FMA Brotherhood: Wahrheit (Current Arc: A Small Peace)

[Magoose]

The Ishval War 8: Like Cattle

Dante… that was her name… or was it his name. You didn't know, but you did not care, for all you knew, you were tied up in chains, bound with your hands separated by both wood and steel...

The coldness of the chains was quite evident. But her smile was what made you feel cold. It was like a sweet grandmotherly smile that was without… anything. Not malice, empathy, even a grace.

It was just empty.

"Hello dear… you have caused quite some trouble since you have arrived." She stepped forward, pulling a chair in front of you. "Do not try to move… seals can be easily broken by… swift movements." She then placed a hand on your face, slashing it open with her long nails.

She then licked the blood from her fingertips, before spitting it out. "Innocent blood… it seems you were worth the trouble. Most who partake in human transmutation are… guilty of many things… some wish to see their beloved… others to bring back another that was lost in a cluster of confusion. But all were guilty of breaking the Laws of Equivalency exchange."

This lady is insane… what the hell is wrong with her!? Exchange means nothing when one has nothing to offer in exchange for anything else… is that?

"But you did so out of a wish to trade a life for another. Soul for a soul, one you were fully capable and willing to pay." Dante smiled. "Tell me a tale young Alchemist… tell me a tale of why-"

The world went black, as your eyes rolled into your head.
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You were back in Central… in your home's basement… but this time you faced a baby. Your baby sister.

She was exactly as you saw her when she was… gone. Unmoving, unflinching. You had stolen her body away from the coroner and the morgue… you wanted to do anything… to show her the life that she could live.

You carved the seal into the nursery and placed her body in her crib, the same one you had made for her, by hand, not by Alchemy.

The last words you spoke to the world were a prayer… and hope. "Let's live, for life is for the living."
-------------------------------------------

"Not just innocent… but a sacrificial lamb for anyone whom he considers a friend or family." Dante smiled. "It must burn for such a betrayal to occur from a man you had known. You may not have trusted him, or enjoy each others company, but he did share a common cause… finding the truth."

You sweated but tried to breathe, but the chains seemed to get tighter. Crushing you.

I just wanted to give her life.

That was when you felt a pang… pain but something else…

"Parents died soon after… childbirth is dangerous… your father disappeared in mysterious circumstances… and a brother died in the line of duty." Dante smiled.

"Would you like to see your brother again?"

What… That's… Did you see him die… or was that just a memory of what you hoped… disappearing into the night before the battle, alive, but a traitor…

That was when she opened a box and revealed a red stone… glowing bright in the dark night… it was filled with energy. "Your father wailed when he found out… he begged to die… Well now he can… watching you suffer… all you have to do for him to be released from this hell he is in… you only need…"


She stood. "To surrender."

She than waved and the chains brought you out of the world.
---------------------------------------------

Unknown Internment Camp, Ishval, 1901.

"Alfred… wake up." The voice was familiar… so familiar that you dared to hope.

And then your eyes opened, and your hope was… answered.

Your father was alive?

Why was he… How was he?

But then you showed your hands… you wanted to… say something to him.

What do you ask:
[]Write in

AN: Enjoy.

 

[Magoose]

The Ishval War 9: Trapped

Unkown location, Ishval, 1901

You looked to your father and spoke. "Damn you bastard, wearing my father's face!" You swung your hands at your father, striking his face before he stumbled back. "Face me with your real face!"

Then you froze, realizing something… you spoke?

Your father gave a smile. "Ah… glad to see something in that head of yours figured it out before you beat me half to death. Though to feel anything other than despair is a joy I will gladly take… even pain from you."

"This… this can't be happening… you died," you stated as you fell backward. "No one can come back from the dead."

"Yes, you are correct. I did die but I did not pass on like your mother, brother, and sister…" He paused. "Dante removed my soul from my body, as it expired, trapping it in here... used as part of… her Experiments, trying to figure out if a soul could be used as a repository for information, a collection of memories and an imprint of a person that exists after their physical body dies… like a memory of a person you can access… at least, that is the working theory I've discovered since my captivity here."

"Why would she want that?" You asked. "I don't know what purpose she would keep you alive for."

"I destroyed my notes before I confronted Dante, keeping what knowledge that could fall into her hands to a minimum that I could not protect as myself." He replied.

Your father… never talked about his work, calling it dangerous.

What little you know, it was about energy.

