>>598134
HYPE ACTIVATED

I figured out the twist, there are five faces on Mount Hokage. You have to be stealthier, Laze...

File: 12.png (259 KB, 643x530)

259 KB PNG

>>598140
I laughed

File: 1455233835057.jpg (123 KB, 908x900)

123 KB JPG

>>598140

File: Elric Brothers.jpg (66 KB, 600x338)

66 KB JPG

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r0Gb6u_dA7o&index=11&

After meeting the Elric Brothers, your group of four made their way to the military lodging. The day was dragging on, and by the time you arrive, it's just about time for dinner. You all figure that you can eat first and ask questions later. The food is decent but nothing special, though you notice Fullmetal eats quite a large helping. On the other hand, his brother eats nothing. He doesn't even take off the armor. Odd.

After eating, you all head up to the brother's room to talk things over. You all make more in-depth introductions and tell a bit more about yourselves.

"Dublith, huh? Down South... Yeah, Al and I have never been too far that way." Edward goes on. "We're from Resembool, a little town out East. And most of our work keeps us here, or occasionally takes us to Central."

"There was that one time they sent us to Riviere, brother." Alphonse adds. "That was pretty interesting."

"True enough. But with Drachma looming in, I doubt we'll get the chance to go again." the older brother responds. "Maybe it's just me, but it feels like the military's always got the kid gloves on in regards to us. Ever since I joined three years ago, they haven't stopped treating us like children."

"That's why I think it's nice that we finally have colleagues close to our own age." replies the armored brother. You can't see the expression on his face, but he sounds excited.

"Well, you're right about that. You're the first State Alchemist so far that hasn't talked down to me in some way or another. And I'm not just saying that because you can't talk." Ed grins. "No offense. It's kind of weird to think that you joined the military like this, though. Just what exactly were you trying to get out of this?"

>A.Money

>B.You just wanted to study more

>C.Turn it around. Ask why he joined so young

>D.You're still not quite sure yourself

>E.Change the subject (Write-in)

>F.Other

>>598156
>A.Money
>B.You just wanted to study more
>F: Ask about his family being loaded too get such a nice suit

>>598156
>A.Money
>>B.You just wanted to study more

>>598156
>>A.Money
>>B.You just wanted to study more

File: 1469943359968.jpg (155 KB, 700x670)

155 KB JPG

>>598156
>>A.Money
>>B.You just wanted to study more

>>598156
>>A.Money
>>B.You just wanted to study more

>>598156
>B.

We're nerds and we're going to nerd.

>>598156
>>A.Money
>>B.You just wanted to study more

In future could we try to build ourselves some device that would talk for us? Stephen Hawking style.

Or could we try to alchemy the speech by clapping our hands and transmutating the air in certain way?

>>598156
>F. 'A second chance at something you probably shouldn't have done.' Write it down so Leah doesn't see.

>>598156

>B.You just wanted to study more

>A.Money

we got bills to pay and mouths to feed and aint nothing in this world it free

oh, and we tried to bring back our dead friend in a mad quest for ultimate knowledge.

>>598156
>A
>B

>>598200
once the father situation ends we should get our voice back

We should also get a really smooth and naturally sexy voice when we do

>>598200
why would you want to put Leah out of a job man?

>>598201

she knows about how we got here, she cleaned up our mess.

>>598216
Remember, anon, sweet lips and silver tongues lie, but our actions to impress the waifus never will.

>>598160
>>598162
>>598164
>>598168
>>598184
>>598187
>>598198

You joined for two reasons, mainly. As a way to make money, and a way to continue your studies. As any further instruction from your teacher would likely have proved impossible.

You sign what you can over to Leah, who puts it together and passes it on.

"We've always been in a bit of a tight spot money-wise." she explains. "So Iskander wanted to use his talents in alchemy to earn a living. I was lucky enough to get to tag along. Plus, he now has a lot more opportunities to study. All the resources in the library, not to mention being able to meet with fellow State Alchemists."

"Studying, huh?" Ed leans back in his chair and looks at the ceiling. "Yeah, we're doing a bit of studying ourselves. Not that we've gotten far. Tucker's chimera research was totally off the mark. It may not even be bioalchemy we need to look into, who knows? We've just met with dead ends one after another. So hopefully whatever you need to learn comes easier."

The Fullmetal Alchemist lets out a sigh, then faces you again.

"I doubt you'll be able to really help, but you wouldn't happen to know anything about the Philosopher's Stone, would you?"

>A.Nothing at all

>B.Only what I've read

>C.Ask why they need something like that

>D.Other

>>598244
>B.Only what I've read
>C.Ask why they need something like that

>>598244
>>C.Ask why they need something like that

What would you need with such a thing?

>>598244
>B.
>C.

>>598216
>once the father situation ends we should get our voice back
Was it established that we are going into FMA or FMA:B route?
I hope not, as not knowing is more fun.

>>598223
>why would you want to put Leah out of a job man?
Ability to talk is nice and why out of job? There are countless people that held some position and does nothing within it. Loosing reason for existence of her job, does not mean loosing her job.

File: Homura disapproves.jpg (96 KB, 1920x1080)

96 KB JPG

>>598225
Oh boy Dice is here to waifufag and fail rolls.
>>598244
>B.Only what I've read
>>C.Ask why they need something like that

>>598244
B
C

>>598244
>>B.Only what I've read
Also ask if theyd be interested in the same chimera info we gave Tucker. We should've probably said something to the higher ups anyway so they could deal with that guy before it bites us

>>598244
>B.Only what I've read

>C.Ask why they need something like that

>>598254
We're going the manga/brotherhood route, Laze confirmed. I'm pretty sure we don't get our voice back though. Ed only got his arm because he got back Al's body and lost his alchemy, Mustang only got his sight back because Marcoh restored it, and Izumi didn't get her womb back.

>>598254
FMA:B but things are a bit different, were izumi's only student, Col. Armstrong, etc,etc

and I suspect there are some differences with the elrics that we have yet to grasp

>>598244

>B.Only what I've read

>C.Ask why they need something like that

>>598244
>>B.Only what I've read
>>C.Ask why they need something like that

>>598255
Hey, sometimes, every once in a while, I get a decent roll.

Also, at least I don't haremfag like a certain mind among the playerbase...

>>598338
I love all women, NPC or waifus and even Anon's the same dice. Now back to the kitchen.

>>598244
>B.Only what I've read
>You two wouldn't happen to have done something that would require bypassing equivalent exchange would you? To be honest, it would be nice to find a way to get my voice back

>>598354
Fuck off, Jiraiya, or else you really will be salty from me posting pics of a headless Mami.

File: Edward Automail Arm.jpg (16 KB, 236x371)

16 KB JPG

>>598251
>>598252
>>598253
>>598255
>>598257
>>598260
>>598261

The Philosopher's Stone. Every alchemist knows about it, but you know that's not what they mean. A legendary stone capable of transcending the laws of alchemy. The wielder can ignore the law of equivalent exchange, and even be granted eternal life. But it's just a legend.

You shake your head, then make a few signs to Leah.

"Only what he's read. It is just a myth though, isn't it?" Leah adds to your statement. "Iskander also wants to know why you would need it. Why would you spend so much time studying something that very well may not exist? What could you possibly need it for?"

