https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_scbziJUEog&index=60&

You, Edward, Hohenheim and Yi stand back, as the score of men from the Northern forces train their weapons on Father.

"Light him up!" Olivier commands.

With that, there's a volley of continuous machine gun fire, interspersed with rifle or handgun fire. You can see Leah and Hawkeye doing their part. And that's not all, some of the men are even launching rockets at the enemy. They're giving no quarter whatsoever.

On his end, you see Father making little effort to defend himself. Any bullets or rockets that approach are transmuted into harmlessness. But from the furrowing of his brow, you can tell that he's upset. He likely knows it won't last, and that you're trying to wear down his Philosopher's Stone. The rate of fire from the soldiers slows down. They don't have the ammo to keep this up all day, so it'll probably fall to the alchemists to do the heavy lifting. Which they get into whole-heartedly. As soon as the soldiers stop firing, Colonel Armstrong and Lieutenant Colonel Mustang make their way forward.

"We just left our subordinates to fight the homunculi before while we sat at our desks, isn't that right, Mustang?" Armstrong asks, as he punches some projectiles Father's way. "I think it's about time we get our own hands dirty!"

"You took the words right out of my mouth, Colonel!" Mustang replies, as he snaps his fingers, sending a wave of fire at the homunculus. "I was actually getting pretty irritated that the kids were getting to have all the fun!"

The rain of stone and fire still isn't enough to shake Father, as he continues to transmute them out of his way. However, this assault has made the danger to him clear now. You suspect he can feel the power he took getting harder and harder to contain. He could flip out at any moment now.

"Count us in, too!" Edward says, making his way back to the fight. "That bastard is going down right now!"

Yi and Hohenheim follow suit, and you can see that with their intervention, Father is ready to do more than tank hits.

>A.Attack quickly and repeatedly, don't give him any time to react

>B.Set up a huge attack to hopefully leave him completely vulnerable

>C.Stay on the defensive, be ready to cover guys if they get in trouble

>D.Other

>>1242111
>B
Set something up while we have time, and maybe a big enough hit will make an opening for the others.

>>1242111
>>A.Attack quickly and repeatedly, don't give him any time to react

>>1242106
>B
Time for another acid bath.

>>1242153
>>1242190
Alright, looks like we're going for a big attack. Wonder if you guys'll hit that nat 100 this time

>Roll 1d100, first three

Rolled 50 (1d100)

>>1242260
Let's see if that 99 luck is still with me. Prolly not.

Rolled 22 (1d100)

>>1242260
Sieg Zeon!

Rolled 87 (1d100)

>>1242260
>Wonder if you guys'll hit that nat 100 this time
Probably not

File: Spoiler Image (35 KB, 800x450)

35 KB JPG

>>1242272

You're sure the others can handle themselves for the time being. Each one of you has already come this far, after all.

You start thinking about the best way to attack here. Looking around, you are a bit limited on materials. The courtyard you're fighting in is almost completely composed of stone, and other useful materials are likely in short supply. Most of the space beneath you is hollowed out, so that just means there's even less to potentially draw from.

You watch as Ed and Yi keep transmuting, raining attacks on Father along with Armstrong and Mustang. Hohenheim has taken it upon himself to run interference for everyone, as Father has begun to counterattack back. He fires blasts, as well as transmuting the ground beneath everyone's feet, only barely thwarted by Hohenheim's transmutations moving people out of the way. With this set up, he can keep everyone safe while they gradually whittle Father down.

You watch Mustang sling some more fire at Father, who transmutes it away harmlessly. You imagine those attacks would burn his Philosopher's Stone away real quick, if only they would connect. You then decide on your move. Looking around, you take note of all the weapons the Norther soldiers fired over and over again. The residue from their gunfire should still be hanging around, and plenty of it. It should be plenty reactive enough for this to work.

You clap your hands, then start moving the materials into place. Adding what you can from the surroundings to hopefully make it as potent as possible, you take your chance as soon as Ed gives you a chance. He raises a wall to jut spikes out toward Father, but he transmutes them away, as you'd expect. But for the moment, the wall remains untouched. You work from there, extend the wall into a near cylinder, with an opening only in Mustang's direction. You then coat the inside with your reactants.

Mustang sees the black coating the inside of your little kiln, and picks up on it.

"All primed and ready for me?" he smiles, as he snaps his fingers. "I couldn't ask for more in a subordinate!"

The flames arc through the gap in the wall, catching on the inside coating. Father tries to bust out, but isn't fast enough. He's caught in a huge explosion, shattering the stone encircling him.

He gets back to his feet, but something's wrong. He starts screaming.

"No!" he begs. "It's my power now, I took it for myself! No, no, no!"

His face contorts, as a huge wave of energy levels the ground nearby and sends all of you flying backwards, landing painfully. But fortunately, you watch as the power that Father had stolen from the planet's gate escapes, and fades away into the sky.

"How dare you..." Father gasps, hunching over. "A Philosopher's Stone... I need a Philosopher's Stone..."

"Is that so, Father?" you hear a voice. A familiar homunculus, in the body of a young boy emerges from the hole nearby, climbing up with the help of his shadows. "How about mine?"

File: Spoiler Image (47 KB, 240x240)

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>>1242421

"Pride!" Father calls, making his way over to the homunculus. "Truly, my most dutiful and competent son. Yes, come join your Father."

You see Pride grin as Father approaches. Something is strange here. The others down there should surely have been able to beat Pride. How is he here?

You get to your knees, and wince in pain. You're quite beat up. Yi, Mustang, and Armstrong seem to all be in the same boat, while Hohenheim is laid out on the ground, looking up only with his head. He may have burned up too much energy. Then, you see Edward. His automail arm has been completely destroyed, and his other arm is impaled on some rebar. He's not going anywhere on his own.

Father approaches Pride, placing his hand on his forehead, and beginning to absorb him. Pride's grin grows even wider, and then you see Alphonse, May, and Izumi rise up on a pillar through the hole.

"That's not Pride!" Alphonse shouts, jumping down to the ground with May and Izumi in tow. "It's-"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qQYrYA5L-_A&index=65&

"Envy!" Father yells, as the shadows grab hold of all his limbs. Envy reverts to his usual form, and you see an Ouroboros mark on his eye now, just like Bradley. "What do you think you're doing? Unhand me!"

"No can do!" Envy cackles. "Now that you lost all that power, and they've been burning up all your souls, you're ripe for the picking! With all the souls I've taken in from consuming all my siblings, I'm more powerful than you are now!"

The mouths on the shadows start to envelop Father, and despite his attempts to struggle, he is slowly consumed.

"You can't do this Envy, you're just a part of me!" Father desperately shouts. "I created you!"

"And now you'll just be a part of me." Envy smiles. "Hey, a chick has to leave the nest eventually, right?"

"Y-you! This rebelliousness, did you get it from Greed?" Father asks. "Has it been festering in you all this time?"

"Heh, it just might have been, old man." Envy replies. "But it's no longer any of your concern. Just take your eternal retirement already."

