Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters except for Aaliyah.
{Opening song}
No POV
Four men stepped into the Briggs Fort as a worker asked Miles, "So, what's the deal with these guys?" "Theyshowed up saying they were here to escort Ms. Rockbell but I'm not buying that. They only answer toKimblee." 'He's got some kind of plan for us here...but what?'
-The First Homunculus-
"You should have told me you two were heading to the North." Winry stated as she had finished Ally's leg and started working on Ed's arm. "Sorry, but we didn't get a chance. We were in a hurry." Aaliyah stated as Winry said,"And when are you not in a hurry? Anyway, what'd you two do to get locked up?" "It's only a misunderstanding. I'll have it taken care of in no time." Kimblee stated with a smile. "Thanks a lot, Mr. Kimblee.These three are lucky to have someone like you watching over them." "It's nothing..." Ed tugged on Winry's wrench as Ally and she leaned in close. "Listen, I wouldn't trust Kimblee if I were you." "Huh? Why? He seems nice..." Winry trailed off.
"Ms. Rockbell? Is it true your parents lost their lives helping people during the war?" Kimblee asked Winry as they were on their way to Briggs Fort. "That's right..." she looked down sadly. "I thought so...Iwas part of the group that went to recover their bodies." Winry glanced over to him as he continued,"We were dispatched to help them...but it was too late by the time we got there. I'm sorry..." "Thankyou for trying..." she stated, looking down again.
"They stayed true to their duty and helped the needyright until the end. I respect their bravery. I wish I could've had the chance to meet them." Winry's eyes seemed that they would spill tears at any moment that is until Kimblee said, "They were holding apicture of a little girl when we found them and I knew right away it was they're daughter. The thoughtof you kept them strong during most of the war." Winry gave a smile as Kimblee gave one in returnsaying, "It's an honor to meet you."
"Do you have any idea what that psychopath did in Ishval?" Ed stated as he suddenly stopped. 'But what do I know...I only have Lt. Hawkeye's experiences to go on. And she...'
"So when's the wedding? Were you you thinking about having children !"
Ed's glance fell to Aaliyah as he began to blush madly. 'Don't freak out...think about something else...' "Hydrogen,Helium, Lithium, Carbon..." Ed continued to name things off the periodic table. "Um...Ed?" Aaliyah asked as Winry said,"I sometimes wonder what you see in him." She then turned a screw as Ed screamed out in pain. "Ow! Winry! I THOUGHT I TOLD YOU TO TELL ME WHEN YOU CONNECT THE NERVES, ALRIGHT?!" "Yeah, yeah, now you're leg."
"It's so light...it won't be weaker than my last auto-mail, right?" Ed asked. "Not really...it's slightly weaker but I doubt you'll notice." Winry then closed her tool box as Ed punched the air.
Buccaneer stepped into the roomas he asked, "What're you two doing out of your cell?" "I don't know...maybe some people respect the factthat we're State alchemist." "Hmph, finally upgrading for the cold, huh?" "Are you upgrading to?" Aaliyah asked as Winry began to fan girl. "Are those claws diamond tipped?!" Buccaneer blushed for a moment before saying,"Yeah. It's fully modified!" "Edward, Aaliyah! You want me to upgrade you to one of these?!"
"No thanks!" the two shouted. "Who's the girl?" "She's our mechanic." Buccaneer looked from Aaliyah to Winry as he growled. Buccaneer's mechanic stepped from behind the curtain, only to see him claw Ed. "What'd you do that for?!" Ed yelled as Buccaneer slammed the door open. "Cause life isn't fair!" he then slammed the door shut.
"That was messed-up." Ed stated as Winry said, "Real northern auto-mail! That's the first I've seen!" "Oh yeah? You wantto check out my work shed then?" "Please? I'd love to!" "Don't go off by yourself Winry and be sure to keepon your toes." Ally stated as she said, "Okay, I will." "I see she's got her parents enthusiasm...now that yourupgrade is taken care of, let's find a place to sit down and chat." Ed and Aaliyah's eyes narrowed.
Cell*
"Excuse me! Can you tell me why you're keeping me in this cell?" Al asked Kimblee's two men. "Because that iswhere Mr. Kimblee wants you." "We were only given specific orders to release the Blue Flame and Fullmetal alchemist. You just sit tight and behave." 'Good job Kimblee. He's keeping it safe by keeping us apart. Not to mention bringing Winry up here...he just wants to remind us he has collateral. I never realized how nervous we make them...I have to be patient and wait for my chance.' Al thought.
Inside Briggs*
"The scout team took a weeks' worth of provisions with them..." "That's cutting it close..." Olivier muttered asthe man said, "I'm also worried about their sanity...an entire week in total darkness." "Briggs men don't getscared of the dark." Olivier stated as Buccaneer got into the passage. "General, there's no telling what willhappen while we're down there. If we're not back in 24 hours, seal the hole with concrete."
