I'm splitting this one up. I have no idea how long this one will be, to be honest, but it will probably be two parts with an approximate total of 4000 words or more.

...This is just an excuse to put Edward in the military uniform. /shameless

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POSSIBLE SPOILERS ON WHAT HAPPENED DURING THE ISHVALAN EXTERMINATION EVENT. BASED ON MANGA/BROTHERHOOD

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Drabble 5: Soldier!Ed in Ishval

Everyone had their own reasons for fighting against the rebels. But for the Elric brothers it was because it was in their nature to help... and to keep a promise to one Winry Rockbell.

NOTE: Obviously, Ed and Al are older. They're around nineteen and eighteen, respectively, in this time period.

*Ed doesn't show up in this part yet. I still have to write it up.

"So... this is Ishval."

Dark forest green eyes scanned the barren desert area behind rectangular spectacles, their gaze stopping at the primitive-looking city in the near distance. The many buildings of the city almost matched the vast desert surrounding it.

"Captain!"

Captain Maes Hughes tore his passive gaze away from their target to address one of the soldiers under his command. "At ease, Private; what is it?"

The soldier lowered his salute, "We've replaced the flat tire on one of our trucks. We're ready to resume our journey to base camp."

Maes nodded, "Very well. Assemble the other soldiers back into the trucks and let's move out."

"Sir!" The soldier saluted again and ran off towards the others. Maes let a rueful sigh escape his lips. Most of these soldiers were fresh out of the military, and most likely haven't killed before. This will be a difficult time for all of them, but they need to push past the horrors of war for their own sanity - and most importantly, their own country.

It was times like this that made Maes wonder why he joined the military in the first place.

'Honestly, I would rather be with Gracia right now...' The thought of his sweetheart waiting for him back at home made his heart skip a beat and a gentle smile appear on his face. 'But I need to do this... because the country comes first, whether I like it or not.'

It was for a good cause, the Captain reassured himself. If the threat of Ishvalan rebels were eliminated then Amestris would be safe, and if Amestris is safe then Gracia is safe.

...That was the simple logic, anyway. It didn't take into account the many lives already, or about to be lost on this gruesome war. The hand in his pocket shifted, his callused fingers lightly trailing the fine edge of a photo.

"Captain, we're moving out!"

Captain Hughes turned and flashed a small smirk at the soldier that called him over. There was no time to be reflecting - they could all do that once this was all over. He would fight for his country, his friends, his family...

"For Gracia," Maes promised, and started walking towards the convoy.

"Damn, it's so hot!"

"Suck it up, Kimblee." Colonel Basque Grand, the Iron Blood Alchemist, snarled as he walked past his fellow State Alchemist. "We've got a job to do."

Major Solf J. Kimblee scoffed at Grand's back but resumed walking behind him, whilst shedding his blue military jacket and slinging it over his shoulder. Flanking either side of him were Majors Giolio Comanche and Isaac McDougal, the Silver and Freezing Alchemists respectively. The two of them walked in relative silence, too absorbed in their own thoughts to attempt making conversation.

At the very tail-end of the party were a trio of State Alchemists conversing quietly with each other. The most noticeable one was about as tall has Grand but more buff, almost totally bald except for an odd tuft of curled blond hair, striking bright blue eyes and a stern expression on his face. His military jacket was off due to the heat, and he was left clad in a white button-up shirt that looked like one wrong movement could tear its seams apart, blue military-issued pants and leather combat boots.

"Dr. Marcoh," The Strong Arm Alchemist, Major Alex Louis Armstrong, began quietly. "What brings you here to the frontlines? If I'm not mistaken, your alchemy isn't suited for fighting."

Dr. Tim Marcoh, the Crystal Alchemist, chuckled wearily in response. He was the oldest alchemist there, with greying black hair and signs of aging on his face. He wore a dusty white lab coat over a simple white button-up shirt and tan slacks, with worn-out boots on his feet.

"I'm a doctor, Alex." Marcoh spoke in a friendly manner. "So I'll be in the background healing whoever I can."

