Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters except for Aaliyah.
Chapter 35: The Shape of this Country
Aaliyah's POV
Olivier glanced over to the Homunculus as she said with a smirk, "Now you get to see the Briggs way kids." "Um...the Briggs way?" I asked as a hand was placed on her head, along with Ed's. "That's right...come here little alchemist and give me a hand." Buccaneer stated as Ed and I gained panicked looks. Buccaneer then picked them both up as Al said, "Brother, Ally!" "You too tin man." Buccaneer turned to face Al. "Hey, hold on! You can't just-" Ed was interrupted as a gun was pointed at his head. 'How the hell is he holding a gun with both his arms full?' I thought as Buccaneer said, "You were forced to help us, got it?" Buccaneer then went to take a step as he noticed Falman standing there. "Huh? Who's this?" Ed then grinned evilly as he said, "He's an old friend of ours!" "Really? Then he'll help too." Falman's mouth dropped.
"Hurry, don't spill any!" Buccaneer stated as Al, Ed, and I walked ahead of him carrying lighter fluid. "Head to Gate 8." The Homunculus, or Sloth, stood up as Olivier said, "Drive it into the elevator!" Olivier's tank then rammed Sloth, pushing him to the elevators but not without a fight. Sloth managed to lift the front of the tank as Olivier shouted, "Hurry up and push us!" The other tanks rammed Olivier's, giving hers a boost as they closed in on the elevator. "It's working! Now, turn right!" Olivier shouted, kicking the man in her tank. "G-got it!" The gun of the tank knocked Sloth into the elevator as Olivier shouted, "Miles, close it now!" Miles pressed the button, closing the elevator successfully. The elevator was brought to Gate eight, which it opened and he stepped out.
"Huh? Where...am...I?" Buccaneer ran from the corner and grabbed Sloth's arm, successfully flipping him. "Alright! Do it now!" he shouted. Falman and Ed poured the fluid from above, as Al and I threw it onto him from behind. "Nice!" Buccaneer cheered. "Okay, what next?" Al asked. "Yeah, how do exactly plan on getting him through the gate?" The elevator dinged as the gun of the tank appeared. Ed, Al, and I began to freak out as they all moved out of the way. "Move out the way you little runts!" The wheels began to move as she shot at him. The force managed to knock him outside by the railing. "Hey! One more!"
"We're out of ammo!" "Well in that case..." Falman stated as he pulled out his handgun and shot the icicles above Sloth. The icicles fell onto his head, and Ed, Al, and I took that as a moment to attack. They each ran and kicked the guy causing him to fall off the railing and into the snow. "Nice~" Ed sang as Buccaneer said, "That fuel is specially built for the cold. It'll vaporize almost instantly and as it evaporates, it'll sap his body heat. This blizzard will also in freezing him...right down to his brain.
"It's so cold...body won't move..." Sloth stated as he slowly began to freeze. "What...a...pain..." He then fell over, lifeless.
"You can sleep there until spring, monster." Olivier spoke. She then looked to Buccaneer and said, "Alright, take these three away." "Sir!" "Huh?!" They tied Al, Ed, Falman, and I up, dragging them away. "Hey! We helped you!" Ed shouted as Olivier said, "You were forced to. That was the excuse you needed to fight, right? Besides, you aren't going anywhere until you explain what that thing was and what it wanted."
That Night*
No POV
"S-so c-cold!" Ed's teeth chattered as he hugged Ally tighter for warmth. "S-stop moving, you're making it even c-colder!" Aaliyah complained. "My b-bad, I just thought I could help us both o-out!" "Please don't fight you two." Al stated from the other side of the room. "Al's right, we shouldn't be fighting..." Aaliyah trailed off as Ed muttered, "...yeah, that's just a waste of warmth..." He unconsciously moved his right arm to Ally's stomach as he shouted, "Cold! Watch where the hell you put your hand!" "Sorry, I forgot-""How would you like it if I forgot'?" Ally stated as she turned around and started to rub Ed's chest with her right arm. "H-Hey! Stop it!"The two continued shouting as Al thought, 'I wonder if I can get another cell...?'
Next Day*
"*Yawn*...so cold..." Ed muttered as he opened his eyes. He tried to move his arms but found it impossible."Hm?" He moved the covers only to find restraints. "Restraints? Hey Ally, wake up." Aaliyah turned only to hit Ed with her restraint. "Ow! What the hell was that for?!" "Huh? What are these?" Ally asked as Al said, "Good morning...nice chains." The two sat up as Ed said sarcastically, "Yeah, they're just lovely..." "Hey, you three slept well?"
The mechanic from yesterday asked them. "I guess...considering," Ally stated, lifting her restraint. Theman chuckled as he handed Ed and Ally each a cup. "I heard how you defended the fort." "Thanks," Ally and Ed stated, taking a sip.
