Edward: This house is huge.

Edward was observing the house as Colonel Mustang rung the bell to the home. The same thought ran through your head as you. You wished to pick up on the statement, hopefully, you could soothe the situation you caused earlier, but as you turned to speak to Edward a loud bark filled the air and before you knew it, Edward was being sat upon by a dog.

Alphonse: Are you alright?!

(Y/n): D-Down boy!

???: Daddy! There are people out here, look!

Your attention was drawn to a voice. Your ink colored irises switched from Edward to the front door of the home to find a young girl. A smile on her face as her bright blue eyes radiated in the light of day.

???: Nina, this is why I told you to keep the dog tied up.

An older man walked up behind herm, reprimanding her for her apparent lack of keeping the dog tied up as it was now drowning Edward in a sea of doggy fluff.

The man quickly invited your band inside, offering an apology for the dog to Edward. You scanned the house and found it quite unkempt. Cobwebs and dust-coated shelves and end tables as you passed them to take a seat in something you guessed was a dining room, the clutter made it hard to decipher.

???: I'm sorry about the mess. Ever since my wife ran out this place has been a wreck. I'm not much of a housekeeper.

This house... something about it felt off. Maybe it was the clutter or dirt, but it just seemed hollow. More like a house than a home in a sense. You lowered yourself into a seat left of Mustang as the man moved about, preparing tea for his guests. He poured the cups and offered them to you and your companions before taking a seat opposite to the four of you.

???: Ah, now that we're all settled in, it's a pleasure to meet you, Edward. As the colonel informed you, I'm the Sewing-Life Alchemist, Shou Tucker.

So this was the Sewing-Life Alchemist? He... wasn't quite what you had expected. You guessed in your mind, someone that could bring to life chimeras would look more like a mad scientist, but Tucker looked like a kind but tired old man. 

Mustang: And this is Heinz Von Mackinson, he has come for a similar reason as well, I'm sorry if you're surprised but he was a late add on to this visit.

Tucker: I don't mind, however, if you want me to show you the tricks I have up my sleeve, it's only fair you show me the tricks up yours. It's the code we live by, equivalent exchange.

Equivalent exchange sounded so harsh in your mind. True, to create something must be sacrificed but in your experience, it was quite simple. A bit of coal tar is all it requires to writes a few sheets of paper, but what do you give up in Edward's case? It is a question that lingered in your mind. You thought on the question only to find that Tucker and the others were rising from their seats. You sprung up quite clumsily causing your chair to slide across the ground a bit, but Tucker seemed to disregard it. Edward and Alphonse moved forward, but you mustered up a bit of courage and placed a hand carefully on Mustang's shoulder.

Mustang: What is it Mackinson?

Heinz: You never told me what I'm doing here, sir.

Mustang smiled slightly and turned to you fully.

Mustang: I don't have a reason.

Heinz: P-Pardon? So you brought me here for... fun?

Mustang: I assumed you grew tired of looking at documents all day and thought you would like a break.

Heinz: So my break from looking at documents is... looking at more documents?

Mustang: I know it seems ironic, but I thought you would find it enjoyable to look at documents you wanted to look at.

Heinz: I guess it could be fun to look at books on bio-alchemy. Thank you, sir.

The Colonel nodded and moved out of your grip to join Tucker and the other two in the library. You trailed behind slowly. Was the Colonel being serious or was there a secret motive behind you being here? Living a fake identity sure is stressful, especially when you could be killed at any moment if you were found out.

Mustang: I'm going to head back to work now, I'll send somebody by to get you this evening.

Edward and Alphonse were already immersed in their respective books and you felt you shouldn't be left behind. You slipped past Tucker and Mustang to enter the library deciding to turn right to see what wonders laid upon these shelves. 

As you were in the middle of a novel concerning geography, your focus was broken by the sound of giggling and the slight clink of metal. You closed the book and neatly pushed it back into place, deciding to investigate, as you had not found many novels that piqued your interest in this vast collection.

Edward: GWAAAHHH!

You turned a corner and found a smile creep onto your features. Edward was being crushed by the dog again and little Nina was being carried on the shoulders of Alphonse. Edward was thrown into an angry monologue before being giving chase to the hound.

Heinz: Aren't you having fun? I thought this trip was about researching.

You turned the corner and walked up to Alphonse and Nina, sarcasm dripping from your words as you smiled.

Alphonse: Well... it seemed like Nina wanted to play.

Nina: Do you want to play too, mister?

A chuckle escaped your lips.

Heinz: Sure, why not.

And so, the day meant to be spent on research was spent on playing with Nina and her dog, Alexander. Her innocence and joy and the mere fact that she had playmates, warmed your heart that had long since been cooled by the days of constant military duty and paperwork. The day then turned into two as you tagged along with Edward and Alphonse to "Research" more, though you spent your time playing with Nina instead.

Heinz: You'll never catch me!

You sprinted through the yard of the Tucker residence as you were being pursued by Nina on the back of Alexander. This fluffy cavalry soon overtook you and tackled its target to the ground, doggy slobber coating the back of your neck and dog fur decorated your uniform.

