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The three of you are stunned for a bit, as you think over the implications of what's going on. Before any of you say anything in response, Bradley turns and waves you in his direction.

"Follow me. I had to come pick you boys up, but there's someone I've left waiting." the Fuhrer tells you. "We will discuss things once we're all sitting down."

You and the Elric brothers do as you're told for now, and follow the man to a room. He opens the door, and as you walk through, you see Mustang seated at a table. Bradley goes around to the other side after closing the door behind you, and sits down in front of a cup of tea.

"Ah, I was able to make it back while it was still hot. Good." the Fuhrer says, before taking a sip. "Why don't you three go ahead and take a seat?"

You and the Elrics are motioned towards three chairs. You see the brothers glance around, and you think you know what's on their mind. There are no guards here, just the four of you and the Fuhrer. Furthermore, he only has a single sword with him. Yet he doesn't show the slightest hint of worry. He's absolutely confident that he's not in any danger. You don't know how skilled someone would have to be to reach that point, but you're not going to try and find out right now. For now, you take your seat. The Elric brothers do the same.

>A.Ask Mustang what he's doing here

>B.Ask the Fuhrer about something (Write-in)

>C.Let the others talk for a bit

>D.Other

>>913054
>>C.Let the others talk for a bit


there are so many questions that it would probably be best to let him talk for a bit first.

>>913054
>>C.Let the others talk for a bit

>>913054
>>C.Let the others talk for a bit

>>913091
>>913097
>>913261

There's a lot going on at the moment, too much for you to even effectively ask about it. So you decide to stay quiet for a while and see what's said. Ed goes ahead and gets the discussion started.

"So Fuhrer, what was that back when you visited me in the hospital?" he asks. "I guess you really had us going there, didn't you?"

"I don't recall lying." Bradley replies. "I merely told you to suspect everyone, and not to meddle any further. Order you failed to abide by, I might mention. You don't need to keep prying. All you need to know is that you're important to us. Accept the importance of your role, and keep your heads down. If you do that, no harm will come to you."

"Well that's great for us, but what about those who aren't lucky enough to be of use to you?" Ed goes on. "What'll happen to them?"

"You don't need to know any more than I've already told you." the Fuhrer shoots back. "Is that clear, Fullmetal Alchemist?"

"Tch. Fullmetal Alchemist. You chose that title for me." Ed scoffs. As he does, you remember that the Fuhrer chose your title as well. Both of you have been under his eye since joining the military. Ed pulls out his watch and looks at it. "I only joined the military because I thought we'd be able to find a way to bring Al's body back. But now I know what the State Alchemist program really is. You're really using it as a way to recruit your sacrifices. And Iskander and I fell right for it. Well I'm not gonna let you use me to accomplish your sick goals. I officially resign my title as a State Alchemist."

Ed tosses his watch over in front of the Fuhrer, who looks down at it. You see Edward glance slightly in your and Mustang's direction, as if he wonders what you two have to say about the situation. Mustang however, makes no effort to jump in.

>A.Throw in with Ed

>B.Try to get him to reconsider

>C.Just wait to see what happens

>D.Other

Welcome back Laze nice to see you and your quest back.

>B

>>913286
>>A.Throw in with Ed

>>913286
>>C.Just wait to see what happens

>>913400
>>913420
change

>>913420
>>913529

You try to think about whether or not Ed is making a wise decision, but there are still a few factors you're not aware of. You decide to follow Mustang's lead and just wait and see for now.

"The symbol of a dog of the military." Bradley says, looking down at the watch.

"Your plan is gonna fail." Ed goes on. "I swear on my own grave that I'll stop you. I'll warn all the other State Alchemists. I'll tell them-"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b-GWaFYgXM0&index=34&

"You brothers are from a small town to the East... Resembool, correct?" the Fuhrer interrupts, after holding a finger to his head. "Your father lives there, and if I remember the reports correctly, so does your mechanic. She was a young girl if I'm not mistaken. There was another person, her grandmother? Yes, I believe it said you were quite close to the two. Resembool is right on our border with Ishval. A very dangerous place to be if tensions were to rise again. I don't know if you boys remember, but Iskander here should. What happens to those who defy me. Hakuro tried to rebel, and I wasted no time cutting him down. I cut down his family. I cut down the soldiers loyal to him. And I cut down all of their families. Make no mistake boys, my wrath comes swift and merciless. For example, I've made Lieutenant Hawkeye my personal assistant from now on. That should do to keep the Lieutenant Colonel in line. Iskander, I'm sure the thought has already crossed your mind of your companion. Yes, we have every intention of using her as leverage. As long as you keep your nose out of things, she can stay as your assistant. Easy enough. The same goes for you boys. You don't want to be responsible for putting your town in danger, I'm sure. Oh right, now that I think of it, the girl isn't there right now. It said she was off in Rush Valley doing automail work... A bit out of the way, but I'm sure we could manage someth-"

"You stay away from her!" Ed interrupts. He's shaking with anger.

