(AC: Fire in the Sky – FMA:B OST 1)
Alphonse was pinned down on the ground beneath the weight of a wolf/human chimera while Lan Fan was held at the mercy of a cobra/human chimera, having her life choked out of her as the chimera constricted her tail around Lan Fan's neck.
"Now let'ssss ssssee what's beneath that massssk of yoursssssss." The chimera said with a fangy grin. From the ground nearby, the two chimeras that Lan Fan had injured lay on the ground watching. One of them suddenly caught a whiff of something on the wind as it changed directions.
"Wait a minute. That smell…" the chimera said quietly as the cobra chimera raised her clawed hand towards Lan Fan's mask, the Xingese ninja now unconscious from the chokehold. The chimera's eyes widened in horrid realization.
"Guys! We've gotta beat it! It's the mil-!" The chimera called out before a gunshot rang out, a shower of blood flying from the chimera's head as a bullet pierced its brain. The other chimeras started looking around in a panic. (AC: The Intrepid – FMA:B OST 3) Suddenly the intersection was lit up by the headlights of several military trucks as well as several floodlights mounted on the backs of them with at least twelve or more Amestrian soldiers scrambling into position.
"Our targets are the chimeras! Attack only if they attempt to harm their hostages further! Be careful not to hit Alphonse Elric or his companion!" one of the soldiers ordered.
"Right!" the soldiers replied in unison as they leveled their rifles at the chimeras. The chimeras each snarled at the sight of the soldiers. The Cobra Chimera quickly raised Lan Fan's unconscious body as a human shield.
"You wouldn't sssssshoot an innoccccccent ccccccivilian would you?" the chimera asked with a grin. The soldiers had their guns trained on her.
"Hold fire! Wait for a clear shot, men!" one of the officers ordered as the chimera grinned.
"Jusssst assss I thought. You're too cowardly to sssssshoot a cccccivilian to accomplissssh your misssssion. Ssssssso you won't mind if I ssssssqueaze the life from her little by lit-AUUUUUUGH! MY EYESSSSSSSS!" The chimera screamed as her eyes suddenly exploded in a burst of flames. Al saw this and his eyes widened.
"Apparently you underestimated your opponent, but seeing as how this is the first time we've ever come face to face with members of the Red Kingdom, introductions have never been formally made. So allow me to introduce myself." Brigadier General Roy Mustang said, his gloved hand raised in preparation to snap his fingers, as he passed by the line of soldiers. The chimera pinning Al down turned with a growl and was about to leap at the General when it was suddenly shot through the head, killed instantly by Second Lieutenant Rebecca Catalina as she and Captain Riza Hawkeye sat perched atop opposite rooftops, their guns aimed directly at the surviving chimeras. The cobra chimera had dropped Lan Fan in response to Mustang's immolation of her eyes. Lieutenants Havoc and Breda quickly ran in and grabbed Alphonse, carrying him back towards the line of soldiers while Captain Falman grabbed the unconscious Lan Fan, following close behind.
"I am Brigadier General Roy Mustang, otherwise known as the Flame Alchemist, head of Amestris Domestic Security Oversight. It's my duty to ensure domestic threats are dealt with expediently and as a home grown terrorist group, dealing with the Red Kingdom falls directly under my jurisdiction! I happened to hear that the Red Kingdom's goal is to see Amestris burn! Well you're not the first to have said that and you certainly won't be the last. However, perhaps this will send a clear enough message to your superiors as to how I intend to deal with them!" Roy declared before snapping his fingers, causing a massive explosion around the cobra chimera, causing her to scream in pain and agony as she was cremated alive. (End AC) By the time the fire died down, all that was left was the black and charred husk of her body which soon fell to the ground, crumbling to ash and dust upon impact, leaving nothing recognizable behind. The lone surviving chimera lay on its stomach, stark white with terror of what Mustang would do to him.
"General Mustang, what do we do with the last one?" one of the soldiers asked as Roy glared at the chimera.
"Bring him in; we've got our first prisoner of war." Roy said before turning towards Al who was checking on Lan Fan. She was alive but unconscious.
"Alphonse." Roy said, catching Al's attention, "Care to explain why the Red Kingdom sent chimeras after you?"
Al immediately thought of Ed and how the Red Kingdom was searching for him specifically and had confused the brothers, assuming Al to be Edward.
