Hohenheim placed his hands on the ground and created five benches arranged in a circle. Ed, Al, and Winry sat down at the first one; Scar, Marcoh, Yoki, and Sig sat down at the second; Greed, Marta, Lan Fan, Fu, and Mei sat down on the third; Izumi, Lujon, Rose, and Paninya sat down at the fourth.

Hohenheim sat down on the fifth bench, and looked over the sixteen other people assembled before him.

"All of you have been affected by the homunculi's schemes, and I'm sure all of you want to do what you can to stop them. I intend to do what I can to help, and to begin with, it would be good for all of you to know how all of this came to be. Those of you who have already heard my tale, please be patient while I explain to the others."

Hohenheim then proceeded to reveal his backstory, and his prior encounters with Father and Dante.

The people who had already heard it listened only halfheartedly, but the ones who had not heard it before were stunned.

Winry's face was pale.

She whispered in Ed's ear. "Is he serious?"

Ed nodded. "Yeah. I know it sounds a bit crazy, but it matches up with everything else we've seen."

Winry looked at the ground.

Marta and Paninya looked astonished, while Lan Fan and Fu looked awestruck.

Fu spoke up. "So you're the Western Sage?"

Hohenheim blinked in surprise. "I haven't been called that in a long time. But yes, at one time, I was."

Fu bowed his head. "It's an honor to meet you, sir."

Hohenheim smiled uncertainly.

Greed tilted his head. "So that's how it all went down. Huh. Pops was always kind of tight-lipped about his past, so it's nice to finally learn the whole story."

Izumi frowned. "I'm a little confused. Your name was Greed, right?"

Greed nodded. "Yeah, that's me."

"And this homunculus Hohenheim was talking about, he's your father."

Greed rubbed his hands together. "Not in the traditional sense, but that's the closest term to what he is to me."

Greed grimaced. "Basically, Pops thinks that he's so much better than humans, but on some level acknowledges that he has some of the same weaknesses as humans, having obtained a humanlike body. So, to expel weakness, he extracted each of his vices and separated them from himself, and used them to create new homunculi."

Marcoh gasped. "So that means…"

Greed nodded. "I was extracted from his greed, and that's why my name is Greed."

Hohenheim frowned. "I see. This confirms what I've suspected for some time. I know that Pride was the first one he extracted, but I wasn't sure about the others."

Greed shrugged. "I don't know all the details. Envy and Gluttony were extracted sometime after Pride, and then the rest of us were extracted around the time he founded Amestris."

Winry looked up sharply. "Wait, this Father person is the one who founded Amestris?"

Hohenheim nodded grimly. "That's right. He shaped this land into what it's become so that he could then use it the same way he used Xerxes."

Winry's eyes widened in horror.

Ed leaned forward. "After that skirmish with Drachma, all of the blood crests are now carved, and Sloth is probably almost done with the underground tunnels."

Hohenheim sighed. "I don't know for certain, but I'm pretty sure that Sloth has already completed the countrywide transmutation circle."

Ed lurched to his feet. "What? You mean it's too late?"

Hohenheim shook his head. "No. He won't activate the circle just yet. It's not yet time."

Al tilted his head in confusion. "What do you mean?"

Hohenheim pointed at the sky. "He's waiting for the day of reckoning. He's waiting for the day when the sun and moon become one, and hover directly over this land."

Ed gasped. "He's waiting for an eclipse?"

Marcoh's eyes widened. "But that's only a few months from now!"

Hohenheim nodded. "We still have time to stop him, but we'll need to work hard in the coming weeks if we're going to prevent his scheme from succeeding."

He looked around. "After tonight, we'll have to split up. This large of a group is very easy to track, and we don't want the enemy to catch any of us, especially the sacrifices."

Ed looked at Hohenheim sharply. "Hold on. I've heard a lot about this whole sacrifice business, but what does it actually mean?"

Hohenheim shifted. "I don't know for certain, but I have a few theories. As powerful as he is, I don't think he's powerful enough to activate a circle this large. At least, not for what he intends to use it for. Consequently, he needs a catalyst in order to trigger the transmutation. This is where the sacrifices come in. He needs five alchemists who have successfully opened the portal and made it back alive."

Hohenheim surveyed them all seriously. "So far, there are four of us who have done so. Edward, Alphonse, Izumi, and myself."

Scar frowned. "And I'm guessing that's why they were after Marcoh and Rose. They hoped to get them to open the portal."

Marta tilted her head. "What about Kid, I mean, Lujon? He can use alchemy, and he's opened the portal."

