Untangling yourself from such an unfortunate position was surprisingly easy.
The strange traveling alchemist had graciously looked away as you and Scar left the water, and had continued to keep his back to you as you hastily redressed (though Scar had made a point of standing between you and the strange man just in case). When you're both fully clothed again (albeit soaking wet too, thanks to Scar overlooking the fact that you'd both need to dry off after your 'bath'), the three of you head back to camp, hoping that Marcoh is still awake, and willing to discus even more alchemy.
Thankfully, Marcoh is still in the same position he was when you left, though he seems to have his face in the notebook again, staring at a diagram with great intensity.
Sensing your arrival, Marcoh looks up to greet you. 'Back already? I thought you'd be gone a while lon-' he notices you're no longer a party of two. 'Is this the man we've been looking for? The one Who knows Alkahestry?' Wow, Marcoh is really on the ball, isn't he? Unless your brain is just completely broken…
The stranger smiles. 'Looking for me? I didn't realise I was so popular! Maybe I should start leaving little message boxes everywhere…' he seems to think on the idea for a few moments, before clapping his hands together suddenly. 'That's a thought for another now. For now, I should introduce myself. Luo Cheng, at your service.' He bows deeply, aiming his body mostly towards Scar. That only makes sense you suppose; he did know his brother, after all. If he's going to feel comfortable in anyone's presence…
Scar bows in return. 'I have no name to offer you, but people call me Scar. My wife can make her own introduction.' You do just that, giving him your name, as well as a bow of your own.
Marcoh stands, coping the gesture himself. 'Dr Tim Marcoh, former military doctor turned researcher. It's an honour to finally meet you.' You don't think you'd go so far as to say it's an honour yourself, but finally finding him is definitely a positive thing. Now you finally stand a chance at deciphering the rest of the notes, bringing you a step closer to finding a way to thwart the homunculi…
Cheng blushes slightly. 'I wouldn't call meeting me an honour, Doctor. Most people tell me get lost when they meet me. I suspect Scar would have done the same, given the position I found him and his wife in.' Did he have to bring that up? Really? You're beginning to wonder if you actually need his help now…
Scar seems to be thinking the same. 'I did not invite you back here to discus my private life. We need your help figuring out my brother's notes.' You're relived that Scar is as blunt as ever; it means that Cheng is less likely to reveal anything more of what he saw…
Like a dog with a bone, Cheng refuses to drop the subject. 'I think I'd like to discus your private life though. Are all Ishvalans as hung as you seem to be? The sounds your wife was making… do you always go at it that hard, or is this a special occasion? Either that or you're working on repopulating Ishval. Is that why you need my help? You planning to get your country back so you can fill it with little Scars? If that's the case, just say the word and I'll come build you a house myself. With the right materials, I could have one up for you in a matter of moments!' You're pretty sure he's teasing you both, but if his offer is genuine, you'd happily take him up on that offer when the war is done… even if it won't be possible to build in your ruined homeland.
Marcoh seems to sense that the conversation is making Scar in particular very uncomfortable, so he tries to turn the conversation around. 'There won't be any land to build a house on unless we get these notes translated. Please, would you take a look at them for us?' Marcoh silently pleads with his eyes, urging the Xingese man to aid him.
Cheng suddenly turns somber. 'It really is that serious? I had no idea… something about this country has been making me feel uneasy ever since I visited as a young man. If anything, it feels strong now, like it's about to reach its boiling point… is that what you seek to stop?' All three of you nod simultaneously. 'Alright. Show me the notes.' Marcoh beckons him over, and you and Scar follow, all of you eager to see how much he knows.
For the next goodness knows how long, Cheng pours over the notes, never saying a single word. He occasionally moves an eyebrow or makes a humming noise, but other than that, the air around camp is filled with silent tension.
Finally, Cheng shuts the notebook, his examination of it complete at last. The silence continues a while longer, none of you wishing to press him for answers. Then, finally, he speaks…
'I don't understand a word of ancient Ishvalan.'
