#Winry has it framed on the wall

[crowsenjoycrime]

Y'all know how Edward canonically doesn't do the state alchemist reports properly and just makes up some bullshit 36 hours before he has to turn it in. I bet y'all it looks like this-

Like I imagine this is after everything happens. World is saved, governments destroyed. And Mustang just pulls out one of Ed's old reports and grades it like this just to send it to Resembool to fuck with him.

[peapodsinspace]

What Makes a “Human”

Fullmetal Alchemist: brotherhood/manga

Read on Ao3!

Warnings: minor violence, mild thoughts of self harm

Relationships: Alphonse Elric & Roy Mustang

Words: 5,688

Summary: “Al stretched his legs out in front of him.

What would it be like to have feeling in this body?

Would it be cold? or hot?

Would it hurt?”

Or, Alphonse thinks about his [inhuman, wrong] body. Roy has a job for him. They talk.

Tick-tock.

Tick-tock.

Tick-tock.

Alphonse stared at the clock between the two beds in front of him. One of the beds was occupied by a snoring Edward, and the other was empty, blankets still untouched, since no one was using it.

The bed was meant for him, of course.

But the frame looked rickety, like it wouldn’t support the weight of his metal body.

And what comfort would lying in a bed bring him? He couldn’t feel the soft mattress or be warmed by the blankets.

He couldn’t even fit in the bed, or at least, not well.

He was too tall.

Al stretched his legs out in front of him.

What would it be like to have feeling in this body?

Would it be cold? Or hot?

Could he even regulate his temperature?

How different would it be from his flesh body?

Would it hurt?

Could having a body made of metal even hurt?

Alphonse’s didn’t.

He wished it did hurt, sometimes.

Just so he could feel human.

Really human.

On nights like this, where he sat all alone, the things people had said about his armored body swirled through his mind.

The comments were always positive.

They’d talk about how nice it must be to have a body that doesn’t need to eat or sleep.

But Al missed it.

He missed it terribly.

Every little thing he used to take for granted.

He missed eating dinner at Winry’s house.

He missed climbing trees and feeling their bark under his hands and feet.

He missed cool breezes, and the way the air smelled just before it rained.

He missed feeling the warmth from Ed’s hands when he led him around, or when Ed would pat him on the head or-

“Alph’nse…? What’re you doin’ staring at the wall?”

Al snapped his head up, staring at the sleepy face of his brother. “Oh! Um. Good morning, brother!” he responded quickly.

He’d missed the sunrise this morning. Somehow, it made his mood worse.

Edward rubbed one of his eyes, squinting at the sunlight streaming through the gap in the curtains. “Yeah, mornin’. You didn’t answer my question.” He turned his gaze back to Alphonse.

“Huh?”

Ed tilted his head. “You were all spaced out, Al. Are you alright?”

“Yep! I was just thinking.” The younger boy stood, grabbing the book he (hadn’t) been reading off the floor beside him.

Edward furrowed his brows, as if he was trying to dissect Al where he stood.

Al shifted nervously on his feet, eyes flitting across the room, before looking back to the clock and-

Oh, 6:53.

Alphonse gasped. “Brother! You slept in! We’re gonna be late to meet the Colonel!”

Edward’s head snapped to look at the clock.

He cursed, jumping out of bed and snatching a fresh set of clothes from his bag. He bolted to the bathroom, shirt already half-taken off.

“MAKE SURE YOU’RE READY TO SPRINT TO THE MEETING POINT, OR WE’RE IN FOR A BIGGER EARFULL THAN WE’RE ALREADY GETTIN’!”

Al huffed, gathering up their things and re-packing them.

Normally, Alphonse would give Ed a lecture too, if it wasn’t a little bit his own fault they’d be late.

Then again, why didn’t Edward ever set an alarm?

He was interrupted by his brother slamming the door open, looking no more presentable than he had a few moments ago.

“We have to leave now,” Ed hissed, hopping around on one leg while he tried to get his shoes on.

Al shook his head fondly, distracted from his earlier thoughts by watching his brother’s antics.

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

Alphonse shifted to the side, internally kicking himself for zoning out during Colonel Mustang’s briefing.

The man didn’t seem to notice, luckily, just like the last times it happened.

Ed was unintentionally covering for him by complaining and trying to annoy Mustang as usual, causing the Colonel’s attention to be diverted away from Al.

He didn’t miss Lieutenant Hawkeye’s occasional glace at him, though.

Al hoped his helmet’s lack of expression kept her from noticing he was lost in his head.

All he heard so far was that this person they were after was a State Alchemist, and his name was something-Hertz.

He sighed, doing his best to tune back into the conversation.

“-once we get there. Understood?” The Colonel looked fed up already.

“Sure,” Ed responded flippantly. “We get to the guy’s house, look around, don’t touch anything-” he said the last part in a mocking tone. “-and get the hell out. Oh, and we make sure not to touch anything there.”

Mustang’s eye twitched.

“Sorry about him, Colonel!” Alphonse said quickly, doing his best to glare at his brother, who wasn’t paying him any attention.

Roy sighed, waving him off. “Looks like we’ll be there in less than a minute,” he responded instead.

The Lieutenant glanced out the train’s window, as the station approached. “We don’t have enough time to go over the map, sir.”

“Map? Who the hell needs a map for a house?” Ed huffed.

“The map isn’t for his house, Fullmetal, its for the winding maze below it.” Colonel Mustang hissed through clenched teeth.

(This guy had a maze under his house? Who was he anyway? Apparently, Al missed quite a lot)

“Oh.” Ed scratched the back of his neck.

Any further comments were interrupted by the train stopping.

Mustang just shook his head and started walking towards the exit of the train.

The others followed behind him, two silent, and one grumbling about “dumb Colonels”.

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

Alphonse studied the cluttered room he stood in, pivoting on his heel to get a good look around. The ceiling was low- low enough he had to constantly duck- and the walls were chipped and stained by water in some spots.

The floorboards, only visible in the paths between the piles of books, papers, boxes, and all kinds of other junk, had seen better days.

The room was dominated by a tall shelf, packed full of books and trinkets to the point that a gust of wind could be enough to send it crashing to the ground.

Despite the room being so cluttered it felt cramped, it was surprisingly devoid of furniture.

The shelf, two mismatched rocking chairs, and a desk with nowhere to sit were the only furniture pieces in the room, other than a fireplace that clearly hadn’t been lit in some time.

Al walked through the room, stepping over papers that had fallen into his path.

According to Lieutenant Hawkeye, the only thing their map didn’t detail was where the maze connected to the house, though she suspected it was a normal underground addition originally.

Which meant they were likely looking for a basement or cellar, where they would then have to find the entrance to the tunnels.

Given the general layout of the house, it was most likely that this room they were looking for was a cellar.

Which didn’t seem like a problem until you realized that cellars are often accessed via trap door, and a trap door can be easily hidden under lots of things.

Couches, shelves, cabinets… giant piles of god-knows-what, to name a few.

So, needless to say, Al was a little worried they’d be digging through piles of junk all day.

Just the sort of mindless activity he didn’t want to be doing, with the way his thoughts had been drifting recently.

He ducked further as he passed under a doorway, shuffling by an especially precarious book-stack.

The Lieutenant glanced up at him momentarily stopping her… rhythmic stomping…?

“What are you doing?” Alphonse blurted, tilting his head.

Hawkeye smiled. “I’m trying the find the trap door by listening for hollow spots under the floor.”

“Oh! I can help with that!”

“Sure. You might want to use something a little duller than your boot, though. The metal might be too loud,” she responded, going back to tapping her heel on the floor.

Alphonse paused, before turning and grabbing a nice wooden hat stand from the other room.

With that, he joined the Lieutenant in tapping the floor.

He wasn’t entirely sure what a “hollow spot” sounded like, but after asking Hawkeye to clarify, she simply said he’d know when he heard it.

Al was left to his tapping, until Hawkeye paused.

“I think I found it,” she said, crouching down.

Alphonse looked over his shoulder, setting down the hat stand.

The Lieutenant had started moving some boxes away from where she crouched, and Al hurried over to help her.

As they cleared the rest of the area, a larger than usual seam between the planks started to emerge.

After Hawkeye tested the door by cracking it open slightly, she stood and brushed off her pants.

“This must be the one,” she said.

Al nodded.

“I’ll go and find the Colonel and Ed. You stay here, and make sure nobody comes out.”

“Alright!” Al responded chipperly.

He was happy he wasn’t the one to traverse the rest of the house, which from what he could see, was even more cramped than the parts he’d been in so far.

Hawkeye turned, stepping over another pile of papers, and leaving Al to stand beside the newly uncovered door.

It only took a few minutes for Colonel Mustang to appear beside him, startling Alphonse enough that he straightened up and hit his helm on the ceiling.

The man laughed quietly, glancing at him. “You’re a little tall for this place, hm?”

“Yeah…” Al replied, more downcast than he intended.

Mustang squinted at him, opening his mouth to reply-

“Hey, Al! Good to see you’re doin’ fine. I was starting to think this place was the maze,” Edward said, crossing his arms as he filed in behind Hawkeye.

Roy stared at Alphonse for a moment, before blinking and turning to the others. “Alright. Once we’re in the tunnels, stay on high alert,” he ignored Ed rolling his eyes. “Fullmetal, Alphonse, make sure you’re sticking with the me or the Lieutenant at all times, since we are somewhat familiar with the layout of this place.

“And for the love of god, don’t run off on your own.” He looked directly at Edward when he said that last bit.

Ed huffed. “Whatever you say, Colonel Bastard.”

Alphonse shrunk under Mustang’s glare, even though it wasn’t directed at him.

It seemed to have no effect on Ed, though.

The Colonel sighed. “Let’s get going.”

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

Roy walked briskly, listening to the puddles’ splashing as he and his team passed through them.

The tunnels weren’t as cramped as he expected, though they were far from spacious.

Unless “spaciousness” was in reference to the distance they spanned, in which case, it would be apt.

So far, getting into the tunnels had been the hardest part.

Roy just hoped it would be smooth sailing after this, but he found that to be incredibly unlikely.

It seemed like all the small things were out to get them this time.

Riza’s flashlight wasn’t working at first and Fullmetal had nearly tripped twice, though he strongly denied both accounts.

And then there was Alphonse.

The boy struggled to make it into the cellar, nearly falling down the steep stairs due to the steps being so shallow.

And if he thought the ceiling in the house was low, then it was even worse down here.

Al was practically bent at the waist just so he didn’t risk hitting his head on the beams.

On top of all that, he was silent.

That on its own wasn’t weird, but he’d been silent all day.

And Roy had no idea what was wrong.

Either way, Alphonse was spacey, and that was a dangerous thing to be when traversing through a labyrinth made by a rogue State Alchemist.

The group continued forward, silent other than the sounds of their footsteps and the occasional snarky remark from Fullmetal.

It didn’t take much more walking for Roy to realize the maps (or blueprints, really) had no information pertaining to the scale of the tunnels.

He didn’t have long to consider exactly what that entailed, when he found himself staring down two diverging paths.

“Were these tunnels not on your map, Colonel?” Edward asked, scowling. He managed to make “Colonel” sound like an insult by itself, forgoing his usual addition of “bastard” or any similar name.

Roy clenched his teeth. “No. It appears some new additions have been made.”

The boy huffed, but didn’t respond.

“Assuming the maps were correct at some point, then this is proof Hertz still actively working,” Riza said. “Should we split up, Sir?”

“Yes, I think that would be best.” Roy studied both tunnels from where he stood. There seemed to be little to no difference between them.

“Right, Al and I can go this way, and-“ Ed started.

“No, Fullmetal, you and Al will each have to go with either the Lieutenant or me. You weren’t able to look at the layout of this place since you were late, remember?” the Colonel interrupted, speaking sternly.

“And obviously those maps were wrong,” the boy snapped back.

Roy took a breath. “While it’s true they may not have been completely accurate, it’s still very possible this new addition connects to the rest of the tunnels somehow.

“Which means, you two wouldn’t have any idea what’s what either way, but we-” he gestured between himself and his Lieutenant. “-would.”

Ed huffed, but didn’t argue back. Roy knew that’s as close to a “yessir” he’d be getting, no matter how long they went back and forth.

“If that’s all cleared up,” The man said, with a pointed glare at Edward. “Then we should get going now. Alphonse, you’re with me. Fullmetal, stick with the Lieutenant. She’s in charge, understand?”

Edward grumbled something under his breath, but walked over to stand beside Riza with little fuss.

“Meet back here in no more than two hours,” Roy said, giving a curt nod in response to Riza’s acknowledgment.

The Colonel turned, stepping towards the rightmost tunnel, while Riza led Edward to the left one.

“Bye, brother! Be careful,” Al said softly, waving.

“Bye, Al. You be careful too. I don’t wanna be draggin’ bits and pieces of you outta here,” Ed responded, reluctantly stepping away from his little brother.

Alphonse hummed, waving again, and walked quickly over to meet Roy where he stood.

Roy nodded to Al, before starting off down the damp tunnel once again.

The boy followed close behind him, still oddly silent.

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

As the two continued through the alchemy-made labyrinth, the scenery began to change.

What was originally a long and straight tunnel, with damp floors and smooth, detail-less walls, became something more structured, and much cleaner.

Luckily for Alphonse, the ceilings became a lot higher throughout the halls, allowing him to straighten up to just a hunch of the shoulders.

It wasn’t long before additional rooms began popping up, each of which had a heavy-looking door that, upon closer inspection, was also made via alchemy.

Each time they saw a new room, it was the same cautious procedure of easing the door open, and thoroughly checking the inside for any important material.

All the rooms so far had been incomplete, or full of empty shelves.

Roy glanced over at Al as he came to a halt in front of two doors, opposite each other. He gestured to one with a nod, and Alphonse walked up to it as the Colonel turned to the other door.

Roy swung open the door and slipped inside, hand poised to snap. He heard Al enter the room behind him.

A quick glance around showed it was another dud, just full of tall shelves and one or two empty crates.

Scuff marks on the floor were a new addition, though.

The crates were all muddy this time, too, and none were on the shelves.

As he went to get a closer look, he heard a call from the other room.

“Colonel? There’s some… thing here,” Al said, raising his voice slightly. The boy sounded more confused than distressed, but Roy still wasted no time leaving the scratch-mark-and-crates-room behind him.

“What’s…” Roy started, trailing off he came up beside Alphonse.

Infront of him was… something, indeed.

Shelves, still empty, and crates were present in this room as well, but ceiling-high stacks of dirt blocks were a new addition.

What caught the Flame Alchemist’s attention was the uncanny sculpted face that stared back at him.

It appeared to be made of dirt or clay, with minimal details going into its slightly distressed expression.

It was one of many disembodied heads lying on the ground, haphazardly piled together.

Roy paused, before taking a step forward and nudging one of the heads with his shoe. It fell over, rolling and taking a few of the others with it.

“What… are they?” Alphonse asked quietly, tilting his head.

“Clay faces? I’m… not entirely sure.” Roy stepped back. “Either way, they don’t seem to… do anything, so we’ll keep moving.”

Alphonse nodded, hesitantly following the Colonel, but not without another glance at the faces.

Roy tapped his middle finger and thumb together as he walked, thinking.

What could those dirt heads be for?

They were likely created by Hertz, but why?

What purpose could he have for them? Were the dirt blocks for making more, or something else?

The more he thought about it, the less he knew.

The faces weren’t particularly detailed, so it didn’t seem like a random hobby. They were all nearly identical, however.

Were they made with alchemy? Or did Hertz just sculpt them by hand? Did he hire someone to make them?

Questions, questions, questions, and their next few stops did nothing to answer them.

Roy and Al were just met with more empty shelves, as if the dirt heads were a one-off thing.

It wasn’t until Roy heard heavy (non-metallic) footsteps, that he paused.

“Colonel? Is that-“

Roy held up a hand, listening for the cause of the sound.

“Sounds like more than one person,” he said quietly.

Al hummed in response.

“Make sure to keep an eye out behind us, Alphonse.” Roy took a few cautious steps forward, at a much slower pace than before.

Roy smiled slightly at the boy’s attempt to deaden his footsteps, though it didn’t have much effect.

As they walked, the tunnel started to open up even more, until Al was able to stand up fully.

The footsteps became louder, along with the sound of stone scraping stone.

Rounding another corner revealed a large cavern, supported by wooden beams. Various sized stones were piled up in several spots along the walls.

The source of the footsteps were several hulking figures made from dirt, wearing those same sculpted faces Alphonse had stumbled across.

They shambled around, seemingly having no direction.

That was, until Roy realized several were heading straight towards them.

“Alphonse, get ready!” Roy ordered, stepping off the side and lifting his hand.

He squinted at the figures, as they changed path to follow him.

All of them.

As if they didn’t even see- or weren’t concerned with- Alphonse.

Roy snapped with his left, shooting a beam of flame into the abdomen of one of the dirt sculptures. The attack did nothing to slow it, only scorching an area on the thing’s side.

A glance to his right showed Alphonse had transmuted a spear and was having a bit more luck in destroying one of the sculptures via tearing it apart.

Despite being right in front of the boy, it still played him no mind, not even showing a reaction to getting its arm and a chunk of shoulder detached from its body.

The sculptures continued their approach, at the same slow pace.

Roy gritted his teeth. What made them go after him?

Another snap, but this time Roy used a less focused attack in the hope of dealing more damage than before.

The sculpture he aimed for stumbled and fell, being unable to walk further with its legs incinerated.

That seemed to get a reaction from the other sculptures. Several of them changed course to gather around their fallen comrade.

Were they trying to heal it?

Roy whirled around, snapping twice to take down several that approached him from behind.

Another glance at Alphonse showed he was fine, though the sculptures still didn’t react to him.

The Colonel pursed his lips. The numbers were quickly becoming a problem, even with Al trying to help, they just wouldn’t stop coming for Roy.

When he turned again, he saw the sculpture whose legs he’d blown off previously. It was laying still, curled in on itself and reaching for its burns.

And the ones that stopped near the injured sculpture started hitting it.

Relentlessly swinging in what seemed to be a blind rage, completely oblivious to the fact they began to hit each other in the process.

As Roy studied them, he realized the same thing was happening to the others he’d burnt. The Injured ones would be still, studying the burns, and ones near them would attack.

Why? What were they doing?

Interestingly, it didn’t take them long to move on, and they did so all at once.

It was as if whatever had them so captivated had ceased to exist and they were left to go after the next most interesting thing, which seemed to be Roy.

Unfortunately, the Colonel didn’t have long to ponder this further, as one of the sculptures came up behind him quicker than he anticipated.