"An admirable profession, especially in times like this." Major Roy Mustang, the Flame Alchemist, commented. He was a young man, looking to be possibly part-Xingese, with jet black hair casually unkempt and brushing over his forehead and slanted dark eyes. He wore the full military uniform, despite the heat, and a white coat over it to blend in with the desert background.

Alex let out a booming laugh, "Yes, yes. I definitely agree, Major Mustang."

Marcoh turned his gaze towards Roy, "I guess you could say that..." He mused vaguely. His black eyes remained trained on the younger alchemist, his expression turning from amused to incredulous. "How are you not overheating, Mustang?"

"Hm?" The rookie State Alchemist blinked. "What are you talking about?"

"You have three layers of clothing - three - on you in this high temperature?" The doctor rubbed his forehead. "You're going to give yourself heat stroke."

"...Really?" Roy inquired in a bemused tone. "I actually feel fine."

Marcoh opened his mouth to say something else, but he snapped it shut and shook his head in resignation. "Figures... The Flame Alchemist can obviously stand the heat."

"Damn straight." Roy grinned playfully, making the elder man grin in return.

"Well, you all look happy." The familiar voice sent the Flame Alchemist's thoughts reeling to a sudden halt. "That's good... Enjoy it while it lasts."

Roy whirled around and stared in dumbfounded surprise at his old friend, Maes Hughes. He didn't change much, the alchemist thought absently. His hair was as spiky as always, that ever-present mischievous smirk on his rectangular-shaped face. He also donned the military uniform in full, and had a matching desert camouflage coat to Roy's.

Maes also looked surprised to see him, "Roy!" He cried jovially and launched himself onto his buddy, trapping the alchemist in a suffocating bear hug. "I haven't seen you in ages! How've you been? I can't believe you're here!"

Roy managed to choke out one word, "Air."

"Oops," Maes quickly let go and stepped back, grinning sheepishly at him. "Sorry 'bout that. Wow, I didn't recognise you at first because it's been so long!" Roy suddenly found himself under scrutiny, and he shifted slightly. "Huh... No wonder; have you gotten fatter?"

"Maes!" Roy growled and stepped forward, arms in front of him ready to strangle his fellow soldier.

"Aww, did I hit a nerve? Ow! I'm kidding, I'm kidding!" The Captain laughed and dodged another swipe aimed at his head. "But it is great to see you again."

Roy folded his arms and smiled genuinely, "Likewise." He turned back to the two State Alchemists, "You two go on without me. I've got some catching up to do."

Alex nodded, and he and Dr. Marcoh continued walking through the base camp chatting amiably.

"So!" Maes chirped as he and Roy veered off into another path, one leading towards the medical tents. "Guess what: I got myself a sweetheart~!"

Roy suddenly felt like doom was looming above his head as Maes continued listing Gracia's finer points.

"So, enough about me..." As that sentence was uttered Roy inwardly sighed in immense relief. Good god; he forgot that if Maes was really into something, he just wouldn't shut up about it. "How've you been? What's been going on in your life so far, Roy?"

Instead of speaking first, Roy pulled out a silver pocketwatch and showed it to Maes. The metal gleamed in the light, "I became a State Alchemist - the Flame Alchemist." He declared proudly.

"Nice!" Hughes clapped his buddy on the shoulder, "You've really done something for yourself, huh? Man, I can't wait to see your alchemy in action..." He trailed off and his mood suddenly turned somber. "But... you'll be using that power to... so I guess that I shouldn't be so excited about it."

Mustang frowned and pocketed the silver object. "I can show you, if you want." He offered. "I'll just set off an explosion in empty space. It's exhilarating to watch."

Maes' mood turned a complete 180 and he flashed a knowing grin at Roy, "You were always such a pyromaniac." The Captain poked his friend on the arm. "I remember when you had kitchen duty at the academy back then. You almost set several people on fire just because you turned the flames up way too high."

The alchemist sniffed and crossed his arms, refusing to speak. Maes just laughed at the slightly embarrassed expression on Roy's face.

"Captain Hughes?"

"Hm? Oh, hey Al." The two men turned to a young man, looking fresh out of his teenage years. He had short golden blond hair and gentle amber eyes. He wore a simple blue-and-grey chequered button-up, brown slacks and walking boots. A white coat was draped over his shoulders, a red cross decorating the coat's breast pocket, indicating that he was a medic.

