Piecing Together Truth
Summary:
My name is Quincy Rayvn McCloud. I was born in West City, Amestris in the year 1921. I was born into a world destroyed by itself. After the death of Fuhrer King Bradley, and the rise of the old government, the State Alchemists were put to work in advancing the technology of our world. A life, once realitvely easy and mildly-paced, now riddled with technological advances. Within a year of the technological advances in or era, Amestris was torn apart by civil war. Of the over fifty-thousand residents spread across the various sections of Amestris, only five-hundred and seventy-four people remain. We thought we had done this, that we caused it all. None of us knew it was far from the truth.
Truth was angry.
Truth was broken.
Truth needed help.
It needed to be fixed.
My name is Quincy "Quinn" Rayvn McCloud, and with Riana "Ryan" Dorlean, I have been chosen to fix Truth.
Disclaimer: I do not own Fullmetal Alchemist, but Quinn and Ryan are my own original characters.
Author's Note: I've NEVER read a story like this, so bare with me as this is slightly new territory. Future note, think of Quinn and Ryan dressed in a style similar to Steampunk (if you don't know what it is, google it). First chapter is relatively short, but I wanted to give the readers an idea of what happened and what the world is like for Quinn.
Please leave a review and let me know what you think. As this is only the beginning, I hope for the story to grow larger and deeper as the chapters progress.
Big thank you's to my reviewers: Lelouch Vi, Alice Nyte, and Chantelle
Chapter Two
Time Warped
I've never felt so thrown off balance before. Sure, I've had to struggle throughout life, as most people in my life had, but nothing could prepare me for the past week. After waking up in the past, it didn't take long for the nurses to realize there was no real reason to keep me hospitalized. Not knowing how much information to divulge, I went with having amnesia; knowing only my first name, my age, the fact that I have a sibling, and vaguely remembering an accident that caused the loss of both of my forearms. Maes had been exceptionally warm and welcoming, and I couldn't help compare Elicia to her father.
After being released from the hospital, Maes offered me the guest room in his home, until my memories come back. Following Maes through the bustling streets of (past) Central, Amestris, my mind couldn't stop comparing this prosperous city to the future, desolate one. This Central, being a twisted mirror version of the one I grew up knowing. The same buildings, standing undamaged and decorated with national flags.
Arriving to the Hughes Residence, I had been forced to fight my familiarity with the house. It was, in fact, the same house Elicia managed to create into a safe-haven. Speaking of Elicia, it was mind-bending to see the aged, stern and stubborn woman as a slightly chubby, joyful three-year-old girl greeting her father as though she hadn't seen him in years. Gracia, Elicia's mother, had been just as beautiful as Elicia and just as kind as my friend had once mentioned.
Even after being back in slightly familiar surroundings, the restlessness returned.
Growing up in the era that I did, it wasn't common for people to stay in one place for a long period of time. A few safe-houses were an exception, but many people travel, or stay on the move, hoping to gather some resources, or even find something worth keeping. I traveled a lot, gathering items for Elicia's safe house and in turn, Ryan was able to stay behind to help with any children they came across in the city.
"Quincy?"
My thoughts snap from the depths of my mind as I turn quickly toward the voice, staring up at a concerned Maes, "Oh, hey. I couldn't sleep, so I made some coffee."
Maes flashes me a heart-warming smile, the same smile I've always seen on Elicia's face, "You are more than welcome to help yourself," he comments as he pours himself a mug of coffee, "Is everything alright?"
"I overheard you telling Gracia that you are needed in Eastern Amestris for a while and I was wondering if I could go with you," I ignore the widening of his eyes, "You see, I feel restless, and while you guys have been more than hospitable, I feel like I was never the type to stay in one place for very long."
"I won't be able to keep you by my side all the time," Maes replies as he takes the seat across from me.
I nod in understanding, "I just want to see if anything feels familiar in the East, and maybe, just maybe, Ryan is there too."
Deciding to try and clear my head, I changed into a pair of exercise clothes Gracia had allowed me to borrow and slipped my boots and goggles on, pulling the long sleeves of the shirt over the gauntlets (covering my automail from view). I know that hiding myself isn't necessary, but after living so many years doing so, it comes as a basic instinct. Writing the Hughes' Family a quick note, I exit the house and step into the streets of Central. Tapping the metallic toes of my boots to the ground, I roll my neck, shoulders and wiggle out any underlying stress along my muscles. Inhaling deeply, I kneel into a crouched position, my eyes watching the human traffic, years of survival instinct forcing me to weigh my options. Without hesitation, I snap forward into a full force sprint.
