Disclaimer: I do not own FMA
Chapter 2: A Stranger in Our Home
You are fooled by the appearance
Drawn into its promises
And when you get a second glance
All fate reverses
Blood runs cold in our veins
And we see all our sins
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I rushed out of my bedroom as fast as I could. Apparently the whole commotion had awakened everyone in the house even the house maids weren't spared. I dashed down the long flight of stairs and I found my father upon the open doorway. His eyes were wide with surprise. I stopped beside him, bracing his shoulders and shaking him slightly to get him out of his daze. "Father! What's wrong? You're so pale!" He turned his eyes upon me and let out a breath. "There's a nearby fire, Carmine." He answered and I calmed down a bit. "I know, that's why I'm going." He drew a step back but grabbed hold of my arm before I was out of the doorway. "No, you can't go! It's too dangerous!" I scowled; didn't he want me to be a State Alchemist back when I was younger?! I harshly withdrew my hand, "And danger is something a State Alchemist encounters each and every day, father. I must be going." But that didn't cease him and he took hold of both my shoulders in a firm grip. "No, Carmine! It's too dangerous!" I flailed my arms but it was no avail. "Release me father! I have to help the civilians!" He let out a hearty laugh and I froze, "Civilians?! They're only a bunch of people of the lower class! Why would you want to help those dogs?" I took the moment and escaped his grasp. Before I ran out of the gates, I stared at my father for a moment. My eyes wide with shock. Utter shock. This isn't my father from five years ago…
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I ran to the area where the heat of the flames originated. Citizens gazed at the sidelines, fear and anxiety within their eyes as they never left the dancing fire from their gaze. I quickly squeezed amongst the standbys. The officers had gathered around the house, the alchemists trying desperately to extinguish the flames that never ceased in their wake. "Lieutenant Ross!" I heard someone call my name and found out it was the Fuhrer and along with him was Colonel Mustang. I saluted, and I was quite aware that Roy Mustang was eyeing me up and down. I glanced at my side and drew my coat to my frame. Was it my fault that I wear a tank top and shorts to sleep? Well, it would be quite surprising with my status as one such as me would be expected to wear elaborate night gowns but I guess I'm quite grateful since I'm able to dash into action without having the need to dress up to help my fellow colleagues.
"Lieutenant Ross, I see that you were quite in a hurry." The Fuhrer cocked an eyebrow while the smile never left his face. "Ah, well you see, sir. I was really in a hurry in case my assistance was needed." He let out a chuckle, "You're quite a fine comrade, Miss Ross, but I'm afraid that we can count on the soldiers present here to put out the fire. Now, please do carry along and as a fine young lady of your estate, I believe that you deserve an ample amount of sleep." I could only blush in embarrassment and rub my arm, "O-oh." I straightened up and saluted, "Thank you, sir." With that I jogged towards home but from a distance I could here the distinguished voice of Roy Mustang, "Are you sure of letting her go, sir?" But I merely hasten my pace, trying not to hear any more of their conversation.
"Ah, Lieutenant Ross, I would like to speak to you of a special mission. Details will be briefed upon to you, tomorrow. I do hope you would cooperate." I straightened up and saluted one last time before breaking into a sprint to continue my way home.
The sky was still dark, I turned to where the fire was and found only the rising smog of what the burning element emitted. I rubbed my palms against each other as I noticed the temperature began to drop. I looked up upon the road, the gates to our house was just a little farther now. I had decided not to run back home. First of all, I was sprinting down the road. Second, I wanted to enjoy the view of the city while it was dawn. Even though I am a State Alchemist, my mother, most of all, disagreed to me staying up late since I was still a young lady and that I haven't reached adulthood, that means being eighteen. Yet, since my father has returned my mother has loosened up and has been cheerful but…
I don't know if she has noticed it but my father…My father….
My father now isn't what he used to be five years ago…What happened to him?
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I hate retreated to my bed as soon as I entered the house, my father was not upon the living room to greet me with a lecture. Odd… I proceeded to ascend the steps that lead to my room, listening intently for another sound other than my breathing for my feet worked with gentle pressure to remain soundless. I glanced at my parents door and then to mine. It only took me two strides until I reached my parent's bedroom door. The door was slightly ajar and I took the opportunity to look inside. It was silent like the rest of the household but surprisingly it was only my mother who was in bed. I pushed the door more to get a better view of the room but I found no presence of my father. My eyes darted to the bathroom within the room. Maybe he's just inside the bathroom.
I took the small metal piece into my grasped and pulled the door shut as silently as I could then I proceeded to my room to resume with my rest, unaware the eyes that lingered upon my figure, menacing my every move.
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I heard the ever annoying chime of my alarm clock at my bedside table but I was groggy from waking up quite early. I peeked from my pillow since I slept with my face facing the pillow; it was a wonder as to why I wasn't suffocated by such. Brushing the thought, I pressed the button on the clocks head ceasing the nuisance of a wake up call. It would be so nice to go to sleep but I had to be present at work, I vaguely remembered the Fuhrer's request. So I HAD to be present. Period.
