Fandom FMA: The Sage's Design IC

[rooke]

History

Twenty three years have passed since the Elric brothers left Amestris to learn the knowledge the world has to offer. When they returned, knowledge and practice of alkahestry became popular among the Amestrians. This boom in powerful individuals led Fuhrer Grumman to start heavily regulate alchemy to only licensed practitioners out of fear of the creation of another Philosopher's Stone. The Fuhrer only shared this information with select individuals namely those involved in the Promised Day.

When Grumman passed, the role of Fuhrer was passed onto General Lance Stinger instead of Roy Mustang as some citizens had expected because of his role in the Ishvalan Civil War. During the transition of power a sect of alchemists who were frustrated they could not freely practice their craft decided to learn all they could about alchemy in an effort to maybe one day overthrow the Fuhrer. Their quest for knowledge led them to the ancient teachings of the Sage of the East and the power of them.

Factions

State Military: This includes the Fuhrer, Military Officers, Soldiers, and State Alchemists. State Alchemists are the only Alchemists who can freely utilize their alchemy which has led to an influx of newcomers.

Followers of the Sage: Alchemists who wish to use their knowledge of alchemy to overthrow the government. It has been run under the guise of a religion, one that can bring change to the world through alchemy. Rumor has it that they have recently been creating new philosophers stones to increase their power.

Civilian: Any other citizen of Amestris or an unaffiliated individual falls under this category.

Plot

Its now twenty five years after the Promised Day passed. Those involved have now aged and many have moved onto retired life or civilian life, settling down and having family's or continuing their careers.

With rumors of the creation of new philosopher's stones, the Amestrian military had begun investigations into the matter in an attempt to discover who is responsible. But without solid evidence in the past, the investigation has had nothing to work on and found nothing new. It is on the brink of being closed and found as only a mere rumor despite numerous people suddenly disappearing. Hunches and gut feelings are now what is keeping it alive.

In Character - Character Sheet - OOC

 

[rooke]

West City. Despite the fact over the past month people have routinely turned up missing Central command has deemed that the creation of new Philosopher’s Stones is just a rumor around the town and has ordered all military personnel assigned to the case to gather and hand in all evidence regarding it for processing and filing. Lt. Colonel Mustang’s team was the lead unit on the case and has been tasked with wrapping it up. But some of the officers still have a gut feeling something is off.

Vincent Miles
It was another lazy day of work for the Frigid Alchemist, just more of the same boring routine. As far as he cared, Central HQ had the right idea about the rumors. Nothing solid had turned up in over a month of investigating. Just disappearances and murders which weren’t too out of the ordinary for West City. Yet something still told the young Major that his superiors were wrong and there was something they were missing.

Of course he would never say anything about it since it would be illogical to act on one alchemists gut. “Hopefully today is the last day I have to think about a damn philosopher’s stone.” Vincent mused as he made his brief commute to work from a nearby cafe. Touching both of his hands together so his transmutation circles connected he gently blew on his coffee to chill the hot beverage to drinking temperature. “Maybe I’ll get moved to Central after this.” He joked while taking his last few steps towards the building.

Kimberly Belle
Kim was jolted awake as the person seated next to her gently awoke her.

“This is your stop right? West City?”

“Yes thank you. I definitely would’ve missed it if you hadn’t woken me up.”

“You’re welcome. I would hate for a young lady like you to be lost and alone.”

“Why thank you, but I would be able to make it back here. Just gotta hop on the train in the other direction right?” She replied with a sweet smile as the train came to a complete stop and passengers began to depart. “Hopefully I’ll meet more kind strangers like you sir. Have a good trip.” She added as she stood and shouldered her backpack. She then grabbed her suitcase and stepped off the train and into West City. Inhaling through her nose and exhaling, Kimberly quietly muttered her signature phrase to herself. “Time to raise hell.”

 

[Kinzu Hekmatyar]

Alphard was sent to West City with the conclusion of Philosopher Stone hunt,and that resulted in it being call a witch hunt. With that she was scatter like many other chimera troops,through out the country with the goal of increasing security an guarding important people.
She had been tasked with guarding a Alchemist know as the Frigid Alchemist. She been tailing him casually ,but kept a healthy distance to avoid any unwanted attention.

