//------------------------------// // Chapter 12: Unveiled Truths // Story: Friendship is Magic; Damnation is Alchemy // by AnonymousCardCaptor //------------------------------// Friendship is Magic; Damnation is Alchemy By Anonymous Card Captor My Little Pony-Friendship is Magic is created by Lauren Faust and owned by Hasbro Studios. Fullmetal Alchemist is created by Hiromu Arakawa. All other characters are the creation of the author. All thoughts or anything read by a character is in italics. Chapter 12: Unveiled Truths ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ The skies above the shoreline bordering the Everfree Forest were graced by two suns-one slowly sinking below the Foal Mountains where Canterlot resides and the other rising over a vast body of water bordering the skyline. The rays of light gleamed off the waves like a sea of precious gems. Applejack leaned over the edge of the pegasus-pulled sky carriage taking in the vast expanse of blue beneath them. “Ain’t never seen this much water in mah life. And ta think, there ain’t a drop to drink. Twi?!? Ain’t ya listenin’?” Twilight snapped out of her malaise and turned her attention from the sky to Applejack. “Oh I’m sorry. You were saying?” “I was just makin’ small talk, Twi? Are you air sick?” “No, Applejack, I’m not.” Twilight resumed gazing at the sky and sighed. “It’s true isn’t it? There’s an alien world out there and the princess didn’t tell us.” “‘Didn’t tell us’?!?” A condescending voice cried out through the carriage’s front window and over the rustling wind. “More like lied to us.” Rainbow Dash raised her head and peered through the front window. “Rainbow Dash! Tat’s nuff of that sorta talk.” “The Element of Honesty defending a liar?!? Oh the irony.” “Not telling us sumthing isn’t the same as lying.” “But telling Twilight a unicorn was casting spells for that fake Wind Racer is. Come on Twilight, she told you fake Wind Racer couldn’t perform magic.” “Tat weren’t magic,” said Applejack. “It’s alchemy.” “Alchemy, magic. Who cares! Princess Liestia told Twilight it was a unicorn. Twilight, tell her the princess was lying.” “LEAVE ME OUT OF IT! Just leave me out of it, please!” Twilight shined a light on a book with a flower pattern on the cover and picked up where she left off reading. “Twilight, dear,” Rarity said as she rubbed Twilight’s mane, “maybe you should take a little break. It’s been a hectic few days, and we’re all on pins and needles.” “No, I can’t. Somepony has to be the one to check this diary for clues. This may be our only chance to find this Douglas Sinclair." ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Flashback The palace guards finished packing the last of the supplies onto the stretched, carriage parked beside Fluttershy’s cottage. Like a pair of finely-tuned steam pistons, the two guards alternated between grabbing a box of supplies and packing it in the ever-shrinking space inside the carriage. Rarity and another palace guard were on the other side of the wagon having a spirited conversation. The guy pointed a hoof at several boxes stacked on the ground next to the carriage. “Ma’am,” the guard said apologetically, “Princess Celestia has ordered that only essential items are to be taken.” “But they are essential,” Rarity protested. “Do you have an inkling of how much care goes into giving my mane the perfect curl?” Rarity gently pawed her mane and then batted her eyes and smiled coyly at the guard. “That carriage is so spacious that I’m sure nopony will notice a few extra cases.” It was then a dark indigo leg tapped Rarity on the shoulder. Both the guard and Rarity bowed to the imposing figure of Princess Luna. “Miss Rarity,” the princess of the night said sternly, “essential items are those most needed for your survival, and those for personal grooming does not count.” “But I’ll look...ugly.” Rarity stroked her own mane and pouted her lips in disappointment, which did not go unnoticed to the princess of the night. “Guard, permit Miss Rarity to carry one make-up kit for the trip but only one.” Rarity’s mood lightened up a bit. When the guards finished packing, Rarity, Pinkie Pike, and Applejack boarded the wagon. Princess Celestia levitated several books in front of Twilight Sparkle. “These are from the human world. They will vital for compl...” Celestia stopped when she noticed Twilight Sparkle slouching over and staring off at the distance with a frown carved on her face. “Twilight Sparkle!” Celestia yelled. “Wha...wha...what?!?” Twilight snapped out her daze. “Pay attention, please. The information in these books may mean the difference between life and death.” “Yes, your majesty,” Twilight sighed. Rainbow Dash landed beside Twilight and threw on the stack of books a diary with a flower pattern on the cover and a belt with a lock for a buckle wrapped around it. “I think you might want to add this to your reading list.” “Twilight doesn’t have time to read your diary.” “Not my diary,” Rainbow Dash grumbled. “That fake Wind Racer’s diary. The fake Wind Racer you didn’t tell us about, your majesty.” Fluttershy covered her mouth with her hoof and gasped. “Rainbow Dash! We shouldn’t read somepony’s...” “I have no obligation to tell my subjects everything that happens in my kingdom.” “So does secrecy extends to telling lies too, your majesty.” “How dare you!” Celestia stomped her hoof hard enough to make a foot-wide crater in the soft soil. “So, that really was a unicorn performing magic for Wind Racer who isn’t some weird monster from beyond the Everfree Forest.” The indignation that came over Celestia fade, and, in its place, was shame. “Well, I...” “Even Twilight knows you lied.” “Twilight, is that your true feelings?” Celestia asked her student. Twilight averted her glance. “But you had to...” “Be honest with me.” “Yeah, be honest unlike our princess.” “Dashie!” Applejack scolded. “You...didn’t...trust me,” Twilight answered. “You wouldn’t tell me what was really going on even though I’m your personal student.” “But I did tell you. You know what Wind Racer really is.” Twilight stared into Celestia’s eyes. A tear ran down her right cheek. “But only because you had to. He’s gone, and you need somepony to find him. You don’t trust me. You just didn’t have anypony else to turn to.” Celestia reached out a hoof to wipe away Twilight’s tears, but her pupil flinched and back away. “I held you up long enough. I should let you finish packing.” The princess boarded her chariot. “Bearers of the Elements,” Princess Luna said, “please do not judge my sister’s actions too harshly. The world of the humans is a dark and terrible place and she wished only to spare you from...” “Luna, please don’t make excuses for my actions.” “But sister...” “Just drop it, please.” Celestia said sternly. “As you wish, my sister,” she said before back at the others. “Our existence, as far as the humans are concerned, is but a fairy tale, which is why secrecy is of the utmost important. You must do everything in your power not to be discovered by the humans.” “Yeah, yeah, yeah, we’ll keep your dirty little secrets,” Rainbow Dash blurted. “Oh I almost forgot. You were in on it as well,” she said to Luna. “I know my sister and I have not given you much reason to trust us, but please believe us when we say all of Equestria is in grave danger as long as Douglas Sinclair is a free stallion.” Princess Luna took her place with Celestia on the royal chariot. “We are leaving you a guide to the human world. He knows more about them than any other pony save for my sister and me." The palace guards took their post and was about to pull the royal chariot into the sky when Fluttershy flew in front of them. “Your majesty, I’m sorry to bother you at this time, but I couldn’t help but to notice that...” “I always know you question,” said Celestia. “You do!” Fluttershy cracked a smile. “And the answer is ‘no’.” Fluttershy’s smile disappeared as her hopes were dashed by Celestia’s ‘no’. “There’s nothing we can do to help Wind Racer.” “Bu...bu...bu...but why not?!?” “There are forces beyond even my control. He *must* be left alone.” “Please, Princess, why won’t you...” Tears ran down Fluttershy’s face. “I said ‘no’!” Celestia glided off the chariot and landed beside the crying Fluttershy. She was tall enough that, despite Fluttershy hovering a foot off the ground, that she could wiped off the tender-hearted pegasus’ tears. “Our world is ruled by a being more powerful than me...even more powerful than Discord...and he has ordained that Wind Racer remain in his human body. “I don’t...understand.” “Sometimes, I don’t either.” Celestia solemnly crept back to her chariot. She, Luna, and the palace guards flew back to Canterlot. “Umm…Fluttershy...” Twilight muttered. “You don’t mind me reading the diary, do you?” “Why would she?” Rainbow Dash groaned. “That thing wasn’t Wind Racer, and how do we know he wasn’t spying on us? There’s no telling what he really...” Rainbow Dash cupped her hoof over her mouth when she saw Fluttershy was still weeping. “Fluttershy, I’m...I’m sorry...” “It’s okay Dashie.” Fluttershy wiped away the fresh back of tears. “You’re right. I can’t keep pretending that was Wind Racer.” As Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash were hitching themselves to the carriage, a familiar pegasus landed beside them. “Mr. Ripper?!?” Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy uttered at the same time. The other four Element Bearers piled out of the carriage and gathered around the former captain of the guard. Sky Ripper was a haggard stallion. The bags partially covering bloodshot eyes and the beard stubble gave the impression that he had aged a decade overnight. Yet, single-minded determination peered through this worn exterior-focus, unfaltering gaze. His posture, which could only be mustered by a career military stallion, was regal and firm. “Did the princess tell you? About Wind Racer?” Fluttershy asked. “She did.” Sky Ripper took lead and hitched himself to the carriage with Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy behind him. “Is everypony ready?” “Mr. Ripper, I’m sorry for holding you up,” Rarity apologized, “but you look like you went through Tartarus. How about I give a shave and a proper grooming while we’re still here?” “No time. We’re leaving now.” “But...” “Tend it that on our next stopover.” “Are you sure you’re up to it? You look so tired. Maybe you should rest...” “I’m fine. Does anypony else need anything before we leave.” Applejack patted Rarity on the shoulder. “There’s no need ta be frettin’. He’s a tough ol’ stallion. I’m sure he can take care of himself.” Suddenly, Applejack was pushed forward into Rarity as the carriage ascended into the heavens. At a distance, the royal alicorn sisters kept a watchful eye on the carriage disappearing over the horizon. “I pray dear sister,” said Luna, “that they come back to us unscathed.” Celestia rubbed Luna on the back. “As do I, dear Luna.” “You looked spent, dear sister.” “Luna, could you...take over raising the sun for me?” “Gladly.” Celestia spread her wings and floated off the chariot. “And...I could use some time to clear my head.” “Take all that you need. I owe you for a millennia-worth of sunrises.” “Thank you, Luna.” And so, Celestia parted ways with her sister and royal entourage. