De Omnibus Dubitandum
Translation - Everything Should Be Questioned.
Pairings - none
Rating - PG13/R
Disclaimer - I do not own.
Summary - Bradley is paranoid that one of his best men is planning to murder him. He gives Fullmetal the job of finding out who, why and when.
Chapter 1 - The Wolf Howls at the Gate
Edward Elric had never been called to the Fuhrer's study. He had seen Bradley around the Central City Head Quarters, they had exchanged a word or two. Bradley asking how life was in general and Edward actually being polite. This was the first time, ever, that he had been 'summoned'.
He waited, standing, in front of the desk. It was huge. Made out of red wood, it was polished to a shine. Edward could see the carvings of orchids and fines along the edges. No alchemical signs though, pity. He'd rather have enjoyed looking at that.
The late afternoon sunlight made the room a bright and cheery place. Edward spied the picture of Salim, the Fuhrer's son. He was eight years old. Edward never remember celebrating the boy's birthday while growing up. Maybe Resembool was too far away to care about Salim's birth. But, every year, without fail, Central put on a huge parade for the boy -with confetti and crowds of people out to enjoy a day of fun. There were foods of different types and some people even sported t-shirts that said "Happy Birthday! Prince Salim!"
"Ah, have you ever witnessed the parade in my son's honor?" the sudden appearance of Fuhrer Bradley made Edward jump and spin, giving a salute as he did so.
"Yes sir, it was fun," Edward replied honestly.
"Salim enjoys them. But that wasn't why I called you here, Fullmetal," Bradley smiled down at the youngest State Alchemist.
"What do you need me to do, Sir?" Edward asked.
"I need you to track down a terrorist for me. I am quite sure that he has his hands in all branches of my Military. I would appreciate it if you keep this to yourself. I don't want anyone to get hurt," Bradley said.
"Who is it?" Edward asked.
"Roy Mustang," was the serious reply. Edward blinked but knew that he couldn't question the man on it. What if it was the truth? And as an Alchemist, he had to question everything, but, not to the face of the Country, for certain.
"Sir, I shall do as you say!" Edward saluted. Bradley smiled and mussed up Edward's hair.
"Go on then, son," he dismissed the boy. Edward stepped out of the office.
He didn't know what to think.
- - -
Alphonse looked up from the book he was reading. Bright yellow eyes watched as Edward hung up his coat and took off his boots; "What did the Fuhrer want?"
"I probably shouldn't tell you…but…" Edward sighed.
"He thinks that Mustang is part of some terrorist group planning on taking over Amestris,"
"That seems rather far-fetched," Alphonse muttered.
"Heh, you say that as if it isn't the truth," Edward replied. He climbed onto the single bed the dorm room hosted. Ever since Alphonse had gotten his body back and joined the Military (because Mustang wouldn't let Edward out of the contract) they had shared the single bed. It was big enough for both of them, since they were both too thin and not very tall.
"I see," Alphonse muttered.
"I don't want you involved with this, if you can help it," Edward warned.
"Why not?"
"Because, only Bradley trusted me with the information. I'm only telling you just in case something happens," Edward yawned. It wasn't all that late, but the boys had been run ragged by Mustang lately.
"Okay, I won't get involved unless I am forced," Alphonse promised. A soft snore was all he got in return. He rolled his eyes and said a silent prayer to whoever was listening. He couldn't shake the feeling that this wasn't going to turn out well at all.
- - -
"Alphonse, you're going to stay here, under my command, however - Edward is being sent to Briggs," Mustang smirked at the brothers. Edward glared at the papers in his hands. He was being transferred to the command of Olivia Armstrong. He'd met her once and she was one hell of a woman. Not any scarier than Izumi Curtis, but no one you'd want to mess with.
"Why?" Edward asked.
"You don't question order's," Mustang replied.
"But we've always been together! Why separate us now?" Edward demanded.
"How the hell should I know?"
It was rude to answer a question with a question, but, Mustang didn't care. Edward was seething and his chest hurt all of a sudden.
"You leave tonight, Fullmetal," Mustang dismissed them. Alphonse didn't bother to stay with the rest of the team. They saw the complete loss on both brother's faces. They had always traveled together. Otherwise someone would do something stupid.
Silently, Edward made his way to their dorm. Once shut in, he turned to Alphonse; "I'm sorry," and with that, tears started down his cheeks.
- - -
Alphonse saw his brother off at the train station. They embraced, Edward now in a Military Uniform. He hated the uniform, refusing to wear meant that he hadn't sold his soul. Alphonse was given the red coat, the one Edward had worn all of those years that they had search for the stone to restore Alphonse.
"Be well, Brother," Alphonse whispered. Edward tried a brave smile. They both knew it was no use.
"I shall,"
The train whistled and Edward boarded. He quickly found a window seat so that he could see his younger brother and watch the figure grow small as the train carried him away from the only family he had. The one person he could trust with his deepest secrets.
Alphonse stood on that lonely platform hours after his brother's train had left, the red coat bunch in his arms and smelling of Edward. His mind was lost in a swirl of uncertainty that he hated. He was alone. Edward wouldn't be coming back from a short mission. No matter how hard he tried to imagine it. Edward wouldn't be back any time soon.
He shrugged the coat on and finally turned away. It had something to do with the mission Bradley had given his older brother. Alphonse was sure. Now, he had to work to find a way back to Edward, even if he finally asked to be transferred to Olivia Armstrong's command, he'd do it if it meant he could be with Edward.
However, what if Bradley was right? What if there was a terrorist group working to bring him down. Sure, his rule wasn't all that good, but things were peaceful. He'd have to get to the truth, because - he knew - someone had found out about Edward's mission - and that person had gotten Edward transferred as far away from Central as possible. Which meant that Bradley was right, to a degree.
- - -
A/n - its au and the chapter is short. Sorry about that. I had to do it. Alphonse is in his human body and maybe this will be a different sort of fan fic. Hmmmmm….let's think about that for a moment!
