A/N: sorry I'm late, but I'm in the middle of my first bout of exams and its a bit time consuming, to say the least. But, in my defense, I made this chapter longer than it was originally going to be, so maybe that makes up for the lateness. I have to say I thoroughly enjoyed writing this chapter and I'm pretty proud of it, and I hope you enjoy it as must as I do. Granted, my whole story is just odd, and this chapter does not fail to be, but I still like it.

P.S. I couldn't help but to use a smidget of Naruto for the chapter title. It seemed to fit perfectly.

Disclaimer: I don't own FMA, but I do own my OC's, whether they like it or not.

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Ch. 8: Underneath the Underneath

"Sir? Sorry, but the Twins are here in response to your letter."

"…Welcome, Iris, Timbre. Ah, Winry, good. That's all Havoc."

"Yes sir." A salute, small smile to Winry, and Havoc was gone.

Once again Winry found herself in an extremely undesirable situation. The boy and girl were looking at her oddly, and she looked reflexively towards Roy.

"Roy Mustang, you seem well," the girl, Iris, said unemotionally as Roy approached and offered them a seat on his leather couch, while he and Winry took the couch opposite the siblings.

Winry couldn't help but notice Roy flinch in irritation that the girl didn't use any titles. Even Winry, who hated titles, knew when they were necessary, and she felt anger bubble up at the girl's lack of respect.

"Sister, show some respect to the Fuhrer," the boy, Timbre, chided, bowing his head. "My apologies Fuhrer, Eye of the Flame."

Eye of the flame? What does that mean? Winry wondered to herself. These two were the strangest people she had ever seen. What could they possibly want with her?

"It doesn't matter," Roy spoke, waving a hand nonchalantly. "There are more important things to worry about."

"Your dragon," the girl commanded, "We are very interested in it, please show us."

"Iris!"

"I want to See it, brother."

"You must be patient."

At the mention of Pyre, Winry had clutched her bag tighter where the little dragon was being hid. She felt the spot where her hand was pressed begin to warm, and she felt a little braver. Roy looked her way with a worried look and Winry smiled smugly at him.

"Amazing…it actually can breathe," Timbre said, causing Winry to jump in surprise.

"Y-you can actually hear him?" Winry asked in awe, her blue eyes wide.

The boy chuckled faintly and nodded. "My name is Timbre, you may call me Tim, and this," he gestured to the girl, "Is my sister, Iris. We are alchemists normally stationed in the north."

"I'm Winry, Winry Rockbell," the blonde offered.

"We know who you are." Iris stated coolly, her eyes unreadable.

"I sent a message to Brigadier Armstrong requesting the help of an alchemist to study the dragon in depth. The Twins have come in answer to that letter. Iris is called the All-Seeing, Tim is the All-Hearing. Their alchemy involves sight and sound," Roy explained, resting his elbow on the couch arm and putting laying his chin on the back of his hand. "I am curious as to why you two were sent when just about any alchemist would do. You two are a bit more…specialized, for something like this."

"We wanted to come, so we did," Iris replied.

Her brother continued, "We got permission from Brigadier Armstrong."

"I see." Roy scratched his chin idly. Winry noticed an annoyed look cross his face, but he covered it quickly.

So that's why he was in a bad mood today. I would be too, knowing these two were coming, Winry thought wryly. She'd have to explain this to Sciezka later.

"Better get to the examination then. Winry, go ahead and show them." Roy's voice was gentle when addressing her, but the tone was demanding so Winry did as she was told and opened her bag, calling the dragon out.

Being given the opportunity to finally leave the stuffy bag, Pyre wasted no time in untangling itself from the bag and sat demurely on Winry's lap observing the others in the room with glinting eyes.

Iris leaned forward on her seat anxiously, her arms outstretched invitingly to the creature. Pyre however didn't take the bait and instead snorted smoke at her and swung its neck around to rattle at Roy.

"Hello again," Roy drawled, eyeing the dragon suspiciously.

In response, Pyre extended its neck and snapped at Roy's hand, which was moved to safety just in time. Roy had become the dragon's favorite plaything, and would always try to get an attack in when the alchemists' guard was down.

"Put it here on the table," Iris demanded, her black brows snapped together. "I need to see it closer."

Winry hesitated. "You won't hurt him, will you?"

Tim smiled grimly and spoke, "We won't hurt it. I doubt if we even could if we wanted to."

Pursing her lips, Winry decided to go ahead and fulfill Iris' request and placed Pyre down on the table between them.

"Brother…," Iris murmured, holding out her hand which Tim took in his own.

Iris closed her eyes and with her other hand, pointed a finger and traced patterns over each closed eye. Then, with two fingers, pressed into each eye causing a transmutation circle to light up signaling the use of alchemy.