Screaming all the while, Father is eventually consumed by the shadow's mouths, and the sound is gone. After a few moments, Envy throws his head back and laughs.

"I did it! I'm completely whole!" he screams, in between is hysteric laughter. "Oh man, I've never felt so fulfilled in my whole life!

He holds his hand to his face, then calms down, looking at everyone around him.

"Well? What are you all looking at?" he asks. "Thanks for giving me that opening, couldn't have done it without you guys. How about we drop things here and walk away, huh? I got what I wanted out of this. I'm sure you guys don't want to keep fighting, right?"

The suggestion alone is absurd enough to make you double take, but you give a glance at everyone's condition. Very few are actually in fighting shape. If Envy really has all the powers of the homunculi, could you really beat him right now?

>>1242427

>A.You have to keep fighting, no stopping until all the homunculi are gone

>B.Hold on. Maybe we can work something out

>C.He needs to be eliminated, but now's not the time. We can get another chance

>D.Other

>>1242432
>D. Ask him about the ones who fought Pride.

>>1242432
>D. Pride can't be happy about this, bluff then head back under Central to talk with him

Envy being the final boss is pretty Thousand Year Blood War of you Laze.

>>1242438
Read the two lines before the youtube link, anon

>>1242439
Gonna need you to go ahead and explain that one for me

>>1242446
I misread the thing, just going to change my vote.

It was the last arc of Bleach, as it went on and Shounen Jump screwed Kubo harder and harder, it went completely off the rails in the bad way.
>>1242432
>C. He needs to be eliminated, but now's not the time. We can get another chance

>>1242458
I see. This was my intent from the beginning, though

>>1242462
So it's more like Conqueror of Shamballa without the Nazi's then? That's not better.

>>1242466
>Anything in 03
>Planned in advance
I can assure you the four months I've had this in mind while writing this quest is longer than the writers of that show thought about anything

>>1242432
>B, but try to get information to determine if we should go with C or A
We should talk to him about what he even wants now. We might try to revive Hohenheim to see what he can tell about the situation, maybe it's best to keep fighting Envy now if he's only going to get stronger in the future. We should see if anyone can give us insight while we talk to Envy about his evil plan.

Sorry for the holdup, dinner had me again. Back and writing

>>1242458
>>1242506

If you fought now, you'd be at a huge disadvantage. The one thing you want to do right now is keep everybody from getting demolished. If you're going to fight Envy, you'd rather it be later, when everyone's had a chance to recuperate. Maybe with how he is, you can get that chance. In the meantime, you'll see what you can get out of Envy himself. Maybe something he says will make the choice clearer for you. You turn to Leah, and sign to her, before making your way over to Hohenheim to check on him.

"Hold on everyone, don't do anything rash just yet!" Leah insists, before turning to the homunculus. "Envy, just what are you planning now? With all that power you've absorbed, you just plan on walking away?"

As Leah talks, you've gotten over to Hohenheim and helped him to his knees.

"I'm alright." he coughs. "But I think I've burned out nearly all of the souls in me. I'm down to just my own."

You see Alphonse and May have slunk their way over to Ed, keeping their eyes on Envy the whole time, then freeing the older Elric brother and healing the wound on his arm. Envy hasn't answered yet this whole time. He's just had his hand on his chin, as he looks up to the sky.

"Yeah, I guess." he finally replies. "I don't really want to fight any of you guys. It's just be a waste of time and effort. Or as part of me would say, 'such a pain'. Father's goal was to gain the power of God or whatever, but I don't care about that. I'm feeling pretty good about myself already. I'm completely whole! I've never felt more alive, more... human. So since I don't really know what I want to do now, I figured I'd just do whatever came to mind. Maybe something in this world can catch my interest, give me a bit of fun."

"If you don't have any plans, then how about I make an offer?" another voice comes in. You see Ling and his two attendants arrive at the scene. "If you accompany us back to Xing as our guest, then I'm guaranteed the throne. You'll be an honored guest of the state, and as long as you behave yourself, you can do as you please. Not a bad deal, right?"

"Never!" Yi shouts, as he struggles to his feet. "Xing cannot be allowed to get their hands on that homunculus!"

"I don't know, that sounds kind of fun to me." Envy says. "I've done quite a bit of travelling to different countries, but I haven't seen Xing. Speaking of different countries, isn't Amestris being invaded by three at once right now? Talk about a predicament. If only there was someone with the power to smooth everything over with them..."

Envy grins slyly as he rocks back and forth on his feet.

"I can make everything go easier for all of you. It's easily within my means." he assures. "All I want is freedom to do as I please. I won't even make any more people into Philosopher's Stones, I've got plenty for myself as it is."

Everyone eyes Envy warily.

>A.See what others think

>B.He's obviously trying to trick us

>C.Maybe it's worth working with him

>D.Other

>>1242815
>D. Only if Envy will give us some philosopher's stones to sustain Hohenheim and maybe repair some damage to Amestris.

>>1242815
>>A.See what others think

>>1242815
>>A.See what others think

>>1242815
>>A.See what others think

>>1242815
I agree with >>1242835, but I think we should try to work with Envy so that everyone can benefit from this situation. I don't think he's trying to trick us. If Envy wants to have some new life experiences then we should try to convince him that they can be positive.

>>1242854
>>1242860
>>1242865
We should ask Hohenheim what he thinks, he is probably the one who knows the most what a creature like Envy is thinking at this moment.

>>1242884
That is true. I'll switch >>1242854 to
D. Ask Hohenheim his opinion.

>>1242835
>>1242884
>>1242894

You figure that Hohenheim is the subject matter expert here. You'd like to hear his opinion. By now, Leah has worked her way over to you and Hohenheim, and you sign to her to ask him for his thoughts.

"What I think..." Hohenheim starts. "In my youth, the Dwarf in the Flask was so lively. He was my closest friend. He really was almost like a human. But he resented being held in that flask. He eventually wanted to do anything it took to be free, even at the expense of others. And when he gained a body of his own after sacrificing so much, it still wasn't enough. He still thought the world was his flask, and he was trapped. That led him to this whole plot, because he thought he had to have the power of God to be truly free. This homunculus was created by him, he was part of him. And now the Dwarf in the Flask is part of this homunculus. There's no guarantee that he won't someday come to the same conclusion. But the things he's said remind me so much of those days long past. Of the little homunculus that was my friend. I want to believe in him. I want to believe that humanity I saw can shine through. But I can't be so sure..."

"Ling, are you truly okay with this?" Armstrong asks. "He could easily betray you on a whim."

"Thanks for the concern, Colonel. It really has been great to have you worry about me during my stay here." Ling replies. "But you know, the best friend I made here in this country was a serial killer in his past life. So I want to believe, too. People can definitely turn a new leaf. I've seen it with my own eyes."

"Would he really help Amestris out of its predicament?" Mustang questions. "Isn't it his fault in the first place? I don't believe him."

"If we can use him to our advantage, then I say we do it." Olivier adds. "Our country is in a crisis, and I don't see any reason to turn down an offer like this. We can't discount it outright just because of our own personal biases. If he really does go back on his word, that's when we eliminate him."