He tried to turn, lifting his hand in the process, but the thing had already begun swinging for him.

It hit him solidly on his side, sending him sprawling onto the floor an impressive distance away. His head slammed into the ground hard when he fell, making his vision go white for a second.

He could hear Alphonse’s distressed yell, though it sounded like he was fairly far away.

Pain bloomed from his side as he moved, spiking in intensity when he shifted his weight onto his hands and knees.

A sharp stabbing pain in his chest made itself known, but he ignored it in favor of stumbling back onto his feet.

The movement made his vison swim.

Glancing over his shoulder, he saw several of the sculptures were much closer than he liked.

Behind him, more were at about the same distance, effectively surrounding him.

He turned fully, hissing in pain when his ribs protested.

Roy snapped twice in quick succession, aiming for the legs of the sculptures in an attempt to slow them down.

His thoughts raced as he fought trying to figure out the trick behind these things.

What did he have in common with the injured sculptures?

Something that didn’t apply to Alphonse.

Another sculpture popped up beside him, falling backwards when a wall of flame hit it.

That only served to make the others draw closer, as if they were moths to a flame.

…Moths to a flame?

Were they attracted to the fire?

But why go after him?

Even before he used his alchemy, the things had targeted him.

Unless it wasn’t the fire itself they were attracted to?

Roy jumped backwards, away from the dirt arm that swung at him and very effectively interrupted his thoughts.

These things were getting far too close for comfort.

Another snap, and two more went down.

Roy glanced around wildly at the sculptures. His attacks weren’t having as much effect as he’d hoped, but here underground wasn’t exactly a perfect place to be blowing things up willy-nilly.

Just then, several of the sculptures were torn away from their lines, and Alphonse shouldered past them.

“Al! These things- they’re attracted to heat! That’s why they won’t go after you!” Roy shouted.

The boy knocked down another sculpture, practically dragging it away from Roy.

“Heat up my armor with your alchemy, then!” Alphonse shouted back, voice reverberating in his helmet.

What?

“What?”

“Set me on fire! They’ll go after me too, and I can fight them off!”

Set him on fire?

Roy gawked at him, speechless.

Hell no! Hell no.

Roy ducked, barely avoiding a swing.

He stumbled away, nearly losing his balance when his vision started swimming again.

“Colonel!” Alphonse shouted again.

He really was surrounded again, and Alphonse was struggling to grapple with the sculptures as they moved towards Roy.

Roy stumbled forward, glancing up to see Al desperately trying to drag these dirt-things away from him.

“Dammit, Alphonse,” he hissed.

He hoped this kid knew what he was doing.

Roy raised his hand, poised to snap.

He knew Al was clever, who was he kidding?

Three snaps, and Roy sent a wall of flame towards Alphonse, burning all the sculptures in its path.

As they neared Al, the flames dispersed around him so only a small portion made contact with the boy’s armor.

The sculptures’ reactions were instantaneous.

As if a switch was flipped, they all turned towards the wall of flame.

Even as the fire dissipated, they continued towards it, seeking out the heat left over from the scorched ground and the armor-clad boy who stood in the center of it all.

Roy backed up quickly, away the horde of sculptures looking to trample him.

Several of them tried reaching for him, but most were too interested in Alphonse for the time being.

The boy had drawn up a transmutation circle -already! Damn, he worked fast- and knelt down beside it, waiting for the sculptures to be close enough to attack.

The ground cracked, and several pillars of stone came out of it, smashing into the sculptures and burying them under rubble.

They didn’t move, despite the heat they sought being just out of their reach.

With that, they were (more or less) free of these godforsaken dirt sculptures.

Roy turned, ignoring the ache in his side, and walked quickly over to Alphonse.

The boy tilted his head, looking concerned. “Colonel! Are-“

Roy reached out and used his glove to brush some soot off Al’s armor. “Are you alright, Alphonse?” he asked, unintentionally saying what Al was about to.

The boy stepped backwards brushed Roy’s hand away. “My armor might still be hot! You could get burnt!”

Roy’s lips quirked up. “It’s not. I barely had to heat it up at all.”

Al dropped his hands back to his sides, like he was pouting.

He shook his head, starting to say something before his eyes snapped back to Roy.

“Are you alright? Your face is bleeding!” he said instead.

Roy’s hand automatically went up to his chin, where he could feel blood dripping.

He turned his hand at the last second, so he didn’t get the fingers of his gloves wet.

“I am,” he responded, studying the blood now on the back of his wrist. “I may have cracked a rib or two as well.”

Alphonse made a distressed noise.

For some reason, Roy felt the need to clarify: “I’m fine, Al, it’s probably nothing serious.” He tilted his head, grinning. “Hell, it might just be a bruise.”

Al ducked his head a little, still looking worried.

Roy studied the boy for a moment, before turning and pulling out his pocket watch. “We should get moving again. We don’t have much time until we’ll need to meet with Lieutenant Hawkeye and Fullmetal.”

“Right…”

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

Alphonse trudged through the tunnels behind Mustang, watching him closely as if he was waiting for the man to collapse.

Any time Al found himself around an injured person (usually Ed, unfortunately), he couldn’t help the anxious feeling that rose up in him.

Maybe it was because he could no longer get injured himself, or maybe he’d been like this since his mom died, but Al just couldn’t stop worrying for his friends.

Hence the staring.

Alphonse could tell the Colonel had noticed.

He didn’t say anything.

“…Colonel Mustang?” Al said quietly.

The man hummed in response, slowing his pace to level with Al.

“You said earlier that you barely had to heat my armor up. Why?” The boy continued, tilting his head with a metallic clink.

“Why?” Mustang glanced at him. “Because there was no need to.”

“Yes, I see that now, but why take the risk? Wouldn’t it have been easier?”

“I don’t burn people when I don’t have to, Alphonse.” His tone turned matter-of-fact. “It was unnecessary to light you on fire, or whatever you envisioned. I simply took the best course of action based on my options at the time.”

Alphonse shook his head. “But it would have taken much less effort to just aim all the flames at me,” he insisted.

The colonel stopped walking, turning to face Al when he did the same.

Mustang’s expression was stern, the same way it was when he issued orders to his men.

“Years ago, I promised that I would never burn another human unless I absolutely had to. And when I do have to, I always keep it minimal to avoid unnecessary injuries.” He tilted his head. “Understand?”

“Yes, I get that. It’s a good policy-“

Mustang hummed.

“-but I can’t get hurt,” Al continued. “So why bother with the precautions? You’re wasting time! And by doing that, someone might actually get hurt!”

The Colonel frowned. “So you’re saying I should prioritize the health of others over your own?”

“Yes! Because they’re human- or, because they have human bodies!”

“Hm. I’m afraid I’ll have to decline. I don’t value any human life over another when it comes to those under my command.”

Alphonse sputtered. “But you’re injured! And if you would’ve just-“

“Just what? I’d be injured either way. Don’t forget how long it took me to realize those things were attracted to heat.” He narrowed his eyes. “I will not unnecessarily endanger you, and that’s final. Am I clear?”

“Are you-“ Al huffed. “Fine.”

Mustang stared at him. “If you’re wanting to pout, then do it on your own time, Alphonse. Don’t forget we’re still in enemy territory.”

With that, he turned on his heel, continuing forward.

Alphonse watched Mustang walk for a moment, before following after him.

Why didn’t he understand? Al couldn’t be hurt!

Why didn’t he listen?

Did he think Al couldn’t handle this?

The boy huffed.

Ed may be the one who’s a State Alchemist, but that didn’t mean Al was any less capable than his brother!

Maybe, if Al had a human body, then he’d be the one with the fancy watch!

God!

He felt like screaming!

Mustang always seemed to understand him and Ed, so what’s different now?

Why, why, why!

Was it that he didn’t think Al was capable?

Did the Colonel really think he relied on Edward that much?

Did he-

“Alphonse.”

The boy turned sharply. “Yes, Colonel?”

“I expect a certain level of professionalism when I’m working with someone.”

Al stared at him.

“If you have a problem, then spit it out,” Mustang continued. “If you were Fullmetal I’m sure I would have heard it by now.”

“Well, I’m not,” Alphonse huffed.

The Colonel blinked at him. “Really?” He said, exasperated.

“I thought you said that we were on enemy territory, so we don’t have time for this,”

“I said you don’t have time to pout. I see you haven’t listened, so just say whatever it is you want to say before we stumble across more of those dirt-things.”

Al stared at the man.

He wasn’t pouting. He wasn’t!

Mustang shifted his weight to his other foot, meeting Alphonse’s gaze with an impatient expression. He looked like he was going to give a scolding.

Al huffed again, shaking his head. “I just don’t get it! I don’t understand you. You won’t endanger people when it’s not necessary, and you don’t value one human life over another. Great! Awesome. But how can you look at me and still say those same things apply?

“In case you’ve forgotten, I can’t get hurt and I can’t feel pain! I can’t die. So why risk yourself to save me from nothing?”

Was it not obvious?

Alphonse was only human by technicality.

A fully human soul in a fully inhuman body.

It just didn’t make sense.

He can fight, same as Ed.

He’s an alchemist, and a good one too because of Izumi.

So why…

What would he do if he got Mustang hurt, or even killed?

Who would help Ed get his body back?

Alphonse would protect his friends, no matter what. He wouldn’t-

“That’s what you’ve been thinking of all day,” Mustang said, more of a statement than a question.

Al just stared at him, uncomprehending.

The man sighed, looking at him with… something in his gaze. Concern? Understanding? Al wasn’t sure.

“No one has the right to decide what makes a person human or not,” he said simply. Mustang had the same odd air of regret about him as he, Hawkeye, or even Lieutenant Havoc occasionally had when speaking about the military or their pasts.

“Once you start thinking like that, thinking you aren’t human, or you don’t deserve to be called human, you lose everything. I can’t say I know what it’s like for you- my soul has been in this body all my life and I imagine it will be until the day I die, but I…” Mustang trailed off, almost looking like he was somewhere else for a moment.

He looked up at Alphonse again, expression closed off as it usually was. “Have Fullmetal give you a pep-talk when you see him again.” With that, he turned, continuing down the tunnel.

Al watched him for a moment, turning the Colonel’s words over in his head again.

Somehow, Mustang knew more about how Al felt than he let on.

The boy walked quickly to catch up with Mustang. “A pep-talk?” he asked, tone much lighter than it had been for a while today.

“Fullmetal seems like the type,” he responded cryptically.

Alphonse shook his head, baffled. “I don’t think he is!”

The man paused, glancing at Al. “How can you be certain?”

“I’ve known him all my life, Colonel!”

“All your life? That’s not very long, though. You’re only ten.”

“I’m not ten…”

Mustang hummed. “My apologies. Eleven.”

Alphonse just laughed.

[gayleviticus]

the bh nina episode is like... fine I guess but it's criminal the prevailing wisdom these days is to just watch fmab (not even 'watch half of 03 and then jump over to fmab' like it used to be!) bc it is just cruel to rob yourself of experiencing the 03 version first!!

nina was basically their little sister for several months! they got up to goofy shenanigans and the elrics got to feel like maybe they finally had a home again! there was the gradual build up to something being mega fucked here, nina growling at ed when he tries to beat up tucker because deep down she still cares for her dad, ed chasing nina in the dead of the night only to find her a bloodstain splattered against the alleyway wall, the double whammy of winry almost getting butchered by Barry the chopper immediately after, the ending sequence... just the framing of everything. nothing in fiction has fucked me up more since

[forever-a-genius]

"Alchemy of Immortality" Completed | 5/5 chapters | 54k words | Rated Mature for violence, sexual themes, death Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood | Guardian/Goblin Korean Drama crossover

Summary: Kim Shin finally has his long, immortal life ended in Seoul, year 2016, but when he wakes up, he's in a world he knows nothing about, over 100 years in the past. It's different than the place he had come from, where Alchemists perform real transmutations that would be considered magic to people in his own world. Whether he's gained a new lease on life, or something is in store for him, he doesn't know, but he wants to make the best of it in the godless land of Amestris. That is, of course, if he ever manages to catch a break. (Brotherhood canon compliant.)

---

Preview:

Summer, 1904

The letter came too late. 

Shin walked through the quiet cemetery, a bouquet of fresh flowers clutched against his chest. He’d been so caught up with dealing with the Ishvalan uprising that he hadn’t been able to visit as much as he would have liked. 

Hohenheim disappeared from the village, and the Elric boy’s mother is sick. 

It was a simple note, but it didn’t make it to him before Trisha passed. He couldn’t imagine how quickly her condition deteriorated having to raise their two boys alone. Where did you go, Hohenheim? How could you leave them alone? 

In front of the stone labeled for Trisha Elric, her sons sat, as silent as death itself. 

Alphonse turned first, hearing the footsteps of someone approaching. “Uncle,” his voice came out softly, as if he didn’t believe it himself. He only knew him through the photographs on the wall, and the repeated message that he would be there for them when they needed him. 

Edward didn’t attempt to look. “Why are you here?” he asked, the malice softened by his grief. He was hugging his knees as he stared ahead. 

Shin knelt behind them and felt the wind as it picked up. Even in this new world, my emotions stir up the weather… He knew what Edward meant, however. He was too late. “I’m sorry, boys.” Their mother was gone, and he’d done nothing to help them. 

“Sorry…?” the older brother glanced at him finally. “She said you’d be here when we needed you… He left, and you never showed.” He stood, his small frame shaking. “She got sick… and even then she believed that one of you would come back…” He clenched his fists. “Tell me again that you’re sorry.” 

“Ed…” Alphonse got to his feet too. 

“She died using all her energy hoping for nothing!” He stomped past the man they were supposed to consider their uncle and headed for the path back out of the cemetery. “Don’t try to act like you care now!” 

Al shifted his focus between them quickly, unsure of what to do, but decided to go after his brother instead. “Wait for me, Ed!” 

I did it again, didn’t I? Shin stared at the engraving on the headstone. I took your understanding for granted… I told myself I was too busy… but you were suffering. He placed the flowers on the grave as the raindrops started to fall. I’m so sorry, Trisha. 

He followed the familiar road to the Rockbell house, where he found Edward, Alphonse, and their friend Winry all sat at the table having a meal. He bowed his head in greeting to Pinako as she appeared. 

“You’re soaked!” she chided, taking in his appearance. She’d been warned when the Elric boys arrived that he was in the area, but she couldn’t be sure that he would show up. “Get in here and dry off so you can eat something.” 

He did as he was told, not finding much energy to disagree. He waited until the kids were asleep to talk with her. “I’m thankful to you… I promised I would be around… and I abused her trust.” 

“I had hoped that someone would be around, with Hohenheim gone… but it’s not your fault. She was aware of what things are happening East of here. Trisha would not hold that over you.” Pinako was smoking a pipe while she spoke. “But you really don’t know anything about Hohenheim?”

“No… He really just… disappeared?” 

“She said he needed to go away for a while, and that he asked her to wait for him to return…” She huffed out smoke. “But she couldn’t keep that promise, though there’s no telling if that fool is dead or alive or not.” She shook her head as she rid her pipe of the ashes inside. “Don’t worry about the boys. They’re safe and well cared for. You don’t really have the kind of life that would allow you to have a couple of youngsters around at all times, anyway…” 

“I’ll send money… At least you all can live comfortably.” Shin couldn’t give up on the military. He had big plans, and for that reason, he couldn’t quit. “They’re not my sons, but they deserve a good life… and I’ll be sure to give Hohenheim hell if I see him again…” 

---

Listen to me I'm not good at most things but I'm pretty proud of this one. I promise that the plot of Goblin is so irrelevant to reading this story. Shin is basically an OC at this point. I SWEAR ON MY LIFE.

If you like or love Fullmetal Alchemist and want to experience the '09 version all over again from the POV of an immortal who doesn't belong there, read this fic XD It's GAY and POLY and SILLY and SERIOUS and so many other wonderful things. My partner, who is not at all obligated to say good things about my work, would agree!

On the flip side, if you like Goblin and wanna see Shin get into shenanigans in another world, you got it! Our immortal boy cannot catch a break! All of those great things from above still apply!

I'll quit rambling, but lemme know if you give it a try! Comment/kudos/like/reply etc! And you can check out the art/concepts I've done here: https://www.tumblr.com/forever-a-genius/745705959834468352/i-took-my-kim-shin-brainrot-and-re-watched-fmab-so

Lots of love~

[musing-and-music]

Brotherly fight

Rating G | 1k | Edward Elric & Alphonse Elric & Winry Rockbell

Summary: In Resembool, Ed and Al are studying alchemy, when Al asks a strange question “Do you think Winry will marry one of us when we’re bigger?” Some fighting and racing ensue between the two brothers

Read on AO3 / Read in French

“Say, brother…”

Edward didn’t raise his eyes from the alchemy book he was caught in and replied absently. “Yeah?”

“Do you think Winry will marry one of us when we’re bigger?”

Ed frowned at the word “bigger”, before he caught the rest of Al’s question.

“Why would we marry Winry?

He turned the page, but the words became confused when he tried to imagine Winry, older, wearing a white dress – like the one her mother was wearing in the pictures at Granny Pinako’s – with one of them by her side. It was a strange vision, and he shook his head to get it out of his mind.

“I don’t know, she’s kind, she’s cute, and she’s got a good head on her shoulders,” Al said.

“Normally, every human has their head on their shoulders, you idiot,” Ed retorted with a smirk.

Al blew his frustration. “You know perfectly what I mean! And you don’t have to call me an idiot!”

Ed finally raised his head from his book, meeting his brother’s annoyed golden gaze.

“She’s kind only with you, and I don’t know how I can find her cute, she’s always got sludge all over her hands and oil on her cheeks!”

But then he thought about her blue eyes shining when she smiled or got angry, about their escapes in the countryside between the three of them, the fondness she had for them, even if she was always less harsh with Al – he would never know why. Well, maybe marrying Winry wouldn’t be so bad. If she softened a bit.

“I like her, and I’m going to ask her if she wants to marry me later.”

Alphonse rose up and walked to the door of the study where they were reading. Ed set his book aside and jumped to block his way.

“Don’t go!” he shouted.

“Why? Do you want to ask her?”

Ed didn’t reply, but his cheeks were burning.

“You’re the one saying she hits you with her wrench when you touch her work, and that she’s always talking about automails! I’ll ask her, and it’ll be too bad for you when she’ll answer yes!”

Al stepped forward, but Ed placed his hands on the frame of the door, blocking the path completely. His little brother was a few centimeters taller than him – to his great despair – and tried to dominate him. But Edward resisted, until Al took his arm to remove it from the way. He twisted it and Ed let go of the wooden frame with a pained cry. He pushed his brother and ran in the hallway to reach the front door before Al got back on his legs. He slammed the door behind him and galloped to the next hill, where the Rockbell lived.

