Spirit Animals Chapter 36, a fullmetal alchemist fanfic

Chapter 36 –

"Brother, you need to get up so you aren't late for your meeting with Colonel Moon!" Ed's eyes snapped open as Al's voice succeeded in getting him up. As Ed had sullenly predicted the previous afternoon, they hadn't been at the library for more than a few hours. Even after they'd had Troy help them pull any book that had more than a paragraph about alkahestry, they'd still left the North City library at a respectable hour and Al had teamed up with Ayala to convince Ed to get some sleep. Ed had not appreciated the fact that his brother and Animal always managed to get him to do what they wanted and he certainly hadn't appreciated Chester's amusement at the fact.

"I'm up. Stop yelling," Ed grumbled as he rolled over, dislodging Ayala from where she laid sprawled along his side.

"Why couldn't Colonel Moon have made an afternoon appointment?" Ayala yawned, teeth glinting as the light from the kitchen/dining room/lounge room part of the hotel room reflected off of them.

"He did, remember? We missed it because of the train yesterday," Ed reminded her. The glare she levelled him with probably would've killed him if he'd been looking at her instead of getting out of bed.

"You're not funny," she informed him haughtily.

"I'm sure I can find plenty of people and Animals who'd say otherwise," Ed said, gathering up clean clothes and flipping Ayala off when she muttered something unflattering about him before he headed to the bathroom to get changed out of his sleepwear.

Ayala contemplated lounging on the bed until Ed was ready to go but reluctantly decided against it when her bladder informed her uncomfortably about how full it was. Once she'd relieved herself, she was too awake to head back into the bedroom so she headed into the kitchen where Al was busying himself by making a cup of coffee for Ed. Even though he had no sense of smell or taste, Al was still able to make a hot drink since it didn't require either sense for him to make it. He just had to remember what coffee grounds and sugar looked like.

"How'd you sleep?" Ayala asked Chester as she settled on the couch he was currently perched on the back of.

"A lot better than I normally do in Central. It's so much quieter here," Chester told her and she nodded in agreement.

"I noticed that as well. It's probably because of all the snow. No one's driving in that at night unless they need to and they certainly aren't walking around in it for the hell of it," Ayala commented.

"Yeah, that's what I figured too," Chester said. "Al managed to get through all but two of the books he'd brought with him last night."

"Huh. Guess the boys will be on the lookout for a bookstore or two today," Ayala said, sharing a grin with the leopard.

"What's the bet on how long it takes for Al to tell Ed that he's almost out of books?" Chester asked and Ayala hummed in contemplation.

"I say… within a minute of Ed finishing his coffee," Ayala said.

"Nah, I reckon it won't be until Ed asks how Al's night was and prompts him into telling Ed about it," Chester told her.

"Usual stakes?" Ayala asked and Chester nodded in agreement just as Ed walked out of the bathroom, a billow of steam following him before he closed the door shut behind him.

"What are the two of you scheming about over there?" Ed asked as he dumped his clothes on his suitcase and joined everyone else. Both Animals gave him their best innocent looks and Ed gave them an obviously disbelieving look. "Fine. Keep your secrets," Ed said, ruffling Chester's ears as he walked past the big cat. When Ayala whined at him, Ed rolled his eyes but doubled back a couple of steps to give her ears a ruffle before he went and sat at the table Al had just placed the steaming cup of coffee on. "Thanks, Al," Ed said as he inhaled the vapours rising from the cup before taking a fortifying sip. "Are you and Ches coming with me and Aya to talk with Colonel Moon?" Ed asked.

"If you want us to but I was hoping to explore North City a little bit? Maybe find a bookstore or two? I'm running low on books again," Al said and both Chester and Ayala's jaws dropped.

"Yeah, that's fine. Just make sure you memorise where any good ones are so you can show me later. I wouldn't mind looking for a couple of new ones myself," Ed said, taking another sip as Al nodded in agreement, his helmet clanking softly.

"Well," Ayala said, slightly stunned, "who won that one?" Ayala asked and Chester shrugged.

"I have no idea," Chester said. "Draw?" he suggested.

"Yeah, alright," Ayala agreed, settling back on the couch. "I'll win next time though," Ayala muttered, causing Chester to huff in amusement.

"Not likely." Ayala let out a low growl in annoyance at Chester's gloating tone but she couldn't figure out something clever to come back with considering the leopard had won 293 out of 422 of their bets.

"You ready to head out, Ayala?" Ed's voice broke through her ideas to get Chester back for his winning streak. Her golden eyes picked up the empty coffee cup and his questioning expression before she nodded. By the time she'd gotten to the door of the hotel room, Ed had put the coffee cup in the sink and was grabbing his winter coat. "See the two of you later. Ches, let me know if you get to the room before we do. I'll grab a spare key from the front desk on my way out and you guys take that one." He gestured to the key sitting innocuously on the small hallway table against the wall next to the door.

"Alright, Brother. You two stay safe and contact Chester immediately if something happens and you need help. Try not to get into a fight with anyone, okay, Ed? It'd be nice to leave a city with no injuries on anyone's part for once," Al said wistfully and Ed let out a snort of laughter.

"I'll promise to stay out of trouble if no idiot criminal decides to make any for me," Ed told him and he could've sworn he saw Al's metal shoulders actually droop in resignation.

"Be nice to Colonel Moon. See you later, Ed and Ayala," Al said, not bothering to acknowledge Ed's words.

"We will. Have fun exploring," Ed told him and Al nodded.

"I'll keep an eye on him and make sure he doesn't run up a tab at the bookstores," Chester promised Ed, who grinned and dipped his head in gratitude.

"Tell Al I'll keep this one out of trouble as best I can," Ayala instructed the leopard.

"Good luck with that if any criminal does make themselves known to him," Chester chuckled.

"Thanks, I'll need it," she said dryly as Ed let her walk through the open door first.

"Quit that," Ed berated the both of them as he followed Ayala out of the room and shut the door after giving Al and Chester a final wave goodbye.

"I don't know what you're talking about. We were merely saying goodbye," Ayala told him and Ed couldn't stop the snort of derision even if he'd tried.

"Sure you were," he said. "Looks like we're running a little early so let's grab some breakfast first, alright?" Ed suggested and Ayala nodded enthusiastically as they headed to start their day.

"Ah, Major Elric. I'm glad you were able to make this appointment," Colonel Moon greeted as Ed and Ayala were escorted through his office door by his 1st lieutenant. He dismissed Ed from his salute and gestured for him to take a seat in one of the chairs in front of his desk.

"Thanks for taking into consideration how unreliable the train system can be," Ed said, giving the short, stocky man a smile.

"Ah, I think everyone on base has a horror story or two of train trips. I thought it was better to be safe than sorry," Moon commented and Ed nodded in agreement. Ronny – Moon's ferret – peeked out from under the colonel's desk, catching Ed and Ayala's attention as he took a closer look at the golden wolf laying at Ed's feet.

"I'm sure Colonel Mustang told you why I wanted a meeting with you," Ed said and Moon nodded before opening one of the drawers on his desk.

"Indeed, though I think I would've been able to make an educated guess about why you decided to return to North City to seek a meeting with me," Moon said, giving Ed a wry grin the blonde returned. "During the month it's been since I agreed to help you with this mission, I've had the specialists we discussed sent to areas where we know the exact point a tremor originated. After a few days of digging to retrieve soil samples from various levels, the team came back to North City and ran all the tests they could on the samples they'd collected. I believe they collected samples from fifteen different sites, including ones in the east, and the deepest they dug to was thirty feet." Moon paused in his report once he finally produced the files he was after and thrust them at Ed.

"What did they find?" Ed asked as he accepted the thick files with slight trepidation. Ayala's chuckled remark about how he and Mustang weren't all that dissimilar when it came to paperwork was rewarded with a swift kick from his right foot to her shoulder and a glare.

"As you'll see in the files, they found nothing out of the ordinary," Moon revealed. "Certainly they found some deficiencies in certain areas while others seemed to have an abundance of those types of minerals and elements but that was to be expected. The research they conducted continued up until yesterday and while it will benefit Amestris as a whole since they now know what they have to add to the soil if they wish to grow certain crops in an area searched, it doesn't help us with our investigation into the isolated tremors," Moon told him, sounding mildly disappointed by that fact.

"The higher ups did theorise that it could be a deficiency or an abundance in the areas that made it unstable or that there was something affecting the tectonic plates. Since we've ruled out the first theory, I think it's likely the second one may be behind the tremors," Ed said, not looking up from the reports he was still reading. Though not something he would ordinarily find interesting to read, the results from the studies and tests conducted were intriguing. At the very least, Ed would likely have a leg up in knowing what elements were readily available and in how much quantity if he found himself needing to transmute in any of the areas the scientists had looked on Moon's orders. Ed looked up for a moment to meet Moon's eyes before he went back to reading. "I'll admit that I'm not sure how we'll find out if it truly is the tectonic plates though," Ed said.

"I can put some feelers out to see if there are any up and coming researchers in that area who might be willing to conduct a study for us," Moon told him. Ed had been about to respond when he noted the hesitant tone in Moon's voice.

"Colonel Moon, is there something else?" Ed asked, looking up once more from the files. Ayala lifted her head, ears perked forward as she listened intently to the conversation. "Something you want to discuss that I haven't read yet in the report?"

Moon sighed, looking annoyed at how transparent he'd been before nodding. "When the team were investigating Vodgy, since we knew it was the most recent place the tremors had been observed, I joined them. While I was there, I witnessed one of the soldiers accompanying us snap at an assistant to one of the scientists when they suggested that it might be beneficial to the study if they dug further than thirty feet. This soldier berated the assistant for trying to go against Fuhrer Bradley's orders. I intervened since I hadn't heard anything about Fuhrer Bradley giving any sort of direct orders and the soldier explained that she had received the orders from Fuhrer Bradley to prevent anyone digging more than thirty feet in any one area in case digging further caused a far more severe tremor that could result in damage to civilian properties," Moon explained. "I asked for the written confirmation and the soldier handed it over. I deemed it legitimate and issued orders to the teams assigned to other areas to dig only to thirty feet. I wanted to discuss this with you since you never mentioned Fuhrer Bradley's interest in this investigation and I would like to know why," Moon said, tone making it known that he wouldn't be accepting 'no' as an answer.

"Unfortunately, Colonel Moon, I had no clue he was until just now. Your guess is as good as mine," Ed said, shrugging a shoulder. He caught sight of the disappointed look in Moon's eye before he quickly averted his own back to the file so Moon wouldn't be less likely to realise he was lying. "If that isn't evidence that it's a homunculous causing those tremors, I don't know what is," Ed said to Ayala, keeping the conversation silent.

"I think it's safe to say you're right. Whatever homunculous they're using must be strong and resilient. I can't imagine that it would be an easy or quick process, carving an array underground without drawing attention to yourself, with the exception of the tremors," Ayala commented and Ed nodded internally in agreement.

"Which means we'll have to be careful going up against it. If it can carve an array underground with no help, it must be ridiculously strong. I don't think I'd want to go up against something strong enough to carve a series of tunnels without mine and Al's array," Ed admitted.

"We can't rule out that it's not working alone or using some sort of tool. Remember, Greed has his shield while Envy had his shapeshifting, Lust her nails and Gluttony his superior sense of smell. Perhaps this homunculous has some kind of ability that helps it carve the tunnels. It's even possible that Father designed something to help it with its mission," Ayala pointed out.

