You're not certain you know how long it's been since you arrived at the abandoned town of Baschool; you've been too busy focusing on your own despair to notice.

Scar doesn't love you. After everything you've said, and after everything he's said, you honestly thought that he cared for you, that he returned your feelings. For him not to even acknowledge those feeling… it hurts more than you'd ever thought possible. The days have gone by in a blur, as you've desperately tried to snap yourself out of it. After all, he still needs your help, even if he doesn't want you affection.

The thing making it hardest is Scar himself. He's been constantly trying to get you alone, asking you to accompany him on food runs and the like. As if you could face being alone with him! Does he not understand how heartbroken you are? Is he really that cruel? You've declined every single one of his requests, and instead stuck with the main group, trying your best to put on a brave face.

Today is no different. Scar has gone searching for supplies, leaving you with Mei, Yoki, and Marcoh (and little Xiao-Mei, of course). The five of you are mostly sitting in silence, occasionally breaking it with a comment or story. Mei has been talking almost non-stop about the Fullmetal Achemist's younger brother Alphonse, Yoki has been complaining about the cold, and Marcoh has been looking over the research notes again, reading aloud the little he can actually understand. Usually, you'd be happy to sit and listen to everyone, but with your feelings so broken, it's hard to focus on anything other than yourself.

That is, until Mei runs away.

It happens rather suddenly. Your group has fallen into a comfortable silence, no one having anything further to contribute to the conversation. You're certain Yoki is about to make another complain when Mei jumps to her feet and runs off, muttering something about Alphonse again.

You and Marcoh share a worried look before he speaks. 'We have to find her. If the military or those things catch up to us…' He's right, of course. You have more than one enemy right now, and the thought of having to confront either one is terrifying, especially with your group now missing three members (the only three members who know how to fight, if Xiao-Mei's biting can be called that). You have to find Mei and return here as soon as possible, or you'll risk losing Scar, too.

Without another word, you, Marcoh, and Yoki set off in the same direction as Mei, hoping that you'll be the ones to find her first.

For an older man, Marcoh is very light on his feet when he needs to be. He walks at the front of your reduced group, with Yoki in the middle and you bringing up the rear. You can hear voices a little ways down the hall, and panic begins to take hold; there's more than just Mei in this building now.

Marcoh reaches the source of the noise first, and confirms your fears. 'The Elric brothers?!' So, they've found you. The military has actually found you. Do they know that you're all working with Scar, or is there still a way to deny your way out of this. After all, Scar would rather you lie to save yourself, rather than tell the truth and stand by him.

At least, you'd once thought so. Now you have no idea what he'd think of this…

Yoki goes next, his apparent lack of situational awareness showing clearly, as he sounds genuinely shocked when he enters the room. 'You! Edward Elric!' If Yoki ever learns to listen to the things going on around you, he might actually become more tolerable…

To your great surprise, Yoki decides that now is the perfect time to break into a dramatic monologue, falling to his knees as he tells the story of his life before Scar. If you're honest though, you're not really paying attention to that. The thing that really grabs your attention is poor Mei, who is sobbing on the floor by the time you reach the door. She's wearing a look you know all too well behind her tears; heartbreak.

You begin walking over to her, ignoring the suit or armour trying to comfort her (as if this day could get any more bizarre). She registers your presence almost immediately, and wraps her small arms around you. 'O-oh, Mrs. Scar, I thought he loved m-me. But he's been seeing that girl instead. SHE WAS EVEN IN HIS ARMOUR!' From the look on 'that girl's face, you're certain that isn't the case. She looks very uncomfortable, but not in the way that a mistress or jaded lover would look. However, when she hears Mei speak your nickname, her face goes pale.

The suit of armour begins to say something about this girl only being a childhood friend, when he's interrupted by the very girl in question. ''Mrs. Scar'? You're married to that monster? What the hell is wrong with you?! Don't you know what he's done?!' Well, of course you do. Everyone in Amestris knows what he's done. Unless she's talking about something he's done to her personally…

Oh.

