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greenygreenland · 3 years

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What I'd Do For You:

-imagine Roy as your adoptive father

-he'd be so flawed but he'd try his hardest

-I write for females because that's what I'm most comfortable with, but it's not too prominent (please don't be offended! It's only what I'm comfortable with!)

Summary: You're feeling down. Roy's here to help.

Today was nothing short of a bad day. It poured as soon as you stepped out of the house, and before you could grab your umbrella, you realised you were going to be late. Not long after, you ran straight into Ed and Al, who both ignored you in favour of chasing some guy down the street.

Whatever, you told yourself. Not like I needed a 'hi' from my best friends anyway.

Not long after, a car zoomed by and splashed muddy water at you. If it weren't for the rain, you'd be caked in the stuff. As you continued down the street, some guy thought it would be fun to mug you. Of course, when he found out you were a state alchemist, he made a run for it. But that didn't make you feel better, not when there were people staring at you like you were a nuisance.

What did you ever do to them anyway? Maybe it was just the fact today was a terrible Monday afternoon.

When you got to Roy's office, your clothes were sopping wet, your hair a matted mess, and your heart, very much hardened and cold. You softly closed the door behind you. There was no point in slamming it when you didn't have the energy to be angry in the first place.

"(Y/n)?" Roy stared at you incredulously. "What happened to you?" You pointed to the window.. The pouring rain and gray clouds were enough of an answer. "Everything happened, that's what." He raised a brow with a short sigh. "'Everything' is quite vague, don't you think?" He stood and made his way to a cabinet. From seemingly nowhere, he found a towel and threw it at you.

"Thanks Roy." You ran it through your hair and placed it on the couch to sit on. It was just as wet as your clothes, but it wasn't like anyone had a blow dryer on hand. Roy took a seat across from you on the opposing couch. "Care to tell me what happened today?"

You thought back to the Elric brothers, then the mugging and everything else you had to go through today. Roy listened intently. "Why did you leave the house so late?" he inquired. "You could have been here at eight o'clock sharp if you hadn't been up all night reading. Then you could have avoided that mugger, the rain, and everything in between." You huffed. "So what? Changing one thing wouldn’t change the day. And besides, it was a good book. What else was I supposed to do?"

"Put it down." Roy plainly offered. "Save that 'last page' for tomorrow, or better yet, sleep before three in the morning." You didn't like the way he was looking at you, as if he were deciding on whether he should be disappointed, frustrated, or annoyed with you. But bad habits died hard. It wasn't easy to break out of those cycles.

You leaned back into the couch. Defeat crossed your eyes, and that was when Roy realized how tired you looked. It wasn't because of your constant travels, or the fact that Edward and Alphonse ignored you completely (he'd give them a piece of his mind later on), but because you were burnt out.

And maybe feeling a bit down.

"You've been studying a lot." Roy stated. You didn't need him to point out the obvious. It was no secret you were doing your best to help the Elric brothers on their journey towards finding their bodies. "Have you found anything useful?" You shook your head with a tight frown. There was so much you needed to work out, so many variables that didn't add up, and so many frauds you needed to uncover.

"Whenever we're close," you mumbled, "our goal keeps getting farther away. Sometimes I feel so useless while Ed and Al go off on their own accord. I just...I don't know." Your shoulders slumped and Roy's heart began to ache. "It's so hard, and I'm really..." A sigh escaped your lips.

"Tired?" Roy finished. He knew that look well, the one where your eyes darkened with clouds and you looked like you wanted to scream when you couldn't. Long ago, he had the same look. Silently, he swore he'd never do it again. At least, not when you were around.

Seeing that same look on your face made him sick to the stomach. "Take a day off," he started. "The Lieutenant is here so don't worry. As for the Elric brothers, I don't think they'll need your help now. They’re fine as is if you ask me." Roy winced at his words. He didn't mean to make it sound like you were unwanted. In fact, he wouldn't do that even if he was paid.

"Maybe I'm not needed by them anymore.” you concluded. “They're busy anyway, so they won't miss me. It’s been weeks since we last talked actually. And besides, Ed’s really great at everything he does. Same with Al. They’re skilled, smart, everything I’m not." You smiled and it was a bit watery.

Roy's lips parted. No, no, no, that wasn't what he meant. The urge to punch himself in the face was overwhelming. Why was he so bad at wording things?

You stood and folded the wet towel. "I'll take the day off. I'm not sure what I'll do though."

"Wait--"

"If you need me, I'll be around the block somewhere." You looked like you were about to cry, and all Roy could do was watch. He wanted to say something, but what if he made it worse? Saying 'Don't cry!' wasn't exactly comforting, and by the looks of it, you weren't in the mood to talk anything through.

A forced smile made its way to your lips. "I'll be back later Roy."

And just like that, you were gone. The door closed shut with a small click, leaving Roy alone in the quiet office. He stared at the phone on his desk tensely. Hughes was good with people, and he knew how to talk to (Y/n) better than most. If Roy called then maybe...

No. Why should he have to rely on Maes? This was (Y/n). He could deal with his daughter just fine. "Teenagers." He found himself making his way to the phone "Why are they so hard to understand?” The familiar beeping sounded on the other end as he dialed the number.

“Hello, could you connect me to Maes Hughes?”

-----

The lone bench you took refuge on was lonely. But you were fine with that. Here, no one could see you through all the pouring rain and darkened clouds. As your tears mixed in with the cold droplets, you stared into the far off distance. The trees swayed in the occasional breeze and you shivered.

Maybe you should have brought a coat.

Suddenly, the rain stopped pounding against your head. Your dampened hair had rivers flowing down it, and the tears that quietly came to a stop left your cheeks with stains.

“So this is where you’ve been,” a voice calmly said. You didn’t need to look up to know who it was. Why, after an hour, did he come looking for you in the rain? It wasn’t like it mattered. Roy settled by your side, the umbrella hovering above. “Here,” he handed you your coat, “you’re shivering.”

You pushed the coat away with a shake of your head. “I don’t need it.” There was a crack in your voice you covered with a cough. If Roy noticed or not, he didn’t show it. Instead, he helped you put on the coat. “It would be inconvenient if you were sick,” he decided. “How are you supposed to help the Elrics with a cold?”

That didn’t matter. The Elrics were busy for all you cared, and it wasn’t like they needed you anyway. “I’m dead weight, dad.” The words made your eyes sting again. “They don’t-t-they don’t need me.”

“And why is that?” Roy’s gentle tone made the tears fall fast. “Because, dad, I’m useless. Edward’s so much better at everything. He--he’s always saving the day and figuring out all of this country’s problem’s. And...and when I try to help, I always mess it up.”

You thought back to earlier today, where you bumped into the boys spontaneously. They might’ve been busy, but they blatantly ignored you. And the fact that they hadn’t called all week made you worry. Had you done something wrong? No, maybe they didn’t care for you anymore because you were so useless.

“I...I don’t know what to do.” With the umbrella over your head, Roy saw every tear as clear as day. He watched your shoulders tense and your fists clench into tight fists. You were trying to stop crying, but the tears kept coming and coming like a river.

How useless of you.

“Come here.” You didn't want Roy to see your face. “Come here,” he repeated. You hesitantly scooted closer to him on the soaking bench. He held the umbrella in his left hand and pulled you close with his other. When was the last time he actually hugged you like this? He couldn’t remember, and that made him feel guilty.

Was it his fault that you thought so lowly of yourself? Maybe he should have been more adamant on showing how proud he was of your accomplishments. Becoming a State Alchemist at this age was more than a simple privilege. It was a precedent that no generation had ever seen in their lives.

“Why do you compare yourself to Fullmetal?” he inquired, rubbing your arm comfortingly. “He’s not you.”

“But he’s better than me and I can’t measure up to him.” Roy shook his head dismissively. For a moment, you wondered you disappointed him. “It doesn’t matter what Fullmetal is, (Y/n). He’s strong, I admit, but the most hot-headed kid I’ve ever met. Unlike him out, you never let emotions blind your choices. That’s something Fullmetal can’t do. As for strength, you don’t need that.”

He smiled a little and it was so warm. It wasn’t everyday you got to see this side of Roy. He was always caught up in paperwork, plans, and looking after what he worked so hard to accomplish. “You have enough wits to outsmart me. Remember that time Fullmetal challenged me to a match?”

You nodded. “I joined because I didn’t think he could handle it. Ed didn’t want my help, but I ended up coming along anyway.” A smug smirk made its way up Roy’s lips. “And who lasted the longest?”

“Me.”

“And why was that?”

"Because I read your attack patterns?" You uncertainly replied. Roy frowned. "Say it like you mean it."

"Because I read your attack patterns." you repeated. An approving look made its way up your dad's face. "Exactly. Fullmetal has wit, but you are a much more terrifying opponent." You sniffled with a huff. "I'm not--I'm not even close to your level."