"Have you seen Brother?" The young medic, Al, asked in a polite voice.

"Ed? No; can't say I have." Hughes scratched the back of his head. "But he's 'round here somewhere. I hardly see him more than a few feet away from you."

Al grinned knowingly. "That's true. He's too overprotective for his own good."

"Hear, hear! Oh, and also I want you to meet an old friend of mine." Maes clapped Roy on the shoulder, "This is Major Roy Mustang, a State Alchemist. Roy, this is Alphonse Elric. He'll be an on-field medic since he's quite skilled in Xingese alkahestry."

Alphonse bowed his head slightly, "Nice to meet you, sir."

Roy looked intrigued, "Alkahestry, hm...?" Now there's a rare art in Amestris. Alkahestry was like alchemy, only it used a different type of energy, and it specialised in medicinal purposes rather than combat. He's never actually seen alkahestry in action before, and he was quite eager to see the healing process with his own eyes.

"That's right." The medic let a soft smile appear on his lips. "I travelled to Xing two years ago and studied alkahestry, with an old friend of mine as my teacher. She is excellent when it came to healing and combat through alkahestry."

"Combat through alkahestry..." The Captain repeated, gripping his chin in thought. "Now that's an interesting concept."

The young man chuckled, "I can't show you, since she only taught me healing." He stated apologetically. "But to sum it up: her combat alkahestry revolves around explosions."

'...Explosions, huh?' Roy thought. 'Who knows what would happen if she and Kimblee ever meet?'

Alphonse looked around, a slight frown forming on his lips. The expression didn't suit the young alkahestrist; his face looked like it was made for smiles and laughter, not worry - which led to the inevitable question...

"What's a young man like you doing on the battlefield like this?" Roy inquired. "You look like you should be starting university."

The blond shrugged in response, an odd look in his amber eyes. He looked... sad, for a lack of a better word. "I am supposed to be studying, but honestly I find that saving the futures of others is better than planning for my own." He smiled. "Both of us are like that - my brother and I - we live to help."

Al's smile turned a little bitter, "Although, when Ed found out that I was going to a warzone... let's just say he was unhappy with the idea." A low chuckle escaped his lips. "It's understandable. All we have is each other." His amber eyes blinked, widened, and suddenly looked sheepish. "Oh dear, I seemed to have taken this conversation down to a somber route... I apologise."

"No, it's alright." Maes clapped him on the shoulder. "It feels good to talk about your troubles every once in a while, especially in a place like this. Otherwise you'll just... implode."

Silence.

"...Implode?" Roy parroted with a deadpan expression on his face.

"Shut up, Roy." Captain Hughes countered in a cheerful manner. Alphonse laughed; the tension in the air lessened, and in turn the mood brightened up again.

"Thank you, Captain."

"There will be none of that, Alphonse." Maes wagged a finger. "No calling me Captain when it's just us friends around. Just Maes will do. Honestly, I hate formalities."

The medic still had that gentle smile on his face, but his eyes reflected surprise. "Thank you... Maes." He complied, looking thoughtful. "Friends, huh...?"

Hughes flashed a grin at him, and Roy shrugged in a casual manner. "Yep! We're all friends here, and it's good to have friends around." The former stated in a matter-of-fact voice. "Should you ever feel down you can always turn to us, and we'll pick you back up when you fall down."

The Flame Alchemist stared at Maes incredulously, and visibly rolled his eyes at how utterly ridiculous and downright cheesy that sounded coming from his mouth. The Captain pointedly ignored him.

"Well," Al began after a few moments of silence. "It's almost time for me to attend a small meeting with the other medical personnel." He glanced back at a large tent, labelled 'M-1', surrounded by smaller ones. "If you see Brother, tell him I'll be around the medical tents."

"Will do." Maes nodded. "Ed looks like you only with longer hair, a little buffer and shorter, right?"

Alphonse couldn't help the wide grin appearing on his face, "If he heard you say that last part he wouldn't hesitate to shoot you." He laughed.

Part 2 will be up... whenever I feel like it. c:

The next one will probably be based on Post!Conqueror of Shamballa. Just warning you if you dislike spoilers.