"Well, that's up to you." Bradley replies, pushing the watch back over to Ed. "If you'd rather not take it, then so be it."

After a bit, Ed reluctantly picks the watch back up and puts it in his pocket.

>A.Ask why the Fuhrer is going so easy on Mustang

>B.Ask what the Fuhrer wants you to and not to do specifically from here on

>C.Say nothing

>D.Other

>>913696
>>B.Ask what the Fuhrer wants you to and not to do specifically from here on


so we can do the opposite sneakily

>>913696
>>B.Ask what the Fuhrer wants you to and not to do specifically from here on

>>913726
yeppers

>>913696
>>B.Ask what the Fuhrer wants you to and not to do specifically from here on

>>913726
>>913748
>>913752
>>913867

Bradley smiles as Ed takes his watch back. You take this time to break out your notepad, and write out a message for the fuhrer asking exactly what he wants out of you. You slide the note to him across the table.

"What I want you to do, eh?" he says, reading it. "Not much at all. I want you to keep going on acting as if none of this ever happened. Don't look any further into the homunculi, or anything else. As I said, just keep your heads down. Another thing, don't you go trying to runaway, either. If you do, we might just have to make this difficult. Anyway, we'll be keeping our eyes and ears on all of you. No more snooping around. We've got you on short leashes, but believe me, they can be made shorter."

"Uh, Sir." Al speaks up. "I have to ask. If we're going to keep serving under you, can we still keep looking for a way to restore my body? Please, Sir."

"I don't see why not." Bradley replies, sipping his tea. "As long as you don't interfere with our plans. And what about you, Mustang? You won't do anything as petty as try to quit the military will you?"

"No. I'll be hanging on to this." Mustang says, holding his watch up. "You've got me on a short leash, but I won't give up. I still have my ambition, and your plan won't change that."

"Ah, 'One day, I will become the Fuhrer', right?" Bradley shoots back. "Yes, we've all heard it. But you know, there's no need for you to sneak around like this. We value that kind of ambition. If you'd just play along, you'd have been a Colonel right now, maybe even a General. It's not too late, you know. Some of us are quite impressed. You managed to discover the existence of the homunculi working only off of a hunch. Think about it."

You glance to the Lieutenant Colonel and see him deep in thought.

"Will that be all?" Bradley asks.

>A.You have another question (Write-in)

>B.That's all

>C.Other

>>913904
>>A.You have another question (Write-in)
What are you? Human or Homunculi? What is that being that directs the homunculi in the sewers?

>>913923

this may be a bad idea but I second this, if were going to do snooping anyway we might as well try to learn as much as we can even if he probably wont say anything.

But lets try to be as subtle as we can about asking the questions, not that I think that's really possible.

>>913940
Sure

>>913923
>>913940
>>913979

The Elric brothers and Mustang are all silent, but you hold up a finger, indicating for everyone to wait. You write out one more note, then show it to the Fuhrer. His brow furrows as he reads it.

"So I tell you to keep your nose out of things, and nary a minute passes before you can't contain yourself." Bradley says, before his expression lightens. "I won't be telling you anything about Father. But maybe just to humor you, I'll answer your first question. I am both, a human born and raised to lead this country, and made into a homunculus. I still have a human body, so I have no regenerative powers, but make no mistake, I have become far stronger than an ordinary human."

"A human made into a homunculus?" Ed mutters. "They can do that?"

"That'll be all you'll get from me." the Fuhrer goes on. "I just wanted to give you some perspective. So you might realize just how futile it is to try and usurp me. I was created to lead Amestris, a piece the same as any other. To try and overthrow me is pointless. Now, we have nothing more to discuss. you're all dismissed."

The four of you rise from your chairs, then leave the room. The brothers let out a sigh, and Ed turns to Mustang.

"Hey Lieutenant Colonel, got any change?" he asks, holding out his hand.

"You want my money now?" Mustang grumbles, as he digs through his pocket. He hands Ed a few coins. "Here."

"What, is this all you got?" Ed asks, looking through it. "Well, whatever. See you later!"

Ed and Al head off, waving at you as they go.

>A.Follow them

>B.Discuss something with Mustang (Write-in)

>C.Head back to your room to wait for Leah

>D.Go somewhere else (Write-in)

>E.Other

>>914111
>>C.Head back to your room to wait for Leah

>>914111
>>A.Follow them

>>914111
>B.Discuss something with Mustang
"If you want to reconsider your plan, and play along with them for now, I would support you sir, Lieutenant Colonel or Lieutenant General."

Man, I go for dinner and come back, and we're still at our three way deadlock. Looks like we'll have to snipe for it

First response chooses A, B, or C

>>914392
>a

we shouldn't be so overt right now especially after we just got told not to play Scooby-doo by Not!hitler

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>>914401

You decide to follow the brothers for now, waving to Mustang as you leave. You catch up to them, then join them as they head to phone booth. Ed puts the necessary cens in, then turns the dial and puts the phone to his ear. Al is leaning into the booth with his brother, so you stand back a bit. There's some silence, then you can hear some speaking from the other end of the line, though not make out what's being said.