"You don't have to be." Roy turned his gaze to the pouring rain, as if he were thinking about how useless his alchemy would be. "If you believed in yourself more, then you will advance farther than you've already come."

That wasn't true. How could you believe in yourself when you felt like an absolute failure? It didn't matter how many successes you've had in the past, because what if they were all flukes? Some day, your luck would run out. Then you'd let your dad down, along with Ed and Al and Hawkeye and Uncle Maes and everyone else you knew.

"You're not a failure, if that's what you're thinking." Roy blurted out. "I couldn't be more proud of how far you've come. The day I met you, I thought I'd fail you. Look where we are now." He laughed a little and it made you relax in his hold. "If you were a failure, you wouldn't have become a reowned State Alchemist. You wouldn't have survived in the most dire times either, and you wouldn't have made me so proud of you."

Your eyes widened. Had you heard him right? You had to be hearing things. Roy met your gaze and smiled warmly. "Yes, I'm proud of you. Why wouldn't I be?" For a moment, you remained still. The gears in your head churned like clockwork, dissecting and rewinding the words Roy had spoken. You tentatively wrapped your arms around Roy's middle.

Yes, I'm proud of you.

You buried your head into his shoulder.

Why wouldn't I be?

And then you cried. Today was nothing short of a bad day, but if you hadn't forgotten your umbrella, gotten ignored by the Elrics, nearly mugged, or showed up late, then you wouldn't have been able to hear those words and the silent I love you's.

IF YOU LIKE THIS, PLEASE REBLOG (IT HELPS ME OUT SOOOO MUCH AS A WRITER!)

#fullmetal alchemist #fullmetal alchimist brotherhood #fullmetal alchemist x reader #roy mustang #roy mustang x reader #platonic #fmab roy #fmab fanfiction #fma fanfiction #fma #fmab #anime x reader #anime fanfic #sorry i'm on mobile #forgive me

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fluffykitty1999-blog · 3 years

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Dog of the Military- Chapter 1

Chapter 1- Early Assignment

For once in his life, Edward was early. He was never early. But he'd slept a lot on the night train to Central, meaning he decided to send Al back to the dorms upon their arrival and decided to pay a visit to Mustang's office first thing that morning to drop off his report.

Apparently, he was the second one here- aside from Mustang himself. There must have been inspections coming up, if the Bastard was here this early in the morning working.

The door to Mustang's office was closed, and Ed walked through the empty desks of the outer office, thinking about how early in the day it was and how odd it was to be here before all the other office members.

He was about to kick through the door to Mustang's office in true Fullmetal fashion and scare the hell out of Colonel Bastard, when he paused. He heard a voice on the other side of the door. Mustang was talking to someone?

"I know that Hughes. Yeah, I know it's from over my head, but I don't have to like it. I don't want to send him. He's just a kid."

There was a pause, and Ed realized Mustang must've been on the phone with someone as he listened to their reply.

"He may be a state alchemist, but he's only been here six months. He has a terrible attitude, hates authority, and this is BIG, Hughes. This report is a matter of national security- if he messes it up he could be tortured or killed. This intel is sensitive- very sensitive- all the higher ups have been clamoring for it. This could make or break my next promotion."

Ed hung back still. He knew Roy was talking about him, and that stung slightly. Sure, he was pretty rude and he had an attitude most times, and yeah his reports were a little sloppy sometimes, but he thought he'd been doing pretty good as a state alchemist, considering he was only thirteen.

His wounded pride aside, Mustang sounded concerned- something he hardly ever heard from his superior. Whatever it was, it had to be big.

"It's not like I'm sending him to investigate about a rumor on a rock in some backwater town, Maes. I'm sending him across the Drachman Border. He's not field agent, he's an alchemist. Yes, I know they won't suspect him. But if he finds trouble- and it's Ed, he always finds trouble- I'm going to have a hell of a time helping him. Once he crosses that border- he's on his own. They're not going to let me send anyone in after him. And his brother can't go with him either this time. So no, I'm not happy."

Ed frowned, forehead creasing and his hand clenching, crumpling his report, which he held in it tightly. They were sending him across the Drachman border? It was fall, so it wasn't unseasonably cold, at least, but still, he didn't like the idea any more than Colonel Bastard.

Especially without Al. He knew he was a good fighter, but the thought of going to a foreign nation without his brother was daunting. The base of his spine tingled. Mustang had said he'd be alone- nobody could come help him if he needed it.

What would happen to Alphonse if he didn't come back?

He quickly shook himself out of those thoughts, however, steeling his expression and himself. He'd been through far worse before. There was only one option- he'd have to come back. No room for failure. There never was.

"Yeah. Yeah, I know. I'll talk to you later Hughes. See you." there was silence. Mustang must've hung up the phone.

Ed waited a few minutes in the silence, before he was sure Mustang wouldn't think his conversation had been overheard, before kicking the door open and strutting into the room like nothing was amiss at all.

He slapped his report onto the man's desk with fervor, flashing that trademark smirk he had. "I got my report, you bastard."

"Any promising results?" Roy looked nonplussed as he rested his elbows on his desk and interlaced his fingers, cradling his chin on them.

"No. But I'm gonna find it." Ed snarled.

"Is that why you're here so early?" Mustang cocked an eyebrow.

"Maybe. You have any more leads for me?"

"On the stone, no." Mustang pursed his lips, sifting through the paperwork and finding a folder. "But you've been assigned a mission."

"Gimmie." Ed was already grabbing the folder, but Mustang held it out of his reach. He frowned. "Sit." he pointed a gloved hand at a chair.

Ed frowned by pulled up a chair, sitting down and glaring at Mustang. "Can't I just have the folder?"

"Not this time, Fullmetal. I'm briefing you for this mission myself. This isn't about the stone, and I wouldn't have chosen you for this mission, but it's been given from higher up, so my opinion doesn't matter here."

Roy handed over the folder, and Ed started to flip through it.

There were pictures, and maps- he wasn't going to be crossing into Drachma at Fort Briggs. That was surprising.

"The higher ups have been concerned about certain infrastructure and military movements on the northwest Drachman border. We have an agent across the border with critical intel- your mission is to cross the border undetected and retrieve it. You'll be posing as Franklin Ivanov- a Drachman teenager from a border city. You're to meet our agent in a Drachman cafe, recite the code phrase, get the intel, and slip back across the border undetected. This is a stealth mission, Fullmetal. Emphasis on stealth."

Ed's brows furrowed. "Alright, Bastard, since you obviously don't think I'm capable, then why send me at all?"

Roy sighed. "I didn't say you were incapable, Fullmetal. You've just never done these types of missions before. It's... sensitive. Tensions have always been high between Drachma and Amestris, but if you get lost in the mountain passes on your way- I doubt the higher ups will send anyone after you."

"Yadda yadda. I face certain death if I fail. I understand high stakes, Bastard. But why. choose. me?"

"The higher ups have chosen you because they think the Drachmans won't suspect a child as an Amestrian agent." Roy's face darkened. "Most of the missions I give you are quite... flexible. There isn't room for error in this mission. Lives, quite literally, are at stake, and this will affect Amestrian troop movements, as well as your- and my- positions in the Amestrian military. Understood?"

"Yeah, I get it." Ed nodded, still not looking thrilled.

He flipped to the next page. There was a train ticket to Goldenfield City on it- a small command post in a mining town near the Drachman border.

"Any other cheery news you wish to impress upon me, or can I go?"

"Impatient as always, Fullmetal." Roy groused, looking irritated. "I still have more information for you. You're to meet with Colonel Banks at the fort, and spend the night there. They'll outfit you with supplies and maps of the mountain passes to get to the rendezvous point. You'll have 3 days to get in, get the intel, and return home."

Roy slid something across the table carefully. "When you reach the rendezvous point in Drachma and get the intel- mail this postcard. Its arrival will let us in Central know you've arrived without issue and have the information, and if you fall off the map it will narrow our search area a little, knowing you made it to the rendezvous and probably got lost or run into trouble on the way back."

"I thought you said nobody would come looking if I didn't come back?"

"If I can prove you have the intel with you, the higher ups might be willing to let us attempt to retrieve you. I make no promises, Fullmetal. I'm not exactly pleased with the situation either."

"Yeah, well, I am a dog of the military and all. Guess I need to do some tricks." Ed stood, grim and tired of the gloom and doom conversation.

"Hey Bastard-" Ed paused halfway out the door. "If something does happen- take care of Alphonse, will ya?"

"I don't want to have to keep that promise, Fullmetal."

"I don't want you too either, Bastard. But you will." Ed turned and marched out the door, content with that answer. Mustang may have been a bastard, and didn't want to acknowledge the possibility that Ed might not come back- but his answer was enough to let Ed know that if he was gone, Mustang would make sure Alphonse was taken care of.

