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Chapter 1	By : ChaCha92 Category: Fullmetal Alchemist > AU - Alternate Universe Views: 129 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own Full Metal Alchemist and make no money from this story

Chapter List
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Maes and Roy barely step back inside the boardroom before an angry Hakuro stalks up to them, glaring daggers at Roy.
“What the hell do you think you’re doing, Mustang?” he demands, capturing the attention of all the other generals in the room. “You interfered with the arrest of a suspected spy! Are you that desperate for attention that you’ll deliberately risk the safety of Amestris with your recklessness?”
Before Roy can answer, Maes steps into Hakuro’s personal space, growling, “Roy had nothing to do with it. I did.”
Another voice quips, “Are you that eager to get the meeting underway?”
Hakuro turns his angry gaze to Fuhrer Grumman.
“Hughes is trying to cover up Mustang’s feeble attempt at attention whoring, which is putting Amestris in danger!”
Grumman brow furrows in confusion, asking, “Attention whoring? What in the hell are you talking about?”
“Hakuro had my ward arrested on suspicion of espionage without probable cause,” Maes cuts Hakuro off with a growl. “Two of my men picked her up at the station when she arrived with the first group of Azambran refugees and was cleared by Col. Miles. They were giving her the grand tour of Central Command when they apparently crossed paths with Hakuro. He had her arrested because she looks identical to Edward Elric. She wasn’t doing anything to warrant her arrest and was in the company of two ranking officers. Thanks to Hakuro’s stupidity, she is currently in the medical wing getting treated for two dislocated limbs, a couple of fractured ribs and a head wound requiring stitches.”
“You should select your wards more carefully, Hughes,” Hakuro snaps. “Your ignorance put Amestris in danger as the suspect was masquerading as a former state alchemist.”
Before Maes can reply, Grumman raises a calming hand to halt him and asks Hakuro, “Was the girl was dressed like Edward Elric?”
Hakuro hesitantly answers, “No. She was dressed wearing a strange type of skirt.”
Grumman arches a brow, asking, “Was she acting like Elric?”
“She was walking and listening to the two officers with her. It was hard to judge.”
Grumman nods. “Was she trying to access highly classified areas?”
Hakuro snaps, “She either already did or was planning to!”
Grumman nods and clasps his hands behind his back, pacing as he summarizes, “So you had a girl arrested who, to your knowledge, hadn’t attempted to access restricted areas or classified documents because she was doing her best impersonation of a cross-dressing Edward Elric. Is that correct?”
Chuckles reverberate in the room while Hakuro turns red with fury.
Grumman stops and raises another calming hand, stating, “Obviously you believe she may be a spy, but Hughes contends otherwise. This matter isn’t going to resolve itself on its own without some definitive proof. Thomas!”
When a curly haired brunette appears in the doorway, he orders, “Summon Col. Miles since he was supervising the processing of the incoming Azambran refugees this morning. I also want to see Col. Douglas for his preliminary report on the officers arrested today. I also want the young lady injured today brought before me. You’ll find her in the medical wing.”
“Yes, sir!” Thomas salutes before leaving to carry out her orders.
“Sir,” Maes begins to protest, prompting Grumman to cut him off.
“So this doesn’t happen again, it’s best to bring her in, assuming the doctor treating her will allow it. It’s better to settle the matter once and for all, isn’t it?”
“Yes, sir,” Maes reluctantly agrees.
“Now,” Grumman states, moving to his seat at the head of the table. “It may take awhile for everyone to get here. We should attempt to progress further through the agenda in the meantime.”
Murmurs of assent echo throughout the room as the assembled generals take their seats along the table and get the meeting back underway.
Kisa’s treatment is complete nearly an hour after Maes and Roy left. Riza then has to wait until the medical staff assigns the girl to a room usually designated for patients waiting for transfer to the hospital. Taking over a spare table tray to use as a desk to spread out her papers on, she sets it up in front of a chair by the unconscious girl’s bedside and gets to work.
Periodically the older blonde looks over at the girl. Kisa has been changed from her soiled clothing into a hospital gown and her head is swathed in bandages, obscuring her left eye. Her right arm rests in a sling and her right leg is propped up on a pillow.
A soft knock on the doorframe captures her attention. Seeing Maria smiling in the open doorway, Riza quietly pushes back the tray and steps out into the hallway.
“Sorry for bothering you, colonel,” Maria salutes in greeting. “I wanted to stop by before my appointments this afternoon to drop off Kisa’s knapsack and check on her. The bag is her only piece of luggage and we stored it in my desk earlier. I figured Kisa might want her belongings.”
“Thanks, captain,” Riza nods, taking the bag before explaining Kisa’s condition. “She’s going to be laid up for awhile. On top of having a mild concussion, she did need about eight stitches to her eye. Two of her ribs are fractured and her right hip and shoulder are both dislocated.”
Maria’s shocked expression morphs to an angry scowl. “Damn, that asshole Bison really did a number on the poor girl.”
“Agreed, but the officers involved are going to wish they’ll get off as easy once General Hughes and Mustang are through with them.”
“Are they going to be able to punish General Hakuro since it was his orders that caused this whole mess?”
“I don’t know,” Riza honestly admits. “However, I’m sure they’ll do everything they can to make Gen. Hakuro’s life hell.”
Maria smirks then asks, “Is Kisa getting hospitalized?”
“No,” Riza shakes her head. “The doctor is allowing her to return home with Gen. Hughes.”
“Good,” Maria sighs in relief. Snapping to attention she salutes. “Thank you for filling me in, colonel.”
Riza returns the salute.
“You’re welcome. Dismissed.”
After Maria leaves, Riza returns to her seat by Kisa’s bed. The scratching of her pen breaks the silence until she hears a soft grunt from the bed. Pausing, she looks over to watch Kisa struggle to open her visible eye until bleary gold slowly focuses.
When the girl’s gaze lands on her, Riza smiles, “Do you remember what happened and where you are?”
Kisa takes a few moments before replying, “I’m in the medical wing because the major who arrested me packs a mean right hook.”
