A/N: Like some (or many) of you may have noticed too, there are similarities between the fictional countries of Drachma and Amestris to real world countries (Russia and Germany respectively). I've done some research, Arakawa herself stated it to be non-intentional, but in this story, the similarities may get a bit more obvious, due to introducing Drachma and particularly its leader and forces a bit more closely. The uniforms of the Drachma soldiers remind me a lot of the real-world Russia, which is why I'll have their names sound Russian too. The same applies to Aerugo and Xing (Italy and Asia region) respectively.

HINT: The name Olivier says later in the chapter is the name of Drachma's leader/king/Tsar.

ANSWERS TO REVIEWS:

UnluckyAlis: Thanks for the compliments! I originally thought it might be interest to see him carrying a pocket watch, but then found it unpractical due to the combat situations he is and that normally military don't give out these watches so I changed it to be on his dog tag. :) And thank you for always reviewing, seeing each review always makes my day and gives me more motivation to write sooner! :3

JirachiAtSundown: haha I'm flattered, thanks for reading further JAS! :) I had a moment where I laughed that my story is able to compel people into reading more after randomly stumbling upon a chapter, never thought one of my stories would! ^^

FireAngel: Before I reply to your review, let me just say – you actually have the same username I did in an online game once (called OGame) in Universe 35. I'm sorry, lol, random fact but it just got my attention and I had to say it, brings back memories haha. Anyway, thank you so much for posting this review and liking my story! :) Well, I wouldn't say it's the best or among the "better ones" but I guess it's half decent, there's still a lot to be fixed and improved and I've taken up writing again after years of not writing anything so I'm still a little rusty. :P Thanks for mentioning my OC, I thought she was a Mary Sue, but I'm glad that's not entirely the case :) I plan to mention Envy and his involvement with Lena in later chapters though, so no worries. ;)

Hirude: (rubs tear away) Thank you for the kind review, I'm glad to know the plot isn't as lacking as I think it is! :) But if you have any suggestions for improvement feel free to tell me, I appreciate any help! :D

Deception's Game

Previously on 'Letters from War'…

"Fullmetal, what are you doing? Alphonse said you found something," Roy rose an eyebrow when he saw Edward crouched down by one of the corpses, holding something in his hands.

Ed nodded, his voice low, "I found a few corpses to look familiar earlier, but now I've taken a closer look,"

Roy's expression saddened, his voice soft, "...War buddies?"

Ed quickly shook his head, standing up and turning toward Roy, "No, no, not like that," he held out the thing he was holding in his hand previously and revealed to be a piece of fabric, "This is what I mean,"

Roy's eyes widened, "But this-"

Ed's eyes narrowed, lips set in a thin line, "-is one of our own,"

The emblem of the State Military was sewn into the back of the Aerugo emblem, covered in blood.

Mustang was rubbing the bloodied fabric between his gloved fingers, a frown marring his face as Edward started talking, "If you ask me, we need to have a word with the arrogant prince. Something's not right. Why would they sew double emblems on their people's uniforms? And why ours? We have signed a peace treaty with them and we hadn't had any aggressive encounters since the thing with Fotset a way back. They were the ones supporting the Ishvalan's during the war before we realized we were killing innocent people! Sure, they helped them defend themselves, but they were still meddling in our affairs and we never forced any consequences upon them for their past actions," Ed paused, pacing back and forth with his hands tightly clasped behind his back, "It's in the past, but I don't like where this is going. What the hell is Rico thinking?"

Roy remained quiet for a while, staring at the bloodied emblem of his country, "Did you find anything else that might give us more clues to this?" he motioned toward the fabric in his hand but Ed shook his head, crossing his arms as he leaned against a tree.

"Al and I searched the bodies but we didn't find anything else," his gaze narrowed, "You think this is a setup?" his voice dropped a few octaves, the gold in his eyes appearing like furious, molten hot gold, "…From Drachma's troops?"

Roy shook his head, "I don't think Drachma has anything to do with it this time. This is far too subtle for their style, Drachma is many things but subtle isn't one of them. We should contact Rico for more information, see if we can get an audience with him to explain all of this, until then we refrain from jumping to conclusions and raising an uproar among the others, understood Fullmetal?"

Ed frowned, but shortly after he mutely nodded his head, looking none too pleased with having to wait for an answer from the cocky prince.

Roy nodded affirmatively, standing up to write the telegram and send in for a soldier to bring it to their border's base.

It only took ten minutes for Roy to type the telegram before he called out the fastest soldier he knew, "Ling!"

It was only seconds before the medic appeared in front of them, curious to find out why his superior called him.

