(AC: Hum of the Streets – FMA:B OST 1)
Central City
It was a little before noon as Al exited the station. He immediately headed for the Central Hotel, booking a room there. When he finished there, he headed straight for Central Command, although he couldn't shake the feeling that he was being watched. As he passed a diner, he felt his stomach growl. He hadn't eaten anything since dinner the night before. He immediately turned and entered the diner, taking a seat at one of booths. As soon as he sat down, the waitress approached.
"What can I get you to drink sir?" the woman asked as Al smiled up at her.
"Just water, thank you." Al replied as the woman blushed slightly.
"Right away sir." She said before scurrying off. Al turned his attention to watching out the window. (End AC)
"Omigosh he's so handsome!" the waitress squealed softly with one of her coworkers who was peering out at Alphonse with a similar reaction.
"He's cuter than General Mustang." The coworker commented as she leered at Al.
"I wonder if he's single." The waitress whispered. The coworker immediately spotted something out the window.
"Hold on, here comes the Lieutenant and he's got friends." The coworker said with a happy smile, as they both watched the door just as a number of men in Amestrian military uniforms entered.
"So what makes this place so special, Havoc?" Lt. Breda asked as he, Capt. Falman, and Sgt. Fuery followed Lt. Havoc into the diner, the four of them passing Al's booth without noticing him, which wasn't difficult as Al's back was to the door. Al noticed them instantly, smiling as they passed.
"General told me about this place a while back. Has the best lunch options within walking distance of Central Command. Ten times better than the stuff in the cafeteria." Havoc replied as they sat down at a table in the center of the diner, none of them noticing Alphonse.
"General Mustang told you about this place huh?" Falman asked, noticing that the wait staff was comprised strictly of beautiful young women.
"Why do you say it like that, Falman?" Havoc asked.
"Considering the fact that the General is a notorious womanizer, it doesn't surprise me at all that he'd come here. Probably gives Captain Hawkeye the slip sometimes to hang out here. He probably has stolen the hearts of all the women here already so he's not afraid of losing them to you." Falman said as Havoc noticed what Falman did and scowled.
"Damn the General. Is there any woman in Amestris that he hasn't flirted with?" Havoc grumbled.
"Amestris? Probably not." Fuery commented before noticing that Breda was looking towards a booth by the door curiously.
"Hang on, that man over there. Why does he look familiar?" Breda asked as the four looked towards Al curiously. Al wasn't looking, instead he was looking at the menu. (AC: Sky-high Pure Spirit – FMA OST 1)
"Seems familiar. Kinda reminds me of Fullmetal." Falman commented.
"You too? Well the eyes and hair are the same color and he's got a similar build…but he's too tall." Havoc said. Somehow the word 'tall' caught Al's attention and he looked their way with curiosity before smiling at them and giving a friendly wave.
"Why is he waving? Does he know us?" Fuery asked, confused.
"Don't be rude, wave back." Falman whispered as the four waved, uncertain of who Al was.
"Okay, I know I've seen him before somewhere." Breda commented.
"One way to find out." Falman said as he stood up and started to approach Al.
"Lieutenant Falman." Al greeted, causing Falman to freeze.
"He knows his name?" Havoc whispered to the others in mild panic.
"But that voice…it sounds familiar." Fuery commented.
"Um…hello?" Falman greeted as Al gave him a confused look.
"Are you alright, Lieutenant?" Al asked as Falman cleared his throat.
"Actually it's Captain…and you are?" Falman asked. Al blinked at him in surprise before sighing heavily. He knew immediately what was happening. Al quietly got up, walked over to the counter, picked up an empty metal pitcher, and held it up to his face.
"Maybe this will jog your memory." Al said into the pitcher, his voice ringing and echoing slightly, as their eyes lit up.
"ALPHONSE!" they all exclaimed in unison, startling Al.
"Wow do I feel foolish!" Breda said with a happy but sheepish grin.
"So this is you outside the armor. Hmm, you could probably give Mustang a run for his money in the women department." Havoc commented, slapping Alphonse on the back, pulling a chair over to their table and plopping him down into it.
"Excuse me, miss?" Falman said to the waitress as she approached with Al's water.
"Yes?"
"Whatever this guy orders, put it on my bill." Falman said but Al raised his hands defensively.
"No-no that's not necessary. I can pay." Al said but Falman shook his head.
"No way, Elric. Your money's no good as long as we're around." Breda commented.
