A/N: wow. this is possibly the shortest chapter i've done so far. 13 pages, whoo hoo! anyways, thanks for sticking with my story so far everyone, i am greatly appreciating ur reviews! keep 'em comin! ;p anyways, on with chapter 9!

Disclaimer: I don't own FMA. I heart Hughes! (squee, HUGHES!)

Chapter 9: Stop 2. Lior

The engine and whistle blew as the train had finally stopped at the station not too far from Lior. As everyone departed, both Sarah and Lys waited for Lizzie outside who was still on the train. Sarah seemed to be bored, singing a tune to herself while Lys kept looking at her watch every two seconds. Okay okay, every two minutes.

"Heyyy! Guys over here!" Lizzie called. Both Sarah and Lys turned, and immediately Sarah's face lit up with a surprised smile while Lys's face stared in surprise with an awestruck look on her face.

"S-Sis! You're.. wow! You're amazing! You should do this more often!" Lys complimented and Lizzie blushed.

"Well cause of the rebellion and all, I think I should keep this look for now. I have everything stored inside my suitcase, watch and all." Lizzie replied with a laugh. Lizzie was wearing her ripped jean pants, white sneakers, and her red tank top. Her hair went to her shoulder blades. Lizzie blushed, stubbornly having a slight frown on her face.

"L-Let's just go already. I packed a lot of water so we should be okay." Lizzie said, and without word she started walking. Both Lys and Sarah giggled as they ran alongside Lizzie, teasing her on her looks and complimenting her. Lizzie just rolled her eyes all the way through the desert.

D-E-S-E-R-T

It had been about 10 minutes since the 3 had left the train station, and already Sarah was wailing she as tired. Lizzie and Lys stared at eachother worriedly. They had forgotten about Sarah's age difference, knowing little kids could sometimes be a handful. Still, they knew that Sarah had to cooperate with them if they ever wanted to get anywhere with finding their dad.

"Sarah, we're almost there so hang tough. This is just a part of the adventure we're taking." Lizzie explained.

"O-okay Ane-sama. I'll do my best!" Sarah replied confidently, and took off running. Lizzie smiled as she walked alongside Lys. The two watched happily as Sarah would turn, wait a while, then run off again to always have a head start.

"It's great to see Sarah all perked up again in such a matter of seconds. I just hope that we won't put her in any danger. We still have to get through Xenotime." Lys said, turning to her sister with worried eyes. Lizzie stared at Lys for a moment, and then watched as Sarah continued to run ahead of them, a smile on her face. Lizzie smiled, and winked with a grin.

"Don't worry. I'll protect her, and you. I won't let anything bad happen to you guys. You can depend on me I promise!" Lizzie said, ruffling her sister's hair a bit. Lys blinked with wide eyes for a moment, but just smiled silently.

"Ane-samaaaaaa! Lysssyy!!! Lior's just ahead slowpokes!" Sarah called. As Lys and Lizzie ran up to Sarah, they kept walking until they finally reached Lior in minutes.

L---I---O---R

Lior sure was a bustling city, expanded and very lively. Almost every person living in Lior was out and about, laughing and having a good time.

"Woooooow!" Sarah exclaimed as she ran around, visiting people who welcomed her warmly.

"Lior sure is different. I haven't been here in 13 years." Lizzie said, amazed.

"You came here when I wasn't even born yet. How much has it changed?" Lys asked curiously as the two walked through the city, watching Sarah run off from one place to that. Lizzie looked around seeing how buildings were bigger and improved, the huge square fountain filled with wine now had two smaller wine filled ones beside it. The church of the sun god Leto was... destroyed. Lizzie smiled shortly.

"Well for one, Lior's gotten... advanced. I mean, Uncle Armstrong started it off with giving a shop owner his own creation of a shop.." Lizzie said, pointing. There it was, in all of its sparkling glory. The huge Armstrong statue with it's one sparkle and big muscles stood, below the many lights above as the new owner was selling beer and wine. As Sarah came back to Lizzie and Lys, the three walked around the city seeing some people with automail; some more than others. 'These people... were they caught up in the rebellion?' Lizzie wondered to herself, holding her briefcase tightly. 'Did mom come here?' she then thought. 'Did she know about this rebellion all along and never wanted to tell us in the first place?'

