Guest Reviewer: Ainz's staff is in his dimensional pocket, and he cannot use it with the armor, since he is a Warrior class and not a Magic-Based one with the armor on. If at any time he needs to use it, then the victim is going to have a BAD TIME.
IAmPedoBear: That's because we like to see the readers suffer a little bit longer for the next chapter.
NOTE: There may be some plot twisting to make Ainz be able to be at important locations when needed
Location: Amestris Military Headquarters
Time: 0650 Hours
Ainz walked into the compound where the headquarters for the military were stationed. In preparation, he double checked his items, and decided to spend some time to put some buffs on himself that would allow him to have boosted senses. The boost itself didn't take much mana, so he could do it every day, but it required him to remove the armor to do so, and it was unnerving being it 'enemy territory' and not wearing armor. Especially when he had no idea how his magic may fare against Alchemy. He wore his two swords on his back, and had his watch stored in his backpack, with easy access if needed. He also put the symbol of Ainz Ooal Gown on his back, just for the nostalgia, and to remind him of his friends from YGGDRASIL.
He walked through the front doors, and someone came up to him. "Are you the Armored Alchemist?" a woman's voice asked. He glanced to the side and saw a blonde woman standing there. Her eyes were hazel and she had a wariness around her that people who have been in combat before have. His was well aware of the gun she had clipped to her side, and he spotted another hidden behind her. It wouldn't surprise him if she had even more hidden.
"Yes, that's me. And who are you?" if she was surprised by his armor or deep voice, she didn't show it.
"I am 1st Lieutenant Riza Hawkeye, subordinate to Colonel Mustang, the Flame Alchemist. You will be working under him."
Ainz held a large amount of suspicions as to why he was going to be working under Mustang, and who placed him there, but didn't dwell on it.
Ainz gazed around as they walked to his superior's office. The building was symmetrical, and the hallways were pristine, much like Nazarick was, and Ainz could feel the similarities in the air, it all had a strict and orderly feel to it, as if-
"Colonel Bastard!" a shout came through the building, followed by a slam of a door, ruining the orderly tone.
Ainz glanced at Riza who simply sighed and put her hand on her gun. Ainz was slightly worried as to why she might need her gun, but focused on the room they were heading towards, where the shout came from. They walked through the doors, to see officers working at desks. Or rather, they were staring at a door on the other side of the room. They looked up to see Hawkeye enter, and jumped back to work. Ainz took note of how she seemed to put fear into them, despite not being the one in charge of them.
"I assume Fullmetal is back?" she asked one of them, a man who had a cigarette in his mouth with blonde hair.
"Sure is. I'm sure your heard him." he said lazily, glancing at the paperwork. "His eyes widened when he saw Ainz. "Who's the new guy?"
This attracted the attention of the rest of the crew, who glanced over and saw Ainz standing there. Their reactions were varied, from one smaller man with glasses looking pretty afraid, and the others were interested.
"This is the Armored Alchemist, Ainz All Gown." Riza introduced. Ainz sighed at the mispronunciation of his name. "It's Ainz Ooal Gown, actually. Don't worry, everyone gets it wrong." He turns faces the officers. "And you are...?"
The man stood. "I'm Jean Havoc, Officer in charge of these guys. Below the Higher ups, Mustang, and Hawkeye of course."
A shorter, wider man, also with blond hair nodded to Ainz. "I'm Vato Falman, Information Specialist."
Next was an unassuming taller man who had graying hair raised his hand. "Heymans Breda, Investigation Specialist."
"I-I'm Kain Fuery." the shorter man with glasses nervously said.
"And you know me, Riza Hawkeye, Adjutant." Riza said.
"It is nice to meet you all." Ainz bowed. Riza gestured for him to follow her. As they walks across to the door on the other end of the room, she explained the situation. "We have recently had a death of one of our officers, so please don't mention it to anyone if they ask where he is. His name was Maes Hughes by the way."