"My sister is the All-Seeing Alchemist." Tim explained, seeing Winry's confused look. "She can sharpen her eyesight with alchemy. But with everything, it comes with a price. We can sharpen one sense, but in return we dull a different one. She will be nearly deaf in exchange for inhuman eyesight. She will also be unable to speak, but because we are twins we can communicate to each other through other methods. I will be her voice while she examines the dragon."

Winry mulled this strange information over and then asked, "Does that mean you can make your hearing better because you are the All-Hearing Alchemist?"

Tim nodded and looked down to Iris. "We are ready to begin."

With that, Iris opened her eyes, which were now shining with light, a golden outline of a transmutation circle present in her bright orbs.

Pyre let out a low growl at the strange glowing eyed girl, but didn't attack, which Winry was thankful for. He was now hunched down, his wiry muscles tensed and his long tail wrapped around his body as if to provide some kind of protection. But he didn't lash out, merely stared back determinedly.

"The dragon is completely made of metal," Tim started, speaking to Winry and Roy. "Its hide has abnormal patches of color which come from metal it eats and is absorbed into it. Anything it digests seeps into the metal, and gains its characteristics. The metal, like you guessed, Fuhrer, is protected from alchemy, probably because it is, in a sense, alchemy."

Tim paused, his brow furrowing slightly and his eyes closing as he seemed to relay something to his sister before speaking again.

"She says this creature is just as alive as we are. The cell's in the metal work just like they do in a living thing. The metal stays flexible enough for movement through the use of alchemy in the form of a fire around its stomach region. It has veins, like we do, that transport this alchemic fire to all parts of its body."

Iris reached down on the table and picked up a flaky piece of skin that had shed off of the dragon and examined that as well.

"Any metal that detaches from its body, she says, will keep the same characteristics, but will lose its flexibility until heated."

"Fire in its belly? So, that's the reason it can shoot fire I suppose," Roy voiced thoughtfully, causing Winry to jump. She had all but forgotten the man beside her because he had been so quiet throughout the whole process.

Tim closed his eyes briefly and then answered, "The fire in its belly is not one that could be normally sparked into flame on its own. However, there is a catalyst in its stomach, a certain material that can produce the spark needed for fire to shoot forth." Tim allowed a small smile to pass over his lips as he finished. "It seems it's the same chemical present in pyrotex ignition gloves."

Winry had to quickly cover a grin with her hand when she realized what had happened.

The Flame Alchemist visibly twitched in irritation, feeling no need (nor desire) to explain.

"It has a remarkable ability to use materials it comes in contact with, wouldn't you say?" Tim offered, his eyes dancing.

"Apparently," Roy mumbled, tugging on one of his gloves to be sure. "It seems it's quite apparent what this creature can do, but how was it made?"

Another pause, and then, "From what you told us in your letter, this is a mix of auotmail and, what we now know to be an alchemically altered metal. Brigadier Armstrong has been looking into this matter, and has found rouge alchemists black marketing metal that is able to, in a sense, grow. With the use of a special circle, 10 grams of metal can become 100 grams on its own by the mere duplication of matter. This is then sold, or pirated in this case, for the use of weapon making for a cheap price."

"So that's why it was so…odd," Winry mused aloud.

"Of course, a substance such as this would normally have no reaction when encountering something like automail. Iris says that this was no ordinary automail, however, which is why it reacted so…violently."

Winry felt eyes boring into her as she looked pointedly at the floor, her cheeks flushing a light pink in embarrassment. This was NOT something she wanted to discuss with these two strangers. Heck, she had barely been able to tell Roy, and he was someone she was normally comfortable with.

"Though we have never met him, it's only natural that tales of the Fullmetal Alchemist reached our ears. Yes, the rumors of a boy with metal limbs and a brother trapped in a suit of armor stroked our interest like so many others. We however, though interested, decided to remain out of that particular adventure. You on the contrary, Miss Winry Rockbell, were an important player, were you not? The mechanic of the boy who restored his brother, and then disappeared leaving no trace, no less."

Winry nodded and said quietly, "Yes, I was his mechanic."

Pyre whistled comfortingly, as if sensing her sadness, and crawled into her lap. Winry smiled sadly down at it and patted its head.

"His automail alone could have done this. It was against all odds that this alchemic metal and the automail of a powerful alchemist came together to form the dragon. Only an automail used in transmutation could have caused this. Edward Elric was known for doing just that: using his automail to perform alchemy, even without using circles."

"Even when he's gone, he still manages to cause trouble for me," Roy sighed.

Winry nodded, concentrating on the lights dancing across the dragon's back rather then the clenching of her heart.

"You should have just let him go. Nothing is gained from dwelling on things you cannot change."

