Metallic Hearts -FullMetal Alchemist- Episode Nine: Be Thou For The People

Winry went all starry eyed and ran up to a store window.

Winry: "Ed! Al! Lita! Hurry up! Give me this chromium molybdenum steel spanner set, this torque wrench, and this micrometer please!"

Store Owner: "Comin right up!"

Winry: "Also, get me this hard metal tipped drill and bit please.

Store Owner: "Thank you!"

Winry: "Just what I expected from Central Cities tool shops. It has alot more stuff then a country side shop. The feel of this screwdrivers grip is just great."

Al: "Are you still going to buy more Winry? Aren't you buying a bit much for Auntie's souvenirs?"

Winry: "What? But you told me you'd buy me anything. Right, Ed." You could not belive what you were hearing. You would be overjoyed if Ed went out to buy you dinner or just some polish for you metal assests. He had already given her $3,000 in "souvenirs" and she was still asking for more.

Ed: "Sure." Winry smiled and ran back in the shop.

Winry: "These are chrome pliers. They're the ones that will never rust and can cut through anything. Can I buy this too?"

Ed: "Sure." Ed wasn't paying attention, you could tell. He leaned over and set his head on your shoulder. "Do you want anything?"

You: "No, Ed. I'm fine, really." Winry walked up to you and handed you some machine oil and a wrench.

Winry: "Now that you are State Alchemist I won't be able to come out right away if Ed's auto-mail is torn up. So, I'll have to rely on you, Lita."

Soldier: "Edward Elric and Lita Nitro Lieutenant Colonel Mustang is calling for you."

With Roy

Ed: "You have a mission for us?"

Roy: "Yes. Now that you've become State Alchemists, you will be forced to carry out missions. You'd better prepare for it. Lieutenant Hawkeye."

Riza: "Yes. Here are the documents and your orders."

Ed: "Full Metal Alchemist, Edward Elric. Metallic Cat Alchemist, Lita Nitro. I order the above to inspect the mine at Youswell. This is a job for a State Alchemist?"

Riza: "It also includeds the inspecting of the mined material. Since you are an Alchemist, you have knowledge of ore deposits, correct?"

Roy: "Since this is your first mission together, I gave you an easy job. But do not underestimate it."

Be Thou For The People

You, Ed, and Al all sat in a seat in a train headed for Youswell. There was no one else on the train and you couldn't be happier. You weren't much of a huge crowd fan.

Al: "It feels like we've rented out all the cars. Vacations on trains are nice. All's we've got to do is sit and..."

Ed: "Al."

Al: "Hmm?"

Ed: "This is a job for me, a dog of the military."

You: 'Or cat.' You said in your mind as you moved your tail back and forth.

Ed: "You didn't have to come along."

You: "Are you still saying that?"

Al: "I'm always going to be with you, Brother."

Ed: "Yeah."

You: "I see it! That must be the City to the East End. Youswell Coal Mine." You all got off the train, it was like a ghost town.

Ed: "I thought that mines were supposed to be livelier."

Al: "Everyone seems so tired."

Ed: "And there is nothing interesting to look at. Lita, let's investigate this town and go home quickly..." Ed was cut off mid sentence by being hit in the back of the head with a 2 by 4.

You: "Oh my god! Ed are you okay!"

Boy: "Sorry about that."

Ed: "Ouch."

Boy: "Are you tourists? Where'd you come from? Where are you going to eat and sleep?" The kid had short brown hair and hazel eyes.

Ed: "Who are you?"

Boy: "Dad, we have guests!" A man on a buildings roof stood up.

Man: "What'd ya say!"

Boy: "Guests! We have money spenders!"

All: "Money spenders?"

Man: "Welcome! I'm Halling, the innkeeper."

The two led you both to their inn and got you all something to drink. "I'm sorry the inn is so dusty. We miners don't make much, so I also run this inn."

Cashier: "So that will be three guests for one night, right?"

Al: "How much is it? Halling: "It's expensive."

Ed: "Don't worry. I have a lot of money even if I don't look it."

Halling: "Three hundred thousand."

Ed: "What the fuck! Three hundred thousand? Don't joke around! I'm not paying that much for an inn."

Halling: "We're the finest inn in Youswell."