 

[Aurum]

It was a strange letter to receive in the middle of nowhere. Marie had hidden in the southern fields of Amestris for a little over a month, and although there had been a few close calls, no one around there had seemed to recognize her. That was good, she needed time to rest. She had left the Ishvalan Nation, where Dr. Marcoh lived and practiced medicine, almost two years ago; and although she missed him dearly, receiving a letter with his handwriting was definitely unexpected. He always seemed to find a way to locate and contact her in the most subtle of fashions. It was probably his time with the military that taught him many of his tricks.
"Dear child", the letter began. Avoiding to write her name was smart, but did he need to call her that still? "I understand your confusion. We haven't talked in a long time. Believe me, I'd love to tell you how I and everyone else here is doing, but the matter that brings me to write to you today is of upmost importance.
I understand you are already familiar with the cult that became known as 'The Followers of the Sage'", as she read those words, her burns, even covered in thick layers of dense carbon polymer, stung and ached a little more. Yes she was familiar with them, alright. She owed them her black covered body and face. She took a deep breath before continuing, "Very worrying rumours have gotten to even these parts, about disappearances around West City, and whispers of the philosopher stone bring pain to my old bones once more. I would like nothing more than to go there myself and ask my old friends what they know, but my body is not what it used to, and I cannot abandon the Ishvalians. Scar proposed we ask you to investigate", she frowned. They wanted her to go to one of the most tightly secured cities in Amestris to investigate rumours?? Someone with a price on her head? They surely were mad. She never liked this Scar fellow too much, always too stern, trying to be a leader, but jumping at the first opportunity he got to try and get himself killed. Well, maybe other people weren't so eager to die!
"I understand this may be asking too much. It is dangerous for you to approach a military base, and these are nothing more than rumours", damned old man always reading her mind, "but I must beg of you. You have heard my stories and studied the past, and thus you know how dangerous something like this can be. I cannot trust anyone else with this duty.
Should you go, I have contacted some old friends who may be able to keep you secure if you don't call for attention to yourself.
Thank you for listening to my ridiculous request. We miss you, and hope you are safe and sound.
Tim Marcoh."

And so, despite her better judgement, one week later she was arriving to West City in the same train as a certain other woman, and entered the station with a sigh on her lips. She had covered her black arm and leg with bandages, and her left cheeck with a similar material. She has put her short platinum blond hair up in a ponytail, dressed in men's clothes, and blended into the crowd trying not to call the attention of anyone there.
The first place she would need to check was some bar. People in bars usually held the information one was looking for. And looking like a man would make it easier to get people to trust her in an alcohol filled space.

 

[rooke]

Vincent Miles
Vincent hadn’t taken notice to his new shadow on his walk, entering the headquarters. His head was now filled with the idea of a cushy and secure job in Central. Had Mustang been elected Grumman’s successor, his life probably would be much better. Having Ishvallan blood had its perks at times and his father’s name carried weight to most higher ups.

But the Frigid Alchemist despised those who were handed things in life like they were candy. It’s a reason he respected his superior as much as he did. Despite being a Mustang she still worked harder than any other soldier in West City. A wave of sadness passed over Vincent as he came to the realization he may not be under her command anymore, something that bummed him out. And so he entered the workspace with an atypical expression.
Kinzu Hekmatyar

Kimberly Belle
“What should I do first?” Kimberly mused aloud as she stood still in a small crowd of people. But like it had a mind of its own, her stomach began to audibly growl. “Looks like food first. Now where would be the best and closest place for that?” She wondered while staring at her stomach. A quick scan revealed that there was nothing substantial at the station.

“Excuse me miss, I couldn’t help but overhear your stomach and the nearest place is a bar maybe a block away. I would be happy to walk you there if you’d like.” A man in a business suit replied.