He sighed, unclenching his gloved fists and heading back to the dorms. He quickly packed his things and briefed Al on the situation. He made sure to minimize the danger- he didn't want to needlessly worry his brother.

"A day to get there, 3 days to complete the mission, and a day to get back. I won't even be gone for a week, Al. Not long at all." Ed reassured.

"I know. I just wish I could come along." Alphonse couldn't keep the dismay from his voice.

"Yeah, me too Alphonse." Ed admitted, brushing his bangs out of his face. "Tell you what- why don't you take some research books from the library and visit Winry and Granny for the week? I'll send you a postcard when I reach Fort Goldenfield- from there, I'll be back in almost no time at all. In fact, I might stop by Risembool and get you after I stop at Central."

"That's a good idea." Al brightened slightly at the notion- Ed knew Alphonse didn't want to be alone.

"Get your stuff, then. We can walk to the train station together." Ed smiled, and Al brightened, gathering the books he wanted to bring with him before they started towards the train station together.

Ed kept up the false cheer until he and Al boarded their respective trains. Once he was alone, he found his own compartment in the train, shutting the door and pulling the mission maps form his folder, trying to commit them to memory.

He'd be lying if he said he wasn't concerned. He had to be ready for this- the intel was critical, and he needed to come back alive for Al.

That’s right! A new story! If you’ve enjoyed this, I’d super appreciate it if you’d drop by my ko-fi and just give $3 here https://ko-fi.com/fluffykitty12. It absolutely MAKES MY WEEK.

#fma #fma fanfiction #Fullmetal Alchemist #fullmetal alchimist brotherhood #Roy Mustang #edward elric #Parental Roy #parentalroy #whumph #whump #hurt/comfort #hurt #comfort #dogofthemilitary #injury

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fmab-liveblog · 4 years

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Spoilers, intro. This looks just like Ed and he’s got his arm back. Granted, I’m terrible at telling characters apart. There’s one point later where Mustang’s wearing a hat and has a mustache and I’m like “who the hell is Riza with? Where’s Roy?”

If I had’ve paid better attention later, you can also see the alchemy stuff shortly before this and realize this is probably not a grown up Edward, even if the eyes and pouty square mouth are so similar.

THIS DUDE AGAIN

FROM EPISODE 1. Look at how different their expressions are.

And gain with the paying better attention, the second image has the same hairstyle as the first. I hate anime aging they look literally nothing alike except for the hair that transcends millennia.

This is just a really pretty shot. Knowing what this is about makes it even better. I think I’ll talk about this part of the intro when we get to it in the main show

So I’m new to anime, so I didn’t know about the genre of anime intros and outros. They’re so cool. You’ve got the freedom to sprinkle in things that do actually happen (this this shot) and things that are thematically appropriate but don’t happen, for whatever reason. They’re so much fun.

I retract what I said about ‘if I only paid better attention I’d realize that wasn’t Ed’. He’s doing the same pose in the same intro. I don’t have enough evidence to say the confusion was intentional, but I feel less unobservant now. He’s 15ish now and the guy in the first image looks to be mid-20s. That’s a reasonable change in appearance.

LOOK AT THEM. I love these little shots that show that Ed, Al and Winry are all close, not just Ed and Winry. I’d also like to point out that this is the first (and only?) time we see young Al sleeping and he sleeps in a similar pose to how he lays when he’s in armor.

The next bit is so fast I’m not even going to attempt screenshots. Just, just watch it. Trust me it’s good. It introduces every major character for the next 20 episodes. The fighting animation syncs up with the music and it’s soooo satisfying. I can and have watched it on loop on youtube.

And if I had to pick a single image to represent FMAB, this is a major contender. The subtitles even fit. It’s Ed’s entire character arc in one.

So he rips off his arm (which is representative of his identity as the Fullmetal Alchemist and also his devotion to his brother, because he gave up his arm to bind Alphonse to the armor), then throws it at the Eye of Truth/God. He’s always been a rebellious little shit and he spends the majority of the story looking for a way to undo his mistake and to, basically, fight the Truth. Buuuut this also foreshadows how he gets Alphonse back - he gives up his alchemy, again represented by the arm.

Or maybe my tinfoil hat is on too tight and I’m reading into things. Anyway, on to episode 3

#fmab #fmab liveblog #intro1 #I sincerely hope y'all can't see the image names #like Hoface #spoilers #I mean hopefully you've already seen FMAB if you're following this blog

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ssadropout · 6 years

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Wednesday’s Child

Day 1- Parental Royai

Beware of angst. About 1750 words.

Mustang sat at his desk looking even paler than usual. His head was pounding so violently that he was sure that it was visibly expanding and contracting. He was grateful that he had skipped breakfast. He'd never have kept it down. Hawkeye, on the sofa, looked like she might cry. He had seen- and done- terrible things in Ishval, but not even that could prepare him for the horrendous alchemy that a father had performed on his own daughter. He wished that he could have shielded the Elric boys from such an amoral horror. Hindsight is 20/20.

Shou Tucker was in pilloried custody, and Nina Tucker was in the Infirmary.

“We're going to investigate the disappearance of Tucker's wife, but I'd wager that no trace of her will be found. I fear that she was Tucker's other chimera. How could I have...”

“Sir... Roy...” Hawkeye broke in. Startled, by the interruption and the use of his given name, Roy jerked his head towards Riza and waited.

“Sir, I can't stop thinking about Nina. What is going to happen to her?”

I don’t see any way that the transmutation can be undone, but Ed is looking into it. If anyone can find a way, it's him. However, time is of the essence. We don't think that she is... viable.” Roy was too upset to insult Fullmetal. “Why don't we visit the Infirmary and see how she is?”

Hawkeye nodded and rose. Mustang joined her, and he informed the others that he and the Lieutenant might be gone for awhile.

Riza scanned the cots in the infirmary. One was occupied by a male sergeant, and the rest were empty. Finally, her eyes found what looked like a dog in a corner, curled on the floor. She whispered, “Sir,” and he looked where she was looking.

“Nurse! Why is the patient on the floor? She should be resting on a cot!”

“She's a dog, Sir!” Then, a little softer “'Mostly a dog. We can't have her soiling a cot.”

Roy walked over to the chimera and knelt. “Nina, I'm Roy Mustang. I'm so sorry about... what happened to you. Would you be more comfortable on the cot?”

The poor chimera nodded and then, in that deep distorted voice that was almost a bellow, “Thank you mis-ter.”

“Call me Roy.” Glancing up at Hawkeye, he saw her nod. “And that's Riza. Can we get you anything? Have you eaten?”

“I just want to nap, now, Roy.”

“Okay, Nina. We want to talk to the nurse now. Ed and Al will come to visit you, later.”

“O-kay.” She sniffed and curled up.

“Nurse, will she be medically cleared? Where will she be sent?”

“There is nothing that we can do for her, and she's not contagious or dangerous, so she will be sent to a kennel. Children's Services will have nothing to with her.” The nurse's voice faded as she said it, anticipating the Colonel's anger.

“That is unacceptable!”

“Colonel, Sir...” Riza's voice was steeped in urgency.

“Yes, Lieutenant?”

“Sir, I want to take her home.”

Roy stared at his adjutant sure that his eyes reflected the same pain that hers did. They both wanted the poor child to have as good a life as possible for the time left to her. He nodded.

“I'll make it happen.”

Hawkeye was granted leave, and Mustang was cleared to spend the nights at her apartment, having convinced the top brass that it was necessary to have an alchemist present during the off hours. He drove them to Hawkeye's stopping along the way to pick up some food. Nina wanted human food- well, human junk food- and they indulged her, because nutrition was of no concern. Roy secretly hoped that Riza would let him have the same diet as Nina, but he knew that she would never allow it. Riza decided that Roy and Nina would wait outside while she put up that gate that she sometimes used with her pup. It would be the best way to introduce them.

Hayate seemed to be rather confused, but he generally got along with both dogs and people, so he was freed in less than an hour.

Nina seemed to be happy playing with him. Ironically but understandably, she missed Alexander. Her appetite was not great, but she ate enough of her mac and cheese, and she demolished her ice cream, surreptitiously sharing some of it with her new pal.

“Think about what toys you want, Nina, and I'll bring them to you after work tomorrow,” Roy told her.

“O-kay, Da.. Roy.”

“I think that you need a bath, Sweetie,” Hawkeye said kindly but firmly.”

“O-kay, Ri-za.”

Roy did the dishes while Riza bathed Nina. When she was clean and dry, Riza read to her from a book she had bought for Elicia. Nina drifted off , and Roy carried her into Riza's spare bedroom where Hayate joined her.

“How could he do that to his little girl?” Roy plaintively asked Riza. “Tomorrow, I'll bring her blanket and some records along with whatever she requests.” He got under the covers, and she joined him.

