Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters except for Aaliyah.
Aaliyah's POV*
{Opening song}
Briggs Fortress/Medical Room*
So after all of that chaos of getting here, we sat in the Doctor's office with warm yet damp towels on ourautomail. "Exposure?" Ed asked now confused about what the Doc told him. To be honest I don't understand how I forgot about how dangerous it was to have automail in cold weather like snow.
"Yes, that's right. You two got lucky, you're close to getting frost bite." The doctor sighed pointing at Ed and me."We need to be careful to be walking around in a snowstorm. The flesh that's touching your automail willfreeze, and you need to oil it or it will stiffen."
"So that guy, Buccaneer, he has a different automail?" I questioned.Then right on cue, he walked in saying. "It's no use Doc! I can't get this thing unstuck!" Buccaneer then lifted his automail which had Al's helmet stuck in the chainsaw automail.
"Hey! My head!" Al shouted.
~*3*~
No POV*
"Up here, your automail must be flexible and lightweight. It should also be resistant to the cold." Doc statedas a man worked on Buccaneer's arm to unstick Al's head. "After some trial and error, we found an alloy thatworks. A combination of duralumin, carbon fiber, nickel, copper and so on." "And here I assumed it was justiron..." Ed muttered. "No wonder we couldn't do anything."Aaliyah stated as the curtain was pulled back. "Hey Doc, be careful. Do you plan to tell them all our secrets?" Buccaneer stated. "Why wouldn't I? They are State Alchemist. They do have a right to know, right?"
"You're kidding." Ed and Ally flashed their watches as Doc said, "They have the pocket watches." 'You mean these kids are equivalent to that of a Major?' Buccaneer thought as Ed gained a weird grin on his face. "If you're going to be in the North for long, you should switchto a different kind of auto-mail. Do you have a mechanic?" Doc asked as she poured two cups of coffee. "Yeah but she's in Rush Valley." Ed stated as Ally and he placed their coats back on. "And she let you come here without explaining all that?"
Aaliyah's POV*
"Not exactly...we kind of didn't tell her we were coming." I stated rubbing the back of her head. Doc handed them the two cups as she continued, "I recommend you send for her, assumingyou two would like to stay alive." "Fine..." Ed and I muttered as they drank some of the coffee.
"That would be 100 Cens each." The Doctor added extending her hand for the money. Ed spit out his coffee while I stopped and stared at her.
We both dug into our pockets and pulled out 100 cens. The doctor toke both of our money while we lookedback to the cup of coffee. "Are you kidding?" I asked in a tone of disbelief."It wasn't even a good cup of coffee..." Ed whimpered in the same tone as me."This is the North. Get used to it." The Doctor stated.
"So, you come up here with mediocre auto-mail, completely ignorant about the North and you try to bypass the Command Center..."Buccaneer stated. "Oh come on! We hike up here, State alchemists with an official letter of introduction andthis is how we're treated?! What's wrong with you people?! Do you have no sense of propriety?! That Generaltried to tear our arms off!" the door opened as Olivier said, "Hello little red runt."
"Little red..." Ed sadly muttered as she continued, "If you have a problem, then now's the time to speak up." "Ah! My hair..." Al cried as he got his helmet back." He looked in the mirror at the now shortened strand as he muttered, "It looks awful..."
-Ice Queen-
No POV*
Olivier took a seat as she picked up a picture frame asking, "Well now, I hear you three are close with mybrother Alex... is he doing all right?" "Uh, yeah." Ed stated as Al said, "The big strong guy we know and love!""Alex is doing just great!" Ally finished happily as Olivier got angry causing the three to get scared looks. "No matter, never mind him. Tell me why you would bypass the Command Center to meet me...? I want to know it all, including why your armor is empty."
Ed, Aaliyah and Al looked to each other as Ed said, "Actually, that's something we don't like to talk about..." "There's no reason to worry; folks around here have plenty to hide.Everyone up North has something he or she doesn't like to talk about." Doc stated.
"But if this informationreaches certain ears, we could be court-martialed..." Ally stated as Oliver said, "Even I have secrets like that!"
"Brother, Aaliyah, listen...I think we really have to tell them." Al whispered. "But what about Winry?" Ally whispered back. "Maybe we can do it without mentioning the Fuhrer and Homunculi..." Ed whispered as Olivier shouted, "What are you whispering about?! Start talking now!" "Fine, then let's just tell her we're tryingto get our bodies back." Al whispered as Ed and Ally nodded.
