the Emperor of Xing crying. “Illegal alien coming through!”

========================================================================

Fu and Lan followed the four, leaping from rooftops to pipes above as they continued to call out to Ling. “YOUNG MASTER! WHERE ARE YOU?!”

Lan held onto her head in worry. “He’s in trouble again! He’s collapsed, I’m sure of it!”

The group came to a stop in front of the Central Hotel. “Okay, since (Y/n)’s gotta report to Central we might as well make a stop at the military office first.” Edward pointed out.

Alphonse nodded. “Right.”

“In that case, I think I’ll head straight to the Hughes’ house and let them know I’m in town…” Winry said before a bright smile came to her face. “I can’t wait to see Miss Garcia and cute little Elicia!”

“I’ll be sure to tell Hughes you’re here if he’s working today.” (Y/n) reassured before looking at Edward and Alphonse. “I’ll see you guys there after you get your stuff put away.” He walked off with a wave.

“‘Kay, see ya later.” Winry waved goodbye as she started to run off in the direction of the Hughes’ home.

“I wonder if Lt. Colonel Hughes has put together any more information on the Philosopher’s Stone since we left.” Alphonse openly wondered.

“The Fuhrer was pretty clear with his order regarding that.” Edward said. “I’m pretty sure (Y/n) already will but just in case we should go and back up the information we found out after we get everything put away.”

“The Homonculi…” Alphonse said with a hushed tone.

Edward nodded. “Yeah.”

========================================================================

(Y/n) walked towards the court-matshal offices. Passing by the same phone booth Hughes was murdered in. The only thing he noted was that it looked new, like someone had either replaced it or cleaned it up.

“HEY!” A sudden yell pulled his attention, looking to the source.

Barely able to stand with a bottle of liquor in hand, now wearing an infantry uniform that was covered in dirt and reeked of alcohol with the rank of Corporal hanging on by a few threads on the collar, was Diels.

“Lieutenant Colonel Diels?” (Y/n) asked.

“I lost my rank because of you!” Diels barked with a drunken slur, taking a swig from his drink. “I marched through shit and fought. And I come back from some R&R and I have to see your mug?! Do you just like taunting people who went through hell?!"

(Y/n) narrowed his eyes at the drunk, already tired of dealing with him. “Diels… I didn’t even know you were demoted. I had nothing to do with that.”

Diels scoffed. “Sure. Not like your two higher up buddies went to the Fuhrer himself and bitched about me because you begged ‘em…” His eyes widened with realization before he broke out into laughter. “Well… now you only got one buddy that’s high up now. Hehehe…”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“You haven’t heard?” Diels raised a hand up to his mouth and whispered loudly. “Hughes kicked up daisies months ago.” He giggled.

(Y/n)’s eyes widened, blood running cold. “What-”

“That dumbass had the easiest job and still ended up getting killed. What an idiot-” A solid punch across the face knocked Diels on his behind, smashing his drink against the ground. “WHAT THE HELL-!”

(Y/n) pulled the man by the collar, holding it tightly as he fought the urge to beat the man senselessly. His red eyes filled with anger that burned brightly. “Explain… now.”

========================================================================

Inside the court-martial offices, Sheska - now sporting a military uniform with an above the knee skirt - walked through multiple rooms with a stack of books and documents in her hands.

“Sheska?” One of the other female officers called out but the woman seemed to be not paying attention, only focusing on the door that had the number three on it. “Sheska!”

Sheska came to a stop, looked back. “Yes?”

“You have the key for room number three, don’t you?”

“Yes!” Sheska quickly answered before nervously stammering. “Oh, wait! You said room number three, right? It’s still a total mess from when I was using it earlier!”

“It’s fine…” The officer reassured. “I just need it to gather some documents, that’s all.” She held a hand out, expecting the key from Sheska.

“NO, REALLY, PLEASE DON’T!” Sheska shook her head, sweat flying around. “IF YOU CAN JUST WAIT A MOMENT, I’LL CLEAN IT RIGHT UP FOR YOU!”

The officer looked at her in confusion before dropping her hand. “Okay then… I can come back later for the keys. Please make sure it’s taken care of.” She asked, assuming Sheska was just nervous because she was new to the job.

Sheska nodded. “Yes, ma’am!” The officer exited the room, leaving her alone to let out a sigh of relief.

A sad look came to her face when she turned to the door, placed the stack down next to it, and inserted the key into the lock before turning it. With a click she pulled the key out. She looked back at the other door, making sure no one was there, before entering.

In the room, fast asleep on the floor with books all around and on him was Roy. There was even a book over his eyes.

“Um… excuse me, Colonel?” Sheska quietly called out. “Colonel Mustang?”

Roy removed the book from his face, revealing a light stubble on his face. He sat up, letting out a groggily groan. “Oh, hello Sheska… How long was I asleep?”

“About ten minutes, I think.” Sheska answered, her eyes darting back to the other door to make sure no one came in.

Standing up with a yawn, Roy reached into his pocket, taking out and checking the time with his State Alchemist issued pocket watch. It read 8:10. “The council meeting’s about to start.”

“Uh, Colonel… Perhaps this is none of my business, but maybe you should try and get a little more rest.” Sheska nervously suggested as Roy made his way past her.

Roy hummed. “Mh-hmm, I’ll be back.” He waved as he exited the room to the hallway.

Sheska leaned out the door, watching the Colonel walk alone down the hallway. “Was that Colonel Mustang that just left?” “BWAHHHHH!!!” Sheska shrieked at the sudden voice, jumping and then looking back to see Captain Focker. “OH! CAPTAIN FOCKER, SIR! GOOD MORNING! N-Nice day, isn’t it?”

“Good morning to you, Sheska.” He greeted, cocking his head to look past her, down the hallway where Roy was a moment ago. “Tell me, What was he doing here? The Colonel.”

“Ah… well… you see…” Shaska stammered, trying to make up a story.

Focker looked over at the room Roy slept in. “The storeroom door is open.”