"Yeah, you have some good points. We should talk about this with Al and Chester this afternoon," Ed said. Once he'd gotten an agreement from Ayala, he looked up at Moon and spoke out loud. "Colonel Moon, with your permission I'd like to take these files back to my hotel room to read over with my brother. I'm sure you'll be able to get more work done without Ayala and I taking up space in your office and my brother may be able to spot something in the files that both you and I could have missed. I promise that we would only need the files for tonight and that I will return them to either yourself or one of your team members before lunchtime tomorrow," Ed said when Moon didn't look awfully happy about his request.

"I suppose it would be beneficial if the two of you were to look over the files together and you are correct; I will need this office clear for meetings later today," Moon admitted though he looked like it was a difficulty for him to do so. "So long as the files are returned in the condition they're in now and by no later than lunchtime tomorrow, you may borrow them," Moon agreed finally.

"Thank you, Colonel Moon. If Alphonse and I discover anything missed or overlooked, I'll be sure to let you know in person," Ed promised.

"That would be appreciated," Moon said, dipping his head slightly in gratitude. "If you have no further questions or requests regarding the mission, you may take your leave," Moon said. The colonel was surprised when Ed didn't move immediately.

"Actually, Colonel, I did have one more question. Can you describe the soldier who informed you of Fuhrer Bradley's orders about how far the scientists could dig?" Ed asked and Moon's only tell of his surprise was the two or three rapid blinks he made.

"She had long brunette hair twisted into a bun and a tall, striking figure. If I had been a younger man and not involved with the military, I would likely have asked her out for dinner. She was very beautiful, almost sinfully so. Her uniform covered any unique identifying marks she might have had. Why are you asking about her?" Moon asked.

"Just curious to see if I knew who she was," Ed said simply. Moon didn't look overly convinced that Ed was telling the whole truth but he obviously decided against questioning him further on the subject.

"If that's all?" Moon said, pointedly looking at the clock and Ed wasted no time in getting to his feet and saluting the colonel.

"Yes, Sir," Ed said, dropping his hand when Moon dismissed the salute. "Hopefully when I see you tomorrow, it's for more than simply returning the files."

"I hope so too," Moon said. "Have a good day, Major Elric."

Ed and Ayala bade Moon and Ronny a similar sentiment before leaving the office, files tucked securely under Ed's automail arm. He nodded to the soldiers in the office, though both Hardy and Song weren't present, before he and Ayala entered the corridor and started on the barely familiar route to get back to the streets, relying mainly on Ayala's superior nose to track their way. With a nod to the soldiers manning the front gate, Ed and Ayala started for their hotel.

"We're done with Moon. Al and I have some homework to do tonight. Where are the two of you?" Ed asked Chester as soon as he was able to.

"Back in the hotel room," Chester told him before pausing for a moment. "Al wants to know what kind of homework you have," Chester said and Ed huffed lightly.

"And he calls me impatient," Ed muttered. "Moon let me take the files he's got on the tremors so we can go over them together and see if we can figure out what's going on," Ed told him.

"Are you actually expecting to find anything?" Chester asked and Ed shrugged a shoulder, forgetting the leopard couldn't actually see him.

"Not really but I'm hoping that by me asking for the files to read in more detail, it'll make it look like I don't know what's causing the tremors any more than Moon or his team do. It'll keep the homunculi thinking we're in the dark still about how they're making the physical array," Ed told him and he felt Chester's understanding.

"Makes sense," the leopard finally said. "Al said he'll see you soon and wants to remind you that it's your turn to grab food," Chester informed him, making Ed roll his eyes.

"I'll get something on the way," Ed promised, knowing full-well that Al likely said no such thing and that it was Chester's subtle way of telling him that he was hungry and wanted food.

"Good. See you in a bit," Chester said before cutting the connection.

"We've been ordered to get some lunch, huh?" Ayala said knowingly and Ed nodded.

"Sure have. Let's see if that deli we passed this morning is still open. Their sandwiches looked pretty good," Ed suggested.

"Sounds like a plan," Ayala said before taking a slight lead through the snow-covered streets.

Arctic wolf she may be, she still wasn't a fan of the cold, wet substance that blanketed their surroundings. Her coat was designed for this kind of environment so she didn't have to utilise the energy Ed held for her to warm herself up like Chester did however she didn't like how the mushy snow drenched her paws and lower legs or melted on her coat, making it so Ed always took a towel to her when they got back from an outing in the snow. So far she'd never managed to avoid or distract her human enough to get out of the scrub-down but maybe this time…

"No, you're still getting dried off when we get back. Don't even bother," Ed told her, shifting his hold on the files to better secure them as they walked. Her begging pout was met with a simple "deal with it" paired with an unimpressed look from the blonde. She let out a huff of annoyance before she faced forward once more, ignoring the amusement she could feel from Ed through their bond. Ed shook his head lightly at her before reaching out and ruffling her ears. "It won't be that bad and you know it so stop sulking," Ed instructed. She levelled a flat look at him that had him letting out a bark of laughter. "You're such a diva. Come on, let's get some food," Ed said, opening the door of the deli and holding it open for Ayala to walk through.

Ed rolled his eyes at the way she held her nose up at him before he entered the store so he could place an order for himself and the two Animals. He was pleased to see the store didn't have an awful lot of customers waiting in line as it meant his order would be finished relatively soon. The quicker this meal was prepared; the sooner he and Ayala would be back in the warmth of their hotel room and the sooner they would be able to start reading over the files with Al and Chester. With any luck, the four of them would be on a train back to Central by tomorrow afternoon and able to continue planning their course of action for the plot against Amestris with Hughes, Mustang and all the other main players. Shaking his head to bring his mind back to the present, Ed took a step forward and placed their order. He could worry about when they were going back to Central later on.

"Well that was a bust," Ed sighed as he closed the final file and placed it back on the pile Colonel Moon had put together and allowed them to read. "I know I wasn't truly expecting to find anything in those files that confirmed our theory or the theories I've been telling people the higher ups came up with but I'm still annoyed it didn't," Ed grumbled as he watched Al sort the files so they were back in the order Moon had given them to the boys in.

"I know, Brother, but at least we know Moon and the others didn't find anything that could put them on the homunculi's bad side," Al said and Ed nodded.

"True," Ed said. Looking over at the clock on the wall, Ed noted it was barely past 10:00pm and groaned. "What should we do now?"

"You should be getting some sleep, Brother. Just like Ayala and Chester are," Al told him, jerking his helmet over to where the two Animals were indeed asleep on Ed's bed. Though Ayala enjoyed reading with Ed and Chester didn't mind it an awful lot, both Animals had found the files far too dreary for their tastes and they'd given up trying to help only half a file in.

Ed let out another sigh as he slumped further on the couch. "I'm not tired though," Ed whined. His eyes caught sight of the small pile of books Al and Chester had bought earlier in the day. "Mind if I steal a couple of your books to read?" Ed asked even as he moved to grab a couple of them.

"Fine but only because I know you'll just whine until you get too," Al said. Ed stuck his tongue out at his little brother before he grabbed the first couple of books off the pile.

"That was very mature," Ayala informed Ed. The blonde looked over the couch to see his wolf's golden eyes peering back at him from the head of his bed. Chester was still asleep on the foot of the bed but Ayala was now sitting up on her belly.

"Weren't you asleep because you were too tired to help Al and me with the reading?" Ed asked, a brow raised pointedly at her.

"You should know better than almost anyone the wonders a nap can do for a person or an Animal," Ayala grinned toothily as Ed rolled his eyes at her. "Besides, it's not like you and Alphonse were being particularly quiet. I'm surprised Chester hadn't said anything earlier," Ayala told him.

"Obviously he wasn't as fazed as you since he's still asleep," Ed said. Ayala rolled her eyes at him this time as she leapt off the bed, managing to do so without disturbing the snoozing leopard.

"Maybe he's got a bigger tolerance for you two than I do," Ayala suggested teasingly as she joined him on his couch.

"Well, that's just rude. Maybe you should go and find someone who isn't as annoying," Ed sniffed, holding the book out of her line of sight. He noted the way Al's armour shook lightly and gave his younger brother a dirty look for finding amusement in this situation.

"Don't be so dramatic," Ayala told him. "You know I'm only teasing," she said, nuzzling against his cheek until he gave in and returned the affectionate gesture with a hug.

"You're lucky I love you or I wouldn't put up with your shit," Ed informed her, moving the book back so both of them could read it easily.

"I could say the same for you most days," Ayala sniped back at him. In retaliation, Ed flicked her ear and she immediately nipped his hand as payback, causing him to yelp in surprise as he pulled his smarting hand away.

"Would the two of you behave before you wake Chester up?" Al said, sounding slightly exasperated with the two of them.

"Ayala says she's sorry for acting like a child," Ed said, completely straight-faced. The 'are you serious?' look Ayala gave her human caused Al to burst into a fit of giggles.

"One of these days, Ayala is going to bite you properly and no one will wonder what you did to deserve it," Al informed him. One look at Ayala's golden eyes told Ed that she was already considering making today that day.

"Sorry, Aya. You know I love you," Ed said, giving her what he hoped was a winning smile. From the flat look she gave him, it wasn't as winning as he'd hoped and that he'd still likely pay for the comment at some time in the future.

"I love you too but you keep that kind of shit up and I'll do as Alphonse said," Ayala told him, confirming that Ed hadn't read the look he'd noticed in her eyes before incorrectly.

"I'll keep that in mind," Ed promised, something Ayala seemed pleased about.

"See that you do," she said before turning back to the book. "Can we can get back to reading now?" Ed huffed in laughter as he tilted the book back into the position it had been before Ed had tried throwing his wolf under the metaphorical bus. The two of them elected to ignore Al's incomprehensible mutters as he walked towards Ed's bed to be near Chester, scooping up a couple of books on his way over to keep himself occupied while the leopard slept. The room fell into silence as Ed and Ayala continued reading until either the two of them were too tired to read properly or they wasted enough time where they could walk into Northern Central Command at a time that would be more appropriate to return the files than it was right now.

In the end, Ed and Ayala only ended up taking a nap when Al realised it was nearly 5 in the morning and Ed hadn't gotten any sleep that night. The youngest Elric had put his foot down and made his older brother promise to get at least two hours of sleep before he would let him have any sort of caffeine. Ed hadn't been overly impressed with Al but had complied when Al had actually gone so far as to move the coffee the motel supplied up onto a shelf Ed wouldn't be able to reach without the help of a ladder or alchemy. Ed had sworn vengeance at a later date to all three of his family members as Ayala and Chester – now awake – cackled in his mind as he headed for the bed the leopard had vacated. Ayala attempted to soothe his anger by joining him on the bed and it worked so far as to lessen the grumbles aimed towards her.

They ended up sleeping for three hours before the sunlight had shifted enough through the curtains to wake Ed back up and force Al to return the coffee he'd hidden so he could have a cup before heading out to return the files to Colonel Moon. Of course, despite being some of the better motel coffee he'd had, the coffee wasn't that great so Ed had decided to forgo making breakfast out of whatever breakfast staples the hotel provided and get something on the way to the Northern Command Centre so he could get another cup of coffee that would hopefully prove better for his tastebuds. When Ed announced his plans, Al and Chester decided to join him in seeing Colonel Moon this time.

"I hope the colonel isn't too mad that we couldn't find anything to helpful for him," Al said as they headed towards the command centre. He held a large cup of coffee delicately with his metal hand since he'd bought one so the barista wouldn't question him if he'd neglected to put an order in for himself. He got away with not ordering food by claiming he'd eaten earlier and Ed had chimed in with a grumbled 'yeah, all the food which is why I'm buying some' paired with a glare at Al that had had the barista nod understandingly and go into a small vent about her own struggles getting to the food before her brothers growing up.

