Scar and Mei have been gone all night now, and you're beginning to grow concerned for them both. So concerned, in fact, that you've started pacing up and down your makeshift camp, trying to expend your nervous energy.

They've both disappeared to look for Xiao-Mei, who went missing when they were attacked by the Amestrian Military. You hadn't been at all surprised when Scar had offered to help Mei find her, his hidden kindness putting itself on full display. If only he wasn't so intent on hiding it all the time…

Yoki becomes irritated by your pacing. 'Sit still, woman! Running laps around the camp like a lunatic is only going to draw attention to us. We should lay low for a while longer, then assume they're both dead, and move on with our lives.' He lounges back against the wall, casual as anything. Meanwhile, your mind has began to race even faster. What if they are both dead? What if they've been captured? What if they're both face down in a sewer somewhere, in desperate need of help? You should try to find them.

Then again, what good can you do? You're not a fighter like Scar, nor are you a practitioner of Alkahestry like Mei. If you ran into trouble, trouble would beat you easily. That, and you'd like to think Scar wouldn't want you to put yourself in danger for his sake. You can almost imagine the disapproving scowl he'd give you if you did find him in a ditch somewhere...

You let out a wail of frustration; there is nothing you can do except wait.

At least Yoki hasn't tried to make a move on you yet. Perhaps he noticed how close to kissing Scar you were the other day. You've thought of nothing but that almost kiss ever since it happened, even more so now that Scar has been gone a worryingly long time. If something has happened to him, you wasted your only chance to kiss him. If you'd only known what today was going to bring, you would have closed the distance, Yoki be damned. You silently vow that if Scar is alive (and you pray to God that he is), next time an opportunity like that presents itself, you won't hesitate again.

Your entire being breaths a sigh of relief when you see two shadows approach; one of them is quite clearly Scar.

As they come into view, you manage to get a look at Scar's companion. He's an older man, in his fifties at least, if his excessive amount of wrinkles are anything to go by. His hair is predominantly black, but there are a few grey patches, again due to his age. You've never seen this man before in your life, yet you can't bring yourself to feel uneasy. He looks rather friendly, actually.

Or he would do, if he did not have the eyes of a man who has seen far too much.

When the two men reach you, Scar pushes his newest companion onto the floor by a nearby wall. You immediately rush over to help the man, but Scar stops you by putting his arm out in front of you. You shoot him a look that is part puzzled, part concerned. Why is Scar being to harsh with that man? Clearly he doesn't dislike him completely, or he'd be dead. So why is Scar treating him the same way most Amestrians treat Ishvalans?

'Who is he, Scar? Is he an alchemist of some kind?' You can't help but hope that he is. If he is, Scar has gone against his vengeful nature, and so far spared the life of an alchemist. This could be a real turning point for him, if this man turns out to be a good one.

Scar's eyes are filled with a potent combination of sorrow and rage when he answers you. 'This man is somewhat to blame for the destruction of our homeland.'

Your whole body suddenly freezes, and you have to fight to stop your legs caving in under you. All of the suffering you have witness, all the pain of losing your family… and this man was a part of that? Why? Why would he do that to your people? Did he know the devastation he'd cause? How much blood would end up staining his hands? You want to ask him all of that, but you're afraid of what answer he'll give you.

A few tears escape your eyes, as you decide that you'd rather hear Scar tell you what he did. 'How do you know that, Scar? He could just be...'

'He's not just another alchemist.' Scar interrupts you, his voice low and gruff. 'He told me of his crimes with his own mouth. He used our people to make a philosopher's stone, and the military gave that stone to the alchemist that butchered my family.' The pain in his voice is clear, and you feel your heart break because of it. The mere thought of Scar in any kind of pain is unbearable, especially this kind of emotional pain. Without thinking, you wrap your arms around his chest, and bring him into a tight hug. You expect him to fight it, but he doesn't. Instead, he tentatively wraps his arms against your waist, holding you closer. You can feel his warmth through his clothing, and you find it reassuring, considering all the dark thoughts you were having earlier.

He doesn't allow you to hug him for long, gently pushing your body away after a few moments. He uses his thumbs to brush away your tears, his fingers lingering for a moment longer than they should.

When he puts his hands back by his sides, you look over at your newest camp mate. He has his head in his hands, refusing to look in your direction. You walk over to him, earning you a gasp from both Scar and Yoki (who's been uncharacteristically quiet through this exchange). The man must sense your presence, as he looks up at you as you draw ever closer.

You stop only a few steps away from him, and stare intently into his eyes. Up close, you can see guilt running through them, as well as pain. It's clear to you that this man is suffering with the guilt of what he's done. Then again, after all of those deaths, you'd have to be some kind of monster not to feel anything.

He looks likes he's about to talk, but you cut him off. 'Did you know what they were planning to use the stone for?'

