The brunette sighed. Once again, she was sitting in the Fuhrer's office. He was staring at her with a facade of kindness. Even if her parents hadn't ensured she understood who she was working for before joining the military, the training the government forced her to endure would've allowed her to pick up on it.
The sheer severity of it, regardless of her age, was ruthless. That they even subjected her to that as a child made it glaringly obvious that someone or something took great pleasure in causing her pain. Specifically, the moments where she caught glimpses of an Ouroboros tattoo on a couple of her trainers. Then they taunted her human weakness. It took every ounce of will to keep her magic from reacting in moments like that.
Well, that, and contact with the only person who knew about her: her father's childhood friend Derek. He and her father had kept in contact over the years despite their distance. In fact, the older man had managed to visit them a few times before her parents' passing. He kept up with her as best as he could given the circumstances.
Genevieve sighed. She hoped her most recent letter - written in a mix of Amestrian and Floran - would reach him soon. She'd sent it a few days ago so it would arrive in Flora that evening. The young brunette hoped he would be excited for her promotion to State Alchemist. It was a huge step in her plan to gain complete freedom. Derek had helped her put it together when she finally got the courage to tell him what her life was like. He'd been one of her few support systems to stay sane in this mess she called her life.
He didn't like that she had to live the way she had, but there was nothing he could do about it. If she wanted to survive, it was important to show oblivity and not give herself away, especially now that she had the shot at freedom she'd been waiting for. She suspected the people behind the scenes might know she's aware of them but brushed it off for the time being. That hurdle would be crossed if it came.
"Miss Dawkins," Bradley snapped her from her thoughts and handed her a yellow envelope. She gently took it. "I called you here to personally congratulate you." The smile on his face appeared more genuine as she opened it and read the statement enclosed. Eyes widening in joy, her icy pools sparkled happily as she palmed the trademark watch and read her new title. "It seemed fitting considering your show at the exam."
"Thank you, sir." Glancing up at the man, she took notice of a slight quirk in his expression. She pocketed her watch with one curved handle and cleared her throat. "Judging by your tone, I'm guessing my title and watch are not the only reason I'm here."
"Correct." He handed her another envelope and folded his hands, heavy tension filling the air. She quickly opened it and skimmed through the file. It was a profile for another alchemist. Her eyes widened slightly when she read their history and research choice. "You will be assigned under Fullmetal because he is around your age. Protect him and report any strange happenings that occur as you work together." She looked up at him, meeting the intensity of his gaze evenly. "Make sure you do it quietly."
A sly smirk pulled at her lips, making her look much like Suzanne at that moment. If only her mother could see her now. "He won't know a thing, sir."
"Good." He smiled kindly once more, though a strange light entered his eye when he continued. "Head to East City Headquarters and report to Colonel Mustang. He and Fullmetal should be there for the next few weeks."
Genevieve saluted the man and walked out the door. She was about to start playing a dangerous game, but a necessary one. A dark chuckle escaped her as she descended the steps. Yes, if there was one thing she learned from her father, it was how to play such games. Her stoicism and acting skills would be pushed to their limits to pull this off. So be it. For her survival, and most likely that of the country, she would walk further into her path of thorns.
Unbeknownst to her, a pair of slitted violet eyes watched her from the shadows. The owner smirked at her, finding her arrogance amusing. Her plotting would only lead to her downfall; they would make sure of it. The figure licked their lips as a dark glint entered their eye. They couldn't wait for the chance to finally break her. They quickly dashed away, just in time to miss her preparing to attack them.
Genevieve's eyes narrowed. Someone had been watching her. A horrible sense of foreboding settled in her heart but she reigned it in. Perhaps she shouldn't brush off the possibility of how much they know. Especially since that particular presence had been watching her quite frequently in the last few years.
Unsettled, she eased back into her cool persona and kept walking to the train station. She bought a single ticket to East City and settled into her seat. It would be a few hours before she got there. As the train left the station, Genevieve let her mind wander back to the person who was following her.
They'd been doing it for the last four years, always at the edge of her senses, gone before she could ever see them. Every. Time. That didn't sit well with her in the slightest. Someone was watching her - probably one of them - and there wasn't a damn thing she could do about it. The brunette couldn't mention it to anyone, after all. Even if people did believe her, she wasn't close enough to anyone for them to be genuinely concerned for her well being. It was as much her own lack of pursuing relationships as it was the role she'd been forced to play for years.
Just knowing that there was at least one person out there who cared was comforting and heartbreaking all at once.
