The challenge meant the whole world to me and proved that I can do something like this!

Here's chapter 2 folks so here you go!


However, the real truth that four people faced would be unbearable unlike anything else. Science twisted and perverted people beyond the breaking point; bones and souls thrashed violently, two subjects forced to fight against one another.

/

People exalted in joy and danced almost carelessly. The public was incredibly excited to hear about the 30th wedding anniversary between King Bradley and Elizabeth Bradley. Both of them were a little nervous, but everything was planned out carefully. From the caterer to the venue, the evening was set to be a perfect one. Plenty of the Amestrian citizens wanted to talk to them, but were a little apprehensive to do so. However, Elizabeth was the kindest and handed out some baked goods to people to get to know them a little better.

"Don't be shy, I made enough until I run out." Her charming personality matched her giggle, even though she tried to cover it. Many people always commented on her smile and that she would go out of her way for anyone.

King on the other hand, was forced to greet everyone who came through and occasionally looked at her for a break. She kept on with her conversations and he let out a small sigh. She's always looking to strike up a conversation.

People came and go, until Roy and Riza arrived in their loveliest attire. Roy wasn't much of a tuxedo person, but he'd always had some nice clothes just in case. A nice long buttoned shirt complimented his black vest and slacks, while Riza looked dazzling in her red, short-sleeved dress. Normally at her job she doesn't put that much effort into her makeup, but since tonight was a special occasion she spiced things up a bit.

Not too far from them were their colleagues enjoying a few drinks, and cracking jokes about money and love lives. Kain and Vato were a bit exasperated from the stress they put themselves through, but Heymans brought a lot of comedic energy to the crowd. Roy and Riza nodded at one another, but they wanted to make their impression to Elizabeth.

Selim was off in of the other rooms with a couple of the kids. He wanted to make his own impression with the other children. A few of the other kids came by to greet her formally and appropriately for their ages. When she stood back up she was greeted with a smile from the colonel and second lieutenant.

"Why, you two must be the famous Colonel Roy Mustang and Second Lieutenant Riza Hawkeye. My husband talks about your work so much he never takes a break from his job. He's the kind of man to work himself to the bone, even though I tell him he needs to take a few steps back."

"Really now?" Riza coyly questioned. "Normally, when it comes to Roy sometimes I need to push him to get something done with a deadline. However, he and I know how to work efficiently."

Roy was slightly against to hear that from his subordinate, but she was speaking the truth. The two have always worked best by being truthful and honest to one another.

"So, Elizabeth, what made you decide to give our leader a chance in the first place?" he asked plainly with a grin on his face.

Her eyes widened and her face partially blushed, she looked over to where her husband was it, but it was clear he was distracted by some of the other senior staff.

"Well, around this time thirty years ago seemed like a distant memory, almost like a chapter in a book."

Green-gray eyes slowly trailed to the ceiling and pleasant memories of her and King came back.

/

Flora and smiles were the things that Elizabeth Cavalier enjoyed every day. Customers came in and out happy from her family-owned flower shop. Even if it was only a few customers a day, she cherished every one of them that came in. Not too far from where she worked was a tea shop that she loved going there every day. From chamomile to vanilla, she tried them all and spent most of her time there journaling her next journeys. Elizabeth was known by her friends and family as an adventurous, energetic woman.

Her friends Alina and Katarina always looked out for her, although Elizabeth hated how overbearing both of them could be.

Both Alina and Katarina were very true about one particular customer at both the tea shop and Elizabeth's.

"Thank you and please come back."

Just after a flurry of customers, Elizabeth could finally breathe a little bit and take a few more sips of her tea. Although, it was a bit too cold for her liking and the flavor of it took a weird turn.

That was a bit, um, more bitter than I liked.

Her family's shop was littered with flowers any person could imagine of and covered it from corner to corner. The Cavalier Flower Shop was the talk of her town and while her town may have been small, many people knew each other. If anyone was sick, word travelled quickly and Elizabeth always tried to offer some kind of homemade remedy.

Beyond her flowers, she'd thoroughly enjoyed being crafty and going to places she could never imagine.

A new kind of customer came in that she didn't expect. He wasn't exactly the most graceful person, he tried to recover from his fumbles with a few jokes added to it. Just as a vase was about to shatter into pieces, he caught it with his other hand and managed to flip it quickly enough without the water falling out. "Oh dear, I'm so sorry miss. I cannot exactly say I should be part of a dance team."

Elizabeth stood behind the counter and when she stood up, she was bit shocked by the man's appearance. His face branded an eye patch and she didn't want to stare at it the entire time. She went along with his joking behavior. "Don't worry about it, I can be a bit of klutz too." her laugh contained a slight sense of worry and awkwardness. "Is there anything you're looking for in particular?"

"No, not really. I was just walking by and want to admire how beautiful these flowers are."

Her face blushed partially, she wasn't sure if this man was intentionally trying to flirt with her or genuinely compliment the flowers.

Not too far, Katarina and Alina saw what was going down and giggled like school girls. They were happy to see Elizabeth to get some attention in the best way possible.

