Veritas

A/N: Thanks for reaching the 2nd chapter with me! And also, thank you to Lalalupin for being the first one to review my story, and to Vermillion Panda for being the best! I hope you all enjoy the rest of it - Please review!

Chapter 2: Pride

"So why are we here again?" Asked Selim as he pulled up in front of the library.

You've certainly heard of alchemy, a sort of science-art practiced by those who saved Amestris from being taken over.

"Yes."

We're here to learn more about it.

"How is this supposed to help me learn more about my father?"

We'll get to that later.

Selim sighed as he opened the door of his car. This Kimblee was so vague. First he tells him that his parents aren't his parents, goes on about a "time he's forgotten" and then about alchemy. Who hadn't heard of alchemy or those who practiced it? The Elric brothers were national heroes now, and so were others, like May's dad.

He walked into the grand library trying to act normally, not as though he had schizophrenia or anything.

"Hello Selim! What can I do for you today?" The kind librarian, Mrs. Panetta, smiled at him from behind her desk. Selim returned the gesture.

"I'm want to do some research on alchemy," he said smoothly. The red—haired woman pointed to the second floor.

"You'll find all of the books on alchemy on the second floor in the far corner."

"Thank you," said Selim, hurrying to the stairs. He passed a few people that he recognized and gave them a wave; they were regulars too.

Finally, he arrived at the alchemy section, and found himself a bit overwhelmed by the multitude of books.

"Where do I start?" He whispered.

Find one about homunculi. Selim did as he was told and scanned the shelves. He found a couple, and one's author was the famous Doctor Marcoh. Selim took it from the shelf, and sat down at a table.

Dr. Marcoh… I remember him. He's the creator of my favorite possessions.

In truth, Selim found himself a little wary of Kimblee. While he also knew a lot about the country's national heroes, he also knew about the enemy-of-the-state Solf J. Kimblee, formerly called the Crimson Alchemist. He had gone insane during the Ishvalan War of Extermination, becoming obsessive about his Philosopher's Stone. After years in prison, he was somehow released, only to terrorize the country even more. Selim knew this decision as one of his father's worse ones.

What was the most concerning was that Kimblee was somehow in his head. Heinkel had killed him, hadn't he? Unless Selim was truly going insane… but there was no chance of that. He was the best student in his entire school, extremely smart, and had great powers of deduction. The answer to this weird phenomenon would come to him soon, and maybe Kimblee was actually making it easier for him to figure it out. At the same time, Selim was determined to not fall into any trap Kimblee was setting up for him. Selim, a live human being, was definitely smarter than any form of "voice" without a body.

It was amazing what lay beneath his calm demeanor.

Selim flipped through the pages carefully.

That's it, said Kimblee, stopping Selim in his tracks. It's the page about the Homunculus Pride.

"Pride?" Asked Selim.

He was the first, and most powerful, of Father's homunculi. There's even a blurred photograph. Selim squinted closely at the picture, which took up an entire page. There was a huge mound of earth surrounded by a dust cloud. He could make out a suit of armor—Alphonse's former body—and the barely noticeable figure of a boy. His hair was dark, and although he was slightly turned, Selim would recognize anywhere the glint of purple where the eyes should be.

"Holy shit," he whispered. "It's me."

Well, I'm glad you've finally come back to your senses. It's about time, Pride.

Selim stared openmouthed at the page. Was…was that really him? How could he be Pride the Homunculus? Who was he anyway?

"Who am I?" He asked Kimblee, closing the book.

Pride was literally the essence of the sin pride inside a human-like form. Father created you from complex alchemy and the souls of many hundreds of human beings. Poor King Xerxes, he didn't know what was coming. Kimblee gave a little laugh before continuing. You were the perfect child to your mother and King Bradley. You were at the top of your class and were the model for other children of Amestris to follow. You still are. It seems old habits die hard.

"I'm not who I used to be!" Said Selim, slamming his fist on top of the book.