"Winry... What, no! I'm just calling because... is everything alright? Have you noticed anything weird? Like, suspicious people following you?"

There's a slight pause.

"What is it?" Ed asks, his tone serious. Upon hearing a reply, he immediately deflates, before getting upset. "What's creepy? Well maybe I won't worry!"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Ap2hT1VmYI&

Ed stays mad for a bit, but calms down.

"Uh, sure. You're certain everything's okay, right? Yeah. 'Kay, bye."

Ed hangs up, then gets out of the booth.

"Well, I think she's still okay for now." he sighs. "I'm still kind of worried about Granny back home, but Dad's there. It should be safe. What about you Isk, how are you holding up? You've got your teacher back home, right? Although I think as long as you've got Leah here, they won't bother reaching that far. I'd be more worried about her."

>A.She can handle things

>B.I'm worried

>C.Poke fun at Ed about Winry

>D.Discuss something else (Write-in)

>E.Other

>>914543
>A.She can handle things
>C. Poke fun at Ed about Winry

>>914543
>>A.She can handle things
She's FAR more dangerous and Scary than me. To the point I have no doubt she could beat Envy alone.
Suppress a shudder

>>914543
>>A.She can handle things

>B.I'm worried

"she's tough ill give her that, but that's what worries me if anything's wrong I think she may try and hide it, in some misguided attempt to not worry me."


>C.Poke fun at Ed about Winry

>>914561
>>914563
Both of these

>>914563
Whoops, that sentence probably could have been clearer. Ed said he'd be more worried about Leah

>>914604
It's okay Mini, we all make mistakes.

>>914613
>
Indeed

>>914561
>>914563
>>914587
>>914588

Taking your notes out again, you write out a message. First echoing not having to worry about your teacher, and then that Leah will be able to handle things. You do however mention that you'd be worried that she might try to hide something wrong so as not to worry you.

"Yeah, I can see that." Ed says, still reading. "You might have your work cut out for you there..."

Ed stops, presumably on the last part of your note, where you poke fun at him for worrying so much about Winry.

"Oh shut up!" Ed shouts, crumpling your paper. "Even though you can't talk!"

"We should probably go check on the others." Al speaks up. "We need to know if they got out okay. And of course, what Scar is going to do now."

"The only place we can be sure to find any one of them is the warehouse." Ed whispers. "We know we'll find Yi there at least. No idea about the others. Leah could be back at your room for all we know."

"Another thing. We'll have to be really careful about meeting up from now on." Al adds. "Who knows who could be following. In the future, we should try to not go anywhere secret as a group, and not do it too often. We wouldn't want to jeopardize their location."

>A.Let's go see how they're doing

>B.You're right, we shouldn't all go at once. I'll head back to my room to find Leah

>C.Go somewhere else (Write-in)

>D.Other

>>914700
>>B.You're right, we shouldn't all go at once. I'll head back to my room to find Leah

>>914700
>B.You're right, we shouldn't all go at once. I'll head back to my room to find Leah
Is there any way to maybe talk more with the Homunculi? They make deals with people they find useful, and they certainly find us useful.

>>914700

>B.You're right, we shouldn't all go at once. I'll head back to my room to find Leah

>>914712
>>914716
>>914726

Agreeing with Al, you write out that you'll head back to your room to find Leah.

"Alright. We'll find out how the others are and tell you about it." Ed replies. "When we get the chance. See you later."

You wave goodbye to the brothers as they head off, then head back to your room.

You arrive there, to find Leah already inside.

"Isk!" Leah run over and hugs you as soon as you step in the room. "Heading off to fight that monster, while unable to use your alchemy. I know you said that they wouldn't hurt you since they needed you alive, but I still couldn't help but worry."

After a few seconds, Leah lets go of you and heads back over to a chair to sit down. She's managed to return to her normal 'cool' expression.

"Well, we're both okay. That's the most important thing." she tells you. "Though I'm sure we both have some things worth telling the other. As we escaped, the girl, May, got injured. I had to carry her out. So Scar broke off to block off attacks from the chimeras. I still don't know if he got out, though I assume so. But if we want to keep tabs on him, we'll probably have to track him down again. The rest of us got out though, and Yi took May to go get patched up. I came right back here to wait for you. So how did things go on your end? Did they just let you go?"

>A.Tell her about the chamber having a link directly to Central HQ

>B.Tell her about the Fuhrer

>C.Tell her about what Bradley told you all

>D.Don't tell her anything

>E.Other

>>914790
>>A.Tell her about the chamber having a link directly to Central HQ

>B.Tell her about the Fuhrer

>C.Tell her about what Bradley told you all

in for a penny in for a pound.

