human
Aisyah
Over the years, the tale of Edward Elric had become quite the legend. It was more than him, his brother, and several very close and loyal comrades simply beating all of the Homunculi that had earned him so much fame. He had accomplished everything at a young age. His record easily out shined even the highest-ranking Majors and Captains at the time.
Hell, anything the late Fuhrer Bradley may have done around his age probably looked and seemed incredibly tame for the most part.
With the corruption seeming to have been all but fully removed and wiped out, it implied there would be new beginnings now only in Central City, but throughout all of the nations everywhere.
Finally, for the first time in years - probably longer - the people of Ishval were given a newly found sense of hope. History wouldn't have to unnecessarily repeat. For the first time in what felt like forever, they could stop fearing foreigners and come to accept other people aside from their own kin.
That was, at least, how it all looked. With the help of Scar, Colonel Roy Mustang, and Major Miles, they were soon going to see things between their country and the others - particularly Amestris - could be done in a more calm and peaceful way ...
"Hah, hah, hah!"
Rapid breaths and pants passed the dry, already parted lips of seventeen-year-old Aisyah. She had felt almost positive she'd asked one of her parents to make sure to wake her up early. Today was an important day.
And now, because they actually let me sleep in, I'm almost late!
Was it they'd forgotten, or they were hopingshewould forget and not pursue her dreams?
Her eyebrows furrowed as the latter crossed her mind. It was annoying, no doubt. To their credit, she could sort of understand what her parents were so scared of, if only becauseshewas just as anxious.
Still, that didn't give them the right to try to intentionally make her miss her first day.
Aisyah had decided to take, admittedly, a slightly unorthodox career choice. Because it wasn't at all a more typical route that most Ishvalans took, however, it would require her to move away from home and arrive at Central City.
After having trained over the past almost seven years studying a very intense, mixed form of marital arts, Aisyah chose to head to Central so she could become one of their soldiers. Not quite a 'dog' nor State Alchemist, but someone whom would likely end up wielding a gun. Or some weapon, at the very least.
Why?
Because, the brutal truth was ... history had ahorriblehabit of repeating. Sometimes its attempts worked, other times it failed.
Despite not having been alive when Edward Elric and the others managed to defeat all of the Homunculi, nor existing when the last civil war broke out, she had heard more than enough horror stories. As much as she loved home and her parents, she didn't wish to risk becoming little more than an unprepared damsel in distress. She wanted to make a difference.
Which thus required her going through with this move ... no matter what.
Forgive me, mom and dad, she inwardly prayed, letting out a long sigh of relief as she found the train hadn't left her behind. "Oh thank Ishvala," she muttered in between labored breaths, wincing and grunting as she lugged her bags and self inside.
The moment her light-blue eyes found an empty seat, she placed her bags above and promptly plopped down. Her head tilted back as she slowly closed her eyes, taking advantage of her early arrival to regain all of the oxygen and composure she lost from running hastily towards the train station.
This will be worth it.
The thought made an exhausted but proud smile cross her face. Something deep within her very being continued to insist that for whatever rhyme or reason, she was doing the right thing. Granted, she didn't usually make many decisions that came back to bite her in the rear. But it had been a while since she feltthishappy and good about something she willingly chose to pursue.
Aisyah's grin stayed firmly in place, never disappearing from her face. Her chest slowly rose and fell as the young soldier-to-be relaxed. "After all," she mused, "Once you arrive in Central, there won't be many times you'll be able to have much time to rest."
Or so that was how the rumors went. Then again, shewasenrolling herself into the military. Aisyah didn't exactly expect to get away with being lazy or even daring to half-assanything.
gpt
Markos
Central government had changed hands basically over night, and then the Ishvalan policies restricting motions between countries was lifted. A complete whirlwind of change that Markos never really had the chance to appreciate. The lifting of the policies meant that people like him now had full citizen ship, or at least that was what a lot of people had told him.
Ishvalan's gained all the legal rights as Amstrian's including the right to sign up for the military, which very few had ever decided to go for.
Markos was different in that he really didn't consider himself Ishavalan, yes he had the darker skin tone, he had at least some parts of his physical heritage and he knew what he was, but he had grown up in an Amstrian orphanage. A child born just after the extermination, and during the few years of 'peace' he had never seen the inside of a work camp or slum like so many other of his people.
He had in a sense been assimilated into the Amstrian culture long ago, and grew up attending their schools, their way of life which lead into the study of Alchemy. With the Ishvalan policies gone he had the chance to actually take those studies to the next level. He could take the state alchemist exam.
Waiting at the train station he had no one to cheer him off. That was actually rather fine as he was more or less waiting for the train so he could go to central. He had been out this way to procure a few books not on Ishval, but rather since this was the section closest to Xing, and he needed a few of their texts.
Once he found the book he was looking for it was on his way to Central, as he board the train and put his suitcase up he found a seat that was free. He could feel a few eyes on him, it was not really a shocker. He was after all already wearing the military uniform, the blue and gold looked good on him, and to add to that he currently had a book on Xing alchemy in hand, Basically he was doing everything he could to stand out in a crowd of Ishvalan's and he could feel a number of eyes burning glares into the back of his neck.
human
Aisyah
Given the train was stationed in Ishval, it made sense to see primarily other dark-skinned people walking aboard the train. There were small handfuls of Amestrians, but they were so far and far between. Still, the few that did step inside stuck out like sore thumbs. Not that Aisyah cared.
Others around her? Well ... that was a different story.
Not everyone had accepted all of the changes. While a good majority had been grateful and accepted the new blessings, there were still those who feared they were lies. A trick that, in the long run, would result in another war. Much like how Aisyah understood her parents being scared for her, the same applied to the people of Ishval. Yet, that also was true for how they should react which, to her mind, thus meant to stop bitching and send up a few prayers of thanks to Ishvala.
Her head turned as she watched some of the passengers walk by her car, before subconsciously moving her gaze down to her hands.
She had never made an effort to try studying alchemy. However, Aisyah had found herself curious. If shecoulddo alchemy, would she even be good at it?
Her head quickly moved from side to side as she looked back up in front of her, flushing slightly. Much like how human transmutation was the taboo of alchemists, simply pondering on the subject one wasn't supposed to partake in was just as wrong for her. She had full Ishvalan blood on both sides of her family, and she had promised them that even if she became a soldier, she would never resort to treason in any form or fashion.
I'm sorry, Ishvala, forgive my impure thoughts and ---
Before Aisyah could finish her silent prayer, however, another brotheren walked in. This one, however, had military garb clad on.
Is he ... already in the military then?
Well, duh. Unless he killed an officer and stole that, he very likely is.
Her eyes rolled at the inner quip. Even though she had been that stupid at first, that didn't matter. This could, perhaps, be her chance. After all, if he was already done with the training, maybe he could give her some tips ... or something.
Reaching back up and re-grabbing her bags, she watched the whole time where he wandered off to. Taking a slight breath, Aisyah stood up and steadily followed, hoping to give the impression she herself had just boarded instead of coming off as a stalker.
"Excuse me? Mind if I sit here also?"
Now that she was closer, there was a sense of ... familiarity? No, not only because most Ishvalans looked very similar, but that was partly true. Her head tilted as Aisyah added softly, "I'm sorry but .. have we met before? It feels like we have ... "
gpt
Markos
The last thing Markos would have expected was for someone to walk over to him while he was on the train and actually engage him. It was even more shocking to hear someone ask for his seat. He looked up from his book, and lost his words for a moment.
Standing in front of him was what most would have considered to be a woman of beauty. The pale blue eyes and dark hair meshed with her cream dark skin, and marked her as one of the Ishvalan, which made it all the more of a curiosity of why she would be talking to him.
He swallowed for a moment opening his mouth as he took her face in. She was right there was something very familiar about her for a moment, but he strained himself to think it over. This was not just a case of mistaken identity or that everyone looked the same no there was something about her voice that set him off guard, something about her that told him he hadn't expected to see her.
"Um.. yeah seat is free." No one else was going to take it.
"My name is Markos, I admit you do look familiar but I can't seem to place you." He shook his head thinking it over. "I grew up in Youg Well, on the boarder of the east district."
That wasn't too surprising most of Ishval had grown up in that region, he was reluctant to add the fact that he was from an Amstrian neighborhood or orphanage, though hiding that fact was difficult when he was wearing his uniform.
Which yes it was important that he was wearing that, but really it also made him nervous. With all of the discord and fractions that had been going around wearing the uniform was like putting a target on his head.
human
Aisyah
"Thank you."
Her head bowed politely as she heard the seat was free to take. Her arms raised once more as Aisyah hoisted the luggage above her head and put them beside the other man's. Once both bags were put away, she sat down across from the man. Her arms fell atop her lap, and it took every ounce of will power to avoid leaning closer so Aisyah could get an even better look at this Ishvalan's face. There really was something about him that was so goddamn familiar. It was bothering her.
When the introduction arrived, it hit Aisyah hard, as if her own luggage had fallen right on top of her head.
"Markos?" she repeated.
The name could have been common enough. However, she only knew one. And he had come from ...
"I grew up in Youg Well, on the boarder of the east district."
"No way!"
She grinned happily, having realized where the familiarity came from. "I'll be damned," she teasingly muttered, now feeling a slight hint of guilt. It was her fault they had been away from one another for so many years. Maybe there had been something else she could have done, or at least come up with a way to keep in touch with him better while being trained in her martial arts. But at the same time, this truly was her best chance, and now it was for much more than simply seeing if she could get a mental head start on knowing what to expect at Central's military headquarters. Now, she could also try to make up for some very lost time that needed to be caught up on.
"I can't blame you for not remembering me. It has been about seven years, but it's good to see you again. It's me ... Aisyah. I really am glad to see you're doing well."
She paused again, looking over the book and uniform, before slowly inquiring, "So ... are you already a soldier? Or are you in the midst of trying to become one?"
gpt
Markos
Clearly the woman knew him, but it wasn't until her own name was given that he had any inclination towards her other than the fact that she looked very familiar. As soon as it was however it hit him like a ton of bricks just who he was dealing with.
His eyes widened in recognition and he stuttered for a moment. "Ai-Aisyah." He had not seen her since he had moved from Young Well, and went to central, that was a long time ago back when he had aspired to study at a better school, and managed to transfer himself away.
That was also a long time before the alchemy lessions, and things that had changed his life. When she asked him if he was a soldier he shook his head. "No, I'm not an officer. This uniform isn't just for the soldiers, it's also the government. No i'm just a librarian."
He held up the book. "Central branch has been collecting first editions, trying to reorganize and create more copies because of a fire that claimed most of the central branch. With the actual soldiers all busy I didn't even get my usual security detail. So no I'm not an officer."
He had a service pistol that he had never fired, and he had a few other tricks he could pull up if trouble really started, but he was a desk jockey. "I mean.. not for lack of trying. Next week will be the third time."
He shook his head his voice going softer as he looked around embarrassed and also a little scared to speak. It was not every day that he had to deal with the public like this, and he felt more vulnerable than usual.
"What about you, why the trip to central? and where are you staying when you get to the city?" He looked at Aisyah curious about what she had been up for the past few years.
human
Aisyah
Aisyah's smile widened as she heard Markos repeat her name. It made her think back, taking a very overdue trip down memory lane. Whereas Markos had grown up in Youg Well, she been born in and resided primarily in Cameron. However, her parents opted to live in a more nomadic way, and thus moved around often. It was because of their - as Aisyah often viewed it - "restless wandering" that she even got to meet Markos at all. Otherwise, they never would have met in the first place.
I suppose that is one thing I should thank them properly for, she thought, quietly listening to him relaying what he was doing as of now.
"I- I know the uniforms are for the military. But most people wearing them do seem to be soldiers. I didn't mean to sound like I was assuming or anything. Sorry." A nervous chuckle passed her lips as Aisyah flashed a reassuring grin to Markos. "There's no shame in being a librarian though. Really, I should have expected that. It suits you more, anyway. And that's perfectly fine." Aisyah had been raised in a mostly tolerant family. Religious, no doubt. But all in all, she didn't like trying to 'pass judgement' on anyone. If it was about something serious ... maybe. But even then, that was a scenario Aisyah wouldn't dive right into unless it was absolutely necessary.
Mentally dismissing the thought from her mind, Aisyah focused on the here and now. Her attention should be on Markos, not an array of jumbled thoughts that didn't matter at the moment.
"Third time? Is it that difficult?"
That made her gulp, feeling more nervous about if she would have a lot of trouble earning her way into the military or not.
"Well ... I am intending to become one of their fighters. Not a full-fledged dog, but one of the people who will wield a weapon. That's ... where I went when we got separated. I was trained by a private group of Ishvalan monks, brawlers, and other melee-focused types of fighters."
A new layer of blush appeared. However, whereas shame had made the first set emerge on her face, this was instead fueled on by ... curiosity?
That was partly true. Aisyah could also sense, however, there was another emotion. What exactly it was, however, was a different story. She simply knew it was there, but not quite what it was.
"Hmm ... "
She had been looking out the window via peripheral vision. It hadn't bothered her prior till now. However, given the close call she'd had with missing the train plus knowing it surely had been long enough, it was plenty of incentive to make Aisyah voice her opinion.
"Shouldn't we have already started leaving by now? I don't have a watch on me, but going off when I left home to gauging about how long it took me to run ... it should be time, or surely close to it. Right? So why hasn't the train even moved?"
gpt
Markos
It seemed despite the fact that he was currently holding a book on alchemy Aisyah thought he was just trying to get into the regular soldiery, which honestly wasn't the worst idea. Soldiers got paid more than he did as a librarian, but it wasn't until she said something else that made him completely sure he wasn't going to correct her.
Not a full-fledged dog
Ah right, the dogs of the military. That was what they were called after all. The State Alchemists had been the cause of death for all of Ishbal, and had led most of the battles in the civil war. Of course that was several generations ago, but his heart still gripped with ice. Their was a faint blush of shame across his face as he looked at his feet.
"You know you will have to serve with them right? The alchemists of the state."
What would his old friend think to say to him if he told her that he was trying for the state alchemist's exam instead of the regular boot camp. "I'm sure you will do fine. With all that training you have had you will make it far i'm sure."
His words were truthful if she wanted to just be a fighter than she would do amazingly well. He wasn't one for battle, he had other goals he wanted to help with, and he felt that getting a watch would be the way he could help. Outside of the rank it gave him, but rather the research and labs were what he wanted.
The first year he had made it through the written and psychological tests, but in the application test his delivery method for his alchemy had been deemed too slow.
The second year he had passed the first two portions of the test again, and came at the application part of the exam with a brand new idea, and for the most part it had worked, but the things he had created with his alchemy had quickly proven wild and uncontrollable.
This third year he was sure he had everything under control.
He snapped out of the memories of his shame when Aisyah told him that they hadn't been moving. He turned to look out the window, and sure enough the train hadn't even started out of the station.
"That is... odd." Markos got up from his seat. He opened his jacket and slotted the book inside of his uniform, but also pulled out his service revolver. "Are you a good shot? I've never actually fired this thing, and I'd probably just hit myself in the foot. If your willing to act as my security detail. I'm pretty sure I can get us some information as to what is going on."
It was going to be a bit of a bluff. Nothing super illegal, He didn't really have any rank as of yet, but he had the uniform, and some minor powers to act as Marshal if he believed that there was any danger to himself or others.
human
Aisyah
It wasn't that Aisyah hadn't seen the book in Markos's hands. The more accurate wording was she was sticking to her neutral mindset. Hedidsay he was a librarian, after all. So perhaps he was just going to return it to Central's library? Him currently holding that book didn't really mean much. He may know about the topic -- probably did. Of course, that was going off the assumption he'd already read the book. Even then, knowledge and what you did with it was a completely different story.
So ... if he knows alchemy ... how do you feel about that?
Her teeth lightly latched onto her lower lip. Honestly, despite typically following the customs and traditions of her religion and ancestors, even Aisyah didn't completely agree with some 'rules' or 'guidelines'. And quite a few revolved around alchemy.
Example number one; the world had been saved largely due to alchemy-related skills.
So, obviously, it couldn't be allthatbad.
Example number two; a fellow Ishvalan by the name of Scar knew and used alchemy. Furthermore, he had been but one of the many people who assisted Edward Elric. That thus led to her third point. In the end, it probably depended on the individual using alchemy. It was just one of those things she didn't feel she would ever be able to do. Not because it was 'wrong' or 'taboo', but she sincerely assumed she lacked the ability or skill to try successfully transmutinganything.
And hell, what would your primary ability be? Ice? Fire? Something else?
It just seemed too complicated. By the time she could have even started determining any and all of her capabilities out, she'd likely be struck or at risk for losing a fight. If she were in combat, obviously. Still, points all made.
"Really?" Her face burned in pride as she chuckled softly. "Thank you. I appreciate the faith and encouragement. I do realize that, yes, I will have to serve the alchemists. I'm fine with that. As long as they don't try to make me perform it myself, I can work alongside one. Similar concept like working with a smoker. I'll be beside them. But the moment they try to make me join them,thenthere will be problems."
He probably understood you the first time, idiot, she inwardly scolded, blushing again.
"I know why I'm red in the face, but what's your excuse?"
Before she could ask, however, Markos hinted he took note of the train failing to move forward. Her gaze lowered to the revolver now in his hands. "I ... think so. I didn't focus on ranged weaponry nearly as much. Icansay, though, that if absolutely needed, I won't hesitate to use it. So ... sure. I suppose I'll need to get used to this anyway. It'll probably be included in any training I receive."
Aisyah noticed that by now, her heart had started to beat at a slightly faster pace. The anxiety she'd been feeling while running to the station had seemed to strengthen. Something probablywaswrong, just as her instincts were insisting.
Still, don't panic, she reassured herself, waiting to calm herself before wrapping her dark fingers around the gun and holding it in her right hand. "Hmm. Actually ... do you happen to have a spare jacket available? It'd be easier to hide beneath the sleeve. However, I can do without one if absolutely needed."
Depending on his answer, she would either hurriedly put one on or follow behind him, making sure to keep her right arm hidden out of immediate sight. No sense in risking giving the wrong idea, after all.
gpt
Markos
Her answer about working along side an alchemist definetly helped him to ease some of the tension in his shoulders but it was definitely going to be something he wasn't going to mention to her right now. It could wait till some other time when the two of them had caught up and he didn't feel like it would cause him to loose the chance to reconnect with an old friend.
The request of a spare Jacket made him grab his suitcase quickly pulling it open and quickly retrieving a second military jacket, which came with a gun holster for her. It was sized for him, but he was only a few inches taller than her so he doubted there would be much of a problem. Of course he had handed it to her without checking the pockets of the jacket first. "Here you go."
He quickly shut his suitcase and hid it away, but kept the book on his person, that was his mission after all and he wasn't about to jeopardize it by having someone search through his bags.
Of course that was assuming that there was some kind of delay that would require violence in the first place. Train Hijackings were rare, and someone would have to be rather bold to attempt that out here rather than a junction like east city or something like that.
That said he also hadn't seen an usher for a while. Getting up he could hear the whispers of the other people on the train. all of them the same kind of worried expressions and voices. Walking up to the front of the car he opened it. "Thank you for your support Aisyah, it means a lot to have a friend right about now."
we are still friends right?The question was kind of odd, but so much had changed especially with him. He felt his heart beating as he felt affraide. Looking out the window he didn't see much aside from the station. "What ever is blocking our way forward it's up by the engine."
human
Aisyah
All of the training Aisyah had been through assisted in her being able to notice Markos' shoulders relaxing.
Luckily for him, they were in the middle of something much more important than a game of twenty questions. So, just as she'd done with his book, she tucked the possibilities behind the gesture away, as well as what it may not end up meaning.
While Aisyah got up to her feet, Markos would quickly note a few things. How well or much he may or may not pay heed was another story. First and foremost, the jacket fit almost perfectly. She was indeed only two to three inches shorter, having ended up being far taller than most women her age. A quick estimate would suggest she was five feet nine, maybe even ten, inches tall. She hadn't only grown vertically, either. True, it was probably to be expected; that she would have a bust now, that was. They weren't overly huge, but definitely not small either. In fact, they were Ds; 34Ds to be more exact.
But perhaps the most distinct change in Aisyah would be the look in her eyes.
The moment she got the gun and tucked it away in one of the inside pockets, a very firm and determined expression crossed her face. Almost like someone had activated some sort of a switch where she was now in a soldier-like mode.
"I can imagine," she replied, nervously smiling back at Markos. "I'd hate to be alone in this exact spot myself."
Even though the gun was concealed, she still remained behind Markos; now simply to make it more difficult to spot the slight tilt in the jacket she was wearing from where the gun was hidden and angled at. To be fair, she felt rather certain that if the absolute worst situations came up, she wouldn't evenneeda gun. Still, she didn't want to lose it if Aisyah could help it. Especially since this wasn't evenhers. She didn't want Markos to get in trouble for her being careless.
The duo wouldn't even get into the room with the engine and controls. They would only walk a few more cars further before seeing that, yes, therewasa problem. Four Amestrians - all male and all holding their own guns - were walking down the aisles, ensuring no one made any foolish or bold moves. What they didn't know - but probably could guess - was the actual reason the rain wasn't moving yet was due to a fifth member, whom was keeping the conductor held at gunpoint.
"Damnit," one cursed, "This is exactly why I said at least one of you bastards should have gone into the other cars. Ah well. Hands up, both of you! Move nice and slow, and only put them on top of your heads!"
Aisyah would give Markos an affirmative nod, signaling that - for now - playing along would be the smartest move.
If this was happening intheircar, where there had been almost no one else around, she would have been okay pulling the gun out and shooting. But as things were, they were two of the numerous possible options for hostages. Showing she was armed woulddefinitelymake this much worse before better ... or even proving she could hold her own in a fight.
Thank Ishvala you used the inside pocket to hide it, she thought, slowly putting her hands on top of her head as instructed.
Sure, they may still find the gun. But most people didn't check inside pockets first, or ever. Hopefully that would work in their favor right now ... or for long enough to find an opportunity to improve their survival odds rather causing them to become worse.
gpt
Markos
Of course why wouldn't this train be one of the ones targetted. He was actually more surprised to see that it was Amstrians who were the ones holding up the train. It was like a bizarro alternate timeline. With those of Ishbal turning around and being in the military uniform where as these guys wore work scrubs. Aside from the fact that they all had guns it would be hard to determine exactly who they were with.
Holding up his hands he looked at Aisyah and grit his teeth. This wasn't exactly what he had in mind when he said she was his protection detail. Giving up to the armed thugs was actually the last thing he wanted to do.
But even he could see he wasn't the only person who was scared. He could hear hushed cries all around them. Knowing that the two of them needed to play along, but also at the same time needed more information he just placed his hands ontop of his head and decided to try and ask a question. "So what's the deal exactly. Your hijacking a train, to do what with it?"
As he was escorted back to a seat he heard the gun the other one was holding click. "Sir these two are military, what should we do with them?"
"Awh fuck if we let officers off this thing than we will have the full might of the military on our hand we can't have that just yet. Um... take them to one the cargo cars and tie them up. The rest of you start getting up, and getting off this Train come on form a line. It's being reassigned."
Looking out the window he could see a few more guys who were keeping the hostages hostage. Ishvalan's were peaceful and untrusting they wouldn't call for help, which meant that what ever these guys were planning Central wouldn't know about it till it happened.
And they were getting a front row seat.
human
Aisyah
Who knew the difference wearing a jacket could make? This all was actually going smoothly. Aisyah had to bite down on her lower lip when she heard they were going to be led away to the cargo hold. While still fighting the urge to laugh out loud, she turned on her feet and began heading towards their 'new room'. These men had to have been amateurs, because they had made several major mistakes within the span of mere seconds. Choosing this train was one. Granted, luck - or lack of - could have been a factor, so Aisyah didn't count that one too much. Making them go to the cargo room, however, was definitely one. They would have had a lot more leverage on them if they remainednearthe hostages. Mistake number two was sending only one enemy with them.
And finally, mistake number three was this Amestrian did, apparently, believe in the old proverb about ladies being first.
She would wait, allowing her left hand to be grabbed and slowly guided off her head. But it wouldn't get far. Her right shot off of her head as she slammed her hand right into the side of her assailant's neck.
"Aghh!!"
The strangled cry lingered briefly in the air before his eyes shut and the poor bastard collapsed, clearly not having see that coming.
"Woooooow .... " Aisyah muttered, finally allowing herself to chuckle softly a few times as she shook her head from side to side. "Okay. Now that he's dealt with, I'm assuming he had some hemp on him, so ... " Leaning down beside the knocked out man, she began searching, producing some restraints seconds later. The man was rolled onto his stomach, wrists pulled behind his back and bound firmly. "I'm not really an expert on trains, how they're built, or anything of the like. However, I do know basics. There should be a communications car somewhere. That will need to be found. Naturally, the other men will need to be beaten, probably shot. There are few ways I'll be uneasy using the gun. With that being said and done though ... "
Aisyah grabbed the firearm the guard had been holding while taking the one Markos gave her out. "Here. I got a spare now, it seems. So here's your own back. Even if you can't go through with pulling the trigger .. at least keep it. Maybe they'll call your bluff. Above all else, have something to protect yourself with."
And there it was. Proof that, indeed, her "Soldier Mode" switching had been activated. It was true that they had been separated for some time. Still, she doubted Markos would have ever thought he would see or hear her act quite like this.
Don't let this scare you off. I do't wanna lose you just because I'm ... not ... as 'cute' or 'feminine' as I used to be ...
Her fingers rapidly tapped against the borrowed jacket a few times before finally, Aisyah nodded. "There may be an extra guard in the communications car. Assuming that's right, we can use him for information, since we still don't fully know what's being done to this train. If you think you can at least make someone become unconscious, do that and I --- no. You can get a hold of Central. They'll at least recognize you, if only because you're more affiliated with them than myself. Alright. I'll knock them out once we learn what we need to. You contact Central. Now then .. do you have a guess which way we should go?"
gpt
Markos
Every step they took towards the cargo area had Markos's heart skipping beats. He had to swallow to suppress the fear that he was feeling, he knew this was supposed to be part of the job that he was going for, he knew that he would be in these situations more and more in the future, but at the same time he just didn't want to be here right now. He did not like the fact that there was a man pointing a gun at him, and if he had been alone he probably would have just surrendered.
When Aisyah made her move and attacked the few frayed nerves that Markos had left snapped and there was a short undignified scream, that luckily didn't make it past the cargo car as jumped away from Aisyah and the man she attacked.
When his eyes reopened Aisyah was already tying the man up and working on what they would have to do next. She was like a rock, a proffessional, and while it was nothing like the memories he had of her it helped to center him. As his service pistol was offered back to him he checked the safty was on and quickly jammed the thing back into the holster on his hip.
"Sir yes sir." It almost felt natural to say it, he wanted to Salute Aisyah and he now had even less doubts about her. Sure the commanding attitude wasn't cute or feminine but it was most certainly hot.
He had to think for a moment when she asked him which way they had to go. "Communications car will be near the engine, cargo is kept near the back so we are basically on either the last or second last car." He hadn't really counted how many they had moved past.
He walked around the room for a moment, before there was a whistle and a sudden shaking and a jarring set of motions. The train was moving.
As the train started he stumbled, and he tripped undignified over a box, spilling it over, as he landed painfully on the other side he got to look at what was in the box. "Um additional problem!"
He held up a single white package from the box. It had a similar texture to molding clay, and on the plastic wrapping had a single letter and a number written on it. C-4.
There was enough in the box to level the car they were standing in. "Who wants to bet that there are other boxes in other cars."
human
Aisyah
Do we have everything?
It seemed like it, at least from a brief glance. After a few quick rotations, Aisyah's eyes soon looked back into Markos's. Before she could suggest moving out, however, the train jerked. It was mainly because she'd been caught off guard, but it had been enough. Aisyah stumbled forward, yelping slightly as she tripped and landed right on top of Markos. Her face wasted little time in turning a deep shade of red. Her fall had been cushioned ... but she detected almost instantly why. If Markos had ... well .... she didn't want to give him too much time to dwell on it.
"Oh shit! I'm so sorry!"
She quickly pushed herself off her friend, flushing furiously. Alas, the damage had been done, and she would thus never forget how her breasts, concealed by little more than her bra, had pressed firmly against her partner's chest.
Sex was by no means taboo. However, with Aisyah having been raised in a rather strict environment, it was ... a touchy subject. Literally and metaphorically. And so, even though what had just happened really was an accident, it was one of those things she would never be able to forget. But at least that was all. No fingers would be pointed, nor any blame assigned to anyone. But this would definitely be one of those moments that was all but etched deeply into her mind, as if it were a tattoo. Permanent, never able to leave, let alone be forgotten about.
Ah well. It could be worse.
And it would be ... if they didn't deal with the "reassigning" which, as Markos discovered, turned out to be C4.
"Oh shit! Okay, well ... in that case ... don't need to really ask or interrogate anyone. That's kinda the good news, if only because it'll save us time. Since we're moving, get that ... thrown out the window or something. Once you're done, we'll move on. If the communication room is indeed guarded, I can help out with that. Afterward, however, will you be fine if I move on and clear the rest of the train for us and anyone else who may still be on?"
She would wait. No matter the answer, she would note it and nod.
Markos would hear her elicit a long, deep breath .... before nodding and beginning to lead the way. "If it really is near the front, we may end up having to go with clearing this place out first before arriving at the communication room. We'll just have to see. Be prepared though."
Hopefully, for things turning out well for us, she inwardly prayed, continuing to stride forward, keeping both eyes and ears alert. Ready to react when needed. Every step she took, Aisyah came up with possible scenarios that could happen, various outcomes, and numerous back-up plans. Shefavoredany that would result in the least amount of bloodshed. Deep down, though, she knew it may not happen. Hell, even she may get injured throughout this abrupt mission that decided to come from seemingly nowhere.
But this was one of those times the best Aisyah could do was expect the worst but most definitely hope and pray for the best to find them both.
gpt
Markos
The sudden physical contact was something odd, but not all that foreign. Markos had been raised in Amestrian orphanages, and studied in Amestrian schools, a much more liberal enviroment to learn about sexual conduct to be sure. To him the press was little more than a happy accident, and as Aisyah blushed he actually got to feel just how large they were as they had pressed against his chest.
It was only a brief glance into something much deeper, but in truth in his mind it was little more than an accident. After all she was a friend, and such contact wasn't completely alien to him, one of his co-workers at the library was a 'huger'.
His experiance with sex was under the guise of a librarian he had read plenty of books, seen medical journals and photos the like of which tended to kill your sex drive rather than increase it. To him sex was less taboo and more just something a 20 year old virigin who spent his work time in a library and his off time in a lab never really concidered.
Hell he had never even been on a date.
"No worries. Just glad you didn't get hurt." He smiled not really blushing, but looking at the case when she suggested throwing it out he looked at her like she was at least a little mental. "this is like fifty pounds of explosives, and you want us to just ditch it in the middle of nowhere?"
not just that it was technically evidence if it survived this ordeal. "Besides one of those guys out their probably has a trigger for this stuff. If we leave it out here and some little kid finds it..." He opened his hand as if to signify an explosion.
Looking around for a moment he sighed, there was one clear and easy way to get rid of the explosives, and he kind of hated that he was about to show it off. "Tell you what, I can deal with these boxes, it will take me about ten minutes, but you go on ahead, and deal with the guys that are still on the train."
He smiled towards Aisyah. "I'll work on neutralizing the bombs, you do what you apparently do best and kick some ass. I will meet you at the communications cart."
Part of him wanted to hug her, and he suddenly understood that one co-worker he had. "This isn't goodbye okay I'll meet up with you in like ten minutes. Just find the guy with the remote, this may only be one stash, and if we take out him than we know nothing else will go off."
human
Aisyah
Aisyah's face paled. She stopped dead in her tracks, frowning at her lack of thinking about any citizens outside ad nearby the train tracks.
"Damn," she cursed, nodding after looking between her likely future co-worker and the packs of C4. "I ... you're right. The thought of someone else finding it completely slipped my mind." She chuckled softly, managing to weakly grin at Markos. "Well, I suppose this is one way to ensure you have both brains and brawn covered."
And it'd be damn important too. Not just for any other assignments she may get in the future - near or far - but she would probably need to pass her own written test, as well as one that would have her show her abilities. Not necessarily 'hands on', per se, but ... tactical? Was that the right word?
You're not gonna get any of these if you don't hurry up and get to working on fixing this mess you're in up, she reminded herself. When she heard Markos's idea, she gave a firm, decisive nod. "Alright. I'm still going to let you speak with Central. It just makes more sense, given I'm not even known as someone who wants to get enrolled. If I find that car first, I'll make sure it's clear for you. All you should need to worry about by the time you're done is getting in touch with whomever picks up on the other line."
Some people could argue she had the harder tasks to work on. But in all honesty, she was more worried for Markos. She'd known he was brilliant. That had never been an issue. But ... was his intelligence enough to work on dealing with items such as bombs?
Only one way to find out, I guess, she decided, offering him another smile and even adding a quick salute. Even if he wasn't a soldier, he was the one between them whomwasan official member of the military.
"Good luck!"
Now that she knew what was going to happen, on her behalf and her friend's, she felt a lot more confident. Nervous .. but otherwise certain. Determined. Not quite full-fledged cocky, but as close to that as possible.
gpt
Markos
"Like I said we will meet up at the communications car." He said it like it was the simplest thing to imagine. The two of them meeting up at the commucations car to plan on storming the engine. All in all they had about three hours before this train landed in east city, that was most likely these guys goal.
"You too, be careful out there." He smiled to Aisyah and looked back at the box of bombs. He had a few ideas running through his head as to how he could work with this. The raw matarials that were used were mostly acids, a few bonding agents, the trick would really be heat control. He wasn't sure which activated C-4, aside from the electrical charge.
He waited for Aisyah to be gone before he pulled out a piece of chalk. "Forgive me Aisyah, your gonna learn about this sooner or later, but I just didn't want to start a fight between us."
He started scratching the ground and doing some rough guess work as he drew his circles. He had to figure out exactly what he was doing with the bombs. Their make was mostly acidic so he had to break it down quickly, not to mention that if he was wrong he would be blowing himself and this train up.
