Humankind cannot gain anything without first giving something in return. To obtain, something of equal value must be lost. This is Alchemy's first law of equivalent exchange. In those days, we really believed that to be the world's one, and only, truth.

For the Love of Alchemy

Chapter 13:

Roy's Antics

"Well, explain from the beginning and we'll go from there, shall we?" Roy sat with the Elrics and the Tringhams. Both sets of boys glanced around at each other and Ed sighed.

"I'll tell it. Christina planned for us to go to Xenotime and said she needed to pick something up from a guy named Russell." Ed motioned to the older Tringham.

"We were posing as the Elrics to get close to the red water. We needed the water so we could fix Christina's pocket watch and choker." Russell picked up and Edward glared at him.

"Edward, I know your jealous but knock it off." Said Roy as Ed's glare turned to him and his mouth hung open.

"Once we all met up, Christina wanted to destroy the water supply. It was making the town sick. After that, all we know is that Christina and Fletcher went on ahead. We then found them underground; knocked out. Fletcher woke up but Christina didn't," finished Russell as Roy ran his hand through his hair. The room went quiet and he glanced at Ed.

"Well I guess this is a change in our plans just…."

"Deja Vu!" Shouted Fletcher, everyone looked at him funny but Al knew exactly what the little guy meant.

"Are you done interrupting me because I believe it was me talking and not you…?" Roy saw Fletcher hide behind his brother and he laughed.

"The Tringhams and Al will be staying here in the East. Full Metal you'll be going to Chaono. There is a rumor that your Homunculus is there." Ed was about to protest to Roy's words but stopped.

"What about Christina? Why can't Al come with me? I don't trust them." Said Ed more to himself, but stood up at the sound of knocking at the door. Slowly he opened it.

"Colonel Mustang, the Fuhrer is here to speak with you. He also said to bring Full Metal." Fuery stood in the open doorway. From within the room everyone could hear a growl, everyone turned to Roy.

"Um Colonel are you ok?" Fuery came in and closed the door behind him.

"Go back and make him happy till we get there. Russell, Fletcher and Al stay here. Full Metal lets go!"

"Fuhrer, Colonel Mustang reporting."

"And Major Elric." Roy and Ed said as they saluted and the Fuhrer gestured for them to sit. The man simply smiled and Roy and Ed felt awkward.

"Calm down boys. Just need a few questions answered that's all. Like the whereabouts of the Cutting Alchemist?" Asked Fuhrer Bradley as Hawkeye entered. He glanced at her for only a second and then to the boys.

"She came in this morning, she's due to give her report to me tomorrow on the expansion of the Shattered Body Epidemic," Answered Roy as Hawkeye handed him a note.

"Well is that so?" Said the Fuhrer more to himself than the others. Roy read the not and then handed it to Ed.

"Actually she will be giving me her report within the hour. Full Metal I've given you your assignment. Take this with you, your assignment starts now." Said Roy smiling innocently at the Fuhrer.

"I'm sorry to cut this short Fuhrer but I must go, Farman, escort the Fuhrer to his car please." Roy and Ed stood, saluted and left. Hawkeye followed and Havoc caught up.

"Full Metal, leave now I don't want him getting you, there are going to be lots more questions." All four stopped in front of the infirmary and yelling could be heard. Ed took this as a sign to leave now.

"What the hell Mustang!? Why am I here and what happened to the Tringhams and the Elrics?! What's going on!?" Christina yelled louder and Roy just came to stand beside her.

"Christina I'm sorry but your mother only told me to watch you, not marry you. I'm sorry it just won't work out," Said Roy as he sat down in a chair next to her bed. When he noticed her confused look he smiled and Hawkeye came to stand by him.

"Hawkeye what drugs is he on?" Asked Christina as she slowly moved her right arm.

"I believe Lieutenant Colonel Hughes might have given him something." Roy stared dumbfounded at Hawkeye's words.

"You've pulled a number this time Christina. Your arm bones are shattered and the Fuhrer is asking questions about you. I sent the older Elric away and I think you could have it now… care to prove me wrong on this?" Said Roy as Christina's head lowered. She glanced at her arm and gripped it casing herself more pain then she could endure.

"Without the books it's pointless to stay. My arm was the key to staying an Alchemist, I have no other choice." Said Christina as she reached over to the side of the bed reaching for her enhancers.

"That's not entirely true." Said Hawkeye as she placed a book on Christina's lap, Christina turned to it and opened it up.

"How the hell!? But they… what?!"

"The girl next door said the same thing." Laughed Roy as he stood and left with the other Hawkeye behind him.