It's her.

The daughter of those doctors he killed.

She has to be, why else would she be looking at you with such hate in her eyes? Those are the eyes of someone who has felt pain close to their heart, rather than just feeling the pain of random strangers. Granted, she could be the child of any of Scar's victims, but you doubt that. After all, Scar did say that he'd seen her hanging around with the Fullmetal Alchemist. For her to be anyone else seems like too much of a coincidence.

You're about to say something, when you're cut off by a small blonde you assume is the Fullmetal Alchemist (as he's not the one Mei is crying over). 'That doesn't matter right now. What matters is this; we've learned a lot since we last saw you, Doctor Marcoh, including what it takes to make a philosopher's stone. There's something wrong with this country, and something wrong with its alchemy. That's why we need the little girl to teach us alkahestry, so that we stand a chance of putting this right.' So, they've figured out the connection, too? Well, at least you all seem to share a common goal. If that's the case, maybe there's some way you can strike a bargain with them? You'll share your information if they'll spare Scar perhaps? It has to be worth a try, at least. Maybe you could all form an alliance?

Somehow, you don't see that working. Not if this girl still hates Scar as much as you think she does.

Before you can even propose such a thing, Marcoh produces the research notes from his pocket. 'You're not the first one to figure it out. These notes were written by Scar's Brother. They're in code, but we think they hold all the answers we need.' You're certain that they do. You're not sure why, but you just know that they are.

The Fullmetal Alchemist perks up at the news. 'That great! If we can decipher them, then Al and I…' well, at least you really do have a common goal.

Marcoh interjects. 'That's true, but translating these notes will be impossible without the assistance of Scar.' You feel relief rush through you. So, Marcoh is also willing to stand up for Scar, even if just to state his usefulness? That's something, at least. There may yet be hope for him…

Just as the Fullmetal Alchemist begins to protest, you hear an explosion outside; you don't have to see it to know that something has happened to Scar.

Marcoh confirms your fears. 'That's the building Scar is in! Do you think the military caught up with him?' No, it can't be. He's always been so careful, so evasive. Don't tell me they've found him just as you may have found a way to spare him?

The Elric Brothers are out the door almost instantly. 'Wait here, we'll find out what's going on.' With that, the two brothers leave, the young lady they're with glaring at the door as they do.

'So, Scar is here.' She mutters to herself, before heading to the door.

You stand and grab her arm, trying to stop her. 'Please Miss, you must stay here, it's for your own safety.'

It looks could kill, then the one she gives you in response would have done so. 'Get off of me! He murdered my parents! I'm not just going to sit here and give him the chance to escape. He deserves to pay for what he's done! I can't believe you'd stand by him after all the people he's killed. Why would you even let him near you knowing what he's done, and knowing that the hands that hold your heart are the same that have crush so many others?' She manages to shrug you off, and runs straight for the door, not even bothering to wait for her answer.

You stare at the door, completely numb. They'll kill him. They'll kill Scar, you know they will. The worst part? There is nothing that you can do to save him. You can't fight off two Alchemists, a group of soldiers, and goodness knows what else! You couldn't even stop that girl from leaving. It's all been for nothing, hasn't it? You've given everything you once had to help a man that does not reciprocate your love, and now he's going to die.

Deus Vult indeed.

Well, this is it then. The first man you have ever loved, lost to the very people he now wishes to protect.

Fuck that.

Who's says that there's nothing you can do? You can't fight, you can't carry stuff, you don't know alchemy, but you're still a part of this group. Your strength has always been reasoning and talking with others. If you can only get to Scar before the military capture him, then maybe there's a chance for him yet.

Clenching your fists, you turn to address the group. 'Well, we can't just sit here! We have to get to Scar before the military kills him!'