Envy is watching everyone have their say. He looks kind of amused at the scene.

>You agree with:

>A.Ling

>B.Mustang

>C.Olivier

>D.None of them (Write-in)

>E.Other

>>1243038
>C.Olivier

>>1243038
>>C.Olivier
Really, we're all kinda tired ans screwed.

>>1243038
>C. Olivier

I seriously can't believe how this whole thing has turned out. Bravo Laze.

File: I_Want_to_Believe.png (536 KB, 1024x768)

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>>1243038
>C

>>1243084
>>1243085
>>1243161
>>1243194

Olivier's got the right idea. None of you are up for a fight right now. You aren't going to start trusting Envy any time soon, but if he can in fact help you all out, then it would be worth giving him a shot. And like she says, in the event that he does step out of line, you can all set your fully rested selves towards eliminating him. You sign as much to Leah, who relays your thoughts to the others.

"I don't like the idea, but I also don't want our country to suffer any more than it has to." Mustang says. "I'm willing to give him a chance. But make sure you keep in mind what'll happen if you try to play us for fools. I'll burn you to a crisp until there's nothing left for you to regenerate."

"I don't mind waiting until Envy smooths things over with Creta, Drachma, and Aerugo." Ling adds. "We can relax here for a bit longer. And if he turns out to have really kept his word, then He'll come back to Xing with us for a while."

"Then it's settled." Olivier walks towards the homunculus. "Envy, we've come to an agreement. We'll stop the fighting and call a truce here. You'll head around to Creta, Drachma, and Aerugo, and get them to halt hostilities towards Amestris. If you do that, then we'll leave you to your own devices. You'll have your freedom."

"Sounds good to me, lady." Envy grins. "Gonna need a few weeks, but I can have it all taken care of. You guys just sit tight for a while. Enjoy your newly liberated country. I'm kind of interested to see how everything here in Amestris is going to pan out, now that the Fuhrer and all of the highest ranking generals are all gone."

Envy extends his hand to Olivier, who, after hesitating but a moment, takes it and shakes hands.

"Alright men, it's all over!" Olivier declares. "We've won!"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U6QqZfvE3Fw&

The soldiers, though they were all anxious at the dealings going on, can't help themselves at the General's cue, and start celebrating. You see even the injured Buccaneer has dragged himself over to join everybody, much to his medic's chagrin.

The others near you, while undoubtedly less than comfortable with the situation, also give a heavy sigh of relief. The fighting is over. That much at least, is a cause for celebration.

And that's all for tonight. I'll be back to keep running tomorrow

>>1243213
Thanks for running Laze. I'm really more impressed that you made the ending of FMA:B even more like NGE than it already was.

>>1243219
Wait, I haven't made everyone into tang yet

>>1243227
Remember that scene where Gendo jams his hand into Rei and then Rei absorbs it? Because Envy basically just did that. And aren't philosopher's stones basically the same thing as the ocean of tang, just made with kool-aid instead?

>>1243227
I did enjoy this more than Kon and Friends vs Madara though, so props for that.

As all the soldiers cheer, Envy kind of meanders around, looking at who all's here. You seem to catch his eye, as he makes his way over and slings his arm around your shoulder.

"And you!" he shouts, right into your ear. "You have no idea just how much I wanna beat the crap out of you for that stunt you pulled back at the train yard! But... everything ended up working out, so I guess we can let that slide, can't we? Water under the bridge."

You hear a clash of metal, looking up to see Yi meeting swords with Ling's retainer, Fu. The old man isn't having to work too hard to hold him back however, since Yi is nearly exhausted.

"No..." Yi gasps. "I can't let you take that homunculus back to Xing..."

"I have some reservations, too." May adds, as she approaches. "My clan will also continue to suffer under these circumstances. If we let you walk away with the homunculus, we'll be completely at your mercy."

"Hold on, we just got done fighting, let's not start again." Ling insists, getting Fu and Yi to lower their weapons. "You were from the Chang clan, right? And you... with that mask, you must be from Silla. Look, I wanted to become emperor exactly because of these kinds of things. I don't want my country to exploit anybody. For one, the Chang clan is going to be receiving a lot of support from the new emperor. One of their members did help during the crisis in Amestris, her hard work won't go unrewarded. As for Silla, I know Xing hasn't been treating its vassal states the best, but I assure you that is going to change. And if it's still Envy you're worried about, then I'll make you a deal. Once I'm emperor, I will make sure that he won't cause any harm to Xing, its people, or its vassal states or their people. Xing will also never create a Philosopher's Stone, not from our own subjects, or yours. If any of those things does happen, you will be allowed to walk right up to my throne and slit my throat. You have my word."

"My Lord!" Lan Fan exclaims. "How could you say such a thing?"

"This is what it means to stick my neck out, right?" Ling replies. "The only thing I can offer right now is my word, so I have to make sure it gets across. Besides, after everything that's happened, you didn't think we'd just go home with everything we wanted and not have to pay? Equivalent exchange, right? The alchemists of this country are always going on about it."

Yi and May are convinced of Ling's sincerity, and agree to his terms. Yi then finds a wall to lean against and relax, while May heads back over to the Elric brothers.

By this time, Envy has let go of you, and is walking around to check out some other people. He's over by Colonel Armstrong right now.

"So now what?" Leah asks. "I imagine it was a pain not having me around to talk for that while, do you want to go see anybody?"

>A.Check on the Elric Brothers and their father, see how they're doing

>B.Talk to Mustang and Olivier about what's going to happen now

>C.Other

>>1244880
>B.Talk to Mustang and Olivier about what's going to happen now
If we have to pick a new Fuhrer I say Grumman. Also, let's let the Elric's hand Hohenheim have their moment.

>>1244880
>B

>>1244880
>>B.Talk to Mustang and Olivier about what's going to happen now

>>1244880
Also
>B
But this may be a good time to officially waiufu Leah.
Or we may ask her to diner after getting other important thing done, like knowing if it is off to front for us.

>>1244880
B, but damn you guys, Ed's limbs are all fucked up and Hohenheim is probably fucked up too, right? We should maybe make sure A happens too.

btw, how will Al ever get his body back?

>>1244921
I think we should make a move, but we might want to wait until later, or when we're alone. Of course no one else knows what we're signing, so we could always sign some kind of confession to her even in front of everyone else?

>>1244893
>>1244909
>>1244910
>>1244921
>>1244937

You're a bit sore, but you manage to move easy enough. You and Leah make your way over to General Armstrong and Lieutenant Colonel Mustang, who are both looking out over the cheering soldiers. Curious as to what they think is going to happen in the wake of all these events, you sign the question over to Leah, who presents it to them.

"We can pin the whole thing on the dead upper staff easy enough." Olivier replies. "A good amount citizens saw the mannequin soldiers, and the chimera that came to defend against them. It'll be tough for the people to swallow, but we'll just make it clear that they were secret projects by the corrupt officials. I think that'll end up being good for the chimera, too. Get them some sympathy points from the masses for being experimented on."

