Disclaimer: I don't own FMA or its characters. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure that out! :P

A/N: Hey everyone! I'm so sorry for taking so long to post! Just been dealing with a lot lately, plus, this is longer than the other chapters. I actually cut it short just to get it out. The next part will get its own chapter instead. It won't always be like this, I swear! As usual, thank you so much for your reviews and follows. You have no idea how much it means to me 3

I had a suggestion given to me for the storyline that will be coming very soon. I have decided it's a great idea and I'm going to go with it!

I really hope you enjoy this chapter. I think it turned out pretty good :)

After arriving back in Central, Lyndah and the Elric brothers parted ways. Ed and Al went to report to Colonel Roy Mustang before he returned to East City and Lyndah went back to her apartment. She was sure there would be a lot of paperwork waiting for her.

Once she walked in, she checked the mail slot. Sure enough, it was overflowing with handwritten notes for reports. Lyndah let out a sigh and gathered them up before closing the door. After settling back into her apartment and making herself some food, she started to get her work done.

A couple of hours later, she heard a knock on her door. Getting up from the typewriter, she slowly shuffled towards the door. When she opened it, she came face to face with the Colonel.

"Hello, Lyndah. May I come in?" He smiled.

Lyndah smiled back at him.

"Of course, Roy. Come right in."

Lyndah stepped back and held the door open as the Colonel walked inside. He paused for a moment taking in the apartment as Lyndah closed the door behind him. She gestured for him to take a seat on one of the couches and he did so, with Lyndah sitting on the one across from him.

"Can I get you anything?" Lyndah asked.

Roy shook his head and smiled.

"That won't be necessary. I only came to ask something of you before I head back to East City."

Lyndah looked thoughtful. What could he possibly want from her?

"What is it, Roy?"

Roy's expression became stern.

"Lyndah, this morning before your arrival back in the city, an informant of mine alerted me of rumours that there are riots beginning to break out in Liore. I need to know if this is true. Something my informant told me sounded... off. So I don't want to send anyone from the military. You can go unnoticed. All I want is for you to return to Liore and assess the situation. Then take a train to East City and report back to me about it there."

Lyndah fidgeted in contemplation. It was a big thing for her to travel on her own, but it sounded important. After a few moments, she looked back to Roy.

"Alright, I'll do it. Did you want me to leave right away?"

"Yes, as soon as you're packed. Don't tell anyone where you are going or why. I'll have someone stationed at East City station to await your arrival. Thank you for doing this for me, Lyndah. Please be careful as well."

Lyndah nodded and Roy stood to leave. After he walked out of the door, Lyndah let out a sigh. This was a big thing for her. A feeling bubbled in her stomach, a mixture of both excitement and nervousness. She got up and started packing for the journey ahead. She packed some premade food, a change of clothes and her usual useful bits she always carried around just in case. She picked up what she had done of her work to deliver before she left and exited the apartment.

When Lyndah arrived back at Liore, she could already hear shouting and smell burning buildings. It was evening. The sky was still lit with a violent red glow. As she stepped out of the station, she could see embers floating into the air. As she ventured into the city, a stench found her nose. It was the foul smell of blood and decaying bodies. The contents of her stomach nearly lurched onto the pavement, but she managed to keep it in. At a brisk pace, she began to dart through the small alleyways, keeping to areas with less people. Every now and then, she avoided a mangled body or a burning piece of building.

There were definitely riots here. There was no doubt. When she peered around corners to view the main streets, she could see groups of people fighting violently. She would never look long, as the view sickened her. She wished there was more that she could do, but she had orders to stay hidden. She decided to visit the church to see if there was any kind of authority now that Cornello had left. When she was about halfway there, she could hear soft crying. Lyndah stopped and began to follow the sound. She turned a corner and saw a small girl holding a plush rabbit, her head in her hands.

Lyndah bent down to the girl and put a hand on her shoulder. The child looked up at her. Her eyes were red and watery. Her face was streaked from where her tears had run through the grime on her skin. Lyndah gave the girl a comforting smile.

"Are you lost, sweetie?"

The little girl nodded through sobs and wiped at her eyes.

"Can you tell me what your house looks like?" Lyndah asked in a gentle voice.