Kyle: "And it's the same price in other places anyway."

Halling: "You're our first guests in a while; we've got to squeeze lots of money out of you."

Ed: "It's not even close to enough."

Al: "We bought lots of souvenirs for Winry."

Ed: "Fine, I'll just have to..." Ed set a broken pickax on the table and used his Alchemy to fix it."

Man: "It returned to normal."

Man 2: "It looks brand new."

Ed: "Is there anything else you need fixed?"

Woman: "Can you fix this one?" The cashier walked up with an orange vase with the broken pieces inside. "I treasure it, but I accidentally broke it."

Halling: "What? You haven't thrown it away yet?"

Cashier: "Well you rarely buy things like this for me, so..."

You: "All right. Leave it to me." You molded the pieces back to the vase

Cashier: "I'm so glad!"

Halling: "This is interesting, our guests are Alchemists. I studied it, but I quit cause I didn't have much talent in it."

Kyle: "Hey. Why did you come to Youswell? There's nothing interesting here."

Ed: "A job. We just came to inspect the mine."

Halling: "Are you from the military?"

Ed: "I am a State Alchemist after all." Next thing you knew Halling threw Ed out literally and another guy was pushing you out the door. Someone threw the suitcase passed your head and slammed into the back of his neck. That hurt, why did you that!"

Halling: "We have neither food nor a place to stay for the dog of the military." He turned to Al. "Are you a soldier as well?"

Al: "No..."

Ed: "He's not related to me. I just met him on the train."

Halling: "Then fine. Go get eaten by the dogs." And he slammed the door.

Al: "You guys seem to hate him."

Kyle: "Of course. Everyone hates soldiers. The guy called Yoki who controls this mine is a money pig and sucks!"

Al: "Yoki?" Halling set a burger and a mug of hot chocolate next to Al.

Halling: "And on top of that, a State Alchemist is here now. Alchemists do good for the public. It's both commonsense and pride to Alchemists. That's what I learned."

Al: "Mister."

Halling: "I cannot forgive those who sell their souls to the state for privileges."

Break

Ed: "I'm hungry." Ed took out the oil top that Winry had given him. "Winry needs to think about the human instead of the machine."

Al: "She's worried about you brother. I've secretly brought you some food."

Ed: "Al."

Al: "I can't eat it anyway. I see that soldiers are hated."

Ed: "I was prepared for that, though."

Al: "Maybe I should get one too. A State Alchemists qualification I mean."

Ed: "Don't. Only we have to go through these hardships. Besides, it's true that I have become a dog of the military."

Al: "Brother..."

Man: "Get out of the way." A bunch of soldiers, a man with a handkerchief over his mouth, and a woman stood in the door of the inn.

Man: "You have a dirty inn as usual, Halling."

Halling: "Look what we have here.. Welcome to this dirty place, Lieutenant Yoki."

Yoki: "No need for greetings. You seem to be behind on your tax payments. It's something that not only applies to you, but everyone in this town."

Halling: "I'm sorry, but we don't make much."

Woman: "That's because you men don't work hard enough."

Man: "What did you say! You guys are the ones that lowered our salaries! And you raised the taxes too!"

Woman: "Lieutenant Yoki was sent here from Central City to control this mine."

Man: "Shut up! All you did was use the money we worked our asses off for bribes to get promotions!"

Yoki: "Then why don't you do the same and bribe me? The world isn't made to make it easy for you to enjoy life." You stared at him through the window next to Ed.

You: "Did that make any sense to you?"

Ed: "You're the smart one. If it confused you then it damn sure confused me."

Man: "You bastard... You're going to get it today!" He ran at Yoki ready to strike him, while said soldier looked absolutely scared. The woman held her hands around her necklace as the center began to spin. It began to glow yellow, and a red ball appeared infront off her and it crashed into the man, who crashed to the floor in pain.

Yoki: "Good job, Lyra."

Yoki: "It seems that the rumor about this inn being the gathering spot for potential rebels as true. I must consider closing this inn, now."

Halling: "What?"

Kyle: "Don't screw around with us." He threw the towel he was holding at Yoki and it hit him right in the head.

Soldier: "Stupid kid!" The soldier ran over and slammed the kid to the ground.

Cashier: "Kyle!"