Ainz carefully controlled his reaction, which was easy thanks to emotion nullification, but he still twitched slightly before it kicked in. "My condolences." he said, trying to sound like he cared, although it was difficult when he in fact didn't care and couldn't feel emotion. They came up to the door where they could very clearly hear a young voice shouting on the other side. Riza opened up the door, and stuck in her head.
"Sir, he's here." she said. A quick pause later and she opened the door.
Inside, Ainz immediately picked out the biggest threat in the room, which was the man at the desk. He seemed laid back and relaxed, but Ainz could see him as a large threat if they were to fight. Ainz didn't know about his abilities, other than it was the flame alchemist. Coincidentally one of his undead weaknesses.
Ainz would win if they fought, but it would at least injure him a little. Mustang had an air of a trained general, ready for combat, and Ainz was wary of it, even if he shouldn't have a reason to be attacked.
He then turned to the other occupants in the room, which surprised him. The first thing was the bright golden-haired boy with a glaringly red coat, holding a rather large suitcase to the side. Then he noticed his height, which was at least a foot under Ainz's. Ainz was aware of another figure, who he deemed as powerful as the blonde. (He?) appeared to be a large adult, easily taller than any human or race he had seen, other than Cocytus. Actually, he looked around as tall as Cocytus, which was surprising. The armor was medieval, and seemed to be made of Iron. Ainz's increased senses and ability to see in the dark allowed him to notice the eyes of the armor had soulfire eyes, just like his, although his were rather hard to see through his helmet. The armor also had some kind of symbol on the shoulder.
He took in all this in a few seconds before he turned his attention to Mustang. "Sir." he said, saluting.
Mustang took in the armored man before him, and seemed to take in every little note about him, which put Ainz on edge, but Mustang didn't comment on anything about his armor. "Welcome to headquarters, Armored."
Ainz nodded. "It's good to be here."
"Who are you?!" the blonde kid shouted at him. The suit of armor turned to the blonde and chastised him. "Brother! Don't be rude!"
Ainz glanced down at the blonde, and smirked. "I'm the Armored Alchemist. Who are you?"
"I'm Edward Elric! the Fullmetal Alchemist!" he shouted proudly. "And this is younger brother, Alphonse Elric. Ainz studied him, then laughed. "But you're so little and short, like a child! He looks more like the older brother."
...
The room froze. Or rather, everyone stared at the young boy, waiting. A few heads popped around the edge of the door to watch. Ainz began to worry.
"DON'T CALL ME LITTLE!" the boy roared, jumping at Ainz. Alphonse reached out to grab Edward, but missed. Almost lazily, Ainz used his height and strength to catch Ed by the hood of his red coat. Edward struggled, hanging in the air from Ainz's hand holding his hood, and trying to get at him.
Roy smiled. "You'll fit right in here."
Edward stared at Ainz, who simply chuckled. "Its adorable to see someone as little as you try to jump me." he was about to continue when he was cut off by another round of shouting.
"WHO'RE YOU CALLING A PINT-SIZED SHRIMP WHO'S SO SMALL HE CANT EVEN HIT AN UNNATURALLY, FREAKISHLY TALL GUY LIKE YOU!" he shouted.
Ainz blinked. "I didn't say that exactly."
"BUT YOU MEANT IT!" the little red and gold ball of Napoleonic Fury screeched.
Mustang had a smirk on his face as he watched the antics. "Armored, drop Fullmetal please." Ainz considered how far he should push the little alchemist, then held Ed to the side and ignored his continued ranting, as he answered. "If he calms down, then I will."
Roy sighed. "Fullmetal, stop harassing Armored."
Edward continued struggling for a little bit longer, but couldn't reach any part of Ainz or something to grab on to. Finally he stopped, sighing angrily. "Alright, sure thing Colonel Bastard."
"Is that normal for them?" he whispered to Alphonse. Alphonse sighed and nodded. Ainz shrugged and put Ed down.
Ed glared at Ainz, but looked relieved when he touched the ground. Ainz turned to see Al staring at him curiously. "Why are you wearing armor sir?" Alphonse asked.