Lujon bowed his head.

Izumi folded her arms. "And now that I think about it, so has Dante."

Hohenheim shook his head. "I believe they want ordinary human beings for the sacrifices, humans whose souls are whole and untainted. Lujon is a homunculus, so I'm guessing they're concerned that he might not work as a sacrifice. As for Dante, her soul has been transferred and altered so much over the centuries that she's no longer what you or I would consider human. Plus, I doubt she'd let herself be used as a sacrifice unless there was no other choice. I may be a philosopher's stone now, but my soul is still that of a human being."

Fu looked thoughtful. "So, in order to foil their plan, we need to do our best to keep them from getting their hands on Ed, Al, Izumi, Rose, Marcoh, and yourself."

Mei spoke up. "That's not all we can do."

She explained about the reverse transmutation circle.

Hohenheim seemed impressed. "That's a really good plan. It's probably our best chance at preventing him from activating the circle."

He frowned. "But there is one problem. Who besides me knows how to use alkahestry?"

Mei raised her hand, as did Scar after a moment of hesitation, but no one else did.

Hohenheim sighed. "I was afraid of that. I guess Mei and I will need to teach some of you how to use alkahestry."

Ed spoke up. "Yeah, that's true, but we'll also need to break into Central command. For that, we'll need help from the military. Colonel Mustang and General Armstrong are already on our side, but we were also going to find General Grumman and see if he'll help too."

Winry looked worried. "Are you sure that's a good idea? What if he's on their side?"

Ed shook his head. "Mustang said he can be trusted, and I trust Mustang. I don't like him that much, but I trust him."

Greed grinned. "You could probably use some extra help besides the military. Ling has a few allies in Xing that I could send for, and I know of a few old contacts in Central I had in the good old days. Hopefully, those should help as well."

They discussed their plans for several more hours until much of the night was gone.

The next morning, they all got up, and prepared to head out.

Ed, Al, and Mei would continue toward East City in order to meet with General Grumman. Along the way, Mei would teach Ed and Al how to use Alkahestry.

Scar, Marcoh, and Yoki would head out to try to find Ishvalans who could help them with the reverse transmutation circle, while also promising that they would be given back their land under the new regime.

GreedLing, Marta, and Fu would head to Youswell to send word to Xing for a few Yao clan warriors to help on the Promise day, and move out from there.

Winry, Lan Fan, and Paninya would head out to evade the enemy and find someone who could help Winry perform the automail surgery on Lan Fan.

Izumi, Sig, Rose, and Lujon would head north in order to assist the Briggs soldiers. Hohenheim would accompany them during their journey, and teach Izumi, Rose, and Lujon how to use Alkahestry.

Hohenheim had also given each group a small philosopher's stone. They would enable the one in possession of it to communicate with Hohenheim, who could then spread news and information on to the others. Mei was given the first stone, Marcoh the second, Fu the third, and Winry the fourth.

Before they departed, everyone said their goodbyes.

Winry hugged Ed, then Al. "Be safe, okay?"

Ed looked at her fondly. "Yeah. You too, right?"

Mei huffed at Greed. "You better keep your promise, mister. You hear me?"

Greed chuckled. "Relax. One rule of mine is to never tell a lie. I keep my word, no matter what."

Fu looked over his granddaughter. "Don't worry about the young lord, I will watch him. You just focus on recovering."

Lan Fan nodded. After a moment of silence, she blushed slightly.

"Um, grandfather, while you're sending for our allies in Xing, do you think you could inquire about…"

Fu chuckled. "Of course."

He hugged her. "Goodbye. Be safe."

Eventually, they all parted ways, and began their journey to their respective destinations.


Olivier looked at her father seriously. "Father, I demand that you retire."

Philip Armstrong sighed. "Oh, Olivier, it's been years since we've last seen one another, and that's all you have to say?"

It had been about a week since she was transferred to Central, and Olivier had decided it was time to do something about her other family members.

Olivier leaned back. "I'll head the family from now on. You should spend your final doddering years in comfort."

"Thank you for your concern, but I plan to make Alex my successor."

Olivier scoffed. "That sniveling jellyfish? Leave the family affairs to me. Why not take a long vacation in a foreign land? With Alex as the head, would you truly be able to relax leaving things to him?"

A moment later, Armstrong entered the dining room. He looked at his sister in surprise.

"Olivier, I didn't know you had planned to visit."

Their father stood up. "Oh, Alex, perfect timing."

Alex turned to him. "Oh?

"Engage your sister in combat. The victor shall earn my title as head of the family. Do you find this acceptable, Olivier?"