He hadn’t made ten meters when he heard the door open and slam against the wall. Crap, crap, crap… Al ran a bit faster than him and would soon pass him. Ed sped up and blessed yesterday’s rain because the atmosphere wasn’t heavy as usual this summer. However his good mood didn’t last when he had to avoid several puddles on the path. And when he felt Al’s hand on his arm, the same arm he’d twisted one minute earlier.

“Eh! It’s not fair!” he cried as he was pulled backward. He stumbled and lost some precious seconds to find his balance. Alphonse took this time to pass him and jump over a puddle with a happy “hop!”.

Frustrated, Ed sped up and managed to push his brother in the next puddle. He’d underestimated his flexibility and fell with him. Both brothers landed in a deep puddle of water and mud.

“Look at what you’ve done!” Alphonse protested. “Granny’s gonna scold us because our clothes are dirty!”

“I don’t care, I must tell Winry she must say no to your question!”

Ed got up on his feet and ran again toward the house standing at a short distance. He arrived in the yard and avoided a few hens pecking worms or grains here and there in the dirt.

But an unexpected weight fell on him. The cold touch of metal on his arm and the happy bark in his ear made him shout in annoyance.

“Den! Let me go!”

But the Rockbells’ dog didn’t obey and kept greeting him cheerfully. Alphonse passed next to him with a wide smile on his now muddy face.

“I won!” he shouted when he arrived at the top of the stairs.

Ed watched him disappear with despair. It was over, he couldn’t do anything. The weight of defeat – and Den’s weight – was heavy on his shoulders.

Gathering some courage before facing Winry’s… mocking? amused? smile, he patted the black and white dog for a few minutes, before taking a deep breath and entering the house too.

Well, he still had alchemy, he thought when he entered the kitchen, where he heard Winry’s voice.

Hope flooded him when he saw Alphonse’s defeated look. A wide mocking grin took over his face.

“Ha! So you’ve done it for nothing! She said no, didn’t she?”

He was beginning to laugh when Winry spoke. “Actually, I don’t want to marry either him or you,” she said calmly.

Edward’s laugh caught in his throat and he coughed because of his surprise.

“What? Why?”

He felt his cheeks burn again, and it worsened when Winry smiled, showing her teeth.

“I won’t tell you!” She dried her hands on a towel and took the big pliers on the table. “I’ll go back to my training, so I need some calm. But it’s better to clean the house if you don’t want Granny to scold you when she’s back. You’ve dirtied all the floor!”

Whistling a victorious tune, she left with a happy pace, and both brothers stayed, defeated and sheepish. Without a word, they took a bucket, a mop, and began to clean the mud traces they’d left on the entrance and the kitchen while trying vainly to know who would be their childhood friend’s future husband.

When they realized how dumb they had been, they laughed out loud.

Granny Pinako found them folded in two, in a wet and muddy hallway. Because of their hilarity, she didn’t have the heart to scold them, and simply told them to hurry and change for dinner once they would be done.

[steve0discusses]

The Live Action Fullmetal Alchemist Movie Part 6: Let’s Kill Hughes

Hey guys, I’ve been having some issues with the blog not...updating my drafts. So in case you’re wondering, that’s where I disappeared to. Give a round of applause to the support team for finding a solution until it gets fixed but as of right now I’m on like a private window with my extensions turned off and writing this from both tumblr and a LibreOffice document. Hello ads, nice to see you back.

Last we left off, we were a hop and skip away to lab 5. In the anime, this was a sequence where there was a bunch of fighting with suits of armor, and they kept that in this movie, but...not the people you think would be fighting are going to be fighting.

Listen I’m not like super knowledgeable about the world of Matte painting, but I like that they’ve unintentionally made this world building where whoever is in charge of making these red bricks basically owns everyone’s nuts. Everything is made out of the same red bricks. Like I know this is a show about homunculi ruling the world but I feel like the red brick guy is hellllllla more egregious. Freakin Monsanto over here.

I assume they had a 3d model and was like “we can just keep using it” and damn, they sure did. And inside of this brick building is, unsurprisingly a lot more red brick (although I think this is partially, if not entirely, an actual real life set.)

This next part is...such a lesson in pacing. Not necessarily a lesson to follow, but definitely a lesson to learn from maybe their non-example.

(watch Hughes die under the cut)

And what’s interesting is that there were a lot of good lines in this upcoming segment. There were a lot of good moments—bu there’s just so many. Maybe too many. You gotta prune your script occasionally, it’s like a tomato plant.

Like I’ve been doing a stress garden to cope with quarantine and Covid and 3+ months of life endangering wildfires, and I learned that you gotta prune the sucker vines off your tomatoes, although sucker vines can also make tomatoes. It sucks to do because I love tomatoes, and I want as many tomatoes as possible, but when you prune the plant, you get bigger better tomatoes that are more worthwhile than the suckers that can infect your plant and make it really sick.

Sorry that made me sound like 5000 years old with that gardening analogy. If you need me to solve your small town murder mysteries, I’m ready.

So it’s like...kind of tragic that it came together as kind of nonsensical when you can tell that it’s so close to being something better.

Like we have some reason up to this point to believe that Ed would have a freak out here...but like...a sobbing on the floor screaming at the walls type of freak out? Was there enough time devoted to this blow up, or did he walk into this room and immediately start screaming? Because he sure did walk immediately into this room and start screeching like a broken bird.

Like last recap, which was about 2 minutes ago in screentime, was this fun and quirky montage with Hughes. Now we’re sobbing into this rusty factory.

And I know what’s going on because I’ve seen the anime, but if you haven’t seen it—would this emotional break down make any sense? We were told by Dr Marcoh, “check out lab 5,” but we were only going to this factory on kind of a wish and a prayer. I really wonder if people who don’t know this show could follow past this point.

And then while we’re still adjusting to “yo, Ed just took it from a 2 to a 10 like immediately” Al is like “Hey I noticed no one is paying attention to me, and I have to lay a wicked fart:”

and then both brother’s just have a freak out. Gotta all be freaking out in this random ass Unity asset that was probably also used for some college grad’s first battle royale.

Pacing is just everything. And what’s SO HARD about Full Metal Alchemist is that there really is a lot of content to cover, there’s a lot of emotions to go through, and when you only have about 7 minutes to cover what was about 3-4 episodes, if I remember correctly, it’s kind of a zany mess.

And if you were going into this movie hoping they wouldn’t illustrate Al as a large idiot baby, then you share the sentiments of most people who saw this movie. Al is like...kind of reduced to a whiny big baby and is...not cute. Like Al is low key kind of menacing throughout this movie, not just because he has this CGI armor thing going on, but also because Al is...so impressionable and unhinged.

Something that I didn’t appreciate enough when I watched the anime was just how important Barry the Chopper was for Al’s logical character development.

Yo...These bangs…

...I’ve realized that every show I recap here just has the worst hair styles. I honestly never thought much about hair at all until I watched like 200 hours of Yugioh and all of this movie and also 6 seasons of Once Upon a Time which featured some LOOKS (but only recapped like 3 episodes, sorry if I got some of y’all excited. That was when we had no reason to cap everything because the capping community for Once was very alive and very exciting.)

By hitting him with a wrench (Al does not feel pain, ps, so he doesn’t need to be hunched over like this) Winry reminds Al that Ed would not risk his life for a fake brother (which may be a line from the anime or the manga but I don’t remember) and crying just...a lot.

Like it felt as if she had to shoot all of this out of order. Same with Ed’s freak out here. Movie’s aren’t really shot in succession and it’s up to the director to make it feel coherent and logical...this felt scattered, like the actors really didn’t know what was happening in the scenes leading up to it so they just cranked it to 11.

And then I guess Ed was either so insulted that Al punched him or was so upset that Al made Winry cry (again, this movie really tries to sell the EdxWinry ship and from me that’s a really big compliment), that Ed just started laying punches to extend a fight scene that was kind over before it started.

But symbolically there is a lot nice things going on here, Ed only uses his fleshy hand so he bleeds all over Al, hurting himself as much he’s hurting his brother. Implying more than just this fight, but suggesting that their whole journey of trying to find this sorcerer’s stone is just going to hurt both of them in their quest to save the other.

And then Al says something along the line of “it hurts!” to infer that he’s got this broken heart which is when they both finally just freakin stop.

Such a shame the pacing, which was a mix of too quick, and too many tomatoes, kind of made it hella blindsiding.

Again this was so many episodes of FMA and they stuffed it into so few minutes, it’s wild.

Especially since Ed is like...he’s cast as an adult! He’s an adult! At no point in the movie so far have they called him a kid, and they’re not pretending that he is one. But like...he acts like such a child because in the original, he was one. And, while this movie steps so far away from the source material, if should have committed and either stepped completely away or committed completely. Of course “should” is one of those things where we’ll just never know. A wish into the ether of hindsight being 20/20.

But lets get to the thing that you all came here for. This is where this movie gets BONKERS:

So Hughes actually draws out a pentagram between the different places in Armestrias, including Ishvaal, leading us to think that he’s figured out the whole dealio of turning the country into an alchemy circle. But, for some reason only helps him find the real lab 5.

It didn’t...that’s a different thing.

And it has been a long time since I’ve seen the ending of this movie—and maybe it was so offhand that I forgot if they actually do bring up turning the country into an alchemy circle--watch me eat my words, it could happen—but yo, we are finally killing Hughes—but we’re over halfway through this movie. And you may wonder...so uh...what...then what could possibly happen? There’s too much anime left!

Now I’m glad they kept this scene really close to the anime, although I haven’t watched the anime in a hot minute. It’s kind of an iconic scene so you don’t forget.

Like I do genuinely enjoy the campy parts where they were bringing up some of my favorite nostalgia of the original.

and then when you are like “ah, this is exactly the same as the anime. I can relax and watch as all my expectations are fully realized.” This twist happens.

YAH.

It’s a change!

So in the anime we had a really fun arc where we were trying to save Lieutenant Ross for being framed for killing Hughes. It’s probably my favorite part of Full Metal Alchemist, actually, it was so clever and a really thrilling chase. It was also like...half of season one.

Anyway, they cut it. They reduced half a season into 7 minutes. I know that, because each of these recaps is about 15 minutes of the movie.

You may look at this recap and be like “wait...this all happened in 15 minutes??” because yeah, this all happened in 15 minutes.

The same squad of people we see in every single scene of soldiers comes up to arrest Ed, which is weird, because I thought this band of soldiers was the military under Cl. Mustang’s command so like…shouldn’t they be arresting themselves? Mustang was over the command of more than 2 people. If we are suspicious of Mustang’s buddies then everyone in this movie would be in trouble.

And that’s when I realized that these guys were just unnamed soldiers and not a part of Mustang’s band. They only had like this many extras and just hoped we wouldn’t keep track of who is who, but I KNOW I’ve seen these guys this whole time. There are only like 6 people in this army. I see you movie magic—I see what you’re trying to do.

Anyway, Ed gets thrown into an old timey opera house that occasionally gets to be used for Middle School graduations. Or maybe also a mortuary where they charge you for funerals.

Like I know it’s supposed to be the capital building but like...this looks so weird when it’s live action. I remember the anime had this kinda feel to it but in live action it’s like…

...this is a weird ass capital building…Why do they have curtains like a Granny Holiday Inn in Reno, Nevada?

Thankfully, Hawkeye is here to explain to Ed what just happened because we, the movie viewers, were kind of surprised by that plot twist.

Like there were many ways you can condense half a season into 15 minutes, and I dunno if I would have just changed the murderer. It is a solution you can do. You can just point blame on Mustang and skip that whole Ross segment but like….

…then why write the movie?

Obviously, they had to make the movie, it had already been funded, people were really excited about the idea, and I do not envy the people that had to hack and slash with the Full Metal Alchemist script, but it is interesting what they decided was important to the original content, and what was unimportant. All that stuff that showed how Mustang was brilliant and two steps ahead of everyone else? Unimportant. All that stuff we had that showed how Mustang cares a lot about protecting other people and also cares about Ed and Al? Unimportant.

It really changes the dynamic, and it’s kind of fascinating to go into this cold because it’s been like...a year for me since I’ve watched it...and just see how different everything is without all those supporting characters that when I watched the anime I just assumed were mostly useless (Though fun). Turns out they all had a pretty significant part of making me care about Ed, about Mustang, about Al, about all my main characters.

FMA is very character driven, and this movie is mostly just...plot driven.  There’s kind of a great debate in literature about plot driven vs character driven. Movies and TV tend to be very plot driven, because they are very expensive to make, so they follow pre-formatted plot beats like “Save the Cat” or “The Heroes Journey” and other ones (there’s several to choose from).

They’ve made a fine science out of at what point a TV show should introduce the main, at what point they should suffer doubt, at what point they should shun their hero’s journey, etc etc. They know it down to the page number of the scripts they are writing. I know this, because it’s readily available on the internet and people fight about it all the time. This is why a show may suffer developing a character—because they just don’t have time and they just don’t have the resources to do something out of the box. Movies doubly so, because every minute of film can cost thousands of dollars.

What’s interesting about this is that FMA, the original FMA, does follow these beats. It was a manga sold by a huge publisher so it had to follow those beats. But, it has managed to do it while still being character driven. Yo, that’s so hard to do. This story was already written to be hyper condensed and structured when it was made into a Manga, and then it was condensed again for an anime, and then it was condensed yet again for this movie. It’s like a game of telephone, and at one end you have a very character driven story, and then at the other, it’s just totally plot.

Like it’s just a really huge risk to take. This was really, really risky.

PS did you miss Shou? Did you think we’d be done with Shou Tucker? No. Because this movie is gonna end at some point and rather than introduce other people...we’re just gonna stick with Shou and only have one miniboss.

(It has a freakin radiator in it?)

So then this next part happens and it’s low key hilarious.

The whole time.

Mustang and Hawkeye knew what lab 5 was this entire time but Ed just never asked for some reason despite working with those two for what is inferred to be YEARS since his childhood.

Hey PS, did you miss that brick building? Because it’s back.

Anyway, Mustang decides to take this underground where we can recycle the tech crew posing as extras that we used in the shot above us. Would not be surprised if a few of these are someone’s husband or wife on set.

Usually when I watch a movie I don’t get this feeling so much. But this movie...the latter half is like...EMPTY.

...this is going to be all movies made during Covid, I just realized…

Mustang is stopped by an angry Lieutenant Ross, and then we get this series of events.

And when you’re like “...Sorry?” Mustang’s like “I can make it weirder.”

And he just, without any warning or anything, lights Lieutenant Ross on fire. Multiple times, and it’s pretty intense and everyone who’s holding a gun just watches it happen is like…

...well I guess it’s too late to just shoot the guy...

…and like do you seriously not carry around a fire extinguisher when you are trying to manhunt Mustang? This is the one guy you want to wear fireproof clothes around. You have the technology. You at least have the technology for buckets of water. Like no one want to throw a blanket on her?

Just want to...watch? I guess?

Mustang just looks like a nut from this series of events instead of a genius--which is what I think they were originally going for. The pacing does that, youknow? Pacing.

And, out of the corpse pile stands Envy.

Envy has a pretty good look, I appreciated his whole look and that unlike the anime where you only find out Envy is a guy because someone told you on a forum somewhere and you were like “wait WHAT?” the movie is live action so you won’t make that mistake and embarrass yourself online.

Ed has only ever seen Lust once, and she walked in from off screen, stabbed a guy, and walked off. He’s just like...having a time because he’s done zero research into homunculi, and really, at no point in this movie are we going to give him time to figure it out.

Also, there’s this shot where Lust and Gluttony just walk in from behind them in the tunnel and it’s like…

….so no one noticed these two just hanging out back there?

It’s so freakin funny. This movie is gold. I love it.

Now If you just got here, this is a link to read all these recaps in chrono order:

https://steve0discusses.tumblr.com/tagged/fma/chrono

Have a good one, and stay safe! 2021 has been...weird nuts...and it’s still January somehow??? Weird times. Overall, please stay safe, it’s weird out there.

Also, if you’re like “I don’t remember this scene actually” here’s the original Hughes dies scene that inspired the movie (since the movie definitely was like “we’re only going inspired for this one nerds, get mad”)--some shots were inspired cut for cut.

And obvi this is on Youtube so it’ll probably get taken down eventually, but that’s why it’s flipped.

[rachetmath]

Optimistic Realism: Support Character Purpose

This may be my last rant about this show. As usually it’s my opinion and if you agree then like or reblog, your choice. If you want to add on to this or have a question then comment. If you disagree, fine, but afraid to leave a comment.  Read this at your own will and time.

I know I been talking about RWBY a lot, mainly about Jaune Arc, however I am going for a new approach. I am going to discuss what I feel should have been implied in the show between team RWBY and JRN from the beginning and how it should have played in volume seven. And that is with in the title, Optimistic Realism. It’s basically a combination of optimism with realism. But, before we discuss this, let us first know what they mean individually and see who fits in with that definition.

Optimism as stated on the internet, "Is believing no matter how bad things get there will always be a bright future ahead." Basically, staying positive. Team RWBY fits this definition considering each of them are based on characters with these traits. We have seen that in volume one through three on their missions and during the fall. They always go with the flow and stay positive even when things seem impossible. Even in volume four and five they had to regain some of their courage in order to continue forward but to win the battle at Heaven. In volume six, even put their positivity to test, considering what they learned about their world and Salem. Knowing that information crippled them allowing the Apathy to take over, and them barely making it out alive.

Now for realism. Basically "Having to deal with a situation at hand, to the best of your ability." Team JNR fits this well because their based-on warriors. Warriors in order to get stronger they must train, and gain experience while going through hardship. In volume one to three Jaune had to get stronger because of world he chose inhabit. Pyrrha had to deal with being outcasted by her peers and teachers. Ren and Nora do to the fact that they have no home to return to, being hunters was the only thing they had going for them. When the fall happened Pyrrha died leaving team JNR broken. In volume four, Jaune mourns over Pyrrha just like Ren with his home. In volume five, team JNR were ready to fight Oscar the moment he mentions Ruby’s name and Jaune still attacked Cinder, all for realistic reasons. And in volume six, team JRN like team RWBY were upset with the information they were given, and in order to continue, they realistically have no choice because one; Pyrrha died for this. Two; they came to far to fail. And three; might as well not let the next generation have to deal to with Salem. Even volume seven they act real. Jaune and Nora may have stated facts about James’s actions but due to the situation at hand they still followed orders.

