Authors Note:
For various reasons I have chosen to post this chapter sooner than I originally planned.
The main reason was simply that, this week, I had a lot of time on my hands. I was able to finish revising this chapter, outline future plot points, and start a draft for the next chapter. I kept this chapter short because I wanted to keep a certain tone and carry it through.
I have written a few short stories in the past, but this is my first fanfic. As such, I am a little intimidated by the task I have taken on. However I am none the less determined to keep telling this story and tell it well.
Hope you guys enjoy it. Special thanks to everyone who reviewed so far. You guys really motivate me to keep writing.
Reviews are always appreciated.
I own nothing.
No one had contacted Reed at the meet up spot. He had stayed there for as long as he would dare, waiting for the other Dagger operative to show, but eventually he had to give up.
Discouraged, Reed began to walk back to the inn. He was halfway to his destination when he had the sudden feeling he was being followed. So, he took a shortcut between two buildings, hoping to lure out his follower. He turned a corner into a dark alley and hid behind a nearby crate. He could hear footsteps approaching. Getting closer and closer.
If the person behind him were just an ordinary townsperson, then they would simply continue to walk past him. However if someone were truly following him then they would stop and look around to see where he had gone.
Reed weighed his chances. It would be risky to confront the person head on, but it would be even more dangerous to let them continue tracking him. He slid his pocketknife out from his pocket, after all, a pocket knife is easier to explain than a gun. He would have never dared to do this in East City, but this was a dangerous town. There was no telling who this person might be.
Whoever they were, they had reached the corner.
They took a few steps into the alley then stopped and began to look around.
Reed didn't hesitate. Within a few second he had the knife pressed firmly to their neck.
"Who are you?" he demanded.
They didn't answer. They just stood perfectly still. Reed was certain by now that they had to be an operative of some sort. An ordinary person would have freaked out if a knife was pressed to their neck.
His follower was a woman. Reed couldn't see her face, but her hair was worn in a ponytail and she wore a simple dress customary with the area.
Reed pressed the knife harder against her neck. The blade wasn't particularity sharp, but should he press any harder it would draw blood. Finally she spoke.
"It's a beautiful day," she said casually.
Reed almost dropped his knife. To an ordinary person her words would be insane, but to Reed it as a code. It was a code used by those in Operation Dagger. They used it when spies first contacted each other, as proof that they were both spies. Slightly stunned Reed said the next exchange of the code.
"Yes, but a bit chilly," he said.
"You like the cold?" she asked.
"It reminds me of home," Reed said, lowering his knife. There was no doubt about it, the person before him was who he was supposed to meet. "Why didn't you meet me at the point of contact?" he asked.
The woman turned around to face him. She seemed to be a few years older than Reed. In the low light Reed could make out her dark brown hair and grey eyes.
"There were too many people around, I didn't want anyone to overhear," she said, though Reed doubted that that was the real reason.
"Then you have my orders," he said, wanting to get to the point.
"Yes, you are travelling with the Flame and Fullmetal Alchemist, correct?" she said.
"Yes, as well as Lieutenant Hawkeye," he responded.
"Very well." She said. "You are familiar with the White Wolves resistance group?"
"Yes, I was their contact before I was transferred to my current position," he said.
She grinned, "Then it seems I have taken over your role."
Reed narrowed his eyes. It was unusual for the Wolves' contact to be allowed to walk around a town like this. The contact was often barely more than a hostage. While he was their contact they had barely allowed him to leave the woods. But maybe things had changed, or maybe they just had made an exception for this meeting.
That didn't stop the panic from growing inside him. He tried his best to ignore it.
"How much do the Amestrians know about the White Wolves?" she asked.
"Not much. They know that they are a resistance group which had recently gained popularity, but not much other than that. They are currently unaware of our involvement with them," he said.
"Good. We don't want them knowing too much." She said. "As you might have guessed this is a very crucial mission. In fact, the fate of our alliance with the White Wolves will be determined within the next week."
"What do you mean?" Reed asked. The resistance group held immense strategic value to their whole operation. What would posses their superiors to threaten that relationship?
"In the past few months, the Wolves have been more and more rash. Sooner or later the military is going to need to take action against them," she said.
"And our superiors don't believe the group can survive a full on attack from the Amestris military," he said.
"Oh, we don't just believe it. We know it for sure. The Wolves have plenty of numbers and ambition, but little weapons and other supplies. However, our superiors are reluctant to give up the strategic advantage the group possesses. They believe that they should be given another chance." She tilted her head casually. "The group is currently planning a raid on the military depot in Heinsworth."
"What?" he said. The military depot in Heinsworth was a very well protected base. He wondered if the group could actually pull it off.
The woman nodded, "It will all come down to how successful the attack is. If by some chance the attack succeeds then our superiors believe that a further alliance with the group would be justified. Should the group have enough weapons, as well as our support, they might just be able to put up a strong enough fight. The military would have to pour a lot of resources into maintaining a fight like that. Our superiors hope that a continuous conflict would help to weaken and divide the country."
