The Truth Within the Truth: A Fullmetal Alchemist RP

[Fragrance of Mtn Dew]

"I promise, she's much nicer once you get to know her."

Marlin smiled slightly and chuckled a bit at this, feeling a bit more relaxed by the Banagher's response. "No need to worry Lieutenant, I'm not offended... I'm imagine that's a fairly normal reaction. Now, where did Lila go during the battle...." Marlin muttered to himself as he joined the lieutenant in searching for her as well.

"I--I'm here. Is it over? Did those things leave?"

Marlin turned to the sound of Lila's voice and spotted her underneath the tapestry. He quickly made his way over to her and helped her to her feet. "Lila! Are you injured anywhere? I'm so sorry you had to get involved in this just because of me...."

Lila shook her head and took a moment to brush the dust off her dress. "Well... They didn't hurt me anyway. But being held captive by those.... things was pretty scary... Especially when you surrendered because of me. I really thought they were gonna kill you right in front of me!" She answered, looking back up at Marlin with slight frown and a worried look in her eyes.

"Right... I apologize for that, but as a soldier it's my duty to protect civilians such as yourself. Even if it costs me my life." Lila's frown deepened at Marlin's words and she opened her mouth to say something, but Marlin cut her off. "I'm sorry, but now's not a good time to continue this discussion. One of them escaped so we need to get you to safety quickly and apprehend them." He said. It was clear that Lila wasn't happy about it, but she nodded and fell silent.

Marlin's gaze drifted to the door that the last chimera had run through before turning back to the Banagher's. "I don't know how much you two know about this situation, but these chimera were out for revenge against alchemists and the military in general for the experiments that were done on them. The one that got away seems to be their leader and I'm sure he has something planned for the rest of our group. We cannot allow him to escape."

Throughout the conversation, Marlin had noticed Mira favoring one leg. He didn't want to bring her into a potential fight injured, but he also doubted that telling her that would go over well. Thankfully, he had an idea on how to handle this situation. He turned to address Mira. "Could I ask you to look after Ms. Jennings until we can get her to safety? I fear she may be targeted again and I feel you're better suited to the task than I...."

 

[Jedoro]

"That's another reason I plan to stay on as an alchemist once this whole damn thing is over. I have to at least try and make up for what I'm going to have to do. Even then I doubt it will be enough."

"Even if it is enough, you won't forget," Elias commented as he patched up a woman's arm. "Hell, I've done this job sixteen years now, and I still remember my first. Won't go into detail due to present company, but just know you'll see their faces down the road." As he finished the woman's bandage, he noticed the blood on the outer layer of gauze. He examined his hands to see that blood had soaked his gloves and lower sleeves.

"Sarge..." Blake muttered, sitting on the floor as she stared at the bodies, "what was that?" Elias stood in the middle of the room, staring at his previously white gloves. In his left hand of flesh, he held a combat knife, while his right automail arm had its blade extended.

"That was close combat, Private," he replied, turning to face her as he sheathed the knife, "not something very fun." Raising his right arm, he retracted the blade as he helped her up with his left. "And this is our little secret. No need to spread around that I'm not all original parts." He looked at his handiwork on the floor, four dead Ishvalan rebels. "You're welcome, Private."

"You'll see them everywhere you go." Back in the real world, Elias shifted his gaze to Tasha. "No turning back now, so I hope you can handle it."

 

[Pappytech]

Isaac awoke to the gentle pitter-patter of rain against a window, the soft rhythm slowly pulling him from the depths of unconsciousness. Opening his eyes, the alchemist winced as his blurry vision was assaulted by the electric light overhead. As he awkwardly tried to sit up, pushing against the scratchy sheets pinning him down, a wave of vertigo washed over Isaac, the nausea nearly forcing him to recline again.

Persevering, and still half-asleep, the soldier forced his bleary eyes open, staring blankly forward as his surroundings faded into existence. A small, white-walled room greeted him, perfectly bland and sterile. To his left, a small window was set into the wall, providing a view of the grey city landscape. To the right, the chamber's sole door was cracked slightly open; if he focused, Isaac could just barely make out muttered voices and muffled footsteps from outside.

It took a few moments for Isaac to notice the pole that stood next to his bed, and the two fluid-filled bags that hung from it. It took him a few more to spot the tubes that ran from the bags to the needles poked into his arm. Hazily, Isaac attempted to figure out what they were doing in his arm of all places, before wondering about where he was, or where his clothes had gone, or how it would feel to hug a cloud.

Ah. Morphine.

Dimly registering the bandages swathed around his hand, the alchemist groped for the needles, missing them entirely his first two attempts. His third try, however, managed to dislodge one of the tubes; by nothing more than sheer luck, it was the one full of clear liquid, not the one filled with blood.

The small effort managed to deplete whatever strength kept Isaac sitting upright. Slumping back into his pillows, he sighed, content for now to merely stare at the ceiling while his inhibited mental faculties slowly came back up to speed.

 

[CJ1145]

"Do whatever you feel you need to, I've got no place to be for a while now, so I may as well just stand out of the way up here."