Olivier stood up and unsheathed her sword. "Yes. I'd have it no other way."

"Olivier insists that I retire and take a long sojourn in a foreign land."

Alex looked at her sharply. "She what?! How could you treat Father with such insolence? For shame. You've given me no choice!"

He tore off his shirt and stood his ground. "Understand, sister, I intend to use every ounce of my body and soul to fight you."

Olivier scowled. "Don't patronize me, Alex. Your bloated muscles are worthless without a spine."

As they began to fight, father Armstrong turned toward his wife and youngest daughter, Catherine.

"Shall we prepare for our respite?"

They both nodded. "Yes."

As they packed, Philip asked, "So, what exotic locale might you suggest?"

His wife hummed. "Well, I'm intrigued to see what Xing is like. I've heard they have tantalizing cuisine."

"Then Xing it is. Does that sound fine to you, Catherine?"

Catherine nodded. "Sure, sounds exciting."

As they left, Catherine called back. "Hang in there, Alex."

The duel ended with Olivier completely thrashing her brother, who lay on the ground groaning in pain.

Olivier sheathed her sword. "And that settles that."

She turned to leave, but Alex raised his voice. "Olivier, you've become quite convivial with the senior staff. I find this rather troubling."

Olivier paused. "Oh? And why is that?"

Alex's face darkened. "Have you joined their side?"

Olivier sighed. "I'm on no one's side. I'm simply here to do what's right for Amestris and its people."

Alex's posture relaxed slightly. "It's rather peculiar. Colonel Mustang was investigating the senior staff, then abruptly stopped after his team was scattered. Tell me, are you exiling Mother and Father so that they can't be taken hostage?"

Olivier let out a small smile, then exited the room.

"Get out, loser. You'll stink up my mansion with your cowardice."

Alex frowned, his expression thoughtful.


The Eastern soldier saluted. "Good morning, General Grumman."

Grumman nodded to him. "Good morning to you, soldier."

They walked down the hallway together. "How are things progressing?"

"Right on schedule, sir."

Grumman smiled with satisfaction. "Excellent. Now, the north versus east exercises have been postponed due to that little skirmish with Drachma. Do you have any idea when they'll be held?"

"We don't know for certain, but most likely sometime this spring. We did manage to learn that the exercise will be held here in the east rather than in the north."

"Hmm, is that so."

Grumman stepped into his office. "Very good, soldier. Carry on."

"Sir."

Grumman closed the door behind him, then walked over to the bookshelf. "Now then, where did I put it?"

"Uh, hi."

Grumman turned around and spotted Ed crouching next to his desk.

"AAAHHH!"

Ed waved his hands frantically. "Keep it down! I'm sorry for dropping in like this!"

Grumman quickly calmed himself. "Edward Elric? I'd heard you were killed up north at Baschool."

Ed shook his head. "Well, that's the official story. I'd like to keep it that way."

He looked at Grumman seriously. "Mustang said that you were someone we could come to in case of an emergency."

Grumman nodded. "Yes, that's right. From what Mustang said, you and your brother have been in the thick of things."

Ed blinked. "Wait, Mustang already told you?"

"Oh yes, he told me about the senior staff and the homunculi. We're already working on a plan to defeat them."

Ed grimaced. "Yeah, about that. We found some more information that you might like to have."

Ed then explained about the nationwide transmutation circle and the Promise Day.

Grumman's face paled. "Good god."

He sat down in his chair and put a hand to his head. "I knew this was something big, but I had no idea it was this big. It's not just the military that's in trouble; the entire country's future is on the line."

Ed nodded. "Yeah, but we have a plan for stopping them. But in order for it to work, we need to break into Central command."

Grumman frowned. "Is that so? Well, I've been in contact with General Armstrong, who has been able to pass information to and from Colonel Mustang. Between the three of us, I'm sure we'll figure something out."

He cleared his throat. "Thank you for informing me of this, I'll be sure to pass the word along about the Promise Day."

Ed smiled slightly. "Right. See you sir."

Ed then crouched down and crawled under Grumman's desk.

Grumman blinked in surprise, and walked over to where Ed had disappeared. He froze in shock when he saw a gaping hole just underneath his desk.

"Wait, he made a tunnel into here? Good grief."

Someone knocked on the door. "Is everything all right, sir?"

Grumman jumped. "Uh, yes, everything is perfectly fine."

He straightened up. "Now, can you send for Rebecca?"


Paninya winced as she heard the moans of pain coming from the room behind her.