The two brother look back and forth between each other for a while, seemingly considering whether or not to answer.

"We may have just met them brother, but I think we can show them." Alphonse says. "Maybe they can even tell us if they hear any leads."

"Yeah, alright." Ed starts to remove his cloak. "I mean, if that Lieutenant Colonel knows about it, I don't know why I'd be hesitating to tell someone now."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CUF7jOM8Mp8&index=8&

When the cloak is removed, you can see what he was hiding. An automail arm. Where one of flesh would be, is a metal reproduction. You've only ever seen a couple from a distance before.

"Not just my arm, but my leg too. Both automail." Fullmetal tells you. "But that's not why we need the stone, it's just for context. This is why we need the stone."

Ed motions to look over to his brother, and Al removes the helmet from his armor. Only thing is, there's no one inside. It's empty, and moving on its own.

"Ta-da." Al says, jokingly.

After you and Leah overcome your initial shock, Ed continues.

"I only lost an arm and a leg, but Al lost his whole body. Luckily, I was able to bond his soul to that suit of armor. My arm and leg are one thing. Hell, our dad might be able to make new ones even now. But Al's body... we're not getting it back so easily. That's why we need the Philosopher's Stone. We've been looking for three years for any leads, but nothing has turned up."

You've never heard of anything like this before. But the way he phrased it, they 'lost' things, you have an idea...

>A.Ask if they attempted human transmutation

>B.Bring up your shared ability to transmute without a circle

>C.Offer to help them in their search

>D.Other

>>598364
Can you two please shut the fuck up or fug

>>598375
>B.
>A.

>>598375
>B.Bring up your shared ability to transmute without a circle
>A.Ask if they attempted human transmutation

>>598375
>>A.Ask if they attempted human transmutation
>>B.Bring up your shared ability to transmute without a circle

>>598375
>A.Ask if they attempted human transmutation
>B.Bring up your shared ability to transmute without a circle

>>598375
>>B.Bring up your shared ability to transmute without a circle
>>C.Offer to help them in their search

>>598375
B
A
Use alchemy on some papers to spell out our

>>598375
>A.Ask if they attempted human transmutation

>>598375
>>A.Ask if they attempted human transmutation
>>B.Bring up your shared ability to transmute without a circle

>D. Point at your throat and mouth.

>>598375
>>A.Ask if they attempted human transmutation
>>B.Bring up your shared ability to transmute without a circle

>>598376
Nah, we're not gay and we don't shut the fuck up. We only politely quiet down when asked in a respectful manner.

>>598375
>A.Ask if they attempted human transmutation
>B.Bring up your shared ability to transmute without a circle

>>598376
I'll fug you like a red-headed step child sold to the Turks BB.

>>598375

>B.Bring up your shared ability to transmute without a circle

>A.Ask if they attempted human transmutation

seconding >>598406 idea as well

>D. Point at your throat and mouth.

>>598375
>A.Ask if they attempted human transmutation
>>B.Bring up your shared ability to transmute without a circle
>>D. Ask why they don't call him the third-metal alchemist

>>598375
>A
Only four words needed:
>"Did you see it?"

>tfw you accidentally hit a button on your stupid mouse that takes you back a page and invalidates the entire update you were almost done writing

>>598375
>our dad

Haven't seen Brotherhood or all of the 2003 anime, so that might not be a noticeable thing to everyone else.

>>598520
Good, then it'll be a surprise when the twist comes.

>>598520
yeah the dad's absent in both, also, they're only just meeting tucker after 3 years, rather than right after their exams, something's wrong here.

>>598523
>>598522

No, I know about their dad.

But Ed said their dad would make new ones. Not Winry.

>>598523
a LOT of things are different for example they've been to Riviere, theyved never met izumi, no greed in Dublith,etc,etc the question is what do they mean but perhaps we shouldn't try to metagame the quest and just go along

>>598530
...do we have a chance to waifu winry

>>598557

I'd rather not.

File: HeresyStamp-1.png (104 KB, 320x320)

104 KB PNG

>>598551
Metagaming is heresy and should be avoided.

Especially when many things differ from original. Acting on that information can get us fucked, because our out of character information is no longer relevant.

>>598571
Agreed, trying to metagame is only bound to get us screwed.

>>598571
>>598582

I don't plan on metagaming. I was just pointing out that there was something weird about that post.

>>598379
>>598384
>>598389
>>598390
>>598393
>>598397
>>598398
>>598406
>>598415
>>598425
>>598434
>>598438

Rather than come across like you're accusing them, you decide to approach this with a little more tact. You place some ink on a piece of paper in front of you, then, once you're sure you have the brother's attention, you clap your hands together and use alchemy to spell out a message to them.

"Did you also attempt human transmutation?" Edward reads aloud. "Wait, so you tried it too?"

"He did." Leah answers, somewhat sternly. "Despite every reason not to."

"So that means attempting human transmutation is what let you use circleless alchemy?" Al asks. "Then why can't I do it?"

"I think I know the answer to that, Al." Ed replies. "You don't remember seeing it. The Truth. You know what I'm talking about, right Isk?"

You give Fullmetal a nod. That must be the link. Everyone that can use alchemy without a circle must have attempted human transmutation and seen Truth. That must hold true for your teacher as well. Though apparently you can not remember seeing it, like Alphonse.

"Man, I'm just so relieved." Ed laughs and sits back in his chair again. "Sorry, but we've just never met anyone else who had attempted it. I was starting to think we were the only ones dumb enough to ever try it!"

"Don't worry, you're in good company." Leah replies, stone faced.

"We don't mean it like that, Isk." Alphonse goes on. "It's just nice to have someone who can relate to us, you know?"

You can kind of get what the Elrics are getting at. It hasn't been very long for you yet, but you're sure if you had gone on as long as they had without meeting anyone else in their situation, you'd have felt similar.

"I'd say that's good enough to call us friends, right?" Al asks, extending his hand. "Whatever you're looking for, we'll lend an ear anytime you need some help, alright?"

"And you give us a shout if you catch any trace of the Philosopher's Stone, alright?" Ed adds, extending his own hand.

>A.Deal

>B.We'll see

>C.Ask more about them

>D.Ask if they've come across any good sources of knowledge you can consult for research

>E.Say goodbye and head to your own room

>F.Other

>>598571
not saying we should at all I suggested we should help and comfort tucker last thread even knowing everthing about him

its just an interesting puzzle is all I like looking for the divergent points in AU fiction.

>>598611
>>A.Deal

>>598611
>A.Deal
>F. Ask what they know about Philosopher's Stones

>>598611
>A.Deal
>D.Ask if they've come across any good sources of knowledge you can consult for research
>F. Ask if they have any good leads

>>598611
>>A.Deal

>>598611
>>A. Deal
>>D.Ask if they've come across any good sources of knowledge you can consult for research

>>598611

>A.Deal

shake the mans hand we mussint be rude to our new friends

>C.Ask more about them

>D.Ask if they've come across any good sources of knowledge you can consult for research

" Say since were such good friends now and you've obviously been doing circles alchemy for a bit do you have anything you could give us? we ran into a nasty character who tried to kill us and tore through or alchemic defenses like they were paper."