All of your anticipation comes crashing down in an instant, the weight of his sentence like a kick to the chest. All this time spent looking for him, thinking that he would be able to help you, and this is all you get in return? It's a cruel joke, one that you almost resent him for, despite it not being his fault. You shouldn't have gotten your hopes up so much…
Scar sighs in disappointment. 'I see. I can, but it would take a while to translate it for you. Would you like me to try?' A while? More like weeks! That's what it's taken to get Marcoh up to speed! Surely it would be easier for Marcoh to explain it himself, rather than waste time retranslating he same few pages again!
Cheng looks at you, his eyes staring deep into your soul. He seems to be searching for something, which he must find, as he begins talking again. 'Something in your wife's eyes suggest it would take more time to explain than you're telling me. I'm sorry, but wasting time on getting what I'm certain is only a second opinion from me would be a foolish waste.' Well, he said it, not you…
Marcoh protests his decision. 'But mine is the opinion of an alchemist. I don't have enough knowledge of alkahestry to fully comprehend the notes. It takes a lifetime to gather the level of expertise I would need to figure this all out, and right now, I don't even have half a year!' This is the first time you've ever heard Marcoh lose faith in his mental ability, and it scares you. If he is giving up hope, what chance of remaining hopeful do the rest of you have?
Placing a comforting hand on Marcoh's shoulder, Cheng answers. 'Scar's Brother managed to come up with these notes over the course of a few years, far less time than either of us have been studying our respective arts. He did that with just a little outside assistance, and sheer determination. Now, if he can do that, imagine what you can achieve. After all, our arts are not as dissimilar as you'd think; the only difference is that mine comes from within. I'm certain that you'll find the answers that you seek, but I am not the man to give them to you.' You can feel the air of defeat everywhere now, and it's stifling. Yesterday, you had all the hope in the world that you'd be able to finish translating the notes but now? Now you just don't know how such a thing will be possible…
Scar seems to be taking the news far better than you or Marcoh, as he manages to speak first. 'I understand. We asked far too much of you. It was a mistake to chase a solution we were uncertain of, rather than seek a solution of our own. I am sorry if we have put too much pressure on you. You do not belong in our war.' Scar makes towards your tent, about to do one of his legendary dramatic exits, when Cheng says something that stop him in his tracks.
'Your brother told me the same thing once.'
Scar remains completely motionless as Cheng continues. 'The last time I saw him, I asked him to return to Xing with me, to save himself. He refused. Told me he couldn't just abandon his family like that. After that, I begged him to let me help, to let me use my alchemy to save him and his family but he… he told me that it wasn't my war. I… I cared for your brother a great deal. When I returned to Amestris a short while ago I had hoped to see him again. I was certain that if anyone could survive… I was so relieved when I saw you in the water. I thought that my dear friend really had made it through after all. Hearing that he's gone… I know I may have tried to act calm about it, but right now, I'm heartbroken. There are so many things I had planned to tell him when I saw him. I was going to help him, whether he wanted it or not. I would have done anything for him, because he deserved it. Even if it wasn't my war, he was still my friend, and I loved him desperately, more than he ever knew. So please, don't stand there and tell me that this war isn't mine to fight in. I regret swallowing that bullshit from your brother.' You can see tears forming in his eyes, and it hurts you to see him in so much pain, especially when his words ring so true to you…
Scar turns to face him, his features far softer than the stern facade you're all too used to seeing. 'If my brother sent you away like that, it was not for the reason you think it was. Our situation was so desperate back then, we were even accepting aid from the very race that sought to destroy us. No, if he sent you away, it was because he cared about you. The alchemist were unstoppable during the war. If you had fought by us, you would have died by us, and I think my brother wanted better for his friend. That is the same reason I do not wish for you to involve yourself with us if you cannot translate these notes. I do not wish to go against my brother's wishes by putting you in danger. Xing is the safest place for you right now. You should return as soon as you can.' Scar is showing him a great mercy, something you never expected to see. The man you had met all those months ago would have offered Cheng up like a steak to a tiger, glad to be rid of another alchemist (even if that's not technically what he is). To see him giving him this chance… all you want to go is rush over to Scar and hold him because right now, you're not sure if you've ever loved him more.