Riza’s smile widens.
“Dr. Knox is allowing you to go home with Gen. Hughes, but we have to wait until he’s finished with his meeting.”
“Why are you sitting with me?” Kisa frowns in confusion. “It has to be well after lunch. Don’t you have other duties?”
“We didn’t want to chance any further confusion resulting from a mistaken identity, so I volunteered to stay. I brought my paperwork while keeping you company.”
“I’m sorry for inconveniencing you and impeding on your duties, colonel. I don’t mean to be a burden.”
“Please call me Riza and don’t apologize. You’re not a burden. I’m still getting my paperwork done. You didn’t choose to get arrested.”
“No, I didn’t,” Kisa agrees with a soft smile.
Both fall into a comfortable silence as Riza finishes up the folder she’s working on. When she closes the file she sets it aside to reach for another.
“May ask a question?”
Riza considers giving the standard reply she gives to Breda, that she just asked one, but decides against it.
“Yes.”
“Do your family or the people you know have a problem with you working and not being married yet? I noticed you don’t have a ring on your finger and I assume you’re not married.”
Riza blinks in surprise before stating, “You’re correct. I’m not married, nor do I have children. If anyone has a problem with that, they haven’t dared commented on it.”
It’s Kisa’s turn to look surprised. “No one tells you that you should be married?”
Riza shakes her head. Seeing the girl is confused, she takes a deep breath and explains, “My mother died when I was very young and I only had my father until he died. I inherited enough to support myself, but I decided to join the military and made it my career. It’s not that I don’t want to get married, but it isn’t a priority for me. As for my friends and comrades, they all support my career goals and never pressured me into starting a family.”
A stunned expression crosses Kisa’s face as she processes Riza’s words.
“Why do you ask?” Riza prods. “Has someone been pressuring you to get married?”
“I’m sorry for being surprised, but I’m fifteen and most girls in Azambra are already married, betrothed or seeing a matchmaker,” Kisa explains. “Even as I moved from camp to camp, people kept asking why I wasn’t married yet or when was I going to find a matchmaker. This continued even on the train ride here. Most were scandalized when I said I wanted to find work to support myself first then maybe find a husband later. I was surprised when I met Capt. Ross. She’s a woman with a job in the military, but I didn’t have the chance to ask if anyone ever insists she should be married and not working.”
It takes Riza time to process Kisa’s words before asking, “Surely your parents didn’t want you marrying so young?”
“They were traditional people,” Kisa sighs heavily. “My father was a little more progressive and taught me alongside my brothers about business and making deals since he was head of the Order of Merchants and Trade.”
“Order of Merchants and Trade? I never heard of it.”
“It’s a fraternal organization of merchants,” the teen explains. “It promoted fair business practices, compliance with the law and community service. It also served as a support structure for merchants in case city or government officials abused the law against them.”
Once Riza nods in understanding, Kisa continues, “It was important to my father that all of his children were well educated in proper business practices and trade. He taught me so I could aid my future husband in being more successful. However, he and mother felt they needed to arrange a marriage for me.”
“They wanted to arrange a marriage?” Riza gapes in shock.
“They arranged a marriage,” she corrects. “When I was four with a distant cousin my brother Kyo and I went to school with. We were supposed to marry when we were thirteen, but everything went by the wayside when the People’s Army took over. Couples couldn’t marry without their permission.”
“Are you still betrothed?”
“No. My betrothed died in a malaria outbreak when we were twelve. However, now everyone keeps asking when I’ll see a matchmaker,” Kisa sighs in frustration. After a few moments of silence she adds, “It’s refreshing to be in a country where people aren’t upset if a woman has a career and isn’t married yet.”
“I’d shoot anyone who tried,” Riza admits. When Kisa meets her gaze she explains, “I’m happy with my life. If I decide to marry, it’ll be when the time is right, but even afterward I still plan on working. I love my job and feel I have a lot more to accomplish before I retire.”
Kisa smiles as Dr. Knox enters the room.
“Excuse me, ladies,” he states before locking his gaze on Kisa. “I wanted to check on how you’re doing. How are you feeling?”
“Tired and achy if I don’t move too much,” Kisa admits honestly.
“Any sharp pains?”
She shakes her head.
“Any nausea?”
Another shake.
“How’s your headache?”
“Better than earlier, but it’s still there.”
“Do you remember what day it is?” Dr. Knox asks while flashing a pen light in her eyes to check their reaction.
“Thursday, April 15th.”
“Good,” he murmurs, while grabbing her chart to scribble down a few notes.
When he finishes, he looks at her and explains her injuries and what she has to do during recovery. He spends a few minutes answering any questions she has.
Just as they’re finishing up, the Fuhrer’s aide, Thomas, enters the room and salutes Riza.
“Pardon the intrusion, but the Fuhrer requests that Miss Kisa Namikaze appear to help settle a dispute between two generals.”
“Kisa isn’t going anywhere since she’s in recovery,” Dr. Knox snaps.
Undeterred, Thomas arches a brow and asks, “Is she so incapacitated that she can’t spare a few minutes for the Fuhrer?”
Before the argument can become more heated, Kisa interrupts with her own questions.
“Why would the Fuhrer want to see me? Was I really supposed to be arrested?”
Riza sighs heavily while gathering up her paperwork.
“Gen. Hakuro ordered your arrest because you look like a former state alchemist named Edward Elric. In case Gen. Hughes didn’t tell you, you’re identical to him.”
“Uncle Maes told me about him when we first met,” Kisa nods. “There’s been some confusion since I arrived this morning, but surely that’s not enough reason to have me arrested.”
“Hakuro wrongly believes you were trying to masquerade as Ed in order to sneak into restricted areas and access classified documents.” Kisa’s nose scrunches up in disbelief, prompting Riza to nod, “Exactly. He obviously didn’t pay attention to the fact you’re dressed differently and a completely different gender than Ed.” Looking at a patiently waiting Thomas, Riza adds, “It appears Hakuro is still adamant that you’re a spy impersonating Ed despite assurances to the contrary.”