"That'll be a hundred cens each." The two did a spit take as Ed shouted, "You're charging us for this?!" "Again, it wasn't even that good..." Ally muttered. "So, find anything else out?" Al asked,changing the subject. "We sent a party down to investigate the hole...they should be back soon...also Major Miles is at the hospital."
"Did he get hurt?" Ally asked. "Hardly, he's visiting a soldier who was wounded fighting Scar." "Scars up North now?" Ed asked. "Oh here they are!" "They're awake!" Four soldiers walked upto the cell. "Thanks for yesterday." "Yeah, you saved our buddies lives." Ally and Ed smiled as Ed stated, "I'm impressed, and you guys sure do stick together."
"Well, here at Briggs, you have to stick together." "You savedour pals back there so that makes you guys our pals as well." "Well then, how about you left your pals out of here?" Ed asked as they all said, "No, we're not allowed to do that, sorry." "It was worth a try..." Ed muttered.
Hospital*
"They didn't find any signs of Scar's body on the sight. That doesn't mean he isn't nearby though." Miles stated. "That's true..." Kimblee stated as he laid in bed. 'Interesting...first a search for a strange black and whitecat and then the search for Scar...' Miles thought as he flipped through the report. Miles then stood as heplaced the paper into his pocket saying, "Alright, you can leave Scar to us. All you have to do is focus ongetting better." Miles began to walk away until Kimblee said, "Stop, wait a second." "Hm?" Miles looked back.
"I want you and your people to stay out of this. The Ishvallen is mine to hunt down." Miles walked over toKimblee's side and said, "I hate to tell you this but the soldiers of Briggs won't let a serial killer roam aroundfree. Here in the North, the law is 'survival of the fittest'." Miles removed his glasses, revealing his red eyes.Kimblee's eyes widened a little from shock as Miles brought his face close, "One wrong move and your dead,understand? You tell me what to do again and you'll never leave this hospital." Miles then stood as he said,"This case is ours now so Briggs branch will take care of everything." He then placed his glasses back on andsaid, "You behave yourself."
After Miles walked out the room, Kimblee chuckled. "Another Ishvallen...that's interesting..." A knock sounded as Kimblee looked to the door questionably. "Hello," Raven stated with a wave, walking in. "How are yourecovering, Kimblee?" "Well hello General Raven. You sure got here quickly..."
"I heard the news and got hereas fast as I could. I was worried about you." "Hmph, these are what you're really worried about," Kimblee grinned, revealing the two Philosopher's Stones in his hand. "Isn't that right?" Raven's face became serious ashe said, "Very good...now we have work to do." "I'm not in the best shape at the moment..." Kimblee trailed off as Raven said, "No problem, I brought a doctor who knows alchemy...and we have the stones as well. You'llbe fine in no time." The doctor behind Raven chuckled, revealing his gold tooth.
Somewhere in Briggs Mountains*
"Alkahestry seems to be very complicated..." Marcoh trailed off as he looked through the book Scar's brother left. "This dragon pulse business is especially confusing..." "It's about the chi of the land." May statedfrom the other side of the fire. "What do you mean by 'the chi'?" May drew the star-shaped array and placedher kunai around it and on a random spot a few spaces away. "I'll try and explain: basically, it's the energy thatexists in all things of this world, like rivers of power flowing through it. Those rivers are far reaching and touch everything. All you have to do is understand where that power flows in and exits..." May placed her hand tothe array as blue erupted. In the other space, blue erupted only to have a statue made of earth in the form ofShao May appear. "You can use it to affect just about anything." "Just about anything...so, a body to?" Marcoh asked. "Yes."
"It could be your back," May stated as she slammed her hand against Marcoh's back as he cried out and fell, "My leg!"
"...or you neck!" she slammed her hand against his neck only to have him cry out again. "Why do my eyeballshurt when you pressed my neck?!" May rubbed his back saying, "Dr. Marcoh, you should take better care ofyourself. All the power in your body is starting to stagnate." "So, that's it, is it? About your theory totransmutation?"
"Then, alchemists don't use the dragon's pulse?" May asked. "They don't; they use movement from the Earth's crust; a great energy is created and released during earthquakes and such. That's what fuels our alchemy inthis country." "I don't know...that doesn't seem right." May stated as Marcoh looked to her bewildered. "I feltsomething was out of place ever since I got here...I noticed it especially under Central. I can tell there is energy flowing under my feet, but it doesn't feel like it's coming from the lands movement...it feels like acrowd of people squirming around."
Brigg's Fortress*
"That whole is huge!" "The whole itself curves and continues on for a long ways...but no signs of people in it.""...lower some horses." Olivier stated. "Yes sir!" "I also want to see the Elrics and Martin."