Shadows were your weapon. You may have well been invincible, had Father not needed to sacrifice your stone in order to force Colonel, or should I say General, Mustang into the Portal of Truth.

Selim took a few deep breaths. What Kimblee was saying made sense, about the Homunculus Pride and his powers, but not about him actually being Pride. How could he be a homunculus? He was just Selim, wasn't he? The son of the former….

"So if I'm Pride," began Selim. "Then who was King Bradley-another Homunculus?"

Correct. Bradley was Wrath, the only Homunculus who aged.

"I've aged."

Only after your stone was destroyed. He paused. Tell me, Selim, have you ever noticed how people are a bit… guarded around you? Selim thought for a bit.

"Yes I have," he admitted. "But it's only the higher ups. Mr. Mustang wants to keep me away from May more than anything. If I really am Pride, I suppose then it's more than him just looking out for his daughter."

Exactly. You forced Mustang to blindness. Selim froze. Had he really done something so horrible? It was no wonder why he never wanted May to be around him.

"It's not right," said Selim. "He's just being a dad."

You're followed occasionally.

"And? I'm the former King's son. It's to be expected."

Just hear me out. What if I could show you that you were truly Pride?

"How do you plan on doing that?"

I'll train you in the art of Alchemy. Take a break from city life—head out to the countryside where people won't notice if you accidently demolish a hillside.

Selim stared pensively down on to the floor below. Pride? Homunculus? Himself? What had just happened? He still hadn't figured out how Kimblee was talking to him. At least he knew he actually wasn't schizophrenic; there was no way his mind could come up with something as ridiculous as this. It was true though, what he said. People made famous by the Promised Day were sometimes cold toward him, and he had noticed people following him. What's more, people refused to talk about his father. It was only the flattery about being a great, powerful ruler and a few remarks about his policies, but there was never anything meaningful in what anybody said. What if he really wasn't Bradley's son, but a monster created from souls of others?

What if what Kimblee said was true?

Into the present day…

An elegant young man stepped out of a sleek black car, which was neatly parked outside of the Armstrong Manor. Immediately, a valet garbed in a black suit ran to his side.

"May I take your car for you?" He asked. The young man nodded, handing the serviceman the shining keys. He didn't even turn back to watch his car be driven away.

Selim Bradley made his way through the lavish lawns and gardens, taking his time. He breathed in the warm summer's air and felt grateful for the few clouds that dotted the sky. The lack of rain was good; it meant his new clothes would not get wet.

He checked his golden watch and smiled. Perfect. Right on time. This beautiful spring day could not get any better.

"Well Kimblee," he said. "I'm finally back."

Yes, back into your old world of money and power. It must feel good.

"It does. I can't believe I haven't seen everyone for so long. I wonder what they all look like."

They're probably all curious too, especially those people meant to keep watch on you. Pride the Homunculus, disappearing to the countryside, gone for three years too, and they're all wondering when or if you'll ever return.

"But to most of them, I am simply the son of the dead Fürher," corrected Selim.

So it seems.

Selim arrived at the massive front entrance to the manor. It was simultaneously opened by a suit-clad greeter.

"Hello, Sir, welcome to the party," he said, smiling. Selim nodded in response. He had no need to speak.

The arrogance of Pride, commented Kimblee as Selim made his way into the foyer.

"Absolutely."

"Selim? Is that you? Oh my god it is! Selim, you're back!" A feminine yell came from across the room. Selim turned just in time to catch a raven-haired beauty catapult herself into his arms.

"Hello May," he said, putting her down. "It's been a while."

"Like Hell it has! You just left without a word!" She crossed her arms and pouted. Selim was astounded by her beauty. Her hair was put up in a fancy up-do and an ocean-blue dress fell just above her knees, making her pearly skin stand out. He couldn't help but notice her rose-red lips as they pouted at him.

Selim moved awkwardly for a moment.