Now before I continue let me explain what I believe a support character's job is. Support characters do not just heal or defend the main character. The support characters help the main characters by being stronger, smarter, or have a better since of their emotions than they do. They do not have to be cool or invincible. Zoro, from One Piece, is Luffy’s second in command because he asserts authority. And Nami is third because she can make a plan for the crew to follow. Luffy is too carefree to do any of that. Edward, from Full Metal Alchemist, has Scar, Winry and Mustang. Scar because he knows more about alchemy than Ed does. Mustang considering, he is a soldier of the military, knows more about the complications of city affairs and knows when to take necessary action over being pacifistic. And both are more powerful than Ed and Al are. Winry despite not doing much continues to encourage Ed to get stronger, to see his goal through, and goes anywhere Edward may be to help repair his arm and leg. Basically, the support character's job is not just to be some cheerleader, but serve as guidance and guardians, people who act in the main characters best interest even when he or she may not know it yet. Or if it is mixed in with their own.

Now with that out the way, let us discuss how optimism and realism could affect their actions in volume seven. Yes, James was acting like a nice guy, however it ran the risk of us hating our main characters for their actions. To me, volume seven was like Clover said, "The right choice is the hardest to make." However, his words hold no weight when we the audience had no choice but to side with James because the other two factions were doing nothing but stealing and lying in his face. So here is how I would in some levels re write volume seven.

In volume seven, let us keep half of everything the same. The group become professional hunters, Penny is framed, Jacque still wins the election, Robyn goes criminal and Yang still tells her everything. Instead of team RWBY and JNRO thus far doing nothing, they should have been more active. Now after Yang tells Robyn the truth and lies to the Ace-ops about her getting away, returns to Atlas to their dorms, only to have everyone waiting for them. Ruby decides to talk somewhere private where James or anyone outside their group could not hear them. Truth of the matter is Ruby and the others were already suspected of Yang and Blake, since one, Yang never backs down from a fight and two, Blake has a history of rebellion. The two know they cannot hide, so they admitted to what they done. This led to an argument amongst them with Weiss and Oscar taking Yang's side and Ren and Nora, not so much, until Ruby and Jaune silence them, demanding they return to their dorms and discuss the matter tomorrow.

The next day, early in the morning, Ruby and Jaune decided to talk about the matter themselves. This led to them arguing with each other. Jaune using levels of facts while Ruby uses levels of reasoning and opinion. Both continued to yell at each other until they reach a conclusion. Ruby and Jaune both agreed what Robyn is doing is wrong, but they cannot deny James recent actions to be affective either. So, they made an idea to mix their teams together with Jaune going after Robyn and Ruby staying in Atlas trying to talk with James. Jaune teams up with Nora, Yang and Blake considering all three of them want to help Mantle. Ruby gets Ren, Weiss and Oscar, since Weiss knows Atlas, Ren sides with James and James will not let Oscar out of his sight. Now the real fun begins.

Jaune and his new team JNBY, goes around the streets of Mantle along with Penny to fight grimm and come up with a strategy to capture Robyn and the happy huntresses. However, Jaune wanted to be clear that he is not trying to arrest her but persuade her to surrender and go talk to James. He tells them while Ruby and Oscar tries to reason with James and investigate Weiss's father, they will be watching for Tyrian while chasing down Robyn. Basically, they are trying to make two factions come together and fight against a common enemy. Jaune and his team later manages to capture Robyn only for the citizens to shame them and demand they let her go. Jaune does release them out of their cuffs, however, remember, Jaune is representing realism, so while the crowd is cheering and Robyn celebrates her victory, Jaune makes it clear to her on what is happening. Jaune using facts, expressing his experience and asking questions in which Robyn could not answer, made her think for moment that something big is coming and she will not be able to protect the people from it. Basically, Robyn was sorrowing up in the air, only for Jaune to slam her back into reality and making her choose a realistic approach to solving a matter, even if the people may not agree with her. Putting her in James’s shoes.

Ruby and her new team RWRO, goes on missions to defend and find resources for the new tower. Oscar would continue trying to talk to James but also trains. Weiss tries to figure out if her father had cheated the votes only for Jacque to stop her at every turn. Ren was still being true to James, reports to him but keeps their secret about Jinn and Salem from him. At first, Ren was about to squeal but when James heard what team JNBY were doing, he became skeptical about it and order his men to keep an eye on them. Even willing to fight them if they pose a threat. When Ren heard this, he started believing James may not be as noble as he thought he was. So, he kept his mouth shut and informs Ruby on what is going on. Ruby then informs Jaune in return that way James's soldiers do not get in their way. Finally, when she hears team JNBY captured Robyn and persuaded her to talk to James, she was happy but after the links James went through, because of his suspicions, she decided to tell him the truth. Once he heard everything, he was furious and more importantly scared. However, Oscar using his words persuaded him to see things through. James accepts the truth and was willing to talk to Robyn. Good timing too because team JNBY were about to fight the Ace-ops.

This is when we can consider James a villian or an anti-hero. James turns from being a reasonable man to an unreasonable dictator when him and Robyn meet face to face. Robyn agreed to his demands to return all the stuff she stole as long as James continues to protect Mantle. However she still wanted the wall to be repaired, and the security to be moderate as Atlas so no one can gain control very easily as they did at the rally. James refuses, believing it to be a waste of time. This is where Ruby and Jaune get angry. Jaune tells James what was on his mind about Robyn, believing what Robyn states is fair considering half of the soldiers down in Mantle are robots, and she was willing to return what she stole and maybe assist them in capturing Tyrian. But James believing in his military might does not listen. He then told his Ace-ops to take Robyn away, only her to pull off one last trick up her sleeves. She fired a heavy flash arrow grenade, blinding everyone and escapes.

After that, Ruby and others were in the training room, trying to practice, only to feel apathetic. They felt defeated. Qrow and Maria tried to cheer them up but decided to let them be. Ruby apologized, thinking she never should have told James anything, only for Yang to say the opposite, stating at least he knows what’s at stake. Jaune questions her statement based on what they already saw so far, feels James has no clue at all, only for Oscar to calm him down before he goes too far. Weiss asked what they are going to do now. Nora suggested they just leave and go to Vacuo, Ren suggested maybe stay in Mantle and try to keep it safe, only for Ruby to tell everyone to be prepared for the worst. The gang were surprised and turns to Jaune, only for him to nod his head in agreement. Jaune stated facts, if they turn on James, they will be wanted national criminals. If they go about recklessly it could makes things worse than they already are. And if they do not know what Salem could be planning then they might as well be setting Atlas up to be destroyed. Everyone despite how cruel they feel, understood and decided to keep training and prepare for the next day.

And that is all. Salem never shows up, James still wants to continue with the new tower, Robyn is relevant and RWBY and JNRO are now fully active. Basically, what I hated about the seventh volume is it was completely one sided. James was the only good guy, the main characters were not active but reactive to their situations, and Robyn was just some nobody who could have served a purpose in story. Nobody but James was given any sort of character. And those who did get some character, did not deserve it. Like Yang, who was supposed to have more of a problem with keeping secrets especially from James.

So, what do I want out of all this? Simply, give everyone a role to play other than the main characters. The main characters do not have to do everything. If team JNRO can relate to or handle a situation better than team RWBY can, then let them do their jobs. Team RWBY can still be stronger than them but they cannot always be wiser or more decisive than everyone else. They can be reckless but give a group like Jaune, Ren, Oscar and Nora an ability to grab them by their hairs or the collar of their shirts and know when to tell them; Jaune to Yang: "Calm down and think."; Ren to Blake: "Focus."; Nora to Weiss: "It's okay."; and Oscar to Ruby: "Slow down and listen." Team JNRO unlike team RWBY suffered the most out all the characters. Jaune lost Pyrrha because she was stupid to go back to fight Cinder. Ren and Nora lost their homes and families because hunters were never there. And Oscar literally had to leave his home behind and may never see his aunt and uncle again, since he could die or fade from existence. What I am saying is give support characters room to breathe and grow so they can continue to do their jobs. Which is to act in the main characters best interest.

[wheremytwinwatches]

[Where My Twin Watches]: Full Metal Alchemist Brotherhood Episode 25

Last time: The last Goth was too shy to make an on-screen appearance, Fuhrer Bradley had a nice peaceful dinner with his family, and Roy and Ed competed for the title of “In The Worst Spot”. Onwards!

Ed’s wandering around some hellish landscape that’s giving me flashbacks to AoT (brrr), blaming “that idiot prince” for getting him stuck wherever this is. Ling does not appreciate the peasant calling “the future emperor of a nation” an idiot. Ed’s running forward to check on his friend teammate associate, but then comes to a halt. Right, they got trapped with a shapeshifter, didn’t they? Ok, Ling should be good, no one else could make reciting the hotel room service list a threat. As for Ed? A quick “little runt” test and Ling’s convinced as well. Now, how to get out of here? Episode 25 - “Doorway of Darkness” The two looking around, noting that everything in here is stuff that Gluttony has “eaten”, like the house they were keeping him in earlier, the Lieutenant’s car, and even all of Roy’s fire that is oh-so-conveniently providing light in this cavernous space now. Tardis space ftw! Ed has a brief moment of panic when he sees Al’s cutoff hand, calms down when they realize that he was outside the Eraser Gun. Well if he’s outside, is there any way to contact hi- [Ed, spazzing out and waving Al’s hand around]: “Ahhhhhhhh!!! Conveniently awaken, telepathic powers…! Elric brother telepathy!” [Ling]: “Yyyyeah, good luck with that.” After that failed “attempt”, they continue on, looking at all the different time periods of rubble in the Stomach. Still, Ed’s confident that they can find or make an exit. Even if the Well idea is a bust, and “running in a straight line to reach a wall” isn’t working… Oh hey May, how are you? Aw, sad that your panda was accidentally kidnapped by Al? Come on, don’t be sad (or put out the fire with your tears, please). Backstory time! First about the panda (disease while young kept her from growing, abandoned by her mother, taken in by May), then for May Chang herself; her clan’s one of the lowest of the fifty in the Xing Empire. [May]: “Maybe that’s why I was drawn to her. She looked so helpless and weak, I couldn't help but identify with her. But at the time, I guess I just took pity on her more than anything.” So after an initial bite, we get scenes of them growing up together, even sparring. Daw, sibling bonds. Something you and Ed can talk about, next time you meet up and aren’t dealing with a rebel fighter. Aw, Scar’s been lurking in the shadows while May waxes on about her adopted sister, probably making his own flashback connections. Sorry dude, you already had your history episode, it’s May’s turn now. Just let her talk about her motivations, how giving the Xing emperor immortality is the last hope for her clan (like Ling, dammit why can’t both clans be saved?)... nope, Scar’s fed up with being out of the spotlight and tells the other two to get moving. Or not? Daw, are you really gonna help her find the panda? Yoki proves he has at least a few brain cells, noting that as one of the last Ishvalan survivors Scar “knows a thing or two about loss.” Back in the Stomach, Ed and Ling are still trudging along, Ed’s so desperate that he’s promising to let the freeloading prince get anything he wants from room service once they’re out. But even that’s not enough to keep Ling going, he collapses and tells Ed to keep going. The Fullmetal Alchemist rants and raves that he’s not letting someone as weak as Ling drag him down, he’s off to find the exit. Yup, totally leaving. Seriously leaving him to die. Not messing around…. Yeah, no points for guessing that when the “threats” weren’t enough Ed just picked the prince up and lugged him along, ranting about how they both have too many people waiting for them outside. But then he collapses too, and both are left gasping for breath on some rubble and so hungry that they made Boot Soup. After their “filling meal”, Ling apologizes for getting Ed trapped, but the Alchemist just blows it off as not even being as bad as what Teacher put him and Al through. Optimism? Nah, just sheer stubbornness. And fear of Al’s metal fists if he actually gives up. Hey, there’s the third prisoner of the Stomach! Ed immediately begs to be shown the exit, Ling can’t even start properly arguing about asking the enemy for help when Envy bluntly states that “there is no exit”. Yikes, it’s so tough not even a Goth can get out? Hmmm, so this is a semi-Portal of Truth. Not like the real one that Ed and Al went through way back when, but a failed experiment by Father to make his own Portal. Hmm, showing a limitation of the Goth’s creator then. The point is, these three are stuck in a place in between Reality and Truth. As for what they can do? [Envy]: “All we can do is wait here to die.” Midshow pictures of May Chang, Shao May the panda, and Envy. Ed is not very happy to hear this, accusing Envy of lying as the Goth just sits there and grimaces. Still furious, Ed demands to know who their Father is, when Envy scoffs that Bradley is just another Goth. He’s piecing everything together now; the Fifth Laboratory, human sacrifices to make Stones, Homunculi, Ishval… Envy laughs at that one, says it was an “enjoyable job”. Whoa, seriously? Envy was the one who pulled the trigger? … kick his ass, Ed. Guh, we get the slow building “Shit Is Going Down” music with an image spot of a little red-eyed Ishvalan girl getting shot point blank by Soldier!Envy. Did not need to see that. So Envy is the source. The Big Bad is still Father for creating the Goths, but Envy? The one laughing at how he framed a moderate officer to plunge the nation into civil war? [Ed]: “So you’re responsible… You were the one who shot and killed that poor innocent child. You destroyed my hometown, you drove out the Ishvalans. You’re the one who turned Scar into a murderer. And it was you… You’re the reason Winry’s parents were killed! You’re the one to blame!” Ed punches Envy! But… Envy didn’t budge? Uh oh. Ominous chanting has started as Envy morphs to give them a “parting gift” before they die. Ling notes that when they fought Envy had been oddly heavy for someone nearly as small as Ed. [Ling]: “He might be a bit bigger than he looks.” Um. Oh dear. Envy is very, very big now. And 3D, no less. Boss fight! Back outside, Al’s sitting in a forest clearing with a little bird on his shoulder and Shao May at his side.

Gluttony’s still there, stumbling around and asking Al what he should do. Right, he ate someone he was Not Supposed To Eat.

[Al]: “I have no idea.” Ooh! Gluttony’s worrying that Father’s going to be real mad at him, Al pounces on the mention of the Goth’s creator… and asks for Gluttony to take him to Father. Gluttony goes “ok, he’ll want to see you since you’re one of the human sacrifices we’re supposed to Not Harm”. Answers, finally! Back at Central the higher-ups are sitting around a table, frankly talking about Sacrifice Candidacy. Even General Raven (come on dude, how could you betray Mustang like that?). As for Candidate Mustang, he’s in the Fuhrer’s office now for a “nice long talk”. Leto damn it. Roy of course asks the obvious question first, why Bradley’s bothering to let Roy live when he knows so much. Bradley says that Roy wouldn’t learn his lesson if he’s dead. Like Hughes… [Bradley]: “Why must everyone make such a fuss over the death of a single soldier?” Oh, what the flip. Bradley was trembling in anger at Hughes’ “screeching child”?! Dude, you suck as a parent. But the Fuhrer brushes off the idea that Selim is a weak point for him. Roy, on the other hand… By the car, Riza’s waiting when Fuery runs up to report that he’s being assigned to the Southern Command Center. And Breda’s being sent west, Falman to the North… and two guys in black coats come up to reassign First Lieutenant Riza Hawkeye to Central Command Center. [Riza]: “As personal assistant to Fuhrer Bradley.” So that’s it. Riza is stuck under the watch of Wrath now. Oh yeah, there was that whole “Ed and Ling are stuck in a hellish in-between realm facing down Titan!Envy” thing going on, we should get back to that. The two are getting their butts kicked, when they get a moment Ed’s able to transmute a (tacky) sword for Ling and get his own arm into Blade Mode. They’re beat up, but they have to fight! Meanwhile, the music’s building as Al follows Gluttony, shocked to see that they are heading towards… oh for Leto’s sake, Father is based in Central itself?! ...WHAT. WHAT DO YOU MEAN THAT’S WHERE IT STOPS?

[zetalial]

My top 10 favourite FMA 03 episodes

Hey, I figured I’d make a list. Everyone likes lists, right?

This was going to be just the list but then I decided to add some thoughts and add pictures so now this is a long post… I’ll be counting down from my tenth favourite.

10. Episode 23: Fullmetal Heart/Heart of Steel (whichever title you prefer)

Odd choice, much? This is only a breather episode yet for some reason it’s one of my favourites. Maybe it’s because the characterisation of everyone is just great. You’ve got Edward, Maria Ross, Hughes, Winry and Alphonse all interacting and going through all the aftermath of Lab 5 and it’s just the kind of episode that appeals to me. It’s got some moments of humour as well as the angst. I’ve already made a separate post on this episode actually.

There’s a negative in that Al’s identity crisis is present here and that’s not my favourite arc. That actually gets more focus in the next episode though. I wouldn’t exactly call it an eventful episode either unless you love intense conversations like me. (Hughes is the best, by the way.)

9. Episode 8: The Philosopher’s Stone

Better known for being the Barry the Chopper episode. It also comes immediately after Nina so a lot of it deals with the aftermath of that. Of course, where Fullmetal Heart is a breather, this is the opposite. This is where the evil writers decide to twist the knife that was the Nina incident by putting our beloved 12 year old hero through even more emotional turmoil. As a lover of angst,  and exploring fallouts, I loved this episode. (I debated including the Nina episode, Night of the Chimera’s Cry, for this list but chose this one instead.) The encounter with Barry is always very striking, seeing how worked up Ed gets and how unnerved he is. Meanwhile you’ve got Al keeping a clearer head trying to move on while Ed’s not ready to yet. Meanwhile you’ve got other characters around but not able to provide comfort. Mustang, Riza, Winry, even Hughes.  Seeing human Barry adds to the lab 5 arc later on too.

Negatives might be that it’s too angsty, I can see it being a turn off. Villain is very blatantly evil. I personally don’t mind that sort of thing though. Also Winry is present but doesn’t do all that much.

8. Episode 17: House of the Waiting Family.

I swear this list isn’t all Breather episodes! But, yeah, this one deals with the fallout from the Scar battle some and does a bunch of other stuff. I’ve already made a separate post about this one too. It’s an episode of recovery, and family. Ed and Al embracing the past they’ve left behind once more. You’ve got Ed visiting his mother’s grave, Winry encouraging Ed and Al to come home again, Ed almost confessing his guilt about the transmutation to Al, Winry finding Ed’s watch and the message inside, Al having trouble remembering the past, Ed and AL reflecting on their home they lost. It’s a good reflective episode. Family is one of the central themes in FMA, and this episode certainly gives that feeling. It’s a pleasant episode with only a little angst and plenty of humour and heart.