"After all you and your brother did for Amestris, it's the least we can do." Havoc said as Al smiled appreciatively.
"Thanks but it's really not necessary." Al said.
"Forget it, you've lost this argument, Elric." Breda said as Al sighed with a smile and a shrug.
"So what brings you to Central? How's Fullmetal doing?" Falman asked.
"Ed's doing fine. He's back in Resembool right now. He and Winry got engaged three months ago." Al said as the men expressed their joy at the news.
"Well-well the pipsqueak actually popped the question. How about that?" Breda said as Fuery raised a hand.
"Um, Winry's the blond automail mechanic right?" Fuery asked as Al nodded.
"Uh-huh. She's Ed's mechanic. We've been friends since we were children." Al explained.
"You know what this means right? Bachelor party." Havoc said with a grin, staring up dreamily at the ceiling and almost getting a nose bleed.
"A~And we've lost him." Breda mumbled.
"Anyway, enough about Fullmetal. What are you doing here in Central?" Falman asked.
"I'm actually here to see General Mustang. I want to take the State Alchemist's Exam." Al said, earning surprised yet approving responses from the men.
"Makes sense but why you'd need to take the test is beyond me." Breda said as Falman nodded. (End AC)
"Yeah, after two years ago, you probably could just ask Fuhrer Grumman and he'll just give you the watch and certification." Falman said as Havoc snapped out of la-la land.
"Yeah but getting into Central Command is next to impossible right now. Probably is a good thing we ran into you, Elric." Havoc said as Al arched an eyebrow.
"What do you mean?" he asked.
"Ever since the Red Kingdom bombings started, Central Command's had a strict 'no civilians' policy unless they have proper documentation or approval from any officer with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel or higher." Havoc explained.
"Your brother could get you in though. All he'd need to do is flash his watch and they'd let him in no problem." Breda said as Falman shook his head towards him.
"Obviously you haven't heard, Breda. Fullmetal's lost his certification as a State Alchemist." Falman said, causing Breda to do a spit take over his shoulder.
"What?!" Breda asked, startled.
"It's true. General Mustang confiscated Ed's watch a couple days ago." Al said as Breda grimaced.
"Well…when you sacrifice your power to use Alchemy, it's no surprise. But even so, after all Ed's done, it seems kind of cruel to take away his certification." Havoc commented.
"Actually, Ed seems fine with it. Nothing will take away his understanding of alchemy but he's content with his decision." Al explained.
"So how do we get you into Central Command? General Mustang's been in back-to-back meetings lately with Fuhrer Grumman and Major General Armstrong so getting in touch with him would be next to impossible." Breda said in thought.
"We could just try our luck at the gate anyway. They might let Al in anyway." Havoc suggested but Falman wasn't convinced.
"I doubt it. Red Kingdom's got several ex-State Alchemists among them so even our own State Alchemists are under scrutiny." Falman said as Al seemed a little crestfallen by the news.
"I can wait as long as I need to." Al said.
"Elric, it takes about three months or so to get the proper paperwork for citizens to get into Central Command." Falman replied as Al sweat dropped.
"Relax, Alphonse, we'll get you in, and I think I know how." Havoc said with a grin while looking at Fuery who started sweating nervously.
"W-Why are you looking at me like that?" Fuery asked.
…
(AC: Pastorale Rondo – FMA:B OST 2)
"We are so getting fired for this." Falman mumbled as he and the men, plus one extra Amestrian soldier with blond hair approached Central Command's east gate. Fuery wasn't wearing his uniform jacket for some reason.
"More like getting put in front of a firing squad." Sgt. Fuery mumbled worriedly.
"What do you think I meant?" Falman asked.
"Come on, this has worked more times than I can count. Remember Private Burnett?" Havoc asked with a confident smirk.
"Burnett? What about her?" Breda asked. Falman mouthed the name Burnett to himself in thought.
"Haven't you ever wondered why her hair changes from blond to brunette every time you see her when she's supposed to have a day off?" Havoc asked with an implying grin while Falman's eyes shot open in alarm as they reached the security checkpoint.
"Burnett? Havoc! Private Burnett's got an identical twin sister who works as a nurse at Central Hospital!" Falman exclaimed as Havoc arched a confused eyebrow.
"Yeah, that's the one. What's the big deal?" Havoc asked.
