There's nothing beautiful about humans. Those were the words Father burned into my memories when he created me. Until now, I've had no reason to doubt him. Humans are ugly, spiteful creatures. They crawl in the muck, the filth of their own existence, and they need only the slightest excuse to tear out each other's throats. Always balanced on that thin knife, it takes only one little push to topple them into the sea of blood. I have seen this countless times – now I would be the one to pull the trigger on this next bout of war.
Ah, humans – so sick, so twisted, so pitiful.
How I envy them. *heart*
I tugged at my thin mustache and stared into a cracked mirror. Sure enough, the weathered face of Ulrich Schneider stared back at me. The real Amestris soldier was a few seats down, slumped over the counter with a bullet between his eyes. The army would later conclude poor Ulrich here had committed suicide. And why wouldn't he? After all, Ulrich was about to spark a massacre that would dye this entire land red – I could hardly wait. I consulted my reflection one last time – no problems there. Then I slung Ulrich's rifle over my shoulder, tipped my hat to the dead soldier, and walked out of the bar.
Five minutes to show time. *heart*
Stage center was the main square, where soldiers and civilians alike milled about. The sun beat down mercilessly, but people paid no heed. It was noon in the bazaar – business had to go on. Tanned merchants called out their wares – fresh fruit here – rusted automail there – and on every corner stood a few blue-clad Amestris troops. Or should I call them comrades now? Off to my side, I heard someone call Ulrich's name. I turned and saw a merchant fighting his way towards me through a crowd of goats.
"Heard you're coming today again," he grinned. "Great! The kids were looking forward to it!"
Suddenly, I found myself surrounded by a ring of street brats.
"Mr. Schneider! Show us that card trick again!"
"Mr. Schneider! How much longer are you going to stay here?"
"Mr. Schneider!"
"Mr. Schneider!"
I smiled. Their faces sickened me. *heart*
There was a tug at my sleeve. The youngest was staring up at me with wide eyes. "Mr. Schneider is something the matter?" he asked. I shook my head.
"Actually, there's I have to tell you."
The worry slid right off his face. "What is it? What is it?" The boy grinned broadly, revealing his new two front teeth still growing in.
I reached inside my jacket.
"I really envy all of you," I said sweetly. *heart*
Three shots rang out.
The boy was still gaping when his body hit the ground. Behind him, a wine bottle shattered – its contents trickled down, mingling with the growing red stain in the dust.
The bazaar went silent as an entire world drew in a gasp. I calmly pocketed the handgun – the Amestrian-issued weapon that had just murdered an Ishvalan child.
Ah, humans – so fragile, so delicate, so fierce.
How I envy them. *heart*
A woman screamed.
And all hell broke loose.