Kallu and Armstrong stood in silence after that, for quite some time. No more words were shared as the minutes, and the hours ticked by. Stone could tell that it was not time spent in vain, though, as Armstrong was clearly deep in thought by his expressions. The tears had stopped almost immediately, as he forced himself to face what Kallu had told him.

The sun was already rising, ushering in the new day when Armstrong spoke again.

"Major. I've thought about what you said. And I think I'll take you up on that suggestion to use my leave time." He turned to him, and was wearing an expression more subdued in its determination than Kallu had expected from the flamboyant Major. "You see, I've thought it through, and I've come to a conclusion. I may be able to save some number of people on one day by becoming a monster; but after that, I can't protect anyone. I'll be a monster. And even if I could, I wouldn't be fit to do it."

He began to motion as though he were leaving, speaking as he made for the stairs, gesturing Kallu to follow. They walked through the hospital, out towards the front doors as Armstrong continued.

"So, I'll be heading to my family's estate in Central. I haven't been there in quite some time, and it will be good for me to clear my thoughts."

They finally stepped out the front doors, and found the sun beginning to peek over the rooftops into the streets of East City. Smoke still rose above the skyline from last night's catastrophe. Kallu noticed Armstrong turning towards him, and the bulky man extended a hand. "I don't know how yet, but I'm going to find a way to protect the innocent, without stooping to the level of those that I fight. This is goodbye, Major; I wish you the best of luck."

He shook Kallu's hand firmly, and without another word swiftly turned around and walked off into the bitter air of the Amestrian morning--neglecting to find a new shirt.

[hr]

"Could I ask you to look after Ms. Jennings until we can get her to safety? I fear she may be targeted again and I feel you're better suited to the task than I...."

Mira's face shifted a bit as Marlin made the request of her. It was obvious enough to the state alchemist that she was fully aware of why she had been singled out for this task. But, she was a soldier who knew her place, and gave a well-practiced salute to her superior. "Absolutely, sir." she replied. Her husband, at that point, sauntered over; he had slipped away during the conversation with Lila to investigate the tunnel the chimera had escaped through.

"That tunnel goes for miles." he stated, making a few accompanying hand gestures to illustrate. "Exits every couple hundred'a feet. If he's even down here anymore, he's way too far ahead of us to catch. If anything, I'd say we should probably find out if the rest of your squad's all right, see if they learned anything."

Mira nodded and added onto the Lieutenant's words. "Sir, we've neglected to mention: the rest of your unit was assaulted under similar circumstances, presumably by the same individuals last night."

"Right." Banagher noted. "You just happened to be the closest one of the bunch to us; we saw you wander off into the alley and followed you."

"By the way, Dear," Mira said. "I'll be accompanying this civilian to safety; it's just going to be you and the Major on this one." She turned to Marlin and requested "Please, sir, try and keep an eye on him. He has a bit of a tendency to rush into situations without thinking them through."

"Please, honey, don't bore the man." Banagher retorted. "There's no need to tell the man about how we got married."

That one struck a nerve, and Mira's normally stoic face turned red as a beet; her expression was almost pouting, like a little girl's. It was jarring to say the least. "Just don't die out there because you were too thickheaded to duck, all right, dear? I lost my first husband like that."

"I AM your first husband!"

"Exactly."

Their banter finally ceased, Mira came to Lila's side, and slowly guided her up and out of the chambers, leaving Banagher and Marlin as the only ones present. The bigger man gestured for the door, as well as the escape passage. "So, choice is yours, sir. Wanna check out the tunnel, or head back street-side?"

[hr]

Elias and Tasha spent the whole night as they'd been spending it, treating a seemingly endless line of patients as they streamed in to the hospital. They hardly even noticed as the moon went down on East City, replaced by the sun as it slowly peeked over the horizon.

Their breather only came when the last patient filed out the door. The facility's employees looked ready to up and die themselves by the time they were done, and the two military volunteers were hardly looking any better when the door to their room opened once more. A collective groan was silenced when they saw a familiar face staring in at them: Victor's.

At the moment, he looked positively devastated.

"I... I left the hospital last night looking for you two..."

[hr]

As Isaac came to, he took in his surroundings. Medical equipment everywhere attended to his every need through some manner of tube jammed in some manner of entry port, be it natural or artificial. Machinery beeped, whirred, buzzed, and trickled--that last one didn't sound right-- as he tried to recall his situation last night.

"Morning, sleepyhead."

"BWUH--"

He was, to say the least, surprised to see the bed to his left occupied by none other than the assassin he had fought for his life against, hungrily devouring a bowl of noodles. Rai gave a curt wave and went back to his bowl, speaking through his slurps. "So, were your dreams as weird as mine with those painkillers? I dreamed about this really bratty kid with a ponytail fighting God."

[hr]

"You wanted to see me, sir?" Lt. Anton asked, sitting down at Fuhrer Bradley's office the following morning. His eyes were immediately drawn to the man sitting beside him. His golden hair spoke of an Amestrian native, though which region and culture he couldn't quite place.

