Myth Hunter

My little rescued prisoner is an original character. still working on her. At the moment in my head she kind of looks like some bad 80s sci-fi puppet alien. But Actually cute.

[authors note] So it turns out... I have written quite a bit on this one. I didn't think it was this much.

My world is dark, and warm. My world appears to be moving. Jarring and spinning. I'm surprised it's taken me this long to wake up. The last that I remember was the human cradling me against him within his jacket. Was he now performing a daring escape whirling through the air with me attached to him? I wriggled myself into a position to peer over the top of the jacket. We are not moving... The vehicle we occupy is moving. And fast. I can see out the front viewscreen a whirling of colours and shapes as the pilot dodges and weaves through what appears to be an insane number of ships trying desperately to destroy us. The pilot's attempts at destroying us also seem desperate. My stomach lurches as the gravity dampeners struggle 2 seconds behind the ships movements, trying to keep up with the sudden spinning and random speed changes. "Are you okay little one?" Turning my head, I look into the face of the human male from the cells. His face is ashen and his lips are tight. But his eyes are full of concern. I give him a nod and he returned his gaze to the front viewscreen. Systems blare from all around the cockpit. I am in awe of this pilot who appears calm... almost happy, with our current predicament. One of the warning sounds changes pitch and things change instantly. The pilot begins turning towards a gap between two large ships and as the smaller fighters begin to scramble to intercept the trajectory, one of the co-pilots launches us into hyperspace. And we are gone from that mess.

It was a waif of a creature, and it snuggled into him as he contemplated an escape. It wasn't long before he could feel the rhythmic breathing of sleep against his chest. He was going to have to escape with this creature attached to him. Should be fun. He thought to himself. Heading back to the main door of the cell he tested the door. "Luck be my lady." The door moved. In their haste to get away the guards had not closed the door properly. This was a chance to escape. Lor San moved swiftly despite the creature in his jacket, up the stairs to the first landing. A door to the side was slightly ajar and allowed him to slip inside. He moved through the rooms, at first moving cautiously in case of coming across one of the many guards of this place. But as room after room of seeing no one he gained more confidence to be able to walk through the rooms and hallways unhindered. He found himself in one room which was different to all the rest. There were scraps of paper and drawings littering a desk. Detailed schematics of a weapon with the words Star Killer scrawled across it. "Why is a small time, underworld crime lord trying to build a new superweapon?" "Probably because it's an idea he stole from someone else and can sell it off." A smooth voice responded. Lor San froze. He raised his hands up away from his body and turned around, acutely aware of the sleeping form hidden within his jacket. As he turned his eyes focused upon the two muzzles aimed at him, drifted along to the young men holding the weapons and then finally to the smirking figure behind them. "You, Sir..." Lor San growled. "Are a mynok." Wedge Antilles chuckled. He waved his hand and the 2 young men with him withdrew their weapons. "It's been a while old man." Lor San raised his eyebrows. "Old man?" he repeated. "I'll have you know I am not all that much older than you, you young sprite." The two young men who had come with Wedge stifled a laugh as their much respected and battle worn General was called a 'young sprite'. Wedge walked over to the table and eyed the schematics laid out on the table. With a nervous glance he looked at a device in his palm and frowned. "We need to be careful," he whispered. "My droid was detecting another life form other than yourself in the area. They may have a sentinel on duty. But there are no alarms yet." Lor San nodded and smiled. "Then there is no need to worry. The second life form is a good sign she is still alive." "She?" Lor San patted his bulging jacket. "She." "Wow," Wedge chuckled. "I don't know what to say. Congratulations, perhaps?" Wedge again looked at the device in his hand. "It's not the strongest of life signs. That's why I thought there may be a hidden sentinel in the room." "Yes. She is strong and resilient. But even the hardest rocks are worn down with time." For a few minutes the men quickly ran their eyes over the paperwork before them. Trying to gauge what this new superweapon was and how it would work. Wedge frowned at the plans before him. "This makes no sense. How are they going to turn this into a weapon?" "It's impossible. You would need to find a way to harness, control and hold the magnitude of power this is referring to. That can't be done on such a scale." As the two men continued to discuss the possibility and implications, there was a series of soft beeps. Wedge suddenly looked down at the device in his hand. Lor San could now see that it was a crude amalgamation of a communications device and life sign detector. The soft insistent beeps of a droid could be heard over it. "We're out of time." Wedge led the small party back through the entrance they had come from with Lor San following closely. Wedge seemed fully aware of the correct direction in the maze of rooms and corridors. Finally coming out into a spacious room... With a clean cut hole in the side of it. A door slid up within the hole and revealed an R12 unit. "Ribbon, prep the shuttle."