"The Fuhrer is gone. And most of the people that would be next in line for the position along with him." Mustang adds. "While this would be a great chance for either of us to jump for the spot, I think we'll have to leave it to General Grumman. That old man might just have the most seniority out of all the officers in the military now, and he'd be well received. Funny, this is exactly what the old man was planning on happening. As for me, I may not be part of the military much longer."

"Our bluff at taking the Fuhrer's side worked against us." Hawkeye explains. "When Bradley came through Central, he took command of a battalion and had them assault the main gate. The Lieutenant Colonel and I fought them to keep it secure. I don't see a way we're getting out of this one."

"A shame, too." Olivier goes on. "You two had it made with that plan of yours, if only you had stayed out of it. Your poor decision might just have saved me and all my men. I hope the court martial doesn't end too badly for you."

You see Mustang grin. He's probably getting the same feeling as you that the General is just too proud to thank him.

"I'm still concerned about Mrs. Bradley." Mustang continues. "She's lost both her husband and her son, and we can't exactly tell her they were really monsters. Doesn't seem quite fair to lead her around by the nose like this, just to suffer."

>A.Is there really no way to get you guys off the hook?

>B.I think Mrs. Bradley has a right to know everything

>C.Say something else (Write-in)

>D.Go check on a different group (Write-in)

>E.Other

>>1245008
>D. Go check on a different group (the Elric's and Hohenheim)
>E. "Colonel Armstrong is good with people ask for his advice in dealing with Mrs. Bradley."

>>1245025
supporting

>>1245025
>>1245164

You can't really think of any advice to offer yourself, but you sign to Leah that Mustang might want to talk to Colonel Armstrong about Mrs. Bradley, as he's generally good at dealing with people.

"Sure thing." the Lieutenant Colonel replies. "I think I can rest easy leaving that matter to him."

You part with him, Hawkeye, and Olivier for now, and make your way over to where the Elric brothers are talking with their father. May is also here, standing back jut a bit from the family.

"No way, dad!" you hear Alphonse tell Hohenheim as you and Leah approach. "I'm not letting you trade your life for my body! You're down to just your own life now, just live it out! Isn't that what you wanted?"

"Al's right, dad." Ed adds, as he stretches his one arm. "Besides, we need you to come back to Resembool with us and help us rebuild. Then once you're an old man, and the town is all put back together, and full of people again, You can go off peacefully without any regrets. You really think we can put you down next to mom right now, with the town the way it is?"

"You're right Edward, Alphonse." Hohenheim smiles. "I don't know what I was thinking. I've got a good few years left in me yet."

"Alphonse saw his body at the Gate when he was summoned, but he didn't go back to it." May explains to you. "He needed to stay and fight. But now they're trying to figure out how to get it back over to this side. I think they're still adamant about not using a Philosopher's Stone."

"Well, I can't do any transmutations with only one arm, anyway." Ed sighs. "So Winry will have to fix me up before we do anything. How about you two, doing alright?"

You and Leah assure Ed that you've both made it through everything just fine. Better shape than him, anyway.

>A.You could easily get Al's body back if you used some of Envy's stone. He would probably let you, and Al deserves to have it back

>B.Ask if going back to Resembool means they're leaving the military

>C.Ask May what she's going to do now

>D.Other

>>1245296
>A.You could easily get Al's body back if you used some of Envy's stone. He would probably let you, and Al deserves to have it back (add that Envy probably owes them for weakening Lust, Greed, and Pride for him.)
>B.Ask if going back to Resembool means they're leaving the military
>C.Ask May what she's going to do now

>>1245296
>A.You could easily get Al's body back if you used some of Envy's stone. He would probably let you, and Al deserves to have it back

>B.Ask if going back to Resembool means they're leaving the military

>C.Ask May what she's going to do now

>>1245296
>A.You could easily get Al's body back if you used some of Envy's stone. He would probably let you, and Al deserves to have it back

Or try more "moral" and crazy way:
>D
>Stone is life/soul energy. We can use small amount of life energy from many willing people to bring Al's body back. If we convince everyone gathered we will loose like a few days at most.
>In principle do what Ed did in Brotherhood when he was impaled after fight with Kimberly , but in greater scale.

>>1245338
inb4, we kill everyone due to miscalculation.
But who dares, wins.

>>1245296
I agree with >>1245299, but >>1245338 intrigues me. Maybe give both suggestions to everyone and see if one is possible, and which one they want to do, if any.

>>1245299
>>1245301
>>1245338

You've got a few questions, and you start out with May, next to you. You relay your question through Leah, of what she's going to do now.

"Once Ling heads back to Xing with Envy, I'm going to need to go to see if he keeps his word." she begins. "But after that, I don't think I'll stay. These past few months, I've traveled all around Amestris and Ishval. I've gotten close to a lot of different people. I can't see myself going home for good after all of that. Besides, we're going to need people here to build proper relations between Xing and Amestris, and break down the current animosity that Father put in place. I think that's what I'll dedicate myself to."

You then move to the brothers, asking with Leah's help if going back to Resembool means that they're leaving the military.

"Well, I guess." Ed replies. "We only joined to find a way to get Al's body back, and ended up getting mixed up in all of this. Anyway, I don't think there's anything left that we can't figure out without the help of the military. It's time for us to go home."

You move on to your last point. You sign a proposal to the brothers through Leah.

"You could easily get Al's body back if you used Envy's stone, you know." Leah tells Edward. "He would probably let you, since he owes us all for weakening Lust, Pride, and Father. And Al does deserve to have it back."

The brothers are silent for a while. You can tell they're both still conflicted. The silence is eventually broken by Envy dropping by.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nCt4aLirnrk&

"It really would be that easy." he says, holding his palm out. A small red stone emerges from his skin. "This should be enough to cover it. Go on, take it. It's on the house. The souls in here aren't going to get their bodies back. But you still can. Don't you think you've sacrificed enough? Just do something for yourself for once. It's really simple, you humans just need to stop being so difficult."

Ed looks to his brother, as if to ask him just how much he wants to return to his own flesh and blood. But Al shakes his head.

"I can't!" he declares. "It's our own fault for attempting human transmutation, I can't pay for it with other people's souls!"

>A.What if you had a lot of people all volunteer a little bit?

>B.There is definitely a way to get it back without sacrificing any souls at all

>C.The souls from Hohenheim all wanted to help the people of Amestris return their souls to their bodies. Wouldn't these ones want the same for you? You can accept their help

>D.Other

>>1245498
>C.The souls from Hohenheim all wanted to help the people of Amestris return their souls to their bodies. Wouldn't these ones want the same for you? You can accept their help
There is nothing inherently evil about using a Philosopher's Stone.

>D. But ask Hohenheim's opinion on the matter

>>1245498
>C
and also what >>1245515 said, ask Hohenheim.

Al deserves his body and the souls might voluntarily help him if they could consent.

If he still won't do it or be convinced that the souls would be cool with it then A/B, but I think it would make more sense for disembodied souls to make the sacrifice when they don't have anything else left than people giving up part of their life force.