"Yes. Good morning, Lieutenant." Bradley said, with his brightest smile on; apparently, whatever mood had possessed him last night had passed. "I'd like to introduce you to Mr. Marcus Leonheart, the Resonance Alchemist. He's also the newest recruit to your special operations unit."

Anton understood immediately. This was his newest target to keep a close eye on.

"There are no tasks for you at this time, but I figured you might want to catch up with your comrades." Bradley mentioned. "As I understand it, they're at the local hospital, recovering from last night's little soiree. So, consider yourself free to join them, Lieutenant; and while you're at it, try and get our newest friend acquainted with the others. Dismissed."

With a salute, both Anton and Marcus stood and exited the room. The door shut behind them rather loudly, leaving the two of them alone in the hallway outside of the Fuhrer's office.

 

[Jedoro]

Elias felt the fatigue vanish from his body as he removed himself from the wall he'd been leaning against. Bearing the full gravity of his rank, he slowly walked up to Victor and smacked the back of his head.

"Corporal, there's a fine line between courage and stupidity," he began as he kept his arm suspended behind Victor's head. "Courage is bringing a rocket launcher to bear against an enemy your team is fighting. Stupidity is chasing after two teammates who are pursuing the man who tried to kill you, while missing an arm." He then lowered the arm to Victor's shoulder.

"But we're fine, and we appreciate the concern. Are you okay?"

 

[Redryhno]

Kallu watched as Armstrong walked off into the early morning, shirtless as always, intending to head home. His choice wasn't what he himself would choose, had chosen, but they were different men, with different morals and what was most important, he couldn't fault him what he believed, no more than he could fault a mountain lion to prey on the goats that wandered into its home.

It was late, more accurately early, and he sat down where he was and intended to catch at least a few minutes of sleep. He awoke from a sharp smack from the main floor of the hospital underneath him, where, after he stood up, he saw Elias, Tash, and of all people, Victor. Judging from the red quickly rising, he was slightly embarrassed about something Vitor had said.

Kallu arrived with the small group, Tasha and Elias obviously exhausted, they'd spent most of the night up helping patients, forgetting to care for themselves, the fools.

"The Corporal is fine, what you all need, what we all need, is sleep. I've got some very important information to get, but I'll get you all to your rooms."

It will be a long day.

 

[Pappytech]

"So, were your dreams as weird as mine with those painkillers? I dreamed about this really bratty kid with a ponytail fighting God."

A moment of awkward silence ensued, as Isaac blankly stared at his neighbor, trying to see through the haze that clouded his memories. When he finally recalled last night's events, he nearly toppled out of his bed, practically shouting at Rai: "Gah! What the hell are you doing here?"

Dealing with the sudden rush of memories, the bed-bound soldier frantically began to examine his various wounds and injuries, attempting to take stock of the severity of his situation. Gauze was wrapped around both of his hands, protecting both his burn and cut from further damage. More bandages were rolled around a large portion of his right arm and shoulder, and Isaac was also able to feel the strange sensation of new stitches sealing the wounds. Finally, a large swatch of cloth, and more stitches as well, covered his abdomen.

Convinced that he wasn't in immediate danger of dying, Isaac allowed himself to flop back onto his pillows, muttering irritably as he relaxed. "Just when I thought I'd get a break... Don't you need a passport or some kind of ID to get in here? Seriously, how the hell did you even get in the hospital, let alone my room?"

Gurgle.

"And where did you get the food? I'm starving."

 

[TheIronRuler]

The night continued, but Leo was in no condition to continue drinking. His table was already filled to the brim with drinks and glasses that he had to toss a few of them down on the ground to find some room where he could place his head and sleep. The pub he was in had had enough ? not only did this soldier not pay for his drinks but he almost killed one of the bouncers and wrecked a wall. Even though the crowd cheered for his supposed victory, the drinks he supposedly bought for everyone weren't paid for. Instead of waking up the slob ? or more accurately, after having failed to wake up Leo for more than a couple of times, the owner's son decided to search him for any valuables ? what he found horrified him ? a piece of human flesh and skin in one of his pockets, and then a fancy silver watch in the other. Deciding that the silver watch would serve as a proper form of payment, the owner's son took it from the hopeless drunk and tossed him outside in the gutter.

Leo woke up to the sound of screaming as two MPs shouted at the soldier for sleeping in the gutter. Leo laid on his side, hunched over and shirtless, his hair cut to an almost bald hairstyle. The night was a rough one ? Leo had found out about some strange new weapons being smuggled from the military and found in the streets, and he had to continue investigating the matter.

"Oy, you, what's your name, soldier?", asked one of the MPs as his leg kicked Leo's eight shin. Leo shouted in pain and tried to stand up, but all of his body was sore and the night he spent in the gutter didn't do him any good. It was an alleyway, one a few streets away from the establishment Leo was in earlier, but Leo had no time to remember what happened in his drunken night out.