Mei stands up, a similarly determined look on her face. 'You're right, Mrs. Scar! Lets go help your husband!' The two of you are the first out the door, with Marcoh following just behind. Yoki seems to hesitate for a while, before deciding that following you is far better than being left alone.

Now all you have to do is get to Scar.

Your legs have never worked faster, propelling you down the numerous buildings and corridors until you near your destination. There have been a few soldier en-route, but nothing you haven't been able to avoid. There aren't as many as you'd expected though, which doesn't bode well for Scar; you may already be too late if a group of soldiers has found him.

Finally, you make it to Scar's location, and your heart stops.

Scar is there, arm wounded, bounded to a sheet of what looks like the floor. Before him stands some soldiers, the Elric Brothers, and the girl from a moment ago. One of the soldiers, a commander of some kind you think, has their gun pointed at Scar.

You're too late…

… or are you? Scar is still alive, even talking to the young woman from earlier. As long as he's still breathing, there's hope.

Before anyone can stop you, you run towards Scar, and shield his body with your own the best you can.

The soldiers before you all seem surprised, none more so than the man holding the gun. Is he surprised that someone would stand up for Scar, or is it the fact that you're willing to get so close to him?

As they all stare at you, you hear a voice from behind you. 'Stand aside. I won't allow you to do this.' You want to turn around and answer him, but you don't want to take your eyes off of the soldiers. So, you decide to take a leaf out of Scar's book, and ignore his comment in favour of addressing the people in front of you.

'Young lady, I believe you asked me a question earlier. You asked me how I could let Scar near me, how I could stand beside him, knowing everything that he's done. The answer is a simple one.

'I love him. I love him, more than anything, and I will stand by his side for as long as he needs me to. You say that he needs to pay for his crimes, but there is another way. If you would only give him the chance to redeem himself, you would see that he is not that me same man that he used to be. He wants to help the people of this country! He wants to make amends for his crimes in the only way that means anything. If you truly think that killing him is a better option than that, then you'll have to shoot me first, because I'd sooner die than live in a world like that!' Passionate tears flow from your eyes, stinging in the cold. The whole room seems to fall silent, all eyes on you.

It's the young woman who breaks it. She walks over to you, holding some kind of bandage material. 'If his wound isn't treated, he could die. Don't think for a moment that I forgive him; I could never forgive wanton murder. However, I think my parents wanted him alive. They did treat him, after all. There has to be a reason for that, a reason that he still lives.'

Your tears seem to increase in number. 'There is a reason, I swear it. Thank you, thank you for showing him such mercy.' You could hug that girl, you really could.

Before you get a chance to, Scar speaks. 'You there, Miles was it? You said you hated doing this to one of your own. What did you mean by that?'

The lead soldier, who you assume is this Miles Scar is addressing, steps forward. 'I'm part Ishvalan on my grandfather's side. I hate doing this to my red-eyed brother, but I have no choice.' He removes his glasses. 'Men, call it in.' No, they can't! They can't take him!

Scar responds to his words with a tone of surprise. 'How can you work for the Amestrian military, knowing what they did to our people?' He has a fair point. You certainly couldn't bring yourself to do such a thing.

Miles gives Scar a serious look. 'I want to change things, and the best way to do that is from the inside. I may be a small Ishvalan pebble, but perhaps someday the ripples I create will rock the country to its core.' He seems an honest man, a good man. Why can't he just let Scar go?

Scar grunts. 'I am a festering wound of hatred. I am glad that good men like you still exist. Take me in if you must, but please, spare this woman. She is blameless in all of this.' You'd hardly call yourself blameless; you're basically an accomplice at this point.

You're about to tell Miles as much, before Marcoh walks into the room. 'Wait! You can't take Scar as your prisoner! We need him! We have important notes that combine alchemy and alkahestry, but most of the details are written in ancient Ishvalan! Scar is the only one who can translate them!' You've been so busy using yourself as a human shield that you'd forgotten the one thing you had intended to do; bargain with them.

