An hour and a half before:

Roy looked down at the list in his hands. Annoyance caused his eyes to twitch. Half of the stuff on here sounded like baloney, would it really help Fullmetal? He sighed, stuffing the thing in his pocket as he held the backpack, already half filled with items over his shoulder. He was dressed in casual attire, hair colored a honey brown thanks to Hawkeye.

He didn't think it suited him, but for what he was about to do? It would have to work. He followed the directions on the list walking through the city toward a set of warehouses that had been abandoned during the Ishvalen war and had never been recovered. He stepped up to one of the doors, peering inside.

It was empty, dark and musty with a chill in the air.

He had heard that full-metal had woken up not that long ago, which was a relief. He had been worried, though he wouldn't admit it out loud. It was startling to see the brave fierce boy so quiet and pale.

After a little more walking, moving deeper into the building, he saw a doorway. He moved up to it and, finding it was locked, rapped on it twice.

"Password?"

"Hidencall," Roy said easily, grateful he had memorized what Howard had to say. He had no idea why the man was so adamant on having him go there but he wasn't going to argue. Once he found proof of the place he need only send a quick message and everything will be all set.

The door opened to reveal a toothy, wary man. The man gestured and Roy hurried inside moving after the man down the stair case as the door was once more locked. He gazed back with a narrowed gaze before he hurried after the man. At the bottom was another door which opened to a large underground area, filled with noise and conversation. Shops of all sorts lined the area. People in rich clothes and gowns moved around with a poised grace as more shifty men scampered about. Bodyguards stood around those with riches as they gazed at the different items.

Roy stepped forward into the crowd moving through with ease. He listened to the conversations carefully. They were mostly talking about common things. A while passed as he struggled to find the items.

He would get the items first and then send the order. He couldn't have the items destroyed before he helped Fullmetal, plus… something was telling him to wait.

"I heard they got some fine products this time."

"Oh! Nice! I've been needing a new slave, the other one already broke… how sad." The one who responded sounded like they didn't care one way or another. Roy suppressed every urge to snap his fingers, gloves off or on, at the group but instead forced himself to listen.

"Yeah. I can understand that. My husband used up the last one so quickly. The Lass doesn't even really move any more. She more like a ragdoll. My husband should dispose of her soon."

"I was thinking, instead of a girl, a boy would do. You know they are much sturdier plus the auction usually find people with more beauty as its parameters…"

The duo must have moved away, because he could no longer hear their voices. He frowned deeply in annoyance. Why didn't he just hit that damn button and end this whole charade? He couldn't understand. He hadn't been able to bring any communication with him, so he couldn't talk with the outside, only send the shook his head and looked at the list once more. Only to stare at the last item in disgust.

Heart of a human child.

He growled and ripped up the paper. Who could possibly sell such a thing? Did they know nothing? Did they not care whom they slaughtered? Killed? He quickly suppressed the memories that raced through his head as he moved through the crowd. He needed fresh air.

After a little walking he reached an area which seemed quiet, at least for the moment. It looked like an antitheater. There were comfortable elaborate seats and alchemic runes throughout the room.

Escape tunnels. Roy realized as he examined the symbols. You would just need one alchemist and you would have four different escape tunnels which would be closed off once everyone was through, perfect if a raid or something were to occur. Roy's lips quirked up into a small smirk. With a quick movement he placed a small scratch into each of the circles, careful to watch for people.

It was after he got the fourth one that people started to flood in, chatting about the auction. This must have been the room. He shook his head and moved to one side. He decided to stay so that he could figure out how everything worked before he called. At least that was his thought, but another part of him was just worried. He could tell something was wrong. He looked over and froze as he saw metal gleam.

It was a state alchemist watch. The one who held it was a young man with a snobbish air about him. How did he get that? Where did he get that? Alchemists hold onto their watches with their lives and after their death those still alive are quick to retrieve them, except maybe during war.

So who? He stared at the watch, clasped in the man's hand. The man was cradling it fondly.

Anger rose in the pits of his stomach. No, he couldn't do anything now. If he did he would be screwed and those within would get away with these atrocities.