"...very well then, I'll do so." Buccaneer gave a small smile as he closed the door. The men placed a crate atop as Olivier said, "I want you men to listen closely...I'm the only one responsible for the incident with General Raven. You weren't there, you didn't see anything, or hear anything. If Raven's fate is discovered, then place the blame solely on me." "Yes General." They agreed.
Underground*
A man slid open the sliding door as they ran out into the tunnel, guns pointed. After checking the area, Buccaneer gave the command. "Let's go."
Central City*
"Is that so?" "Indeed...they could use an offensive lead about now." The old woman stated as she beganwrapping the flowers in bouquets. "Briggs is a good defense...but you need more than that to make the firststrike. With your eastern forces offensive genius, Madam Olivier thinks they have a chance." "I'm honored that she'd choose me as her partner-in-arms." "Oh no, she needs the arms of your army, not you. She said you might as well get lost."
"Uh huh...I have to ask, it's kind of risky telling me this. What's stopping me from telling Fuhrer Bradley?" "Well you are. She assured me you aren't that kind of man." The woman then turned saying, "That'll be 33000 cens." "I appreciate it." Roy stated, handing her the money. She began to walk offwith her cart until Roy stopped her. "Hey! Who are you?" She undid her bandana as she said, "Oh, just someone who's served the Armstrong family for generations."
"Well Hughes, it turns out that our closest allies are the ones we fought side by side with...but" Roy wassurrounded by thousands of flowers, "What do I do with these flowers?"
Underground*
The men continued down the tunnel until their lamp shined on a fallen horse and blood. "It's a massacre...""It's exactly like Smith's arm...even the metal was sliced clean through."
Fuhrer's House*
No POV
"I'm sorry for stopping by so late but I have some urgent documents that the Fuhrer need to look at." Riza stated to Mrs. Bradley. "Oh dear...I'm sorry but my husband isn't home right now." "It'd be wonderful if hecould look these over by tomorrow." Riza stated, handing the folder to her. "Well thank you, I appreciate it."Riza stated as she suddenly felt like something was behind her. She turned around quickly only to Selimstanding there. "Selim, shouldn't you be in bed?" "I was but then I heard the door and thought Father wouldbe coming home." "This is your Father's assistant, Lt. Hawkeye."
"It's very nice to meet you Lt. Hawkeye." "It'snice to meet you to. You must be working hard to be up so late." "Not really, I just had to drop off somedocuments to your Father. I should be going now, goodnight Selim."
"Yes Selim, you should get all the restyou can. Otherwise you might oversleep." The Butler stated. "I know." Selim bowed and walked off. "He seemslike a pretty sharp kid." "He certainly is, he's the pride of my life. I know I shouldn't brag about my son but itshouldn't apply since he's adopted. I really shouldn't be surprised though...he is related to my husband though." Riza looked to the woman shocked, "He's...not related to you?" "Oh no." Riza's eyes widened.'
'This doesn't add up. The Colonel told me that the Bradley was brought up as a test subject. He doesn't haveany family. He didn't even know his parents...that and I got that strange feeling from Selim. Could it be...?'Riza thought as she sped walked from the Bradley's house. "Are you putting it all together?" A dark voiceasked. Riza stopped as it continued, "All thanks to my step mother. She just doesn't know how to shut hermouth."
"But you...your presence also gave it away. I recognized it somehow...but just now realizing why. It'sthe same blood lust I felt from Gluttony when he tried to attack me from behind. So Selim Bradley, what isyour true identity?"
"You've got some nerve to ask me a question like that...considering the circumstance.Such bravery..." Arms slowly reached out towards her as he continued, "You've also showed good judgmentby keeping your gun holstered. Such a move would only get you killed." "I'm guessing you're a Homunculus,like Gluttony? No...you have a kind of pressure coming from you...something he didn't have."
"I'm offended you'd put me and Gluttony in the same vote. You ask my name? It's Pride...and I was the first Homunculus." "You say you were the first Homunculus, correct? What do you mean by that?" "Just what I told you. Are youactually trying to get information out of me?" the hands slowly climbed their way up Riza's body as hecontinued, "You're a courageous one, aren't you? Have you considered switching sides and joining us?"
"Why would I? I'd just be a pawn to you." Riza stated as the hands wrapped round her neck. "So that's a no? That's too bad...oh well." He tightened his grip on her, placing a cut onto her cheek. "Are you trying to humor mewith your empty threats?" Riza smirked. "It's just wasteful to kill your hostage." "Heh, how perceptive you are!"Pride called back his shadows. "Just remember Lt...I'll be watching you from the shadows!" Riza quickly turned,only to find nothing.
Briggs*
Aaliyah's POV
"You've got a job for us?" Ed asked. "That's correct...you are State alchemists aren't you? Actually, its a fewjobs...three and they're all from the Fuhrer. First off, he wants you to hunt down Scar. All you have to do is find him and I'll take care of the rest. Secondly, he wants you to hunt down Dr. Marcoh who has most likely fled with Scar." "Why is Dr. Marcoh with Scar?" I asked.