“The situation makes me sick,” Hawkeye replied. “Thank you for arranging for me to have custody. I really need to take care of her. And thank you for arranging to stay with me. We don't get to spend the night together nearly enough.” She kissed him, and he pulled her close.

“I really need to take care of her, too,” he whispered.

It didn't take long. They'd been asleep barely an hour when the haunting sound awakened them. The wail was as unearthly as that of a banshee. Riza was running before the cry ended, and Roy was on her heels. Hayate was whimpering and butting Nina with his head, but she seemed to be unaware. Riza scooped up the chimera as well as she could considering Alexander's size.

“Nina. Sweetie, Are you okay? How can we help?” No one but Hawkeye could have such a catch in her voice or look on her face. Roy sat beside her on the bed and leaned in, silently offering comfort.

With much difficulty, the poor girl cried, “Da-ddy hurt me. I want my Da-ddy.”

The next day, Riza and the Elrics took Nina and Hayate to the park. She didn't think that she had seen Ed so subdued since the day she had met him, fresh from the traumatic transmutation. The first thing he said to Riza was that he and Al had found nothing to help Nina. He and Al tried to play with Nina, but she barely reacted. Never running more then a few steps. Never knocking Ed over or riding Al.

“Does she ever play with Hayate's toys?” whispered Al.

“No. She doesn't do much of anything. Not people things. Not dog things,” Riza lamented.

Later, Roy arrived with enough spaghetti and meatballs for everyone from his favorite Aerugian restaurant and a chocolate cake from Ed's favorite bakery. He and Ed nodded at each other in silent agreement to not argue. The agreement was unnecessary. The soldiers and the boys attempted to hold a conversation, but Ed mostly just petted a sluggish Nina. “What can we bring you tomorrow?” asked Al.

“I don't feel like play-ing.”

The night passed with only one incident of hysteria, but the once lively child didn't want to get out of bed in he morning. She refused everything that Riza tried to feed her, and she just shook her head when Riza asked what Roy should bring. She did not respond to Riza reading to her, but she seemed a little less sad. When the lieutenant's voice faltered, she played some of Nina's records. Not wanting to leave the child alone, Riza had Hayate go on paper. The pup didn't seem to mind, and he suppressed his usual high spirits to stay near his new friend.

Roy came over with two pizzas, each with two toppings. He thought that he'd enjoy eating all the good stuff while Hawkeye let him, but he barely tasted the pepperoni and anchovies. Nina took one bite. The Lieutenant didn't eat much more.

“Does anything hurt you, Nina? We can give you medicine if it does,” Roy asked while he stroked her head.

“No.” Her breathing was a little labored, and she was too leaden to move much, but her body did not seem to be otherwise in distress. Hayate lay with her, sometimes crying softly.

“It's getting close.” Roy spoke lowly, and Riza nodded. They'd both seen enough people die. At least Nina seemed peaceful so far.

“She's such a sweet little girl. How could such a calculated horror happen to her? Did Tucker want children, or was it just his wife? Why do people that shouldn't have children have them while people who love children can't?” Riza's voice broke throughout her question.

Roy knew that the query was rhetorical and just gathered her into his arms. Hayate stayed with Nina since he knew that Roy was taking care of his beloved human.

They decided to have “everyone” sleep together in Riza's queen-sized bed. Nina's breathing grew raspier and raspier. Neither adult slept. Roy crooned to little girl, as he tried to think of her. Riza stroked her back while Roy sang soothingly. Before long, the child's breaths began to rattle. Riza looked at Roy, and he sat up, gently pulling Nina into his lap. Hayate curled up as close as possible, and Riza leaned against Roy and caressed the dying girl. After a crescendo of noise, there was silence. Not really knowing how to take a dog's pulse, Riza held a mirror to Nina's nose and mouth.

Nothing.

Hayate, always sensitive, whimpered. Roy and Riza kissed Nina and covered her. After keeping the body company for awhile, the humans moved to the sofa. “She didn't deserve this. She was cheated,” Riza sobbed.

Roy held her and spoke, after a pause. “She got what everyone gets. A lifetime. We will continue to strive to fight premature death and misery that occurs through human agency. That's what our love will do. Our love will never be wasted.”

Roy's quote about everyone getting a lifetime is a paraphrase of a quote from Neil Gaiman's Death: The High Cost of Living.

#royaiweek18 #royai #riza hawkeye #roy mustang #fma

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fma-facts · 6 years

Text

Uhhh, so, for those of you who haven’t heard, the bonus manga from the movie premiere in Japan has been scanned. I was going to reblog the post here for you guys, but apparently OP has me blocked..? Gotta love that fandom drama, am I right?

Anyway, I don’t plan on translating it properly, but I’ll sum up what I can understand under the cut.

Arakawa’s note: “This is a story about Ed just after he got his state alchemist certification, and I tried to write it as if to carry on the feeling from the movie. Yahaa! It’s a baldstache festivaaaal!”

The manga starts off with Ed calling home after the state alchemist test. Winry asks how he did, and after learning that he passed, she tells Al. He takes the phone to congratulate Ed, and Ed explains that “I was gonna head home to you guys right away, but... I’ve kinda been... captured by the other state alchemist... s-so I’m gonna be a little late...”

Armstrong and Gran are introduced, to which Ed reacts by whispering to Hawkeye something about how they’re both bald and have moustaches. Hawkeye says it’s a coincidence. Roy then re-introduces himself to Ed.

Armstrong apologizes for intimidating Ed, saying that he was just surprised that such a young, small child could become a state alchemist. (Cue obligatory height sensitivity gag) “If you ever have trouble with anything, I’m happy to help! You can count on me!” “STOP TREATING ME LIKE A CHILD!”

Gran then rather gravely points out that even though Ed is a kid, he just became a state alchemist, and questions his automail. Ed replies that he lost his arm in the Eastern Civil War, and Gran asks if an Ishvalan did it.

Roy asks if Armstrong and Gran have any plans for the day. After that I’m not really sure what gets said because frankly it’s a lot of words and I don’t feel like trying to read it, but in any case, they end up having a drink to celebrate Ed becoming the youngest state alchemist in history. (And yes, they’re drinking Stray Dog whiskey. Ed and Hawkeye both appear to be drinking coffee or tea or something like that.)

More stuff I don’t really feel like thoroughly reading from Gran, but he definitely mentions Ishval being A Terrible War™, something about his promotion to command, and something about dogs of the military, presumably the “Do you know what you’re getting into blah blah you’ll see hell” speech Ed always gets. Ed responds with “I know.”

They have a toast to Ed, and Gran tells him that from now on he has to speak politely to higher ranking officers, lol.

Cut to Gran being incredibly drunk and rambling, with Armstrong kind of going along with everything he says. “FIRST OF ALL, I HATE HOW ANYONE CAN BECOME A STATE ALCHEMIST WITH EASE THESE DAYS! IT USED TO BE TOUGH! IT WAS REEEEEALLY TOUGH! RIGHT?!” “Hm! Indeed, exactly!” “OF COURSE SKILL IS IMPORTANT, BUT YA GOTTA HAVE PERSONALITY TOO! PERSONALITY, RIGHT?! RIGHT?!?!?!” “Hm! Indeed, exactly!” “YOU’RE A REALLY GREAT GUY, YKNOW?!”

Yeah I’m not even gonna lie, I can’t understand what Roy said (it almost sounds like he’s comparing Gran to Kimblee? Definitely some sort of deadpan insult at least) and I can’t understand the rest of the page because of Armstrong and Gran’s Dramatic Yelling Font™

After Ed screams about the drunken monsters stripping, Roy says “Oh, looks like it’s time for my date. See you later, Second Lieutenant Hawkeye.” Ed then yells, “YOU BASTARD, YOU’RE AN AWFUL PERSON TOO, AREN’T YOU?!”

Before he leaves, Roy talks to Ed one more time. “If you’re ever in trouble or need support, no matter what it is, just tell me. I’m sure you can rely on us. But conversely, should the opposite ever be true, I’ll be counting on you.” Ed then calls Roy creepy, and Roy threatens to set his hair antenna on fire.

A timeskip brings us to Resembool, where Ed and Al are finally setting out on their journey. (By the way, at the train station you can see the mysterious white suit guy who appears in the background throughout the main series.) Winry and Pinako tell Ed and Al to be careful, come home right away if anything happens, they can always count on them, etc. Al thanks them, and Ed says that they’re worrying too much, and shouldn’t treat them like kids. (Al annoyedly thinks to himself, “But we are just kids, though.”)

Ed recalls Armstrong and Mustang’s offers of support as well, and thinks to himself that everybody’s treating them too much like children. Finally, he and Al leave, with well wishes from Winry.

Meanwhile, at East HQ, Shou Tucker- not yet a state alchemist- stops in to see about his progress in regards to obtaining a state license. The receptionist informs him that he failed. As he’s leaving and looking at his paperwork, he overhears soldiers astoundedly talking about the 12-year-old state alchemist.