Heinz: Ah I surrender! I surrender!

Nina: Yay we got him, Alexander!

The dog barked in triumph as he rolled off of you allowing you to push yourself up and then roll yourself into a seating position on the grass. Nina dismounted from her doggy companion and sat on the ground next to you, Alexander resting his head in her lap as he panted softly.

Nina: Thank you for playing with me, mister.

Nina looked up at you with a radiant smile. You let out a soft sigh as you smiled in return, finding it near impossible not to do so.

Heinz: It's no problem, Nina. You remind me so much of my sister that I can't help but play.

Memories of chasing Diana down the streets in front of the library filled your head along with memories of Diedrich and Dieter following behind, trying to save her from you, the ogre or dragon or whatever you'd come up with that day.

Nina: You have a sister?

Heinz: Mhmm. A sister and two brothers.

Nina: Wow! Is it fun having siblings?

Heinz: Well... it can be a bit annoying sometimes but I love them. Do you have any siblings?

Nina: No... but it's ok because Daddy is really nice and I have Alexander to play with!

Heinz: Well... how about I come over and play?

Nina: You would?

Heinz: Yeah! whenever I have time off from my work I'll come over and you, Alexander and I can play!

The sight of Nina jumping for joy in her seat made you smile even more. Your plans had changed so quickly. You had gone from trying to stay undercover, to throwing caution to the wind so that this little girl had someone to play with. Maybe you were crazy or maybe you just wanted to make up for the time you lost to play with Diana and your other siblings.

???: Hey you two!

You and Nina turned and found that Edward and Alphonse wished to join the two of you. The second day of "research" was filled with laughs and joy much like this first.

The third day seemed much different. As you walked up the path to the door, clouds hung overhead darkening the sky. No lights were on in outside and the inside looked equally dark. You reached the front door and Alphonse rung the bell. You had expected and immediate response from Nina as her playmates arrived, but there was no answer. Alphonse himself took the initiative and pushed open the door open. Alphonse spoke in his childlike voice into the dark house.

Alphonse: Hello Mr. Tucker, thank you for having us over today!

Alphonse received no response.

Heinz: Do you think they are out?

Edward: They have always been here at this time.

Heinz: So why is it so quiet?

Alphonse and Edward entered the house with you in tow. 

Alphonse: Mr. Tucker?

Edward: Hey Nina!

Edward called out for the little girl and once again there was no response.

Heinz: Alexander? Where are you boy?

You called out for the massive dog, hoping that him squashing Edward might bring some life into the house. You searched the home for a while until Alphonse opened a door to what appeared to be a laboratory though the room was cluttered with boxes. Mr. Tucker was squatting before something that you couldn't quite make out due to the darkness of the room.

Alphonse: Mr. Tucker!

Edward: There you are!

Tucker: Yes...

Edward seemed to recoil a bit.

Tucker: I did it, boys... I finally did it. A chimera that understands human speech.

Thunder boomed outside as Tucker finished his sentence. Now that your eyes had adjusted, you could see that Tucker was correct. Before all of you sat a chimera, white as snow with long dark hair. The three of you moved forward carefully, not sure how to take in this situation.

Tucker: Here let me show you. Now listen to me, that person over there, that's Edward.

Chimera: That person... Edward...

Tucker: Yes! Yes, that's very good well done!

Edward: That's amazing. It can actually talk.

Edward spoke in an emotion you couldn't figure out. Was it excitement, bewilderment or plain shock? You couldn't say. Edward bent down to get a closer look at the Chimera. 

Heinz: How did you bring it to creation? It just seems... so sudden.

Chimera: That person... Edward...

The chimera spoke once again, its milky eyes looking at Edward. It began repeating the phrase over and over, sending goosebumps up your arms till finally it grinned with large teeth and spoke out a line that froze you in place.

Chimera: Big brother... Ed.

Edward seemed to have the same response as you. Big brother Ed... there was only one person in this world that called him that... Thunder boomed once more outside as you started shaking violently. Maybe it was the chill of the room or... maybe it was the pure horror and confusion coursing down your spine.

Edward: Mr. Tucker... when did you first get your state certification?

You turned your head to look at Tucker. He stood facing the door and as the words left Edward's lips, he raised a hand to his face and pinched his chin in thought.

Tucker: Let's see... it was two years ago.

Edward: And when did your wife leave you?

Tucker: That was two years ago too.

Edward: I have just one more question for you... Nina and Alexander, where are they?!

Edward's voice started to fill with anger. Alphonse seemed to finally grasp the situation as he let out a gasp from behind his metal helmet. Tucker grew silent...

Heinz: Y-You heard him... Where the hell are they?!

The initial confusion turned to anger as you turned to the man with fists tightly closed. Your body shook terribly as you took a step toward Tucker.

Tucker: Damn brat... figuring it out so quickly!

Edward was the first to pounce into action, forcing Tucker up against the wall. What do you do... Nina and Alexander are... You slowly turned to the chimera as it's milky white eyes turned up to you.