"The only thing you need to know is finding them. Lastbut not least...he wants you to carve a crest of blood here." "A crest of blood..." Ed muttered as Kimblee said,"Just like what I did in Ishval. It's very simple, we kill everyone and soak the land with their blood." Ed slammed his hands onto the table shouting, "I would never take part-" Ed then became quiet as Kimblee reminded him about Winry being outside the door.
"Did you two really join the Military thinking you wouldn't have to kill someone?" "We were determined not to kill." I stated. "Well, how original of you...I suppose you could take just as much from that decision."
"Listen Kimblee, do you have any idea what they're doing? What you're helping them to achieve?" Ed asked as Kimblee said, "I'm curious to see how the world will change. Both sidesclashing, will against will, live versus life, humans or the Homunculi, which one will win? Which side will theworld prefer? The Homunculi like to see themselves as the next step in humanity...but that's for history todecide. I just plan on helping it make up its mind."
"Have you forgotten that you're human? How could youjust take their side?" I asked. "Because they've given me complete freedom to use my alchemy however Iwant." "Your insane, Kimblee." Ed spat.
"My standards do tend to stray from societies...however if we do win,then the world would have chosen my sanity over yours. I'd stake my being, the very core of my existence...this is what I'm willing to bet on this battle."
"Kimblee...you don't make any sense..." "That's unusual... andhere I thought all alchemist were self-centered." Kimblee placed his hand into his jacket, removing something-and placing it onto the table.
"Well then, lets see if I have something you do selfishly crave..." he removed his hand, revealing a Philosopher's Stone. "Something, you two and that brother of yours crave...and if you do as we say, I'll give itto you." Ed and I froze. 'A Philosopher's Stone...' they both thought. "I have to consult with Al and Winry aswell." Ed stated as Kimblee asked, "Why the girl?" "Because she has no idea she's being involved..."
"Despite what you ask of us, we refuse to hide the truth." I finished. "Well then let me give you a little more insight in this..." Kimblee stood up as he walked behind me and placed his hands to my shoulders saying, "You may have that Winry is the only hostage..."
'Even though she's important, it doesn't mean we can't badly hurt her.'
Ed quickly stood up as he said, "If you touch her I'll-" "Don't worry, I won't have to hurt her. That is, she'll be under my watch the whole time." As I glared at him.
Cell*
No POV
"Winry...you were only brought to Briggs as a hostage." Ed stated once they got into the cell. "What?" she asked. "What does he mean Al, Ally? You must be joking..." "We've been ordered by the Fuhrer to do fulfill ourduties as human weapons. In other words...they want us to help commit mass murder." Aaliyah stated as Winry stood. "Why don't you just refuse?!" Ed and Ally stayed silent as realization hit her. "I see...that's why..." Winry then sat back onto the bed with a thud."I'm sorry...they're using me to hold you down..." Winry's voice began to crack.
"I'm sorry...I won't cry. I'm just upset with myself for being naïve. I'm sorry but all you were trying to do was get your bodies back..." "About that, they actually offered me a Philosopher's Stone as payment." "A stone? But-" Al started as Ed interrupted, "That's right; Kimblee has one." "But we can't brother! The ingredients for a stone are-" "I know!" Ed and Al had a staring contest before as said, "Just do what you want." "I will." Kimblee's menopened the cell, releasing Ally and Ed as they said, "We're in." "The first thing we want to do is find Scar." Aaliyah said. "Why's that?" Kimblee asked. "Scar murdered Winry's parents so they deserve vengeance." "I see; finewith me." "I'll also need Al with me since he's vulnerable to Scar's bodily destruction." "Well that sure ishelpful."
"You're okay with this Al?" Winry asked as they others left. "The Philosopher's Stone? They can only be madeby sacrificing human lives." Winry's eyes widened. "Don't worry, brother and Aaliyah would never actually use one. They don't need it. We think we can use Xingese Alkahestry to get our bodies. There's a girl who'sworking with Scar...we think she can teach it to us." "So then, are they going after Scar to get to this girl?" Al nodded as he said, "I think so." "I see...I guess in need to hurry up and come up with a believable excuse."
Next Day/Outside Briggs*
Aaliyah's POV
Ed, Al and I had just gotten into the car, ready to head out. It was a tight fit, not even one more personcould fit. Kimblee reluctantly decided to let them ride together. "Hey! Make room for one more!" Winry shouted as he opened the door, throwing in her tools. She squeezed her way in, pushing me onto Ed's lap, both being squished between the us. "What're you doing Winry?" Ed asked as Kimblee stated, "I'm sorry Ms.Rockbell but you must wait here at the fort. We're not going for a picnic."
"And neither am I! I've just completed a complicated upgrade on their alchemy that I've never done before. What if there's amalfunction? It'd tarnish the Rockbell name if I'm not there to fix it." "Do you even realize how obsessed withyour job you are?" Ed stated with a sigh. "You're a work-a-holic!" "And proud of it!" Then Ed and Winry began to argue, Kimblee allowing her to come along.
"This could turn out really badly for us..." Ed muttered. "Yeah..." Winry muttered. 'But still I can't just sit there and wait anymore.' Winry thought.
{Ending song}