Ainz paused, then remembered what he put on the papers for the State Alchemist Exam. "I have a skin condition, and the light burns me because my skin is too pale. There aren't enough pigments in my skin to prevent sunburns."
'Nailed it! Thank you Demiurge for explaining one of your torture methods! Wait... that's not something I should be happy about.'
"So about Lieutenant Hughes? We came all this way to see him." Ed asked Roy.
Roy froze, and looked distinctly uncomfortable. Ed continued. "And where is he, anyway?"
No one responded. Edward looked around, then stilled. "Where is he?" he said in a confused voice.
Roy stared at Ed, calculating, then answered. "Gone." He let the word sink into their head before continuing. "He retired from the government. He left with his wife and daughter to the country, to go continue the family business."
Ainz observed Roy carefully. Truly he was an expert liar, and manipulator, which would be dangerous to his enemies. Riza twitched, glancing towards Roy slightly, surprised in his decision. Edward comprehended what had been said, and then looked down. "I see, that's too bad."
"We were hoping to see him." Alphonse said regretfully. Roy turned to leave, and paused.
"Fullmetal." Roy began, and Edward looked up at him. "Don't do anything crazy." Ed looked confused, but nodded, and left.
Roy looked to Ainz, and gestured for him to follow Roy.
On the way to the archives to get general information on what he may need to know, Roy started up a conversation.
"So, what Alchemy do you specialize in? I see you use swords as well?" he offered.
"I like using air Alchemy, and it would be interesting combined with fire Alchemy, but I can do most any kind if I need to. An interesting fact is that I can even do it without a circle." he said, changing his tone with the last words, startling Roy, Riza glanced at him, surprised.
Roy narrowed his eyes. "How can you use Alchemy without a circle?" he said seriously. "I have my proof on how Edward and Alphonse can achieve that, but I know nothing about you that would indicate you using the same... methods."
"Well, that would be telling, now wouldn't it. I may have gotten it slightly different than what they did, but from the same source, Colonel. Another interesting fact..." Ainz delved into the depths of his memories given by Truth, and found what he was looking for. He used the military hand signals 'You', 'surrounded', 'enemies', caution', and spoke aloud. "Orobouros."
Roy's eyes widened, remembering what he had learned about laboratory five, and the symbols on the people there.
"That should be something to get you going. I trust this will not be spoken of?"
The multiple meaning were clear. Roy had blackmail on Ainz if needed, as he had almost completely stated that he had done human transmutation, but Ainz expected equivalent exchange, meaning trust the other way around as well.
Roy considered the deal, then nodded. "I'll make sure of it."
(General Time Skip to Next Day)
Ainz looked at the newspaper outside of his door at his apartment. 'Oh ho ho! So they think Maria Ross is the killer? This should be interesting. I suppose it doesn't matter if she lives either way, but rather... why would the government blame it on her of all people? The only plausible option beside sheer coincidence is... Envy.'
Location: Roy's Office
Time: 1900 Hours
Ainz stood in front of the desk, awaiting his orders. "I'm happy we caught you in time, most people aren't up this late. Maria Ross, you know of her?"
Ainz, going under the implication that he hadn't seen her before, which was technically true, shook his head. "I've seen her in the papers, but I've never met her. What about her?" Roy stood, and began pacing.
"Maria Ross, Second Lieutenant. Found to be the murderer of Lieutenant Hughes. As of the moment, she has escaped the prison with the help of an unknown, very dangerous man, and is running away. Our orders are to shoot to kill."
Ainz tilted his head. "You wish me to kill her?"
Roy turned his head. "No, I wish to fake her death. I don't believe she did it, and can interrogate her if I can locate her. I have a fake body, and can burn it enough to have it pass inspection. I'm only telling you this because of Equivalent Exchange." he noticed Ainz didn't look very surprised. "You knew already?"