It's warm. It feels warm and I feel light. Have I died? Did I really fall to my death? I thought the man caught me. Did he kill me? At least it was painless. At least I'm free of that place. It's still dark though. Are my eyes open? Opening my eyes, I found myself still surrounded by darkness. But the feeling had changed. A warmth surrounded me, comforted me. There was no more pain. A sudden thought fired through my mind and the grogginess disappeared in an instant. I'm not dead... I'm paralyzed! Being paralyxed is worse than dead, it means that I will just lie here until I die. Lifeless, hopeless. The vermin in the cells will start to eat me before I die and I can't swat them away. Hopefully I won't be able to feel their gnawing teeth. Curling my body into a tight ball, I start to sob. I have been so strong for so long, I had been determined that I would not break in this place. But now, after everything I have been through, I have finally broken... Physically and figuratively. All the aches and pains that I have been ignoring are crying out with me. The hunger, the injuries, the part of the ankle where the chain always rubs. Mama, Papa, forgive my weakness. I am not strong enough to survive for you. I can't live on in your name for much- something touched my back. There it is again! Something is touching my back. No... Something is... Caressing my back? "It's okay little one." A voice grumbled from above my head. "You are safe now." Something above my head moved to reveal the man from before. I was lying on his chest covered by his jacket. "Are you well?" He asked me. Looking around I realised we were outside my cell. But the bars are all intact still. How was this man able to free me from there? "You are so small and skinny," he said as if reading my curious glances. "You slipped right though those bars. And it was not difficult for me to free your leg from the chain." He slipped his hands under my arms and lifted me into the air. The jacket fell away and I could once again feel the coolness of the dungeon. I shivered in his grasp. "Are you injured?" Am I injured? He's asking if I'm injured! Did he not see me fall to my doom? Is he taking pity on me? I dropped my gaze to my dangling feet. Useless, lifeless! I can't even- My foot moved. I lifted my leg. My muscles felt weak but I can move my legs. What silly thoughts I have been having. With a smile I looked at the man. A smile blossomed on his own face. "Let's get out of here. I don't think I will find what I have set to look out for. But I have found you." Putting his jacket back on, he zipped it up with me snuggled between him and the jacket. For the first time in a long time, I feel safe.

Lor San Tekka, adventurist, explorer, scoundrel. He laughed as these titles were listed against his name. He had never particularly thought of himself as any of these. He simply lived his life drifting from one adventure to another, meeting new and exciting people, seeing new and wondrous sights. Following on the trail of rumours to find what was lost and forgotten. And this trail had been one of his greatest adventures. The Jedi master, Luke Skywalker, had gone missing and a great many people were eager to find him. Including Lor San's long time acquaintance, Leia Organa. The Princess turned Rebel leader had been an ally during the times of Emperor Palpatine. He had first met her when he was working as a supply runner on his homeworld of Alderaan, his captain at that time was also supplying information to the rebel alliance. Of course, they were both a lot younger back then. A lot of years had passed since those days. Many different paths that led him on many different journeys. But he always made time to drop by to see the Princess if he found any information of interest. He drew his attention back to the present. This place was so big and full of people, he had no idea where to start looking for the clue to lead him to Luke Skywalker. That wouldn't stop him, but it was a daunting project. Unfortunately at this moment he really had no choice. Captured and brought before the (self proclaimed) High Admiral, he was quickly losing whatever freedom he had to search the place. But then again, maybe not. Perhaps this was the path he was meant to be on. Lor San was never one to believe in the Force completely... But he had seen things in his lifetime that made less sense than a Jedi's power. Bound by chains at wrists and ankles, he found himself being dragged through dark hallways and damp staircases, heading deeper into the abyss of the dungeons. A place where people are easily lost and forgotten. Is this where the man is hiding from the galaxy? The smell was overwhelming. Stench and rot filled the air repelling anyone who came near. The guards decided that placing him in a cell was too much time spent in this place, they removed his shackles and shoved him through a doorway before slamming it shut and locking it. They couldn't get away fast enough. Once Lor San's eyes adjusted to the darkness, he managed to make out where the smell was coming from... Piles of bodies had been left to rot. Forgotten about. Abandoned. He rushed from cell to cell checking to see if there was any sign of life. Nothing. No movement. No sound. Too dark to make out clear facial features. If indeed Skywalker was down here, there was no way of him finding out... Unless he got up close to the bodies. Lor San looked back at the door. Well he had time. He continued to walk down the corridor of cells and passed by a cell that was completely devoid of bodies. Backtracking, he stood before the cell staring into the darkness. Empty? He strained his ears. No, not empty. There was a faint noise, breathing. Something was in there. And it was large, unless the darkness had distorted his sense of direction. But that sound definitely seemed to be coming from high up. "Show yourself my friend. I mean you no harm. I am like you, a prisoner here." There was movement in the darkness. The sound of chains scraping against rock and metal. Lor San tried to focus his weary eyes, he could make out a shape in the darkness as it moved towards him slowly. It was tall, very thin, kind of metallic in the shape of loops... He focussed on the chains that clanked quietly as they swung. He could see that one end of the chain was bolted to the middle of the cell floor. The other end of the chain trailed up into the darkness of the ceiling. The breathing came from just inside the cell. Suddenly, a small body of hair fell from the ceiling, flailing for a hold on the cell bars, trying to avoid the inevitable crash into the floor. Lor San reached his arms into the cell and caught the creature in his arms. So light. So skinny. So... Weak. Large sad eyes looked up at him, something flashed through them before slowly closing.