"I'm sorry. I'll explain later." May brightened.

"I don't care silly! I'm just glad you're back!" She pulled him into a tight hug, nearly caressing him. "And it's been a long wait."

Selim smiled and gently pushed her out of the hug. He leaned in close to her ear.

"Come now," he said. "If your father sees us, I'm sure to be killed." May giggled.

"Let's go!" She said. "Just wait until you see Edward!"

May led Selim to the massive room where the party was. Selim had to admit that he was thoroughly impressed: the Armstrongs had really outdone themselves. There was music playing from a huge radio, a massive buffet of any type of food one could ask for, a bar stocked with everything, and deep mahogany tables for the guests. The chandeliers twinkled above, casting beautiful lights onto the floor and walls.

"Edward!" Shouted May, waving in the direction of the buffet table. A deeply tanned, well-muscled man looked back at her, waving in response. It took him a minute, but the moment he recognized Selim his mouth fell open. He quickly ran over.

"Holy crap! Selim!" Edward said, giving him a hug. "I can't believe you're back!"

"Yes, yes," said Selim, giving a small smile. "I've already been lectured by May." He gestured toward her.

"Well he deserves it!" Said May, again crossing her arms. "The media was all over your disappearance."

"It wasn't a disappearance," countered Selim. "I left a perfectly good note explaining that I was going off to travel for a while."

"Your mother was distraught," said Edward, sipping some red wine.

"Don't spill," winked May.

"Not on my new suit I won't," smiled Edward. He turned back to Selim, motioning with his hands. "Anyway," he continued. "She stayed in her house for a week, but Grumman persuaded her to come out. I don't know why they were so freaked out over you leaving—I'm sure normal people do that all the time."

"Think it has something to do with Fürher Bradley?" Asked May. Selim shook his head.

"I have no idea. My mother's a little… overprotective to say the least."

Keeping up the perfect appearance with those little white lies. Be careful, don't let them know that you know the truth. Selim smiled in response—he couldn't talk to Kimblee here.

"Hey everybody!" Edward suddenly shouted, his voice booming. "Look who's back: Selim Bradley everyone!"

Selim spent the next hour of the party greeting old friends and government officials. His mother, fortunately, was not there to see him. Everyone seemed happy to be able to welcome him back. Many asked what he had been doing for the past three years. He responded politely by saying that he had gone on a journey through the country to experience the real Amestris outside of Central; perhaps one day it would help him with potential political ambitions. Most were satisfied with his response.

Mustang still hasn't said hello, said Kimblee. He's being careful.

"It's not a bad thing to be," mused Selim.

Before long, Olivier and Miles came over to their son, telling him to come with them. Edward shrugged, gave up his drink, and followed after them. Selim and May joined as well. The two Briggs legends led them out of the house and to the front gate. May became very excited and her mood was electric. Selim remained calm and simply followed the rest.

"Alright Edward," said Olivier, opening the gate. "For your nineteenth birthday, your father and I would like to give you your present."

"I'm sure you'll like it," said Miles, actually smiling for once.

The sudden rumble of an engine came closer.

"Mom! Dad! No way!" Exclaimed Edward as a brilliant red car parked in front of them. It was the newest model, and it was expensive too. Selim raised an eyebrow. It was ridiculously cool.

"You got me a car!" Edward was completely over-the-top excited. Selim gave a nod of approval. May smiled enormously. Olivier and Miles looked proud. Kimblee, on the other hand, did not seem to approve.

It's too flashy, he said. Why go for red when you can have white?

"And why are you called the Crimson Alchemist again?" Muttered Selim. May turned to him.

"What did you say?"

"Nothing, nothing," said Selim. May shrugged.

"Hey guys!" Yelled Edward. "This is the best present ever!" He motioned for Selim and May to come check it out. After a minute the three had piled into the car with Edward at the wheel. He turned to his friends and winked.

"Who wants to go on a roadtrip?"