"I can't really. They just ambushed me suddenly." Al explained but Roy gave him a skeptical look.
"A random ambush huh? Then can you explain why a servant of Xing's Emperor is here with you?" Roy asked. Al shook his head again.
"Not really." Al replied.
"I can though."
They both looked to see Lan Fan, still lying on the ground but her eyes were open and looking at them. She immediately flipped up onto her feet and bowed to Mustang.
"General Mustang, I'm here by the order of Emperor Ling Yao of Xing. He sent me for a specific purpose. This letter should explain everything to you." Lan Fan said as she presented Roy with a letter that had been twice folded over. Roy took the letter and read it silently for a moment before snapping his fingers, setting the paper on fire and tossing it away, letting it burn away to ashes.
"Message received. Lieutenant Breda! Lieutenant Havoc!" Mustang called, the two subordinates immediately running up to them and saluting.
"Yes General?" they both asked in unison.
"Take Alphonse back to his hotel, help him pack, then bring him to Central Command. He's staying in the barracks tonight." Roy said as Al blinked at him in surprise.
"Central Command?" Al asked, surprised.
"No arguing, Alphonse. After all, you'll need your rest for your State Alchemist's Exam tomorrow morning." Roy said with a smile as Al's gasped in surprise.
"Wait, you mean-…" he stammered as Roy nodded.
"By order of Fuhrer Grumman, you're to have a special State Alchemist's Exam tomorrow morning at ten AM. Everything's been arranged. Now get a move on and get packed. We'll be waiting for you when you get back." Roy said as Al smiled and nodded, hurrying to the hotel nearby with Breda and Havoc close behind while Lan Fan remained behind with Roy and the troops as they cleaned up the bodies.
"You're welcome to stay at Central Command as well, Lan Fan. Considering your mission it would be logical for you to remain with Alphonse for the time being." Roy said as Lan Fan gave a nod.
"I will stay with him but I will not need a room or bed for myself. I will need to remain vigilant for Al's sake." Lan Fan said.
"Alphonse will be under military guard at Central Command. Get some rest. You'll do him no good if you're exhausted." Roy said as Lan Fan nodded understandingly.
"Understood General." Lan Fan replied.
…
A few minutes later, Alphonse with suitcase in hand, climbed into the back of Mustang's private car, Hawkeye at the wheel. The car was designed to hold eight people as a General's car with the driver and front passenger in the front and a dedicated passenger compartment immediately behind them with two rows of inward facing bench seats so that the passengers could face each other. Lan Fan sat on the driver's side passenger seat, facing forward while Mustang sat facing backwards in the middle. Alphonse was seated facing forward on the passenger side.
"Thank you for the hospitality, General." Alphonse said as the car started moving.
"I'm more interested as to why the Red Kingdom attacked you. I know they attacked you and Fullmetal in Resembool late last night. Two attacks in less than twenty four hours plus the train bombing the day before? I highly doubt that this is sheer coincidence. Do you?" Roy asked as Al shook his head.
"No. I know it isn't." Al replied.
"And you're not going to tell me why." Roy stated as Al shrank down slightly in his chair.
"I can't explain the train bombing or the attack just now…but I can explain the one in Resembool. The Red Kingdom was after someone. A former State Alchemist named Dr. Victor Garand. Have you heard of him?" Al asked as Roy gave him a suspicious glare. (AC: Mount Briggs~Undulation~ - FMA:B OST 2)
"I have. Dr. Victor Garand, the Living Hand Alchemist. He specialized in bio-alchemy but went missing several years ago. But why would the Red Kingdom believe that you or Fullmetal would know where he is?" Roy asked.
"Because he showed up at home before the Red Kingdom attacked." Al replied. Roy put a hand to his chin in thought.
"I see. Why was he there?" Roy asked.
"He was hiding from the Red Kingdom. He had been their prisoner for some years and had only recently escaped." Al explained as Roy froze.
"Years? You mean the Red Kingdom's been around longer than just a few months?" Roy asked as Al shrugged.
"Apparently." Al replied.
"This complicates matters. Did Garand tell you where he had been before that?" Roy asked as Al nodded.
"Yes. He worked in Laboratory Five with Dr. Marcoh, creating the Philosopher's Stone." Al explained, mildly startling Roy.