He sighed, clearly you didn't understand what he meant. And he was happy to explain. "Dante wanted my notes on energy manipulation, how we could use the kinetic and potential energy of hydrogen and helium, using fusion to create other physical material… like what that scientist assumed created the planet. Seems to me she still hasn't tortured me enough to get those answers from me, so she can't kill me yet." your father sighed.

You both looked at Each other and for a moment, there was still silence. Before you laughed.

"I'm sorry dad, about hitting you." You stated, allowing your father to wrap his arm around you.

Your father nodded. "It's fine Alfred. Sometimes things just have to work that way to figure out if it's a trick. To figure out if I am still sane." He then gave a small chuckle.

Then a thought hit you… a terrifying thought. "Am I dead?"

Your father nodded. "No… I promise you with everything I know… you are not dead. Not like me."

You looked around, the blurry haze of the camp was empty… but it was still there, not a void like in the Gate of Truth. "What is this place?"

Your father gave a small nod. "I am not certain, but I can only assume that this where your body is and it seems that the residual memory that disconnected your mind and Dante's is not fully complete… curious."

"You seem to know a lot about this place?" You asked.

"I've been here for three years, but it was always a red void… of pain and screaming. The fact it changed upon your arrival seems to indicate that well, for whatever reason, your soul is still connected to your body." He paused. "It seems she still has a use for you…"

"I committed human transmutation father." You said lowly the guilt making you quiet.

"I knew… the moment you came to me, your throat ripped open, crying." He stated as he stood up. "What did you learn?"

"I could do transmutation without a seal." You stated.

That made your father's eyes widen. "Wait, you could?"

"Yes." You replied.

Your father then smiled. "Of course… human transmutation is dangerous but the energy needed to bring a spark of a soul back from the dead must have transported you somewhere beyond… and some information must have imprinted onto your mind…"

Wow… He was doing all that based on… simple guesswork.

God you missed your father. It had been so long since you last thought about him… You shook your head. "Where the hell are we?"

Your father gave a nod. "On your body currently, connected by a string, suspending us over your heart… a gold ring."

A ring. "That shouldn't be possible, we can't be in an object that small?"

"Souls are more metaphysical than physical. But we are getting off track." Your father stated. "And I think there is a reason why you are here and not dead like her previous body's soul…It seems she cannot use gateless Alchemy without your soul still connecting itself to your body."

Your father smiled. "That means you can kick her out of your body!"

Your father the Genius.

But a thought came to your head. "What do you mean… won't I have to fight for control for my body?"

"Why would your body reject you… it's your body after all." Your father said with absolute certainty.

That made you think of the Gate… of Truth. Of what Truth wanted from you.

Was this the mission that he would give your voice back to… or was this something else?

What do you do?:

[]Human Transmutation: You have a hunch… a very strange, very dangerous, and very stupid hunch… but maybe it will work. Or you'll die horribly.

[]Energy Manipulation: "Dad, maybe we can manipulate energy here… force her to come to us, and I can slip through the cracks?"

[]Brute Force: "Bring me to the edge… I'm going to break this thing."

[]Wait: You suspect that you will get a chance soon enough… perhaps you can learn from your father about his work. You're pretty sure Dante won't do anything too bad with your body… you'd know.

AN: Enjoy.

 

[Magoose]

Meanwhile: Central Meetings:

(Arthur POV)

You sat quietly in the room of the new leader of Amestris King Bradly. Of course, that was only the surface of the quiet tension that had been building within the room since you had arrived. You were being watched, by something… a camera… a set of eyes hiding in the walls, a microphone and wire hearing any words you may whisper under your breath…

Or something else… Perhaps even a Chimera that decided to endure the torture of military service, instead of dying. You had heard the stories of the chimera that may exist… but you took no stock in them. Too many unplanned variables… not enough profit and return on the investment.

But you were used to being surprised. And the cruelty of waste and destruction in the Amestrian Military.

The door opened and a smile rose on the face of King Bradly. You could tell it was a carefully cultivated one, one that must have taken everything in his control to not break. He was armed with his twin sabars… archaic weapons but serviceable in dress uniforms. And he was well versed in their usage.

You stood and granted him the tiny bit of respect he deserved. He was a new leader, with a fresh idea… and possibly-

God Willing a chance for a peaceful future for the nation… no more war, no crisis. You wanted to feel useless, to go around the world to search for war, instead of finding it close to home.

"General Bradly." You stated.