>>914799
This but downplay the her being used to keep us in line. She may feel like shes holding us back

>>914790
>A.Tell her about the chamber having a link directly to Central HQ

>B.Tell her about the Fuhrer

>C.Tell her about what Bradley told you all

>>914799
>>914815
>>914821

You've got a lot to go over, so you get to it. You sign over all the events since you got separated. How Father sent you up through an elevator, and you ended up right in the middle of Central HQ. Then you go on about your meeting with the Fuhrer, and what he told you. You try to go light on the bit about her being used to keep you in line, but you can see she understands the implication. You finish up by telling her about the Fuhrer being a homunculus, and how he said he was merely another piece.

At this point your hands kind of hurt from all the signing, and you just wait as Leah takes everything in. She puts her face in her hands.

"Just what have we gotten into? The whole government is operating under some kind of conspiracy..." Leah says under her breath. "Even the Fuhrer... What are we supposed to do about this?"

Leah takes a deep breath, then leans back and runs her hand through her hair.

"Not to mention I'm collateral now. I should've just stayed in Dublith." she sighs. "But what's done is done. I guess I just have to do what I can from now on. I'll try not to drag you down. As much as I wish we didn't get involved, things wouldn't have been any better off. We'd just be unaware of it. I suppose at least now we can try to do something about it. At least, as long as we don't do anything that will out us. I don't even know what we can do like that, though."

>A.Mustang will figure something out

>B.We could try to use Scar again

>C.I have an idea of where we can do some digging on our own (Write-in)

>D.I think we should consult someone else (Write-in)

>E.Other

Looks like we're totally dead, so I'll continue from here tomorrow if I get any replies

>A.Mustang will figure something out

>>914898
>>A.Mustang will figure something out

>>914898
>>A.Mustang will figure something out

>>914898
>C.I have an idea of where we can do some digging on our own (Write-in)
Visit Hoenheim.
We have meet him, he looks like father, father knows him, if someone knows anything it's him. Plus I think we know that hew is knowledgable and powerful alchemist.

Brothers won't do it due to daddy issues.
Mustang would not do it due to lack of knowledge.

I'll probably won't get enough votes for this so I leave this for others to consider.

>>914947
>if I get any replies
Would post but time zones stops me.

>>915337

> Visit Hoenheim.

>>914898
>>915337


>A.Mustang will figure something out

>C.I have an idea of where we can do some digging on our own we can Visit Hoenheim.

seconding this idea, while mustang cooks up a plan here we can see what we can learn from Hoenheim to even the odds against father and the homculi like any explicit weakness's they have and what not.

Just started reading this again, and I'm curious: have the MC and Leah expressed or developed feelings for one another yet?

>>915833
So far, the most is that Leah wanted to cook for us when we got the cook book and when we went clothes shopping, we did tease her by putting her in a dress and telling her looked good which made her blush.

But really, no. Professionalism first, love life second.

>>914994
>>915052
>>915210
>>915337
>>915661
>>915664

You see where Leah is coming from, it'll be hard to make any moves if you're constantly being watched. But you sign to her that you're sure Mustang will come up with something. He's been pretty good abut it so far. After you do, another thought crosses your mind. You bring up the person you met below Central, Father, and his resemblance to Hohenheim.

"So you're saying we should go ask Hohenheim what his connection with Father is?" Leah replies. "I guess that would be the quickest way to go about it, wouldn't it. But can we just leave like that? They might get suspicious. Maybe we can come up with an excuse. I do think that would be a good idea to help contribute to figuring things out while we wait for the Lieutenant Colonel to come up with his next plan. Also probably won't involve fighting any monsters, so that's a plus."

You and Leah discuss things for a bit longer, making sure to take a bit of time to relax, but decide that between the two of you, there's no good way to get an alibi. You'll need someone higher up to get you one. Which you can worry about later. In the meantime, both of you find that you're pretty hungry, so you head down to get dinner.

As you're eating, you can overhear someone at a table nearby.

"Yeah, it was the weirdest thing, their alchemy just wouldn't work." you hear one soldier tell another. "Sure made themselves look like fools. But I guess if they were any good, they'd have passed the State Alchemist exam, right? The Fullmetal Alchemist came by later and took care of it no problem."

So it wasn't just underground. Even up here they couldn't use alchemy. No doubt that coincided with Father's machinations. And yet it seems alkahestry would still work, given Yi, May, and even Scar could operate just fine. Father seemed quite eager to dispose of the three of them. You guess it's because he couldn't stop them from transmuting.

"So what now?" Leah asks, as the two of you finish eating. "Do you want to take care of something tonight, or leave it for tomorrow?"

>A.Let's go see for ourselves how Yi and May made out

>B.Let's just catch the Elrics on their way back and hear from them

>C.Mustang might be able to work out an alibi for us

>D.If Mustang is under too heavy a watch, we do have another friend in a high place who could help us

>E.Other

>>916630
Forgot my trip again

>>916630
>>A.Let's go see for ourselves how Yi and May made out

We should learn about alkahestry from them.

