My God! Have you heard the horrible news?
DeviantART is shrinking. Whoop-dee-doo, people, whoop-dee-freaking-doo.
Holy shit, was I pissed. I haven't uploaded anything to the site since I heard the news – boycotting, or just too afraid to see my sucky photos become even worse when they're forcefully re-sized? I do not know. Maybe both. Yes, I'll go with both. I've resorted to uploading my photos to my Facebook, and NO ONE CARES THERE. SobSob.
But because I haven't been spending time on DeviantART, I've had more time to write. I seriously have the next four chapters waiting to be uploaded – after I tweak them of course.
Well on lighter news – MomoCon is tomorrow! Pray for me. Tobi is horrible to cosplay.
The Lovely Daaaarlings!
PixieStixys: Want to know something? NEITHER DID I. Hehe. I'm a genius? =O Why am I the last to know this tid-bit of information? Hah, that was my favorite line I've written for this story so far! xD
Ria442: You're baack! (Tear, Tear.) Thank you's, my dear! I'm glad you enjoy it so!
.C H I D O R I – S H I O R I.: Why thank you! I'm glad you think so. Teehee.
AliceInNeverland: Well yes. All my readers need to be insane! Mwahahaha. Aww. Dx I'm glad I could brighten your day a little! Huzzah to that. Hehe, that's a good point. I'm homeschooled so I wouldn't even get a chance to go to a prom; It's all good really. Sounds complicated! Yes, dress shopping is horrible, boring and sweaty. Blech. I'm glad you like the story though and yeah, Ed and Riley are definitely getting closer with each other. Slowly but surely, eh? And thank you. I seriously couldn't believe that Pig Latin hadn't crossed my mind. I'm TOTALLY USING THAT. 8D
Rabid Cream Puffs: Yes, they're on good terms again! Hopefully it'll stay that way. Ham Sammiches are Riley's number one weakness. xP Aww. I haven't had a cupcake in forever~!
IceFire Dragon Alchemist73: Verrrrry interesting. (Strokes chin in cliché-Villain style.)
Katsekala: Fear the cliffhanger! Mwahaha. Thank you though. x333
Fmagurl123: I suppose it'd be immature to say, "HAH, FOOLED YOU,"? Hehe. Roy actually crossed my mind, but what with the ink, it was best to go with Riley's father – Plus it's a nice little story twist. Here's the next chapter! x'D
Mizunou: Hehe, thank you! xD
Want to Be a Lovely Daaaarling? Review! Bwahaha.
Just a little warning in advance – This chapter is, to put it simply, Riley reading the letters in the album. It may be a bit too serious or boring, but it needed to be done. I already have the next chapter written anyway. Thank yew and goodnight.
I don't own FullMetal Alchemist or its content. Namely the Ishbalin War. I do, however, own the Rebellion Army, Radley and Riley(Along with the chapter's storyline.)
Chapter Thirty-One:
Letters of a Soldier
(Radley's Album)
"What is your name?" He asked.
Kevin was looking down at the man before him in a blank stare. His cold brown eyes were merciless as his hair was shoulder length; black and smooth as the sun shone down on it. Despite the sunny weather, the air was cold and humid. The man sitting in front of him was much different. His silver hair was short and slightly spiked while his green eyes looked up with much emotion; fear, hope, desire, and defeat. His clothes, mostly scarlet red in color, were tattered greatly. "R-Radley… Radley Blackburn," He stuttered out in reply.
"What are you doing out here?" Kevin questioned.
Radley glanced around. The streets were empty as it was early morning. He sighed. "I've travelled from home. Hotels are closed at this hour," Was Radley's response.
Kevin remained silent a few seconds. He glanced down to the necklace that hung at Radley's neck. It was a silver transmutation circle. 'An alchemist…,' He thought to himself. "Come with me, then."
Blinking in surprise, Radley became suspicious. "Who… Who are you?" He asked quietly, readying his hands. Kevin noticed.
"Kevin Mauler."
Radley's eyes widened. This was the man he was searching for. The reason he had travelled so far from home. "You…" Kevin blinked in acknowledgement as Radley stood to his feet quickly. "You're the founder of the Rebellion Army! I… I want you to train me," He said firmly.
Scowling, Kevin sighed. "I'm not a teacher. We're an army, not a school."
The second man glared at him, "Then I'm joining your army."
. . .
"I don't get this!" Radley shouted angrily, throwing the book at the wall. It slammed against it, and slid to the floor.
Kevin sighed. "The more you let yourself get frustrated, the more you won't understand it," He explained for the umpteenth time. Radley's hair had gotten slightly darker, and he had let it grow to his chin by now; while his skin had gotten slightly tanner due to the tedious training outside. Kevin's hair was almost near his waist, but he looked almost the same elsewhere.