What happens to a soul that's been used up to power a philosopher's stone? What happens to a regular soul in this universe after people die?

File: Alphonse real body.jpg (66 KB, 1599x900)

66 KB JPG

>>1245515
>>1245539

Surprising even yourself, you find yourself agreeing with Envy. You sign away at Leah, who relays your message for you.

"Alphonse, the souls from Hohenheim all wanted the people of Amestris to return their souls to their bodies." she tells the armor boy. "Wouldn't these ones want the same for you? You can accept their help."

The brothers don't respond immediately.

"Hohenheim, what do you think?" Leah goes on. "Should Al use the stone to get his body back?"

"Miss Crawford made a good point." Hohenheim says. "I got to know intimately all the souls that made up the stone in my body. I befriended all 536,329 of them. It was only a few months ago that I learned of Father's plot, but they all instantly offered to help stop it. That they, even in their limited existence, could help so many people was quite possibly the best news they had heard since that fateful day back in Xerxes. I have no doubt that the souls in that stone would think the same way."

Edward reaches his hand out, and takes the stone from Envy's palm.

"Brother-" Alphonse goes to object, but he's interrupted.

"Al. The people in this stone will never get their bodies back." he starts. "They'll never make a list of all the things they want to eat when they get the chance. They'll never feel the warmth from hugging their family. They'll never look forward to being able to fall asleep in a nice comfortable bed. So you need to live for them, alright? Eat enough of Mrs. Hughes' apple pie for every single soul in this stone. Can you do that, Al?"

"I-" Al is trembling. He eventually relents. "Okay. I can live with that. I'll use my body to live life for all of them."

Al lays down, while Hohenheim sets up a transmutation circle around him. Ed then takes the stone, and performs the transmutation. An eye opens beneath them, and the two brothers disappear. After a few moments, Ed reappears, with another young man barely standing, using his shoulder as support. The boy is painfully skinny, his ribs easily visible and his arms and legs nothing but skin and bone. He's currently naked, and his hair is long.

"Alphonse..." Hohenheim walks over to his sons, tearing up a bit. "A bit rough around the edges right now, but we'll iron you out. Good to have you back, son."

"Alphonse!" May runs over and hugs the emaciated boy, paying little mind to his state of undress. "You did it, you got your body back! I just knew you'd be handsome, you're a bit scrawny right now, but I can tell!"

Ed and Al laugh just a bit, before turning to you.

"Thanks for everything." Al tells you. "I'm really glad we were able to become friends."

"We're probably going to keep Al here in Central for a little bit to recuperate, and Winry will come out here to fix me up an arm, but once that's done, we're heading home to Resembool to rebuild. You're welcome to come visit anytime! Our door is always open."

>A.No problem

>B.We'll be sure to visit

>C.Thank them as well

>D.Congratulate them

>E.Other

>>1245837
>B.We'll be sure to visit
>C.Thank them as well
>D.Congratulate them

>>1245539
>What happens to a soul that's been used up to power a philosopher's stone?
The unbaptized babies in the Gate get them.
>What happens to a regular soul in this universe after people die?
They go through the Gate and become Nazis.

God, has nobody seen Shamballa?

>>1245837
>B.We'll be sure to visit
>C.Thank them as well
>D.Congratulate them

>>1245853
>>1245856

In response, you sign to Leah so she can convey your own appreciation.

"Thank you guys as well." she begins. "We were really able to enjoy all our time in the military so far because of you guys. Congratulations on finally getting Al's body back. We'll be sure to come visit Resembool often, okay?"

You all say one last farewell, and the group of four starts to make their way out of headquarters. Hohenheim opted to carry Alphonse, since Ed was having enough trouble keeping him supported with only one arm. Several of your associates all stop to congratulate them as well on their way out.

Several soldiers are starting to disperse now, likely deciding to move their celebrations elsewhere. Looking around, you don't see your teacher. You wonder where she might have gone.

Your question is soon answered, as she rises up out of the hole in the ground, with passengers this time. It's the chimera crew you saw before as you passed them while coming up. One of them is carrying an unconscious Scar on his back. Tucker is also among the group.

"Hey, you guys did it..." the gorilla looking one, Darius was his name, mutters. He then catches sight of Envy, and freaks out. "Woah, it's Envy! What the hell are you guys all so relaxed for? Damn it, we tried to warn you about this!"

"Relax." Izumi insists. "We've come to an agreement. We won't be fighting anymore."

"An agreement? Are you crazy?" the chimera replies. "Well, whatever. As long as everything really is over, I guess I don't really care."

With that group brought up to the surface, your teacher starts heading off. She's probably itching to go see her husband and Nina again.

Tucker goes and leans up against a nearby wall. A stark contrast to the celebratory air of the soldiers, and yet not the same as the nervousness you get from the chimera. His expression doesn't give anything away.

>A.Talk to Tucker, see what he's going to be doing now

>B.See the chimera, ask how things went on their end, check on how Scar is doing

>C.Catch your teacher before she heads off and talk

>D.Talk to someone else (Write-in)

>E.Start to head off yourself with Leah

>F.Other

>>1245983
>>A.Talk to Tucker, see what he's going to be doing now

>>C.Catch your teacher before she heads off and talk

Teacher first, then Tucker.

>>1245983
>A.Talk to Tucker, see what he's going to be doing now

>B.See the chimera, ask how things went on their end, check on how Scar is doing

>C.Catch your teacher before she heads off and talk

>>1245983
This >>1245990

I guess B too if you can swing it

>>1245990
>>1245997
>>1246016

You and Leah head over and cut off your teacher before she can get away, asking her how she's doing.

"Oh, I'm sure you know." she starts. "I haven't seen Sig or Nina since this morning, so of course I'd be worried sick. Not like I think anything would get the better of Sig, but you never know. Anyway, you did a damn fine job, Isk. Your performance down there in Father's chamber put all of us to shame. Me especially. I was a bit worthless in the latter part of this day. But, no use getting upset over it now. It's all in the past. Time to once again retire from being an alchemist, and go back to being a housewife. You two take care, alright? I'll see you back home in Dublith. After all, you will be visiting, of course. My beloved student is always welcome."

You say goodbye to Izumi, and she continues hurrying off. You swing by the chimeras just to see them doing alright, and find that Scar seems to be hanging in there, as well. Tucker seems to have patched him up just fine.

Then, the two of you head over to Tucker at the wall. He looks up at you as you approach.

"Well, I did it." he says. He holds his hands out in front of him, palm up and fingers curled. "I killed the gold-toothed doctor. With these very hands. He was the one who signed off on every single heinous experiment the military did. I got my revenge. But when I did it, all I could think about was the reflection on my glasses. Of the man staring back at me. We weren't really so different. He merely had the means that I did not. If I was in his position, with the support of the government, I would surely have done things just as wretched as him. There's proof enough already that I would. It's only by a twist of fate that you came to me and told me the words that set me on this path. But what has it really come to? That man, Scar. I saved his life. Not for any particular reason, just because I could. Does saving his life equal out with the one I took from my wife? Certainly not. Where is there left for me to turn as an alchemist when the Law of Equivalent Exchange fails me? If I change all the chimera back to humans, fix their lives that have been ruined, will that outweigh the life of my daughter that I've ruined? No. How many lives does it take? How many people can I save, yet still not have that scale budge a single inch?"