"Leo-", Leo shouted out in response, but then let out a yelp of pain as his ears were hurt from his loud voice, "state alchemist", he added in a softer tone. The two MPs laughed as they eyed the poor man. One of them was kind enough to help Leo up on his feet, a feat Leo wasn't too certain he was able to do on his own.

"Hey, you look familiar ? did I see you running around with that dancing gang?", the other MP asked Leo. Leo wasn't sure he should answer the question ? his hands frantically searched his pants' pockets but couldn't find the watch. "I can't find it", Leo said quietly, "Where the fuck is my watch", he cried out.

The first MP, the nice looking one ? a man in his early twenties with brown hair and blue eyes and a medium build ? he pushed Leo forward and onto a wall, bashing his head on the concrete. "Soldier, you are an embarrassment to our military ? prepare to be set to a military trial for impersonating a state alchemist". Leo was shocked at the response he got from the Military Police ? Is that how normal soldiers are treated?

Leo tapped his foot and the ground and moved the angle of the small bit of the alley where the three were to the other side, thus throwing them both back. "Barefoot Alchemist, officer-", Leo finally regained his composure. He spoke in a somewhat authoritative tone, but he couldn't help think that the first MP looked good. "-I'll talk to you later", Leo said before he took off and ran away from the two.

Leo made his way to the pub where he spent his last night. "Closed my ass", he shouted a moment after he saw the sign on the front door. Leo walked a few steps back and brought a pillar forward, completely smashing the door to little bits of wood. Leo entered the pub ? the floor was mostly wood, which wasn't the greatest element for Leo ? but it had to do. He tried walking in a straight line as he continued to scream for his watch. He was greeted by a young man that froze in his place the moment he saw him.

What followed wasn't pretty. Later the military would ignore the pub owner's pleas for reimbursement over the state Alchemist's actions, claiming that it was a rogue alchemist pretending to be an official state Alchemist. Leo used his charm on the first MP, allowing his to walk out of the incident unscratched.

Leo then marched ahead shirtless, towards the hospital where he planned to properly skin the sample from Archer and preserve it for future study.

 

[Jedoro]

"The Corporal is fine, what you all need, what we all need, is sleep. I've got some very important information to get, but I'll get you all to your rooms."

"I'm sure he is, sir," Elias commented, still looking at Victor, "but I prefer to hear it direct from the source. And I believe we're more than capable of finding our own rooms." He walked around the Corporal and towards the door. "Wouldn't want to keep you from that important information." Elias dug his hands into his coat pockets as he left the room, where he felt Mason's empty pistols.

He knew who I was. How did he find it so easy to shoot at me? Was it too dark for him to identify me until I got close? Did he intentionally miss, knowing I'd end up killing him? As he moved to his room, Elias focused on nothing in particular ahead of him. I never thought I'd actually hope they're all dead, but I can't go through last night again.

 

[Redryhno]

"I'm sure he is, sir,"

After saying his goodbye's to Victor,Tasha, and Elias, Kallu went looking for one of the doctor,orderlies, or nurses he'd seen run off with one of the brothers. After finally finding one, he asked where the room was and was directed to it. Once he found the corridor it was on, it wasn't that hard to find him, he had two guards parked outside the door, and after being led in, there was another two inside. Apparently the hospital had taken him a bit more seriously than he'd intended.

The man was asleep, so Kallu settled down into a chair and waited for him to wake up. He was covered in bandages, from minor scrapes he'd received during the fight, a brace over his nose, bruises where his goggles had been once, and two stumps. He'd lost about two extra inches above his wrist and ankle where the transmutation had stopped the crushing. Kallu couldn't help but feel pity for the man, but he'd chosen his path, and Kallu had chosen his own as well, the end result being that they'd crossed and Kallu had done this to him. He didn't regret it, but he did regret the man's refusal to give up the information that would've saved his hand and foot. In the silence of the moment, Kallu felt himself being dragged deeper and deeper into sleep, the chair, the gentle banter of the guards inside the room as they played their checkers, and the gray morning light streaming through the window. It all culminated in the Alchemist falling asleep, though he still heard everything that was going on, albeit as if he were half-submerged.

Too many dead by this war already, how many more before the wars are over and Amestris can finally be at peace?

He dreamed of far-off places, the Ruins and surrounding desert of Xerxes, the cold and inhospitable, but comradeship that was the north, and Ishval, as it had been before the war, peaceful and quiet...so quiet...

 

[Xero Scythe]

Marcus hummed quietly to himself, composing the notes he would need to encode his latest research. While by nature Marcus was a very generous man, his research was literally destruction itself, and thus could be devastating in the wrong hands. Alchemy required a very specific skill set as a whole, but almost anyone could perform Destruction with little training. Thus, nobody but himself and those he trusted would be able to obtain his research. A fox-faced man entered the room, and while the Fürher seemed to trust this man, the only thing Marcus trusted this man to do was find the perfect spot for the knife in his back. "Well... I hope he's the exception to the group, and not the rule."