About four and a half years ago, the brunette noticed a photographer occasionally following her. The photographer only ever took pictures of her though, nothing more. A little digging revealed the person who hired the man: Colonel Roy Mustang, otherwise known as the Flame Alchemist. To say she'd been surprised was an understatement. Her godfather was the one who hired the man? But why? She discovered soon after that they were restricted from contacting each other; they couldn't talk to each other, write to each other, they weren't even allowed to be in the same general area. So, seeing the photographer as their only chance at communicating, she took it upon herself to purposely "pose" for the boy long enough for the camera to get a clear picture. She made sure to smile occasionally. Even if they couldn't openly communicate she'd found a way to at least tell him she was okay.
It killed her that she was always so close to home, yet so far. But if any of them had seen so much as a glance toward the man, she would get relocated or sent on an extended mission. For some reason, they didn't want her near the Colonel - probably so she couldn't tell him anything. So she resigned herself to communicate with him through the photojournalist and minor notes left for that person to find. The fifteen-year-old couldn't help the strong echo of disbelief that after six long years, she could finally, finally meet the person she'd looked for that fateful day. It was surreal, if not suspicious.
Genevieve sighed and looked out the window, watching the building turn into trees and forest. At least now she had reason to be nearby. Only those of senior status could order her from his side now. Granted, that was exactly who'd kept her away, they couldn't move recklessly. She was in the public eye now. If she were to be stationed in East City under Mustang only to suddenly disappear, people would ask questions. And that would only cause more trouble than removing her was worth.
The more she thought about it, the more the young orphan's resolve strengthened. Even if it would risk her extended "leash," Genevieve had to tell him. Somehow, she would tell Mustang what happened to her parents. It would take time, but that was time she would make. This was her last chance to have what was so rudely taken from her. And she refused to mess it up.
~oOo~
It had been two days since the last state exam and Mustang had called Ed and Al into his office. Of course, he still had that damn smirk on his face. He was hiding something, Ed just knew it. Before either brother could ask though, there was a knock at the door. Lieutenant Hawkeye opened it with a calm, "Hello. You're right on time."
A girl with curly brown hair and ice blue eyes walked in. A short, purple jacket was just open enough to show the black crop top and knee-length skirt she was wearing. Black boots rose to mid-calf exposing only a few inches of her sun-kissed legs. She was also a head taller than Ed and he silently seethed at this.
However, what bothered him most was the lack of expression on her face. He couldn't tell what she was thinking and that made him uneasy. That she was close to their age only made him more nervous about it. No one should be that stoic.
"Edward, Alphonse, meet Genevieve Dawkins, the Hurricane Alchemist." Roy gestured for her to take a seat so she plopped down on the other side of Ed. As she did, the brothers realized what was going on. "She will be your new partner."
"Oh, hell no! Al and I work just fine on our own!" The vehemence in his tone made Genevieve's eye twitch once in irritation. So he's one of those types; stubborn and foolish enough to think he can work alone. Even she wasn't stubborn enough to refuse help when a mission was turning up nothing. She wasn't blind. The shadows in Alphonse's armor were too dark to house a human body. Not to mention, the slight echo whenever the boy moved. The telltale clink of metal limbs on the yelling blond gave away his automail. And thanks to my powers, I can sense Alphonse's soulbond or the offness that radiates from Fullmetal. She knew instantly what they'd done.
Hurricane resisted the urge to roll her eyes. "Clearly, your wild chase has had such amazing results." As soon as the words left her lips, she regretted them at seeing the heavy weight of guilt in his eyes. He just wants to fix the mess they're in.
Ed immediately stood, golden eyes glaring at her in an unmistakable challenge. It would be a cold day in hell before he let a random stranger insult him. "What'd you say?"
"What I mean is," she paused holding a hand up. The teen turned an icy gaze on the thirteen-year-old. "I can see the shadows in his armor," she pointed to Al, " and the metallic click of your right arm and left leg. While I may not know exactly why you're pursuing the philosopher's stone, I can understand the pain that would motivate you to look for it."
Al gasped despite his silent agreement. Most people knew what they were searching for, but no one ever asked why. Which was good because he and his brother were horrible liars. The reason for their search was extremely controversial. Especially since it could get them arrested. But… If she understood, she wouldn't turn them in, right? "Brother give her a chance!"
The blond ignored his brother and looked down so his bangs would cover his eyes. He clenched his fists in anger as his body began to shake, barely containing his rage. How dare this stranger just come in and claim they know everything! She had no right! "You just waltz in here, blurting something like that- And you say you can understand?!"
"I do. It would be hypocritical of me to ignore when I have scars of my own." She sighed and carefully pulled her jacket off. If Genevieve was going to get his trust, she had to show she was going to trust him too. As she wrapped the purple cover around her waist, the new alchemist watched as the blond boy glanced up at her arms in shock. Long, spiraling scars curled around her arms in a morbid design of symbols for water. They wrapped around her neck into obvious signs of chafing from a collar.
