I awoke in a cold sweat. My sheets were soaked as if water had been spilt on me or if I somehow made it rain during my sleep. The dream occurs almost every night and it becomes more and more vivid each time. Truth. "Father." The Gate. The Images. The black hands. The wet black souls.

A knock on the door disturbs my thoughts and my recollection of the images.

"Who is it?" I ask from my small one room military dorm.

"Major! We apologize for the disturbance, but Colonel Mustang has request your presence this morning at this offices."

"That's all well, but did you need to tell me this at 3:00am?" I ask politely but irritated.

"We do apologize, but we were told to tell you immediately."

"Fine. Tell the Colonel that Major Caria will be there shortly."

"Yes, Ma'am." the voice on the other door answers.

I collapse back into bed. The sheet have become freezing cold from the fan above. I shiver as I attempt to gain my composure and remember the images from my dream. How many nights have dreamt that dream? How many nights did my "father" awake me from my hellish dream only to beg me to tell him everything?

Sigh. A military dog, loyal and dedicated and willing to obey. Is this what I have become? For what?

I put my mind away and prepare myself for Mustang's summons. I put on my state alchemist garb and grab my state-issued watch. My long curly dark brown hair is a mess from my sleeping struggles. I wrap it into a tight ponytail; my uniform fitting slightly snugger than normal. I should probably lay off the sweet for a while. I exit my dorm to find two figures awaiting for my presence. Second Lieutenant Ross and Sergeant Brosh greet me with smiles. Why are they so happy? Also, why did they bother to wake me and now escort me? Do they really have so little to do?

"Good Morning!" they exclaim; saluting me. Both their eyes shut as if scared to see my reaction to their intrusion.

"Is it?" I ask grumpily. "I am sorry please excuse me. You awoke me from a taxing dream. I wonder would Mustang mind if we make a pit stop before we see him?" I inquiry as I lead us down the hall.

"Uh," Brosh sighs and stops. He is rubbing his head in confusion.

"Is something the matter?" I politely inquire.

"No, no. I apologize Major. I just didn't realize you were so..."

"Young?" I add.

"What Sergeant Brosh means to say, Major, is that he is honored to meet the famous Mimikos Alchemist and is surprised to observe that you must be barely 18." Second Lieutenant Ross interjects hastily.

"Ah, I see. I am surprised you know who I am. I guess you did your homework. But yes, I was the youngest State Alchemist to be initiated. I was 16 when I applied, but since then I hear another alchemist has beaten my record. Applying and being accepted at the age of 12?" I reply.

"Yes, the Fullmetal Alchemist!" Brosh exclaims.

"Is this his name: Fullmetal? Does he work with metal weapons? Or perhaps he wears metal to enhance his alchemy?" I state filled with curiosity.

"We should really be going. We can talk on the ride there. And of course, you may stop wherever you need before we meet with him." Ross concludes as she leads us to the main lobby and out the door. We exit the building only to discover that it is now raining. Odd weather for the summer, but then again I am quite unaccustomed to these Central seasons. The season in the South and West were much more predictable.

As we walk the three blocks it takes to get to Mustangs. I overhear everything that Brosh and Ross have to spout about Fullmetal. That his name is Edward Elric and his brother, although not a state alchemist, is gifted as well. They serve the military willing and Mustang discovered them. Edward's brother, Alphonse, has no reason to be a military dog and yet he follows his brother's fate willingly- at least this is message that Brosh and Ross are giving me.

We turn the last corner and I see my pitstop. I let Ross and Brosh walk ahead; they won't even notice I am gone. I purchase my item and follow at a distance. Can't start any morning off right without a soda pop. As I drink the cold carbonated drink, I think: Edward and Alphonse Elric. Hmmm, I wonder if I would ever meet them. Silly girl, you have more important things to be concerned with. Not meeting a progeny like Edward, but what if he is also like me?

"We are here Major! I do hope you can find your way back. I know this is your first time in Central." Brosh tells me.

"I have no worries Sergeant Brosh. My memory is the last thing anyone should be concerned about." I say waving goodbye and chuckling.

I make my way through the building with ease since no one is there. I enter the offices of Colonel Mustang to find him sitting behind his desk, his back turned to me, and looking outside.

"Thank you for coming so promptly Major Caria." he says without turning his chair.

"Of course, sir. That is my job after all to come when called, isn't it?" I sharply reply.

"Indeed, as a military dog. It is all of our jobs." he says as if smiling, but I cannot tell.

There is a silence in the air after he speaks. Not for a lack of trying do I attempt to think of something to say, but cleverness seems to have left me.

"So, Major...may I call you Artemisia?" he asks in a refreshed tone.

"I don't see why not...sir."

"First of all, how are you enjoying Central? Finding everything to your liking? People treating you well?"

"It is fine, sir." I answer.

"Well, that's is good. Now, for the reason I summoned you. I hear that your research has been most fruitful for the military in the South and West; may I inquire as to what you have been studying?" he asks.

"It's classified." I state.

"Is it? Above my pay grade? Wow. That's surprising" Mustang retorts.