"I doubt he would be. I'm sure he realised it was likely a long shot," Ed said around a mouthful of the food he was eating.

"That is disgusting," Ayala said, glaring at her human.

"Sorry," Ed mumbled as he swallowed the food. "But, seriously, Al. It wasn't like I promised him that we'd find out all the answers for him," Ed told him, shrugging the files being held under his right arm a little further up so they were being held more securely.

"That's true," Al said after a moment. "Do you think we could ask him to stop looking into it? Maybe tell him that Fuhrer Bradley sent orders to stop the investigation? I just don't want him stumbling onto something he shouldn't because we asked him to keep looking," Al said, voice quivering slightly with worry.

Ed sighed through his nose as he tossed his empty coffee cup into a garbage can as they passed it and wordlessly took the one Al handed him after he'd clapped his hands and warmed the coffee back up. "Al, we can't lie like that to him. Anyone ranked under 'major', yes, we probably could get away with it if I pulled rank and ordered them to stay out of it but I can't do that with Moon," Ed started saying. "What if Moon asks to see the orders from Bradley? I know," Ed said, glaring at Alphonse when he went to say something before he continued, "we could lie and say the orders we received were verbal but what if Moon decided to look into why Bradley would order them to stop if the higher ups were the ones to order me to look into this matter to start with?" Ed asked but didn't give Al the chance to answer him before he continued. "That's not even mentioning the fact that Moon was looking into this well before I asked him to. Even if he believed us about Bradley ordering us to stop this investigation and he didn't question the higher ups about why, he would still investigate this on his own. He wants to know what's causing these tremors and he won't stop just because we ask him too or because he thinks the military has ordered the investigation to cease," Ed told him, scowling slightly as he did so.

"I get your point, Brother. I just hope he doesn't get himself into trouble," Al said, voice a little morose. Ed didn't say anything but Al saw the way his jaw seemed to clench slightly, indicating his brother was thinking the same thing but didn't want to admit it. He knew he definitely wasn't the only one thinking like that when he felt Chester brush up against their bond in a show of solidarity.

The rest of the walk to the Northern Command Centre was done in silence and with minimal chatter between those who could talk to someone else telepathically. As he'd done the day before, Ed flashed the soldiers guarding the front entrance his pocket watch and the four of them were nodded through the gates. Ed and Ayala led the way through the buildings since they obviously had more familiarity with them but Chester felt like he probably could've found the office by tracking their scents left from the previous day. Since it hadn't been more than a day since Ed and Ayala had walked through the corridors and there was minimal interference from the weather, their scent hadn't diminished enough for Chester to not be able to pick it up, not even with the fresher scents of those who had walked the corridors after them.

"This is it here," Ed said as they entered a corridor lined with several offices. He was pointing to the fourth on the right, a completely unnecessary action considering he was already walking right up to it. He knocked on the door firmly yet politely and waited patiently for someone to call for them to enter.

"I didn't realise you knew what military protocol actually dictated as the correct way to enter a superior's office," Chester exclaimed mockingly. Ed flipped him off and Chester was a little in awe with how he managed to do so considering his automail arm was occupied with the folders and his flesh hand was currently turning the doorknob so he could open the door.

"Sorry for interrupting but I've got some files I borrowed from Colonel Moon and I was hoping to speak to him if he has a couple of minutes free," Ed said once they were in the room and had the door closed.

"Oh, yes, of course. Sorry, Major Elric, but it slipped my mind. Colonel Moon warned us that you would be dropping by before lunch today," the lieutenant sitting at the desk closest to Moon's office said.

"Happens to the best of us," Ed said, giving her a smile. "Is he free now by any chance?" Ed asked, looking at Moon's closed office door expectantly.

"Yes, he's in between meetings right now so all he should be doing is catching up on paperwork. We received standing orders that so long as he wasn't in a meeting with anyone else, you should be permitted entrance immediately," the lieutenant told them.

"Oh awesome," Ed said in response, a little bit stunned if he was being honest. Maybe Moon had that much faith in him and Al that he actually had expected them to come up with something after all. The lieutenant gave him a smile as she moved to open the door for them. "Thanks," Ed said, smiling back at her.

"Colonel Moon?" The lieutenant called as she knocked politely before opening the door slightly. "Major Elric and his brother are here to see you, Sir."

"Thank you, Lieutenant. Let them in," Moon called from inside the office. The lieutenant did as she was ordered and stepped aside to let the brothers and their Animals through.

"Thanks, Lieutenant," Ed said as they passed her, Al echoing his sentiments. She nodded once to them before she closed the door behind herself, leaving the Elrics alone in the office with Moon and Ronny. "Good morning, Colonel Moon," Ed said, offering the man a salute that he was immediately dismissed from.

"Morning, Major Elric," Moon greeted back before looking over at Alphonse. "I take it you're Alphonse Elric? Pleasure to meet you," Moon said as he extended a hand for Al to shake.

"You as well, Sir. I've heard a lot about you from my brother," Al said as he shook the colonel's hand.

"While I would prefer to chitchat, I do have a meeting in a few minutes that I unfortunately can't avoid and I would very much like to know if the two of you found anything in those files," Moon said, nodding towards the files still under Ed's automail arm.

"Unfortunately, Colonel Moon, we didn't find anything that could've been any help in figuring out what's causing those tremors," Ed told him as he handed the files back over. Moon looked slightly crestfallen as he accepted the files back from Ed.

"Nothing at all? Not even something for a theory other than the ones you or the higher ups had before?" Moon asked and his face fell even further when Ed shook his head.

"No, Sir. We couldn't come up with anything new," Ed told him, sounding appropriately apologetic about it.

Moon let out a sigh that had Ronny poke his head of the bookshelf he was hiding in to check on him before the ferret ducked back in once he was certain his human was alright. "I know I shouldn't have gotten my hopes up but I find myself more upset than I oughta be that you hadn't managed to find anything new," Moon admitted.

"We might be geniuses, Sir, but unfortunately this whole investigation really didn't involve any area we're currently well-studied in. Maybe in a few weeks or months' time when we've got a bit more research in broader areas that aren't directly linked to alchemy under our belts, we might be able to come back at this investigation with a new set of eyes, so to speak," Ed told him.

"Well, there are still plenty of reports from eastern Amestris and I've heard rumours from some other officers who have turned over reports that there have been tremors in southern Amestris dating well before the tremors in eastern Amestris were recorded," Moon told them, his demeanour perking up slightly as he spoke. "I'm planning on having my teams follow the map I have so they can investigate the rest of the tremors I've marked, starting from the most recent and working their way down. Maybe in a couple of months, I'll organise to have the two of you come back for a visit so you can go over any new reports and see if anything sparks for either of you," Moon said, a shimmer of optimism in his voice.

"We hope so too, Sir. We're very interested in learning what's behind these tremors as well," Al told him, his younger voice seeming far more optimistic than Ed thought was possible for this kind of situation. However, it seemed to be what Moon needed to get over any remaining disappointment he felt, as evident by the large grin on Moon's face as he looked at Al.

"Then let's keep our fingers crossed that we both get the answers we seek the next time we see each other," Moon said, tone a little more invigorated now than it had been for most of their conversation. "Unfortunately, since there is no new development to this mission, I can't postpone my meeting to discuss it further. Unless you have something else you need to report, you're dismissed," Moon told them, tone far more professional than before. It only took a quick check with Ayala and Chester from each of their human's to confirm that there were footsteps approaching the outer office doors. Ed assumed that if Ronny hadn't picked up on the footsteps – he wasn't sure about whether ferret's had better hearing than humans – he was likely told by the beagle that had been relaxing next to the lieutenant's chair when they approached.

"Thank you for taking the time to speak with us, Colonel Moon. Please keep us up to date on the investigation into the tremors," Ed said and Moon nodded, both in response to Ed's request and to dismiss him from the salute Ed had given. Knowing there would be nothing more to say from either side, Ed gestured for the others to follow him out. "Have a good day, Lieutenant," Ed said, nodding to the woman as they passed her desk.

"You too, Major Elric, Mr. Elric," the lieutenant said just before a knock sounded on the outer door. "Enter," the lieutenant called, shooting Ed, Al and the Animals an apologetic look that had the boys dismissing it with a friendly wave and smile from Ed.

"Ah, good morning, Lieutenant Warwick," the man who entered greeted the lieutenant with a warm smile.

A glance at the man's stars on his uniform's shoulders told Ed he was a lieutenant-general but Ed couldn't place him. A quick and silent check with Ayala and Chester had them confirming they'd never met him either and Ed knew Chester would've already checked with Al on the off chance his younger brother had met the general without either Chester or Ed with him. He had grey, short cropped hair with slightly darker facial hair styled around his mouth and a tanned complexion. There were quite a few medals pinned on the right sight of his uniform jacket and the corner of his eyes were crinkled with crow's feet, telling Ed that he smiled an awful lot.

"Good morning, General Raven," Lieutenant Warwick greeted, snapping a salute once she was out of her chair. Raven was quick to dismiss her salute with a friendly grin and flick of his wrist. "Colonel Moon will be with you momentarily. He's running a few minutes behind," Warwick told him. Her eyes flicked towards Ed and his group momentarily before they met the general's once more.

Raven, however, turned to face Ed, as did the two soldiers accompanying the man. The soldiers on Moon's team who were in the office seemed more intrigued with the scene in front of them than any work that was in front of them. Ed met Raven's gaze dead on and didn't flinch under it. "Am I right in assuming you're the Fullmetal Alchemist? I don't know any other teenager with a red coat, golden wolf and is always accompanied by a suit of armour who is allowed on military bases," Raven commented, a slight lilting laugh in his voice.

"Ed, I don't trust him. He smells of Bradley far too much for my comfort," Ayala warned Ed while Raven was talking. He brushed against their bond to show he'd understood and believed her.

"Ed Elric," Ed said, introducing himself. "This is Ayala, Chester and Alphonse." He gestured to each as he said their name.

"Lieutenant-General Raven," the general returned the favour and introduced himself properly. "This is my Animal, Bella," he said and a weasel Ed hadn't noticed sitting on the general's shoulder lifted her head to look at them. "I'm sorry we've never gotten the chance to meet before now. I am based in Central and have been meaning to find a reason to drop by Colonel Mustang's office to officially meet you but alas, I've never quite managed to find the time. It's a pleasure to meet you now, however," Raven said, certainly sounding delighted about getting the opportunity to speak with Ed now. "May I ask why you were meeting with Colonel Moon? I didn't realise you had any business in North City."

"Colonel Moon and I met roughly a month ago when I was assigned the mission to investigate the cause of a series of isolated tremors that appeared to be moving towards the north of the country. Two of Moon's soldiers had personally witnessed the tremors and I interviewed them regarding the incidents. Colonel Moon had a vested interest in the case as he'd experienced the tremors several times when he was younger and he offered to help with the investigation by running point for me. Since I'm based in Central while he's here in North City and closer to the recent tremors, I took him up on the offer," Ed explained, keeping his voice level. He could feel both Ayala and Chester's distrust and had to force himself to keep a calm face. "I'm just here for a couple of days to get the latest reports before I head back to Central."

Raven chuckled knowingly. "Ah, yes, there is no rest for the weary, eh?" Raven said, eyes twinkling slightly. "I heard about those tremors. Did anything ever come about from those reports?" Raven asked casually. If Ayala hadn't snarled in Ed's mind, he might have bought the act for what it was.

