Shout out to Roxy for her adds!

Alchemist Chronicles

Chapter 47 - Damaged Egos

The next few weeks, Edward and Janine remained inside of the hospital, recovering from their wounds. With the both of them now transferred to the same room, just in separate beds. Jean and Riza question Edward and AJ about their side of events in regards to the chimeras. Ed and AJ breathe a sigh of sadness afterward.

Riza - "Is there anything else either of you remembers?"

AJ - "There was a little girl in there." "That guy Derek mentioned the little girl in the basement. She was tied up in chains in a secluded room until we freed her. " Ed adds.

Jean then asks Ed. "Who's Derek?"

Ed sighs. "He was the guy in front of the small library. One out of the three mercenaries. The second was Tony who we last saw in the room with the dead chimeras near the blueprints and diagrams." Riza and Jean stare at them anxiously.

Riza - "Continue."

Ed continues. "The third guy's name was Marcus, I believe. But I'm not too sure."

Riza -"And the girl."

Ed - "Her name is Madison. Said her Pa was there as well and they knew someone named Frank. That he betrayed them. She also said they told her that he was changed but didn't exactly explain who 'they' were? She also never told us this 'Pa's' name though or what he looks like."

AJ - "Maddie is also skeptical of anyone in the military. Took her a moment to feel a bit of comfort around me and Edward."

Jean - "You've got to be kidding me?" "Either of you will have to come with us to help us search for Madison," Riza says.

Ed - "Guess we don't have a choice, do we, Janine?" Ed says as turns to her. "I guess not. But I hope she's ok." AJ adds, sighing. Ed sighs sadly as well.

Jean - "Anything else?"

Before Ed or AJ could reply, Roy opens the door and walks in. "The both of you are dismissed. I'll hear the reports later on. That is all." Riza and Jean salute and immediately leave. Ed tries to say something but Roy stops him.

Roy then sits directly in between them on a chair. He looks at Edward first. "How's your waist, Major?" Roy asks. "I'm still sore. Heard that bastard got away though." Ed replies with a snark.

Roy chuckles then looks at AJ. She has her arms crossed, looking away from him. Ed asks her. "You still pissed?" She huffs. "He's so annoying." Ed points to Roy. "No. Not him. The other jawn."

Understanding, Ed nods his head to the side in agreement. AJ adds, looking at Ed. "Like for real, dawg? He doesn't even want to admit it. It's like he's waitin' til shorty shows up or sumthin'. Pssf. Whatever dude." She shakes her head turning back to look the other way again. Ed nods his head again, agreeing with her.

Roy, who's taken aback and is confused about their brief conversation (Mostly her slang), asks. "Is there something that needs to be brought to my attention?" AJ looks back at Ed again.

Ed says uncomfortably. "Uhhh..." "Yup," AJ says with an emphasis on the 'p'. Ed takes a sigh of relief, then turns to Roy. "So are you aware of Stone's ignorance towards AJ?" He tells Roy. Roy looks at AJ. After a few seconds of her not looking at him or saying anything, he then looks back Ed. "No," Roy replies.

Ed nods his head. "AJ thinks that it has something to do with her grandfather. Mr. M.I.A ." Roy takes an annoyed breath and then looks at AJ. "Is there anything you would like to add, Janine?" She then uncrosses her arms, slowly as she looks back at him. "It's like as if he wants me to disappear just like Old Johnny Boy."

Roy - "It's hard to say exactly what it may be but have you ask him that?" AJ turns her head away without replying. "So how's your shoulder, Janine?" He asks just to change the subject. "It's ok. I'm still in pain though but it's moderate now. Wish I hadn't let my guard down, though." She sighs sadly.

Ed - "Don't sweat it. It happens to the best of us, Janine. Hell, it's even happened to me plenty of times."

Roy - "Of course it has. Let's not forget about the time when you needed help with the army of golems in Siam - Sid or there was that time with outlaws and chimeras in New Hiessgart. Then that other time when-" "Alright already. I get it, jeez." Ed counters, rolling his eyes. Then both Roy and Ed break into laughter at the memories. AJ can't help but smile at the both them.

AJ then asks Roy. "So who rescued us from the Manor?" Even Ed stares at Mustang, waiting for an answer.