You nod at Marcoh's words. 'It's true, Scar is the only person I've ever met who can read such a language. Without him, these notes are meaningless. Spare him his life, and he'll translate them for you.' You wonder briefly how Scar must feel about you making deals on his behalf, but realise you don't care; this is the only way to keep him safe.

Miles considers your proposal. 'Hm, that could work. If I can sneak you all back to Briggs, we can hide you until these notes are deciphered. I'll need Scar to agree to it though.' Maybe there really is a God, after all! As long as Scar agrees, that is…

Scar doesn't hesitate. 'This woman in front of me means more to me than anything. On her life, I swear that I shall help you decipher those notes.' Your heart begins to flutter, before you remember; he ignored your confession. How can he still say things like that? Are you suddenly more important because you shielded him with your body?

'Fine, its agreed then. I'll postpone your judgement until the notes are deciphered.

'There's another matter we should address; Miss Winry here is being held as Kimblee's hostage.' He's only going to postpone the judgement? Well, it's better than nothing, at least. Maybe you can plan your escape when you make it to Briggs? Winry's situation is precarious though…

An idea hits you. 'We can take her with us. That should keep her out of harm's way for now at least. You can hide her when we get back, too.' The plan is foolproof! Mostly. You doubt they'll even be willing to trust you to look out for her, but it's worth suggesting, at least.

The Fullmetal Alchemist seems dead against it, but Winry herself seems willing.

That is, until Miles points out something. 'Kimblee is naturally suspicious. If she just goes missing, he'll be the first to suspect Ed and Al. We need to find a way to make her disappearance convincing…' you're at a loss there. If only there was some way to make it seem like an accident or a kidnapping or something…

Winry must be able to read minds, because not two seconds after you think that does she say 'Scar could kidnap me, then we could make our own way to Briggs!' It's a solid plan, one that could work beautifully.

The Fullmetal Alchemist (who you presume is called 'Ed', which you really should know from all of Mei's little fan girl sessions) does not seem to share your opinion. 'Are you insane? You're going to let a mass murderer kidnap you?!'

Alphonse, who had spent his time taking to two humanoid creatures tied to a pillar, interjects. 'Ed's right, it's not safe with him!' Do they really mistrust Scar that much?

You're about to come to his defence, but he beats you to it. 'I won't harm the girl. I swear it.' His word may not seem like much, but you know he'd never make a promise like that without honouring it.

Ed still seems suspicious. 'Oh yeah? Well, how about we take your girl then? Call her insurance, in case you break your promise.'

Scar's temper flares. 'If you so much as touch her, I swear to God I'll rip your other arm off.' Shit, this isn't good. He can't just start threatening your potential allies!

Thankfully, Miles steps in. 'That's enough! We can't take her back with us without Kimblee knowing that we've spent time with Scar. He'd probably torture her for information or something. We'll just have to take Scar at his word.' Even though he was holding a gun to Scar a few moments ago, you're beginning to really like Miles. You're certain that the two of you would be friends, if he wasn't hellbent on seeing Scar punished.

Scar nods. 'You have my word as a true Ishvalan.'

That seems to be good enough for Ed, who releases Scar from his makeshift prison.

As soon as Scar is on his feet, you all begin to leave the room, discussing the plan as you go. Before you reach the door however, the humanoids speak. 'Wait! Please, take us with you! We failed our mission, so Kimblee will have us killed either way. Let us join you. Please?' You'd welcome the help personally, but it's not your decision.

It's Marcoh who eventually decides to give them a chance, after warning them exactly what is at stake. Once released, both creatures shift into human form, and request to be bound 'just in case'. Well, it's more of a trust thing most likely, but that doesn't matter.

The only thing that matters is now, Scar has a chance to make a difference, with the blessing of the military.

Part of the plan involves your group escaping through Baschool's long-abandoned mines, lead by Yoki (who apparently used to own a mine). All you have to do is wait just inside for Scar and Winry to catch up, then you can be on your way.

