Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters except for Aaliyah.
No POV
"Dominus, Houswell, Anmire, Gianni, Collins, Tony, Willard, Ripley, Nectile, Meo...forgive me." Hohenheimspoke as he undid his tie and buttons. He opened his shirt as he spoke, "...I have to use you." He then dug his hands into his chest, soon removing them as his blood fell to the ground, only to be soaked up.
-Family Portrait-
Hohenheim looked down at the two boys, who were asleep. He had reached out his hand, only tofreeze. "You can touch them you know. They are your sons." A voice spoke. "I don't want the monsterto spread..." he muttered. "Please, if it could spread, don't you think I would have caught it a long timeago?" Trisha asked. Hohenheim stood up as they two walked out of the room.
"Ever since I've been given this body, I've seen death as part of the world's flow...it made it easier,somehow. Each time I encountered something new and wondrous, it seemed right that I accepted thisbody and kept on living; for a long time that was enough. But then...I met you and together we created two sons...now it's different." Hohenheim stated as he looked out the window to the garden."...I don't get any older and yet, my sons grow and age before my eyes...and suddenly, I'm terrified."He then looked to his hand as he continued, "I'm now realizing that I am a monster." Trisha gave him aworried gaze.
Next Day*
"Dear? Dear, come here." Trisha called. Hohenheim left his study asking, ""What is it...huh?"he spotted a man nearby with a camera. "Hello sir, good afternoon." "A photographer?" "Yes," Trisha stepped up to Hohenheim, fixing his clothes as she said, "Let's fix you up." Hohenheim noticed that she was dressed up. "You know, we don't have a single family picture." She stated bringing him from his thoughts. "Pretty short notice, huh?" Hohenheim then felt a tug and looked to see Edward pulled his father's pants. Aaliyah pull Trisha's dress. Alphonse crawled over. He looked down at them and they smile at him.
"Hold Edward and Aaliyah," Trisha said. Van holds them. And Trisha holds Alphonse. "Ok say, cheese everyone." The photographer spoke as he took the picture. In the picture, it was everyone smiling except for Van who had tears on his face.
~Time Skip~
My plan was to take this body and extend my life...but things changed. I want to be with Trisha and the boys...to grow old and die with them.
Hohenheim finished his research as he noticed something on the map, 'That bastard...!'Hohenheim sat atop of the tree, making sure the rope was tight. "There, that should do it." He went to wipe his forehead, only to fall out the tree. He hit the ground with a thud. "What're you doing?" Trisha asked, looking at her husband, who sat in pain on the ground. "Fixing the swing..." Trisha chuckled asshe stepped toward him saying, "When did you get so handy?" "I haven't been able to do much for the boys and Aaliyah...but I can at least do this." Trisha's eyes widened a little. Hohenheim looked up as he said,"Trisha, I'm going away. Wait here for me." "...Okay." She smiled.
"Don't tell the children, I don't want them to know about my body." Hohenheim spoke as Trisha helpedplace his jacket on. "Right...sure you don't want me to wake them?" she asked. He opened the door,leading to the hallway and said, "No...I couldn't bear to look at their faces." Trisha followed closelybehind with his suitcase saying, "Silly man, its okay to cry." They walked to the front door, Trisha handing him the suitcase as Hohenheim gasped. Trisha turned only to find the boys and Aaliyah standing there,wiping their eyes tiredly. "Oh, you guys are up early. What are you four doing out of bed?" Trisha asks walking up to the three kids. "Al said he had to go potty after that we wake up Aaliyah so we can play with her," Ed responded.
"And of course, Al's big brother help him. Thanks a lot, little man." Trisha stated petting Ed's head. "And Aaliyah, you are such great friends to look after. I bet you're lucky to meet them." Trisha said the Aaliyah. "Yea they're like my best friend's mom." Aaliyah smiles brightly. Ever since Aaliyah started living with the Elrics she now called Trisha their mom. Trisha turned as Hohenheim watched both his son looks at him with confusion. His eyes twitched, tears threatening to fall but he held himself together. He turned to them with a hard gaze and stepped out the door.
{Opening song}
Underground/Briggs*
"Anything?" "No, it's not good." "That's just great...we're cut off from all contact." "Your orders? What shall wedo now?" "There must be an exit somewhere to dump the rubble...we'll keep going a little further. Smith, go back and report." "Right!" the man saluted. The man sat on his horse, commanding it to move but it stayedstill. "What is it?" the man asked as the horse continued to look forward.