As the three girls walked around a little more, Lizzie decided it was time for some snooping.

"Hey you guys, wait by the fountain. I'll get you some drinks so be right back." Lizzie said, heading over to the bar that was now Armstrong's heavenly and loving "gift between friends" as he had put it so long ago. As she reached the bar, the owner looked at her with expectant eyes. He wore a red cap over his head and had a small beard and wore an apron.

"Got anythin' non alchoholic?" Lizzie asked.

"Soda count?" the man asked.

"Good enough. Two sodas, one water please." Lizzie replied and then took something out of her pocket, the picture of her dad. As the man carried the drinks over, Lizzie held the photo to his face. "Have you seen this man? He probably doesn't look like that anymore, but relatively like that." Lizzie asked. Both Sarah and Lys looked up abruptly when they heard the glasses and drinks splatter. The fountain and the bar weren't too far from eachother.

"Don't worry, she'll be fine." Lys reassured Sarah who wanted to go and investigate.

T-H-E--B-A-R

"That rebellious rascle?! Hell no! I would never want to see that scum's face here ever again as long as I live! He's the reason why so many of us have lost our lives, and on top of that he was of the State! What a bastard that kid was!" the man said angrily, then staring at Lizzie. "Why do you wanna know where he is? You related to him? Anyone related to that damned fool will be kicked out of here for good!" he asked. Lizzie looked at the ground for a moment.

"I want to find him because, because I just have to! I mean, if he started this rebellion I want to put a stop to it and find him! If anyone, I'm sure Elric will be able to fix this all!" Lizzie managed. The owner looked suspicious for a moment, and shrugged his shoulders.

"The last time I saw that kid was when I was just a lad, about 6 or so... I remember, my uncle owned this shop (before it was turned into a bloody wreck cause of that Armstrong fellow) and served the own devil! Why, I think he went to Father Cornello's church, and then left. After that all Hell broke loose, the State becoming involved in a bloody war that happened not too long after. We were lucky to escape with our lives.. my mum and me." he said. Clearly this man was of english heritage.

"I see... But Cornello's church has been torn down. Why?" Lizzie asked.

"Word has it that Elric turned Cornello against us, having a whole war break out between the State and the people of Lior. Rose, a nice woman of this city, was the one who protected me and the rest of my friends... The last time I saw her was when she was taken away to the military with some strange man... I wonder where she is now, I still never got to thank her." the owner explained. Lizzie's eyes widened for a moment, and then she smiled.

"I.. I know Rose.. Rose Thomas, right?" Lizzie asked. The man blinked for a second.

"Y-yeah, how'd you-"

"She's like my aunt, I live with her and my mother and sister. Elizabeth E...Rockbell." Lizzie introduced.

"Well! Small world! Rockbell, huh? Your mom passed by here a few days ago, treating us all with automail. I'm so glad my son was able to have automail, he lost his leg and eye. Your mom is a real automail engineer that's all I can say!"

"And she rocks!" another piped in. The group laughed, and Lizzie smiled.

"Would you be so kind as to tell me where my mother was headed?" Lizzie asked.

"Well, she did say somethin' about goin' deeper into the warzone to treat those with wounds. Whether it be rebel or military. She just wants to help everyone. I have to say though, she did say if she made it she'd be headin' to Rush Valley." the man replied. Lizzie nodded for a moment. 'So, mom's going to Rush Valley? Why would she help both rebels and military soldiers?... Who's the real enemy if she helps both sides? And... will she make it out alive?' Lizzie thought.

"Hey uh, Elizabeth. Elizabeth!" the man said, snapping a finger in front of her face.

"Y-yes?" she asked abruptly.

"Back to that Elric punk. I think that he did also go to Xenotime. Met up with some Tringham siblings and got them to side with him. They're in hiding right now all the way out there, claiming they never knew Ed. I'm sure you could get answers from them too." he said and Lizzie nodded as she bowed, putting the photo away.

"Thanks for the information sir. Here." she said, giving him money once he came back with the drinks.

"No problem. You tell Rose that Jeremy said "Thank You", after all these years." Jeremy said with a grin, and Lizzie nodded.

"Will do. Bye!" she said and ran back to Lys and Sarah. As she came to them, drinks in hand, the three sat down on the ledge of the fountain.