7. Episode 31: Sin

I feel like this might be another odd choice? This is the moment where they reveal the origins of the homunculi and how they do it is absolutely enthralling. Izumi explaining how she tried to bring back her unborn child. Wrath letting himself be led to the island. Izumi attempting to strangle him, but unable to do it. Wrath strangling her. Ed and Al’s horror and instinctive denial as Wrath reveals what the story has been building up to. And there’s all the other stuff that’s going on to. Sloth and Envy fighting Greed. Kimblee and Archer meeting and agreeing to work together. Lust and Gluttony in a group of refugees, intending to cause trouble. This episode is so named to focus on the Homunculi and it very much does. The scene between Envy and Wrath is absolutely enthralling. These are the stories that FMA 03 thrives on, in my opinion.  It ends with Al of all people furiously attacking Wrath, so it’s hard to resist not going straight to the next episode.

6. Episode 47: Sealing the Homunculus

This one is right near the end of the series. I was sorely tempted to go with 48: Goodbye. These two are pretty equal in my mind really. This one is more exciting though. Lust is incredible, her fight with Wrath is one of my favourites, she can switch between being utterly ruthless and vulnerable in an instant. Her end completed her character arc in such a compelling way. She’s one of my favourite characters and you can see so much of it in this single episode. But she’s not alone! It’s also got Sloth and we finally get to understand her motivations and feelings while she also meets her demise. Ed and Al both go through more emotional turmoil even though it’s framed as a triumph for them. Wrath is being Wrath. And it leads so tantalisingly into the next episode.

Negatives might be how Al defending Sloth is a touch frustrating. Also Wrath is being Wrath. Yes that’s a positive and a negative.

5. Episode 13: Fullmetal vs Flame.

What’s that, a light-hearted humorous episode with only a small amount of angst? This episode is a gem. It pretty much ties up everything that came before and leads very naturally into everything that comes after. I’ve been thinking that if people wanted to watch 03 but have already seen BH, this one wouldn’t be a bad place to start if you don’t want to retread the beginning at a slower pace. (Though you do miss out on some nice episodes). Beyond that, this episode is loads of fun. The fight displays Mustang’s abilities well, shows off the relationship between him and Ed, Hughes is awesome as usual, Al has a cute cat and did I mention the scene where Mustang loves dogs? The little bit of angst mostly comes from Mustang and some trauma he has from Ishval, leading into the Scar battle next episode very well. He’s being built up great. This episode is simply awesome.

4. Episode 3: Mother

Ah, there’s the mix of darkness and family I love. I’m always mentioning this episode and I love how it explores Ed and Al’s past and shows their characters and how they decided to perform the human transmutation. At first it’s heartwarming and then it’s heartwrenching. Ed and Al have always been my favourite characters and seeing their backstory explored in such detail is wonderful. Have I mentioned the part where they walk away from their burning house while Bratja plays with Al narrating? How about Ed coldly standing at the grave swearing to bring their mother back while Alphonse is crying?

3. Episode 51: Laws and Promises

Right to the opposite end of the series. The last episode is so very striking to me. See Ed and Al sacrifice themselves for each other is spectacular. Dante’s plan so quickly unraveling and I’ve talked about how much I love Envy’s final scene before. The epilogue ties off the series fairly well while still leaving things open-ended. Mustang’s fight with Pride is awesome. His scenes with Riza are lovely. Ed’s scenes with his father are interesting. Dante’s demise. Wrath getting to live and getting automail Winry made for Ed. Izumi teaching Al more alchemy. That final speech that closes the series, where the title of this episode comes from. It’s strangely optimistic and hopeful. It’s nice.

2. Episode 28: All is One, One is All.

Another backstory episode. It features Ed and Al’s survival on Yok island with older Ed and Al reflecting on the past. I think this episode builds to its climactic point of Ed and Al coming to understand what Izumi wanted to teach them very well. I’ve made a post about this episode too. (I talk about episodes I like, okay?) The appearances of Wrath leading up to another nice cliffhanger ending are also nice. It’s another episode of reflection and I love it. Young Ed and Al are always great.

And finally:

1. Episode 22: Created Human

I loved the aftermath of Lab 5. I loved the origins of the homunculi. I love when Ed faces emotional turmoil. And I absolutely love this episode where the Lab 5 arc reaches its dreadful conclusion. Everything about it is great. The moral ambiguity, the homunculi’s goals, Ed getting pushed to the brink, physically and emotionally, just everything that Envy and Lust do, even the older Slicer brother advising Ed. Everything has been building to this moment and it’s executed brilliantly. It makes you start to feel sympathy with the homunculi when they compare themselves to Al’s own inhuman state. It makes you feel Ed’s desperation to save his brother. Al protesting but everyone ignoring him. Envy and Lust talking about equivalence. When they reveal that everyone the brother’s has been working for was leading them here. That moment at the end where the military steps in to save the brothers. Scar doing his own stuff and deciding to help them. There’s even the delightful moment where Mustang breaks the fourth wall at the beginning.

Yeah it’s my favourite.

[kookakie-blog]

Answer

PART FIVE

Acacia is a girl in highschool only trying to readjust herself to her new surroundings, while keeping her brother out of trouble. Everything has been a boring routine till she ends up on the wrong side of town at the wrong time, this is where she first meets Chen, although the circumstances aren’t the best.

Acacia’s POV

“You’ll drive yourself crazy reading that.”I quickly wipe my tears and close the file folder when I hear Jongdae’s voice behind me. “Its all I have.” I whisper as I stare down at the folder. Sehun brought another report on Andrew  a few days ago and I had just brought myself to read it. “Come here.” I get up from the chair and come to stand in front of Jongdae who was leaning against the door frame to the bedroom. I allow him  to trace my cheeks wiping away any stray tears before he pressing my head into his chest. “I could tell Junmyeon you aren’t feeling well. We don’t have to go.” I just shake my head as I wrap my arms around his waist. Jongdae just sighs before pulling me tighter. “We should probably get going then.” 

I mumble a small ok and pull back to go get Jongdae’s hoodie. I slip it over my head and turn to see Jongdae smiling widely at me. “What?” He just shakes his head before he walks over to me. “Nothing we’re just gonna have to get you some smaller clothes.” I look down to see his hoodie came all the way down to my knees. “Oh.” I feel a small smile grow on my face when I see Jongdae throw his head back laughing. “We’ll go after the meeting puppy.” I nod my head as Jongdae places a hand on my back as he leads me out of the room. 

Kris and Kai were the ones that picked us up. Kris greeted me with a smile and a playful shove while Kai remained silent. He would look at me through the rear view mirror but quickly looked away when I spot him staring. Ever since that night he’s kept his distance from me. Jongdae told me he felt guilty and that I should wait for him to approach me. I’m wondering if he ever would. “Alright puppy stay close to me.” I step out of the car and take Jongdae’s hand and look up at the tall skyscraper. Just what did this gang do? 

I’m pulled from my thoughts when Jongdae leads me into the building Kris and Kai in front of us. As soon as we walk into the building, we’re greeted by Kyungsoo who was standing by some Asian women. “Is this her?” Kai playfully asks Kyungsoo only to be shut down with a glare. “Everyone else is downstairs. Junmyeon won’t be pleased you didn’t bring the girls.” I look confused as Kyungsoo sends questioning glances at both Kai and Kris. “They’re both grown women we can’t force them to do anything. Besides it’s not like Junmyeon doesn’t know them.” Kris places another cigarette in his mouth before winking at the shorter man who just proceeds to roll his eyes and stand in front of the woman standing beside him. 

Jongdae snorts as he pulls me towards some elevators. He enters a code into a smaller looking one, the doors opening moments later. We step inside and begin our descent to “the design lab” whatever that was. As soon as the doors open we’re met with the low tone of music and the sound of chatter. Jongdae pulls me into the room as I stay slightly behind them. There was a bar in the corner a red headed girl serving drinks as a rather mean looking man stood behind her watching her like a hawk. Sehun was sitting in front of an array of computers a girl with wild hair sitting on his lap sipping on a cup of coffee as she whispered something in his ear earning a chuckle from him. In the corner was a rather childish looking man wearing some sort of mechanics uniform. He was smiling fondly at a Hispanic girl who just appeared to scold him as she wiped some grease off his face. 

Over in the corner a pair of girls talking to each other one of them had dark chocolate skin while the others was sun kissed and sported cherry red lipstick. The two men beside them were a lot more quiet only muttering a few words to each other. One of the them was fairly tall with sharp calculated eyes and he seemed quite possessive over the dark skinned girl, his hands gripping her waist tight. The other was soft looking in a way and somewhat dejected from the whole atmosphere. I snap my attention to the couch in the room when I hear Chanyeol’s booming laugh. A small blond girl was placed in his lap his cheeks tinted red as she places a kiss on her cheek. That’s when I noticed Junmyeon in a similar position smiling at the woman beside him as he places his hand over her heart. She whispers something to him and that’s when he turns his attention towards Jongdae and I. 

“Ah so glad you could make it. Took you long enough.” Jongdae accepts junmyeon’s hug as I stand awkwardly behind him. “Ah Acacia don’t be so shy.” I give Junmyeon a smile before pressing myself into Jongdae’s side. “She’s so young Junmyeon don’t push it.” The woman who was sitting beside him gives his suit sleeve a tug before she smiles at me. “My names Winry. It’s nice to meet you Acacia.” I give her a small smile in return as I peek my head up at her. I mean she was right. I was the youngest person here seeing that almost all of the occupants were drinking some form of alcohol. “Let’s get this meeting started.” Winry goes to take a seat on the couch as Junmyeon goes to stand in front of the room. Jongdae leads us towards the couch sitting me down beside Winry before sitting beside me. 

“So first order of business. The date has been set for next month. All should go smoothly if we take the right precautions. Some of which will need to be added.” Junmyeon pauses to look around the room. “I'm arranging to have all of the girls stay in Jeju on race day. It’s our safest option.” My heart starts to beat rapidly. “Jongdae what is he talking about?” Jongdae just quiets me as he caresses my cheek before wrapping his arm around me. “Luhan, Kris, Chanyeol  and I will be racing that day so we’ll have an alibi if need be. Tao will be posted with Xiumin in a building across from the finish line where  my father will be posted. Kyungsoo will make sure my father is in the right position and Tao will take him out. One bullet. Clean and easy. Baekhyun and Kai will take him to Lay who will make it look like we did everything we could to keep him alive. Sehun will make sure any and all cameras in the area are jammed at the moment of the shot while Jongdae will make sure no bystanders see Tao or Xiumin...that’ll be the easy part but some new information has come to my attention.”

“What new information?” The mean looking man at the bar asks. “Sehun care to enlighten the rest of us.” Sehun clears his throat before standing up from his chair the girl sitting on his lap taking his spot. “Well sources tell me that the Tarins will be at the race. Rumors are spreading that Mr.Kim is trying to spark some deal with them regarding drug trade. It’s possible the Tarins could organize their own assassination or once Mr.Kim is taken out they might possibly try to gain control of our territory.” I feel Jongdae tightens his grip on me his face hardening. “So we need to make sure that doesn’t happen at any cost. Taking my father out will be the calm before the storm. We should be prepared for anything.”

There’s too many scenarios that could come into play. Minho wasn’t completely dumb..he’d think of something to undermine Junmyeon. But if we knew his move....”Just send me in.” 

“Absolutely not.” Jongdae glares at me as I just stare straight at Junmyeon. “Think about it. Minho would never suspect that I even know of you. I know his daily schedule. Party. Get drunk. Sleep repeat. I’d have the perfect window to sneak into his office. I can get Sehun access to his computer. It’s a no brainer.” Junmyeon raises an eyebrow at me as Jongdae turns his glare on to the man in front of us. “Don’t you dare say fucking yes so help me god I’ll gut you right here.” I flinch at Jongdae’s tone as he pulls me to his chest. Junmyeon sighs before shaking his head. “It’s too risky. It would be better if you were the rest of the girls in Jeju.” I just pout as I sink into the man behind me. “But that doesn’t mean we can’t use that intelligence of yours in a different way.” My ears perk up at the mention of being useful. “If you could reconstruct Minho’s schedule we could orchestrate a small intelligence operation a week before the race.” 

“Woah woah woah. There’s no way princess here can remember exactly what this man is going to do.” My anger boils up as I turn to face a clearly intoxicated man behind me. “I have an eidetic memory. I literally remember everything my eyes see. So I know for a fact Minho has a vacation planned in three weeks because I was snooping through his office the third Sunday of last month. That would be the perfect time Junmyeon.” I turn back as the man just mumbled something under his breath the red head smacking him upside the head.  

“Alright Sehun and Kyungsoo will plan our next move. That’s all. Get ready.” Junmyeon walks over to Sehun, Winry going up to follow him as the rest of the room breaks off. “We’re leaving.” I gulp when I hear Jongdae’s hard voice whisper in my ear. I just nod as he pulls me up from the couch and pulls me to the elevator. “Good luck Acacia.” I glare at Kris as he just takes another puff from his cigarette smirking at me. As soon as the doors to the elevator close Jongdae wastes no time in pushing me against the wall slamming his hands on either side of my head. “Are you suicidal. You know it’s too dangerous for you to just show up out of nowhere. Minho isn’t dumb trust me I know. He would’ve found out in a heartbeat and he would’ve killed you like nothing.” What is he talking about? “Do you understand?!” I flinch as Jongdae raises his voice. “Do you understand?!” I feel tears sting my eyes as I answer yes quickly closing my eyes after. 

I keep my eyes closed as Jongdae sighs. “I’m sorry puppy I just don’t want to lose you.” I nod as I bury my face in his chest. “It’s ok. Why don’t we get ice cream after getting you some clothes ok?” I mumble small ok as I sniffle and look up at him. 

Jongdae’s POV

Sometimes I forget she’s so young. But the realization hits me when she looks up at me with those sad eyes. So innocent. I grab her hand when the elevator opens and lead her out of the huge building

[fullmetalirin]

Fullmetal Alchemist OG vs. Brotherhood: Tucker Chapter (OG 07, BH 04)

We’ve caught up to Brotherhood’s timeline! This isn’t quite a 1:1 comparison, as some of the introductory bits were covered in OG 06, but for the most part we should be able to compare the two episodes directly.

Fullmetal Alchemist Episode 7: "Night of the Chimera's Cry"

Ed is now a "dog of the military" for having passed the state alchemy examination. Mustang gives Ed a silver pocket watch, being a symbol of his rank and an alchemical amplifier. Ed writes a letter to Winry, and Nina writes one to her mother. After Tucker's reluctance in answering Ed's questions concerning the talking chimera that he created two years ago, Ed investigates at the state library but is denied access. On the way out of the library, Ed encounters a mysterious man with a cross-shaped scar across his face, and a strange tattoo on his right arm. After Brigadier General Basque Grand finds out about Ed's investigations, he orders him to cease and desist, having the Elrics moving out of Tucker's mansion. However, the Elrics sneak into the mansion into Tucker's laboratory in the basement, where he has just finished creating another speaking chimera in order to satisfy his yearly examination requirements. Ed then verbally places the pieces of the puzzle together, revealing that Tucker was responsible for using his wife for his first chimera, and now he is using Nina and Alexander for his new chimera. Tucker tries to accuse Ed that he is guilty of this as well, and Ed nearly beats Tucker to death in response, though is stopped by the Nina-Alexander chimera. As Tucker is arrested, Ed manages to free the chimera, which escapes into an alleyway and encounters the scarred man. He declares it to be a sin against nature, and ultimately deconstructs it. The scarred man disappears, and the Elrics discover Nina-Alexander's blood-smeared remains on the alley wall.

Tucker watches Nina play in the yard with an anguished expression.

Mustang tosses Ed his State Alchemist watch quite callously, and Ed is disappointed.

MUSTANG: Congrats. You're a dog of the military now.

Nothing about it letting you do alchemy without a circle, so I guess we’re left to assume Cornello just didn’t know what he was talking about.

Ed makes a crack about Mustang wanting a promotion, and Havoc tells him seriously that yes, he'll do anything to move up the ranks. Foreshadowing.

There is a serial killer targeting women.

Havoc reminds Tucker his assessment is coming up soon. Tucker looks nervous.

Tucker claims that his wife left them because he was too poor, and that if he fails the examination, they'll fall into poverty again.

Ed restrains Scar from entering the library, saying he needs to pass the exam like everyone else. As a kid, I think this is more excusable from him.

Ed goes to Hughes when he's denied access, because Hughes said he was in intelligence last episode. Oh, that's clever! Hughes tells him Tucker's chimera said it wanted to die and then starved itself to death. He also reveals Tucker's wife is actually dead.

Ed has a PTSD attack when he sees the woman's mangled body. When he recovers, Tucker explains that he figured out that they did human transmutation, but he understands their reasons.

Tucker's lab looks like a torture dungeon. Everything is very poorly lit.

Tucker claims the real reason he fused Nina was to prove that he could, and insists that Ed's attempt at human transmutation was no different. Ed flies into a rage, beating him so savagely he draws blood. Nina stops him, and Ed attempts to separate her. I think this is a really important part of Ed's character: he's a very dark and flawed person, but at his core he really is a genuinely good person, and it's vital he gets opportunities to show that.

Ed flips out at Grand, accusing him of covering it up and planning to use Nina as a test subject. Grand punches him, and Ed visibly staggers and clutches his stomach for the rest of the scene. Ed uses alchemy to warp the road and topple the van.

Scar has not yet started killing State Alchemists. He's still figuring out how his arm works and what he's supposed to use it for.

Ed has a breakdown when he finds Nina's bloodstain, and actually cries.

FMA Brotherhood Episode 4: "An Alchemist's Anguish"

A mysterious man with a cross-shaped scar across his face attacks and murders Brigadier General Basque Grand. The Führer orders Hughes and Armstrong to use all available resources to stop the murderer. Meanwhile, to avoid being in their debt, Mustang introduces Edward and Alphonse to state alchemist Shou Tucker, the "Sewing-Life Alchemist", who obtained his credentials by creating a chimera which could understand human speech. He opens up his library to the Elric brothers to study living creature transmutation, but they also spend time playing with Tucker's daughter Nina and the family dog Alexander. On returning to the house for another study session, they find that Tucker has created another speaking chimera in order to satisfy his yearly assessment requirements. However, Edward is furious to discover that the chimera was created by combining Nina and Alexander. He then realizes that Tucker did the same with his wife two years earlier and Alphonse stops Edward from nearly beating Tucker to death. Mustang tells him that by being a state alchemist, he must prepare himself to take a life if called upon by the military. While Tucker is arrested for his actions, he is visited by the scarred man, who kills him, and then delivers a mercy killing to the Nina/Alexander chimera.

We get a recap of the previous episode before the title card. Not sure why it thinks this is necessary.