Ainz nodded. "I won't tell you how, but I have definite proof. I also may know who killed Hughes, but I'm trying to look into that. I cannot tell you, too dangerous at the moment. Also, why are you telling me this?" Roy looked at him sharply.
"What? You aren't the only one good at getting information." Ainz said.
Roy glared at him. "If you locate them, let me know immediately. That is an order. I don't trust you, but you are much more trustworthy than most politicians and Generals, which is good enough. You will have to earn more trust in the future."
Ainz nodded. Roy walked out with him. "Let's go."
Ainz chuckled. "I bet I can find her first."
Roy tilted his head, amused. "Maybe, but you don't have a plan for what to do then, do you?"
Ainz simply walked on. "Perhaps."
Location: Alley in Central
Time: 1955 Hours
Second Lieutenant Maria Ross was running with what appeared to be Barry the Chopper, and a Xingese teen, and was very worried for her safety. If she stayed, she would be killed.
"How much further?!" she gasped, not used to running this much.
"Just keep moving!" Barry said with his metallic voice.
Footsteps came from up ahead, and Edward turned a corner. Maria Ross and her group stopped in surprise.
"Edward! Alphonse! What are you doing here?!" she said, surprised.
Alphonse and Barry saw each other.
"Hey! It's that guy!" they both said at the same time. "And Ling too?!" Al noticed.
"Hey guys!" Ling said, sheepishly. "What are you doing here?"
"I could ask the same of you!"
"Quit chattering! We don't have time for this!" Barry cried, swinging his blades at Alphonse, who dodged.
Suddenly, from the third direction, clanking was heard, until a dark figure came from that direction. "What is this?" Ainz said, coming upon the scene.
"Hey! It's that guy from earlier! The Armored Alchemist!" Ed exclaimed.
"Alright sweetheart, we don't have time for this. Take that Alleyway straight to the warehouse district. The dark should cover you there." Barry shouted.
Ross nodded, and began heading that way. "Ross!" Edward shouted. She stopped. "Tell us about Hughes!" he shouted, frustrated.
Barry motioned for her to keep going, so, ignoring Edward, she kept running.
She ran down the alleyway until she saw someone standing at the end of it. It was Roy.
"You're Maria Ross, right?"
...
Snap.
An explosion sounded from where Ross had gone. Barry stared at it. "I guess they got her." he said, not sounding worried at all. Ainz simply hummed. Ed ran off worried, and Alphonse followed him hesitantly.
Barry charged at Ainz, while Ling stayed back, not bothering to fight. "Yargh!" Barry shouted as he swung an overhanded chop at Ainz. Ainz simply took a sword from his back and blocked it, not flinching at all. The cleaver Barry had shattered on impact. Barry stared at the blade, and then at Ainz.
"Wow! You're really strong!" he said, impressed. Ling narrowed his eyes at the figure.
"You aren't human." Ling stated with certainty.
Ainz glanced at him. "What have we here... minor race sensing and tracking abilities? Very astute of you. However, I am not a threat to the country or yours. Well, at least I don't plan to be."
Ling eyed him warily, but nodded. "I'm keeping an eye on you." his eyes widened. 'Maybe he can help me achieve immortality!'
Barry seemed more excited at the idea of him not being human. "Ooh! Can I chop you up? Or are you a bonded soul like Alphonse and I?"
Ainz stored that information for later, simply answering. "I care not for you, and I am not a bonded armor. You can leave before something happens. So long as you aren't in my way, I will not have a reason to fight you."
Barry nodded and dragged Ling behind him, past Ainz. "Let's go foreigner! Thanks armored guy!" Barry said, excited. Ainz, always cautious, casually scanned the two with the discernment spell.
Ainz then walked towards where he knew Roy had been waiting.
Arriving on the scene, he saw Alphonse's huge figure standing behind Ed, who was staring at Roy with pure hatred in his eyes, similar to those of people who saw their family die right before them.