“Col. Hawkeye is correct,” Thomas agrees, addressing Kisa. “The Fuhrer feels it’s best to settle things once and for all so they don’t continue being an inconvenience to you.”
Seeing Kisa’s uncertain expression, Dr. Knox points, “Although seeing the Fuhrer doesn’t pose any health risks, it’s better if you remain and rest.”
All three adults watch Kisa consider it before speaking.
“I still don’t understand why Gen. Hakuro would suspect me of espionage. I can’t help that I look exactly like Edward Elric, but I barely arrived in Central a couple of hours ago and was never out of Cap. Ross’ or 2nd Lt. Brosh’s sight.”
“You’re not required to see the Fuhrer. It’s not an order,” Thomas assures her. “But if he speaks to you in front of Gen. Hakuro and settles all possible doubts then the general has no recourse to bother you ever again. It would be insubordination to do so.”
Kisa looks at all three adults, noting none are in agreement before sighing again.
“During my tour I didn’t dare glance at anyone out of habitual fear of being arrested like in Azambra. Yet, I still got arrested and injured. Although, my injuries would’ve been a lot worse and bloodier in Azambra, I really thought I left that all behind.” The silence stretches out before she finally adds, “I’ll go before the Fuhrer if it’ll settle any fears of me being a spy.”
“Gen. Hakuro is very one-track in his thinking, it’s difficult to change his mind,” Riza comments reassuringly.
“One-track? If we ask the Fuhrer he’ll describe Hakuro as a stubborn, dense rock,” Thomas quips.
“I was trying to be nice,” Riza drolly retorts, causing Kisa to relax and smile a little.
Dr. Knox sighs heavily, “Since Kisa insists, I’m going along.” Arching a brow at the other two women’s surprised expressions he declares, “I’m not going to let my patient be at the mercy of some lumbering idiot.”
Riza eyes him shrewdly, stating, “You’ve been taking lessons on being a cranky doctor from your father, haven’t you?”
“Had to in order to deal with all the crazy military personnel I have to treat,” the young doctor huffs. “Besides, I have to make sure no one overtaxes Kisa and she comes back quickly in one piece.”
Dr. Knox then shoos Riza and Thomas out of the room as he calls for a nurse to help him prepare Kisa for transport.
The meeting progresses quickly since Hakuro is distracted and annoyed at Maes. Roy is amused that Maes is the focus of Hakuro’s ire this time since it’s rare for his friend to piss anyone off like this.
An hour since returning from lunch, the meeting is interrupted again by a knock on the double doors.
“Enter,” Grumman calls out.
One door partially opens as another aide steps inside.
“Col. Douglas and Col. Miles arrived, sir,” the young man announces.
“Show them in, Carter,” Grumman orders.
Pushing back his chair Grumman stands up as the two officers line up before him and salute.
Clasping his hands behind his back, Grumman approaches them and explains his summons.
“I called you two to help clear up a situation that’s causing a bit of contention among my generals. Col. Douglas, I’d like to hear your report regarding the arrest of Lt. Col. Arjun and Major Bison.”
“Yes, sir,” Douglas snaps smartly.
Miles stands quietly off to the side while Douglas gives his report. He wondered why he was being summoned by the Fuhrer, but Douglas indirectly answers his questions. He hides his surprise to hear two security officers arrested Hughes’ ward on suspicion of espionage.
“Both men confessed they did it on orders given to them by Hakuro’s aide, Corporal Perkins,” Douglas continues, breaking into Miles’ musings. “Their instructions were to detain the girl until the general went to interrogate her. The two acknowledge knowingly breeching protocol since Hakuro is not authorized to conduct any such interrogation.”
“Wait a minute,” Hakuro begins to protest, leaning forward in his seat.
Looking at him, Douglas cuts him off, “Only officers in the Investigations division can conduct any interrogations. It’s the law. No exceptions.”
“Thank you, Col. Douglas,” Grumman nods when it’s clear he finished his report. “Col. Miles?”
“Yes, sir,” Miles replies with a nod.
“You were overseeing the processing of the Azambran refugees at Central Grand Station today, is that correct?”
“Yes, sir.”
“Did you have any interaction with Kisa Namikaze?”
“Yes, sir. She stepped up assisting an elderly woman to the table I was standing behind. As they approached my attention was captured by a young man rushing up to them. He turned out to be the woman’s grandson and that was when I got a good look at Miss Namikaze.”
“Does she look identical to Edward Elric?”
“Yes, sir.”
“What happened next?” Grumman nods for him to continue.
“When the sergeant manning the desk asked for Miss Namikaze’s name, he read the notation that she was to accompany Cap. Ross or 2nd Lt. Brosh. When the sergeant asked her to step off to the side with them, there was a sudden surge of anxiety and wariness among the refugees.”
“What do you mean?” Grumman frowns in confusion.
“Apparently all the Azambrans took the request as meaning the captain and 2nd lieutenant were there to arrest Miss Namikaze,” Miles explains. “It took several minutes to assure them that she was not being arrested, but the two officers were her hosts until Gen. Hughes became available. According to the refugees, even at the transition camps getting called out to accompany a soldier resulted in a beating or worse.”
Grumman absorbs his words before asking, “Did Miss Namikaze at any time behave in a suspicious manner or say anything to pique your interest?”
“No, sir,” Miles shakes his head.
“So you were able to observe her nearly the entire time since she disembarked from the train?”
“Yes, sir. At no time were any of the refugees out of our sight.”
Hakuro interrupts again. “According to reports there were nearly 200 refugees that arrived on that train. It would’ve been impossible to keep track of them all.”
Miles looks at him coolly.
“It’s not impossible if the refugees traveled in separate cars and were not allowed to disembark until all other passengers exited the train and the cargo was unloaded. The refugees were only allowed to exit the train from two sets of exits on one side of each car and were ushered within a designated, secured area until they were processed and allowed to proceed to the transports taking them to the tenements.”
“A spy could’ve slipped in at any time prior,” Hakuro scoffs in disbelief.
Miles arches a white brow.