"Please Arthur, call me King." He stated with a warm smile as he sat, waving to gesture you to sit.

It took all your instincts to not ask a piercing question about him. No… stick to the low ball political question, you'll stay alive longer. He was furious about something. "I take it that the Electorate was informed that the elections for the new Parliament were postponed for a good reason?"

Bradley waved his hand. "The Situation in Ishval has almost quieted down to where we can continue negotiations with the Prophet. I will step down once the Crisis is resolved. And Elections will be resumed."

Death of Democracy… told with a wink and a smile. You should have expected it… Cetra always warned that tyranny was but one crisis away… and they fought like mad basterds to keep their democracy, even to their detriment.

Just another man ruling over Amestris with an iron hand. At least Howitzer was elected. "I'm sure you have read my Nephews Articles about Ishval, and the growing humanitarian support in the region. Nothing more than a true miracle of internal support from the junior officers and the citizenry of the East."

That, you saw, made the man squeeze his sword hilts. "I have." He was controlling his anger… and disappointment.

Should you probe further? Or should you remain silent…

Each had its own advantages… though one might leave you dead.

But the other gave the Truth… and you valued that more than your own life. "I must ask, for your opinion of our coverage of the situation… Have you seen it as unfavorable to your armed forces, and potentially spoiling the potential of peace for your government?"

If he said yes… that would mean peace was never an option for him, and you could take it all the way to the presses. If he said no… Well he might be different than the other despots who have taken power. More willing for liberalization and even a return to the Parliament.

But you did not hold your breath.

"Why are you so interested in my opinions, Mr. Ailtree?" Bradley asked. "There is so much more… interesting questions that can be asked from a man who has clearly shown an appetite for the truth, and for all who seek it."

For a moment, you thought his eye glowed red. A trick of the light perhaps. "You know why I have brought you here?" He asked.

"No." You stated. "To murder me perhaps… It's what I've planned for anyway. Already have a front page all planned out and everything. 'Assassin attempt on Fuher… Prominent Journalist killed in crossfire…'"

For a moment you saw his smile grow wider. "Of course, that is just one of them… I prefer 'Dictator kills prominent Anti War Journalist, for speaking the Truth in Ishval.'"

That made the man frown. "I'm sure you can understand that we both have power in this room. You may hold the power of politics and arms… But I have the power of revolutionary's, of optimists and dreamers who seek the Truth."

"I assure you that sedition is punishable by death." Bradly stated.

"So is genocide." You replied.

There was a moment of silent tension. No words were spoken but the glares gave everything you need. Someone was about to burst through the room, and than he was going to kill you… an accident.

"Well King, this interview was fun. But I must be going." You stood.

"Sit down." He ordered.

You didn't. You merely walked towards the door. "There's an assassin coming to kill you King… I recommend you deal with it before anyone gets hurt."

You opened the door to see a woman standing there, with the most sinister grin you have ever seen.

"Indeed… but it's not for me," Bradley stated. "You are a thorn in my side Ailtree. We're going to talk about your next story."

Several blades entered your chest, missing all your vital organs, but hurting like hell. "I'd do as he says, dear… I really don't like to miss." The woman stated.

"Good, neither do I." You stated as your shotgun slide down your sleeve and blasted her in her head, sending her flying backward

And then you ran towards Bradly. And shot out the window. Leaping out onto the battlements, his blade missing your head.

Dammit… so much for a quiet exit.

Hopefully, Sarah can keep the Paper up while you were gone. You were going to be very busy the next few weeks.
---------------------------------------------

You were a dreamer… a man… who loved his nation and the Truth.

You hoped that Alfred would understand.

Exile for a few years would be worth it for a glorious return.

Reward: Arthur Ailtree has exiled himself… no one knows where he is.

Bradly can't shut down the paper as Arthur quiet weeks before. Sarah is now Editor in Chief.

Bradly and Lust are pissed that he managed to get away.

 

[Fanhunter696]

Failure.

You have failed... That is the only thing that Joshua could think while he drifted in dreams...

He had just barely made it to the refuge where some of his brothers have extracted the bullet and dressed his wounds, he had managed somehow to remain awake until the end, when the bliss of unconsciousness awaited him.

No matter how hard he fought it was not enough, he had managed to surprise the platoon and take most of them before they could react, and he would have surely got to Alfred if it wasn´t for that alchemist, that slowed him down long enough so that the rest of the Platoon could gain some distance and use their guns...

