Plot twist? OH MY!!!
Disclaimer: Don't own FMA, or any of it's affiliated characters.
-----------------------
Kaieri followed Ed and Al through the streets of Central . Ed had agreed to let her come along.
She had finally convinced him, on account that she had agreed to help them find the Philosopher's Stone.
As soon as Ed had given her a begrudging 'yes' she had hurried back to Roy to alert him to the good news.
With a self-satisfied smirk he had given her a military security pass and documents stating that she had almost as much power as a certified state alchemist should a dangerous or serious situation arise.
Kaieri had left Roy's office in high spirits for the first time in awhile.
They headed to Central Train Station, boarding a train that would take them to the countryside where Ed's next lead was located.
"Alright Al, Kaieri," Ed began as the train slowly pulled out of the station. "It's time to pursue our next lead! Alright. There's a State Alchemist somewhere in the countryside. He's pretty reclusive…But they say he's a genius in his field, which is research."
He paused to gather his thoughts on what else he knew about the alchemist.
Kaieri thought the description sounded familiar, but figured it a coincidence…a slightly eerie coincidence…
Kaieri hung her head , staring at her brown boots in contemplation as she awaited the rest of Ed's description.
"Do you know his name, Brother?" Al asked suddenly.
Kaieri looked up, jolted by Al's voice.
"Well…his codename is the Philosophy Alchemist. But I believe his name is Eli Rommel…"
Kaieri took in a sharp intake of breath then gasped at the pain in her chest.
Ed noticed her reaction while Al hurried to see if she was alright, puzzled.
"Are you alright, Kaieri?" Al asked in concern.
Kaieri nodded feebly.
Ed stared at her for a moment longer before it clicked.
"Kaieri…what is your last name? I forget." Ed asked slowly.
Kaieri winced. "Why?"
Ed visibly clenched his teeth in frustration. He didn't want to beat around the bush at all. "What's your last name?" He repeated.
"Rommel," Kaieri admitted, looking away.
Ed's face lit up, his frustration forgotten in his newfound excitement. "Are you related to him in any way?!" He asked with an uncontainable tone of excitement in his voice.
Kaieri nodded slightly. "Yes…he's my father," she admitted quietly.
Your FATHER?!" Ed and Al exclaimed in unison.
Kaieri raised an eyebrow then gave a slight grimace. "Yeah…but I haven't seen him in about…three years. And I don't really want to see him ever again."
Ed's jaw dropped in shock. "This guy is your father?! He could know tons of information about the Stone!"
"He does," Kaieri murmured.
Kaieri looked at the excitement that was dancing within Ed's gold eyes. He really wanted to meet her father…She didn't think she could refuse anything that Ed asked of her.
In the short amount of time they had spent together, Kaieri felt the need to protect Ed and Al at all costs…
"Why didn't you tell us before?" Al asked out of curiosity.
Kaieri sighed as she brought her gaze up to meet theirs.
"Because…I hate him…" She said through tightly clenched teeth.
Ed's excitement died down to be replaced with a quiet understanding.
"This may sound selfish…but could you take us to him?" Ed inquired in a soothing and gentle tone.
Kaieri looked at him, then sighed heavily. "Ed…I don't know…."
"Kaieri, this could bring us a step closer to getting Ed's arm and leg back…and my body as well!" Al put in.
The innocence of his request was young and hopeful. Despite the one year difference that separted them, Kaieri felt that she couldn't destroy the childlike hope that Al had .
She couldn't bear to take that hope away.
"Please, Kaieri?" Ed said softly.
Kaieri met Ed's gaze again, and he could see the pain and frustration in her eyes as she wrestled with her heart and mind at their request.
But he had to meet Eli Rommel. He might even have all the answers that they needed…
She frowned for a moment before nodding slightly.
Ed grinned then settled back into his seat, basking in the glow of his over inflated ego.
Sighing, Kaieri pressed her forehead up against the window , looking out at the countryside.
Ed's overconfidence aside, she began to think about the journey ahead.
After three years she would finally confront her father.
And about the Philosopher's Stone , no less. The very thing that her father had pursued with a passion, leaving his two children and wife to become second to his research.
Kaieri closed her eyes as the regrets and anger swirled within her thoughts and settled into a light doze.