"Fan out!" the man commanded,getting his gun ready. The others followed suit, preparing themselves. Soon a sound similar to rushing waterwas heard...but what they saw wasn't water. A shadow of black covered the cave as an eye and an evil grin appeared from it. The men got their guns ready, only to get stabbed by the creature. Smith, after hearingwhat happened, quickly set off on his horse, the shadow chasing after him. The shadow covered every foot the tunnel as the man screamed out in pain.
Above/Briggs Small Room*
"Would you be interested in a legion of immortal soldiers?" Raven asked Olivier. Everyone in the group silentlycheered. "He took the bait."
Olivier's Office*
"Never dying...never to get old..." Raven face was almost touching Olivier's as he placed his hand atop of hers."You want it to, don't you?" he asked, rubbing his hand back and forth. 'What I want...IS TO KILL YOU?!' Shethought but kept her same look. "Hm?" Raven asked, looking to her once more. "Oh, it's just such anincredible question...I don't know what to say." She gave a small smile. Raven held her hands in his as he said,"Well, are you interested or not? There are only two answers..." She placed her hand atop of his as she said, "Itis intriguing...can you tell me General, when the day this dream comes true...my men will share in this gift aswell or only me?"
"I can tell you when the time comes." He stated getting up. 'Does that mean there are noguarantees until them?' she thought. Raven sat back down with his closed eyed smile as she thought, 'If Iagree, then I'll have to follow whatever orders they send... and if I refuse, I'll just be swapped out for anotherpawn; probably demoted. So, do I accept or decline?'
A heavy knock was sounded on the door as Olivier stood saying, "Excuse me." She opened the door saying,"Yes, what is it?" "I'm sorry sir but the underground advance team..." the man trailed off seeing Raven sittingthere. "What's this about an underground tunnel?" Raven asked. "Speak soldier." "Yes sir...something's happened to the advance team.
~In other Room~
Aaliyah's POV
"Very well. I'll be right there." Olivier stated. "I'm coming to." Raven stated. Everyone stood as Buccaneer said,"Let's move." "Hold on a second." I stated as everyone stopped and looked back to Ed and her. Ed transmuted some rope as he said, "It has to look convincing..."
Briggs Hallways*
The group walked down the halls, Buccaneer holding their ropes as they met with Miles and Kimblee."Buccaneer, what are you doing?" Miles asked. "Prisoner transport sir. I'm moving the Elrics and Martin from the East cells to the West. May I ask who this is?" "This is Mr. Zolf J. Kimblee. He is General Raven's honoredguest. 'Kimblee... the Crimson Alchemist...' I thought as Kimblee lifted his head.
"Wait, did you say the Elrics and Martin? You mean Fullmetal and Blue Flame?" He then turned to Al and said, "I see...now I understand your nickname." Al sweat dropped as everyone pointed to Ed. "Oh it's this one?" 'If one more person makes that mistake...!' Ed thought darkly. "And this must be Blue Flame. You're as beautiful as they say." Ed began to fume as I thought, 'Ew...' "I've heard lots of things about you two." "Hello..." Ed and I muttered.
Briggs*
No POV
"Sir!" "What happened?" Olivier asked. "We lost all contact with the sent in team. Shortly after, Smith's horsereturned...and it came back with what we assume is his arm." "Just his arm? What about the rest?" she asked."Still missing sir... and his horse can't lead us back. It's too terrified to be of use." Olivier looked down as shesaid, "Henshal, get a rescue party-""I'm afraid you can't do that, General Armstrong." Raven stated, cutting her off.
Raven picked up the wrapped arm and said, "That tunnel is too dangerous...what have you done with the immortal monster you were telling me about earlier?" Olivier stayed silent as Raven walked up to her saying,"Put him back and seal the entrance." "But there are still men-""I am speaking to the General. See, I know Northern Law: Obey strength and the power. Isn't that the way it works?" Olivier sent a small glare at Raven.
Cells*
Aaliyah's POV
"I am General Raven from Central. I've heard a great deal about you three from his Excellency." Raven spokeas he was locked in the cell with Al, Ed and I, Ed and them being restraint again. "Hello..." Ed muttered. "It appears you've been good kids and kept your mouths shut." "That was the agreement..." I muttered. "You don't seem happy." "No we're thrilled! Who wouldn't want their friends taken captive?" Ed stated sarcastically.