“That sounds lovely. It may be a little early for drinks, but maybe if you’re lucky I’ll let you treat me to some.” Kimberly replied with a sweet and jesting tone. “Lead the way sir.”
Aurum

 

[Aurum]

Marie entered the bar as she thought of a plan. First, she needed to get her story straight so she wouldn't raise suspicions. Her name was... Uhm, Samuel. Samuel Marcoh... No, she couldn't use the doctor's name just like that. Samuel Fuir? Sure, that worked. People would be curious about Samuel's bandages, so she could say they were from an accident in a mine. If they asked, she'd say she was from Dublith; there was an active mine there, so that should work. Alright, the rest she would figure out as things developed.
She entered the bar and took her hat off -good manners, although annoying, would get her far. Her hair was up in a ponytail and she had made sure to make it a bit dirty. She looked about as manly as she could.
"What will you have, boy?", the bartender asked without giving her much thought. She smiled a little, slightly relieved that the disguise was working, and nodded.
"Gimme some ale and something to eat", she made her voice sound rougher than usual, which would probably hurt her throat if she kept it up for too long.
It didn't take long for the bartender to bring him ale and something that looked like food. Whatever, she was used to eating garbage. "Been a long time since I came to West City. Heard there were some disappearances, and wasn't sure if I should come", she said before sipping from her mug.
The bartender shrugged as he wiped some glasses clean, "yeah, if you ask around you'll hear some stories, but the military is saying they're just that. Stories", he replied.
Marie ate some of the... Gravy? Whatever it was, and nodded, "a couple in the train coming here told me their cousins' family are nowhere to be found. They seemed worried, and told of other cases like that. I thought the government was looking into it".
"Well, they were. But you know how it is. If they don't find anything soon it can get embarrassing, so now they are making Mustang and his people take the job of filing it all", the man said, before turning to look at some newcomers and asking what they wanted.
Marie frowned. According to Marcoh, Mustang would probably be just as interested in this whole thing as him. It was odd that he would follow the higher up's orders to the letter regarding all this.

 

[noalaniwolf]

Shail Mustang sat at her new desk, head in hands, ready to pull her hair out. Murders and disappearances. Normally no one would bat an eye, but a few anonymous tips and suspicious activity has led her superiors to believe it was related to a philosophers stone. So now Shail was stuck trying to link together murders and disappearances. On her desk was a map of West City covered in push pins marking crime scenes and other places deemed relevant in the investigation. On the edge of the map sat glinting a constant reminder of the pressure of her position. Lt. Colonel Mustang. They probably saved money by just giving her Roy's old name plaque. She wasn't sure if she was more stressed out about her job or her title. Lt. Colonel. How could she be Lt. Colonel? It was a title to be proud of for sure; a testament to her hard work and dedication. Shail never wanted to be Lt. Colonel though. It's all that damn Roy's fault. But with a name like Mustang, surely the higher ups had been watching her and thought she deserved this.
Vincent walked into her office, prompting Mustang to jump out of her seat and stand at attention. That wasn't what she was supposed to do, but one could say the stress was getting to her. Realizing her mistake, she awkwardly tried to move into a more relaxed looking stance. "Miles. Good to see you, I think I know what we're doing next. This bar right here," she said, pointing her finger to a small bar on the map she had pined to her desk, "it looks like the next place something's going to happen." In reality, Mustang wasn't sure of that. If you traced the disappearances and added that point, it looked like a pattern: a star (or a giraffe if you tilted your head slightly and took some creative liberties on the legs). BUT IT WAS BETTER THAN NOTHING.
rooke

 

[Kinzu Hekmatyar]

The alchemist she was following enter the building , so she chose break off from tailing him . She took this chance to rest,and take a seat on a distance bench. She brought a newspaper on her way over and then sat down playing as if she was reading .
This place was certainly no central an to make things worst it seem to be more blatantly violent. So it only made sense for her to be hear ,and protect this alchemist asset to the country.USER=3669] rooke [/USER]

 

[rooke]

Kimberly Belle
The kind gentleman escorting Kimberly to the bar was trying his best to hold a conversation with her, sighing of relief once they entered the establishment. Taking a table near the bar the duo sat and glossed over the menu. “Huh. Nothing too eye catching here.” Kim murmured and stared down the priciest items.

“I’m thinking a burger. What about for yourself so I can go order it?” The man questioned.

“I’m going to have bacon, eggs, and fries. If they can’t do that, tell him to come to me.” Kimberly replied after a moment of thought. “I’ll be at the bar.” She added as she stood and waltzed over to the bar taking a seat next to Marie.

“One screwdriver please. Double.” She said calling over the bartender, who took immediate attention to her.