Roy extended the letter to the medic, "Please bring this to Aerugo's border as soon as you can or rather, as soon as you see one of Aerugo's boys patrolling the area. Tell them it's only for the crown prince's eyes and that the matter is urgent," Ling took the letter, safely storing it in a small but fitting leather bag strapped across his chest slung at his back before he gave his other superior a probing look.

"….Did you do something again, Ed?" his teasing remark was met with a furious gaze and twitching fingers that promised pain beyond the blond's control should Ling not leave this instant.

Taking his reaction as a good sign, Ling grinned teasingly and ran off, the wind disturbing Roy's hair slightly when Ling rushed past him with speed unmatched by any other soldier here, "…Am I glad he's on our side," he sighed.

Ed snorted, "He should be glad he's on our side and not suffer through the occasional friendly fire from me," he growled, silently seething against his stiff posture against the tree.

Roy smirked, shaking his head, "You've matured over the years Fullmetal, dare I say became even collected, but I fear that temper of yours won't quite die out as quickly as I hoped," he grinned in amusement, chuckling.

Ed turned his scathing glare to the dark-haired man, "My temper won't die out as quickly as your usefulness in battle does during the rain," with that, he pushed himself coolly off the tree and walked away, smirking when he heard the inevitable enraged shouts of his superior threatening to burn him alive in his sleep one day.

"Fullmetal!"

"Winry!" Mei nearly had a seizure, Lan Fan comfortingly patting her back when the smaller woman composed herself and straightened in her seat, "I can't believe it! Didn't Lena teach you anything?!"

Said female's eyes widened and she looked curiously but slightly offended in the direction of the Xingese woman, who smiled sheepishly in her direction, "I-I mean, didn't Lena teach you how to flirt a little here and there? You know, it won't do any harm!"

Before Winry could get a word in, Lena still felt offended, "…. What's that supposed to mean 'didn't Lena teach you anything'? If my pupils at the defense course can learn self-defense in a month then my protégé can surely learn how to be smooth with men in less than two weeks!" she huffed, crossing her arms, all the while playfully ignoring her friend's attempts at apologies.

"…. Protege?" Winry shared a quizzical look with Lan Fan, who smiled behind the rim of her teacup and shook her head.

"Two weeks?" Lan Fan's stunned tone drowned in her tea when Winry whirled her head around to send her a baffled look, the martial artist had the decency to look aplogetic.

Winry sighed, "Mei…I'm not sure if my poor…flirting skills are the problem here. I mean, I didn't even try to flirt with Edward anyhow so your argument is invalid! But anyway, Edward did block me out in some of our conversations whenever we talked about home or such. I'm not sure why, I feel like he is hiding something or doesn't want to tell me something," she frowned, wiping her sweaty hands against the smooth fabric of her worn pants.

Mei's expression turned grim and Winry noticed immediately, as did the expressions on Lan Fan and Lena's faces, "Huh? Guys? What-did I say something?" she looked at each of them multiple times, not understanding the sudden change in atmosphere.

Mei began quietly, staring at her teacup on the coffee table, "…Winry…" she sighed, looking her friend in the eyes, "Edward is a soldier, an experienced one from all the stories I heard so far. The Fullmetal soldier, as they call him." Mei bit her bottom lip, "I never found out why they would give a soldier a name like that and Alphonse never told me but what I do know is that he was involved in some accident a few years ago."

Winry frowned, "…What…what kind of accident?" she never realized just how quiet her voice was.

Mei shook her head, "Alphonse didn't want to talk about it, but he said it had been horrible for him and his brother. He wasn't allowed on active duty at least for two years, however he managed to fully recover in a year." She sighed, "Alphonse is a bit different, he doesn't mind too much talking about home, but many other soldiers find it difficult,"

Lan Fan continued this time, sharing a look with Mei, "Yes…Ling is similar in that respect too, but when he stops being funny and optimistic, he sounds like a completely different person," Lan Fan looked down at her feet, her own eyes looking haunted, "I remembered him waking up in the middle of the night with nightmares after completing a few missions before the war broke out. He never told me everything in detail, he said he didn't want to worry me,"

Lena smiled serenely, taking a small sip of her own cup, "Yeah…I guess Greed's a better example. A large number of soldiers, especially those deployed on active duty, suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder and are plagued by nightmares or memories of the atrocities they've done and were forced to do during active duty in a warzone or while launching attacks at another country. I…" her hands tightened into fists, "I was always afraid what would happen if they sent him to the front lines, when the war would break out. Greed is tough, but…" Lena swallowed thickly, "It's never easy to see only the ghost of the man you've once fell in love with, changed by everything that happened and scarred by all the things he did,"