"So..." He turned to the one guy all tied up. "How much faith do you have in my math that we both get to live to see tomorrow?" The guy was unconcious, and drooled slightly.
"I'll take that as a maybe."
The passenger cars had been emptied the majority of the force had chosen to stay behind and keep them under arrest. Which really only left seven now six active men to take the train into east city.
In the taking of the train only three shots had been fired, the communications officer that was on the train had been murdered with gun fire, as well as one unco-operative hostage, and a porter. The lead man was in the engine room making sure that the train ran smoothly.
In the passegener carts two more men set up chests similar to the one that was in the cargo bay that Markos was dealing with. they decided to work their way backwards they did after all have three hours to rig up the entire train.
Rigging the explosives was a two man job, leaving the sixth to guard the communications room and make it appear that everything was running smoothly.
human
Aisyah
Good. The numbers have been drastically reduced.
The deduction was simple enough to notice when the first car was mostly empty. Given it had been mostly full a few moments ago when they were led through the car, the difference was like night and day. The car after that gave the same display ... which made her sigh in relief. The less leverage these bastards had against her and Markos, the smoother this could go. Despite not yet being an official member of Central's military, it would still be just as bad if she somehow contributed to any of these captives being killed because of her stupidity or stubbornness.
The next car, however, was the passenger one and thus not empty.
"Freeze!" Aisyah demanded, taking advantage of the fact they were occupied at the moment and didn't have as easy access to a gun like she did. By the time they may have grabbed their guns, she already had the spare one she took off the first guard aimed at them. "Either start disabling that now or, if you don't know how, step away! Put your hands up on top of your hands. Slowly now."
It probably would soundveryfamiliar. And there was a damn good reason for that.
A sly smirk crossed her face as she waited for them either comply. Alternatively, if it seemed like any would be stupid, she'd adjust her aim if needed so the gun would be aimed in between their eyes and slowly begin pulling back on the trigger. Right before she would push fully down with her index finger, she stopped, but kept her grip so she could finish squeezing down should the threat need to become a not-so-idle-one.
"Nuh-uh! Wouldn't do anything you may regret if I were you. One more time ... put your hands above your head if you don't know how to disable the C4. But no funny business!"
gpt
Markos
There were a few heavy breaths as Markos got to his knees and set down his hands against the circle. If he was right than great the bombs would be dealt with, if he wasn't than this car would be gone very soon. Passing energy between him and the circle there was the familiar blue light and crackle of energy.
He closed his eyes not wanting to see the result immediately, but as the sound of the transmutation ended he found he was still breathing, which basically meant that he had made it work.
When one of his eyes opened he was cautious to do anything immediately. half expecting to see that his work had no effect.
Instead what he was greated with was a mountain of salt, and a wave of relief. Of course it would be hard to explain to Aisyah what happened to the bombs, but when the Military Police did get aboard the train they would be able to see his math and work backwards seeing exactly what had been transmuted into what. In this instance it was the chemical binding agents around the bomb had been turned to salt with help from the metal of the box they were stored in. Leaving only a heap of salt, and a few copper wires that had survived the transmutaiton leaving the thing completely inert.
"Right well your not going anywhere." He said to the unconscious man that he had been dealing with earlier. "So I guess i need to start working on getting To Aisyah."
If he went the regular path and just walked up the cars he would get to her faster, but he might distract her during a critical fight. Opening the back door of the train however their was a ladder.
"Oh this has to be near the top on list of stupid things to do in ones life." He said grabbing hold of the ladder and pulling himself up on top of the train.
~~
The men looked at the young girl confused for a moment. She had to be the smallest officer they had ever dealt with, but she had already taken down one man. even so the two men stepped away from the bomb, and looked at one another their hands slowly resting on their heads.
The two men exchanged looks of both confusion but also something else as they assessed the girl with the gun. The officers coat made her look like a soldier but at the same time she had an ishvalan skin tone, and looked like a kid.
"Ten years ago you would have been a street whore servicing men like us." One of the men laughed at her as she pointed the gun. "Their are two of us, and only one of that gun."
The man stepped slightly to the side trying to see if she had even turned the safety off. "You ever even touched one of those before? Ever shot a man? Your hands shaking."
"Fuck it, we weren't exactly getting off this train, and the bombs already set up. Your basically just entertainment at this point." At that point the more aggressive of the men lunged at her intendeding to throw his body weight towards her and grab the gun to push it out of her hand the other one took that moment to reach for his own weapon.
human
Aisyah
There we go. Nice and easy. So far, so good ...
They had complied with her orders, which made an internal sigh of relief echo in Aisyah's head. What she'd told Markos was nothing but the honest to gods truth. She'd never dealt with firearms. And despite her martial arts being five to six different types combined in one, a person had to take time and effort to use a move that wouldactuallykill someone. As such, she had more self-defense tactics. Even the ore offensive maneuvers weren't lethal. They could definitely cause a foe to become sore, no questions about that. But not dead in an instant like guns were infamous for doing.
"Hmph. You think I can't count?" she angrily barked. "I get that. But I don'tneedthis to take either of you down. This is just a precaution."
Indeed, the safety was off. Granted, mainly because it had come that way. All the same, she would have turned it off if it hadn't been when she retrieved it. Still, the threat was a very real, possible one. That she could - and would, as Aisyah had vowed to Markos - pull back on the trigger if push came to shove.
And ... well .... that's exactly what these idiots were doing.
"Ten years ago you would have been a street whore servicing men like us."
Her eyes narrowed as they dared to imply such a vile thing happening to someone who hadn't even hit double digit age yet. "Shut up," she warned, her voice immediately turning low as venom laced her words. "That's not even funny to joke about. I ... who cares about my history with guns! It's not like you two are in a decent position to order me around, are you?!"
By the standards of basically every region and country, it was true that she was barely a child still. She would hit eighteen next month. Alas, seventeen still equaled just that. Not eighteen. And so, these men weren't too far off in viewing her as a teenager.
She just wouldn't sink to a literal child, especially not one who couldn't defend themselves.
"The fuck are you doing? Stay down! I wasn't kidding around!"
She hadn't realized until one of the men dared to walk closer to her that her hand was indeed trembling. And as he began closing the distance, it shook harder.
"STOP!"
BANG!
The attempted jump would be interrupted. Aisyah lifted her arms, readjusting her aim once more, simply to make up for the man trying to lunge for her. But once it was directed in between his eyes, her finger pulled back on the trigger, sending the bullet flying out towards its destination. Even her own eyes couldn't help but widen slightly as she saw her target hit, but perfectly. The body slumped forward as blood began to coat the floor, creating a dark, crimson-hued pool.
Oh shit! You ... you did it ....
At least not in cold blood, which made her feel a bit better. But not much. Aisyah panted, feeling herself barely holding back from completely hyperventilating. Her eyes narrowed once more as she lifted her head and looked over to the living Amestrian. "So?!" she hissed angrily, "Still wanna test me?! I told you I could do this! I can, and I will shoot again if needed!"
Not to say she would be happy. All the same, he now saw the threat become a reality, which probably helped label how dire things had become in a matter of seconds.
"Which exact person has the controller to deal with the C4? Which car is he in? Get up! Change of plan! You're going to be my reassurance.Myhostage to ensure I can walk through this train safely!"
Ahh, irony. It really did tend to have a funny way of showing up. First, the seeming reversal of roles, especially when one paid heed to which race was doing what. Now, this survivor going from being a captor to suddenly finding himself soon becoming a captive. Ahh, the irony indeed.
Aisyah waited, hoping the man would stop messing around and heed her orders. Regardless of whether he cooperated or not, she began stalking forward, ready to get behind him. Depending on if he complied or not would determine if she needed to force him to stand by grabbing a fistful of hair or not.
gpt
Markos
Turns out that standing atop a train while it was in motion was not exactly a smart idea. Every little shift and vibration along the tracks felt like it was going to throw him to his untimely death.
He had seen movies like the great train robbery that had showed how simple standing on a train would be while in motion.
Turns out movies lied. The wind was oppressive and he had to cover his mouth not to have it steal his breath. Keeping his body low he had to crawl on hand and foot to keep from being thrown to the wind. But he managed to pass the two cargo cars and get on top of the first passenger car.
Crawling along the sounds he would make as he passed Aisyah could have been confused with just the natural sounds of the train moving, albeit slightly heavier as he moved along the tin surface. His goal was the third car from the the front the commutations car.
His hope was to secure that car before Aisyah got there so that he could have at least contributed something, but he was worried about the bombs still. If they had others, they lacked a way of communicating anything.
Oh he wished the two of them had radios of some kind, this would be a lot easier if he knew what to expect or could even talk to her.
~~
As one man lay dead the second had his hand on his gun and re-evaluated the situation. For a moment he considered simply allowing himself to be tied up, but when she threatened to use him as a living hostage he knew exactly what he had to do.
"What is it you dogs used to say? By the grace of god go I." He smiled as he pulled the gun from the holster spinning the revolver not towards Aisyah but rather placing it confidently and comfortably under his own chin before pulling the trigger.
The sharp tones of the metal were the last thing the man would hear or feel as his body slumped and dropped a pool of blood forming around what had once been the back of his head.
human
Aisyah
Fuck you, I'm not one of Central's bitches!
Unfortunately,actuallysaying that would make things so much worse for her. Definitely not better. So even though she could hear herself screaming at all the various thoughts running through her head, none dared to pass Aisyah's lips. She stopped her advances as the second man pulled his own gun out.
Is ... he really going to ... ??
A new layer of blood splattered on top of the coat and even some of Aisyah's face and clothes underneath the military outfit. Her head bowed as she took a few, rapid breaths in an effort to calm herself down. Were things always this intense once someone was an official soldier?
Probably ...
Maybe her parents had the right idea after all regarding ceasing her from pursuing her dream?
No. That couldn't be right.
Clasping her hands together, she held them - as well as her gun, albeit carefully - between her flesh. The breaths through her nose finally started returning to a much more normal pace as Aisyah closed her eyes and took a few moments to send up a prayer for the man. They had been on opposite sides, yes. But she wouldn't have tried to force him to commit an act as horrid as suicide. For that matter, she couldn't say she had really expected it.
Not as the first thing he'd do. Maybe a last resort sorta thing, but ... not before then.
"May Ishvala have mercy on your souls," she whispered in a soft voice, slowly re-opening her blue eyes and letting her hands fall back to her sides. With Aisyah having completed her brief moment of silence, she hurried over to the next car. She had definitely not forgotten she was on an invisible timer, and thus needed to haul ass to make sure neither her nor Markos got blown up on this train. As the next car came into view, Aisyah first tried to peek through the screen she was behind. At most, there was a faint outline. There was probably another one to two guards there.
But really, that was the main thing she needed to know.
Nodding to herself, she gripped the knob with her left hand, hastily opening the next door way and stepping inside. The gun trained on the closest individual as she stepped completely into the next car. "Two of your comrades are dead and another is bound. We can do this the easy way ... or the hard way. I won't take any pleasure in adding another kill to my list of things I've done today, but I will most definitely resort to it if absolutely needed. So ... what choice will you make?"
gpt
Markos
Progress was made up until the point where Markos realized that he was at the communications car and had no way inside of the thing. When he had first come up with the plan to simply duck back down between the train cars he had failed to realize that the make of the train he was on provided sheltered cover. the area to slip between was so tight that it may have cut him in half.
So his next thought was the skylight, an attempt to break a glass window and drop down would have been much easier.
The passenger car had a sky light, but not the communications car which was a thicker steel.
Which really meant he had only one option. It was just steel after all, so he grabbed his chalk. and kept himself low, working quick as he had already learned that the safest place in the train was inside of the thing.
Drawing his circle he pressed his hand against it starting the transmutation which caused the steel to rust and then quickly turn to dust which allowed him to fall into the car mostly because there was now a large hole in the roof. It was a rather unceremonious landing a small shout and a large crash, as he lukily fell directly on top of the guy in the communications room knocking him to the ground so that both their weapons would be knocked away.
"Ow!"
~~
The two men had just finished setting up their bomb, which really just meant that they had nothing better to do but light up their smokes and watch as the train arrived in east city in around two hours.
When the girl barged in the two men looked at her, and then at each other, the fact that she was covered in the blood of their comrades spoke volumes to the two men, and they quickly dropped their weapons and raised up their hands.
"You realize you're going to die either way right? The instructions to set up the bombs only went one way, these cars are rigged to explode, and as soon as the train stops they all go off anyway."
"Shoot us or tie us up, your too late to stop this." The two men shrugged, one so confident that they were already dead that he actually albeit a little more slowly reached to take his smoke and flick the ash from the burning paper so he could get a better puff.
"But yeah, our work is done here. Doesn't matter if we live or die at this point."
human
Aisyah
Ohhhh, thank you. Thank you, Ishvala. Glad to know at least someone's watching over me today.
As the men chose to surrender instead of take their lives - or force her to kill them - Aisyah wasted little time. She strode confidently forward and kicked each gun set down towards the door she just walked out of. This way, they wouldremainway out of reach. So unless either of these men could do alchemy, fight, or both in the worst case scenario, she was safe from any physical retaliation. Moving behind both the Amestrians, Aisyah started using her left hand to feel around for a new set of hemp rope.
Probably should have taken spare from the first guy. I mean, I doubt you used all of it. Ah well.
Mentally noting to follow through with her plan she just thought of this time around, Aisyah secured each man so their backs were against one another. Their arms, elbows, and wrists were all connected, also. They would be - hopefully - prevented from not only escaping, but being able to move in any effect manner that would assist in succeeding with such endeavors.
"There," Aisyah muttered, standing up after putting away the extra rope and also finishing tying these two up.
" .... No. I have no intention of dying. I'm not alone, after all. I have help. He'll definitely figure something out."
Surely he would, right? Aisyah trembled slightly, hastily rubbing her arms along her shoulders in hopes it looked like she merely got cold instead of revealing she was scared. After quietly reassuring herself Markos would be able to disable the C4 packs fine, she flashed the tied-up men a sly smirk and walked out, leaving them alone to their own devices.
"Fuck!"
The curse came out in a very shocked but equally pained tone. The sudden sensation of additional weight finding the lone male in the communications car literally knocked the wind out of him.
As he lay on his back gasping and panting frantically for breath, he looked up ---
And quickly wished he hadn't bothered to see who had found him. His eyes widened as he took note of the uniform.
Oh fuck!
Instincts took over as he raised his hands and tried to thrust Markos off of him and slam him against the devices nearby. This guyneededto die ... or be incapacitated to make damn sure that would actually end up happening.
Otherwise?
Well .... he didn't expect things to go well. The gun shots hadn't been too quiet despite being a few cars down. He had heard them. And from what he could assume, it likely came from this guy, which meant he was dangerous.
He was only partially right ... but it wasn't like he needed to know the truth of what all was really happening, either.
gpt
Markos
Markos was pushed off the ground and quickly rolled away from him. Pushing himself in the direction of the mans scattered gun. He hadn't exactly counted on litterally falling on the man, but it had worked to his advantage as now neither of them had their weapons, and while he wasn't exactly proficient in combat he would last a lot longer without someone having the ability to shoot him.
Of course there was the chance that Aisyah would come to his aid, but for the moment he was on his own.
With his own weapon gone from it's holster as well he had very few in the ways of options but decided that if he was going to do this he had to think fast, and bluff his way out of it.
Reaching into his pocket with one swift pull he grabbed the largest piece of paper he had on him and held up a pre drawn circle. "Hold it right there or I use this." To add to his threat he placed his other hand on the circle.
"That's right you're dealing with a State Alchemist." failed the exam, and in training but no one really needed to know that fact right now. "One more step and I transmute the floor your standing on just like I transmuted the roof, and drop you to the tracks below."
All things considered the men didn't resist. They heard that her friend may be able to think of something, but in all honesty they doubted her. The work was done, and even if only one car was rigged to explode they would still get their goals accomplished.
Once they were tied up they just shrugged, already given up, and now restrained they had nothing more to say about it. "Your friend would either have to be an explosives expert, fuck we rigged up these bombs and not even we know how to disarm them."
With a shrug they just went silent, and decided to say no more, they would just enjoy the ride at this point. The girl could do as she pleased, they would rather go in an instant explosion than risk the pain of a gun fight.
human
Aisyah
Liars! Both of you!
Although Aisyah herself wasn't an alchemist, she had learned subjects that many could argue were similar in nature. Medicine - without any alchemy being included - was actually a very good example. After all, if one thought about it, therewereways to comprehend, deconstruct,andreconstruct the human body. Some methods were much more traditional and well-known. Others were as taboo as human transmutation, and thus highly frowned upon to those who went to such lengths.
One of the first and most basic things she had been told was every venom had an anti-venom.
So, in this case, there has to be a way to deal with these packs of C4 ...
There had to be some way Markos could defuse those boxes.
" ... I suppose we'll see, won't we?" Aisyah smugly quipped to the bound men. It was an easy way to keep herself from panicking. She didnotwant to even start considering these men would be right.
There has to be a flaw in those damn thing. There has to be. You're not about to die before becoming a soldier ....
Let alone right when she'd just gotten reunited with her best friend. Fuck and no.
Aisyah paused in front of the next door knob and took advantage of the fact she wasn't under any pressure to hurry up.
Not including the invisible timer, at least.
After exhaling ad taking three needed breaths, Aisyah opened the door, hastily walking through ....
" .... Tch."
The man had been ready to call what he was certain to be Markos's bluff. State alchemist or not, he looked young. Which implied he was probably anew'dog'. Therefore, it would make sense that he was prone to making a mistake or two. So surely, even though he had succeeded in drawing his own circle, he may have ended up accidentally getting caught in that area.
Right?
Not anymore. Not when the second, uniformed individual walked in.Shewould probably bbe able to catch him .. keep him alive somehow. So .. no. This situation officially took a turn for the worst.
"Fine, fine," he stated, raising his hands and surrendering. "No need to remove the floor from under us."
"Markos?" Aisyah slowly began to ask, "You .. did you figure a way to deal with that first C4 box by chance? I'm assuming - hoping - that since you're not holding it, the answer's yes."
Pulling her newly acquired firearm back out, she aimed it over towards the man ... just in case he tried to pull any 'fast stunts' while Markos was getting in touch with Central.
Before he actually connected with anyone, however, Aisyah gulped ... and added lowly under her breath.
"Markos ... do not think I haven't noticed what's around me. Wearetalking about it all. Just ... not now. There's clearly more important things to fret about. So, for the time being, I'll pretend I'm not seeing everything that is reflecting in my eyes."
The two friends would hear the device ring once .... twice ....
And get picked up before it could try to do so a third time.
"This is Lieutenant Sheska. State your name, ID number, and the purpose of your call, please."
gpt
Markos
Markos had most certianly been bluffing, the circle he was holding was little more than a parlors trick that any alchemist tended to learn. So he could feel the tension rolling up and down his back getting ready to launch back into a fist fight if he had too.
Thankfully his reinforcements came just in time and Aisyah forced the man to surrender. He breathed a sigh of relief but at the same time he knew this was it. This was the moment he was dreading the part where he lost this old friend once and for all.
He shook his head and walked up to the phone looking at her as she asked about how he had disarmed the bombs. He cringed, "I transmuted them."
He spoke bluntly, he wasn't ashamed of his skills, but he was afraid of her reactions. "I turned the acids that form the bonding in the clay to salt rendering the bombs inert, and I can do it again if you give me a few minutes after I make this call."
He looked at her, his eyes narrowing for a moment when she said she would ignore what she was seeing. Says the woman currently covered in blood. The one who wanted to be a soldier in the first place. He let out a long sigh. "Yeah we can have words later. From where I'm standing i'm not the only one wearing a uniform."
"Lieutenant this is information's Clerk Markos Fischer, Serial number 323-145-x93z, I am on board the seven thirty am departure from new ishval to east city direct, the train has been taken over by radical Amestrian's. I have procured most of the train with a civilian partner, but they have bombs on board. I hope to have them deactivated by the time we reach East City, but the landing platform needs to be evacuated by the time the train is set to arrive. I repeat Seven thirty departure is set to explode situation critical landing platform must be evacuated in the event of our failure."
human
Aisyah
"Transmuted them?" Aisyah repeated, feeling her very core sting as the words passed her own lips.
This was, admittedly, one of those times where she'd vowed not to be overly judgmental of other people coming into play. Still, there was a certain amount of shock that was flowing through her with this confession. It wasn't that she believed Markos to be incompetent or anything. Hell, if he reallyhadbeen successful with changing the C4 so it was changed into a harmless state .. shouldn't she be happy? She was. Just ... for some reason, Aisyah didn't view Markos as someone who would end up feeling like he had to use alchemy.
"I understand. Of course. You'll have your time to work on the other bombs afterwards."
But ... still. You were so intelligent without it! You don't need to rely on it!
Apparently, that was what made her a bit ticked off.
It was dumb. After all, she wasn't Markos's mother. Aisyah had no control over the decisions he did and didn't make. And yet ... the slightest sensation of whatever was as close to betrayal without actually becoming that very feeling continued to linger in the young woman. It made her blood boil slightly, and pulse quicken.
All the same, her focus didn't falter and allow the foe an opportunity.
A brief pause lingered, though Markos and Aisyah could both hear a pen rapidly dancing across a sheet of paper. The Lieutenant was jotting notes down regarding the situation Markos was relaying to her. The next set of words would probably be something both weren't amazed to hear.
"Your civilian friend will need to be escorted by you into Headquarters when the train arrives. We'll need to get their side of the story and all. Standard procedure. I will go to Mustang and the other higher-ups to let them know. Good luck, Clerk Fischer."
As quickly as the call had been made, it swiftly ended.
Aisyah swallowed, still feeling ... torn. Relieved she was alive, but irritated at what she had just learned.
Without giving any hints or warnings, she turned the pistol around in her hand, slamming the handle against the side of the Amestrian's neck.
"There," she stated, "Now the concern aboutanyretort being made is gone. Okay. Once you finish with that pack of C4, we can go and work on the rest of them. We ... can do this."
There was a very small but still noticeable sense of anger that Markos could probably detect from her forcing the guard unconscious. For the most part, though, she had done it mainly for their safety as opposed to more fueled on by something such as spite. With any luck, the sight of Aisyah not attempting to hurt Markos in any manner wuld be a bit of a relief to him. Though she guessed the display would be equally nerve-wracking. And to some extents ... that was fine with her.
It would help him realize shereallyhad been deadly serious about wanting to speak with him. Should any doubts have lingered, they would probably be long gone by now.
For now, though, there was something much more essential to worry about up and vanishing; the C4.
While Markos worked on the C4 in the communications car, Aisyah went to work tying the man up. The moment Markos finished up, Aisyah got up to her feet and began leading the way into the next car. It seemed fit that she should be first, given she was going to be Markos's bodyguard of sorts. If either of themhadto risk getting shot here and now, better for her to take a bullet than him. That was what her mind insisted, anyway.
gpt
Markos
Since the guess work had already been taken out of disarming the bombs he could set to work at a relatively quick pace dealing with them. Working with his chalk again he drew smaller circles around each bomb that had been set up, and drew lines back to his main transmutation circle. In this way as long as they were connected he could get all of the bombs at once without fearing for any chance of an explosion.
"I can't disarm the trigger." As he spoke he didn't look at Aisyah he felt like he needed to defend himself a little but was unsure how to exactly do it. How he was supposed to defend himself when she was radiating anger over the fact that he was who he was now.
He let out a sigh looking at the ground and focusing on the task at hand. "It's well designed, and I'm not a demolitions expert, I could just as easily kill us as I could disarm the bomb." Which honestly wasn't easy. Of course he wanted to get deffensive he could see that his ability was going to cause a rift between the two of them, and he opened his mouth to try and think of something to say as he worked. Drawing his circles around the bombs and then connecting them all back to a main circle.
He had to deal with the transmutation first, but his eyes kept going to her, and he knew that he had some how disappointed her the look on her face spoke louder than hitting him would, but as he finished the transmutation circle he just let out a sigh. He had studied for years at Amestrian schools to learn this science, it was a skill, and his keen mind had been one of the ways he had kept it close. He shook his head. "Yeah, talk later, I suppose we can do that."
He pressed his hands to the circle and watched as each of the bombs seemed to disolove turning to piles of salt. leaving them inert. Getting up he followed her into the next car regarding the two men who were bound up here tied with rope and unable to move. He waved to them and started on the process doing it all again. He didn't ask for any help even though if he had just gotten her to draw a few circles it would save on precious time to work with him. "Listen, I know you don't like it, but this is something I have worked on for a long time. I'd rather not get into the debate right now like you said we will talk later, but I would like you to remember something you told me when you sat down with me earlier today."
He looked at Aisyah his eyes slightly wet when he spoke next. Slightly uncomfortable with this situation and how the two of them had grown apart, not to mention the cold words and look she had given him. "You said that as long as no one asks you to use this than you would be just fine working with an alchemist as long as they respected you."
"I have a lot I want to say, i've been working on getting my state certification for three years, I got the job at the library so I could use their reference material and case work. Yes my goal is to be a dog of the military, but i have my reasons, and one day we are going to get down to sit and have a chat about those reasons, but for now. I just want you to know that I do know and respect you, and I don't expect you to do any of this. So please don't hate me too much?" With that he decided that he just needed to work in silence for a bit and shut himself up. He could still feel the anger coming off of her, but she had made no attempt to strike him and she was still acting as his protection, all in all he wasn't sure where the two of them would stand after this, he just knew that things would be a bit different going forward.
human
Aisyah
It wasn't so much the man he'd become.
As Aisyah watched Markos work on the C4, she finally realized that much was for sure. But then .... whatwasher problem? She definitely had one, nor would she try to lie about having an issue with her friend. It was almost on the tip of her tongue; barely in reach, yet somehow staying out of it so she couldn't completely pinpoint what wastrulybothering her. What was obvious came in the form of noticing Markos wanted to vent. Okay, maybe that wasn't the appropriate word, given his tone was surprisingly calm. Either way, he was offering an explanation for his choices. And even if it wasn't a complete report, it was still something to help her begin to comprehend what had changed over the years.
Granted, Markos hadn't been raised the exact same way as she had.
But, from what she could recall, most Ishvalans stuck very firmly to tradition, which thus meantnoalchemy.
Her arms crossed over her chest as she patiently watied for him to begin giving her something,anything ot help her understand the new friend she was looking at. The irked expression steadily shifted, turning into a more neutral appearance and then looking horrified at herself. Guilty. Ashamed even. And right around the time he uttered his last reminder - which had come in the form of her own words - she weakly nodded.
"I know. I get it. This is your choice, your life, your decision. But .... for me to stumble in and see that you've decided to use something we aren't supposed to ... can you understand at all how it weirded me out to walk in on such a display?"
Luckily, the next car was void of any hostile men, which allowed Aisyah to continue her explanation.
"I mean ... I'm sureyouweren't exactly thinking you would ever see me prove I've become a fighter over the years. If you can look me in the eyes and say with a straight facethatdidn't make you feel a bit odd, fine. Then maybe it is just me, and for that, I will apologize."
Slowly but surely, she was beginning to add up what the actual problem was. And then ... as if she completed a puzzle, it all clearly came to her.
" ... Were you ever going to tell me?" By now, most of the wrath was now replaced with regret. "I mean ... obviously neither of us probably expected to find one another again, be it ever or in a situation quite like this. But the moment I reminded you who I was .... were you ever going to tell me that you decided to go against customs and use alchemy? Or .. were you going to keep that hidden away from me forever?"
The thought was laughable. It would have been next to impossible for him to do that forever, more so if they ended up being paired up with one another.
Still, the mere implication it could have been an option at all had been whatreallygot to her.
"Geez. I don't hateyou, Markos. Just ... the fact I found out the hard way. I mean, I had the courage to tell you outright I was going to join the military. Why couldn't you have just told me then and there that you intended on joining to become on of their dogs? Their alchemists? I thought you knew me well enough to know that in order for me totrulyhate someone, it takes a lot more than a small, white lie."
Okay. So this wasn't a verylittlewhite lie. But it was one all the same, and she could accept that logic for the time being.
Mentally dismissing the technical issues with her own words, Aisyah spoke again after considering carefully what she wanted to say. "I will stop calling you a dog ... the moment I can detect you're finally ready to be completely honest with me. But ... I really am pretty hurt to think you may never have told me about this. To make up for this - at least in some regards - I'll keep to my words. The ones you reminded me about."
To be fair, she would have even without Markos making her recall what she'd said. But now, it held, hopefully, a more personal touch. And, therefore, it'd be more sincere for her to keep her mantra, her vow.
gpt
Markos
for me to stumble in and see that you've decided to use something we aren't supposed to ... can you understand at all how it weirded me out to walk in on such a display?
"I really wish you wouldn't say that." In truth he understood what Aisyah meant by that, but he never really felt like a hypocrite. He sighed shaking his head as he continued his work getting rid of the last room full of bombs taking a look at the two dead bodies in the car and feeling nauseous.
Yes she could do that, but I draw a circle and suddenly... He let it go with a sigh, in truth he wanted to work with the military, and that was as much as part of the job as being a dog.
"Growing up I had fourteen brothers and sisters, all of which were Ameistrian. I grew up in an orphanage, I ate bacon and eggs, I shared the same grace, I celebrated Christmas and attended the same school as them. I wasn't raised in the community like you were. That's why all the parents shunned me. You were my only friend outside of the orphanage and you disappeared when I was twelve. I should be mad at you."
He had ever right, and if he really tried there was a spark somewhere that could have ignited, but in truth he didn't really have anything for it. Maybe that spark of feelings was for something else. Instead his voice was more subdued as he looked at her. "But that was eight years ago, and I'm not good at holding grudges for that long."
"We aren't the innocent little kids anymore. Of course I was going to tell you, but you have been in my life for a little over two hours. I haven't exactly heard your life's story about where you went, or what all happened to make you into the person you are now instead of the innocent little girl i used to give flowers too."
He shrugged and finished his work on the circles. "Telling someone you want to be a state alchemist isn't something you do on a short train ride. I had a plan where I was going to invite you out to eat, sit down with you and tell you everything once we got to central. I mean I was going to have to tell you everything because I invited you to stay at my place once we got back to central, and that could be a bit of a nightmare if you aren't ready for it."
He shook his head as he activated the circles and watched as they glowed blue turning the last of the bombs to salt. "There now even if the last guy manages to shoot us, no one outside of this train can get hurt."
He dusted his hands for a moment as he looked at Aisyah. "The sad part is, I don't think I have been dishonest with you yet. I didn't exactly plan on this train being hijacked, and in another timeline this all would have been a casual calm conversation... or a screaming match."
human
Aisyah
Well, what do you want me to say?!
Aisyah tilted her head back, forcing herself to take several, long deep breaths as opposed to caving in and letting her frustrated thoughts be heard. She really didn't want to say anything that would break what bond they had left. Besides, surely it could be repaired? Strengthened, even? It wouldn't be easy ... and it definitely would be even less so if and when she kept hearing words that tempted her to go on her own defensive route.
Except ... at least the part about Markos being mad was true enough. Heshouldbe. In that regard, Aisyah was a bit taken aback he wasn't, but relieved all the same.
" ... We both made our single but major error," Aisyah finally declared, slowly nodding. "Let's .... agree to disagree for now, alright? I'll respect you and what you chose. But ... it'll take a while for me to adjust to and recall. Please ... be patient with me and I'll do the same back?"
The weakest of smiles crossed her face as she added, "It may not be a surprise anymore, but I'd actually be up for accepting that invitation offer. If .. you'd be willing, that is."
Hoping the more positive incentive would give him more reasons to keep succeeding in altering the C4 to a harmless state than change his mind or heart, Aisyah began to lead the two into the next car when he finished his work. Upon opening the door, the interior plus scenery around them revealed they had finally reached the engine car.
Quickly but calmly, Aisyah pulled her pistol out, aiming it at the last Amestrian terrorist.
"There's no need to stain this train with anymore blood. Let the conductor go. Your other men have already been disabled or dealt with somehow." Knowing he probably picked up on what the latter meant, she hastily added, "I didn't want to, if it helps. But they left me no choice. I had to, out of self defense. And I will again, if absolutely needed. But I would rather talk this out with you. In addition to your men being restrained, the C4 is gone. Your plan has failed. It would be easier if you surrendered and left the innocent out of this."
Aisyah finally went silent, waiting to see if he would evenstartto listen to her or not. Already, several what-if scenarios were forming in her mind, ranging from him going right to killing himself to taking the conductor's life and then his, or something else. The best possibility, naturally, was him eventually giving up and leaving the conductor unharmed.
She wasn't expecting that to happen. But it wouldn't stop Aisyah from hoping maybe - justmaybe- he would wise up and do "the right thing". At least it seemed like it was the correct course of action to take in her own mind.
gpt
Markos
Markos let out a long breath of air their first fight coming to and end so it seemed. He honestly didn't want to get too caught up in this new debate. He knew that it wouldn't end well with either of them.
He closing his eyes for a moment his hand rubbed the bridge of his nose and then looking up he pulled down on his eyelid and removed his contact lenses. Blinking as his red eyes seemed to shine through rather than the false green eyes. He looked to Aisyah blinking for a moment his vision a little blurry from their removal.
"Better?" He said showing her rather than telling her that he wouldn't hide anything from her, not that she hadn't known his original eye color to begin with. Just that he wouldn't hide anything from her in the future. He let out a small sigh. "I found out that I needed glasses a few years ago, add some green contact paint into the mix and poof suddenly people look at you a lot less concerned when you apply for jobs in the military."
He shook his head, putting those in his pockets, and following Aisyah so now that they could get underway, he wanted to agree with her, and move past all of these problems. He smiled towards her nodding when she took up his offer of wanting to stay with him.
"Great, just a forwarning it's a bit of a mess at the moment I didn't really have time to clean up the place before i got sent out here. Like I said It can be a bit of a nightmare for the unprepared."
As Aisyah drew her gun he nodded towards her. He didn't really have any skills when it came to defense so he was more than willing to let her deal with the guy. The moment the two people burst into the engine room they were greated by the sight of the conductor who had a gun to his head, and the man who had taken the train.