He looks taken aback by your question. 'No. At least, they never explicitly told me that's what they were planning. I knew they planned to use it in the war, I just didn't know it would be given to the worst possible alchemist...'

You think on his answer before asking another question. 'What happened to the Ishvalans you used to make the stone? Are they still alive?' Scar takes a sharp inhale of breath, and the man before you turns a worrying shade of pale green.

'The stone… it's made from people. Living souls… that's the main ingredient in a philosopher's stone. The stone that I created was made from your people. I'm so terribly sorry.' Your hands fly over your mouth in shock, and you end up falling to your knees in shock. A weapon of mass destruction, made from the very people it slaughtered. What kind of sick joke is this? Surely this can't be real?

You're at a total loss for words. The only thing that comes out when you try to speak is a series of squeaking noises. Scar used your stunned silence to add in some more information. 'This man was being held by these human-like who claim to have started the war. From what was said, I believe that Ishval was only a small part of their plan.

'When he was alive, my brother studied both alchemy and alkahestry. His research notes might help us take down the evil that lies below Central. Doctor Marcoh here will decipher them.' A doctor? How could a doctor do something so evil as use people as ingredients? Maybe that's why he looks so guilty; there's no way genocide is included in his hypocratic oath.

Still, it sounds like Scar has found a new target, one that sounds truly evil, as opposed to the debatable evil of alchemists. This is something you're more than willing to support. In fact, you encourage it. Maybe if he does this, Scar will realise the good in himself, and give up his quest for vengeance once and for all. After all, it sounds like these mysterious new targets are more to blame than anyone else. Maybe he'll move on when they're gone…

Speaking of gone… 'Where's Mei? Isn't she with you?' You finally manage to speak.

Yoki buts in before Scar can answer. 'Oh, yes. It seems she isn't here. What a terrible shame, we shall just have to go without her and that furry pest...' Scar growls at him, and he cowers, probably regretting opening his mouth.

'She was injured when we tried to escape. I had to give her to the Fullmetal Alchemist. It was her only chance of escape.' Oh, no. That's not good. Really not good. What if he decides to hold her captive, as a way to lure Scar out? She's so young, surely he wouldn't… he couldn't. What about her injuries? Are they severe? You've moved camp a little since you last saw her, what if she can't find you? You have to find her, you have to help her, you have to…

'Ah, hello little girl. I see you found us alright then.' Did Yoki say little girl? Mei? She's back? You turn around and, sure enough, Mei is approaching, Xiao-Mei sat on her shoulder as usual. Relief washes over you, as your group is finally reunited again.

You give Mei a fond smile. 'You found her, then?'

Mei beams up at you. 'Yep, and it was all thanks to your husband, Mrs. Scar. I never would have found her without him. I also got a chance to meet the Fullmetal Alchemist. He was rude, but his younger brother is a true gentlemen. I hope I get to see him again some day.' You think the chances of that happening are very high, if she keeps travelling with Scar. The reunion probably won't be what she's expecting though…

Mei looks behind you. 'Who's that?'

You smile at her, though it doesn't quite reach the sides. 'That's Doctor Marcoh, he's going to be travelling with us I think. He is the man responsible for creating a philosopher's stone.' Mei's eyes light up, and you soon realise you've made a dreadful mistake mentioning the stone.

She rushes over to Marcoh. 'Oh, oh, please, Sir, teach me how to make a philosopher's stone. I really, really need one, please help me make one.' She begins shaking at his shirt.

Scar glares at her. 'That's enough!' He snaps. 'You don't know what you're asking. You shouldn't wish for such things.' He walks over to Marcoh, puts his hand over his face, and then…

You hear the sound of a transmutation being performed, and the tale tell lightning appears around Scar's hand. He's murdered Doctor Marcoh after all, then. Perhaps he didn't want to risk Mei finding out about the stone? You don't think Mei wouldn't resort to murder to get what she wants, but Scar clearly does. But then, who's going to help decipher Scar's Brother's notes if Marcoh is dead? You're so confused.

Scar lets the body drop to the floor, and you nearly jump out of your skin when you hear noises coming from it.

Scar looks at Mei. 'I only removed the top layer of skin. You can heal him, right?'

Mei puts on her determined face, despite the fear in her eyes. 'Of course I can, Mr. Scar.' Mei returns to Marcoh's side, and begins to repair the damage Scar has just caused.

Scar puts his hand on your shoulder, prompting you to look up at him. 'I'd like to speak with you in private.' You're not sure how much privacy this small alleyway allows for, but you follow him anyway, eager to listen to what he has to tell you. However, after what you've discovered today, you can't stop your hands from shaking.

Scar leads you just around the corner, out of sight and hearing range. He puts both of his hands on your shoulders, and looks straight into your eyes. There's fear in them, hidden just behind his usual stoic gaze.