“Which is why I’m also specially training a squad of MPs to integrate with the personnel from Immigration and Naturalization in order to catch any war criminals that might try to slip through.”
Before Hakuro can snap back, Grumman cuts him off to ask, “Since you personally signed off on Kisa Namikaze’s paperwork, Col. Miles, that means she was above suspicion, correct?”
“Yes, sir,” Miles nods. “It was Cap. Ross and 2nd Lt. Brosh’s orders that singled her out. Since Gen. Hughes sponsored her, I took extra care verifying her identity when she presented her documents. Aside, from her paperwork being in order, her demeanor and personality are distinctly different from Edward Elric’s. It’s also a well-known fact that his left leg is automail. Her skirt and sandals left little doubt that her leg was flesh and blood. Since there was nothing suspicious about her, I signed off on the paperwork and handed her over into the captain and 2nd lieutenant’s care.”
A knock at the door captures their attention.
“Enter,” Grumman orders.
Carter steps inside.
“Corp. Thomas has returned with Miss Namikaze who is accompanied by Dr. Knox and Col. Hawkeye.”
“Send them in,” Grumman replies.
Carter and Thomas open both doors to give Dr. Knox enough room to push Kisa through in a wheelchair. Riza trails close behind before stepping off to the side to stand with Douglas and Miles.
Kisa tries avoiding everyone’s eyes, but Maes manages to catch her gaze, smiling reassuringly. Recognition and relief lights up her visible eye, but she doesn’t return his smile. She promptly refocuses on Grumman. Maes is confused until he remembers Kyo telling him once that it’s never good to look too long at someone. It made the cadres suspicious that the two people were conspiring. Maes sighs softly, realizing the occupation is going to have a lasting effect on Kisa for years.
Once the two aides close the door, Grumman steps over to Kisa.
“It’s nice to meet you, Miss Namikaze,” he greets warmly, smiling down at her.
“I’m honored to meet you as well, Fuhrer,” Kisa greets back.
She attempts to bow forward, placing her left hand in the prayer position at her forehead, but grunts in pain. Dr. Knox reaches for her left shoulder and gently pulls her upright.
“You can’t bend like that right now,” he admonishes.
She glances over her shoulder at him to breathlessly explain, “It would’ve been rude not to properly greet the leader of my new homeland.”
Grumman’s smile widens capturing her attention, “We can wave the formalities for now in light of your condition.” Becoming serious, he asks, “Do you understand why I requested to see you?”
Nodding, Kisa solemnly answers, “Because I resemble an Amestrian by the name of Edward Elric and I’ve been accused of spying.”
Grumman nods, “Good. I’m glad you already understand what’s going on.” His next question catches her off guard. “How are you feeling?”
She blinks like it should be obvious and Maes can’t resist grinning when she replies, “Like a raging bull stomped on me.”
Unable to resist, Grumman busts out laughing, eliciting a small smile from Kisa, before calming enough to state, “Well, it certainly looks like you got stomped by a raging bull.” Becoming serious he explains, “One of the charges levied against the officers who arrested you is misconduct. At any time did they declare what the charges against you were?”
“No,” Kisa replies with a slight shake of her head. “Even when the major pushed me against the wall to shackle me, Cap. Ross demanded to know the charges. The Lt. Col. threatened her saying, ‘When you attain a more notable rank, then I might tell you. Otherwise, fuck off or I’ll arrest you for interference, suspicion of conspiracy and any other charge I can think of.’”
Hakuro snaps, “She’s making up lies against a respected officer to deflect suspicion!”
Grumman turns to firmly remind him, “Do not interrupt.” Facing Kisa again, he comments, “Worded that way it almost sounds like a threat.”
“That’s the way I took it as those were his exact words,” she reluctantly admits.
Grumman arches a brow, repeating, “Exact words?”
“Verbatim,” Kisa nods.
Hakuro scoffs, “No one remembers conversations verbatim.”
Grumman turns around to give him a withering glare before turning back to Kisa and giving her a questioning look.
Knowing what he’s silently asking, she sighs softly and explains, “I have a very good memory for conversations and locations. If I think back to a specific conversation, I can remember who was there and exactly what was said.”
“That must be very useful,” Grumman comments.
Kisa shrugs one shoulder, admitting, “Not so much for me. However, my parents found it very useful as they would call me whenever they were having an argument about something one of them said if I happened to be present at the time.”
Grumman busts out laughing again. “That must’ve settled their arguments quickly.”
Kisa nods again, admitting, “It often put me on the bad side of the losing parent for a while.”
“I’m sure it did,” Grumman replies, amusement still coloring his voice. “Now what did you mean about locations?”
Shifting slightly in the chair, she explains, “No matter how complicated the design, once I pass through a city or a building, I’ll remember the exact layout and never get lost.”
Incredulous, Grumman repeats, “Never?”
“No, sir,” Kisa shakes her head.
“That’s impressive.” He then asks, “So you can recall what you’ve seen so far of Central Command, is that correct?”
Kisa begins nodding, prompting another outburst from Hakuro.
“That is proof she’s a spy! Probably from Drachma or Aerugo!”
Rolling his eyes to the ceiling, Grumman sighs wearily when he notices Kisa tense up and her gaze drop to her lap.
Whirling on Hakuro he orders, “Shut up or you’ll be escorted from the room. Is that understood?”
Hakuro looks like he’ll protest before grudgingly agreeing, “Yes, sir.”
Kisa watches as another general with dark red hair and deep blue eyes rises from his seat and step over to Grumman’s side.
“Sir, if I may, I’d like to ask Miss Namikaze a few questions before she returns to the medical wing.”
Grumman eyes the general before nodding. Turning back to Kisa he introduces the man.
“This is Gen. Alistair Bristol.”
Kisa nods and begins to try bowing again before Dr. Knox proves to be quicker and lays a firm hand on her shoulder.
“No you don’t,” he declares, glaring at her.
Blushing slightly, she sheepishly replies, “Sorry. I forgot.”