>>598611
>>A.Deal

>>598611
A
C
What was there childhood like
Who did they try to transmute
Let's trade stories

>>598611
>A.Deal
No reason to refuse, deal is equivalent and fair.
Also stone could restore our voice

>C.Ask more about them
As other anon pointed there are differences between official story and this, I'm curious about them.

>>598611
>A.Deal

>D.Ask if they've come across any good sources of knowledge you can consult for research

>>598611
>A.
>C.
>D.

Too curious for our own good.

>>598620
>>598626
>>598640
>>598641
>>598645
>>598650
>>598656
>>598670
>>598674
>>598676

You give the brothers a nod, then shake their hands. You don't know exactly if you'll learn anything about the Philosopher's Stone, but if you do, they'll be the first to know. Who knows, you could learn a whole lot this way too.

After confirming your new friendship, you write out another message for them and hand it to Ed.

"Any other sources of knowledge, huh?" he sighs. "Well, you're probably looking at about the same resources as we are. Other State Alchemists, mostly. And if my hunch is correct, you can't find all that much in the library that you can't figure out, am I right?"

You nod in response, and Ed continues. "Must be part of seeing the Truth. We can pretty much work most alchemy easily now. With the exception of extreme specializations. That's why you'd be better off consulting other alchemists."

"Well, there is one more person he could talk to." Al speaks up. "Our dad, Van Hohenheim. He's probably the greatest alchemist in Amestris. He taught us everything we know about alchemy."

"Yeah, and that's all he did." Ed whines. "But yeah, he knows a lot. That must happen when all you do is study all day, every day, for years."

Edward doesn't seem to have the best impression of his father.

>A.Ask more about the brothers (Write-in)

>B.Thank them for the advice and head back to your own room

>C.Other

>>598750
A
Who did they try to transmute
That probably isn't the most appropriate thing to ask tho

>>598750
>A
>Ask where they got the suit?

File: wow boy.jpg (29 KB, 426x341)

29 KB JPG

>>598750
>B.Thank them for the advice and head back to your own room
>trained by Hohenheim

>>598750
>B.

So Hohenheim's a shut-in, I see.

>>598750
>B.Thank them for the advice and head back to your own room

>>598750
>A.Ask more about the brothers (Write-in)

"so what happened? I mean who did you try to bring back if you don't mind me asking? if you want I can tell you the source my predicament, equivalent exchange and all that. Afterall, mistakes are meant to be learned from and bigger mistakes just means there's more to learn."

>>598750
>>B.Thank them for the advice and head back to your own room

>>598776
>>598780
>>598786
>>598804

You sign to Leah, then get up from your seat as she conveys the message.

"Well, we'll be heading back to our own room now." she tells the brothers. "Thanks for your advice. You can also always come to us if you need help."

"Sure thing." Ed smiles. "You guys take care, alright?"

You all say your farewells, then leave. It's getting a bit late at this point, so you and Leah start getting ready for bed as soon as you get back to your room.

"They seem pretty determined." Leah says, as you're each laying in your beds. "They're seeking out knowledge with a purpose. Ever since you were younger you didn't really need a reason to learn, but... Maybe you should think about that kind of thing. I mean, last time you studied for a specific reason it didn't end up too well. I don't know, I just think you're kind of wandering right now."

Leah is quiet for a bit longer before speaking again. "Sorry, I don't mean to get on your case all the time. I'm sure you'll figure out exactly what you want to do. Good night."

After that, the two of you each drift off to sleep.

The next morning, you wake up to see the sky overcast. It's almost ominous how dark the clouds are. You and Leah go get breakfast down in the dining hall, and discuss things.

"We've still got several days until our assignment." Leah reminds you. "Enough to even leave the city and come back, if we wanted to. We could stay around here and just relax, too. With these conditions compared to before, it's like we're already on a vacation. And of course, we could always hit up another colleague for a chat."

You think over what to do today.

>A.You want to stay here for the day and relax, maybe do a bit of studying

>B.You want to head out of town while you can (Where?)

>C.You want to talk with a colleague (Specify)

>D.Other

>>598909

>A.You want to stay here for the day and relax, maybe do a bit of studying.

Live it up, Ain't like anything bad would ever happen right guys?

>>598909
>>A.You want to stay here for the day and relax, maybe do a bit of studying

>>598909
>>B.You want to head out of town while you can (Where?)

Check out the shops, go for a walk in a park, get lunch at a nice restaurant, just enjoy having time off with money for a change.

But if this gets outvoted, at least study the sign language book some more.

>>598909
>A
>we have a gigantic thirst for knowledge and no real reason
We're gonna pull a ling and get possessed by lust

>>598909
>>A.You want to stay here for the day and relax, maybe do a bit of studying

who all can we really talk to? there's the elric's and mustang and company but that's about all I can think of ATM.

>>598962
>who all can we really talk to
Nobody :^)

>>598972
your a cheeky cunt ill give you that.

>>598942

A.You want to stay here for the day and relax, maybe do a bit of studying

seconding this because im devoid of creativity.

>>598942
I think we can do all these while relaxing I think B means leave the base/city.

>test

File: Armstrong crying.gif (772 KB, 500x281)

772 KB GIF

>>598921
>>598928
>>598947
>>598956

You decide to stick around here for the day, and after eating, head back to the room. You and Leah both spend a bunch of time on the sign language book.

Hours pass, and you can feel yourself getting more and more familiar with the gestures. You think you could get extremely proficient with just a bit more study, and you decide to stick it out. The weather looks like it's only getting worse, anyway.

You spend all day studying with Leah, and your studies carry right on into the next day. With the rain pouring down, neither of you feel like leaving, anyway.

Just as you and Leah start to get more complex thoughts across, you hear a knock on the door. You and Leah get up and go answer to find some unexpected visitors.

"Iskander! You're alright!" the familiar voice of the Colonel rings out as he wraps his arms around you and Leah. "I'm so glad to see you're safe! If you had fallen victim as well, right after I sent you off, thinking you'd be safe, I don't know what I'd have done!"

You and Leah manage to get free, and you look behind the Colonel. You see the Elric brothers, but they look like they're in bad shape. Ed is missing his automail arm, and Al's right side has a huge hole in it.

"Hey, Isk." Ed awkwardly greets you as he waves. "Well this is embarrassing, isn't it?"

>A.Ask what happened

>B.Ask what the Colonel is doing here

>C.Ask how he's going to get that fixed

>D.Other

>>599086
>D.Other
Scar?

>>599086
>>A.Ask what happened
was it Scar?

>>599086
>A.Ask what happened
>>B.Ask what the Colonel is doing here

>>599086


>A.Ask what happened
>B.Ask what the Colonel is doing here

ARMSTRONG, YOU DO CARE. YOU'VE COME BACK TO US, THOSE WHO LOVE YOU.

>>599086
>>A.Ask what happened
>>B.Ask what the Colonel is doing here

>>599086
>D.
"Don't tell me Scar attacked..."

>>599086
D
You meet Scar right

>>599086
>A.Ask what happened
>B.Ask what the Colonel is doing here
>D. The same guy who was in Central wasn't it?