Roy sighs. "Who else do you think it was?" "Don't be a smarty pants, I want details, dude!" AJ shoots back quickly.

Roy chuckles a bit then makes a stern expression. "Havoc spotted you Edward, on the floor, already not responding. I stepped in soon afterward and then saw you myself. Of course, fighting those damn chimeras even with the team wasn't easy."

AJ asks. "Are they dead?" "No," Roy replies then continues. "Once the reinforcements from the outside showed up on the other side, blocking the two. The snake created another hole in the floor and the chimera jumped in, following it shortly thereafter. As for the shooter. No one else but you Janine was in the other room other than the troops when they entered it."

AJ and Ed sigh. Before Ed could tell him about Madison, he stops him. "Well, that's enough for today. The both of you still need your rest. I'll return tomorrow after I've heard the other officers reports." And with that Roy leaves the room. He sighs as he walks away from the door.

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The next day, AJ and Ed are being interrogated by Stone (Who is sitting on a stool in the middle of the room) with Niko and a few other soldiers in the room as well standing beside or near him. Roy is outside of the room, listening in through the wall, sitting on a chair against the wall to the room.

"You didn't follow the planned mission Fullmetal and it almost got you and your subordinate killed," Kaden tells Edward.

Ed doesn't reply quickly, taking his time to remember the exact plan. Reevaluating it, he answers. "I was following orders until we got trapped." "And?" Stone asks. "And? What else do you want me to say? You already know everything that happened. We didn't leave anything out." Ed shoots back. Roxy notices Roy and quietly stands next to him, listening in through the wall as well.

Stone - "We? So now you also answer for her as well." Ed holds his tongue. AJ replies to Stone. "He doesn't need to answer for me. I have my own voice." "Well, it's about time you finally used it." Stone shoots back, leaving AJ taken aback.

Stone - "You know, I actually thought you were just slightly... or maybe just even-" "A difference from John?" AJ quickly adds, interrupting him, leaving him silent.

AJ - "I've been to Briggs. You ain't the first one who's treated differently just because you still hold some kind of grudge against him and you certainly won't be the last. A mind can remain messy if the shelves are not dusted and cleaned." Adding. "So why not come clean?" She asks in a tone with a raised eyebrow.

Stone - "I'd watch my tone if I were you, Janine." "And I'd watch my attitude if I were you, Kaden." She barks back. Surprising Edward and the others in the room. Kaden stands up quickly as well as Janine.

Roy immediately enters the room, questioning. "Should this be brought to the Fuhrer's attention, soldiers?" Both Janine and Kaden look at Roy before staring back at each other.

Stone - "Expect a call from a hierarchy from Central Headquarters soon, Sargent." AJ doesn't reply as she watches Stone leave the room with Niko and the other soldiers. Roy and Ed watch as well.

After the door closes and a few minutes later, Roy turns around quickly, asking Janine. "What the hell was that, Janine?!" "Are you kidding me!" She yells back. "So you're on his side! He started it!" "I don't care who started what Janine! You know better! She raised you better that!" He yells loudly.

AJ huffs, crossing her arms (slightly flinching at the pain in her shoulder) and looks away from him. "It's always the same with them." She tells him. Roy just only stares at her, not saying anything.

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After being discharged from the Clinic, AJ meets up with Roxy at her house. She asks AJ. "So how was the trip into Creta, baby sis?" AJ looks at her surprised. Roxy looks back with a raised eyebrow. "Yeah, that's right. I know about it."

AJ sighs sadly. "I didn't find my father, Roxy." Roxy sighs sadly as well.

AJ adds. "On the plus side, I did run into our friends including Nicole over there. I also stopped by Solana's. It was great seeing her again." AJ says smiling. "Yeah. Fam still cool, eh?" "Totally. But for real tho." Hm?" Roxy raises an eyebrow. "You weren't kidding about the old block. Most of them are bullshitters!" "I know, right!" Roxy agrees. They start laughing.

AJ - "Like for real, the only decent one was Marguerite." Roxy only stares at her. "For real?" Roxy questions. "Totally," AJ replies.

Roxy asks. "So what exactly did she say?" "She told me how my dad lost the house. That most of the stuff was sold at the house auction." "And?" "She- she gave me some photos in an envelope that she got from the sale. Don't know what they are, though?" AJ tells her.