Tucker comes home, and is greeted warmly by his wife, daughter, and dog. (THAT’S RIGHT FOLKS, WE FINALLY GOT TO SEE NINA’S MOM! SHE HAS AN ACTUAL FACE!) His wife asks how it went, and he replies, “This year’s no good either.” She seems sad, but tells him to keep trying, and do his best next year. “You can count on us for anything! Right, Nina?”

“Anything..? ...That’s right... I have you two.”

“Thanks. Looks like I’ll become a state alchemist for sure next year. As long as I have you two, I can do it.”

Fullmetal Alchemist bonus manga: “Beginning of a Long Journey” - End

#FMA #Fullmetal Alchemist #Manga #News

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scarwasright · 7 years

Text

Fullmetal Alchemist (2003) Special Edition guidebook transcript, including Ed’s decoded notes

What it says on the label. The Blu-Ray special edition of FMA 03 came with a ton of cool shit, including a hardcover artbook with the character profiles originally from the DVD booklets as well as some other, “handwritten” notes from Edward. Since I know not a lot of fans got their hands on this set, I promised a WHILE ago that I would transcribe it! Someday I’ll have scans, but I don’t have access to a scanner atm.

I’ll be listing the character notes by 3 categories: Profile Text, Edward’s Notes, and Edward’s Coded Notes.

Profile Text- the brief character blurbs that were already published in the DVD guidebooks that came out in Funimation’s original localization. Most recurring characters got one.

Edward’s Notes- The book’s title page indicates that it was issued by the Amestrian State Military, and that it belongs to Ed. Little handwritten notes, presumably from Ed, are scattered throughout the character profiles. Some are silly, some are... very not silly.

Edward’s Coded Notes- Some of Ed’s notes are written in a very simple code that replaces the English characters with symbols. It’s straightforward enough that I was able to break it in about an hour - I posted a key over here.

Not included in this text are the image captions associated with the characters’ model drawings, since they don’t make any sense without context. Stuff like “Al age 7, Ed age 8.” There are also many artist notes in Japanese, and I am anything but a Japanese speaker, so no luck there.

Fair warning, there are Royed, Royai, and if you squint, Edvy jokes in the coded text. I’m just writing what’s in the book.

Full transcript behind the cut!

THE TITLE PAGE indicates that the book is military-issued, and Edward has signed his full name on it. The following page is printed with a torn page from a smaller, obviously older book. In ornate letters, it reads the verse that was written in part in the Transmutation Circle the boys tried to use to bring back Trisha:

Pale and black with false citrine, imperfect white and red, The Peacock's feathers in gay colours, the rainbow which shall go over, The spotted panther, the lion green, the Crows bill blue as lead. These shall appear before you perfect white, and many more others. And after the perfect white, grey, false citrine also, And after these, there shall appear the red body invariable, Then you have a medicine of the third order of his own kind multipliable.

Edward’s Coded Notes: Written into the margins of the “original” military book, “Sir George Ripley,” with an arrow pointing to the pressed page. Along the side margin, he’s written “thhe* recapitulation of thhe* twelve gates.”

Explanation: Sir George Ripley is a famous British alchemist whose verse appears on this page. The full transcript of the poem Edward pasted in his book can be found here! It is also, notably, the incantation recited by Eckhart in Conqueror of Shamballa when she sought to open the Gate using Envy.

*Two people seem to have worked on the coded notes, one on the title and transmutation circle pages and the other on the character pages. The handwriting is a bit different, and the title+circle pages are noticeably sloppier than the character pages as far as adhering to the cipher goes. The symbol used for TH in the character pages is used only for a T which is followed by an H on the title pages. In the character pages the standalone H character is absent when the TH character is used, so the inconsistency makes for an obviously unintentional duplicate on the title page.

Edward’s Notes: There are twelve tally marks in the margin of this page, as well as some scribbled equations that are difficult to make out. Ed has awful handwriting.

EDWARD ELRIC

Profile Text: Edward Elric is the Fullmetal Alchemist. He is a prodigy, becoming the youngest State Alchemist in the Army’s history. Edward stunned his superiors by using alchemy without an array, a miraculous feat never witnessed before. Ed despises being a “dog of the military,” but it grants him the opportunity to seek out the legendary Philosopher’s Stone, a crimson crystal rumored to increase the power of the alchemist who uses it.

Edward seeks the stone so that he may restore his missing limbs, and more importantly reunite his younger brother Alphonse’s body with his soul, which was tragically trapped in a suit of armor after a failed attempt through alchemy to revive the dead Trisha Elric, the boys’ mother. Edward realizes he has a gift, a gift that most State Alchemists could only dream of having. But he knows that with that gift he becomes a high profile target.

As Edward reluctantly fights off a crazed assassin who vows revenge on all State Alchemists, Edward begins to unravel the clues that reveal not all is as it seems at the highest levels of the State Military. And, that there is a terrible secret behind the precious Philosopher’s Stone.

ALPHONSE ELRIC

Profile Text: Alphonse Elric was but an innocent young child when a tragic chain of events changed his life forever. First, his father mysteriously vanished while Al was too young to remember. Then, after battling terrible illness, Al’s mother succumbed to death. Finally, during a horrific accident performing forbidden alchemy, Al’s soul was sealed inside a suit of armor.

Undaunted and unashamed by all that has happened in his short life, Al carries on, eternally supporting his older brother, Edward, in his search for the Philosopher’s Stone, a legendary gem with the power to restore Al’s body and Edward’s lost limbs. Al knows that he and his brother’s actions were wrong. He only wishes for a chance to make things right.

Edward’s Notes: In smudged, barely-legible pencil, “Brother, don’t sell me short!” (thank u @gryphcat cross-referencing your own book to confirm that it does NOT say “Brother, don’t call me short!”)

Also notable is the circled “???” with an arrow pointing to that adorable picture of young Al enthusiastically ripping off his shirt.

Edward’s Coded Notes: FYI, there isn’t anything under the loincloth, [indecipherable*]!

*I think the letters were flubbed a bit, here. The characters read “[y/i]n[u/v][f/p]er[u/v]s.” I get the feeling it was supposed to say “Impervious!” buuuut someone messed up.

HOHENHEIM ELRIC

Profile Text: Supposedly lost to the ages, Hohenheim Elric, the father of the brothers Elric was close at hand after all, lurking in the shadows of history as the momentum of the search for the Philosopher’s Stone reached fever pitch. Hohenheim reappears in Resembool allowing the final pieces of this mad puzzle to begin falling into place, as he bears the secrets of the Philosopher’s Stone in his weary heart... A heart beaten down by lost love, a heart full of loyalty to his boys*. Destiny has delivered Hohenheim to a crucial point, a spot in time when all that is good prepares to unravel. Perhaps he will be strong enough to move forward and rise above his shady pas, nad push his shoulder against the wheel of fate that threatens to crush all he ever cared for.

*We watched two very different series, apparently

Edward’s Coded Notes: That bastard [arrow pointing to his portrait]

TRISHA ELRIC (who shares a page with Hohenheim)

Edward’s Coded Notes: Why did they both have to die?

ROY MUSTANG

Profile Text: Roy Mustang is the Flame Alchemist and a veteran of many brutal battles. He personally knew Edward and Alphonse’s father, which sparked his curiosity once he discovered that Hohenheim’s sons were dabbling in alchemical arts. Mustang is eager to climb the ladder of success and hopes that discovering the immense talent within Edward helps him ascend the ranks. Still, Mustang’s soldiers are the most loyal in all of the State Army, insinuating that there is more to this man than his thirst for power.

Edward’s Coded Notes: Roy Mustang is dead sexy in a miniskirt!* [T]ake that [y]ou smug [b]astard!** Why does he have to be so attractive

*Most likely a reference to an old convention gag. Back when FMA was big enough that it had dedicated cast panels, fans would almost always ask Vic Mignogna to say this line.

**The bracketed letters are cut off, but it’s fairly easy to assume what they are given the context.

RIZA HAWKEYE

Profile Text: Riza Hawkeye is quite possibly the most perfect model of a soldier in the State Army. Although Hawkeye is Roy Mustang’s subordinate, she is also his right hand woman, acting as an advisor and, based on the circumstance, devil’s advocate. Her no-nonsense attitude demands respect from everyone she meets, military and civilian alike. She is cool, calm, and collected, and exceptionally skilled in the use of firearms.

Edward’s Coded Notes: [bridging the gap between Roy and Riza’s facing pages, underlined with an arrow] Just get married already!

MAES HUGHES

Profile Text: Maes Hughes is a Lieutenant Colonel in the Investigations Division of the State Army. Hughes is obsessively in love with his wife Gracia, and only child Elicia, who from birth shares a strange connection with Ed and Al. Hughes is friendly and extremely casual, sometimes to a fault. He can quickly lapse back and forth between discussing State matters and going on and on about his family. As a high-ranking official in the Investigations Division, Hughes is privy to plenty of top-secret info, which he shares with Ed on the sly. When Hughes is nudged into physical combat, his weapons of choice are small throwing knives, which he wields with incredible and deadly accuracy.

