So now we have chapter 2! As always, I love reviews, and if you see an issue, problem, or anything that needs to be improved let me know and I will do my best to fix it. :) I am still learning writing techniques, and I feel the perspective flops too much in this chapter- it seems odd to me- if anyone has any suggestions let me know.

I do not own Fullmetal Alchemist, nor any of the characters. Which is a crying shame, I would have so much fun if they were mine!

In Search of Knowledge

Chapter 2

The car ride to south town was mildly uneventful. With Riza driving and Roy having called shotgun, the remaining four men squished themselves into the backseat. After much pushing and shoving and elbows stabbing into ribs, they were all settled. Havok began the briefing by lighting a fresh cigarette, as his had been crushed by Breda.

"So as everyone probably knows, this case is about the murder of Isaac Bledcaugh who was killed 2 years ago in a small village a little ways north of here. His murder alone wasn't a big deal, a country anomaly- something strange and isolated. Almost exactly a year ago, a homeless man in Eastern was killed... Again no one applied much thought. What's one more homeless person dead?"

At this point Feury interrupted, "What makes it seem like the murders are connected? They were in completely different areas, right?"

Havok glared at his interrupter. "I'm getting to it! Be patient." he said in an annoyed tone.

"But do get on with it, at least sometime today Havok." Riza interjected.

Havok gracelessly ignored the both of them and went back to his briefing. "As I was saying... There were the two murders. So far just thought of as isolated or coincidence. Until last week, when a third murder happened. It seems they might be connected."

"The murders were all very similar, in terms of how they were carried out," Roy stated, "and they seem very systematic, as though they aren't random killings but planned. Whether they are an attempt to remove certain people, find something or are a warning is yet to be figured out. So far every lead have proven useless."

"Thats why we are headed over today isn't it? There must be some new evidence." Falman was paying rapt attention.

Roy nodded. "Grumman merely said there was something I should look into." Truth be told, he had no idea what they were getting into, if it would even prove useful. He had to follow every lead, but he sometimes wondered if the Fuehrer gave hi this case just to annoy the crap out him and to remind him that his job was useless and miserable.

The car rounded a corner, and Riza nearly threw everyone through the front windshield as she slammed on the brakes. The backseat riders set a up loud protest, but Riza pointed down the street, where a man was running, having barely escaped being hit by the car. He seemed to not be phased as he continued his frantic flight down the street, running as hard as he possibly could.

"Nearly killed us and himself, the stupid fool!" Roy yelled as he leaned out the window to see where the fugitive had gone. He couldn't see very well, since this section of town was darker, with rather derelict old houses looming a few stories tall, their balconies and upper sections leaning out over the street below, effectively blocking the sunlight.

From behind they suddenly heard shouts "get him!" and "there he goes!" as the man's pursuers began nearing the car. It became clear that the man was a military fugitive, judging by the squad of blue jacket soldiers hurrying to catch him, their commander hot on their heels yelling to speed up. Roy and his men had their doors open in an instant and began running down the street in the direction the man had gone.

They could see him turn the corner up ahead, and just as they lost sight of him, shots rang out. The man had run into another group of soldiers. He then panicked and lunged at one in a vain attempt to find an escape. The soldiers fired, not knowing what else to do.

Roy pushed through the gathering of people to where the man lay on the ground, a pool of blood collecting under as his life source drained away. A soldier jumped to attention and saluted.

"General Sir! This man was an escaped prisoner, we nearly had him apprehended when he attacked one of my men."

"At ease, Sergeant." Roy said, dismissing the man.

He squatted down, and grabbed the man's hand. Such a stupid waste of life. He had no idea who this man was, but there was plenty of bloodshed and death without the military shooting people in the streets. If nothing else, an innocent civilian could have been harmed by stray bullets.

Behind him, he heard Riza began barking out orders, telling someone to fetch a doctor, someone else to find her some temporary bandages. She worked well in emergencies, her cool demeanor allowing her to think clearly and set priorities, while instructing those around her. She leant an air of peace and stability to any situation, which reinforced people turning to er, and provided comfort.

On the ground, the man flailed his hand, seeking someone. Roy leaned close, expecting to hear a death confession. The man grasped Roy's collar and pulled him close so he could whisper into his ear. What he said was surprising and undeniably confusing.

"Find… you must find" the man gasped, trying to form the words as his body failed him, "you must find Knowledge."

Roy and Riza were back at Central, having left the others to snoop around and see if they could find anything about Grummond's lead. Roy was thinking over what the man had said. It didn't make sense to "find knowledge"- knowledge of what? Knowledge was a thing, an abstract idea, it could be gained but it wasn't a found object, or was it? It was something you continued to work toward increasing throughout your life, it wasn't like an artifact, that could be found and placed in a museum. He rubbed his eyes with the heels of his hands, his life just continued to get more complicated. And he had a headache to compound everything.

Suddenly, he felt a soft, cool hand on his. Hde looked up to see Riza standing near, an uncustomary soft look on her face. Her eyes seemed to show worry, as she looked down at him. It was in these moments Roy felt happiest. Yes, he would deny it fiercely protesting a lack of interest, but nothing made him feel more alive than the fleeting snatches of softness on Riza's face. A fleeting smile here, a quickly hidden glance was all it took to make him heart seem to flop within his chest. This was one such time. He felt the a familiar tightening deep within him, as though someone were squeezing his heart.

As much as he adored these moments, as usual it seemed over before it had truly begun. Riza apparently realized the compromising position her hand was in and snatched it away as though it were on fire. Did she hate him so much that she didn't even want to make physical contact with him? She spoke then seemingly to cover the awkwardness of the situation, something that had happened more and more frequently as of late.

"Are you alright, Sir? Is your head hurting you?" She tilted her head, scrutinizing his health in a quick, effective look.

"No, no more so than usual." Roy said. "That man in the streets did say something strange, right as he was dying."

Riza raised her eyebrows, signalling him to continue.

"He told me to 'find knowledge' whatever that means."

Ria pondered for a moment. "What knowledge? Perhaps a new form or type of alchemy?"

"I don't know, but I would appreciate it if you would look into it. I think I shall go see what I can find in my office." He stood to leave. He knew, that she knew, that he had no intention of researching in his office, unless the insides of his eyelids during a nap counted as work. Nevertheless, his head hurt far too badly to think about reading.

While maintaining a peeved expression- after all, appearances must be maintained- Riza was not upset at Roy for going to "research", he had so much responsibility she didn't begrudge him a short nap. Tucking a strand of hair behind her ear, she gazed after him, as if she could see him through a closed door. Her hand still was warm from where she had touched him; she rubbed absently at the spot.

It was in moments after these, and the dark hours in her bed alone and so lonely, that her thoughts strayed to him. Surely he had heard the rumors, that with the new governmental changes, the new Fuhrer even, that the fraternization laws were to be relaxed, possibly even removed completely. She sighed. It seemed so unfair.

With an abrupt shake of her head, and a stern admonishment to herself that schoolgirl fantasies such as those would accomplish nothing, she headed off toward the research library to see if she could find any actual information for the General.

Life is getting busy... new job etc. I'll be updating as I can. Please let me know what you think!