The little girl sniffed loudly as she tried to remember her house.

"It's... It's the one with the flowers on the windows!"

Lyndah thought for a moment. She remembered a house like that on her way here. She figured it was worth a try. She held out her hands to the girl.

"Can I help you find it? I think I saw it on my way here."

The little girl hesitated for a moment, before nodding and reaching out to Lyndah. Lyndah picked up the girl and started off in the direction the house was. A short time later, they arrived at the house where a frantic couple were calling out a name.

"Momma! Dadda!" The little girl called from Lyndah's arms, while reaching out to the couple.

The couple turned and their eyes widened, relieved smiles spreading over their faces.

"Meredith!" They called out in unison.

Lyndah placed the flailing girl onto the ground where she could run to her parents. Lyndah watched for a moment as they shared a happy embrace before silently slipping away. She was supposed to be staying unnoticed. There was no time for thanks.

She continued her journey towards the church. As she got nearer, the sound of shouting intensified. She peered around a corner to get a better look and what she saw astounded her. Father Cornello was standing atop the steps yelling to the crowd to stand up for Leto by using violence against those who oppose their ways. The crowd was yelling aggressively in agreement. But some others were arguing that Cornello was deceitful. Suddenly more fighting broke out and Lyndah saw it as her time to retreat.

She decided to go around the back of the church and see if there was another entrance. When she got to the back of the church, she noticed the street was deserted. A small wooden door was located on a large bare wall of the rear of the church. Quietly she approached it and concentrated on the space behind it. She couldn't feel any Aura behind it, so she tested the door carefully to see if it was unlocked. She let out a small sigh of relief when it opened and she swiftly darted inside and closed the door.

It was dark inside the part of the building she was in. Light crept in from a small door across the room to her left. Ahead of her was a staircase that appeared to wind further up. Around the room were several crates and barrels. Lyndah thought is may have been some kind of storage area.

A moment passed before she heard voices coming from beyond the door. Darting quietly behind some crates, she listened and waited to see where the voices went. The door near the end of the stairs opened and two men walked in. The second held a lit wooden torch in his hand.

"You need not worry about it, Finley. Now, if you'll excuse me." Came the voice of Father Cornello.

Lyndah peaked out from between the crates and watched Cornello walk up the stairs, the other man, Finley, watching him go. After Cornello had disappeared up the spiral staircase, Finley hung the torch up in a holder on the wall and silently crept after Cornello. Lyndah waited until Finley was a good distance before doing the same, taking each step slowly as she tried not to make a sound.

As Lyndah neared the top of the stairs, she saw that there was a dimly lit area where more crates were stored. The light was coming from a slightly ajar door, which Finley was peeking through. Lyndah ducked behind one of the boxes and watched with interest. She could make out faint voices coming from the other side of the door. From what she could hear, there were three voices; the voice of Father Cornello, a woman and a childish sounding voice of another male. She could only make out a few of the words they were saying. They seemed to be talking about the military. Lyndah strained to hear exactly what was being said, when a red glow filled the area she was in from the room behind the door.

"You're not Father Cornello! Where is the real Father Cornello, you monster?!" Shrieked Finley.

"Gluttony, take care of the intruder." Lyndah heard the woman say.

Lyndah backed herself behind the crate as she heard Finley let out a sickening scream. Her heart beat violently against her chest as she struggled to keep her quickening breath silent. The man had gone silent and was replaced by the sound of something being consumed. Lyndah felt queasy. The realisation that Finley was dead finally hit when a trickle of blood seeped slowly across the floor near her. She froze in terror until she heard what was likely Finley's body being dragged into the room. Ensuring there were no longer any Auras within the room with her, she began lifting herself in preparation for an escape.

The talking from the next room suddenly went silent just as she was about to stand and she could hear loud sniffing as if a huge hound were tracking a scent.

"I smell a girl." The childish voice piped up.

Lyndah's eyes widened.

"I'll go check it out." A husky voice replied casually.