Unsurprisingly this was the same man who had early ordered the two of them be tied up and put away. "We should have just shot you two brats."
Honestly yeah that was kind of a huge dealing in hindsight. He drew out the bomb trigger from his coat holding it up. "I don't believe you, my trigger was designed with too many fail safes. I'd rather see you all go to hell."
He pressed his thumb down on the button hard without another warning, and when nothing happened he pressed it again.
Markos chimed in. "Your bombs are salt now. Aisyah want to knock the man unconscious?"
human
Aisyah
Aisyah's head tilted as she watched Markos begin to raise his hands towards his face. "Got something in your eye?" she teased, noting it almost looked like he was maybe going to cry. What from was beyond her. She hadn't said anything overly good nor bad ... had she? Maybe she had. There had been a fair share of cons in addition to pros about being trained as a future soldier at such an age. One of the unfortunate things about her training, even if it wasn't obvious from her jest, was Aisyah could be horrible with reading the current mood. Especially if it wasn't work or mission-related, very much like the talk she was having with Markos now.
"O-Oh ... "
Mere inches were separating them as Aisyah now found herself looking at crimson orbs instead of green ones.
"Well .... both colors look good on you."
Why aren't yours red, anyway?
The voice seemed to come from in her mind. It was something she had ignored for years. Almostforgettingshe had blue instead of the usual red. But now that she was looking at someone who had the usual hue, she found herself unable to help but wonder the simple but rather vital musing. Whywereher own eyes the wrong color?
Something felt wrong. Very amiss, in fact.
But ... she couldn't place it.
"Anyway, let's finish this up, shall we?"
The first of the terrorists they'd come face to face with now came back into view. Aisyah fought off the urge to act smug; not for her sake, but the conductor's. Shewastrying to keep this limited to as few casualties as possible. And it honestly irked her she hadn't been able to help save the others. So, while the chance was actually here, she wasn't going to fuck it up. Not if she could help it, anyway.
She waited, keeping her gun trained on the man.
Yet, when he pulled the trigger out, she didn't attempt to pull back on the trigger like he may have assumed. Instead, Aisyah allowed him to push down. And finally smirked slightly as he saw for himself the statement about the C4 bombs being defused was no bluff.
"I suppose, sure. I was trying to make this easy. Alas, it can't be helped, I guess."
"You're right about that much; can't be helped in-fucking-deed."
Aisyah almost swore had heard the man toss that quip over at her. Whether she had or not, that didn't matter. What did was the loudBANG!and the abrupt, searing pain coursing through her shoulder. Her head lowered, mouth agape as she stared down in shock.
That son of a bitch! He ... he did it!
Thankfully, whether his aim was just that shitty or intuition as horrible, he had hit her left one. Her dominant side was her right.
" .... URGH!"
Adrenaline surged her on as she ran forward, closing the distance between herself and the other Amestrian quickly, preventing him from pulling back on the trigger a second time and getting either Markos or the conductor. After swiftly thrusting her knee into the man's gut and making his grip on his own gun loosen, Aisyah tossed the firearm towards Markos's feet, promptly throwing her assailant onto the floor seconds later. Aisyah panted heavily, placing her knees atop the man's left elbow and back respectively, keeping him restrained with both body weight, the threat to break something, and - if none of those worked - her own gun pointed right at the back of his head.
"You ... ngh! ... will stay still. You're going to ... explain yourself ... when we arrive. M-Markos? Get ... hah ... hah .... "
Her body began to tremble as shock and agony swam through her blood, entering her muscles and nerves.
"Get ... this bastard ... restrained somehow. I'll ... tend to myself ... when I don't have to fret about getting another wound."
Thishadbeen one of the what-if scenarios she'd planned for. The painful stinging sensation the bullet would bring, unfortunately, was a different story. Her body felt like it was on fire. But ... she'd live. She felt confident about that, simply because of the location.
And hell, if nothing else, better you took it than Markos or the hostage.
That thought made her ... oddly proud. Granted, she was definitely having a few second guesses and doubts on if she truly wanted to keep walking own her path as a soldier. Simultaneously, this was a risk that would have come withanymission. If this moment scared her away too much to avoid becoming an official soldier, then she had just run away for literally nothing.
No. Aisyah wouldn't letthathappen. She would come to Central with a goal, a purpose, and now a battle scar to prove she was as serious as she could be despite her own heritage, age, and - should it matter - gender.
gpt
Markos
This was all supposed to be so simple, and then suddenly it very much wasn't. He had been feeling so arrogant, so in the right, like they were immortal like nothing bad could have happened to them, and then suddenly that single gunshot rang out.
"Aisyah!"
For a panic'd moment he thought everything was over, the friend he had just gotten back would be dead, and he would spend the rest of his life regretting his life choices. Probably even straining himself over old books desperately trying to crack some ancient taboo.
Thankfully instead of falling over she just stumbled back a few steps and then came at the man full force, it was aweinspiring for a moment but horrific in every single way he could imagine.
Hey you signed up for this remember?
Yeah he had never moved away from violence before. It was certainly a part of military life, like the gun at his feet. When Aisyah brought the man down he picked up the gun ready to shoot him should he get back up. Reaching into his pockets he found the circle he was looking for.
Walking forward he dropped the circle on he mans chest, and holding the gun up he pressed a hand to it activating the flow of energy. The static of the transmutation spread out along his chest.
A moment later his shirt and jacket had disolved along with the paper to form tight bonds that tied up his arms and legs leaving the man in just his underwear.
Moving to Aisyah he looked over at her. "You okay?"
"Conductor how long till we get to east city?"
He helped Aisyah up once she was back on her feet. "Okay with me this time. We are going to make one more call to east city command."
Walking towards the communications car he looked her over. "What can I get you to help. I'm sure there is a first aid kit somewhere around here. This is the staff only area, I could also transmute some bandages help stop the bleeding? Do you need water, you name it and I can get it for you."
He was anything but relaxed, but he knew now that he would be following her and not the other way around. If he could be of assistance to Aisyah he would do anything to help her. Calling in with their arrival time and telling them to have medics on board were just the tip of the iceberg.
human
Aisyah
"I'll live, yeah. But ... shit! .... fuck this burns. Really bad. Not really my preference on how I wanted to get introduced to guns and such."
As the straight-jacket covered the Amestrian, Aisyah got shakily up to her feet ... making very certain to add a bit more pressure than usual while doing so. Just as a silent way of her saying "Fuck you" to this guy; by making his back and upper body ache as much as possible from someone in her height, weight, and age range. She had never thought of herself as anything close to super human or whatever. But definitely competent. Smart ... at least enough to have avoided this.
Now?
Well ... she clearly had some additional lessons to be taught once she got to Central.
"An hour, maybe hour and a half at most." The conductor would respond to Markos with those words, before including, "Ummm ... thanks you two. You both really ... saved our skins."
Aisyah grinned, hissing as a new surge of pain shot through her shoulder. "Okay, okay. I get it," she muttered to her body. "I'm going, I'm going ... "
She would wait for them to arrive back in the communications car before slumping beside the still unconscious man. A quick gaze over revealed he was still restrained.
Good. Don't need anything we're about to do being interrupted.
Aisyah waited, hearing all of the options and various items Markos was asking if she wanted. Her head nodded as she elicited a few more labored breaths before softly replying, "All .. of those. Preferably ... if they're all here, that is. Definitely the first aid kit, if absolutely nothing else. Water would be nice, but ... that can wait if it must." Her head fell back as Aisyah closed her eyes, pressing tightly against her shoulder in hopes of slowing the bleeding while Markos dealt with the call and finding the supplies that were aboard the train.
When Markos got around to calling Central, he would be greeted by Sheska once more, whom would repeat the exact same greeting she'd given earlier. It wasn't meant to be annoying; in truth, part of her was hoping she was about to hear Markos speak once more. Unfortunately, without any ability to know for sure who was calling, it was simply standard procedure she was following.
gpt
Markos
Finding the First aid kit took some digging, but thankfully it was in the communications car just like he assumed it would be. Even more so so it was reciently stocked up, which meant fresh bandaging and a bottle of disinfectant. Wound triage was not his best forte, but he knew enough about the human body to know how this worked.
Plus he had read a number of books on the subject as well. "Okay, first things first, your getting blood all over my spare uniform."
He gave her a smile but in truth knew that this was a bad situation to be in. If the two of them weren't careful she could end up loosing function in the arm. He pulled the jacket off her body and Holy shit those are big!
He shook his head looking away from her tank top, seriously how did i not notice that earlier. I mean they pressed against me earlier when we fell over, but you know what they say seeing is believing! Man it's a shame those are going to get soaked with blood.
He pulled jacket off her body glad that he didn't have to worry about sleeves getting in the way. But placed the jacket over her legs like a blanket encase she got cold which was a sign of shock.
"Okay I'm going to apply the disinfectant this is going to hurt a lot." Suprisingly despite the amount of blood he was seeing and the fact that his friend was in pain he was actually surprisingly calm, his hands were more steady as he pressed the bottle to a cloth and then pressed the wet cloth to her wound, letting the wound sit for a moment as he pressed against it.
Next he let the cloth sit as he pulled out the same paper from earlier. "Remember this parlor trick I told you about?" He set it down finding an empty glass. "The alchemy heats the air, condensation catches in the glass forcing oxygen to mix with Hydrogen, instant clean drinking water."
"Now you can patch yourself up, I need to make a phone call."
"Lieutenant this is information's Clerk Markos Fischer, Serial number 323-145-x93z my civilian partner has been shot in the arm, but we have successfully retaken control over the train, have your men ready to take three living men into custody, and escort me and my partner to a hospital for medical treatment."
human
Aisyah
"Oh dear. Woe is you, yes?"
Aisyah would return the sight of Markos's grin with a coy, smug smirk of her own. "I know. Trust me, I definitely know I'm painting it red ... whether I wanna or not." Slowly, Aisyah pulled her hand away, gently shaking the jacket off. Thankfully, Markos was knowledgeable enough in medical assistance to know well enough what to do, and helped with removing the cloth. On the contrary, she wasn't getting chills, but had been getting warm. Mainly from the heavy fabric.
Still, it had been enough to make some beads of sweat trail down Aisyah's forehead, a few dripping down her arms, and some traveling in between her breasts.
A low groan passed her lips as Aisyah nodded. "Yeah ... " she muttered, "I've heard it's not fun. Well ... I should be able to pass any healing portions of the boot camp pretty easily. Hopefully. Do you --- aghhhh!!!"
Tears filled Aisyah's eyes as the hydrogen peroxide entered the hole. It wasn't simply because of the nature of the liquid that made it horrible ... but there was something else she realized while Markos was trying to treat her. "That ... fucker!" she hissed through gritted teeth, "Damnit! It ... didn't go through! It's .. the bullet's .... stuck! The shot wasn't a clean one!" As badly as it was burning ... he wouldn't bethatdesperate, would he?
Aisyah was sorta hoping the answer would be no.
Not unless he could show he'd passed the medical part of Central's training, at least. Honestly though, even if he could prove that, she wasn't sure if she was ready.
Who cares if you're ready? The moment you become official, they aren't gonna care if you're prepared to feel a joint slammed back into place or whatever. It'll be a do or die sorta environment, ya know?
Aisyah frowned, knowing her thoughts were correct. This would just be another one of those things she would have to get used to. Still ... she could hope. Be a bit selfish, even if only for a few minutes. Her eyes slowly opened as she managed to hear the words 'drinking water'. "Perfect," she whispered, taking the glass and eagerly downing the contents into her dry throat.
"Ah, Mr. Fischer. Glad to hear back from you. We were all waiting and hoping this would be you, actually."
Although Sheska wasn't in front of him, both Markos and Aisyah would be able tohearshe was grinning on the other line. "Congratulations. Very good. I'm glad to hear things went mostly well. We'll have an interrogation and medical team awaiting for the respective people to meet up with."
Her amateur attempts at patching herself up were nowhere close to perfect. But by the time the train came to a stop, Aisyah had managed to wrap enough bandages around her shoulder and effectively cease the bleeding. It definitely hadn't been intentional.
But ... between the moving of the train, any still lingering pain, and fatigue, she had fallen asleep.
Partly because she knew Markos wouldn't go far. Hell, i anything, he may end up relocating her into a safer, cleaner room. Even if he didn't, she would trust him to deal with any possible troubles,shouldthey arise.
That was exactly why she'd bound or had all the men restrained though; to prevent such things from happening.
Wherever Aisyah would wake up in, she wouldn't be there long. The abrupt sensation of the train coming to a halt made her eyes begin to open.
"Move! Make way! Give her room!"
Among the other soldiers and military members of Central, Lieutenant Sheska was one of the people whom had been assigned to greet Markos and this newcomer. The sight made her frown. She didn't look as bad as she could, though it was true her condition wasn't helping her mood.
Whatreallysank her soul was knowing she couldn't do much - medically-wise - to help this poor girl out.
"Pulse?" she asked one fo the doctors, asking for confirmation on a number and ensuring it was still there in the first place.
"Weak, but still there. Not dangerously low, though. About 80 beats per minute."
Sheska nodded her head, mentally tucking the fact away as a stretcher was moved in and the other Ishvalan was carefully laid on top. "Miss? Can you hear me? I need you awake for a bit. Preferably."
If push came to shove, she could go through with the entire questioning session at the hospital.
But her superiors had recommended trying to get some of the answers now; not simply because they were curious whom had helped Markos out. It was also to ensure she hadn't fallen into a coma during the train ride.
"Ngh .... hmm?"
Sheska blinked, slightly taken aback at the blue eyes instead of crimson like she'd expected. Any surprised expression vanished as she weakly smiled down at Aisyah. "I'm sorry to disturb you, I -- "
"You're ... the woman Markos spoke with, aren't you? Your voice ... it's similar, at least."
Sheska nodded, chuckling softly. "Correct. Good observation. Can you recite your name and date of birth for me, miss?"
Aisyah nodded, briefly closing her eyes before re-opening them, "I'm Aisyah .... "
That was as far as she got. Which was odd. Shehada surname, just like Markos did. But ... it wasn't coming back to her for some reason. Too much pain? Maybe. Definitely a possibility.
" ... I'm sorry. My last name isn't ... "
Sheska quickly moved her head from side to side. "Relay what you can."
Of course, it was something the medical team would very likely take note of as an interesting - noteworthy, definitely - factor. That she seemed to have something as vital as part of her name disappear from almost nowhere. Maybe just that. Either way, Sheska would let them deal with that. It was their forte, after all, not hers.
"I was born on August eleventh .... I'm seventeen now."
"Ah, so you'll be eighteen soon. I see, I see."
The talk temporarily paused as the team plus Markos arrived in front of the ambulance. The rear doors were opened by some of the members while others kept the stretcher firmly held. Sheska would wait until everyone was in their respective seats before tossing one last inquiry over.
"Forgive me if this seems like it's prying but ... Mr. Fischer said you were a civilian partner. So ... that implies you know - knew - one another, correct? Would you mind elaborating on that a bit?"
" ... I suppose. Alright. We're childhood friends. I can't say I expected to run into him, and he already admitted the same was true vice versa. Especially not when I was heading to Central to become a member of the military. But ... " She weakly shrugged, wincing as her body reminded herwhythe gesture had been a stupid one to do. "Shit, ahhh! But umm ... yeah. That would be why."
" ... Thank you. We should be there in about ten to twenty minutes. Rest up."
Interesting. Ironic even. Those were the two best words to use on how today had been going thus far. Of course, this all could simply be a coincidence like the young woman insisted.
Alas, it would be one of those things only time would reveal and tell to everyone.
gpt
Markos
Markos never really strayed far from Aisyah. Wanting to keep her warm and safe he did eventually move her back to the engine room. Mostly because it was the easiest room to defend and it was also the warmest where he could set Aisyah up with whatever she needed.
He moved the three surviving prisoners to the communications room, and kept the door open, training a gun on the three men encase they tried anything, and was more than happy for the fact that they didn't.
After getting looked over by paramedics he was deemed just fine, and quickly walked up to Sheska as she was asking Aisyah about their relationship. He handed over his ID to prove who he was, and gave a quick salute.
"Listen not that i'm ungrateful for the quick work you have done here Lieutenant but she was just shot, and not in the easiest mood, perhaps I would be a better source of information for the time being while she is being worked on."
"Aisyah was born and raised Ishbalan, to her a family name is considered a gift from god, and is rarely spoken about with outsiders. If she was conscious she would probably quote religious and state freedoms at you."
He looked at the ambulance, and then to Sheska's car. "Mind if we get in and follow them? I don't think there is enough room for all of us, and they probably want to operate on her, but I don't really want to leave her side."
It was a bit of a struggle in all honesty having to leave her at all, when she looked like she was about to be bed ridden with fever. He looked around for a moment, trying to figure out exactly just how long recovery from a bullet wound will take her.
As long as they didn't have to remove the arm she could be up and running within a few weeks. "For now I think it's best if we let Aisyah get the rest she needs to make a full recovery, but we need to be underway as quickly as possible. I'm currently running an errand to the central branch library, and well... on a more personal note I have an exam in three days that I can't really afford to miss."
The state alchemist exam, if he missed this one, than he would have to wait yet another year to take on the intake. After three years of trying his hardest to get in, loosing out because he was in the wrong city would honestly be pretty devastating for him.
"Do you think you will be ready to move in time Aisyah?"
human
Aisyah
Sheska's head lifted as she looked at the man hastily walking up. A quick glance - plus her photographic memory - helped her know it was indeed Mr. Fischer. However, him showing the badge was a nice, extra sign of faith. There hadn't been many attempts from outside sources of espionage to infiltrate Central. But ... there had still been some. Of course, any of this could have somehow been altered. Sheska knew better though. Her plus a lot of the higher-ups already had the locations of anyone who wasn't in Central, including Markos.
"Sorry. I'm not trying to sound inconsiderate or anything. I'm just repeating everything the others told me to ask. They're going to be doing their own interviews after the surgery, anyway. Hopefully, this will make it shorter and easier to do since they'll have some information ahead of time."
She did, however, tuck everything else away. Particularly why her surname seemed to be a missing detail. It definitely piqued her interest; if this woman was truly a full-blooded Isvhalan, why weren't her eyes the correct color?
It felt like they were missing something very important.
But honestly? For now, none of that mattered. So long as no negative background information was found, that was the immediate outcome Sheska was thinking about. It'd be a bit more annoying than usual without knowing a last name, but it was by no means impossible.
When Markos inquired if he could go into the ambulance, Sheska blinked several times before smiling. "They won't operate until arriving at the hospital. But, yes. By all means, go on in with her. I'm gonna follow the ambulance in my own vehicle. Feel free to ride in the back though, yes."
By the time Markos got in, he'd see a few IVs already hooked into Aisyah's wrists. "Pain meds," she weakly stated, seeming to preemptively answer the likely inevitable inquiry on what the liquids flowing through her system were. "The anesthesia and stuff are gonna wait until we arrive." Another smirk crossed her lips when Aisyah heard Markos ask her if she'd be ready in three days. "Most definitely. Silly you. This was but a flesh wound. Nothingtoodire. Annoying, most definitely. But ... yeah. I will absolutely be ready to take my own exam in three days. Until then .... "
Aisyah steeled herself, half-expecting to be rejected for some reason with this request.
"If you can ... would you mind staying nearby? Even with it being a merciful location the bullet found, I'm still kinda nervous. I'd prefer having at least someone more familiar around .... "
gpt
Markos
"Of course Liuetenant we understand that we are kind of new to this. I just want her to be as well as possible." Markos spoke softly before following Aisyah in the ambulance, he really had no intention of leaving her, but knew that when the surgery started that wasn't exactly going to be a pretty moment.
He knew that both their names would be run through high and low. By morning every news paper in east city and possibly even central would be talking about this train attack, which meant that their names would be going out.
If she joined the military now, she would be fast tracked. Publicity would have a way of making you go up in rank. She would probably end up getting the rank of a captain, but it was hard to speculate. Hey if he passed his exam he would get to be Aisyah's direct superior officer, at least for a few months before she surpassed him.
Pulled out of his day dreaming he looked at Aisyah and realized that she was smiling.Really after all that you can smile? I just want to sleep.
It was however infectious and he nodded. "Of course I don't really have any other plans for the stay in east city. Originally this was just supposed to be a transfer to a train station... I'm gonna have to call my superiors and get a hotel room, oh man I really don't want to have that conversation."
He ran a hand through his hair and tried to figure that out for a moment.
True to his word when they started to operate on Aisyah he was just outside her door listening to everything that was going on, and as soon as they let him he was inside the room. He was greatful that Sheska had pulled a few strings for him to be able to share the room with her. but seeing her unconcious just made him want to wake her more.
Searching through his jacket for a moment he found a tag that he was looking for, and transmuted some paper into a flower, setting it down on her bedside table, a small purple orchid, a flower of beauty and prosperity setting it down on her table. That one was more advanced than the other tags he had on his person.
He sighed thinking for a moment as he sat next to her bed waiting for her to regain consciousness. "I wonder who exactly they are going to send. I mean I work with most of the central group, but east city? I don't even know who's out here."
As the time ticked by he fidgeted in his seat, then he transmuted a bouncy ball which tossed around. Then he set up his chairs so that he could lean. All in all he was hyperactive and wanted to do anything but sit and watch his unconscious friend. Still when he was sure that she was deep asleep or at least what looked like it he did also talk to her.
"I am curious you know? Why you of all people would want to sign up with the military. I mean you call me a dog, but you want in at the ground floor. What exactly is your plan?"
He tossed the ball around to consider that for a bit. "I mean lucky me really. If you hadn't been with me on that train i'd probably be dead right now, but why? and the long silence... Where have you been for the last eight years?"
human
Aisyah
It was definitely not planned. Alas, half-way to the hospital, Aisyah fell asleep in the back of the ambulance. Although, really, it probably was for the best.
True to their word, the moment Aisyah was laid upon her bed and wheeled into the hospital, a gas mask was placed over her mouth.
"Count backwards from one-hundred."
Aisyah wouldn't even get out of the nineties before the anesthetics kicked in and promptly knocked her out.
The actual procedure only took a bit over two hours. Most of the work revolved around removing the bullet, and then carefully inspecting no ligaments, muslces, or tissues had been damaged. That in itself took all but the last fifteen minutes up. Markos was allowed in by this time, where doctors and nurses were taking note of Aisyah's vitals. After jotting several sets of numbers down, they grabbed all the bloodied bandages, shell, and other utensils that had been used for the surgery, finally leaving him alone with the unconscious woman.
The first half of Markos's rambling had been missed. When he started inquiring on why she so badly wanted to join the military, however, she was beginning to stir.
Yet, she didn't look like she was reacting. Her body remained still, eyes stayed shut ... and for a good, long bit, it continued to look as if Aisyah wasstillasleep. It wasn't meant to look cruel or anything. On the contrary, she was curious in hearing what he wanted to know, and also trying to remember the answers. It wasn't that Aisyah didn't know them. But ... evenshehad to stop and think back. Why exactlyhadshe wanted to allow herself to be trained, anyway?
It definitely wasn't her parents' idea. Oh no; that had been her own choice.
But then ... why? Was there something else besides wanting to keep history from repeating?
There had to be. Some part of her was insisting that was the case.
But .... if there was. Well .... she was failing to pinpoint it.
"The Xerxes Ruins ... " she would softly reply, groaning as she finally began to open her eyes. "Some of the monks and warriors were still there. So ... I was taken in by them and trained."
Although she knew the answers to the other questions, this way it would sound like she hadn't been pretending to actually be asleep. The illusion of her literally just waking up would seem more sincere. More real. She didn't want it being obvious she had listened in on some rather personal questions, nor to give any wrong impressions on why she'd acted the way she had.
"Well ... I'm guessing everything went smoothly? I feel a bit tired and still sorta sore. All in all though? I can't really complain otherwise."
gpt
Markos
When Aisyah began to stir Markos let out a sigh of relief that he wasn't going to be alone anymore, and when she spoke about where she had actually been for the past few years, and that she had actually been at the ruins of Xerxies his eyes lit up.
"You've been to the ruins!" If ever there was a time when Markos looked like a dog it was now. His eyes were wide with amazement. His hands on her bed as he lingured over her, his mouth half open like he was about to pant or bark. Even his but seemed to sway as if he had a tail.
"The birth place of alchemy and alkaheistry. The lost society, a society so advanced that it was claimed by the dessert in a single night. I've spent half my life as an alchemist studying that story. Oh to get my hands on even just a fraction of that cities soil, to know the history of that place! To see those ruins with my own eyes. Xerxes is the holy land for alchemists the world over!"
And then his shoulders sank. He looked at Aisyah a little more jealous than he had been previously. "You stood in the halls of greatness while I was stuck at a desk job."
He shook his head trying to clear it of the less happy thoughts. "Yeah everything went well. Just so you know the military was sending an inquisitional squad to get a judge of your character, they should be arriving rather soon now that your awak~"
"Oh the fate, the heroism! Long lost friends ruinited on the battlefield! It's a story that brings tears to these old eyes!"Markos's eyes shot open, no... they hadn't!
"Whelp Aisyah it was good knowing you." He immediately made for the window, but it was too late. The door to the room burst open, and Markos was intercepted grabbed and crushed by what was best described as a bald middle aged man who had spent his entire life working out as he was bulked in every muscle on his body seemed to have muscles.
"To think a young information clerk with the aspirations of state alchemy and a young woman so out-manned and outgunned would risk their lives to save so many innocent lives! Why Markos this will be the story you will tell your grandchildren!"
"breathing... can't..." Markos was dropped though from the way his body went completely limp it was likely that his entire life force was crushed out of him with that hug leaving only a withered spirit and a husk.
"And you young lady. The story of a civilian who upon taking a train ride would rise to such heroics and to be wounded in the line of duty at such a young age. To think such luscious beauty could even exist! Why it is more than any man can bare. Now allow me to embrace you as a sister in battle!" For some reason this embrace required the loss of his shirt as Colonel Armstrong made his way to her bed. fully intending to crush and hug the woman just as he had Markos.
human
Aisyah
Don't .... no. Come on, don't do it ....
But ... she couldn't help it. The way Markos had gone from concerned to looking and acting as if he was her biggest fan was too much. Her left hand covered her mouth, attempting to hide her reaction. The slight shaking fo her body plus chuckles that finally began to resound from Aisyah, however, gave away she had caved in and laughed. "Sorry, sorry," she hastily added, "Just .. that's ... an interesting side of you. I've never seen anything quite like it before. It's ... "
".... kinda cute .... "
Why couldn't she say that?
Probably because she didn't want to risk offending him. The sight of her laughing may already have resulted in that much. No sense to rub salt in the wound ... if there was one.
"But umm, yeah. I did. I could probably take you there whenever we get a break. My mentors wouldn't mind."
When he stated the surgery had gone well, Aisyah visible relaxed. It was when Markos added an inquisitorial squad would be sent over to test her personality. "Isn't that a bit ... much?" she mused. Before an answer could be given, though, she heard another voice. And since it wasn't one she recognized, this was likely part of her 'squad' Markos had mentioned.
"Oh the fate, the heroism! Long lost friends reunited on the battlefield! It's a story that brings tears to these old eyes!"
What the .. ??
Was he sure it was a questioning group? If it was, they sounded soft-hearted. But that would be theonlyarea, it seemed, that was 'gentle' or anything close to soft. Her head turned and ... was that a normal amount of muscles for any person - Amestrian or Ishvalan - to have?
Barely, though it definitely didn't look it.
O-Oh wow ... Aisyah thought, her mouth falling agape at the sight of the new man before her. When she realized she had almost started tostare, her head began to turn. Only one thing kept her gaze where it was, andthatwas seeing Markos wrapped in an almost literal bear hug and squeezed tightly. By itself, that wouldn't have scared Aisyah. However, the embrace had beensostrong, that Markos was rendered completely unconscious, causing Aisyah's eyes to widen.
"Huh?! Markos?! Markos?!"
Yep. Completely out. Aisyah swallowed as she lifted her head, realizing that she was now completely alone with this man. An feeling very uncomfortable about this exact situation she was stuck in.
Luckily, there was one other person who knew about this specific person's location. And it was one of the few people who could actually handle him, be it his insane strength or ... eccentric personality. "Hold it right there, Alex!!! You will do no such thing!"
Standing in the doorway, panting slightly - no doubt from running through the halls - was ablonde-haired woman. One who definitely held the grace and composure of a natural leader. "Maybewhen she recovers fully, sure.Maybe. It will do none of us any good to re-injure her though, you less of all. I doubt you want to do any extensive paperwork explaining why you caused a civilian to go back into another surgery, do you?"
Her eyes narrowed, almostdaringthe man supposedly named Alex, to argue with her.
As the new female walked further inside, she began to inspect the room while simultaneously regaining her breath. Her eyes first landed on the unconscious Markos. She crossed her arms, sighing in annoyance at the taller man. "If it weren't for the fact he's one of us, I'd scold you more. He'll live but ... ugh. You really do need to be careful. Not everyone is capable of ... handling your raw power. You need to remember that. So ... you are Markos's childhood friend, then?"
"Ah! Yes, yes ma'am."
A sly smirk crept across the woman's face. If nothing else, she had manners. That would definitely help her out. But she would need much more than etiquette to get through the tests, let alone boot camp. Either she already knew that ... or would quickly learn within the next few days.
"I sincerely apologize for my rude brother. He didn't even introduce himself. I am Olivier Mira Armstrong.Youcan give your own name out,ototo. Now then ... " Grabbing the nearest chair, Olivier pulled it beside the bed and sat down, crossing one leg over the other. "The medical team did relay what you mentioned to them plus Sheska before going into surgery. I will believe the part about your surname ... because one of my best men is an Ishvalan. Otherwise, I would normally feel like you're trying to lie to me. Wewilleventually need it, though ... "
Every now and again, Aisyah would notice the woman's eyes drift off.
"Don't worry about my eyes. Just focus on me."
And she was indeed correct. Olivierwaslooking at something else. Specifically, her heart monitor, taking note if her pulse ever increased or decreased, by how much, and so on. The human heart was an easy lie detector in itself, and much simpler without needing to use an annoying machine. Monitoring her vitals would give Olivier a much quicker hint as to if - or when - this girl tried to lie or cover something up. It was, as Markos had tried to imply, part of her 'test' of sorts.
gpt
Markos
Rather than being offended Markos actually smiled at Aisyah as she laughed. After the day that the two of them had shared it felt good to hear her jovial, and he knew she wasn't laughing at him, at least not directly. He actually joined in the laughter after a few moments, enjoying the smile.
"It's what?"
The question seemed to lingure for a moment as he looked at Aisyah a smile on his face, that turned even wider when she said that it could be possible for him to go with her to see the ruins of Xerxies, though the truth was once he got his pocket watch that was probably a very bad idea.
"Oh to see the ruins with my own eyes. I'd give anything to do that."
~~
"Huh?! Markos?! Markos?!"
The voice reached him, and Markos slowly began to move again, his body adjusting to the fact that it had been crushed moments prior. His hand moving up while shaking to give an unsteady thumbs up before he collapsed again.
"Colonel," His words were accompanied with a cough as he got to his knees. "Last I saw you, you were at central, you can't tell me we are this."
His voice ended when he saw exactly who had accompanied the Colonel. His blood ran cold as he gazed upon her, as far as Amestrian women were concerned she was easily the most attractive thing he had ever seen. Her entire body from her shoulders to the way she stood radiated confidence and power.
Compared to the general the only woman who outshine her was Aisyah, a lot could be said for the exotic caramel skin tone, and softer features that her body presented, Both had the commanding presence of leaders, and both were strongly minded military women, Aisyah won out by history, and then there was her bust though the generals heavy coat always made that hard to tell.
holy shit do I have a type?
Then there were her eyes, cold blue, and lovely, a glare capable of peircing a man's heart right through. His own heart beating faster because of the simple amount of fear that she instilled in him, well fear and exhilaration.
"General!" Markos snapped up to his feet and gave a fully hearted salute, because that was what was expected. He had never before interacted with anyone of this high a rank. Even the colonel had been rare and only because he had helped out with the state alchemist exams the fact that both seemed to know his name from something beyond a file meant a lot to him.
He swallowed as he looked at Aisyah. Immediately his mind started comparing the two women, and he quickly realized something.
Neither woman would hesitate to kill him if he ever decided to speak what he was thinking out loud.
"Right where are my manors young woman I am Colonel Alex Louis Armstrong."The major stopped in mid charge of his attempt to crush the young woman if only because his sister had demanded it."Now then we really should be getting down to business. We will need to know everything about what happened on the train."
'Why send a colonel and a general out here to east city, aren't these two mostly used at Central?'
Rank and file kept him from speaking unless spoken too, right now they wanted Aisyah's side of the story. His side was much more boring by contrast. Though it could be seen as him recruiting a civilian to do his job for him.
Either way he was trying to figure out exactly how this looked and would work out for the two of them. One thing was certain these two were way too high on the totem pole, which meant that the guys they had captured had to be more than just some dissonant rebels. What exactly had they just stopped.
human
Aisyah
In all honesty, the thumbs up had been practically missed. Her focus had been so intent on the newcomers beside her that it was Markos coughing and finally speaking that would make Aisyah notice he had regained consciousness. And ... faster than evensheexpected, simply because of how painful and strong the hug seemed. A relieved sigh passed her lips as Olivier merely let out a small 'hmph'. "See?" she added, "Told you he'd live. He's most definitely one of the luckier and much more sturdier few. As for your own inquiry, Fischer, there simply aren't as many higher-ranked people around as there used to be. Some are climbing up the ladder, making no efforts to hide they're trying to do so faster than usual. Which, while all well and good with me, doesn't mean shit if you can't prove you earn to be where you are. Partly because of that and the situation involving these terrorists. And, actually, you twoarevery important. For your own reasons aside from the rapid fame that has already spread throughout the nations."
That's right.Already. Meaning this had probably gone through various radio stations, or something else of the like.
"W-Wait, what?"
"Trust me. That's the last of your concerns, young lady. Someone will make certain you can leave this hospital without being bombarded by the media; that I can promise you. Whom hasn't yet been decided, but it's in the works."
