Sorry for taking a few days...; Well, here's the next section, it's short, but the next chapter should be up soon.
A hooded silhouette moved swiftly under the windowpanes of East headquarters, escaping the attention of everyone save one Lieutenant. Riza Hawkeye let a smirk slip on her lips. She laid her papers down on the desk, and glanced at clock. 9: 47. Calmly she stood, tucked a few loose hairs back in place, and ran into the next room screaming.

"General Armstrong! There are reports of wildfires in Beth!" Armstrong stood up, knocking over his chair as he did.

"Fuery! Falman! Alert the fourth and 7th brigades and report back here with as many men as you can find."

"Sir!" Fuery and Falman saluted before running out.

"Hawkeye!"

"Sir!" Hawkeye clapped her heels together at attention.

"Keep listening for news."

"Yes sir."

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Roy Mustang grinned under his cloak as East headquarters emptied into trucks. He stole a glance at the window where he knew Riza was watching. He silently praised her for her help. Then, tucking his bag of ingredients further under his cloak, he walked into the dark forest. About half a mile in there was a large clearing. Not as large as he would like, but it would have to do. He could not burn down trees to create more space without running the risk of a real wildfire.

Roy traced a transmutation circle around the edge of the clearing. Then, after making sure it was perfect, burnt it into the dirt with a snap of his fingers. He dumped the ingredients into the middle of the circle and sat down at the edge of the clearing. He waited at least ten minutes for the last of the soldiers to leave. The last thing he wanted was officers investigating this site.

At the ten-minute mark, Roy leaned forward onto his knees, placing his hands on the edge of the circle whispering,

"Please work..." Roy poured his energy into the transmutation. Replica circles sprung up around him, boxing him in. Roy blinked against the shining blue light. Then, slowly and image came to his mind's eye: a huge gate. It was clear as day, yet he knew he was not in front of it; he could still feel the dirt beneath his hands.

A strange tongue spoke to him, but Roy understood it somehow. It was asking what he wanted. Please let this through, he thought vigorously, let him see it. The voice balked at the request. The voice thought it absurd. But that did not matter all that much to it. It was more interested... price. It wanted to know what he was willing to pay.

"I don't care!" Roy shouted aloud. "Take my limbs, my blood!" The voice growled in disgust. Or was it excitement? He did not know. He was curious, however, why was he was tired all of a sudden...

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"...ang...nel Mustang, Colonel..."

"Riza..." Roy groaned as Hawkeye's face shifted into focus. He tried sitting up, but his vision turned to static, so he lay back down.

"What happened? You are white as paper and cold as death."

"I just need water."

"You need an IV. Your pulse is almost nonexistent."

"I'm fine." Mustang insisted, "just help me back to the office so I can get water." Riza nodded reluctantly and hoisted most of the Colonel onto her shoulder.

"Riza..."

"You shouldn't talk right now."

"... It worked." Roy told her, smiling weakly.


There is so much eye candy running through my head...Someone got the Hatsuharu pun! Hahah, I wasn't sure how many people read Fruits Basket. Thanks for the reviews! See you soon.