~*3*~
"I see..." Oliver stated as she looked over the picture of Shao May, "So that's why you're looking for this girlwith a strange cat." The three nodded. Oliver placed the sheet down saying, "I understand." "So does thatmean you'll-"Ed was cut off. "I'm not done. What I understand is this: you three are a couple of recklesswretches who cause trouble with every last thing you do. I don't want people like you in my fort. Honestly,how could the people in Central let these three run around loose...get out of here right now!"" Ed and Aaliyah gazed to the ground as Oliver continued, "...at least, that's what I'd like to say. I can honestly say I'm interested in this 'Alkahestry'. You three have met this girl before?"
"Yeah, we have." Al stated. "She has a skill ourcountry doesn't, right?" Ally nodded as Oliver continued, "You can never know too much, especially up Northwhere we're close to Drachma. If we use it right, Alkahestry could be used as an excellent weapon." "Wait asecond! Alkahestry is specialized for medical purposes...you can't just-"
"Be quiet!" Olivier interrupted Al. "You're nothing but lap dogs living safely behind your walls...but we're the ones who protect you. We few whoare brave enough to protect the countries border. My job is far greater than yours. I will make use of anyknowledge I can get my hands on." She then slammed the hilt of her sword to the ground and stood saying,"Leave the task of finding the little girl to me, you three will stay here inside the fort." She then walked over tothe door, stopping and said, "And Major Miles..." "Yes, sir?" "Put them to work."
"What?" Ed and Ally stated asshe turned back to look at them. "A man who does not work, has no right to eat." "You have a point." Ed, Ally and Al said simultaneously.
Armstrong and Buccaneer began walking down the hallways as Buccaneer said, "Those three haven't exactlyhad easy lives General." "I believe they may have seen their share of carnage but I can tell on the inside, theyremain soft and weak. What's more...they are still hiding something; a secret they aren't telling us."
~*3*~
Aaliyah's POV
"So um...what kind of work will you have us do?" Ed asked as Al, Miles and I then he walked down the hallways. Miles stayed silent as Ed continued, "That doctor said there are many people here with secrets...so what are you hiding Major?" Miles continued to stay silent as I said, "It's no fair for you guys to ask all the questionsand not answer any in return." Miles then stopped and said, "You really want to know?" He then removed his glasses and glanced back to them as we gasped.
"Red eyes?!" "An Ishvallen?!" Ed and Al stated. "It's true;Ishvallen blood flows through my veins but my Father and Grand Mother were not from that region... theywere a different race. My eyes," he pointed, "...are Ishvallen though. My grandfather's blood runs strong.Amestrisian... it was your people who destroyed the land of my grandfather."
Ed, Al and I tensed. "...Ishvallen, your people destroyed our countryside and one of you is responsible for murdering my friend's parents." Ed stated as Al said, "Careful brother." It was silent for a moment until Miles chuckled.
"I'm sorry...but that's the first time someone has given me that kind of response." "What? You were testingme?" "I know it was rude but since the war, people always give me pity. To be honest, I'm getting tired of it...but you're different, aren't you?" "Well Major, an Ishvallen tried to kidnap, kill and fight alongside us. After allthat, our feelings are a bit conflicted." Ed stated as I said, "Besides, I think people should just ignore theirrace and treat each other as equals." Miles nodded as they continued walking.
"Major Miles, were you onactive duty during the War of Extermination?" Ed asked as they stopped in front of an elevator. Miles pushed the button as he said, "Yes, I was. I've been under General Armstrong's command since then. The war began after I was posted here. Many of my relatives were killed in the East, including my Father. I fell outside the Military's purge requirements so I was spared. "Did you ever hold a grudge against the Military?" I asked."You don't understand how the world works now, do you?" "We know we're ignorant on some things...if weoffended you, we're sorry." I stated. "Ignorant State alchemist you say? How interesting..." The elevatoropened as they all stepped in.
"...I did resent the Military for a while. I also had doubts as to why General Armstrong would keep me as herStaff Officer. The presence of someone with Ishvallen blood could cause disorder within the soldiers here. Itwould've been easier for her to get rid of me...eventually, I just came right out and asked her..."
This is Briggs, no matter what this territory must not fall. Every soldier here must be strong andflexible. You must move as one cohesive unit, following me, your leader, and all things at all times. Inshort, we do not have the luxury of discrimination here. The blood of several races flows within youand with that brings strength and values. You can see this country in a way others cannot. I was bornand raised in Amestris and in order to lead, I need someone with your eyes. Now shut up and followme Miles, understood?