Lyndah went to make a run for it, but only made it two steps before tripping on an uneven stone in the floor and falling onto her hands. That's when she felt the presence above her. She had been seen. She was done for. This was it. She scrunched her eyes, bracing herself for the pain she was probably about to feel. Instead, a hand grabbed her by the arm and hoisted her to her feet. She looked up at the figure holding her by the arm. It was Envy. He was looking at her with wide, terrified eyes. Without warning, he pushed her into the corner next to the stairwell.

"What the hell are you doing here?!" His voice was a harsh whisper.

Lyndah looked at him blankly.

"Ugh... Nevermind. Just get out of here!" He turned her towards the stairs.

Lyndah planted her feet firmly before the first step and turned to Envy, suspicion evident in her furrowed brows.

"Envy, what's going on?"

A look of annoyance bunched up on Envy's face for a moment. This girl sure was stubborn. He thought for a moment before letting out a soft sigh.

"Fine! Just... wait for me outside. Don't let anyone see you!"

Lyndah's features softened and she nodded before turning down the stairs. Envy slumped his shoulders in relief. Turning, he placed his hands on his hips and went back to the room.

"There's nobody out here! Gluttony, you are such a pain!"

Lyndah made her way down the stairs as quickly and quietly as she could. She paused for a moment near the bottom of the stairs to check for Auras and when she found none, she darted back to the door she had used to get in. Once outside, she looked around to see if there was anywhere nearby she could hide herself. She spotted some large bins in an adjacent alley and ran straight for it. Hiding between two of the large bins she pulled some old damaged boxes around her to make a fort, leaving a small gap in one side so she could keep an eye out for Envy.

It was getting dark outside. Lyndah shivered and pulled her jacket tight around herself. She hoped that Envy would appear soon before she caught a cold.

Several minutes went by before she heard a door closing. Looking back at the church door, she saw Envy looking around. Lyndah stood from her hiding place to let him know where she was. Envy smirked when he saw her, then strode towards her.

"There you are. I thought you'd run off on me" He said, placing one hand on his hip when he stopped in front of her.

Lyndah pushed the boxes away and stood in front of him, her hands on her hips.

"What's going on Envy?" Her face showed both anger and concern.

Lyndah knew he was the reason she was in Amestris. But was he really a bad person? She was afraid that he was and what it would mean for her. How would it affect the road ahead? The thoughts kept racing through her mind as Envy stared down at her, his smirk replaced with a look of sheer annoyance.

Lyndah sure was a stubborn girl. This pissed Envy off to no end. But still he found his anger easier to hold back with her. It was as if his own mind was holding his body back from lashing out. The thought of hurting her just didn't seem to please him. But what was he to do? Should he tell her the truth? She hung out with the pipsqueak, so would telling her compromise everything? Whatever he was to do, he knew standing in the street could have him discovered.

Envy grabbed onto Lyndah's arm and started guiding her through the streets. Lyndah looked surprised and stumbled after him.

"Envy, where are we going?"

"Somewhere where no one will see us." Envy replied without looking at her.

Lyndah kept quiet as he lead her through the empty streets and alleys. This part of the town seemed deserted. They stopped in front of a shabby looking house. Envy opened the door and gently pushed Lyndah inside. He quickly glanced around the empty street before going in and closing the door behind him. After locking the door, he grabbed for a lantern on a small cabinet next to the door and switched it on.

Lyndah looked around the room. They were in a lounge room. Several cabinets and bookcases lined the walls. Atop them were photographs coated in dust and several lay face down as if they had been knocked over at some stage. The paint on the walls was faded and stained from moisture and cobwebs were built among many of the rooms crevices. The house appeared long abandoned, except for the sofa and armchair which were void of dust as if someone had been using them recently.

Envy gestured for her to take a seat. Hesitantly, she shuffled over to the armchair and sat herself down. Envy sat on the sofa which creaked loudly as he did. They were silent for some time. Lyndah fidgeted nervously, while Envy sat still with his arms crossed, staring into nothing straight ahead.

After giving up on worming his way out of this, Envy decided to speak.

"Lyndah..."

Lyndah's head shot up in surprise. She had gotten so lost in the silence that his voice sounded much louder than usual.

"If I tell you what I am about to say, will you keep it between us?" His look was serious.

Lyndah nodded her head.

"Good, because I'd hate to have to kill you." He chuckled.