"Um...do you think you could release us from this cell soon? The deal was if we didn't mess with you, we couldcontinue our journey." Al asked. "There's no need to worry! I'll have you out of here soon!" Raven grinned."That tunnel...is it part of what you're planning to?" Ed asked, glancing from the corner of his eye. "If they findout..." "Again, you don't need to worry. I've already spoken to the General and she's going to put theHomunculus back in and seal the tunnel." Ed, Al and I gasped. "General Armstrong is on our side now Fullmetal, Blue Flame." We each tensed.
Briggs*
No POV
"Sir, aren't we going to go in and search for the missing team?" "Quiet Henshal." "But those men may needour help-""I said quiet! Be quiet and obey." She looked to him with a cold glare.
"They say obey the one who holds the power. They call her the 'Impenetrable Wall of Briggs', yet she stillyields to authority." Kimblee stated as Miles and he watched from a far. "Well that surely is the wisestapproach..." The elevator was brought down as the men pulled a vehicle to pull on the platform holding theHomunculus. "Oh...so that's the monster?" Kimblee asked, amusement in his voice.
Sloth stirred, standing up as Raven said, "Well good morning Sloth. Did you have a good rest?" "Who're you?I'm still sleepy..." Sloth trailed off. "You'd best wake up. There's still a lot of work to be done. Pride did explainit to you, right?" "Huh? I guess..." Sloth spoke, taking a step off the platform. "What a pain...go in. I have nochoice..." he then walked over to the hole. "Such a pain...I forget, why is it a pain again? Too much of a pain toremember..." He jumped into the hole and began digging.
"Not to worry, he is a chimera doing work for Central forces. He's helping to make this Country better than italready is. Of course it is still top secret information so let's close this hole and keep our secret. We'recounting on you guys! Its people like you who make this country what it is." Olivier continued to glare.
Abandoned House/Mountains*
"All the important parts are written in Ishvallen...there's no way for me to read it." Marcoh closed the notes.May looked down as she asked, "Does that mean we give up?" "If Scar were here, he'd be able to read it. Hewas an Ishvallen monk so he'd know about their ancient writing." May stood and walked over to the windowsaying, "Where are they? Could something bad have happened?"
"We found her," One of the Briggs men stated as they watched from a far. "The girl with the black and whitecat." "Right, lets go." The men went to take off but were attacked, falling to the ground unconscious.
May and Marcoh looked to the door as they watched who walked in. "Mr. Scar! Mr. Yoki!" "Did you find theresearch notes?" Scar asked. "Yep! They're right here!" May smiled happily. "We need to re locate. The Briggs soldiers know where we are. Move!"
Briggs*
The men had already begun sealing off the hole. "You see General? We are the immortal ones who will receivealmost God-like bodies. We'll rule the entire world." Olivier closed her eyes as Raven asked, "The name wasSmith, wasn't it? There was nothing we could have done to save them." "Those who aren't chosen...will they be sacrificed for those who are?" Olivier asked, her eyes glancing to him from the corner. "Yes, the survival ofthe fittest. The people will become the foundation of the country while we take our place on top." "Is that what happened in Ishval?" "Indeed; they were part of the plan. They were weak and deserved to die for theirbetters
Phone Room*
"Is that right? No, I'll take care of it." Kimblee stated hanging up the phone. "Sorry to keep you waiting."Kimblee and Miles then walked off towards the hallways. "You seem to be making rather frequent phonecalls..." Miles trailed off. "Can you tell me where General Raven is? I need to speak with him." Kimblee asked. Miles stopped as Kimblee looked back to him confused. "You were hurt one day but completely healed the next? What sort of magic can do that?" "That information is none of your business." "Then another thing, you were imprisoned for killing officers...why would they release you?"
"Do I have to say it again? It's none of yourbusiness..." Kimblee repeated.