Reed could see where she was coming from. It was unlikely that the group would succeed. However, if they put up a strong enough fight, and if they supported them, the group could decrease the military's power.
"And if the attack fails?" he asked.
"Oh, that's the fun part." She giggled. "Should the attack fail, then the group will no longer be of use to us. Besides they are starting to know too much about us anyway."
Reed stiffened, the group wasn't supposed to know anything about them. That's what a covert mission meant.
She continued on, "If the attack should fail then kill the Fullmetal Alchemist."
"What?"
"Of course don't make it obvious. Stage it in a way that it can be blamed on the White Wolves," she said casually.
Reed understood. Ed was well respected, especially in the East. There was no chance the military would just stand by after the death of a State Alchemist. They would take it as an insult to have him die at the hands of a measly resistance group. If he should kill Ed, the White Wolves will likely be destroyed.
"And these are my orders?" he asked, afraid of the answer.
"Yes," she said. "In fact, should the opportunity arise then kill the Flame Alchemist as well."
Reed had begun to realize that the woman before him was a cold-blooded murderer.
She continued, "Of course don't make the two deaths look like a coincidence. So it's going to be a bit tricky. But if you can pull it off, then go for it."
"But, I am only to kill them if the attack fails," he said.
"Yeah, but personally I doubt the attack would succeed. However, this is the most successful resistance group the military has faced for some time. Our superiors are hoping that they might just weaken the military," she said. "Do you understand your orders?" she asked.
"Yes," he breathed.
"Good," she said cheerfully, as if they had not just been discussing murder and treason. "I'll contact you in a few days, but if you need to contact me sooner, we will need a signal. Maybe leave a rose in the center town fountain. Then I'll find you."
Then, before Reed could acknowledge what she said. She had slipped further into the alley's shadows and disappeared.
Reed stood there for a few minutes, conflicted. He knew the group well enough. He seriously doubted that they would be able to pull off a raid on Heinsworth. From the sounds of it, the other spy doubted it too. However the situation was a win-win for his country. If the attack succeeds then the military would have to pour resources into maintaining a fight with the Wolves. Even if it failed, they would be able to erase their ties with the group. And if Fullmetal were to be killed, then the group would likely be destroyed.
'Do you honestly think you could carry out your orders?'
Reed shook his head. He felt conflicted. Although he hated to kill, he understood that it was inevitable. He knew that if he failed this mission in any way then his family would be slaughtered. He did not fight so hard just to give up now. If it were a choice between Edward and his family, he would always choose his family.
Reed felt sick. It's for his family. He rationalized. His family. When it came to them no morals existed. It was protect or fail, and he knew he would always protect them. He fiddled with the bracelet on his wrist. He would not fail them. He would not allow his family to be killed. Ed was just one person, the death of one person to protect three.
'This could be what ends it all'
Reed felt as if he had been pushed into a lose-lose situation. Follow his orders and he would have to kill again, but if he didn't then his family would be murdered.
Reed tried to reason with himself. He only had to kill if the raid fails. In fact, if the raid succeeds then all his problems would be fixed, right? He wouldn't have to kill anyone. He would still be following orders, so his family would be safe. Plus it would be proof to the Amestrians that his covert skills weren't that great. Everything will be fine.
'Do you honestly believe this situation could be salvaged?'
Reed knew that this was all wishful thinking. He knew that the military would not stand by and let one of their bases get raided. The truth was, either way this went, blood would be spilled. There was no avoiding it. There was just the question of whether he would partake in the violence.
Reed looked up. The sky was dark. If he stayed out any longer, he was going to be missed. Deciding that he will figure out what to do in the morning, he headed back to the inn.
The rest of the walk back to the inn was uneventful. It was late, so no one was walking the streets.
Reed tried his best to not think. It was late and he hadn't eaten yet, so he shouldn't trust himself to make logical decisions. He ate slowly and alone, it was past midnight by the time he was returning to his room.
However, when he approached his door, he came to a stop. Something felt off. Suddenly wide-awake Reed looked around for something out of place. He noticed that there was light coming in from under his door. Someone was in his room. Instinctively, Reed took out his knife.
Cautiously he entered his room, his hand grasping the weapon. Ready for whatever or whoever had chosen to challenge him this late at night.
However he was met with neither an assassin nor a thief.
Just Edward Elric sitting in the only chair, reading a book.
Surprised, Reed slid his knife back into his pocket and closed the door.
"What are you doing here?" he asked, trying to ignore a sudden wave of guilt.
"I'm reading a book," Ed said plainly.
"I mean why are you in my room?" Reed clarified. Ed shrugged.
"I couldn't stand Mustang. So I decided to hole up somewhere until he went to sleep. I saw that your light wasn't on and figured you weren't in your room" Ed said.
Reed nodded, "And you didn't go to Hawkeye?"
Ed glared at him in response. Reed took the hint. It was unlikely Hawkeye would put up with Ed and Mustang having a fight.