"She's General Armstrong's private nurse! She has the paperwork to get in! The uniform isn't what gets her in!" Falman explained quickly just as Al reached the checkpoint. Havoc immediately turned white as a sheet. He turned towards the entrance to hear one of the guards ask Al for his entry paperwork.
"We're dead." Havoc whimpered. (End AC)
"Who are you? Identify yourself!" the guards asked, raising their weapons towards Al who raised his hands in panic. Another was calling security for additional support, alerting them to the situation at the gate.
"Hey! Don't you know who this is?!" Breda asked as he stepped in.
"I don't care if he's Fuhrer Grumman's Secretary, Lieutenant. Unless he has his documentation we're under strict orders to not let anyone in. Even Fuhrer Grumman has to have his paperwork!" One of the guards replied.
"And the fact that he doesn't have his paperwork and is wearing an Amestrian uniform makes me suspect that he's an imposter. That's an offence punishable by at least thirty years in prison!" the other guard said, Al beginning to sweat profusely.
"Come on! If it wasn't for this guy, we'd all be dead right now and Amestris would be one giant ghost town!" Havoc argued but the guards weren't convinced.
"You realize that as accomplices you could get drummed out of the military for this, especially if Investigations got wind of this." One of the guards commented.
"Then allow me to cast the rays of truth on the matter!" a booming voice declared from nearby. (AC: Amestris Military March – FMA:B OST 3) All heads swiveled around to see a towering figure looming near them: A chiseled and heroic chin, a smooth bald head with a lone strand of blond curled hair, a bushy blond moustache covering the mouth, a pair of baby blue eyes, and an inexplicable sparkle. The soldiers immediately saluted at the sight of the figure.
"Lieutenant Colonel Armstrong, sir!" the guards yelped as Alex Louis Armstrong approached them, pulling the suddenly bewildered Alphonse close as tears of joy flowed from his eyes.
"Alphonse Elric, I am overjoyed to see you again in your own body! Oh the long and tragic fate that befell this young man and his brother six years ago is a tale that will be passed down the Armstrong family line for generations! Be honored, men, for before you stands an exemplary example of devotion and perseverance for were it not for this young man, all of Amestris would be plunged into a vortex of pain and misery!" Armstrong declared, moving most of the guards to tears by his speech. Mustang's men merely watched silently from the side, the guards' reactions causing them to sweat drop. Alphonse was too startled to say anything at first.
"It's good to see you too Colonel." Alphonse managed to say finally.
"Gentlemen as a Lieutenant Colonel and State Alchemist of the Amestris State Military, I will proudly vouch for this man, this hero of Amestris!" Armstrong declared, sparkling. The guards saluted and stood aside.
"Yes, Lieutenant Colonel, sir!" the guards replied in unison. Mustang's men just stood there dumbfounded. (End AC).
"Your cooperation is most appreciated, gentlemen! Come Alphonse Elric!" Armstrong said as he literally carried Alphonse under arm into Central Command, Mustang's men following close behind.
"Thanks for the help getting me in, Colonel." Al said, after being put down, as he removed the uniform, revealing his ordinary clothes underneath, handing the uniform jacket back to Fuery.
"It was my honor, Alphonse. After what you and your brother did two years ago, the treatment you received at the gates was just deplorable." Armstrong said as they started to walk up the steps to the east gate. Command had been rebuilt following Father's attack on the Promised Day.
"It's no big deal, really." Al said as Armstrong looked down at the young Alchemist.
"So what brings you to Central, Alphonse? How is your brother?" Armstrong asked.
"Ed's doing very well actually. He and Winry are engaged to be married soon." Alphonse said as Armstrong sparkled with delight.
"What wonderful news, Alphonse Elric! If they are in need of a wedding planner, they should speak with me! The art of wedding planning is a skill that has been passed down the Armstrong Family Line for generations! I can put them in touch with my youngest sister, Catherine Elle Armstrong! She's bashful but she's a brilliant planner! Just like her oldest sister!" Armstrong declared as Alphonse sweat dropped.
"I'll be sure to pass the word along." Al replied nervously.
"But what about you, Alphonse? How have you been?" Armstrong asked as they entered the courtyard.
"I've been well actually. I've been visiting Xing for the past couple of months studying Alkahestry." Al explained.
"Hmm. My parents visited Xing two years ago. They said it was a lovely country." Armstrong said as Al nodded.
"Oh it is." Al replied.
"But you haven't answered my question Alphonse. Why are you here in Central?" Armstrong asked as they came to a stop in the middle of the courtyard.