We open with Scar already killing State Alchemists. Grand makes cannons out of the cobblestones. As with Ed's train cannon, I have to wonder where he's getting the gunpowder – though since this is his specialty, he might carry the materials on his person.

Grand also raises massive metal walls from the road. We can presume he is drawing metal ore from the rock, but he's still making an awful lot of metal.

And Scar just... kills Grand. Okay. Well, that was a waste of a character.

There's a lot of blood spurting when Scar kills Grand, but no visible wounds. I was expecting his head to explode at least.

Then we cut to Team Mustang doing clerical work. There's a report on Yoki and a reference to the Youswell incident, but no details beyond that the Elrics were involved. So I guess Brotherhood wants to assure us that's still canon, but didn't think it was important enough to spend an episode on. Reasonable.

Ed groans when he hears he has to meet with Mustang. It hasn't been established why he hates him yet, so that's a little weird. I guess we can take it as an in-medias-res thing, to be explained later.

The hook to make them meet Tucker here is that they start going on about how impressive it was that Cornello made a chimera with the Stone, and that they don't know much about biological alchemy. That seems… really random. That was hardly the most impressive or even the most visible thing he did with the Stone. It's reasonable for them to take an interest in it, but that just highlights that it should have been the first thing they researched when they got to Central. It's really bizarre that the people looking to restore their bodies completely ignored an entire field about that for three years and only now go "Oh hey, actually that sounds useful."

Mustang is referring them so he's not indebted to them for handling the Liore case. So apparently they actually were on military business there.

Mustang tells them the story of the talking chimera in place of Hughes, on the ride over there. Okay wow, so we are really speedrunning this then. What is pacing.

Tucker doesn't apologize for being sexist, and more directly says his wife ran out on him when explaining the mess in the house. Possibly this is just different translations?

Tucker is a lot more aggressive, demanding that they tell him why they're interested before he shows them his research. Goes into scary shiny glasses mode when he says this. Ed tells him everything.

Tucker shows them his lab right off the bat. It's better lit and much less sinister-looking. He also mentions he hasn't been doing very well.

Tucker is framed as much more obviously evil in pretty much every scene. He keeps doing the creepy glasses-adjust thing while making creepy expressions and having creepy music play.

Ed gets angry at Al for playing with Nina.

Ed gets comically angry at the dog and fights it. For once I can say without reservation that the comic relief is totally appropriate.

The Elrics leave for the day, and Havoc gives his message about the assessment. Tucker just says "I know" creepily, with no indication of anxiety or conflictedness.

Tucker exposits about the assessment to Nina. Shouldn't she already know from last year?

Tucker does look solemn when he hugs her.

The next day, Nina tells the Elrics her mom left. Nothing about the letters or anything.

Nina says her dad's always in the lab. There's a small flashback to the Elrics remembering their father doing the same, and Ed suddenly decides to play with Nina. That's sweet, and nicely subtle.

While they play with Nina, there's a cut to Tucker in his lab. This time it is all shadowy, lit only by one gaslamp. Geez, Tucker, you're already wearing glasses, stop ruining your eyes even more.

Cut to Team Mustang discussing Scar's murders. Armstrong brings up the perverse nature of State Alchemists, saying alchemy is supposed to be for the people but State Alchemists turn it into a weapon of the State. The Ishbalan War is also mentioned.

Cut to Tucker giving his backstory about his wife leaving him and why he needs to pass the assessment. Why, exactly, is he telling them this? They're just random strangers in this continuity. Also odd that the Elrics would ask in the first place. This reeks of needing to deliver exposition regardless of sense.

The lighting actually is darker in this scene, but it doesn't feel as natural to me, more like it's cel-shaded.

There's a mini-flashback to him arguing with his wife.

Tucker offers to play with Nina the next day. The Elrics find nothing suspicious about him doing this so close to the assessment.

Pathetic fallacy is in full force: we get a shot of the storm clouds outside as Ed discovers the Nina chimera. This seems over-the-top to me.

Tucker actually covers himself better here, telling Nina "That person is Edward," instead of "That's Edward, your friend."

We spend slightly more time on the shot of Ed's realization.

Tucker's "not so different" speech is very similar but a little compressed. I feel like it loses something when they didn't have a philosophical conversation earlier. I thought that lent him a bit more credibility, because Ed didn’t refute it then. There’s also the element of perversion in how it was initially framed as positive advice given by a father figure and now that’s all been twisted... there’s a lot of nuance lost here.

Ed looks more sad and anguished as he's punching Tucker. The beatdown actually looks less violent to me – the camera keeps shaking and cutting between perspectives so quickly we can't really focus on anything, and I don't think there's any actual blood splatter. We do actually see Tucker's bleeding face for a split-second, but I personally thought it was more horrific to just see Ed wailing on him as blood flew everywhere. Let the audience’s imagination do the work for you.

One of the blood splatters makes it look like Ed is crying blood. Like it literally looks flush with his eyeball. In later shots it isn’t flush, so I guess that was just an art goof.

Nina doesn't restrain Ed, but she does ask if her dad is hurt.

The brothers don't try to unfuse Nina, they just say it's beyond their power.

We spend more time on Tucker saying how great it is he'll be a State Alchemist again. Ed kicks the watch out of his hands and he crawls over to it like Gollum. This feels over-the-top.

Mustang handles the case this time, and muses that they're not so different because he's killed people in war. That's not really the same thing, Mustang.

Ed is sulking, but it's unclear if he was crying – he sounds like he's sobbing at a few points, but there are no tears. Mustang tells him to suck it up and deal because there's plenty more cases like this, implying that he may have sent Ed here on purpose to teach him a lesson.

EDWARD: Whether we get called dogs of the military, or cursed as devils, Al and I are going to get our bodies back.

I find the phrasing here noteworthy – Ed is only concerned about persecution, not the implication that he will be doing things to deserve it.

Ed starts going on a dramatic rant and Mustang and Riza just walk away. LOL.

Scar shows up and kills Tucker. I initially asked "How did he get in?" but that is actually explained with a helpful cut to the guards outside having been turned into bloody messes.

Nina cries when she sees her dad get murdered in front of her. Jesus, Scar. He still kills her, but all she says is "Dad", nothing about being in pain, so he looks like he's just killing her for being a chimera. Yeesh. You're not scoring a lot of points on the sympathetic villain front, Scar.

Conclusion

I think these two episodes are lessons in "show, don't tell," and "less is more". Brotherhood's version just feels so rushed, a villain of the week with no greater significance. Ed couldn't save the innocent girl, isn't that sad, now let's move on. We don't linger on anything long enough to form a real emotional attachment. Even if it did, the endless HEY HAVE YOU REALIZED TUCKER IS EVIL YET HAVE YOU HAVE YOU would have wrecked that anyway. It's so trite. It's also so forced – there's no real reason for Ed to be visiting him at this point, and if they actually learn anything from the research, it's never mentioned. It's so transparently just an excuse to place them in position.

In OG's version, this becomes part of an actual arc in the brothers' lives. We have time to get invested, get a sense of wrongness without it being obvious, to feel like we got the rug swept out from under us instead of expecting it. There is a sense of progression, with real foreshadowing as Ed slowly pieces it together. Moreover, the change of Tucker becoming their guardian informs so much of this. These are no longer skilled, hardened shonen protagonists dealing with the tragedy of the week. These are desperate children who have to see this horror destroy their adoptive family. Even after you process the tragedy of Nina's suffering, you're left with the tragedy of: what will these kids do now? Who will take care of them? Will they be able to trust anyone ever again?

It’s also just so important that Ed actually plans to separate Nina, and moreover puts his life on the line by fighting a scary general for her. He knows there’s probably nothing he can do, but he wants to try anyway, because he cares. Because that’s the kind of person he is. It’s so easy to tell yourself you don’t have to try because there’s nothing you can do. That’s almost never actually true. To do nothing is, itself, a choice. And indeed, Scar shows that there was a solution here -- it was just one they couldn’t bear to take. Now, was that the correct solution? Is it right to give a mercy killing to a suffering toddler when you can’t ask her permission because she does not even know how to express such a concept? Should Ed have tried to separate her anyway, even knowing it likely would have killed her? And of course, the elephant in the room: should we really be expecting a sobbing 12-year-old to be a rational moral actor in the first place? OG gives us so much to engage with, important questions, important choices, important feelings.

I cried so bad I could barely focus on this writeup when I saw the OG episode. I didn't cry at all when I watched the Brotherhood version. That should really tell you something.

I also prefer OG's portrayal of Scar here. You can see how he is, himself, lost and confused. He's a mysterious figure I sympathize with and want to learn more about, not just a one-note murder machine.

We are already beginning to see divergences in the plotlines, too. In Brotherhood, Tucker and Grand were both killed. In OG, they're still around. Followup on that, there will be.

[rockbelric]

Freaky Friday chapter six

Eyyy, here you go. Im putting it all under a read more bc tumblr keeps fucking it up.

It’s time to get up. Riza stretched her legs and did a mental checklist of all the things she had to get done today.

I hope Roy doesn’t forget to pick up the tuxes from the dry cleaners, I’ll have to remind him just in case. And we have the breakfast meeting with the Governor today. Ugh, I hope it goes by fast, I hate that pompous ass. I need to call the mechanic for my car, he said it would be ready today. Oh, and I have a parent teacher conference with Selim’s teacher. I hope he’s doing well in school, I can’t handle another Winry. God, Winry. She better have an apology ready for me this morning, that little brat. I wonder why my alarm hasn’t gone off… Alright, I better get up.

Riza opens her eyes and is immediately disoriented. There were posters on the walls, instead of picture frames. She was in Winry’s room. Why the hell was she in Winry’s room? Did I sleepwalk last night? Is this some sort of prank?

Riza stands up and something doesn’t feel right. She doesn’t feel right. Looking down at herself she sees pajamas she doesn’t own. She sees feet that aren’t hers. Hands that aren’t hers. Boobs that aren’t hers. What the fuck?

Running to the vanity mirror, Riza sees Winry’s face staring back at her and grasps it in horror. Am I dreaming? This isn’t real, this can’t be real! She screams in panic.

“Winry! Come quick!” Selim runs into the doorway looking distraught. “Riza’s dead!”

“What?” she says aloud, confused now more than ever.

I’m dead! I died and now I’m stuck in Winry’s body? What the fuck is going on?

“Hurry!” Selim runs out and Riza follows. Her little brother is standing by her actual body laying on her bed. My God, she feels like she’s in the Twilight Zone.

“Look! She’s not moving! She didn’t even wake up this morning!” He gestures to the body that’s face down in her pillow. She certainly looks like she’s dead.

Horrified, Riza pokes her body, hoping to any God that’s out there that she’s not actually dead and that this is some sort of horrible nightmare.

Riza’s body groans and turns on her other side, trying to avoid any more prodding. Wait a second.

“She moved.” Selim’s eyes are round now, staring at his eldest sister. Riza tries to pull her body over so they can see her face but she resists, keeping her face planted in the pillows. “Five more minutes!” she muffles.

“What’s wrong with her, is she sick?” Selim asks Riza, who he thinks is Winry, completely worried.

“Selim, honey, why don’t you go downstairs and have breakfast? I’ll get her up.” Riza runs her hand over his hair to calm him down.

His twists out of her touch, “What are you doing? Did you just call me honey?”

“Um, yes, I mean, no. Just, go downstairs. I’ll take care of this.” She keeps her hands to herself this time, not wanting to frighten her little brother anymore than she is.

“Alright.” He looks at her unsure and walks out of the room, obviously confused at both his sister’s behavior.

Ok, If I’m in Winry’s body, then Winry must be in my body. What the hell am I saying? Like nightmares have any logic.

Riza shakes her body again, but she doesn’t react. “Hello. Wake up.” She jostles her harder this time. Her body groans and tells Riza to leave. Ok that is definitely Winry. More sure, Riza smacks Winry’s butt, which is weird because it’s actually her butt.

“Hey, you need to get up now! There’s something wrong!” When Winry still doesn’t move, Riza grabs her by the ankles and pulls.

Knowing all her sister’s tricks for trying to get her out of bed already, Winry holds onto the railings in her headboard. Only the railings are gone, there’s nothing to grab onto for some reason. What the hell? She gets pulled down her bed by the ankles and flops on the floor.

Riza drops Winry out of bed. “Get up!” she yells again.

“What the hell Riza? All I asked for was five minutes!” Winry yells back as she stands up. When she looks at her sister, she’s shocked into silence.

“Winry, listen, I know this is strange, but I’m just as confused as you are.” Riza says gently, holding out her hands to calm her sister down.

“What the hell are you?” Winry jumps on the bed to get away from her doppelgänger. “Why do you look like me?”

“Calm down. It’s me, Riza. I don’t know what’s going on either, but I think we switched bodies.” Riza points to Winry.

Winry looks down at herself in horror as she realizes she’s not in her own body either. She screams in terror, standing on her sister’s bed, in her sister’s clothes, in her sister’s body.

“What did you do?” She cries at her own body which is apparently her sister now.

“You think I did this?” Riza asks incredulously. “This is not my doing! This is some sort of nightmare, or something!”

“Are we high?” Winry asks feeling up and down Riza’s body, totally unsure of what she should do. “Did we do drugs last night?”

“What? No! We didn’t do any drugs, Winry!”

“Should we go to the hospital?”

“No! We are not going to the hospital! They will think we’re insane and lock us up in the psych ward for 48 hours! And I can’t be locked up! I have a wedding tomorrow!”

“Oh my god, I am not getting married! That’s not happening!” Winry shrieks in disgust.

“Ok, ok.” Riza assures her sister, like she’s got an idea.

“Ok, what?”

“There has to be an explanation for this.” Riza paces back and forth, “If this is a nightmare, then all we have to do is wake up!”

“Ok, how do we do that?” Winry gets down from the bed. “Do we just pinch ourselves?” She stands in front of her body.

“Yeah, let’s try it. Ready. One… two… three!” They both pinch themselves as hard as they can, their eyes clenched shut. Nothing happened.

“Ow! Shit!” Winry rubs the sore spot on her arm. “I don’t feel anything except a bruise, you?”

“Nothing.” Riza solemnly shakes her head. They both try to think of another way to fix their problem.

“O-ok, what about if we just,” Winry smacks her hands together. “Collide! You know. To get us back.”

“Yes! Like a jolt! Ok, you go over there and then we’ll run to each other, alright.”

“Alright!” Winry goes to the opposite corner of the room, crouching in her stance.

“Alright, ready… Go!” The two girls sprint at each other, colliding in the middle and falling backwards. They both groan in pain, rubbing their foreheads. “Ow, ok, that was stupid.”

“Yeah,” Winry agrees. “That really hurt.”

“Riza!” Selim calls for his sister as he walks back into her bedroom. When he sees them on the floor he asks, “What are you guys doing?”

Standing up, Riza thinks of a reasonable explanation. “Nothing! I was just, uh, teaching Riza some new dance moves. You know, for the wedding. Tomorrow.”

“Oh… k.” He turns to his other sister, “Can you come downstairs? Grandpa keeps asking me where the laxatives are. He says he’s constipated, whatever that is.”

“Not now, twerp. Can’t you see we’re a little busy?” Winry snaps, “Go be annoying somewhere else.”

Stunned, Selim steps back, eyes wide. “I said get out!” Winry shoves forward to threaten him and he scrambles out of the room in fear.

“Oh my god, you cannot treat him like that!” Riza scolds her sister. “He thinks you’re me!”

“Well, what am I supposed to do? Pretend I’m you and you’re me?”

“Yes! We can’t let anyone know about this or they’ll think we’re crazy!”

“But this is crazy!” Winry gestures between them.

“I know, I know!” Riza grabs the sides of her hair, wanting to pull it out.

“What if it’s not just us? What if it’s like a thing that’s going on?” Winry suggests, “People all over the place could be switched and we don’t know!”

“Good idea! Maybe the news says something about it!”

Both girls run to check their phones and do a quick search on body switching. Unfortunately, there’s no breaking news on the phenomenon, only far-fetched science fiction articles and stories. They groan in frustration. “This is hopeless.” The younger sister moans.

“How about we check on Selim and Grandpa? Maybe they’re affected somehow.” Riza walks out of her bedroom with Winry following close behind. They slowly creeped down the stairs, trying not to be noticed by anyone else in the house.

At the kitchen table Selim was sitting across from their grandfather, who was reading a newspaper. “Grandpa, can you pass the milk?” he asked. Nothing seemed out of the ordinary.

“They look pretty normal to me.” Winry whispers to Riza who nods in agreement.

“So, what could be the reason we’re switched?” Riza asks, “What happened to us?”

“Grandpa, pass the milk!” Selim says louder since Grumman doesn’t seem to hear a word. “Grandpa!” Selim begins shaking the table to get his attention. “Pass! The! Milk!”

Grumman notices the shaking and shoots up in his seat yelling, “Earthquake!” He runs outside the front door shouting, “Save yourselves!”

Both sisters gasp and look at each other. “The earthquake!” They say in unison. “It must have happened while we we’re at the restaurant last night!” Winry tells her sister. “That’s why we’re like this!”

“Exactly!” They run back to Riza’s room to finish solving the mystery of their predicament.

“The earthquake and LanFan’s crazy grandpa giving us those fortune cookies and talking in Xingnese. He must have done something to us.” Winry paces back and forth, putting the pieces together. “Some sort of curse.”

“Yes, it has to be it.” Riza agrees, tracing her mouth with her fingers. “It explains why nobody else felt it but us.”

“Well, I guess that means we have to go back there and make him change us back!”

“Yes, but, the restaurant doesn’t open until lunchtime, and besides, you have school and I have work.” She points out.

“You can’t be serious. Have you seen us?” Winry yells waving down at the body that wasn’t her own. “We’re not exactly ready to be going to school and work Riza, we’re in each other’s bodies!”

“I know that, Winry, but your teacher said you’re on the verge of being suspended! And, your placement exam is today! You can’t miss it!” Winry feels odd seeing her own body reprimanding her.

“Well, then have fun taking it for me! Because they surely won’t let a 30-year-old in there to take it!” She laughs back at her sister.

“Hey! I am not 30!” Riza points, “And I think I could handle a simple high school placement exam.”

“Yeah, right,” Winry scoffs, “Maybe you could have ten years ago.”

Glaring, Riza walks up to her sister, “Alright, so I’ll go to school for you, since you’ve been doing so amazing at it lately, and I’ll prove it’s not as hard as you make it seem.”

“Fine.” The younger girl shrugs, “And I’ll stay home until the restaurant opens and give Mr. Fuu a piece of my mind.”