Bristol captures her attention by explaining, “Since I heard about you, I’ve been eager to meet you. My mother is originally from Azambra.”
Blinking in surprise, Kisa curiously asks, “What region?”
“The coastal region of Meseta from the city of Getafe.”
“She must’ve had a hard time adjusting to being so far inland,” she muses. “Most coastal dwellers prefer to remain close to the gulf.”
“That’s true,” Bristol laughs. “Every time my parents go on vacation, mother insists they go to a lake. It’s not the ocean, but it’s close enough as far as she’s concerned.” Cocking his head slightly in curiosity, he adds, “I’ve been wondering about certain aspects of the occupation. Everyone was sent to work camps, correct?” At her nod he asks, “Is it true they tattooed all the city dwellers?”
“Not just the city dwellers, everyone,” Kisa softly answers.
“So you were tattooed?”
She reluctantly nods and winces as she shifts her right arm. With the remaining fingers of her left hand she pushes up the sling to reveal the tattoo across her wrist. A series of numbers etched in blue ink.
“The first two numbers indicate what region we were assigned to. The next two was what camps. The last pair was what field.”
“What would happen if someone got assigned a different field or camp? Tattoos can’t be changed,” Bristol frowns in confusion.
Kisa looks uncomfortable, but answers, “No one ever changed assignment.”
Arching a pale red brow, but choosing to leave it alone, Bristol states, “I heard a rumor that one of the princes of the royal family is slated to reestablish the monarchy now that Azambra has been liberated.”
Kisa shakes her head.
“Most of the royal family was murdered when the youngest prince returned from exile and with support from the People’s Army instigated a coup. It wasn’t long afterward that the People’s Army deemed his usefulness at an end and he was among the first sent for reeducation.”
Bristol cocks his head, asking, “Wasn’t ‘reeducation’ the misleading term for torture and death?”
“Yes,” she grimly nods. “It meant a person was being sent to one of the torture centers. The prince was likely sent to S-21.”
“S-21?”
“It was the nickname for Security Prison 21,” she explains. “It was located in the large provincial city, Foradada.”
“It rings a bell, but I can’t place the significance.”
Kisa’s voice drops lower, “Getting sent there was a guaranteed death sentence. It’s surrounded by some of the largest killing fields.”
“Killing fields?” Grumman asks in confusion, interrupting for the first time.
Looking at him, Kisa nods slowly.
“Unless they were lucky, people rarely died from torture because confessions can’t be forced from the dead. Once confessions were recorded some of the prisoners would be marched out to the fields then handed shovels and ordered to dig a hole. Most were too weak to dig very deep, so the cadres would kill them as they stood in their freshly dug graves.”
“They would shoot them right there?” Grumman blinks in shock.
Kisa shakes her head.
“At first the prisoners were shot. Later, to save bullets, the cadres used whatever tools they had on hand to hit them in the back of the head until they fell. If a prisoner were lucky they’d get a sledgehammer and a cadre with enough strength to kill with one blow. There were rumors that some still didn’t die when they fell, but the cadres would bury them anyway before returning to duty.”
Bristol breaks the stunned silence, asking, “And these killing fields are near the torture prisons?”
“Within walking distance.”
“That should make it easier for the war crimes tribunal to search for bodies and gather evidence,” Bristol muses.
“All they have to do is walk through the fields after a heavy rain,” Kisa explains. “I heard it’s not uncommon to see bones sticking out from the soil or teeth scattered across the ground.”
Grumman breaks the uncomfortable silence, saying, “That’s enough. It’s clear the young lady is exhausted and we can satisfy our curiosity another day.”
“My apologizes.” Bristol bows to Kisa with his hands clasped at chest level according to Azambran custom. “Perhaps another day it would be possible to ask more questions regarding the occupation?”
Kisa looks hesitant before reluctantly agreeing, “All right.”
Grumman smiles at her.
“Thank you for humoring us, Miss Namikaze. I know Dr. Knox is bursting at the seams to get you back to your room and rest. Don’t worry, we’ve satisfied our curiosity.”
Kisa nods as Dr. Knox wastes no time in wheeling her out with Riza trailing right behind them.
Bristol comments, “That was telling.”
“Proves that girl is a spy,” Hakuro agrees with a definitive nod.
“That’s not what I meant,” Bristol drolly replies as he returns to his seat.
Before Hakuro can retort, Grumman turns to Douglas. “Any comments?”
“Yes, sir,” Douglas nods. “Miss Namikaze’s statement regarding the Lt. Colonel’s comment matches perfectly his own admission and witness accounts. He made that comment near the mess and there were plenty of witnesses to corroborate.”
“Was there any evidence to support the suspicion of her being a spy?”
“No, sir. There was not enough probable cause in my opinion to warrant an arrest.”
“Thank you, Col. Douglas. You are dismissed to continue your investigation into the matter,” Grumman states.
After Douglas salutes and leaves, Grumman turns to Miles.
“Does your opinion of Miss Namikaze remain unchanged?”
“It does, sir. I do not consider her a threat in any way to Amestris.”
“Thank you, Col. Miles. Please return to your duties.”
After Miles salutes and exits, Grumman returns to his seat at the table and asks, “Is Miss Namikaze who she says she is, Gen. Bristol?”
Bristol nods and before he can present his report, Hakuro snaps, “How is Bristol an expert on whether this girl is a spy or not?”
Grumman clasps both hands together and rests them on the table. Leaning in, he bores into Hakuro’s eyes.
“There has been no proof presented that Kisa Namikaze is a spy. Bristol’s opinion on the matter is important as I just appointed him to head the newly formed Azambra Affairs division. Bristol approached me with the idea of not only assisting Azambran authorities with tracking down and arresting war criminals, but also in gathering evidence for trial. That also entails interviewing every Azambran refugee for their testimonials that would likely provide additional evidence. Also, such testimonials would be worthy archival materials. It would help polish up Amestris’ tarnished image.”
When he finishes his explanation, Grumman nods to Bristol to begin his report.