"Nah, unfortunately we still can't figure out what's causing them. We'd thought perhaps there was a deficiency or overabundance of certain minerals or elements in the earth that destabilised the areas affected but we've ruled that out. Our working theory is that something is happening with our tectonic plates but we don't have the means to find out for sure yet," Ed told him, looking the appropriate amounts of annoyed, upset and frustrated.

"Ah, well, I'm certain that if anyone can figure it out, it'll be our youngest and most talented State Alchemist," Raven said confidently, pairing the tone with another wide smile. "I'm sorry, but I must cut our talk short though. I do need to speak with Colonel Moon before I return to Central. I hope we'll run into each other in Central Command so we can speak some more about this and other subjects," Raven said.

"I'm sure we will," Ed said, giving him the politest smile he could manage while both Ayala and Chester's metaphorical hackles were raised against his bond with them. "Have a good day, General Raven." Ed made sure to give the man a salute, realising just in that moment that he'd neglected to do so when the man had first entered the office.

"You as well, Major Elric," Raven said. "A pleasure to meet all of you," Raven said, nodding for Ed to release his salute and his silent permission for them to leave.

"Same here, General Raven. Have a good day, Sir," Al said, forever polite even in the face of a possible enemy. Raven gave him a polite smile before he nodded to his escorts and gestured for Lieutenant Warwick to announce him to Colonel Moon. Ed took the opportunity granted to him and the others to slip out of the office, waving goodbye to the soldiers in the office as he, Al and the Animals escaped as quickly as they could without making it too obvious what they were doing.

They didn't say anything to each other as they headed off base, back to the relative safety their hotel room would offer them from eavesdroppers and spies. Ed made sure to nod goodbye to the front gate guards, doing his best to look completely at ease so as to not raise any concerns or suspicions from any soldiers who noticed them. Ayala and Chester's pissed off looks aimed at any soldier who tried to start a conversation that lasted longer than a polite greeting and well-wishes for their day had them off the base quicker than usual.

Ed barely remembered to buy lunch for the three of them who could eat, knowing that if he didn't he would have two hungry and annoyed Animals to deal with later. The pitstop for lunch was the only one they made on their way to the hotel room. Ed had spared a thought to maybe going to the train station to get the schedule for the trains bound for Central on their way but decided it wouldn't hurt if that waited a few hours. There was no reason they had to be back in Central immediately so it wouldn't matter if they missed any train that left this afternoon.

"Alright, explain why you guys almost tore Raven's throat out when you first saw him," Ed said once their hotel door was closed and locked and the two Animals had promised there wasn't anyone or any Animals nearby acting suspiciously.

"I told you; he smelt like Bradley," Ayala grumbled as she and Chester made themselves comfortable on the couch.

"Smelt like him as in he was also a human-turned-homunculous or smelt like him as in he was around Bradley recently and his scent lingered?" Ed asked, still standing next to Al and watching their Animals.

"The second one," Chester said. "Except that the scent is far stronger than it should be for just a couple of casual encounters or meetings. Raven had to have been around Bradley for hours at a time, a few times a week for his scent to still be that strong," Chester told them and Ayala nodded in agreement.

Ed frowned. "Yeah, but – and I'm not saying I don't trust you two because I do – but wouldn't he be expected to smell like Bradley? He is a Central higher up and I wouldn't be surprised if they gathered for meetings a few times a week. Mustang bitches enough about being summoned to meetings with the generals about missions I complete or tasks his team have handled," Ed pointed out.

"I know that but Bradley's scent wasn't the only thing that made us distrust him," Ayala said. "I could just tell he was trouble. He put up a good show when he was talking to you but I could smell the deception on him. There's something about him that's slimy. I'm surprised his Animal isn't a snake," Ayala spat viciously enough that even Ed flinched back.

"First off, that's racist to snakes. Secondly, that still doesn't make him in cahoots with Bradley. He could just be a corrupt military official who we should stay away from but isn't connected to Father's plans," Ed pointed out. He felt both Chester's and Ayala's frustrated sighs. "Why don't I ask Nala? Mustang's probably had more interactions than us with Raven so he might be able to give us some more context?" Ed suggested.

"I think that's a good idea, Brother," Al piped up. "It wouldn't hurt to have someone else's opinion on Raven. Someone we know we can trust," Al said, ignoring the way Ed's face scrunched up at the mention of trusting Mustang.

"When Nala confirms we're right, you'll owe both of us the best steak you can buy," Ayala told him firmly.

"Sure, Ayala. It's a deal," Ed said, laughing slightly despite the tense situation. Finding his bond with Nala, he sent her a message. "Hey, Nala. Got a query for you if you've got some time," Ed said once he'd established the connection.

"I've always got time for my favourite Edward. Especially when it pisses Roy off," Nala said immediately. From what he could feel through their bond, Ed knew she was likely throwing Mustang a dirty look.

"What did that bastard do this time?" Ed asked, letting himself get side-tracked from the reason he'd contacted her to start with.

"He's behaving himself, that's what he's doing! He hasn't set fire to anything except the fireplace or candles if needed. He's turning up to work on time like he should. He'd being unbelievably polite to everyone. He's not even giving Maes any lip when he visits during work hours!" Nala exclaimed in anguish and frustration and it took everything in Ed to not let any of his amusement slip through their bond.

"I'll act extra insubordinate when I report back to Central and see if I can't get a rise out of him," Ed promised, completely serious.

"I'd appreciate that," Nala said. "Now, as much as I appreciate you letting me vent, I know that wasn't why you wanted to speak with me so what's up?" Nala asked.

"I wanted yours and Mustang's opinion on a Lieutenant-General Raven. We ran into him at Northern Command when we returned Moon's files to him this morning and both Ayala and Chester are very invested in keeping me and Al away from him at all costs. Both of them are very distrustful of him," Ed told her. He could feel her surprise at the query before there was a lull in their connection, a sure sign she was talking to Mustang. "She's asking Colonel Bastard now about Raven," Ed told the three others since he could feel Chester and Ayala's curiousity and impatience and knew that Al was likely curious too.

"You've really gotta stop calling him that, Brother," Al sighed. "You managed to follow military protocol this morning in Colonel Moon's office and when General Raven started speaking to us. Why can't you do that with Colonel Mustang?"

"The day I listen to you and call him by his appropriate title and name, that's the day you'll know I'm in some deep shit and am trying to signal you," Ed told Al, completely serious. "Also, I behaved that way because I needed to. Besides, I couldn't pull the shit I pull in Mustang's office in front of Moon or Raven. Moon, I actually respect somewhat and I need Raven to think I haven't uncovered anything more than we had when Mustang confronted the Fuhrer. I can't have Raven reporting back to Bradley that we're still sticking our noses into Father's plans instead of just lying down and waiting for whatever they need us for, assuming Raven is actually working with Bradley to achieve the whole destroying-Amestris-to-become-immortal thing," Ed explained much more thoroughly than Al thought he needed to.

"Roy has asked me to tell you to tread lightly around Raven," Nala's voice was back in Ed's head before Al could say anything and Ed raised a hand to silence anyone before they could try. "Before he confronted Bradley, Roy would've considered Raven a good man. General Grumman has always said that Raven is someone Roy should trust and he would've gone to confide in about his suspicions had he not decided to just confront the Fuhrer directly," Nala told him. Ed was surprised to hear that. As far as he knew, Mustang held Grumman in high regard and would trust his opinion almost as much as Hawkeye's own so for Mustang to warn Ed away from a general Grumman has said he trusts was unexpected, to say the least.

"What changed that?" Ed asked curiously.

"What Bradley said about the generals," Nala told him. "Bradley didn't name any of the generals, as you know, but Roy is of the opinion that, at the very least, every general stationed in Central is in cahoots with Bradley, including Raven."

"I get that but why does Mustang now think that someone Grumman trusts and he used to think he could trust if need be suddenly can't be anymore? Like you said, Bradley didn't actually name the generals helping him and from what I saw this morning, if Ayala and Chester hadn't of told us not to trust Raven, I likely would've at least developed a decent opinion about the man," Ed said and Nala sighed lightly.

"Because after Roy finished up with Fuhrer Bradley, I've been paying closer attention to every general we've had a meeting with or bumped into. I agree with Ayala and Chester. You should be careful around Raven, all four of you," Nala told him. There was another lull for a moment before Nala was back. "Roy has requested that you tell him about any other interactions you have with Raven while you're still up north or if you run into him again back here in Central." Nala chuckled as she felt Ed's eyeroll through their bond. "There is something else Roy wants you to know about. He only learned about this a couple of hours ago. A former State Alchemist by the name of Solf J. Kimblee, AKA the Crimson Lotus Alchemist or Crimson Alchemist, has been fully pardoned and released from death row and reinstated to his former position in the military as per orders issued by Fuhrer King Bradley," Nala told him and Ed knew his surprise would be showing on his face.

"Why the fuck would he do that?" Ed asked and Nala gave another sigh.

"From what Roy's contacts in the prison have told him, Kimblee has been ordered to hunt down Scar and anyone who is helping him, including a doctor who was a former State Alchemist," Nala said and Ed's breath hitched.

"Marcoh?" Ed asked.

"We're not certain. There were never any names specified other than Scar's," Nala told him. "Edward, you need to be careful if you ever come face to face with Kimblee. He's sadistic and insane. He was imprisoned because during the Ishvalen Civil War, he decided to turn against the military and slaughter his supervisors for reasons still unknown. Kimblee isn't someone you'll be able to talk out of killing someone else," Nala warned and Ed felt dread settle in his gut. He truly hoped he would never run into this man. "Roy says the man never understood why other people and alchemists on the frontline of the war felt awful and disgusted with their actions. He puts on a good show with his gentlemanly act but he is an amoral psychopath, Edward. He is calculating, methodical and an expert on reading people and gathering information to best manipulate any given situation to suit him best."

Ed took in a deep breath as he allowed himself to process all of that. "Alright, I understand," Ed said. "What does he look like and what kind of alchemy does he use?" Ed asked and another bout of silence followed as Nala repeated the questions to Mustang. Ed made a calming gesture to Ayala, Chester and Al since he knew they would be getting impatient with the lack of answers.

"According to Roy's contacts, Kimblee left the prison dressed in pristine white three-piece suit with matching hat and overcoat paired with white dress shoes and a purple tie. His hat has a pastel purple band and he's wearing a scarf that matches it. He has a thin build, blue eyes and long black hair tied back in a ponytail," Nala told him and Ed nodded as he took in the description. "His alchemy is used to transmute ordinary matter into explosives. He does this by clapping his hands together, combining the two arrays he has tattooed on his palms and touching whatever he wanted to transmute. Roy says that he creates an unstable imbalance of energy in whatever matter he touches before causing it to explode in a violent matter. Roy has also observed him somehow directing those attacks to create localised explosions from long range but he's not entirely sure how he manages that, even if he won't admit it," Nala said and Ed knew she was giving Mustang a smirk and couldn't hold back his chuckle.

"What arrays does he use?" Ed asked. "Can Mustang describe them? It'd be handy to know what specifically I'd be going up against if I ever did have the misfortune of doing so."

"He can," Nala told him. "On his right palm he has an array with a triangle pointing downwards, representing water, that contained the sun symbol for gold and on his left palm he has the same array with a triangle pointing upwards, a representation of fire, that contained a crescent moon, symbolising silver. When combined, the triangles form a hexagram which is what initiates the transmutation. Roy says there is writing inscribed around each circle but he's never studied the arrays closely and he's never felt inclined to ask Kimblee to translate them for him," Nala informed him and Ed gave her a mental nod.