The young gentleman kept on walking around the shop and Elizabeth was a little preoccupied with fulfilling a massive order. Lead scratched off and checked off to make sure everything was in check. With her hair pulled back into a low ponytail, she went to go grab one of the larger bouquets.

"So, let me ask you this sir, what brings you here to such a small town like mine?"

"Well, my Father said it would be best for me a man of my age to travel and get to learn the world one adventure at a time."

"That's pretty neat since your father's willing to let you go, my parents on the other hand-" amidst her pause, she sighed with a disappointed tone and fumbled with her hands. "-They tend to be very firm about the decisions I make, but I've been able to make my own path while keeping them happy. I genuinely enjoy love being a part of this shop because of the community."

"Well, I don't want to take up too much of your time miss. I'll be here for a couple of days exploring and my Father was able to get me a hotel room just in case."

"You don't have to call me miss sir. My name's Elizabeth Cavalier."

"My name may not be of importance, but I'm King Bradley." he stated plainly with a smile.

"Oh, your name sounds very regal. I wonder if you'll run a country at one point."

She saw his eyes partially widened.

"I'll be on my way now Elizabeth. I might come on back so I can actually get something for my sister. She can be a bit demanding at times, but I care about her in comparison to my other brothers."

Wind rustled a small set of bells on the door and something told Elizabeth that he would become a very frequent customer. "Sure, see you around."

During that whole time, Katarina and Alina slowly drank their tea and waited to hear the news. Alina leaned in a bit too much, causing the table fall to the side. Her favorite pink blouse stained by the amber colored tea. "Alina, what did I tell you? Someday your curiosity will end up getting you in a mess literally."

"Oh cut it out Katy. It's just tea." She pouted her lips in disappointment and her huff matched that tone.

"What did I tell you, don't call me Katy. What, do you want me to start calling you Ali?"

"No, not really."

Elizabeth wasn't too far from the scene and giggled at their bickering. "Come on guys, why don't we head on down to the river?

Alina was hoping her long hair could block her blushed face, but it was red as a tomato. "Fine, let me go home real quickly to get dressed and bring a blanket for us to lie on. Katarina and I want to hear about that mysterious man. Who covers up their identity with an eye patch? I wonder why."

Elizabeth was used to this kind of thing. "Alina, you are always trying to come up with some sort of conspiracy theory. Maybe something traumatic happen to him or,-" At that moment she felt awful those words left her mouth. She retracted her hand right to her chest, looking up at the sky with a worried look. This is so stupid of me to feel like this; I only met him today. Why would I fret so much about one lone stranger?

Katarina knew something wasn't right. "Elizabeth, are you okay?"

"Um, yeah. I will be fine. Don't worry about me. Just, let me close my eyes for a few seconds. Today was a pretty long day."

Warm weather and cooling breezes helped to calm down the confused, frustrated woman down a bit. Blades of grass occasionally tickled her legs, but it was still soothing. Sun streaks colored the sky and the brightness of it really didn't let her snooze for too long.

Like a mother, Katarina took part of the blanket to cover up Elizabeth's face. "Hey, Alina."

"Yeah?"

"Maybe let's not press anymore information from her? She's fretting too much about this."

Alina nodded. "Sure."

Both of them did admonish the current weather and they eventually too fell asleep.

/

While most people wouldn't dream a party to end in hysteria, certain people were ready to test the wills and dreams of certain humans. The people of Amestris believed that there was no internal conflict, however that conflict was right underneath their feet.

/

Elizabeth found herself so lost in thought she snapped back to reality. "Sorry Colonel and Second Lieutenant, that was rude of me. When I think about how old you two are, it brings back a lot of pleasant memories. My husband will do anything to make me happy and I always hope to return the favor."

It was really charming and pleasing for both Roy and Riza to listen about how happy she truly was.

With a quick glance, Roy noticed the Fürher making his way to his wife with a small grin on his face. A couple of the senior staff also waved to the two, awkwardly Roy and Riza waved back. Roy's men were still distracted at the bar, but they were clearly having fun with some of the local women.

"Hi dear, I'm so glad you are meeting two of my most effective members."

"Hi hun, is there anything you need me to do? I gave out all of my baked goods to the children. Selim's making his own mark in the other room, I know he's being looked after."

"No, there's nothing you need to do. I have to say this party's going well because of you; I might be able to lead a country, but trying to coordinate a party, well that's your forte."

Beyond just the wine and food, the energy from the crowd was simply magnificent. So many people conglomerated to celebrate a special event that means so much to its country's ruler. King's not the kind of man to boast about his personal accomplishments outside the military base, but he could genuinely relax for a second and enjoy her presence. He looked back at the senior staff and saw old man Grumman ushering him back for a few more drinks.

"Pardon me, but I have a bet I need to settle with that geezer there."

Roy and Riza looked at each other calmly, but Elizabeth humored things up a bit. "Geezer, you're one too you know?" her dainty laugh matched her expression.

The other three laughed too and shortly afterwards Roy's men came up to him. Heymans gave a firm pat on Roy's shoulder with a drink in the other hand. "Colonel, ever since you got here you haven't had a drink. The boys and I want to treat you and Ms. Hawkeye to a few drinks."