Joshua could not stop thinking of the magnitude of his failure, the Prophet himself had assigned him the task of keeping that boy safe, a boy that seemingly had managed to stop the invasion of the Holy Land in their tracks almost by himself, and that managed to achieve a fragile but necessary peace... How could he look at his brothers to the face again, after failing his most important assignment ever?

He could not be more surprised when he awakened and saw the face of Logue Lowe, The Great Sage himself looking at him with worry in his eyes.

"No need to say anything Son" Said the Prophet to a confused Joshua... "And please, don´t ask for forgiveness, there is nothing to forgive"

"But Holy Father" whispered Joshua with a "I have failed at the task that you assigned me, the boy is gone, probably he is already dead"

"I would not think so Son... If they wanted to kill him they had much more efficient ways of doing so, they would not have bothered to organize such an big operation" he took a pause "The boy is alive, and he is probably looking for a way of escaping already... I had the chance of speaking with him, and he is much more resourceful that you can imagine just by looking at him"

"Anyways Joshua, please try to sleep, I have already asked your brother to come here so that he can use that Xinesse Alkhestry to help you recover... We are already looking for him, and once we find him we will organize a rescue party... And something says that you will want to lead them"

Joshua nod solemnly as he closed his eyes again... He needed to recover forces so that he could redeem himself for that failure...

@Magoose I have an omake here, what bonus can we get for on the coming update?

And by the Way, I suggest anyone who is willing to write some omakes, this is kind of a Death or Glory thing, and we need all the help we can get...

 

[Fanhunter696]

Goodbye and Sorry for the mess...

Dear Sara

If you have received this letter then you did remember about the secret hideout D25... Congratulations!!! Someone was paying attention while the rest of the Staff was calling me Paranoid!!!

Well, I write to confirm your worst suspicions, yes you are in charge now of this mess of a newspaper, and you will probably be for any foreseeable future... Sorry about that, but until things calm down in Amestris I won´t really be able to make any public appearances unless I want Bradley and his underlings to carve me a new asshole... You are probably thinking now about punching me in the face, and I probably deserve it so keep that punch in reserve until we meet again in more favorable circumstances.

Please take care of all the fools working with us, especially Alfred, you have been like a big sister to him and I really appreciate that he had you after what happened that night, he needed someone like you at his side and as much as I love that boy I know that I am a terrible influence... And really keep an eye on him, despite our best efforts Alfred is too similar to me.

I have also put a couple of surprises here, one is the transcription of my interview with Bradley, as well as a brief interaction with an unannounced guest that made my not-very-quiet escape a necessity, I know that we can´t do anything with it, but I would feel better to know that it is on the hands of someone that I trust. The other is a little memento from Bradley´s own Drink Cabinet... A 50-year-old Single Malt Whiskey, which as far as I know it belongs to a pretty limited series that won some awards a few years ago, I grant you the responsibility of deciding when to uncork the bottle, but please, be a dear and leave enough for me to taste it when I come back.

Goodby and sorry for the mess...

Arthur.

PD: Tell Marshel and Jon that it's not paranoia if they are really out to get you.
PPD: And don´t worry about the bloodstains, it is not my blood.

A new omake @Magoose

 

[Magoose]

The Ishval War 10: We'll Meet Again

You looked at the ground, then to the sky that was now pink and broken. It was a quiet thing to star at a sky that was not the sky above, feel the sun beating down on your face like a hammer.

It felt unreal. But you knew that anything more… staying in this limbo of hell was not going to suit you. That meant you might have to think of something… drastic.

You were not going to look for your father's notes by demanding it from him, even if he was willing to do so in a heart beat.

Something needed to remain… shattered, lost, to be rediscovered again by someone far more worthy than you.

"Dad… I need your help." You stated, as you picked up a stick, and looked around for an open area.

He must have realized it. "Ah… I see. Human transmutation?" he asked, as he picked up another stick.

"Yes. I'm going to use it to slingshot my soul back into my body… hopefully, sending her to hell as well." You stated with a grim sigh. "I don't know what will happen to you?"

"Your right, you won't." He replied with a smile. "But I have been trapped here for far to long… and I wish to see your mother, sister, and brother again… beyond whatever waits for me." He smiled. "I'm not afraid Alfred. Only worried that it might not work and you'll be back in here… losing hope."

You smiled. "Why do you have to sound so pessimistic dad?"