>>916630
>A
Alkahestry is bretty good, just think of the ways we could combine it with circleless alchemy.

>>916630
>A.Let's go see for ourselves how Yi and May made out

>D.If Mustang is under too heavy a watch, we do have another friend in a high place who could help us

>>916700
>>916712
>>916749

You suggest going to see what became of Yi and May, and Leah agrees to go with you. Remembering what Al said earlier though, you make absolutely sure you aren't being tailed as you make your way to the warehouse. Once there, you go through the usual process before they let you in.

"Y'know, it's hard to feel like we're really secret here, with all the people we've got coming and going." Roa mentions offhandedly. "Maybe we should come up with some kind of contingency or something in case this gets out of hand."

The two of you are directed into a back room, where you find May in a bed, asleep, with her tiny panda by her side. Yi and Alphonse are also here, but you don't see Edward.

"Hey guys!" Al greets you quietly. "I was just about to leave to find Ed. He went off to take care of some things on his own, so I've just been helping out around here."

"She was injured, but it wasn't anything that alkahestry couldn't fix." Yi adds. "She should be up and about by morning, after a good night's sleep."

>A.Ask Yi about alkahestry

>B.Ask Al what Ed's been up to

>C.Discuss your next move

>D.Ask what happened with Scar

>E.Other

>>916912
>>A.Ask Yi about alkahestry
It worked while Alchemy failed. Any ideas why?

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>>916912
>>A.Ask Yi about alkahestry

>>916912
>A
>D

>>916912
>A.Ask Yi about alkahestry

>C.Discuss your next move

>>916952
>>916973
>>916975
>>917094

You want to touch on alkahestry with Yi, so you sign your question over to Leah so she can relay it for you.

"Yi, Iskander wants to know how much you can tell him about alkahestry." she tells him. "You were able to use it underground, even after Father did something to stop him and the Elrics from performing alchemy. We also overheard that it wasn't just underground, even up here, alchemy wasn't working. Just what is alkahestry doing that lets it bypass whatever Father did?"

"Well, from what I've gathered, alchemists here in Amestris use energy from the movement of tectonic plates to transmute." Yi begins. "I don't know how he did it, but that Father must have some kind of buffer under the city that he can cut off your access to the earth with. Alkahestry however, uses the what we call the 'Dragon's Pulse'. It is the flow of chi within the very earth itself, and is independent from tectonic movement. The buffer that is in place therefore has no effect on our transmutation."

"Woah, that's really cool." Al replies. "I'm kind of interested in alkahestry too, do you think I might be able to use it to get my original body back?"

Yi looks Al over for bit, but shakes his head.

"Patching up wounds is about the best I can do with Alkahestry, I'm afraid." he sighs. "I may have given a good impression, but I'm not particularly skilled in its medical usage. My area of expertise is elsewhere. However, alkahestry may yet have the answer you seek. You would just have to spend the time to find it. It would require quite a bit of research."

"Well, that's fine. Any lead can help." Al says, making his way to the door. "I'll tell Ed about the idea, then come back in the morning to ask May if she thinks she knows where to start. See you guys later!"

With that, Alphonse leaves. Yi ushers you and Leah out of the room so as not to potentially disturb May's sleep.

"I'm sure you've come to the same conclusion I have." Yi goes on. "They know alkahestry can bypass their barrier, and for that reason, they will do anything to dispose of its practitioners. They don't want any hindrances to their plan. I had to move carefully before, but now my life will be in constant danger any time I go out. If I'm discovered, my life is forfeit. I'm not sure I can take part in another operation like before. How can I accomplish my goal like this? I will need some time to think."

>A.Is it possible to learn alkahestry?

>B.Just take it easy for a while, we can dig up some stuff while you relax

>C.Ask what happened with Scar

>D.Other

>>917223
>>A.Is it possible to learn alkahestry?
Gotta combine it with circleless alchemy for some real fun.

>>917223
>>A.Is it possible to learn alkahestry?

>>917223
>>A.Is it possible to learn alkahestry?

>>917223
>A.Is it possible to learn alkahestry?
But more like:
How to learn alkahestry?
Plus:
Will you teach us?
At the moment we probably only need the basics, so we may draw energy from "Dragon Pulse" so we couldn't be rendered powerless by alchemy block.

They know it so it is possible for sure, so question is not if but how.

>>917248
>>917254
>>917257
>>917276

If you were able to use alkahestry, then you wouldn't be rendered powerless by Father's buffer. You don't know how much learning it would take, but you're interested enough to find out. You have Leah relay your question.

"Yi, would it be possible for Iskander to learn alkahestry?" she asks. "He wants to know if you can teach him so he can bypass Father's buffer."

Yi puts his hand to his chin, rapping his finger on his mask. He stays that way for a while, before answering.