>>599107
When do we waifu his sister

>>599086
>A.Ask what happened
>>B.Ask what the Colonel is doing here
>>>D.examine the their damage to ascertain the source of it and confirm our sneaking suspicion that a certain individual is involved.

leave them alone for one day and theve got one foot in the grave

File: best.gif (853 KB, 500x300)

853 KB GIF

>>599118

I am torn between Leah and Armstrong and it hurts so much

>>599118
When we prove our worth too her by being the best mother fucking Ice cleaner ever.

>>599152
We can have both, all we need to do is fuse them with alchemy

>>599160
Fuck off Sloth, this is brotherhood.

>>599152
>>599155
Well, best I jump ships and join the Armstrong train since no one else is up for Shesla or Paninya.

>>599207
Of course you and Salt are agreeing, fag-boys.

>>599103
>>599104
>>599105
>>599107
>>599109
>>599110
>>599114
>>599117
>>599128

You quickly put your new skills to work, and sign your questions to Leah, who picks it all up.

"What happened, Colonel?" she asks. "Why are you here out East?"

You look to Armstrong, then make the shape of an X on your forehead with your finger.

"You guessed right, Iskander. It was Scar." the Colonel answers. "He seems to have slipped onto a train here soon after we lost him. He tracked down the Elric brothers here. We're lucky they got away only as scathed as they did. Unfortunately, he got away again. that's why we're stepping up security. I'll be using my vacation time to accompany the brothers back home where they can be repaired. Now my worry is you, Iskander. You may be vulnerable for a while. Your assignment takes you far off, so I doubt Scar will follow you, but while you stay here, going out alone could be dangerous."

"You could come with us." Al adds. "You could meet our dad, too."

"Well I'm not introducing them." Ed pouts. "I don't even want dad to know we're there."

"That would be quite a timetable." Armstrong says. "They'd have to rush to get back in time for their assignment."

"What do you want to do, Isk?" Leah asks.

>A.I'd like to go to Resembool

>B.We don't have time, we'll just stay here until our assignment

>C.Other

>>599220

>A.I'd like to go to Resembool

Also eating dinner, back in a while

>>599220
>>A.I'd like to go to Resembool

>>599220
>B.We don't have time, we'll just stay here until our assignment
We can meet Hohenheim later.

>>599228
What timezone is Laze in?

>>599220
>>B.We don't have time, we'll just stay here until our assignment

>>599220
Time for best mechanic
Resembool here we come

>>599152
Choice is simple.
Pick Armstrong and keep leah as a back up if we're not man enough for her.

>>599248
PST

>>599220
>A.
>>599214
Of course you call someone a fag as if it gains you some sort of respect from others while also missing the fact that I've been the only person who's wanted Sheska since the beginning and is now joining the apparent crowd favorite (it's not just Salt who wants her) because I've accepted there's no hope for her. Now then, do you want to continue to be a capricious cunt?

>>599220
>>A.I'd like to go to Resembool
strength in numbers plus if we talk to Hohenheim maybe we can learn some cool crap so we don't get our teeth kicked in.

>>599310
REEEEEEE, SHESKA WILL PREVAIL!

It has been lmg simce I have watched this quest!

>>599317
Best you give up on her, man. Seems like even if we get the chance, people will stir towards Armstrong or Leah.

File: image.jpg (94 KB, 1076x742)

94 KB JPG

>>599330
Much sadness. Bitterness fills me yet again,FW gives my legion nothing for so long, and continues to ignore us, and now best girl will be ignored as well.

>>599220
>>A.I'd like to go to Resembool


Hey Laze, you should do what Wargle does in his quest and make a post to end the voting and announce that you are writing.

>>599356
That can distract from the actual writing though. Laze is a good QM, let him QM in peace.

>>599220
>We don't have time, we'll just stay here until our assignment

File: Maes Hughes.png (302 KB, 854x695)

302 KB PNG

>>599227
>>599235
>>599264
>>599310
>>599314
>>599356

It might be a tight fit as far as time goes, but you think it'll really be worth it to go talk to this Hohenheim. You nod, and sign to Leah.

"We'll go with you, Colonel, Elrics." she tells them. "Even if we'll only be in Resembool for a single day, it'll be enough."

"Alright then." Armstrong replies. "I'll let Mustang know. Just make sure you actually make it in time. You should be safe enough on the way back by yourselves. Now, get your things together, we're leaving as soon as we can. We'll meet you at the station."

The Colonel leaves, carrying the broken Al, while Ed gives you a wave before he takes off. You and Leah put your things together and make your way to the station. You arrive first, but it isn't long before the others follow suit. The Colonel is out of his uniform and in casual clothes, while Al seems to have placed in a crate. Ed is also here, as well as one man you don't recognize. A man with glasses and a scruffy beard.

"I'm leaving the Scar case to you, Hughes." Armstrong tells the man. "I have the utmost confidence in you."

"Don't you worry Sir, I have it covered." Hughes replies. "I need to hurry and get this case wrapped up so I can go home to see my wonderful wife and daughter again! Have I shown you this picture?"

The man pulls out a photo and presses it to the Colonel, while Ed starts heading for the train.

>A.Join Ed and get on the train

>B.Introduce yourself to Hughes

>C.Talk to the Colonel or Al (Write-in)

>D.Other

>>599543
>A.Join Ed and get on the train

>>599543
>A.Join Ed and get on the train

>>599543
>A.Join Ed and get on the train

>>599543
>>A.Join Ed and get on the train
We'll be stuck for hours with Hughes.

>>599543
>>B.Introduce yourself to Hughes
>Hughes is still going to die because we ignored him

>>599555
>>599563
>>599571
>>599574

Not wanting to get held up by any of that, you follow Ed onto the train. You and Leah take the seats just behind where he'll presumably have the Colonel sitting next to him. Though you're not sure where Al is going to be in a crate.

Eventually Armstrong joins you all, and tells you that Al is riding back in cargo. You and Leah share a quick glance.

"The trip to Resembool shouldn't be long at all." the Colonel says as he takes his seat. "We only stop at one station between here and it."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AL_BoTXeD5s&index=20&

Soon enough, the train starts rolling along, headed for Resembool.

>A.You and Leah keep to yourselves during the ride, practice sign language some more

>B.Talk to Ed about something (Write-in)

>C.Talk to Armstrong about something (Write-in)

>D.Other

>>599659

>C. Ask about his family.

>>599659
>C.Talk to Armstrong about something (Write-in)
ask about his fitness regimen and his particular brand of alchemy.

>>599659
>C.Talk to Armstrong about something (Write-in)
He seems like a good guy, I'd like to know more about him.

>>599659


split it, first bit of the trip
>A.You and Leah keep to yourselves during the ride, practice sign language some more

then for the second part

>C.Talk to Armstrong about something (Write-in)
ask him are there any leads in the case? who is scar? how do they intend to fight/capture and/or kill him.

>>599659
>C.
Lets find how about him, why he joined the military and such.

Also, ask about the muscles.

>>599679
>>599686

seconding these as well

and so it begins...

>>599708
but will it end?

>>599708
>>599719
He has a younger sister you know?

>>599813
Oh yeah, that's true. Named Catherine, super-strong and from the 2003 anime, right?