"Her words made sense...I knew she was speaking without deception. I even went as far to ask her, 'What if myIshvallen blood can't forgive the Military for what it has done to my people?' and you know what she said?"
Fine then, bring it. On behalf of the Military, I will accept you challenge anytime.
"That was it." "What a scary lady..." Ed muttered. "Maybe she said it because her troops where with her?" I asked as Miles had a scared looked on his face. "No...that wasn't it at all. It was the look in her eye..." Ed, Al and I began to get scared.
The elevator had stopped and they began walking off to one of the balcony like areas as Miles said, "Youknow what the saying is here?" "Survival of the fittest?" Ed asked. "That's right; without power, you die. If youhave it, you might survive. That fact always stays the same, all 365 days a year. It's a simple life really. Whether a private or general, race, ethicists or gender make no difference." I took a step forward, stumbling as anicicle fell down in the place she just stood.
"Survival of the fittest in action. Your luck was strong, so yousurvived." Miles stated as I sighed. "These icicles all need to be scraped off. That'll be your job for today.When you're finished, one of my men will show you to your quarters."
~*3*~
No POV
Ed and Ally tried their best to scrape the icicles but couldn't reach them. Al on the other hand, was doingpretty well. "This isn't working!" Ally shouted as Ed said, "If we don't finish, we don't eat...and I'm starving!" "Wait a minute! I have an idea!" Ally stated as she looked over to Ed.
"Got it!" Aaliyah shouted happily as the ice fell to the ground. "Hey watch it! I'm beneath you, you know?!" Edshouted. Ally was currently sitting on his shoulders. "I'm sorry!" Aaliyah shouted as a voice said, "Is it really you?" Al, Ed and Ally turned to find Falman. "Officer Falman!" "The Elrics and Martin...what are you doing here?" "Us? What about you? I thought you were at the Northern Command Center?" Ed asked. "Yeah, I was for awhile but Northern Command bumped me up here." Ed, Ally and Al then noticed the star on his shoulders.
"They promoted you!" Al stated. "Yeah." "Hey that's great, congratulations!" Ed stated as Ally asked, "Then why are you knocking down icicles?" "If they have you doing something like this, then that means..." Al trailed off. "They've taken you off the career track." Ed and Al stated causing Falman to run off crying. Aaliyah just sweatdropped.
~*3*~
Aaliyah's POV
"The development sector," Falman showed Ed, Al, and I the weapons room. "Wow, what's it for?" Ed asked surprised. "It was General Armstrong's idea. This room holds all the latest weapons." "Does that includecombat auto-mail?" I asked. "Yeah, now come on and follow me." Falman lead them lower into a roomwith huge fans and lots of pipes. "This is the lowest level of Briggs." "It feels so warm down here." I stated happily as Ed finished, "It's not like it was above."
"This is the fortresses lifelines. Even if we're attacked, thisarea will stay safe." Ed and I looked around the area until a man pushed through them saying, "Hey, move it! That's not a great place to stand."
"Sorry." Ed and I stated. "Hey! It's this pipe over here!" The man walked over to the pipe the worker pointed out. The man placed his ear against the pipe as he heard a sound."It's coming..." he then placed his ear to the ground as he said, "...from underground. It sounds like someone'sdigging through the rock." "What?!" "Maybe it's spies from Drachma?" "...it's close!"
"...it's so annoying...all this digging...it's killing me." The huge muscled guy stated as he dug through thetunnel. "I guess dying would be a pain to..."
~*3*~
No POV
"Kimblee, the Crimson alchemist?" Olivier asked. "He was injured on a cargo train headed here. He waschecked into a hospital at the base of the mountain. Full cooperation of the Briggs branch is requested." Miles stated. "What? Why was he headed north? I thought he was serving time in prison?" "Apparently he wasreleased...on the Fuhrer's orders." Olivier rested her head on her palms as she furrowed her eyes saying, "I don't like this." The sound of an alarm started ringing as everyone turned to the men on the radios. "What is it?!" Olivier asked. "We've got an intruder from underground sir!" "What?!"
~*3*~
Aaliyah's POV
A huge, muscular guy stepped out of the hole as everyone looked to him wide-eyed. Upon closer look,Ed, Al and I realized the guy had an Ooraboras tattoo. 'Damn it...do they know we've come here to find a way to fight them?' Ed thought. 'This isn't good...' I thought. Before anything else could be done, the sound of snoring filled the room. "He's sleeping?!" Ed, Al and I shouted. "Huh?" the Homunculus stated as he looked up. "What's this?" "I'm guessing that creepy guy back in Central told you about us." Ed stated. "But you see,we're just trying to get our bodies back, that's all." Al stated. "Why should I care about you?" Ed, Al and I stared at the guy with blank looks as he continued, "Go dig a hole...how annoying...really, what a pain..." he then began walking off.
