Amestris

Central City

National Central Library

Third Branch

June 14, 1931

12:03 p.m

Wavy, reflective heat mirages sparkled like ripples of cool water on the road. Not a single cloud graced the sky, allowing the sun to thoroughly penetrate the ground, scorching everything not hidden in shadow. Aiden wiped his forehead with his military jacket sleeve. He shook his undershirt, desperate to at least let some air, regardless of the temperature, touch his skin. Even the shade of the covered stairs leading to the entrance of the Third Branch Library wasn't sufficient protection from the sweltering heat. Aiden removed his cap, utilizing it as a makeshift fan. Why did I ever want to be a stupid cadet? If this is what being a soldier is like, then forget about joining the military. He thought miserably. Footsteps crunched on the gravelly ground as he straightened his posture. At last, my shift replacement. He let out a disappointed mental sigh, as his prediction had sadly not become a reality. Two familiar figures climbed up the steps. One was a slender young woman in her late teens, with cascading, wavy, ebony hair, and a face frozen in an irritatingly smug expression, her eyes never fully open and her dark lips drawn in an ever-so-slight smile. She was wearing a high-collared black shirt with a red tie, paired with a short violet skirt and blood-red cloak. Her companion was a boy a few years older than Aiden, barely taller than herself, but in all other respects, perfectly identical.

"Aiden, to what do I owe the pleasure of seeing you here on such a fine day?"

He narrowed his eyes at her. "I happen to be working, Desiree. Unlike you, some people have to work hard to be promoted." Desiree laughed, a quiet, mocking sound.

"Of course, of course," She waved it off. "So, your girlfriend didn't show up today, was she transferred back to that freezing hellhole she calls home?" Aiden gritted his teeth. "North is not my girlfriend. She's visiting her dad in Ishval." Desiree sighed. "What a shame, you two make quite the pair. Anyways, why did we come all the way here, Cole?" "Your research." He replied simply. "Oh, right. Requesting permission to enter the Third Branch Library." She stated, and produced her silver pocket watch. Aiden exhaled in annoyance. "Permission granted to the Purple Fire Alchemist to enter the Third Branch Library."

Amestris

Resembool Train Station

June 14, 1931

12:05 p.m.

With a hissing screech, the train came to a halt. The doors slid open, and a few people disembarked. It wasn't like the cars were full to begin with. Resembool, as Eira had discovered, was unbelievably below her expectations. She took her pocketwatch out of her jacket she had made the error of bringing with her. At least the train was on time, she mused. Sitting one one of the benches at the station was another girl who held a sign that read: EIRA MILES. She held her suitcase tighter and confirmed her identity.

"Eira Miles, huh? You look like an Eira." Said the girl, with a smile. As did everybody else. She just looked like an Eira. Maybe if she didn't have whitish-grey hair or the tan complexion akin to those of the Ishvalan race, people wouldn't comment as much. If she was honest to herself, however, others rarely called her out, because of who she was, and what family she came from…

"So, are we going to go, or not? Your dad's waiting and I'm going to get in trouble if I'm late picking you up."

"Of course." Eira responded. She studied her apparent chauffeur. She seemed to be native Ishvalan at a quick glance, but upon closer examination was probably Amestranian as well, as though she had the darker skin and eyes like polished rubies, her hair was black as the wing on a raven. "What do I call you?" Eira asked, as she settled into the car the other girl had led her to. "Four." She replied as she crammed the cargo into the trunk. "Like the number?" She wondered what she had done to deserve such a strange nickname. "Exactly like the number." Four started the car. "Cool."

A figure paced across the room. "I feel like we're missing something."

"I've gone through the list three times, sister, it's all here." Another voice assured.

"And what about the Philosopher's Stone?'

"Ours should suffice." The pacer stopped. "What about the sacrifices?"

"Four will take care of that." "We'll strike tomorrow then, at midnight." "A bit cliche, don't you think?" "Just be happy i didn't decide to put your name on the list, brother."