"Because there are… other ways. Ways that won't involve you taking a gamble that might kill you." He stated. "I can teach you about my Energy Manipulation theory… let you find a way to do so safely… trick her, trap her here with me… allow us both to die."

You shook your head. "And allow her to destroy everything I have worked for?" You stated. "No. I refuse to do that. To allow her the chance to destroy me by her own actions, rather than my own. If I am to be destroyed father. I would rather it be me that is killed than my body."

You paused and spoke more, as you began to draw the circle in the field. "The Truth is all that matters in the end. If we can find it, and let others know so that they may make the right choice… then my work hasn't been for nothing."


Your father nodded. "You are so much like Arthur, it almost frightened me that you have done such a thing. Willingness to die for the Truth."

You nearly finished a few minutes later before he asked. "Than what will you do if this works?"

"I don't know…" You shook your head. "I will try to save you… and let everything happen as it may. But if I don't." you sighed. "Give them my love… if that's even possible."

Your father smiled. "I will. And if through some miracle this works… give her some flowers… Roses were her favorite."


You smiled and clapped your hands together. Your father stepped into the circle and held your arms. "But-"

"Never do something alone. Even when you should." He stated.

And with a smile, you touched the ground.
-------------------------------------------------------

You awoke in the White void, with Truth smiling at you. "It seems you decided to gamble with your life for the Truth… an interesting proposition."

"I know." You stated. "But you want her dead? Don't you… to answer for her crimes?"

Truth remained smiling. "Even now, you still don't get the task at hand… even when it stood right in front of you."

Your father then stood forward… How had he- "I expected something far grander.. .but then again, I always thought that something like this would be impossible. To be able to see the Truth with my own eyes."

He smiled. "Well… I take it you want to take me to the afterlife."

Truth Smiled. "Not yet… you still have a role to play Nicholas. And what your son may want may decide your fate here as well."

Your father smiled wider. "I never believed you were a man of fair play."

"Do not misunderstand my needs for your energy manipulation for kindness Nicholas...even though you and you alone seem to understand Alchemy as a science." The Truth stated.

You watched the gate. "So what will happen?" You asked… "What if this fails?"

"Don't think like that kid… We'll just meet each other again." Your father then smiled. "Now… go and fuck Dante up."
----------------------------------------------------------------

The Reunion of Soul and Body: 1D100 => 100+60(Alchemy Skills, The Gate, and Omakes)=160 vs 1D100 => 96+80 (Dante's Countermeasures)-20 (Your Father's Work)=156

And you awoke to face Dante's spirit, clawing into the gate… Your gate. "How… you should be trapped!" She screamed. "Your body is mine!"

You sighed. That was it? She wasn't going to accept that you somehow came back?

How disappointing. You remained silent… not because you wished to speak… but because you could not.

You waited, for Dante to say something. And then… it happened. You felt your body… the energy of the Gate… you...being you.

And Dante Screamed as she vanished.
------------------------------------------------------

(Nicholas POV)

You clapped as Dante Appeared. "You bastard! His soul should have-"

"Yes… should have activated the emergency seal in the ring, to capture it back… to make sure it becomes a philosopher's stone. To trap him there forever." You chuckled. "Unfortunately, you didn't count on me seeing through you… you are so scared of death, it was easy to change a few formulae's around… to make it more powerful to maintain your life."

You then folded your arms. "All it took was one mishappen seal for it all to break." You turned around. "They say the road to hell is paved with good intentions… It seems that someone worthy of it has finally arrived."

And Dante saw the Gate… opened wide for her ungodly soul… and vanished without a trace.

"So it is done." Truth stated.

"Indeed it is." You turned to face him. "Our Bargain is now complete Truth. He has paid the price for his ignorance, and has give you what have sought for so long." You stated. "He has paid more than a fair price for his voice back. And you cannot claim otherwise."

Truth nodded, a smile still on his face. "Indeed."

You then raised an eyebrow. "I do hope that I can ask for… just one more thing."

"And what would that be?" Truth asked. "What would be worth the Equivalency that is needed?"

You smiled. "You already have it."

???: Rolled: ???

(Success)
-------------------------------------------------------------

You coughed. "Ah fuck." You swore… your voice horse and deep.

Who was next to you:

[]Arthur and Johan: Your uncle!... He was also with… JOHAN! You almost charged Johan, before Arthur Stopped you, holding you onto the bed. "Alfred. I can explain… it was all part of the Plan. Just don't kill Johan just yet."