Tucker's tone of voice has remained constant throughout. Whether that's because he truly feels nothing for the situation, or just because he's burnt out is a bit hard to tell.

>A.Don't worry about all that. Just do what you can

>B.You can never really make up for it

>C.But you did change, not like that doctor guy

>D.Say nothing

>E.Other

>>1246063

>B.You can never really make up for it

>C.But you did change, not like that doctor guy

>>1246063
>>C.But you did change, not like that doctor guy
You managed to do good. You can't change what you've done, but you can think about the good you've done. At the very least, you can see your daughter and show you're okay and well. Even if she doesn't have her mother, she still has her father that loves her.

>>1246063
>B.You can never really make up for it
>C.But you did change, not like that doctor guy

>>1246070
>>1246075
>>1246081

You decide to give Tucker a response, and sign it to Leah.

"Tucker, you can never really make up for what you did." she starts. "You'll have to live with it your whole life. But you were able to change, not like that doctor guy. You've done good. And you can keep doing good. That's the important thing. Maybe even see your daughter and show her the father she still loves is alright."

"I don't know when I might be able to work up the heart to do that." Tucker replies. "But I'll keep it in mind. As for now, I'll just work on turning the chimeras human again like I promised. I'll have to thoroughly examine each one, and most of them might take several operations. We're looking at a few weeks for each and every one of them. It could be years until all of them can be human again. But I'll do it. There's nothing else for me to do. Anyway, thank you and your companion for your concern, Silent Alchemist. Good luck in whatever endeavors you decide to pursue."

Tucker shuffles off. You can see that most of the people are breaking away now, either getting away from everything to go check on friends or family or just to relax. Some are staying here and interacting with Central troops, trying to smooth things over under the guidance of General Armstrong. Leah tugs at your shoulder.

"They can handle things here, Isk." she tells you. "After today, I just want to go relax. And if I'm beat, I can only imagine how you're doing. Come on. Let's go."

You see no reason to protest now, as you are in fact close to exhausted. The two of you make your way out of headquarters, heading to your old quarters. They'll probably still have your room. Anyone else you wanted to speak with, or anything else you wanted to do can wait just a bit longer. For now, you just want to get some well deserved rest.

And that's all for tonight, guys. Tomorrow I'll be back, and we should reach the very end of the quest

>>1246153
Thanks for running Laze, this was a pretty fun quest.

Where do you stand on the Bort canon, by the way?

>>1246161
Nothing that hasn't happened yet can really be incorporated into a story. If I start, and more things happen, then I can't do anything about it. Aliums will exist, though. Might not happen the same exact way, but they will be there

>>1246175
As long as at least something is incorporated. I like Mini enough, but he doesn't touch it with a ten-foot poll and he can screw up the lore, and Country is too far removed from canon even if the Ayy Lmaos do show up.

Does Gaara still have a comb-over?

>>1246182
I'm gonna go ahead and say yes

You and Leah mostly just keep your heads low in the wake of the upheaval in Central, letting your more seasoned comrades smooth things over. General Grumman does come in from the East and take up the position as Fuhrer, at the behest of most of what is now the upper staff. Plenty of promotions are probably up for grabs now, given the dozen or so general positions that are suddenly empty.

While things were still resolving, Ed got his arm all fixed up by Winry, and he turned in his formal resignation. It had only been a few days, but by the time they headed East, Al was already looking healthier.

As for the matter of the Lieutenant Colonel, his and Hawkeye's court martial was held within the week. Most of the higher ups presiding over it knew the truth, but too many soldiers both heard his group declare their siding with the Fuhrer while also witnessing the two of them fight to hold the troops the Fuhrer himself took command of to take the gate. There was no way anyone could see to let the matter go completely. In the end, the best they could do was characterize it as a misunderstanding rather than outright treachery. It was enough to keep them out of prison, since they did intentionally avoid killing anyone, but it wasn't enough to save their jobs.

"Roy Mustang is hereby separated from the Amestris military on with a general discharge..." Mustang reads from a letter. Hawkeye has an identical one that likely says the same thing. "Well, we avoided the dishonorable, and we didn't go to prison. I guess we should be thankful for that much."

You, Leah, Colonel Armstrong, Lieutenant Colonel Hughes, and Mustang's men are all present as Mustang and Hawkeye walk out of headquarters for what may be the last time. They're in civilian clothes, as they're both turned in all their gear.

"I'm really sorry this had to happen, Roy." Hughes sighs. "I'd take the fall for you if I could. I know how much you wanted to keep climbing the ranks, all the way to Fuhrer."

Mustang tries to keep his smile up, but the disappointment is still discernible on his face.

>A.Ask if he'll be able to find work

>B.Ask how Hawkeye will manage

>C.Thank him for the time you spent as his subordinate

>D.Ask what his men are going to do now without him

>E.Other

>>1247995
>>C.Thank him for the time you spent as his subordinate

>>A.Ask if he'll be able to find work

>>D.Ask what his men are going to do now without him

>>1247995
>>C.Thank him for the time you spent as his subordinate
>>A.Ask if he'll be able to find work
>>D.Ask what his men are going to do now without him

>>1247995
>A.Ask if he'll be able to find work
>B.Ask how Hawkeye will manage
>C.Thank him for the time you spent as his subordinate
>D.Ask what his men are going to do now without him

>>1248030
+1
>>1247995
>E
Ask him if he could go back after probation or something similar.

>>1247995
>C
>A
>D

>>1248081
I think it's all ogre for him, anon. Seemed pretty final.

>>1248129
It was general not dishonourable discharge.
Where I live penalty of this type have given period for example "can't work as teacher for x years" or "looses his public rights for y years".
So maybe he is lucky and will be able to go back, but still having to start from rank of major will be hard.

>>1248012
>>1248017
>>1248030
>>1248081

You sign to Leah, making sure she conveys your appreciation, while extending your hand to Mustang.

"Sir, thank you for everything." she tells him. "Both Iskander and myself are very grateful for everything you've done for us."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HAIJLjneN6I&index=73&

Mustang's smile turns a bit more genuine, and he shakes your hand.

"I could say the same to you. You're a brilliant alchemist and a fine soldier. It was an honor to be your commanding officer." he replies. Afterwards, his smile turns to a frown. "Also, the two of you have some tact, unlike Fullmetal. Brat couldn't even hang around for this. I should swing by Resembool some time to tell him off."

"So what are Jean and the others going to do without you?" Leah goes on, relaying more of your signing. "And will you be able to find work now, yourself?"

"The four of them all fall under me now." Hughes butts in. "I had to give up my cushy spot in records, and take over Roy's old position, but I've got them taken care of."