"You could learn it, just as anyone likely could with enough aptitude." he begins. "However, I hove no idea how it would work with your ability. You can transmute without a circle, correct? I'm no alchemist, but I understand the basic mechanics. You set up your circle depending on the materials you want to transmute, and then do so. You include all the necessary formulas in your circle. This is one of the major differences between alchemy and alkahestry. Alkahestry is not strictly superior. Our arrays our much more simplified compared to yours, which can perform incredibly complex transmutations if only you have the formula correct. Whereas in alkahestry, we may have to take several steps to perform a complex transmutation. I've seen it firsthand with Tucker, here. All this business with chimeras would be impossible in alkahestry. We can't perform transmutations that complex all at once, so combining or separating living things can't be done. It's why I was hesitant to answer the young Alphonse there. Maybe it's just beyond my knowledge, but I can't think of a way to help him with alkahestry. Anyway, the basis of alkahestry is the interaction between two arrays. You set the remote array, set the main array, and then utilize the flow of power between them to perform the transmutation. This is only my own conjecture, but I believe even with your ability, you would still have to set a remote array to use alkahestry. You cannot substitute for both arrays, as the power needs to flow to transmute. But again, I don't really know. That aside, it would take quite a great deal of study. You're very intelligent, but it usually takes years of study to be able to tap into the Dragon's Pulse. I could teach you if you want, but I don't know how much may come of it."

Leah looks back to you.

"Did you get that?" she asks. "I don't understand all the specifics, but we don't know exactly how effective this might be."

>A.I'd still like to try, at least to not be powerless in the event he blocks alchemy again

>B.That's alright then, might be too much trouble to go to right now with how busy it is

>C.We might also be able to find some other way around the buffer

>D.Other

>>917464
>>A.I'd still like to try, at least to not be powerless in the event he blocks alchemy again

>>C.We might also be able to find some other way around the buffer

Don't know if we can't try.

>D.Other
Can you demonstrate it and break it down step by step so i can try on my own later?

>>917464
>>>A.I'd still like to try, at least to not be powerless in the event he blocks alchemy again
>>C.We might also be able to find some other way around the buffer

>>917464
>A.I'd still like to try, at least to not be powerless in the event he blocks alchemy again

Wipe the smile off of fathers face when we kick his ass with it

>>917490
>>917499
>>917510

After absorbing the information you've been told, you sign your response back to Leah. That you feel this is worth trying, at least.

"Alright. We still have to go see Hohenheim when we have time though, don't forget." Leah tells you, before turning to Yi. "Iskander wants to try learning anyway. There may be some other way to work around the buffer, but in the worst case scenario, he still wants to be able to transmute, even if it's not to the same degree as usual."

"I see." Even through the eyeholes of the mask, you can see Yi's eyes narrow. "Know that once you do this, you may be placing yourself in great danger. We don't know how they may weigh your worth as a sacrifice against an ability to use alkahestry. However, I will likely be laying low for some time. I will teach you the basics if you wish. We can see if you have the aptitude. Whenever you have the time, come by. For now however, it is late. It's been a long day, and even I need my sleep. I suggest you get some too."

You and Leah find yourselves a bit tired at the mention of it, and agree that that's enough for the day. Carefully sneaking back to your room while making sure you aren't noticed, you get back and are in your beds before midnight.

Your trek through the underground and discovery of a conspiracy must have tired you out more than you expected, because it's nearly midday when you finally wake. Getting into trouble like this several days in a row would probably be a disaster for your sleep schedule. At the very least, taking it easy for a while might be nice. You both head down for breakfast. You don't seem to see the Elric brothers around today, you must have missed them. After you finish, you ponder what to do today.

>A.Go right to Yi to get to learning

>B.We should see Mustang about getting out of town to see Hohenheim

>C.Mustang might be risky, but we can see someone else

>D.Track down the Elric brothers, you want to discuss something

>E.Other

>>917622
>A.Go right to Yi to get to learning
>C.Mustang might be risky, but we can see someone else

We should vist armstrong he knows enogh to help us but not enough to arouse sucipion like talking to hughs or mustang may do.

>>917622
>>A.Go right to Yi to get to learning

>>917622
>>C.Mustang might be risky, but we can see someone else
Doesn't that alchemist we saved from Scar owe us a solid?

>>917622
>>A.Go right to Yi to get to learning

>>917662
>>917669
>>917699
>>917704

It crosses your mind how you might eventually get off the hook and be able to go see Hohenheim in Resembool. Mustang might be a bit risky to give you any orders, since he's under surveillance, but someone else might be able to do it. Colonel Armstrong comes to mind. But you put that aside for now. You decide to get right to work on alkahestry, and the two of you sneak back to the warehouse.

"Back already?" Yi asks, once you arrive. "We have some guys connecting some tunnels here, so we might have some less conspicuous avenues of approach to use. We need to take all the precautions that we can. Well then, if you're sure about this, let's get to it."

Leah takes a seat aside and starts taking apart her rifle to clean it thoroughly. She can tell this will basically take all day.