Winry's neck snapped up and saw Iris looking at her. The girl's eyes, though still nowhere near normal, had returned to their usual, non-glowing white.

"Who said I haven't let him go?" Winry replied, her teeth gritted in anger. How dare this, this, stranger, tell her what she should and shouldn't do! She was in no position to judge!

Iris remained silent, but her mouth was cocked in a miniscule smirk.

"Lightning and alchemy brought life to the lifeless, a commendable feat none-the-less. But I must wonder why it took this particular shape, or perhaps that is something that will remain a mystery."

Tim was looking strangely at Winry, and she put a stopper her bubbling anger in order to ponder this. Her eyes scanned the large office as she thought, but then caught on something.

It was some kind of plaque, Roy must have won an award for something, but the picture etched into its glossy black surface was a transmutation circle. It was one that she had seen numerous amounts of time, and though she didn't know what that particular circle did, she realized it must have been a powerful one. In the center was a clawed creature with its mouth open showing jagged fangs.

Time seemed to slow in that moment and Winry's gaze momentarily landed on her military notebook. On the cover was a transmutation circle with a dragon etched in its center, strong jaws opened wide in what had to be a fierce roar, claws pawing the air. The picture of the dragon appeared in her mind until pain seared through her hand where the glove had once been.

"The transmutation circle," Winry pointed at the plaque on the wall as she explained. "I had a book open and I saw a picture of that when I was hit by the lightning. The picture was in my head…and the lightning hit and I was touching the metal." Winry held her head in remembrance of the strange feeling. It was almost as if something else had been seeing her memories.

The others nodded in silence, each entertaining their own thoughts for a time.

At least now she knew more about Pyre, but now what could she do? As she thought, a whole stream of opportunities popped into her head. This metal was the most amazing stuff she had ever seen, and she was the first to use it! That was amazing enough in itself, but from what she had learned, every little scrap that came off of the dragon would have the same properties. Idea's flooded Winry's mind of the possible things she could make with this living metal. Stars dotted her eyes as she thought about how incredible her automail would be. She would make the best automail in the world!

"Well this certainly clears a lot up. Brigadier General Armstrong was right to have sent you," Roy complimented standing. The Twins stood and bowed.

"We will be staying here until after the examinations," Iris voiced coolly, walking to the door, ignoring Roy's offered hand.

Tim took it instead and shook it firmly. "Thank you, sir. We will continue to look into this matter during our stay here. We will let you know if we learn anything else." He turned and followed his sister out, but paused. "By the way, there is someone listening at your window." He smiled and was gone.

Winry stood and watched Roy cautiously stride towards his window. In one quick motion, Roy flung the window open and looked around suspiciously, his body hanging halfway out.

"Hmm…," Roy mumbled deeply.

Winry came up behind him and peeked over his shoulder. Roy's office was on the top floor, who could have been listening outside the window this high?

Movement caught the corner of her eye; a flash a red was seen at the corner of the roof and was quickly gone.

Roy didn't miss it either and he mumbled curses under his breath as he slammed the window shut, causing Winry to jump.

"Looks like you will have to tell him," Roy said, giving Winry a knowing look.

The blonde sighed, nodding her agreement.

Looks like this will be a long walk home, Winry thought smugly.

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Winry sent a sideways glance over to her walking companion who was being unusually quiet. Of course, she knew the reason for his silence, but when she started to feel guilty about it she remembered how many times she had worried about him. Certainly she had worried over him more than he had ever had to worry over her. Now he could see just how it felt!

Feeling slightly sadistic at the moment, Winry decided to wait him out. If he wanted to know what was going on then he could ask.

Allowing herself into her apartment, Winry didn't spare Al a glance as she went about turning on lights and scrounging the fridge for food.

Al closed the door behind him and hesitated, sending a glace over to where Winry was hidden behind the refrigerator door before shrugging off his red coat and hanging it up on the coat rack. Den appeared near his hand, tail wagging, and Al gave a few distracted pats to the dog's head before making his way to the kitchen.

Clearing his throat, Al tried to force start a conversation. "So, uh, Winry, what kind of projects have you been up to lately?"

"Oh you know, the usual," was her muffled reply from behind the door before she pulled herself up, apple in hand, and kicked the door shut.

Taking a healthy bite, she looked past Al to where Den was inspecting the bag Prye frequented and where the dragon was currently trying to extract itself from.

"Ah, I see. So no interesting projects or…anything?" Al tried, oblivious to what was happening behind him.

Tapping the apple against her cheek thoughtfully, Winry replied, "I wouldn't say that exactly."

"Oh?"

"Mmm," she agreed before her eyes narrowed at the boy dangerously. "But why would it matter anyways?" She had wanted to say matter to you, but she held her tongue. Al knew very well how she felt about his frequent disappearances.

