"People think that stories are shaped by people. In fact, it's the other way around. Stories exist independently of their players. If you know that, the knowledge is power." – Terry Pratchett in his book Witches Abroad.

That's so true. This story originally was 30 chapters. I had it all hand written out and when I started going over it to look for mistakes and rewrite words that looked crappy, I had to revise several chapters here and there. Then I thought I had too many time skips and started adding chapters. It was last night, while I was writing the latest new chapter (12) that I thought 'I'm no longer writing this story. It's writing itself through me.' Ever had that experience?

About this chapter: This is the beginning of a *counts* 5 chapter arch. We meet Roy's arch rival, the wannabe super hero, Sergeant John Smith. This arch is Dr. Horrible inspired. If you don't know about Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog, watch it. Right now. Shoo. It's on Netflix (Instant Watch), get it from your local library, rent it, buy it, YouTube it, I don't care. Go get it. If you want, drop me a PM and I'll send you the YouTube link.

"Who's that?" Ed mouthed to Riza, who held up a hand and went back to loading her pistol.

"Here, you can have this," the visitor gave Roy something that looked like a photograph. "Bye, loser." He turned and spotted Ed. "Who's this? The name's Smith. John Smith." He ran a hand through his light brown hair and gave her his most charming smile.

Ed had been spending too much time around Riza, because clearly she had rubbed off on her judging by how unimpressed she was. "None of your business." Behind him, Roy sniggered.

John only smiled, liking the challenge. "You're a woman disguised as a man, aren't you?"

Roy stopped laughing and raised a hand, now very angry. Ed smirked. "You caught me. I'm a bloody crossdresser."

"I'll keep your secret if you got out with me."

"Was that blackmail? If it was, you've just failed."

"I could spill your secret at the right time and get you executed."

"What is this? A repeat of the witch trials? The Fullmetal Alchemist is a witch. Run screaming, it can't even be possible. Everybody knows that if alchemy and wizardry or witchcraft mixes, there's usually an explosion."

"I still have that card."

Riza pointed her pistol at him as Ed transformed her arm into a blade. "Leave Major Elric alone," Riza said.

"Can I join the fun?" Maes asked as he came in, pulling out one of his throwing knives.

John was surrounded. I could fight but with this group… all four are dangerous. Elric is currently limited to close quarters combat but she's fast It won't take her long to adjust. I could push her over and run for it but who would hit first? Hawkeye or Hughes? Who am I kidding? The answer is obviously Mustang. I could strike Mustang first but then Elric would be the fastest. He smiled. "I'll leave her alone. Now, I really must be going." He excused himself and left. "Just you wait, Mustang. I'll use her when the time is right."