It was harder to contain his rage once the auction finally began. Woman and children were brought out sometimes in groups, sometimes alone. Every single face was either scared or resigned. Clothes were torn, expressions dismal and yet, the people in the stands continued to shout numbers, bartering and trading, timing and screaming as if it was all just a game. Then again, to them, it probably was.

His hand hovered over the summons circle ready to press at a moment's notice. His hand shook, wanting desperately to just press down. Why hadn't he already?

His answer was given a moment later when the most recent woman was lead off stage, face ashen and the announcer began his next spiel.

But that wasn't what he was paying attention to, nor, from the hushed astounded whispers were the crowd. For on the stage was a child, one he knew all too well. Blonde locks fell over a dirtied hospital gown. A long black tail wrapped tightly around his petite frame showcasing sun-kissed skin.

Yet his eyes were blindfolded and, though he was shouting, not a word came through his lips. The boy was placed on the ground, head tilted up to the crowd as a split second of fear crossed the boy's face before being replaced by anger.

"Edward…" Roy stared. He slammed his hand down on the button and pulled out his gloves.

He could see the small tremble in the thin frame and knew the boy was trying to stay calm, but with his eyes blinded, his appendages gone, his voice cut off with some sort of Alchemy, at least that's what he guessed, and his still working arm still healing he was just a toy, something to look at and use.

Roy snapped his gloves on as numbers began to be shouted after the long silence. Roy slowly stood and though he noticed the voices were starting to quiet he didn't care. He couldn't give a shit. His subordinate was down there shivering in this disgusting place.

His eyes narrowed dangerously. He saw Edward's ears twitch before his head turned in his direction, obviously confused.

Now he understood why the watch was in that man's hands. He felt all eyes on him but ignored it even as a voice asked what he was doing. He looked at Edward than at the man who held Edward's watch, looking at Edward with fascination.

A fascination that disgusted Roy.

He snapped.

Screams filled the air as fire blazed through the room. The man, who held the watch didn't even know what hit him. Roy didn't spare him a second glance, his mind only on his so-subordinate. He moved down the stairs swiftly snapping so fire engulfed the area on either side of Edward. The man holding Edward down tried to pick him up, only to get a sharp kick and a quick sweep of a tail. The man tripped and tumbled over. Edward quickly tried to crawl forward, mouth opening and closing, obviously wanting to shout something but unable to.

He heard screams, not only from inside the room, but elsewhere.

The Calvary must have arrived. He saw the flash of Alchemy and heard outrage and curses. He ignored it though as he hurried up to Edward pulling the boy close. The boy tensed for a moment before relaxing just a bit.

"How dare you! How fucking dare you!"

Roy looked up, pulling Edward closer, surprised and uneasy at how light he was. The announcer, trapped in from the fire glared at him harshly. "Who are you?"

"Roy Mustang, State Alchemist." Roy said coolly as he felt a small arm wrap around his neck for support. He gave Edward a quick glance noticing the boy opening and closing his mouth in frustration before finally grabbing his cloak before pointing. Roy followed his finger and noticed the back stage.

He patted Edward twice before he ran forward, not even giving the announcer a second glance. He felt Edward wriggle and he was positive he would have heard Edward yelp if it wasn't for the alchemic changes done to his throat. He could even see the circle now that he was looking. Disgusting, no wonder he hadn't heard any cries or pleas from those being sold.

He ran into the back room, Edward in his arms. Yes, he knew it was stupid to be carrying him, but he couldn't, for the life of him, let Edward be alone in his state. It would be suicide.

It was panic. Everywhere he looked people were running around. Slaves already sold and not were being chained up and pulled away. He could smell the fire and hear it's sizzling as he pulled one hand away from his charge and snapped his fingers. Fire blazed, curving around and dancing dangerously.