Chained to the floor, it allowed for limited movement, but at least it wasn't wholly restrictive. I could still shuffle around... with my feeble attempts to maintain some sort of physical fitness. But as time goes on, the body loses so much strength. Malnourished and beaten, it is has been difficult to maintain my health. But there is nothing else for me. My village was destroyed by the slavers who sold me to my current owner. I have no place to go, no one is coming for me, no one I know I can go to. This is all I have left, the constant shuffling from wall to wall with nothing but the sound of the chain to cut through the hollow silence of these forgotten cells.

Identity Real Name: Myth Hunter A.K.A: Mythie Homeworld: Correllia Species: Human Physical Description Age: 26 Height: 5'6" Weight: 64kg Hair: Brown Eyes: Brown Sex: Female Equipment Clothing or Armor: Coresec Uniform Weapon: Blaster Pistol Common Inventory: Faction Information Non-Force User Alignment: Underground faction Current Faction Affiliation: CorSec Current Faction Rank: CorSec Officer History: WIP Background: WIP

Just to update, I will be adding the next part up soon. Just been busy is all.

Ok, some presetting up before we begin. This is set post E9 and working on the theory that Ben is redeemed, Han is still dead, Poe is my sex slave... uhm, hang on... wrong story - that's the adult only version. So working with what we have so far from E7 and going on a few theories, mainly that Rey is Luke's daughter, Ben gets redeemed and the Imperial remnants of the First Order are destroyed... so is Snoke. I have created this AU to play in to tie me over until the next movie. Please enjoy. Or not. I don't care. ____________________ Why does it always end up like this. Chained up in the middle of a torture cell, blood drying on his face, his left eye swollen, and he was pretty certain at least one tooth had been rattled loose. Such was the result of his reckless courage. He thought about the chain of events that lead him to this scenario and smiled to himself. What would General Organa have to say to him this time? He figured as long as the results are successful the method doesn't matter too much. Behind him he heard the door grind its way open and heavy footsteps pounded the worn down cobblestone flooring. “Poe Dameron!” A voice growled. “Resistance fighter and hero of the Republic.” A heavyset man was saying as he walked around the cell. “What would they say if they could see you now?” Poe smiled. “It's an improvement to my looks?” The crime boss and self proclaimed underworld King sneered. He did not like people who didn't know when to give up. “You are lucky we have long term plans for you, otherwise I'd have killed you outright by now.” “That's great to hear you know, I've been meaning to find out what those plans are.” “Good luck to you, hero.” The underworld King chuckled. There was poison in his voice and daggers in his eyes as he looked over Poe's disheveled body. The man looked at someone behind his prisoner. Someone else had entered the cell and remained silent. “Clean him up.” The man removed himself from Poe's blurred vision, replaced with a floating image of beauty. She looked out of place in the torture cell, such pristine beauty against the stained walls of the cell. Her skin was flawless, her white hair tied into an elaborate array of braids adorned with enameled ornaments. Upon her forehead a row of sparkling jewels. Around her neck an intricate weaving of gold all clasped to a large red stone at her throat. Her dress flowed with every movement. She was a vision of beauty and elegance. The woman stepped close to him holding a rag and a bowl of water. He could smell her sweet floral fragrance. She began to clean the blood off his face with her gentle movements, and he found it hard not to stare at her. A small voice in his mind reminded him of the danger that was advised to him in the mission briefing. When faced with the underworld Queen, do not look into her eyes. This woman had the notorious reputation of enchanting her victims before assassinating them. Only one known survivor was found and could recall his experiences. He could remember looking into her eyes and losing himself in such beauty. A man would be happy looking into those eyes as she slit his throat. But curiosity got the better of Poe. His good eye wandered across her jawline, over her full red lips, traced the line of her nose and into her eyes. As blue as an ocean on a calm day with a ring of gold around the pupil. Poe was immediately taken with the vision he barely registered that they had been left alone. He very nearly forgot the mission. Except... she was