Olivier's throat cleared as she heard her brother speak. "Notonlythe train, remember? And a bit about her as well.Butwe can start off with the easier topic, yes. I'm fine with that much." Resting her chin atop her right hand, she looked back over to the bed-ridden Ishvalan, continuing to switch whether she was looking at the teenager of her heart monitor every now and then. "So, as my brother hinted, please start at the beginning. What even happened in the first place?"
Reaching beside her, Aisyah grabbed a bottle of water that someone had put on her bedside mantle. Carefully removing the cap, she set that down, swallowed some of the liquid to cool her throat and make it not as dry as it had been, before gently placing the bottle back down. "I ... got on the morning train barely in time. My alarms didn't go off and my parents didn't bother to wake me up, probably because they didn't want me to come to Central. I got on and initially went to a lone compartment by myself. I saw Markos walk by though, already in uniform, and figured if I'm going to Central to become a military figure, it'd be easiest to speak with someone already part of the system, per se. But we ended up recognizing each other faster than expected, so I didn't really ask anything about how things went here. We talked for .... maybe five or so minutes before noting the train hadn't moved yet. Knowing I barely got on the train in time, it got our curiosity piqued."
She knew the next part wasn't actually a crime. But part of Aisyah was a bit terrified how Olivier may interpret this so ... she was hesitant.
Unfortunately, her pause alone made her pulse quicken slightly.
"Go on," Olivier encouraged.
"We agreed ... getting information would be the best way to go. But it was pretty easy to assume questions wouldn't be answered to random people. So .. Markos gave me a spare jacket. I wouldn't say I impersonated anyone, but I did give the illusion I was already an official officer." Indeed, Olivier did raise an eyebrow, mentally noting the fact away, but said nothing out loud for the time being. "We ran into all the terrorists except the one keeping the conductor guarded. I gave Markos a hint we should play along and --- "
"Hold up.Yougave a signal? How'd you do that? You're not even enrolled, as you confirmed yourself."
"True. But ... I did some training the past seven to eight years in the Xerxes Ruins. I'm ... sort of a soldier, but not - as you put it - official."
"So ... you were trained in combat even before hitting double digit ages? Is that what you're telling us?"
"Yes ma'am."
"Why?"
Aisyah lightly gripped onto her lower lip. "Ma'am? May I come back to that after finishing what I started?"
" ... Deal. But I'm holding you to that."
"Thank you. So ... I basically implied to play along, simply to decrease the number of casualties. They led us back to the cargo room. Before they could actually restrain either of us, I knocked the guard out. I took the spare gun and that was when Markos found the first C4 box. We agreed to split up, with him dealing with the explosives while I incapacitated the guards."
"And the plan went as you thought?"
Her hand shakily tilted. Even without Aisyah explaining why, Olivier had a good guess. Aisyah's voice and body were both beginning to tremble, an obvious sign the next words would be dire ones. Her 'ice queen' side had become more merciful over the years, but only to the faintest of degrees. It otherwise still remained, as did her ability to read people, and if this girl truly wanted in, then she wouldn't start going easy simply because of an unfortunate experience or two.
"I ... had to kill two. And then another .... took his own life."
"No," Olivier stated, "Whether you're meaning to give me that silent question in your expression or not, it's clear as the sky. And the answer's no. We were told to geteverythingout of you. Breaks are allowed if you need a moment or two to get yourself calm. But we're -I'm- not simply going to waltz out of here because PTSD is starting to develop and kick in. Is that clear?"
"Perfectly. Thank you ma'am."
You did want in. This is something you probably should have expected.
Aisyah sighed, plopping her head against the pillow before re-grabbing the water and taking another needed, long sip. This time, though, she kept it held in her hands instead of putting it on the nightstand.
gpt
Markos
So the news has already gone out? That would pretty much make the two of them famous for one reason or another. He was glad they said that people would deal with the media, the last thing that the two of them really needed was more attention being heaped onto them.
The story about others wanting to climb the ranks as well kind of made sense, it was only what a few years since the central incident? Most of the higher command had died off, and Amestres was a military state. The power vacuum that had been caused by the death of King Bradly and all the chaos ensuing, they had given the power back to the parliaments.
Though in all honesty the day of the eclipse had been... a bit of a cluster fuck. it had made reassembling the country difficult. With the power vaccuum every single person with any ambition seemed to want to take a piece of the country for themselves.
For now Markos had few choices in what he could say or do, staying silent was pretty much the only thing. As it was speak when spoken too in the military, even for a clerk like him.
Hey you're the one who wanted to be a dog.
Listening to all that happened to Aisyah was a little difficult even if he already knew she had spent the last few years in Xerxies it was hard to hear. He didn't really want to imagine the struggles that she would have to go through for such a thing. It was difficult to sit through and imagine already.
"To think that someone so young would chose the life of a soldier. And one of the Ishvalan race at that, Truly we are dealing with a new generation! Such a kind heart should not have to live through such tragedies!"
Markos rolled his eyes the Colonel put his two cents in, but it was also kind of true, neither of them really wanted to watch anyone die. That wasn't in the best interests of anyone involved.
When Aisyah paused upon telling how a man had taken his own life Markos chimed in.
"When we split up I had a box of C4 to contend with, so while I didn't exactly know how to disarm the bombs I started work on a transmutation circle. It took a little guess work as I had to figgure out how t transmute the bombs without having them explode, but I know that the molding clay consists of high concentrations of sodium, so working with that and the magnesium as well as stray metals in the containers was able to turn the bombs to salt save for the copper components."
"After that I made my way to the communications car via the roof to avoid detection." Just remembering what it was like standing on top of the train car made his legs shake. "By the time I got to the communications car I didn't really have a lot of tricks up my sleaves. I keep a few different transmutation circles on my person at all times in the form of paper tags. I threatened the guy in the communications tower with a tag that when transmuted makes a flower, I told him that by using it I would disintegrate the floor under his feet."
"When that didn't work Aisyah saved my life." He scratched his head for a moment looking back at that incident he didn't really have a lot of 'heroics. "I'm sorry to say that my story is mostly just hanging around her and letting the civilian do the heavy lifting. I left the majority of my gear in central as I was having it all finished for the exam in three days, and I lack proper marksman training, but I was also the one to triage her wound at the start, and tie up two of the captive men."
that of course however also meant that his story had one unfortunate side effect. Well aside from making himself look weak. He looked at Aisyah. "She will probably deny this general, but I am the reason she got shot. When we finally had the man in the conductors office down. I thought we could end it peacefully. We had done so well at keeping the body count low, and I thought for sure that once all of the bombs failed to go off the man would just surrender to us."
"I paused to gloat... I can see now that was foolish, and had I not paused, had I just done my job and drew my own gun, then Aisyah wouldn't have been shot. Therefor I accept any charges of misconduct that Aisyah or anyone in this room would bring against me."
human
Aisyah
"Our ... what we did is ... really?"
NowAisyah did put the bottle back down, simply because it had almost fallen out of her hands and onto the floor. It made some sense. It was a big deal, all things considered. She just .. hadn't expected to gainthatmuch attention, let alone so quickly.
Olivier smirked slightly, moving a few blonde strands behind her ears. "The fact you were still a civilian, unfortunately, had to be revealed. Because of that, it's more of a feat to the people. We would have been in our own trouble if we lied and said you were one of us. It's perjury, and that crime is punishable in any court, so ... " she shrugged, sighing softly. "I genuinely am sorry, if that helps. But I'm not going to tarnish my reputation or the military's to help with making a small yet significant white lie come to life."
Even if Markos didn't believe Olivier, Aisyah actually did. Somehow, she felt certain the elder woman was being honest about her apology. Her head nodded as she quietly listened to Markos's continuation of the story, so to speak. Aisyahdidhear Alex's thoughts on her decisions; she simply opted not to react like Markos had.
Although, she couldn't blame him too much. Evenshefelt temporarily tempted to roll her eyes.
I mean, the fact is tragedies are inevitable. No one stays away from them forever ...
But she didn't feel like going on and on about her own personal views. So she concentrated on the here and now. And, just as he expected, Aisyah would speak up when Markos tried to take all the blame for her injury. "But it wasn't your fault!" she hastily added, pushing herself rapidly up to a sitting position. "I ... I knew that was going to be a very likely possibility the moment I agreed to help you out. And it's not like you made him pull on the trigger or --- "
"I get it. That's enough."
"Huh?"
Olivier looked between the two Ishvalans, her gaze finally resting firmly on Markos. "You're both correct," she finally dictated. "In some respects, Aisyah is right. It definitely wasn't as if you manipulated the man to pull back on the trigger. And at the same time .... you're correct. You should have known better. Just havinggottenAisyah involved, even with having learned she was a civilian at all, was reckless. Trained, maybe. But for a lot of people, that wouldn't matter."
"Y-You're not going to -- "
An irked glare from Olivier made Aisyah bite down on her tongue and bow her head.
"I'm lettingthatslide for now with a warning, simply because - as stated earlier - you're not yet official. Free advice though, miss; I wouldn't do that around me should you become a true solider. Yes, I am going to enforce something. Luckily for Markos, it's not nearly as bad as it could - and probablyshouldbe. Still, it would be stupid for me not to haveanythingoccur at all. So .... "
Olivier turned her head once more, giving Markos her full attention.
"The punishment is simple. A lot of what you just said you lacked will be implemented in your exam somehow, even if it isn't usually done that way. You truly wish to make up for your error? Then show it within the next few days. If you thought the last two times were annoying, they'll seem tame come three more days."
Becauseof the fact it involved his exam, it was clear Olivier wouldn't revealexactlywhat she had in mind. But hell, she had offered a hint; probably something Markos hadn't even expected. He'd need to simply think on it, but then, that was the point of her subtle choice of words. Otherwise, everything would betooeasy for him to figure out.
"Now then ... do you think you're ready to resume elaborating on how things went, Aisyah?"
"I ... yes. I think so."
Taking a moment to close her eyes and exhale once more, Aisyah briefly thought back to where she stopped before continuing. "So ... we eventually met up, as Markos said. After he contacted Sheska and informed her of the situation, we went through the rest of the cars. I watched his back while he disassembled the bombs. When we got to the engine car ... well .... we both, honestly, got pretty arrogant. Even knowing I could have gotten hurt, I honestly relied too much on the supposed leader resorting to suicide or giving up. After quickly but carefully giving a bit of first aid ... he got a hold of Sheska again and ... here I am."
Olivier nodded, mentally tucking the rest of the account away so she could give all of the details to the others.
"I see no reason to question that much. Everything sounds right and matches up. Seems logical enough. That thus brings us to what you gave me your word to go into more details about. You know what I mean."
Aisyah nodded, swallowing nervously. Her pulse had gone back to a slightly faster pace yet again. She wasn't trying to lie ... but apparently, this topic made her on edge or nervous for some rhyme or reason.
"Why I went to the Ruins .... was to learn. I may not have seen any of the civil wars, but I've heard my share of stories including them. And then with the most recent set of events involving Bradley and the Homunculi ... I wanted to ... not necessarily prepare. But ... if something similar to that happened .... I wanted to be ready, I suppose. That's the best way to say it."
"... And that sounded like a good idea to a nine or ten year old version of you?"
"I ... I don't know why but ... yes. L-look. I know this all probably sound really weird. Maybe even close to insane, or at the most merciful incredibly convenient for me. I mean, the day I get on a train, I justhappento run into one of the few faces that's most familiar to me. Yeah. EvenI'dagree that on any given day, this would sound almosttooperfect of a story. But I promise -- all I've been telling you is the truth. It may not make the most sense, but ... it's as real as I can be. And, at that rate, have been with you."
Aisyah gulped, knowing all she could say had been recited to Olivier.
Amazingly though, she didn't have to wait long to see or hear a response. A low "Hmph" would be the first word, and that in itself made her heart sink. "So that's really how it's been, huh?" Olivier inquired, resuming after seeing Aisyah offer a nervous but affirmative nod. "I guess it can't be helped then. You're right; this all does sound incredibly planned out in your favor. But ... you've already proven yourself. You're not lying."
"H-Huh?"
"I know you noticed my gaze moving every now and again. It was to your heart monitor, checking your pulse. It's shifted a few times, but not enough to suggest you've been trying to lie. Due to the lack of proof, I have no reason to ask for anything more. Well then ... I look forward to hearing how you end up doing. Regardless of what type of member you may or may not become, though, I actually do have high expectations and hopes of you. That being said ... don't disappoint me."
"Y-yes ma'am. Thank you."
"... Alex. We need to return. I have a few papers to deal with before going back to Briggs, and I believe you do also."
Olivier swiftly raised her right arm and held it near her forehead, giving both Aisyah and Markos a farewell salute before exiting -- making sure to leave completely when her sibling followed -- and finally leaving the two Ishvalans alone.
gpt
Markos
Markos gulped when Olivier said that the last two years would seem like a cake walk compared to what he would face this year. He honestly didn't even have a clue as to what she meant by that. After all he had failed the last two years in a row, and she wanted to make the exam more difficult? What would happen if he didn't get the pocket watch? This was his last chance litterally three strikes and your out.
If he couldn't cut it as a state alchemist than everything he had worked for would die out. His goals would be a wash, which meant he would loose everything. His eyes drifted from Olivier to Aisyah as she picked up the story and finished relaying what had happened after that.
Than came the moment he had been waiting for the reasoning why she had vanished from his life. He had found it rather lacking in all honesty.
Wait that's all your going to tell them?
It only explained the how she went about getting her training, and didn't touch on her reasons why. Than again he hadn't touched on his reasons why he had wanted so desperately to be a state alchemist.
"Sir." He gave the two of them a salute and watched them leave
Watching the two officers go Markos let out a sigh he had been holding. Honestly he had been pretty glad that he hadn't been the one attached to a heart monitor there wasn't a moment Olivier and Aisyah hadn't been in the room where his heart and mind hadn't been racing for one reason or another.
He shut the door to the hospital room after they had left and leaned against it. Letting out a long sigh he looked at Aisyah for a moment. "So you just wanted to be ready for the next big disaster?"
He shook his head, he supposed that was a good reason. Or at the least he believed it. It sounded like the little girl he remembered, and what more was their for an Ishbalan too do? become a monk?
"I know it goes against a lot of what you personally believe, but I could really use your help." He chuckled for a moment looking at Aisyah running a hand along his forehead.
"I think Olivier was kind of serious about that ultimatum, and well... I guess that means I need to cram. I could really use some combat lessions of my own. I know I won't be an expert in three days time, but I'm hoping you can teach me enough that I don't drop dead."
By the sounds of it, she would pull some strings. Which only meant one thing, combat evaluation, yep he could read subtext, and it was not rare for a state alchemists' evaluation day to be dipped into combat. They were considered living weapons along with the dogs of the military.
You could just not show up?
No that was an option he couldn't do that. "How long till you can get out of that bed."
human
Aisyah
Aisyah would wait, subconsciously holding her breath. Her head leaned forward as she peeked past the door, clearly looking for something, though it was relatively obvious to assume what that 'thing' was. It was ensuring Olivier was as far out of eye and ear shot as possible. Only after Aisyah was completely sure this was the case, her head fell back against the pillow as she let out a long, deep sigh. "Hooooooly crap," the dark-skinned woman muttered, chuckling nervously as she rubbed her forehead with her right arm. She hadn't paid as much attention as usual, but now that her focus was more on herself and Markos than anything else, Aisyah noticed her wounded shoulder was carefully draped in a sling. "Goodness! Is everyone here this intimidating?!" she half-jokingly but very half-seriously inquired.
" ... I mean, true. I should expect that but just ... making sure, I suppose."
Another sigh resounded. This one, however, remained in her mind. In all honesty, she was just as glad Markos didn't try to pick up where Olivier had left off about her background. The brutal but honest truth was simple. Just like her surname, the actual reason on why else she had ended up training in the Ruins was escaping her.
Of course, Aisyah inwardly acknowledged that may have been theonlyincentive. Yet ... it didn't feel like it. And because of that sensation, pondering what she was failing to remember, she was purposely keeping that information to herself.
When Markos asked for her help - and added in he knew he may be pushing his luck - an eyebrow definitely did raise. But she waited ... and snickered slightly as she heard Markos finally inquire about being tutored, more or less.
"Silly," she teased, "Helping out isn't really against me or my customs. It's ... what I said earlier on the train; following them. Doing them myself. However ... I will confess that .... I'm not surehowI can help, simply because I don't perform alchemy of any kind. But ... if it's just combat you want to work on ... "
Aisyah paused, contemplating over the thought for a while before slowly nodding.
"I can do that much, probably. It won't include any of your abilities, but things like punches, kicks, and so on ... yeah. I could do that much. When I can leave? Ummm ... "
As if on cue, a nurse walked inside. Even from where they were, the two could see her name written atop the manila folder, revealing it was Aisyah's file. "Well ... " the woman mused, walking forward as she began to thoroughly examine Aiyasha's shoulder. "Given everything I'm seeing and reading, probably in the morning. You do need to remain here for surveillance, at the very least. Standard procedure, and something we'd do with any other person. As long as everything looks fine come morning, you can leave soon after your inspection."
Aisyah bowed her head politely, smiling to hear the great news. "Thank you very much. I appreciate the swift answer."
Aisyah had been as fortunate as the nurse relayed, it seemed. By the next day, she was dismissed. Even the sling was removed, though she was still advised to be careful when she used it. Another 'standard procedure', though this one solely from the medical team. Nothing more, but certainly nothing less.
Olivier made it painfully clear before the two Ishvalans left, however, that Markos would be in charge of keeping Aisyah at his residence. It wouldn't be long ... only until she passed her test.
Clearly, the elder Armstrong sibling had even more faith and expectations than she obviously voiced for Aisyah. It was both an incredible but equally scary thought for the teenager.
As promised, Aisyah did show Markos what were classified mainly as 'basic techniques'. All the same, theywereessential. In that regard, she was hoping they would be enough to help him out.
The stay with Markos had been appreciated despite the situation also being very forced and just a tad awkward. However, the feelings that hinted she was even slightly iffy on being all but shoved into his house - along with her own goals and desires - made the day of the exams that much more of a relief for them to arrive.
If Aisyah wasn't busy teaching or helping Markos, she was typically out and about Central. With help and a guide, of course. And now, she was clad in one of the neweroutfitsshe purchased for herself. She didn't need a mirror to know it was earning her a lot of odd looks, nor did she care.
Well, not much anyway.
Sleazy as it may look, there was actually a reason she chose that exact set of clothing. There were definitely perks to having been born and raised in a desert, in addition to her early military training. She had tactics and thoughts that no typical person would dare begin to think about using.
Besides, anyone who didn't take her seriously would be easy enough to beat, particularly academically. Point A proven when it was revealed she had ended up in the top 10% for the written exam and thus took quite a bit of people by surprise, especially the potential candidates for future soldiers or alchemists.
Now .... she was at the hard part.
Well, working towards it. Her physical exam wouldn't be first. As such, she found herself sitting in a nearby chair, waiting eagerly to see how Markos's test would end up going.
When he turned to see her, Markos would be greeted with Aisyah grinning and waving.
Luckily, he wouldn't have to wait very long to find out whom he would be tested by. It would have been fair for him to assume it was going to be Olivier. To his credit, itwasa blonde-haired woman. Just ... not that one.
"Good morning, Markos Fischer."
In front of him was a woman that, if only by name, fame, or both, Markos would quickly recognize, as would a good majority of the audience. Standing across from him was none other thanRiza Hawkeyeherself. She was one of the few people who followed a similar style to Aisyah and thus didnotuse alchemy. However, whereas Aisyah had religious motives, Riza simply had personal preferences as to why alchemy wasn't something the veteran used.
"Your assignment is to include alchemy in your attacks. They can be offensive or defensive. What we are going to examine you in is incorporating them at all, if it seems like effort was put into your tactics, and so on. It will bethosefactors which will determine if you pass or not. As for myself ... "
Riza smirked as she patted all of the holsters holding numerous pistols, each secured by her sides.
"These are filled with blanks. Even still, I want you to take this as seriously if these were actual bullets. If you have any questions, ask now. Otherwise, we will begin soon."
gpt
"After working with them for several years, yeah, pretty much everyone is terrifying in one way or another." Markos smiled and also moved his shoulder adjusting himself for a moment to make sure that nothing had gotten completely crushed out of place.
The trip to central had been rather uneventful thankfully it was much more calm and he was able to get the book back to the library and with the exam coming up at the end of the three day mark he had booked that time off pretty much a year ago.
Taking Aisyah to his home he had stopped to give her a warning. He looked at her for a moment trying to figure out how to break this all to her. "I work mostly with chimera, and I don't have an official laboratory or anything so I use my house to keep most of my stuff. Just know you are going to be walking into a bit of a horror show... I've never had guests before."
There was no sounds coming from his house even as he turned the key so if she was expecting to hear twisted animals crying after that announcement she wouldn't hear anything out of the ordinary, but there was a smell as he opened the room.
Something akin to a fruit gone bad, or something left out of the fridge overnight. Walking into the house, it was an apartment with three rooms, the first was a living room that aside from a sink full of clean dishes the only things of note were a radio, and a sofa.
The first room on the left was his room, and opening the door to show her was a little culture shock for her he was sure. He had painted the right wall so that it could be used as a chalk board. On it were several alchemist circles, as well as writings and calculations scrawled as unfinished notes. "It's a little bold to keep them out like this, but this one is the tour de-force i'm up to version twenty seven of it now. But this circle is what is going to make me a state alchemist." He closed the door to walk across the hall show her where she would be sleeping. The second room was practically untouched aside from a few boxes. there was no bed, yet but he assured her that by the end of the second day she would have a bed of her own to sleep on. For now he could toss her some blankets and pillows and she could have the sofa.
the third and final room was his lab. it was actually a master bedroom with twice the size of either other bedroom, but that size was currently taken up by planters with various soils and fitted wall to wall with various plant life. "They may not look it, but each of these are chimera, blending qualities of other plants into fast growing and... fast dying plants." He sighed as he came across the one that was making the worst stink, scooping it into the compost heap.
"When I get my licence I will be able to move these to a proper green house, but for now I just kind of have to make do."
The outfits that Aisyah had purchased constantly made Markos turn his head towards her. He had spent plenty of time around her, wondering about their status, if she hated him, or was at least grossed out by his work.
The fact that the two of them needed to remain focused on their time limit made it impossible for him to really asses the situation with her. and by the time the written exams came and went he honestly didn't know how to feel about her.
She was attractive, and curt, but she had also always been blunt with others, if she had any kind of interest in him why hadn't she just said so? He didn't know and frankly keeping track of her emotions was a nightmare.
Academically he was 11th from the top, his mind too cluttered when he had to perform under pressure.
In truth come his combat exam he had never expected Olivier to show up. For one she was the general of Briggs, and he doubted that she had any care for a central exam such as this. Two it didn't seem like her style.
When he passed Aisyah as she was in the front row he smiled at her. Leaning in for a second. "Your going to want to move to the rafters upstairs, find a good seat and watch the ground."
No she had said to him that he would get a chance to prove that he wouldn't balk when facing a gun, so of course she had sent the worlds greatest marksman. "You're the eyes of the hawk right? You work next to general mustang the 'hero of Ishball' correct? After this is over if I have passed I would like you to deliver a message to the general for me."
He took a breath looking around the plane open field that was the training field. Thankfully he had something made and inscribed for this day. "The first year my delivery method was too slow."
He started taking off his jacket. Tossing off his undercoat. "I personally hate the idea of putting tattoos all over myself like some alchemists do, and going with a cloth glove just seemed tacky."
Tossing it off he revealed that his undershirt was actually a layer ofscale mail armor. Stretching for a moment he looked at Riza. If he let this area stay the way it was than she would shoot him no problem.
The armor ran down his shoulder, but had the calculations and circle burned into it. Waiting for a second or two before the starting bell, he decided that he needed to start putting something between him and Hawkeye now. Hitting the ground with his hand there was a large burst of blue static as the entire ground was used in an alchemical reaction.
The ground under both their feet would go from solid concrete to cracking, to the earth splitting apart as tall grass formed around them, encasing and enfolding the entire area, and growing till it was over head. If Aisyah had stayed next to the arena all she would have seen was a wall of green, but from above she would get to see the locations, almost like a hedge maze they could be tracked by where the grass was pressed down.
human
Aisyah
Living with Markos and his new 'work area' was indeed quite the culture shock for Aisyah. It left her ... torn. Some part of her couldn't help but feel just a bit disappointed. Shestillfelt like he was forcing himself to rely on something he simply didn'tneedto use. But ... every time those judgments tried to come through to her brain, she thought back to the train incident. Ithadbeen alchemy that essentially saved them and ensured they weren't blown to thousands of pieces, if not more.
So ... alchemy couldn't be allthatbad, right?
She was confused, no matter how many times she kept trying to tell herself that had to be the case.
But now, any ethical or religious thoughts were buried in the deepest corners of her mind. She was focusing on the here and now, which thus translated to the exams. Her head tilted curiously as she watched Markos head back over to her. She started to remind him he needed to be back in teh arena .. but kept her mouth shut as she simply heard him recommend moving and finding a better seat. "Alrighty. Good luck!" she whispered quickly in his ear, getting up to her own feet. While he was talking with this Riza, she took advantage of them not having officially started the test.
Hmmm. Everyone here's gonna be foreign to you ... she reminded herself, realizing that no matter where she ended up sitting, it would be beside an unfamiliar face.
It took a bit of searching, but finally, she found a set of aisles that were mostly empty and gave a decent view. Indeed, it did seem to be the right thing to do, as she had an easier time realizing what Markos had ended up doing. She couldn't help but smile, unable to admit it was impressive he ended up creating an entire hedge-maze out of next to nothing.
Riza couldn't help but raise her won eyebrow as Markos began asking her questions.Thatwas different. Most future cadets either freaked out about going against her and went right into combat. So to hear someone actuallytalk? Yeah, that was definitely intriguing. Still, she smirked as each inquiry was heard.
"My, my. You know, quite a few others within the force would say you're being just a tad too nosy. Luckily, I'm more tolerant than others. So, to answer you, yes. I am the assistant - andwife- of General Mustang."
Normally, Riza didn't openly boast about her marital status to Roy. But hey, he'd asked. This was her way of trying ot throw him off-guard, in case he wouldn't have expected such an answer. From what she remembered about him and his usual tactics, he was decent. He just had encountered numerous strokes of bad luck over the years. But he definitely had potential, unlike many of the others. And so, even though this was definitely not something Riza typically resorted to, she gave it a shot in order to try to take him that much more seriously and test how badly Markosreallywanted to become a State Alchemist.
If his ambition was as high as she was assuming, that inclusion of how close Riza actually was to Roy wouldn't take him aback for too long.
Otherwise?
Well ... this would all end very quickly.
"Very well. I'll escort you to him personally when this ends, regardless of the outcome. But not before then."
The armor certainly caught her attention. But more than anything, it was the creation of the maze that made her grin widen.
Clever. Very nice.
Thathad definitely been something she hadn't recalled him ever trying before. This had indeed been a very smart move on his behalf. Since she had restricted herself to using pistols, this new barrier would slow the blanks and weaken their impact. Possibly make them completely miss, even with her usually amazing accuracy.
Even if a rifle had been included ... hmm. You wouldn't be able to be as discreet as usual. He'd see you even with a vantage point.
Well ... how long had it been since she was forced to actually use guerrilla warfare?
Years. And a shit ton of them. This would be ... interesting. Dare she believe fun?
Slowly, her arms lowered as she quietly withdrew two pistols out and began navigating her way as swiftly but silently as possible, trying to keep both ears and eyes out for Markos.
gpt
Markos
Instead of being stunned Markos actually let out a whistle at the fact that Hawkeye was the man's wife. He looked the blond over for a moment but wasn't all that stunned. He had heard that the general had gotten married he had just never paid attention to who.
The hedge maze had multiple functions, the most important of which was to remove line of sight between the two of them. With the ground changed from concrete to padded grass he could move carefully and not make much noise which meant he could stay out of the snipers radar.
Of course the issue then became if she couldn't see him, than he couldn't see her. Moving about the maze was a careful affair he wanted to make sure that he didn't run into the woman too quickly.
As he walked he took a bag from his pocket. Alchemic ingredients for transmutations were not banned from the exam, and he had disclosed the bag of seeds, now all he had to do was start planting them, and each time he did there was the spark of a transmutation leaving a small green patch where a transmutation circle began to form.
With his plants in place all he had to do was have her step on one. The downside was every time he planted something the sparks and noise caused by the transmutation gave away his location.
As the exam began anOlder manwith dark hair came to sit next to Aisyah. He smiled towards her and even had some pop-corn not really taking the exam all that seriously.
Looking out over the hedge maze he blinked. It wasn't something he saw every day. "You know last year he grew a tree in the examiners office. A large Oak in the middle of a third story building. He uses alchemy to break down the ground and make super food for plants, then forces the plants to grow by sacrificing that soil to grow whatever plants he needs."
"If he wasn't dead set on joining the military he would have made a killing in agriculture, his alchemy could bring an entire harvest to bare in an afternoon." He looked at the hedge maze, seeing the fact that it was grown inside a circle.
He held up the popcorn towards Aisyah. "I'd say that he doesn't stand a chance, but then I guess you could say I'm biased, want some?"
human
Aisyah
Hmmm. There's more to this maze than a mere game of keep away, isn't there?
Common sense hinted that had to be the case. Riza highly doubted he was just sitting or standing in whatever location Markos was now hidden in and doing absolutely nothing. No, he was getting something ready. This was a type of move an alchemist who needed a bit ore time to finish creating or making something would do. Given Riza had seen these exact same types of tactics in the past, it was easy to enough to steadily figure out what to probably expect.
Now, she had to pinpoint a few things, including her opponent.
The faintest sounds of sparks made her smirk.
And there he is ... she mused, picking her pace up and beginning to hurry over to the noises. Raising her arms, Riza pointed both pistols in front of her body, ready to pull back on the trigger the moment she caught sight of Markos.
"Geez," Aisyah muttered, "Only you would be bold enough to play the most dangerous game of hide and seek, huh?" she muttered, grinning softly as she watched her friend begin to hurry up with ... what exactlywashe doing, anyway?
As if to answer her internal musings, a foreign voice came beside her and sat down. She jumped slightly, blushing at her own reaction as she turned and listened carefully to his explanation. "Oh? Interesting. Mainly because he didn't really live in an overly rich area of the Ishvalan region -- I don't think there are any, definitely not many, areas that have plentiful amounts of trees. I guess he learned this after we split up ... "
That was something Aisyah needed to muster the courage to ask him about still.
She hadn't been able to simply due to her feelings on alchemy and fearing Markos was being forced to rely on something he didn't need too much.
But perhaps ... knowing more abouthisside of the story would better assist in her comprehending him and why he'd gone down the path he had.
"Biased? Well, I suppose I am too. Sure ... "
Wait. If he's biased, then ....
Even if Markos had been trying to speak with Riza quietly, the echo in the large room made his questions echo loud enough for anyone who had paid heed to them hear his conversation with Riza. So his request to meet with her spouse hadn't gone unheard. It just took for her hand to hover over the popcorn that it all clicked.
"W-Wait! Ar you ... the same man he was just asking to see? Colonel Mustang?!"
Aisyah was having a very difficult time figuring out if she had the best kind of luck or the worst. First, she'd gained attention of the Armstrong siblings, and now, she may be staring at the spouse of Markos's examiner? Now it washerturn to have a hard time believing this was a purely lucky coincidence.
gpt
Markos
Markos was busy, he knew that if he wanted to compete with guns he had to be fast, and he had to do his best to delay her finding him as quickly as possible. The
maze if you could call it that only did so much for him. The lines that ran the maze wouldn't make much sense to those on the ground, and he had to keep it's true nature a secret until he was ready. to that extent he planted a few more items down the way.
Making sure that each plant got a dose of alchemy to speed up the transmutation and make them settle.
He heard some rustling through the grass, and knew that Riza was running towards him. That much alone made his pulse quicken. If she caught up to him she would shoot him, and he would loose, but at the same time he could use this. As long as he didn't make it seem like he was walking her into a trap he could play on her expectations.
He moved a little ways back, waiting for a moment when Riza would burst from cover. He was hiding in the grass for a moment trying to make himself less of a target until she was close enough that he could spring against her. He threw a single kick towards her ribs, thanking Aisyah for the close quarters basics that she had taught him. All he needed was to make her stumble, make her step on a single plant that he had already planted, and hopefully do that without getting shot.
"I haven't been a colonel for many years." Roy said almost a little too wishfully. Nostalgia at being called colonel filled him with pleasant memories of the east city command center.
"Nowadays it's General Mustang, and yes your friend here has been rather adamant about having a meeting with me ever since he first got to central."
Roy didn't really have the time to humor a librarian, but he did have friends who had kept an eye on him. He barely if ever watched these exams, but when Olivier had asked Riza's help in testing the same librarian who had been kicking his name around for years... well he had taken an interest in this years proceedings.
human
Aisyah
As Riza picked her own pace up, she noted Markos sounded like he was doing the same. That made her head tilt curiously -- what was he working so desperately on?
Well, you'll probably learn that answer soon, she mused, pulling back on the hammers of the pistols she was holding.
"More no hiding for you, it seems," she declared as Riza turned the corner and found Markos. About ten paces, maybe a few more, separated the two. But that definitely didn't keep him out of range. Still, as a precaution on her behalf, she started slightly closing the distance. It was by her third or fourth step that Markos's kick connected, causing one of the traps to activate, and her eyes widened as Riza was rather easily hoisted and turned upside-down in the air.
"I can't boast and say I've donethisbefore; shoot from this position. I do hope, though, you're not thinkingthis'llstop me."
Riza began rapidly pulling back on the triggers, smirking as several of the blanks made their marks.
However, she also began to feel what was maybe another reason he had been so quick to work on these traps.
Slowly but surely, her other guns were beginning to slip out of their holsters and fall down towards the ground.
Thatmade her eyes narrow and her own efforts and actions move quicker. Ifhegot a hold of any of those, she would be in as much peril. Or would have, if this were a real mission.
Oh? He's wanted a talk for that long?