[]Scar: the Man with the X on his face smiled. "Good, you're alive."

[]A Young Cadet: The man had eyes as cold as ice. "Excuse me… My name is Roy Mustang… you are Alfred Ailtree, correct?"

[]No one: THe room was empty… save for a book… A Notebook… in your father's hand.


AN: enjoy.

 

[Magoose]

The Ishval War 11: The Last Will and Testament of Nicholas Ailtree

May 29th, 1901, Ishval

You awoke to a soft bed and no one around. The room was rigged, but mostly for your protection, any seal that was made was in a protective measure around the bed, in a way that would even destroy the building, but still leave the room intact… mostly. The bed at least would survive with you on it.

As you opened your eyes and turned, the book caught your eye. It was a hastily made notebook with no spine, a small leather cover covering the front pages, and held together by twine and string.

In front of it, there was a single card of paper… with your name on it.

You turned, placing your feet onto the ground, and then reaching across the room, to the table.

And as you pulled the book over, you saw the letter sticking out of the leather cover.

You smiled as you pulled it out, and unsealed it.

To my Son, Alfred… this is my last will and testament.





Alfred, I know you wish I had more time to write this, but I could not get more time from Truth. I could not stay any longer, because our family is waiting for me… and for you when the time comes.





But that is not why I write this letter to you. I have a few things I must explain to you… things that will make a few events from the past few months… things that will make sense once things are revealed.





First, possibly the most important thing i can explain… my kidnapping was no accident. Johan, Arthur, and I were going to assassinate Dante, so that you would remain safe, both to make sure I would not be threatened to recreate my work, and also to prevent you from being tortured. Before we were separated, we came up with a backup plan to ensure we could succeed in killing her.





Unfortunately, it involved you being placed in danger. We prepared for every eventuality of you being captured, including being given up by Johan, so he could get close to her, and kill her.





But Johan failed in that objective, and was unable to commit to a rescue… Archer stopped him from doing so. We didn't count on Dante using foreign mercenaries… especially one as Dangerous as Frank Archer.





Tell that Scar Fellow… whatever his name is… that Johan owes him his life. And that he should have been faster to stop him.





But I'm rambling… The reason I was captured was as follows.





When I was taken prisoner by Dante all those years ago, I destroyed my notes and research of Energy Manipulation, there was an equation that I created that could spell the end of any sort of hope for the future of Amestris.





I called it the Doomsday Seal. And it is a seal that can destroy a city with its power. It uses an isotope, uranium, and then, with the energy of Alchemy, splits the atom of the isotope… causing a reaction that unleashes a huge amount of energy… energy that explodes…





I never properly tested it, if only for the simple fact that I believed I would kill everyone in the city if I tried.





But Dante failed… and as you know, I survived in the Seal until my rescue.





Enclosed is my notebook… with everything I can safely give you about Energy Manipulation. I recommend trying only the Lightning and staying away from the Explosive section until you are a true master of it.





They are the only thing I can safely give you… if you rediscover that Doomsday seal… destroy it… never allow it to fall into their hands… anyone's hands.





I leave it all to you, my boy.





I will give your mother, sister, and brother your love… and live life my boy.





You deserve that much.





I love you son.





Nicholas





Ps. Write a damn good article my boy… spit in the state's eye for your old man's sake. And tell Arthur that he still has a death wish.​

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

Reward: you may now Learn Energy Manipulation alchemy. All attempts to train in that subject gains a +20 to the rolls.

You have an Article to write.

[]Write in.

 

[Fanhunter696]

My most heartfelt thanks.

Dear Fürer.

How are you and your cronies doing? I obviously won´t tell you where I am, and you know that I am good enough to leave any sort of clue behind that could help you figure where my hideout is.

But I have not sent you this letter to make fun or taunt you, no I am genuinely thankful for, at least, one thing you did... Because thank to your decision of sending Colonel Dante after my Nephew, you gave us the chance of not only avenging my brother but also gave us chance of freeing his poor soul of whatever bullshit you trapped him in... I don´t really want to go into the details, but Dante is gone forever, I would have sent you her clock to prove it, but it is such a nice memento that I believe that I will keep it.

That is all really, I would advise you to stay out of the way of Sara and my nephew, but I think that you and the rest of the brass have just learned it the hard way, so without anything else to add, I offer you my most heartfelt faraway.

Thank you for everything.

Arthur

PD; If you are looking for that 50-year-old whiskey, yes I took it, I think it is fair compensation for that unwanted session of acupuncture that your assassin did on me.