the mission. Her cleaning had reached an open wound and he jerked his head when she touched it. Thankful for the distraction it gave him and bringing him back to the reality of the moment. In a low quiet voice he spoke to her. “We got your message. And we understand that you are trapped. I'm here to help you get out of here.” Nothing. The woman continued to clean his wound. Not a flinch, not a pause in her movements. Not even an acknowledgement that she had heard him. It was almost as if she hadn't heard him at all. “Are you okay? Can you hear me? Is something wrong?” No response. Something was wrong here. The piece of paper the survivor had provided them had the words 'HELP ME' written on them. But a closer investigation showed a hidden message 'TRAP'. But what exactly was the trap? “If you need help you need to let me know. I can get you out of here but you need to help me so I can help you. She continued to clean him. No emotional change. “Was it not you that sent the message then? If it wasn't you then who was it? And why didn't you kill him? Was it an honest mistake on your behalf?” What's going on?

*rubs hands gleefully together* Oh you people have NO IDEA what you are getting yourselves into. Nat and I have discussed the plot... and the twist... I hope you stick around for that - it's gonna be good. MWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH Thanks for reading.

So I shared this image on facebook, Nat and I took the challenge. Here's the start. Basically this is the result of 3 text messages between us. ______________________________________________________________ Let's get this straight. I'm a nobody. I'm the person who you don't notice on the street. I'm the one on the train with her head in a book. (Yes, an actual book) I'm the one you never see out on a Saturday night because I'm at home... reading my books. I'm the one you will never talk to because you have nothing in common with me. (don't worry, the feeling is mutual). But I have just returned from the GREATEST adventure ever. I only have enough time to blog about this and grab some fresh clothes. Then I have to go back. The young dragons are feeding and they will be wanting to fly when they're done. But it all started... how long have I been gone... A week? A week ago, here I am at home on a Saturday afternoon reading my favourite book, I, Jedi, when my phone vibrates on the table beside me. 'Strange,' I thought to myself. 'No one ever rings me.' I pick up the phone and answer it. Immediately I regret doing so as a barrage of noise blasts from the device. “Hello. Hello. Amanda? Can you hear me?” “Hi this isn't Amanda. I think you have the wrong number.” I told the voice coming through barely discernibly amongst the background racket of a party. “WHAT! AMANDA IS THAT YOU?” “NO!” I shout. “WRONG NUMBER.” Suddenly, the noise disappears and is replaced by a dial tone. 'Well that's ruined a peaceful afternoon.' I settle back into my book. The Star Wars expanded universe novel I, Jedi with my favourite character... Corran Horn. Oh how I dream of meeting him. His rugged features, those green eyes, that muscular body. I swoon as I read through his adventure. … Only to be interrupted a second time by the phone. I answer the phone prepared for the auditory assault, however this time it doesn't occur. “Amanda can you hear me now? I found a quieter place.” “I don't care mate,” This man has interrupted my reading twice now, I am not in a mood for politeness. “I tried to tell you last time, I think you have the wrong number.” A pause. “Oh. Sorry. Who did I ring?” “My name's Nat.” “Ah, yeah you're not Amanda. Apologies.” And for the second time I was left holding a phone with nothing but the dial tone. I tried to settle back into the book, but something niggled at my mind. I read the book but I was unable to calm down, nor lose myself in it's adventure. Getting interrupted really has thrown me off. During my internal ramblings I thought I heard another noise. Distantly I looked at my phone sitting beside me and thoughts of throwing it through the wall entered my mind. But then I snapped out of that daze. It wasn't the phone... was that my doorbell? I sat still unsure of whether I had truly heard it or not. But it sounded again. There was no mistaking it this time. With a promise to myself to kill the person at the door if they annoyed me in any little way, I got up and opened the door. Standing before me was a tall, muscular, green eyed man who looked half excited about something. “Hi,” He said. “I just want you to know that you are my favourite book character and I know how it ends. I want to change it. My name is Corran Horn.” “Huh???”