Her head nodded as she gave most of her attention to the fight. It didn't really feel polite to further ask for more information, even less so with her not being an official member of the military yet. But damn, she was curious. And she found herself finding it more ad more difficult to avoid asking why he'd wanted to meet up with the General. Even when she saw Riza still able to shoot upside-down, the display wasn't as distracting as she'd hoped for. Very amazing and impressive, most definitely.
But she still felt the urge to ask her initial question.
Aisyah's mouth remained agape as she continued to stare at the fight.
Finally, Roywouldhear her speak. However, rather than voicing her original musing, it'd be a different inquiry.
"Are there even such things as draws in these tests? It looks like that may be what ends up happening."
gpt
Markos
Markos's arm raised to his face as he felt the blanks impact his body. He was glad that he had some additional protection with the amour but even so he felt like he was going be bruised from that. Still his trap had worked.
Markos jumped towards the ground rolling forward as he picked up one of Riza's guns and landed behind her. Twisting himself around he now had the means to finish the battle, the gun to do it with.
Checking the safety he pressed the gun to Riza's back and pulled the trigger three times each blank hitting the woman.
The examiner called the fight and Markos set down the gun, holding his side for a moment. As he dropped the gun he smirked for a moment. "Whelp enjoy living up there. I have no intention of getting you down."
With the exam over there was a loud snap that seemed to echo above the other sounds in the arena as the plant holding Riza burst into flames without burning her or the rest of the plants around them. Markos just rolled his eyes. "Great yeah, just burn two years of my life."
"The test was not about who wins or looses, he could have lost here and still wound a state alchemist, it's about practical evaluation. Can his alchemy be used on the front lines, does he have something to offer the military." Nodding slightly he smiled towards Aisyah as he chewed on the popcorn before offering some to Aisyah.
As the examination was called Roy stood up and snapped his fingers, a trail of red sparks leading from his hand to the plant before it exploded.
"Shall we go see the victorious?" Roy said with a smile. Walking down the steps he invited Aisyah to follow. "It was a skilled demonstration to be sure."
"Good work Hawkeye. You performed admirably."
human
Aisyah
Interesting, Riza noted, tucking away the sight of Markos trying to shield his face. "I realize you knew ahead of time these were blanks. However, Ididalso recommend you acting as if you were in a real fight. As such, I would have tried dodging, lest you end up risking incapacitating your hands and rendering them useless for your circles. Now then ... "
Her arms crossed over her chest. Indeed, it did seem like she expected and was waiting for Markos to release her.
Except ... he insisted he wouldn't?
"Oh?" Riza replied, raising her eyebrows - albeit while still upside-down - as she heard his declaration. "Well ... then I can't escort you to the man you so desperately wanna speak with, can I?"
Luckily, she was told in the most effective, non-verbal way that her husband had been nearby. A warm set of flames wrapped around the vines. And as they did, Riza began bracing herself. Her eyes shut as she instinctively tightened the grip on her pistols, wincing a bit as she fell on her back. Unfortunately, it had been a necessary evil. But sometimes, she would have preferred Roynotusing his flames.
"Luckily for you, Mr. Fischer, I am a woman of my word," Riza began to state while brushing her uniform off, gathering her guns afterwards. "So even though part of me wants to go back on my vow for threatening to leave me hanging, I won't. Come on. This way."
Now, anyone who had been somewhat ignorant to Riza's more personal life knew not only was she married to one of the strongest soldiers, but he wasstillvery protective. Although, that would have been a given if anyone knew even the most basic of details. After all, shewashis Queen. It only made sense her lover would be as .... watchful as he had been during this exam.
After ensuring everything was put away first, Riza turned and began guiding Markos up the stairs, eventually meeting up with Roy and Aisyah.
So what's going to happen with me?
Was it only alchemy that had the 'no win or lose' rule? And if no, how were non-alchemist applicants judged?
Aisyah had already been nervous. Now the sensations strengthened as she latched slightly onto her lower lip. Was it this common to feel so inferior after watching alchemy work, and then know you yourself blatantly refused to go against customs?
It's for the best. There are reasons you have continued to avoid giving into that temptation, Aisyah quickly reminded herself, taking a long exhale to help calm herself.
"Ummm ... "
Aisyah first hesitated not because of her insecurities, but rather, figuring what was about to occur soon. The talk. Wouldn't Markos want to be alone?
Maybe not, given the way Roy didn't order her to leave his side.
"Sure. Yeah, let's go."
As Riza found herself in front of her spouse, she shot him a teasing smile. "Oh come now, Roy. You don't need to bethatformal with me. But ... " Her head bowed respectfully, "Thank you all the same. That was one of the fastest exams I've had in a while."
Whether that was a good or bad thing would remain a mystery, as Riza simply stated the fact. No disdain or content nature could otherwise be detected, though.
"You, miss, would be Aisyah, correct?" After seeing an affirmative nod from the young woman, Riza's own head moved up and down slowly. "Then you have time. I can at least say your match is after three to four people. And I can be very certain that few, if any of them, will be able to finish their tests as quickly as Markos did. So ... we have time. Let's go to your office then, sir."
Riza had a lot of other personal preferences she would have rather used. However, it was for the best to maintain a more professional appearance.
Allowing Roy to lead the way, Riza would walk beside her spouse. She knew the two were following as both sets of footfalls caught her ears.
But just in case there had been any doubt, Riza made it completely vanish as she used her peripheral vision and saw both Ishvalans following both her and Roy.
gpt
Markos
"Your kidding right? Dodge a bullet, at close range? You told me they were blanks. Sure it would be better to dodge them, but protecting the face is more important you can still put out an eye with a stray bullet after all."
Markos chuckled for a moment hearing the minor annoyance from Riza's voice. It was actually rather fun to know that she took his threat seriously, or that he was stepping on their toes. Walking away from his little garden. Part of him was filled with dread for everything that was about to happen. Most of all he couldn't escape the feeling at the pit of his stomach about how Aisyah would react to him now.
"Oh before we go I should clean up." There was another flash of blue, the hedge maze revealing it's self to be one transmutation circle, the grass twitched and swayed for a moment before it exploded into water leaving fertile mud in it's wake.
"Who ever said I needed a hand for a transmutation, after all that chimera you stepped on didn't require any input from me." He whistled slightly as he walked away. The great thing about a transmutation circle was that it didn't need to be defined by chalk, or metal, or written out on paper it just needed the proper measurements for the transmutation matrix.
Following him to meet up with Aisyah and... Roy the two men looked to one another, there were several conflicts going on in his head. He had no idea what to say at this point. This was the man he had wanted to talk too for three years.
and now it seemed a cat has my tongue.
"Sorry Riza." Roy smiled breaking his somewhat intimidating presence as hew walked up to his wife wanting to check her over to make sure she wasn't hurt in the fall. However he didn't go to hug her, or kiss her as many would expect between Husband and wife.
As they walked Roy took the lead expecting Riza to walk at his side while the 'children' as it were fell in line behind them. Markos was still trying to figure out exactly what he was supposed to say. Now that he had his Jacket back on over top of his armor. He was a little flushed, and red in the face.
He rubbed the back of his head and his eyes drifted to Aisyah. The entire time he had to wonder exactly what she was thinking about him now. He had just put his powers on full display. Something he had never done before, and now his closest friend was here to actually judge him.
"So what did you think?" He kept his voice down as he walked. Even though he had asked for this meeting he honestly didn't know what to say about this. She had just seen him at his best and it was kind of embarrassing.
"Colonel Hawkeye could you get the door." Roy said as they walked into his office. The moment the door was secured he was on his wife in an instant practically tackling her despite the fact that there were two onlookers.
"You looked great out there honey. It was a fast match but you did wonderful, are you hurt at all those bullets didn't bruise at all did they? Your landing wasn't too hard let me look you over!"
Markos just looked to Aisyah, kind of embarrassed by seeing a side of the general that was so completely different from what he expected. This guy was one of the state alchemists of Ishball? He shook his head for a moment turning to Aisyah.
If Markos was completely honest he was kind of jealous to see that almost romantic side of things.
human
Aisyah
" ... I won't say it would be easy. But of all the senses to lose, sight would be one of the easier ones for an alchemist such as yourself to adjust to. Mainly because you can work from a distance. You don'thaveto be up close to a person, as proven by your exam. Anyway, that's just something to think about."
At the same time, Rizadefinitelycould comprehend why he wouldn'twantto risk losing his sight. Roy had already been there, done that for a brief amount of time. He only accepted aid because it had come from her. Even if it wasn't for long, she had been his guide, his temporary sight, per se. It had been ... interesting working with Roy whilst in such a state. And yet ... painful all the same. He hadn't been born blind. No, that bastard childmadehim become that way by opening that horrid gate and ...
Riza forced herself to stop thinking about it.
She tried to avoid thinking of or mentioning that night as much as possible, siply because she felt a bit guilty for his blindness. It had been because he almost watched her bleed to death that he agreed and, despite admitting he truly never had intentions of committing taboo, ended up being put in that spot anyway. Pride had taken that as him volunteering himself and somehow figured a way to drag Roy to the other side and make him create, then open, his Gate.
"That was .... really good. Interesting, for sure. I never would have thought about that. I guess ... maybe Alchemy can work for you better than it could for me. I'm happy for you. Really, I am."
Whatever cat had grabbed onto Markos's tongue seemed to have a twin, as Aisyah also found herself mostly silent during their walk.
It would only be a bit after they entered before she looked curiously over to her friend, "You umm ... you sure you want me to stay here? If this was meant to be a discreet talk, then .... "
That was as far as Aisyah got though. The exchange between Roy and Riza made her turn. Was this all really happening? Wasn't this sorta an inappropriate time to be acting all lovey-dovey?
Riza's own face flushed as she chuckled softly, seeming to non-verbally agree with Aisyah about that much. She had expected it but, because of knowing Markos wanted to talk with him, didn't at the same time. "Later. We can worry about that later. Really. Don't make me sound like a liar; we're here because of the promise I made to Markos. He wanted to speak with you ... so, we're here for that."
Still wearing a bit of blush on her face, Riza leaned down and quietly opened a draw. Inside of it was what Markos was no doubt waiting for. On the off chance he was uncertain on what exactly she'd found and was holding onto, Riza would set her palm down and slowly open it.
Inside had been a brand new, silver pocket watch.
"It goes without too much saying that you most definitely proved yourself this time around. Congratulations, Mr. Fischer. You're an official State Alchemist."
Aisyah felt ... torn. A bit scared, and yet, genuinely happy for her friend. She turned and smiled over at him. Without thinking much about the gesture, she rubbed her hand lightly along his back. "Good job," she whispered, stopping after several more up and down movements from her left hand.
"So ... you wanted to speak about what so badly?" Riza repeated, curious and - admittedly - a bit ... eager to get the talk finished up with. Something that was probably a bit obvious even though she and Roy hadn't said any verbal hints or cues.
gpt
Markos
"This affects you just as much as much as it effects me in a way." Markos was calm even going so far as to take Aisyah's hand after a moment to convince her to stay. However that thought ended when he saw Riza reach into the desk and take out the watch.
His eyes lit up as the watch was placed onto the table. The seal of the state alchemist was now in his hands, he was giddy after three years he had it.
"You've chosen a difficult path, most alchemist's who get their hands on these watches come to regret it, but effective tomorrow you will have the rank of a major. Further more you will access to labs in central, the ability to pick your personal entourage, and a yearly reaserch grant that most people find... obscene." Roy listed the perks of being a state alchemist but his voice was much less interested in the topic.
Meanwhile Markos seemed like he could care less about the other perks rather he was just completely fascinated by the watch. Opening it and winding it to the correct time.
He turned towards Roy, his crimson eyes more set and determined now that he was here. He had finally made it to the position he had desired for the past three years.
"General Mustang." He swallowed now standing in front of the man he had been demanding to see he could size him up for the first time, and of course he found himself lacking by comparison. For the first time he was given exactly the opportunity to say what he had been wanting to say for a very long time. "You disgust me sir!"
Roy was taken aback by that comment. About to raise his voice in some way to strike back verbally or remind the other where his place was, but was stopped when Markos continued.
"You are the reason I studied alchemy. My parents were members of Ishball's rebellion, they were burned alive. I never knew them, and in truth I don't care for them, I had nineteen Amestrian brothers and sisters so I didn't grow up alone, and I can't even remember their faces. I don't hate you because you killed them that's part of the job." He held up his watch looking at it for a moment, his face actually more kind then his words would suggest. "I'm happy to have this, really well and truly, not that it will make sense to anyone else."
"The alchemy of fire can only burn things, and if left to men like you, this country will turn to ash. My Alchemy? everything I make is edible, I could supply an entire army with food in the short term, I can create chimera that carry the properties of valuable medicines. With a single seed, and some time I could create a forest out of a waist land, the terrain I walk on could make the difference between life and death for every man woman and child on the battlefield. I have seen quotes in magazines where you have called your flame alchemy the strongest in the world, but the truth is it's a disgrace to the very field you claim to research, and you don't deserve your pocket watch."
Markos never raised his voice but still felt like he was panting at the end of it. He looked down at his pocket watch, and again smiled. "Your rank, and reputation as a hero I can't dispute those, but when was the last time you had a review that didn't involve just snapping your fingers? Thank you for your time general I look forward to having the paperwork in hand."
human
Aisyah
Aisyah merely raised an eyebrow, but nodded as Markos insisted it was fine if she stayed for this talk. Some part of herstillfelt a bit unsure. Now that Markos himself had reassured her it was alright, though, she felt better. More confident, and certainly more curious than she had been. "Okay. If you're really positive then." Moving her wrists behind her back, Aisyah held them in place, silently observing and listening to all that was going on.
Finally, the moment of truth foreveryonearrived. For their own reasons, Riza had been as interested in why this one single individual had been so dire to speak with her husband. It could have been with literally anyone else. But he had been so adamant on making sure it was her husband that he saw and talked with, and no one else.
"General Mustang. You disgust me sir!"
Her eyes narrowed and without a second thought, Riza's posture straightened, shifting from a more relaxed standing position to one that was prepared to yank that watch out of Markos's hand and shove him out the door.
But first thing's first ...
Did Aisyah know this was what he wanted?
The shocked look on her face screamedhell no, which worked out for Riza. It would have been a shame to find a reason to keep her from completing her chance at becoming a soldier.
Which thus left Markos and what to do withhimleft. Her arms crossed over her chest. Even though the boy's tone had stayed relatively calm and his vocabulary hadn't been too colorful, this was beyond disrespectful. And, quite frankly, itwasuncalled for.
"Now listen up and listen closely, because I'm not repeating myself, Markos. You haveabsolutelyno right to judge. This applies to anyone, really, be it any other alchemist or another soldier. But for you to verbally scoldmyhusband? Who do you think you are, huh?! Were you around back when we were fighting during the civil war? Or when we worked with the Elric Brothers to get rid of the Homunculi?! Believe it or not, he's actually used his powers for good! He faked the death of one of our officers whom originally was going to beexecutedbecause of political espionage! Tell me ... how is that a bad thing?!"
Riza almost never lost her cool. Part of the reason she was accurate was - aside from her skills - the fact she could keep a firm grip on her emotions. Make sure they stayed in check.
"On averytechnical note, Ishouldrequest that watch back.However... even after these years, I'm still underneath Roy in rank. And so, I'll leave the verdict on whether you have lost your ability to indulge in being an alchemist rest inhishands. But regardless of whatever he chooses, heed this next bit of advice and pay very close attention to it well. The next person you try to use that 'mightier than thou' nonsense with very well may not benearlyas forgiving as us. In fact, there's a good chance they won't, and I can make a ninety-nine percent correct assumption that you will end up losing way more than just that silver watch."
All the while, Aisyah stayed deathly silent. For one, whatcouldshe say? And ... honestly? She had to agree with Riza. It was pretty hypocritical - definitely unnecessarily harsh and even a bit cruel - to just attempt judging a person. Not just any individual; a very much higher-ranking one, which thus made Roy Markos's superior. Assuming he didn't lose his title within a matter of seconds, anyway. Furthermore, like Riza said, Markos hadn't been around them during any of the conflicts. The same was true with herself.
I mean .... what about me? Sure, I was shocked when I learned about you. But I mean .... I've stayed by your side, haven't I? So ... why are you taking such a huge risk?
And if this entire room wasn't tense enough ... Aisyah couldn't honestly side herself with Markos. Not really.
All she really could pray for was that Roy would allow him the chance to keep the watch, even if the reason was as simple as hehadearned it. True, he probably also made sure that he was very likely to lose it with such hostile words but ... Aisyah felt torn.
How exactly does this affect me? What are you trying to say? Because I'd never do anything like what you just did.
gpt
Markos
Roy looked over the three people in the room. His wife clearly at the point where she was ready to shoot Markos with something more than just a blank this time. Honestly what was it with young Alchemists, and being disrespectful. The kids mouth was something that definetly needed to be cleaned up, but looking at Markos
it was almost kind of amusing.you disgust me sir, He shook his head why did he always get the upstarts, and why even bothering call him sir at that point. "At ease Colonel." He walked over to his wife giving her a calm grin. This was nothing he hadn't heard before in some way shape or form. "In the future Markos you need to ask permission before speaking so candidly to your betters."
Markos swallowed his grip on the watch he had just been given had tightened as if a dare to try and ask for it back.
Roy on the other hand just smiled. "You haven't said anything that I haven't heard before. Just know that you will be under some additional scrutiny in the future. We will be watching."
As soon as they were pushed out Markos turned to Aisyah. He scratched his head for a moment as he looked at the watch. He hadn't prepared his speech before hand. Had been completely inelegant in the way he had spoke, and most importantly he had just flown off the deep end while she was watching.
All of that was making his face go red as he thought about it. "You are... a lot smarter at this than I am."
He looked at Aisyah for a moment shaking his head. He held up his pocket watch. "I trained, and studied up so that I could get this, and now that I have it I'm completely outclassed, and out of my field... I also just kinda dug myself a grave with our superiors."
He swallowed for a moment knowing that this conversation was going to come back to bite him in the ass. "I knew I wasn't going to be able to contain myself in there, and that's why I brought you along. I figured if I still had this... then you would pretty much get to see exactly who you would be working alongside."
Markos let out a long as he just walked down the hall a little and leaned against one of the many windows of the building not too far away from the office. The evening sunlight turning the sky slightly orange through the glass. "I don't think, I'm not that skilled with combat, and in truth I don't really have a goal aside from 'help people.' I'm the perfect combination of stupid and reckless that will in a military sense get me killed. Working along side me is going to affect your career, at this point you now know pretty much everything there is to me... So no one would blame you for cutting ties with me."
Without her he would most certainly probably definitely die.
Roy shut the door after they were gone looking at Riza, and then to the door where the two had just left. "Did you really have to bring up the faked death? That's not even really on military record let alone public record." and with good reason it was already hard to explain the various double crosses that happened the day Bradly died. Maria Ross's return to active duty was a difficult one for the paperwork.
Roy rubbed his neck as he walked to his desk. "His judgement came from a place of personal anger. Alchemy took his parents, so he tries to use it to create, and then he rides his high horse around. It's annoying but a few years and he will realize that his world view is a little too rosy. Honestly... doesn't it kind of remind you of another set of kids?"
Pulling out a file opening it up he had to now come up with a name for the guy. "He's only twenty, while it's not the youngest we have had, but it is still young enough to be stupid. when we were his age we were fighting in Ishball. I say we give him this one, and give him a workload that will teach him some respect. Kick him enough and we either break him in or we end up making another Elric."
Roy pinched the bridge of his nose. "Why do I always get the crazies from these exams? But enough about the boy. Is everything ready for the girl's examination?"
human
Aisyah
Riza frowned, not even bothering to hide her annoyance at the verdict. Her mouth opened, ready to protest. A long speech ahd almost immediately formed in her mind, in fact.
"Sir, whether you've heard this before or not isn't the goddamn point! It's wrong and incredibly disrespectful! Why should he get away with that?!"
Andthatwas but the very beginning of what probably would have turned into a much longer - boring, but vital all the same - lecture against Markos's lack of manners.
"Consider yourself damn lucky, boy ... "
Tempted as Riza was to voice her thoughts, she opted to keep them to herself. A frustrated sigh and groan resounded after Roy shut the door. A gloved hand rose as she began massaging her forehead, sitting in the chair beside Roy.
"Markos? I just .... wow. I mean .... "
Aisyah rapidly shook her head from side to side.
"Here's the thing Markos. To put it blunty, that shocked me. One of the very first thingsyoubegged of me was that I didn't judge you. And yet, you did exactly that to one of your own superior officers? By Ishvala, have you lost your mind?! You could have gotten exactly what Riza said; so much worse than a mere scolding! And ... gods, Markos. You scared me, honestly."
Despite knowing most of what Markos was dictating to Aisyah was true, too much of it felt ... wrong. Her steps back towards the exam center slowed before coming to a complete stop. Her head tilted back as she leaned against the nearest wall before looking back over to her friend. "I'm not gonna cut ties with you. But .... I do think you should take some time to yourself. No offense .... but get your beliefs and priorities straight. Thatwaspretty unfair, all things considered. And hell, you yourself are now officially an alchemist. Even though what you said is true - that your abilitiescanbe used in both positive and negative ways - you may be forced to use them in lethal manners. Then what? People may view you in the almost exact same way you look at Mustang. Are you going to be able to handle that?"
Originally, Aisyah hadn't explained her true annoyances for why she wasactuallyirked with him picking up alchemy.
But ... would now be perhaps one of the best times to confess that?
Maybe.
But then, it'd be more likely to make things worse instead of better.
So, Aisyah merely elicited another sigh before slowly pushing herself away from the wall. "Anyway ... no. It's gonna take a lot more than disagreeing with what you just said to make me fully turn my back on you. Even if, yes, it could be deemed a justified reaction. I don't ... wanna lose you. Not over something too petty especially. But seriously; please be careful from here on out. On a much better note ... are you gonna join me? I ... have no idea what to expect. But a familiar face would definitely be nice as some sort of reassurance."
Riza hadmostlycalmed down. Not fully, but she was at least back to her more usual attitude.
When Roy began speaking privately to her, the markswoman lashed him a sly grin. "Ohhh. I didn't saywhosedeath you helped make fake. Hell, I didn't even hint what gender the officer in question was."
Granted, thatwasthe only time anyone's death had been feigned.
Still, Markos would have to go through numerous archives just to find that all out. But Riza honestly doubted he would have the time to do just that, even less so now that Roy was revealing he intended to make the boy pay with tons of work.
"... Fine. Butonlythis one. I would have been the same with literally anyone else. It isn't just a personal affair; surely, you understand that. Hopefully. That was seriously uncalled for and ... "
Another soft sigh passed her lips as Riza allowed her gloved hands to fall atop her lap.
"I guess in my own ways, yes, I was stupid. Not enough to talk like that, but ... in my own regards, fine. I'll agree to that much. As for Aisyah, yes. The preparations have been ready for the past few days, actually. She's not going for a watch, so she'll only be a soldier. Almost an Ishvalan version of me, but ... I don't believe specializing in firearms like I do. At any rate, it'll most definitely be interesting. Whether for her or Miss Aisyah's opponent more ... I suppose we'll find out in time."
gpt
Markos
Markos let out a sigh he hadn't meant to scare Aisyah. He had lost his temper, and in truth he didn't even really know why. When presented with what he had always assumed was some cold blooded killer he found something a little different. He shook his head for a moment brushing a hand across his eyes. If he had pulled that stunt with any of the other generals...
Yeah he would probably be dead right now. He at least partly knew that he had been kind of lucky. He looked at the woman standing across from her. "Of course I mean you sat through my exam."
When she moved however he grabbed her wrist to stop her. "You have some time before your match, but hey, want to tell me the question that's always on your mind?"
He looked at Aisyah giving her a soft and genuine smile. "Something has been bugging you since before we even got to central, so why not just ask it already? I don't have anything to hide at this point."
Roy nodded seeing Riza this pent up. He walked behind her resting his hands on his wife's shoulders. his thumbs rubbing agianst the tension in her body. She always seemed so bound up, and ready to attack on his part.
"Honestly I don't know why General Armstrong turned around and wanted both of them tested. I'd call it her Briggs methodology. Normally if a soldier wants to sign up it's just a physical and some paperwork."
Roy had to admit that this seemed rather extreme, but at the same time if she was going up against others, alchemy was going to be a problem, and this test would show just how much potential she had.
"The two of them had never actually been a part of the military before. A library clerk is hardly a major, and she has been raised by dissonant rebels. Honestly I was expecting her to be more of the spit fire, but either way let's just say I have a weakness for young kids." He had to put up with Edward and Alphonse so he could probably put up with Markos.
"Of course that doesn't mean that i'm not gonna pass along a few notes... After all the two of them should probably take a few weeks, learn the basics of how to act in the army." He smiled. "Know any good drill sergeants we can hand these two over too?"
human
Aisyah
Aisyah smiled, bowing her head as Markos promised to be at her exam. "Great, thanks! That means a lot. Alright, well ... "
That was literally as far as she got. Her head turned, gazing back and detecting where the foreign sensation came from. It had been Markos's hand, lightly wrapped around her wrist. Faint tinges of red rapidly spread over her face, simply because physical contact wasn't something she was used to. Well, things outside of hugs, anyway, were odd for her to feel.
But ... hey. Assuming this all goes well, you're gonna be a soldier. You're gonna have to get used to other things.
Any and every thought, no matter how much it may have made her inwardly smile or cringe, began hastily running through her mind. She couldn't help but swallow softly as Markos insisted she let off the very thought that had been plaguing her the last few days. Ever since she found out back on the train, to be more exact.
" ... Why did youreallytake up alchemy? Youdidpromise to elaborate more, anyway. And ... while we have time to talk, may as well get this done, don't ya think? I do hope it was for more than to try to one-up Mustang, though."
It had been meant to come off as at least an attempt at a jest, though the last sentence had an equal amount of seriousness laced in it.
Slowly, Aisyah leaned back against the wall, allowing Markos to keep holding onto her wrist. Oddly, it felt ... better than she would have guessed. Reassuring in its own ways, even.
Riza's eyes closed as Roy lightly touched her shoulders. Her head tilted back as she let out a soft but long sigh. "Mmmm," she moaned softly, "Thank you. Good to see - and feel - you haven't lost your touch."
Though her eyes remained shut, a teasing and very knowing smirk spread over her face. It wouldn't be until the topic shifted to Olivier that Riza forced her eyes to reopen. She lightly shrugged, trying to recall her talk with the elder Armstrong sibling. "Something about fearing Central would otherwise become too lax ... that we need to follow certain 'standard procedures' or whatnot. I think she's worried about us. She just isn't saying it with the more traditional words."
The thought made Riza chuckle slightly. Though her 'Ice Queen' persona remained, she'd proven before she did have a more typical side to her. She wasn't always cold to everyone and, in fact, could sometimes be softer with other people. It was just a very small handful of said individuals, hence why seeing her act more feminine or any other 'normal' way was so rare.
When Riza heard her own spouse admit a clerk wasn't much of a major, her eyebrow raised. "Then ... why'd you assign him the rank of major if evenyoujust said that hardly seems like a person that should be one?" Riza's smile widened as her head shook. "Somehow, you can still baffle and amaze me some days. As far as Aisyah goes? She probablyisthe spitfire you think she may be. She's a smart one though. Her buttonsreallyhave to be pushed. But I'm pretty sure once that happens ... she won't hold back. As for drill sergeants?"
NowRiza frowned, finding herself at a bit of a loss. The conflict with Bradley and the Homunculi had taken a lot of men and women, many of which were some of the best and strongest people Central used to have.
"I mean, Icouldvolunteer if it's really needed. But I view myself as a better examiner than drill sergeant, truthfully. Even though she's about to go against him soon ... perhaps Scar? He does have a good work ethic, and I can imagine him being a great mentor. The fact he can use alchemy and martial arts makes him that much more appealing of a choice."
Which, in truth, was a good part of why he had ended up being selected as Aisyah's opponent.
"But if not him? Hmmm. That's hard to say. We don't really have a lot of options; yet at the same time, we can't betoopicky. That being said ... "
Finally, an invisible light bulb seemed to hover over her head. If the smirk further expanding didn't give it away, a finger gently poking against Roy's chest would help indicate and confirm her suggestion. "You, m'lord. After all, you were pretty good when you were in charge of me, Havoc, and the others."
gpt
Markos
Markos had been anticipating that question for a while and always trying to work out an answer in his head. When she asked if it really was just a way to one up mustang he laughed and waved his dark skin blushing a little as he looked at her with his red eyes.
"No, that's not even part of it. I just... he gets on my nerves because..." He flustered and made gestures but was unable to accurately transcribe why his outburst had occurred. the entire time however he never let go of Aisyah's hand.
"I... went overboard on that." He said with defeated sigh after a long moment. "No the reason I chose to take up Alchemy sounds really childish and you're going to have to promise not to laugh at me."
He paused to take a breath calming down as he looked at Aisyah for a moment and then out the window directing her towards the grass, and gardens that covered the central fair ground. "I wanted a garden."
"Do you remember our home back east? The town you left when we were kids. I remember that nothing grew there. The ground was practically salt, the only reason that people went that far east was to take refuge, and I was raised and schooled within the state orphanage. The bread we got was stale, the rice always tasteless. The only thing they ever managed to grow were potato's and if I ever have one of them again I think I am going to be sick."
"I remember growing up in that place, and looking at pictures of trees and forests thinking that it was some sort of mythical legend. that the further west you went the more magical the land." Markos chuckled shaking his head. "After you left, the weather only got hotter and the land only got more dry, soon enough not even potato's would grow, and they had to call it quits, but I remember before they packed it in, we were visited by two people from the east who had just crossed the desert. One was a woman from Xing, an Alchestiest, and the other was her husband an Alchemist from Amestries."
"I never even learned there names, I remember the man could perform alchemy just by clapping his hands together." He finally let go of Aisyah's hand to clap and then touch the wall. "I never figured out how that worked."
"But with just a clap of his hands and a bit of help from his wife the two of them were able to help grow plants that weren't native to the region, and for a night, and only a night we all had a hell of a feast. The next morning the strangers were gone, the plants soon wilted and died since we had no idea how to maintain them, and the town we grew up in became a ghost town."
He sighed as he took up Aisyah's hand one last time. "For a single night we had a feast unlike anything else, the entire town despite it's mistrust of alchemy came together, and every man woman and child managed to get more food than they would normally see in a month. after that when the Orphanage moved further west I was able to get my hands on books, and start to teach to myself Biological alchemy. I suppose you could say that I want a world in which no one can starve."
"Me?" It was slightly improper for a general to turn around and train the troops, but Roy had to admit that the prospect was rather amusing. He did have a vindictive side and he would be damned to admit that Markos did strike it.
It would mean keeping the two of them in Central for the moment, or at the least keeping them nearby for when duty called. Actually it would be a good way to use them.
He brushed a hand through Riza's hair as she poked him in the chest. Other ideas like sending the two of them to the fridged north. But then if they proved too useful up there he may not get them back which was an idea he would rather not.
"I don't know a lot about martial arts though, I can drill them in military instruction and life style sure, but in terms of fighting and combat." He paused for a few moments as he thought it over.
"Let's send them to east command, I can break them in, but right now east Command is run by Miles, he would have use of these two, and we can pack our things. Central won't need us for a while so why not go back to our old stomping ground for a while. We do have a rebelion to learn more about." The last sentence was merely a justification to get the paperwork under way in a rather sing song voice.
He pulled Riza in closer in a waltz like fashion dipping her as he came up with the idea and then as she leaned back, pressing his lips to his wifes.
human
Aisyah
Aisyah wasn't really sure why. But in all honesty, part of her had expected Markos to snap in her upon hearing the she did want to know why he'd resorted to alchemy. Sure, the topic itself was a sensitive one. And yet, it was partiallybecauseof that very fact that she was a bit anxious.
It would have been easy for him to take offense in her curiosity.
So when he didn't ... Aisyah was relieved.
And most definitely intrigued as he insisted she couldn't laugh. She did, though, raise an eyebrow. "Alright. I won't. I may chortle or smirk, but I won't outright laugh. You have my word."
Her free hand moved, wrapping itself around her back and through a loop attached to her shorts. Slowly, Aisyah relaxed, allowing her body to gently lean against the wall while enjoying the still lingering touch of Markos's hand around her skin.
"I wanted a garden."
True to her word, no actual giggling or anything of the like was heard. But it didn't mean Aisyah didn't react in any manner. The eyebrow that had arched now went even higher, almost looking like it would somehow find a way to leave her entire face if it had such a power.
But after hearing his story .... she couldn't help but nod. Slowly ... but very steadily and surely.
"I see," she finally murmured in a low but still audible voice, "Well ... compared to the number of reasons you could have told me, that is by far a much better one to hear. I commend you for thinking others. But .... really. You could have earned yourself in a shitty spot with the outburst you had against Sir Mustang. Please ... "
Her head turned as Aisyah looked right into the crimson orbs.
"Never do anything that hasty again. Not without a really fucking good and justified reason. Please. Swear that to me."
"Am I getting up and going to look for another 'Roy' here? I think not so ... yes. You, my King."
Riza giggled, finding his reaction as interesting as the thought of Roy accepting this offer. It wasn't easy to take someone like her spouse off-guard. Lo and behold, it had happened twice now; once from her, and another from a man who was going to become a major in less than 24 hours.
"But ... if you really don't know .... ohh!"
Before Riza could move too far away, Roy gave an answer ... and in a rather pleasantly surprising manner.
"Well now ... I'm taking this as a sign I did or said something correct. Am I right?"
The combined dip and kiss hinted that - more likely than not - the answer would be a very strong, affirmative yes. Riza leaned into the gesture, adding her own love and passion as their lips stayed locked. Only when the need to breathe overtook them both did Riza dare to pull away, panting slightly.
And at the same time, she was already lookingmuchbetter compared to how she'd been mere minutes ago.
gpt
Markos
Hearing Aisyah speak about how he had crossed a line and that he needed a good reason to go off like that again he sighed looking into her eyes. He didn't really care about the color, just the determined look that she gave him. He gave a nod.
"I've had my words. Trust me I'm not gonna pull that kind of thing ever again. I need this watch after all."