Marcus stood up as the Fürher began to address the two. "Damn 3066... Why can't the Ishvalians sue for peace? They're going against literal forces of nature now. At the very least, they could escape to Xing- there isn't an army in all Amestris that could cross that desert and still remain battle ready. The Ishvalites would live- they are accustomed to the desert, after all." Marcus sighed, knowing that he was one to talk. His entire area of focus was built on the complete dissection and destruction of all materials. And as much as he hated fighting, he fully understood with the Fürher's decision to send one of the most battle oriented State Alchemists to the front. "Still, if I don't have to kill, I will do everything in my power to follow my conscience." Marcus was careful not to let these thoughts be known- they would most likely be treason. The Fürher dismissed them rather abruptly, and Marcus decided to take Bradley's advice.

He turned to his traveling companion, slinging the case that carried his precious violin over his shoulder. "Little soirée, huh? I suppose Alchemists know how to throw the best parties, huh? We should check up on them- I'm sure that you're pretty worried about your comrades, right? I'd also like to see the guys that I'm going to entrust the remainder of my limbs to." Marcus chuckled as the pair made their way to the hospital.
------------------------------------------------

Marcus arrived at the front desk and began ringing the help bell. When someone finally arrived, Marcus smiled and asked his inquiry. "Hello, have you seen a group of State Alchemists? They're the recent cause of your increased profits, probably all dressed as strangely as I am by military standards, and each one of them about as crazy and over the top as a circus clown? Ah, you have? Thank you kindly." Marcus continued down the hall towards the others, whistling to himself and spinning his pocket watch. "Though I'm surprised you haven't just bought a wing of this hospital. It seems like the cheaper option, considering how often your files said you've been here." Marcus joked with Anton.

 

[JokerboyJordan]

"He looked like a snake, or something! H-h-he hired me i-in Dublith... He, he said he came from a place called Devil's Nest!"

What she's saying is crazy, talking about chimeras and men and monsters. She could easily be hysterical. But there's something in her eyes as she speak, sincerity. She isn't crazy. And she's not lying...

"I'm not going to say that I believe you, you could easily be leading me into a trap. But honestly, after all of this shit, I couldn't give a rat's arse about whether it is or isn't"

As he helped her clamber ungracefully to her feet, he offered himself to support her as she staggered slowly. Roland lead her to lean against wall nearby the rubble where she had tossed Richard. He took out his whip from on his whip, and she flinched at the sight of it.

"Don't worry, I'm not going to hurt you. Not if what you're telling me is the truth. But if what you're telling me is a lie, or a ploy to lure me into a trap, I will be sure to find you, and god himself will not be enough to save you from my wrath"

He offered her a malicious smile that shook Chartrisse to her very core. Her legs quivered and collapse beneath her yet again, leaving her slumped against the wall cowering in fear.
Roland simply looked at her dead in the eyes as he began to tie her hands together with the whip, ensuring that the knot was tight and double checking that she was a good distance from that crate of hers.

"But don't worry my dear, because if what you're saying is true, then it'll be the other extreme. I will do everything in my power to ensure the safety of your sister, as well as eradicate all evidence of the men that threatened to harm you and her. Deal?"

Chartrisse sat silently as she looked at Roland wide-eyed, which was strange, as they were were both reddened from the tears, as well as panda-like from the smearing of her mascara. She looked up to him and slowly nodded her head.
He would hold her to that.

He made his way over to Richard, as he looked down at him, he saw that was covered in minor scratches from being tossed to the ground, as well as having a small gash on the side of his temple that was most likely the reason for his lack of consciousness.
Roland picked up the small lad and hung him over his shoulder, he was heavier than he looked for a scrawny street urchin.

" Hmph. Probably my fault for feeding you so much. Remind me not to help children ever again "

He looked over at Chartrisse, who was staring at him in both fear and confusion.

"Hey, don't you go thinking I'm crazy, you're in no place to judge"

Roland picked up the handle of his whip, which now restrained her, and he began to lead her out of the warehouse like a lost puppy. Covered in ragged clothes, cuts and grazes, dragging along a tear stained woman, and with a child slung over his shoulder. It was a testament to the military's scaremongering that not one person stopped him on his way to the hospital. Well, both that, and he looked like he was seriously not in the mood to be messed with.

As he approached the receptionist's desk, he was greeted by a slew of strange looks and gasps as they saw both the child and the women being dragged behind him in would-be manacles.

"Hello" he said as he smiled at the woman behind the desk.
"I have a boy here who has suffered some head trauma, along with some minor injuries. I also have with myself a dangerous fugitive who tried to kill me, you can make sure she's treated for her injuries as well, if you have to"

A man and several nurses rushed to him with a gurney, and proceeded to lift and place Richard on it, before taking him off to be treated. They were not going to make a state alchemist's patient wait.
Roland whistled, and two smartly dressed soldiers who he filled in about the situation, instructing them to both chain Chartrisse to the bed, as well as take shifts to watch over her every move.

Exhausted, and looking like he had been seen enough action for the night, he wandered over to Accident & Emergency, before collapsing into an empty bed, knowing wholeheartedly that he would be awoken by the cries of angry nurses.