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ It was early morning on the lush green island where the expedition to the human world had stayed overnight. Still feeling stir-crazy from being cooped up all day in the sky carriage, Pinkie Pie bounced up and down on the top of one of the peculiar trees on the island. The branches, which looked more like leaf stems, radiated from its top. Its leaves looked like blades of swamp grass. Attached to the tree top were the biggest nuts Pinkie Pie ever saw. They were bigger than Big McIntosh’s hooves and covered in fine, short strands of hair. “Pinkie, get down from there.” Rainbow Dash scolded. She was standing beside the tree trunk. “Dashie, have you ever seen a tree this weird before. I mean, all the branches are on the top and the leaves look like grass from Froggy Bottom Bog.” “Yeah, yeah, I get it. The tree’s weird. Now quit horsing around.” Pinkie Pie stopped hopping and looked down at Rainbow Dash. “Shouldn’t that be ‘quit ponying around’?” Just then, the tree released its grip on one of its oversized nuts, which came within a few inches of landing on top of Rainbow Dash’s head. “Pinkie!” Dash rubbed the knob forming on the top of her head. “Sorry about that Dashie.” Pinkie walked down the tree trunk which, fortunately for her, flex enough that her hooves could grip the trunk. Not far from Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash was the campsite for their first stopover. Sky Ripper was helping Rarity, Fluttershy, and Applejack unpack their sleeping bags and tent. Twilight was lying on a blanket on the beach reading one of the human books Celestia gave her. Printed on the cover was “A History of Firearm Development” by Hiram Maxim. “Watcha doin’?” Pinkie Pie asked while jumping up and down besides Twilight. “What does it look like I doing Pinkie?” Twilight groaned. “I meant to ask is it any good?” “I’m only on the first hundred pages.” “I thought you’d be finished with it already. How come you’re reading so slow Twilight?” “I’m not used to this weird font, and there’s a few words I haven’t seen before-probably from language drift.” “What’s language drift?” Pinkie Pie asked still hopping up and down. “Languages change over time, and when ponies move away from other ponies that speak the same language and live apart from each other for a very long time, their language changes in different ways depending on where they live, but fortunately, it hasn’t change so much that it’s incomprehensible.” “But isn’t that a human book.” “Yes, Pinkie, it’s a human book,” Twilight grunted. “So language drift happens to humans, too. Hey! How come these humans speak the same language as us?” “Because humans and ponies used to talk to each other until relations broke down.” “Didn’t they have parties back then? IftheyhadapartytheneveryponyImeanteveryonewouldallgetalongandtheywouldcomeandvisitusandwewouldvisitthem.” “Pinkie, there’s some things in this world that can’t be fixed with just a party.” “Yo, Twi,” said Applejack, “we gotta a long trail in the sky waitin’ fer us. Time ta put away them books.” Rainbow Dash flapped her wings and made a short parabolic flight to Twilight. “You’re on another one already?” Twilight slammed her book closed. “Yeah and...” “You’re finished reading that Dunggy Sinchair thing’s spy book right?” “It’s Douglas Sinclair and yes, I’m finished reading.” “What did it say? Did it have any military secrets in it? What about the Elements of Harmony? What did he say about that?” “It was a waste of time. There wasn’t anything in there that was related to espionage. In fact, it read like the diary of some lovesick colt.” Rarity stopped in the middle of levitating her sleeping bag into the carriage and pointed her ears in Twilight’s general direction. “Did you just say that thing’s diary was like one written by a ‘lovesick colt’ as you put it?” Applejack and Fluttershy stopped packing as well and fixed their attention on Rarity, who was galloping to Twilight’s side. “Yeah, there wasn’t much useful in that book other than him mentioning that he lived in Central City, the capital of Amestris. So, we have at least one possible location for Douglas Sinclair.” “Twilight, may I borrow that diary?” “But Rarity,” said Fluttershy, “Twilight said there wasn’t anything useful in it.” “You’re right, Fluttershy. What was I thinking though...,” Rarity paused, “there may be something Twilight missed that I might notice.” Applejack and Rainbow Dash looked at each other and rolled their eyes. “I’ll just have to see it for myself.” “But Rarity...” “It’s the only way to be sure.” Rarity smiled coyly. Fluttershy then turned to Twilight. “D...d...d…did he...did he say anything about me?” Twilight’s eyes widen. “Uh oh.” “What do you mean ‘uh oh’?” “Rarity, on second thought, maybe you shouldn’t read it.” “But Twilight,” Rarity whined. “There might be something in there that’s important.” “I said ‘no’.” Rarity’s ears flopped down. “Oh very well.” “I’m sorry for interrupting ladies,” said Sky Ripper, “but we’re on a tight schedule and we’re after a fugitive that has a two-day head start on us.” Everypony rushed to finish packing up except for Twilight Sparkle. Instead, she lingered just behind Sky Ripper shadowing him as he folded his tent. Suddenly, Sky Ripper’s head whipped over his shoulder. “Do you mind not lurking behind me?” “Sorry about that,” Twilight apologize, “but I need to talk to you, Captain Ripper.” “It’s just Sky Ripper now. Your brother is the one who holds that title.” Twilight took a deep breath and exhaled nervously. “Capt...Sky Ripper, there’s been something on my mind since we left Equestria and I can’t stop thinking about it no matter how much I try.” “Would you please get to the point?” Sky Ripper said sternly. “Why did the princess tell you? And where’s your wife? Didn’t she tell her as well?” “The pony chosen to be captain of the royal guard is told of the existence of the outside world. That’s why Celestia revealed to me what really happened to our son and not to Wind Dancer.” Twilight Sparkle sighed. “So, she told you and not us?” “It’s part of my duty as captain of the royal guard to be prepared to defend Equestria from all threats.” Twilight placed a fore hoof on her chest. “But I’m one of the Bearers of the Elements of Harmony, her personal student, and she never told me even when she found out who Wind Racer really was.” Sky Ripper gnashed his teeth and snorted. “Princess Celestia has her reasons and it’s not our place to question her decisions.” “It’s not that. It’s just...she wouldn’t trust me.” “As a child, you were told the Hearth’s Warming Eve story about the founding of Equestria. What they don’t tell you is that our ancestors weren’t fleeing from Windigos. They were fleeing from humans. They were the ones that forced the three tribes to work together and recreate our homeland from the frozen desert that Equestria used to be. When Celestia and Luna were crowned princess, their mother Queen Platinum warned them that humans were too savage to co-exist with ponies, but they were naïve and thought the humans could be reasoned with. At first, it seemed they were right. Ponies travel the ocean to human ports and traded with them, but the peace only lasted as long as the humans thought they had something to gain from it. When they got what they wanted, their rulers conspired against our people. They burned and pillaged the colonies we established on uninhabited islands not unlike this one. Celestia sent a diplomatic envoy to make peace with them. When the diplomats didn’t return, the princess went to retrieve them herself. She managed to track them down, but only one of them was still alive when she found them. The rest were brutally murdered. Humans are carnivores. They kill animals for food.” Just then, Fluttershy gasped in horror. “But sometimes, when they take the life of an animal, they don’t eat it. Sometimes, they kill it just for its skin, often to be worn as clothing.” Fluttershy gasped even louder, but she handled the news better than Rarity, who pressed her foreleg against her forehead, neighed weakly, and fainted. “The humans skinned them alive. What was left of the diplomats were draped over life-sized pony manikins and kept as trophies. Humans do this unspeakable barbaric act so often they have a specific word for it: taxidermy.” “Well how do we know this is all true?” Sky Ripper and Twilight tilted their heads to see Rainbow Dash, with forelegs folded over her chest, hovering overhead. “We only have the princess’s word and we know she’s a liar.” Sky Ripper causally nudged the book Twilight was reading in Rainbow Dash’s direction. “A History of Firearm Development,” Sky Ripper read the title out loud for the Bearers of Harmony. “I stayed up all night reading it; wanted to know what we were up against and our knowledge of humans was outdated back when I was still captain. Read it and tell me a species that build weapons like these to use against their own kind isn’t capable of brutality. The truth is Princess Celestia was trying to spare your innocence for as long as she could. She confided in me that her plan to eventually tell you when you were older, but then that beast took my son...If I wasn’t captain of the guard, I wouldn’t want know that the world is full of creatures as cruel and depraved.” Sky Ripper tilted his chin, stomped his hoof, and gritted his teeth. “I could have lived without the knowledge that my son never really came home or that one of those monsters stole his body.” “I’m sorry, I should have...” Rainbow Dash landed and reached out with a reassuring hoof but Sky Ripper gently pushed it away. “Come on, we have a fugitive to hunt down.” A moment later, everypony packed up their sleeping bags and supplied and resumed their trek to the human world. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Mustang extended a hand to the Ishvalan monk. “Welcome to my little insurrection, Scar.” Scar eyed Mustang and crossed his arms over his chest. “I take it Edward Elric is part of this insurrection and was acting under orders from you.” “We had to get Lodestone off our backs, and Fullmetal was the perfect man for the job.” Scar scanned the room and took a mental note of Mustang’s co-conspirators. Izumi and Sig Curtis were on the loveseat eying Scar just as attentively as he was. Dr. Marcoh was at the corner of the room with a notebook on his lap. Dr. Knox smoked beside an open window with the hand holding his cigarette hanging outside. Winry took the spot between Riza and Alphonse on the couch. “And what about them?” Scar asked Mustang. “Lodestone has my men under surveillance thinking that I might make contact with them. Fortunately, Lodestone only knows about my subordinates and nothing about my allies outside the military.” “And you expect me to be one of those allies?” “Not directly.” “But you do expect my assistance?” “Lodestone is expecting you to be grateful that he punished Aerugo for starting the Ishvalan War.” “I’m afraid it’s too late for me to feign ignorance. I didn’t outright expose him for a fraud, but I’m sure he suspects that I didn’t fall for his lies.” “Then fake a change of heart.” “Elder Shan convinced me not to take matters in my hands less I implicate all Ishvalans as disloyal. As much as I detest this charlatan for profiting from my people’s misery, there is merit in Elder Shan’s words.” “Dr. Marcoh, Dr. Knox, if you please.” Dr. Knox put out his cigarette on the window overhang and came forward with Dr. Marcoh not far behind. “Dr. Knox, you first.” “I didn’t notice at first,” said Dr. Knox. “There was an upswing in deaths in the homeless population. Because it happened in winter, we thought the deaths were from exposure or influenza. But after Dr. Marcoh informed me of his suspicions, I talked a co-worker into saving the bodies from the crematoriums.” “And what are these suspicions?” “I went to Aerugo and examined the soil content where Fuehrer Sinclair’s forces shelled Sans Rosa. The amount of soil transmuted into artillery was less than the mass of the cannons.” Scar’s eyes widened. “Are you saying...” “I examined the few corpses I could save. There was no sign of sickness or hypothermia,” said Dr. Knox. “Then, I expanded my investigation to the local hospices, including the list of volunteers. One of them just happened to be April Ferguson, a woman who’s in a relationship with Fuehrer Sinclair.” “Before she was dating Lodestone, April was known as the Red Lightning Alchemist,” said Mustang. “As her commanding officer, I can tell you her alchemy skills are on par with Dr. Marcoh’s.” Dr. Knox pressed a pack of cigarettes to his mouth and pulled one out that was between his lips. “I performed autopsies on the patients under Ferguson’s care. They didn’t die from the illness that placed them in hospice care. Their bodily functions just simply stopped.” Scar’s fist tightened. “Those are the telltale signs of a human soul ripped from its body. And I don’t have to tell you why.” “Red Lightning must have been gathering souls, one at a time, to create a Philosopher’s Stone for Lodestone, and they knew just where to take them without raising suspicions.” Scar raised his voice. “And why do you not expose the fuehrer for the murderer that he is?!?” Mustang threw his head back and sighed. “The military doesn’t trust me. Lodestone has them convinced I would put them on trial for following the orders they were given during the Ishvalan conflict.” Scar folded his arms over his chest. “And why shouldn’t they answer for their crimes against my people? How can you be so flippant towards the slaughter of women and children?” “Now wait just one damn minute,” Dr. Knox protested. “We have more pressing matters than settling old scores.” “No,” said Mustang, “I want to answer Scar. Lodestone’s coup was a success because soldiers thought they would be put on trial. It’s why they don’t trust me even though the tribunals, had they taken place, would be limited to the high ranking officers, not to rank-and-file soldiers. Right now, Amestris is under the control of a man willing to sacrifice human life for his own power, and the Ishvalans are a part of this country. You told me once that you shutter at the thought of a world ruled by a man held captive by his hate. Lodestone isn’t held captive by hate but by his ambition and the world he’s creating is just as ugly. Are you willing to ignore the beast in front of you over your old grievances?” Scar shook his head. “You know me better than that. We fought together against a common enemy-the very one that pitted us against each other. No, I would never sacrifice the future of my people for petty vengeance, but never forget what happened to my people at the hands of yours.” “And you know me better than that, Scar,” Mustang added. “It was the atrocities at Ishval that motivated me to rise to the rank of fuehrer and to correct the mistakes my country made.” “So, what would you have me to do?” A smile cracked across Mustang’s stoic face. “Lodestone has his heart set on building his popularity. You’re a national hero and spiritual leader for the Ishvalans. Lodestone been trying to win you over thinking this will endear him to the Ishvalans.” “You expect me to spy for you?” “I do, and it’s a win-win situation for you. If we overthrow Lodestone, then Amestris’ future is secure, and if we fail, none are the wiser to your involvement and the Ishvalan people will not implicated in the coup. “So, what is your plan?” “We have a plan A and plan B. Plan B is to brute force our way into Central and oust Lodestone from power. We estimated that the casualties will be in the tens of thousands for just military personnel. Collateral damage will be just as high.” “And what is plan A?” “We don’t have it, yet. If we have to, we’ll remove Lodestone from power by force. However, it’s a plan of last resort. It’ll be a regime change purchased with shed blood. We all agreed it’s something to avoid. You don’t approve of our approach, Scar?” Mustang asked. “Delaying a confrontation carries risk in and of itself. Each day you wait is another day the Fuehrer grows in power. However, I do understand your hesitation.” “Come on, Scar. Be honest with us. That scowl on your face isn’t just from a bad strategy.” Scar folded his arms over his chest. “If you mean my personal feelings, I can’t help but to think how my people would have fared had you Amestrians showed this level of restraint.” “I must be the world’s biggest hypocrite to you.” “No, it’s not hypocrisy. You’ve change in the years since the war, but it’s still grating to hear you talk of sparing the lives of Amestrian soldiers.” Dr. Marcoh shot up out of seat. “Scar, do you expect these young men to die because of the mistakes made by the generation before?” “My feelings, Doctor, are ugly, a dark blotch on my soul, but don’t think for a moment I will act on those feelings. I have no intention of give into that part of me. I only mentioned it because Mustang pressed me on the matter, and I had no other choice but to answer truthfully.” “I’m sorry for jumping to conclusions, Scar,” Dr. Marcoh said remorsefully. “We’ve discussed my personal feelings long enough. We have a more pressing matter to deal with.” “As I was saying,” said Mustang, “we have no other alternative but a counter coup. We brainstormed a few ideas but nothing we can work into a military operation.” “Correct me if I’m wrong, but did Fuehrer Grumman not promote men that would not give into the temptation of a Philosopher’s Stone.” Mustang nodded. “He did, but either Lodestone bought them off or they don’t know he’s using one.” “I can attest to it being the latter,” said Dr. Marcoh. “General Hemtt asked me to help him write a brief to Fuehrer Sinclair informing him of its existence. That’s not the actions of someone who would be conspiring with the Fuehrer to create Philosopher’s Stones.” “Why didn’t you give him your evidence?” Scar asked in a raised voice. “Mustang is despised by the military. As far as they’re concerned, he betrayed them, and anyone leveling an accusation against Fuehrer Sinclair would be labeled a Mustang loyalist.” Just then, Mustang’s eyes opened wide as though dumbstruck with a glaring truth that was completely glossed over. “If you’re thinking about turning yourself in to give Macoh’s evidence credibility,” Scar said to Mustang, “you would be throwing your life away for nothing. A ruthless man like the Fuehrer would not suffer Marcoh or Knox to live. The mere fact he possesses a Philosopher’s Stone is proof of that. You can try if you wish, but in my opinion, it would do you no good.” “What’s the hell is wrong with you Mustang?” Knox scolded. “Don’t be so quick to fall on your sword. No one else here is qualified to run a coup.” “It was only a passing thought,” Mustang said defensively. “Well, make sure it passes and never comes back,” Izumi, who had remained quiet throughout the meeting, spoke up. “I’m not following a coward that wants to take the easy way out.” “So we’re back at square one. Scar, you said we’re taking a strategic risk waiting, and you’re right. Lodestone is getting reading to reinstate the draft. The military will double in size by the end of the year. So, we have to strike before that. General Olivier Armstrong will openly challenge Lodestone’s right to rule. She’s vied for position of fuehrer before so this’ll be seen as unrelated to us.” Mustang placed on a table a rolled up, poster-sized paper. “Alright everyone, gather around.” The paper was a map of Amestris. The Briggs Fortress was circled in blue while Central City and a few other areas scattered around the country was circled in red. “Armstrong’s forces will match here.” Mustang circled Sandstone City in blue and drew a line from it to the Briggs Fortress. He then drew, in red, lines from the closest red circles to the blue circle. “Lodestone, in text book fashion, will order his closest armies to head them off before they have a chance to reach Central, but Armstrong’s forces, rather than advancing, will entrench themselves on the Alabaster Range.” Mustang pressed his colored pen on the nearby mountains. “That should reduce their casualties but not by much, and while Lodestone’s forces are busy, we’ll strike as a covert unit before he can mobilize his forces at Central.” “But who would be fuehrer?” Alphonse asked. “The military doesn’t trust you anymore.” “My plan is for General Armstrong to take over in my place.” Alphonse frowned and slumped over. “You mean that terrible woman will be...” “Set your calendars. One month from now, Olivier will march on Sandstone City and we have to be ready.” “And what is my role?” Scar asked. “I already told you. Keep an eye on Lodestone. As our eyes and ears as Central, you have to know our plans to know what is relevant intel and what isn’t,” said Mustang. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Mustang took advantage of the cover of darkness to step outside and get some fresh air. From the porch steps, the clear, moonless night offered a spectacular view of the night sky. Three thousand points of light etched a story of virgins, centaurs, giant bears with tails, and one mighty hunter. “A view like this can only be seen in a planetarium at Central-one of the sacrifices to the gods of modernity, I suppose.” Mustang said while still staring upward. “It’s certainly breathtaking, sir.” “Should I call you Riza or should we keep with up with formalities?” “I’m your lieutenant, sir.” “I don’t think either could be considered part of the military anymore.” “Sir, you are still the rightful fuehrer.” Mustang frowned. “So, you didn’t come here for personal...” “I hope you’re not hinting at something sexual, sir. We both agreed to put that aside until that usurper is deposed.” “So why did you come?” “I’m worried sir. It’s our team.” “What about them?” “As individuals, they’re a force to be reckoned with. We have three alchemists that can transmute on the fly, an expert on Philosopher’s Stones, and Dr. Knox is a practiced field medic, but a true special forces team don’t work as individuals.” “They worked together as a team when we fought against Father.” “Working as a team isn’t the same as function as one single unit. If there was more time, they could be trained. If we fell...” “You don’t have to tell me the stakes, Lieutenant. Have faith in them. They came through for this nation before and they’ll come through again.” ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ “Can’t we stop at another island?” Rarity whined as tried driving a tent stake into the rocky surface. The Element Bearers and their guide landed at their next island stopover. This one was not gifted with the breathtakingly exotic flora that adorned the last island but, rather, jagged volcanic rock. The Element Bearers set up camp on the one flat surface on the island: a giant boulder. “This rock will be the death of my back.” “The nearest island is one day away, Rarity,” said Twilight. “Three pegasi can’t pull a carriage this size overnight.” “What about sleeping in the clouds.” “Do you see one?” Twilight pointed to the clear blue sky above them. “But I can’t drive a tent stake through this.” Rarity tapped the boulder. “I guess that means sleeping in the carriage tonight.” Twilight levitated the four tent stakes and drove them through the volcanic rock. “But what about the pole? It’s much too flimsy to drive through solid...” The two poles stood upright and whirled around until they drilled themselves through the boulder. “Get the tent set up.” Rarity let out a sighed and hastily tied rope between the two poles and from the poles to the stakes before tossing the tent over it. “I thought I’d never finished,” she whispered. Her hooves made tiny clicking sounds as tiptoed off the bounder. Rarity crept back to the carriage glancing back and forth the entire time. She then cracked the door open and slipped through. “Don’t think I’ve forgotten about you.” Sinclair’s journal levitated off the stack of books and in front of Rarity who was reclining on the seat. “Ummm...Rarity.” The unicorn in question leaped back on her hooves. Fluttershy was standing outside the carriage. “I was ummm...wondering...what are you doing?” “Uh...nothing really,” Rarity said while averting her gaze from Fluttershy’s. “I was uhhh...putting on my makeup.” “But Applejack unpacked all of your things.” “So that’s where it went.” Rarity faked a chuckled. “I must speak to Applejack about handling my personal items without my permission.” “But you asked Applejack to unpack it for you. You even fussed at her for not being careful enough.” Rarity faked a chuckle again. “Oh it totally slipped my mind Flut...” “Wind Racer’s diary!” Fluttershy pointed a hoof at the book Rarity was reading. “I meant not-Wind Racer’s diary...I meant...you didn’t read it all did you?” “I didn’t read the part where you tried seducing him.” Fluttershy gasped at Rarity’s Freudian slip. Fluttershy barreled through the carriage door and, in a panicked state, stepped over Rarity. “Fluttershy! OUCH!” Rarity cried out. The pink-mane pegasus clutched the book between her teeth and went out the door on the opposite side. She flew to a height of about three stories and, nestling the book in her lap, began haphazardly riled through the pages. “What in Tartarus is goin’ on with ya two?!?” Applejack called out. “What did he write about me? What did he write?” Fluttershy mumbled. She settled on a page that was earmarked. “Fluttershy, please put that book down,” Rarity pleaded. “What’s all this here fuss ‘bout?” Applejack demanded an answer. “Rarity?!?” Fluttershy frantically scanned the earmarked page until her eyes rested on one passage. “No, but how...” Fluttershy clutched her chest to still her rumbling heart. The journal slipped out of Fluttershy’s grip and into the grip of Twilight’s magic. The lavender unicorn caught it just before it hit the ground. “Fluttershy? What did you see?” Rainbow Dash asked. “What was in that diary?” “He really does...” “‘He really’ what?” Rainbow Dash asked. “Fluttershy, you have to take what’s in that diary with a grain of salt,” said Twilight. “Take what with a grain of salt?!?” Rainbow Dash demanded an answer. She darted to the diary and stuck a hoof inside just as Twilight was closing it. “Rainbow! Don’t.” Rainbow Dash began reading the earmarked page. Dear journal, last night, I finally realized my true feelings for Fluttershy. She offered herself to me and I almost gave in to temptation. I wanted to be one with her so badly, but I’d be no better than that lowlife impostor if I made love to her while she still thought I was him. To buy some time to explain everything to Fluttershy, I proposed to her. Even though we couldn’t consummate our love, I was in utter ecstasy seeing her angelic face light up. I’m still a little worried that she’ll reject me once she knows the truth, assuming she believes me, but I have nothing to lose. For the first time since I’ve come to inhabit the impostor’s body, I don’t want to return to my true form. I don’t want to be human anymore, not if it takes me away from Fluttershy. I don’t want to live if I can’t be with her. “Fluttershy,” said Twilight, “before you make any rash decisions, you have to...” Fluttershy broke out into tears. “I...I...was so mean to him. I didn’t know.” “Fluttershy, you need to know the whole truth before...” “Now wait one damn minute!” Sky Ripper flew up to Fluttershy’s level. “That thing stole my son’s body, and you have feelings for it!” “And why not?” Applejack said. “The way I see it, that there human treated Fluttershy better than yer son e’ver did.” “My son is a bad stallion, yes, but I’ll be damned to Tartarus before I fly with somepony that condones the theft of my son’s identity.” “There’s another side to Douglas Sinclair that you...” “From wut I heard, yer good-fur-nothin’ son stole that there human’s body.” “You’re just saying that because he rejected you as his lover.” “Yer son’ so low down and dirty his replacement made a better pony than he e’ver did, and he ain’t even a pony.” Sky Ripper landed next to Applejack. “Don’t you dare compare my son to one of those things!” “Fluttershy thinks he was nicer than Wind Racer, doncha?” “WILL EVER PONY PLEASE SHUT THE HAY UP!” Twilight brought the bickering to an abrupt end. “Now as I was saying...Fluttershy, you have to know everything about Douglas Sinclair before you make any hasty decision. Do you know how he switched bodies with Wind Racer?” “Ummm...he used that human magic, right.” Fluttershy answered while wiping back her tears. “I’ll put it in more detail for you. Douglas Sinclair thought Wind Racer was a chimera. Chimeras are two or more animals fused into one through the power of human alchemy. The body switch took place in an experiment. You know what that means-Douglas Sinclair experiments with animals.” Fluttershy shook her head. “No, but he would never...I mean, he never tried hurting my animal friends.” “Only because he has feelings for you. If he didn’t, I wouldn’t even put it past him to kill and eat them.” “‘E...e...eat them’?!?” “Sky Ripper told you humans eat animals. Fluttershy, their kind doesn’t value life the way we do. Just think long and hard before you confess your love for him.” The only sound that could be heard was the waves beating against the rocks. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Sinclair wasn’t completely sure if the arid, parched earth beneath him was Ishval and not that vast stretch of desert he crossed on the way to Xing. His compass and rudimentary knowledge of geometry landed him around the western coast of Aerugo. The book on stellar navigation didn’t help much since it was made for the fake skyline of Equestria, though, fortunately, the princesses modeled their phony sky after the real world. At least it gave him a general idea of what direction to take. He estimated a flight path a few degrees off magnetic north would take him to the center of Amestris. But it seemed like the desert stretched on forever and Ishval wasn’t that big...or was he just being anxious and the feeling of foreboding distorted his sense of time. The sweltering heat of the midday sun assailed Sinclair from above. His mane dripped with sweat. It reminded him of the fable about a boy who made wings of goose feathers glued to his hands with wax that melted when he flew too close to the sun. Of course, the story was just a flight of fancy, but the heat tempted Sinclair to rethink his assumptions concerning that particular myth. It was then something whizzed pass Sinclair. An old fear came surfaced as the same noise streaked right behind him. Sinclair knew that sound all too well. He heard it when he got up close and personal with the enemy. Dammit! I knew I should have waited till nightfall to fly. Bullets were flying all around him. Sinclair glanced down out of instinct. His altitude was too high to identify his assailants, which looked like ants from his perspective. Suddenly, a stray bullet struck the propeller drive shaft. The flying machine began gyrating uncontrollably. Sinclair tensed up and tried spreading his wings to stabilize himself or would have had the impostor’s body still had them. One of the rare instances Sinclair could feel the sensation of phantom wings, not unlike amputees who could still feel their lost arm or leg. The flying machine spiraled downward, out of control. Fortunately, the impostor’s pegasi instincts awoke. Sinclair frantically shifted his weight back and forth trying to regain control of the flying machine. The ground was fast approaching and Sinclair was still trying break out of the death spiral. The flying machine went from tumbling out of control back to gyrating wildly. Just as Sinclair was about to steady his flight path, the flying machine skid across terra firma and crashed into a pile of rocks. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ “I assure you, the cadets will be ready for tomorrow’s end-of-training review.” Brigadier General Alex Armstrong walked behind Wind Racer as they made their ways through the halls of the presidential palace. Wind Racer called Armstrong from Central Command to make some last minute schedule changes for tomorrow’s review. “I hope you did more than train them to march in a straight line, Brigadier General,” Wind Racer said condescendingly. “There’s not a single cadet that hasn’t received the full training regimen.” “And I take that to mean the changes I made were included.” “We placed extra emphasis on the importance of loyalty to the military.” “Good, we wouldn’t want another Roy Mustang coming up the ranks and stabbing his own men in the back, now would we?” As fuehrer, no one in the military could question his authority or tell him off even if he were in the wrong. It was a perk that Wind Racer took delight in. It was a guilty pleasure watching Armstrong struggle to keep the anger simmering inside in check. “Sir, there is one matter I wish to discuss.” “And that is, Brigadier General?” “Tomorrow’s executions-would you consider postponing them, sir?” “And why should I?” Wind Racer sneered. “They got their day in court.” “Sir, don’t you think the bar on sedition has been set too low?” “I set that bar myself, Brigadier General. Are you questioning my judgment?” Wind Racer bald his fist. “I believe showing lenience, however...undeserved...it may be, would improve your public image.” “My public image is doing quite well. Don’t take me for a fool. You’re trying to save their lives. Be honest.” “Yes sir, it’s true. They’re members of the press, not bomb-throwing anarchists inciting violence.” “You’re too soft-hearted, Armstrong. That’s how we get bomb-throwing anarchists.” Wind Racer cracked open his bedroom door. “The press thinks they can publish whatever they want without any accountability for the aftermath. They criticize everything we do and the next thing we know, some poor sap that read their cheap rag one time too many becomes, as you call it, a bomb-throwing anarchist. Why, we’re doing the public a favor. By stopping instigators in the press, we stop the seeds of discontent from blossoming into full-blown revolt.” “There is one other matter I wish to discuss. Before you re-enlisted, you told me you were working on a way to undo human transmutations to make up for what happened at Ishval.” “You’re talking to a completely different man, Armstrong. I didn’t do anything in Ishval that obligated some sort of penance on my part.” “And what about helping others, sir?” Armstrong slightly raised his voice. “Don’t tell me you lost that desire?” “I’m already helping. My rule over Amestris is help enough-far more than tinkering with alchemy in my old rundown apartment. This nation will have a new golden age, and it’ll be all my doing. That’s my contribution to society. Now don’t bother me again with this bleeding heart shit again. You’re dismissed, Brigadier General.” “Yes sirrrrrrr,” Armstrong said through gritted teeth. When Wind Racer walked through the bedroom door, he was greeted by April. “Douglas, you’re home early. How was your day?” “April, get out. I have to make a private call.” “Oh, let me get dress...” “NOW!” “But I’m in my nightgown...” April felt the back of Wind Racer’s hand slamming against the side of her head. “I SAID ‘NOW’!” April didn’t say another word and ran out the room. Wind Racer picked up the candlestick phone and spoke into the transmitter. “Operator, get me Brigadier General Claymore’s office.” After a few clicks from the receiver, Claymore picked up the phone. “Hello?” “It’s me, Douglas.” “You called in the nick of time. I was about to call it a night.” “How much longer before you *find* evidence against Mustang’s men?” “Give me another week and I’ll be finished planting the paper trail.” “That’s good to hear. We’re not in any danger of getting caught but Armstrong’s losing his entertainment value. It was fun watching him squirm while I badmouth his boyfriend Mustang, but now he just comes off all holier-than-thou.” “The guy was a total pansy during Ishval. I heard he let the desert rats slip through on purpose.” “And April?” “When I said I’ll have the paper trail ready by next week, I included her as well.” “I can always count on you, Claymore. Now get yourself a good night’s sleep.” When Wind Racer hung up, he peeked through the threshold and saw April on the other end of the hallway. “April, could you come here?” Wind Racer said in the most sorrowful tone he could muster. “Yes, Douglas?” April asked while inching cautiously to him. Wind Racer took April in his arms and gently stroked the side of her head. A warm sensation ran down April’s body as Wind Racer kissed the spot where he struck her. “April, I am so sorry for taking it out on you. I shouldn’t have let Claymore get to me like that.” “What’s Claymore doing this time?” “He’s getting out of control. My phone call confirms it. You know those reporters that being executed tomorrow for sedition. He’s drumming up sympathy for those traitors. He asked that they’d be released. I know why. He wants to make me look like a tyrant so he’ll have public support when he takes over. I know now he’s joined forces with Mustang’s men.” “Just give the word Douglas and that bastard will get what he deserves.” Wind Racer tilted April’s head. “Patience, my sweet guardian angel,” he whispered. “I haven’t undercover all of his cohorts yet. All of Claymore’s allies must be accounted for. Only then can I move against them. Now, don’t let Claymore and his scheming keep you up. Get a good night’s sleep. We have a long day ahead of us.” Wind Racer slipped on his pajamas and crawled underneath the covers of his luxurious king-sized bed with April. He lied awake staring at the ceiling as April cuddled up to him. Once April and Claymore’s out of the way, I’ll be this country’s lone immortal. I wonder how I can keep hiding it. Set up a puppet ruler while I pull the strings? Maybe I can get April to find a way to change physical features with the Philosopher’s Stone and pretend to be a different person every few decades? I have decades to come up with an idea. Damn! Here I am trying to come up with ways of being the immortal ruler of a kingdom. I’ve come pretty far since those days when the humans thought I was one of their lab experiments... ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Flashback A military truck parked in the front yard of a rustic log cabin. Three soldiers, a lieutenant and two enlisted, exited the truck. An older gentleman was waiting on a porch string. The man, who had a long white beard but no mustache, wore black suit and string tie. “Excuse me, sir, are you Mr. Obidiah Mason?” “If you’re asking if I’m the man selling the talking chimera, that’d be me.” “I’m Lieutenant Alfred Jenkins, head of Lab 2 procurements,” said the lieutenant. “I knew I recognize your voice. Now, you got the 500,000 centz like we agreed upon.” “Don’t count your money just yet. We have to inspect the merchandise.” “You don’t believe me?” “It would be more convincing if I could speak with the alchemist that created it.” “Can’t help you there-found that lit’ fellow in a trap.” “And you have no qualms about selling lost property?” “Not when I put out fliers for the owner to claim it.” Farmer Mason took a folded sheet of paper out of his back pocket and handed to Lieutenant Jenkins. It was a flyer for a lost chimera and Farmer Mason’s address and directions to his home. “You convince me. Now we can do business. Just lead the way.” Farmer Mason led them to the barn where he kept Wind Racer. He was lying on a pile of hay in a pen at the corner of the barn. A rope tethered the collar around the pegasus stallion’s neck to the wall. Wind Racer was covered in dust. His mane was the worse for wear. His stall stunk of freshly laid manure piled in the far end of the stall. His mouth was muzzled. “A fine specimen of alchemy that I’d ever laid eyes on. He’s quite the bargain at 500,000 centz. Just out of curiosity, what will you military fellows do with him?” “The lab boys will probably dissect him. That means we’ll cut him open to see what animals were combined to make him.” “I know what dissecting means. I ain’t that uneducated.” “Take the muzzle off and let’s hear him talk,” Lieutenant Jenkins said. The farmer slipped off the muzzle and tapped Wind Racer on the head. “Go ahead and say somethin’ for the man.” “Go ahead and say somethin’ for the man,” Wind Racer repeated. Farmer Mason first looked shocked and then annoyed. “Just what the hell are you doin’? Talk to the soldiers.” “Just what the hell are you doin’? Talk to the soldiers.” “If I didn’t know better, I’d say he was just mimicking what you were saying,” said Jenkins while cleaning his glasses. “But he ain’t. He was talking to me-cussin’ me out for catchin’em and then beggin’ for me to let’em go.” “But he ain’t. He was talking to me-cussin’ me out for catchin’em and then beggin’ for me to let’em go.” Wind Racer continued the façade. “I can’t pay 500,000 centz for a mimic. It’s probably half-parrot.” Farmer Mason kicked Wind Racer’s flank. “Go on and talk to the man like you did for me.” “Go on and talk to the man like you did for me.” Sweet Celestia, don’t let him buy me. “A parrot-horse chimera isn’t worth that much,” said the lieutenant. “I’ll pay 20,000 centz.” “Wait! Here me out!” Farmer Mason pleaded. “He’s puttin’ on an act ‘cause he overheard us sayin’ he’d be dissected.” Lieutenant Jenkins rolled his eyes. “You expect me to believe this chimera is pretending to be a mimic?!?” Farmer Mason enthusiastically nodded. “I mean, look at his pen-he done his business in the corner. That means he knows what he’s doing.” Lieutenant Jenkins’ men fought to hold back their laughter. “Don’t git snarky with me!” The farmer growled. “Fine, I’ll give you 25,000 centz for the chimera. Take it or leave it.” Farmer Mason gritted his teeth and then kicked the pen. “Okay, you win. I’ll load’em up on your truck for you.” A cold chill ran up Wind Racer’s spine. End of Flashback ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Wind Racer was stirred from his rest by a gentle nudge. He cleaned the crud from around his eyes and glowered at April, who standing beside him. “I told you I sleep in on weekends, moron.” Wind Racer took a swipe at April. The back of his open hand connected with her cheek. “I swear you get dumber with each passing day.” “But Douglas,” said April rubbing her cheek, “you told me to wake you up at eight for the review.” It now came back to him. Today was an awards ceremony to give an honorary introduction to a new branch of the military he created and, later, the execution of four reporters that spoke out against his regime. The clock read a quarter pass eight. “Why the hell did you wait so long to wake me?!?” “I tried to wake you, but you wouldn’t.” “Shut up and get my uniform ready!” ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Flashback A squad of soldiers made the mistake of running through the underpass to a back alleyway. Just as the last soldier ran underneath the passageway, their guns were snatched out of their hands by an unseen force. One of the soldiers, who held his gun too tightly, fell to his knees screaming out in pain as he gripped his hand. His index finger bent at an odd angle. “Hello boys,” Wind Racer called from behind them. He wore the same alchemic gauntlet that Sinclair once wielded in the Ishvalan War. Beside him was a pipe that bore the telltale lines of transmutation. “You like the alterations I made to the storm drain? It’s simply *magnetic*. That corny line is my no-so-subtle hint of who you’re dealing with.” “Come on,” said one determined soldier. “Bum-rush the bastard. It’s just one guy.” The other soldiers did not share in his gung ho sentiment and raised their arms. The bravado fled the once-determined soldier as he found himself alone, and he surrendered as well. Wind Racer’s head darted back and forth between the captured infantrymen and the surrounding area. “Wise choice you made but since I don’t have time to waste babysitting you...” Wind Racer transmuted the drainpipe into a four-barrel gun. Wire spiraled around each barrel. “But we surrend...” The pleads from the soldiers were cut short the multi-barreled coilgun fired a hailstorm of bullets. Fountains of blood gushed from their bodies. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Wind Racer never thought his first time in combat would be against Amestrian soldiers. The idea seemed so alien to him. The world of humans lacked the immortal demi-goddess that rule over Equestria. Their rulers grew old and died like everypon...everyone else, and right now, the current ruler of Amestris, Fuehrer King Bradley, was facing a coup, and he just happened to be on the winning side. Being under the command of that bastard Mustang has been a plus for him, and with the vacant spots in the change of command, he could be fast-tracked into a promotion. The air of Central City reeked of the odor of gunpowder and the echo of soldiers exchanging rounds in the various small fire fights through the city. It was only a short while ago that the thunderous roar of the artillery encampment surrounding the presidential palace died down. The divisions from the Briggs Fortress, who stood out in both their suburb military discipline and their snow white overcoats, had been a godsend to Mustang’s forces. They’ve done their commanding officer, Major General Olivier Armstrong, proud. With only minimal casualties, they’ve brought Central Command under their control. “Excuse me,” one Briggs soldier said mustering all his willpower to keep his composure, “but is this really a good time to lounge around, sir.” Then again, as useful as they were, their professionalism was a double-edged sword that made them an annoyance, especially when they had no one to fight. Wind Racer, who was leaning against a wall while, straightened up and exhaled. “And just who am I to fight? What’s left of Bradley’s forces? Please. They’ll be finished off long before sundown.” “Are you sure it’s prudent to make assumptions without intel, sir?” Wind Racer rolled his eyes. “Use some common sense, corporal. There hasn’t been any enemy activity within miles from here.” Just before the corporal could answer back, a low frequency hum reverberated through the ground. The hum grew in intensity. Wind Racer could feel it in the pit of his stomach. Soon, the ground began shaking. The hum grew into a localized tremor, and its epicenter was a fissure across the foundation of the presidential palace. The ground quake died down as a young man rose from a pillar rising from the fissure. He wore nothing but a white loincloth. His hair was strands of gold draped over his bare back. But what Wind Racer noticed the most was that his veins were popping out like roots splitting the sidewalk. The unnatural feature rendered his otherwise pathetic form menacing. Instinctively, the soldiers pointed their rifles at the young man, which rattled in their hands. Their voices trembled. These soldiers of Briggs were gripped by fear. The very soldiers who never retreated or back down even in the face of the forces of Central Command entrenched in the heavily fortified colossus that was the presidential palace now quake in terror of this young man. Apart from his grandiose entrance, he was nothing but an odd-looking human to Wind Racer. The young man then glared at Wind Racer first with the dismissiveness of an annoyed human swatting at a gnat and then with an inquisitive gaze. The young man then said in quite voice barely audible Wind Racer, “your soul isn’t human.” Suddenly, folks of crimson lightening sprouted from the young man striking Wind Racer and the Briggs soldiers. Wind Racer felt his strength, no, his life essence fading. It was the second time today this happened. The first time was during the solar eclipse. Wind Racer first thought it was Celestia unleashing her wrath upon this land before realizing the princess was too soft-hearted to destroy this nation for his actions. He then chalked up the phenomenon as a side effect of human world eclipses. But now, he realizes this young man was the culprit responsible for the mass fainting, though it’s too late for him. Wind Racer grabbed his threat and gasped for air, but his lungs were failing him. He collapsed on his knees and was about to give up the ghost when, suddenly, there was a loud crash. Tiny pebbles gently rained down on his back. Wind Racer straightened his back and looked up at the young man, who attention was diverted away from Wind Racer and the Briggs soldiers to an older gentlemen whose hair and eyes were as golden yellow as the young man’s. “I won’t let you have anymore,” the older man said with determination in his voice. It was then two more pillars rose from the chasm. One was shaped like a human’s palm. On top of the structure was a woman with hair black as pitch, short and braided. She wore a white quasi-coat/blouse-the top was tight-fitting and highlighted her ample bosoms while the lower half ran down to her knees and opened in the front. On the other pillar were two others. The first was young child in a pink tunic. Her hair was also raven-black and braided but was longer than the other woman’s. The other was a mountain of a man covered in plate armor with a loincloth around his waist. Wind Racer remembered meeting him once or twice. He was Fullmetal’s younger brother, Alphonse Elric. As the other three stepped off the stone pillars, the older man then said something that grabbed Wind Racer’s attention away from the pain of literally having his soul ripped from his body. . . . . . “He was trying to create another Philosopher’s Stone,” the older man said grimly. . . . . . April mentioned the Philosopher’s Stone to him. It was one of the few bits of information that his so-called girlfriend would regale him with that wasn’t trivial. The mythical Stone supposedly would give man the ability to defy the rules of equivalent exchange. Did this person just say that man in rags was trying to make *another* Philosopher’s Stone? The young man then confirmed Wind Racer’s darkest suspicions. . . . . . “The humans should just become Stone.” . . . . . That feeling of my life draining from my body...that’s from that man’s attempt to create a Philosopher’s Stone. The Stone...it’s real! And it is made from humans?!? “Why do you treat them like such lower life forms,” said the older man. “Philosopher’s Stones are made from humans. Homunculi are made from Philosopher’s Stones. So what do you make from homunculi?” As the older man was talking, his three companions waved at him and pointed in different directions. Wind Racer looked around and noticed the Briggs soldiers were walking away. They were trying to get him to leave. It was then Wind Racer smirked at them before following the Briggs soldiers. Sorry to disappoint you, but I overheard your conversation and your dirty little secret. After taking a few steps, Wind Racer glanced back and witnessed first hands then entire human bodies, reddish in color, sprouting out of the young man. It both horrified and mesmerized Wind Racer. He...created life. Suddenly, a blinding white light erupted from the young man. The resulting shockwave knocked Wind Racer on his back. After catching the wind knocked out of his lungs by the impact, Wind Racer struggled to get back on his feet. The full extent of the blast was revealed when the veil of soot and dust was pulled back. The presidential palace was cut almost in half. Its many floors were visible to those outside. Wind Racer’s jaw dropped. He’s…a god. “Just what the hell are you waiting around for?” One soldier said as he dragged Wind Racer away with him. Wind Racer didn’t notice but the Briggs soldiers were pouring into Central Command. In less than a minute, they encircled the young man. It was then the military concentrated their combined firepower I must have it! With a Philosopher’s Stone of my own, I could be like...Celestia. End of Flashback ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ “...and so, with great pride, I welcome these new recruits into the Amestrian Honor Guard.” Wind Racer stood before a regiment of a thousand teenage boys and girls. Their uniforms were a departure from the usual blue long coat and trousers. They wore red fez cap and trousers and blue, double-breasted overcoats. His voice boomed over the loudspeakers. Their vibrations felt over the gathering of parents with emotions ranging from grief for the mother buried in the comforting embrace of their husbands weeping for their baby boy whisked away by the seductress known as patriotism to parents who were patriotism’s former lovers beaming with pride that their children was as smitten by their former lover as they were. “As members of the Honor Guard, they answer directly to the Fuehrer. “Having endured the grueling twenty weeks of intense training, they have earned their position. These young people are the future of our military. No, I take that back. I will not undersell them. These young people are the future of our nation. They are beacons of hope for generations of Amestrians to come.” Wind Racer then turned to a dough-faced teenager dressed in the standard Amestrian military garb. His dirty blonde hair was shaved to a cru cut. “Private First Class Enfield,” Wind Racer saluted. PFC Enfield returned the salute. “Yes sir.” “Escort these recruits to the Central Command courtyard for their review.” Just before Enfield could step off stage, another young private, exhausted and covered in sweat, saluted and said between pants, “Central reported an incursion across the border.” “An incursion, huh?” Wind Racer accepted the sealed envelope from the private. “Is it from Aerugo?” He asked while opening his package. “Sir, I was not informed of the content of the intelligence report except that the border was breached.” Wind Racer skimmed over the report. “So, it was Aerugo. Prince Claudio still hasn’t learned his les...Oh my Celestia!” “What did you say, sir?” “Never mind what I said!” Wind Racer snapped. The Fuehrer hastened to the podium. “The review’s been proposed. Return to your barracks.” Wind Racer cupped the mike in the palm of his hand. “Take me to the intel officer that filed this report, immediately.” ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ “I’m happy that you’re on the southern border keeping an eye on things,” said Wind Racer. Miles adjusted his tinted spectacles. “Thank you, sir.” The two weaved through the narrow corridors of Central Headquarter’s underground facilities. Supposedly, they were used by the true ruler of Amestris as the hub of his operations. Miles and Wind Racer would have been lost in the underground maze had intel not done the hard work of mapping the labyrinth. Signs were posted on the ancient brick walls pointing out to visitors where to make their next turn. “I knew you would come through for me, Lieutenant. That’s why you’re my liaison to the Ishvalans.” Laboratory 3’s underground chamber was a pure white room and large enough for the above ground portion of Laboratory 3, a four-story tall facility, to fit inside with room to spare. In the center were the remnants of what looks like a bicycle and propellers piled on top of each other. “And your men spotted this ‘thing’ flying over Lowe’s Hope?” Wind Racer asked. “Yes, sir,” Miles answered. “Did they capture the vehicle’s operator?” “I think the correct term is ‘operators’, sir. The vehicle had two pair of pedals. But to answer your question-it flew too high to identify them and our men weren’t able to find any bodies near the wreckage. We can only assume they survived.” “It’s a pity you couldn’t have brought it in intact?” Wind Racer bemoaned. “Sir,” said Lieutenant Miles, “we had no other way to bring it down.” “No need to be defensive, Miles,” said Wind Racer faking a smile, “that was just wishful thinking on my part-the chance to fly again.” “Don’t get me wrong, I understand the military implications of flight. If it was possible, the Southern Border Guard would have brought it down in one piece and whoever flew it brought in for questioning.” “The big question is: can this be traced back to Aerugo?” “It was seen near their border heading away from it but, otherwise, no. There are no distinctive markings and our alchemists said they were unable to identify the alloy as any commonly used in Aerugo.” “That doesn’t mean we can’t. Who’s to say that this isn’t a prototype aircraft?” “I would imagine intel would warn against making that assumption.” “One would think intel warning the fuehrer about his action is tantamount to treason,” Wind Racer said in a friendly voice that contrasted with the feral glare that he gave Miles. “I meant no disrespect, sir,” said Miles. The mood lightened up as Wind Racer’s ire settled down. “I apologize. There’s no need for me to be on the defensive. In fact, you’ve gone beyond the call of duty already.” Wind Racer patted Miles on the back and said while walking away, “you’re dismissed, Miles. I’m sure intel will brief me on the rest.” Miles was about to head above ground when he came to a realization. Did the Fuehrer say ‘fly *again*. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Central City’s human population didn’t take notice of a lone, solitary cloud floating at a much lower altitude since it blended in so well with the grey sky above it. According to the princesses, humans weren’t familiar with sky architecture and would not suspect any being spying on them. Still, Twilight Sparkle wasn’t so sure about being so low to the ground. Then again, they have to be this altitude to be able to see everything from above. Everypony except Twilight donned binocular harnesses, which were similar to the camera harnesses that professional pony photographers who weren’t unicorns wore, and keeping an eye on the ground through holes in the cloud. Twilight stood on a bump in the cloud and manned a bulkier version of her telescope. “Where the hay is that fake Wind Racer anyway?!?” Rainbow Dash griped. “We’re been at this for two days.” The antsy mare bent her knees and spread her wings. “My legs are cramping...all four of them.” “We’re been through this already, Rainbow Dash,” said Twilight as she trotted away from the telescope. “Waiting for Douglas Sinclair at Central City is our best bet to find him.” “I thought the idea was find him *before* he got here.” “It is but the outside world is too vast to hunt down one pegasus.” “It’s one pegasus on Pinkie’s flying contraption. You know-the flying machine that sticks out like a sore hoof.” “Hey girls.” Rainbow Dash flew up to her Twilight Sparkle. Her binocular harness brushed up against Twilight’s chin. “We might as well go looking since he’s probably been spotted already.” “Hey girls.” “We don’t know that,” Twilight objected. “I got something to show everypony.” “Oh but you know the monkeys will see us,” said Rainbow Dash. “Ggggggirrrrllls!” “Humans are technically apes, not monkeys,” Twilight snidely corrected. “Yoo hoo! Girllllllllsssssssssss!” “CAN’T YOU SEE WE’RE BUSY!” Rainbow Dash and Twilight Sparkle simultaneously yelled at Pinkie Pie who was peering through Twilight’s telescope. Pinkie Pie turned her gazed towards Twilight and Dash. “But this is really super-duppity important.” Twilight rubbed her eyes and groaned. “Make it quick.” “If Dungy Éclair...” “That’s ‘Douglas Sinclair’, Pinkie,” Twilight corrected her friend. “If *Douglas Sinclair* is in Wind Racer’s body, wouldn’t that mean Wind Racer is in his. “Yes Pinkie. Why did you ask?” “Do you think Wind Racer’s living with Douglas Sinclair’s relatives?” “Maybe,” Twilight replied. “Why you’re asking?” “Some human named Fuehrer Sinclair was in the newspapers.” “‘Fuehrer’ isn’t a name. It’s a title held by the ruler of Amestris. It’s this country’s version of a king...Did you said ‘Fuehrer Sinclair’?!?” Twilight sped across the fluffy cloud and stopped beside Pinkie Pie. “Where did you see this?” “At the newspaper stand.” Rainbow Dash hastened to the telescope and accidently nudged it in place. “What the hay! I don’t see anything.” The telescope jiggled around as Rainbow Dash scanned the area. “That’s because you knocked it out of position.” Twilight groaned. She levitated Rainbow Dash away from the telescope only to have Fluttershy steal a peek as well. “Do you mind?” Twilight grumbled. “Bu...bu...but I...” “I’ll tell you what I see.” Fluttershy sighed and floated away. Just as Twilight was setting the telescope in position, Pinkie Pie pluck it out of the magical aura. “Will you please let me finish looking!” Twilight yelled before snatching it back from her. “You’re welcome to try.” “Try what?” Twilight alternated between looking through the eyepiece and adjusting it. “Now, which way was it pointing?” As Twilight attempted to recall the position of the telescope, she was gently nudged to the side by Pinkie Pie. “Let your Aunty Pinkie take care of that.” Pinkie Pie cocked the telescope back and then spun it like a top. “Pinkie Pie!” Twilight shrieked. Pinkie Pie stopped the telescope and took the posture was not unlike those of the pointer breed of hunting dog in one fluid motion. “She’s all yours. Go ahead. Take a peek.” Pinkie Pie held out her hoof as though she was presenting her friends with a gift. Twilight looked through the eyepiece, gasped, and glanced back at Pinkie. “How did you...” “Itchy nose,” Pinkie Pie’s nose twitched, “...funny feeling running down my back, and ...” Pinkie Pie’s back and tail straightened, “...left front leg lifts up.” “What do you see Ms. Sparkle?” Sky Ripper asked anxiously. His body rocked and forth. It took all of Sky Ripper’s willpower to keep from racing to the telescope. “It’s the newspaper stand. I can make out the paper’s headline title.” “Twilight, what does it say?” Fluttershy asked nervously. “It says ‘Fuehrer Sinclair holds review of new recruits’.” “What else does it say?” Sky Ripper asked. “It’s too far away. I can’t read the pr...” Twilight’s stomach churned when Sky Ripper braced his shoulders against the cloud and forced the cloud to a lower altitude. “What are you doing?!?” Twilight asked in a panicked voice. “Just keep your eye on that paper,” Sky Ripper grunted. “But what if the humans see...” “I said keep your eye on that paper dammit!” “Hey! Don’t speak that way to her!” Rainbow Dash snapped as Twilight was, in vain, trying to find the newspaper stand. “We don’t have time to argue.” Sky Ripper said as Pinkie Pie gently nudged Twilight to the side and, once again, spun the telescope around and stopped it while doing her impression of a pointer. “We do if you curse out my friend.” Twilight looked through the telescope, then at Pinkie Pie with a shocked glare, and then back through the telescope. “Fine I’m sorry now let’s...” “I know Wind Racer is.” Twilight’s announcement brought Rainbow Dash and Sky Ripper’s bickering to a close. “Where!” Sky Ripper blurted out. “Central Command-today at 3 pm.” Sky Ripper glided and landed next to Twilight. “What time is it?” Twilight adjusted her telescope until her sights set on a clock tower. “It’s eighteen after three.” “Where’s Central Command?” Twilight glossed over her map and checked her compass. “It’s that way, in the center of the city.” Twilight pointed before losing her balance as Sky Ripper pushed the cloud with all of their strength. “What the hay are you lollygagging around for? Help me!” Sky Ripper grunted as he strained against the cloud. Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash hurried to Sky Ripper’s side. As they were heading to Central Command, Twilight couldn’t help noticing the geometric patterns etched in the earth by the city streets. She wondered if the humans were performing a city-wide transmutation. “Twilight, how do we know if this ‘Fuehrer Sinclair’ is Wind Racer?” Rarity asked. “The newspaper said his full name. Unless there’s more than one Douglas Sinclair, that’s probably Wind Racer.” “From what I read of Douglas Sinclair’s diary, he was in the military. It’s not completely out of the question that he’s really Wind Racer.” It didn’t take long for the Bearers of the Elements and their guide to reach their destination nor did it take much effort to spot the grandiose white marble palace perched on the highest point in the city. Thick walls of stone five-stories tall lined the perimeter of the courtyard. Within the walls were humans lined up shoulder-to-shoulder, at least twenty rows of them. Their attention fixated on one human on a podium. Blue clothes draped his furless body. His dark brown mane, if the small patch of fur on top of its head could be called that, was cut short and spiked with a liberal dose of mane gel. He spoke into a stick with an egg-shaped nob. “As we push ahead,” the human at the podium bellowed with all of the force and volume of Princess Luna using the royal Canterlot voice, “there will always be traitors, corrupt bottom dwellers...” “Twilight, is that...Wind Racer,” Fluttershy asked as she looked through her binoculars. “...the bright tomorrow will not be dimmed by their treachery as long as I’m Fuehrer...” “That’s the human in the newspaper,” Twilight answered. Everypony was watching apprehensively at this human who spoke