"Hey it's sappy but it's the honest truth. Unfortunately learning Alchemy has taught me a few things about that dream." He sighed looking back at Aisyah. "It's a tad unrealistic on my own."
"To gain something, something of equal value must be given." He raised a hand placing it on the wall, the armor under his uniform glowed for a moment pulling on the stone as the old stone wall slowly started to turn back to dirt and then from that sprang to life a single seedling of a flower, taking time and effort he was able to pull the small fledgling violet from the wall. Handing it to Aisyah as it bloomed.
"It may look like a miracle, but stone is quarried, and mixed, plants often get mulched into the process, i'm able to revive those in the stone, but life given through alchemy is fleeting." The violet slowly turned dark as it wilted, and then in her hand it turned to ash. "With my watch I'm hoping I can dive a little deeper, and find out what I'm missing."
"I admit I'm not much of a soldier. But i've studied medicine, botany, biology, toxicology, you name it i probably have some kind of plant for it." He shrugged. "Think of me as a... non traditional doctor, most I'm sure will call me a snake oil salesmen."
As the kiss broke and Riza panted, Roy was a little more wanting. The fact that Riza called him her king. He had never actually managed to get the tittle of Fuhrer, that had gone to Grumman as payment for his part in the military coo.
Of course they were much better off now than ever before, and she was his queen. However as he righted her standing position Roy did pull away from her. As much as he wanted Riza at the moment, other more pressing duties were more important.
"Tonight my queen." He gave her a look that was more amorous than usual, his steel eyes watching her for a long time. "First though we have a few more exams to watch over."
His eyes locked on Riza, if there was one reason he had taken the stone above helping all of Amestries, it was the fact that not being able to see her face was probably a form of torture that he didn't want to live through.
Before the two of them reached their door however he did place a hand on Riza bringing her back into an embrace that put his chest against her back. His lips touching her neck softly for a moment. "You are very cute when you stand up for me you know that?"
human
Aisyah
Aisyah's head tilted back as she elicited a long, relieved sigh.
" ... Thank you. Okay. I'm holding you to that, Markos."
As she spoke, Aisyah moved her head so she looked back into his crimson eyes. She couldn't help but envy him slightly. Even if many of the Amestrians thought the color seemed 'unholy' or 'unnatural', it was exotic to her. Then again, it wouldn't be amazing if that was a slightly biased thought. Shewasan Ishvalan, after all. It made sense to favor most of her traditions over any of the others. Were it not for her friend speaking up and elaborating on his thoughts and hopes on what he was aiming to accomplish, Aisyah felt very certain she could have gotten lost staring in the blood-red orbs.
"Equivalent exchange, huh? That sounds simpler as a title and even concept. I always figured alchemy was more scientific-focused so the more difficult terms would be more ... common. Like ... well .... any of the genus names for trees, flowers, and so on. Stuff like that. Either way ... I actually followed along with what you said."
A small frown crossed Aisyah's face as the flower turned into ash. Her fingers spread apart, allowing the dirt to slip through the gaps and vanish into the air, very likely guided by any breeze from outside or the air conditioner that may be activated at that moment.
"If I have to be honest, though ... it's not always fun being a pure soldier. You all may tend to be called the dogs of the military; but at times, we're as bad, some days worse. We all have our vices and curses."
There had been something else. Another train of thought that briefly entered Aisyah's mind. Before she could fully indulge in it, however, her head turned. Had she just heard her name? "Oh shit!" she whispered, her eyes widening. "I ... I think it's my turn! Crap, I don't wanna lose my chance just because I'm a few minutes late!"
Assuming he would be close behind, Aisyah all butranback to the stadium, descending down all the stairs. What she found upon walking on the stage caused her eyes to widen slightly. Despite having sparred against many of her kin during her years of training at the ruins, that was to be expected. After all, they were teaching herhowto fight. But this ... this was different. Now, she was standing across fromanotherIshvalan. He definitely hadn't been any of the warriors or monks that helped her, either. Which thus meant this was a new face for her to see. Honestly ... this man seemed evenmoreintimidating than any of the others.
No! Don't let that become too obvious!
"You ...aremy examiner for my test I'm assuming, correct?"
May as well make surebeforeanything overly wild occurred that she had indeed heard correctly. It'd be embarrassing should Aisyah learn she had heard someone else's name instead of her own, after all.
"Oh? That's the only hint I get? The word 'tonight'?"
Riza paused, purposely hoping he may cave in and say just a little bit more. Regardless of whatever Roy may or may not do, Riza smirked, slowly straigthening her uniform out. "Fair enough. I don't think I've been this eager to see the end of the exams in a while; that's for damn sure." Offering little more than a playful wink, a soft sigh passed her lips. Shehatedwhen Roy was right about anything. Unfortunately, everything revolving around right one was one of those perfect yet annoying examples. Pleasure had to wait just a bit longer.
Right now, they needed to tend to business.
"Cute?" Riza repeated, laughing softly. "Only you could use such a word to describe how I must look and sound when I verbally lash at others. Words like intimidating and scary are probably what it actually should be labeled as. Then again ... I suppose my words weren't directed at you. Not this time."
They were only human. And as a human couple - especially married - she had been in her share of fights with Roy. None ever escalated past shouting, at least. Then again, it wasn't like anyone else needed to know the details of their personal life, either.
"I'm sure come the evening, I'll find better ways to be more 'cute' for you. Mmm ... you're not really making it simple to prioritize work over you though, you know. Come ... let's leave before we have to explain where we've been since Fischer's exam. I still don't think you're into showing me off just yet after all." Riza very slowly and reluctantly helped guide Roy's arms off of her midsection, slipping out of his hug and walking away. She opened the door for him ... and stood beside the wooden surface. All but forcing him to leave first whilst simultaneously ensuring they could arrive in a timely - and decent - fashion.
gpt
Markos
"Alchemy isn't actually that hard to understand. I know you said you want no part in it, but there may come a time when you face someone who uses it. it could be useful for you to know the basics and how to counter them." Markos nodded when she said that she could follow his logic and how he spoke on the subject of alchemy. Teaching had never been his strongest forte, but she had spent the last few days drilling the basics of combat into him, the least he could do is teach her some of his world.
He was going to go on about how to defeat an enemy one should know the enemy, however there was something in the way Aisyah was looking at him that made him pause for a moment. He really wasn't sure, and when she started to talk about how it was for traditional soldiers he nodded.
It was going to be a lot harder for her at the end of the day. She was different and soldiers often didn't appreciate anything that was unique. He knew he was signing up for a ticket to hell, but as he looked at her he wondered just how bad it could be as long as he got to serve out his time with her.
All of those thoughts were pulled aside when she pulled on his jacket and started to tell him to run. It took a moment to get moving, to run after her, but he was glad they did as they didn't appear to be too late for her exam. However looking at the arena there was a lot to say about this. "Good luck."
When they arrived though he was a little taken aback by the choice of examiner. The dark skin, and white hair not to mention his clothing marked him as a monk of Ishball. What gives? Finding a seat near the front of the audience something about the face of this man was odd to him. An x shaped scar. He was old too, a lot older than most of the ishballins who still willingly stayed in cities like central.
That meant... His eyes scanned the audence for a moment. Trying to find the general and Hawkeye.
If there had been time, or it had been appropriate Roy probably would have undressed Riza right here in his office after that display she had in protecting him. It was a weakness to be sure, but he did always enjoy it when she stood next to him and spoke what was on her mind.
He found her to be rather beautiful in those moments, and the fact that she could still be so loyal and hold his back after everything they had been through gave him the support he needed to rule this country even if he didn't have the seat of Fuher.
When they left the room there was an immediate and proffessional difference to the air. He couldn't afford to be the joking colonel he had once been. The rank of general came with it the duty to loose ones sense of humor and his eyes became more narrowed and focused on what was ahead of him. Walking into the arena to watch the match he had to see how the girl would fair in battle.
"Is this even really necessary? She's coming in as a soldier not an alchemist? I mean yes there is a lot of press around her, and Olivier wanted us to test both of them, but if she really wanted us to go all out on these two she should have just ordered them sent to brigs so she could handle it herself."
This felt kind of barbaric considering who she was facing. It was a bit like watching a bloodsport. Part of him was actually expecting her to loose.
Scar stood in the center of the arena wearing the clothing of an Ishballin monk. His eyes looked over Aisyah she was odd. Her hair was darker than most of his people, and her eyes were dark instead of the usual color red. Compared to her the alchemist who had came into the arena earlier was much more in the image of their people and god.
"You know that Ishball abhors violence and alchemy, you were trained by monks and spiritual leaders in ways of a culture and people who considered themselves separate from the state yet you have willingly chosen to come here and join them." Scar reached up and took off his sunglasses so that his face could be exposed with the red eyes piercing through the young woman as he walked up to her.
"When a friend told me of your deeds and heritage I decided I would see you for myself, and act as your examiner. Now then choose your weapon and let us start this match. I wish to see why you have chosen to forsake your parents wishes and come here."
human
Aisyah
".... You want the truth, sir? Because there's quite the interesting story behind it."
If that didn't get her husband's attention ... well ... then almost nothing would. After briefly figuring out whether to say more now or while they were sitting down would be for the best, she spoke after making her mind up. "It is indeed true Olivier was quite harsh on the girl. But this wasn't her call. This came from higher up the chain of command. Someone else really wanted her to go through with this. And, as far as I know, they contacted Scar and set this up."
Riza rapidly moved her head from side to side, double checking first that they were mostly - if not totally - alone before resuming. Her voice simultaneously lowered, ensuring the next words were only heard by Roy.
"What's really been bothering me, though, is the discreet nature of this exam. Whomever made all these choices doesn't want to be found out, it seems. Every time I think I get a lead, it literally up and vanishes."
Given it had been a few days since Aisyah got dismissed from the hospital, Riza figured this had been long enough. Of course, Roy would know only he would learn about all of this. Should he deem it fair to inform anyone else, he'd give her the green light. Before then, however, Riza would keep her lips sealed which, unfortunately, meant keeping Markos in the dark.
Speaking of, she noticed him walking around as Roy found a seat. Thankfully, her irritation at him was mostly gone. So when Fischer would find Riza looking at him, she would wear a neutral expression, hiding that there was something bothering her at all, let alone what it was. A 'come here' motion was made with her right index and middle fingers as she sat beside her husband, turning once more to gaze down at the stadium. "This is, if nothing else, going to be very interesting. She's not too different than myself. A pure solider, one that doesn't even use alchemy. Aside from heritage, she doesn't specialize in firearms. She's better with melee, or so that's what the small bits we did get on her from Olivier hinted. This decision will either be one of the best or most brutal ones for her."
"Makes sense," Aisyah mused, pausing to think about those words. With how simple most of what Markos was saying sounded, perhaps there was truth in his words?
Of course there is, idiot. He's not a liar. Overly eccentric at worst, but no. If he wanted to purposely confuse you, he'd just do it.
Were it not for the fact she was hurrying to reach her examine, Aisyah would have taken a few seconds to smack herself upside the head.
Possibly later, depending on how this would all go.
For now though, there were so many more things to worry about. And they all included the male across from her. The amount of plans racing through her mind practically multiplied as the other Ishvalan confirmed he would indeed be testing her.
Hmmm. Alright. Think, think, think ....
She hadn't really expected time to grab a weapon. That was ... generous, if not unexpected. Aisyah used that to her advantage, staying silent and looking as if she were thinking on his offer. For a few seconds, she had been, in all honesty. Her next words, however, revealed there was something else she'd done; it just wasn't obvious to anyone else besides Aisyah herself.
"I appreciate it, but I am my own weapon."
No sooner than she gave her response did tons of hushed whispers float all around the stadium.
"Is she insane?!"
"Poor girl, does she even know who she's against?!"
"Does she have a death wish?!"
Aisyah inwardly smirked, mentally replying 'no' to all of those inquiries. She wasn't insane, despite the declaration to use only her bare hands sounding otherwise. She most definitely didn't realize the very same Ishvalan she'd heard so much about helping after the conflict versus Bradley and the Homunculi was the same man testing her. And above all else, Aisyah certainly didn't have a death wish.
If she did, she would have caved in and perished back at the hospital.
"Ready? Begin!"
That was all Aisyah needed to hear before running forward. Her right fist clenched, and began to fly right for Scar's gut ---
Only to stop seconds before it hit its destination. That was a fake move, a distraction as it were.
Her right foot raised, hopefully while Scar was still taken aback and distracted, and swung right at his kneecap.
Given the muscles Aisyah could notice on her examiner, his height, and other observations, the most obvious route seemed to be she had to slow him down first. Or at least weaken him.
Hopefully, she would accomplish one of those two with the first hit landing on its actual destination.
gpt
Markos
Roy's eyes narrowed slightly as Riza relayed the information about where the orders had came from. If the orders had come from someone higher up than him that really only left Fuher Grumman. He looked at Riza for a moment. It suddenly made sense that she would have a connection that would have preceeded him.
Right now the command of Amestries was in the hand of the Fuhrer, his private council, and the four generals. Olivier to the north, Roy himself was the general of the east, and that left the generals of the south and west, whom he rarely spoke too. it was uncommon for all five of a nations back ups to be in the same place at once after all.
"Talking to Gramps?" Roy asked wanting to pry where that information had come from just a little more. But why would Grumman not give away his identity? This didn't sit right with him unless there was something else.
As Markos took a seat beside Riza to watch the fight Roy's foot tapped the ground, twice as he pointed downwards, asking Riza to nod if she suspected the same thing he did. He honestly couldn't be sure of where the other alchemists loyalties lay considering that the boy seemed to have a temper, and had already spoken about verbal disgust about Roy.
But in truth he was pretty sure that between fire and plants. he had a clear advantage.
Markos took a seat close to the generals assistant wanting to keep an eye on her. If anything this entire fight was just oddly suspicious. Why would they charge Aisyah with a fight like this. It was overly brutal. Sure his exam had made sense he was applying to be a human weapon, but a regular civilian put through the same ropes as a state alchemist? It was fishy.
The more that he looked at the guy performing the exam the more he was really becoming uncomfortable with this. He could hear the people whispering about how she must have had a death wish, some of them even cheering like this was some sort of sporting match.
Markos on the other hand was more silent than anything trying to figure out just why this guy seemed so familiar. It wasn't until the fight started that he came to the realization when He the man put up his guard and he saw the tattoos on his arms.
He turned towards Riza. "What the hell! that's the Ishballin serial killer. The state alchemist hunter, why is he in the ring with Aisyah."
Wait a second the alchemist hunter was here, and he just got a state alchemist watch. His best friend was about to get herself killed, and then he was probably going to be coming for his head next. He swallowed hard feeling the back of his throat tighten with fear for a moment. He wanted to see Aisyah safe, but this guy had killed six of the states best, including ones who had specialized in weapons alchemy which was probably the second or third most complicated type. At the lybrary he had read pretty much every single file around this guy, but on the night of the eclipse the man had vanished without a trace.
Why was it always the night of the eclipse?
At Aisyah's first strike he raised his arm to block but when she raised her leg to try and take down his, Scar jumped backwards deciding that it was best to put distance between himself and her to dodge rather than to fight her head on. She had been trained by Ishballin monks and her first two strikes had been those of precision and control. She was also smaller, and probably faster than he was. If he let her dance around him he would loose the fight.
What Scar had that she lacked was experience. He had fought against all kinds of enemies. Oddly enough the one that had given him the most pause in his life was a regular solider. While a state alchemist was certainly more difficult to deal with they all had their one focus, it made them easy to predict once you knew what their quirk was.
On the other hand he had been stopped on three different occasions by a woman with a gun. Aisyah's eyes reflected hers really, in a darker sort of way. Though the fact that she had refused a weapon had made the fight much more interesting. In any other instance it was something that would have gotten her killed.
Here relying on herself rather than something he could destroy was actually increasing her chances. Along with her choice of clothing. With his arms now raised and ready for a fight he stepped lightly for a man of his size, the main problem was that she was young. Scar was not exactly in his prime anymore. While he was still in shape a lot more of his hair was grey rather than white and he had faded wrinkes that made up the lines of his face. He was weathered now more so than when he was the serial killer.
So he had to rely on brute force. The longer he waited to attack the harder this fight would be so Rushing the girl was his clear and only focus. If he could catch her and force her take a shot he would carry a considerable amount of strength behind his blows considering he was almost in a weight class above her. His main attack was less of a punch and more of an open palm thrust, but he was going fora series a combo of attacks aimed towards her center, wanting to force her onto the retreat or break her guard where possible.
human
Aisyah
Riza's own foot lightly tapped against the floor a few times before pointing down. It wasbecauseof whom the Fuhrer was that she felt certain he hadn't made this choice. There was no need for her own grandfather to be so hush-hush. Hell, it had never been in any of her family member's natures. Roy knew that better than everyone else who wasn't Riza Hawkeye herself. Her father was another perfect example, after all. Berthold had been Roy's mentor. He was the very reason Roy was as excellent with his flame alchemy; because her father taught him. Though they were mostly distorted, the secrets were still on her back in the form of that large tattoo.
If my family wanted to keep secrets, we'd find ways to do so ...
Her head moved from side to side, partly to confirm to Roy what she was trying to say. And at the same time, it was directed to Markos as he gave his frantic concerns to them both. "Calm yourself. He's no longer a serial killer. If he was ... he definitely wouldn't be moving around so freely, nor without any security. You are, however, partially correct. Scar is still strong despite the past decade having already faded away. He is fighting Aisyah because ... "
Riza paused, but only for about eight seconds before deciding to take a risky but acceptable response.
"It was my request. After learning everything from Olivier, she reminded me of myself. It thus seemed like the best opponent for your friend would be someone who fought in a very same mindset and pattern. Don't worry, though. At worst, she'll be in the infirmary again. But I swear to you, she will be breathing and otherwise fine come the end of this match. It won't gettoobad."
That was her hope, anyway. Admittedly, the fact Aisyahhadrecovered rather recently from a bullet wound was one other advantage Scar had besides much more experience. If he found and pushed hard enough on the injury ... would she keep fighting?
They'd likely find out over the course of the fray.
Either way, until Riza could help her husband discover if there even was a conspiracy of any kind going on, she wasn't about to tell anyone else the truth. It wasn't something she was overly proud of, but it was for the best. After all, why make Markos freaked out if there was nothing amiss going on? Or anyone for that matter?
"Don't freak out though. She didn't when seeing you go against a veteran alchemist. So have some faith in her, why don't you? She needsthatmore than you fretting about habits Scar has given up for quite some time now. This will definitely be probably the toughest fight of her life, but it's not impossible, believe it or not." Her expression stayed neutral, but deep down, even Riza felt like she'd just hurled several low blows at Markos. Suffice to say, he wouldn't be the only one feeling kinda crappy right about now. Riza definitely was also.
This is for the best,she continued to insist in her head over and over, listening primarily to her inner mantra though also paying attention to her surroundings.
Damnit!
The quick examination of Scar revealed several distinct but very vital disadvantages against Aisyah. She, too, assumed he was far more experienced in fighting, and him managing to block her attacks helped prove as much. While her outfit - lack of, some could argue - would make her speed and pure strength better than if she'd come onto the platform in jeans as opposed to shorts, there was a problem besides being awkwardly gawked at. The shorts did their job a bittoowell, and Aisyah didn't need a mirror to know alotof her skin was exposed.
Including the wound that had recently healed up.
If he really wants to see what you can do though, he won't go right for that ... will he?
Probably not.Butit was an option Scar could use later. That in itself was nerve-wracking enough as it was, and likely something Aisyah didn't want to risk feeling once again. Especially not so soon after it'd healed up.
Here he comes ...
As Scar ran back, Aisyah steeled herself, her eyes narrowing. Though she hadn't replied to Markos's earlier comment about having to face an enemy alchemist, she knew that would be a very likely option. In fact, she was almost certain that one of these days, she would be both beside andagainstan alchemist. So, she envisioned each punch being laced or covered in the first thing that came to her mind; ice. Whether it was because that would be the deadliest element for her to get hit with - as it would literally make her stuck in the deadliest and most skilled hands, among many other dangers - or fueled by a subconscious motive didn't matter. Her imagination actually seemed to really help Aisyah out.
Definitely not the first few times, no.
But the moment she recognized the pace and rhythm Scar was using, she found it much simpler to be able to avoid his fists.
Still, staying on the defensive wouldn't do her any good either, so ... she had to wait.
Almost ... almost .... there!
And the moment she was almost certain the perfect opportunity arrived, Aisyah went for it by grabbing Scar's arm and moving behind it. The teenager would then give the same limb a sudden, sharp yank, intending to try to force Scar down on the mat underneath them.
gpt
Markos
Makros had to bite down on his own tongue pretty hard to avoid lashing out at Riza when she said that it was her own plan. Despite wanting to simply rip into the woman he couldn't for two main reasons. The first of course was the new found voice at the back of his mind reminding him of a simple promise made to what he had to count as he closest friend.
"Never do anything that hasty again. Not without a really fucking good and justified reason. Please. Swear that to me."
How exactly was he supposed to respond to Riza's plan without breaking that new found promise. He let out a low breath as he turned back towards the arena. Of course he wasn't comfortable with the idea that they had just put Aisyah into a fight with a serial killer. He had read the files on most of the mans victims. Almost all of them had been masters of the craft in some way or form. So the idea that they could all just be killed by one man, and that the man was now fighting a completely normal seventeen year old girl was a little disturbing in all honesty.
The second thing that made him hold his tongue was because as frustrating as the situation was, and as much as he wanted to see Riza hang by the foot again for it, he had to admit that she was right. If she was really going to be a soldier than she would have to face down odds like this. If she was going to progress and be the powerhouse he was sure she could be than she couldn't take short cuts like he had.
That and well... some part of him knew Aisyah could take care of herself. As much as he didn't know what else to say on the subject matter he honestly had to agree with Riza that this treatment was for the best. He wouldn't say it to her face, instead just leaning back into his seat. "I never said she couldn't win. Just that this was dangerous."
He folded his arms, still half tended to throw some seeds at Riza, but knew that if he did he would be getting shot and not just with paintballs. He huffed, but at the same time she was right. Aisyah had been completely supportive of him. "Kick his ass!"
Roy blinked as Riza sent him the message that this was something else. He had kind of wondered if it was just Grumman looking for some sort of poster child, but it was clear to him that there was something more disturbing going on if the order hadn't come from the fuhrer. A new conspiracy? He didn't see how that was possible, father and the homunculi all seven were currently accounted for.
Which meant that for the moment this new conspiracy had it's roots in something else. For now he was trying to ascertain the point of it. If the two of them were important to someone elses plans than taking them to the east and having them both train would be a good way of keeping them under watch. If they were involved it would be easy to spot them out.
For now the exams were just that, and he could already see that Aisyah would probably be good for the military. A specialist sure, but since she was already going to be working alongside an alchemist they would both be getting some level of autonomy, it was his job to make sure they actually deserved that or if they weren't involved with the enemy plans. Markos was easy to spot, his life was on record, but Aisyah?
She was an unknown, an Ishballin monk turned towards the military, it wouldn't have been impossible for her to orchestrate the train robbery that got their attention in the first place considering that she existed outside of the system for so long he didn't know where her connections were if any. It meant that he had to pay close attention to this fight.
There was also the fact that Markos's alchemy dealt with plants, at the end of the day plants vs fire, he was pretty sure he had a clear advantage in that fight. Then again his wife would likely be the one to take him down even faster.
Scar was trying to keep his pace with the girl making sure to always keep the offensive. She was a little tougher than the he had first believed. Considering the blows he was raining down upon her, she kept pace with him well, and as she made her move he was actually caught by the sudden switch from defeanse to offense.
The way she grabbed his arm and yanked him down made him want to curse partly because he lacked the proper foot hold to make sure he didn't hit the ground with the full force of her attack. As his body tumbled forward he tucked in, and rolled with the momentum.
As his free hand hit the ground to shield him and push the momentum forward so he could roll out of any hold Aisyah was trying to put him in, he brought his legs up twisting to lash out at her face with a hard kick to counter or push her away from him so he could better regain his ground. Pushing off with his free arm so that he could come to a complete roll and land on his feet.
However in performing his roll whether the kick was successful or not he had placed Aisyah firmly to his back, leaving him open for a moment.
human
Aisyah
Riza grinned, smiling as the fight continued to play out. All things considered, she was doing alotbetter than she'd guessed. This may not have actually been her decision. But since she was pretending to be the person that was making Aisyah go toe-to-toe with Scar, Riza actually felt pretty good in her choice. It had been a perfectly logical and sound one.
"Dangerous?" Riza repeated, chuckling softly. "Mr. Fischer, don't insult any of us here. Do you think if any of us didn't understand that, we'd be here? Lest I'm mistaken from Olivier herself, she got on that train with full intentions of coming to Central herself. Between that and the fact she voluntarily went to the Ruins to be trained ... she knows what she wants and, according to her maneuvers, what she's doing."
She really did, too.
Riza wasn't sure if she felt more impressed or a bit sorrowful for the girl.
Then ... she really gave up any chance of having a normal childhood up, huh?
It couldn't help but make her remember two very specific siblings. Of course, with Ed having relinquished his powers, he was retired. Both were,butat least Alphonse had the option to return if he wanted to.
Every now and again, Riza's peripheral vision wandered to her husband. She peeked curiously, hoping to try to figure out what he was doing. But that was easy enough to notice; he too was watching. So the better question was ... what was going throughhismind?
Asking outright was - for the time being - out of the question. She'd just have to wait ... unless he could figure a way to talk to her in a cryptic manner. Or she could, whatever may or may not happen first.
The pull on Scar's arm and roll it resulted in wasn't as much of a pure attack like one would assume. Yes, it had been meant to get the man off balance, and cause some discomfort to her racial comrade.
But in all honesty, the primary point of it had been forcing him to move with the momentum.
And now, she got him basically where she wanted.
The kick wasn't dodged; then again, she wasn't overly worrying about avoiding Scar's attacks. Not unless they were aimed for spots that she was afraid of being hit, anyway.
Just as he moved with the tug, Aisyah allowed herself to stumble back a bit, helping ensure there was more than enough distance between them.
And then ... she ran forward. If Scar had been expecting a kick in retaliation, that wouldn't be what he'd feel.
Whether this was better or worse would be up to him.
Probably amusing - at least to the audience, and very likely interesting.
But apparently, Aisyah would jump up and wrap her arms tightly around Scar's neck. Naturally, this would be deadlier and likely more effective had she chosen something like a kunai. Still, the chokehold on its own could be as dangerous, more so when a skilled and very well trained soldier was applying the hold.
And that was what Aisyah intended to do; force him to tap out or somehow win with this move.
Even if that backfired, it'ddefinitelyweaken him.
Assuming you can stay on for more than a few seconds, that is, she inwardly added.
gpt
Markos
Markos grumbled slightly of course there was danger to be had in the military. Of course he knew that she was signing up for one of the most dangerous jobs there could be, and he was just going to have to learn to live with that, and yes there could have been damage. He wasn't about to try and talk Aisyah out of it, nor could he explain to Riza why it bothered him so much when she was in danger.
Of course this was one of his oldest friends, even if she hardly resembled the kid that he used to know anymore so there was that. There was also this other sinking feeling in his gut that something was wrong with this exam, and he wanted to contest Riza, he really did, but oddly the words didn't come from him.
Rather it was Roy who spoke up first.
For all the benefits that being married to Riza had her interpersonal skills when it came to reading others was not one of them. It was sometimes kind of funny how the eyes of the hawk could miss something obvious, but still Roy's hand came to land on his wife's lap. Leaning over to her.
"I think you can cut him a little slack Colonel. He's worried about her because he loves her." Roy knew the feeling, and recognized the look on the boys face. It was the same look he saw in the mirror the day he had run to assist Riza and Fury when they had been on mission against the homunculai, or any of the other times that he had broken protocol and put himself in danger because of Riza.
For his part Markos coughed and even choked on the words sputtering for a moment as his hands went up. "Wait.. I never... I don't love her, she's just a friend, a very good female friend. One I care about, and don't want to see get needlessly hurt. So I don't... I mean it's not like were dating or anything, she just got back into my life. I don't want to end up loosing her to anything that could hurt her."
When Aisyah hopped onto his back it was different from what The man would have expected. He stood two heads taller than her, so whens he jumped onto his back it wasn't like she could actually touch the ground. He almost wanted to chuckle if it weren't for the fact that her arms were around his throat which did make things considerably more dire. If she had taken some kind of knife she probably would have won this match here and now.
He lurched his body backwards for a moment, his arms reaching back over his shoulders, and grabbing her by her own shoulders as she wrapped her arms around his throat. If she had been an alchemist so many years ago this would have been the end of her life. However as it was he was able to get a firm grip around the arms that were holding his throat and lift her as he lurched forward.
He put all of his weight and strength into the motion as he heaved her off his body flipping her over his head and slamming her down onto the Matt. About to bring her down full force by her shoulders into a full on flip throw.
human
Aisyah
When Markos's voice seemed to disappear, that was Riza's first sign something was on his mind. But was it only the match and its outcome? Her head tilted as she studied the older of the two childhood friends, as if trying to use his eyes as a set of mirrors to see what he was feeling or thinking about. They were meant to be the doorway to the soul, after all, and for damn good reasons. Alas, what Roy had noticed was correct. For all her strengths, Riza wasn't without her flaws. A quick temper could sometimes be one.
Before that, however, was a tendency to overlook things that were supposed to be really simple to see or note.
"I think you can cut him a little slack Colonel. He's worried about her because he loves her."
Her head lifted as she looked into her husband's onyx eyes and smirked. "Ohhhhhh. I see, I see. Young love. Howcute." Riza made damn sure to emphasize heavily on the word 'cute'; no doubt a jest about how Roy had described her being incredibly protective of him. "That's understandable, Markos. Just ... word of advice. Be discreet, alright? I wouldn't want either of you getting a write up for something you two shouldn't be doing out in the open."
Now that she heard Markos stammering, it was much easier for Riza to catch onto what her husband had observed. It was most definitely simpler to seeandhear that Markos did have more than mere affection for his comrade. There was no mistaking that.
Even with herself and her spouse teasing him, though, Riza knew that - for now - there was only one individual who could truly decide if it was love or something else they were feeling for Aisyah. Naturally, that was Markos himself. Thus, she wouldn't do anything past teasing, even if she was a bit tempted to. Instead of saying anything more, her hand gently wrapped around Roy's her left thumb gently brushing the top of her lover's slightly calloused palm.
Shit! No, no, no, no, no!
Part of the reason Aisyah had chosen to grab onto Scar's neck in this position was because, by default, the back was uusally one of the hardest spots to reach. And it typically applied to anyone, regardless of how tall or short they were. So seeing his hands moving back and trying to grab for her made Aisyah's grip strengthen. By now, she was glad she decided not to wrap her legs around his waist. It would indeed have trapped her and forced her to stay in a rather vulnerable position.
So while her lower body was free, Aisyah pulled a leg back, thrusting her knee as hard as she could into Scar's back.
Alas, the hits - even though they were impacting the right areas - weren't obviously doing enough damage. Soon, a large hand found her shoulder, making her eyes widen. Instincts took over as Aisyah put her hands on top of Scar's, covering the shoulder as she was soon hurled onto the mat. Every time she rolled, the younger Ishvalan felt her stitches threaten to come undone.
By the time she completely stopped, Aisyah was shuddering and panting. There were a few saving graces, but the main one that kept returning to her mind was at least teh bullet had been extracted. The throw otherwise would have beenmuchmore painful.
Fuck! Now what?!
Weak winces and whimpers were the only things Aisyah allowed Scar to hear as she pushed herself to her feet, albeit somewhat shakily. So far, he'd come up with solutions to everything she'd done. It stung her pride, but she was clearly seeing and better comprehending why Scar had offered for her to grab a weapon. It was pretty much mandatory.
No. Not quite that. Easier for you, yes, but ... you can do this even without a blade or gun ...
Besides, if she wanted to be realistic, Aisyah knew she wouldn't always have the ability to grab something to use against an opponent. Thaat was very likely a subconscious reason why she didn't bother taking anything to assist in this fight. And, much like this spar, there would be others where things simply wouldn't go her way.
Everyone has a weak spot. Just gotta find his ...
Slowly, Aisyah allowed her hands to fall away from her shoulder before charging forward again. It wasn't the exact same tactic, but she did send her own barrage of punches mixed in with kicks towards various areas of Scar's body. Some went for his upper body. But the ones Aisyah put more effort and strength into were his lower body, particularly the hamstrings. His speed, lack of technically, hadn't gone unnoticed. If she could use that to her advantage somehow and begin turning this around for herself ... shecouldat least do well enough to pass, if not completely win the fight.
That was her hope, anyway.
gpt
Markos
If there was a color to Makros's face it was bright red. Roy had just tapped into something that he had still been completely unsure how to approach. Even if he did love Aisyah she had become so different from the one from his childhood that he had barely known her. Yet the three days before the examination they had been inseperable, and she had taught him much about melee combat. She was no longer the shy cute girl sure, but the woman she was now was commanding confident and if he did interefear he would probably loose any and all chances of having a relationship with her let alone struggling to maintain being her friend.
He knew she could handle herself, but at the same time he was terrified for her at every turn. He had no idea how she did it, how Riza had done it, being just a regular soldier. He had been a member of the central military librarium and he had been in over his head. Yet she could remain perfectly calm under fire even taking a bullet, without much of a flinch.
He swallowed for a moment trying to quell all the voices and fears in his head and simply watch the fight, but he was now embarrassed, and worried. "There's nothing even to hide. Even if I did love her, which I am not admitting too, she wouldn't love me back. I mean I'm an alchemist, and she lived with Ishballin monks. My skin and blood aside I'm basically what she would call a heretic."
Roy just rolled his eyes. It was indeed young love, considering the boy in this equation was a few months over twenty, and the girl was seventeen. It was basically their turn to be stupid and think that society would hate them. He remembered that feeling.
He shook his head for a moment as he regarded his wife, it was indeed cute. Feeling her hand entwine with his he looked at the kid who now seemed heart broken and then to his wife. "You should give him some advice."