But for now, he didn't have a care in the world.

Tomorrow would be a different story, as the Devil's Nest awaited.

 

[Jedoro]

"Sir?" a nurse asked, prompting Elias to turn around to face her. "Do you need medical attention?" Confused, Elias found his gaze drawn to small red spots on the floor. It made a perfect trail of where he'd just been walking, so he looked to where he was standing. Sure enough, small puddles were accumulating at his feet.

"No, it's not mine," he replied, after which he saw the nurse's expression go from concerned to worried. "Sergeant Elias, I was here last night treating the wounded. Is there somewhere I can wash these clothes?"

"You're the one who was with that woman and all those people." The blonde nurse smiled and took a step closer. "Thank you so much for your help. Good work, too. I was one of the nurses who finally checked on all of them, and those dressings were just about perfect. Are you a medic?"

"Medic-trained, but I'm in the infantry." Judging by her expression, he knew what question was coming up next.

"Wow, so how many people have you killed?" Instead of answering, Elias just held up his hands to show her the blood-soaked gloves he wore, hoping to get her back to his original question. "Ten? That's not really that many, compared to what other soldiers from Ishval have said."

"Can we talk as we walk to wherever I can wash these? They're not supposed to be wet." The nurse quickly facepalmed as she started walking, then motioned for him to follow.

"Right, blood-soaked clothes. We've already got a lot to clean, so you'd be better off just getting a new set from supply, or buying your own if you want something else. You know your way around the city?"

"Not really, and I don't have time to wander around. Orders could come at any time, not to mention," he paused to yawn, "sleeping sometime this week."

 

[TheIronRuler]

Leo tried to avoid the conga line of people he knew getting in through the reception. Some were soaked in blood, others accompanied with unknown soldiers or hostages ? It was all so chaotic. Leo had no time to deal with it or hear these tales, maybe at a different time on a pint of ale. He walked to the side-entrance of the hospital where nurses would throw biological waste and entered the facility. He made his way to the second floor to the supply cabinets for any preservative substance.

He broke the lock and entered the small room, turned on the lights and started looking for anything that could help him get rid of the smell. Unfortunately for him, Leo was no medical expert or chemist, so he was satisfied with drawing the circles on a sheet of paper he found in the closet in a few copies ? just in case ? and he then disposed of the piece of flesh. He had to see how that circle worked and try to incorporate it into his tattoos.

Leo let out a sigh. He saw remains of battlegrounds in the streets as he walked to the hospital. What he had missed must've been big, but he had little time to dwell on the matter. He had to pursue his own investigation concerning the stolen experimental firearms in Dublith and meet with that mobster character.

 

[JdaS]

Last night had been a boring one for Anton. He was glad to be up and moving again. As he entered he noticed a new face at the table.

"You wanted to see me, sir?"

The new addition was one State Alchemist Marcus Leonheart. The man was almost sickeningly handsome and seemed to react to the Lieutenant's presence with suspicion.
The Führer's words were clear. A new person had just been added to Anton's list.

Another one? What's the point of all this, anyway? Well, at least the old man seems to have calmed down from yesterday...

As the two men exited the office, The Resonace Alchemist hoisted what looked like a violin case over his shoulder and adressed Anton.

Little soirée, huh? I suppose Alchemists know how to throw the best parties, huh? We should check up on them- I'm sure that you're pretty worried about your comrades, right? I'd also like to see the guys that I'm going to entrust the remainder of my limbs to.

Anton detected the slight sarcasm in Marcus' voice but his smile remained.

"Heheh, I guess we should sir."

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

As the pair reached the hospital. Anton looked around while Marcus chatted with the receptionist. He seemed to be quite the joker. Anton recognized several of his "comrades" and it seemed most had been separated and worse for wear.

And all I did was kill my mechanic's girl and get grounded...

The lieutenant chuckled half-heartedly at the new Alchemist's jokes while he scribbled something on a piece of paper.

"Oi, you!" He gestured at a nearby soldier. "Gather everyone you can find on this list and tell them to meet at conference room 6 at their earliest convenience."

Anton and Marcus made their way to the conference room, where after pouring himself and the Major a cup of tea, he took off his jacket, sat down across Marcus.

"Our friends seem to have scattered quite a bit so I've sent for whoever is available. Meanwhile, I am Lt. Anton Wilson, aide to the Führer's cabinet, pleased to make your aquaintance Mr..."

Anton said while standing up, grinning and extending one of his M1905s for a handshake.

 

[sage42]

Tasha shook her head, trying to shake the haze. She was tired, this hadn't been her first all nighter, but the combination of mental exhaustion and emotional she had heard during the night had taken their toll. Now all she wanted was a shower and her bed. She had been happy to see Victor safe. There was no doubt about it. And now the she knew, she felt she could finally relax.

Orders could come at any time, not to mention, sleeping sometime this week."