“I’M SORRY!” Sheska apologized loudly, bowing her head. “I OPENED IT, SIR!”

Focker smiled, holding his chin in thought. “I’ll bet the Colonel twisted your arm, didn’t he? Don’t worry, I won’t tell anyone.”

Sheska looked up at Focker with bright eyes, her hands clasped together in thanks. “I really appreciated that, sir!”

The smile dropped from Focker’s face. “Although… I do wonder what the Colonel was looking into. Do you know?”

Sheska stood up straight, her eyes down, and eyebrows furrowed with worry. “I’m not one hundred percent certain of all the details, sir. He did ask if there were any materials having to do with the Fifth Laboratory and Lieutenant Colonel (Y/n)’s report about its destruction. And also… he was looking into the Hughes case.” Focker raised a brow with interest. “You know I-I got my job here through Brigadier General Hughes.”

“Ah, yes. I remember.” Focker said. “Well, I’ve got tons of work to do.” He walked past Sheska, placing a hand on her shoulder. “Carry on, Sheska.”

“Yes, sir.” She watched as Focker walked down the hall and turned the corner.

Further down the hall, Focker was deep in thought, only to be torn from it when he saw himself walking down the other way. The other Focker had his focus down on a piece of paper in his hand, reading it over.

In a flash Focker, the one who spoke with Sheska, appearance changed with red sparks of alchemy. He now had the appearance of a white male with short light brown hair and the rank of 2nd Lieutenant. Once he was past the other Focker, a grin belonging to Envy came to his face.

Focker entered the room where the storeroom was, seeing Sheska picking up her pile of documents and books. “Good morning, Sheska.”

She looked back at him in confusion. “Sir…?” Her eyes shrunk. “What the-?”

========================================================================

In the restroom, Roy was using the sink to freshen up. His coat hung off a hook to the side of the mirror and a towel wrapped around his neck to catch any of the hairs that came off as he shaved. Once done, he turned on the faucet, splashing the cold water onto his face to both clean up and wake himself up.

After drying his face with the towel, Roy looked up at the mirror. Light bags under his eyes that struggled to stay open and lifeless expression showed how little sleep he got.

The sudden flushing of a toilet behind him caught his attention. He looked back, seeing Alex’s head poking from the top of the toilet stall, his head almost hitting the roof. “Hello, sir.” He looked so prideful.

Roy’s face dropped. “Hey…”

Alex exited the stall, walked to the sink next to Roy, and started to wash his hands. “Colonel… you look like you’ve lost some weight.”

“Maybe.” Roy looked over at Alex, seeing the bandaging on his head and patch on his cheek. “But what happened to you?”

“There was an… incident… down in the south. But don’t you worry, it’s just a scratch.” Alex was careful with how he phrased the mass killing of Greed’s gang.

“I see.”

“I ran into (Y/n) and the Elric brothers down there. Apparently they’d gone to Dublith to pay a visit to an old teacher.” Alex also brought up.

“Yeah. (Y/n) said they needed a refresher on some things after their fight with Scar. With how hectic things are getting, I’d say he really needed it…” Roy trailed off. “Major…”

“Sir?”

“Did you tell them about Hughes’ death?”

“No… You insisted that you’d be the one to carry the burden of informing them.”

Roy leaned against the skin, starting into his own eyes in the mirror. “Thank you…”

Alex dried his hands with some paper towel before making his way out. “I wish you luck with that, sir.”

Roy narrowed his eyes on Alex. “The Fifth Laboratory and the Philosopher's Stone - the Stone’s key ingredients are live humans.” Alex froze up as he reached for the handle. “Hughes always did enjoy helping other people. This time he stuck his nose into the Elric brothers’ investigation and found out something he would’ve been better off not knowing. Am I wrong?” Alex looked back at Roy, seeing his fists clenched. “I know when I tell the Elrics they’ll blame themselves for what happened. It was kind of you not to say anything to them. So please continue to be kind and be there for them when they need it.” He grabbed his jacket, slipping his arm into it.

Alex smiled softly. “You’ve got it all figured out, don’t you?”

“I’m almost there.” Roy started to do up the buttons on his uniform.

Alex took on a serious look. “Be careful, sir. You never know who might be listening in on you… or where.” He warned before excusing himself and leaving. “If you’ll excuse me.”

========================================================================

With teeth and fists clenched, (Y/n) entered the government building. He started to make his way to where his unit was set up, eventually seeing Riza standing with her back to the wall. Her eyes were closed and in her hands and up to her chest was a black boot.

Riza’s eyes opened at the sound of (Y/n)’s boots. They sounded heavier than usual. “Oh. Lieutenant Colonel-.”

“Where’s Hughes?” (Y/n) asked once he got face to face with her, staring her down.

A sad look came to her face. “I…”

A set of footsteps came rushing from down the other hall and a hand reached out and held onto (Y/n)’s shoulder. His eyes darted to see it was Roy. “(Y/n), calm down.”

(Y/n) swiped Roy’s hand away. “TELL ME! WHERE IS HUGHES?!” His bark echoed down the hall, heard by others.

Roy locked his eyes with (Y/n), seeing how the Ishvalan looked to be on the verge of breaking down. He let out a sigh. “... He died.”

(Y/n)’s eyes quivered, the pressure of his teeth clenched together made his lips twitch. “When?”

“A few months ago…” Roy answered.

(Y/n) let out a shaky breath, bringing a hand to grip onto his own mouth and chin before dragging away. His eyes went to the floor, looking confused - lost even. Without another word, he turned and walked away.

Roy ran to catch up to him, reaching out to grab (Y/n)’s hand. “Wait!”

(Y/n) pulled his hand away, glaring at Roy. “Don’t touch me…” He spoke, sounding both mentally and physically tied. “Just…” He fought hard to hold in the tears.

“(Y/n)?” The two looked, seeing a worried Edward and Alphonse standing down the hall near the entrance. The air in the area alone let the two brothers know something was wrong.

“Did something happen?” Alphonse asked with worry.