“Everything Kisa shared with us is consistent with what we’ve learned so far,” he explains, his eyes drifting around the table. “There is no way that someone who did not experience the occupation would know all those details, especially S-21. The killing fields are widely known, but S-21 is not.”
Another general comments, “It sounds like a horrible place.”
Bristol gravely nods.
“My staff has been referring to it as the Devil’s Funhouse. What Miss Namikaze described doesn’t even scratch the surface of the horrors of that evil place.” Looking back at Grumman, he adds, “I also believe she is a torture survivor.”
“The missing fingers?”
“Yes.” Turning to Maes, he asks, “Am I correct in assuming she will be staying with you?”
“Kisa is moving in with my family,” Maes answers firmly.
“My apologies then for not approaching you first about talking to her again. However, there are a couple of questions I’d like to ask you after the meeting.”
“Certainly,” Maes agrees.
“Based on expert opinions, Kisa Namikaze is exonerated of any and all suspicion of espionage.” Grumman pins Hakuro with his gaze, adding, “The matter ends here. You are to refrain from searching for further proof or harassing that girl further. As it is, you’re already under investigation for misconduct. Do not compound your precarious situation further. Is that understood?”
Hakuro looks like he’ll protest before reluctantly agreeing, “Yes, sir.”
“Good,” Grumman leans back in his chair with a smile. “Now let’s get this boring meeting over with.”
Knowing grins and murmured assents erupt around the table. An hour later the meeting concludes much to the relief of the participants.
“Now that we’ve got that all taken care of, I am happy to say that nearly all of you are dismissed,” Grumman grins to his generals. “I’d like for General Hughes, Mustang and Bristol to remain. Thank you to everyone else.”
It takes a few minutes before the other generals filter out of the room, leaving Grumman alone with Roy, Maes and Alistair. Grumman shrewdly eyes Bristol.
“Am I correct in deducing that you wanted to talk to Maes regarding your division?”
“Yes, sir,” Bristol nods. “But why did you include Mustang?”
Grumman shrugs.
“Roy would just find everything out later from Maes anyway.” The four men share a laugh before he continues, “Actually, I wanted to make Roy and Maes aware that you know more about the truth surrounding the Promised Day than anyone realizes.” Turning to a stunned Maes, he explains, “Not that you were keeping it a secret, but it certainly grabbed my attention when you agreed to sponsor young Kisa’s immigration to Amestris. I recalled her name in your report from the two months you spent in Azambra. It also didn’t hurt that Roy shamelessly came to me to see what I could do to speed the process along,” he smirks.
“I knew it,” Maes declares while throwing a smug grin at Roy.
“Still don’t know what you’re talking about, Hughes,” Roy replies indifferently, occupying himself by shuffling his papers.
“Well, Alistair approached me with the idea of the Azambra Affairs division around the same time,” Grumman interrupts before Maes can retort. “He already knew the truth behind the Promised Day excepting Maes’ involvement. Like the two of you, Alistair is a crack investigator and did a lot of digging through the history of Amestris to create a very accurate timeline of the homunculi and their activities. His forte is examining documents and deciphering their true meaning. He uncovered a lot of laws, expenditures, etcetera that were constructed for the benefit of the homunculi under the guise of official military business.”
Grumman leans back in his chair.
“When I became aware of Maes’ sponsorship of Kisa, I decided to share with Alistair the real reason Maes’ death was faked. Because of his Azambran ancestry he developed an interest in Kisa and helped guide her paperwork faster through the immigration process.”
Maes blinks in shock before asking Alistair, “You got her here faster?”
“I thought it was the least I could do for someone who risked her life saving one of our own in enemy territory,” the redhead shrugs.
Grumman cuts off any reply to add, “Since Alistair is an expert in research and statistics, he’s the perfect choice to lead the Azambra Affairs division. After everything surrounding the Promised Day, I’m not willing to take any chances there isn’t more hidden under the guise of a poorly executed revolution.”
“Which is a distinct possibility,” Roy agrees.
“I’m still setting up my division,” Alistair explains to Maes. “The reason I wanted to speak to you is because Kisa intrigues me. Her ability to remember conversations verbatim and directions is incredible and I would like to hire her.”
Grumman joins Roy and Maes in staring in surprise.
“You don’t know that much about her,” Roy points out. “How do you know whether she’s capable, emotional or otherwise, to handle the position of a researcher?”
“I gleaned a lot from our brief meeting,” Alistair replies. “She’s a survivor. Clearly she’s endured hells only veterans of Ishval can relate to. However, she’s not the typical Azambran. She traveled alone, with no family, to start over in a foreign country. That’s unheard of going by the typically rigid standards of Azambran custom. Normally, the only way a girl her age would relocate to another country is by marriage, either to a foreigner or if she immigrates with her husband. Her actions indicate she’s shucked tradition and is willing to work instead of being supported by or working alongside her husband.”
The redhead pauses to shift in his seat.
“She has an unassuming presence. As the Fuhrer mentioned, one of our goals is to gather testimonials from refugees. Even though I can connect to refugees through my mother, they won’t be as comfortable as they would speaking with another Azambran. I’ve been combing through the files of incoming refugees for potential recruits, but I didn’t consider recruiting Kisa because of the cultural stigma against working women.”
“As the Fuhrer also mentioned,” he continues, inclining his head toward Grumman. “I was allowed to read Maes’ report on his time in Azambra and how it resulted in their liberation. I recall in the report that Kisa and her brother addressed Maes as ‘uncle.’ That means they held him in great respect and if she will be living with him as his ward, she’ll see him as an authority figure. So if he doesn’t approve of her working in my division, she won’t even consider it.”
Maes sighs wearily, “I don’t have a problem with it if she’s willing, but I’m worried about her mental health. Talking to other refugees about their experiences could prove strenuous.”
“I’ve been interviewing therapists and counselors to work with the refugees,” Alistair explains. “That was one of the projects that got approved for funding today. So Kisa will have access to those therapists and counselors.”
“Only if Kisa wants to do it,” Maes relents. “Would you like me to approach her with the idea? Right now she’s recovering from her injuries, so it may not be a good time to offer her the position.”
