Chapter 1: The One Who Hides in Darkness
A shadow darted down an alleyway. Two soldiers cocked their guns at the shadow, blocking the darkened alleyway.
"Stop! If you don't, we'll-what?!"
Two hands came out as the shadow continued forward. Iridescent lightning arced across the hands, and they grabbed the guns. The soldiers quickly discovered that, suddenly, their guns didn't work. In an instant, one soldier was kicked in the gut, falling backwards and dropping his useless weapon. The shadow spun around, and with a powerful backhand strike, took down the other soldier with ease. She turned around, glaring at them with cold, sapphire blue eyes through a mask.
"You idiots know nothing about me. You don't understand the truth, and you never will. You're just young, naive soldiers, after all."
She picked them up by their collars.
"W-What are you going to do to us?!" One of them stuttered.
"Don't worry, I'm not going to kill you. I'm simply going to allow you to rest. You tried your best, but like all of the others, you failed. I'm sure your friends in the military will find you soon enough. In the meantime… sleep!" She said, ramming their heads together and knocking them unconscious. Once that job was done, she dropped them to the ground, and cracked her hands. Iridescent lightning arced across her hands again, and she put them to the ground, trapping them with blue restraints that tied them to the ground. She turned and began walking, and took one last look at them.
"They're all the same, whether they're State Alchemists or regular soldiers. Blinded by labels and stupid stereotypes. As long as that continues, they'll never be able to capture me."
She turned back away from the two soldiers she'd just soundly defeated.
"I wonder who they'll send after me next…" She wondered, walking away.
"A female thief that can use alchemy… She refuses to kill unless absolutely necessary?"
Four people sat in the Colonel's office. They were famous throughout Amestris-Roy Mustang, the famous Flame Alchemist, Riza Hawkeye, his bodyguard master marksman, and the renowned Elric brothers. Edward held the copy of the report given to him in one hand, leaning back casually, while his brother was taking it more seriously. The younger Elric had been the one to ask the question.
"That's right. Every single soldier and State Alchemist that's attempted to capture her has reported her refusal to kill. She prefers to simply knock them unconscious and trap them, binding their limbs with transmuted bands. We don't know her name, what motivates her, or anything of that sort. All we know is she's skilled and evaded capture for far too long now." Roy confirmed. He stood up, and walked towards the window.
"The Lieutenant and I decided enough is enough. We're taking matters into our own hands. This wild goose chase ends now." He said firmly. The two brothers looked at the Flame Alchemist.
"It's why I called you two in. You're two of the most skilled alchemists I've ever met. My flames, Riza's shooting skills, and your combined alchemy may finally be what defeats this godforsaken thief." He continued.
"You know that I won't kill her." Ed pointed out.
"I don't care what you do, just as long as we get her." Roy replied.
"You two prepare yourself. We're heading out tonight to her last known location-Dublith. We have to hurry-she moves quickly." He added. The two brothers nodded, and headed out, always ready. As they sat on the train, Alphonse couldn't help but notice Edward's expression of deep thought, leaning against the window.
"Brother… Are you thinking…" He trailed.
"Yeah…" Ed confirmed.
"Then what should we do? If it's who we think it is, normal tactics won't work…" Alphonse asked. Ed's expression became more focused. He looked at Al.
"I have an idea. I don't know if it'll work, but it's all we have at this point."