(Y/n) continued to walk down the hallway, passing Edward and Alphonse. “Roy… You tell them since you decided to hide it.” He said as he stormed off and exited the building.

Edward and Alphonse looked at Roy and Riza in confusion.

========================================================================

At an open market place, Winry was paying for a basket of red apples she carefully selected. Once counted, the owner of the vegetable and fruit stall handed Winry her change. “And here’s your change, miss.”

“Thank you!” Winry thanks with a warm smile before she pocketed the change and then grabbed the basket. She walked off, eyeing the apples with excitement.

========================================================================

“Brigadier General Hughes is dead. He was murdered shortly after you were discharged from the hospital.” Roy answered straightforwardly. “We’re still working on hunting down whoever is responsible.”

Edward looked at Roy with dread in his golden eyes. “NO! Not the Lieutenant Colonel! Why him?!” He was on the verge of crying. He looked as if he was going to ask again but he shook his head before storming out of the building.

Alphonse ran after him. “BROTHER!”

The memory of himself telling Hughes everything he could about what happened at the Fifth Laboratory played back in his head, digging the knife of guilt deep into his heart. ‘It’s all my fault! I’m the one who pulled him into this! IT’S ALL MY FAULT!’

The day when they met. The smile on his face whenever he spoke about his wife and daughter. The joy that radiated from Elicia and Roy as they hugged. And the last time Edward saw him. All of these were memories that Edward, nor anyone else, would ever get to experience ever again.

Edward slowed down, reaching the end of an alleyway. He leaned against the wall, taking a breath.

“Okay, you guys have a safe trip. Stop in and give me a shout the next time you make it to Central.”

“Al, how’re you gonna eat wearing that armor? Take it off, relax!”

“Elrics… I understand that you two don’t have a place to stay, which means you’ll have to come with me.”

All that kindness forever lost to the world forever brought a sick feeling to Edward’s gut. The metallic clacking of Alphonse’s boots approached Edward from behind before slowing down and eventually stopping. The younger brother watched as Edward slid down the wall, squatting down with his head hanging low.

========================================================================

With a pep in her step, Winry quickly climbed the stairs that lead into the building where the Hughes lived. She eventually reached their room, knocking on the door with eagerness and a smile on her face.

“Daddy!?” Elicia bursted out the door, smiling up at Winry.

Winry chuckled, seeing the cute face. But it dropped once she saw how saddened Elicia became, the smile on her face turning into a sad pout and eyes dull. She started to cry, running forward and hugging Winry’s leg, sobbing into it.

Gracia emerged from the living room, seeing Winry at that door. She offered a saddened soft smile.

========================================================================

Walking past the archways that led into the military cemetery, Roy made his way down the road, passing the fields covered in crosses and tombstones. Eventually he saw (Y/n). He was kneeled before Hughes' grave. His red eyes dull as they stared at the date of his death.

Roy approached, making his way to (Y/n)’s side before sitting down on the grass next to him. The two stayed silent for a while. The only thing heard was the chipping of birds and the blowing of wind.

“Why?” (Y/n) spoke up quietly. “Why didn’t you tell me he died? Why wait till now to tell me?” His anger and frustration was gone, no longer demanding answers but pleading for them.

“You said you needed to go to Dublith to see your Teacher. To relearn things after your fight with Scar. That and Hughes' death let me know that things are escalating fast and we’re all going to need whatever help we can get.”

“That could have waited.” (Y/n) muttered.

“How long?” Roy asked suddenly, his tone harsh. “Did Scar tell you when he was going to attack next? Did whoever murder Hughes come to you and tell you when and who ever next they were going to hurt? Did either of them talk to you to have your next fight organized so you have enough time to get ready?"

(Y/n) stayed silent. He desperately wanted to say something, say anything to justify why it would have been better from him to come back when Hughes died. Nothing came to mind. This was the reality of the situation regardless of him not liking it.

Thinking back to how Riza comforted him, Roy pulled himself close to (Y/n), making Ishvalan look at him. His sclera was reddened and on his cheeks were dried tears. “I’ve got a shoulder you can lean on.” After a moment, (Y/n) leaned his head on Roy’s shoulder, relaxing into it. “Things aren't going to get any easier. We’ve got a steep hill covered in rocks to climb.” He said honestly. “You surely remember the most important lesson you learned from the Academy, right?”

“Yes, sir. Keep moving forward. Giving up means everything you did and lost to get there was in vain.” (Y/n) quickly answered. That motto was drilled into his head almost every day during his days at the Infantry Academy.

“So, I can count on you to help us track down Hughes' killer?”

(Y/n) pulled away, starting Roy dead in the eyes. “Of course, sir.” His eyes widened in surprise, confusing Roy.

“What’s wrong?”

“Did you not get a lot of sleep?” Roy nodded. “You look cute when you’re tired.”

Roy gave (Y/n) a playful shove. “Yeah, yeah…” A light blush covered his cheeks as he stood. “I’m guessing you're going to go check up on Gracia and Elicia?” He offered a hand to the Ishvalan.

A worried look came to (Y/n). His hand went out, grabbing Roy’s as he stood up with his help. “I want to… but I’m worried. They were there for me but I wasn’t there for them when it counted most.”

Roy placed a hand on (Y/n)’s shoulder. “They’ll understand, (Y/n).” He reassured.

========================================================================

Edward and Alphonse walked down the street towards the apartment building where the Hughes’ lived. From the other side (Y/n) approached. The three saw each other, meeting up to the steps that lead up to the entrance.

“Hey…” (Y/n) uttered a greeting.

“Hey.” Both Edward and Alphonse greeted with the same lack of enthusiasm before their eyes went to the door.

“What do we do?” Alphonse asked.

“We go in and be there for them. It’s the least we can do for everything they’ve done for us.” (Y/n) said.

“I was thinking of doing it alone.” Edward spoke up. “I’m the only one who has to take the blame for what happened.”

“Brother, this isn’t just your problem. It’s both of ours. And (Y/n)’s right. We should all be there to comfort them. We’re going with you whether you like it or not.” Alphonse stated.