Bear with me. I don't have as much time to write as I used to. I mean last Sunday I was on skates for 8 hours. But I am getting some new posts together. In the meantime, enjoy this happy dance.

4 posts in 6 years??? wow, I've been dreaming about posting more than I realised.

WTH people, why are you still posting in this??? Seriously, I drop into the Library to see what's new and I see... THIS! This isn't new. WHY ARE YOU HOUNDING ME!!! *runs off screaming* I guess I can add some more. Give me some time to find where I filed fanfics on my new computer.

I made it this far!!! I love Fullmetal Alchemist. This is really good, I love how you have done the story on Selim. He was an interesting character in the manga/anime and it's nice to see a fanfic on him post series. My favourite line: His pride would not allow it.

SQUEEE this is such an awesome story. Who cares about ages and names, this is just pure awesome writing. The characters are loveable and the storyline is intriguing, it makes me scream for MOAARRRRR!!! One error though, 'bought' instead of 'brought' I think it was. Too tired to scroll through and find it now. But this story is really sweet.

Well if everyone is returning to FF then I want to be part of the fun again too. OMG SNARKY!!! How I have missed you and your stories. And this was a wonderfully cute story to read on return. I love the play between the two characters, Luke is so... Luke. And I love Mirax, she's as awesome as Mara. I actually caught myself smiling as I read this, a mix between reading a good story, and reading your stories again, thankyou for coming back and posting.

Al's armour body rattled with nervousness. He and Ed were standing in the middle of a grassed courtyard in the hospital, the old woman lay before them. Standing off the grass watching them intently were Mustang and his subordinates, as well as several other notable military personell and curious hospital staff. If this went wrong, Ed knew that none of these people could save them. But that did not deter him. He had read over and over the methods to use to heal someone. And he believed he had found the solution that had eluded Finnemore. To Ed's mind, it was simple. The old Alchemist had over complicated it for himself. He had made the problem so complex that he couldn't see the path anymore. But if Ed's calculations were correct, going by what Finnemore had written in his notes, it was as simple as destroying each layer that had been built up. The only question remaining was... Exactly how many layers were there? "Right. Are we ready Al?" "Ready." "Ok, here we go." The two boys stepped forward and knelt down on the grass either side of the woman. Her repulsive skin had began to swell with the ever increasing number of diseases wracking her body. Trying not to breathe in the horrid smell, Ed began to call on Truth to challenge him to a fight. He looked deep within himself to his core. "I call you, Truth, and challenge you for a healing hand." Suddenly, Ed found himself in two places at once. Part of his mind could see from his body, still there on the grass, but at the same time, he could see himself before a familiar gate. He had stood there before. When he and Alphonse had tried to bring their mother back to life. Sitting crosslegged before the doorway was a hazy figure. Human in shape but something about it was definitely not human. It's voice came in rasps, neither male nor female. It's only clear feature was it's mouth. "So, you have returned. And you challenge me? This is new. I would not have expected you