Roxy - "Then let's open it." "Now?" AJ asks with a raised eyebrow. "Yes, now," Roxy replies.

In the bedroom, AJ pulls the envelope out of her bag. Sighing as she stares at the package briefly before she turns it over and opens it, pouring the contents onto the bed.

The first photos are of her dad in his younger years. As she's getting teary-eyed and smiling at each of the pictures that she picks up and looks at, she then finds a picture of her mother Nara, smiling in a graduation picture.

With the tears already falling down the sides of her face, AJ holds the picture up and grins. "She's beautiful," AJ says.

Roxy - "Yup. I remember the day when ya'll first moved to Schuylkill Falls. You were so shy and small! You still are SMALL!" "SHUT UP ROXY!" AJ yells back. Both girls then break into laughter as AJ wipes the tears from her eyes.

Roxy - "But forreal tho, you have always been there for me. Like this house. This definitely surpasses anything that anyone has ever done for me. Thanks again, Ari." AJ smiles and says. "That'll never get old." "Hm?" Roxy raises an eyebrow. "You, thanking me." Roxy nudges AJ lightly in her right shoulder as AJ laughs.

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Making back to Central a few days later, Ed, AJ, Roy and the team make to Central Headquarters. Kaden, Niko and another soldier makes it to the Headquarters as well.

Walking into the Fuhrer's office, Stone immediately informs the Fuhrer of Janine's dispositions in Table City.

Grumman - "I am sure Ms. Rambo is aware that her behavior was unacceptable. No need to embarrass her any further. Being still a child that she is, she will make mistakes in her youthful life as each one of us has before her. She will learn and has accepted repercussions for her actions with our phone discussion before she returned back to Central."

He continues as he asks Stone. "Is there a particular reason why several soldiers of all ranks have brought your behavior towards Rambo to my attention? Is there something you would like to get off of your chest in regards to Rambo, Colonel?"

Stone - "I'm sure an audience isn't mandatory if it's just a misunderstanding between myself and Rambo... sir." AJ raises her eyebrow at Stone, giving him a perplex look. Grumman then excuses everyone else but himself, AJ, and Stone to leave the room.

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Walking back into Roy's office, Ed plops onto the couch as everyone else takes to their seats. Ed huffs, folding his arms. "Misunderstanding my ass! The nerve of that guy. Can you believe him!"

Brenda - "Care to clarify, Edward?"

Kain - "What's there to clarify Breda? The guy is a big jerk. He told her to leave right after I was introduced to him."

Roy and the others except Ed look at Fuery with shock. "Really?" Roy asks questionably. "Yes, sir. He was-" "A complete dick." Ed tells them interrupting Kain.

Jean chuckles. "Jeez," Ed adds. "To be blunt and right to the point. His exact words were and I quote. 'I believe introductions with her are for at a later date. History will not be repeated. I won't allow it again.' Whatever the fuck that means."

Roy - "He's clearly hinting about his first encounter with John. So whatever unfinished business he has with him."

Riza - "He's redirecting it to her."

Ed - "Again as I've been saying. He's a d-" "No need to repeat yourself, Edward. We get it." Riza chimes in.

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Grumman - "The floor is yours if you wish to speak to Rambo, Mr. Stone."

Stone nods his head and then turns to Rambo. She looks up at him. "Yes." He says as he stares at her with a stern expression. "Does that answer your question?"

AJ - "Which question, then?" She replies, asking. "I knew him at one time or another. But that was a long time ago." Stone begins. "And?" "Let him finish, Janine. Take a seat and listen." Grumman commands. She slumps down onto a chair and looks back up at Stone.

Stone - "We were in battle. At the northern passage bordering Conolo to be exact. Disappeared just like what Marcoh did years later. Wouldn't be surprised if she did the same. I will not put my men in danger for a strayed heretic."

Grumman - "I knew John myself as well, Colonel Stone. I can assure you that neither are the same. You obviously trusted him to an exceptional extent and he broke that trust when he left. She will not leave dust, only trails." "How do you know for sure?" Stone eagerly asks the Fuhrer.

"Are you still questioning me about my messenger, Colonel?" Grumman replies. Stone stares at Grumman unsure of what to say next. Grumman then looks back at Janine.