Aurum

Vincent Miles
“Shit Lt, how long have you been here to salute me?” Vince joked with a salute of his own. “Good to see you as well.” He added before hearing that his superior was still searching for more evidence. The Frigid alchemist groaned in annoyance before replying to Shail. “Can’t we just let this go? We have to have everything gathered to be sent to Central as soon as possible.”

But it was clear that the Shail was determined to follow through. And the markings on the map did form a rough star if connected in a certain way. “Alright Lt Mustang. When are we departing for this bar?”

noalaniwolf

 

[Aurum]

Marie noticed someone sitting next to her, and looking at her from the corner of her eyes she could tell she didn't want to be close to this woman. Something about always running from trouble had allowed her to develop the ability to spot it from afar, and her senses were screaming at her that something about this beautiful girl was not right. However, she needed to get more intel before moving too much, so she couldn't leave just yet. She continued acting like a man, and her hand went instinctively over her carbonized, bandaged arm.
"Are there still people disappearing? I don't wanna get involved in all that. I'm not much of a fighter", she lied in her manly voice, and laughed a little, "what zones should I avoid?". She expected the bartender, or maybe someone close by to know where the last disappearances had taken place. It would be better to go to places where the clues were fresher, so the suspects would be easier to track down.

rooke
(Hoping you can answer that as the bartender or other)

 

[rooke]

Kimberly Belle
The Sapphire Lotus Alchemist immediately felt the uneasy vibe Marie was giving off. But it intrigued her to listen in to her conversation.

“What zones should I avoid?” Marie had asked.

“I’d avoid going out at all if you aren’t a fighter.” The bartender replied. “And if you gotta, I would travel in a larger group. With people who can. Especially around the outskirts and the eastern district.” He stated whilst slamming Kimberly’s drink on the counter. “Here’s that screwdriver.”

“Thank you. What’s in the east that’s so bad?” Kim added with an intrigues look on her face.

“That’s the most dangerous place in town before the military presence was increased. And now it’s on edge. No one goes there and comes back unharmed.” The barkeep said in a stern voice. “Don’t go there.”

Aurum

 

[Aurum]

Marie listened carefully, frowning at the fact that there was military presence in the danger zones. She'd have to be careful about more than one enemy over there if she wanted to investigate. She looked at the woman who had now joined the conversation, and nodded at her as a manly greeting, trying to be polite but not calling for too much attention to her face. She drank some more of her drink, and sighed, "that's worrying. I have family in the western district, and I was planning to visit them. I hope they are ok", she lied, in order to keep the conversation going. "But I don't think visiting is an option for a skinny guy like if it's really that dangerous over there", she shrugged and drank some more.
She would need a plan, and maybe a different disguise if she was to visit those neighborhoods. The two groups that had been after her for the last two years were highly active in the areas she needed to go to; the chances of getting out of there without a fight were nearly close to zero.
Maybe she should look for the people Marcoh said would help her. The problem was that she had no way of differentiate them from the rest of the military. Maybe a word, or a code that they'd understand... She'd have to give it more thought.
"By the way, what is a good inn around here where I can stay in for a few nights?", she asked, praying to whoever was up in the heavens that she would at least get one good night of rest before everything went to shit.

 

[noalaniwolf]

"It's a good thing you asked, we're going now." Shail said confidently as she strode out from behind her desk. She took a brown coat and hat from a coat rack in the office "And change out of that uniform; we're going undercover. I'll bring the car around in ten so be ready by then." she walked out of the office and closed the door, leaving Vincent alone in the room. She was a woman on a mission, and nothing was going to stop her from finding the root of these rumors. After all, every rumor has some truth to it. Even if it wasn't a philosopher's stone though, Shail would be happy if she could prevent even one murder. She understood Vincent's desire to stop chasing this rumor though, and if he wasn't outside the building in ten, she would leave without him. She wouldn't hold anything against him, it did seem like it was becoming a wild goose chase.
Shail used the restroom to change into civilian clothing (a loose long sleeved shirt some slacks, a coat and a hat) and made her way to the car and pulled it in front of the building. She waited for Vincent, opening her silver pocket watch to keep an eye on the time.

 

[rooke]

Kimberly Belle
“All inns around here are about the same. The closer you can get towards the military the safer you probably are. I hear they brought some alchemists in to investigate and protect or something. But just up the road is nice as well.” The bartender replied to Marie.