"Dr. Marcoh? He never mentioned that he knew Dr. Garand before." Roy said thoughtfully.
"Well he did say he thought Dr. Marcoh was dead. He thought Dr. Marcoh had been transmuted into a Philosopher's Stone along with the other alchemist responsible for making the stone in Laboratory Five." Al explained as Roy gave a nod.
"And Marcoh believes the same about Garand." Roy said.
"Perhaps we should speak to Dr. Marcoh. Maybe he can tell us more about Dr. Garand, especially after our meeting in Resembool." Al said as Roy looked at him curiously.
"Dr. Marcoh is running a clinic in Ishval. We have people keeping tabs on him and making sure he's safe, but what happened in Resembool? I suspect there's more to Garand's arrival at your home. Was he looking for you and Fullmetal?" Roy asked as Al swallowed and nodded.
"Yes. He was seeking out Edward because he wanted us to transmute him into a Philosopher's Stone." Al said, startling Roy and Lan Fan at the same time. Hawkeye was startled as well but couldn't react much due to the fact that she was driving.
"A Philosopher's Stone? You're sure?" Roy asked as Al nodded.
"He showed us a drawing of the transmutation circle used to transmute people into the stone but Ed tore it up and we both refused. He was really insistent that we transmute him into a stone. That's when the Red Kingdom attacked." Al explained.
"I see." Roy replied in thought.
"Who exactly is this Dr. Garand?" Lan Fan asked, breaking her long silence.
"Dr. Garand was a State Alchemist years ago. He specialized in Bio-alchemy but his research was often considered taboo by most alchemists as it skirted the boundaries of human transmutation." Roy explained as Al's eyes widened.
"You mean he performed a human transmutation?" Al asked, alarmed.
"Not necessarily. His research was centered on finding a biological alternative to automail, to transmute human limbs for grafting onto amputees. It's how he got his title. Rumor has it that he successfully transmuted a human hand from its base elements and attempted to have it surgically attached to a man who had lost his hand in an accident. The procedure is reported to have been a failure but it impressed the state enough to grant him a State Alchemist's certification." Roy explained as they arrived at Central Command.
"So instead of performing a complete human transmutation and suffering a rebound like Ed and I did, he performed a number of smaller scale transmutations to create the individual body parts." Al said as Roy gave a nod.
"We'll talk about this later, Alphonse. For now, get some rest." Roy ordered as they exited the car.
"Yes sir, General." Al said with a salute and a smile. Roy shot him a smile of his own before heading inside with Hawkeye close behind. Roy immediately headed for his office, walking inside and sitting down at his desk.
"Something wrong, General?" Hawkeye asked as Roy sat back in his chair in thought.
"A State Alchemist that's been missing for years, knowing the secret ingredient in Philosopher's Stones, wants to be transmuted into a Philosopher's Stone himself, seeks out the Elric brothers to get this accomplished and happens to lead the Red Kingdom to their door. Something doesn't make sense. Why attack Alphonse when Garand is the one they're after?" Roy commented to himself. Hawkeye remained silent as Roy thought for a moment before looking up slightly, a determined expression clear on his face as he reached for the phone and started dialing. He waited for a moment before the person on the other end answered.
"Corporal I have an assignment for you. I need you to bring me all the files you have regarding a Dr. Victor Garand. If his name is even mentioned in a document of any sort, I want it. Have the files on my desk as soon as possible." Roy ordered before hanging up. Mustang proceeded to rest his arms on the desk, a thoughtful expression on his face. (End AC)
…
It was dawn as Al sat up and stretched with a yawn. He had slept quite peacefully through the night. He got up to go to the bathroom and passed a mirror on his way, pausing to look at the bandages covering the light scratches he had gotten the night before. He carefully removed the bandages, looking at the four light scratch marks on his right cheek. Al then turned and walked over to a desk in the room and pulled out a sheet of paper and a pen before drawing an Alkahestry purification circle on it. He then leaned over the sheet while putting his hands to the edge of the paper, causing the circle to glow, his wounds healing quickly and leaving only very faint scarring. Al checked himself in the mirror before smiling in approval and walking into the bathroom. When he finished and walked back into the room…
"So you've been studying Alkahestry." Lan Fan stated as she examined his paper, startling Al, causing him to jump slightly.