Ainz pushed past Alphonse, who was watching Ed warily. "I've got this." he said, and Alphonse cautiously nodded. As they passed, Alphonse bumped into him, causing two hollow clangs. From Al's intake of breath, Ainz assumed that he had assumed what Barry the Chopper had about him. Now was no time to worry about it. Roy trusted the Elrics, so he would too.
Ed threw himself at Roy, and Ainz caught his arms, noting that one was much stronger than the other. Interesting.
"LET ME GO AL! HE KILLED ROSS!" he roared.
Ainz sighed. "I'm not Al." he said firmly. "You cannot be attacking your superiors like that, Edward."
Edward snarled in rage when he realized he was being held by Ainz, and struggled harder. "But he killed Ross!"
Ainz glanced down. "I can see that. Well done with your control by the way, you didn't even damage the buildings or dumpster. I wouldn't have been able to use that much skill."
Ed's eyes widened at the absolute lack of caring in Ainz's voice. He struggled, breaking out of the grip enough to clap and press it to a wall. Ainz reflexively went to use magic, then realized that he can't use it in his position. He clapped as well, and pressed his hand to the fist that came from the wall towards his face. The bricks deconstructed immediately, turning to dust. Ed gaped at Ainz, dropping to his knees.
Ed stared at the circle-less Alchemy in shock. "You... you did it too? You can transmute without... how?" he asked, with something that sounded like hope and horror. Ainz ignored him and walked away, towards Roy. Mustang nodded, and they walked away. A few steps away, Alphonse called out to them, sounding torn.
"How could you do that to her Colonel?! And you! How come you don't even care that she's lying dead there?!" he cried.
They stopped. Without turning, Roy simply replied. "She was a criminal. We were told to shoot to kill. So I did." He allowed the words to sink in.
"It's our jobs. We are soldiers. That is what a soldier does." Ainz continued.
"That's all you have to say?" Alphonse cried out.
"I'm sorry for not telling you about Hughes' death. You do not disobey direct orders." Roy said over his shoulder.
He turned to Ainz. "I can handle it here. I'll talk to the rest of the brass about it." he explained, still looking deadly.
Ainz nodded. "Of course. I will see you tomorrow, sir."
He walked away, leaving Ed and Al staring at the body, then at him, in shock.
As Ainz walked away, he wondered how this would change the future.
(Not my favorite part of the story. Ainz is difficult, since his goal is to not give away anything, but now one more person knows he's not human, and another knows he has interacted with Truth.)
Omake 1: The Missing Part of the State Exams
A brief explanation. Amestris officers must go through a psyche eval before becoming a State Alchemist, so here is Ainz's.
"So you are here today to take a psyche evaluation, and we will see if you are mentally healthy enough to become part of the military." the Psychiatrist explained. "I am Dr. Phil. You are Ainz Ooal Gown, correct? An interesting name. Is it Xingan?"
Ainz nodded, happy that someone had gotten his name right for once, and took the excuse when he could. "That is my name. My parents traveled with me to Xing for a part of my life. I can prove it to you if you wish." From his knowledge of the world, Xing was basically Asia from his original world, but slightly different.
"Very well. I will ask you questions, and you will respond accordingly." He paused to clear his throat.
"How old are you?"
"I am currently 35."
"When is your birthday?"
"October 31st, 35 years ago."
"You are male?"
"Yes."
"Why do you have armor on?"
"I do believe that is in the forms I filled out earlier."
"Yes, but I want to hear it from you."
"I have a condition that causes my skin to react to almost any light, and it is very severe."
"Hmph. Very well. Race?"
"Amestrian."
"What do you look like under the armor?"
"..."
A pause. Ainz hesitated.
"I have pale skin, dark hair, and red eyes." It was true, if his skin were bones and his eyes soulfire.
"That sounds Ishvalan, yet you claim you are from Amestris?"
"Yes, it was a condition at birth."
"Can I at least see your hand if you won't take off your helmet?"
A longer pause. Ainz would be sweating if he could.
"May I have something to cover it from the light?" he responded.