Yi starts by explaining how the Dragon's Pulse works, and how to tap into it. Apparently it involves a lot of meditating at first. Quite different from alchemy. It seems as though there are quite a few things in alkahestry that you have to simply "feel". After his explanation, Yi has you set up a pair of arrays, and sees if you can tap into the Dragon's Pulse.

>Roll 1d100, first three

Rolled 10 (1d100)

>>917827
Come on, nat 100

Rolled 68 (1d100)

>>917827
rollan
>>917834
10x buddy

Rolled 96 (1d100)

>>917827

>Another 90+
Damn guys, slow down a bit would you

I gotta get dinner, back with the update in a while

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>>917869
OH BABY.

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>>917869
Good, lets keep this up

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I got the FMA 4chan logo when I opened up the thread. This was meant to be.

>>917869

You try for a long time to get a "feel" for this Dragon's Pulse, but it's nothing like using alchemy. At first, you really just have no idea what you're doing. However, after a bit you get a flash of inspiration. You step away from the array and focus. You clap your hands like you normally do for transmutation, then press them to the ground. At once, you can feel power flowing between you and the remote array. It definitely feels different from using alchemy, but you can function as part of the circuit nonetheless. You're able to direct the flow of power to the array, and transmute the wooden block Yi has placed inside it. It's a rough transmutation, but pretty good for your first try. You walk around to a couple other spots, and successfully transmute from there as well, before stopping.

"Remarkable." Yi replies. "Well there you have it. You can use alkahestry. You don't need me to teach anything else, the process for particular transmutations doesn't differ from alchemy, it's all in the materials. Just spend some time acclimating to directing the flow of power, and practicing setting up your remote array. That's really all you need."

"I swear you're like a sponge, Isk." Leah says, as she finishes putting her rifle back together. "He says this is supposed to take years to get used to, so you go ahead and get it down in a day. It's only just getting dark."

"This isn't exactly equal to years of study." Yi remarks. "He had quite the point to jump off of, and this much is still only the absolute basics. But yes, it's impressive. With practice, you'd likely be skilled enough to utilize alkahestry in battle in mere months. Anyway, I thought this would take longer. Looks like I'll have to find something else to occupy my time."

>A.Thank Yi for his help

>B.Ask about the Scar situation

>C.Head home and keep up the practice

>D.It's not too late, you could go see Armstrong about getting out of town

>E.Go see someone else (Write-in)

>F.Other

>>918124
>A.Thank Yi for his help

>B.Ask about the Scar situation

>F. Hug Leah close

>>918124
>>A.Thank Yi for his help
>>B.Ask about the Scar situation
>>D.It's not too late, you could go see Armstrong about getting out of town

>>918162
No time for waifuing anon, we need to get swole and gattai alchemy and alkahestry so we can do crazy shit.

>>918124
>>A.Thank Yi for his help
>>B.Ask about the Scar situation

>>918162
>Hug Leah close
What the hell are you doing?

>>918124
>>A.Thank Yi for his help

>B.Ask about the Scar situation

>F. we are so happy about adding a new weapon to our arsenal we hug Leah close in the excitement.

>D.It's not too late, you could go see Armstrong about getting out of town

>>918171
>>918187
always time for waifuing my good anons, that said your right we do need to get swole with alchemy and alkahestry to pull off some CCCUURRAAZZZYYY shit.

>>918249
This
Swoll now, Waifus soon

>>918162
>>918171
>>918187

Before you leave, you have one more thing you want to ask. You sign your question to Leah, after making sure to tell her to relay your thanks.

"Iskander says he's very grateful for your help, Yi." she tells the man. "One other thing though, could you tell us what's going on with Scar? Where you able to get tabs back on him?"

"Ah yes, Scar." Yi leans back against the wall. "May left early this morning, all healed up. We had Bido tail her to find Scar again, since we were sure they would join up again. We were right. However Scar and company are no longer in Central. Bido heard the whole conversation. Apparently Scar's brother was the one responsible for the tattoo he uses, and he did quite a bit of research on both alchemy and alkahestry. Scar said that his notes were hidden far up north. Near the Briggs mountains, which are under the control of Drachma. Their group plans to reach them by heading north and sneaking into Drachma. If you ask me, they're crazy to try and traverse that border. But they went. The Elric brothers decided to follow them once they heard. They were interested in the research. A couple of reckless fools. Hopefully they will make it back alright. I don't recommend that you also head off that way. Anyway, if and when Scar returns, we'll try to get tabs on him once again, but for now, the Elrics already have it covered."

You and Leah thank Yi once more for his help, then head off, making sure like always to be inconspicuous. It really has become a pain to have to keep being this careful every time you come and go here.

Upon getting back, you get some dinner, then return to your room. You think things over for a bit. The Elrics are up north, dealing with Scar and company. Who knows if the military is gonna have someone out that way as well. You've heard tales from your teacher about the Briggs mountains. She apparently had to survive out there for a whole month, avoiding Drachmans all the while. You hope they'll be alright.