"YAH! Lan Fan! You scared me!" Al yelped.
"My apologies." Lan Fan replied.
"It's alright but yeah I learned some of the basics of Alkahestry while I visited Xing." Al explained as he checked the bite marks on his arms, noticing that they were nearly fully healed now.
"It seems you've picked up on the basic principles fairly easily. I don't know any Alkahestry personally but there are Alkahestry users in my clan so I understand it to a degree." Lan Fan said.
"It's similar to Alchemy with several noticeable differences so it's very possible for a user of Alkahestry to learn alchemy and vice versa. A basic understanding of either one can lead to an understanding of the other." Al explained. Lan Fan acted like she was about to say something when she spun towards the door, alarmed by something. Al read her expression and turned in time for the door to fly open, however it was nothing to be afraid of in this instance.
"Good morning to you Alphonse Elric! Time to rise and greet this glorious day! The day of your State Alchemist's exam!" Lieutenant Colonel Armstrong declared proudly, sparkling as usual.
"Oh, uh, good morning, Lieutenant Colonel. It's not time yet already is it?" Al asked.
"Actually I've been sent by the Fuhrer himself to retrieve you. He apologizes but something's come up that requires his attention, however he is eager to administer your exam so he's moved it up instead of canceling it altogether." Armstrong explained as Al turned towards his clothes that were laid out across a nearby chair.
"I'll be along as soon as I'm dressed." Al said as Armstrong gave a nod.
"Of course. I'll be right outside when you're ready." Armstrong said before walking out of the room, closing the door behind him. Al immediately turned to look for Lan Fan but she had already vanished, being the skilled ninja she was.
…
Al was escorted by Armstrong into a long corridor leading to the Fuhrer's office. Lan Fan was following along in the shadows, neither man knowing where she was exactly.
"Are you nervous Alphonse?" Armstrong asked.
"A little. I mean I could still fail this exam. I never even got this far the last time. I had to withdraw to avoid my condition from being discovered." Al replied as Armstrong placed a hand on his shoulder in reassurance.
"I have the utmost confidence that you will pass, Alphonse. I only wish Edward were here to see this day, to cheer you on." Armstrong said as Al smiled, looking directly ahead towards the door.
"It's for Ed's sake that I'm doing this, Lieutenant Colonel." Al replied as Armstrong gave an approving nod, the two coming to a stop outside the doors to the Fuhrer's office. Al took a deep breath before giving a nod to Armstrong who nodded back and slowly pushed the door open, revealing Fuhrer Grumman seated behind his desk and flanked by Brigadier General Roy Mustang and Major General Olivier Mira Armstrong, all three in dress uniform. (AC: Nightfall in Central City – FMA:B OST 1) Lt. Col. Armstrong immediately saluted to the three, Alphonse following suit and saluting. The three senior officers returned the salute as Grumman rose to his feet.
"Welcome Alphonse. Please come in." Grumman said, Al approaching the desk and standing at attention.
"Alphonse, you already know why you're here today and I'm not one for grandiose speeches so I'll be brief." Grumman said as he opened a drawer on his desk and pulled out a wooden box with the symbol of Amestris engraved in gold on the lid. He set the box on his desk before walked out from around his desk, stopping in front of it to turn the box towards him, opening it and pulling out a twice folded sheet of paper sealed with wax bearing the symbol of the Office of the Fuhrer on it.
"Yesterday when I was informed of your desire to become a State Alchemist, I was reminded of the sacrifices you and your brother made to save this country. Everyone here knows of your heroic deeds and of your skill as an alchemist. With those two things in mind, I took the unusual but appropriate step of skipping the traditional exam. Therefore, I am proud to present you with this." Grumman said as he handed Al the paper. Al was surprised by the turn of events. He glanced at Mustang who was smiling towards him and gave a nod. He glanced towards General Armstrong who regarded him with her usual stoic coldness. Al then looked at the paper in his hand and carefully broke the seal on the paper and unfolded it. It was an official document, bearing the symbol of Amestris at the top and reading…
"This official document certifies that the nation of Amestris, prefecture of the Generalissimo appoints the name (Blank) to Alphonse Elric in the name of Fuhrer Grumman.
The State Alchemist shall follow all orders and policies of the military.