When their eyes met once more, understanding passed through their gazes. For a brief second, Edward saw a storm of regret, sorrow, and sadness swimming in her eyes. But it was gone before he could tell for sure. "My life hasn't been a walk in the park either, Fullmetal."
Throughout the entire exchange, Roy felt his heart sink at the sight of her arms. Dread fell heavily onto his shoulders when he realized just how much she'd suffered. He sighed in remorse and ran a gloved hand through his hair. This was exactly what he was afraid of.
Sighing, Roy turned to the armor on the couch, raising an eyebrow at his nervousness. Al had been mostly silent, clearly just as shocked by her forwardness. She'd only been here a few minutes and her first impression was already memorable. The blond's anger had faded into wariness even as sympathy shone in his eyes. Fullmetal has every right to be suspicious, the colonel thought as he noticed the blond's glare. But that was only because her quick perception had thrown them off. Whatever the higher-ups trained her for, it was definitely dangerous.
"From their reaction, Colonel Mustang and Lieutenant Hawkeye already know about this." Riza glanced at the young brunette with narrowed eyes. She ignored the sniper in favor of holding her left hand out to the blond boy in front of her. "I truly want to help you two, but I can only do that if you let me."
Their superiors were shocked at the maturity Genevieve showed. Her personality suddenly struck them both as odd. The new alchemist acted as though she'd seen a battlefield of hell. It worried them that someone so young had so many scars. They spoke of trauma and torture that even people their age struggled with.
Edward glanced down at her hand before looking back up into her eyes. He searched for any sign of hesitation. When he found nothing, his gloved, metal hand slid into hers. He would agree for now.
"Alright," he smirked at her. "Just try not to get in our way."
The genuine smile on her face, though small, was something he'd never forget.
~oOo~
Far away in a desert town lost to despair, a selfish man smirked in dark victory. His sham of a religion was finally gaining speed, followers joining his sect every day. Soon, this town would be eating out of the palm of his hand and he would have a mindless, obedient army at his disposal.
The man allowed a wicked laugh to escape him before leaving his office. Unbeknownst to him, a figure in the shadows smiled maliciously. Their puppet was finally becoming useful. Things were moving along quite nicely. It wouldn't be much longer before he had the power they needed to trigger bloodshed.
"Lust, I'm hungry," the child-like being sitting next to her pouted. They had eaten a few hours ago, but their insatiable appetite was to be expected. She placed a calming hand on his head.
"Don't worry Gluttony." She sighed exasperatedly. It could be such a pain to keep him in line. "You'll get to eat soon enough."
~oOo~
Roy jumped from his seat when a knock sounded at the door of his apartment. He frowned and glanced up at his living room clock. The black clock's hands read seven fifty-seven. The Flame Alchemist wasn't expecting anyone and no one ever bothered him at home unless it was an emergency.
So, after slipping his gloves on, the colonel made his way to the door and looked into the peephole. He was surprised to see Genevieve standing outside with a suitcase. Her eyes were trained on the paper in her hand. Why would she be here and not a hotel? He decided the only way to find out was to open up and ask.
Sighing, the man undid the chain and turned the knob's lock.
"Hello, I-" she stiffened at the sight of him. "Colonel Mustang?" She glanced at the number plate reading '226' by the frame. Frowning back down at the paper in her hand, she sighed and met his gaze once more. "It seems I've been assigned to live with you."
"Is that so?" She nodded and gave him the paper. As he read over the document, he found that yes, she had been assigned to his place. "Strange. They only assign these places to the Officers."
Genevieve merely shrugged and picked up her suitcase. She held out a hand for the document and he looked at her curiously. "I can stay in one of the inns downtown. Edward, Alphonse, and I are leaving in a couple days anyway."
"That won't be necessary, Genevieve." The colonel smiled at her. He was suspicious of it too, but he wasn't about to pass up this opportunity to learn about his goddaughter. "It only makes sense that you stay with me; I'm your guardian, after all."
Her head snapped up to meet his gaze. The warmth in his coals made her smile sadly at him. "Yeah, I guess you are," she chuckled.
Mustang stepped aside to let her in and showed her where everything was. He decided his questions could wait. For now, he could get to know his goddaughter. The colonel smiled to himself. Maybe things would finally start turning around.
~oOo~
Two long years had passed since that day. Ed and Al warmed up to Genevieve pretty quickly, coming to see her as the older sister they never had. The brunette loved them just the same, her two little brothers that she had to protect from the higher-ups. The only thing that became a sore subject was her past. She was still secretive about it, refusing to answer any questions they had about her scars or where she disappeared to in the mornings.