"Alright, thanks for the info, Nala," Ed said after a heartbeat of waiting, just to be certain nothing else was forthcoming. "Does Mustang think Kimblee's heading north? Is he going to go after Mei?" Ed saw Al's armour shift as he straightened at the mention of a possible threat against Mei and once again, Ed felt his suspicions about how his little brother felt about the Xingese Princess rise once more.

"He's not sure. He can't look too closely into Kimblee's actions without arousing suspicions. All he knows is Kimblee isn't in Central anymore, according to rumours swirling around base," Nala told him and Ed gave a small sigh of annoyance at the lack of information. "Sorry, Ed. I wish I had more to give you," the lioness apologised, sounding truly upset at the fact that she couldn't give him every answer he was looking for.

"Nah, it's all good, Nala," Ed assured her, sending her the equivalent of a warm smile through their bond. "I got one more question about Kimblee before I let you go back to trying to see if you can get Mustang to make your day less boring," Ed said, grinning when he felt her mischievous amusement.

"Shoot," she said.

"What Animal does Kimblee have?" Ed asked and he felt a small pang of sorrow from Nala.

"He had a raven," Ed wasn't oblivious to the coincidence it was that Raven was a general he was being told to avoid and that Kimblee had a raven as a Spirit Animal, "called Chad," Nala continued, seemingly oblivious to what Ed was thinking. "However, you won't need to worry about him." Nala's voice sounded a little sad and disgusted. "As per military protocol, Chad was euthanised shortly after Kimblee was convicted."

Ed suddenly remembered what one of the Slicer Brothers had told him when they were fighting in Laboratory 5 about their Animals. "Right, the military kills the Animals of anyone who's sentenced to a life term or death because 'it's kinder to the Animals than letting them live out their lives in a metal box' but one of the Slicer Brothers told me it was an extra punishment to the human. Probably a way for the military to make the human suffer as much as possible, knowing they got their Animal killed because they decided to break the law," Ed said, scoffing slightly in disgust, echoing Nala's own feelings on the matter.

"Most likely," Nala agreed.

Ed sighed as he collapsed on the couch, almost sitting on Chester's tail as he did so. The leopard was not impressed and made sure Ed knew it from the dirty glare he aimed at the blonde. "Alright, thanks for everything, Nala. Unless there's something else that bastard wants us to know or wants to ask us, I'll let you go," Ed said, making Nala chuckle and his little brother give a long-suffering sigh.

"Roy may not but I do," Nala said. "When will you be back in Central? You've only been gone three days and I miss you," Nala whined and Ed grinned, even as he laughed.

"You mean you miss the entertainment I bring into the office," Ed said, misquoting what Nala had said earlier and causing the lioness to laugh.

"Yes, that's half the reason I want to know your ETA," Nala confirmed, voice light with mirth.

"Al, the Animals and I will be heading down to the train station this afternoon so probably not until tomorrow, likely tomorrow afternoon so long as nothing happens to stop us from getting on that train," Ed told her.

"If something does, I'll find the person responsible and make them pay," Nala promised, a flash of maliciousness in her voice.

"I feel sorry for anyone or anything that tries," Ed said sincerely. "I'll let you know what time we should arrive in Central once I know," Ed promised and he felt Nala's hum of satisfaction.

"Okay, Ed. I suppose I'll hear from you later this afternoon, if not tomorrow morning," Nala said and Ed gave her his word she would. Once she had it, they disconnected from their conversation and Ed focused back on the three others in the room with him.

"Sorry about almost sitting on your tail," was the first thing Ed said to a still-annoyed leopard.

Chester gave a small huff out loud before he lessened the ferocity of his glare. "I suppose you're forgiven," Chester said graciously.

"Thank you so much, your majesty," Ed said, voice dripping with over-politeness. A look from Ayala told Ed she didn't appreciate his unintentional stalling. "Right, so firstly, I owe Ayala and Chester some steak because Mustang has ordered me to stay away from Raven if we can manage it," Ed told them and he felt a mixture of victory and worry from the two Animals. "Right, so here's what Nala told me," Ed said before repeating everything the lioness had told him about Raven and Kimblee, sparing no detail.

"I really hope we don't run into Kimblee. He sounds far more dangerous than anyone we've gone up against," Al said fretfully once Ed had finished giving them the rundown on everything he, Nala and – through the lioness – Mustang had discussed.

"Hopefully we won't even see him," Ed said. "We're heading back to Central tomorrow so if we're lucky, this Kimblee psycho will be at the other end of the country."

"I really wish you wouldn't say things like that, Ed," Ayala sighed. "You always tempt fate into proving you wrong every time," she said when Ed's brow raised in question to her statement. Chester chuckled in agreement.

"She's not wrong," Chester told him and Ed rolled his eyes.

"If we do run into him, we'll just have to deal with it as best we can. I'm sure that since Bradley's the one who released him, Kimblee will have been told about what they're planning, or at least what the High Command in Central have been told by Bradley, which means he should know that we are important to their plans and that he can't kill us," Ed told them. Ayala and Chester didn't look as though they had the same level of faith Ed did in his statement.

"Do you really think so, Brother?" Al asked and Ed nodded.

"It wouldn't make sense for Bradley to release someone that psychopathic and chance him running into me, someone whose thoughts on those who take pleasure in killing people are well known and whose short fuse is legendary, and risking us clashing," Ed told him. "If Kimblee takes as much pleasure in killing as Mustang says he does, what do you think he would do if faced by me, someone who would challenge his views and likely piss him off?" Ed asked.

"He'd try to kill you," Chester said immediately and with no doubt in his voice.

"He wouldn't succeed because I'd stop him," Ayala growled protectively.

"Precisely," Ed said, pointing to Chester while he gave Ayala a one-armed hug. "Bradley would never risk that. Kimblee would have to be under orders that if he ran into the four of us, he was to avoid physical conflict where possible and to only take us down, not out, if we did start a fight," Ed said confidently.

"I think I would rather it if we just avoid him at all costs than risk you being wrong, Brother," Al said and Ed only managed to stop himself from rolling his eyes because he knew his little brother was just scared for their safety. Kimblee did not sound like someone Ed would win a fight against, what with his absolute refusal to take a life and Kimblee's reported eagerness to do so.

"Well, hopefully Mustang will hear about where Kimblee's heading soon and we'll at least know where to avoid for a while," Ed said, trying to put Al at ease a little. As soon as he said that though, he felt someone trying to contact him and it took him a moment to realise who it was and let them talk to him. "Leo?" Ed asked and he felt the grey fox's confirmation.

"Yes," he said. "Maes wanted me to pass along a message. Scar has been seen heading west with another accomplice. This one is a man of thin build and a nervous disposition. That was the only description we got of him from the soldiers who tried to capture them. Scar escaped their clutches but he was spotted once more, heading towards West City," Leo reported and Ed sighed. At least the Ishvalen wasn't heading this way to meet back up with Mei.

"Alright, thanks for letting us know, Leo," Ed said gratefully. "Hughes hasn't got any additional news about Mei or her companion's movements?" Ed asked but the fox was quick to report back that they only knew as much as Mustang had told Ed. "Okay, thanks anyways," Ed said.

He felt Leo roll his eyes at Hughes before the fox spoke again. "Maes would like to know when you think you'll be back in Central. He'd like me to tell you that Elysia is badgering him and Gracia about when you lot will be back," Leo dutifully passed on but he did nothing to hide the exasperation he felt towards Hughes and Ed suspected that Elysia wasn't the only one who was annoying someone for information about their whereabouts and travel plans.

"We're gonna go check the train schedule in a few minutes but we should be back tomorrow afternoon with any luck," Ed said and felt Leo's relief at the fact that his being annoyed for news about Ed will soon come to an end, causing the blonde to laugh.

"You try putting up with Maes when he wants information about someone he cares greatly about," Leo grouched, displeased with Ed's amusement at his predicament.

Ed felt himself freeze slightly at the grey fox's casual mention of why Hughes was pestering him, unused to someone being so nonchalant about revealing that sort of thing, but he recovered quickly enough he didn't think Leo noticed. "Nah, I think I'll leave that for you to deal with," Ed teased and was rewarded with an annoyed, but fond huff from Leo. "I promise I'll get the train schedule ASAP and let you know when we're back in Central so you can get Hughes off your back," Ed said.

"Thanks, Ed. Talk to you soon than," Leo said gratefully. Ed gave a mental nod before he and Leo dropped their connection.

"So, Leo's just told me that Scar is heading west which means Kimblee should be as well," Ed told the others. He could feel the undiluted relief from the Animals and knew that Al would've sagged in relief as well if he could've. "So long as Hughes continues to keep tabs on Scar, since he is in charge of the investigation to hunt him down still, we should know where Kimblee is. I can ask Mustang to try and avoid sending us to any area where Scar has been sighted. If need be, I can claim that I don't want to run into Scar and take him on for a third time if anyone questions why," Ed said, though he wasn't pleased about the idea. To him, it seemed rather cowardly to request that his commanding officer not send him to an area just because he didn't want to fight someone.

"It's smart," Ayala corrected and Ed jolted slightly. He'd actually forgotten his Animal could read his thoughts like that. "Besides, I'm sure that if Bradley heard about the request, he'd fully support it under the guise of not wanting to lose such a valuable asset to the State Alchemy program," Ayala said, a small amount of disgust in her voice.

"Yeah, you've got a point. They certainly wouldn't want their sacrifices in such a dangerous position again," Ed said with a sigh. Silence fell between the four of them before Al decided to break it.

"We should go get the train schedule. You did promise both Nala and Leo you would," Al said and Ed nodded.

"Yeah, why not? Give us something to do," Ed said, getting to his feet once more. Both Animals were quick to jump off the couch. "Were any of the bookstores you visited yesterday worth it?" Ed asked as he tugged his winter coat back on.

"Yeah, there was one up just off the main street that seemed to have a lot of different alchemy texts. It's where I got most of mine," Al told him, voice far chirpier than it had been since they'd left Colonel Moon's office.

"Awesome. We might swing by there and I'll have a look. See what they've got," Ed said. Chester was not as excited about that plan as Ayala was but Ed knew it was primarily because he'd seen the shop the previous day and just didn't want to visit a second time so soon.

"Okay, Brother, but we're going to stop at the train station first," Al told him sternly and Ed laughed since he knew the reason behind that decision. It wouldn't have been the first time Ed and Ayala had lost track of time in a library or bookstore and tuned out both Al and Chester and neglected another, more important errand.

"Yeah, yeah," Ed said, pairing it with a roll of his eyes that Ayala echoed. "Let's head to the train station than."

"You can tell your humans that I'm booked on the 2:00pm train out of here tomorrow," Ed told Nala and Leo as he, Al, Ayala and Chester left the station. Al and Chester were the ones in the lead this time since they knew where the bookstore was.

"So you'll be back around dinner?" Leo asked and Ed nodded through their bond.

"So long as nothing happens to hold the train up on its way to Central," Ed confirmed.

"I already told you that if anything delays your train, it'll have me to deal with," Nala told him, sounding completely willing to rain hell down on anything that tried.

"You know, I almost want something to happen to the train. I'd like to see you put the fear of you into a mechanical problem," Ed said, a grin on his face that grew wider as Ayala rolled her eyes at him, though Ed was certain she also informed Nala the eyeroll was for the lioness as well.

"Please don't say that because something will happen and Maes will become insufferable," Leo said pleadingly. Ed was not surprised when Nala laughed at the fox nor with what Leo said next. "If Ed's train is delayed, I'm sending Maes to talk to Mustang about it," Leo threatened the lioness, causing her to stop laughing almost immediately.