"Sure, that's fine Rook."

Elizabeth and King stared at each other with an eyebrow raised. "Since when did you start referring to your members as chess pieces?" The Fürher questioned.

"Grumman was the one who taught me how to play and even though I can never beat him, some pieces move-sets fit very well with the others' personalities."

Amidst the joy and laughter, a large cracking sound was heard across the hallway.

King assumed one of the kids got a little rambunctious for their age. "Well, looks like I'll be paying the bill for the broken window."

"Don't worry about it, I'll take care of it."

"No," with a slightly angry tone underneath his breath. "Let me."

Suddenly, more glass broke and fragments of it scattered everywhere. Riza had her gun hidden underneath her dress. "Everybody, GET DOWN!"

Smoke grenades were thrown, the rest of the public panicked. Parents grabbed their kids and made their way to the exit. However, men and women dressed in lab coats blocked the entrance.

King went straight for his sword, but a sharp dart pierced his neck. The pain didn't even faze him as he ripped it out, anger building up in his core. Toxic poison climbed up his veins, his movements slowed down. Arms were heavy like lead and he couldn't hold his prized sword no longer. Metal clinked against the ground and his body followed in suit. While people continued to run in paranoia, his wife ran right to him.

"Honey, are you okay? Please talk to me!" she checked his neck for a pulse and while it was a slow beat, faint breathing could be heard. She tried with all of her might to carry the semi-lifeless body, but when she turned her head to him the only thing she heard was, "Drop me. Leave me. Save yourself."

Even King knew something wasn't right. If this is something that Father intended to plan he would've let me know, but someone else is at this. Wishing Envy would be here right now to help me out. Sadly, he was right, no other Homunculus was nearby to help him.

Thankfully Roy also had a few weapons right in his pocket. White fabric quickly shot out and sparks flew. Roy and Riza were able to keep things stable for the most part, but the Flame Alchemist saw the leader taken down amongst the hysteria. "Breda, Falman, Fuery! Get these people to safety! Use any means to take down the guys in lab coats."

"You got it!" Team Mustang truly showed their physical prowess and Riza made sure to give Roy back up.

"Don't leave your back open sir, you'll leave yourself open."

He chuckled. "Kinda wish FullMetal was here, he would definitely like to take a crack at them."

More flames scattered across the hall, but just as Roy readied his hand for another snap, he felt poison running down his neck. His breathing slowed down and his body heavy, a cloud of confusion that he just couldn't shake off. His eyelids grew heavier, his body collapsed right there.

"COLONEL! WAKE UP!" Riza screamed in terror.

Both Elizabeth and Riza witnessed the worst nightmares, the ones they cared about fell to something they had no control over.

The other members of Team Mustang weren't fairing any better and only a few people were lucky to escape. Slowly, one by one they were picked off by the scientists.

Riza had another gun ready, but one particular scientist waltzed over to her. "Don't you take one more step; I will shoot you right through your head." Her gaze filled with anger, but enough control to assure Elizabeth.

He waited awhile for things to calm down, but one particular feature about him was his golden tooth. His smug expression and unusually calm demeanor was offsetting to Riza.

"If you don't say something within the next thirty seconds, I will shoot you." Her other hand placed on the back of the gun, ready to fire at any moment.

"You've already shed so much blood in Ishval Ms. Hawkeye, would you be comfortable with causing more bloodshed in the city? I've got plenty of people to be disposed and it would be such a shame if you were wasted. It was no wonder why so many people in Ishval called you the Woman with the Eyes of a Hawk. Willing to take down one armed man after another, it's quite fascinating really."

Metal within the gun jostled as her nerves were starting to get the best of her. Flashbacks of children crying and rotting corpses were something no other human should have to endure. "I may have regrets, but I keep pushing forward and fight for the people I love. Even if I have to do something, I know damn well I'll have people to back me up."

"However dearie, you've got no one. Your superior is down and even the leader of Amestris was too weak."

Those words enraged Elizabeth greatly. "Who do you think you are to talk to not only my husband, but the protector of Amestris who'd be willing to put his body over anything else?!" Right not too far from her was a dislodged leg of a chair. She was never the kind of person to fight, but something within her made her feet move forward to strike the bastard down.

"Wait, Elizabeth!" Riza screamed just as she was struck in the back. Facial features of the man right in front of Riza blurred heavily, old, mangled skin matching his overall demeanor. More men and women in lab coats went to the fallen party goers, and carried them out.

Elizabeth was laid right next to her and for once, the soldier who was given the title for taking men out without a doubt in her mind, was taken out. It would be dishonorable for a soldier to fall down right in front of their enemy, but some of these soldiers had no choice in the matter.

/

Two men forced against their will where most of their lives were stipulated by people around them. Directives and orders given to them like some damn dog, but they were human.

Although, these scientists could care less about their humanity. They cared more about the results and underneath the city laid a horror no one was quite ready to face.


Ooh, this is starting to get more interesting and the feels are gonna start.

Please R&R!