"No, it's classified, because my research is my business. I do it on my own time and do not use military money to fund my travels or finances." I hiss.

"I see." he says as he slightly reclines in his chair. There is a long pause. Long enough to see the rain stop and the dawn begin to break.

"Will that be all Colonel Mustang?" I attempt to ask respectively.

"No. Artemisia are you familiar with the...Philosopher Stone?" he asks.

How bold. He comes out and asks me one of the most forbidden practices in Alchemy. What does he exactly mean by this!

"Every alchemist is familiar with the myth of the stone."

Mustang slowly turns his chair to face me and our eyes meet. I had never known that the Flame Alchemist was so handsome. He look liked a statue, pale skin...cold eyes. Dead Eyes. I felt like I had recognized him from somewhere...Where do I know him from? A billboard? A military flier? The Ishval Civil War Hero? Then it hit me. I saw him in those images. The ones through the Gate. Truth showed him to me. He has a destiny intertwined with mine. But it is an ally or a foe? His eyes scanned over me too, but I cannot image what he is doing. He must be assessing my trustworthiness as well. Does he find me attractive? My large welcoming hazel eyes, but plump curvy body...perhaps. EH! What does it matter, focus...focus..

"I see. That will be all Major Caria." he says coldly, but his eyes stare at me as if dagger.

I turn to leave, but before I do I think to myself: I need to know what kind of man he is. I hesitate to open the door and leave. Instead I turn around and ask,

"Do you have a cigarette?"

"Yea, why?" he robotically asks.

"Call it a guilty pleasure."

He reaches in his desk and pulls out a pack, offers me one, and takes one for himself.

"Don't tell Lieutenant Hawkeye about these."

Is he trying to befriend me? Why the nice act? Are we both attempting to figure out the "kind of man" the other is?

"If she finds out, I promise it won't be from me." I guarantee.

"Fine." he says passively.

I grab one and pretend to look for a light.

"Ah, I seem to have misplaced my-"

Before I can even ask, he slips on his glove with his transmutation circle and snaps his fingers to offer me a flame.

"Oh what a gentleman!" I act surprised.

"It comes in handy." He brags lazily as he puts his hands behind his head and lifts his leg on his desk to assume a stupid pose of narcissism.

"I bet it does" I whisper flirtingly.

His eyes are closed as he keeps in his stupid pose and I can't help but smile as to what will happen next.

"Sir, did you need a light?" I ask. I offer my hand, which is now engulf in flames, and my white military issued glove has burnt away. My hand however is fine.

"No, why would I-" he ask, but stops mid-sentence when he opens his eyes and sees me.

"HOW? How are you doing th-" he asks almost angry.

"You have your talents and I have mine.." I brag with a small smile.

"But, how can you copy my ability- my flame alchemy? How can you do that with not even a transmutation circle either?! Tell me!" he demands.

Figures. He would be a hot-headed man. Fire being his weapon of choice. I see that he is a stubborn, proud, narcissistic man. I don't know if he can be trusted.

"Did you even bother to research me before you decided to meet me? Or am I truly just a dog to you? I was the youngest alchemist accepted by the state before Fullmetal. I am also known as the Mimikos Alchemist! Have you not heard of me?" I state starting to yell.

"Mimikos Alchemist? But you...you are-" he begins

"Too young? A woman? What insult were you going throw my way this time, Mustang?" I yell.

"None. I was going to say you have to be kidding me." he said and then start laughing.

This is not the response I often get for using my alchemy abilities. Laughter is a new one.

He takes me by the hand. Pulls me in close and whispers:

"Please tell me, you're for real? I would love to learn more. Your ability to copy alchemy just upon seeing it, and your lack of transmutation circle. I know someone else who doesn't need one. Let's talk...but not here. Meet me at Madame Christmas' bar tonight at 2:00am. Come alone." he whispers.

Is it a trap? Where is this bar? Should I take anything with me? Could I take him if need be? Is he working for them? I really don't have time for this- my research needs my attention. Wait, he mentioned he knows someone else who doesn't need a circle? Like "father?" Or someone new?

Before I can answer, a blonde woman enters with her guns drawn. She sees Mustang and I close together and does not hesitate to shoot. She shoots me the shoulder and demands "That is a warning to back away from the Colonel!" It stings like a bitch.

"Is something wrong?" Mustang asks.

" , but a blonde woman is going to come in here and shoot me. Any chance you could call her and tell her not?" I ask as I run my temples since the headache accompanies the premonitions.

"A blonde? Shooting?- You mean Hawkey-" but before he can finish; Hawkeye barges in. But, I have already moved out of the way.

"Where is she? Where is that woman that I heard shouting at you?" Hawkeye urges.

"Hawkeye, it is fine. It was just a little misunderstanding. My fault really.

Way to turn on the charm Mustang. What an actor.

"Well, thank you for your report Major, I look forward to your report later tonight. Hawkeye-If you could, please escort my guest Major Caria out." he asks.

Hawkeye is giving me a mean dog stare as we leave Mustang's office. I hear Mustang whisper to himself "How could she have known?"

Will I tell him? Will I wait to see what he can offer me? I will meet him tonight and she what he has to say.