"I shouldn't encourage that but if it means I get some entertainment in the form of Roy trying set your human on fire because he's being too annoying, I think I'm gonna ask Ed to miss his train or damage it somehow," Nala told him.

"I'm not damaging the train and I'm not going to miss it on purpose," Ed said immediately, cutting off the fox before he could say something choice about what Nala could do with herself if she did try something like that.

"I wouldn't let him anyway," Ayala decided to say, injecting herself into their conversation. Ed could feel Nala's pout and Leo's silent gratitude at their words.

"I was joking," Nala insisted. "Sort of," she added quietly when the three of them raised their metaphorical brows at her.

"That's what we thought," Ed laughed.

"We're nearly at the store and you're gonna run into something if you don't start paying attention to where you're walking," Chester interrupted them and Ed took a moment to glare at the leopard.

"I would not walk into anything. I haven't done that for ages!" Ed reminded the leopard haughtily. Chester's bark of laughter was not something Ed appreciated and he flipped his brother's Animal off so he knew it. "Chester has a point though. We are nearly at the bookstore so I should say goodbye before I accidentally ignore you guys completely. You know how I get," Ed said and both Leo and Nala laughed in agreement. Both had, at one time or another, found Ed in a bookstore or library and tried unsuccessfully to pry him away from it.

"See you tomorrow, Ed," Leo said before dropping their link with little fanfare once Ed had returned the goodbye.

"I'd better see you tomorrow. You know Roy wants you to report back once you've arrived back in Central, right?" Nala said and Ed rolled his eyes.

"I do now," he said and Nala giggled.

"Good. Bye, Ed, Ayala," Nala said and dropped the link just as Leo had done once Ed and Ayala had said their own goodbyes.

"Is everything alright, Ed?" Al asked once he realised his brother was no longer talking to any of the Animals and Ed was quick to nod.

"Yeah just letting them know when the train should be in Central. Nala almost wanted me to miss it or delay it so Leo would make Hughes annoy Mustang about it and provide her some entertainment," Ed told his brother, laughing slightly.

"No wonder you and she get along so well," Al said, shaking his head. "It's a wonder Colonel Mustang hasn't banned the two of you from being near each other yet or been driven insane yet."

"Wouldn't do much good since we can talk to each other telepathically," Ed reminded Al. "And if you think Colonel Bastard isn't at least a little insane than you haven't been paying attention to him," Ed said, grinning widely at his little quip even though Mustang wasn't there to hear it.

Ed just knew from what he could feel from Chester that Al would've rolled his eyes if he could've. "Pretty sure that that insanity is a result of the last four and a half years of having you as a subordinate," Al muttered and Ed flipped him off. "This is the bookstore here, Brother," Al said, stopping suddenly and almost causing Ayala and Ed to run into his back.

The store was innocuous looking and if Ed hadn't been told it was there, he likely would've walked right by it. There was no big sign advertising what it contained and sold to draw attention to it. Rather it had its name and opening hours engraved on a small wooden board that hung inside the window to the right of the dark wooden door. Ayala was quick to let Ed know there wasn't anyone other than who she presumed was the owner or employee and their Animal inside. With a nod of thanks to his wolf, Ed followed Al inside and held the door open until Chester and Ayala were both inside the store far enough that their tails wouldn't get caught in the door.

"Oh, wow, I didn't realise it was so big," Ed said as he took in the hundreds of books in front of him. This bookstore rivalled the main ones in Central in sheer volume of stock.

"Everyone says that when they walk in here the first time," an unfamiliar female voice laughed, grabbing Ed and Ayala's immediate attention. "Welcome to my store. I'm Morgan," the young, plump brunette said, giving Ed a massive smile. Her eyes flicked up to Al and Chester and she gave them both an equally big smile. "Welcome back, Alphonse and Chester."

"Hi, Morgan. We're just having a look around today. My brother wanted to check out a couple of the bookstores I went to," Al told her and she nodded. Al and Chester looked back at Ed and Ayala before they moved further in the store. Ed went to follow when Morgan's expectant look stopped him and he realised he'd neglected to respond to her introduction.

"Edward. This is Ayala," Ed said, introducing himself and his wolf. Morgan gave Ayala a friendly smile before she looked over her shoulder.

At her silent call, a medium sized, brown speckled owl appeared from wherever it had been perched. It took him a moment but Ed was finally able to place the species just before Morgan introduced it. "This is Amy. She's a Tawny Frog-Mouth Owl, just in case you couldn't recognise her species. Not many people do," Morgan said, giving Ed a slightly apologetic smile and Ed was quick to realise it was likely because she'd either scolded for not identifying Amy's species or she'd been scolded because she had and a customer had taken it as her believing they were too stupid to figure out Amy's species themselves.

"Nice to meet the both of you," Ed said, nodding to both of them politely.

"We'll leave you to have a look around but feel free to give a shout if you do need any help," Morgan said. "We'll be over by the checkout." She pointed towards the small thin counter that obviously acted as their transaction point and Ed gave her another nod.

"We will. Thanks," he said, returning the smile she gave him before he headed further into the store to have a closer look at the books Morgan's store offered, Ayala following close behind him while Morgan and Amy took their place at the counter as the four explored her bookstore.

In the end, Ed bought himself only four books to add to the small collection Al had bought the previous day. Morgan had obviously been expecting him to grab as many as Al had done but she didn't comment on it, just gave Ed the total. He paid her what she'd asked before asking her to keep a look out for any books containing information about the Philosopher's Stone and if she did come across such a book, to give him a call. When she agreed, he gave her the direct number to Mustang's phone and told her to give the information to whoever answered. Morgan had looked immensely amused when Al had – for the hundredth time – lectured Ed about giving people Mustang's direct number so they can call about books. For the hundredth time, Ed ignored him and thanked the person he'd given the number to.

It was a little early for it but Ed decided they ought to grab dinner once they'd left Morgan's bookstore so they wouldn't have to go out again later. Ayala had rolled her eyes and Chester had teasingly called him lazy but all Ed had to do was tell them they were welcome to find a way to get their own dinner later to get them to stop. They were both very agreeable with Ed's plan when Al piped up to say he didn't want to leave the hotel room either once they got back to it until the next day. Ed had grinned triumphantly and Al accepted the fist bump with minimal laughter from his brother.

After dinner was grabbed and eaten, Ed, Al and the Animals had settled down, one bonded pair per couch and read their way through a good number of the books Ed and Al had purchased. The boys ended passing the time by debating many of the theories the book they were reading contained. Ayala and Chester inserted their opinions where they could and asked questions that drew one of the boys (usually Ed) back from turning the debate into a full-blown argument when the other (usually Al) wasn't onboard with the theory. When they finally called it a night – Ayala practically forcing Ed into doing so by threatening to lay on the book he was reading – it was nearly three in the morning. Once Al had realised that, he was quick to join Ayala in badgering his brother and Ed was all but forcibly put in his bed. Any argument or protest he tried to make was quickly ignored or cut off by everyone as Chester joined in on the fun and eventually, Ed caved to the others' whims and fell asleep with Ayala curled up smugly against his back.

When he woke back up, the clock read close to 11 in the morning, something that startled Ed. Usually Ed didn't sleep so long, especially if he'd gotten sleep the previous night, no matter if it had only been for a few hours. Stretching, Ed felt something warm, furry and solid behind him and a reach through their bond confirmed it was Ayala. A check told him that Chester was still in the room which likely meant Al was as well.

"Morning, sunshine," Ayala said, a smirk in her voice that got Ed's attention.

"You're one to talk," Ed quipped back, ruffling Ayala's ears as he got out of bed.

"Morning, Brother," Al called once he spotted Ed walking towards the bathroom.

"Morning," Ed offered, covering his mouth as he yawned. Chester opened one eye and watched Ed from where he lay lazily on the back of the couch but he didn't say anything. He usually kept his greetings for after Ed had coffee. The only exception to that rule was if he was bored and needed entertainment in the form of a half-asleep and defensive Ed.

Ayala jumped off the bed the moment her human had both feet off the ground and followed him as far as the lounge room. At that point – since she didn't need to use the bathroom herself – Ayala joined Chester on his couch and waited for Ed to join them. She and Chester spoke between themselves about what they thought the old team were up to – with the exception of Falman and Rachel since Ed had spoken to the stingray recently – and how Ed's report to Mustang would go later that day. Chester was of the opinion that Mustang would continue acting how he had been, thus depriving both Nala and Ed of any kind of entertaining reaction, while Ayala was confident her human would be able to annoy Mustang enough to provoke a response typical of their interactions.

"Don't you two bother placing bets on that," Al warned as he bustled around the kitchen, giving the two Animals a knowing look.

"Chester, Ayala, we've had this discussion," Ed chided as he headed out of the bathroom. "You're supposed to let me know when you're placing bets so I can get in on them."

"Don't encourage them!" Al scolded his brother. Ed's response was a massive cheeky grin as he headed back to the bedroom to grab himself some clean clothes to change into.

"I wasn't. I'm just reminding them of our agreement," Ed informed him, a smirk on his face that had Al wishing he could roll his eyes for the millionth time since their accident.

"Come and drink your coffee before I tip it down the drain," Al threatened and Ed gave a faux gasp of horror.

"You wouldn't do that to something as precious as caffeine, would you?" Ed said, his dramatics muffled slightly as he pulled his shirt on over his head. Feeling the flat look Al was somehow managing to give him, Ed huffed out a chuckle before facing Al, now dressed for the day minus his red coat since he didn't really need it on inside the room. "Sorry, Al. I promise I won't encourage them to place bets on anything else," Ed swore solemnly before glancing at the Animals and adding on a 'because they'd better remember to tell me about them' using the telepathic bond he had with the two of them.

"I know you just said something to the two of them and I just want you to know I'm extremely disappointed in all three of you," Al told them.

"Now that is just cruel," Chester whined at his human as Ed took his seat at the table.

"Then stop plotting behind my back," Al snipped at his leopard as he placed the coffee in front of his brother.

"Cheers, Al," Ed said as he took the coffee with tired glee, taking an invigorating sip. "What time is it now?" He asked and Al checked the clock.

"Not even 11:30am, Brother," Al told him and Ed groaned.

"So we've still got another two hours before we need to be at the train station?" Ed asked and groaned once more as he heard the familiar sound of Al's helmet clanking as he nodded. "What should we do to kill the time?" Ed asked, drinking some more of his coffee.

"Well we could go and get some food once we've packed up all our gear and checked out of the hotel," Al suggested. "That might kill an hour, maybe more."

Ed sighed. "I suppose that's probably all we can do around here," Ed said. "Despite how massive this city is, the snow makes it difficult for us to explore it and we really shouldn't risk wandering too far from the station, just in case."

Ayala, Al and Chester all nodded in agreement. "It's probably in our best interest to stay near the station. I don't think Nala's fondness for us will protect us from her wrath if she discovered we missed our train because we got distracted by something," Ayala pointed out and Ed couldn't do anything except agree with her.

"Since we've all agreed on a plan, how about we get started on it?" Ed suggested, draining the last dregs of his coffee with minimal enthusiasm.

"What's the bet on how far Ed has managed to spread his gear?" Chester asked Ayala as they hopped off the couch to help their humans locate everything.

"No betting!"

Somehow the four of them had managed to waste almost an hour and a half by cleaning their hotel room of their gear and finding a nice restaurant that served some of the better tasting Drachmann food they'd had so far. Ed and the Animals ordered enough food between themselves that they probably could've fed another four people, not including the small meal Al ordered to keep the waitress or any other customers from asking questions or giving them judgemental looks. The restaurant ended up being a nearly twenty-minute walk to the train station so they were in no rush to get to the train station when they ended up leaving the restaurant after settling the bill.