Outside they hear the front door open and Roy’s voice calling Grumman’s name. Running to the window, Riza looks outside to see Roy’s SUV on the driveway, and him trying to pull their grandfather from the neighbor’s car.

“Oh my god, Roy!” Riza grabs her head in distress. Turning to her sister she says, “You can’t stay home today! We have a very important meeting with the overnor!”

“What! No way!” Winry shakes her head, eyes wide with desperation. “I have no idea what it is you do! I’d probably mess everything up!”

“Ok, ok, just hear me out.” Riza calms her down. “I just need you to show your face, you don’t say anything, you don’t ask anything, you don’t answer anything.”

“And what if someone asks me something?” Winry whines.

“Then just say… ‘I’ll get back to you on that.’ Alright? Nothing else, do you understand? You are not to say anything else.”

“I’ll get back to you on that?”  she replies incredulously. “How is that an answer?”

Riza smiles, “You’d be surprised, most of the time these people have no idea what they’re talking about. You’ll do fine, just keep your mouth shut.”

“Wow, so we’re really doing this, huh? We’re really going to be each other?”

“Yes, and then at lunch time we’ll go back to the restaurant and switch back. Problem solved.” They stare at each other for a second, totally unsure of what they’re about to do. “Well, let’s get to it, I’m sure we’re already late.”

“Ok.” Winry says quietly, extremely nervous at the thought of going to work as her sister and meeting the governor. She didn’t even know what was going on in her civics class, how was she going to keep up there? Looking down the cell-phone in her hand, a thought comes to her. “Wait, who’s phone do we take?” She asks holding up her phone.

“We’ll take our own.” Riza says walking back to Winry’s bedroom.

“Sounds good to me. Oh, and have fun changing without a door.” She smiles sweetly to her sister who frowns back.

They each do their best to dress themselves in each other’s clothes. Riza doesn’t understand why Winry needs so many crop tops. How have I never noticed she only wears half a shirt? Rummaging through the piles of clothes on the chair and desk, she tries to find something decent.

Winry on the other hand can’t find anything remotely appealing in her sister’s closet. Who even wears shoulder pads anymore? She finds a little power suit that’s cute yet professional and decides it’s as good as it’s gonna get.

When they meet out in the hallway they asses one another. “Where did you find that? In the back of my closet?.” Riza asks as they walk downstairs.

“Yeah, behind all the man suits and shoulder pads.” Winry retorts.

“Excuse me. I dress sensible, unlike you.” For emphasis Riza pulls down the hem of her shirt which was already riding up her stomach.

“Good morning.” Roy greets them, sitting at the kitchen counter with Grumman. “How did you two sleep last night?”

“Oh,” Winry gives an awkward laugh, “Hey… honey… Good morning.” She looks to Riza for help.

“We slept great Roy, thanks for asking.” Riza steps in. “Are you ready to take us to school?”

He’s shocked that Winry spoke more than three words to him. “Oh, yeah. I’m ready when you are.”

The family packs into Roy’s car. Winry was flipping through the radio as usual and finally settled on a rock station, humming along to the song.

Intrigued, Roy asks, “Who’s this?” Arching his eyebrow at his fiancée.

“What? You don’t know who Fall Out Boy is?” She wrinkles her face at him.

“Riza…” Riza warns from the backseat. If her sister screws up her engagement one day before the wedding, she was going to murder her.

“Sorry,” She apologizes to Roy, “I just have such horrible taste in music, you know, I thought you’d know better.” And gives him a forceful smile.

“It’s alright.” He reaches out to grab her hand while he drives. Winry stiffens and looks back at Riza, uneasy. Her sister just motions for her to go along with it.

Selim flicks Riza’s ear and chuckles when she whips around to reprimand him. “Can you settle down please?”

“Bite me!” He yells and tosses a paper ball at her head.

“Do you see what he does to me?” Winry turns in her seat. “He’s a little monster!”

“Stop it!” Riza scolds back. “Both of you!”

Huffing and sitting back in her seat, Winry tries her best to avoid any more contact with Roy. She already feels uneasy enough about having to hold his hand. She then ponders what Ed would think of her holding hands with a man that’s twice her age and has to keep her vomit down.

Arriving at Winry’s school, Riza is reluctant to exit the car. She’s suddenly uncertain about being able to handle high school life now that she sees the other students roaming on campus.

“Uh, Riza, can I talk to you outside for a second?” She pulls open the door and steps out. Winry quickly detaches herself from Roy and jumps out as well.

Outside, Riza asks for a briefing on Winry’s schedule, her friends, and her classes. “What’s the name of the girl? You know, the one who’s always climbing on the roof?”

“That’s Paninya,” Riza gives her a look as if she’s never going to remember that name but Winry ignores her, “Paninya, alright? And do me a favor, please?” She asks seriously. “Stay away from Ed, ok?”

At the mention of Winry’s childhood friend, Riza has to ask “Ed? Why?”

“Well, we’ve just been fighting a lot and I don’t want you to get in the middle of it.” Riza seems unconvinced. “Just do it, ok?” Winry cannot afford for her sister to find out that she’s had a boyfriend for months without telling her. That would jeopardize her relationship with Ed, especially if she finds out how far it’s progressed. Giving Edward the cold shoulder for one day is better than the consequences she would face if it all got out in the open.

Squinting her eyes, Riza coincides, “Fine, but I expect to hear the whole story when we’re back to normal.” Winry nods her head eagerly, relieved that her sister had agreed to her request.

“And one last thing,” Riza tells her sister before she turns back to the car. “Don’t alienate Roy, but please don’t kiss him.” She feels weird even having to ask.

“Ew, Riza, that’s disgusting.” Winry shivers in repulsion.

[qwerty-socks]

A look at Ed’s room in that Kids OVA

Picture heavy, stuff is under read-more

He certainly puts interesting stuff on his cork-board. To be honest, most of it is blurry and I can’t quite make out what most of it supposed to be, but I can see “Terrorists attack United States”, rockets, planes, and what appears to be many pictures of locations or buildings. Unfortunately I can only read English so I don’t know what the other newspaper articles in plain sight are saying.

I’d like to know what the purpose of his cork-board is though. “Terrorists attack the United States” isn’t exactly a thing I’d see most people hang up on their wall. At the end of COS, Winry has a corkboard dedicated to family photos. Edward in this OVA has a corkboard dedicated to...stuff. And it’s layered and layered, he doesn’t even bother taking stuff down. There’s just going to be pins all over that board.

He has a flamel necklace. And a stick of some sort?

That doll is either of an alien, or Edward is being surprisingly immature for his age and sticking pins into a voodoo doll. Papers under that doll. A loose scew in a box, and Edward has framed himself shaking hands with another dude. Wonder what that event was. He looks kinda old in that picture. Not sure if that’s just shading, but I think he has grown a beard. And there are two people in that photo, but that shadow has three lumps. Must be the camera person...

What, the pictures aren’t filled in when zoomed out!? Awww cmoooonnnn... To the right, there seems to be some sort of music player, probably for busting out some cool tunes. A whole load of books, I think that’s a funny looking phone, that grey thing which is sticking up. Can’t tell what that thing above the phone is though, but I think it’s another picture of a location.

Two chairs, and rather small table with two cups on it. Nice to see that there’s consistency in Edward’s sitting position. Right leg crossed over left, just like how he was drinking tea with Fritz Lang in COS. Nice plant, and a balcony!

BEARD. What is surprising though is that all his hair is still gold. Does he dye his hair and his beard?

Doesn’t appear to be wearing a ring on any of his left hand fingers...

An empty ash-tray, some tea that hasn’t been drunk yet, halfway through some sort of a book. He puts down that really old photo of him and Al. Reminiscing his youth? Al is still alive in the OVA, because Edward is receiving a birthday present from him. Wonder what Al is up to?

Al awkwardly smiles at the camera with his eyebrows angled slightly downward, oddly twisting his lower half towards the right of the photo, while Edward tries to look cool with his hands in his pockets. Edward is not wearing any sleeve garters, while Al is. It’s amusing, since sleeve garters are a way of customising sleeve length, and from the photo, it’s clear that Edward, being smaller, is the one who needs to wear them more than Al does. Look how baggy his sleeves look!

And that’s it! (unfortunately we don’t see more of Ed’s house, or the 99 year old Al!)

Unrelated, but in the English dub, the kid who voices the Alphonse-clone says “great uncle Al”. Waiiittt. If Alphonse isn’t the Alphonse-clone’s grandpa, and Edward is, why would one of Edward’s great-grandkids look like Alphonse!? Either that or it was Winry-clone who said that line. Maybe, they really are clones! (But then, how did the Winry-clone appear? Does Earth-Winry look exactly like Amestris-Winry? Spooookkkyyyy! :P)

[hawkeyedflame]

The First Step

Rating: K+ Word Count: 2,146 Summary: Alphonse has a hard time recovering after the Promised Day. Lieutenant Hawkeye steps in to help. AO3/FF

A/N: This is loosely inspired by a headcanon that @the-heart-alchemist​ sent me last week. This is also the third installation of my birthday fics, this time a (slightly belated) piece for @waddiwasiwitch​, whose birthday was yesterday. Happy birthday! I hope you like it!

Morning dawned bright and cold, and Alphonse was in pain. Despite the early hour and years of sleeplessness without his body, Al was wide awake, his chest tight as he rode another wave of the muscle spasms that regularly plagued his delicate frame. He wheezed out a meager cough, his arms shaking as he attempted to prop himself up on his pillows. When he managed to wriggle his way into a sitting position, he gazed out the window and watched the sun rise over the courtyard.

The Promised Day had come and gone, and Al was the only one left in Central Hospital, save for Jean Havoc in the next room. From time to time he could hear familiar voices through the wall; just last night he heard the Colonel and what sounded like all of his closest subordinates. They were raucous and cheerful, most likely celebrating Havoc’s newfound ability to stand up on his own. Al wished he could join them or even get out of bed, but he was stuck alone until Ed and Winry returned the next day, his only company the occasional nurses checking his vitals.

Al tensed as another wave of tremors racked his body, his legs and feet cramping up until he whimpered from the pain. He reached down to rub his seizing muscles, tired fingers weakly grasping at the sheets. His stomach hitched horribly at the exertion and a wave of nausea forced bile into the back of his throat. He retched and then, unable to move fast enough to rescue his dignity, vomited on himself. The sick was hot and thick, mostly stomach acid, and it seeped through his shirt and the sheets, wetting his quivering legs.

Al coughed, hacking up acidic bits of vomit and spitting them unceremoniously onto the bed as his nose and eyes streamed. Through his fit he heard two voices outside the door, then the sound of the hinges creaking; he scrubbed the tears from his eyes only to find himself looking at Lieutenant Hawkeye. Her eyes were wide, brow furrowed and mouth agape, a picture of surprise and pity that Al never wanted directed at him again. She recovered quickly, smoothing over her expression with professional ease, though the pinch between her brows remained pronounced. After muttering something over her shoulder she slipped into the room and closed the door softly.

“Alphonse, are you okay? I heard you coughing from the other room so I came to check on you,” she said, though she could plainly see the question was a pointless one, as Al was sitting in a pool of his own sick. “That was the Colonel outside the room; he was worried too but I didn’t think you needed the extra company,” she added.

Striding forward, Hawkeye shucked her uniform coat onto the chair Ed had occupied the night before and grabbed a shallow dish from the counter along with Al's water glass before placing a firm hand on his bony back and lifting the straw to his lips. Al rinsed his mouth and spit into the tub she held to his chin, then leaned back onto the Lieutenant's solid arm for support. She wavered for a moment before tensing to accommodate his slight weight, and held up the water glass again.

“What happened,” she asked when he had swallowed his next sip, placing the empty cup on his rolling table. Her warm eyes were full of concern as she swept hair off his forehead and tucked it behind his ear.

“I had muscle spasms and when I sat up to massage them it made my stomach turn,” he explained. To her confused look he added, “I've been getting them. I think it's because my body didn't move or get nutrients when it was in the portal. I can't eat much without getting sick, so they have to do it slowly. It's called refeeding. They said I can start physical therapy today if I can eat the bigger meal without puking.” Al's face fell then as he looked down at the vomit covering his bed. “They're not going to let me if they see this,” he lamented.

Lieutenant Hawkeye's eyes swept across the room, probing. A small, uncharacteristically mischievous smile crept across her face. “Well, let's make sure they don't see it, then,” she declared.

She piled up his pillows before lowering him down and heading back to the counter from where she'd taken the plastic dish. Above the counter was a cabinet labeled “linens.” She opened the door and uttered a soft aha as she collected a fresh set of bedsheets and a new shirt and trousers into her arms.

Crossing the room again, she dropped the sheets atop her military jacket, the stark white swallowing regal blue. She slung the clean clothing over her shoulder and washed the dish Al had spit into before filling it with warm water and setting it on the rolling table.

“Alphonse, I'm going to help you clean up if that's okay with you. I'd have a male soldier assist you but I'm the only one guarding Havoc right now while the Colonel is visiting him. Is that alright?” Al grappled with his modesty for scarcely a moment before deciding he'd rather have this embarrassing process done by the gentle Lieutenant than by a nurse he didn't know, and he wanted to get on his feet as soon as possible. So with a smile and a firm nod, he leaned forward and let Hawkeye untie the strings of his shirt.

The vomit was cold in Al's lap by the time Lieutenant Hawkeye lifted the sheet and balled it up, trapping his shame in the center and dropping it on the floor. Shirtless and sheetless, Al shivered as she pulled his trousers off and began wiping his legs and chest with cloth dipped in water from the dish. He covered his privates with one hand and, much to his relief, Hawkeye began talking while she worked.

“Thankfully you didn't get anything on the bottom sheet, so I won't have to move you much.” She paused for a moment. “I hear Ed and Winry are planning on moving back to Resembool when you're recovered enough to walk?”

Al nodded. “Yeah we're going to live with Granny. Ed can't do alchemy anymore so he's going to resign from the State Alchemists. He's actually bringing his paperwork to the Colonel today.” Al looked down at his emaciated legs, damp from the wash cloth, and felt a surge of guilt.

“Brother gave up alchemy for me. He won't say it, but he loved being in the military. I know he acts like a jerk to the Colonel but he loves you two, and the whole team. I don't know what he's going to do now that he can't do alchemy.”

Hawkeye pulled the fresh trousers from her shoulder and guided Al's feet into them. He put his free arm around her neck and she lifted him slightly to slide the fabric up over his narrow hips. The soft cotton did little to restore his stolen dignity; Al knew the Lieutenant wasn't judging him for being helpless, but he couldn't stop the burn of humiliation simmering in his gut.

“I'm sure Ed will find something to keep him busy. He's not one to sit still,” she replied gently.

Tears sprang unbidden to Al's eyes and he wiped them with his knuckles. “He gave up alchemy to get my body back. I could never repay him for that. I feel so bad, Lieutenant.”

“Please Alphonse, you can call me Riza,” she said with a smile, and continued, “And you shouldn't worry yourself about your brother. Ed knew what he was doing when he went into that portal. He had the biggest smile on his face.” She paused in adjusting his shirt to lean back and look him in the eye. “I've never seen him look happier than when he returned with you in his arms.” She leaned forward once more and tied his top closed, then turned to pull the sheets from the chair. Her jacket slipped onto the floor.

“Really, Al. I don't think Edward has any regrets about giving up alchemy to get your body back.” She splayed the sheet across the bed, the corners flapping as the fabric sank across the mattress.

Al fidgeted with the hem of his shirt, still uncertain. Seeing his hesitation, Hawkeye sat in the chair and leant her elbows on the bed. In a rare moment of physical affection, she took his hand in her own and rubbed her thumb across his palm. Her skin was warm and soft against his.

“Al, your brother didn't want anyone else to get hurt. Did you know that Ling offered him a philosopher's stone, or that your father offered himself as the toll for your body?” Al shook his head and she continued, “Edward refuses to let anyone else pay for his mistakes. He's willing to make sacrifices to set things right, and it's not like him to dwell on what he's lost. He's always looking to the future, and you should too. That's how you'll move forward.” She smiled bracingly at him, and he returned it with a grin.

“You're right. I should be focusing on getting strong instead of feeling guilty. It's in the past now. All I can do is recover my strength, so that's what I'll do. Thanks Lieu-err, Riza, and thank you for helping me get cleaned up. I really want to start physical therapy today.”

“It's no trouble, Al. I know you want to get on your feet as soon as you can. You’ve never been one to sit around, so this must be driving you crazy.” She cocked her head at him. “Why don't I put your hair back for you so it's not in your face during your PT? I should have a clip in my jacket pocket still,” she mused as she ran an unconscious hand through her freshly cut hair.

“Oh yeah! I like your hair. It's just like when we first met,” Al exclaimed. After a beat he added guiltily, “It must have been quite an awful sight, huh?”

Hawkeye chuckled softly as she retrieved her uniform and fished a clip from the breast pocket. She shook the garment out and draped it across the back of the chair, her new medals clinking loudly. “It was certainly something. I've seen a lot of things but I never expected an animated suit of armor,” she said as she moved to gather Al's hair up. “Are you going to keep it long,” she queried, putting the clip in her mouth to free her hands.

“Nah, I'll get it cut before we go back to Resembool. You wouldn't happen to know a good barber, would you?”

Riza mumbled through the clip, “Sure, I can take you when you get out of here.” She twisted his hair and fastened it just like her old style. “He did my haircut just yesterday; he wouldn't shut up about the Promised Day stuff. I'm sure he'd love to meet an Elric brother,” she laughed.

“Wow, really? What was he saying?”

“Oh, just the usual drivel. The civilians don't know much. But they all know the Elric brothers helped stop the coup. You two will go down in the history books for your alchemy skills.” After a pause she teased, “and your stunning good looks.” Al blushed slightly and laughed, as Hawkeye dumped the water and washed her hands.

When she finished cleaning up, she straightened and shrugged into her uniform jacket. Turning back to Al she asked, “Is there anything else you need before I get back to my post?”

Al pointed at the tangle of dirty laundry on the floor. “Can you take those?”

“Of course. I'll have the Colonel burn them,” she replied swiftly, gathering the soiled pile and sweeping towards the door. She turned on her heel at the threshold and saluted Al briefly. “If I don't see you again before you return to Resembool, then have a safe trip. Good luck with your recovery.” She smiled warmly as she let her hand drop, and then she was gone.

Al heard the door to Havoc's room open then close and a moment later the rumble of the Colonel's voice came faintly through the wall. All Alphonse heard was, “...happened?” The Lieutenant's soft reply was lost to the hospital walls.