Yoki: "Let this be a lesson to others. Hurt him." A soldier unsheathed a sword and pointed it at Kyle.

Halling: "Stop!" The soldier reached back and brought it down, attempting to slash Kyle. You growled and jumped through the window. You threw your arm infront of him and the sword sliced into your arm. You tried to keep a straight face as Ed and Al jumped in as well.

Yoki: "Who the hell are you!"

You: "Fucking annoyed." You through your hair over your shoulder to show him your watch. "I heard you were coming, so I came to greet you."

Yoki: "That's...!"

Soldier: "Who is this girl, sir? You fool! You don't even know what a State Alchemist is! It's an organization under the direct control of the Fuhrer!"

Soldier: "What!" You cradled your wounded arm and winked at Kyle who blushed and smiled. "Please excuse my subordinates rudeness. I am Yoki. I supervise this city. So what brings you to this countryside." He reached down and grabbed your hand, kissing it. You refrained yourself from kicking his teeth out.

Ed: "We just came for a little inspection."

Yoki: "Inspection? If you had given me a call, I would have sent someone to pick you up! You must be tired! Now, please come to my mansion." He led you and Ed out the door of the inn.

Halling: "Damn dogs of the military."

With Mustang

Hakuro: "Congratulations, Mustang. It seems that you are going to become Colonel soon. And Hawkeye will be promoted to First Lieutenant."

Mustang: "I'm honored, General Hakuro."

Hakuro: "Since your authority has now broadened, would you like to transfer to East Headquarters and take command there?"

Mustang: "A demotion, I see. I guess if a person like me stays in Central City..."

Hakuro: "What are you talking about? This is not a demotion, it's a promotion, Colonel Mustang. It's just that I hear there are bad people over there. Try to be careful."

Back to you

Yoki: "I am honored to have a State Alchemist in my home. But two is a blessing." You were all at a long white table. You and Ed on one side and Yoki on the other. Lyra was now dressed as a maid and was serving you.

Yoki: "Oh yes. Since we have such a talented set of Alchemists here... Lyra show them your Alchemy."

Lyra: "Yes."

You: "We already saw it. You liquefied the surrounding air and reduced it's volume. Then you vaporized it in a short amount of time to create a shock wave. The light was created by the adiabatic compression."

Yoki: "You figured all that out with just one look."

Ed: "Isn't she just the smartest think you've ever seen." He set his hand on your head and scratched behind your ears, which to Yoki looked like he was rubbing your head. You're ears were under a bandanna and your tail looked like a belt. That's normally how you hid your cat featured. When people asked about your whiskers you just said they were Alchemically applied as a joke and no one could get them off.

Lyra: "I would like to obtain the qualifications to become a State Alchemist and become like you, Edward, sir."

Ed: "Like me?" You had to strain yourself from laughing, though it was hard.

Lyra: "Yes. It is my dream to become an Alchemist who serves the state."

Yoki: "Now please, eat up. I do not know if this countrystyle food suits your tastes, though."

Ed: "You eat good, when the rest of the city is in such a bad state."

Yoki: "This is embarrassing. Tax collection has not gone well lately, so we are having trouble. On top of that, we have a lot of rude inhabitants like the ones you've seen. So they neglect to pay the tax but claim their rights?"

Lyra: "Edward, sir, you understand well."

Ed: "This world's reasoning can be explained with the basics of Alchemy..." You smiled when he paused, he was going to let you show off your intellect

You: "Equivalent Exchange... Rights exist because of duties. Right?"

Yoki: "I see! That is very wonderful! So will you take this because of the world's reasoning?" Lyra slid a little red pouch towards you and Ed. "It is just a token of my appreciation. Please accept it."

Ed: "Is this what people call a bribe?"

Yoki: "No, no, that is a very bad way to put it. It is equivalent trade. Please put something nice in your inspection report."

Both: "We'll think about it."

Yoki: "Just as I thought. You understand very well. The people in this place will calm down, please be patient." You felt the blood trickle down your arm and you winced.

Ed: "Um, do you have a bathroom we could clean her up with?"

Yoki: "Oh, yes, of course. I am terribly sorry about that." Lyra led you both the bathroom. Ed lifted you up like a child onto the sink. The bathroom was very nice and very big. Ed opened the cupboard and grabbed some alcohol.