Edward’s Notes: [slightly obscured by water damage] I’m sorry, I never meant for any of this to happen

ALEX LOUIS ARMSTRONG

Profile Text: Major Alex Louis Armstrong was given strict orders from Mustang to protect Ed. But, don’t let his civilian clothes fool you. With his strapping build and gutsy bravado, this Strong Arm Alchemist will give his life to ensure he completes his mission successfully. If on thing’s for certain, Armstrong will make sure that Ed’s within arm’s protection.

This straight and narrow man won’t even give Ed as much as a loss in an argument. He’d rather use his genteel decorum to kill improper manners with his heroic kindness. Even during their down time in Resembool, there’s not a moment to lose. Armstrong is committed to his life as a soldier, and knows daily training is essential - even if that means cutting firewood with his bare hands.

Edward’s Notes: [circled] Why are there so many sparkles?!!

JEAN HAVOC, HEYMANS BREDA, VATO FALMAN, KAIN FUERY

Profile Text: In a world where loyalties change with the tides, good subordinates are a premium. Roy Mustang has this luxury with Havoc, Breda, Falman, and Fuery. These four loyal officers will do anything their commander requests of them and do it well, to boot. However, these four couldn’t be more different. Havoc is the tragic playboy of the group, always wishing he had that special someone to share the rest of his days. Breda may be called a “dog of the military” from time to time, but Breda would rather stare down an entire army than get anywhere near a real dog. Falman is overly formal, causing some of his comrades to wish he would lighten up. Fuery is the soft-spoken technical wizard under Mustang’s command. He isn’t used to much hand-to-hand combat, but is handy enough in a pinch. As with all of Mustang’s men, these four would follow him until death.

DENNY BLOCH AND MARIA ROSS

Profile Text: Abrasive in demeanor, Lieutenant Maria Ross is always determined to do the right thing. Sometimes, she has trouble distinguishing between her actual duties and the chance to deliver a lecture. Sergeant Denny Bloch, along with Lieutenant Ross, was given the responsibility to keep the Fullmetal Alchemist under close supervision. Regardless, they fall behind when danger approaches.

Edward’s Coded Notes: Watch out for her slap!

IZUMI CURTIS

Profile Text: The stern Izumi Curtis is more than just an alchemy teacher to the Elric brothers. As the passionate matriarch of a two-person family, Ed and Al may be the closest thing she’ll ever have to children. Resurfacing after hearing rumors about her former pupils, it is quite possible Izumi may know more than she lets on about the true nature of alchemy and the sinister homunculi.

Edward’s Coded Notes: [circled] She always looks like a pissed off housewife!

SCIESZKA

Profile Text: Scieszka is the prototypical, scatterbrained librarian. With her impeccable retention of facts, the clues that others miss quickly slide into place for this unlikely hero. Hopefully, her pleas for justice will not fall on deaf ears.

Edward’s Notes: [circled, pointing to Scieszka’s distressed portrait] Did they run out of books?

ROSE

Profile Text: The once vibrant Rose has wilted due to a hard life of tragedy and turmoil. After suffering the harshest of injustices at the hands of the State Military, Rose finds herself a mute and a mother... The mother of an infant, and the mother of a movement. Now the spiritual leader of the Liore revolutionaries and advised by the ever-present Lyra, Rose must struggle to lead her people to peace. With her beloved Liore in the crosshairs, she can only hope to find her voice in time to half the demise of everything she cared for.

Edward’s Notes: “You’ve got a good, strong pair of legs, Rose. You should get up and use them.”

RUSSEL & FLETCHER TRINGHAM

Edward’s Notes: Ed himself has drawn in the boys’ transmutation circle for plants, and has labeled it as such. He has also sketched one of their flasks and written next to it “For red water?”

Edward’s Coded Notes: Why is he so tall?!!

#48 & #66

Edward’s Notes: He has drawn the Slicer Brothers’ blood seals and labeled them. The secret behind Lab 5... ???

Edward’s Coded Notes: Prisoners!

FRANK ARCHER

Profile Text: His heart as cold as his flesh is pale, Frank Archer is willing to embrace corruption for a cause... especially if the cause is blatant self-promotion. Looking to bolster his reputation by crushing a revolt in Liore, Archer sets fate in motion with little regard for anything other than pleasing himself and the Fuhrer. His lust for war and his hunt for the infamous Scar may cloud his vision, however, as he potentially confuses sacrifice for suicide.

Edward’s Coded Notes: You [m]ight want [s]ome [s]unscreen* [indicating the image of his mech form] The Terminator?

ZOLF J KIMBLEY

Edward’s Coded Notes: Mullet?!

SHOU TUCKER

Profile Text: Shou Tucker earned the title Sewing Life Alchemist thanks in large part to his masterful work creating Chimeras for the State. In fact, Tucker was the first alchemist to produce a Chimera capable of speaking and understanding the human language. Tucker is a man with incredible brilliance and immense talent. The irony is that he can create life, but that his own is being controlled is not lost upon Shou Tucker. With his execution staged by the Military, Tucker has spent all of his time devoted to research and experimentation, with one purpose in mind: bring back the daughter he once readily destroyed.

Edward’s Notes: Because we’re not Gods, we’re humans, tiny insignificant humans. Who couldn’t even save a little girl...

Edward’s Coded Notes: I’ll never forgive that bastard.

SCAR

Profile Text: Like Ed, Scar is able to use alchemy without a transmutation circle. Scar both hates and embraces his “curse.” He has a special grudge against State Alchemists because of past atrocities towards his homeland of Ishbal. The Ishbal Massacre was a vicious military offensive against Ishbal due to conflicting doctrines because the citizens would not put aside their traditional beliefs and embrace alchemy. Scar believes his god has instilled in him the right to kill State Alchemists at will for what they have done to his people. He truly believes his cause is righteous, no matter what it takes.

Edward’s Coded Notes: [indicating Scar’s hair] Frosted tips are over, dude... Those glasses are so dated...

LUST

Profile Text: The beautiful homunculus Lust desires to become human through the massive power of the Philosopher’s Stone. She dreams of finally finding out who she really is inside, and to discover what will happen to her after death. These are all very human traits for a being that supposedly has no soul. Lust uses any means necessary to traverse the dilemmas of her existential crisis... She is able to corrupt the minds of the weak, forcing them to follow her every whim. Like Scar and Ed, the gorgeous and sad Lust is traveling down the same whirlpool of misery and darkness that sucks away all who quest for the Philosopher’s Stone.

Edward’s Notes: [smudged, almost beyond legibility] I just hope Havoc doesn’t meet her... Edward has drawn an arrow from Lust’s locket to Scar with ???, as well as a two-way arrow between the facing pages with the writing What’s their connection?

Edward’s Coded Notes: Maybe she and Roy* should go on a date with Roy* - I heard she’s a real screamer**

*Another seeming typo.

**Probably a reference to Laura Bailey’s marriage to Travis Willingham, as they play Lust and Roy in the English dub. Roy is responsible for Lust’s death in the manga and second anime, and she does not go quietly.

GLUTTONY

Profile Text: Loyal homunculus companion to Lust, Gluttony, eater of anything, might be the saddest example of the cruel nature of the hunt for the Philosopher’s Stone. Simple and savage, Gluttony operates at once like a child and an animal, a creature of pure instant satisfaction. He simply knows one thing: Hunger. Not for power of prestige, but only to satisfy his reason to be... this only adds to the wretchedness of his tragic existence.

Edward’s Notes: I-DCCC-DCCI-VM?*

*I have absolutely no idea what this is in reference to, so if anyone knows, I would LOVE an answer.

ENVY

Profile Text: Envy is one of the homunculi, a group of pseudo-humans whose creation is still an enigma. Some say they were created in a lab. Others believe they’ve always been among us. But no matter where they came from, their intention are nothing but evil. Envy has the ability to become a perfect physical replica of whomever he or she desires. Envy is without gender. In fact, Envy’s mind is so far gone that he or she can’t remember who he or she used to be. Envy’s power is truly amazing.

The shape-shifting homunculi Envy could be anyone, utilizing the ability to take on the physical appearance of any being at will. Envy will morph into a stranger behind you in a smokey cafe, or the trusted ally that works with you to uncover corruption and twisted abuses of power, or even your loving spouse. And beneath the familiar surface pure evil waits. Never turn your back on Envy. Even after you’ve slit the creature’s throat.

Edward’s Notes: Areca triandea Phoenix canariensis, Ceros nucifera Sabal minor Syogrus romanzoffiana* [next to this, Edward drew a little palm tree with a ?]