"That's right." Jean smiles, making a thumbs-up. "And we'll make him the Fuhrer if it's the last thing we do!"

"Huh?" Hughes jerks his head back so fast, you'd think it broke his neck. His glasses start to slide off. "I'm sorry, what?"

"That's right, Hughes!" Mustang throws his arm around his friend's shoulder. "Since I can't become the Fuhrer anymore, you've got to do it in my place! Don't worry about it, my men are prepared to do whatever it takes! That slot in records was just a dead end, you've got a ladder to climb!"

Hughes, completely exasperated, just sighs and puts his head in his hands.

"As for me, I have plenty enough savings to get a new place right away. And public works is always looking for talented alchemists. I can get a job no problem." Mustang assures you. "After that, I might just try to get into politics. There are plenty of people that oppose the centralization of government around the military. I could easily lobby for reform to a democratic system, like Creta uses. Then I could get elected leader of the country, even without being in the military! So if that pans out, then you're off the hook, Hughes."

"I wish you good luck in your endeavors, Mustang." Armstrong takes his own turn to shake hands. "And on behalf of both myself, and my sister that's too proud to say it, thank you for doing this. I really will be eternally grateful."

"Don't even sweat it, Colonel. I know you'd have done the same thing." Mustang smirks, and jabs Armstrong with his elbow. "Or should I say Brigadier General? You're getting the promotion, right?"

"Yes, I will be. They need to back-fill all the empty spots, and I have the qualifications." the Colonel answers. "If possible, I'd like to get to Lieutenant General. Then, I'll have enough influence to work in liaison with Xing."

"So we've all got our goals..." Mustang mutters. "What about you? What are you going to do now? Planning on staying in the military?"

>>1248204

>A.We're going to stay as we are, I can do occasional assignments while working on research and receiving grants

>B.I was thinking about going through formal officer training and becoming a proper part of the military, like you were

>C.I think I'll be leaving the military. After saving the whole country like we did, I think that's enough for me

>D.I'm not sure. Maybe ask Leah what she wants to do

>E.Other

>>1248208
>B.I was thinking about going through formal officer training and becoming a proper part of the military, like you were

>E. Ask Leah her plans though

Führer Hughes and President Mustang hype.

>>1248208
>C.I think I'll be leaving the military. After saving the whole country like we did, I think that's enough for me

>E. Ask Leah her plans though

>>1248208
>D.I'm not sure. Maybe ask Leah what she wants to do
But leaning to:
>B.I was thinking about going through formal officer training and becoming a proper part of the military, like you were
We still may have some problems at the border, and it would be a shame to lost country after saving it.

>>1248229
>Führer Hughes and President Mustang hype.
>Implying it wont be Führer Steiner and president Mustang.

>>1248208
>D.I'm not sure. Maybe ask Leah what she wants to do
>C or A

Putting in my vote for not working for the military for the rest of our life. That's bullshit. We can help fight to defend the borders for a bit sure, but come on guys.

>>1248229
How could you have both?

>>1248208
>>B.I was thinking about going through formal officer training and becoming a proper part of the military, like you were

But maybe before that we could go to Xing to study up on Alkahestry.

President Mustang better follow through with his mandatory miniskirt promise.

>>1248282
>How could you have both?
First is supreme commander of military, second is civilian head of state.
Military have big autonomy from civilian government in that case, it have happened in real history.

>>1248208
Seconding >>1248282

We shouldn't live our lives as dogs of the state.

>>1248282
>How could you have both?
Have it be like a Monarch with a Prime Minister. Or like what >>1248303 said.

>>1248256
We don't have to go through formal officer training to help with the effort to defend the borders. And wasn't envy going to fix those issues for us?

File: 13a9d40f7c75222cfaed2ff12(...).jpg (102 KB, 639x426)

102 KB JPG

I just want Iskander to have a happy ending living out his life in a nice homestead off the grid with his waifu to shoot and cook dinner for him every night. Is that too much to ask?

>>1248348
He/she is still one person, and there are 3 fronts I think.
So we still may be needed to help on some front, Envy could fail or bail on deal.

>>1248392
Be staying in military we will replace MustangxRiza with similar relationship, and in 12 years we will get some young brash kid assigned to us and help him stop Envy's plan to become Father 2.0 with another countrywide transmutation circle.
The ride never ends.

>>1248433
>wanting to replicate canon when the whole point was to change something and see what would be different

How come people with no creativity such as yourself always get their way in these threads? Besides, Iskander never had any clearly stated goals and reasons for wanting to join the military in an officer capacity or gain political power. You're trying to fit him into a lifestyle that requires conviction and dedication to a goal or ideal. I would understand staying a state alchemist for the money, and continuing to research to find an alchemical replacement for his voice or something, but why would he want political power? He's a bland dude. He should get a comfy end.

>>1248459
I did not intend it as serious comment.
But having position in corps may be a comfy job in planing, logistics, training and such, there are countless unnamed majors that run military from the back.
Also by the way Amestris is organized being in military may as well mean any job in state administration, research or academia.

>>1248480
I don't object to Iskander being in academia or research, but when you're ingrained deeply in a military system, that requires being a pencil pushing desk jockey. Let him stay a state alchemist and research what he wants and take occasional assignments if you're going to want him to stay with the government, don't make it so he's too busy slaving away to spend his well earned time with his waifu.

>>1248229
>>1248241
>>1248256
>>1248282
>>1248315

You pause for a bit to think. You could always follow after Mustang and go through officer training, then rise up through the ranks like he did. It's not a terrible idea. Then again, all of this business has kind of taken a toll on you. Saving the whole country has kind of burned you out. After this, where is there really left to go from here? Maybe it's your cue to resign. But you're sure you could stay in the military just the same. serving the country you now know to be free of corruption. You're honestly at a bit of an impasse. You then realize something. Your decision may not just impact you alone. Perhaps it's time you asked how she really feels. You begin to sign to Leah, who translates your signing a bit absentmindedly.

"I'm not totally sure what I want to do yet. I want to know what you think-" she stops when she realizes that you're talking to her. "What I think? Wait, are you sure? You know I'm okay with anything."

You go on to insist that you want to know how she truly feels.

"Well..." Leah takes a deep breath, and is silent for a moment before beginning. "We've met a lot of great people during our time in the military. I was so worried how everything was going to turn out, but we've made great friends, and worked under wonderful commanders. It surpassed all my expectations. I'm sure if we stayed in, we'd continue to meet great people and get to work alongside them. But... all this business for the fate of the world was way more than I ever bargained for. Now that we finally got through it, I kind of just want to let it be. Be through with dealing with such huge stakes all the time. I want to go home. I want to live a simple life, with a big family, filling out that big empty house my parents never got to. I don't want to fight for my life, or other people's lives anymore. But that's not what's most important to me. If you want to go and do officer training, or whatever else, I'll do it too. If you want to travel to the ends of the earth, I'll be right there with you. I mean, you need me, right? Think of how much trouble it would be for you to not have me around. No, I'm sticking with you until the end. No matter what way that leads. I said I'd take care of you, and that's just what I'll do."