Tunnel*
Aaliyah's POV
"This is some tunnel..." I muttered as they rode on horseback. Ed and I took one as Al and Olivier had their own. "I still can't believe an intruder got this far through our defenses..." Olivier muttered. "So, hasanyone else made it past your defenses before?" Ed asked. "No; not one time since I reigned here...but once,there was an incident where our mountain guard was attacked during winter. Apparently, a woman stole food and supplies for a whole month." Ed, Al and I gasped as realization hit.
'I survived a whole month in the Briggs Mountains!'
"It was teacher..." we all muttered.
"This should be far enough." Olivier stated as they stopped. They all dismounted as she slammed the hilt ofher sword to the ground saying, "Now then, we're safely away from prowling eyes. You can tell me everythingwithout fearing discovery...and I mean everything." Ed, Al and I looked to her speechless as she said,"Yesterday, I asked you about that monster...remember what you said? 'I can't answer'. You refused me and that, even as a hint, is a dangerous thing to do. I told you to answer my questions fully and completely andwith great peril to yourself, you neglected. There is something you're trying to hide and are trying to protect itwith your life...something or maybe someone." They're eyes bore into Olivier's as she said, "Don't lie to methis time. I want the truth." Ed stayed silent for a moment until he finally stated, "...General, we need yourhelp."
"The Philosopher's Stone, Homunculi, Fuhrer King Bradley, mysterious man called 'Father', corruption in thesenior staff..." Oliver trailed off as Buccaneer said, "There are also hostages as well." "Your childhood friendand all of Mustang's men, correct? We've done joint training with them before so I know officers Hawkeye andHavoc and I'd hate it if we lost either...I'd like to help them." "And uh, what about Mustang?" Falman asked."Yeah, I couldn't care less about him. I'd rather see him fall from power, at least that's eliminate another rival."Al, Ed, Falman and I all sweat-dropped. Olivier then stood as she said, "Never mind he, the question is,what we do next? This tunnel here, I'd like to know what you alchemist make of it." Ed, Al and I glanced toeach other, surprised, as they studied the tunnel.
"First of all, the tunnel probably didn't originate in Drachma." Ed stated as he looked down at the map. "This is just a guess but you'd probably find it dug in the shape of a circle." I stated. "Why?" Buccaneer asked. "Ithas to do with alchemy, in our field, a circle is used to control power." Ed stated as I took out a marker as she asked, "Lt. Falman, could you please list the major conflicts that happened in Amestris, followed by bloodshed?" "By bloodshed?" he asked as she circled Ishval. He then knelt down as he asked, "What are yougetting at?" After realizing, Falman pointed to the map and said, "First is July, 1588 in Rivie." "Alright, next?""October 1661, the Cameron Uprising. February 1791, the Soak men incident in Fisk. March, 1811 the WellisLee incident. October 1885, the first Southern Border War. Then 1911, the second Southern Border War inPhotoset." "What about Pendleton to the West?" Ed asked.
"There was some fighting with Craeta, a lot ofsoldiers died. Later, in 1914, there was Liore, an insurrection. There were many casualties..." "What? Aninsurrection?!" Al gasped. "I don't understand, we exposed the fake priest in Liore and reported it to EasternCommand immediately." Ed stated as Falman said, "Yes but Central forces ran the soldiers out making thingsworse." "Oh no...damn." Ed stated as Olivier said, "No time for that, back to work Fullmetal and Blue Flame." "Fine." I growled as she circled Liore and began to connect the dots. After connecting them, everyone gasped. "How is that possible? It looks just like the one in the Fifth Lab." Falman stated.
"Is that so? The Philosopher's Stone array that draws power from human lives. If they make a Philosopher'sStone from something that huge, then how many people will have to die?!" Buccaneer stated.
Somewhere in Briggs Mountains*
No POV
"Once, I asked Envy if they planned to use this country and its people for a Philosopher's Stone...but he simply laughed at my question. He then said, 'No that's not it, but close'. Earlier, I had spoken to Edward Elric and Aaliyah Martin and told them that maybe they could find the, 'Truth hidden within the Truth'. Three truths: First,t he ingredients for a stone are live humans. Second, there is a group of people seeking to create an enormousstone. And third, they plan to use this entire country to make it. Even knowing all that, it still doesn't explaineverything. What is their ultimate motive? I know you're also seeking the secrets to immortality...but you can'tlet your search lead you to the stone. By combining our knowledge, we'll figure out these notes, somehow."Marcoh stated as May nodded, "Right."