Winry found her voice again, finally, "You think…" her eyes widened and she buried her face in her hands, "How…how didn't I think of that? How can I be so stupid? I never really thought if Edward would be so strongly affected by it. I mean, I don't even know what to talk about to someone who's fighting for his life every day while I'm here perfectly fine and protected," Winry's eyes saddened, "I mean…how many interests could such two radically different people share?" she looked helplessly at her friends, "I never thought being a soldier was easy or didn't come with their own baggage but…I just don't know how to say the right words,"

Mei frowned, "I'm sorry Winry, I didn't mean to upset you I…" Mei hesitated, "I just…I wanted you to understand why Edward may be blocking you out or hiding something from you, I didn't want you to take it personally where you can't do anything about it,"

Lena shrugged, "Besides, in these situations there are never "the right words", at least I think so. I also don't think Ed expects you to, Greed says he just has trouble opening up,"

At that, Winry sighed, eyes drooping to gaze silently at her feet.

Lena cleared her throat, "Yeah, I mean ya can't put the blame on the girl for everything. Either way guys have their own periods or they're fighting in a war," she calmly drank her tea while Mei giggled and Lan Fan smiled behind her hand.

Winry lifted her head and giggled, nodding, "I guess…you're right," she quickly noticed three pairs of eyes watching her, "A-ah, I'm sorry for the suddenly gloomy mood everyone!" Winry scratched the back of her neck, sighing heavily, "I'm sorry…I guess I know a lot about tinkering with bolts and screws and less about some other things…"

Lan Fan smiled reassuringly, "I wouldn't worry Winry, there is nothing to be ashamed about. If we didn't have boyfriend's in the military, we wouldn't have a deeper understanding of it too," Winry sent her a small, appreciative smile, "Besides, it's not like we know everything about it either."

Mei nodded, "Mhm, that's right! I always thought wanting to join the military was stupid. I mean, who would want to willingly risk their life in a war?" she paused, thinking, "But then…I realized being a soldier wasn't only about the fighting and shooting enemies," she giggled, "Whenever a flood happens, soldiers are also sent out to help support victims and bring them to safety or support other people after terrorist attacks, natural disasters and anything the local authorities have difficulties handling." She smiled, "If Amestris wasn't such a military orientated country, I don't think our military would even be half as strong as it is now."

Winry rose an eyebrow, "Huh? What do you mean? Why wouldn't the military be as strong then as it is now?" but as soon as Winry uttered the words, she realized it, "Oh, I see, they wouldn't use the military for wars and militaristic conflicts with other countries but only use them for helping citizens." The women nodded.

"Still…I wish this war was over so they could come back…" Mei uttered quietly, staring out the window.

The others followed suit, every one of them feeling like a part of them was missing.

Except Winry that is.

"General Armstrong, sir!" a practiced formal shout cut through the rushing wind and snow as the tall blonde recognized the voice of her trusted right hand.

"What is it, Miles?" came the collected but cold voice of his superior.

The dark-skinned man didn't miss a beat, "General Mustang's base has been ambushed several days ago and their current location is unknown. A chopper spied Drachma's troops scouting the destroyed area but there seem to be no corpses save but those of a few Drachma soldiers."

Olivier smiled, "Good. Notify me if anything changes," Miles nodded silently, clicking his boots together and bowing in respect before returning inside Fort Briggs.

The blonde general stayed where she was, long corn blond hair disturbed by the harsh rushing wind blowing in her face but her gaze remained trained in front of her, particularly what she spotted in the distance.

Flickering lights.

The light was brief and barely visible thanks to the dense storm, but her years of combat training allowed her to develop a keen eye for detail and signs of danger on the battlefield. Flickering lights may be of no importance in a city full of lights, but this was a mountain area, scarce save for the large Fort of Briggs stationed there.

Flickering lights weren't a good sign, especially since they didn't come from any of her men.

Quietly, a large figure manifested behind her, watching the same spectacle she was with growing anger, "What should we do, General?"

Olivier remained quiet, gaze narrowing at the flickering lights, "We wait," her hand automatically went to the hilt of her rapier, a family heirloom, the blood rushing hotly through her veins, fingers tightening around the metallic hilt of her weapon, "Tomorrow at dawn, I want you to investigate." she turned her head slightly, "Make sure to not alert the enemy of your presence yet, if you manage take them hostage for questioning,"

The man behind her nodded, "Yes, General," he turned his back, ready to head inside the massive stone structure until he stopped himself, "May I say something?"

A brief moment of consideration before the reply came, "Go ahead,"

"The warm sun at my back and the harsh wind in my face…" he smiled, unseen by his superior, "Have you ever heard of that saying, General?"