This was hard alchemy and he hadn't done it in a while but still he forced it to move as he wanted, stopping the men in their tracks burning those who were trying to hurt or kill. He could hear more screams from outside along with other sounds, from alchemy to gunshots. He dodged out of the way just as one of the man charged forward to attack him, stumbling slightly with Edward in his arms. Edward had buried his head in his shoulder, unable to do much else since he probably had no idea what was going on. He heard a shout from behind him and looked back just as a man charged forward.

A gunshot rang out before Havoc appeared behind the man, who fell dead to the floor. Havoc's face was twisted into a neutral mask, and cigarette gone.

"Sir! What took so…" Havoc trailed off, spotting Edward. His hands loosened around the gun for a moment as his mouth dropped open before his eyes narrowed. He spat to one side before he hurried forward.

"Take him and get him and the others out of here. I have some hunting to do and I need both hands to do it," Roy said, venom creeping into his voice. Havoc gently took Edward who had turned his head, obviously to yell at Roy even though the alchemic binding was still on his throat. Havoc nodded. Roy stepped forward quickly through the flames toward the men who had escaped with a few of the slaves.

He heard Havoc hurrying about, following his orders to save those in this area. Roy glared forward and raced through the door.

Smells, sounds, touches, everything was so overwhelming and confusing. He couldn't figure out what was left or right or even sideways any more. He could smell the smoke and emotions, could almost taste them. The screams and sobs, the fighting and alchemy, everything sent headaches to his head, piercing through his brain. He cursed his enhanced senses. He curled into the warm body against his will. He was cold and tired. His throat burned and he could tell that something was suppressing his voice. It was a medical alchemy that had been twisted. He wanted to growl in distaste but no sound came out, which just infuriated him even more.

He felt the arms around him and recognized the voice and cigarette smell to be Havoc. He could tell he was trying to help the slaves escape. That's good, at least someone was saving them but… what was the colonel doing here? How did he even know he was here? Did he even know?

"Edward, I don't know what happened but we have to get you out of here." Edward tilted his head up toward the voice ears shifting around, unsure what to do. His tail laid limply, just the tip twitching sporadically. He heard other people come in and Havoc sigh in relief. There were footsteps and the smell of fear, pain and despair slowly dispersed, it was almost, almost like a breath of fresh air. He nodded and tried to move but then realized how stupid that was and mentally cursed up a storm. Dammit! Why did he always need to be rescued! He wasn't a damn princess or damsel in distress! He could protect himself... at least… he thought he could.

Where's my brother? He mouthed and, somehow, Havoc must have understood. "Your brother was in hysterics, he's staying with Feury at the moment. Feury was trying to find you with Riza on back up… Needless to say, we didn't expect this." Edward nodded feeling them moving. He heard footsteps, so could tell there were others following, probably the rest of the slaves. He felt another arm around him and flinched before a woman's voice spoke softly, the same alto from before, must have been Amelia. "Shh… Let's get out of here."

She wasn't affected? Had they not gotten to her yet? Odd… he trailed off in his thoughts as he let out a resigned, silent sigh. They moved forward. Havoc handed him over to the woman so as to direct the rest of the escapees to safety.

It was so frustrating, not having any idea what was going on or what to do. He wanted the blindfold off so badly. They moved forward as quickly as possible, noises and sounds mixing together so much it was a painful cacophony of noise. His head felt like it was splitting open from all his senses being attuned to the highest degree. Finally, finally after what felt like forever he smelled it, fresh air. It was only a moment later when he heard the sound of a door bursting open that he actually felt it. It felt good and from the warmth he could tell it was afternoon.

He slumped in the woman's arms but he couldn't help it. He felt a sense of relief not just in the damn miracle, but also in just being away from the smells and sounds. He couldn't wait to be able to get rid of this accursed body.

Roy raced through the halls, away from the fighting and screams. Whenever he came across a trader he silenced them and when he came across a slave he set them free, telling them to go back the way they had come, that would lead to safety.

It was when he was near the end when he spotted two people who looked familiar.

Henchman of Howard, why am I not surprised? He thought as he slowed down. They were standing in the doorway expressions pissed.

"Flame alchemist. This is the second time you have screwed us over," one of them said. Roy could care less who it was.