Briggs Fortress/Underground*
"Hm..." Ed and Aaliyah thought as Ed suddenly though of something. "The first of the conflicts started in 1588,right?" "Right, just after the founding of Amestris." Olivier stated. "They attacked Rivie since it was theneighboring country at the time and then the Military...wait!" Falman picked up the map, studying it as hesaid, "That's right! The Military was involved in all of it! Each incident was an insurrection just like Liore. Forces would be sent in, only to make things worse."
"It's been going on that long?" Ally stated. "We kept growing...our country started out as a small nation but soon expanded the more we took over neighboring countries.You mean that was all to create this circle?" "So that means they're not just using this country for what they're doing but...they actually created it for that sole purpose." Ed stated as Olivier stated, "My Country..."
"Do you think General Hughes...?" Al asked. "It's as Bradley told me, 'They knew too much.'" Ed and Aaliyah then thought back to Isaac McDougal and Envy's words.
'Edward Elric, Aaliyah Martin; you've sworn your life to be dogs of the Military. But...do you really knowthe one's you serve of what their plans are?'
'You life forms never cease to amaze me. You get a speck of power and think you rule the world! Youdon't even know what that power is! Then you have the arrogance to assume you're in control of thispower.'
'Don't be a fool! They'll lead us all to ruin!'
Both their eyes widened as Olivier slammed her hilt to the map saying, "I don't like this! As far as I can see,there is only one place left! If you're right about your theory then the next place to hit is here in Briggs! Thosedirty bastards in Central! What plans do they have for my fort?!" The sound of a horse was heard as a soldierstopped and said, "General, you're needed back at the fort! Lt. General Raven is here to see you."
"It seems ourtime is already up." Olivier stated, anger filling her voice. "Excuse me General Armstrong but I'd like to ask afavor of you." Ed stated. She looked to him with shock as he said, "Do you think you could con someinformation from the General?"
Above Ground*
"General Raven, sir. I'm terribly sorry to have to ask you to wait." Miles spoke. "No please, don't worry about it.It's my fault for dropping in like this." "General Armstrong should return at any minute now. This way-"Milesstarted but was cut off. "Oh and as you can see, I've brought a guest. If it's no trouble, could you show himaround the fort?" "I'd appreciate it, Major Miles." Kimblee spoke, removing his hat. Miles was shocked but hid it well as he agreed.
"Aaliyah and Winry's apple pie..." Al muttered as they walked down the hallway. "Hm?" Ed and Ally asked confused. "That was the first thing I wanted to do when I got my body back...but now even that seems to be so far out of reach." "You'll have all the apple pie you want Al." Ally assured as Ed said, "Yeah, we'll get ourbodies back and make those people messing with our Country pay. Just you wait."
"I apologize for the chaos sir. We were attacked yesterday." Olivier stated, seated across from Raven. "By who?" he asked. "I think it's most appropriate to call it a monster. Unfortunately, we were unable to fend itoff." "A monster? What do you mean?" "We killed it but it didn't die, sir." Raven chuckled as he grabbed hiscup of tea saying, "Is that so?" "I originally suspected it came from Drachma but the Elrics and Martin," she stopped as Raven looked to her confused. "Hm?" "Oh, didn't I mention? The Fullmetal and Blue Flame alchemists and his brother are here. I found it disturbing as they seemed to know about this 'monster'...but they wouldn't talk. Obviously if we have State alchemist working as spies for Drachma, that's a serious problem. I've locked them up. Perhaps you'd like to speak with them?"
~In another room~
"Certainly...they won't tell you anything?" Ed, Ally, Al, Buccaneer and Falman listened on the speaker. "Correct;they say they came here to research living transmutation or something. How more suspicious could they be? I mistrusted them from the start." Oliver gave a smile before frowning and saying, "I thought about torturing them...but I am a woman after all. The thought of hurting those kids...let's just say, it'd break my heart."
"Ha! Now that's rich! She'd would've tortured you and not even thought about it!" Buccaneer chuckled as Ally, Ed, Al and Falman sweat-dropped. Raven chuckled as he said, "But General Armstrong, aren't you the 'NorthernWall of Briggs'? Walls aren't that soft." "You know General Raven, at my age, women are expected to have achild or two at least...unfortunately, and I'm well past that." "Surely there are men lining up to have children with you."
"Hardly sir...I hate to say it but I'm growing older...and so is my body." Everyone leaned in closer tothe speaker.
~Olivier's Office~
"...That Drachmann monster, it had an outstanding body...an immortal body." She smiled. "It was likesomething from a dream..." Raven placed his cup down as he stood saying, "What if I told you it soonwouldn't be a dream anymore?"
~In another room~
Ed, Al and Ally gasped.
~Olivier's Office~
Raven placed his hand to Oliver's shoulder as he leaned in saying, "Tell me General...would you be interestedin a legion of immortal soldiers?"
~In another room~
'He took the bait.' Ally, Ed and Al thought.