Grumman - "Since you have returned Janine and are still recovering from your recent injury. You will continue the deliveries next week as scheduled. I am expecting any pass holds to be sent out as well."

AJ stands and salutes quickly. "Yes, sir!"

Grumman adds. "General Armstrong is now aware of the recent meetings and is expected to arrive in Central in a few days. You are expected to head north soon after your distributions. I think the time is upon us and them. Best get to it, young lady." Janine salutes again. "Sir!"

Grumman continues. "Also Olivier is asking for your assistance in regards to the other recent discoveries up North. She has also requested for Fullmetal and his brother as well. I am also in absolute certainty that-"

Stone interrupts. "Like as if she could handle something of that caliber."

AJ - "Then, by all means, feed me to the wolves and I'll come back as their leader, Stone." The both of them stare at each other fiercely. Grumman starts chuckling breaking then out of their stances. They look at their Fuhrer with confusion. "Well well, the both of you really do seem to have such animosity towards each other."

Grumman then sighs. "It's a shame really, Stone. Letting your immaturity handle your better behavior. As the adult and the superior officer between you two, I expected better. How disappointing."

Grumman then looks at Janine. "You are excused, Sargent Rambo." Janine looks at the Fuhrer surprised. Then salutes, only to him and leaves immediately.

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A knock on the door breaks them out of their conversation. Roy nods his head for Ed to get it and as Ed stands to get the door, the door swings open.

Janine stands at the doorway with an infuriated look on her face and quickly storms past Edward over to her desk in the room, picking up a few folders from out of it. She then leaves as quickly as she enters, slamming the door roughly behind her, startling everyone.

Jean - "Well what do you know? Her first door slam." Everyone in the room stares at him, expressionlessly.

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The next day Ed heads over to Roy's office and opens the door, seeing Stone sitting across from the Lieutenant General Mustang. Ed also notices that only the two men are in the room.

Ed - "Where are the others, Lt General?" "Off with their endeavors, I assume. As for Hawkeye, it's her day off." Roy replies then adds. "Have a seat Fullmetal." Ed walks over and takes a seat to the side of Kaden on the couch.

Roy - "Tell me about this 'planned' mission that the Colonel sent you on?'"

Ed - "His orders were to collect any information throughout the building regardless of what it was. I was also ordered to check the floors and rooms for any sign of life, regardless if human or animal. Any and all found weaponry were to be brought to his attention and his attention only. I was told to leave the premises right afterward with whoever I entered with."

Ed continues. "He also explained to me and 2nd Lt Fuery that the Manor was abandoned for several years prior to the fire. And that whoever planted the bomb, may have also been behind the bomb in North City."

Roy takes an uneasy breath. "Is that it, Major?"

Ed - "Yes."

Stone - "If I may. I'd like to add." Roy and Ed turn, looking directly at Stone. "Go on." Roy allows.

Stone - "I was told by a soldier of mine who had seen Mr. Elric, Mr. Fuery and Ms. Rambo entering the remaining tower late into the night, into the early morning seeing only Elric and Fuery leave the property almost an hour later."

Stone then continues. "And right before both soldiers were to enter the Manor, Rambo showed up out of nowhere and Elric decided to inform her of the plan and allowed her to join the both of them without my permission even after I told him to send her home."

Roy then looks at Ed as Ed stares at Stone with a cold expression. Roy then looks back at Stone. "Is there anything else, Colonel Stone," Roy asks.

Stone looks back at Edward. "No. That is all Lt General Mustang." Looking back at Roy, he asks. "May I be excused if that is it, Lt General?" Roy nods his head and smiles politely. "Of course."

Roy quickly tells Stone as he opens the door to the office. "Oh and one last thing before you leave Colonel Stone." "Hm?" Stone turns around to look at Mustang. "It would be in your best of interests not to be audacious to Rambo in my presence. That is all. You may now leave."

With a side smirk, Stone closes the door behind himself as he leaves.

End of Chapter 47

Well, there you go! Although I kinda did want to add some more things to this chapter, it really didn't end up flowing well with everything else. Pretty bummed about that. Anyways thank you for appreciating my story with the comments and likes as well as lovely messages! Ask away! I'll be happy to answer all questions!