>>599679
>>599680
>>599686
>>599696
>>599702

As the train rolls along, you decide to inquire a bit further about your superior. You sign to Leah, then tap the Colonel on his shoulder.

"Hmm?" Armstrong raises an eyebrow as he turns in his seat to face you. "Is something the matter, Iskander?"

"Sir, Iskander just wanted to ask about you." Leah tells him. "He wants to know a bit about his superior officer."

"Ah! Then say no more!" Armstrong's voice raises, and you can see Ed lament not having enough arms to cover his ears. "I will tell you all about the man known as Alex Louis Armstrong!"

"Yes, the illustrious Armstrong family has produced talented alchemists for nearly two centuries now." the Colonel goes on. "All proficient in the use of an alchemic art passed down the Armstrong line for generations! I really should show you some time, Iskander. But yes, my family has a long history in the Amestrian military, and I joined to both serve my country and its people, and to uphold the honor of our family. My sister Olivier is also serving, as a Major General, even. She's stationed up North, and quite accomplished. They say she even fights back Drachma all by her lonesome!"

The Colonel chuckles. He keeps going on telling you about the rest of his family for quite a while, until he comes to the subject of Ishval.

"Yes, Ishval was a trying time for everyone involved." Armstrong gets more serious on this topic, as the train grinds to a halt at it's only midway stop. "I did everything I could to protect all my men, but you know it just wasn't enough. It wasn't just me, either. Mustang and Hughes both served back in Ishval, as well as- Doctor Marcoh!"

The Colonel leans over Ed and shouts out the window. "Doctor Marcoh, it's me! Alex Louis Armstrong, from Central!"

You take a look at the guy Armstrong was shouting at, and you see him run away in a panic.

"Who was that?" Ed asks, finally getting out from under the Colonel.

"Doctor Marcoh, an expert of medical alchemy. I knew him from back in Ishval." Armstrong answers. "However, he deserted after the war."

"Really, medical alchemy?" Ed rubs his chin. "Then he might know some useful things. I say we go after him."

"Are you sure? We'll miss this train and have to wait for the next one." the Colonel asks.

>A.Let's go see him

>B.There's no time

>C.You guys go, we'll take this train ahead

>D.Other

>>599841
She's in the manga too.

>>599842
>A.
>>599845
Huh, wonder how I missed her then.

>>599842
>A.Let's go see him

>>599842
>>A.Let's go see him

>>599842
>.Let's go see him

>>599842
>>A.Let's go see him

>>599842
>>A.Let's go see him

File: Tim Marcoh.jpg (21 KB, 325x325)

21 KB JPG

>>599852
>>599853
>>599858
>>599863
>>599874

You aren't one to pass up an opportunity like this. Who knows what this Doctor Marcoh may be able to tell you.

The four of you get off here, and Armstrong grabs Al from out of cargo. the train leaves as you all start the walk into town. So that's already a few hours cutting into your time.

The Colonel draws a portrait of the Doctor, surprising Ed with his artistic talent. Using it to ask around the townspeople, they point you all to a house up on the hill, where a "Doctor Mauro" is staying. Apparently he had come to town and been a big help to the community.

Your group makes its way up to the house, then Edward knocks on the door. "Hello?" He starts to open up the door, only to barely dodge a pistol shot from the occupant.

"What are you all doing here?" the Doctor asks, his gun still trained on you all. "Are you here to take me back? Or are you here to silence me?"

The man is shaking.

>A.Let the Colonel take care of the situation

>B.Try to calm the doctor down

>C.Try to knock the gun out of the doctor's hands

>D.Other

>>599945
>A.Let the Colonel take care of the situation

>>599945
>>A.Let the Colonel take care of the situation

>>599945
>Try to calm the doctor down
>Other: Alchemy to pin the good Doc in place to help?

File: Liquid Philosopher's Stone.png (352 KB, 603x1024)

352 KB PNG

>>599948
>>599952

You hang back, figuring the Colonel can handle the situation just fine. You're proven right.

"I won't go back, I'll never go back!" Marcoh goes on. Before he can fire again, he's interrupted by being hit by a crate with a suit of armor inside.

"Doctor, would you please calm down!?" the Colonel shouts as he tosses Al on top of the man.

By the time Marcoh gets back up, he's calm and explains the situation. He left the military after the war, hiding out here in the country. How he wished to use his skills to save lives instead of taking them.

"I had heard rumors, Doctor." the Colonel says. "That when you left, you took research materials."

"Yes, it's true." Marcoh answers. "I couldn't take being forced to research it anymore."

"What exactly were you forced to research?" Armstrong asks. The silence goes on for a bit before the Doctor replies.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oSs9H1ANmL4&index=7&

"The Philosopher's Stone." The answer elicits a gasp from everyone in the room. "I took the research documents on making it, and the stone itself."

"You still have it?" Ed asks. He stands up out of his chair and leans toward the Doctor. "It's here?"

The Doctor reaches into his jacket and pulls out a vial full of red liquid.

"This is it. The Grand Elixir, the Fifth Element, the Red Tincture. The Philosopher's Stone."

Intermission again! Will pick up tomorrow

Now, I know we're doing some retreading here, but it is temporary Also you guys are the ones that chose to follow along, you didn't have to

Don't worry, you'll be coming up on uncharted territory soon enough

>>600078
all good.

>>600078
See you tomorrow then you cock tease.

>>600078
Thanks for running

>>600078
Thanks for running Laze. Ed can't alchemy at the moment, looks like we're getting our speech back.

Everyone in the room stares at the vial, while Ed takes it upon himself to voice the group's confusion. "How is that the Philosopher's Stone? It's liquid."

"Just as the Stone is called by many names, it takes on many forms. It is not necessarily a stone." Marcoh answers, as he pours the contents out of the vial. Instead of forming a puddle on the table and spreading out, it sticks together in a round gelatinous mass.

Ed pokes it, and the Doctor goes on. "By using this, you can effectively ignore the law of equivalent exchange. But what you see there is an incomplete product, not the true Philosopher's Stone. If it keeps being used, it will eventually run out. As of now, I'm using it to treat the villagers here."

"Incomplete, huh? Well it's still incredible." Edward says. "Transcending the law of equivalent exchange, even if it does have limits. I've never seen it before. And you're telling me this thing can do it. If that's true, who says a complete product can't be made? Doctor Marcoh, I need access to your research notes!"

Ed gets up and slams his hand down on the table, looking the Doctor straight in the eye.

"I can't. That work is not meant to be studied by anyone. It's the devil's research!" Marcoh replies with a pained face. "I don't know why a child like you would need it, but I can't give it to you."

Ed grimaces, and Marcoh looks about the room before turning to Armstrong. "Colonel, just who are these people you've brought with you? Why this interest in the stone?"

>A.Stay quiet

>B.Introduce yourself

>C.Express your interest in the Philosopher's Stone

>D.Other

>>603128
>B.Introduce yourself
>>C.Express your interest in the Philosopher's Stone
Specifically it's ability to transcend equivalent exchange in the case of Human Transmutation.

>>603128
>>B.Introduce yourself

we mussint be rude, even if we only have a passing interest in the stone from a purely academic perspective.

>>603128
>>B.Introduce yourself

>>603128
>B.

>>603128
>D. He has a point. This sounds like something a certain someone might object to.