Another short omake @Magoose

 

[Ylla]

A Questionable Conflict leaves scars amongst the Ishvalan People
Alfred Ailtree
June 1st, 1901

Ishval and the rest of Amestris have spent many years in relative peace, ignorance of Ishvalan customs and religious practices creating a rather large divide, the situation was tense but not so much as to be the cause of a civil war.

On April 9th, of this year an Ishvalan child was shot by an Amestrian Soldier, sparking a series of riots and protests that started peacefully, but when faced with aggressive opposition from Amestrian soldiers turned violent to match. (Insert riot aftermath photo with reference to "Hundreds of innocent dead on the Streets of Ishval!!" article)

We managed to get an interview with the shooter, Willie Hitchman, who claimed "I didn't kill that girl. Someone is setting me up… The Ishvalans are good people...I would hurt anyone if they weren't a threat, especially a child.", Willie later took his own life leaving a note "Forgive me. May my death be the Equivalent to your loss.". (Insert Willie Hitchman photo here)

More concerning is the amount of support that went into keeping the conflict alight; The Children of Ishval, Ishvalan extremists who saw this as their chance to take more lives in the name of Ishvala; for more dead Amestrians pleased their God, as they were their God's chosen children, and they would be greeted by their God with open arms.

Drachma Arms dealers illegally smuggling Amestrian made firearms, taking away the pressure of ressupplying as the Amestrian forces used the same ammunition.

Finally, the Mercenaries from Creta led by Frank Archer, a man who even the Amestrian Military wanted to try him for Crimes against The State. The Cretan Mercenaries were stirring up what they considered a 'revolutionary sentiment' in the Ishvalans. Even more, there was a fourth party silently assisting all three groups, though their aim remains a mystery.

A more alarming mystery is the disappearance of thousands of people, soldiers, civilians, and rebels. The casualties not relating to the fighting that number in the thousands is part of what has achieved this tentative peace, the Ishvalan Garrison Battalion and the Amestrian 5th regimental rifles from eastern command can be seen peacefully guarding those that mourn (insert photos of "peace between warning men, and people mourning").

This peace was in part due to the soldiers that held to their morals, an anonymous soldier that gave an interview said "[Orders for] nighttime raids? The Extrajudicial arrests without evidence, or trials, relocations to internment camps... The killings and executions of innocent… they get lost… Telegram offices are notoriously bad… lines always get cut by some trouble makers.".

Humanitarian aid returned some life to Ishval, a caravan from the Easterling, doctors coming to work in Ishvalan hospitals, and schools being built all returned some sense of normality into Ishval.

Despite the unknown elements that kept this conflict ignited, the lives lost be they soldiers or civilians, and the scars that will plague the minds of the Ishvalans, the war has finally come to an end.


Basically a collage of all our findings stuck together with glitter glue, but my excuse is that I wrote it "with an early 20th century audience in mind".

 

[Magoose]

Ishval Article 2:

Amestrian and Ishvallan Relations have never been truly good, not even before Amestris' Rise as a regional power five hundred years ago, and the slow annexation of its neighbors. And even after, when Ishval and Amestris became one through conquest, never improved. There is a lack of understanding between our two peoples… the gods of Ishvalla, the earth Mother of Ishval, and the Alchemical sciences of Amestris continually put them at odds with each other.

That lack of understanding has created this problem… a problem that over the past few months… we have been covering.

The Events on April 9th, with the death of a young child, have created months of tension and violence was a tragedy… a misunderstanding and a murder. An Amestrian soldier shot and killed an Ishvallan child, for seemingly no reason.

We managed to get an interview with the shooter, Willie Hitchman, who claimed "I didn't kill that girl. Someone is setting me up… The Ishvalans are good people...I would hurt anyone if they weren't a threat, especially a child."

This was not a man who would take a life willingly… not a monster bullied into such an act by the toxicity around him in his uint.

This reporter still believes, with every fiber of his being, that this man was innocent. And that the Amestrian Military continues to believe that this man murdered a child, and parades him around as a war criminal, deserves condemnation. His family deserves that much.

Willie later took his own life leaving a note "Forgive me. May my death be the Equivalent to your loss."(See Interview with Willie Hitchman on Page 4)

What happened afterward, has been turned a simple riot into a powderkeg of madness, near misses, and conspiracy that threatens to tear the entire region apart.