"Why are you back so late?" Ed asked, changing the subject. Reed shrugged, trying to look calmer than he actually was.
"I was talking to some locals and lost track of time," he said. Ed scoffed, but didn't press the matter further. Reed tried his hardest to forget the meeting he had with the other spy. After all he wasn't sure that he had to kill Ed just yet. Things might still work out. Reed picked up his bag. "Okay, then. I'm just going to take a shower." He said collecting his nightclothes.
"Whatever," Ed said, turning back to his book. "I'll wait another half hour before heading back to my room. That bastard should be asleep by then,"
With a nod, Reed stepped into the small bathroom and locked the door. He took a longer shower than usual. Trying to use the hot water to wash away the stress on his shoulders. He emerged half an hour later, dressed in his nightclothes, and looking forward to a good night's rest. However a quick survey of the room told him he would have to hold off on the latter part.
Ed had fallen asleep, his book lying on the floor.
Reed stared, fully realizing that although Edward was a State Alchemist, a dog of the military. He was still a child. The knowledge that he might have to kill him pried at his mind. Could he really do it? Could he really kill a child? Why was he even having such a problem with this. Until a few days ago Ed had been just another face in the crowd. Reed wouldn't have felt any guilt killing him then.
However, Reed knew that that wasn't true.
He knew more about Edward than he had admitted. The first time he had seen the alchemist he had been stunned at how young he was. He was infuriated that the military would recruit someone so young. Yet he knew he had no right to judge, his own country was guilty of the same thing.
After that, for a good week, he had found out all he could about Edward Elric. He told himself that he was merely curious. That he had already been ordered to investigate every State Alchemist. So he dug deep into the young Elric's life. Not that he could find out that much. He found out that Ed's mother had died. He even found out that Ed had automail. After those discoveries, he just stopped. He had some subconscious feeling that he was intruding into something deeply private.
'He's the same age as my brother', Reed realized.
His sudden realization sent ice through his veins. It was true wasn't it? By now his brother would be 13, and at the mission briefing Mustang had mentioned that Ed was also 13 years old...
He quickly pushed away any subsequent thoughts. His commander always told him that you should never look the enemy in the eye before you kill them. He felt that he now understood.
He sat down on his bed, trying to think clearly.
His family.
If it was a choice between anyone and his family, he would pick his family. Three lives verses one. End of discussion. Reed sighed. Mission or not, he needed to get some sleep. He turned to Ed. It just felt wrong to leave him on the chair all night.
As if on cue, someone knocked on the door. Reed forced his tired body to stand, glad for the distraction.
It was Mustang.
"Sir," he said feeling a familiar wave of surprise.
"Lieutenant. Sorry for bothering you, but I saw that your light was on. Have you seen Edward?" Mustang asked. "He hasn't come in yet."
"Oh, he's inside" Reed answered opening the door and allowing Mustang to enter.
"Why did he come here?" Mustang asked slightly confused.
"From the sounds of it he was trying to avoid you," Reed admitted, fatigue making him truthful.
"That sounds about right," Mustang chuckled. He walked over to the sleeping alchemist and placed a hand on his shoulder. "Hey, Fulllmetal. Wake up," he said gently.
Ed stirred, but didn't acknowledge his presence.
"Come on, Ed. Wake up," Mustang said.
Ed turned his head away and let out a faint snore. Mustang's features softened.
"He's really asleep, isn't he," Mustang said. He let out a sigh.
Reed watched, stunned, as the Colonel slowly began to lift Edward into his arms, staggering slightly under the weight of the automail. At first it seemed as if Edward would wake up. His face contorted, as if in pain, but he merely shifted into a more comfortable position, his hand subconsciously grasping the Colonel's wrist.
Reed would have never imagined this situation. The Legendary Fullmetal Alchemist asleep in the arms of Colonel Roy Mustang.
"Sorry for disturbing you," Mustang said as he exited the room.
"No problem, sir," Reed said, dazed.
"Good night, Lieutenant," Mustang said.
"Night" Reed responded and closed the door.
For a couple of seconds Reed considered the possibility that the lack of sleep caused him to hallucinate it all. But then he saw Ed's book still lying on the floor, physical proof that he had been in the room. Though the thought of it all was still absurd. From what he could tell in East City the two alchemists hated each other. Yet so far from what Reed had witnessed on the mission Mustang did look out for Ed's wellbeing.
Ed was still a kid after all. Reed couldn't help but feel glad someone was looking out for him.
He cursed himself. He had to stop doing this. Ed was Amestrian, kid or not, he was the enemy, and he must not show compassion to his enemies. If he got attached to Ed, it would only make it harder to kill him.
Once more he tried to reason with himself that he only had to murder Ed if the mission didn't work out. It might not be necessary, things changed all the time in these types of missions, right?
Reed doubted that, but was desperate for any reassurance. So with those thoughts heavy on his mind he fell into a fitful sleep.
'What kind of person are you becoming?'
Reed found that he didn't have the answer.