In the meantime, Mustang and the rest of them should be hard at work planning their next move. Don't really have a lot of room to maneuver, though. It's dangerous here too, just in a different way. As you thought before, going to see Hohenheim might be your best way of helping right now. You'll have to get on that soon.

You and Leah get some sleep for the night, and rise in the morning ready to get to work. You head straight for Colonel Armstrong's office.

"Good morning, Iskander, Leah!" he greets, as you enter. "It's so good to see you again! It's been far too long! How can I help you?"

You don't think the Colonel is under much if any suspicion right now, so he should be safe to consult.

>A.Only tell him that you need an alibi to leave Central and go to Resembool

>B.Fill him in on the recent happenings

>C.Ask how he's been doing

>D.Other

>>918293
>>C.Ask how he's been doing

>>918293
>>C.Ask how he's been doing

>>918293
>C.Ask how he's been doing

take it slow and be polite, we can maybe work something in, also im not sure if we want to fill him in or keep him where hes at.

>>918293
>>C.Ask how he's been doing

>>918305
>>918312
>>918314
>>918321

You decide to start slow and polite, and have Leah ask how he's been doing lately. A lot has happened since you've seen the Colonel after all, and you're still considering whether it would be prudent to fill him in completely.

"Me? Well it could be better, I suppose. They've taken me off the Scar case. It's in Kimblee's hands now, the lunatic. I don't know what they were thinking letting him out of prison. But I guess they think they'll get results." Armstrong's brow furrows as he tells you this, but he returns to his usual smile. Only for a moment though, as he gets a concerned look on his face. "Also, could I ask you two for a bit of help? I've recently run into some trouble. I'd have gone to Mustang for this actually, but I received a message from him not to come to him about anything conspicuous. I guess he must be being watched. I would have enlisted the Elrics too, but they left yesterday. I really don't know what to do about this, and I'm beside myself. Poor Lieutenant Ross is having to bear the worst of it too, the poor girl."

>A.Ask just what he's talking about

>B.Sure thing

>C.Actually, you've got something that you're trying to get taken care of as soon as possible

>D.Other

>A.Ask just what he's talking about

>>918373
>A.Ask just what he's talking about

>>918373
>>A.Ask just what he's talking about


the plot thickens

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>>918379
>>918384
>>918388

You're a bit confused. What could be going on that has the Colonel so worked up? You hold up a hand briefly, then sign to Leah to ask what this is about.

"Sir, please just slow down." she insists. "What are you talking about?"

"I don't know if I should say it here..." Armstrong whispers. "They may not be suspecting me right now, but if this gets out, it'll be my head. But I can't just do nothing... Look, I'll give you the address to the Lieutenant's apartment and you can see for yourself. We've had to... take some people under our wing. The rest of the military would not react kindly to it. We can discuss this further once you know all about it. I know you probably came here with business, but that would likely be better served later as well."

You take the note the Colonel writes, and decide to do as he tells you. It's only a minor detour. Besides, you really want to know what's going on. You follow the directions, and end up at an apartment. You knock on the door, then see it creak slightly ajar as a woman peeks out at you two.

"Colonel Armstrong sent us here." Leah explains. "This is Iskander Steiner, the Silent Alchemist, and I'm his interpreter, Leah Crawford."

"Silent Alchemist? Oh good, the Colonel has told me about you." the woman opens the door further. "I'm Lieutenant Maria Ross."

"I've been made to take some leave so I can host some guests." Ross tells you, as she leads you inside. "See for yourself."

You turn and find a larger room, with four people inside it. Three of them are clearly from the East, like Yi and May. They have heavy cloaks and masks, but they aren't wearing them right now, and they're set aside. One is a young man with a ponytail, one is a young girl, and one is an old man with a mustache. The fourth person is even more odd. He's in a suit of armor, with a helmet in the shape of a skull. There's food strewn about all over the room, and the old man and the guy in the armor are playing some kind of board game you don't recognize with white and black pieces. They all look your way when you and Leah enter.

"What's this now, just who have we got here?" the armored man gets up. "Some guy and... Wow, look at this tall drink of water! And those super sharp eyes that cut right into me! That makes three just in this room! I can feel their stares slicing me up! It's like I've died all over again, but this time I've gone to heaven!"

The girl grabs the helmet off of the man, revealing that he is like Alphonse, hollow inside. She grinds her teeth as she yells at empty armor.

"Barry, be quiet!" she demands. "Don't make me smack you around again!"

The man makes no effort to get his head back,and merely clasps his hands together while leaning toward the girl.

"Honey, you can smack me around anytime."

"That's enough!" the old man erupts from his seat and kicks Barry to the ground.

As they fight, the young man looks to you. "Hi! I'm Ling Yao, Prince of Xing. Nice to meet you."

>End of Chapter 10

And we're cutting it there, that's all I have time for this week. I should be good to go again on Monday this time

Twitter is @LazeQM

>>918478

thanks for running laze. see you next time.

Thank ya for the run Laze, hope to see ya soon