>>603128
>B.Introduce yourself

Why would we even want the stone? You'd think we would be smart enough to just accept our friends death at this point

>>603283
Our voice.

Alright, finally caught up with the latest post.

Just so we're all in this together, we totally are going to hijack Hohenheim for ourselves, by showing him our eagerness to study and learn, and he will become to us the protective, loving father figure he has never been to Ed and Al, right?

Right, good to know.

>>603151
>>603165
>>603170
>>603178
>>603224

Rather than agitate this business with the stone, you figure you'll just politely introduce yourself for now. You reach into your pocket to present your watch, and Leah does the honors.

"This is Iskander Steiner, the Silent Alchemist." she tells the Doctor. "My name is Leah Crawford, I'm his interpreter."

"That boy there, Edward Elric." the Colonel speaks up. "He's also a State Alchemist."

Marcoh looks between the two of you, then puts his head in his hands. "They're so young... One's even a child."

"The military tends to keep its alchemists out of harm's way these days." Armstrong adds. "Neither of them are likely to see war, like we have. Unless of course, something breaks out again. But we're doing what we can to avoid that."

"Doctor, I need the Philosopher's Stone." Edward insists. "Not for me, but for my brother."

Edward directs Marcoh's attention to the suit of armor in the crate, and then goes on to explain their attempt at human transmutation and its results.

"I see. So you committed the taboo." the Doctor says, after hearing the story. "Then, you bonded your brother's soul to that armor."

"That's why I need the stone. To restore his body." Edward asks one more time. "There's no other way."

"With skill like this, you could very well create a complete Philosopher's Stone." Marcoh admits. "But I cannot show my research to you. For any reason, ever. If you chase the stone, you will go through hell."

"I've already been through hell!" Ed stands up suddenly and shouts.

After a few moments of tense silence, the Doctor replies. "Please, just leave."

>A.Just do as he says

>B.Try to say something to the Doctor (Write-in)

>C.Try to say something to Edward (Write-in)

>D.Other

>>603389
>B.Try to say something to the Doctor (It's red.... like blood. You had to kill people for that didn't you? Probably a lot of people. No power comes without a price.)

>>603389
>>B.Try to say something to the Doctor (It's red.... like blood. You had to kill people for that didn't you? Probably a lot of people. No power comes without a price.)

>>603389
>B.Try to say something to the Doctor (Write-in)

"Why wont you go back? why were you in such a panicked state that you would pull a gun on a old friend and 3 kids."

>>603417
nah man nothing sketchy about it at all...

>>603456
>>603417
Stop with the metaknowledge you fucks

>>603487
This is at least a bit more acceptable

>>603389
>B.Try to say something to the Doctor (Write-in)
>Can we use your stone to help Al?
alternatively:
>Can you use tour stone heal us?

>>603487
This

>>603487
I'll back this.

>>603487
>>603499
>>603542
>>603551

As the others make to leave, you watch Marcoh return the stone to the vial. You sign to Leah, a final question to ask before you go.

"Doctor, what had you so afraid to go back?" she asks. "Enough for you to panic and pull a gun on an old friend and three kids."

"Hmph. You can never be too careful." Marcoh tucks the vial back into his jacket. "The military has a darker side to it than you know. You would all do well to tread carefully."

You think back to the human chimeras. What the Doctor says may very well be true. Your group of four leaves the house, and heads back down the hill to the train station. It's a couple of hours before the next one comes, and as it's pulling in, you hear a shout.

"Wait!" Marcoh. runs up to Edward. "If you're sure you won't regret it, this is where you can find my notes. But be warned. This knowledge may be dangerous. If you seek it out, be prepared for the consequences."

Edward thanks the Doctor, and you all load up on the train again.

"Well, at least something came of that detour." Leah sighs, looking at the train schedule. "It sure cut down on our time, though. We'll have a few hours in Resembool at best, Isk. We're lucky there's an overnight train tomorrow."

Ed opens up the piece of paper he got. "Central Library, First Branch."

"Like hiding a tree in a forest." the Colonel adds. "It will be tough to find one book among all the others."

"Hey, that's all the lead we need." Ed smiles. "Now we just have to get fixed up and back to Central as fast as possible."

The rest of your time on the train is spent asleep or chatting amongst yourselves, until you pull into Resembool station the next day.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ASWcIZWmXfk&

"Well, here we are. Our hometown." Edward stretches what limbs he has. "You guys want to come meet my mechanics? Much better company than the old man. Man, I hope he doesn't swing by while we're here. Hey, if you go see him, don't tell him we're here, alright?"

>A.Sure thing, where does he live?

>B.No guarantees

>C.We'll come with you first, then you can bring us to him yourself

>D.Other

>>603720
>>C.We'll come with you first, then you can bring us to him yourself

two birds one stone, plus its always nice to meet new people.

>>603720
>>C.We'll come with you first, then you can bring us to him yourself

>>603720
>>C.We'll come with you first, then you can bring us to him yourself

>>603720
if their father is still around, does that mean their mother is still alive?

>>603720
>>C.We'll come with you first, then you can bring us to him yourself

>>603796
we don't really know its possible but if its true what did they do to lose their shit?

my moneys on that the moms dead but dad stuck around instead of fucking off.

>>603720
>A.Sure thing, where does he live?
We don't have much to talk about with a mechanic.

Though studying how on earth they manage to interface metal with flesh to create automails might be a good thing to study in the future.

Still, let us have all the time we can with Hohenheim, since it is not everyday we meet "probably the greatest alchemist in Amestris" afterall.

>>603796
I think their mom is still dead, but an alternative might be that their mom is still alive, but Winry died and they tried to bring HER back.

>>603720
>C.We'll come with you first, then you can bring us to him yourself

>>603848
Well, at least the Winryfags would shut up then.

>>603934
Then we can waifu Catherine Armstrong in peace. SHE'S ARMSTRONG, CUTE, AND PROUD, MOTHERFUCKERS!

>>603947
I hope she dies too as well as Sheska and the Not-spaniard and that we friendzone Leah. Cause you want to know best waifu? Alchemy. Never betrayed us, always good to us and gets the bills paid. Alchemy-chan for best waifu.

>>603965
>never betrayed us

Then what the fuck happened to our god damn voice?

File: Ed and Pinako.jpg (57 KB, 1276x714)

57 KB JPG

>>603760
>>603770
>>603776
>>603797

You decide to at least accompany the Elric brothers to their destination before you split off. Then, you can get directions to his house from him anyway. You sign a response to Leah.

"Isk says we'll tag along with you for now." she tells Edward. "Then, you can show us the way to your father afterward."

"Alright, I can handle that. Just know I won't stick around to see him." Ed replies, as you all head off down the road.

In a few minutes, you can see a house looming on top of a hill. A sign to the side of the door says "Auto Mail". As your group approaches, you see a short old lady smoking a pipe come out the front door, followed by a dog with an automail leg.

"Yo, granny!" Ed calls out.

"Oh dear, what have you boys done this time?" the old woman asks.

"Yeah, a lot of stuff happened." Ed laughs nervously. "These are my colleagues, Colonel Armstrong, Iskander, Leah."

You all introduce yourselves to the woman, and she shakes your hands.