“Can you tell me where Hotel Violet is? It’s my first time in the city so I don’t know where anything is.” Kimberly asked in a bubbly tone and tapped her automail hand on her glass. After a few rasps, Kimberly picked up her glass and drank away, finishing the beverage in a few drinks. “Can I have another? It’s a really good screwdriver.”

“Sure thing miss. And the Violet is kind of a walk so I recommend a taxi. It’s pretty close to the center of the city. Big building. Can’t miss it.” The bartender cheerfully answered as he made another drink. “Anything else for you kid?” He said asking Marie.

Vincent Miles
Letting out another groan, Vincent took one last look at his uniform. “And I put so much effort into making it perfect today.” He murmured before heading to grab a change of clothes. He knew that having some sort of closure would help Shail, but the case didn’t seem to have one. Everything didn’t add up for what he knew. Nonetheless, Vincent grabbed his street clothes and changed in a locker room.

Donning a pair of black jeans and a white button up with a gray field jacket, Vincent grabbed a pair of sunglasses before meeting the Lt. Colonel. “We don’t need anyone else?” The Frigid Alchemist asked while tying his hair into a loose ponytail. “And does anyone know we’re doing this?”

 

[Aurum]

Well, Marie would definitely make sure to stay as far away from the military bases as humanly possible, so she guessed she would rent a room in the outskirts of the city. She would visit the West district tomorrow, she gathered, as today would be more of an information gathering activity around the biggest part of the city. She could ask around in other bars and in the marketplace, maybe see what the newspapers were saying about this whole thing. People living in the streets were also good sources of unbiased information, she had found over the years.
She was deep in thought, her bandaged hand tapping her chin, and the bartender's question seemed to startle her. "Huh? Oh, yeah, give me another glass of beer please", she asked. She needed a drink, and a good sign from the heavens or whatever.
As she waited, the woman's automail hand piqued her interest. She looked at it for a few moments, admiring the handiwork, but then abruptly turned away when she realized she was probably being rude; she had no problem pissing people off under normal circumstances, but she was trying not to call for attention, especially from people who looked as dangerous as this screwdriver-drinking woman.

 

[noalaniwolf]

57...58....59...She knew it, he can't coming. Just at the strike of five minutes, the door to the car opened and Vincent sat down in the passenger seat. In that moment, Shail felt a wave of relief. She wasn't alone. Of course, her generally high levels of stress were still noticeable. When she talked, she talked confidently and quickly, like she was late to a very important meeting. "The answer to both of your questions is no!" Before Vincent could protest (and leave the car) she floored the vehicle. "I left a note on my desk though. If something happens and we disappear long enough to make people wonder where we are they'll have a trail. Maybe that'll spark more interest in the investigation, am I right?" the words Shail used sounded like they should have been a joke, but the tone of her voice was hasty and serious, albeit she'd been hasty and serious for the past month. She needed a break. Can't take breaks until this is all over. She drove like a bat out of hell towards their location and only slowed when they neared the bar to seem less suspicious.
When they arrived, she stepped out of the car and took a deep breath. She needed to calm herself down. They were undercover, she couldn't afford to look on edge. "Right," she said calmly, running her hand through her hair, "your buying drinks...Am I allowed to ask you to buy drinks as your superior?...I'm buying drinks." she finally decided.

 

[Kinzu Hekmatyar]

Seems like she had been out played,with the pair speeding out of the office and into a car than down the street. There was no point in rushing to chase them,but instead she would take this time fold her news paper. She would need to catch up but how and where did they go ? A sigh escaped her mouth,so she chose to play it safe enter the office after a quick military uniform change . With that she enter the building ,though not a well know face but didn't do anything to stand out. Posing like a newly posted soldier and asked around for Shail ,and was soon brought to the deserted office door.

 

[rooke]

Kimberly Belle
Flexing her automail hand as if stretching and warming up the joints, there were chances to glance at the transmutation circle engraved into the metal. But the chance was quickly gone when the bartender returned with two new drinks. Reaching for the screwdriver with a smile on her face, Kimberly took a sip and stood before saying “Thank you for the drinks.” with a little kiss. “Maybe I’ll see you around.” She added turning to Marie with a flirty little grin.

Returning to the man she came with to the bar, Kimberly sat at the table in front of her meal and started to slowly eat. Inbetween bites of food, the Alchemist watched the door intently.