“You guys don’t really have to-”

“We made up our minds. We said we were getting our bodies back, no matter what.” Edward gasped, looking over at Alphonse in shock. “But if people are going to die because of that then I don’t want mine back.”

The willingness to give up after everything didn’t sit well with (Y/n).

========================================================================

Opening the door, Gracia saw at the door was the Elrics and (Y/n). She showed a gentle smile before looking back at the entrance way into the living room down the hallway. “Winry’s already here.”

The three entered the living room, seeing Winry sitting on a couch. She was hunched over, holding a sleeping Elicia close to her chest. “Winry…” Edward quietly called out, making her lift her head, looking over at the three with sad blue eyes.

“Um, Miss Garcia.” Edward nervously started. “I’m sorry, but there’s something I need to talk to you about. If I may.”

“About Maes?”

“That’s right… You too, Winry.”

========================================================================

Gracia was sitting on the couch with Elicia sleeping sounding in her arms. Edward and Alhponse sat on another couch to her left with Winry in between. Their shoulders were slack, heads and backs hunched over.

“So Maes learned things about the Philosopher’s Stone that someone didn’t want him to know.” Gracia recounted Edward’s words to her. “His death was a message. A warning to you from whoever did it to back off from all this.”

“Yeah, we basically dragged him into it.” Edward dropped his head further. “I’m sorry!” He gritted his teeth. “So sorry.” His body shook, getting Winry’s attention.

Gracia watched her daughter sleep, her small chest slowly rising and falling. “That would be just like him, dying while trying to help somebody else.” Everyone looked at her, seeing the small bittersweet smile on her lips. “My husband. He always was a busybody and a meddler, and it got him into trouble. A lot. He’d drag (Y/n) along from time to time too.” She looked at (Y/n). “You were always so eager to help. God knows the amount of times I gave him an earful for it.” She lightly chuckled, bringing her attention back down to Gracia. “But you know… I don’t think he ever had regrets. Not any, not even in his dying moments, Edward.”

“But we…”

Gracia looked over at Edward. “Don’t tell me you’re going to give up.” Edward’s eyes darted up to her. Gold starting into Emerald. “You can’t let what happened defeat you. If you do, then that means my husband died in vain.” She softly smiled. “Even if the Philosopher's Stone is a dead end. There might be some other way.”

“Maybe… I guess.” Edward uttered.

“You have to keep moving forward, any way you can.”

========================================================================

After the Elrics and Winry said their goodbyes, they left the apartment, leaving (Y/n) as he wanted to speak to Gracia and Elicia alone. Elicia was awake now, looking at (Y/n) in confusion, seeing the worried look on his face which was very rare for her to see - he never wanted to worry her.

“I’m…” (Y/n) paused. “I want to apologize… You all looked after me when I joined the military. And Hughes helped me get to where I am now. After everything, I wished I was here for you when you needed me most.”

Gracia smiled softly. “Roy came by and explained everything… And I agreed with him. I think you got it from Maes where you get into more trouble than you should so some extra training was best for you.” She chuckled. “Also, it’s not like we were alone. Thankfully we have lots of friends who helped us out. So please don’t feel like you alone have to take care of us.”

A wave of relief washed over (Y/n). But the pillar of guilt for not being there still stuck out of that wave. “I still want to do what I can for you and Elicia whenever I can.”

“You take after Maes so much…” Tears started to form in the corner of Gracia’s eyes. “I’m sorry…” She wiped away the tears but more came.

(Y/n) went over, sitting next to her and brought her into a hug. “The least I can do is offer you a shoulder to cry on.”

Gracia smiled through her tears before resting her head against his chest, her arms wrapping tightly around him and she started to cry. “Mommy?” Elicia called out. “Mommy, please don’t cry.” She tugged on the end of her mother’s shirt to get her attention.

(Y/n) pulled an arm away, keeping it open as he looked down at Elicia. “Sometimes people need to let out tears, Elicia. When they do, give them a shoulder to cry on.”

Elicia leaned in, her small arms doing their best to hug her mother. (Y/n) closed his arm over Elicia and reached Gracia's lower back, drawing small circles with the palm of his hand as she cried.

Edward, Winry, and Alphone heard all of it through the door as they waited for (Y/n) - Albeit it muffled.

========================================================================

The group walked to the Central Hotel at a slow pace and dead quiet. The setting sun gave the entire city an orange glow, acting as a closing curtain for the day. Eventually reaching the hotel, the group stopped in the lobby that had a few coming in from a day of work or out for a fun night out.

“I’m going to be a bit busy with work for the next few days so I’ll see you guys later.” (Y/n) said, waving goodbye to the group as he left.

“See ya…” Edward said with a wave. “I’m gonna grab a bite to eat.” It didn’t sound like he meant it. More of him just wanting to do something to get his mind off of what happened that day.

Winry and Alphonse nodded before going to the elevator, hitting their room floor and waiting in silence. A ding rung and the doors slid open, letting the two exit and head to their rooms which were side by side.

“Good night, Winry.” Alphonse said, getting a forced on sad smile from her. “You too, Al. Tell Ed the same.” The two entered their rooms and closed the door behind them.

Winry fell onto her bed, taking a pillow and stuffing her face into it as she quietly cried. Alphonse sat on the couch in the middle of the room, starting blankly at the floor. Down stairs, in the dining room, Edward sat at a table with a full meal before him. Steak with butter and mashed potatoes, small bows of gravy, fresh baked bread and a small salad. A meal anyone would happily dig in but Edward couldn’t take even a single bite.

========================================================================

Edward raised his automail hand, knocking on Winry’s door.

“Winry, you in there?” He called out. The door soon cracked open. Winry’s gaze kept to the ground, never meeting Edward’s. “You haven't eaten yet, have you? You might want to hurry. The dining room is closing soon.” Winry quietly hummed as she nodded her head barely. “You know you have to eat, to keep up your strength.” Again she nodded and hummed. “Okay… I’ll go back to my room.” He started to walk off, realizing no amount of talking is going to get her to eat.

