Thread: Pilgrimages: A Fullmetal RP (Vandesdelca and Wingshadow)

Fweeeeeeeee It was amazing how much a train whistle started to sound like home after a while. Edward Elric , State Alchemist for all that he could no longer perform alchemy, snapped shut the thin journal he'd brought along for the ride. He watched the train, old engine 108, as it rolled into the station, great wheels whining and hissing to a gradual stop. Pendleton had rebuilt a good bit in the two years since Father's death -- once the bloody battlefield of a border skirmish fought between Creta and Amestris, it had since become just about the only way to enter that western country. It was the last stop on his way from Central to a foreign land, and Ed would have been lying if he said he wasn't apprehensive about the whole thing. It wasn't that he didn't want to go, it was just... 3 weeks earlier Edward's hands slammed down on the desk, the fine polished mahogany shaking under the impact. An escort ? I can take care of myself, Mustang! Brigadier general Roy Mustang stared straight into Ed's eyes over the tops of his hands, the fingers meshing together to hide what was most likely a smile. They were in his office, a brand new suite that was fit for the man who many considered to be on the fast track to fuhrer. That's 'General', Halfmetal. Do I need to remind you that you're more or less useless nowadays? Roy asked. Edward blanched. I'll show you 'useless'. I don't need alchemy to douse you with a bucket of water. THEN we can see who's 'useless'. It only pissed him off more to see Roy sit there and look amused . I'm not even going anywhere dangerous. It's a long-term study, not a military operation, Ed continued, pushing himself off of the top of the desk, staring down at the general. We were seconds away from a full-scale war with Creta just two years ago. And like it or not, you decided to keep the station. You get the perks, but it also means that we have a vested interest in protecting you. And all the state secrets you happen to have in your head, Mustang stood, turning his back on Edward as he moved to face the window that backed his high office chair. Fine, Edward huffed, crossing his arms over his chest. Just who do you have in mind for my escort? Ed fumed silently as Roy leaned over to press a buzzer, crossing his arms behind his back as he tried to keep his smile contained. EDWARD ELRIC! WHAT A DELIGHT IT IS TO SEE YOU AGAIN! YOU'VE GROWN TALLER! Oh god no. Ed wasn't even able to move an inch before Armstrong was able to cross the distance between them, sweeping Edward up in a bonecrushing hug. Him? Edward squeaked, letting out a breath he didn't realize he'd been holding when he was suddenly dropped. I mean, no offense Major, but I was hoping to be, um, low-profile on my trip, Edward said as he silently counted his ribs to make sure they hadn't been fused from the pressure of the embrace. Not quite. Is the paperwork in order, Major? Roy asked as he turned on his heel, addressing the massive state alchemist. Yes, sir. It's a pity to lose such a fine soldier, but it warms my heart to know that they will be protecting Edward as he travels abroad! Armstrong said, producing a set of papers for Mustang to overlook. Ed's eyes followed, looking more than slightly confused. Wait, if it's not the major -- who is it? Ed asked, watching as Roy put his stamp of approval on the paperwork. An old friend, Roy said. This was it -- it had taken some time to get the request finalized, but the two of them were supposed to meet up in Pendleton before crossing the border together into Creta. There was a good bit more ceremony to an armed escort coming into the country with him, after all. Ed slung his bag over his shoulder, approaching the opening door of the train. That smug bastard had refused to tell him who it was, but Ed wasn't stupid. It didn't take a world-class alchemist to source out that he was looking for one Maria Ross.