Alistair considers it before nodding.
“That’s probably the best and least intimidating option for her. I must say I’m glad that you’re Kisa’s de facto guardian.” At the three men’s puzzled expressions he explains, “If she were living on her own in the tenements or living with another family, her lack of male kinsmen would make her a target. As it is, she’s probably dealing with the social stigma of not being married yet.”
“You commented on Kisa bucking custom by immigrating alone, otherwise she’d have been married. She’s only fifteen, isn’t that a little young for her to be married?” Roy asks, arching an incredulous brow.
Arching his own brow in reply Alistair stuns the other men by pointing out, “The typical age for an Azambran girl to marry is thirteen. Although, the groom can be any age, it’s considered unseemly if a girl isn’t married by Kisa’s age.”
“There is no way in hell she is mature enough to be married yet!” Maes snaps.
“Azambrans don’t care what anyone else thinks,” the redhead shrugs. “Besides, with her unmarried, she’s at risk for rape or abuse from men who’d take advantage of her lack of family.” His gaze becomes pointed, “So it’s a damn good thing she’s living with you because you can act in the capacity of her father. Plus, being Amestrian the refugees aren’t as likely to hold it against her that she isn’t married yet. They’ll acknowledge you don’t understand their customs. However, they’ll begrudge you for ruining her marital prospects. They consider the longer a woman remains unmarried; the less likely she’ll find a good husband.”
Grumman shakes his head, “Nothing is ever simple, is it?”
“It’d be boring if it were,” Roy quips, causing them to laugh.
“That should take care of everything,” Grumman states. “You’re free to go home early, gentlemen.” Turning to Maes, he adds, “I understand any dislocated limb requires therapy. Kisa is authorized to use the physical therapy program. It’ll come out of Hakuro’s pocket, even if he doesn’t know it yet.”
“Thank you, sir,” Maes laughs, rising to his feet along with the other two and salutes Grumman as he leaves them alone.
Alistair takes turns shaking Roy and Maes’ hands.
“Even if Kisa doesn’t accept my job offer, I would like to sit down and talk to her when she’s feeling up to it. I may even bring my mother along to visit.”
“You’re mother?” Roy asks, arching a brow.
The redhead sighs and rolls his eyes.
“As it is my father and I will be hunting her down in the tenements when she has a chance. There are so few Azambrans in Amestris right now that she’ll go out of her way to meet all the newcomers and once she hears about Kisa, I’m sure she’ll be pestering me to arrange a meeting.”
“That’s fine,” Maes chuckles. “I’m sure Kisa would benefit from talking to a former Azambran who’s lived in Amestris for awhile. Might help her adapt.”
Alistair nods while shuffling some documents into his briefcase.
“I’ll call you later in the week to check on Kisa. I’m not in a hurry for her answer; I’ve got plenty to keep me busy.”
He salutes before leaving Roy and Maes alone in the boardroom. The two friends finish gathering up their documents and leave in silence.
“Hakuro’s idiocy aside,” Maes sighs heavily, “it seems that Kisa’s immigration was destined to be more complicated than simply starting over in Amestris no matter how careful I was.”
“It sounds like you’ve got another ally in looking out for Kisa’s best interests in Bristol,” Roy muses. “It’ll help that he also has a very good understanding of Azambran customs.”
“Agreed,” Maes nods. “Although I learned a lot while recuperating under the twins’ care, I didn’t know anything about their marriage customs. I can’t believe they insist on the girl’s marrying so young,” he shakes his head in disbelief
“All the more reason to remain friendly with Bristol,” Roy points out. “Kisa may have seemed open with you back then, but she’s older now and a lot has happened. You may need the extra info from him as guidance when dealing with her.”
“True. As it is, it’s mid-afternoon and I barely saw Kisa since she arrived. I haven’t even said one word to her.”
“Were you planning on making Kisa your ward this whole time?”
“Yes,” Maes nods. “Gracia made the suggestion, citing it was the least we could do for her. I don’t doubt that Kyo is dead. It’d be the only way those two would ever separate. I can’t repay Kyo, but I can take care of his sister. I doubt I can begin to imagine what she has gone through, but it’s obvious she has suffered a lot without Hakuro’s contribution to her current condition.”
Stopping at another juncture in the hallway, Roy states, “It sounds like you have your work cut out for you. So you better hurry and get Kisa home or you’ll get an earful from both Gracia and Elicia.”
“That’s true,” Maes laughs. “We may be having a small dinner party later on to introduce Kisa to everyone.” His expression darkens, “I’m sure as hell not going to risk her at Central Command until things calm down more with Hakuro.”
“Good idea,” Roy nods. “Obviously the fact she looks like Fullmetal hasn’t been going over too well.”
“No, it hasn’t,” he rolls his eyes. “I better get her home.”
He waves to Roy while turning to walk in the opposite direction. Within minutes arrives at the medical wing.
“Dr. Knox,” he greets when he sees the young doctor at the nurses station. “I’m glad I caught you. Do you have a few minutes?”
“Certainly, general, let’s step out of the way so we can talk uninterrupted.”
Maes lets Knox usher him off to the side.
“Kisa was sleeping when I checked on her a little while ago, but she can leave whenever she’s ready.” Gesturing over Maes’ shoulder he adds, “You’ll find her in a room two doors down that way.”
“Glad to hear it,” Maes smiles. “The Fuhrer authorized her physical therapy to be done here and it will be paid for out of Hakuro’s pocket.”
“Hakuro owes her a lot more, but it’s a start,” Knox smirks. “Since the Fuhrer is allowing her to be treated in military facilities I can do her follow up. Bring her back in a week so I see how she’s doing and give her a complete physical. I’ll order some blood work and go over the results with a dietician so we can devise a plan to help her recover from the malnutrition. I’ll also have our orthopedic doctor look at her hand.”
“Isn’t that going a bit overboard?” Maes arches an incredulous brow. “Those are preexisting conditions.”
Knox shrugs and walks away, tossing over his shoulder, “It’s not like Hakuro will know the difference. I’ll just slip it into his bill.”