"So, what took you so long?" Lys asked as she took a sip from her soda. Sarah seemed to be blowing bubbles in hers.

"Sarah, don't do that. Do you want to finish it or not?" Lizzie teased, and then turned to Lys. "I asked about dad, and about mom. The man up there was kind enough to tell me mom was here, and that she's moved ahead to Xenotime, and hopefully she'll be at Rush Valley. As for dad... he told me that Xenotime is where he also stopped by, making friends who are in hiding. If we can find them in Xenotime, I'm sure they'll give us a lead." Lizzie explained.

"Great! But Sis, you do realize that we have to report everything to Colonel Mustang, right?" Lys asked, taking another sip. Lizzie just stared up in the clouds. 'Am I one step closer to finding you? How long are you going to have me go out on a wild goosechase? What have you done to my present? Why'd you have to go and do all of these things, just to make my life miserable... Hmph... I guess, now who's being the selfish one?' Lizzie thought, and simply smirked to herself. Before Lys could ask again, Sarah tugged on Lizzie's pant leg.

"Ane-sama! Look over there!" Sarah called, pointing. She finished her soda and set the glass on the edge of the fountain. Lizzie turned to see a crowd start to form around a man that seemed to try and give a speech. How long had this man been there?

"Aw crap. It's the State. Again!" Jeremy cursed as he slammed his fist down on the counter, getting out of his bar. Both sisters looked to see the muscular man give a speech as Lior's people began to crowd around him and the microphone. It seemed like a meeting was taking place..

"Hm. Let's go check it out." Lizzie said and the three walked over to the roaring crowd.

C-I-T-Y--S-Q-U-A-R-E

"Sarah, hold on to my hand and don't let go." Lizzie said and Sarah nodded, squeezing tightly. Pushing their way through the get a better look, they could hear the crowd scream in anger and rage at the person trying to comprimise. When both sisters looked up, they gasped.

"Sis, it's Uncle! He's here!" Lys exclaimed, all to have Lizzie cover her sister's mouth.

"Ssh! We don't want to get caught and give away our identities. We're part of the State now too remember?" Lizzie whispered. Sarah just seemed lost with all of this. The there girsl watched as Armstrong seemed to try and give a speech, all to have it in vein as the sea of people crashed down on him like a tidal wave.

"Please! People of Lior, settle! All I'm saying, is that if we can have those of you who are willing to join the military, we can put an end to this war!" Armstrong shouted.

"You were once part of this town! You should have never gone back to the State!" a person screamed. 'Uncle resigned from the Military once? Why'd he choose to go back?..' Lizzie thought, mind racing.

"You want us to risk our lives?!" another roared in disbelief.

"We've already lost many! Some injured beyond repair! It's a good thing that automail engineer passed by, otherwise we'd all be dead! GO BACK TO THE STATE!" a man roared, raising his automail arm up high in the air. Both sisters looked at eachother, speechless. So, their mother did come by Lior, all to have left and gone somewhere else..

"Who the hell wants to be a dog of the military anyways?! The good you did for us last time was Hell!" an older teenager shouted. Last time? What happened last time? At the rate this was going, Lior in no time would probably become a part of the rebels... was there any possibility they'd be a part of the State? Lizzie frowned, staring at the ground, her bangs covering her eye. 'Hmph... either way, they still might get hurt, or even die.. Why'd dad have to go and be a rebel?' Lizzie thought.

"Stop thinking of the past! The military wants to stop the war as much as you do! Please, all I ask is that maybe you people could help us win this war!" Armstrong protested.

"No way! I'd never give myself to serve the State! They killed my father and uncle! Shot them to DEATH!" a woman shrieked, covering her child's ears.

"Yeah!" another agreed. "What has the military done for us that was able to have us benifit? Nothing but misery and woe!" he spat.

"People of Lior! I was from here, and I am a dog of the military! Here I am, trying to defend all of you! Please, reconsider!" a new voice called, deep and barratoned. Lizzie turned to see a familiar face before her. She couldn't believe her eyes.. Standing in front of her now was Ray. Lys saw him too, just gulping silently. Ray had changed a little bit the last time Lizzie had seen him. His hair had been pushed to the right side, but that was mainly his bangs making his hair look wavy, still having his mother's eyes. A short two-second silence came before anger reared its ugly head again.