Vincent Miles
The Frigid Alchemist tried to relax as Shail wildly drove to the bars location. “Of course you didn’t. Why do I even bother asking you those kinds of questions. And I doubt we’ll go missing, but if someone finds out that we ditched work to quote ‘Check out a bar’ people may get a little suspicious.” Vincent said, trying to get Shail to lighten up. “You’re gonna stick out like a sore thumb until you get a drink in you.”

Once they arrived, Vincent laughed at Shail’s trouble as to who was buying. “I hope your pay can handle my drinking. I’ll pay for a bite if you’re hungry.” He said and escorted his commanding officer into the establishment.

(I thought I posted this hours ago. Dammit.)

 

[Deadly Malice]

Zephyr was leaning against the wall of the bar, wondering whether he wanted to go in or not, however, his mind was made up for him when Lieutenant Colonel Shail Mustang rocked up with Vince in tow. He quickly adjusted the casual clothes he had been using to blend in so he could gather intel and quickly made his way over to where the lieutenant had parked her car and gave an exaggerated standing at attention followed by a salute all while having a cheeky smile on his face.
"Sir"
He then turned his attention to Vince with a smile and extended his hand for a handshake "Frigid Alchemist right? Names Zephyr but most people just call me Zap, because...well it's easier to remember then Zephyr and quite frankly is easier to say than 'Discharge Alchemist' so do with that what you will." Zephyr spoke rapidly with a sarcastic undertone and a cocky smile on his face while the fingers in his right hand played with the pocket watch he had been given when he joined the State Alchemists not too long ago.​

 

[rooke]

Vincent Miles
The sudden appearance of Zephyr startled the Vince so much so he dropped the sunglasses he was trying to place in his pocket. “You’re not incredibly tactful are you Zephyr?” He said with a slightly annoyed chuckle. “You wanna announce to the whole city that the three of us are here while you’re at it?” The Frigid Alchemist quickly regained his calm demeanor and bent down to grab his glasses.

“It’s already bad enough to be Ishvallan sometimes. Anyways, come join us for a drink. Shail’s buying.” Vincent said in a friendly tone. “I hope your wallet can handle it.” He added with a grin and guided the group to a table towards the back corner of the establishment.

noalaniwolf Deadly Malice

 

[Aurum]

Marie's eyebrows twitched lightly at the sight of what seemed like a transmutation circle in the strange woman's automail hand. No, it didn't belong to any of the state alchemist she'd read about so far, so that meant she probably wasn't in the military. But, something about it was still strange. It wasn't exactly the same, but it reminded her of something she must have read a long time ago, maybe when she was studying past state alchemists with Marcoh. She couldn't quite put her finger on it, but she could tell the woman had something powerful in there. And if she wasn't part of the military, and yet was ready to battle using alchemy, then it could either mean she was someone like Marie herself, running from the law only for being an unregistered alchemist, or... Maybe she was a terrorist.
'Shit', she thought, looking away from the woman with the automail as she seemed to be leaving the bar, 'what should I do? I can't just approach an officer and tell them about some totally hypothetical conclussions made by an enemy of the state', she tapped her finger on the wooden bar as her mind rushed to get a solution out of this. She could always ignore her and let her be; not Marie's problem if they set off a bomb or something in West City, as long as she is away from there. But it was also a certain possibility that she worked for the people that Marco suspected were attempting to create a new philosopher stone, and that was not good.
'Wait a second... She asked about Hotel Violet before...', maybe she will be staying there. Good, she could leave well after them to avoid raising suspicions and then see what she could find in that hotel.

Marie did not notice any new people enter the bar, focused on this one target as she was. She waited silently for the girl to leave before even moving again. She was pacient, no problem at all.