"Oh? How so?" Roy stated narrowing his eyes and hands at his side though fingers close together.

"You don't know? That damn brat is what." Roy's eyes twitched, along with his fingers.

"If that's so, than I hope you don't mind a good roast."

The second man didn't get the hint he glared and raced forward.

Roy snapped. The man screamed as flames enveloped him before he collapsed to the ground twitching and charred.

The second man took a step back. A moment later he raised a gun. He shot just as Roy snapped. Roy moved out of the way, hissing as the bullet slammed into his left shoulder. However the other wasn't so fortunate screaming in pain before he joined his companion on the ground. Roy stared down coldly before he looked at the door and stepped toward it. He went to open it and, to his surprise, it was locked.

"No wonder they didn't run… they couldn't… but why?" He paused before he looked and froze. He smelled it. It was just like something he had smelled during the war. A smell a certain ex-state alchemist would enjoy.

He raced down the halls, running full speed to the fighting, luckily it was basically done. The rich people and all the rest were in handcuffs.

"Colonel Mustang! Where we-"

"Get out of here!" Roy shouted harshly. "That is a direct order. All personal must leave this vicinity immediately."

The man snapped to attention and quickly everyone was racing toward the doorway. He heard a cry and looked back stage to see two people, hidden behind the curtain. He hurried over than froze. The cry hadn't come from a child, but the mother. The child was stone cold, blood seeping through a wound in the gut. The mother, a young woman with a soft alto voice was panting heavily.

She was dying.

"My baby… At least… get my baby. She's such a sweet heart. You can take care of her right?" Roy stared as he watched the woman pat the child's head cooing softly before letting out another cry.

Roy didn't need to see more, he had seen this enough during the war. When a parent loses a child, some can't stand it, and believe whole-heartedly that, even as the child grows cold, their still alive.

Roy grimaced and turned his head to see the anti-theater was almost empty. The smell was increasing and he knew he didn't have much time. He shook his head and knelt down next to the woman. "What's her name?"

"Mary…"

"Mary huh? Alright, I'll take care of little Mary so why don't you rest? You've done enough."

The woman looked at him and slowly smiled handing the little girl over. Roy stood up with the dead little girl in hand as the woman slumped over, eyes empty. He turned and ran hearing ticking. He darted up the stairs, just as the first explosion went off. He heard screams and stumbled. The backpack, surprisingly still with him, bounced against his back as he raced up the stairwell.

Explosion after explosion went off as he slammed through the doorway and into the abandoned warehouse. The warehouse was trembling, dust drifting to the ground. Those still around were fleeing toward the exit. The sun outside gleamed as he heard another explosion and raced outside. One more explosion as he raced through the door sent the whole building crashing to the ground.

Roy stared and slowly let out a long sigh of relief.

"Colonel…"

Roy turned to Havoc. Beside him was Edward and… The same woman who had died giving Mary to him.

The woman looked at him and looked at the child before she bowed her head down.

"I must be going," she said, her voice a little higher but similar. She handed Edward to Havoc and then raced away.

Roy stared in confusion. How? How could that be possible? Maybe he was just hallucinating because of the dust?

"Colonel? Why do you…" Roy turned to see Havoc holding Edward while the other leaned on his good foot. A frustrated and pissed scowl sat on his face and his shoulders were tense, his arm cross over his stomach and his tail whipped back and forth in agitation. Havoc wasn't staring at him though, he was staring at the dead child.

Roy sighed, "Long story, now let's get this taken care of so that we can return to the office and clean up this whole mess." Havoc nodded and guided a really confused Edward away. Roy saw Edward turn his face toward Roy. His lips were pursed and he was trembling. Could he tell? That he had a dead child like Nina in his arms? That he needed to use that child to save him?

The next few days were a blur to Edward. He was beyond relieved when that damn alchemic circle and blindfold were removed ranting right into Roy's ears to the point where Roy threatened to redraw the circle just to shut him up.