Radley glared up at the Mauler man with a scoff. "That's what you always say, Kevin. And look where we are now! It's been a year already and I've hardly progressed at all."
Glaring down at Radley, Kevin shook his head. "You've progressed in strength. You just need to work on your knowledge now…," Kevin replied before heading to the door silently. As he left the room, Radley picked up the book and began to read it again. Kevin had entered the main room, where Claire and Gregory sat. Gregory was younger than the couple and it showed on his face. Claire had light blonde hair that reached her chin, and bright blue eyes that shone with calmness.
She looked over at him once he entered. "How is it going in there?" She asked, concerned.
Kevin sighed, sitting beside her. "He's growing impatient," He answered.
Claire shook her head, glancing to Gregory. "We've been talking, Kevin. Something is odd with that boy. I don't know what it is, but I'm sure of it. He's got dark intentions…"
"I know…," Kevin muttered out. The two sitting beside and across from him looked over in surprise. He sighed. "Radley has the wrong ideals to be an alchemist. It would shame anyone. But we need him right now. The Rebellion Army is in a critical state, and it will only get worse in time. We need his potential."
With a small glare, his wife spoke up. "And what then? What happens when his potential runs dry and we've used him up? What will you be willing to do, Kevin? You know you're growing attached to the boy. We all see it. If you're hoping he changes along the way, things will only be worse," She said defiantly.
"Clairessant, I know this. But we don't have much choice," Kevin said with a sigh.
Suddenly the door was swung open; Radley standing there holding the book. "I understand it!" He exclaimed, "I understand it now… It's so simple!"
. . .
Kevin,
I apologize for the late letter. You must be impatient by now. I've been doing that research like you asked. I'm beginning to understand the human body and how it functions. You were right. Working at this campsite has been worth it. And as far as that ink resolution you sent me goes… I tried it on one of the skin samples here. At first it was fine, but slowly the skin started to disintegrate. It was too strong. I have more tests to run with it but you may want to send another try of it.
Blackburn
"You do realize those 'skin samples' were from people he's killed, don't you?" Claire asked, looking up at Kevin.
He sighed. "Yes…"
Claire scowled, looking up at her husband. "You have to stop him! He's killing more and more, and his letters are sounding less and less guilty. It's getting too easy for him lie to you in these letters. You need to go to him and stop it. We're getting a bad reputation, Kevin…," She reasoned desperately.
Kevin looked down at her and shook his head. "He isn't a part of the Rebellion Army. What he does is no concern of ours." Claire glared at him and turned, walking off.
A sigh came from behind Kevin as Gregory looked from the door to him. "She's right. You know she is. You can't let him get away with this. You won't. It's against your morale."
Gregory was right.
Blackburn,
It's good you're progressing. That's what's needed for the Rebellion Army. Maybe one day you will be able to join. Gregory has been training the others as usual. Claire's had to take care of more wounds because of training than the battlefield. I've left you another sample of the ink. It should be in the envelope. I expect a test result from it soon. We need it soon as possible.
Kevin.
. . .
Kevin,
You need to come. Come as soon as you can. I have an idea for that ink… It's perfect… I've finished my research on the human skin. I know what can make that ink durable enough, while gentle as well. I'm shortly outside a southern village. You'll know when you get here. But please, hurry. Your ink is going to be perfect. I swear it…
Blackburn
Blackburn,
I'll be on my way soon. Claire is against going, what with the heat between the militia and the Rebellion Army. Gregory has been trying to talk me into bringing guards. But ignore that. I will be there soon. I hope this ingredient theory of yours is worth the trip.
Kevin.
. . .
Kevin,
Things are going well here now that the military has left the town. People are more at ease. Your men are heading back to the dojo first thing tomorrow morning. I on the other hand will be staying here. This is a great place for relaxation. I've made a home here. I know you will understand. Have you used the ink yet? I have. It's perfect.
Blackburn
Blackburn,
The soldiers arrived around the same time as your letter. They're all safe and well now. Gregory and I have been working harder and harder recently. Claire is pregnant. We've only received the news recently. Eight more months, and we will have a child to take care of. Gregory will be working much harder when that time comes. Yes, I understand your decision Radley. I hope you lead a healthy life. And for the ink… No, I haven't used it yet. No one knows about it either. I want to use it wisely. As you should, too.
Kevin.
Kevin,
That is a surprise. I hope Claire is healthy as she always is. You will make good parents, I'm sure of it. Will Gregory be the godfather? I'm glad you support this, sir. That's what I needed to hear. It's reassuring.
Blackburn
Blackburn,
That was what I wanted to talk to you about. I would like you to be the godfather. But only if you can promise me one thing. Stop killing.