to challenge me like this. Have you not already lost enough?" Ed suddenly fell to the ground before Truth. Searing pain caused him to scream in both worlds. His arm and leg were no longer the automail he become accustomed to, instead they were once again missing, blood dripping from the old wounds. "It's not for me!" "It never is." Truth sneered. "You want your mum, you want your brother. What have you to pay me this time? How much is it worth?" "I challenge your payments!" Pain coursed through Ed as old wounds opened and closed. Every cut, every stab, every bruise, he felt them across his body as he writhed on the grass and before Truth. He could see Al looking worried for him, but knowing this was part of the payment he restrained himself from trying to help Ed. Concentrating on Truth, Ed held his palms out to him and envisioned the healing circle. It flared into existence in front of his hands and at the same time it was emblazoned onto his real bodies left palm. Fighting the pain he held his left hand over the old woman the power of adrenalin he felt from the pain became the power he needed to heal her. "Your sacrifice is not enough for her." "Then what else do you need?" "Equivilent exchange. Is that not what you have believed in? You cannot gain something from nothing." "Yes. I know." Ed said through gritted teeth. "Take the land. Take the grass." "Nothing can ever grow there again, should you sacrifice it." "I'm sure we'll survive." Truth laughed. It's mouth grew larger and wide as it did so. "I'm sure you will survive, Edward Elric. But can she survive?" "There is only one way to find out." *** Roy Mustang stood and watched in amazement. Ed's body was being attacked by something unseen. Yet he still forced himself to channel whatever power 'Truth' gave him into healing the woman. Al was waiting nervously for a sign. Mustang had heard them both talking about it and had tried to follow, but the terms they were using were unfamiliar and he was not about to research all this himself. A pure waste of time. That's why he had the boys do it for him. But he did not want to lose such a prodigy. He essentially had 2 for the price of one with Edward and Alphonse. Both were talented and easy to manipulate. Perfect for his plans of becoming Fuhrer. As Roy watched, there appeared to be a moment between Ed and Al. The woman's body was completely healed, although the grass around her and Ed had rapidly dried and disintegrated leaving just the solid ground. Al took a short knife and cut through the thin material covering her frail body. He nodded to Ed... ... And then raised the knife high and plunged it into the womans's stomach. An explosion of puss, mucus, blood and numerous other vile substances covered Ed, Al and the woman. One Military official turned and heaved on the nearest garden. Mustang sympathised with him. Many others were looking like they wanted to do the same. But their curiosity and awe won over their impulses. The warm afternoon sun quickly dried the three figures. It changed from the putrid mess to a crystalised form as it dried and then... with help from a gentle breeze, it began to crumble into dust. Mustang hurried forward, followed closely by Riza and Falman. They dusted away what was left of the mess and checked on the three of them. Al, being a suit of armour, was hard to read. But Ed's weak smile spoke for both of them. Laying between them was the woman. Although no longer looking sickly, nor as old as before. Doctors and Nurses rushed forward, pushing the military types out of the way.