Tasha laughed as she heard Elia explain their predicament to the nurse. "Couldn't agree more Sergent. In fact if no one else here need me, I'm off to do just that." She patted her pocket's an pulled out a scrap of paper and a pen. She scribbled down East Wing, West City HQ, room 14. "Here Sergent," She said handing over the paper. "If anyone needs me, tell 'em they can find me here. As an alchemist I may be a dog of the military, but it comes with a few perks." She said with a smile. With a nod to the nurse, Tasha turned and headed off to the East City HQ.

 

[Xero Scythe]

Marcus gratefully accepted the tea with a smile. "Thank you, Lieutenant." He stood up as Anton stretched his automail hand, and began to return the gesture when he hesitated, mid-motion, after seeing the back of his hand. His eyes widened as he realized his mistake. Quickly fumbling for one of his cotton gloves, he was careful to put it on before shaking Anton's hand. "Leonheart. Marcus Leonheart, dog of the military, at your service." Marcus smiled sheepishly as they broke contact. "I'm sorry for that, Lieutenant. I'm testing out a new Array, you see, and I didn't want to play guessing games as to the composition of your automail. Wonderful work there, by the way."

A thought occured to Marcus as he mulled over his tea. "Oh, and please, don't be like the rest of the military. 'Major' is purely an honorary rank, and I'm not exactly cut out for the rigors of military life, I'm afraid." He chuckled before taking a sip. "So sorry to put you through orientation, but I think I only have a few more questions. The first is this: what is the team like? Yes, they're State Alchemists, and yes, I read the files available to me, but there's only so much paper can say. Are they reliable?" Marcus smiled once more before continuing. "Amd the second is: who in the hell did you piss off enough to get stuck with the Alchemists?" While said jokingly, the question itself was quite serious. For all the hatred directed towards the Dogs of the Military, it sounded like every last one practiced Human Transmutation.

 

[Fragrance of Mtn Dew]

Marlin found the Banagher's banter quite adorable actually, which was quite the contrast to their performance in the fight earlier. Still, it brought a smile to his face as he stood by quietly. "You have my word that I shall keep your husband safe. It's the least I can do after all the help you two have been.... Be careful though." He replied giving as small wave to Mira and Lila as they left.

"Now then..." He started as soon as they left, turning towards the tunnels Lt. Banagher had mentioned. "I say we start with these tunnels. That chimera made this place his base of operations so even if we can't find him, there may still be something of use to us in these tunnels." The news that the rest of his squad had been attacked was troubling indeed. If Marlin could do anything that would help ensure the attacks were stopped here, it would be time well spent.

"So Lieutenant... Do you know the current status of the squad? Any casualties?" He asked Banagher as the two stepped into the tunnels. He knew his comrades were all well-trained and formidable soldiers, but he feared the worst.

 

[JdaS]

"Heheh, I'm far too thick-headed to even understand what a Transmutation Array is, I'm afraid. I do know that my mechanic has seen to it that after that incident with Octivir, my arms are not that easily disassembled,"

Anton said while shaking Marcus' now gloved hand. The lieutenant took a few sips of his tea as Marcus asked him to drop the formalities and apologized for being a bother.

"So sorry to put you through orientation, but I think I only have a few more questions. The first is this: what is the team like? Yes, they're State Alchemists, and yes, I read the files available to me, but there's only so much paper can say. Are they reliable? And the second is: who in the hell did you piss off enough to get stuck with the Alchemists?"

Ugh... Of course he's a curious pain in the ass. Typical alchemist... Oh well, I guess it's time to bust out the ol' southern charm.

Anton's facade didn't wane inspite his foul humor. He set down his cup and, with a smile started adressing his new teammate.

"Whew, what a relief! I hate all that military jibber-jabber. Such a pain, dont'cha agree? And this assignment just saved me from boredom so the pleasure is all mine. To answer your first question, the team is quite capable. We have our share of dedicated soldiers, brilliant scientists and... uh... wild cards, I think you could call them? You're in good hands."

Anton paused as he thought about how to answer Marcus' second question.

"That second question is a tough one... As I said, I'm an aide to the Führer himself. I guess you could say I'm here to make sure that operations proceed smoothly. I'm no alchemist, but my hand-to-hand skills are apparently an useful tool in a team where most members are confined to long range combat. That's probably why the Führer placed me on the team, he's not one for details, really..."

Anton took another gulp of tea as he let his explanation set in with the Resonance Alchemist. He looked up once again, and with his deceptive grin, continued.

"Once the team arrives I'll introduce you and then, hopefully, we'll have a brief respite before our next assignment."

 

[CJ1145]

"But we're fine, and we appreciate the concern. Are you okay?"

"Hm?" Victor looked at Elias with an odd look. Elias couldn't place it, but something seemed odd in the Corporal's eyes. Like all the life had been drained out of them; he must have been exhausted. "Yeah. Yeah, I'll be fine. The arm still hurts, but-- YAAAAH" he paused to stretch his remaining arm out and yawn. "I think what I need most right now is sleep. I'm going to go back to my room for a while; I'll come find you later, okay?"

Before Elias could respond, Victor was already making a beeline for the staircase. Oddly abrupt of him.