When he speak, his voice is low and husky, and so quiet you almost struggle to hear him. 'There's a refugee camp not far from here. You should go there immediately. It is no longer safe for you to be with me.' Scar wants you to leave? After everything you've said and done over the last few weeks? After everything you've told him? No. No way. You're not leaving. He needs all the help he can get if he plans to take on such a mammoth task. Sure, you might not be able to fight like Mei, or be an alchemist like Marcoh, or be a… Yoki, but still, you can help him somehow.

You shake your head at him. 'No. I'm not leaving, Scar. I told you I'd stand by you no matter what, and I meant it. Just because your target has changed, doesn't mean my feeling have also altered. If anything, I'm more certain of my promise than ever before.' You stand up as straight as you can, accidentally shrugging off Scar's hands as you do.

Scar's eyes are difficult to read when he answers you. 'The situation is far more dangerous than it was when you said those words. I don't want you involved in this. If anything happens to you...' He clenches his fists and turns his head away, closing his eyes tightly as he does. He's really this worried that something will happen to you? So worried, that his normal calm exterior has crumbled before your very eyes? No wonder he wanted to speak in private; he didn't want anyone else to see him in such a vulnerable position.

You gently place your hand on his cheek, and turn his head to face you. He opens his eyes slowly, and you see that fear has completely over his mind.

You speak softly and calmly, trying to soothe his anxiety. 'I'm already involved, Scar. I've been involved in this the moment my family was slaughtered, along with so many others. This is my fight too, and I don't want to let anyone else fight it for me.

'As for my welfare, all I can say is Deus Vult.' You smile softly at him.

He looks a little started by your choice of phrase. ''God Wills It'? Are you saying that you're willing to put your life in the hands of God, despite everything you have just heard?' He looks so bewildered, like you're speaking a foreign language or something.

Your smile grows a little wider. 'Yes, I am. You may have rejected every gift that God has ever given you, but I know that's only because you don't feel worthy of his love, or the love of anyone for that matter. Yet despite everything, you've still managed to find someone in this world that cares for you. I don't think God wants you to be alone any more. I think he wanted us to meet, and that he wanted me to stay with you. So, by that logic, as long as I'm by your side, God won't let anything happen to me. So, I'll tell you again; I'm not leaving you, Scar.' You're not certain you entirely believe your own words, but knowing how deeply religious Scar is, you decide that it's the best way to explain yourself to him. Do you honestly believe God bought you together? You're not sure. Do you believe that you're supposed to stay by his side? Absolutely.

Scar covers your hand on his face with one of his own. 'I pray that you are right about that. I fear that all of my faith would fail, should anything happen to you. I suppose that 'Deus Vult' is as good a reason as any to stay. Very well.' He takes your hand off of his face, giving it a firm squeeze before letting it go.

When he speaks again he usual facade is back. 'We should get ready to leave. My brother's research notes are in the North. We have a long journey ahead of us.' The North? That's a long way to travel for a few alchemical notes. You only hope that they contain something of use to Scar.

You head back towards the others.

-POV Switch-

Scar doesn't leave straight away. Instead, he watches his love go, his heart beating erratically after their conversation.

Had she truly meant what she said? Does she truly believe that God himself wants her by his side? Scar doesn't know what he's done to be given such a wonderful gift, but he has no intention of wasting it.

The way Scar sees it, as long as he stays on this new path that God has shown him, she will be safe. After all, she is the one that lead him down this path in the first place. If it weren't for his heart wanting to please her, he may never have decided to help Mei find Xiao-Mei. If he hadn't of helped, he would have no idea of the evil lurking underneath Central. She is the reason he's changing his target, and one of the few things in this world worth protecting.

'Then again,' Scar's treacherous mind chips in, 'What happens when God's plan is carried out? What does he intend for her to be? Your guide? Your friend? Your lover? Sure, you may be in love with her, but that doesn't mean that God will let that love bloom.' His mind startles him. Had it really just admitted to being in love with her?

'Of course you're in love with her.' his heart decides to contribute. 'Why would you be so desperate to earn her love if you didn't reciprocate it? As for God's plan, I think that he approves. After all, if he didn't, he would have taken her away from you long before now, or done something that prevented her from loving you in return. The fact that she still refuses to leave your side only illustrates that the two of you are meant to be. If you help save Amestris, you'll be more than worthy of her love.' His heart is right, of course. Why should he let God dictate everything? Scar wants her to be his lover, his wife, the woman he spends the rest of his life with.

Scar closes his eyes, and makes a silent prayer. 'God, if you're still willing to listen to me, please keep her safe. I swear to you that in return, I will help destroy whatever that thing below Central is, and save Amestris from the same fate Ishval suffered. Even if it kills me, as long as you honour your side of the agreement, I shall honour mine. Just, don't take her from me.' Scar doesn't know if God heard him on not, but he hopes so.

As Scar makes to join the rest of his little group, a feather falls from the sky, and lands on his shoulder. Perhaps God heard him, after all.