Briggs*
"Tell me...when did all of this begin?" Olivier asked. "From what I heard, since the Country's founding. Now mygeneration will see its completion." He then placed his hand to her shoulder saying, "We are grateful for yourcooperation. I will speak with my superiors about saving a seat for you." "Hmph...there's no need." Olivierspoke. "Hm? Why's that?" Raven asked. Olivier removed her sword, stabbing Raven through the arm. "Ah!" "Which arm did Smith lose in the tunnel? The left or right?" Everyone turned to watch, wide-eyed. "Wait! What're you-" "Growing old is truly terrifying, isn't it? You would know, right General. Before you became afraidfor your precious immortality, you had and honest love for your Country..."
"You can't! You were going to beone of the chosen ones! You would have been one of us!" "I don't need a new seat from you...you're going tolose the one your moldy ass has clung to for so long! Right about now, Raven!" she removed her blade as he backed away. "Traitor!" she then slashed his left shoulder, all the way down as he fell into the concretemixture. "But...immortality was right...before our eyes...!"
"General, you are among the weak who will createthis foundation for the Country." She then wiped the blood from her blade and placed it back into its sheath."I was going to be immortal..." He was then buried under the concrete. Olivier placed her gloves into themixture as she said, "Now that that's done, get in touch with Major Miles." "Sir!" Buccaneer stated, handingher more gloves. "The rest of you, we have work to do!" she began walking off as she said, "I want thatconcrete nice and level." "Right!"
Hallway*
"You're not a fan of me, huh Major? Is it because I'm an alchemist who served in the Ishvallen War of Extermination? What information can I give you to make you happier? Do you want to know about the war,how your country-men died in it?" "Watch your mouth Kimblee." Miles spoke as Kimblee looked to him with agrin. "What? You don't want me to tell you?" "I said watch your mouth!" a door opened as a soldier said,"Major, may I have a moment with you?" Miles closed the door behind him as the man said, "I have a messagefor you from the General." The man then whispered, "She's says operation complete. No need to stallanymore." "Roger that." Miles then looked through the glass as he said, "I'm just glad I'm not stuck talking tothat man anymore. I don't know how much longer I could have lasted."
"Kimblee," Miles stated as he stepped out the door, "Apparently, nobody can find General Raven. Do you haveany idea where he might be?" "The General is missing?" "Seems like it...this is a fort but it still isn't safe for anoutsider to be wandering around. If anything happens to the General..."
"I for one would welcome it." Mileslooked to Kimblee shocked. "If anything were to happen to the General, then I can act in any way I see fit. Thatorder came directly from the Fuhrer himself." Kimblee then began walking as he said, "Now then, perhaps youcould provide me with a car to drive me down the mountain. You should act quickly...it is in your best interest,I promise. Now orders from me are from the Fuhrer." Miles stayed silent.
Briggs*
"Please wait General!" Henshal stated as he followed behind. "We must search for Smith and the others beforewe seal it!" they turned a corner as Henshal went silent. Buccaneer sat near an opening for the floor that leadinto the tunnel. "Fullmetal and Blue Flame saw this coming so they made this secret passage into the tunnel." Buccaneer opened the door as Henshal gasped happily.
Cell*
Aaliyah's POV
"She killed him?" Ed asked as Al finished, "General Raven?!" "Yep! That's all I was ordered to tell you." The mechanic walked off. "Hey! Wait a minute! When will you let us out of this damn place?!" Ed asked, running tothe cell doors. "Who knows...take it up with the General." The man stated, walking out the room. "Damn it..."Ed muttered angrily. "Getting angry won't help Ed." I stated as Al finished, "You should just rest for now." "Ican't just sit around while this all goes on!" the door was then opened, revealing Kimblee. "Hello children; I was hoping I could have a word with the Fullmetal and Blue Flame alchemists."
"Ed's face darkened as I glared at him. "Oh, don't tell me you have a reason to hate me to? You should be grateful, I brought a visitorto see you as well." The door opened as Ed asked, "A visitor?" Winry stood in front of them with a smile. Ed, Al and I all gasped. "Winry?!" Ed and I shouted as Al shouted, "Why did you come here?!"
"Why? Why do you think? You have to adjust your auto-mail for the North, don't you? And by the way, why are you in a cell?" "We didn't ask you to come here!" Ed shouted. "What's with you idiots? Someone contacted me from the Military so I came." "Military?" I asked as Kimblee placed his hands to her shoulders saying, "Don't be so hard on her you three. The Fuhrer was concerned about you and wanted to make sure you were safe." Ed and I gritted their teeth as Kimblee smirked to them.
{Ending Song}