I did my morning rituals and proceeded to dress myself with my uniform when I heard a knock at the door. "Yes, come in." I had buttoned my uniform when the door opened revealing my smiling mother. "Carmine, come down. We're going to have breakfast with your father and he's anxious to see you off to work." With that she closed the door and I plopped myself on my bed. I ran my hand over my hair; I had decided to cut it short, just reaching my shoulders and a rubber band to keep it in place. I looked at my full-length mirror, a fringe obscured the balance of my face some bangs along the side my face. My hair was similar to Edward Elric's although I had a hazel brown fringe to counter the golden strands of his bangs that stood on his head. I took my belt and placed my gun holster along the leather material, slipping it through the belt holes of my uniform. Once secured, I slipped my gun into placed and clipped my State Alchemist pocket watch to end my uniform. I straightened my clothing and made my way out of the bedroom. I closed the door behind me, hearing the familiar click of my bedroom door's lock. I twirled the key ring with my index finger before tucking it in my the blue pockets of my attire.
I walked into the dining room, my black boots soundless against the maroon carpet beneath my feet. I looked at the people settled along the long cherry wood table; both my parents were seated in their appropriate places. It was quite nostalgic seeing the old seating arrangements as it was five years ago before time made us abandon the use of such seating. I seated myself upon the table, the maids were now setting the plates and I took my table napkin and settled it upon my lap before picking the salad fork and digging into my Cesar salad. I had a knack of eating vegetables during breakfast, something I had inherited from my mother which she had abandoned when I was young. I glanced at my father, he was eating breakfast silently and to my mother, the same, but they weren't giving off a foul or depressed aura. I shook myself from unimportant thoughts and enjoyed my vegetable salad as the sun filtered through the glass of the dining room window, illuminating the room. Despite the cheery gold rays of the sun, I couldn't shake off the feeling of evil within the premises of the room.
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I stepped into the Colonel's office immediately recognizing the groans and yawns of my companions. I looked at them, each were drowsy and even Havoc decided to sleep on his desk. Hawkeye was weary-looking and she was nodding, trying her hardest to avoid falling into the deeper embrace of sleep but she was very drowsy-looking. Roy was nowhere again and his seat was bathing with the golden morning sunlight. I drew my chair back and sat upon the wooden furniture before scanning my documents. I had asked the front desk if the Fuhrer had arrived but I guess I was a little early seeing as he wasn't around. Maybe he went to his mansion for the night or investigated the cause of the fire. I yawned and stretched my arms overhead before I could be tempted to sleep. The door opened and the familiar throat-clearing cue echoed in the room. Everyone was awake, standing and saluting, our all too favorite Colonel had arrived…with bloodshot eyes. I tried my hardest to stifle my laughter at Mustang's haggard look; even Breda, Havoc, Falman, Fury and even Hawkeye were amused by our superior's look. He yawned and we loosened up. I looked over at the open doorway and found the familiar placid face of the Fuhrer's secretary, Juliet Douglas. I excused myself from the office and followed the woman to where I would be meeting the Fuhrer.
After a series of hallways and many doors, we finally reached the Fuhrer's main office and Juliet Douglas stepped aside, giving way for my entrance. I nodded towards her, acknowledging her guidance and twisted the door knob. I looked inside the room, it was quite ordinary. The walls were white; there were little furniture in the room which was used quite often. Two filled Oak bookshelves were situated at the east portion of the room and in the middle north was the desk with the Fuhrer sitting leisurely in his seat. I gulped and closed the door as the Fuhrer stood and spoke, "Welcome, Lieutenant Ross. Now I shall tell you of your special mission." I took a seat upon the chair that was seated in front of the wooden desk; the chair had a red velvet cushion to be sat upon. I took my seat and waited patiently for my superior to talk. King let a chuckle before clearing his throat, "Are you quite aware of the rapid cases of Human Transmutation nowadays?" I nodded and he continued, "In that case, I shall be assigning you this mission to gather as much information of the products of the failed Human Transmutations or as we commonly call them 'Homunculus'." I let a soft gasp escape my mouth and my eyes widened for a fraction of a second before I regained my composure. His smile never faltered and his eye remained close, like he never changed his face. "Will you do this special task I asked of you, Lieutenant Ross? Do not worry for the Elric brothers have sustained some information of the Homunculus in the Central Library." I nodded as cold sweat trickled down my brow. "Yes, sir. I'll accept this special mission." The Fuhrer's smile widened and he replied, "Good. You will be free of other missions while doing this task. Dismissed." I stood up and saluted before I exit the room. I let out a breath that I never knew I was holding while I wiped some beads of sweat trailing down my face with the back of my hand. I didn't know how lucky I was to get a special task from the Fuhrer himself. I quickly jogged my way through the hallways and headed to the Central Library to borrow the documents about human transmutation, especially the latest record of the Homunculus that was taken from the Elrics.
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I was having a hard time trying to balance the numerous books that I needed as I walked my way home. I looked over the pile and found that the familiar flourish ebony metal barricades of a tall fence that was connected to our gate was nearby and I straightened the books, avoiding any catastrophe. The moment I reached the gates, a maid was waiting for me. "Young mistress Carmine, please let me take those." I smiled at her, 'Don't worry Anna. I can handle them. Please do open the doors for me." The older woman rushed to open the door for me and I slipped into the house. I settled the books upon the coffee table and went to the kitchen to get myself a glass of sold water as refreshment when I came back, I saw my father stern-faced with his eyes glued to the contents to the book. He threw the document on the floor and took another one and then he flung the book to the others and then he glanced up at me. I was flabbergasted and dead on my steps. He gave a malicious grin and stalked out of the living room, ascending through the steps then vanishing from my site. I shakily walked to the thrown objects and picked them up after I settled the glass of water on a solid surface. I placed the books upon the wooden furniture.
He is not father…
Not the father I awaited after five long years…
Not the father whom my mother cried for day and night…
Who is he truly?
There's a stranger in our house…