His brother was ecstatic and downright worried. He had checked Edward over everywhere, making sure Edward was unhurt. Other than a few bruises and what had been gotten from the battle before the whole second kidnapping he was fine. To his annoyance, his automail had been lost in the explosion and thus he had to call Winry.

Al made sure he was far away when Ed made that call and Ed made sure to keep the phone just as far away from his ear when he told her. Now that most if not all of the army had seen his additions and suspected him of being a chimera he was forced to stay in house arrest. Then again, he couldn't do much else with one leg and one arm.

Roy had been silent, working on something that only Riza and Maes knew about. Maes always had a disgusted look while Riza would give him worried glances. At the same time Howard had disappeared and all that had been left behind where odd splatters of blood on the wall that no one could identify. The Fuhrer had simply told them to leave it and not worry about it. The chimera's that had been captured hadn't survived in captivity and, after Howard revealed his work place they had found the last two. One was already dead but the other was still alive, only just. They were sent to the hospital and were going to need a lot of treatment before they could be set free once more.

Finally, three days later…

Edward groaned, staring up at the ceiling, bored out of his mind. Al was at his side, playing with his tail. For once he didn't care because at least it was a small distraction. The two were playing chase the tail. Basically Ed would move the tail close to Al, who would try to catch it, only for Ed to move it away again. It was a simple game, but it dulled some of the boredom.

His arm was feeling better, which he was grateful for.

"Brother, Winry's coming today isn't she…"

Edward winced. He was NOT looking forward to that sadistic bitch, no matter how cute she looked. "Unfortunately…"

Al shook his head and exhaled a soft chuckle, "well if you didn't keep messing up her automail."

"Not my fault…" Edward groaned and rolled onto his side, staring fully at Alphonse.

If a suit of armor could roll his eyes Alphonse probably would have. "Brother…"

The two paused as they heard a knock on the door and looked up. "It's open!" Alphonse called sitting up straight.

The door to the room opened and in stepped the colonel. He looked exhausted with bags under his eyes and a vial in hand. He sent them a grimace of a smile as he put the vial down. Behind him Riza walked in with her own tired gaze, though she was more alert than Roy. "I think I have a reversal for your ailment," Roy said, lightly touching the vial.

Edward sat up in surprise, "Really?! You're not lying to me just to get even for all the things that have happened recently, are you?"

Roy shook his head, gesturing to the vial. "Let me draw a quick circle, after that lay down and I'll take care of the rest. Alphonse, I'll need your help"

Edward stayed silent, feeling uncertain before he turned to Al, who slowly nodded. Edward sighed, "Fine." Al stood, helping Edward to his foot before the two hobbled forward. Edward lay down staring up at the ceiling with trepidation and anticipation. Meanwhile Al talked quietly with Roy before moving to Edward's other side.

He could hear the movement and see Roy's clothes flutter as he moved around Edward. After a few minutes and a little muttering Roy took the vial and, to Edward's distaste, let it slosh onto his chest, head and hips. He winced at the cold sticky feeling just as he heard hands slam into the floor. Something flashed before blue filled the air.

He screamed. Pain, that intolerable agony that wanted to rip him apart molecule by molecule as cold and heat battled through his veins. He couldn't help it. He writhed on the floor before just as suddenly as it started it stopped. He blinked blearily as a body slumped to the floor beside him.

"Colonel!" Two voices called as the smoke began to clear. He felt heavy, and tired and slowly managed to push himself upwards. He blinked, feeling like something was off.

He looked down to see that a tail, once curled around his leg like a snake, was gone. His hands shot to his head and he fumbled over the silken tresses, only to find his normal ears and hair.

A smile slammed onto his face so hard he barely managed to keep from letting out a whoop of joy, no matter how uncharacteristic it was of him. He looked over to see the colonel collapsed next to him being supported by a kneeling Riza who had a small smile on her face. She looked up and her eyes widened just a bit before she leaned forward, surprising both of them by pulling Edward into a hug. It was quick but it was comforting, especially since it was coming from the stoic woman. After the woman pulled away, Edward heard a cry and felt metal slam into him as Alphonse hugged him tightly, anime tears in his eyes. Edward chuckled as he gave his brother a one handed hug.