And just as she expected, his eyes softened with guilt and his face fell. "Winry, don't-"

"Listen Al, why don't you just tell me what you really want to know? I'm well aware you were eavesdropping." she cut in, trying not to let her anger get the best of her. Her fingers itched to send a wrench into his skull.

Al blinked. "You knew? I thought I had been really sneaky too…"

"Ha! You shouldn't eavesdrop on a room full of State Alchemists in the first place," Winry scoffed causing Al to grin.

"A room full of alchemists is the best place to eavesdrop," Al corrected with an impish grin and Winry couldn't help but grin back. It was always hardest for her to stay mad at Alphonse. Edward on the other hand…

"Still, Roy wasn't very happy."

"That's alright. I think he'll understand that I'm just trying to look out for you, Winry. Really, what's going on?" he looked at her, his light brown eyes all seriousness and worry and Winry shook her head in amusement.

"Finally you just ask. I was starting to think you'd dance around it all night. Though, you probably would have seen him eventually while you are living here again."

"What…do you mean?"

Without a word Winry pointed over Al's shoulder. Turning to look where directed, Al let out a yelp of surprise before backing himself away from the couch where Pyre sat, intently watching the pair.

"Wha…wha…what is that!"

"That is Prye, a living metal dragon. I made him."

"But…how!"

Winry sighed and moved to sit on the couch, patting the cushion next to her. "Come here. It's a long story so you might as well make yourself comfortable. And don't make that face! He won't hurt you!"

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The two talked well into the night, which wasn't surprising because they hadn't seen each other for awhile. Al heard from Winry all about the making of the dragon, the visit of the two strange alchemists, and her new mission to become a certified alchemist. Winry in turn heard all that Al had been doing recently, all the places he had visited and that he still didn't have any new leads towards finding his brother. It was rare that Alphonse would tell her so much about what he had been up to, and Winry wondered what had brought about the change.

She didn't think he did it because of the guilt, because that had never been a reason for him to talk. Then she thought he did it in exchange for all she had told him, but then again he probably would have found out on his own anyways.

Therefore, she concluded, Alphonse must be getting desperate. With no leads to finding Ed, things were started to look bleak, and who but Winry would understand how hard it would be to face the reality that perhaps Ed could not be found?

Winry studied Al for a moment and saw a weariness in his eyes she had missed earlier.

He's starting to give up, she realized with a start, suddenly frightened. If Al gave up then…would she have to keep searching on her own? Would she want to? Winry didn't know if she wanted an answer to those questions.

"Wow, you a State Alchemist? That's just really bizarre, no offense, but you hated alchemy."

"I know," Winry sighed, "But I don't have a choice because I was kind of ordered into it. But Roy says it won't be like what he does, it will be more of a research based title. I just have to pass the written test and then show the council something to do with this metal I guess."

"Will you just show them Pyre then? That seems easy enough."

"Well that's what I thought I'd do, but I don't know, maybe I should do something new? You know, really show them what this living metal stuff can do!" Winry pumped her fist in the air dramatically and Al nodded in agreement.

"Yeah, you could really show them something."

Winry slumped back against the couch and frowned. "But I have no idea what to do, and I don't have long to come up with something."

"Don't give up Winry," Al chided, playfully tickling her side and ducking the punch she threw at him because of it. "I'll help too. Between the two of us, we'll come up with something."

"Thanks Al," Winry said, sending him a grateful look before letting out a weary sigh and looked out at a blank spot on her wall. "I hope everything goes alright. I thought I knew my place in life, but I keep getting pulled down the roads I never thought I'd travel. I have to wonder if I'm being sent closer to, or further away from the things I want the most."

Al was silent for a moment and then he was reaching out to wrap his arms around her waist while his face went to rest against her neck.

"We can't know where our roads will lead us…all we can do is keep traveling until one road ends and a new one begins and just hope that our road crosses with the one we are looking for."

Winry moved to return Al's embrace, allowing her arms to encircle him comfortingly, tightly, as if to make their wills one, even while a tear rolled down her cheek.

Will our roads ever cross with yours again, Ed? Would you even care if they did?

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A/N: I love the Al Winry interactions, I find it rather cute..sigh. Anyways, I hope you enjoyed this strange chapter and perhaps you feel a little more informed about things?

Oh, and for those who are interested Iris and Timbre have names based on their abilities. Iris of course being a part of the eye, and a Timbre is the quality of a musical note or sound that distinguishes different types of sound production or musical intruments. So there WAS a reason behind their names, and I feel proud of myself for coming up with that. (Ok, so Wiki helped a little...)

Next Chapter: Not the One: Ed struggles with encountering the alter Winry more frequently as he tries to hold on to his previous life and identity.