*the binomial nomenclature for a queen palm tree

Edward’s Coded Notes: I’m not into palm trees

GREED

Profile Text: A thick-skinned enigma even among the mysterious homunculi, Greed wants it all... money, power, women, and the greatest prize of all: eternal life. Greed leads a band of outlaw chimeras and instructs his freakish minions to kidnap Alphonse Elric, believing the young alchemist is the key to the door of immortality. Headed for a brutal showdown, Ed will test the homunculus’ reputation as the Ultimate Shield. In return, Greed will test every notion Ed ever held to be true and real.

Edward’s Notes: [smudged] I wonder why Dante made him...

SLOTH

Profile Text: Draped in the appearance of the late Trisha Elric*, the water abomination Sloth was created on that fateful night of lost innocence; the night when the Elric brothers first set out in search of the Philosopher’s Stone. After being nursed and groomed by Dante and Pride, and her involvement in the slaughter of Maes Hughes, she is forced to confront Ed and Al. While cursing them for her fate, Sloth’s seemingly maternal memories and longings may provide the homunculus with her downfall... nothing in the universe is more resilient than a mother’s love. Something stirs in Sloth, where a soul once rested.

Edward’s Notes: [a two-way arrow, pointing from Sloth’s name to hand-written Juliet Douglas] [*above this line in her bio, Ed has aggressively written NO!]

Edward’s Coded Notes: [circled, with an arrow indicating the bio] She is not my mother!!!

WRATH

Profile Text: The homunculus Wrath might be the most mysterious of all the dark creatures. A volatile combination of childlike mischief and soulless evil, Wrath was discovered on a treacherous island by the Elrics and their teacher Izumi. Timid at first, Wrath’s demeanor soon shifts as layer upon layer of intrigue is peeled away, uncovering a core of supernatural madness. Able to perform alchemy, at times even in ways that Fullmetal himself doesn’t understand, it becomes clear that Wrath is a monster. His connection to Ed and Al’s teacher could provide answers to questions that are too shocking to ask.* Suspicious of the boy, Ed will give an arm and a leg to uncover the truth about the wild child.

Edward’s Coded Notes: [with an arrow pointing from the bio text Ed has underlined] It’s hers!

KING BRADLEY (PRIDE)

Profile Text: The Fuhrer King Bradley commands both the State Government and the State Army making him seemingly the most powerful man in the entire world. Known as one of the most cunning and vicious warriors in history, the homunculus Pride, the Fuhrer himself, has orchestrated countless bloody conflicts in his search for the Philosopher’s Stone. Calm, cool, collected and created by Dante... Bradley moves his pieces into striking range. Is it possible, though, that the Ultimate Eye is blind to his own role as a pawn in someone else’s sinister plot?

Edward’s Notes: He’s a homunculus that can age?!!

Edward’s Coded Notes: How did no one figure it out?!!

DANTE

Profile Text: Dante’s actions, her attempts to control the uncontrollable and manipulate innocence, have carried her through the centuries with a singular goal... immortality. At times seemingly aligned with the powers of good, while dipping her toes into the red pool of evil, Dante’s path has been one clouded by murky intentions. At the end of the quest for the Philosopher’s Stone, as all of the players look up past the strings that carried them through this desperate dance, whose face will they see?

Edward’s Notes: an arrow connects Dante’s name with Lyra, which is circled

Edward’s Coded Notes: So glad she isn’t my mom!

After the character pages, there are four pages of alchemic arrays. The writing here gets really vague, as all of it is written in Ed’s code and there are many mistakes.

The Thule Society’s array has a four letter word with an exclamation point that begins with NA, followed by the character for X and a sloppy character that is probably I/Y but looks more like a J. There are no other instances of a Z to confirm, but I think X and Z may be the same character, and it was intended to say “NAZI!”

Majahal’s array is noted with I wonder what happened to Lebi? This probably refers to Carin, Lebi being the name she took on after forgetting her past. This, too, is a bit confusing because the I/Y character also looks like a J.

Trisha’s human transmutation circle just says Sorry Mom I’m sorry...

The circle for the Underground City is noted with To open the Gate?

The Grand Arcanum Philosipher’s Stone circle is labeled “Ishbalan?” and Ed has circled it.

AND THAT IT’S FOR THE NOTES, hopefully this is of some value to... someone out there, lmao.

#fma #meta #fma 2003 #budgetalks #edward elric #some of these are fucking hilarious #like the only thing on kimbley's page is MULLET #and all Ed does is drag Scar's fashion choices

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painted-kinzy-reblog · 7 years

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Fullmetal Alchemist AU where Truth is a Dick (more than usual)

Has anyone done this yet? I'm not sure but I'm putting it out here anyway. I just thought it would be really angsty. Imagine all the shit Edward goes through every day in the series (Brotherhood, I mean), yet he has never died. He fights villain after villain, murder after psychopath, and has been very close to dying, but never actually has. What I'm thinking is that he has died, multiple times, but the Truth is a bastard and keeps resetting time whenever he does die. Edward would still remember everything, because he's Truth's favorite "target," but no one else would. And the amount of time Truth resets varies. Sometimes it's just a few days, sometimes months, sometimes years! But the farthest he ever dares to go is after the brother's first transmutation. Which also means Ed has relived that point in his live over and over again. I'll explain a bit more from Ed's point of view: The first time, Truth only reset a couple of days. Edward had died on a mission, and wakes up back in bed at the dorms. He brushes it off as a dream, and goes about his life. When he gets sent on that same mission, he recognizes the circumstances, and is able to dodge the original problem. Later, he dies again, but Truth resets a full month. (Kinda testing the waters, y'know?) Edward's obviously freaked out, but doesn't say a word. He's too afraid of worrying his brother and decides to figure it out on his own. Then he dies again, and Truth sends it all back to his first transmutation. He's back at the Gate, lost his leg, and gets to have a little chit chat with Truth that leaves him thinking all these time problems are its fault. He realizes that talking to Alphonse might be a good idea, so he confronts both him and Granny when he wakes up later (missing an arm and leg again) and tells them. They believe him, (maybe he predicts the Colonel's arrival as proof? Idk) and they start to make a game plan for all the stuff that he now knows will happen in the future (Nina, Rose, etc). Buuut the Truth resets right back to the transmutation again, warning him NOT to tell people this. So the years go on like this. Edward gets far into his mission, maybe ALMOST reaching the Promised day, getting so close to the truth, then he dies and it sometimes all resets back to day one. He knows about the philosophers stone, but can't tell anyone until he gets proof. He knows Hughes will die, but isn't always there to save him. Sometimes Nina lives, sometimes the result of him saving her gets himself killed. It's this big mess of misery for him, especially when everything goes great and everyone's alive, and it all goes back to square one. Well, obviously this is going to change Edward's mood and behavior, and people will start to recognize this. From an outside perspective, he'll be normal and cheery one day, then suddenly, within seconds, it's like he realized the world is terrible (because sometimes the time is set back in the middle of a report with Mustang, or when he's studying with Al, even when he's fighting a bad guy, which would usually end up with him dying again). Everyone starts to notice the blonde get more and more depressed and isolated, less motivated. He'll let little things loose, like "it happened again" or "I couldn't save him this time". And yet he can't ask for help because he's scared the Truth will reset, and he tries to avoid that as much as possible. There's so much more that I have for this, and I think this would be a fun thing to draw every once in a while. I don't know what to call it, so ideas would be nice. :P I'm willing to answer questions if there are any, but otherwise, I'm going to go figure out something to draw for this.

#fullmetal alchemist #fullmetal alchimist brotherhood #edward elric #Truth #time travel #sorta #truth's a jerk #angst #AU #fma au

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fma-facts · 7 years

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FMA Live Action Movie: Full Summary/Review

Alright, now that I’m home, I’ll try to give a detailed report on the FMA live action movie. All of this information comes from the premiere screening at Anime NYC. The movie has not been released in Japan yet, and there is no information about a publicly available U.S. release yet either. Also keep in mind that I have a bad memory and also wasn’t able to pay 100% attention during the movie because I was extremely uncomfortable the whole time due to the positions I had to sit on in order to see the screen as someone who’s Ed’s height, so there might be things I missed or remembered wrong, and a lot of this is fairly subjective. Anyone else who saw the movie is welcome to share additional comments!

SPOILERS BELOW THE CUT.

First of all, it’s important to note that the plot is very different from the manga, and even from both anime. I know a lot of you will immediately start whining and condemning the movie over this, but I don’t think it’s in any way bad, just different. If you go into it thinking of it as an AU (like Crimson Elixir, etc.), rather than judging it on how well it adapts the manga plot, I think you’ll find it very enjoyable. The characters and overall feel of it felt true to FMA, and although the visuals didn’t look exactly like the anime, I think they had a wonderful charm of their own and a fantastic look that I really loved.