Running. I love it. The freedom. The release. The escape. The blood rushing through my veins, muscles burning from excursion, and sweat trickling down the back of my neck. A grin forms on my lips as I duck under a pair of men carrying some large item, ignoring the curses from the groups of people I dodge around.
I'm not sure how long I've been running, my mind taking in the familiar routes of Central, when a shout sounds from down the street. Turning around the corner, I barely catch sight of a child running into the middle of the street to pick up a stuffed bear. Seeing the oncoming car, I shoot forward, hoisting the child and that damn toy in my arms. Instinctively, I crouch before quickly flipping myself into the air, successfully dodging the oncoming car and landing solidly on my feet.
"Oh my baby!"
"Mama!"
Dropping the child on her feet, I stare wide-eyed at the ground. What the fuck was that? I've never been able to jump that high, nor have I been able to move as fast as I did. For a split second, I actually felt lighter than I am. Feeling disconcerted, I nod curtly to the blubbering woman, slightly sickened at the violent display of open emotion. Gah, I forgot how...emotional mothers can be. Patting the child on the top of her head, I turn on heel and walk off, wishing I hadn't left my duster jacket back at the Hughes' residence. I don't like how the people are staring at me.
"What's with the goggles?" I turn my gaze to a group of leering men standing away from the crowd.
"I have plans to fly someday," I respond curtly and walk away, ignoring the chortling laughter.
Humans are disgusting creatures. At least in my time, a person knew why they were being targeted. Food. Personal items. Fear. It's rare to come across a person that is willing to help another. In this time, this time of 'peace', I feel a sense of disgust and dismay toward the people. That girl would have been run over and yet these people simply stood by and watched. None of them know of the technological advances, the airplanes that had once flown through the air. I had always wanted to be a pilot, to escape the horror of life in Amestris.
Arriving back at the Hughes' Residence, I shut the door with a soft (and well-practiced) click. Giving the heart-warming family a small smile and a murmured excuse to retire to my room for the night, I slip upstairs and into the guest room. Taking the time to pack what little items Gracia managed to purchase for me, I lay back on the bed, hooking my goggles around the post along the foot board. Lacing my fingers together behind my head, I stare at the ceiling, feeling even more confused than before.
What is Truth's purpose for sending me here? Where did Ryan go? What is wrong with me? I've never been able to run so fast, nor jump so high without much effort. My whole body feels different. As though something is missing, or hollow. If the Elric's and Mustang are responsible for sealing Truth, and I am supposed to prevent it from happening, then why on Earth am I here, during a time where Maes Hughes is still alive? Can I even perform my Alchemy here? Due to the advancement in scientific discovery in my era, Alchemy as well grew more advanced and more complex. Lifting my metallic hands a foot above my face, I stare at the carvings decorating the back of both hands; neither of them matching, as they call upon different mechanics of Alchemy.
Dropping my hands to the bed, I curl my legs slightly as I roll over onto my side, allowing my eyes to finally slide shut.
Within the matter of a few days, I find myself sitting in a full train compartment. I say nothing to the soldiers and State Alchemists laughing and chatting among each other. I don't even acknowledge them, nor do I call attention to myself. I can see all that they are hiding. Their laughter, far too obnoxious. Their conversations, far too animated. I observe the men in silence, and each of them give a familiar tell. A tell I have seen in far too many people.
"Quincy?"
Briefly tearing my gaze away from the frantically conversing men, I nod at Maes, who plops into the seat next to me, causing soldiers to glance in my direction (so much for going unnoticed), "May I ask a question?" Getting a noise of affirmation, I flick my gaze back to the men, "They are all afraid of something. It isn't noticeable at first glance, but I see it in their actions, in the mannerisms and how they speak to each other. I can see it hidden deep in their eyes. They fear, something most soldiers are trained to hide."
"You're a bit too observant for your age, don't you think?" I quirk an eyebrow at him, but he flashes the standard Hughes' grin half-smirk, "In Central, there's a serial killer the military calls 'Scar'. He's killed at least five State Alchemists in Central alone, and that's not counting those killed in other areas of Amestris."