"Sure." the doctor said kindly, and passed a blanket to him. Ainz covered his hand with the blanket, and cast a glamour over it, one tat would pass detailed inspection, but was very fragile. He showed his hand to the doctor, mentally manipulating the illusion to have small red splotches appear on it, as if allergic to something.
"I see." the psychiatrist said, then muttered as he wrote something on the clipboard. "May I touch it?"
Ainz tilted his head. "Why?"
"I am a doctor, and I haven't seen a condition as sensitive as that." the doctor explained reaching for the hand.
Ainz, worried about his illusion now, as well as his harming touch ability, pulled it back, careful not to touch it. "Please, I would rather-"
The man reached farther and Ainz had enough. "ENOUGH!" he boomed aloud, standing up, and putting his gauntlet back on. He stood angrily, and immediately his emotional negation kicked in, calming him immediately, and he sat back down. He sighed and looked at the psychiatrist.
"I'm sorry, I shouldn't have yelled, but my hand is extremely sensitive when exposed."
The psychiatrist sighed, and nodded to Ainz. "You may go."
Ainz stared him down for a moment, then left. "Thank you Doctor." was all he said on his way out.
Notes from Psychological Exam:
Patient seems to be truthful when explaining his past and information. Skin condition proven to be true. Patient showed me his hand, and even protected from direct light from the light bulb, it was affected by ambient light off of the floor and from a bulb. Skin very sensitive when exposed. Emotionally, the patient seems to have practically no reaction, which is worrying, however doesn't seem to take to dangerous or arrogant action needlessly unless pushed too far. I repeatedly tried touching his hand, until he got angry. He calmed down unnaturally fast, but he wasn't faking it. Shows great patience and calm unless violence is required or is pushed too far.
Overall Result: Fit to go into Military Service
Omake 2: Resurrection! (AKA: Kinda just wrote it as I came up with it, don't take seriously at all, it was a failure at humor.)
"Where's Hughes? I haven't seen him in a while." Ed asked Roy.
No one said anything. "Ed, Hughes-"
"-is dead" Ainz finished. Ed turned to Ainz in surprise. Roy glared murderously at him. "Armored, why would you just say that up front?!" he growled.
Ainz continued, not afraid of the two Alchemists. "But don't worry, I can bring him back to life."
"You did human transmutation?! That's not possible!" Ed shouted.
Ainz shrugged, "Not if you're friends with Truth. And you're a skeleton mage who is powerful enough to do anything. Like this!" Ainz said, waving his hand, his armor being replaced by his robes. Out of nowhere a Gold staff appeared. "And this!" Hughes' dead body showed up, and Ainz pointed the staff at the body. "{Resurrect}!" He shouted. The body began moving, and jumped up.
"Hey Ed! I'm back! look at these photos of my daughter and wife!" Ed just gaped, Roy stared, and Ainz stood there in his bonely glory, amused at the puny mortals assuming Resurrection is impossible. Truth sighed in frustration at the antics and he lack of equivalent exchange.
New updates to Appendix containing files on Alchemists and Ling, maybe Barry.
Why. Why do I make myself watch Anime that make my cry? The only things I have ever cried when I watched them were two movies, and Anime. No other shows/movies/books have made me cry. I just watched RWBY Season 3 Episode 9-12. The feels. :(
What material is Ainz's armor made of? I couldn't locate any details as to the actual element. (Ex: Adamantite, Platinum, Iron, etc.) Also Ainz is around Roy's height in the armor. Not sure about military protocol and saluting/titles, but Roy is pretty relaxed around his crew. Assistance with Military stuff would be appreciated. Fun fact: Roy's crew (Not sure about Hughes) all have last named named after a type of military vehicle. Ainz isn't being over trusting with Roy, just that one, he likes toying with the officials and Roy, so the no circle is the 'bait' for now to keep them intrigued about him. Also, Ainz did promise Hughes that he would inform Roy about the danger. Final note, I changed the location of where Ed met Ainz slightly because instead of Roy and Ed being in a hallway, they were in his office. Slight edit.