"Something tells me he isn't here for us..." I trailed off as a gun was shot near Ed's and mine feet. "Ah!" We jumped out of the way. "I knew it! You really are Drachma spies!" Buccaneer shouted. "We're not!" the three exclaimed. "Then why are you talking to the intruder like you know him?!"
"No we weren't!" Ed shouted. "Does it look like we'd know someone like him?!" I exclaimed. "Liars!" "We aren't lying!" Ed fought back as the guy walked over to a huge pipe, lifted it up and then through it at Ed, Al and I. "Ah!" They quickly ran off as it landed hard against the ground.
The guy turned around and looked to the elevator as he asked, "What is this place...? This place big..." Hebegan walking over to the lift as he asked, "Can I stop digging now that I'm here?" The Briggs soldiers pointed their guns, firing at him, only to have it bounce off. "The guns aren't affecting him at all!" "Where am I...?" Heasked aloud as his hand bumped the lever to the lift. The lift stated to head up as Buccaneer said, "This isbad! He's heading for development." "Let's see if we can help!" I stated as the three ran to try something.
~*3*~
No POV
The alarm sounded as Briggs men raced to get into position. They stacked crates and what not, to build a wall.The doors to the lift opened as he stepped off the platform. "It's warm here..." the men were about to attackuntil Olivier shouted, "Don't move!" A missile was shot and landed a direct hit. Flames engulfed him as Olivier told her men, "Put it out!" The flames disappeared as he stepped out unharmed. "I know I hit it..."
"It's no use! Firearms won't work against it!" Buccaneer shouted as he climbed the stairs. "What?! Withdraw all noncombatants immediately! Shut off the alarm! It won't help if Drachma hears we're under attack." "General, we have tanks!" "Are the trial runs finished?" "We won't need to worry about that... these are the research teamspride and joy." "Move the fuses from the shelves!" Olivier stated as she jumped into the tank. They aimed the tank as Olivier shouted, "Fire!" the blast hit the guy right in the face. "Yeah! Direct hit!" "Ow..." the guymuttered, bringing his head back down. "Pain is a pain...pain is annoying..." He began walking towards them. "Don't just sit there! Load the next one!"
"Fire!" the missile hit right in his chest. He pulled the missile and threw it off somewhere. The other tanksbegan to join in, shooting off one after another. "Ouch...go back to work..." it muttered. He began walking offas the tanks continued to shoot saying, "Dig a hole..." He punched the nearest items and caused them to fly and almost hit a few of the soldiers, that is until Ed and Ally used their alchemy to shield them.
Ed, Aaliyah and Al then ran to Olivier, who was watching them, as Ed said, "Try as much as you want but it won't work! He won't die!" "He won't?" "Just what are you saying? How do kids like you know that?" Buccaneer asked.
"Because we..." Ed trailed off as they all looked down. They wanted to say something but knew they couldn't. "Drop theact! You will answer all my question clearly! First, how do you know that thing? Are you a Drachmann spy?" Olivier asked. "We're not!" Ed and Ally shouted. "Is that thing a spy?" Olivier asked pointing to the huge guy.
"I really doubt it." Ed stated. "Does that thing know you?" "No apparently not." Ally stated. "What is that thing?!""...we can't answer." Ed stated. "Who does that thing work for?!" "We can't answer that!" Aaliyah shouted. "Why can't you answer me?" Olivier asked with a cold glare. "...we can't answer." Ed and Ally stated, trying to staycalm.
Oliver glanced to them for a minute before saying, "This is my last question: are you on our side, or in leaguewith that thing?" "We're not with him. We don't want to see anyone get hurt." Aaliyah stated. "Then tell me, whatis that thing made of?" "His body's structure are probably made to that of a humans." Ed stated. "The same asa human's, huh..." Oliver trailed off.
"Buccaneer! Bring me the tank fuel now! We're going to douse it." "Sir!""We told you it won't work!" Ed stated. "Even if you set him on fire, it won't work." Ally stated. "I understand...I've learned from our last attack we can't kill it. The best we can do is stop or delay it. In that case, we'll hit it with something stronger than fire." Oliver then glanced the guy as she said with a smirk, "Now you get to see the Briggs way kids."
{Ending song}