When they noticed her writing letters in another language and asked her about it, Ed and Al were surprised she'd given them a straight answer for once. Apparently, she had a family member who lived in Flora. Located west of Aguero, the country was named for its abundance of various flowers and herbs. Alchemy was practiced there, but not as much as herbalism was. The people there seemed to rely on the physical and metaphysical traits of the flowers that bloomed in their country.
Edward thought it was ridiculous. There was no way such a mystical concept could actually prove effective in medicine. Alphonse, on the other hand, was really interested. He wanted to know how the Florans determined what plants effected what and how they categorized it. Unfortunately, as she hadn't kept up with her studies, Genevieve couldn't give him the answers he wanted.
It wasn't until one cold December morning, when something went haywire, that she finally clued them into the foreboding feeling that had been haunting her for years.
There was a flash of red and yellow before a familiar voice yelped. Worried for their partner, Ed and Al raced out of their borrowed cabin. Imagine their surprise to find the snow around her melted and one of the nearby trees on fire. The few around that tree had burn marks that could only come from lightning.
Genevieve herself was a bit worse for wear. The brunette groaned as she struggled back to her feet only to freeze when her icy eyes found them staring at her. Her hair was standing on end with a few sparks still traveling through her curls. The sleeves of her winter coat were burned up to her elbows. Her face even had a bit of soot on it.
She sighed and closed her eyes, leaning on the nearest tree. Her breathing was a bit ragged, probably exhausted from… whatever had just happened. A single blue eye fluttered open and Genevieve said, "If you guys help me inside, I'll explain."
So they did, Al helping her walk back to the cabin on shaky feet and Ed starting some hot cocoa. The three of them soon plopped onto the couch in silence. There was a heaviness in the air as the brothers waited for their sister to get comfortable and warm. After a few sips, the brunette set it onto the coffee table and sighed.
"I-" She sighed and stared regretfully into her cup. By now she'd figured out that the homunculi needed the brothers alive. That alone was incentive enough for her to train her magic. Genevieve would do anything for her precious younger brothers. And she would make sure she had everything in her being at her disposal. If that meant finding a way to merge her alchemy and her magic, she would do it.
But the young brunette couldn't tell them the truth. Not yet. Not when they could still be captured and forced to give information. She just couldn't take that risk. "I was practicing the other basic elements of alchemy. Though water is my main choice, I thought it would be good to learn the others."
The brothers looked at each other and frowned. It was obvious there was more to it, but they'd learned to just wait for her to tell them. The last time Edward tried to force information out of her, Genevieve shut down and avoided the subject.
That didn't mean their curiosity was curbed. Maybe if they were more vague with their questions, they'd get better answers. "Why?"
At this, she sighed. She knew Ed and Al knew she hid things from them. It was for their own good though. They hadn't been exposed to the homunculi or the true horrors of the stone they pursued. She'd only ever been given one and even that one had rejected her. Rubbing the palm of her left hand in remembrance, the brunette shuddered. She was grateful that her magic repelled any kind of malicious entity from drawing on her. The stone had still burned her though.
Her icy eyes gained a fierce intensity they only ever saw when she was lost in thought. It was a hard look of someone who'd seen tragedy and walked away the only survivor - like they had all those years ago. But there was a deep remorse in it that made Edward wonder how much she was still hiding from them.
She turned those eyes on him, a strong determination entering her voice when she finally answered them. "There are things out there that will be hard to overcome and I want to be ready. I'm not entirely sure how to explain it, but something big is coming."
Knowing they wouldn't get anything more out of her, they dropped the subject.
~oOo~
Unknown to Genevieve, by making her silent vow to protect Ed and Al, she'd awakened a Floran creature hiding away in a cave surrounded by a meadow of blue-rimmed white Begonias. Its gemlike eyes fluttered open before narrowing when it realized why it was awake.
'Soon.' The deep masculine voice echoed through the creature's mind.
It gave a long, timbre cry, alerting the citizens of Flora's capital city, Blathnat, that the Lunopey of the meadow cave was awake. Soon, the Dahlia festival would soon be underway. And when it came, one of the Great Prophecies would be fulfilled.
Author's Note: Finally finished this! We still have a few chapters before Genevieve and Envy meet but until then, please be patient with me.
7/13/2019: As of now, the rest of the story won't make much sense until I finish fixing it to match this new storyline. Given that this is an OC-centric fic, I will deviate from the main story to develop Genevieve's character. (So if you don't like it, you don't have to read it.) I hope you guys will enjoy the new plot I'm creating. We'll get to learn more about her heritage as a whole rather than focusing on her mother's side of the family.