"Good to know it worked…"

Edward cocked his head to one side to see Roy leaning heavily against Riza, who had one hand around his back. "What did you do? How did you find it? What was it?"

Roy shook his head slowly, "some things you don't want to know…"

Edward frowned and went to argue when, at that moment, Winry decided to join the party. The door slammed open with a fuming Winry. All eyes turned to her, one tired, one worried, one slightly amused, and one downright terrified even if he didn't want to admit it.

Winry stepped forward quickly, glaring at Edward, only to pause and look him up and down before pouting. "Aw… You looked so cute with the cat ears…" Edward bristled before Winry straightened and gave Edward a glare that caused Edward to slump right back down. "Now come on, we have to get you a brand new set all over again. You owe me for this!" Winry commanded, walking forward and plopping her stuff down before pulling out some measuring equipment.

"Well… I'll just leave now…"

"Alphonse, I have words for you to, you're not getting away with this either."

Edward heard Riza chuckle softly along with Roy before she slowly sat up, holding the colonel's arm over one shoulder. "I think I'll bring the colonel home, he hasn't had much sleep lately."

Edward nodded, gaze flickering to Roy, who seemed to have somehow fallen asleep, only to screech as Winry poked at his nerve endings. "Hm… who ever disconnected it has done it before, that makes it easier for me, no need to fiddle with the connections." She pulled out her equipment and grinned.

Edward froze, eyes widening worriedly.

A scream rang through the home as a slightly mad chuckling was heard from within. Anyone who knew what was happening winced. Everyone else cowered away in fright.

Alphonse just sighed and shook his head.

Some things never change.

"Lust! Why did you have me help that stupid brat? I was almost caught!" a voice that was androgynous in nature said as that person slipped next to a beautiful woman with long flowing black tresses.

Lust just chuckled softly before she spoke, her voice melodic. "It was a minor miscalculation. Gluttony has already taken care of the one who told the military about that place. Your job was to simply watch Edward and act as the secretary, which you did splendidly."

"Ugh, how annoying. That brat is so weak and anyway, that's my job to begin with," he replied with a shrug as he joined the woman.

"Maybe. But he's getting stronger and Father needs him. We can't let him die before then," Lust said as she leaned back, staring at the crumbled building that had once been the underground market. "It's a pity though. All we wanted was to hinder him for a little while, have a little distraction for fun, and in the end we only subdue him for a few short days and end up losing a production plant, what a shame." She hardly looked worried though.

Envy snorted, his long green hair pooling over the band around his head. "We have tons of those around. Humans are so predictable."

Lust hummed in agreement before she turned her head toward Central. "It seems like we have an unwelcome guest. And it looks like he will probably arrive soon, though with plenty of time to clean this up, wouldn't you say?"

Envy nodded a wide dangerous grin on his face. "It seems like this show is back on track. I wonder what that little pipsqueak will do this time. After all, it is Scar."

"That's true, for now we wait and let the story unfold the way it should… but anyways, I have a date. Take care~" Envy glared as Lust winked and dropped off the side of the building. She landed gracefully on the ground, three floors below before taking off at a slow saunter.

Envy shook his head and looked out over the city, sitting comfortably on the ledge. After a moment he let a grin cross his face as he thought of the scarred man and what havoc he was pulling. However annoying the man was, he was still fascinating. Envy could only imagine what would happen if the pipsqueak met him. It would definitely be interesting to watch.

"I can't wait to see this."

Fin.

Yes, that's right folks. It's the end. After two long years (or more, I lost track) I have finally finished this story. I hope you have all enjoyed this as much as I have enjoyed writing this. And, if you were confused by the ending, simply think of this story as something that could fall between the Nina and Scar arcs. so the Humunculi, now that they're play time is over with, need to get back to work. Anyway, huge thinks to every single person who ever reviewed on this story. While it's not the best story out there, it's still a finished story and it's fascinating to see how my writing has changed in the process. Enough about me ranting, take care everybody!

Ja ne~