"That's YOUR fault then! State dog bastard!" a man cried, and suddenly started to throw objects at poor Ray who seemed helpless. Lizzie clenched a fist, and raised her head to the sky with a loud scream. She had had enough of this whole bickering session.

"ENOUGH!" she roared, having everyone turn to her. 'Hello Iron Lungs.' she thought with a smirk. She turned to Sarah and Lys, nodding to signal them to stay put where they were. Managing to keep a straight face, Lizzie marched up to Armstrong and Ray, suitcase in hand as she ignored whispers coming from the crowd. As she was finally up on stage, Ray was the first to speak as he walked over to her.

"M-miss, please, I think-"

"Shattup officer and let me speak. I've had enough of this sensless arguing and pleading." Lizzie snapped. She then turned to the crowd, having Armstrong take hold of her arm lightly. He stared down at her.

"Please, let us handle this my dear." Armstrong said. Lizzie just brushed past him now and faced the crowd, staring into their eyes.

"People of Lior! We're all caught up in this damned rebellion! I don't know how it started, but I do know it has to stop!" Lizzie shouted. A quiet murmur was sent through the crowd. "...I dunno, maybe war isn't the best, but at least they're trying!" Lizzie continued, pointing to Armstrong and Ray. "The military is risking their lives too to end this stupid rebellion! At least they're doing something! Trying to put things on the right path instead of one that's all screwed up and having blood being shed!" Lizzie said, and then turned around, her back facing the crowd. She bent down and opened her suitcase. Armstrong's eyes widened. Lizzie took out Ed's jacket, and put it on, showing the whole crowd Ed's symbol. A loud gasp went through the crowd. Lizzie stood, and then put her pocketwatch around her neck.

"Elizabeth is... Elizabeth Elric?!" Jeremy gasped, mouth wide open.

"L-Liz.." Armstrong said, mouth agape. Lizzie smiled, putting her hair in a braid. She finally turned back to the crowd.

"I dunno about you guys, but Lieutenant General!" Lizzie said abruptly, turning to Armstrong and saluting. "Sign me up! I'm fighting in this war alongside you, and you can't change my mind! That's right! Sign me up! Elizabeth Elric, reporting Sir!" Lizzie grinned as she soluted, eyes burning with flare and determination; just like Edwards. As if on cue, both Lys and Sarah rushed up to them.

"Count us in too, Uncle! Sarah Tucker and Alyssa Elric reporting!" Lys exclaimed as she soluted as well, with Sarah raising a small fist in the air. Another murmur was sent through the crowd.

"Do you see that? Kids! Children, ready to put their lives on the line!" a woman said, a worried look on her face.

"It's amazing! How can they be so willing?!" another wondered. Finally, a low silence came, and soon one man spoke up as he walked up slowly to the stage.

"C-count me in, as well sir. I'll do my best. I know how to do healing alchemy, if it helps." the man said, saluting. Armstrong was amazed at what three children could do for this city as more and more people began enlisting in the fight against the rebels. As the three girls stepped to the side, Ray came over to them and rubbed a hand over Lizzie's head.

"Well Liz, it's been a long time. You've grown, haven'tcha?" Ray said with a grin. Lizzie smirked.

"Your mom said hi." Lizzie replied, and Ray smiled.

"Tell her I love her, and I'll be coming home soon after this rebellion is over." he said, and then noticed Sarah who was hiding behind Lys. "And who is this lovely lady?" he asked sweetly, bending down to smile at Sarah.

"This is Sarah Tucker. She's going to be travelling with us." Lys explained.

"She's not really going to be fighting in the war though Ray. It's too risky." Lizzie said before Ray could even asked.

"But Ane-sama!"

"Don't argue, Sarah. I'm doing this for your safety." Lizzie said and Sarah nodded with a sigh. Ray laughed, and the four seemed to talk for ages. Lizzie almost felt herself laugh like old times, feeling like she was at home when Ray didn't leave, just like the good old days they always had... As evening came (around 6:15 pm), Lys, Sarah, and Lizzie stayed at the hotel at Lior. They were basically watching T.V by now when the door to their room rang. Seeing that it was Ray, he requested to talk with Lizzie privately. Lizzie agreed, and told Sarah and Lys to stay where they were until she got back.