"I'm Pinako Rockbell." she says, before stepping back and addressing Ed again. "Well, I know it's been a long time Ed, but you've somehow grown shorter."

You can see Edward snap. "No granny, you're supposed to say, 'My, how big you've gotten lately'."

"Why would I say something so clearly untrue?" Pinako replies. You get the feeling Edward has been getting grief for his height as long as he's lived.

"I'm still taller than you, you mini-hag!" Ed shouts, just before being clocked in the head with a flying wrench.

"Edward, I told you to call first when you're heading back for maintenance!" you hear a girl call from the house's upper level.

"Winry, are you trying to kill me!?" Ed shoots back up, only to elicit a laugh from the girl.

"Welcome back!" she shouts.

It seems to be getting pretty lively here already, and you've been here a grand total of two minutes. You all head inside, where Edward starts laying out the remains of his arm with the Colonel's help.

"Ed! What did you do to my automail?" Winry freaks out at seeing the arm. "I slaved over this!"

"Hey, it's not my fault!" Edward insists. "Isk, you can vouch for me, right buddy? There was no helping it."

>A.Stay out of it

>B.Tell her Ed was lucky to get away with that much

>C.Insist that Ed should be more careful

>D.Other

>>603970
>>B.Tell her Ed was lucky to get away with that much

>>603970
>B.Tell her Ed was lucky to get away with that much

>>603970
>B.Tell her Ed was lucky to get away with that much

>>603965
>>603969
Bitch is gonna betray us every damn time, unlike Armstrong sisters, Sheska, Paninya, Martel, and Leah.
>>603970
>B.
>D.
"It was a dangerous man, ruthless."

>>603970
>>B.Tell her Ed was lucky to get away with that much
>>D. Crazy alchemist killer with an X scar on his face. More experienced alchemists than either of us faced him and are now splatters on the ground. An arm is light compared to that.

>>603969
We were told not to. We didn't listen and paid the price.

>>603970
>A.Stay out of it
Whistle the best we can.

File: armstrong.jpg (37 KB, 480x640)

37 KB JPG

>>603947

> Catherine

shit nigga what are you doing, its either Leah or Olivier

>>603986
>Whistle the best we can.

>try to whistle
>the sound comes out is that of a thousand dying infants of various species

>>603995
Shit, nigga, have you read my past posts? You should know that I'm full of shit.

>>603983
>B.Tell her Ed was lucky to get away with that much
>D. Crazy alchemist killer with an X scar on his face. More experienced alchemists than either of us faced him and are now splatters on the ground. An arm is light compared to that.
Is this: "Bros before the hoes" ?

>>603970
>>B.Tell her Ed was lucky to get away with that much

Scar aint nothing to fuck with

>>604003
just trying to guide you back to the noble and righteous path man, I still believe in you.

>>603995
>Catherine
To old for Isk, I think she could old enough to be Isk's mother. Good milf is goog but not waifu material.

#TeamLeah
We only need some talented drawfag to draw her nicely.

>>604019
At least I'm not still going for Sheska outside of one tiny chance when we visit the library.

Besides, if we can't get Olivier, then at least Catherine's still cute Armstrong and proud.

File: Leah1.jpg (861 KB, 1674x3252)

861 KB JPG

>>604021
in truth as much as I love Armstrong Leah is probably the only realistic choice and im fine with that,i really like Leah so far and I really don't expect that we will win her over...like at all, also what are you on? MILF's are great waifu material

I agree we need some more art id do it but I don't have a scrap of talent in me.

>>604021
>>604062
Actually, Catherine's either in her late teens or early 20s. She's a little older, but not MILF age. She's the fourth daughter and youngest sibling in the Armstrong family.

File: Winry Angry.png (745 KB, 1280x720)

745 KB PNG

>>603978
>>603980
>>603981
>>603982
>>603983
>>604007
>>604019

You decide to stick up for your new friend, and sign a response to Leah.

"Ed's lucky he got away with that much." she tells Winry. "He was attack by a ruthless killer who had taken down more skilled alchemists than wither of them. An arm is a small price to pay."

"You what!?" Winry flips. "You're fighting deranged murderers now? Just what is going on?"

"Well, I mean, he came after us..." Ed mutters.

"Relax, young lady." the Colonel interrupts. "That's why I'm here. They'll be safe as long as I'm around. And in the meantime, that man is being tracked down, rest assured."

Winry seems to calm down at least a bit from hearing that. Ed goes on to explain to Pinako that he needs to get fixed as fast as possible.

"So, you need to get to Central to get some information, huh?" she asks.

"That's right." Edward nods. "There's no time to lose. Can you have it done in a week?"

"Please, Ed. Don't underestimate us." Pinako smokes her pipe for a bit. "Three days."

The old woman fits Edward with a spare leg in the meantime, as she'll need to adjust his regular one. Then the woman and her granddaughter start to head off and get to work.

"Will all of your friends be staying for dinner?" Pinako asks. "I'd love to have them all."

>A.You'd love to, we'll be back for it

>B.No time, we need to see Hohenheim, then head right to the station to leave

>C.Other

>>603970
>>B.Tell her Ed was lucky to get away with that much

>>604108
>B.No time, we need to see Hohenheim, then head right to the station to leave

>>604108
>A.

>>604108
>>A.You'd love to, we'll be back for it

>>604108
>>B.No time, we need to see Hohenheim, then head right to the station to leave

Unfortunately we do have an assignment, and being late to your first one reflects very poorly. Next time, though, for sure.

>>604108
>>B.No time, we need to see Hohenheim, then head right to the station to leave

>>604108
>B.No time, we need to see Hohenheim, then head right to the station to leave

>>604096
Wrong quotation, I was intending to write about Olivier.

>>604062
Picture is nice. And I'm not one to judge as I can't draw shit.
I forgotten that she is also good marksman.
Isk with Leach and Mustang with Hawkeye would make a good first and second pair at official dance party.

>>604108

>A.You'd love to, we'll be back for it

>>604108
>>B.No time, we need to see Hohenheim, then head right to the station to leave

Alas our detour messed up our schedule and we wont be able to sat for dinner, perhaps later after we get our marching orders we can come back but right now we are hard pressed for time.

>>604096

i think we were referring to Olivier, or at least i was.

>>604108
>B.No time, we need to see Hohenheim, then head right to the station to leave

>>604140
i like it as well but the pic aint mine, still nice tho.

>official dance party

id love to see this, im reminded of that one part in pumpkin scissors.

>>604173
>Roy: Silent, Fullmetal. There is official party next weak.
>Ed:Yeah, yeah colonel bastard.
>Roy: All military personnel rank major and up is required to come.
>Mustang smiles mischievously.
>Roy: And there will be official dance, so you have to bring partner. Dismissed.
>Ed's face grows pale.

File: Elric House.jpg (71 KB, 1024x576)

71 KB JPG

>>604116
>>604129
>>604132
>>604137
>>604148
>>604149

As much as you'd like to stay, you know you have to be going soon. You sign to Leah to politely decline.

"We're sorry Mrs. Rockbell, but we have to get back to East City soon for our assignment." she explains. "We just wanted a word with Hohenheim, then we'll be off again. Maybe next time."