"Actually I'm here to take the State Alchemist's exam." Al replied before being picked up by Armstrong in a powerful hug.
"Such wonderful news Alphonse! I would be honored to consider you a fellow State Alchemist! I wish you luck with your endeavor to attain the title!" Armstrong said, putting the bewildered Alphonse back down.
"Thank you Colonel." Al replied, catching his breath.
"Hey Elric, come on, the General's office is this way!" Havoc called.
"Coming! It was good to see you again Colonel. I tell Ed that you said hello." Al said as Armstrong gave a nod.
"Much appreciated Alphonse and may I say it is good to see the face behind the armor." Armstrong said as Al smiled up at the Colonel.
"Thank you sir." Al said as Armstrong saluted before turning and walking away.
…
Al and the others entered General Mustang's office which was similarly laid out to his previous offices with desks set up in the center for Mustang's personal officers: Hawkeye, Falman, Breda, Havoc and Fuery but there were two additional desks set up, one of which was covered in a sea of documents and binders. Captain Hawkeye was at her desk filling out paperwork when they entered.
"You're back earlier than expected." Hawkeye commented without looking up from her paperwork.
"Found a stray outside the gate, Captain. Thought the General would like to see him." Havoc said as Hawkeye looked up and saw Alphonse, blinking in surprise.
"Alphonse? This is a surprise." Hawkeye said as Al bowed humbly to the Captain.
"I'm sorry for arriving unannounced, Captain, but I need to see the General. It's not urgent." Al said as Hawkeye rose from her desk.
"General Mustang is in a meeting with Fuhrer Grumman and the senior staff right now. He should return soon. You're welcome to wait here for him." Hawkeye said as Al bowed again.
"Thank you Captain Hawkeye." Al said, standing up.
"We've got work to do elsewhere, Elric. Let us know if you need anything from us." Havoc said as he and the men started to leave, he and the officers saluting towards Hawkeye who returned the salute.
"Thank you for your help!" Al called as the four left. As soon as the door closed, Al turned to look at Hawkeye who motioned towards a nearby chair.
"So then, Alphonse, why are you back in Central?" Hawkeye asked as Al turned the chair to face Hawkeye who sat back down at her desk.
"I'm here to see if I can take the State Alchemist's Exam. I was hoping I could get General Mustang's recommendation." Al replied, mildly startling the Hawk's Eye.
"You want to become a State Alchemist? Does this have anything to do with the revocation of Ed's certification?" Hawkeye asked but Al shook his head.
"No…well, a little. I'd rather not say." Al replied as Hawkeye looked at him suspiciously.
"You realize that becoming a State Alchemist yourself won't give you the authority to reinstate Ed, right?" Hawkeye asked as Al nodded.
"Yes but I'm not trying to get him reinstated." Al replied.
"I see. Well I hope you succeed in becoming a State Alchemist, Alphonse." Hawkeye said with a smile.
"Thank you, Captain." Al said as Hawkeye gave him a polite nod and returned to her paperwork. After a couple of minutes of silence, Hawkeye noticed Al appeared to be deep in thought.
"Something on your mind, Alphonse?" Hawkeye asked.
"Hmm? Well actually there is. Can I ask you a question, Captain?" Al asked.
"I'll answer if I can." Hawkeye replied as Al cleared his throat.
"Have you ever heard of a State Alchemist named Dr. Victor Garand? He was known as the Living Hand Alchemist." Al said as Hawkeye thought for a moment before answering.
"The Living Hand Alchemist? I'm sorry, Alphonse but I don't know of anyone with that name or title." Hawkeye replied as Al shrugged.
"Just a thought." He said.
"The General might know. You could ask him. He has access to those records." Hawkeye said as the door into the office opened.
"I have access to what records?" Mustang asked as he walked into the office, removing his hat and coat.
"General Mustang!" Al greeted, rising to his feet. Roy regarded Al with a curious expression.
"Alphonse…what are you doing here?" Roy asked as he approached the young Alchemist.
"I want to become a State Alchemist sir! I'd like to ask for your recommendation!" Al declared with a bow. Roy gave him a blank stare. There was an eerie silence for a moment before Roy started walking towards his desk. Al watched him as he walked to his desk, sat down and rested his hands on the desk, his hands neatly folded together.
"No."
Al was floored.
"W-Wha-…" Al stammered, alarmed by Roy's answer. Even Hawkeye was mildly surprised.