C-I-T-Y--S-Q-U-A-R-E

"So, how's the status in Xenotime? I'm assuming that's where the war is being held.." Lizzie asked as the two sat down near the wine fountain. Ray sighed, and scratched the back of his head.

"Truth?" he asked, and Lizzie nodded silently. "It's bad, Liz. People dying, screams, children and women dead in front of my eyes... I'm one of the few lucky ones to make it out of there alive. The rebels have spread, overpowering the military as it's lessening to a mere few dozen. Armstrong is the only one who can use alchemy affectively." Ray explained. Lizzie clenched a fist angrily.

"Damn. Can't you maybe, learn?" Lizzie asked.

"If we did that, then it'd take too long." Ray replied with a soft chuckle. Lizzie took a deep breath, and then grinned.

"Well, you have two more great alchemists on your side. It's all in Xenotime?" Lizzie asked.

"Actually... truth is, the rebels were planning on coming to Lior to make them rebels too against the military. We were lucky to make it in time... The war will spread her I bet..." Ray replied. Lizzie was silent for a moment, but the question she wanted to ask bugged her as she angrily fidgeted. "What's on your mind?" Ray asked with a laugh.

"D-did you see mom?" Lizzie asked. Before Ray could answer though, there were screams suddenly coming from Lior's entrance.

"C'mon. We gotta check it out now, we'll chat again later." Ray immediately said as Lizzie agreed, the two sprinting down the road to see what was all the commotion. As the two reached the entrance, they saw the men, women, children, military members, and Lys and Sarah standing away slightly, watching as trucks sped down the desert road. Everyone screamed, running out of the way as the three trucks sped down and rammed into Lior's wine fountain, having the wine water make a huge splash as it literally (from the force of the alchemified truck) shot up into the air way up high.

Everyone watched in awe as the women were in front of their children, the men with their weapons and the military soldiers their guns. Finally, a teenager around the age of 22 came out, red hair and purple eyes.

"Well well. Looks like the military scum beat us to it. People of Lior, my name is Strider Marxene. You can just call me the Rebel Leader though, once I take over your poor, pathetic city! Bwahahaha!" the boy introduced himself, finally adding a maniacle cackle as his followers also made their appearance. There were about seven distinct ones, while the rest were in their own rebel outfits. There were 2 women, 1 man, 2 other teens, and 1 child around Lys's age. The first woman had purple hair and blue eyes, the other had dirty blonde hair and chocolate colored eyes. The man of about 32 had dark brown hair, and golden eyes. The two teens were a muscular man of 19 with a bald head and beady gray eyes, while the other was a 17 year old boy who was fit and skinny. This lad had peacock green spiky hair and sunglasses. The 13 year old child wore a cap hiding his right, red colored eye. He had navy colored hair.

"This'll be fun. I'm going to look foward to fighting off these military shitheads." Strider said to himself, laughing again. Everyone winced as the wine water finally dropped from the sky, like blood red rain... What was this strange, eery feeling Lizzie had in the pit of her stomach? Well, whatever it was.. IT wasn't good...

E-N-D--O-F--C-H-A-P-T-E-R--9

Lizzie: -shakes head-

Me: what?

Lizzie: language, language, language. -wiggles a finger-

Me: at least i don't have a strange feeling in the pit of my stomach :p

Lizzie: -cracks knuckles- what was that u said?

Me: ...

Lizzie: That's what I thought. Now, go get me, Lys, and Sarah a sandwhich.

Me: I hate you.

Lizzie: I know you do. Now do it.

Me: -sigh- okay. anyways, everyone i hoped u liked this cliffie chapter and the next one will be cool! fight scene actually, amazin huh? it won't be that... bloody really. it will get bloody at the rebellion site though -smirk- no this is only just a preview of what's to com.e anyways, plz leave a review. have a great evening everyone! -Silver

Lizzie: ugh i just HATE that! "have a good day", "have a good day", "have a good day", UGH! You sound like a frickin' cash register motormouth!

Me: I said have a "GREAT EVENING". and do u want your sandwhich or not? -eye twitch-

Lizzie: -whimpers, puppy eyes- yess! Sandwhich!