Roy wasn't going to touch this crises of belief and love with a tenfoot pole he rarely got his own marriage right all things considered the number of rules that he and Riza had to follow was basically a lexicon, but he had managed to catch the Colonel's heart, and she was a woman. She would probably know how to get the attention of someone like her considering that both Aisyah and Riza had similar traits.
Scar had thought for sure that his last attack had finished this fight. Tossing the woman onto the ground as hard as he could had seemed to be a match ending power hit. But the truth was Aisyah was remarkably resilient, and didn't take that long to start getting back up.
He could see the damage that had been done with the strike her breath was more ragged than it had been before, and she was rolling her shoulders as it was some kind of injury. Likely the bullet wound she had taken during the train ride in.
Still she rose back to her fight and charged him. Compared to the first set of blows that she had unleashed her punches now were starting to get weaker, if this was a war of attrition maybe he would win after all, or at least that had been the thought when he had tried to lock down one of her arms, only to be surprised by a kick to his side.
The stab wound that had been dealt to him by King bradly had never completely healed correctly. It had been closed with Alchemy and he had been seen by a proper surgeon, but they had never been able to fix it, and the wound had always pulled on his side making his breath ragged in the mornings. Having Aisyah's foot slam into that knocked his breath away from him and caused him to stagger back for a moment opening him up to more of her punches in the combo.
His feet shifted as now his breathing was getting more tired and heavy, and he threw himself at the girl bringing one of his massive arms in to try and take a strait line upper cut. This was a power move with all his weight and strength behind it, his goal was to connect with her solar plexus and end this match with one hard decisive blow.
But that also meant that if it didn't connect he would be out in the open again.
human
Aisyah
Oddly enough, the advice was much quicker to come to Riza's mind than noticing Markos may or may not have some intimate feelings for Aisyah. Barely a second passed before she turned and looked over at the young adult, wearing a kind but somewhat stern expression. It wasn't so much used for an intimidation tactic, but itwasa hint to help make damn sure the librarian knew she was beingveryserious with what she was about to offer him for tips.
"Are you sure about that? How Aisyah feels about you, I mean?"
Her empty hand raised, quietly signaling for him to not speak just yet. Oh yeah, there wasdefinitelymore Riza had to say.
"It's obvious she knows you're an alchemist, if only by a few minutes. But I'm rather certain she's known longer than that, hasn't she? You don't have to answer any of this out loud, for the record. It can be in your head for all I care; just be honest with yourself when you do this. Now then, think to when you first revealed - or she found out, whatever happened - that you dove into alchemy. How long has it been since then? Now ... the golden question. How many opportunities since then have vanished? How many timescouldshe have left and turned her back on you? I already know it's atleastone, likely more, and that was from when you got your watch."
Her head turned back again as Riza briefly studied Aisyah. A firm nod would be seen before she locked eyes with Markos once more.
"She isn't just fighting for herself, you know? As a non-alchemy using soldier myself, I can feel her energy, her determination, her everything. In her own ways, she's fightingforyou. To show that she's not going to simply up and walk away. Hell, that could have happened over the past few days, if she truly wanted to. She didn't have to keep the living arrangements Miss Armstrong assigned you two, you know? But I know she remained with you. Did that ever occur to you it wasn't simply a fluke? That she had reasons - besides the more obvious ones - for not storming out the front door?"
Afterthosewords were uttered, Riza stopped. She knew Markos now had a lot to think of, all of which could be done now or later. Hopefully, though,thathad all been more than helpful enough.
Yes! Found it!
As Scar grunted and staggered backwards, Aisyah lowered her head, immediately zoning on what she'd found. His side, it seemed, had already taken a considerable amount of damage in the past. Which was ... interesting. That hinted - since it wasn't a new wound - it had been a pretty severe injury. Furthermore, one that hadn't healed at all, or at least not correctly.
If it weren't for the fact she was sparring this man to earn her spot as a soldier for Central, Aisyah would definitely feel a lot more guilty. Not to say that wasn't the case ... but she wasn't allowing it to dominate her mindset then and there. She had agreed to take this exam, knowing and assuming fairly well all the risks that would come with it. It'd be pointless to simply stop and give up,especiallywhen she found a hint that would greatly help make this fight easier for her to win.
"Agh!"
As the upper cut arrived, Aisyah tried to kick again at Scar's exposed wound. Only to fall back, wincing as her shoulders slammed against the mat once more.
And when they didthistime ... her eyes widened.
FUCK!
The force from the throw had been something she'd worried about. Now, it was confirmed to Aisyah that had been a valid fear. Her eyes narrowed as she noticed a bit of crimson painting her camouflage-patterned tank top. The rough impacts had been enough, and now, her stitches had come undone.
"Son of a bitch .... " she muttered, not even realizing until a few seconds too late that had been out loud. Her hand pressed tightly against the mat as Aisyah very slowly and carefully forced herself back up to her feet.
"I never said I'm giving up!" she shouted, making a medical team that had started to run out stop dead in their tracks.
"But miss, you -- "
"I know. I get it. It's nothing lethal, though. If I wanna stop, believe me; I'll say so. But not before then."
Pausing to make sure they would actually listen to her first, Aisyah then charged forward, swinging her right arm for Scar's side ... only to lose her balance and run past, merely hitting the air instead as a new surge of pain shot through her body. Aisyah gripped her teeth with her lower lip, panting as she turned around and re-faced Scar. If he was going to succeed in his next attacks, then it wouldn't be with her back turned to him. The young teen steeled herself, shifting to an offensive stance as she waited for Scar to come at her.
All the while, more drops of blood began falling on the ground and carpet underneath her and Scar's feet, steadily turning the area a dark hue of crimson.
gpt
Markos
Markos opened his mouth to let her know that he was sure, but when she held up her hand he did the second smartest thing he had done all day, and shut in order to listen to Riza as she spoke. The idea that Aisyah may actually feel different about him, or that she could possibly return his feelings felt odd, but looking back on their days spent together, they hadn't really brushed anything too personal.
Markos's throat suddenly felt very dry as he watched the fight the way she was going at it, the moments before the punch. She was admirable in every way he could think of, and maybe there was something to what Riza was saying. She had chosen to stay with him when accommodations could have easily been provided to her. Despite his home being one giant case of culture shock to her. She had chosen to stay with him.
Watching her fight, Markos had known she wouldn't leave, but that was at least in part because this was also her dream. Her desire to stand atop the pyramid she wanted to fight for herself and prove that she could stand on her own two legs, and compared to her, even with alchemy he was more or less the weak one. He was no longer really sure where the two of them met in the middle.
So the idea that she could return his feelings wasn't so alien to him in the end. Still at the end of it, he would let her make the first move. Considering how direct Aisyah had been about everything that she wanted, if she wanted him, she would probably ask sooner or later.
Till then he was more happy to just have her at his side. But first she had to survive this match, and with her arm like that... Why didn't she take a weapon damn it? Sure she was her own weapon, but she could have chosen to take a knife, and when he saw the blood on her shoulder it was all the harder to not step in. He got to his feet rather steadily. He approached the ring Approaching the medics that Aisyah had called off. He held up his watch. "I can perform medical alchehestry"
He turned to Aisyah. "If her wound opens any further or becomes a danger to her body, I will personally attend her, and call her an idiot for hurting herself too far. You got that Aisyah, you loose this I'm turning you into one of my experiments!"
Roy's hand went to Riza's shoulder staying her from interfering as Markos left. He was pretty sure that Markos had no intention of actually damaging Aisyah's exam. He knew the feeling the boy was going through. It was hard to stand by and watch as someone else risked their lives in your name. He knew that all too well. "Young love indeed. Reminds me of us when we were young. Then again I don't think we were ever as young as those two."
Despite his mistrust of Markos he actually found himself rooting for the young boy now and then. "Oh but if you have any more of those rubber bullets, feel free to shoot him if he steps into the ring before the match is over. It would be a good learning experiance for him."
This was actually starting too look more like a blood sport than it was a fight, especially with the wounds the two of them were suffering through. His breath was still tight from the kick, though it seemed his punch had paid off. As she had stumbled. past him with her wide swing.
The fact that she was bleeding, and looked like she was on her last legs did not really make Scar pause. He had wanted to see her determination and grit in this match, and see for himself the reason she had decided to join the military and work alongside alchemists. And so far he had seen that.
So knowing that she would not stop the fight he closed in as she defenseless and brought up his arm. going for at first what looked like another power blow to her stomach like the one that laid her flat the last time, however in the last seconds his hand opened and switched from a punch to grabbing Aisyah's throat.
He lifted her as his hand closed down around her wind pipe. It was his left hand, the arm of destruction, and if he wanted too here and now he could have beheaded her, however that was much too extreme, and much too violent. Just because this arena felt like a blood sport, it was still a military exam. His other hand went her gut grabbing her and lifting her full over his head as he picked her up.
For a moment the world went still, before he He brought Aisyah's full body down hard throwing her against the ground. "if you're smart... you will stay down this time."
The constant heavy power moves were starting to exhaust him and that along with her taking advantage of her injury had left him ragged.
human
Aisyah
Riza smirked, first merely watching Markos and noting the gears turning through his mind. She could at least discern he was thinking carefully about her advice. That was good enough for her to make up for the lack of being able to read minds. Her smile stayed on her face, though it noticeably fused with a concerned frown. Suffice to say, Riza was very glad she hadn't actually made this decision. Because now, shecertainlywould have felt horrible if that actually had been her choice.
It had been a given that Scar would have so many advantages against her.
But ... I didn't think it'd be this bad, either ....
Riza barely managed to hide a soft snicker when Aisyah refused to allow the medical team to help her out and, effectively, end the match. "She really is an Ishvalan version of me. Very interesting indeed." She could at least better understand one thing Olivier had repeatedly insisted. Itwasfeeling less ad less like a coincidence that Aisyahhappenedto appear when she did. Slowly but surely, Riza was better understanding what the elder Armstrong sibling meant.
And now that she was noticing so many similarities between herself and other people,thosewere feeling less and less random. Some unseen deity seemed to have an interesting sense of humor ... or something. Whatever it was, that would likely be revealed over time.
"Well, young when we fell for one another ... no. In that regard, you're correct. But I most definitely did used to be seventeen at one point in time, and I'm sure you used to be twenty. True though; by those ages, we weren't having such feelings for one another." When she heard Roy ask about if her guns had any fake ammo still in them, Riza quickly nodded, "Mhm. I do still have my blanks, dear. I didn't change them to normal bullets, in fact."
It thus now came down to waiting and seeing if she would even need to take a shot at Markos or not.
But just in case, Riza quietly pulled one of her pistols out, already keeping it held and at the ready. From what she'd seen of Markos's temper and mannerisms, that would honestly depend on how this match continued to go. If Scar kept his advantage, it would be a very likely, strong 'yes'; likely accompanied with quite a few explatives.
Aisyah could feel tears of pain and anger beginning to fill her eyes. Her head rapidly shook from side to side as she blinked them away. This match wasnotover! She wouldn't dare let them fall! And if she'd needed anymore incentive, it arrived as Markos hurried close to the stage. "DON'T YOU DARE! YOU STAY OUT OF THIS! I'M NOT DONE YET!"
Her fists clenched tightly as Aisyah's body shuddered. The words were obvious in whom they were truly directed at. And Scar would easily realize that. Aisyah's eyes, however, stayed locked onto her opponent. Watching him, carefully observing his movements in hopes of being able to get some read as to what he'd do.
Well, fuck ...
With Aisyah resorting to feigning some moves, she honestly should have expected the same tactic to be used against her. But it hadn't even crossed her brain; not until it didn't matter and Scar's hand was wrapped around her throat.
He's ... not really going to kill me .... he can't!
Of course, with how she looked in the arena, it was easy to assume she could have been wrong. The very real fear and possibility of her life legitimately being in danger made Aisyah's instincts kick in. She swung her legs furiously, trying her damnedest to reach Scar's weak spot. Meanwhile, her right hand tried to slide between Scar's flesh, hoping to keep some oxygen flowing to her lungs. Even if he did spare her, it'd be easy enough for him to try choking her out, which was partly what Aisyah assumed was happening.
Whether she was happy to be proven or not was uncertain.
"AGHHHH!!"
Her entire body trembled and ached. She'd be damn lucky to walk out of this without further breaking anything else. Aisyah felt almost certain a few things had popped ... though why or what from was beyond her. Her eyes slowly closed as she gasped, panted, and coughed quickly. Desperately even. For a few seconds, Scar's advice about staying down sounded really fucking good.
Idiot! she screamed at herself, hastily re-opening her blue orbs and glaring furiously at Scar.
"Never! Not ... giving ... up!"
It wasn't simply dreading failing her exam that was keeping her so headstrong and determined. She did want to prove herself. If Aisyah chose to heed Scar's 'advice', then she may as well kill her pride, her motivations, her years of training. Andthatwas something she couldn't afford risking going through with.
"URRRRGH!"
Pulling her right leg back, she swung it hard against Scar's side. But even when the attack collided, she didn't immediately stop. She kicked him again ... and again .... and kept assaulting him. When Aisyah's leg felt too tired to continue, she would switch to her arm, repeatedly punching the already wounded area.
If she absolutely had to lose, fine.
But she was hellbent on taking Scar with her.
gpt
Markos
Markos actually took a step back when Aisyah screamed for him not to interfere. He wanted too, when she was hoisted into the air he actually was gripping the side of the arena hard enough that the wood felt like it was going to break his knuckles going white as he watched Aisyah get thrown to the ground.
this match felt rigged. It felt so wrong that Aisyah his best friend his closest ally and confidant would be put into this twisting situation, and to see her fight on without any aid was gross. Damn it girl why didn't you take a knife or something! Looking to the weapons she had chosen not to take it was a sad reminder that at the end of the night no matter what happened to Aisyah she had chosen this fight for herself and nothing he could do would convince her otherwise.
Even if this was a really dumb fight. For the crowd they had gone from the curiosity of watching an event, to the roarus crowd that you would find at any boxing match, to the general audience being quit, sure there were the few people who still saw this as some sort of sporting event, but most had come here to see alchemists at their peek. For Markos it made him feel incredibly powerless. Though he knew he had put Aisyah through the same rings when he had been in his match. He gripped the side.
"I'm just here for the clean up, and to make sure you don't go breaking yourself!"
Sometimes Riza Scared Roy, if just a little. When she drew the gun without much of a question, and the look in her eye told him that she would get great satisfaction out of shooting him. Heck he was half tempted to allow his wife just to shoot him anyway, but also didn't want to distract the fighters.
"I take it you are going to have a lot of fun with these two in boot camp then? Considering you are helping me train them." He had to wonder if that was a smart idea, a general getting so involved with training them. They were special sure, but it could be seen as fair treatment.
Scar was taken aback by the renewed vigor in Aisyah. He thought for sure that his last blow had finished it, and yet she got back onto her feet refused medical help again, and then she started to fight striking him in the worst spot, he couldn't get his guard up for her first kick or even the second, as each time she impacted his old wound it drove the breath from his lungs.
He staggered back loosing ground as she attacked his side, her fists driving home blows that while they held less punch than his own would have, were still powerful strikes aimed with precision. At the same time he couldn't seem to get his hands on her. All of his strikes went wide and each time he tried to attack he stumbled or was put back with another blow.
Gearing his arm back he maid for one more power shot, a strait arm, but was halted and knocked off to the side by one of her kicks. A blow so accurately aimed, that it actually knocked him off his feet. He rolled along the ground for a moment before coming up and facing her, but now both sides were getting tired and worn out.
human
Aisyah
As if she literally were a hawk, Riza's eyes narrowed as she zoned right in on Markos. The gun was kept atop her lap, but held firmly in her right hand for now. There was no immediate need to intervene. And, assuming his declaration about merely being down there to aid the medical team was true, then - hopefully - she wouldn't need to pull back on the trigger. Still, she kept her eyes locked onto the young adult, waiting to see what she may or may not need to do.
Her ears, meanwhile,were listening toeverything. Including her husband. And his words most definitely made her chuckle softly. "Hmmm? Me help out? That's an interesting thought. You don't usually want assistance with tasks only you were originally assigned to. But I suppose I could give you some aid, if you'll really need it."
Nonetheless, Riza's head moved up and down, giving her husband an affirmative nod.
"Well ... it's clear who's paired up to help which individual then, isn't it? I can't do alchemy, so it'd be mostly pointless for me to train Markos. Unless ... actually. Maybe that may not be true. Aisyahwillneed to see the risks and rewards of alchemists, especially should she face a foe that uses it. Let's not kid ourselves; more people use it than don't. She's one of the five or so percent who has proven she can hold her own in the more archaic and traditional ways. So .... perhaps you should train Aisyah while I deal with Markos? Got a preference?"
Her head didn't fully turn, but Riza most definitely did look at her husband with peripheral vision. A very curious and amused glint could easily be detected in both her eyes and smirk. It was true that originally, she hadn't thought she would be helping out with this.
But now, she was glad. This was already going to be very interesting regardless of how her husband responded. Riza could already sense that much to be true.
What's wrong with my body?!
Aisyah had been trying to take advantage of Scar breathing heavily and clearly not expecting her to get back up to her advantage. To be somewhat honest, though, a lot of Aisyah was amazed at what she was doing. Even she had expected herself to give up. She was so fucking sore, and steadily becoming exhausted. It only got worse each time she missed with an attack.
No doubt adrenaline rush was helping her keep moving, as was her own sense of pride.
But how much longer would that last?
Every time she feared the response would be something along the lines of 'not much longer', she threw another punch or kick at Scar, growling as they continued to miss.
NO! Not yet! Fuck, shit! I ... don't .... want to be told no just because an old wound got re-opened!
At the same time, even she could feel her left arm was approaching Scar at a much slower pace than compared to when the fight had started. Even if it wasn't broken somehow, it was definitely fucked up in its own form and fashion. In fact, that was probably true for any part of her body Scar had hurt somehow.
There!
When Scar rolled and lost his balance completely, Aisyah ran forward. Surely she could get him while he was prone. Practically helpless, right?
Apparently not, as her own balance faltered. Nothing twisted or rolled, but her body was so sore that Aisyah's legs caved in. The adrenaline was beginning to die down and she was feeling more and more tempted to close her eyes and take a very long nap.
The only thing keeping her from going through with that was the equally fatigued man beside her.
Aisyah trembled, trying to make the adrenaline rush stay - possibly re-start even - as she shakily tried to scoot away from him, not wanting to be in his range so Scar could easily grab her.
gpt
Markos
"Well it was your suggestion to put them under my training in the first place." Roy looked at Riza with a smile, enjoying the fact that she had taken his advice and was still training her gun on Markos who was pretty much oblivious just watching the fight as things went on.
Aisyah was probably one of the best martial artists he had seen in years. even though she could have gone down several times now, she had in fact stayed up, and was running Scar ragged something that not even state alchemists had done, even though he wasn't exactly in his prime anymore he had to give her credit where it was due.
"The boy uses plants, and has already given his opinion on my alchemy. He would refuse to learn anything from me, and the only thing I would get from him is target practice. On the other hand Aisyah's mind is more open, she's agile on her feet, and could stand to learn how to fight someone with a range that she can't compete with. I think it makes sense to divide and conquer."
"That's not to say Markos won't give you some problems. He's not a one trick alchemist like most of the old wave of state alchemists. People like me or Kimblee who do one thing very well. Training Markos will be about teaching him how to react, forcing him into situations where he can't have the same prep time, and forcing him to think outside of his green thumb. It's a task right up your alleyway, if you don't mind getting strung up again. After all he's already made it to state alchemist, he's now a rare 10% of the craft, the paper iq test state alchemists are given, along with the samples from his 'garden' that he submitted with his application all mark him as a master of the craft."
Roy shook his head a faint smile as he looked the two profiles over in his mind. "He doesn't need to learn alchemy, he needs to learn how to deal with the rest of his life. Twenty years old and he's lived in a library for most of that time. No social skills, He probably can't cook, and he's never even fired his service pistol. Basically he's an idiot savant, and he's going to test your patience."
Scar was starting to feel sore in his bones. He could see Aisyah becoming clumsy in her motions, some part of him did worry that it was perhapse a side effect of blood loss, but as neither of them were hitting each other at the moment he also knew that this was running to it's close.
As the two of them were loosing energy and blood, as well as feeling the onsets of battle exuastion. It was clear that here and now that this needed to end. The fact that they were also both on the ground was tiring him out, the needs of sleep calling to him saying that even this fighting matt would do just fine.
As she scooted away he got to his feet, letting her do the same. Neither fighter had the energy left to go further so this was going to end it, and he would give her the dignity of going out on her feet.
Braced, haggered, but ready he charged in. Going for the high rode, and leaving himself open as Brought down the full force of a haymaker against her bleeding and weak side the strike he was sure going to knock the last bit of resistance from her.
Only to feel in those last few seconds something stab hard against his own side, his body staggering for a moment as his vision went black. Falling to the ground needing rest.
The battlefield fell silent and Markos watched as both competitors went down. Neither one of them rising from the ground. He waited with tense bated breath as the fight was called, and once it was well and officially over he and the rest of the medical team was on the field.
He looked over Aisyah's body, quickly placing a hand on the field a blue calming light forming over the ground to make an alchestry symbol rather than a transmutation circle. closing the wound with alchemy to prevent any further bleeding.
He sniffled, part of him wanted to beat Aisyah into further unconsciousness for worrying him. The other part of him felt proud of her for taking down someone in such a way. Then there was the rest of him that was just exhausted with all of this, and wanted to go back to his apartment crawl into his bed and sleep for five years.
human
Aisyah & Riza Hawkeye
Riza shrugged as her husband reminded her of what Markos thought of him. "Unfortunately, he will have to learn that won't often matter. Opinions on people won't, anyway. For things like battle? Probably. More likely than not. But ... point made. It probably is wiser to make this easier on us instead of more difficult."
Of course, there likely would be some challenges already. After all, she was agreeing to train the man she'd had to lie to about who arranged Aisyah's fight. It'd be a miracle if after this, Markos wouldn't try to take any frustations out on her.
Not to say Riza was scared. Especially knowing her husband would be nearby. It helped decrease any chances of the boy being able to pull off any overly lethal or deadly moves against her should the pocket watch itself fail. These were all just very nice, reassuring precautions she was taking note of more than anything.
" ... Wait a minute ... "
Slowly, people began to stand up. Shocked gasps ad whispers echoed around the stadium. Riza grimaced, hating that her view had now effectively been blocked. When she got up and stood on her two feet, though, her mouth couldn't help but fall agape.
" ... Holy crap. Are they ... both .... ??"
Her question would be answered as the match was declared over due to the two competitors knocking one another out.
"Heh. Well, well. I'll be damned. I don't thinkanyonehas done that to Scar ever before. Even Bradley didn't get him that badly, lest I'm mistaken. Looks like you'll have a very interesting pupil to take up, my love."
"Hah ... hah .... "
Aisyah trembled, wincing as she forced her muscles to move. Everything was screaming, internally begging for it all to end. She wasexhausted. As someone who had been trained by numerous monks and fighters in the Xerxes Ruins, it was borderline impossible to get Aisyah to this type of state, let alone so quickly.
Lo and behold, Scar had done it. That ... spoke volumes. The man was amazing and probably more competent than anyone else she'd met or been taught by.
The thought was intimidating, more so as she pondered on it for a few moments.
Not now ... she reminded herself, weakly shaking her head from side to side before lifting it. After adjusting her sight and making sure she was only seeing one Scar as opposed to two, Aisyah ran forward, throwing her right leg as hard as she could at the exposed injury.
"Ahh!"
Her body shuddered as the shoulder was smacked once more. Somehow, even harder than the other times. The man was as worn out as she ... yet Scar had put as much strength into the hit as she had.
"Son of a ... "
That was as far as she got. Before the last of her consciousness disappeared, however, she heard what Aisyah was almost positive to be Scar's body plop to the ground. That made a satisfied smirk weakly spread over her face.
She'd won then ... hadn't she? Hopefully that was the case.
"Ngh ... "
It would be hours before Aisyah regained consciousness. The familiar white background implied she was back in a hospital room, though ... was it really the exact same location as before?
"No," she simply heard beside her.
Aisyah wearily turned her head and found Riza sitting beside her, flashing quite the proud grin at the young teenager.
"You're inside Central's base. This isn't the hospital you were first taken to. Right now, you're practically an open book to anyone nearby. With that being said and done, congratulations. You more than earned your spot as one of our soldiers. Very well deserved. As you can assume, I have both good and bad news for you. What do you want first?"
Aisyah frowned, feeling what brief moments of relief had been swimmiing through her vanish as quickly as it appeared. "Hmm. Bad, I suppose."
"Alright. Because of the constant assault on your shoulder, it did get fractured. The good news is it was closed. So it didn't pierce through your skin or sever any muscles, tendons, or ligaments. Still, do try to take it easy. I doubt you want that shoulder permanently ruined."
"N-no. Definitely not."
Aisyah owered her head, now looking at the shoulder. It at least didn't look nearly as bad as part of her had expected ... then again, like Riza had relayed, closed versus open was probably a huge difference.
You're not the doctor, though. Markos is, she reminded herself, her eyes widening slightly as she quickly sat up. "Is he around? Oh god, he's pissed at me, isn't he?"
Riza merely chuckled softly. "Actually ... he's probably more furious at me than you. That match ... was my doing. My arranging. And it seems it was the right move to make. You did really well against someone who could use the more typical fighting moves plus alchemy. It was more surprising he didn't resort to alchemy, I think."
Aisyah felt her heart stop. Prior to Riza dropping that hint to her, sheneverwould have guessed the same man she'd fought wasthatdeadly. Strong, obviously. But hearing he could do both melee fighting and alchemy? That was absolutely terrifying.
"Pardon me, miss, but holy fuck. How do you find people like that?"
Riza grinned, merely standing up. "The entire story is too long to relay. What I can hint, however, is ironically enough, Scar found us. Not vice versa. Anyway ... when you're dismissed, you will be awarded the title of Captain. Further details of your boot camp will be given later. For now ... you and Mr. Fischer have earned a very well-earned moments of reprieve. As such, I' going to let him know you've finally woken up."
Aisyah would find, when following Riza's movements, she wouldn't need to wait that long. Plopped in a nearby chair was the sleeping form of her childhood friend.
Slowly, Riza lowered a gloved hand and lightly moved one of Markos's shoulders. "She's up," the blonde would simply state before saluting the two newcomers and exiting the from, leaving them to their own devices.
gpt
Markos & Roy Mustang
On the one hand, Roy was pretty sure that Scar was holding back considering that he had never once used alchemy. There was a moment where he had been holding the girls neck where even just a few years ago it would have been over for her. That said in the here and now she had held her own better than any single person had before her.
As the medical team arrived to take them away he looked over the three people in the ring. Markos, Aisyah and Scar, the three ishballin's turned military men. If there was any chance of fixing the east, or any other problem that came to this country it would take the lot of them to figure it out successfully.
It was a lot to ask of them, but something told him that they would be fine in the long run. When Riza spoke to him Roy nodded. "I admit I have high hopes for those two, please try not to kill your new student."
He paused for a moment when she called him his love in public, a soft blush running across his face. "Please Riza, your embarrassing me. Not out in the open like this."
Markos woke when he felt a hand shake him. Looking up to see Riza, he grunted in afermation as he rubbed his face for a moment trying to shake off having slept in a chair, again.
Getting to his feet he dusted himself off. "Thank you Colonel." He got to his feet shaking himself and stretching completely, taking deep breaths of air as he walked up to Aisyah's bed. As his eyes were more awake slowly with each passing second they seemed to glow for a moment, as he had to stiffle a breath.
Standing at the side of her bed, he honestly didn't know what to say. He looked at her for a moment half way between absolutely livid, and completely terrified.
"I closed your wounds, and assisted with putting everything back into place. You were pretty roughed up, and I had to use Alchehestry to do the initial closing. You won't find any stitching this time, nothing that can pop loose or break back open, but the method i used wasn't a complete fix you will have a lasting scar, and your arm will take a few days to return to full strength as the newly grown muscle needs time sit and patch together."
He gave her the facts his voice not trembling as he looked at her. He kept replaying a conversation the two of them had, as long as she wasn't being forced to participate in alchemy she could live with it. She just had her wounds closed with alchemy, she probably hated him for that.
"I'm sorry, it was the only thing I could think of. You... scared me!" He sniffled and brushed a hand along his eyes. "Why? It's been less than a week and we are already back in the hospital. I just got you back in my life, and already I had to patch you back together."
"If you died if something ever happens to you... I would force you back! I don't care what I'd have to do, you're far to precious for me to loose do you understand that? I should put you behind a desk for the rest of your life captain, I could do it you know. I outrank you now, i could just order you into a desk job and keep you safe... But you'd resent me for it... I'm just... I can't... If that wound had been any worse I'd have had to use alchemy... to sacrifice some portion of myself to patch you up. Do you understand? I'm ordering you to be safe for me."
human
Aisyah & Riza Hawkeye
As Riza entered the halls, she raised a gloved hand in front of her mouth, muffling a very worn out yawn. Naturally, quite a bit of paperwork had needed to be filed away. Even though it hadn't actually been her decision to pit Aisyah versus Scar, she was still going along with that lie. And so, that meant she had toactlike she was going to take the responsibility. Thus, she had spent most of the time Aisyah had been unconscious dealing with the 'busy work', as Roy tended to love calling it. It was one of those unfortunate but very essential evils in her line of work.
"Ngh ... glad that's over with," she muttered, conversing more with herself than anyone.
Riza would be a few paces away from entering Roy's office before her eyes caught Sheska. "Ahh, good! Could you turn this in, please?"
In her hands, Riza had been holding all of the documentation explaining why Aisyah was in such bad shape, what had happened, and so on. Would you please go turn this in to the Fuhrer or the next highest person?"
As Sheska grabbed the parchment and thumb swiftly through it, her head tilted slightly. Thinking she hadn't heard her or something, Riza opened her mouth and began to repeat herself, only to be interrupted by the smaller female. "Miss? This was already turned in though. About twenty minutes ago, to be precise."
" ... I see. Do you know whom gave those over by chance?"
After seeing Sheska move her head from side to side, a knot tightened in Riza's midsection. "Hmmm. Very well. I guess ... I'll keep those for my reference. I'll find somewhere else to put them away. Forgive the interruption then."
After saluting one another, the two parted ways, with Riza looking very concerned and worried. It seemed whatever was going on wasn't simply a paranoid thought. No, there was a real, legitimate concern. Something was going on in Central that neither she nor Roy knew about. Riza had officially all but confirmed it for herself with the latest talk between her and Sheska. In all honesty though, she didn't want to bring those topics up just yet.
Upon finding herself in front of Roy's door, she knocked three times before entering, tossing the papers swiftly away. "I was given the wrong ones. They were already turned in, apparently. Now then ... we're done for tonight I'd say, don't you agree? Let's go home, shall we?"
In and out ... in and out. Aisyah continued taking deep breaths through her nostrils, trying to keep a more calm and collected attitude. Even though it had been years since she saw Markos, she was terrified. It was pretty dumb, really. But on one hand ... maybe it wasn't? Thathadbeen why she asked Riza if he was angry at her or not, after all. And it wasn't that she didn't believe the elder Amestrian. It was more like ... she was hesitant to easily believe Markos wasn't at all furious with her.
Few, if any people, wouldn't be experiencingsomedegree of distress.
But ... that wasn't the same as outright rage. So she'd be alright.
Right?
"Markos, ummm ... "
"You... scared me!"
If Aisyah did note or hear that alchemy had been used on her, she wasn't caring enough to scold or bitch him out. Her heart sank as she lowered her head, feeling unworthy of being able to look at him. "I'm sorry. I ... that was definitely not my intention. Nowhere near it. But at the same time .... " Slowly, Aisyah lifted her head, looking back at Markos with a now determined and resolved look in her eyes. "Surely though, you did know this wouldn't be any easier than if I were attempting to become an alchemist, right? It's just as risky as your own occupation, if not a tad more. And so ... "
She paused, allowing him to finish his rant before speaking up once more.
"I'm glad you think so highly of me. But I refuse to acknowledge or agree to things like an unholy revival. You wouldn't even bring the realmeback; or so that's what I've been told. Either way, no. If you want to use alchemy for wounds ... alright. If that was really what had to be done, I'll understand. But to go against the will of our faith and defy Death itself?"
Aisyah's head moved from side to side.
"I forbid it. Somehow, I'll find a way to remove whatever you put on me without having to resort to using alchemy myself. There are ways to undoeverything, no matter how impossible it may seem. The main point, Markos, is I came to Central knowing and realizing the risks that would await me as a soldier. I now better comprehend them. That being said, you're right. Not only would I resent you, I don't think any higher-ups would allow me to stay behind a desk."
It was easy to detect that 'any higher-ups' immediately referred to people like Riza, the Armstrongs, or Roy. But really, the point was what mattered, as well as factoring in every other name the two didn't know about.
"I .... can't promise to be completely safe for you. That's not really what soldiers do. We fight. We protect what we're asked to guard, and we do it with almost no questions asked. So if that means giving my life for anyone here, including you ... "
A weak grin spread over her face.
"I'll do it, Markos. In a heartbeat. The best I can promise is I'lltryto stay safe for you. But I can't make any guarantees, even if a part of me wants to. I'm sorry."
gpt
Markos & Roy Mustang
Roy was half asleep at his desk when he heard the knocks he had just enough time to brush his eyes and pretend to be working on some paperwork when Riza entered the room.
When she said that someone else had handed in the paperwork for Aisyah it was more than a little worrying. It meant that someone else had their eyes on the new pair. He stood up and looked out at his wife. He shook his head in answer to the question that she didn't ask.
"It wasn't me."
If it wasn't either of them that left one of the other four generals, and Olivier was back in Briggs by now. Either way this was starting to get worrying. For now he just walked towards Riza, offering her a gloved hand. It was the end of the night, they were off duty, he could be a little more affectionate now.
"We will figure that mystery out at another point, for now I agree lets go home." He was all too happy to walk beside her instead of always having her behind him.
Of course he knew that they were going to be in danger most of the time. They were in the military now. If given an order both of them would have to obey it, and that also meant there was always a chance that either of them would end up dead in the long run, and saying that he could bring her back while sincere and honest was probably disturbing in it's approach. "Okay you're right going against the universe it's self would be pretty stupid on my part. I just..." He did however loose his tongue after a moment.