Maes laughs before heading to Kisa’s room. He quietly steps through the door and sees she’s still asleep.
“Hey, Riza,” he softly greets while gesturing for her to step outside. When she joins him, he asks, “Did everything go okay once you guys left the boardroom?”
“Yes,” Riza answers. “Kisa was exhausted by the time we returned to her room. She still seemed very tense during the entire ride back.”
“I don’t blame her,” he muses, rubbing his beard thoughtfully. “It must’ve been nerve wracking to be summoned before the Fuhrer like that.”
“That aside, she tends to be very closed off and quiet doesn’t she?” she observes.
“Yes. It was the biggest complaint her brother had.”
“Brother?” Riza asks in confusion.
Maes blinks at her before sheepishly chuckling.
“Sorry about that. I forgot I only told Roy beforehand about her.”
It takes a few minutes to fill Riza in.
“So Kisa and Kyo are identical to Ed and Al?” she asks stunned by the information.
“Yep. I didn’t learn about Kyo and Al’s resemblance until I got back to Central after the Promised Day. By then Al was no longer a suit of armor.”
“That must’ve been a surprise,” she murmurs facetiously.
“You have no idea,” he chuckles.
“Why didn’t you ever mention Kisa and her brother before?”
“It never came up,” Maes shrugs. “I met them when Roy hid me in the southeast. And there’s a lot that went on during that time you don’t know about.”
He then spends a few more minutes briefly recounting what happened.
“I’ll gladly give you the specific details later when I have more time or you can bug Roy. Suffice it to say, there was too much going on when I came back that I never really had the chance to share about Azambra. I didn’t tell Roy until a couple months ago when I received a letter from I & N informing me that Kisa applied for citizenship in Amestris and asked me to be her sponsor.”
“So that’s why Roy had us going over immigration laws and badgering I & N,” Riza muses thoughtfully.
“Exactly,” Maes grins. “And thank you for that, by the way. I appreciate the effort in getting Kisa here as quickly as possible.”
“Now knowing the reason why we were going through all that trouble, I’m glad we did it,” Riza smiles. “And far more significant than I thought. Especially since we have Kisa to thank for saving you a second time and didn’t even know it.”
Maes smiles softly and nods.
“Although I’m still really pissed at Hakuro for pulling this shit on her, I’m so grateful she’s finally in Central. It’s been hard looking at Elicia and remembering the two kids I left behind in Azambra.”
Crossing her arms, Riza admits, “It was hard listening to her description of Azambra in the boardroom even though that’s obviously not a quarter of the story. I thought Ishval was hell, but it sounds tame compared to Azambra.”
Maes closes his eyes briefly.
“Words don’t even do it justice. I can tell you more about it later, but I’d like to get Kisa home before Gracia skins me alive. Thanks for sitting with her.”
“It was no trouble. I enjoyed talking to her when she was awake.”
“Oh, one other thing I almost forgot to mention. We may have a small dinner party soon. I want to introduce Kisa to some of my friends and comrades. As soon as Gracia and I get organized, I’ll let you know.”
“I’ll be there,” Riza smiles before saluting and leaving.
Maes steps back into the hospital room and watches Kisa sleep. Old memories flood his senses before shaking them off with a soft, sad smile. Walking over to her bedside, he reaches out and gently pulls the covers up. A soft grunt stills all movement. Her eye slowly opens to look up into his smiling face.
“I’d ask how you’re feeling, but I’ve got it on good authority that you’ve had better days.”
He’s rewarded with a soft smile. When she starts trying to shift into a sitting position, he helps her until she’s settled comfortably. Perching on the edge of the bed he patiently waits for her to speak.
“I’m sorry, uncle,” she softly apologizes, her eye dropping to her lap. “I never imagined coming here would cause you so many problems.”
Reaching out he gently lifts her chin with his fingers.
“It’s been two years since we’ve seen each other and the first thing you do is apologize for something you’re not responsible for? What? No, ‘Hi, uncle, how’ve you been? You got a little soft around the middle?’”
Kisa stares in shock. Then a soft smile graces her lips as her eye tears up.
“That’s more like it,” he smiles, gently pulling her into a hug.
He feels her shaking and listens to her ragged breaths as she struggles to maintain control while wrapping her good arm around him.
He lightly strokes her hair and back, saying, “I was starting to think you didn’t like me anymore or that I smelled bad.”
Kisa snorts into his chest, “Now you’re being silly.” Before he can reply, she adds, “I’m so happy to see you’re healthy and well.”
Maes tightens his hold.
“Thanks to you and Kyo.” When he feels her tense, he quietly asks, “He’s dead, isn’t he?”
Instead of answering, she nods. He sighs heavily.
“We don’t have to talk about it now, but I’d like to know what happened to him when you’re ready.”
Taking a shaky breath she says, “I just can’t right now, but I will tell you.” After a few moments of silence she adds, “It’s ironic that when we first met you had a bullet in your right shoulder and shrapnel in your left side. Now we meet again and I’m injured in my right shoulder, side and hip. Guess it’s my turn. I’m so sorry to be a burden on you.”
Maes can’t resist laughing as he rests his cheek against the top of her head.
“You topped me, but you’d never be a burden. I’m so sorry for what happened today. It was not the sort of welcome I had in mind for you.”
“It isn’t your fault,” Kisa quietly replies.
“It isn’t yours either. So, instead of wasting time blaming ourselves, how about I take you home? Gracia and Elicia are eager to meet you.”
She pulls back and looks at him apprehensively.
“Is it okay? I’m a complete stranger.”
“They’d be upset if I don’t bring you home,” he smiles reassuringly. “They want to meet the girl who saved my ass.”
Still looking reluctant, she sighs, “Okay, but I’ll need a nurse to help me change.”
Maes chuckles, “I saw more than what was proper when we were in Azambra and I’m more than happy not to repeat that scenario.”
Kisa blushes as he eases her back into the pillows before leaving to retrieve a nurse.
- 4
- 5
- 6
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Chapter 1