with venom in his voice and a cruel gaze fixed on four humans lined against a wall, well, everypony except one. “That’s my son! I didn’t think he had it in him.” Sky Ripper beamed with pride. “I didn’t give my boy enough credit.” Applejack rolled her eyes at the doting father. “He’s only been here for three years, and he’s already running the place.” “...it would be unfair to the loyal Amestrian too be too lenient with traitors; traitors that were given a chance to join the rest of us in the glow of Amestris’ bright future only to squander it.” The Bearers of the Elements and Sky Ripper turned their gaze in the direction Wind Racer pointed. Four humans, bruised and battered, stood against a dirty grey wall pockmarked with holes. Between them and Wind Racer were ten humans in uniform, standing side-by-side, wielding brown sticks at their sides. “Why are those humans lined up against that wall?” Twilight asked. “Maybe they’re having a party for them,” Pinkie Pie said blissfully. “Not the way ol’ Wind Racer was fussin’ up a storm,” Applejack replied. “Corporal, proceed with the execution.” The young man raised his arm. “Ready.” The humans in uniform brought their brown sticks up their chests. “Oh dear Celestia no!” The others glanced back at Twilight. “‘Dear Celestia no’ what?!?” “Aim.” The humans in uniform braced their brown sticks against their shoulders. “Those humans are going to die!” “Fire.” The ponies were startled when they heard what sounded like a thunderclap. They looked around for a storm but found none. “Girls,” Twilight cried out. “That wasn’t thunder. That was the humans’ weapon.” “What the hay are you going on about?!?” Rainbow Dash growled in frustration. “Down here.” Pinkie, who was looking through her binoculars, pointed down. Pinkie Pie’s head hung low. Her cheerful, carefree aura faded. “Why would anypony do that?” Rainbow Dash was taken off guard by Pinkie Pie’s solemn demeanor. Rainbow Dash looked through her binoculars and was shocked at seeing the four humans laying the ground in a pool of their own blood. Fluttershy, Rarity, Applejack, and Sky Ripper fixed their gaze on the dead humans. “I dunna believe mah eyes. Even I thought he had his limits,” Applejack said. Fluttershy cupped her muzzle to keep from crying out. “Gilda told me once that griffons would put other griffons to death if they did something really bad like murder. She wouldn’t speak to me for a week when I told her it was barbaric and that nopony would do that. But this is worse. Those humans, it sounded like they were being executed because they didn’t want Wind Racer running things.” Sky Ripper fell to his knees; body trembling. “My son...he couldn’t...” Sky Ripper shook his head furiously and hopped on his feet. “It’s his human side making him do it. He not in his right mind. I have to...” The other ponies dogpiled on Sky Ripper to keep from flying off. “Let go, dammit! “No! We don’t know how Wind Racer will react.” “I’m his father! He wouldn’t do that to me!” “We’re not taking that chance.” Twilight bound Sky Ripper’s wings with her magic. Sky Ripper struggled a bit longer before exhaustion and reason set in. “You’re right. We have to be discrete about this.” --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- “Sister, it’s not you to invite me for a visit.” Alex Armstrong opened his arms to greet his elder sister with a hug as walked through the doors of the luxurious mansion. Olivier returned this act of congeniality by grabbing her younger brother by the wrist, twisting his arm behind his back, and kicking him away. “I didn’t ask you over here for that shit.” Olivier grimaced. “You’re here on business. So save your disgusting sentimentality for Catherine.” “Surely,” Alex Armstrong said while rubbing his sore wrist, “there is room for a bit of sibling bondin...” Alex had to stop midway in his sentence to dodge a flying picture frame thrown by his sister. “I said business!” Alex slumped his shoulders and sighed. “What do you want?” “I was called back to *my* estate after my servants apprehended an intruder. “Bring out the beast!” Olivier yelled out. Alex Armstrong could hear chains rattling. One of the butlers came back with an animal Armstrong hasn’t seen in three years. A green-blue pony with blonde hair and a cloud symbol on its flank. The butler led the beast around with a choke collar on the end of an iron chain. Olivier reached out her hand to the servant. “I’ll take it from here. Make sure my younger brother and I have some privacy.” The servant handed the other end of the chain to Olivier, bowed, and left. “I remember that chimera. It’s the one I gave the fuehrer for his experiments. I thought Mustang destroyed it.” Alex Armstrong kneel on one knee beside it and closely exampled the pony and brushed his hand against the scorched patched of skin where its wings once were. “It’s been hurt.” “Well don’t look at me,” Olivier Armstrong huffed. “I didn’t say you did, elder sister.” “Why not ask the fuehrer what happened to him?” Alex Armstrong stood up and huffed. “I’d doubt he would.” “Come on. Tell me what you told me, fuehrer.” Olivier yanked on the collar. “What are doing?” Alex was caught between concern for the chimera and fear of his elder sister’s wrath. “Hey, Alex, long time no see.” Alex Armstrong’s jaw held open wide. “You can...speak?!?” “It’s your old war buddy, Douglas,” Sinclair said sheepishly. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Twilight was sound asleep on the cloud when a hoof tapped her on the shoulder. The dreary purple unicorn rubbed her eyes and yawned. “The human world sun hasn’t come up yet.” Twilight’s horn glowed with a gentle hue. In front of her was Fluttershy and Applejack. The earth pony farmer had a sheet of paper between her lips. Twilight saw that look on Fluttershy’s face enough time to know the pegasus was in distress. “What’s wrong?” Twilight yawned. “Is it so serious that it couldn’t wait?” “Sky Ripper’s missing,” Fluttershy cried out. Twilight leaped up on her feet. “Don’t tell me he ran off to see Wind Racer.” “We oughta be so lucky.” Applejack replied. "He left this here note.” Twilight levitated the note to her face. “It says he’ll be back before sunrise. Do you know the time?” “We don’t,” said Fluttershy. “Not that it matters,” said Applejack. “The human’s sun just don’t work the same as ours.” Twilight Sparkle paced back and forth the cloud leaving a trail of hoofprints behind. “Twilight, you don’t think Wind Racer would hurt his own father?” “Did you think he could order sentient beings to be killed before yesterday?” Fluttershy hung her head down. “No, I didn’t.” “Let’s just hope Sky Ripper doesn’t contact Wind Racer.” “Twilight,” Fluttershy asked, “do you think being turned human changed Wind Racer?” “I don’t know.” “Ya should. Ya read Douglas Sinclair’s diary.” “Assuming what he wrote is the truth. I don’t think this has anything to do with their bodies. The way Wind Racer acted as a pony is nothing like the way Douglas Sinclair acted. And Douglas Sinclair regretted being a state alchemist while Wind Racer wants power bad enough to kill for it.” “So, Wind Racer is just a bad person?” Fluttershy asked. “I’m not giving any endorsements to Douglas Sinclair, but I don’t think Wind Racer was ever good, either as a pony or human.” “I think we oughta have this talk later.” Applejack pointed to the shadowy figure flying in their direction. Both nodded in agreement just as Sky Ripper landed in the glow of Twilight’s horn. “Ya kinda had us worried.” Applejack said to the elder pegasus. “It was necessary for our mission,” said Sky Ripper. “Pack your gear. We’re setting up camp just outside the city limits.” “You mean...on the ground...” Twilight stuttered. “...with the humans,” Fluttershy finished voicing Twilight’s concerns. “We’ll be in hiding. Let’s get ready to leave in fifteen minutes. The sun will be up soon.” ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ The Bearers of the Elements and Sky Ripper trotted along the lonely streets of the Central City slums. The rows of one-room shacks that ran as far as the eye could see were a sharp contrast to downtown Central City. This was a city of the downtrodden. Their abodes were a hodgepodge of whatever scraps they could find-wood, tin siding, tent canvas, even cardboard. “Is it really deserted, Sky Ripper?” Rarity asked. “I did a thorough recon of the place. Only a hoofful of these shacks weren’t abandoned. The humans living here were refugees and their homeland was given back to them.” “How do you know all this?” Rainbow Dash asked. Sky Ripper grinned devilishly. “I have my sources, and you’re about to meet him.” Sky Ripper stopped beside one of the better looking shacks and pound on the wall. “Come on out!” He commanded in a tone of voice that only a career military leader could pull off. “I know you’re in there.” Fingers gripped the edge of the “door”, which was nothing more than a sheet of wood leaning against the interior wall of the shack blocking the entrance. It slid open just enough for an eye to peer through. “How did you find me?!?” The voice on the other side of the door trembled. “Did you really think I’d let you slip off without keeping you under surveillance?” “And how many more of you are there?” “Never mind that. Just come on out. I don’t have all night.” Sky Ripper waited only a few seconds before pounding on the shack. “DO I HAVE TO COME IN AFTER YOU!” “Please keep it down before they...,” Twilight’s pleads came to an abrupt stop when the door slid to the side revealing the shack’s occupant. The being was a human dressed in grungy old clothes. He had only a snippet of hair for a mane, a thin, stringy mustache pointing upward at a slight angle, and a 5 o’clock shadow. “Fine, I’m coming out. Are you happy now, your brute?” The human’s voice had an air of refinement that seemed out of place in this bareboned existence. Sky Ripper pointed at the human. “Ladies, I’d like to introduce you to Yoki...” ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ I hope you enjoyed this chapter of Friendship is Magic; Damnation is Alchemy. How will Sinclair’s return affect Mustang’s plans to take back Amestris from Wind Racer? Will the existence of ponies be exposed by Sky Ripper’s bold gambit? Will Fluttershy and Sinclair be together or is their romance a tragic love story? Fine out in the conclusion of Friendship is Magic; Damnation is Alchemy. I would like to apologize to everyone for taking so long. Between the time consuming task of moving out of my old apartment and into a new one, the distraction of video games, and being lost in the desert of writer’s block, it’s taken awhile to get this far. I know I broke my promise and I shouldn’t blame you for not believing me when I say this, but now that I can see the end of the road, it shouldn’t take so long to complete the story. I hope you will bear with me for one last chapter. Till next time. Stay brony. everypony.