"We've still got to go and pick up our tickets," Al reminded Ed and his brother nodded.

"I know. We'll do that as soon as we get to the station," Ed told him, rolling his eyes at his brother's obvious worry that he'd somehow manage to forget they hadn't picked up the tickets they'd booked the previous afternoon.

Both Ayala and Chester were trotting slightly in front of the two boys, keeping anyone on the streets out of their path. Both Animals were feeling a slight amount of apprehension, like something was about to happen but both of them – after checking with each other quickly – put it down to the fact that no one had tried committing a crime in front of Ed, starting a fight with Ed or made an attempt at kidnapping Ed for the duration of their stay in North City. It was a rarity when they could spend almost four days in any town or city without anything happening to provoke Ed into beating on some criminal.

Just as the train station came into view, Ed came to a sudden stop. As the others came to a stop with him, they noticed a look of confusion on his face that rapidly turned into one of concern and horror. Before anyone could ask him what was wrong or even before Ayala could make sense of what he was feeling and thinking, Ed spoke but not to any of them. "What do you mean Fort Briggs has been attacked?"

Major-General Armstrong had been in her office working on the paperwork that came with her duty as commander of Fort Briggs when a soldier whose name she didn't recall immediately entered her office mere milli-seconds after she'd called for him to enter. Immediately she took in the disbelief and – to her disgust – fear in his face but before she could berate him for showing such emotions as a Briggs soldier, he spoke. "Forgive the intrusion, Sir, but there's something you must know immediately."

The only thing that saved the soldier from a verbal slaughtering from the general for the complete disregard for military protocol he'd shown was the soldier's fear. All of her men, bar none, were exemplary examples of the Fort Briggs code so for one to show such blatant fear, Armstrong knew this man would not be here just to report an attack from a measly platoon of Drachmann soldiers. "Well?" She snapped. "What is it?" She asked, tone telling her soldier he had mere moments to give her the information she wanted before she lost whatever ever patience she held.

"The men working in the lowest basement of the fortress have reported that someone broke through the floor. They're saying it's a monster, Sir," the soldier informed her and Armstrong scoffed.

"A monster?" She sneered as she stood from her desk, making sure her sword was strapped to her hip. "For your sake, you had better hope that this monster is real and not just some Drachmann who got lucky because what I do to him will be nothing compared to what your punishment will be," Armstrong informed him, blue eyes colder than the mountains outside. Anahlia hissed her own threat from where she sat wrapped around Armstrong's left wrist.

"Sir, that's not all," the soldier said, gulping slightly. "The soldiers who responded first tried to stop the intruder with intent to kill." Armstrong wasn't surprised to hear this. After all, she did train her soldiers to shoot any who dared infiltrate her base first and ask questions later. "Sir, the bullets didn't even scratch him. They didn't even seem to affect him, Sir."

This information piqued Armstrong's interest immediately and she couldn't stop herself from thinking momentarily of the letter her soft-hearted fool of a brother had included amongst the letters from her mother, father and younger sister. The letter had started the way all of Alex's letters had – few as they thankfully were – and she'd almost torn up the flowery-worded letter before she'd finished reading the first page when she'd come across a term she'd only ever heard once before: homunculous. For a few moments after she'd processed the word she'd just read, she trembled in fury. It had only been a few days since she'd threatened the Elric brothers and their Animals off her base for what Edward Elric had told her but her anger at the two still simmered under her skin.

It had only been because of Anahlia that she'd even read the rest of Alex's letter instead of tearing it into tiny shreds. Her Animal had managed to wiggle past her rage in order to encourage her to read the rest of the letter. The snake had pointed out that it was possible that Alex was writing to warn her that the Elrics might try peddling such an unbelievable story but, Anahlia had been quick to add, he could be writing to confirm their story as true. Either way, Anahlia had claimed, it was in her best interest to find out which scenario was true. So, as reluctant as she was to do so, Armstrong had read the letter in its entirety. By the end of the letter, Armstrong knew two things: the threat to Amestris and the traitorous high command Edward and Alphonse Elric had warned her about were real and there was the slightest chance she might owe the Elrics an apology. They'd never receive such weakness from her but she still didn't like the fact that she had been proven wrong.

"Bullets aren't damaging it, you say?" Armstrong queried as she strode out of her office, the soldier on her heels. She spared only a moment to note that the soldier's Animal, a black pig, joined them once they were outside her office.

"That's right, Sir," the soldier confirmed. "I witnessed it myself. Bullets just bounced off his skin without inflicting any kind of damage to the monster, Sir."

"Where are Buccaneer and Miles?" Armstrong demanded as she and the soldier stepped into the elevator. There was a slight delay as the soldier's pig caught up to them and one look at Armstrong told the soldier that she didn't appreciate it and he was quick to get the elevator going.

"Captain Buccaneer is on his way down to help the men with the monster while Major Miles hasn't been in touch since he left for North City an hour ago, Sir," the soldier reported and Armstrong mentally cursed. She'd hoped that Miles' car hadn't left yet or had been delayed long enough that the driver would still be in range of their radios.

"Which floor was this monster on when you left to inform me of the threat?" Armstrong asked instead of responding to what the soldier had said.

"He hadn't made it out of the basement yet, Sir. My commanding officer had me report to you before I could engage the monster," was the answer she got.

"Did the monster say anything? Anything about who sent it?" Armstrong asked.

"He said something about finally being finished and wondering if he could rest now," the soldier told her. "I don't think this monster is very intelligent, Sir. He didn't seem to notice us and he barely reacted to the bullets. His speech is very slow and he seemed focused on getting some rest," the soldier reported.

"Very well," Armstrong said. "Stop this elevator on the transport floor. We'll make sure this monster hasn't managed to make his way up from the basement. Surely whoever made and sent this creature is looking to cripple our research and development floors," Armstrong said and the soldier nodded in agreement, releasing his weapon from its holster and holding it with the barrel pointing down but ready to be fired at a moment's notice.

The soldier made the elevator stop on the floor the general had instructed and the sound of multiple weapons being fired, men shouting orders, shouts of pain from human and Animals alike and a slow, confused, unfamiliar voice met Armstrong and the soldier as soon as the elevator door slid open. The soldier barely waited for Armstrong to order him into the fight before he was racing out of the elevator, aiming his gun and squeezing off rounds as soon as he was level with the soldiers already defending the fort with everything they had.

Armstrong allowed herself exactly three seconds to take in the battle in front of her. There were soldiers scattered in small groups around the floor, keeping themselves out of the way of fellow soldiers and making sure every angle of the behemoth in the centre of the room was covered and fired at. She could see the unarmed civilians who worked on the floor were being evacuated alongside the few soldiers who were too injured for them to continue fighting. Animals capable of attacking and inflicting damage to someone were taking advantage of the minimal opportunities offered them to try and take down the intruder. When she spotted Buccaneer and Eric, she barked their names, getting their immediate attention and they were by her side as soon as she stepped out of the elevator.

"Report," Armstrong ordered, keeping one eye on the battle and the other on her captain.

"He came up through the floor of the lowest level of the fortress, Sir," Buccaneer informed her, nodding to the creature. "So far, no one or their Animal has managed to inflict any kind of damage on the creature. A few officers have tried interrogating him but he either doesn't understand their questions or he is ignoring them completely as he's answered nothing."

"Do we know what he wants? Who sent him?" Armstrong demanded and growled in annoyance when Buccaneer shook his head.

"Our theory is that he was ordered to dig a tunnel from wherever he originated from in order to infiltrate the fortress and destroy it from the inside. A team of men have volunteered to investigate the tunnel once the creature is dealt with," Buccaneer told her.

"Then we best deal with this creature swiftly and without mercy before it does any serious damage," Armstrong said, glaring at the creature as it swung its massive wrists and destroyed a car with the broken length of chain locked on one wrist and took out three soldiers who hadn't been quick enough to get out of the way of the second one.

"I WANT TO REST!" The creature bellowed, seemingly frustrated at the continuous fighting.

"How do you want us to deal with him, Sir? Bullets are useless against it, no matter the calibre or gun used. Bladed weapons shatter against its skin when their wielders can get in range and the Animals who can help are unable to so much as bruise him," Buccaneer told her.

Armstrong's eyes roved once more over the chaos in front of her and they landed on one of Briggs' latest and deadliest invention. "Find me the crew trained to operate one of our tanks," Armstrong ordered. "No creature, no matter its size and brute strength, can survive a direct hit from one of our tank missiles." Her malicious grin as she looked at the creature whose size would've made her coward of a brother look like an ant in comparison had a couple of nearby soldiers gulp nervously while Buccaneer merely grinned.

"Yes, Sir!" He snapped a salute before doing as she ordered.

"Whatever that creature is, Olivier, it certainly isn't human," Anahlia told her, hissing at the creature as it swung another chained fist. Armstrong fired a couple of shots from her own weapon as she strode towards the nearest tank.

"How is it not human?" Armstrong asked, a scoff in her voice. "It certainly looks human."

"I don't know what it is but it smells evil. I can't believe no one noticed it as it was digging," Anahlia said. "Perhaps this is one of the homunculi the Elric brothers tried to warn us about," Anahlia mused.

"It doesn't matter what it is. It's invaded my fortress and it shall be dealt with in a manner befitting the reputation of Fort Briggs," Armstrong said, knowing full well her Animal was trying to admit she had been wrong in the whole fiasco with the Elrics.

"Sir!" Buccaneer's voice caught her attention and she saw him rapidly approaching with three men on his heels. "The tank crew as requested."

"Excellent job, Captain. Join the fight but keep yourself within earshot. I may have new orders for you soon," Armstrong instructed. She didn't wait for the captain to leave before facing the crew. "Prep this tank immediately. I want it battle ready yesterday," she ordered.

"Yes, Sir!" The men shouted, snapping salutes before they did as instructed. It only took a few minutes for the leader of the crew to appear from the hatch at the top of the tank to inform her they were ready.

"Very well," she said before climbing the tank herself and entering the hatch halfway. "Aim a missile at the creature and fire," she ordered.

"Sir!" The gunner nodded to his left at the loader. The man immediately prepared a missile for launch and moments later, the gunner got the nod telling him the weapon was ready. "Ready to fire, Sir!"

"Fire at will," Armstrong ordered and watched as the missile launcher in front of her swung into position.

The gunner waited as the driver of the tank drove the metal contraption forward a few inches, successfully letting everyone in the vicinity know the tank was in play. The creature itself looked at the tank with a dull expression, almost like it didn't realise the danger the machine facing it possessed. There were a few moments as the soldiers scrambled out range and the moment a clear path presented itself, the gunner fired the shot.

There was a deafening bang as the missile flew towards its target at speeds so great, no one could track it. Armstrong grinned in victory through the smoke the missile launcher emitted as she watched the explosive slam into the creature's broad abdomen dead-centre. The creature slid backwards with the force and let out a pained and surprised grunt as its body seemed to swallow the missile. A second later, there was a loud explosion, causing everyone nearby to cover their ears and brace for the shockwave that was created. To Armstrong's disbelief, the smoke cleared to reveal the creature alive, in one piece and looking completely unfazed by what had just happened.

"What a pain," the creature moaned. "All that work's finished and I still can't rest. Why can't I rest?"

"Fire again," Armstrong demanded and moments later, another round was fired to no effect.

"Sir, the missiles aren't affecting it! What do you want us to do?" The gunner asked and Armstrong snarled in annoyance.

