Chapter 8: Francine Lawrence

"So, you are with the rebels," sneered Gertrude Houston.

"Yes," said Francine Lawrence, "we are the Loyalists, those who loyal to the old government."

"The same government that annihilated the whole Ishvalan population, waged pointless wars with every single country around us, and almost sacrificed its own population," said Gertrude.

Francine said nothing to deny it; she just merely shrugged, "it was a powerful government. Without such power, we are just a puny nation, waiting to be crushed by powers like Drachma and Crete," she said, but she did not sound like she believed in it.

Anyway, I have been following you for a while, Major Houston," Francine said to Gertrude, "you have been trying to capture my friends; it's something I cannot allow."

Fido frowned. "So you are the one who helped the rebels escape."

"Bravo, you got it!" She made a mocking clap.

Francine walked around the large circle in the middle of the chamber. She spoke again, this time her voice was shaking and humorless. "As alchemists, you two must know about the Philosopher's Stone. It is the most powerful energy source on earth, However, to create it an enormous toll must be paid; thousands and thousands of human souls.

"The process of creation itself is also complicate. In order to initiate the ritual, a blood crest is required. That's the reason we murder the people of Central City."

"You bitch!" Gertrude growled. She activated the silver medal strapped on her belt, sending an electric bolt to hit Francine right in the chest. The girl fell down instantly; she was shaking like mad.

The ground grumbled, then collapsed as a creature busted onto the ground. It was a giant snake with three heads: one cobra, one viper, and one diamondback.

"A chimera!" Gertrude exclaimed. She hit the chimera with a zap, but the zap was nothing but a mere irritation for the beast. In return, its three heads sprayed a shower of venom on her and Fido.

Fido suddenly felt his limbs as heavy as lead. He tried to lift his arm, but it was futile. "Why can't I move?"

Francine walked toward the three-headed snake and dearly petted its scaled skin. "Hydra has developed special venom which paralyzes any creature exposed to it, all thanks to a rather… special diet."

Francine Lawrence stared at the defeated alchemists as they fell down. Now there is only one last step. She thought.

Author notes: Next chapter will have Alex Armstrong in action. It would be awesome, I hope.