Kevin
"Has he replied yet?" Claire asked, looking up at Kevin nervously.
With a sigh, he shook his head. "No. He's troubled. I can tell. He wants to accept our offer… But his bloodlust is far too strong for him. He never was one for self control," Kevin grumbled out.
Claire sighed, "I know you were expecting that to fix things, Kevin, but… He's too deep in this."
"…You're right."
. . .
Two years had passed, and everyone had grown. Claire's hair had become shoulder length, her face more rounded and matured as well. A baby girl had been brought into the dojo as well. Riley Mauler. Radley was almost Kevin's height; His hair shoulder length and black with a few silver strands left. His green eyes had become more confident, as well as colder. Kevin had gotten even taller, with black hair down to his waist. Both were tanned and muscular, after their dojo training sessions together. The two were like brothers.
Very, very complicated brothers.
Radley was dependent on the older man, while at the same time much more keen on the human body. Kevin was stronger, more advanced and experienced. The two cared for one another, along with the others of the Rebellion Army; but that the same time, Radley was becoming someone else. His bloodlust was much stronger now, along with his temper. Despite his intelligence, he was far less experienced; far less knowledgeable when it came to life decisions.
Claire was tired of it. As was Gregory. Aside from Kevin, they were the only two in the army aware of Radley's bloodlust.
"Clairessant," Kevin muttered as he walked into the main room. She sat at the table while she held a baby girl, and she looked up at him. "War has started near East City as a result of the Ishbalin War… Radley is going to be sent there with a few of our men." Upon seeing her eyes widen, he started before she could protest, "It's our only option at the moment. Aside from us, there's Gregory and Radley. You know Gregory can't go – not now with Ishbal waiting to be protected."
With a scowl, she nodded grimly. There was no choice to refuse.
. . .
Several people stood outside the Mauler dojo as Kevin, Claire and Gregory stood in front of them. Claire was holding her child. Radley led the group. "Remember. Send a letter at every update," Kevin stated.
Radley nodded. "I will. Please update me as well."
"Take care of them, Radley," Kevin said, nodding to the people behind Radley. "Failing is one thing, killing our men is another," He said, sending him a warning glare.
Nodding, he bowed. "I won't let any of you down," He said before standing back straight. Glancing to the baby, he looked to Claire. "Take care of her." He turned and as he led the men away, Kevin and Claire watching silently.
Gregory gave a low sigh as he stood behind the leaders of the army. "Hopefully all goes well…"
. . .
Kevin,
Things aren't going so well here. The military is slowly invading the town. We've put our healthiest men in front while our sick or injured rests. But I don't think they'll last long enough. The townspeople are getting restless, not to mention impatient. I'm afraid we're running out of resources, strategies, men and time. I don't know what happened…
I'm sorry.
Blackburn
Radley looked up from the desk when he heard shouting outside. Standing from his table, he looked out to see the military coming closer, fighting soldiers from the Rebellion Army along the way. He sighed and looked to either side of him before going back inside the tent he had placed up. One of Kevin's men, who was resting on a bench outside, watched Radley as he entered the tent and scowled. "I don't like him…," He thought to himself.
Blackburn,
I understand. That town is only part of this war over Ishbal. But what I don't understand is why you're lying to me. I've heard rumors from my men. You're killing innocent people. The people we're supposed to be protecting. Leave the Rebellion Army to its job if that's your wish.
Kevin.
Standing against the railing that lined the porch, Kevin let out a long sigh as he thought about Radley. Claire walked over to him, Riley in her arms as she leaned on the rail as well. Kevin placed an arm around Claire's back, but the two quickly panicked when Claire's hands slipped and let go of Riley. Riley was sent toppling over the edge and Kevin quickly leaned over, grabbing her arms. She looked up at him and burst into giggles. Kevin raised his brows incredulously, and sighed, shaking his head.
Kevin,
I apologize for the rumors. I also apologize for the fact they're true. I've killed a few. They were getting in our way, sir. You have to understand that. I know what I did was against your reputation, but I don't regret my past decisions. However… I will control myself. I have a temper; I will learn to control it.
Blackburn
Radley looked down at the dead body, holding his bloody sword over it. Hearing shouting coming around the corner, he spun around to see military rushing over. They spotted him and aimed their guns. Dropping the sword to the ground, Radley turned and ran.
. . .
Blackburn. I have heard the news. You have so easily turned your back on us? You've betrayed my men, and me? I thought you were better than that. You fool. The military isn't your biggest concern now. If and when this war with Ishbal ends, I will personally be after you. After all I've taught you. You were better than this. You know not to get in my way and yet you have. Watch your back.
Mauler.
Be Responsible. Don't Flame and Drive! Rawr.