Fullmetal Alchemist: Solitude

Chapter 1: Blank

AN: Thanks for reading my story! Feel free to PM me about anything and check out my other story for "Code Lyoko" if you are interested. Reviews are welcome and appreciated. Enjoy!

Why was she here? Thought Major General Olivier Mira Armstrong. There was still so much work to do. She was leaning against the edge of the paneled wall of the grand ballroom, and from this vantage point, could see everything that was happening.

It appeared that her Briggs soldiers were having an enjoyable time. They were laughing, drinking, and relaxing. She supposed it was good for them to relax every now and then, especially now. Her soldiers had been extremely busy; ever since the fateful Promised Day, they had been scattered throughout northern Amestris, working to rebuild the war-ravaged nation. Olivier herself had been busy too: she was in the process of writing an armistice with Drachma and was constantly called to Central Command for meetings pertaining to the reconfiguration of the government. However, just because she had a full schedule didn't give her any excuse to be attending a party.

"Ah, my dear sister! I'm glad you could make it!" A colossal, giant of a man appeared beside her.

"I don't see why you insisted upon having this gathering when there's still so much work to be done," she said curtly.

"The soldiers have been working tirelessly. They deserve a break."

"My Briggs soldiers have no need for breaks." Colonel Alexander Louis Armstrong laughed heartily, and his laugh was met with a death glare from Olivier.

"Even for your soldiers, it can't hurt. In fact, sister, you could use a break as well."

"What are you insinuating?" She snapped. Alex's hands instinctively moved into a defensive position.

"Nothing, sister! Nothing at all! Just enjoy yourself at my one year anniversary party!" He gave a quick smile before moving away into the throng of soldiers.

Olivier smirked. Boy, had they kicked some ass that day…

"Hard to believe it's been a year, isn't it?" Olivier glanced over her shoulder. Leaning on the corner of the perpendicular wall was a recently promoted, confident man.

"Major General Roy Mustang. What are you doing in my house?"

"Your brother invited me, after all, it's a military celebration."

"I have a higher rank than my dimwitted brother. I'm telling you to leave."

"Last I checked we shared the same rank," smiled Mustang. Olivier sighed. That Grumman. What was he thinking, promoting Mustang to her rank? The promotion had gone to Mustang's head, and his ego had grown exponentially. He also never let her forget that, formally, they were equals.

"We may, but I am still your senior officer." Mustang stood up and walked over to her.

"Enjoy yourself General," he said, glancing at her outfit. "But honestly, you could have worn something else. It's a party after all. You should have at least worn a dress."

"Do you want a demotion, General? It's not impossible for me to remove you from your post." Mustang gave a wide grin, and vanished into the crowd. Olivier could hear her soldiers yelling greetings to him. For such an annoying person, he sure was popular. Then again, he was a hero two times over, both from the Ishvalan War of Extermination and from the Promised Day. He was both respected and admired by his subordinates. Even so, Olivier would have to have a chat with Riza Hawkeye about this soon; maybe she could keep his attitude in check.

Olivier sighed. A dress? She hadn't worn a dress since age thirteen. You couldn't fight in a dress, or, for that matter, do anything in one. No, her military uniform was just fine. That Mustang. He needed to learn his place.

"Your brother sure knows how to throw a party," said Major Miles, approaching her, drink in hand.

"It seems he does, doesn't it?"

"I'm glad you came tonight," spoke Miles. Olivier stared at her drink. Relaxation? Liquor? She didn't have time for this.

"Yes, well, I plan on retiring to my room soon. I've got a lot of work to do tomorrow."

"Here, have a drink General. It will help calm your nerves. You've been working yourself to exhaustion lately." Miles held up his glass. Olivier eyed him carefully, but she saw only genuine care in his expression. Oh what the hell.

"Cheers," she said, bringing her glass to his. Olivier let a slight smile come over her face before taking a drink.

Splitting pain seared through Olivier's head. She winced, and rolled over onto her side. Damn this hurt.

Sunlight streamed into Olivier's eyes. She instantly squeezed them shut. Morning was here at last. The headache was unfortunate, but she had work to do. This was no time to go around feeling sorry for herself over a little pain.

Olivier let a yawn escape, and sat up. Immediately, she let out a startled gasp and yanked the covers over her, covering her bare body. Why was she naked? She never went to bed like this.

Suddenly, she realized she didn't even remember ever going to bed, yet here she was. Now that she thought about it, she realized that her memory of last night was completely blank. She remembered nothing.

"Shit. This could ruin me," she muttered.

"Huh? Good morn…ing?" Olivier let out a shriek.

"Holy Hell! MILES?" She yelled, gaping in awe at the other side of the bed. She wasn't alone, no there was Major Miles, her permanently loyal subordinate, waking up next to her.

"What's going -?" Miles rubbed his red eyes and turned to look at her. "Morning, Sir. What are you doing here?" Clearly, he was semi-delirious.

"Briggs soldiers should be able to wake up and assess the situation instantly!" Hissed Olivier. "And that's not your question to ask!"

"Question… sir?"

"MILES! What are you doing in my bed?" Olivier glared at her major. He blinked, and then his eyes grew wide as he finally pieced together the situation.

"Holy shit! Sir – I don't know!" He said, hurriedly jumping out of bed. Olivier cringed.

"Major! Put some clothes on – that's an order!" Miles blushed furiously and sprinted to the corner of the room where a military uniform was splayed across a chair. He frantically began getting dressed. There was a minute of very awkward silence. When Miles finished, he picked up another uniform that lay on the chair. He walked over to the bed and set it down. His face glowed scarlet.

"Sir, do you have any recollection of what… events may have transpired here?" He asked plainly. Olivier sighed.

"I'm not sure Miles." Heck, she wasn't sure she had recovered from the initial shock of awakening naked next to her subordinate!

"Were we drugged, do you think?"

"It seems likely. The last thing I remember is you and I toasting." Miles' face remained unreadable.

"If we were drugged, it wasn't me. I watched those drinks being made – nothing was added." Olivier held her head in one hand.

"This is bad," she said.

"What is the best course of action sir?" Asked Miles.

"Just keep it quiet!" Snapped Olivier. "This is a matter of upmost confidentiality! You speak of this to absolutely no human, chimera, or soul – do you understand my orders?" Miles nodded, and headed toward the door. He opened it, but paused before leaving.

"This secret will die with me," he promised, exiting the room, closing the door behind him.