She, Winry, and Lan Fan had traveled back to Rush Valley, hoping that Dominic would be able to both help them with the surgery and keep it a secret. He had agreed, and now he and Winry were performing the automail surgery on Lan Fan.

Paninya rubbed her legs absently. She remembered all too well just how painful the process had been. She also thought back to the childbirth she had helped Winry with not too long ago.

Paninya looked up at the ceiling. Pain and progress. It seems the two are always linked. The surgery was painful, but I got back on my feet because of it. Childbirth is painful, but a new life is born at the end.

She flinched as she heard a louder moan of pain. Still, it'd be nice if life didn't have to be quite so painful.


Riza looked around, trying to spot her old friend from the East.

"Riza, yoo-hoo!"

Riza waved back with a smile. "Long time no see, Rebecca."

They settled at an outdoor café and chatted for a while.

Rebecca frowned. "Ugh, it's no fair. First you get Colonel Mustang all to yourself, and now the Fuhrer. You should fix me up with a nice guy from Central sometime."

Riza held up Hayate. "Here. This is the nicest guy I know."

Rebecca clutched at the dog. "Oh Hayate, your master is so cruel."

After she placed Hayate down, her face became more serious. "How is Jean doing?"

Riza glanced to the side. "Oh, he's doing all right. He was discharged from the hospital a few weeks ago, and has been helping run his family's grocery store."

Rebecca nodded, looking slightly sad. "I've had a few letters from him. That must be so hard, being paralyzed like that. Initially, I was angry at him for finding a new girlfriend as soon as he got to Central, but I guess she left him as soon as she found out he was crippled."

Riza looked down at her plate. "Did you and Havoc date or something?"

Rebecca shrugged. "Oh, yes. We weren't a couple for very long though, as all of you were transferred to Central a short while after we started dating."

Riza smirked slightly. "Well, the Colonel was actually the one who told Havoc to break up with his girlfriend."

Rebecca folded her arms. "He did? How rude. Next time I see the Colonel I'm going to give him a piece of my mind."

Riza glanced around to see if anyone was listening. "Did Havoc tell you anything about his new girlfriend?"

Rebecca shook her head. "No, he doesn't really mention her at all. Why?"

Riza lowered her voice. "She was the one who crippled him."

Rebecca gasped, and her face paled. "What? But how? Why?"

Riza shook her head. "I can't go into details. It's technically classified, and I don't want to risk getting the Colonel in trouble."

Rebecca became angry. "Oh, that evil bitch! If I ever get my hands on her…"

Riza hastily tried to quiet Rebecca down. "She's dead."

Rebecca blinked in surprise. "What?"

"The Colonel killed her."

Rebecca's eyes widened. "Oh."

Riza frowned. "But that's also classified, so please don't tell anyone. Okay?"

Rebecca nodded. "Oh, yeah, sure."

They talked for a little while longer, moving on to cheerier subjects, but their time together came to an end.

Rebecca stood up. "Well, I need to get going. Be sure to tell Jean I said hello."

Riza smiled. "Sure thing."

Rebecca began to walk away. "Oh, and tell Colonel Mustang I'm going to have words with him sometime!"

"Okay."

Riza looked down at Hayate, but blinked in surprise when she noticed a note tucked into his collar.

Riza glanced back at Rebecca. So, she wants me to say hi to Havoc and the Colonel.


Mustang entered the upper room of the store. "How are you holding up, Havoc?"

Havoc smiled softly. "Pretty well. I've gotten settled in, and we're opening up a few new branches elsewhere in Central."

Mustang looked around. "Is that so? Hope that works out. I've been under constant surveillance, but I've still managed to keep up with what's going on."

He let out a small grin. "And there's been some good news: both Major Armstrong and Sheska have decided to join in to help with the coup."

Havoc rolled his wheelchair closer to Mustang. "That's good. We'll need all the help we can get."

He reached into his pocket. "Oh, by the way, Lieutenant Hawkeye stopped by earlier. She was kind enough to give me a fresh pack of cigarettes."

He held out the pack to Mustang. "Here, you look like you could use one."

Mustang shook his head. "No thanks."

Havoc smirked. "Trust me, you could use this one."

Mustang realized that one of the cigarettes was actually a rolled up note. He took it and unrolled it.

Be prepared for the coming Spring. When the Promise Day arrives, the North and East will make their move.


Author's Note: So now everyone knows about the Promise Day, and things are being set into motion.

Next time, I incorporate the one thing I liked from Conqueror of Shamballa. Bonus points if you can guess what it is. (Unless I told you in a PM, because that would be cheating)