"Could you stop that?" He said giving another shake of his head. "How many times do I have to remind you that it's not my culture. I was raised by the state, not by Ishball, sure I have the skin and eye color, but I've never followed the religion. That would be like me saying that our culture is one fully dedicated to science. It's not your path, so please start respecting that Ishball has never been part of my path."
He could accept her belief in god, he just wished she would respect that he didn't have any such belief.
He sniffled for a moment, trying not to cry as he looked at her. "You will need to avoid any heavy lifting for a few days, no additional strain on your arm. Aside from that as long as you are near an attending physician I've already cleared your release from this place."
He shook his head, there was more he wanted to say of course. Part of him thought that he should try to confess his feelings, but at the same time that moment seemed lost after. He sighed and shook his head. She had agreed at least agreed to be safe. He let out a sigh.
"We should go." He said averting his eyes and turning his back so that she could get out of the hospital bed, he had brought some fresh clothing for her to change into, but her original outfit had been completely ruined, and she was now just in a hospital gown.
human
Aisyah & Riza Hawkeye
In all honesty, Riza hadn't originally intended to ask Roy if he had been the one to turn the papers in. Yet when he seemed to read the small yet very curious part of her mind which was dwelling on the thoughtandgive the answer she mostly expected, a slight frown crossed her face. "Hmmmm," she mused, gently tapping her fingers on top of her sleeve. "That's ... disturbing. Someone has managed to get and stay at least three to ten paces ahead of us, maybe even more. There are almost no people with the authority and ability to go over our heads. Despite this, we don't really have any definite leads. Very nerve-wracking indeed."
Riza let out a weary sigh, quietly trying to figure out if she could make any sense of what was going on.
Alas, no such luck.
"Well ... for now, they've got us beat, I suppose. I don't like admitting it. But it'd be worse for us to just point fingers at random people. So ... let's go home, shall we?"
While it could be argued Riza wasn't in her prime as a soldier much anymore, there were other tasks she was definitely still more than capable of. The ones she made no effort of hiding via the cheerful tone in her voice and slight glint in her eyes, however, implied they needed to be home, not at work, to go through with those.
Unless he felt like being really bold.
But she doubted it, and truthfully, Riza wouldn't blame Roy. Beds were always better surfaces to use than desks or tables, especially more so for certain mature activities. Roy would easily notice as they began leaving the building there was definitely more energy than usual in Riza's steps. If he onlythoughtshe was ready and eager to get home, heknewnow how she felt.
" ... I see. So that's really how you feel, huh?"
The snap from Markos when he insisted he didn't care to follow the faith and religion of her kin wasn't really something Aisyah had expected. And honestly? It kinda stung.
Was this what alchemy did to everyone? Made people who used to walk down the more typical and mostly correct paths stray?
If it weren't for the fact Markos had been hesitant to follow their culture back when they first met, Aisyah would feel that would have otherwise been the case. "Alright," she added, bowing her head slightly, "I understand. I'm sorry. I'll drop the matter then. On the flip side though,youdon't have to be so snippy with me. I don't really appreciate it."
Her head plopped down against the pillow. Slow, steady breaths were taken as Aisyah listened carefully to her recovery instructions. It was nothing new nor unexpected. Rest. Take it easy. Don't do any overly heavy lifting for a certain amount of time. All that good jazz.
"That's fine. I didn't intend to carry anything too heavy anyway. At worst, groceries or anything else I may need to buy. But ... nothing worse than that. Agreed. I'm ready to head back."
While Markos turned around, Aisyah took the opportunity to better examine herself. Amazingly, there was no sling like she'd half-expected. Her shoulder was tightly wrapped. A gentle roll of the joint hinted underneath were a new set of stitches.
Hopefully these are sturdier, she thought, pulling the gown off and changing into the new outfit Markos had brought over.
" .... I know we've both had our respective bitchy moments. But ... I do appreciate all the more positive times we've had, despite being together for a brief period. So thanks for sticking with me and everything. I'm not asking you to like the fact I'm going to be putting myself in danger a lot. But ... do respect that I chose this career, just as I've been doing so for you to become an alchemist. Alright?"
Flashing a small, tired smile, Aisyah raised her hand, muffling an equally worn out yawn.
"Home. Yeah ... that sounds great about now. Let's go."
gpt
Markos & Roy Mustang
Mustang couldn't read minds, but the way Riza was walking told him plenty, and he was more than happy to keep pace with her. If they were anxious to get home it was because they wanted to have a chance to be alone. Something that had become rare in the passing years.
Walking up to the house, most people would have considered this place elaborate in some way. Generals got a part of state land, and Roy certainly hadn't turned down the offer of the estate, even if they only used a hand full of rooms in it. It was a quiet place.
Walking into the main foyer of the house, he turned and grabbed Riza as soon as they were inside. Puling her into a warm enticing embrace as he kissed her passionately. His tongue flicking against hers. Tasting her lips as his hands hungerly pulled at her jacket and then at his own. Tossing things like his boots to the far end of the hall, and honestly he doubted he would even get much further than that. Beds were great, but the floor?
That was often the best.
Markos sighed why was it always like that? they got into a stressful situation and then they snipped at each other. He hadn't meant to sound that aggressive about it, but this was a touchy subject for the two of them.
In truth he wasn't religious, an all knowing all loving god wouldn't allow for war orphans to exist. Bradly himself had called for God to strike him down, during the civil war and yet it had been the hands of mortals that had killed Bradly.
All was one, and one was all. There were no chosen ones, or fated extremes, no grand destinies you get one life to do with the most you can, and out of his life all he really wanted was to help others. He could agree with Aisyah on that. Speaking of which despite wanting to turn around and see Aisyah's body as she changed from her gown to actual clothing. Markos never so much as peeked behind him, being the honest gentleman.
"Aisyah," He started but paused if she didn't understand why he wanted to keep her safe. Then really there was no point in saying it out loud. No she would have to make the first move on that front.
"We both have the military uniform, and if we are lucky then one day we can get to where Roy and Riza are. I'm going to be relying on you to have my back on the field Aisyah."
He returned her smile with one of his own moving a little closer to her. She had still lost a lot of blood today, and he didn't know how strong her legs were after all of that.
"You have my fullest confidence, but a friend is still allowed to worry about your safety. I've never looked down at your choice I wouldn't be wearing this uniform if I didn't agree with you after all." He walked beside her, but was unsure what to do. Part of him wanted to take her hand.
But in the end the walk home fell into an uneasy silence, by the time he had opened the door to the apartment they were sharing he was just as exhausted as she was, but as he flicked on the lights something was very wrong.
For one he hadn't had to use his key, and the doors lock had clearly been forced, secondly the main living room had been ripped apart. With the sofa having been cut into, and diliberately searched.
Markos opened his bedroom door, immediately to find his books scattered pages upon pages of journals had been ripped apart and then thrown along the room. The circles he had been working on and using the chalk wall had been tampered with and erased.
In his panic however had failed to notice the most crucial part of all of this. The smell, and heat. The noise comin from his green lab. Black smoke bellowed from behind the door, and the doorknob would be too hot to touch. The apartment was full of smoke, but it didn't matter.
None of it mattered. His life's work was gone.
human
Aisyah & Riza Hawkeye
A very small amount of other soldiers - no doubt jealous of her marital status - had tried to accuse Riza years ago of being a gold digger. She had only fallen in love with Roy because he was a high-ranking soldier. For that matter, he was, even to this day, one of Central's best alchemists. For her, though, those were all bonuses. He could have been lower in rank and she would have still fallen in love. He had proven time and time again his heart was in the very right place, with her and the other soldiers, alchemists or not.
Especially when he watched her bleed out ... she had seen it. Not perfectly given her own vision almost faded out. But she could never fully erase the fear that had entered his eyes that fateful day. He was legitimately scared. Forherand the others that were with them. Not himself. No, he was last on his list of priorities that evening. That was why he lied about committing the ultimate taboo.
Of course, it didn't matter. In the end, he was forced to open the gate. For at least a few days, he stayed blind, the condition being reversed once he received a Philosopher's Stone.
Most other people Riza knew would have crumbled. Allowed the despair and forced condition to drive them mad. But not Roy. He stayed strong, continued to fight until Bradley and all the remaining Homunculi were dead. Granted, he needed her help in aiming his shots. But if he could swallow enough pride to do that much rather than give up, that earned more than enough respect for Riza.
"Mmmm!"
The kiss yanked Riza away from the grim thoughts. Her arms happily rose, lightly wrapping around Roy's neck as she leaned into the kiss. Her mouth opened, giving him easier access. Riza's own tongue trailed over Roy's caressing and dancing with the other muscle as she deeply french kissed her husband. While her other half began working on disrobing their upper bodies, Hawkeye took the lower. She first slid out of her boots. One hand remained lightly pressed on the nape of Roy's neck.
Meanwhile, her right moved down, undoing first her own zipper and button. No effort was made to keep the pants from falling, revealing a red, silk pair of panties. Rather than moving her lingerie aside, though, she opted to move her hand across, resting it on her spouse's crotch. After teasing his clothed cock with a few gentle touches, her hand carefully worked on lowering his button and zipper, beginning to expose the very thing she desperately wanted.
Where did she desire it the most?
Everywhere, to be completely honest. This was an evening they were long overdue for. And if they were about to become Markos and Aisyah's direct supervisors soon for boot camp, it would be all the more reason to savor tonight. There were no guarantees about when they'd have another moment like this. Honestly, chances were it wouldn't be for at least a month, if not longer. Evenmoreincentive to focus on nothing but the only man she dreamed of being with every second of her life.
"Hm?" Her head tilted as Markos called her name out. When he hesitated, an eyebrow raised. Had he forgotten? Not likely ... but maybe. Her instincts, however, originally jumped to something was on his mind. But then ... was that why he was about to speak to her? To voice whatever concern or thoughts he had? ... It sounded like that was a good enough assumption. Of course, she didn't know what he wastrulythinking, which made the half-lie he chose to say that much more realistic and believable.
"Onlylucky?" she teased, chuckling softly. "I hope we'll have more than that. We both showed skill in our respective fortes, after all, during our exams. We'll need a lot more of that as well as luck to get where Roy and Riza are. Still ... it does seem possible. So maybe we will. Until then ... eh?!"
Her cheeks flushed as Markos hinted she would trust her judgement for more battle-oriented tasks.
"W-Well ... alright. I'm flattered you think that highly of me and all, just .... I don't think you'd be horrible. If, like, you had to listen to your own instincts or something. We may not always be together, you know? We may be separated, be it because of orders or ... other circumstances. No matter what, we'll need to be ready and able to adapt. That's all I'm trying to say. Hopefully it made enough sense." When he added his own part about being able to still worry about her as a comrade, Aisyah nodded. "Well, yeah. Naturally. That makes sense. I just --- "
The short walk suddenly turned into a nightmare as they arrived at what used to be Markos' place, but now appeared to be turned into a crime scene. One of arson, from what she could discern, as hinted by the smoke.
"Oh god. Markos ... "
Her less hurt hand raised, covering her mouth; partly from the sight of how his place now looked and thus out of reaction, and also to keep herself from inhaling too much smoke. Slowly, Aisyah walked inside, following him into the apartment. As he began checking his room, she started investigating the living room. What she was doing? Even Aisyah wasn't exactly sure, to be honest. She just knew it felt stupid to stand in the doorway wearing a clueless expression.
"What ... I mean. It seems like ... did someone steal something? That's what it looks like."
As she spoke, she removed her hand to help ensure her friend could help her. After finding her voice and finishing the question, her hand re-covered her mouth, preventing too much smoke from infiltrating her circulatory system.
gpt
Markos & Roy Mustang
Mustang let out a soft moan as he felt Riza caress his clothed cock before trying to get at him with as much vigor as she could put out. his pants easily surrendering to her hands and being kicked off as Roy made an attempt to step out of them.
The kisses between Roy and Riza didn't break as he kissed down her neck. His hands moving to her Jacket, pulling the zipper down and practically ripping it off her shoulders as he tossed the decorated uniform jacket onto the ground where it belonged.
One may have assumed that he would then go to take off his jacket, but instead Roy broke the kiss, so he could lift off Riza's shirt.
He had always been kind of mesmerized by her body. When he had first seen the tattoo along her back it had been a comical start of a relationship. With he covering her front half with a towel while he took notes of the alchemy written out on her back. It had always been strange that her father had chosen to tattoo her with information that she had never fully understood. Or that he had trained him over his own daughter.
Back then he had never been allowed to see her front half, because no alchemy or writing was present there. Now however his fingers drifted over her stomach as he kissed her neck, tossing her shirt with her jacket and his pants in clusters over by the front door.
He was locked in desire with Riza. His wife could be avaricious at times but he was always ready to please. Tonight may end up being the last night in a while they could do anything as a couple, so he wanted to do as much as possible.
Markos sat choking on the air. having long fallen to his knees, his eyes burning as he looked over his collection of books. Immediately he could spot the three that were missing.
Unfortunately those three were probably the most important, and going over everything still in his mind he didn't know how he was going to replace all of this. This was everything he had ever worked on, and now it was gone. It was painful to look at, both because the smoke was burning his eyes, and because he didn't know what someone else could do with his research.
When he felt a hand on his shoulder he looked to see Aisyah, and for a moment he wanted to just tell her to leave, before remembering that he was standing in his appartment as it burned to the ground. It wasn't exactly the best idea for him to stick around right now.
"My research, my work... it's all gone. Someone took my journals."
He like every alchemist had encoded them, but it wouldn't take long for someone with the knowledge of alchemy to break down his encryptions. They had clearly known what they were looking for considering he had labeled his books as volumes of old fairy tales, no one should have known what too look for, and yet they were the only three books missing among his collection.
Taking a hand full of stuff he knew he could save, he held out a hand asking for Aisyah to help him to his feet. Still shaking he managed to move with her out of the apartment and waking up a neighbor to call the local fire department. Since the area was too dry for him to create water he just had to sit back and watch as the apartment was broken into by fire men, and the blaze that was once his plants was slowly put out.
It took hours, of him and pretty much everyone he lived around till it was cleared for them to go back inside. Once in the house. He looked around. The fire was out but the smell of smoke still lingured, once he was let into his lab was damaged, dark smoke lines and unsafe insolatation was everywhere. His chimara's his plants were were accounted for, but burned alive.
"Don't disturb the soil, some of them were designed to regenerate, if their stem and roots survived the blaze it's possible that they could be hungry, or defensive. I'm gonna have to figure out which ones survived and replant them somewhere else."
Looking around his eyes still burned from the smell. "We should just go to a hotel for the night, I have enough money to put us up somewhere for a night if you don't mind sharing a room."
human
Aisyah & Riza Hawkeye
"Mmmmhhh ... "
Each new kiss and touch from her spouse only made Riza more and more hot. Drenched even in certain areas. It wasn't that she'd never wanted Roy. Far from it. But there was something about this specific night that separated it from most of the other times they'd been together. It held a large amount of significance. Intimacy. It felt very akin to falling in love all over again ... or something like that. And in some regards, that wasn't an unfair guess. Their relationship had been so unorthodox that, honestly, they never really followed the traditional steps. There hadn't really been many - if any - dates. Therehadbeen certain customs heeded, however; a proposal and wedding being two of them.
But this was starting to feel as sacred as all of those things plus more that Riza may or may not be forgetting.
"Hah, hah ... "
Her head lifted in time to see Roy's eyes focused on her breasts. "Ohh? Like what you see, hmm?" Her hand slid down, lightly brushing and massaging his now exposed length and gently stroking the erect muscle. "I ... I'm going to try something. Don't you dare laugh at me."
It was a certain 'something' that in all their years of being together, Riza had never mustered up the courage to try. But if tonight was going to be this special, this memorable ... then why not?
So, she sank to her knees .... and trapped Roy's cock in between her breasts. One hand was used to keep them carefully pressed together, ensuring the shaft stayed in place. Slowly, Riza began moving her chest up and down, panting a bit.
Oh god. I can't believe I'm doing this ...
Her face burned as she kept going. Partly to help from having a nervous break down and partially out of pure desire, Riza opened her mouth and lightly began sucking on the head of Roy's cock, teasing and flicking it slowly with her tongue.
" ... Markos?"
Seeing him sitting so close to the smoke was a rather sad sight. Literally one full of sorrow and pity. He probably wouldn't want it, but ... well. It was difficult to stop certain things, reactions being one of them. The softened eyes of Aisyah gave a bit of a hint as to what she could - and was - feeling and even thinking.
"Come on. It's not smart to stay here and die from asphyxiation or something just as dreadful."
Slowly, Aisyah reached down, lowering a hand and offering it to Markos. Whether he accepted or not, she eventually helped him up to his feet and guided him outside, allowing the firemen to enter without any problems. While the fire was being extinguished, she said nothing ... mainly because whatcouldbe said? Sorry? No, not this time. If this were about something completely different, maybe. But no. His most prized possessions had been stolen.
Theft was something that Aisyah just couldn't relate to, as it had never happened to her before. The fact it was something he had truly loved and cared about? She definitely couldn't begin to guess how he was feeling or even how to comfort him.
"Maybe someone who investigates the arson will find something?" Aisyah finally offered. "I mean, there had to be something left behind; fingerprints, footprints, hints as to how they got your door open. I'm sure a lead will come up ... or at least your journals will be found again."
Sharing a room?
The implications alone made Aisyah blush. Staying in a hotel tended to involve that people did so for more sensual reasons. Still ... he had a point. Staying here would be stupid. Dangerous even.
"No. I don't mind."
As they turned to leave the burned down apartment, she looked right into Markos' eyes, "I'll understand and respect that you don't follow our religion. But at least ... try to hold onto the concept of faith, perhaps? Things will get better. I promise."
A small smile spread on her face as she reached forward and gently took one of Markos' hands into her own. "I would lead ... but I have no idea on where the various buildings are yet. So ... care to guide us?"
gpt
Markos & Roy Mustang
Roy looked at his wife with a desperate curiosity soft moans escaping his lips as he felt her hand stroking his cock. His own hands taking off his jacket as the two of them were now naked, and barely past the front door.
When she sank to her knees he had no idea what to expect, and again her request to not laugh at her was odd. She had sucked on him before, and when she started to lock his cock between her breasts the only words that escaped past his lips were a soft 'oh' sound as set herself to work.
It was rare to see Riza so embarrassed. While he was the goofy one of the two on the outside, here in the privacy of their home he got to see other side of Riza. The more bashful playful side, and the side that got embarassed from pleasing her husband.
The flick of her tongue as pleasureful as it was, didn't really compare to the softness of her breasts against his cock, it was a new feeling, and one he enjoyed. His hand softly going down to rest on Riza's blond hair. "I've been pent up, so I probably won't last long this first round."
He gave both his warning, and his delight, because while he may cum fast at first he had plenty of stamina to spare, and there was always more than one round.
It was hard, to see his entire life scattered around him like this. As far as he could tell the room that had served as his lab had been an inferno and none of his plants had really survived.
He checked around for them still, hoping that in the ashes he could salvage something from his creations. His notes were gone, which meant he would have to recreate most of these from memory. It wasn't impossible he knew the majority of them, and had created multiple.
His lifes work was still in his head, he could salvage all of this, but at the same time there was the pain and paranoia that someone had done this and they could do it again. Leaving for the night was the safest option of course, and he didn't want to stay here. Now that he had access to larger funding he could probably move out.
Walking out of the apartment he took Aisyah's hand and let out a soft sigh. "It's not that I don't have faith in anything."
Though right now it was certianly hard to see that faith, and how it could be rewarded. "I believe in the general goodness of humans. The potential we can achieve in our life time. I have faith that the majority of people in this world are good. I'm not spiritual, but I certainly believe in a cycle of life and renewal."
He waved towards the apartment. "Fire, the great destroyer, or equalizer for instance leaves everything left to ruin, but ashen soil is highly fertile. In a forest fire the forest will actually come back stronger and more resilient. Nothing in this world is every truly lost, it just changes shape... at least that's how i have come to see the world."
human
Aisyah & Riza Hawkeye
The moans were all Riza needed to hear. Almost instantly, relief swept through her. Her muscles visibly relaxed; though not to the point she completely stopped with her ongoing task. Still, it now didn't look as if she were in her more serious mindset, either. Everything work-related had been well thrown out their window and was, at least for now, the last thing on her mind. The main focus at - and in hand - was pleasing her husband. While Riza continued ensuring her husband's shaft stayed in place, she soon found one major downside with this experiment.
It left her unable to even touch herself.
If this had been a more typical oral session, she could have at least done that while also pleasing her lover.
Then again, this wasn't his fault. She honestly should have realized that would be an obstacle much sooner. And at the same time, something told Riza it would be worth the wait. When Roy really wanted to be, he could be a different type of 'wild'. One that no one in Central would have ever assumed or guessed. And, if at all possible, even more 'strict'. Dominant, some could argue. But they were fine. These were the sides of Roy that she had come to know and love, just like how he had found foreign aspects and sides of her.
"Mmm, it's okay, love. I kinda am too, so I figured you would be. But that's why ... mmmh .... we have all night to work on gettingallof our frustrations out."
A coy smirk adorned her lips as she let her words linger, knowing fully well what she had said. He could interpret them any way he wanted. Actually, more than the interpretation, Riza found herself more intrigued. How exactly would Central's only Flame Alchemist go about heeding her words?
The anticipation made her whole body shudder, particularly in between her legs.
She wouldn't wait to feel and find out for herself. Until then, she resumed licking, going even faster and adding more vigor into her movements. When she felt the tell-tale twitches, her mouth opened widely, ready to swallow every drop that Roy gave her.
That's why I said to not yet lose faith, silly.
She hadn't meant to come off as assuming Markos had already given up on humanity as it was. Then again, he was in a delicate state. And while it was a bit hard to put herself in his exact situation, Aisyah found herself able to do so enough. If only because she had something she was just as passionate about. So if shehadto think about returning and finding - somehow - she was unable to put her training to use, then yes. She would be in this devastated state, more likely than not.
Granted, off the top of her head, she couldn't immediately view how that would play out.
But then again, it was likely for the bestnotto dwell on such images. Let alone 'what-if' ones.
So ... her head lifted as she listened to Markos's brief philosophical talk. It was definitely an interesting point of view. And there was only one thing she could have argued about that was ever 'truly lost' but ... decided against it. Not simply because of what Markos returned to, but tonight had been rather eventful as it was.
At least say something! she inwardly scolded herself, flushing slightly as the awkward silence lingered between them.
"I uhh ... I'm sorry. I guess ... talking has become a bit of a weakness since partaking in my training. I'm being a pretty shitty friend by giving you the cold shoulder. But umm ... it may seem really petty - especially after how the past week or so has gone - but I actually am glad we found one another again. It's been crazier and more hectic than I would have ever assumed. But I don't think I'd want it much of any other way."
Flashing Markos a tired but truthful smile, she continued following him to the hotel.
gpt
Markos & Roy Mustang
Roy tried to hold back his voice as Riza played with him. Tried too, but on more than one occasion he failed as he let out small curses utterences of words that he would never really use in public, but here in his own home and with his wife he let down some of the usual norms and professionalism that he was so used too with Military life.
He was so far enthralled with what Riza was doing that looking at her eyes he was lost in the fire of them. As she brushed his cock with her breasts and sucked on it's tip he was feeling more like he was going crazy, and it didn't take long for that familiar heat to rise up along his back, or the twitching of his cock to let out pre-cum.
Of course he could tell that his wife knew what to expect, and was already opening her mouth to accept every drop that he would spill, but at the last moment Roy pulled away from her face, grabbing his cock and giving himself a few strokes so that his climax wouldn't be in his wife's mouth, but rather on the breasts she had been using to milk his cock with.
He watched with complete satisfaction as his cock dripped every last drop of cum onto his wife's beautiful breasts, the majority of it pooling against her cleavage as he expended his cock.
Roy moved not speaking, as his hands went to his wife's hips, his cock expended but still surprisingly hard, and lifted her. He picked Riza up by her hips and gently placed her onto a shelf spreading her legs, and before she could say anything, or before his cock could go down, he brushed the head of his cock against her folds, finding the entrance to her pussy, and taking her in one hard thrust. As he thrust himself inside of her he pressed his lips to hers, glad to not have to taste his own cum on her lips, as his tongue attacked hers with a vigorous flame of passion.
Markos Watched Aisyah for a moment before she spoke she always seemed so lost in her own world, it was a world he couldn't really follow into, but he was happy to walk beside her. When she snapped out of it and appologized he sighed. the truth was he was also kind of out of it. he was tired, more from the draining day than anything else.
He wanted to curl up and sleep, but as she smiled towards him he couldn't help but smile back. Even reaching out and taking her hand in his, holding her gently as the two of them walked.
"I know things are never really gonna be like they were back in the day. You're not the little girl I knew, and I'm not the same shy little boy I used to be." He spoke softly as they walked through the night.
"If I'm going to be honest with you I think that whatever training you did may have hardened you a little too much. It's kind of disturbing to see you so... sullen, I can't really tell if your happy or sad anymore when you are silent. But when you smile... it makes my heart beat a little faster."
He chuckled shaking his head. he could die from the amount of cheese in that sentence. "I'm glad that if I'm gonna work beside anyone it's you, and I'm happy I found you again."
"Oh and, not talking is fine."
human
Aisyah & Riza Hawkeye
"Mmmmhh .... "
Riza's face flushed, turning darker and darker with every curse and sound of pleasure she heard come from her husband. Although it was unorthodox, there was something ... incredibly arousing about knowing she and she alone could make him do things he'd otherwise never let anyone else see and hear. A very odd thing to be proud of, no doubt. But at least it wasn't the worst thing she could be happy about.
Up and down Riza kept moving. Only when the inevitable throbs and twitches from Roy's cock registered did she halt. Her mouth opened a bit wider as she expected him to feed his next spurts of spunk into her mouth. Only to gasp, slightly taken aback, as he readjusted himself and covered her breasts instead. Riza didn't think it would be anymore possible to turn an even deeper hue of red. Somehow, though, her face was doing just that as she stared down at her now messy chest.
"Mmm. Been a while, hasn't it?" she mused, contemplating whether to leave it alone or work on cleaning herself up. In the end, it seemed best to go with option A. They were nowhere near done, after all. It'd make her efforts pointless if she tried to clean up now.
When Roy began to move, she followed her spouse, watching curiously. Anticipation and some juices flowed through - or down, depending - Riza as she waited to get some sort of a hint. He didn't speak. In fact, he seemed to be following the 'actions speak louder than words' proverb as soon, she found herself turned and pressed against a shelf.
Heh. He must be in quite the frenzy tonight~
Not necessarily a bad thing, but certainly a rare display to see. It was easier to see him get really into fighting before a wild sex session. Her head turned as she started to throw a tease over to him. Instead of words, though, a moan left her mouth. "Yesssssss! Mhmmm, Rooooooy! So goo --- mmmff!"Their lips locked, silencing Riza for the timem being. Feeling her lover's tongue start rapidly dancing with her own, she returned the gesture and swirled her own muscle happily around his.
All the while, her muscles happily clenched around the rod slamming up into her moist sex.
While Aisyah tended to think on certain reactions, she didn't seem to follow her unspoken rule. So when Markos reached out and held her hand, she simply closed around it. Accepting the gesture, as it were as natural as breathing. And maybe in this moment, it was. Not to say she didn't trust anyone else at Central. However, she iddn't know any of htem like she knew Markos. Having a familiar face was, therefore, a huge relief for her.
Not that it would have been impossible to function as a soldier even if she'd never met Markos, but definitely more difficult.
"I partly understand. I'll concur it's definitely hardened me. At the same time though, if I hadn't undergone the training, I wouldn't have earned and secured my position. So where you use the word 'disturbed', I'd say ... it's a nuisance. I know what I signed up for and all. But I guess I missed the fine print where it mentioned losing a good chunk of my social skills."
A gentle laugh passed her lips as her tired smile widened. Hopefully he could appreciate the humor, or at least the attempt at it. It wasn't really Aisyah's forte. But the effort would count for something, right? Hopefully.
"But when you smile... it makes my heart beat a little faster."
"Well ... " More blush painted her face as she managed to nod, acknowledging what he said but simultaneously unable to help but feel slightly confused. Why was she reacting that way? Where had it even come from?
Your emotions have been weirder than usual since the reunion with Markos ...
It wasn't his fault. Deep down, she knew that much. But, still ... she couldn't help but realize the timing was almosttooperfect. Was he at least linked with why she was reacting in these strange ways? Maybe. It was definitely a possibility.
In the end, her head merely shook, dismissing whatever thoughts were racing through her mind.
"Long night," she muttered after mulling over what to say. "It's probably been more for you though, huh? Maybe one of the others from Central will find a lead out. I .. really am sorry about what happened to your work."
His experiments might not have matched her beliefs, but that didn't mean someone had the right to break in and do whatever they pleased. Especially to possessions that weren't theirs in the first place.
After a bit more walking, the two would finally arrive. Poor Aisyah barely kept herself awake long enough for Markos to finish booking them a room. Once they walked inside, she wasted little time in slipping her shoes off, then walking sleepily towards the bed. "Mmm, night, Markos ... "
Whether he would say that back or not would remain a mystery. Almost immediately after her body plopped onto the bed, Aisyah fell asleep, still wearing a bit of red on her face as well as her smile.
gpt
Markos & Roy Mustang
The sound and smell of sex quickly overpowered the room, it was entrancing and the lure of Riza's body was far too much for Mustang to let himself hold back. His arms wrapped around his wife's body pressing her chest to his. The feeling of her breasts wet with his cum sliding against his own chest was odd, but not unpleasant.
His hands were busy holding up his wife's thighs keeping them split apart, and lifted, her ass spread as his cock slapped against her wet cunt, delving deep into her folds while he made grunts, his yellow eyes focused on her as she cried out.
There was a fire running through Mustang today, he wasn't entirely sure what it was that was causing him to be so wild, maybe it was knowing that he wouldn't get another chance with her for a while, maybe it was the fact that he had been told off so much today that having power over her was driving him a little crazy.
Maybe it was just that he had missed this contact, and tonight he wanted to take as much as he could, while making sure that the pleasure was mutual and lasted as long as possible. He really didn't know just how many times he could cum either. Currently his thrusts were so eager that he wasn't exactly sure what would happen when he unloaded, so he wanted to make sure each shot counted.
He lifted Riza, pulling her off the wall, and off the shelf, and onto him, making sure that he was the only thing that was supporting her weight like a strong pillar. he kissed her neck biting the soft lobe of her ear as he held her. His hands held her ass as that was the easiest way for him to support her weight. His fingers lightly probed her back entrance threatening to stretch it, but not doing so.
"Mmmf Riza." He could hardly think with how his mind was, but he knew he wanted to smother her. "It's been too long." His voice scratched warmly against her ears. "I love you."
As he held Riza's body against him Roy started to walk, each step causing a bounce to echo through her body and his cock to slap against her as he took her to their shared bed tossing her onto the soft blankets and pillows, Roy's movements continued well through the night.
____Central Hotel____
Markos yawned, his mind was already coming up with the list of books that were lost in the fire, things he would need to re-grow, and something to suppress fires in the future. a fire proof plant almost sounded like an oxymoron, he was sure he could put something towards it, besides it would be useful if they ever came to blows with mustang.
Something cut through all of that mental listing and tasking when he heard Aisyah laugh. He was surprised that during that time she had never actually let go of his hand, but hearing her giggle if only for a moment brought a new level of joy and warmth to his face. Maybe it wasn't so impossible to read her after all. Maybe she was just as readable as ever, and he was just a bit foolish for thinking that it was more complex than it actually was.
When she said that it had been a long night he could feel it. Getting shot at by the colonel did not make him extremely happy about how things had gone down. What's more he had been completely terrified during Aisyah's bout with Scar, and then there was the fact that he had made it, he had his watch now.
only to come home to his appartment becoming ground zero for an inferno. That was about as stressful as a day as he could imagine. Walking into the hotel it was all supposed to get better, right up until he saw it.
Bed, singular. He watched as AIsyah without a care in the world just kicked off her shoes and slammed down onto the bed, not even getting under the covers or removing her clothes. She just slept in her clothing that was covered in smoke. admittingly it was just a tank top and shorts, but even from barely being in the house he could feel his nose burning.
"... Night." He said said more to himself, since Aisyah was out cold. He was tempted to wake her, force her to take a shower, or something, considering he now had to sleep next to her.
Instead he just sighed. It didn't feel right for him to remove her clothes, or for him to really sleep next to her considering that as far as he could tell he hadn't been anything more than a friend up to this point.
Walking up to the bed, for his part he had to take off his clothing. He had been wearing armor enscribed with alchemy, taking off the shirt, and at the same time pulling off the rest of his clothing he figured it would be fine if he slept naked, as long as he remained under the covers. He had never felt comfortable using pajamas.
He even set down pillows between them, to make a line that couldn't be crossed.
He had to sleep with his back to her, as that was the best way to get the smell away from him, but for the most part he would sleep soundly. if a little disjointed.
___Central Station 2 days later___
The sun hadn't even resin yet, and already yet Markos was standing at the train station. Aisyah had been cleared for duty which meant it was time for the two of them to start moving to their next destination. Markos had always assumed that the alchemist examination and the rank it provided would be all the proof he would need to be in the military.
He didn't exactly expect basic training to be a thing. Boot camp was the worst out of all the camps, and yet here he was. The last of his belongings not consumed by fire were in a green bag, along with a couple of new sets of clothing, and a new journal he was working on from scratch. While Aisyah had been dealing with other doctors and their perspective opinions on what exactly she needed to do, he had been trying too rebuild the majority of his lifes work. Thankfully his master thesis, and an assortment of flower seeds had been on him for the combat trial, but he had lost a lot of his precious chimera's in that fire.
The military police were still going through his apartment along with the forensic's team to investigate but they were unable to tell him what started the fire. He would have accused mustang if it weren't for the fact that they had been with the man the entire time. Still someone burned down his home, and he had a bad feeling about that. Now he was at the station waiting for Aisyah to get here, and the people who would be training them.