I'm BAAAAACK!!! _________________ "We think we might know who the woman is and how to help her. But we will need help. It's not the sort of solution I'm really eager for, but it seems it's the only way." Ed told them. "What are you planning on doing?" Roy asked warily. "I'm going to use the same technique. While researching the notes I've been finding out how to do it. I think I know why Finnemore couldn't save his daughter. We just need to heal her for an instant so that we can destroy whatever transmutation circle is keeping her sick." "Fullmetal, I'm not sure I'm comfortable with this." "Neither are we. But if we can save her she might be able to tell us more." "If this goes wrong it could be the end of your State licence." "General, if this goes wrong, it'll be the end of my life." ***

The heavy footsteps of military boots dragged the Elrics from their daze. "You really do like to punish yourselves, don't you?" Mustang said in deep soft tones. As much as he was Edward's superior, he was also very aware that these two were still just children. Al looked up, his expressionless armoured face somehow still seemed sad. "We can't just sit around doing nothing." "We promised ourselves we would get our bodies back." Ed said without looking up. "If this lead takes us nowhere, then we need to start looking elsewhere. "I see. Well then, if you need to be busy, then I have some research that needs looking into. And it may help that woman you brought back." Something in the boys perked up. They were very good at hiding it, but Mustang had been working with them long enough to see that he had their full attention. "There was once a State Alchemist who's research was deemed reckless and ineffective. We have some of his research notes. Maybe you would like to have a look through them. See if you can find something that others have not." "What has any of this to do with the lady?" "One of the research papers talks about conjuring transmutation circles without having to draw them." *** That afternoon, Mustang sat half asleep in amongst the clatter of his office. "You looked pleased with yourself, General." Riza Hawkeye's stern voice cut into his hazy musings. "You know there was no need to put the Elrics onto the research papers." "Those boys have a natural knack for finding things. If there is something in those papers that years of alchemists haven't found, then those two will find it. I believe in that." "Sir," Interjected Lt. Breda. "I'm not sure those papers are worth anything. I've being seeing those two running around Headquarters all day. They haven't exactly been thoroughly researching." Mustang sat up straight. A frown creased his brow. "Running around? That doesn't sound like them." Suddenly his eyes lit up. "THEY'VE FOUND SOMETHING!" CRASH The doors violently flew open and standing in the doorway were Ed and Al. "THIS MAN WAS A MONSTER!!!" Ed yelled. He looked ragged as he stormed up to Ropy's desk. Behind his Alphonse followed, his arms full of papers and books that Roy did not recognise. "I take it you've had a productive day." "No wonder you're researchers couldn't work it out. You only had part of his research notes. And they were in code. The rest of it all was hidden around the place in concealed slots in the buildings. We've been trying to gather it all." Mustang tried to remain calm. "And when you did gather it all, what did you find?" "THAT HE'S A COMPLETE LUNATIC!" Edward was clearly agitated by what he found. He entire body was shaking with... Rage? Frustration? Hawkeye placed a hand on Ed's shoulder and steered him towards the couch to sit down. She had already seated Al there, who seemed to be in shock, his arms still holding tight to the bundle of books. "What did you find?" She asked gently. "He was once a State Alchemist who was looking to find a way to heal people. The Regenerating Alchemist, Caleb Finnemore." *** "My name's Roy. Roy Mustang." "Mine is Becca. Becca Finnemore." "Why are you crying, Becca?" "My Daddy is scary. I don't want to help him at work anymore... Why were you crying?" *** Lt. Havoc dragged on his cigarette. "We know that much already. That's what his notes said." "But what they didn't say was that he found a way to heal. But it's equivalent exchange, something must be lost in order to be gained. He took from life itself. He would call on and battle Truth while using the world around him to heal. And then... His daughter, Becca." *** "Here! So you always have someone close by." "Thankyou, Roy. I'll never forget you." *** Tears welled up in Ed's eyes. "He experimented on his daughter. Trying to find the limits of his new technique. She was only a little girl. And he took her to work with him and made her sick so he could heal her. And then when he failed, he was forced from Central and stripped of his State Alchemy licence. The military tried to erase any trace of him. But he managed to hide his papers before they confiscated them. That's why his old notes don't make sense. They aren't in code. They're bogus. Fake notes to throw people off. But there was one line in there which pointed to the first hiding place." *** "I'll never forget you. You are my first friend." "Thanks Becca. When I'm older, I'll come find you. I'll free you from your Dad. I'll join the military if I have to, to find you and save you." "BECCA! That was very naughty of you, running away like that. Thankyou young man for looking after her." So you'll always have someone close by. *** Silence lay heavy on the air in the office. Shortly after Ed had joined the Military, he and Al had been doing so research under the watchful eye of the Sewing-life Alchemist. But they had discovered that he had once used his wife in an experiment, and then he used his own daughter. A daughter who, just the day before, had been playing with Ed and Al. This had traumatised the boys and their search for answers took on a new life. This wasn't just about getting their bodies back anymore. *** LUNCH BREAK!!!

*MOAR* ____________________________ "Brother, what are we going to do now?" Alphonse and Edward sat side by side against the wall. The busy traffic of the hospital marched by them with barely a glance. Opposite them was the door to the room where the old lady had been taken. A myriad of doctors, nurses and alchemists milled around trying to help her. But so far nothing had worked. This 'illness' of hers was not natural. "Unless we help her, we're at a dead end. We have to start looking for other clues to find the philosopher's stone." "I thought this was our best chance." "It was. And still is. But we can't ask her while she's so... so-" "Yeah. Maybe we can try to find a way to help her. Then she can help us." "How, Al? Doctors and State Alchemists can't figure it out. How can we?" "There must be something. Surely someone's written about it. We can look it up."