Olivier smirked, "I haven't,"

The man with the mohawk stared up at the sky veiled in white and gray, "It is well known that sailors usually say that as a farewell, bidding good luck to their fellow sailors when they set out for the great sea. But I think it's fitting for the soldiers on land as well." He closed his eyes, smiling, "The warm sun at my back is the comforting hand on my shoulder that offers me strength and hope for my next battle," his voice hardened slightly, "The harsh wind in my face are my opponents that brandish their weapons and point their blades in my direction,"

Olivier hummed thoughtfully and silence settled between major general and captain before Olivier spoke up, "And what role do you see me take, Buccaneer?"

Buccaneer grinned, "I see you as the indestructible wall, sir," she turned her head slightly, eyes partially covered by her hair, "A wall so great that, while it blocks out the sun's warmth, it offers warmth and protection from the bitterness of the harsh wind and surrounds with a protective presence, never meant to break or crumble, even in the face of the strongest of storms just like Fort Briggs,"

With those words, she heard her trusted captain leave and a small smile broke out on Olivier's face.

Full lips fell into a dangerous scowl when the flickering lights appeared again and her sword made a metallic click as she unsheathed it slightly by pushing the sword out of its sheath with her finger, "Face my full wrath," her gaze hardened, jaded blues glaring daggers at the unseen enemy hidden by the snow, "Borya,"

A rumbling sound in the distance caused the tall, foreboding man to turn his head, steel grey eyes flashing, "Dimitri, Grigori, go and investigate that noise, now," the two soldiers to his right nodded quickly, disappearing soon out of sight thanks to the storm.

"My Tsar," his commander dropped into a deep bow before him, not daring to straighten his posture until the calm hand gesture of his ruler allowed him to break out of the bow.

"What did you find?" the thunderous, deep voice grumbled from beneath the heavy black beard, aging but burning grey eyes boring into his commander like bullets.

"We found the Amestrian's second base, destroyed, but no signs of their corpses, neither from Edward Elric nor Roy Mustang, sir," the commander was just a little shorter than his great king, donned in full battle regalia under the thick, warm winter coat issued to him by the military along with the dark fur hat on top of his head. A small, jagged scar ran diagonally from the beginning of his jaw to the side of his throat, the tissue faded and pale, obviously a scar many winters old already.

"Hm…" the Tsar's hands shook with barely suppressed rage and he quickly drew his rapier, the sharp blade warningly pressed against his commander's neck, "I shall not be satisfied with this answer, you are to send out more troops and make sure they are dead. I will not stand for humiliation! Especially not by Bradley's inferior regime!" the blade briefly pressed tighter against the soldier's skin, but it was gone as soon as his ruler drew it out of its sheath.

The commander bowed again, "Yes, my Tsar," he saluted, before shouting out orders in their mother tongue at his men.

The emperor of Drachma closed his eyes, feeling the harsh wind burn his skin. The burning feeling was good, it meant he was alive for another day, alive to once and for all end the pathetic rivalry with Bradley and proclaim him the superior leader.

"Bradley…" hardened eyes focused in the direction where Amestris was, despite not seeing the country itself, he knew exactly where he was he was looking to, "This is only the beginning,"

Ignoring the burning in his legs, Ling jumped over uprooted trees and thick roots, dodging holes in the ground created by grenades and bombs. Stealthily avoiding any leaves and instead rushing on soft, moist ground, navigating through the terrain with relative ease. After all, this wasn't the first time he delivered a letter to Aerugo's border, but it has been a while since last time.

His stomach growled and he frowned, sighing heavily when his thoughts started straying to Lan Fan and the most delicious dumplings he ever ate when he still used to be at home.

He wondered how she was, how she spent her day, if she missed him, if she felt lonely or deserted. His heart tightened painfully but he shook the thoughts off. Lan Fan was a strong woman, even with him not there, he knew she was alright thanks to her friends and her own busy work.

He could feel the cold wind lessening, allowing a milder temperature to warm his chilled as hell bones.

Xing was a very warm place, the desert between Xing and Amestris was only further proof of that. Winters in Xing were never quite as cold as in Amestris, especially not like Drachma. Even in winter one was able to wear a thinner coat and maybe a scarf and a hat but not much else. He wasn't used to this sort of climate and he already had to deal with slowed reflexes and impaired movements weeks back.

Speaking of winter and coats, maybe he could buy Lan Fan a coat. If memory served him right, she had a thick winter coat and a lighter one he already bought her, but both coats were already well worn. Lan Fan was usually very careful and practical with her clothes, not buying new ones until the clothes she wore were well worn and sometimes even riddled with little holes, especially her socks.

Grinning widely like a fool, Ling allowed himself to think of his beloved girlfriend during his run when alarm bells suddenly rang off in his head when a man shouted from somewhere in the distance, "Watch out!"

It was a land mine.

Thank you for your patience dear readers! :) Suggestions and criticism for improving this story are welcome!