Winry reached out, grabbing Edward by his hand, stopping him.

========================================================================

With a lone lamp lighting the room, Edward sat across from Winry. On the coffee table in between them was the basket of apples Winry bought earlier that day.

“Apple pie?” Edward asked.

Winry hung her head, her blue eyes fixated on the apples. “That’s right.” She spoke with a shaky voice. “I’ve practiced making it a few times. I know it might… sounds like… I’m bragging but I’ve gotten pretty good at it. I’m not nearly as good as Miss Harcia, but someday-” He lips quivered, tears rolling down her cheeks. “I’d hoped…” Her gaze went up to meet Edward’s. The light of the lamp bounced off the streaming river of tears that fell down her face. “That Mr. Hughes would get to try some too!” She hunched over, crying into her hands.

Seeing her like this broke Edward’s heart. He wanted to say something to pull her out of the pit of sadness she was in but didn’t have the words. He called back to what he heard (Y/n) say to Gracia. He stood up, going over to the couch where Winry was sitting on and took the spot next to her. With some hesitation he lifted a hand and rested it on Winry’s back, getting her attention. “Just… let it all out, Winry.”

Edward was caught off guard with how quick Winry was to envelope him in a hug. The force clearly knocked him over had he not kicked up his automail leg to balance himself. But once he recovered, he properly returned the hug, letting Winry cry into his chest.

========================================================================

The howling, roaring, and snarls of various caged Chimeras filled a dark room. In the darkness their eyes glowed with blues, yellows, and reds. Any with arms attempted to free themselves from their caged but all it did was scratch up the metal.

In the middle of the room where a lone light shined down onto, Lust leaned against a sitting Gluttony as she spoke to a still disguised Envy. Gluttony’s eyes glued on a masked human male in a cage who looked feral. In front of him was a pile of bones picked clean. Seeing the one human in the room with all the Chimeras must have caught Gluttony’s attention.

“So the nosy Colonel Mustang is snooping around the Hughes matter?” Lust asked, getting a hum of affirmation. “Do you think he discovered anything yet?”

“Its a definite possibility. I had a look around the reports too and saw that the Ishvalan made up one for the Fifth Laboratory. That makes it pretty clear he’s suspicious of the military.” Red sparks shot up his body, revealing his regular form. His hair stood up before falling - it made up for the extra height of the disguise he took on. “So what now?”

“We already moved him to Central where’d we be able to keep a closer eye on him and the Ishvalan.” Lust rolled her eyes with frustration. “Why can’t they be good boys and behave themselves? With one being a candidate and the other being a sacrifice, I’m very reluctant in killing them.”

Gluttony picked up one of the bones and then offered it to the male. He slowly opened his mouth and chewed on it.

“Haven’t been able to learn anything from your new boyfriend?” Envy asked with a smirk.

“Nothing.” Lust groaned. “He’s either a born idiot or a clueless hustler.” She started to walk off into the darkness. “I’m off to gather some more intelligence.” She stopped and turned to look at Gluttony. “Let’s go, Gluttony.” He did as ordered.

Envy eyed the pile of bones. “Come on, Gluttony! Don’t leave your mess lying around. You slob.” A mischievous smirk came to his face as he looked at the bones. “What you said before… about how much nicer it would be if the Flame and Ishvalan Alchemists would behave themselves.”

Lust smirked with interest. “Yes?”

Envy looked back at her with a smirk still on his face. “How would you feel about us making another play?”

“You have something in mind?”

A large, toothy smile stretched across Envy’s face. “Well, we’ve got a pair of noisy mutts…. Perhaps all they need is some bones to chew on.”

========================================================================

In the mess hall at Central Command, Ross was speaking to a few of the other lower enlisted. The conversation was light, not too serious as there was a smile on everyone’s face. A sudden tap on her shoulder pulled her attention away.

“2nd Lieutenant Maria Ross…” She looked back, seeing a tall man with round glasses and the rank of Colonel. He wore the officer uniform of the Infantry with a unique green armband on his left arm - it was to signify someone who had authority in both the regular military and military police upper command. Behind him stood military police officers. “I’m Henry Douglas, from the Provost Marshal’s office.”

Ross stood up, looking at him in confusion. “Do you need me for something?”

“You’ll have to come along with us.” He held out his hand. “Your sidearm?”

The entire mess hall looked on, watching the interaction unfold. With a glare towards the man, Ross pulled out her pistol, giving it to him handle forward. “May I ask what this is about?’

Henry handed the gun back to one of the MPs. “You’ve been named as the primary suspect in Brigadier General Hughes murder case. Please come along.”

Ross’ eyes shrunk, a cold sweat came over her. “T-THAT’S ABSURD!”

“You can tell your side of it later… Now let’s go.” He ordered with a blank face, ignoring Ross’ anger filled glare.

========================================================================

In his office, Roy read over a report Riza gave him. All the pages were signed off with the ink seal of the Provost Marshal’s Office.

“2nd Lieutenant Maria Ross. Pleading not guilty on all charges.” Riza reported.

“Gather whatever information you can about her for the past year. Go now. Quickly but secretly.” Roy ordered as he handed the report back to Riza.

“Right.” Riza headed off out of the office.

Roy looked out the window, his eyes narrowing.

========================================================================

With a smile, Havoc looked over several bouquets of flowers. All had bright green leaves with red, white, pink, and yellow petals. “S’cuse me, ma’am.” He got the florist’s attention. “I’d like a bouquet of these, please.” He pointed at the roses.

“My, my, what’s this? A hot date, lover boy?” The florist asked with a smile.

Havoc let out a chuckle as he scratched the back of his head nervously, a light blush coating his cheeks.

========================================================================

Running down the street with a bouquet of roses with a pink tie on it, Havoc made his way to an open cafe. He looked over the packed venue, getting on the tips of his toes to look over the mass of people there. He looked further down and saw someone that brought a smile to his face. He pulled the cigarette from his lips and put it out on the heel of his shoe before tossing it into a bin. He then made his way over to the person. “You been waiting long, Solaris?”

