Knock! Knock!
Thomas groaned, pulling the covers off himself. He stretched his mechanical limbs, making his way to the door. He turned the knob and opened the door to reveal the face of 1st Lt. Maria Ross. She was clad in her pajamas, a robe wrapped tightly around herself. She held a small parcel at her side. Thomas sighed, pulling his pants higher on his waist.
"Mr. Henker?" Maria asked. Thomas nodded. "May I come in?"
He stepped aside, letting her pass into the room. He shut the door and locked it once more, turning to the woman. She eyed his automail as she sat down on the bed.
Thomas rubbed his neck. "Can I get you something to drink?"
"No, thank you." She watched as he pulled on his shirt. She waited for him to sit down. "Who are you?"
Thomas exhaled. "I'm...I'm Tho—" He scoffed at himself. "I won't lie to you." He met her eyes for a second before turning away. "Eight years ago, I lost my mother. My younger brother and I...we did something terrible. We had tried to bring my mother back. I lost my arm and leg in the process. My brother, I sealed in a suit of armor." The Lieutenant's eyes widened. "I turned to the military for a way to get my body and my brother's back to normal. I went through so much that I can't remember." He looked back to her. "I only found out yesterday that I was, in fact—"
"Edward Elrich..." It was her turn to look away. Her gaze came back, meeting his golden eyes once again. "You were almost like a son to me back then. Now, look at you..." Tears began to fill her eyes. "How did you come back? Where were you all these years?"
He sighed again, running a hand through his hair. "In a place called Germany..."
000
He explained what he could remember to the 1st Lieutenant, his voice somber. Her eyes were fixed upon his emotionless face, following every word he said.
When he finished, he sat back, waiting for her response.
"I can't believe this..." She said at last. "I will do all to help you find your past, Edward."
"It's Thomas, for now." He said quickly. "I don't want anyone to know me as Edward Elrich until I have found enough of my past to work with." He touched her hand. "You won't tell a soul about this, will you?"
"I promise...Mr. Henker." She smiled slightly. "Oh!" She pulled out the parcel from behind her. "The Lt. General wanted me to give this to you."
He took it from her and tore the paper away. Thomas forced a chuckle. A blue military uniform sat in his lap. He fingered the stars on the shoulder. It had three on a single yellow stripe. He was a Sergeant Major. A smile slipped its way onto his lips, his eyes shining.
He looked back at the woman. "Thanks, Maria—I guess, I mean, First Lieutenant." She stood and saluted. He did the same, walking over to the door.
"I'll see you at 0900 hours tomorrow morning." Her arm dropped to her side.
"You mean, today." He indicated to the clock on the bedside table. "It is 0215 hours right now."
"Right you are, Henker." She smiled as he opened the door for her. "Have a good day."
"Yes, ma'am." He closed the door, looking over to the uniform. He stepped out to the bed and held up the blue garb. His smile widened as he pulled on the blue coat over his shirt. He nodded, feeling the material. "Not bad. Not bad at all."
000
The sun rose up over the horizon and nine o'clock came and went. Thomas buttoned up his uniform coat as he ran towards Central Headquarters, his fingers fumbling on the buttons. He slowed to a trot as he approached the steps to the building. He inhaled deeply, pulling back the door and walking inside.
Turning the corner to Mustang's office, Thomas nearly knocked over Kain Feury, who was carrying a stack of papers. The papers swayed dangerously and Thomas grabbed the pile to steady it.
"Thank you." Feury replied, letting out a heavy sigh.
"Sorry about that." Thomas apologized. "Do you need any help—" He glanced at the shoulder of his uniform for his rank. "—Warrant Officer?"
"No, thank you." He peered around the papers, looking Thomas over. "You just transferred here, didn't you?"
Thomas rubbed his neck. "Yeah, sort of."
A jolt of realization came over Feury. "You're Thomas Henker, aren't you?"
"Yes..."
"The First Lieutenant is looking for you." He took a few steps past the alchemist. "She's in a bit of a mood, so I'd watch out."
"Thanks for the warning, sir." Thomas saluted momentarily.
"Call me Feury. I better get these to where they need to be. Good day." He walked away.
Thomas sighed, turning towards the door he was going to enter. He knocked before pushing it open. The Lt. General sat smug-faced at his desk, 1st Lieutenant Ross and 2nd Lieutenant Falman stood to the side. Maria glared at Thomas, her eyes showing much annoy.
Thomas saluted to Mustang.
"At ease, Henker." Mustang said, offering him a seat. Thomas took it, his eyes trying not to meet the higher up's. Mustang took out a manila envelope and handed it to Thomas. He took it, flipping it open. Mustang explained. "There's a problem over in the mining city of Youswell. We'll need an inspection and a full report on the dealings over there." He waved a dismissing hand. Thomas stood, tucking the envelope under his arm. "Your train leaves in two hours."
"Yes, sir." Thomas saluted again, leaving the room. He let out a sigh, looking at his assignment again. Youswell. He could remember vaguely of the dealings when he was there before.
'Alchemist be thou for the people...'
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Another short update! YAY! Not really actually. I really should try to make the chapters longer, but it gets harder when you have readers who...want to read.
Well, here's the next chapter for Fullmetal Alchemist: Forgotten Life.