"If we can't kill it, we must stop it," Armstrong snapped. Spotting some fuel cans nearby, an idea sparked and she wasted no time. "Buccaneer!" The man looked up at ready, ready to follow her orders. "Gather some men and start driving that creature towards the elevator! Falman!" The grey-haired ex-subordinate of Mustang's looked up at the sound of his name. "Gather four men to carry fuel cans and meet Buccaneer one level up. We're going to freeze this monster!" She ordered. Falman and Buccaneer did as the were ordered while Armstrong ducked fully into the tank. "Use this tank as a battering ram and help drive it into the elevator." Not waiting for the response, she resumed her previous position and watched as Falman and four men raced up the stairs with jerrycans in their hands.

Buccaneer had organised the men to surround the creature on one side while the tank covered the other, giving the creature nowhere to go except the elevator. The soldier who'd informed Armstrong of the intruder was manning the elevator controls, ready to close the doors and send the elevator up as soon as the monster was inside. At Armstrong's shout, bullets once again rained down on the creature, pushing it back inches at a time. The tank assisted with three more fired missiles and finally, the creature was in the elevator car. The soldier hit the button with no hesitation and the doors closed before the intruder could do anything.

"Buccaneer! Join Falman!" Armstrong ordered and the captain sprinted for the steps. "The rest of you! Wait in this room in case the intruder comes back down!" Armstrong instructed before looking at the soldier controlling the elevator. "Bring it back down and open it."

The soldier nodded and pushed another button, a look of worry on his and the other soldiers' faces as they watched the elevator anxiously. The doors opened to reveal nothing inside, just as Armstrong had expected and a firm order had the driver creep the tank into the elevator car. Another order to the soldier had him closing the doors and sending the car upwards one floor. The seconds it took for it to do so grated on Armstrong's patience and she unsheathed her sword. "Move forward!" She barked, sword pointing to the doors as they started opening and the driver did as he was told.

Armstrong spotted two of the unnamed soldiers who'd accompanied Falman lying on the pipes above them, empty jerrycans next to them. The shock on their faces at her entrance almost made her growl at them but she forced her attention towards the now fuel soaked creature. She could with the soldiers at a later date. The creature stood confused in the middle of corridor leading to the outside walkway that stretched along this level. It's lank black hair now looked wet and shiny and the strong fumes the Fort Briggs fuel emitted almost made Armstrong's eyes water when it hit her.

"Fire!" She ordered, effectively dismissing the salutes she'd received. Bullets from six guns sounded as Buccaneer, Falman and the four soldiers fired rounds at the creature. It worked as it had done to get the creature into the elevator, only at a slower rate than before as there wasn't the same amount of firepower available. "Launch missile!"

"We're out, Sir!" Came the unwanted response and Armstrong snarled, sheathing her sword and reading her own firearm.

"Leave the tank and start shooting," Armstrong ordered, moving out of the way and the three soldiers were out of the tank in no time.

The shots kept coming and the group of ten continued pushing the monster back. It was three metres from the end of the corridor when the first shout of 'I'm out!' sounded and Armstrong bit back her frustration. All too soon, other shouts came, leaving them four men down and the creature still four metres from the railed edge of the walkway itself. They pushed the monster back another metre and Falman and one member of the tank crew joined the unarmed men, their bullets spent. Armstrong reloaded her weapon when it clicked empty and the moment she had, the two other tank crew members were forced to retreat, leaving her and Buccaneer as the only ones standing between the creature and the base.

The second the creature was past the walls of the corridor and on the open ledge way, Buccaneer moved, throwing his gun aside and aiming a lightning-fast punch that hit the monster in the centre of its chest with his automail. The icy floor mixed with the fuel that soaked the monster's feet and the strength behind Buccaneer's punch was enough to get its back against the rail and almost over it completely. A final shot fired into the centre of the creature's forehead from Armstrong's gun provided the last push needed to send the intruder toppling over the rail completely.

Armstrong joined Buccaneer at the rail and together they watched as the extremely cold weather froze the fuel, freezing the monster in turn as it tried to get back to its feet. "You can wait there until spring, monster," Armstrong said coolly as her icy eyes watched the creature freeze. Once there wasn't so much as a twitch, Armstrong turned her back on it and headed towards the eight men. Buccaneer immediately followed behind, only stopping briefly to retrieve the gun he'd thrown to the side. "Get this tank back downstairs and inform everyone that the situation has been dealt with. Let it be known that I want a complete report about damage sustained to the base from whoever's responsible for that on my desk by the end of the work day," Armstrong ordered. "Lieutenant Falman," her words stopped the grey-haired man from joining the others in collecting empty jerrycans or moving the tank, "you are to report to my office in half an hour. We need to talk."

"Enter," Armstrong called from her office half an hour after dealing with the monster who'd infiltrated her base. The door opened to reveal the man she'd summoned to her office. "Have a seat, Lieutenant." Her tone made it an order, not a friendly offer and Falman did as he was told. His Animal – a stingray named Rachel, Armstrong believed – floated around his shoulders.

"You wished to speak with me, Sir?" Falman asked and Armstrong nodded.

"I understand you're friends with the Fullmetal Alchemist," she said bluntly. Falman nodded and she continued. "Do you know what he told me the last time he stood in this office?" She asked and again, Falman nodded. "We just dealt with a homunculous, didn't we?"

"I believe so, Sir," Falman said. "I've never personally faced one before so Rachel only has the knowledge passed to her by Major Elric, his wolf and Alphonse Elric's leopard. From what she told me before I had her leave for her own safety, the creature who we just battled smells like what she'd been told to expect a homunculous to smell like," Falman told her. "That plus the fact that nothing we used against it had any effect leads me to believe we have just successfully defended the fortress from a homunculous."

"That's the conclusion I drew as well," Armstrong said, leaning back in her chair slightly. "Major Elric told me he had an array he'd created to destroy monsters like that. Is that also true?"

Falman nodded immediately. "Yes, Sir. Again, I've never witnessed it myself but from what Lieutenant-Colonel Hughes and Major Elric has told us, the array destroys the artefact known as a Philosopher's Stone that acts as the homunculous' life force. Once it's destroyed, the homunculous cannot heal or regenerate as it normally can after being injured or killed another way," Falman reported, repeating what Armstrong had been told be Ed himself, only in a far more condensed and concise way.

"I need you to find a way to contact your previous commanding officer and have him send Major Elric to Fort Briggs so he can deal with that monster permanently," Armstrong said, lip curling in displeasure at the thought of Mustang knowing anything about this.

"I don't believe that's necessary, Sir," Falman said. "Major Elric contacted Rachel three nights ago to pass along a message that he was in North City and wished to meet up if we happened to be in the area. As far as I know, he hasn't left yet," Falman said, looking at Rachel for confirmation and she nodded in agreement with his statement.

"Why was he in North City?" Armstrong asked. She hadn't failed to notice the oddity that was the comment on how Edward had somehow contacted Rachel directly but she left it for now. She could get answers later.

"I believe he was following up with the same mission that had him visit Fort Briggs, Sir," Falman told her.

Armstrong took a moment to think about how they could manipulate Edward into paying Fort Briggs a visit without arousing suspicion or revealing what had happened. "Contact Major Elric and inform him that tremors were detected a few minutes ago near Fort Briggs. Inform him that I have asked that he personally looks into them," Armstrong instructed and Falman nodded.

"Yes, Sir," he said. Armstrong gave him a cold look.

"You do not have permission to tell him the real reason he is being summoned. Do you understand, Lieutenant Falman? You are not to utter a word of this to him," she ordered. Her glacier-cold told informed Falman exactly what kind of consequences would await him if he disobeyed.

"Yes, Sir," Falman said and Armstrong's frigid glare softened into the usual mask she wore.

"Use the phone outside and report back with an ETA on Major Elric once he's given one," Armstrong instructed and Falman nodded, standing from the chair as he did so. Once she'd dismissed him from the salute he offered, he left the office.

"Do you want me to tell Ed?" Rachel asked as she swam alongside him. When Falman hesitated, she scowled at him. "Not only does Ed deserve to be warned about what happened, just in case that homunculous somehow gets loose, but Ayala and Chester will be able to tell the moment they catch its scent," Rachel told him and Falman sighed as he grabbed the phone.

"Alright, you have a point. Just make sure Ed claims Ayala told him once she caught the scent when they arrived and not from you, okay?" Falman said and she nodded, allowing him to breath a sigh of relief as he dialled the number for the hotel he knew Ed was staying at. "Good morning. This is 2nd Lieutenant Falman. I need to speak with Major Elric," Falman said politely.

"I apologise, Lieutenant Falman, but Major Elric, his brother and their Animals have already checked out of the hotel. They mentioned they had a train to catch at 2:00pm, if that's any help," the lady told him and Falman bit back the groan of annoyance.

"Thank you, ma'am," Falman said before hanging up the phone and turning to Rachel. "Once you've told Ed everything, ask him to head our way and get an estimated time of his arrival."

"I'm already talking to him but I will," Rachel said as there was a pause in her and Ed's conversation as the blonde explained the situation to Al and the other Animals. "I haven't explained everything in detail but I thought it best for him to get the details from General Armstrong. That way Ed's reaction will seem more believable if General Armstrong does give him all of the details," she explained.

"Good call," Falman praised as he settled against the desk to wait for Rachel to finish talking.

Three minutes later, she was. "Ed said he'll be here in a few hours. He's going to try and find a lift to get him to Datepul at least. He said he and the others will walk the rest of the way if they need to but I've told him to let us know if they end up without a quicker way here from Datepul in case we're able to convince Major-General Armstrong to send them a car," Rachel told him. "He'll let us know which way he has to go once he's there."

Falman nodded and straightened. "Let's go tell the major-general," he said, heading towards Armstrong's office. Rachel swam along beside him obediently and they entered the room once they'd gained permission from Armstrong. "Major Elric is on his way. He's planned to find someone to drive them to Fort Briggs or Datepul at the very least. He should be here by the end of the day," Falman reported and Armstrong nodded, despite the displeased look on her face. She obviously didn't want to wait that long for them but knew she couldn't do anything to get them to Fort Briggs quicker.

"Very well. Inform me the moment Major Elric and his brother arrive," Armstrong ordered and Falman saluted. "Dismissed," she said, waving Falman out of his salute and her office. Falman nodded once before leaving the office swiftly.

Armstrong leaned back in her chair and closed her eyes for a moment, giving herself a few moments to organise her thoughts before she grabbed the letter from Alex out of the locked drawer next to her. Anahlia tightened herself around Olivier's wrist slightly in a show of solidarity that Armstrong allowed herself to appreciate before she opened the letter once more and skipped to the section where Alex wrote about the homunculi and threat to Amestris once more. She wanted the story fresh in her mind when Elric arrived so she could question the boy more thoroughly once he was in her office.

A/N - and here's chapter 36! I know there wasn't an awful lot of action in this chapter once more so I apologise for that. However, now Kimblee, Raven and Sloth are in play so things are definitely picking up! I hope you guys really enjoyed this chapter and I just wanted to thank everyone who reviewed the last chapter. The response I got for it was almost overwhelming and I just want you all to know I really appreciated them all.

My guest reviewer, WS - Thank you for your review! I'm glad to see that you're still reading this story and I'm super happy you're still enjoying the story. I'm glad Mustang's new team is making you miss the old team since that's half the reason why I wanted to introduce them.

My other guest reviewer - You cannot eat Mustang's new crew until after Promised Day.

Once again, thank you so much for your reviews and I really would love to know what you all thought to this chapter! See you next week!