"It seems a bit...excessive and redundant to move all State Alchemists to one city," I reply, not giving away my knowledge of the man known as Scar.
"Yes, well, when we arrive in the East, you will have the pleasure of meeting my friend, Roy," he states with an immeasurable amount of pride in his voice.
Roy. Roy Mustang. The Flame Alchemist. I can't be sure what his rank is during this era, his rank for many years before his death had been Brigadier General. Listening as Maes talks openly about his dear friend and how the man had seen his transfer to East as a demotion, I muse thoughtfully. Hadn't there been an important instance in the East. I vaguely remember reading over some old military files my era's Elicia had kept hidden (her mother had them copied by a woman named Sheska). I ponder Mustang's infamous fire Alchemy. Being able to perform Alchemy is not an easy task, that much I know, but knowing what reactions can cause the manipulation of basic elements (not the Periodic Elements) is far more difficult than people realize. To be able to have perfect control over an element such as fire means Mustang must be a formidable Alchemist.
As the train finally pulls into the station in East, it takes minutes for me to climb off, following Maes at a distance. Knowing that he is going to be debriefed at Eastern Command, I give him a pointed look, mentally telling him that I am going to head off on my own. Pulling up the hood of my duster jacket, I move through the crowded streets of East. Compared to Central, something about East Amestris seems more...peaceful. Most likely due to the Alchemist Killer lurking around Central. I muse inwardly, questioning the sanity of the Fuhrer if he is taking every Alchemist and placing them in one major area. That's like throwing a t-bone steak to a pack of starving dogs.
A crackle of thunder sounds and I look up in surprise, the sky opening up and pouring down on the city. I allow the hood of my jacket to drop from my head, spreading my arms wide open as my eyes slide shut. Rain. The weather element that washes away dirt, grime, and pushes past floodgates. The element that marks a third of a complete cycle. Something that never truly changes. Opening my eyes, I feel a small smile form on my lips. Despite the mind-warp I find myself in, a sense of contentment fills me as I realize that just because this is a different era, it really is the same place. Minus the complete anarchy. Minus the constant struggle to survive. Pulling my goggles down to protect my eyes, I break into a deadly fast sprint, inhaling the moist scent of the downpour. Maybe this time is better than home. At least I know that where ever Ryan might be, she will most likely be safe.
A scream pierces the air and a sense of awareness crawls up my spine. Dashing around a nearby corner, I feel the storm wind gust past me from behind, as though pushing me faster and for a moment I feel light on my feet as I move down the deserted streets. Skidding around an alley, my heart catches at the sight of a familiar brunette standing between a large scarred man and a golden-haired teen around my age, slouched against a wall next to a damaged suit of armor. Moving to stand at the opening of the alley, I square off toward the group, my fingers twitching to hit the trigger of the hidden blades in my gauntlets.
"Touch on hair on her head and it will be the last thing you do."
Alright, that's the second chapter for this story. I know there isn't much action in this one, but I'm trying to make you become more understanding of how Quinn reacts (present and future) to certain situations. She comes from a background where survival of the fittest. I forgot to mention that this follows the original anime, as I am much more familiar with that one than Brotherhood (not to say I don't like it, but the original fits this story line better). Quinn and Ryan both came in before the boys learn of the Rebellion and the knowledge of Marcoh. This chapter leaves off the moment between the attack against the Brothers by Scar and the arrival of Mustang's group and the 'arrest' of Marcoh by Juliet Douglas. The next chapter will show a better dynamic between Ryan and Quinn, as well as introducing the two to Mustang and the Elric's. The better question, should Quinn go to Resembool with the Elric's and Ryan, or will she return to Central? While this story has certain parts that are very important to the story, I do want the readers to be interactive and put in their own ideas. Do you want Quinn to argue with certain people, or connect deeply with others? Do you think the sisters should keep their origins a secret, or let someone in on it? DON'T BE AFRAID...SPEAK UP, GIVE SOME INPUT! I actually enjoy putting small ideas from my readers into the story, making it more appealing to their views.
Coming up in next chapter: Quinn and Ryan are reunited and Quinn is introduced to the Elric's. The sisters try to figure out their reason for being in the past. Can they keep their origins a secret? Next Chapter: Chapter Three - Realizations
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