Ed: "You okay?" He wet a wash cloth with hot water and set it on your arm, cleaning up the dried blood.

You: "I'll survive." He smiled.

Ed: "Good." He put the alcohol on your wound and you bit your tongue. "I'm sorry."

You: "It's okay." Ed took out some bandages and wrapped up your arm.

Ed: "So, what do you think of Yoki?"

You: "I think he's full of shit."

Ed: "You aren't the only one."

The Inn

Al sat in the inn room on the bed.

Al: "Are they doing okay by themselves." Al heard a strange noise and opened the door to see air moving in currents every where.

Al: "What...?"

Kyle: "What's going on?" Kyle walked down the stairs, rubbing the sleep from his eyes. You and Ed were lying on the bed, he was on his side running his fingers through your hair while smiling at you. There was a huge far away explosion. You both sat up and stared out the window. Smoke was rising from the inn.

Halling: "Kyle! Kyle! Let me go, Kyle is inside!"

Man: "You can't, it's too dangerous. We don't know when it'll crumble."

Halling: "Let go! Let go!" The whole building slammed to the ground with a loud crash. "Kyle!" Halling ran over and started pulling over boards, looking for his son. "Kyle, where are you?"

Kyle: "Dad!" Al pushed through the rubble, Kyle in his protection. By morning, Ed and yourself and arrived.

You: "Was it them?"

Al: "Yes..."

Kyle: "Hey, Lita. You're an extraordinary Alchemist, right? Transmute gold, then. And save my dad and this city with it."

You: "No."

Kyle: "Come on, it's not your going to lose anything."

You: "The bases of Alchemy is Equivalent Exchange. I have no duty nor obligation to help this city."

Kyle: "Are you asking for a bribe too!" He gabbed the front of your shirt. "You call yourself an Alchemist!" You just stood there with your eyes closed.

You: "Alchemists do good for the public, huh? Transmuting gold is a felony. If I get caught, then I'll lose my license to be a State Alchemist, and I'll be sent to jail."

Kyle: "Then somehow do it without getting caught..."

You: "Even if I do create gold it'll be taken as tax. If you're in that much trouble why don't you move and find another job?"

Halling: "Kid. You may not understand, but this is our home and coffin."

You: "This is your home and coffin, huh?" You rolled your eyes and walked away.

Al: "Lita!"

You: "Al, we burned our own house down on our own. We have no place to go back to, and I'm fine with that. But those who have a place to go back to need to treasure it." You jumped up and stood on top of a train car full of coal.

Ed: "Al, keep what you see here a secret." Ed threw the bag of coins up to you and you spilled them all over the coal. The Transmutation began and you jumped off the car.

Al: "Lita..."

Yoki: "You want to buy the coal mine!"

You: "Yep, I want the coal mine itself and its sale routes. Or can I not?"

Yoki: "Even if a State Alchemist like you asks, I still cannot..."

You: "Really, that's a shame." Al opened the door to reveal countless gleaming bars of gold.

You: "I have the money too." Yoki walked forward with absolute shock on his face.

Yoki: "This is... all gold?"

Ed: "After investigating the place, I found out that this mine has elements that are used in Alchemic research. So I don't want to hand it over. Is this not enough?"

Yoki: "Not at all! But I'm a bit intimidated by selling and making a profit off a mine I was asked by the Country to supervise..."

You: "Don't worry! This gold won't remain on the records, so no one will find out unless you talk about it."

Yoki: "But..."

You: "I know! Please just write down on paper that you transferred all control for free. Then all of that will be yours, Lieutenant Yoki." He stared at the mounds of gold.

Break

Kyle: "Why?" Kyle banged his fist on the barrel he was using as a table. "Why stop me!"

Halling: "There is no need for me to say that. I will not allow you to ransack the place."

Kyle: "But they are the ones that destroyed our inn!"

Halling: "It was just one inn. Don't get so excited."

You: "Hey! How are you doing with your gloomy faces?"

Kyle: "Why did you come here!"

You: "Oh, is that how you're supposed to talk to the manager of this place?"

Man: "Manager! What are you talking..." You held the deed infront of his face.