His date was Lust. She wore a Xingese style coat, covering her tattoo, and red handed gloves. She pulled away from her book, smiling once she saw Havoc. “Oh, no… I just got here. It’s so good to see you, Jean. Why don’t you sit down and tell me all about your day?”

========================================================================

Drabble - Oh Here He Comes, He’s a Man Eater.

“Thank you so much for helping me with my groceries, (Y/n).” Gracia thanked as she held the door open for (Y/n), who had several bags filled to the brim with food hanging from his arms.

“Not a problem, Miss Gracia.” (Y/n) brought the food over to the kitchen, setting everything down on the island table. The joyful laughter made him look over to see Elicia giggling as she played with a wind-up toy car and had one of her small dolls riding it. They were both gifts (Y/n) bought her that day.

“Say…” Gracia came into the kitchen and started to put away the food, prompting (Y/n) to join her. “I noticed how close you are to the Elrics and Winry.”

(Y/n) looked over at her in confusion. “Well… yeah. Winry’s grandmother took me in and we’ve all been friends since we were 13, 12 for Al.” He remembers he told her this before so why was she bringing this up now?

“Oh, that's adorable!” Gracia exclaimed. “They’ve probably been crushing on you since you were younger then.”

A light blush came to (Y/n)’s face. “W-Well…” Stammering was all he could muster. He couldn't deny he felt a strong feeling for them and there were times they made it clear they shared the feeling.

“(Y/n) sounds like a car starting!” Elicia proclaimed before making the same noise while she played with her toys.

The two couldn’t help but chuckle. “Whenever they were over, they always talked about you so fondly.” Gracia mentally reminisced the times the three talked about (Y/n). “I can’t blame them for falling for you.”

The blush on (Y/n)’s cheeks got redder, all this talk was making his heart race. “Oh, no!” Elicia ran over to him. “Your face is really-really-really red! Are you sick?! Did you eat something really spicy?!” 

Chapter Text

A sick feeling came to (Y/n)’s gut when he laid his eyes upon the tombstone that stood before him. This was expected, Roy and Diels told him this happened. However a part of him hoped all this was a nightmare. That when he entered the cemetery he’d never find Hughes’ grave. Instead he’d bump into him somewhere along the way, reassuring him he’s alive and well. But this is reality… It’s more cruel than kind, as if to mock or punish humanity for finding some sort of happiness.

He dropped to his knees, eyes glued on what was written on the new stone. “Maes Hughes 1885 - 1914. For his service and sacrifice for the Homeland, the rank of Brigadier General was bestowed onto him before being laid to rest.” Brown from the dirt stuck out in large patches in front of the grave. A few dots of grass covered it - the earth was slowly reclaiming it, bringing it back to life after the burial.

(Y/n) said nothing as old memories came to mind.

========================================================================

1911, Central City Infantry Officer’s Academy.

In a forest, from a ditch where a small stream flowed, a squad of eleven trainees in Amestris blue combat uniforms with full gear attached sat.

Most were armed with rifles while one soldier had a light machine gun deployed and his assistant gunner next to him. All of their weapons had an adapter on the muzzle for firing blanks to help operate the weapon without it malfunctioning. On their arms were yellow armbands meant to represent what team they were on for this combat exercise.

In the distance, watching with binoculars, were the supervisors of the exercise and the drill sergeant of the platoon - Ermey. He was as military looking as one was. A chiseled mean face, a sharp buzz cut under a green side cape, uniform fit to a T, and brown eyes that pierced the souls of anyone who looked at him. Also there was Brigadier General Armstrong. Some gossip between the trainees hinted that she was there to see if the training was up to her standards.

One of the soldiers was Diels. He had an annoyed look on his face as he peeked over the ditch, scanning the forest ahead. “Why the hell did they think to put the Ishvalan in charge?”

“Because everyone’s supposed to get a turn in commanding a squad?” Another rhetorically asked.

“He shouldn’t even be here in the first place…” Diels grumbled. He started to get up higher in the ditch. “How long does it take to do reconnaissance? That idiot must have gotten killed or captured."

A sharp pull on either side of the duster of his uniform pulled him back down. He was met with two angry glares. One being Ross. “Can you knock it off? (Y/n) knows what he’s doing and if you keep screwing around, we’ll all lose!”

“Flash!” They all heard from the forest. “Thunder!” One of the trainees replied. (Y/n) emerged from behind a tree and ran to the ditch, sliding down into it.

He was armed with a submachine gun and had a star on his beret that identified him as the commanding officer of the squad.

“Rifles on me!” (Y/n) held up a flat hand and rotated it around in the air, getting mostly everyone to group up near him.

“What are we up against?” A trainee asked.

“They’re entrenched on a hill. Any approach we take, they’ll see us far before we can get close enough to get in or flush them out.”

“So we use smokes?” A trainee suggested like it was obvious, pointing to the stick grenades that were stuffed in (Y/n)’s belt that had a white band around the top.

“We only got two. And with how close we’ll be, it doesn’t give us much room to maneuver before they focus fire on us.” (Y/n) pointed out.

“So it’s guaranteed we’ll take casualties?” A trainee nervously asked.

It worried him because the entire squad will be graded based on various things, most important being how many members of the squad are alive and completing objectives. So if a man “dies” then the entire squad gets a lower grade.

“If we go that route, yes. But I’ve got another plan…” Everyone leaned in, interested to hear. Except for Diels who couldn’t care less.

========================================================================

At the top of a hill, the enemy team sat - all of them identified with red arm bands. Everyone stood in their recently dug trenches, their eyes focused down the hill, in between the slims trees, for (Y/n)’s team. Aside from the chirping of birds and creaking of wood as wind blew by, it was dead silent.

Sudden movement made one of the trainees flinch. He shouldered his rifle, eyes scanning for any movement. A moment later, on the other side of the position, another trainee saw movement as well. “I’ve got something!”

The area surrounding the hill filled with the sounds of something scurrying across the forest floor, pulling everyone’s attention outwards.