Al shifted in his fresh clothes and checked the clock on his bedside table. 0625 stared back at him. He settled into his pillows, determined to sleep until the 0700 nurses’ rounds. When his brother came later in the day, he decided, they would talk about their plans beyond Resembool.

As he drifted off, Al thought of Winry’s apple pie and Mrs. Hughes’s quiche, and he smiled to himself.

[heartfeltheart]

Alchemy: Tiny Steps

Chapters: 13/45 Fandom: Fullmetal Alchemist/Harry Potter Rating: T Relationships: Edward/Winry, Lan Fan/Ling, and May/Alphonse. Primary Characters: Edward Elric, Severus Snape Additional Tags: Crossover, Teacher!Edward, BrOtp Edward/Severus. Sassy beyond measure. Pro!Snape Series: Part 2 of 9. Summary: Part two of the Alchemy Series.  Politics. Either you love it, hate it or you live it. For Alchemy Teacher Edward Elric, he lives it, hates it and loves it when he gets the upper hand. Here is to another year of hell… D/C: I do not own Harry Potter or Fullmetal Alchemist. Discord: La Red(Mesh Mash of… stuff.): https://discord.gg/KYjmVAb Alchemy Series: https://discord.gg/DejEYNJ

Tick. Tock.

Tick. Tock.

Tic…Tic…

"They're late."

Alphonse shrank into his seat as everyone in the room focused on him as the time continued. Inwardly, the youngest Elric Brother is cursing at his brother for being late and for dragging Mei along with him, even taking the chimeras with him. There he is… alone… Edward is going to pay dearly for this. "My apologies… My brother… tends to lose track of time…"

"I would have suspected it would be General Mustang fault for the tardiness…" Amelia murmured into her cup of tea, this prompted Alphonse to hide his face with his hands. Alphonse wouldn't even be bothered to act surprised if that was true. Having the Flame and Fullmetal Alchemists in the same vicinity is never a good thing. Then to add the Northern Wall into the mix? Alphonse will wonder if either of them will survive her wrath.

"It is a combination of both him and my brother." Alphonse resigned to the fact he will more than likely become an only child by the end of the day. "I would not put it pass either of them to get themselves killed by the Major General's sword."

"Sword?" Kingsley to Amelia with an eyebrow raised.

"Major General carries a sword that has been passed down the Armstrong family for generations. If you were to compare the Armstrong's to a family here… they would rank similar to the Malfoy's or Black's. Keeping in mind they are not focus minded on blood purity and have a strong presence in Amestris Military." Amelia responded, she glanced up to give Alastor a warning look to keep his thoughts to himself. Last thing she needed is the man to be the reason for the Major General to focus her anger towards them all. Let's hope it will go over toward the other side...

"Typical muggles… barbaric…" Dolores said sweetly, her lips curling up in that sinister smile.

"Yes… keep talking like that… Your demise will come very soon, Ms. Umbridge." Alphonse deadpanned, looking at said woman with dead eyes. "With that mindset of yours and many others is the reason the Magical World is not advancing forward…"

With that in mind, Alphonse dropped his head onto the table with a loud thump uncaringly. He would rather deal with the wicked toad woman than the Major General. He might as well start planning his funeral and writing his will.

"The way you are speaking, only makes my case." Dolores strained out, her smile is quickly becoming into a sneer.

"No, it only makes his case even more valid." A chilling voice called out from the entrance of the meeting room. Everyone turned their heads minus Alphonse, who still is now repeatedly banging his head against the table. There stood a slender woman with striking cold blue eyes with long eyelashes framing them and waist-length blond hair. Her lips full lips twisted into a stern scowl and wearing what appears to be an Amestrian uniform, only that she is wearing a militaristic winter coat. What caught everyone's attention is that the woman sports a rather muscular build and is easily carrying a fully uniformed Mr. Colonel Edward Elric and General Roy Mustang over her shoulder. In her other hand, she is holding a silver sword that looked like anything but for show. If the sword did not sway the people of her intimidation level, then the familiar sparklers that sparkle all around her. Sparklers that are reminiscent to her younger brother.

Standing next to the stern woman is a male that stood taller than her with a dark complexion and has silver hair pulled back with a hair tie. He is wearing a similar uniform as the blonde-haired woman, only he is wearing a pair of goggles that completely covers his eyes. His entire expression showed nonchalance as he kept a close eye on everyone in the room.

"This is why we can't have anything nice, sir…" Riza stated as she walked into the room, she looked far too calm considering the situation.

"I… regret… nothing." Roy managed out in-between groans of pain.

"I… regret… everything…" Edward responded out just as much in pain.

Olivier gave both males a look of disgust before she dropped them on top of Alphonse. The youngest of the Elric Brother's let out a squeal of shock and it was outdone by Roy and Edward's yelps of pain. "Next time you decide to put me in the middle of a political war… think about it. Think about it real long…"

"Is it safe to come out?" Mei called out from the door along with Zampano and Jerso hiding behind her.

"Nooo…" Came out a muffled response from the pile of bodies.

-.-

Clear and utter intimidation.

No one had uttered a single world the moment Major General Armstrong took a seat at the head of the table. Legs crossed at the knees and both arms crossed across her chest, looking at everyone with a tense expression. Well… only one person did not speak as she is waiting for someone from the other side of the table to talk and mess up while doing so. However, it appears she will have to take lead once more.

"Major General, how are the latest prototypes?" Bones asked curiously, prompting many witches and wizards interest to be piqued.

"The Research & Development department came out with a new model of a tank. More power and durability." Armstrong stated, her eyes darted over towards Bones to give her entire attention. "How is your niece?"

Bones lips quirked upward and her eyes temporarily showed kindheartedness at the mention of her niece, whom she had taken full custody of. Madam Bones had mentioned to Major General Armstrong how her niece had wanted to become an Auror and to follow her aunt of hunting down Dark wizards. "Frustrated. Susan is born just a day off from being able to enter Hogwarts this year. At least it gives her more time to continue on with her personal studies."

"She still plans on following your footsteps?"

"Once I told her about you, her resolved only grew. Once she heard you were coming to Great Britain, Susan keeps insisting meeting you."

"Maybe you should bring her next time?" Mustang pipped out, he shrunk into himself when Armstrong and Bones both looked at him intensely.

"Hem hem… everyone, this is a political meeting, not some festivity." Umbridge attempted to get the meeting to go back on track but it seemed she was being ignored once more. Everytime she attempted to get the meeting going, those filthy muggles would deter the conversation or cause a complete ruckus and end any potential of gaining any sort of footing anywhere.

"That is what I have been saying the last couple of days. But does anyone ever listen to me?" Mr. Elric rolled his eyes at Umbridge's poor attempt to get everyone's attention back onto the meeting. "You have better chances of getting me to write lines than trying to strong arm Major General Armstrong into doing what you want. You would end up dead."

"Typical muggles…" One of the wizards from Fudge's side spat out under his breath. The majority of the table went silent, this was supposed to be a civil place. Not a bloody bloodshed and future graves.

-.-

Loud crashes rang out the meeting room. The entire room quaked, creaked and even the walls look like they about to give way. Many witches, wizards, and everything else considered magical stopped whatever they were doing to wonder what exactly is going on behind the door. Someone was actually playing a game of rock paper scissors, to see who was going to figure out what was happening in the room.

Then… all the sudden everything went quiet. The doors sprung open to reveal Major General Armstrong walking out of the room as she took off her white gloves. Walking just right behind her is Major Miles, who took out a pair of white gloves from his person and handed it to his commanding officer. Armstrong took the gloves without saying anything as she continued to walk down the hall. The observers glanced at each other wondering what just occurred in front of them and they all quickly headed towards the room.

The inside of the room could only be describe as a warzone. The table was flipped over and had somehow managed to be tuck onto the ceiling. Chairs thrown at random directions, some were even on the ceiling or walls. Papers stern everywhere and quills floating around in the air. In one corner of the room are Professor Elric and Princess Chang, holding onto each other with sheer terror shown in their eyes. General Mustang and Mr. Elric are clinging onto Captain Hawkeye's legs, blood completely drained from their faces. Several individuals that were supporters of Fudge's scattered around, all groaning in pain. Fudge is still sitting in his chair, that was wedge between the ceiling and wall. His expression manic and spoke in complete gibberish, clinging tightly to the chair. The only ones that seemed to be left untouched by the carnage are Madam Bones and her two standing in as her guards. If anything, Madam Bones is holding her cup of tea and the small plate in her other hand.

"I varned zem... I varned zem... Zey did not lisden..." Edward chanted out repeatedly, his Amestrian accent back in full blast.

[wheremytwinwatches]

[Where My Twin Watches]: Full Metal Alchemist Brotherhood Episode 18

Last time, Ross was framed for the murder of Hughes, and may have been “killed” or actually killed by Roy. Hopefully we can figure out what the heck’s going on this episode, because I haven’t been this confused by how a death could be faked or not since BBC Sherlock.

Alright, looks like The Mighty Armstrong (who’s absolutely rocking his off-duty outfit) did take Ed to Resembool, supposedly to get his arm “fixed”. Oh hey, it’s the little Xing girl! May Chang, right? Wait, turn around you two! You just walked past a new character! Wait a minute, last time we saw the little girl she was traveling with- Methinks we’ll have a fight scene this episode. Ed’s demanding details from The Mighty Armstrong, who says he was just told to bring Ed here and rendevou with someone. A Lieutenant Breda? I recognize him as one of the Mustang Crew, but that’s about it. Although Ed doesn’t seem to be that happy to see him. Episode 18 - “The Arrogant Palm of a Small Human” Back in Central, Al’s wondering why Al hasn’t called to let them know he’s in Resembool. And Winry calls out the “repair” excuse when she was RIGHT THERE. Seriously, whatever’s going on they couldn’t think of something better? [Al]: “And the stuff with Lieutenant Ross… I have no idea what’s going on.” You and me both, buddy! What the heck suddenly Sword Guy’s in the room. Sitting right next to Winry? Nope nope nope shove of Princey you are not messing up my ship. Anyways, the illegal alien/lockup escapee popped in to let them know Ed’s just fine- Right as we cut to Ed dying of dehydration. What’s up now, why’s Ed in the desert? “Crossing the border”? Wait, with what Ling was saying, are they going to Xing? Why? Also TURN BACK YOU MISSED MAY! Breda asks the fourth rider, a Mr. Han, how much further it is, and the guide points out some ruins ahead. Wait, ruins? Oh hey, didn’t Ling mention some place called *checks past posts* Xerxes? Somber piano music as we look over the shattered pillars of this past civiliza- nope, Ed’s just ignoring everything to cool off in a well, complaining about how he was nearly burned by his own metal arm. Mr. Han asks why they brought a kid along, Breda complains that it was a direct order. Now that he’s sufficiently cooled off, Ed redresses and asks about his place described in a fable. The Eastern Sage, origin of alchemy? Ooh, history! An ancient kingdom destroyed in a single night, a sole survivor traveling to Amestris to spread the science of Alchemy… And Mr. Han says they have a story of a drifter from the West who lead them towards Alkahestry. Hmm, two survivors, going different directions? Makes sense that Ling would want to visit the ruins then, if Alchemy/Alkahestry originated from here. As they speculate how such an advanced society could be almost completely wiped out in a single night, Ed stops to look at some engravings on a wall. This feels familiar… wait, was this the stuff on the Door of Truth? Before Ed can say anything about that, Han yells at him to catch up. Man, this is a really big ruin, they’re heading insi- wait, what? WAIT WHAT [Lt. Ross]: “Edward!” You’re alive! You’re alive you’re alive you’re alive! How?! [Memory!Roy]: “Back east, where I was… It’s a nice place. None of the big city noise… and lots of beautiful women.” Oh boy, brace for enthusiastic shirtless Mighty Armstrong hugs, Ross. Daw. Breda says that there wasn’t anywhere in Amestris they could safely hide the “dead” Lieutenant Ross, so they spirited her out here. So Ross knew all along? Flashback! Breda’s confronting Roy about the newspaper article, how with Ross being publicly arrested and charged without a trial it’s all too showy. Then Roy gets a call from Falman- who’s quickly interrupted by Barry. Not on an official line, dude! In the park (in what I think is the same phonebooth Hughes was murdered in) Roy is confirming with Barry that a bullet was fired, but at him, not Hughes. And with that, Roy springs into action. He makes Barry promise not to kill anyone (still not sure how he got Barry to follow that), set a street, and had Breda gather supplies… oh. Right. Duh! The core theme of this show is Alchemy! Of course Roy could make a fake body! But that still doesn’t explain the dental records… Roy just says he has it under control. He has plenty of experience burning bodies. Later that night, Roy stops Ross in the alley, then throws down the fake corpse, torches it, takes her ID Cuffs and tosses her in the dumpster, to be escorted by Havoc. There’s a little wrinkle when Ed runs up, but Ross and Havoc make their escape. Back in current!Xerxes, Han’s explaining that Roy made a deal with Ling- hold up, “young lord?” Is this the old ninja working for Ling? I thought his name was Fu, not Han. Anyways, Han got orders to escort Ross east to take refuge. Ed admits that he’s impressed by Roy pulling off the trick. And then Breda twists the knife by saying Ed was sent out as well to not interfere in Phase Two. Oh, they’re gonna try and reel in the mastermind! Using Barry as bait, they want to see who comes for him and take them down. Uuuunfortunately, they’re sending Bio!Barry to do the job… Mid-show pictures of The Mighty Armstrong crying in all of his majestic shirtless glory, and the Holy-Leto-I’m-So-Happy-She’s-Alive Lt. Maria Ross. In the Central Hotel Ling’s let the other Blondes know the plan, and confirming that Ed was sent out of town so that he wouldn’t interfere in the operation. Unfortunately for Roy, Ed’s the Protagonist, so I don’t see this working out. In the meantime, Ling struck up a deal with Barry for the secret to his Soul Armor. But of course all the “science guys” who did Barry up like this are all dead, and he doesn’t know. That Alphonse kid, on the other hand… The Xerxes gang are going over their notes, sketching out the Goths and trying to figure out the methods and reasons behind the Homunculi. Ed takes a moment to think about how Hughes is gone, to which The Mighty Armstrong asks what his next move will be. [Ed]: “Al and I committed a taboo, but we still have people that help us. Some people get angry at us, and others support us silently. Each one of them has tried to help me keep my promise to my brother. So I have no choice… I can’t turn back. Which means, all I can do is move forward, right? And I’ll protect everyone I can along the way. I refuse to let another person become a victim. Not while I’m alive. I know that’s a hard promise to keep. It’s hard enough just trying to take care of myself. And to think that I’m even capable of it… maybe I’m just arrogant. But it’s the only thing I can think of. So I have to do it. I have to.” Cue approving grins from the rest of the group. You go, Protagonist. Ross gets ready to head out to Xing with a couple other people, confirming that her parents shouldn’t be told she’s still alive, otherwise they’d be in too much danger. Bleh, I can understand it, but I don’t want anyone else to feel like Gracia. She does ask they let Roy know that she is supremely grateful for what he’s done, and if there’s anything that she can do to repay the debt to just let her know. One final handshake with Ed, and she’s off to a new home, asking Mr. Fu (so wait, is it Fu or Han?) what Xing is like. As a native, Fu talks it up as a paradise. Then recommends she stop crying to save her fluids for the trek across the desert. Back in Central, Roy’s pencil-pushers are snickering at him as he talks on the phone to his “sweetheart”, who of course is Riza. But she suddenly stops and says they have a “customer”. “Kate”(Fuery) lets “Jacqueline”(Havoc) know. Hey, Falman? You might wanna get ready for a visitor. Bio!Barry is in the house! And in an interesting change of pace, Barry’s the one arguing for keeping someone alive! But then Havoc bursts in and starts trying to shoot Bio!Barry anyways? What’s going on here? Oh I get it, hidden identity in case the Goths are watching. But why try to shoot him and distract Barry? Who’s not doing so hot as he just figured out who this Human Chimera reminds him of, and lost his right arm for the trouble. Outside! Now, where did that Chimera go… broken window! Bio!Barry’s bouncing around the street now, leaps at Havoc who has a really unfortunately-timed stovepipe. Then there’s a rifle shot? Ah, so that’s why Havoc wanted to get outside, so they could get covering fire from Hawkeye. Who plays off the sound over the phone as slapping around a difficult customer. Bio!Barry’s at gunpoint clutching his perforated hand, so Havoc can ask some questions. However, the dude’s not exactly up for conversation. And Barry confirms, it’s his old body! Ok, phew. Was really worried about the evil clone possibility. This is just necromancy via sticking animal souls in corpses, then. In Xerxes, Ed’s gone back to look at that wall from earlier, identifies it as looking like the TC from the Fifth Lab. Two-headed dragon, sun… and the top part missing. No complete Human Transmutation ritual for you! What th- Ishvalan attack! Oh dear, that’s a lot of Ishvalans. [Polite!Ishvalan]: “‘Scuse me, young man. I’m afraid that we’re gonna have to take you hostage until your military returns our holy land to us.” Ed snarks that he isn’t worth that much, Polite!Ishvalan talks about how the death of a single child sparked the Ishvalan Civil War. Then an old lady in an eyepatch (Madam Shan, helped by a young Ishvalan boy who looks to have a burn scar and man there are a lot of burn injuries in the crowd, starting to get a bad feeling) orders the Leader to stand down and stop dishonoring the name of Ishvala. Ed lets his attacker go, muses that he’s always heard that Ishvalans hate Amestrians. But Madam Shan and the kid know that not Amestrians are bad, when they were injured in the civil war they were saved by two Amestrian doctors (!!!) Yeah, yeah they recognize the Rockbell name. They saved so many Ishvalans, refusing to abandon their post. Ed asks how they died- NO NONONO YOU FUCKER WHAT THE ACTUAL FUCK, SCAR?! So yeah. The Rockbell’s were killed by a patient that they saved, an Ishvalan monk wrapped in bandages with a tattooed right arm. With this knowledge, Ed leaves the Ishvalans, along with a message for the resting place of the Rockbell’s: their thanks, and their apologies. In Central, Barry’s laughing at the chance to chop up his own body, whatever’s kept him from killing people is failing in the face of this otherwise-impossible-opportunity. Riza’s commenting on how a customer is mouthing off… before she hangs up, saying she has her own customer to deal withat is Gluttony. Oooooh crap. You may wanna run, Riza. Wait, that’s it?! Boooo, awful cliffhanger! Ok, so Ross is alive! Yay! Still not sure how they dealt with the dental records, but whatever, everything else was answered! And now we’ve got the Goths responding it seems, with Bio!Barry and Gluttony set loose. Onwards to fight scenes!