It doesn't take long for them to catch up, both of them wearing near identical looks of displeasure (though that's pretty much Scar's default look at this point). When you're all reunited, you follow Yoki into to tunnels, hoping that the journey to Briggs won't take long; there's a snowstorm coming in, making the weather even colder than usual.

After walking for goodness knows how long (mostly in silence, with the occasional conversation between Winry and Marcoh, and Yoki spouting off random facts about mining), you reach some kind of room.

Yoki immediately perks up. 'Here we go! It should be in here somewhere…' It? What's 'it'? Has he been looking for something this whole time? Why didn't he say? You could have helped him!

The room itself looks like an abandoned break room if some description, with various tables and chairs littered around. Yoki comes over to the table closest to your group, and puts something on it; some kind of map.

Yoki puts on a smug grin. 'It's a detailed map of these mines. If we follow this route here, will be out in no time!' He traces over a path of sorts, but you're too busy looking at Scar to pay any attention.

He's staring at you, something hiding just behind his eyes. Is he mad at you for making him help the military? Does he disapprove of something you've done? Is he angry that you keep telling him and everyone else that you're in love with him?

Without his eyes leaving your face, Scar addresses the whole room. 'If you'll all excuse me, my wife and I have something to discus outside.' He must be angry if he wants you alone!

Yoki sighs. 'Very well, Sir. Just don't take too long. I think we'd all like to eat at some point in the near future.' Well, it looks like you have no choice. You can't exactly refuse to go with him; that would probably upset poor Mei. Besides, he can't say anything to you that will break you any further. He already rejected your love; he can't cut out your heart twice.

Scar leads you out of the room and down the corridor, far enough from the others that he's sure you won't be overheard.

Just as you're about to ask him what he wants to talk about, he pushes you against the tunnel way, and crushes his lips against yours.

His kiss isn't gentle, but you've never really thought that it would be. It's as rough and as harsh as the man himself, but with a tenderness hidden just below the surface. One of his hands grabs your hip, while the other weaves into your hair. He uses his hold to pull you away from the wall in into his arm, apparently wanting as little distance between you as possible.

For your part, all you can do is stand there as Scar ravages you, your heart beating wildly and your head swimming with confusion. He kisses like a man in love, yet you know he is not. This whole situation is a conflict of ideals and actions, not entirely unlike Scar himself.

When he realises you're not responding to him quite as enthusiastically as he's kissing you, he pulls his lips away, but keeps your foreheads touching.

'Never scare me like that again. To think that I might have lost you, before I had to tell you how I feel; I love you so much. You are the only good thing in my life, the one thing that means anything. I've been waiting for the perfect time, the perfect moment to tell you. Yet every time I've tried to get you alone you've said no. Then I realised; there is only ever going to be a perfect time, or a perfect moment. Every moment with you is perfect.' The tears have come back now, but they're tears of happiness. He loves you… is this really happening?

He brings his other hand up to wipe away your tears, a smile appearing on his face. It's so beautiful. You wish he'd smile more…

You smile back, unable to stop yourself. 'Why didn't you tell me the other day? I've spend all this time worried that you don't feel the same.' Probably a bad time to bring up the past, but you have to know the truth.

Scar's smile doesn't fade. 'Those words are for your ears only. I will not have them wasted on anyone else. I love you, and only you. You're so beautiful…' He brings you in for another kiss, and this time you return it enthusiastically. You can't believe that this is happening, but you're not going to waste time questioning it.

When the kiss breaks, you smile at each other one more time. 'We should get back to the others now, before they start to worry.' You never want this moment to end, but you know you have to go back to reality. You have a country to save, after all.

Scar chuckles. 'That's true. I imagine Yoki has already found something new to complain about. Still, I'll give him credit for thinking of this. It may be the only good idea he's ever had.'

You laugh. 'I think you're right there. Still, there is always a first time for everything.'

Scar strokes your face again. 'There is. I just hope that there is never a last.'