LOST Part 2

"This country was built for something greater" said the Fuhrer. Mustang's re-education had begun in earnest, and he never had time to spare to see Havoc, Fury, or Breda - not even Hawkeye or Ed. "Have you heard of the city Xerxes? There was one man in that city who desired to see god. Through hard research, careful calculations, and many experiments, he reached his goal and learned the truth, he saw the face of god. But there was a cost."

"Did he perish?"

"No, as a result of his sin, the people of the entire country were forced to surrender their souls to the divine being who entered into their midst."

"That's horrible."

"He walks amongst us still, but in human form so his loving kindness is more readily seen by all without consequences. But there are those who refuse to accept his love. It is said that the day will come when he will reveal himself to all people and punish those who to not believe."

"What of the man who doomed the entire city?"

"He was made to wonder the earth with an immortal soul and reflect upon what he had done in eternal torment."

Mustang thought for a moment. He was troubled, and yet the Fuhrer had done so much for him already.

"How can you even think such heresies?"

"Please, Sir, you must believe us"

"Why should I trust you?"

"You mean more to us than just a superior; we are your friends."

"Well, right now, I feel more like you are trying to take advantage of my situation."

"You are being used, Sir, but not by us."

"Bradley is the Fuhrer, he doesn't need me to gain power or wealth."

"If our ambitions were so great, why would we spend our resources, and put everything at risk, over one man?"

"You have done so much for me, I want to believe you are my friends. Prove to me that I can trust you."

"You have to have faith."

"It's not enough." There was pain in his heart-wrenching cry as though he knew he ought to believe the woman pleading with him - a pause.

The tears which had built up within Hawkeye could no longer be contained and broke free. She had never once so much as uttered the word since her father died, but she didn't know what else to do. "... you loved me once" There was an even longer pause - each wondering what the other was thinking.

Mustang was conflicted. What difference would it make if he once loved this woman, he is no longer the same. However, he needed to know. "Was it returned?"

There was no longer any need for hesitation, it had all been said. "It was."

"Then if you love me still, I beg you, do not force my hand where it is mine to move. This has to be my choice. I promise that I will give careful thought to what you have told me, but I need time."

"Of course, Sir. Forgive me." The Lieutenant turned and left the room, leaving the Colonel with brooding thoughts and a heavy head. Uncertain.

The time had now come to test Mustang's Alchemy - the final trial. Until now, it had only been him and the Fuhrer, but now it seemed that the entire military council was present. Something about all of their stone cold faces watching his every move with discerning criticism made the Colonel uneasy. This stage in his rehabilitation was important-he knew that- but still, because of the ceremony devoted to this moment, Mustang couldn't help but feel as though his only value was the ability to produce flesh scorching flames at will. How detestable. How... inhuman. He had no sooner thought this, when Mustang was presented pure white gloves decorated with circular designs he could not decipher. It was clear that he was to put them on. Direct the attack towards the dummy and produce a spark with my fingers using the gloves? Simple enough. He pointed with his index finger and snapped. It seemed as though time had slowed down. It only took a few seconds, but it felt as though it had been 60. There was a murmur among the generals. Had he missed something? As he focused on the dummy, Mustang noticed that it suffered no damage. What went wrong? Was it nerves? He was sweating now. There was doubt as to whether the Colonel even wanted to work for those who now watched him, but something told him that he needed to impress them or there would be consequences. He tried again, his fingers slipped, disabling him from producing anything but embarrassment. Again. Again. This time the room filled and echoed with the loudest snap anyone had ever heard. Until it died out that was all anyone heard, and silence followed.

The Flame Alchemist had failed Assessment Day.

Bradley stopped visiting after that day. It had been a week now and Mustang's sole companionship was found in his subordinates: Breda, Fury, Havoc, even Ed came by once (under the duress of Al), but most importantly - Hawkeye. He had become fond of Hawkeye and understood why they loved each other before. Secretly, he hoped to return to that level of attachment. But the Colonel was not about to admit that to anyone, let alone her-even though he had an inkling that she knew how he felt. Something about that woman made him think that she knew his every thought. It was as though they were connected.

"I owe you an apology, Lieutenant."

"Sir?" She pretended not to know what he was referring to, even though they both knew that she did.

"Earlier, you tried to warn me about the Fuhrer's real motive for helping me. I still do not understand all about the Homunculus, but it is clear that he only wanted me for my alchemy. He does not care for me as a person, let alone an officer."

"I was being impertinent. Again, I apologize."

"You were protecting me. That is what you do with people whom you love."

Hawkeye would have blushed, but she pushed it aside. Although she did not show any emotion, she was truly touched and relieved by the recent turn of events. Is it possible? Can things go back to how they were? "It is still no excuse for my behavior."

"If you keep insisting on apologizing, you'll grow soft and start showing weakness. If what you say is true, I'll need you at your best."

"It is useless," Bradley stood before Father. "Mustang has lost his Alchemic prowess. It is unlikely that he will prove useful to our plans. How shall I proceed?"

"The Flame Alchemist may yet prove useful. There may be a way for his memory to be restored. Perhaps he just needs to see the Truth. Carry out your duty my son."

"Goodnight Colonel. I will visit again tomorrow."

"I look forward to it, Lieutenant."

Mustang completed his evening rituals and laid himself down on his mattress, eagerly awaiting slumber - the sooner he fell asleep, the sooner he could see Hawkeye again. He had not quite achieved full sleep, when he was vaguely aware of his door opening, but he was just enough asleep that he was unable to pay it any heed. As Mustang drifted in and out of slumber, he was under the impression that he was being carried somewhere. What is that smell? Am I underground? ...sleep... Sewers perhaps. Why would I be in the sewers?...sleep, now... Is this stone? And why am I lying on it? It's cold... don't worry about it now, sleep.

"Is the circle prepared?" Mustang did not know this voice.

"I am curious as to what price he will pay." These were the last words he heard. They were Bradley's... sleep-tomorrow I will see Hawkeye.

The Colonel Opened his eyes to see a woman. Blonde. Beautiful. Uniform. Happy. Smile. "Hello there," he said. "How beautiful you look. What is your name?"

Frown. Why is she frowning?