Roy's POV

It had been a long three months since I had left Eastern Command and my resolve was beginning to crack. With tired eyes I dredged through the camp members of my squad greeted me from their positions but had long since stopped trying to make conversation. As a major of the State Army I was required to command my own squadron of regular soldiers. I was more major in title than anything else. Captains had equal authority with the State Alchemist.

Many of my men in the beginning tried to upend my authority or ignore orders until our first battle. Those that had not listened to me rushed forward ahead of me just as I snapped my fingers to activate my alchemy. That was the first time I smelled the scent of death and cremation. Most of the soldiers that had rushed ahead of me were left as nothing more than a pile of ash. I had to swallow several times to keep from puking my guts out. I had heard stories of war but nothing compared to the real thing. Since that day no one has disobeyed my orders for fear of meeting the same fate.

I went to my tent hoping to get some rest before we were deployed again. I changed into a short sleeved white shirt and a pair of black shorts to sleep in. I had just pain down on my cot when a voice came from outside my tent," Major Mustang Lieutenant Colonel Gran would like to see you in his command tent right away." I sighed in exhaustion before pulling myself to my feet and changing back into my uniform. Then pulled my ignition cloth gloves on. Once I was back in uniform I left going to the Ironbood's tent. When I entered the tent I took notice of the three other alchemists.

The one closest to me was Louis Armstrong the Strongarm Alchemist. Next to him was Dr. Marco the Crystal Alchemist. Colonel Gran stood behind his desk his eyes cold emotionless just like most of the soldiers here. My blood ran cold at seeing Kimberly the Crimson Alchemist standing in the corner. That man was a sadistic bastard who enjoyed killing in the most gruesome ways possible. Most soldiers including myself hated the bastard for what he would do. Most of us had enough nightmares without having a living breathing one amongst us. Pulling me from my thoughts Lieutenant Colonel Gran said," Come in Mustang. This is incredibly important and must not be overheard."

I moved farther into the tents keeping a wary eye on the Crimson alchemist. Once I was all the way inside Gran said," The Crystal Alchemist, Dr. Marcoa has made a breakthrough that will end

war much more quickly. Dr. Marcoa if you would." I could see the exhaustion in the Crystal Alchemist's eyes but behind that was untold horror that no one should hold. I guessed that he like many of the State Alchemists had been ordered to do terrible things. I felt for the older alchemist. I had joined to change people's views on us but now I understood why they thought the way they did.

Dr. Marcoa came forward putting a briefcase on the colonel's desk. My eyes widened when I saw two glass vials with blood red liquid in them. Was that? I turned my questioning gaze to Marcoa who almost imperceptibly nodded his head. Philosopher's Stone! Marcoa said," As I was told to make. The Philosopher's Stones. I must stress that they are experimental and not complete. We haven't even tested them yet..." By that time the colonel had stopped listening to the doctor. He was more interested in what was in the glass vials. He picked one up to inspect it the silence was nearly deafening.

The colonel turned his gaze back on us as he said," Mustang, Kimberly, Armstrong, get your squads together. Have them prepared for battle in one hour. Dismissed." I snapped to an attention as did Armstrong. As usual Kimberly was stubborn and stood with is arms loosely at his sides. Marcoa looked distressed the the thought of us using the stones. As I passed him I gave him a gentle pat on the shoulder that I hoped was a comforting. I didn't want to use those things with my alchemy but orders were orders.

I left the tent heading straight into my side of the camp. As I neared the small fire that a circle of tents surrounded I let out a sharp whistle. Heads shot up and many tiredly looking faces came out of the tents. I said commandingly, " Soldiers be ready for battle in one hour by orders of Lieutenant Colonel Gran!" At the downtrodden looks of my soldiers I said softening my tone," I know your all tired. I am too but the sooner we finish this war. The sooner we all can go home so... Gear up!"

All the outside soldiers jumped to their feet heading for their tents while the ones already there ducked into them. I went into my tent to finish preparing for battle. Here we go again.

A/N The poll results are in. Thank you to all who voted. Here is the sequel to Rise of the Flame Alchemist. The Flame's Despair!