With that said, here's a basic plot summary/list of plot differences, as far as I can remember:

Ed and Cornello fought actually like, in the middle of Reole instead of in the church, and it was a lot more of a spectacle with a lot more destruction than in the manga/anime. Roy and co. also showed up towards the end, with Roy being the one to demonstrate that the Stone was a fake.

Winry showed up very early on, and stayed throughout the rest of the movie.

Elicia wasn’t in the movie; Gracia was pregnant at the time. Maes was assigned to some sort of internal surveillance mission at East HQ, so he and Gracia were given a house to stay in in East City for the duration of his investigation. The Elrics and Winry stayed with them for at least one night, I’m not sure how long exactly.

Roy wasn’t the one to introduce the Elrics to Tucker, but rather General Hakuro. I’m... still not exactly sure why..? I’m unclear on how much Hakuro knew and what his motives were at the beginning.

Additionally, Tucker was the one who told the Elrics about Marcoh. Ed and Winry went to find Marcoh, while Al stayed behind so Tucker could experiment on him. No, really! Ed and Winry knew about it, too. ???? And then Marcoh, uh, kinda got murdered by Lust while Ed and Winry were there.

While they were off doing that, Tucker did some sort of uh, mysterious coma-inducing alchemy that I’m still not entirely clear on on Al. He also was the one to prompt Al’s existential crisis, talking about alchemists planting false memories in humans; There was a moment where Al said Tucker’s alchemy was making him feel weird (his exact words were “hot all over” and later “dizzy”), and Tucker said, “Maybe it’s your soul rejoining your body... Or maybe it’s your fake memories being erased.” Because every good alchemist has no clue what their transmutations are actually doing, right? Thanks, Mr. Tucker! 👍

Hughes and Ross both helped Ed with his attempts to decipher Marcoh’s notes, but Al didn’t. Ed forbade Al from helping him because it was “dangerous”, and neither he nor Winry explained to Al exactly what Marcoh told them or what happened. ??????????????????????

After they shot Hughes, Envy transformed into Roy in order to frame him for the murder. Which was a pretty bad move on Envy’s part, since a. Roy, obviously, would know he did not murder Hughes, and b., Roy was the one Hughes had been calling in the first place, so he had a solid alibi. They also didn’t transform into Ross at any point during the murder; Roy was the one to say the iconic “Lieutenant Ross has a mole under her left eye” line during a later fight, which also seems to be pretty much the only reason she was in the movie at all.

Lab 5 wasn’t just abandoned, it wasn’t even listed as ever having existed. Eventually they managed to figure out that it did exist, under the guise of a POW camp, which was also how they’d been getting the sacrifices for the Stone.

Towards the end Tucker kidnapped Al and Winry and brought them to lab 5 and... I’m not entirely sure why..? Like, he was being all ~villainous~ and all that, but I don’t remember him actually having any purpose to any of that or doing anything other than being like “Look Ed! The government is doing human sacrifice stuff! Crazy, am I right?” And then I think he died or something, idk. I forgot.

Shortly after, General Hakuro showed up, and activated the mannequin soldiers (which were creepy as hell, by the way, definitely one of the most disturbing things I’ve seen in a movie in a long time). I guess he wanted to take over the military or something, I dunno, but unsurprisingly he got eaten. He basically played the role of both General Gardner and that one other general whose name I forgot who activated the mannequin soldiers, right down to the “Do you know why human transmutation is illegal?” speech (with Olivier in this case being replaced by Ed).

I honestly don’t remember what happened after that entirely, because by that point my legs were going numb and my ankles hurt and I had to just give up on reading the subtitles, but in any case Roy fought Envy and Lust. Also, remember when everyone was losing their minds over the scene where Al protects Riza from the flames like in the original Lust fight? Yeah, as I suspected that wasn’t Riza, it was Winry.

Roy actually pulled out Lust’s Stone and gave it to Ed. Then Ed did some weird thing where it seemed like he was going to use it to get Al’s body back, and he did go to the Gate, but instead of actually using it he just had the “Alphonse! I’ll come back for you! Wait for me!” scene, only Al’s body didn’t say anything and mostly just sat there with his hair covering his face. Then Ed came back, apparently having not done anything, and told Al and Winry what he saw. (This was immediately met with, “Really? You saw my body? Do I look good? Am I taller than you?” god bless Al and his ridiculous ego omg)

Some things I liked about the movie:

A lot of the dialogue was almost word for word straight from the original series, albeit sometimes in different contexts.

Far from being dry and humorless, it actually had some fantastic comedic moments that were very true to the manga. Some old running gags (Ed’s height, people mistaking Al for the Fullmetal Alchemist) were included, but never overdone, with less jokes repeated in the entire two hours or so of the movie than there were in the 30 minutes of the first episode of Brotherhood. The jokes felt very well integrated with the rest of the movie, too, although most of them were at the beginning with few jokes towards the middle and climax of the movie. My favorite joke was probably when Ed transmuted something ridiculous and ugly, as usual, and Al actually put his hands on his head in dismay at Ed’s aesthetic taste. Everyone in the room laughed at that.

The acting was fantastic! Everyone was great, honestly, I was going to give my favorite but that would just be all the major characters. That being said, it’s definitely clear how much effort Yamada put into trying to make his Ed true to the manga.

Al’s armor looked just like the original, and even though he was entirely CGI without so much as an on-set stand-in, he felt seamlessly integrated with the rest of the acting. There’s even an entire fight scene between him and Ed that seemed totally flawless. I’m really in awe of how well they did Al.

The overall aesthetic was really nice, imo.

The movie was very character-driven, with a lot of focus on Ed and Al’s relationship.

There was a fantastic moment shortly after Roy was framed where Ed and Hawkeye were being held in a room, awaiting questioning, with armed guards posted outside. During an outside-the-room shot, Riza yelled “No, don’t! You can’t escape!”, and the guards rushed in to find the window open, but when they looked outside, nobody was there... and when they turned around, Ed and Riza were both standing behind them. The two of them immediately knocked the guards unconscious and made their escape.

Things I disliked:

The CGI wasn’t terrible (and like I said, Al was fantastic), but the realism wasn’t all that. It couldn’t hold a candle to most Hollywood films, tbh, which is sad. I wish they had better tech.

In some cases the plot felt kind of rushed and non-sequitur.

Rose didn’t appear, nor did any named soldiers other than Mustang, Hawkeye, Hughes, Hakuro, and Ross (who as I mentioned only seemed to be there for the line about her mole)... Yet for some reason the snack bar guy from Reole was there? Like, right down to the hat and moustache. I’m not complaining, I like him, but like... why did they include him but no other minor characters? Weird.

Although most of the characters were good, Roy felt very flat to me. It felt like he was weirdly serious and didn’t have a lot of character other than being The Military Guy, and there wasn’t really any discussion of his hidden depths, or his plan to become Fuhrer. His only funny moment was in Reole, when he looked at the ugly thing Ed transmuted and went, “What the hell did you create..?”

There were a lot of parts of the plot where Ed and Al were separated (or more accurately, Al was left out of what Ed and Winry were doing) for seemingly kind of half-assed excuses. :/

This is really nitpicky, but even though everything about Al looked perfect, his eyes were way closer to yellow-orange than red/pink like they’re supposed to be. It’s such a minor thing, but it wound up really bothering me and frustrating me a lot...

There were multiple scenes of Ed sleeping, yet none of them had him with his shirt pulled up and his hand on his belly. WHY, YAMADA, WHY. I THOUGHT YOU DID YOUR RESEARCH. SMH

Misc. things:

Ed had so much angst about Al it was almost laughable, tbh.

Before the movie started, there was a pre-filmed message from Ryosuke Yamada and Hiromu Arakawa (with her face censored, of course) in which they discussed the movie. (From what I’ve heard I think it might be the same as the one that was shown at Anime Expo in LA.) Yamada talked about how hard it was filming with Al without having anything to actually look at, and Arakawa said it was so good she actually thought there had been a stand-in Al when there in fact wasn’t. She also said that her favorite scenes were, iirc, the fight between Roy and Lust and the fight between Ed and Al. She also said that the movie took events from early in the manga and expanded on them considerably, such as Tucker and Nina.

Also before the movie started, Fumihiko Sori spent a long time like... basically trying to placate the “Waaaah, but FMA is white people!” type of people. :/

During his Q&A, Sori said that he’d been a fan of FMA pretty much since it started being serialized, and that he always wanted to do a movie, but figured Hollywood would get to it first with their superior tech. It wasn’t until about 5 years ago that he thought that maybe Japan could really pull it off. He said that Arakawa gave him a ton of freedom with the script, and that she might actually be the person who most desperately wants a sequel, lol. When asked if there were other anime/manga he’d like to adapt into movies, he replied that there were, but he couldn’t say which ones.

#FMA #Fullmetal Alchemist #FMA live action

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