“DON’T FIRE UNLESS YOU SEE THEM! WE DON’T WANT TO WASTE ROUNDS!” The designated officer barked his order.

From deeper in the forest on opposite sides of the team’s position, two smoke grenades flew before landing at the base of the hill, slowly filling the air in a thick smokescreen.

“SMOKE ON THE NORTH SIDE!”

“SAME HERE ON THE SOUTH!”

Confusion struck the team as a rumbling came from behind the smoke screens. It sounded as if there were a rampaging herd of horses charging at their position. The very earth shook, making the team wonder if the position was about to be overrun by cavalry.

“What the hell is going on?!”

From the smoke, silhouettes of armed soldiers appeared. “OPEN FIRE!” The crack of fire from rifles, the machine gun, and the officer’s submachine gun filled the air, echoing through the woods, startling any wildlife and making them flee.

The trainee’s ears rang as they continued to fire until their magazine ran empty. The smell of burnt gunpowder resonated in everyone’s noses, so strong that they could taste the metallic substance.

The gunfire covered the noise of alchemy as the spot in the middle of the hill transformed, eventually forming a hole from where (Y/n)’s team emerged. Once all the riflemen of the squad were up, they spread out, aiming their rifles at the backs of the red team.

The entire red team became baffled once the smoke cleared. All that was there were dirt statues of soldiers with the aftermarks of alchemy.

“RED TEAM! YOU’VE ALL BE CAPTURED OR KILLED!” Ermey yelled from a distance as he and the rest of the supervisors walked over.

“CAPTURED?! WHAT DO YOU-?” The red team officer looked around, seeing (Y/n)’s riflemen holding up everyone including himself. “W-What?! How?!”

“IT WAS ALL MY PLAN, OF COURSE!” Diels announced, getting annoyed looks from the rest of the squad, some wishing he’d been shot even if it meant the entire team lost points.

“It was (Y/n)’s…” Ross clarified just in time as (Y/n) made his way up the hill with his machine gun team.

“Good job, guys!” congratulated, getting a smile and salutes from the rest of his squad.

“I must imagine you’re as impressed as I am, Brigadier General.” Ermery stated but shrunk with worry when he saw the uninterested look on Olivier’s face.

“An alchemist, huh?” She asked, her tone matching her face as she watched the two teams chat with (Y/n) while Diels stood off to the side alone. “If you were actually wanting to properly train these troops, you’d make it a rule to not allow alchemy. He, like everyone else on his team, will become overtly reliant on it. If he loses the ability he’s no better than any other soldier.”

“Uh… Yes, sir. Brigadier General… I should have thought of that.” Ermey stammered.

========================================================================

Upon exiting the training facility out into the main yard, (Y/n) was met by Roy and Hughes. He wore a white buttoned up long sleeve shirt with brass buttons, a short black tie, dull grey pants, and shiny black leather boots - the standard uniform of a trainee outside of live exercises. He stood at attention and saluted the two. There was an attempt to hide the nervous look that was on his face a moment before he saw the two.

The facility, which was located in the outskirts woods of Central City, was surrounded by tall barbed wire fences and guard towers at every corner. All the buildings looked to have been around and maintained for quite some time. They were all wood, an odd sight as most expected the concrete and stone that made up the command centers in all the areas in Amestris.

The layout of the facility was a plus symbol with the main buildings, that being: The female and male barracks on the left and right side. Two main buildings for in class lesions for either gender. And the top was the building where all the trainees attended for group lessons. There were other buildings and training yards dotting the facility such as the shooting range, marching ring, grenade training, hangers for storage, a clinic, and a close-quarters combat arena.

“YO! (Y/n)! How’d it go?” Hughes greeted with a hand up in the air before he and Roy walked alongside (Y/n) towards the side of the path, next to the fountain that sat at the front so as not to be in the way of all the other trainees exiting the building.

“We won with no casualties, sir.” (Y/n) reported, getting a heavy pat on the back that almost knocked him over. A light blush of embarrassment covered his cheeks as passing trainees chuckled at the sight as they headed to the barracks - especially when Ross saw it and gave him a wave goodbye, which he returned.

Roy noted the uneasy look of (Y/n)’s face. “That’s an odd look to have after a victory.”

“Brigadier General Armstrong was there…” (Y/n) said, making the two superiors raise a brow.

“She was?” Roy asked, balancing back at the trainees that passed by before looking back to (Y/n).. “Usually she has a tendency to practically beat people half to death during training but you all look fine.”

“She was just an observer.” (Y/n) clarified. “She brought up that I rely on my alchemy too much and I think she’s right. I’d like some more combat training with 2nd Lieutenant Hawkeye and hand-to-hand with Major Armstrong if it doesn’t take them away from their duties.”

“Sounds like a good idea. We can arrange that.” Roy assured, getting a nod of thanks from (Y/n).

“Speaking of people who’ve got nasty attitudes…” Hughes started, keeping an eye out in case Olivier was still around, not wanting to incur her wrath. “You still having issues with that Diels guy?”

“Yeah…” (Y/n) threw his hands up. “I’ve tried to talk to him to figure out why he acts like that but he constantly either ignores or insults me.”

“Don’t sweat it.” Hughes placed a hand on (Y/n)’s shoulder. “Some hatred is good for encouraging yourself to outperform him.”

“Like us when we were in the academy?” Roy asked, getting a hum from Hughes.

(Y/n) looked at the two in surprise. “You guys hated each other?" The way the two acted made it out that they were best friends for a long time. Hughes could go a bit overboard sometimes, getting on Roy’s nerves. But that usually was overlooked and the two would move on rather quickly.

“Pop a squat!” Hughes pushed (Y/n) down onto the edge of the fountain that acted like a round bench before sitting next to him. “Old man Hughes and Roy are gonna tell you a story when we were but tadpoles in the world.” Roy rolled his eyes as he took the other spot next to (Y/n).

========================================================================

1903.