A research assessment examination shall be held once every year. In the case that the State Alchemist does not show signs of progress as a result of the examination, he shall be discharged from the services of State Alchemist.
The State Alchemist is entitled to the use of ample research funds, unrestricted access to classified documentation, access to various governmental facilities, and a military rank equal to that of "Major."
The document was signed at the bottom with Grumman's signature. Al looked up at the Fuhrer with a stunned expression. He honestly hadn't anticipated that he'd just be given the State Alchemist's Certification without the traditional exams. Grumman cleared his throat.
"You might've noticed that your title space is blank. I'll admit I'm not as creative when it comes to coming up with titles when compared to my predecessor so I leave it to you to come up with the title by which you will be addressed. Take as much time as you need to come up with one but make it count." Grumman said as Al smiled with determination.
"Actually sir, I already know what I'd like my title to be. I'd like to inherit my brother's title: Fullmetal." Al said, mildly startling those present. General Armstrong however merely arched a curious eyebrow. Grumman scratched his chin in curious thought for a moment.
"An unusual request…but then again this is an unusual circumstance. Very well, hand me your certificate." Grumman said, picking up a pen off his desk as Al handed the certificate to him. Grumman proceeded to fill in the word "Fullmetal" in the blank title space before turning back to Al, handing him back the certificate.
"Your certificate, and of course, the symbol of your new office." Grumman said as he reached back into the box and pulled out the silver pocket watch bearing the seal of the State Alchemists. Al smiled proudly as he gently took hold of the watch, smiling at his reflection for a moment before pocketing the watch and saluting, Grumman returning the salute with a smile.
"I'll make Amestris proud, sir." Al said as Grumman chuckled, placing a hand on Al's shoulder.
"You already have and I know you will continue to do so. Now, I hate to run so soon but I have urgent matters to attend to, Alphonse. I'm putting you under General Mustang's jurisdiction. In future, you will report directly to him." Grumman said as Al saluted again.
"Thank you sir." Al replied as Grumman returned the salute before picking up his hat and walking out the door. General Armstrong quietly followed out after him, leaving her brother and Mustang alone with Alphonse. (End AC)
"Welcome to the State Alchemist family, Alphonse!" Armstrong rejoiced tearfully, picking up the bewildered Alphonse in a bear hug.
"Thank you Lieutenant Colonel!" Al gasped before being put down.
"Well congratulations Alphonse. You're now officially a dog of the military." Roy said as Al smiled and gave a small laugh.
"Thanks. I'll admit I never imagined I'd just be given the certification. I feel like I should've at least been administered the exam." Al said.
"The Fuhrer believes otherwise. It's his way of saying thank you for helping him advance to the position of Fuhrer, the highest position in the country." Mustang said as Al shrugged.
"I wish I could tell Ed but…I don't know if I can tell him I took his title away from him." Al said.
"Why did you request the title of Fullmetal, Alphonse?" Armstrong asked as Al shrugged.
"Jealousy I guess." Al replied.
"Regardless of your reasons, we can discuss it later. I have your first assignment for you." Mustang said, catching Al off guard.
"Assignment?" he asked as Mustang's smile widened.
"Your assignment is to investigate the sudden reappearance of Dr. Victor Garand, the Living Hand Alchemist and determine his connection to the terrorist group: the Red Kingdom." Roy said as Al smiled determinedly and saluted.
"Right away, General." Al said as Roy nodded.
"I recommend you start in Ishval. Speak to Doctor Marcoh and see what he can tell you about Garand. It might lead you to why the Red Kingdom is after him." Roy said.
"I'll leave right away, sir." Al replied.
"One more thing before you leave, Alphonse. The recent attempts on your life has us concerned, therefore you will be issued a military escort to Ishval. Lieutenant Colonel Armstrong has made the arrangements." Roy explained as Al gulped, concerned.
"Yes sir." Al said as Roy smiled at him.
"That will be all…Fullmetal." Roy said as Al saluted again before turning to leave, Armstrong following after him, leaving Roy alone. Roy's smile then widened as he pulled his hat down slightly.
"Jealousy huh?" Roy asked as he left the room, closing the doors behind him.
"Sorry, but I just don't buy it. But I hope your gambit pays off, Alphonse." Roy said as he started down the hall towards his office.
End Chapter 6