Lyndah gulped quietly. Her heart was starting to pound in her chest. She was afraid and wanted to run. But she knew she had to stay no matter what he told her. The dream had told her he was why she was here. She was starting to wish she had never had that dream.

Envy thought for a moment. How was he going to tell her? He honestly didn't want to come across the wrong way. He felt... scared? Why was he scared? He was a homunculus! Why would he be scared about what a human thinks of him? Did he seriously care about this human? Disgusting! Something is definitely wrong with him.

Envy fought and fought with his own mind. But no matter how hard he tried, he couldn't get rid of the warm feeling her sapphire gaze gave him. No words came to mind that would help him, so he decided to break the ice by just showing her. Perhaps going with a more familiar form might be more comforting for her.

Lyndah watched with wide eyes as red light crackled around Envy's body like tiny bolts of lightning. His body began to morph until the person before her was no longer Envy. It was Vincent Canter. Lyndah's mouth was agape in both awe and fright.

"That... That explains the Aura." She stuttered.

Envy looked at her in confusion.

"Aura?" He asked, keeping his own voice.

"I'm an Aura Alchemist. I sense Aura. I knew ever since I met Vincent that there was something different about him. It was you the whole time, wasn't it?"

Envy nodded his head and smirked.

"So what are you? You're human but you're also not. There are other people in there. I can feel them. Who are they and how did they get in there?"

Envy's brow twitched.

"Gee, you ask a lot of questions! Typical human..." He fought back his anger and recomposed himself. "I'm a homunculus. Those people you feel, they died in Xerxes. Father put them in my Philosopher's Stone when he created me. They're as you could put it, my life force."

Lyndah was astounded. She had read about Homunculi in some of the books from the library she had read during her short time in Amestris. But according to those sources, Homunuli didn't exist. They were merely a myth. Not only that, but he had just mentioned a Philosopher's Stone, the very thing Ed and Al had been searching for as a way to bring back their bodies.

"I thought Homunculi couldn't exist?" She asked quizzically.

Envy crossed his arms again and pouted as if he had been offended.

"You saying I don't exist?"

"N-No... Not at all..." She suddenly felt awkward. "So... You said you had a Philosopher's Stone?"

Envy glowed again and regained his regular form.

"Yup. It works like a heart. Like I said, it's where my life force is." He leaned back with his hands behind his head.

Lyndah pondered it all for a moment. So the Aura with many in it was that of a Homunculus... That was when she remembered the first time she had ever felt that kind of Aura.

"So... does that mean that Fuhrer Bradley is a Homunculus too?" She asked quietly.

Envy's eyes widened. She wasn't supposed to figure that out. She was too smart for her own good. It's like he couldn't hide anything. This was just getting worse for him.

"I'm not going into that. It's not like you need me to." The frustration in his voice was imminent.

Lyndah looked down awkwardly. She figured it might be best to drop that subject. She didn't really want to cause too much trouble.

"So, Vincent Canter... Does he really exist or is it just you?" She looked back up to face him.

Envy's slight scowl turned back into his regular smirk and he pointed his thumb towards his chest, winking.

"I see..." She trailed off.

She had been putting of the question she had been afraid to ask the most.

"Envy..." Her voice was soft with worry.

Envy noticed the change of tone in her voice and his eyes turned serious.

"What were you doing in that church?" She looked him right in the eyes, her brows furrowed in concern.

Envy stared at her for a long moment before sighing.

"Something that you won't like."

Envy watched the corners of Lyndah's lips twitch downwards slightly and she looked down.

"You're going to be the enemy, aren't you?" She mumbled sadly.

"I can't say that I am not already." Envy watched the look of utter disappointment on Lyndah's features. It made his stomach churn. He let out another frustrated sigh. "Look, would it make you feel better if I promise that nothing will happen to you?"

"I... guess..." Lyndah replied a little unsure.

Envy crossed his arms, closing his eyes.

"If you're afraid of me, I get it. You don't have to be around me if you don't want to. I'll just disappear." Envy said.

Although he was trying to keep his cool, Lyndah heard the sadness in his voice. He clearly wanted to be around her. Why, she didn't know. But he had always been nice to her this far, particularly while disguised as Vincent. As frightening as the truth made him out to be, his Aura seemed to be pulling her back in. That sad, little green figure that lay deep within his soul. She should at least give him a chance. He was in her dream after all.