Cheng takes a deep breath, calming himself. 'I'm certain he wouldn't approve of his brother riding into hell either, but I'm certain that won't stop you. Even your wife has come along for the journey. If you'll allow her to stay by your side, then you should allow me to help. No matter how small my contribution is, I refuse to go home and turn a blind eye. There is so little worth in my life right now. I want to prove to your brother that sending me away so that I may life was a decision worth making. That is why I refuse to walk away now.' Now he's starting to sound like Scar, something you're certain won't be lost on the man in question.
Scar nods firmly. 'Very well. If you're certain about this, then there are two things you can do.
'You are free to spend the night here, but tomorrow I want you to go to East City. There is an Ishavan refugee camp there, one that was kind enough to help me once. I'd like you to warn them of the danger, and urge them to leave. If any refuse, ask them to travel to the forest a few miles from Central. I have a feeling I'll need their help in the future. After that, find other camps, and give them the same
message. Make sure the military don't discover you or the Ishvalans heading to the forest. With any luck, by the time we are ready to proceed with our plan to save the country, we'll have enough people waiting to form a small army, or a few teams at least. You are free to do as you see fit when you're certain you've found enough camps. This is the first task.
'The second is simple. I want you to draw as much of my brother's other tattoo as you can remember. Even if it's just a few symbols, it will be invaluable to us. That is the second task I would ask of you. Are either of those task something you would be willing to do?' From what he's said, you're certain Cheng would storm Central by himself if Scar asked him to…
Cheng nods, and begins to remove his backpack, talking as he does. 'I shall leave immediately if it's all the same to you. The journey to East City is long, and I'd rather get going as soon as I can.
'As for the illustration, I can do you one better than my lousy memory.' He pulls out a piece of paper, and hands it to Marcoh. 'Your brother was kind enough to let me make a copy of the design. It's all there, every last detail. I'd be happy to pass it on to you. I know you'll make good use of it.' He just… he had that in his bag the whole time? Why did he not mention that?! There you were thinking this whole thing was a waste of a month…
Marcoh seems ecstatic as he scans the drawing. 'This is magnificent! With any luck, I should be able to use this to work backwards, and translate the notes. This illustration could very well be the answer to our problems!' You want to shout with joy. Finally, you feel like you're on the verge of deciphering the notes! Well, Marcoh and Scar are, but you're all on the same side, so it's your victory too in a way. Well, more like a victory for the whole country really, but still…
Cheng bows at Marcoh. 'I have every faith that you'll do just that. You are a far better person than you give yourself credit for, Doctor. Never forget that.
'Now then, I should be off. I do have a few parting words of wisdom for Scar and his wife too.' He walks the short distance to where you're standing, and brings you into a hug.
He whispers his advice into your ear. 'Strength of character is so much more important than strength of body. You may think you're unable to protect Scar, but that's not true. Just you being by his side keeps him safe, gives him a reason to survive. I may have only known you a moment, but I've seen how he looks at you. You are his whole world, and such a thing carries with it a great responsibility. Stay strong for him, no matter what it takes. I have no doubt that there will be many challenges ahead of you, but I know you'll find the strength to do what you have to. You just have to believe it yourself.' He tightens his arms around you slightly, and you end up hugging him back, his words some of the kindest you've ever heard. When this war is over, you think that you'd like to see him again. He seems the kind of man who would make a good friend…
Finally, Cheng lets go of you, picks up his rucksack, and heads over to Scar.
He places a hand on his shoulder, and looks him dead in the eyes. 'Sometimes in life, we have to decide our future for ourselves. I know this situation may seem hopeless, but hope has a habit of creating itself, right where you least expect it. To that end, I'm going to promise you something. I'm going to find you and your wife when this is over, and I'm going to build you that house. I'll build you the most magnificent house you've ever seen, and I won't charge you a single thing. However, I want you to promise that you'll fill that house with love, laughter, and as many children as your God will grant you. Oh, and I want you to let Uncle Cheng spoil them rotten. I mean it, too. I'm going to show up one day with half of Xing for them.' Scar almost laughs at that; almost. 'I'm serious though. Don't let the things of the past spoil your future. Those day are gone, but tomorrow? That is for you to create.' He walks away without looking back, his rucksack the last thing to disappear into the forest.
You and your two travelling companions all stare after him for a while, still trying to process his words. For a man that watched you and Scar make love (though hopefully not for long), asked a load of perverted questions, and spent over an hour looking at notes he couldn't even read… he was a nice guy.