"I can't give you a second recommendation, Alphonse, especially when the one I gave you six years ago is still valid and admissible." Roy said, causing Al to pause, mildly confused.
"Wait…you mean…I do have your recommendation?" Al asked as Roy smirked.
"You've had my recommendation for six years, Alphonse. You had it when you and Fullmetal first applied. If you recall, the only reason you didn't follow through was because you couldn't let your condition as an empty suit of armor get discovered. Now you don't have to worry about that and the people that matter know of your alchemical prowess. All you really need from me at this point is to pass word on to Fuhrer Grumman and get the wheels moving towards getting you into the exam." Roy explained, resting his head on his hands as Al's confused expression quickly turned to a smile.
"Thank you General." Al said as Roy turned away from him.
"Don't thank me yet, Alphonse. You've still got to prepare for the exam. I'll make sure to inform you of the Fuhrer's reply. You're dismissed for now." Roy said, Al bowing.
"Thank you General. Captain." Al said, bowing to the two as Hawkeye gave him a friendly nod.
"Take care Alphonse." Hawkeye said as Al departed. As soon as the door had closed, Hawkeye turned towards Roy.
"Well…this is an interesting development." Roy commented to himself.
"Something wrong, sir?" Hawkeye asked.
"I received a report this morning from my men stationed in the east that the Rockbell home in Resembool was attacked by the Red Kingdom. Fullmetal and Alphonse fought them off without a problem but the fact they attacked at all is intriguing. Now Alphonse appears at my door today asking to become a State Alchemist. But was it Fullmetal they were after or something else?" Roy asked in thought, pulling out Ed's coverless pocket watch from his desk drawer.
…
(AC: Lullaby of Resembool – FMA:B OST 1)
Al was walking through town, his head held high and a smile firmly on his face.
"I should probably phone and tell brother the good news...or maybe I shouldn't. He's probably upset at me for sneaking out this morning. And if I'm going to protect him, I have to avoid contacting him. I can't let the wrong people know the truth." Al said to himself, not watching where he was going. As a result he nearly crashed into someone.
"OH! I'm sorry! I wasn't watching where I was-…Alphonse?" Al blinked in surprise, his smile forming on his face.
"Mrs. Hughes!" Al greeted to Gracia Hughes, the widow of Lieutenant Colonel Maes Hughes.
"It's good to see you again, Alphonse. I haven't seen you for two years, not since before you left to travel East. How have you been?" Gracia asked as Al smiled happily.
"I've been well actually. I'm here in Central on a private matter. How's Elicia doing?" Al asked.
"She's doing very well actually. Will you be in town long? You should come over for a visit." Gracia suggested, Al smiling thankfully.
"Actually I happened to pick up a present for Elicia while I was in the east and I would like to bring it over if that's possible." Al said as Gracia smiled appreciatively.
"That was very thoughtful of you Alphonse. Do you have dinner plans for tonight? You're welcome to join Elicia and I for dinner. We'd be honored to have you over and I had already planned on preparing an apple pie." Gracia said as Al, restrained the urge to salivate hungrily.
"I'd be delighted to join you, Mrs. Hughes. What time should I be there?" Al asked.
"We will be expecting you around six." Gracia replied. (End AC)
"I look forward to it, Mrs. Hughes." Al replied, bowing to her respectfully. Gracia smiled and turned to leave while Al continued on his way. As he walked, he couldn't shake the feeling that he was being watched again. He began walking a little faster, his eyes darting around for signs of someone following him but saw nothing. He finally decided to give them an opportunity they couldn't ignore and ducked into a deserted alleyway where a large open area that operated as a disused loading dock for some of the stores in the area was located. He walked to the center of the area before stopping. He remained frozen in place for a moment before quickly clapping his hands together and dropping to his knees, transmuting a metal spear from the ground, similar to the one Ed would transmute only without any special decorations or designs and spun to face his stalker. He froze the minute he saw the stalker…
The stalker was clad head to toe in tightly bound black cloaks with a mask covering its entire face with the exception of its eyes, its feet bound in black tabi socks and bearing a symbol Al had seen before. He couldn't place what the symbol was but he knew where it originated.
"I recognize your attire. You're not from Amestris: you're from Xing." Al said as the figure raised both hands, crossing them across its chest, it's fists closed, before suddenly allowing a kunai to appear between each finger, causing Al to swallow hard while scowling, holding the spear ready to fight.
End Chapter 4