Heinz: N-Nina... it's me... D-Do you remember?

Your voice shook as violently as your body did as the chimera tilted its head and slowly looked you up and down. The chimera gave that toothy grin once again as it seemed to remember something.

Chimera: ... Mister...

That word. That word sent your body over the edge as it couldn't tell if it should be angry or scared or sad, but it could agree on one thing. Tears poured out of your eyes as you dropped to your knees.

Heinz: Oh my god... Nina... I'm so sorry...

Why were you apologizing? It was this bastards fault. He hurt her... he hurt her and he should pay! Your eyes scanned the surroundings with a watery glare until you happened upon what you wanted. A single pen. You reached for it and took it into your shaking grip, using your other hand to snap it in half.

Heinz: A little bit... all I need is a little bit of ink...

You dipped your finger into the growing obsidian colored puddle, taking the staining substance and using it to draw an alchemy circle on your hand. Your moment was ruined as you picked up the voice of Alphonse.

Alphonse: If you keep this up, he'll die.

Heinz: Is that a joke?

You pushed yourself up making sure to keep your left palm centered while your right hand weakly pushed yourself up.

Alphonse: Heinz?

Heinz: This bastard hurt Nina and Alexander... he used them for his own selfish desires and you think he should live?

You turned to them. Tears trailing down your face with ink running down your fingers as you moved closer to the three.

Heinz: Let me have him... I'll put him down like the animal he is. I mean... animals can only go so far, right? It'll be over before you even notice. 

Alphonse: Heinz no, he needs to be reported for his crimes-

Heinz: What fucking crimes?! He's a state alchemist, he's gonna get throw in a jail cell and given three meals a day, hell he'll have it better in prison than he ever had it here! He'll never receive true justice if you let him walk... Move out of the way and I'll hurt him, just like he did Ni-

???: No...

You froze in your tracks and turned your head to the left slightly. The chimera... Nina stood next to Edward, her eyes trained on you.

???: Mister... no hurt... daddy...

Nina's words drained what strength was left in your battered body. You took a step back but couldn't land your foot correctly and came tumbling down, smearing the alchemy circle as you planted your hands behind yourself to avoid bashing your head on the ground. Alphonse moved over to Nina and began to pet her softly.

Alphonse: Even with all our powers... we can't turn you back... I'm sorry... I'm sorry...

Nina: Can we play now... Can we play now...

Alphonse was the one that managed to get you out of there. Edward and Alphonse moved quickly to report that bastard and Alphonse helped you walk along the way. The rain poured down upon the three of you, soaking you to the bone, but not enough to wipe clean the stain left behind by the ink. The three of you made it back to headquarters and reported the situation well... more of the brothers reported it while you sat hunched over outside on the steps. Soon you would be joined by Edward and Alphonse, feeling the same shame that filled your chest.

Mustang: A state alchemist must be willing to act, able to take another's life when ordered to, without question. In some ways... Mr. Tucker's actions and our own may not be all that far apart.

The words of The colonel filled your ear, but you just couldn't find the strength to look up and acknowledge his approach. 

Mustang: We choose our path, knowing full well what we are doing, that's the way it is.

Wet footsteps stepped just behind you. The Colonel must be going to the scene of the crime. 

Mustang: You too Mackinson.

Seeing as your name was called you might as well look at your superior. You turned your head lazily and glanced up at the Colonel. He looked the same as always, wearing a coat for the rain and being tailed by Lt. Hawkeye.

Mustang: I know you are newly enlisted and don't have much experience with events this gruesome, but as a state alchemist you will have to be prepared for this as well as the possibility of doing it yourself. Can you do that or are you gonna shut down as well?

Not much experience my ass. You found yourself ushing yourself upward into a standing position, the force almost sending you tumbling down the slick stairs.

Mustang: You have something to say, Mackinson?

The Colonel walked past you and down the stairs with Hawkeye on his heels, ever the loyal pet. This... this is why you hated the military. This is why you despised the alchemists. No regard for human life whatsoever unless it progressed their sick goals.

Heinz: You and I won't see eye to eye so what's the point..., sir.

You tacked on the sir with a bit more sarcasm than you had planned before turning on your heels to head inside. You pushed open the door and sauntered in, dripping with rain and ignoring the barks of the soldiers at the front. You managed to make it to your desk without punching a hole in the wall and dropped into the seat, coating it and the surrounding floor in wet boot prints and rainwater. 

Heinz: What's this...

A letter sat upon your desk. No seal and no signature. You opened the envelope and pulled out the crisp letter, reading the words printed in cursive upon the paper...

Outside, Mustang let out a sigh at your words. Mackinson had a lot to learn about being in the military and this was only the start. He continued to walk down the stairs though someone was a bit behind. Hawkeye watched you enter the building as something knawed at her mind. The words you said...

Hawkeye: Eye to eye...

A/n: Thank you so much if you got this far. This particular event was so powerful that I just kept writing and writing until this point. I thank you once again and as always please leave any comments you have as they are a big motivator and I hope you enjoyed it! See you all in the next update!