Chapter 7: A New Surprise
February 7th, 1921
The State Alchemist Gertrude Houston and her assistant investigate the Fourth Laboratory
Gertrude searched around the room. Apart from the large transmutation circle in the middle of the room, there were also signs of recent alchemical reactions. Additionally, dried blood was scattered all over the floor.
"So this is where they created the Philosopher's Stone," mutter Fido. "I don't like this place."
"There is a reason all the Laboratories were shut down," said Gertrude. "Apparently anything happened here was really unethical."
They recorded the clues they found. First of all was the large transmutation circle, next was the strange runes drawn on the doors, and any other suspicious thing. Central soldiers commanded by Alex Armstrong had also secured the other Laboratories as well.
For some reason, Fido felt incredibly uneasy.
Weird, he thought, I feel as though someone is following me.
He continued to work, but the feeling kept bugging him.
"Alright, that's enough," Gertrude Houston declared, "let's go back to the HQ, Fido."
"I don't think so." A voice spoke.
Fido and Gertrude turned around, startled. A figure stepped out from the shadow. It was a teenage girl with long sidetails and a faceful of freckles. Fido could swear that he had seen the girl somewhere, but he could not remember.
"Who are you?" Gertrude asked; her voice sounded a little annoyed.
The girl smiled, "the name is Francine, but just call me Fran," she said, and turned to Fido, "we met at the Second Branch Library, remember?"
A light bulb sparked inside Fido's head. "Oh right, I bumped into you."
"Precisely."
"What do you want from us?" Gertrude asked again, this time she sounded even more impatient.
Fran suddenly grew serious, "I need you to help me."
"Sorry, not interested," Gertrude said coldly. She headed for the door, but before she could get out, Fran took out her coat, revealing the runes embroidered on her gloves. Her gloves lit up with electric sparks, and a wall rose up right in front of Gertrude. The Lightning Alchemist could not stop herself in time, and her face slammed into the wall.
"You will listen what I have to say!"
Fido helped Gertrude stand up. He glanced at the mysterious girl. She is surely not someone to underestimate.
"Alright, we are all ears," he said at last.
"Wise move," said the girl. "Let me introduce myself once again. I am Francine Lawrence, a member of the rebels."
Author's notes: The girl has returned! And she is an antagonist. What is she doing here? Find out in the next chapter.