 

[noalaniwolf]

(Sorry about the delay, my exams and the flu this semester all hit the same time)
"This is an undercover mission, Zep, keep it casual." Shail said while dipping her hat. This one was the Discharge Alchemist, a newer state alchemist. He worked with electricity. There was a decent amount of alchemy synergy in the group; enough that they couldn't be threatened too badly by anything mundane. Shail followed Vince into the bar and took a seat, leaning backwards so the chair balanced on only its back legs "Get whatever you want, it's your tax money," she joked, "I am going to pick myself up the fruitiest, girliest drink they've got...and a sandwich" she mumbled under her breath while getting up to go to the bar

 

[rooke]

Kimberly Belle
Kimberly’s diligence paid off as she noticed the three newcomers enter the bar. To nearly anyone else, it would’ve looked like a couple out for an early breakfast greeting an old friend, but Kimberly read the surprise on Vincent’s face. They were here for a reason besides casual breakfast. But she couldn’t tell what, as they had no true identifying markings on their clothes or bodies. The Alchemist discreetly scanned the trio. The newcomer was fidgeting with something, but Kimberly couldn’t deduce what.

She did however have her guesses. It could’ve simply been a coin or keys. Or it could’ve been a new badge for local police. Or a watch from the military. She couldn’t be sure which, but she wasn’t going to be sticking around long to find out. She had business to attend to and the location of the blood seal she had been hired to create was nearby. “Thank you for breakfast. Would you possibly escort me to the Hotel Violet?” She asked her companion while finishing up her plate. “You wouldn’t let a little lady like myself walk alone would you?” She added in a sweet tone.

“Of course I will. It shouldn’t be too far right?” The unassuming gentleman said with a laugh, laughing at his own luck.

“It’s near the center of the city. It’s a walk, but I’m not the biggest fan of taxis. Maybe we could wander around on the way.”

 

[Greekgeek1213]

Looking around the premise, Liang tried to find a place to hide. She knew that coming here was very dangerous, even after having fought off other people on her way from Xing, but even so, she smiled all the while as she found an open business around the corner. The danger of her journey wouldn't keep her from her goal, and her obviously confident body-language showed that. Making sure the coast was clear, she ran inside, not focusing on what kind of establishment it was.

Once inside, she saw the error of her ways. She was young, anyone could see that, and now she was in a bar, where she couldn't do anything. Which meant she couldn't stay there for long. But, she made sure to hide out-of-sight from the view of anyone looking through the windows. Yeah, it didn't take a genius to figure out she was trying to be found by someone, and that someone was most likely an officer or someone from the military. However, she made sure to act casual. Taking a seat at a table, she took a breather as she kept looking at the clock to make sure she took enough time to wait before running off in search of people she could either stay or travel with. People who could help her learn the art of alchemy so she could find out how to use it for good.

rooke noalaniwolf Aurum Deadly Malice

 

[Aurum]

Marie turned her head sligthly to observe the newcomers, all four of them. But only three seemed to have walked in like a group. That woman, the one that had walked up to the bar... She had seen her face before. Oh, wait! That's right, the military records she'd seen identified her as Shail Mustang. 'Oh, so that's the person the bartender meant, not Roy...', that made a little more sense. Roy Mustang would never overlook something like the situation taking place here, at least according to Dr. Marcoh.
Still, her presence here was likely not a good sign. Mustang or not, she was still military, and a state alchemist at that, so Marie couldn't very well consider her and her teammates allies, although it was a clear possibility that they were the friends Marcoh told her to find in his cryptic letter.
Now then, she had a choice to make. Either get up and follow the dangerous looking beauty from before, or stay and see what Miss Mustang and her crew were up to here. Both options seemed promising to look for leads to the mystery, but she could always get it wrong and end up empty handed. The best case scenario would be if the state alchemist followed the same woman she was eyeing before, and Marie followed after them, and saw what they all were doing. But that was a long shot.
"Fuck", she whispered under her breath, tapping her bandaged fingers on the wooden bar without realizing it as she thought about this connundrum. The noise her carbonized fingertips made against the wood gave the strange nature of her burns away, but that wasn't something she noticed at the time.
'Alright', she decided, glancing at Shail once, and then at the suspicious couple leaving for one last time before they crossed the door, but concentrating back on her half-emptied plate quickly so as to not call for attention. 'I still have to give them a few minutes of advantage before following suit. So I'll wait to see if these military dogs do anything weird before leaving', but she couldn't have the cake and eat it, and she didn't have much time. She concentrated her senses on Shail and the people she'd entered the bar with, including the foreign-looking little girl.
Marie still looked quite convincingly like a young man, so maybe -just maybe-, no one there would connect her hidden face with the 'wanted' posters all around the countryside.


((omg I'm so sorry. Work has been hell these past months))