In the barracks of the male side of the Infantry Academy, a drill sergeant stomped his way down the aisle, eyeing all the soldiers that stood at attention at the end of the bunk beds. In the room was an eighteen year old Roy. He looked relatively the same as he would later in life. The only major difference was his hair was shorter - to meet the trainee standards.

Every trainee forced themselves to hold in their nervousness. Screams of terror filled their minds as the drill sergeant stopped before them, looking them over. And then a mental sigh of relief once he walked onto the next man.

Eventually the drill sergeant’s eyes landed on a trainee’s black leather boots, spotting some dirt on it. His face contorted with anger as if the man had just insulted his mother. “LISTEN UP! YOU’RE LUCKY I DON’T MAKE YOU LICK YOUR BOOTS CLEAN! NO DROP AND GIVE ME SEVENTY-FIVE!”

“SIR, YES SIR!” The trainee dropped and started doing pushups as the drill sergeant walked down the line.

“LOOK AT YOU, YOU SLOB!” The sudden bark from the drill sergeant made Roy stiffen up. “YOUR COLLAR IS UNBOTTONED! NOW DROP AND GIVE ME ONE-HUNDRED-FIFTY!”

“SIR, YES SIR!” Like the last trainee, he dropped and started doing push ups.

Roy nervously looked over, praying he didn’t screw anything up on his uniform. With the insane numbers the drill sergeant was throwing around, he expected the next person to have to do a two-hundred push up.

========================================================================

After a long, tiring day of training, Roy dragged himself down the hall. “So the next thing out of my pop’s mouth was priceless!” Roy looked ahead, seeing a blonde with glasses speaking. He was leading two other trainees who listened to him with a smile. “It is your destiny in life to earn even more medals than I did!” He says.” The blond put on a fake deep voice, narrowing his eyes down with a fist in the air to mimic his father.

As he spoke, the three passed by Roy who stood off to the side. He stood at attention and saluted but got none in return or even a glance from the three.

“If you earn that many then you’ll be a general!” One pointed out.

“Yeah, I know!” The blonde replied before they erupted with laughter.

Roy let out a sigh of relief once they passed, turning to walk down the hall like he was a moment ago but the sound of books slamming onto the floor caught his attention. He looked back, seeing the blonde had bumped into someone, causing him and the other to fall on their behinds.

“Wow. are you alright?" The two approached the blonde, offering a hand.

“Ohh… man that hurt.” The blonde complained as one of his buddies grabbed his arm and helped him up.

“Just like a true general?” The trainee quipped before looking over at who the blonde bumped into. “You okay? Sorry about that-.” He suddenly stopped.

The blonde looked at him in confusion before whipping his head back, seeing that he had bumped into an Ishvalan trainee. Hair white as ash, skin tanned by the sun since birth, and eyes red as rubies.

A devious smirk came to the blonde and his friend’s faces. “An Ishvalan, huh?”

“I take back that apology.” They all stood over the Ishvalan.

The blonde lifted his arm, looking at it in disgust. “He got his dirty desert stink on my shirt!” He showed it to the others, making them dramatically recoil back in disgust and back away from it.

“Ugh! Disgusting! Dirty Ishvalan stink!” The trainee pretended to whimper as the blonde waved the arm in front of him, making the blonde smirk.

Once he was done with his fun, the blonde glared down at the Ishvalan. “What’s a filthy Ishvalan doing-” His eyes widened in confusion, seeing the Ishvalan just stare at him. Not a single emotion showed as he was being insulted. Roy watched as the group stiffened up before they walked around the Ishvalan. “C’mon. Why are we wasting our time on this trash?”

“Uh, yeah…” His friend nervously stammered. The two clearly going along with whatever the blonde did just to rub his ego and stay “friends.”

The Ishvalan sighed, looking over at his books. “You alright?” He looked up, seeing Roy approach. He soon reached him, bent down, and picked up the books. The Ishvalan looked at him in confusion as Roy gathered up the books and handed them to him. “That was pretty messed up.” Roy pointed out.

With hesitation, the Ishvalan accepted the books. “Always is.” He uttered before standing. “Thank you.” He thanked before walking past Roy.

========================================================================

The cafeteria was packed as trainees lined up to grab whatever they wanted from the serving counter. Chiefs filled the kitchen behind it, cooking up to fill any of the empty racks. The racks that still had food showed this wasn't just any kitchen that made the bare minimum like one would expect from the military. It was fine dining - the best of the best Amestris had to offer for the future leaders of the military.

Once Roy filled up his tray, he looked over the counter, wanting something special to top off his meal. The thing that caught his eye was a spinach quiche that sat alone - the last one. He eagerly reached for it, only for another hand to shoot out and grab it before he could. He looked over, seeing Hughes smirking.

“Sorry pal.” Hughes placed the food on his tray. “Spinach quiche is my favorite. I just can’t resist it, ya know?” He walked off and joined a table, sitting next to the blonde Roy saw earlier.

Angrily, Roy grabbed a bowl of beef stew, marched over to another table. He practically slammed his tray down, getting an odd look from everyone as he let out a frustrated groan. He ignored the looks, closing his eyes and holding onto a clenched fist. He looked back, seeing Hughes chatting with the blonde. “So… he’s one of them?”

========================================================================

After that, Roy kept his eyes glued on Hughes. During physical training and marksmanship, he was among the best. But when it came to sitting down and listening to instructors during lessons, he’d doze off, almost slamming his head against the table as it slid off his hand that he was using to prop up his head. Some saw it as a bit creepy but in actuality Roy was sizing up Hughes, studying his enemy.

========================================================================

“Oh man! I’m starving. Time to eat!”

When it came time, Hughes approached the serving counter, looking over what was on offer. His eyes darted down the line, seeing there were four spinach quiche left. His hand shot out to grab one but another hand grabbed the one he wanted. He looked over, seeing Roy standing there with a smug smile.

“Sorry, pal…” Roy placed the spinach quiche onto his tray. “Just can’t resist it, ya know?” He looked over at Hughes, his eyes were ones of a challenger. “Spinach quiche is my favorite.”