And other parties, actors, and states wish to see the region torn apart.

Cetran Revolutionaries, led by Frank Archer infiltrating the churches, the meetings, and villages of Ishval, preaching violent and wanton revolution for democratic principles that the people of Ishval do not wish to consume. They would rather work out their issues on their own, to solve their own issues with practicality, not with ideas and revolution.

Drachman Armsdealers, bringing in copies of Amestrian Firearms have also appeared to fan the flames of extremist groups in the Region. (See Page 20 for Evidence in a Conspiracy to Start an Uprising)

More concerning is the amount of support that went into keeping the conflict alight; The Children of Ishval, Ishvalan extremists who saw this as their chance to take more lives in the name of Ishvala; for more dead Amestrians pleased their God, as they were their God's chosen children, and they would be greeted by their God with open arms.

Even members of the Military, wish to enact their hardhandedness on the situation, as a show of force and control… to remind Ishval that the Central Government is in charge. (See Page 24 for Near Misses in a Conflict of Sand by Johan Liebert)

A more alarming mystery is the disappearance of thousands of people, soldiers, civilians, and rebels. The casualties not relating to the fighting that number in the thousands is part of what has achieved this tentative peace, the Ishvalan Garrison Battalion and the Amestrian 5th regimental rifles from eastern command can be seen peacefully guarding those that mourn (see photos on page 21)

This peace was in part due to the soldiers that held to their morals, an anonymous soldier that gave an interview said "[Orders for] nighttime raids? The Extrajudicial arrests without evidence, or trials, relocations to internment camps... The killings and executions of innocent… they get lost… Telegram offices are notoriously bad… lines always get cut by some trouble makers." (See Full interview on Page 20.)

Humanitarian aid returned some life to Ishval, a caravan from the Easterling, doctors coming to work in Ishvalan hospitals, and schools being built all returned some sense of normality into Ishval.

Despite the unknown elements that kept this conflict ignited, the lives lost be they soldiers or civilians, and the scars that will plague the minds of the Ishvalans, the war has finally come to an end.
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And remember: Truth is Eternal… and must be given Light.

Reporter: Alfred Alitree
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Article Strength:1D100 => 75+60 (Skill, Interviews, Brilliant Article Bonus)+10(omakes)=146

What you have created is nothing short of a masterpiece. A truly great… work of reporting. Every detail, every photo every word that came to the printer brought something more… in a way that captures the hearts of all who read it.

And even the enemies of Amestris think that you deserve something.

They believe you have found some sort of Truth… and that means they trust it.

Reward: The News Paper has upgraded to Internationally Recognized Journal: Your Articles on War Stories have been met with Critical Acclaim, and the continent knows the name of War Stories and their reporters, giving the Truth Light.

Profitability:1D100 => 96

There was only one thing that made you very afraid…

What were you going to do with all this god-dammed money?

Reward: At the start of every Main arc (Story Arcs), you will start with an option with starting with three assistants, or a million Cene. (Excluding Foreign adventures and training arcs)

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Reactions:

Eastern Reaction: 1D100 => 53

The East for all of their hard work, are happy to see that their faith and hard work being rewarded.

They are heading home… in a few months… once they know the work will be done.

Northern Reaction:1D100 => 65

The north has seen a very warm feeling of jubilation… now that their fears of troops heading to Ishval being called off and reinforcing Briggs…

And whatever General Armstrong is Planning.

Western Reaction: 1D100 => 57

The West Shrug it's shoulders. Another violent uprising put down by the millitary… and citizens.

Southern reactions: 1D100 => 65

With Tensions mounting on the border… They are happy that nothing else is going wrong in home… when there are more foreign threats abound.

Ishval: 1D100 => 80

There will be millions who will know about your efforts to save them.

Reward: Gain Trait: Hero of Ishval: The Ishval People see you as a hero. (+10 to all rolls in ishval)

Central Reaction:1D100 => 63

"So can we possibly expand out influence? They are weak?"

"No… not yet. We must create an opportunity."

Government Reactions: 1D100 => 100

King Bradly Smiled. "It seems even in defeat… there is victory."

Reward: You may have done something to… make things worse.

International Reactions:1D100 => 78

Every Bordering nation to Amestris has denounced every action you have uncovered, shutting down the borders… every moment they do not have diplomats in Amestris denying everything… it's another moment that Amestrian troops can break the Treaty Borders… and start invasions.

Reward: You have inadvertently caused an international incident.