So... I have to keep writing so that they aren't just left in this predicament? *sigh* it's all work work work on this site. ____________________________________ Descending the stairs in all his confidence came Mustang. "Watch it, Fullmetal. That has all just fallen from the explosions. It's not solid flooring." Ed gritted his teeth. "Thanks for the warning." "Can you transmute some of it into a path? We need to get Al out." "Right on it." A minute later, several of Mustang's men stood on a platform in front of Alphonse, they had managed to dig his arms free so that he could balance easily as he came free. Ed, kneeling at the edge of the platform, was about ready for his next transmustation. "OK, on three. One. Two. THREE!" The flooring hidden beneath Al's feet hardened and began to move upwards, pushing Al out of the debris. The soldiers caught him as he stumbled forward onto the platform. Finally, his leg came free and in one collective effort they had him standing on his own legs once more. *** Emerging from the strange building, the General began barking orders to pack up what was left of their camp and be ready to head out. "Do you need a mechanic to see to your armour, Alphonse?" Mustang asked once his orders were underway. "Miss Rockbell is still here." "Oh no, no." Al said, his hands waving in front of him, "But... is there... I mean, did you... I have a - " Sitting next to Al, Ed groaned. "What is it this time? Another cat? Another dog? A desert pig? What have you hidden in your armour this time?" "It's nothing like that, brother. I... there was no other way. And I think, well..." Alphonse undid the straps to his chest plate and opened up his armour. Inside his empty shell was a swathe of blankets, stained with blood and puss. The smell was enough to send Roy and Ed back several steps. "What is that?" The General asked gently. "Not what." Al explained. "Who. And she's really sick. But she knows how to use that strange alchemy. I think she might be the one we were told about. The one we had to find. I think this is her. I had to protect her form the falling ceiling, so I... put her in here. PLEASE GENERAL! We have to help her!" "Okay, okay. We'll take her to Central to get looked at. You can continue keeping her safe for now. Just... keep the cover on." "Yes sir." *** Back in Central, the Elric brothers finally made it back to their hotel room. They had spent the afternoon and most of the night waiting in the hospital for word on the old lady. But so far, the doctors could not say what ailed her, nor what could be done to help her. Miserable and tired, Ed opened the door and stepped inside. *THUMP* A pillow hit him square in the face. "Where have you BEEN!" Winry stood next to one of the beds, her hands on her hips and a glare that froze the boys in their tracks. "Military business. Why are you still here?" "Waiting for you. You drag me all the way out into the desert. Then you send me flying, then you go missing, then the State Miliatry shows up, then Al goes missing, then you all head into that strange building and then Al comes out and he has a sick old lady with him. And you barely said a word on the trip back. YOU HAD ME WORRIED SICK!!!" "Winry," Al said gently. "We're fine. Really. It's just the case we're on is very... strange. We can't explain it to you because we can't explain it to ourselves." "Even then, I wouldn't be sure I'd tell it to you. This isn't your business." Despite the balmy night, Ed and Al felt a chill run through them as Winry wordlessly grabbed her bag and started walking out the door. "Where are you going?" "I'm obviously not needed here. I was going to offer a free service on your automail seeing as it's been through the desert, but you clearly don't need it. I'm going back to my hotel and I'll be going home tomorrow." "WINRY!" Ed started. "What?" "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to... it's just... this case we're on, it's classified and I... You dont' need to be any more involved than you have been. I don't want you in trouble." "Well, you should have thought of that BEFORE becoming my friend." "That's not fair! I've known you all my life. How could I NOT be your friend?" _________________________________ more later. Home time.

Crap, where was I up to? (quick readthrough) Nope... still lost. hehehe, J/K _____________________________________ Alphonse stood in a corner as a final barrage of dirt and rock fell down into the cell. He had tried climbing over the mess to remain on top, but the dirt was constantly shifting and settling and he had somehow trapped his leg under a large heavy chunk of ceiling. And now the room was filling quickly. All that was visible above the debris was his armour head. "Brother." he whimpered. "ALPHONSE!" Al froze for a moment, unsure that he had heard correctly. "Brother?" He called tentatively. "ALPHONSE!" No doubt about it, that was Ed's voice. "BROTHER!!!" In the new gaping hole in the ceiling, a small blonde headed face appeared. "ALPHONSE! Are you okay? Can you move?" "Brother, I'm stuck. My leg is caught." "Don't worry Al, we'll get you out shortly." "OK." Alphonse replied. What?... We? Transmutation sparks flew along the wall opposite where Al was stuck, and slowly, a set of large thick stairs appeared. Edward came running down them only barely able to stop at the bottom. Al tried to wriggle his arms free and achieved in freeing... his left elbow. Ed stepped carefully onto the dirt and rubble. The moment he leant onto his first foot the ground began to shift beneath his weight and he fell backwards onto the stairs. ____________________________ BUSY BUSY BUSY and now it's home time. More later if you all promise to keep reading.

*HUGS* OMG thankyou for commenting. I thought I had been abandoned. *sniff* now I know I am truly loved. And just for you I will add more.