You: "It's just as you see. This is the certificate entitling, me to the coal mine's mining, selling, and management, as well as all other rights."

Halling: "What?"

You: "In other words, this coal mine belongs to me now. But I have to go back to Central eventually. This certificate will just be extra weight. What should I do with it?"

Halling: "Are you trying to sell that to us!"

You: "It's going to be expensive. If you want to gain something, you must present something of equal value. The deed uses expensive parchment and has gold gibing. The box uses pieces of jade and has a high-class design implanted naturally. This is a work of art. Oh! And the key is pure silver, too. I guess that brings up the estimate to three hundred thousand."

Halling: "Three hundred thousand! For a coal mine?"

Man: "Three hundred thousand? That's all?"

You: "Now that I remember, your costs three hundred thousand a night, right? How about we call it even if you let us stay the night."

Halling: "Equivalent Trade, eh?"

Kyle: "But our inn is already..."

You: "Oh? Then what is that?" The inn stood tall as if it were just built seconds ago.

Cashier: "Our inn!"

Halling: "I can't believe this."

You: "This will be enough for one inn's fee, right?" You held up the deed and smiled.

Halling: "Yes, of course."

Ed: "Equivalent Exchange it is then."

Yoki: "Lita! What is the meaning of this." You hid your sneaky expression well. "The gold bars you gave me all turned to stone."

You: "Gold bars? What are you talking about?"

Yoki: "Please don't be stupid. We traded, the gold for the deed."

You: "Oh? I thought I received the deed for free." You took out a piece of paper. "I have your written statement saying so."

Yoki: "This is fraud!"

You: "Fraud? That's rude. This is legal transaction."

Yoki: "This transaction is void! Lyra!" She tried to use her Alchemy on you but you jumped out of the way.

You: "Alchemists do good for the public. Using Alchemy for your own good is not very impressive."

Lyra: "You're a State Alchemist right? Why are you going against what the military is doing?" Your cat tail unraveled from your waist and slammed into the shock wave, absorbing it.

You: "I didn't sell my soul. Ed your on!" Ed smiled and transmuted his metal arm into a sword and slashed Lyra's necklace. It broke into three pieces and she crashed to the ground.

Yoki: "Why you... Take back the deed!" The soldiers were tied up in the middle of the towns people.

Man: "It's a bad idea to take private property by force."

Man 2: "Don't under estimate the miners, Lieutenant." They cracked their knuckles and let off some extra steam on Yoki.

Men: "Drink! Drink! Drink! Drink!" You quickly glugged down a full pitcher of beer and slammed the glass down before the drinker you were facing could.

You: "Eh, disgusting"

Cashier: "Hey, honey. Don't you think this inn is better then the last one?"

Halling: "Yeah. They did a really impressive job. Edward Elric, the FullMetal Alchemist. And Lita Nitro, the Metallic Cat Alchemist."

Later

Ed: "This is a report from Edward Elric and Lita Nitro."

Mustang: "Thank you."

Hawkeye:" It seems that they are going to look over the Youswell Coal Mine along with the East Headquarters personal that was stationed there."

Mustang: "Is that so? The East should become a bit better now. Be happy. We can relax when we're transferred"

Hawkeye: "Were you planning on that form the start?"

Mustang: "I don't know. I just hope the woman in the East are beautiful."

Hawkeye: "Also, their names are spreading across the East. As a dog of the military who sides with the public."

Three Years Later

Edward: Age 15 Lita and Alphonse: Age 14

Driver: "Edward Elric? Lita Nitro? Yeah, I've heard of them!"

Ed: "What kind of guy is he?" You rolled your eyes and looked back down at your book, but was still smiling from ear to ear.

Driver: "According to the rumors, he's a State Alchemist but sides with us common people."

Ed: "He must be a really great guy, huh?" Al had an anime sweat drop on the side of his head.

Driver: "But, he's also short like a bean!" This pissed Ed off beyond recognition. "And I here that Lita is quite the looker." Ed jumped up and attacked the driver.

Ed: "Who are you calling miniature sized!"

Al: "Stop it, Brother!" You ran after Al who was running after Ed who was running after the driver who was running for dear life.

You: "Ed, you won't have enough stamina to make it to Lior City if you run like that."