[hr]

"Just when I thought I'd get a break... Don't you need a passport or some kind of ID to get in here? Seriously, how the hell did you even get in the hospital, let alone my room?"

Gurgle.

"And where did you get the food? I'm starving."

Rai didn't answer either question with words, he just casually pointed at the door that was opening into their room. Frieda stepped in and shut the door behind her. She was holding a steaming bowl of soup in her hands, and set it down on a tray in front of Isaac. "Amaud had friends all over the city;" she explained. "I've known some of them for years. They're glad to help however they can."

She walked over and threw the window shades open, allowing that blistering, accursed enemy called the sun peek in. Rai shielded his eyes, somehow continuing to eat the ramen as he went. "Jeez, would ya shut that?!"

"You two need a bit of sunlight." she insisted. "You're going to be doing a lot of reading soon, so I don't want either of you getting adjusted to darkness."

"Reading?" Rai asked, his kingly facade more or less evaporated by this point. "What the hell are we gonna be reading for?"

"For information." Frieda told him. She unfurled a piece of paper she'd brought with her, and showed them a map of Amestris. She pointed to a small, unassuming in the bottom right half. "All of Amaud's data, all the information that he put together on the military and their wrongs, is located her. In a town called Dublith. And we're going to find it."

Rai nearly burst a lung laughing. "Oh, that's beautiful, sister, but tell me why I'd stick my neck out for your mission for one second?"

"Simple. We take out the military, we take out the oppression. We take out the oppression, and the common man gets a leg to stand back up on."

The Xingese prince scowled at the rogue alchemist for the longest time, before finally nodding once and returning to his noodles. Frieda turned to Isaac and said, "Unless, of course, you have any objections?"

[hr]

"Not really, and I don't have time to wander around. Orders could come at any time, not to mention," he paused to yawn, "sleeping sometime this week."

The nurse scratched her chin for a moment, thinking, before finally leading him around the hospital a bit and to a large bin of scrubs. "These haven't been intentionally dried; they got washed and we just didn't have time to finish the job after all the chaos last night. But they should at least be comfortable enough to wear until you get some rest, and get out into the city."

The blonde then took out a piece of paper from her scrubs' pocket and nicked a pen off a nearby desk, and wrote some quick directions down to the nearest clothing store, handing it to Elias with a cheerful smile. The nurse walked away, waving at the soldier. "If you need anything else, just ask the first nurse you find!"

[hr]

After what felt like ages, Vlad finally exited the room of the remaining bomber brother. He didn't say anything to James, only shaking his head. If there was any information to be gleaned from him, it was not gained through his long night of "aggressive negotiation."

Vampire and James were both then greeted by a messenger, who alerted them that Lt. Anton had summoned them to meet with him in Conference Room 6.


That messenger went off, and in short order contacted Victor, Tasha, Kallu, and all of the others present at the hospital; most of them had been in the middle of their precious naps, and had reacted... less than pleasantly at the interruption. In the end, they'd all gotten the message, and would get there... on their own schedules. All, that is, except for the Deep Blue Alchemist.

[hr]

Banagher grinned and nodded as Marlin suggested their next course of action. "Anything you say, sir."


They stepped into the tunnels, and at once Deep Blue realized that Banagher's guess had been correct. Though it was well-lit by torches, the passage went on so far into the darkness that it all combined into a single orange spark in its furthest reaches. The two began to walk, going that way for several minutes before finally reaching a nondescript wooden door. Marlin tested it, and sure enough it led to a staircase leading out to an alleyway not far from the one he'd first followed the chimera into.

They continued on into the tunnels, and a minute or so later they found another door on the left side of the walls, instead of the right. They progressed further and further, until Marlin could not take the silence. He began conversing. "So Lieutenant... Do you know the current status of the squad? Any casualties?"

Banagher sighed, and shrugged as they went. "It's hard to say, sir. It all happened so fast, there was really no way to tell. We lost all communications when we came down the tunnel after you. As best as we know, everyone was safe. The only ones in big trouble were the ones with the Lieutenant Colonel; went up against some real nasty bomber twins. But by the time we dropped out of contact, Major Armstrong had arrived to help them. I doubt any of 'em are in any real danger, sir. So just relax, sir."

[hr]

In the darkest alleyways of East City, blood dripped from every wall as a single, pathetic figure struggled to get away. His legs long since ripped from their very sockets, his trembling hands dragged him down, further and further away from the darkness.

Into the light. he thought. It was the only way to be safe. He had to get away from the--the--

All around him, impenetrable shadow coalesced. The man's eyes bugged out as he saw utter blackness dripping over the walls around him. Inhuman shifting noises rang in his ears, and out of the sea of darkness rolled a single eye. And under it, a spiked grin.

NOW NOW. WHERE DO YOU THINK YOU'RE GOING, MR. SPICE?

Black tendrils wrapped around his wrists, and dragged Amon Foern back into the darkness. "No! N-no!! NOOOOOOOOOOOO--"

SKLRT