"No. I don't mind if you want to hang out and stuff..." She fidgeted nervously.

Envy looked at her with astonishment. He had expected her to reject him. To turn him away in disgust like everyone else. But she didn't.

She gave him a kind smile. It struck him through his entire being and he suddenly felt safe for the first time in his existence. The edges of his mouth lifted and he stood.

"You should probably leave in the morning. It's too dangerous to be out there at this time right now."

He walked out of the room momentarily and returned holding a blanket. Taking his advice, Lyndah moved over to the sofa. She took the blanket from Envy and thanked him, before spreading it out over her legs. She pulled up her bag and took out a container with some pastries she had made for the journey. Envy sat down in the armchair and watched her intently as she took a bite out of one of the pastries. Lyndah noticed him staring and held one of the pastries out to him.

"Would you like one?"

"I don't need to eat you know." Envy scoffed.

Lyndah frowned and began retreating her arm, but Envy snatched the pastry from her. She looked at him with a raised brow.

"I thought you said you didn't need to eat?"

"I said I didn't need to. I can eat if I want to." He huffed, taking a bite from the pastry.

Lyndah watched as he chewed. She held her breath slightly in suspense waiting to hear what he thought of her cooking. Envy paused after swallowing the first bite, before scoffing the rest down.

"I take it you like it then? I made these." Lyndah smiled.

"They're okay." Envy said holding his hand out for another one.

Lyndah lay curled up on the sofa sleeping, Envy was watching her from the armchair, his head leaning lazily on his hand. He had no need to sleep. But as he watched her, looking so comfortable and peaceful, he almost felt like closing his eyes as well. No. He wasn't going to fold to such pathetic human actions. Instead, he spent the whole night watching her while she slept, keeping her safe.

The next morning, they took the less populated areas to the station. Envy had taken on Vincent's appearance but in casual clothing as to remain inconspicuous. Once the train had arrived, Lyndah turned to Envy.

"Thank you for giving me a safe place to rest overnight Envy. I really appreciate it. I hope we will run into each other again soon." She smiled.

"I'm coming with you, moron." Envy said pushing past her.

"You... are?" Lyndah stumbled trying to catch up.

"Yeah, I have some business in East City to attend to."

"Oh..." Lyndah trailed off thoughtfully.

They spend the journey in silence. Lyndah stared out at the passing scenery and Envy did the same, occasionally glancing in Lyndah's direction. Envy could have sworn his face felt hotter, but that was impossible.

When the train pulled into East City, Envy spotted who was waiting for Lyndah right away as he was towering over the rest of the crowd. Armstrong was wondering aimlessly around the platform. Envy shrunk back.

"Looks like you'll be exiting on your own. I'll see you later." Envy nodded for Lyndah to head out.

She smiled and gave a small nod in return and headed out to greet Armstrong.

"Lyndah! I'm so glad you've arrived safe. I was beginning to worry."

"I take it you were waiting here for me?" Lyndah asked.

"Yes. We should head to Colonel Mustang's office immediately."

Once at Mustang's office, Lyndah relayed what she had seen in Liore, excluding the part about Envy. Roy tensed his features.

"It's just as suspected. Thank you for doing this, Lyndah. I'm sorry you had to witness it."

Armstrong's eyes were watering.

"It's so horrible that someone like you had to experience such a sight. Here..." He suddenly ripped off his jacket to expose his bare chest and embraced Lyndah, lifting her from the ground. "You need the comfort of a healthy specimen to calm your nerves!"

"Ahhh!" Lyndah tried to scream through the muscle that was smothering her.

"This is the key to your room, Lyndah. The Elric brothers are across the hall. They should be at Shou Tucker's house at the moment though. Armstrong will show you the way to your room." Roy said.

Armstrong put Lyndah down and put his jacket back on. The still dazed Lyndah teetered over to the key on the desk and picked it up.

"Thanks Roy." She croaked before swaying out of the room.

After saying goodbye to Armstrong at her door, Lyndah went in and collapsed onto her bed. She felt so drained from her trip that she decided to wait until tomorrow to see the Elrics.