More importantly, he was a big help too.
Now, it's up to Marcoh to put his help to good use.
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To say that Scar is left dumbfounded by Cheng's words is an understatement.
They seemed… far more astute than they had any right to be. How can a total stranger say things like that? Just because he knew Scar's Brother, doesn't mean he knows Scar.
That said, perhaps that association is exactly how he knew what to say. There is no way Scar can be certain that his brother hadn't told Cheng all about him. Sure, he may have been a different man back then, but some of that rings true for his former life. He was one of the many victims of an extermination campaign, after all; its hard not to lose hope at a time like that.
In all honesty, it's not that which has Scar struck dumb. It's this stupid promise of a house that has him dazed.
How can he promise such a thing? How can he fill Scar with such thoughts? Even if he doesn't know that Scar is a doomed man, it's still an awful thing to say to a man going off to war. Hope is the last thing Scar wants right now, when he knows in his gut that he's fated to lose everything just a few short months from now.
Still, a man can dream. Scar can't help himself. Already he can see himself and his wife (who will be his wife the second he can find someone to make it official) in a house of their own, just like the one he fantasised about all those months ago.
From there, his thoughts spiral out of control.
He can see it all now. Him and his wife have two children, both boys. The eldest is named after his late uncle, and the youngest… he's not sure yet, but that's not important. What matters is that his boys are happy and healthy and so… perfect. They're perfect, and Scar loves them so much.
Without a word, Scar heads to his tent, noting that his fiancé and Doctor Marcoh are deep enough in conversation not to notice. He sits on his bedroll for a few moments before letting his tears roll down his face, urging them all to fall before anyone comes looking for him. He doesn't want anyone to see him like this, especially not her. She'd comfort him, and when he told her the nature of his tears she'd make him the same empty promises Cheng did. He couldn't take those words from her. He knows that he'd believe her if she told him he could have that life. As it is, he can shake off those poisonous words, see them for what they are; foolish dreams, hasty words from a man clearly still in love with Scar's Brother. Did he know how much they would hurt? Is it a punishment? Is it because he survive that war but his brother…
And what did that man say to his fiancé? Has he filled her head with the same poisonous hope? If he has, Scar is going to kill him, because he knows that she'll believe the falsehoods that fell from that man's lips. She'll have dreams of her own, just like Scar's, dreams that he'll never be able to fulfil. When he dies, he'll rip the dreams from her, and he can't bare the thought of hurting her like that.
That much pain changes a person. He knows that all too well.
When his tears finally subside, Scar considers going back outside, but thinks better of it. If he does, and they notice, he'll have to explain himself and his disappearance. If he stays here, and prepares for bed, he need only say that he was tired. Though with the way his mind has been racing, he doubts he'll get any sleep tonight…
No sooner has he removed his shirt, his fiancé appears, concern etched over her face. Ah. She must have noticed his absence.
The concern seems intensify when she takes in his state of undress. 'Are you heading to bed already? That isn't like you at all…' It's not exactly early, but given how late he's been staying up lately, it's not surprise that him retiring like this is rather odd.
Scar finishes stripping off, and she begins to do the same, before they both slip into the bedroll together.
Scar's fiancé rests her head on his chest, and he strokes her hair, trying to soothe her worry. When he thinks actions won't be enough, he tries words. 'I probably would still be up, had you not allowed me to bathe with you. Perhaps you are not the only one struggling with all the extra exercise.' In truth, it barely feels taxing at all, at least compared to his days as a warrior monk. Still, she doesn't need to know that…
His answer seems to have the intended effect, as she snuggles into his chest. 'That was your idea, I'll have you know. Still, if you're feeling tired, maybe I should be the one sending you to Liore…' he makes a note to remind her of that the next time they get intimate… and she ends up calling quits long before him.
He doesn't answer her little quip, and a few moments later, her breathing slows, indicating that she's already asleep. Scar is surprised that she's managed to drift off so effortlessly, but given how tired she's been, it's not exactly earth shattering.
Thanks to the soothing sounds of his fiancé at peace, Scar manages to drift off in record time himself, his mind still full of Cheng's lies…
… or rather, the hopes he knows will never come to be.