"That's too bad. Hohenheim, eh?" Pinako adjusts her glasses. "Well, he's in town now. Should have no problems finding him. He's only ever in one of two places. It was nice meeting you two. Please come back to visit again when you have more time."

The old lady heads into the back, and Ed gets up to lead you two to his father.

"Goodbye Isk, Leah!" Al says from in his crate. "Thanks for coming along. Hopefully we'll see you again real soon."

"Iskander, Leah. Take care of yourselves." Armstrong gives you both a firm handshake. "I hope to see you both again soon, safe and sound."

You say your farewells to the two of them, then follow Edward as he leads you through the small town. He gives a wave to the occasional person that calls out for him, but makes sure not to get held up. You all eventually reach a modest white house, presumably the Elric's.

"He may not be here, you should check." Ed tells you. He hangs back just out of sight while you and Leah step up to the door and knock.

After waiting a bit, there's no answer. Ed sees this, and comes up. "Well, there's only one other spot. Come on."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l2kwie-gs2o&index=16&

He leads you and Leah to a graveyard. The place is nearly deserted, but from this distance, you can see the silhouette of a man.

"That'd be him." Ed tells you. "He's all yours."

>A.Insist Ed comes with you

>B.Ask what he's doing here

>C.Go up to the man and introduce yourself

>D.Other

>>604268
>D.
"Pardon us, Mister Elric, but may we speak?"
>C.

>>604280
This

>>604268
Talking to the man while he is grieving in the cemitery doesn't seem to be a wise move.

>Wait for him, at least a while. If he doesn't leave soon, then go to him.

>>604295
This

>>604268
voting this >>604295

>>604280
>>604295

seconding these, just as a boy has the right to dream an man has the right to grieve

File: Van Hohenheim.jpg (57 KB, 1280x720)

57 KB JPG

>>604295

You decide not to go right up to the man. You don't want to disturb him while he's grieving. However, a long time passes, and the man hasn't moved.

"He'll just stand there for hours at a time." Edward speaks up. "He may not head home before nightfall. You really ought to just go up to him."

You give it a few more minutes, but he shows no sign of movement. You don't have all that much time to wait, so you and Leah decide to just approach him at this point.

"Pardon us, Mister Elric." Leah says to the man as you approach. "Can we have a word with you?"

The man turns to face you. He's blond with gold eyes like his son, has a beard, and wears glasses.

"Can I help you two?" he asks.

"This is Iskander Steiner, a State Alchemist." Leah begins. "He's unable to speak, so I interpret for him. My name is Leah Crawford. It's good to meet you. You are the alchemist known as Van Hohenheim, correct?"

"That's right. I am Van Hohenheim." the man answers, adjusting his glasses. "I take it you heard about me from my son over there?"

Hohenheim motions over to where you were standing next to Ed. You can't see him from here, but apparently his father could.

"Yes, I am an alchemist. What is it that you need from me?" he asks again.

>A.You want to know more about alchemy

>B.Ask about him

>C.Ask something in particular (Write-in)

>D.Other

>>604454
>A.You want to know more about alchemy

>B.Ask about him

>>604454

>>A.You want to know more about alchemy

>B.Ask about him

getting to know the man would be nice but were in a time crunch, plus it feels weird just asking about someone when you first meet them, you need to build up to that even if the build up is just an introduction and another topic.

>>604454

>A.You want to know more about alchemy

>B.Ask about him

>>604454
>>A.You want to know more about alchemy

>>604472
>>604496

You sign to Leah, then look the man in the eye. They give you the impression of a void. Deep, suffocating darkness. You can't even begin to fathom what this man might have experienced to get eyes like that.

"Iskander wants to learn more about alchemy." Leah tells him. "He's been looking all over for people who can help him learn. He'd also like to know more about you, Sir. How one comes to be known as such a great alchemist."

The man is silent for while before responding, staring at the grave in front of him.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SxLLWW7Tt54&index=31&

"Am I truly so great? I've heard people call me that, but I've yet to see much proof." the man says, his words heavy. He sounds so very tired. "All these years of studying has gotten me nowhere. Almost everything worthwhile I know, I learned from the Truth."

You react to the sudden mention, and Hohenheim catches on.

"I suppose you've seen it as well?" he asks. "Then your voice must have been the price. You lost something just like those foolish boys of mine. They tried to bring back my wife, Trisha. Their mother. But it was doomed to fail. They should have listened to me. The dead don't come back to life. Ever. That thing they created was not Trisha. It had different hair, different bones. It was just a crude approximation of a human. Whatever you tried to revive would have been the same. Attempting human transmutation is not only forbidden, but pointless. I know this from the Truth, of course. I've learned far more from it than any man should. You, who seeks knowledge, should be careful. Why do you wish to know? There are some things you would be better off not knowing. The quest for knowledge can be a dangerous road. If you lose yourself, you may end up doing things you're not proud of. Things you might regret. If it's knowledge alone you seek, Truth holds all the answers. But whether it's worth the price... I can't tell you that."

The man begins to walk off. "Tell Edward and Alphonse to take care of themselves. They'll just avoid seeing me again, like they always do."

As the man walks off, you're left with more questions than you started with. As soon as he's out of sight, Ed comes up to you and Leah.

"Well, did you get anything worthwhile?" he asks. "I mean, he probably knows things he could tell us too, but we kind of intentionally avoid asking him about anything."

>A.Didn't get much

>B.You got some good info

>C.Give Ed the message for him and his brother

>D.Tell Ed about something he said (Write-in)

>E.Other

>>604756

>A.Didn't get much
>C.Give Ed the message for him and his brother

>>604756
>>B.You got some good info
>>C.Give Ed the message for him and his brother

>>604756
>>A.Didn't get much
>C.Give Ed the message for him and his brother

>>604756
>C.Give Ed the message for him and his brother

>B.You got some good info

"Its not much to go on but all roads lead to the truth. At least we have an idea on what study if we want more, we need to know more about the truth, who or what it is, where it came from, what it means and what sort of price it costs to learn such things..."

>>604756
>>A.Didn't get much
>>C.Give Ed the message for him and his brother

>>604756
>>D.Tell Ed about something he said (Write-in)
Mention that whatever it was we tried too bring back was not who we thought...

>>604953
this as well

>>604770
>>604812
>>604885

You shake your head, then sign to Leah to explain.

"We didn't get much." she says. "Not really anything he can work off of, anyway. Your father said to tell you and Al to take care of yourselves."

"What, so he saw me? Damn it." Ed whines. "He's always acting like he knows everything. He probably just gave you some vague answer that didn't tell you anything, am I right? Yeah, he's never any help."

While you can see somewhat where Ed is coming from, you're not so sure about the 'acting like he knows everything' part. Did he really never tell his sons about the Truth?

"Well, I'll walk you guys back to the station. Sorry you had to come all the way out here for just that." The two of you follow Ed back to the station. You get there just a few minutes before the train is set to leave.

"Granny and Winry would love for you guys to stay longer, so come back again sometime." Ed grins. "And we'll be headed to Central as soon as my arm gets done, so we'll see you around, I'm sure."

>A.Wish him luck

>B.Promise to come visit again

>C.Tell Ed about something else (Write-in)

>D.Other