Most of the group stays quiet, but Mustang lets out a slight chuckle.

"You know, that kind of reminds me a bit of you, Hawke-" he's cut off my an elbow to his stomach.

"Roy." Hawkeye states, looking him straight in the eye. "We're not in the military anymore. It's Riza now. It can't be hard, you called me that when you were my father's student."

"Right, right, sorry... Riza." he mumbles. "Might just take a little bit of time to get used to again, that's all."

Leah is still waiting for your answer. Whatever you choose, she'll support you.

>A.There's still good I can do in the military. Don't worry, we'll take it a lot easier than we have been

>B.You're right. Let's go home

>C.Other

>>1248566
>>B.You're right. Let's go home

>>1248566
>C. There's a whole world out there full of people who probably still need help. Not to mention there's so much I still haven't learned. What if we just did that? Go out and help people?

Is there a Peace Corp. in this Anime?

>>1248566
>>B.You're right. Let's go home
but also

C. I kind of want to do what >>1248591 said and help people. But we can't fill that house with 1d100 kids if we're busy traveling the world being do-gooders forever. And there's plenty of good we can do for people in our own neck of the woods with alchemy.

>>1248566
>>C.Other
Master Alkahestry in Xing, then use our new skill to help Amestris.

And also give her that big family she wants.

>>1248624
I would support this, as long as it doesn't take too terribly long. Those are perfectly good childbearing years going to waste. Chop chop, we gotta get to it.

>>1248566
This >>1248624 then B

But guys, we haven't even confessed to Leah yet. We've made no moves.

>>1248849
Instead of sign language just make a heart with our hands!

>>1244937
Cute. I also like this >>1248852 idea of just telling her in front of everyone but no one else being able to understand.

>>1248880
Switched those two post numbers up. My bad.

>>1248588
>>1248591
>>1248610
>>1248624
>>1248849

You can see where Leah is coming from. Like her, you know the urge to just go home after finally making it through all of this. Though you still have some things you want to do. You're sure you can still help people. Perhaps with alkahestry... You come up with an idea.

You sign to Leah, telling her all about it. That you want to go home too, but also continue to help people. You tell her idea of going to Xing for a while to master alkahestry, then coming home and using it to its full effect to do good here in Amestris.

"Alright. I can wait just a little longer." Leah replies. "We'll stay in Xing for a while for you to study, then we're coming home. And staying this time."

"So you'll be leaving us, then." Armstrong sighs. "I can't help but be a bit disappointed, I very much enjoyed our time serving together. Please, do come back to Central to visit now and again."

"I expect to see you guys every once in a while, too." Hughes adds. "Come on by any time, Gracia always loves having company."

"If you two are going to be heading to Xing, then let's get you in with Ling and the others." the Colonel suggests. "You can travel back over with them, it'll make things much easier for you."

Everyone else present thanks you for your service up to now, and wishes you good luck in the future.

>A.Say something else to someone present here (Write-in)

>B.Go get your formal resignations ready and see Ling about taking you with him to Xing

>C.You've got quite a bit of time before Ling leaves for Xing, no rush. Go see somebody else in the meantime (Write-in)

>D.Other

>>1248968
>A.Say something else to someone present here (Write-in)
Love confession time?

Then C, and check in on Scar.

>>1248968
>>1249028
this

>>1248968
This >>1249028

>>1249028
This

Sorry about the break everyone, I was eating. Looks like we're doing a confession

>>1249028
>>1249097
>>1249199
>>1249242

You both say your goodbyes to everyone for now, but you don't go anywhere quite yet. You decide that it's gone unsaid long enough. It's time for Leah to know how you really feel.

You stop her and make sure you have her full attention, then begin signing. Back in your youth, Marc would always have praise for the way you said things, how well you conveyed your thoughts. It was the thing you were most proud of in this world. You can't speak anymore, but you can still convey your feelings. You lay everything bare, as your move your hands. You tell Leah that you love her. That after all this time she's been by your side, you can't imagine living without her. And that you want to keep living with her for the rest of her life. You put it out there in the plainest terms you can manage.

As you do this, Leah starts off looking a bit confused. As if she's not sure she's catching exactly what you're telling her. As you go on, it becomes undeniably apparent, and Leah's face starts to go red. She looks like she's almost about to look away in embarrassment, but she keeps her eyes trained firmly on your signing hands, not missing a beat. By the time you finish, she looks straight down at the ground and lets go of a breath she seems to have been holding for a long time. She looks back up to you, only slightly less red than before.

"I- feel the same way..." she starts. "I mean, if it wasn't obvious yet from everything I've said. I didn't know whether it needed saying, but since you went ahead and said it first... Yes! I love you too!"

Leah hides her face in her hands. You can practically see the steam coming off of her. All of your acquaintances standing a bit away are snickering at the exchange. You imagine it was probably pretty funny to see only one side of the conversation.

"So... we can't take too long in Xing, alright?" Leah asks, hands still hiding her face. "We need to come back home and live together, okay?"

You assure her that it won't be long, and manage to make her calm down with a bit of time. Giving one last wave to everyone, you set off. One more person whose fate you don't know yet has crossed your mind, so you go asking about Scar. Olivier is at headquarters, and able to tell you he's with Tucker and the chimera right now, in the same warehouse hideout they've always been in. You head over to see how he's doing.

When you arrive, you find Scar laid up in a bed in the back. Tucker is currently examining Bido with an X-ray machine, while a bunch of the other chimeras joke around nearby, as they fill out some papers.

>A.Ask Scar how he's doing, and what he plans to do from now on

>B.Ask Tucker how the procedures are coming

>C.Talk to the chimeras, see what they plan to do once they're human again

>D.Other

>>1249371
>>A.Ask Scar how he's doing, and what he plans to do from now on
>B.Ask Tucker how the procedures are coming

>C.Talk to the chimeras, see what they plan to do once they're human again

>>1249385
Supporting. I wanna' see what everybody's doing now that it's almost over.

I'm gettin' all teary eyed.

>>1249371
Nigga that shit was kawaii. Leah a cute.
>A, then B, then C
I want it all.

>>1249371
Backing these fine gentlemen. >>1249385 >>1249393
I half expected her to reject us, as revenge for 10/10.

>>1249407
>10/10
Dammit anon, I was being happy with this but then you go and remind me of that shit.

>>1249407
>>1249433
What?

>>1249433
She deserved it. And so will Takeshi when his autism cucks him.

>>1249434
The players in Laze's previous quest cucked worst girl and people are still buttmad over it.

>>1249434
Leaf Ninja. Laze's quest before this one.

>>1249436
Not her fault anons can't into romance. Or be compent and not do that ninshu, or whatever it was called, shit.

>>1249448
>>1249445
Wait. Are ya'll talkin' about TenTe-
>10/10
OH YOU MOTHER FUCKERS!

>>1249448
>Not her fault anons can't into romance
It's her fault for being autistic as hell, we got bestkage anyway.

>>1249436
>And so will Takeshi when his autism cucks him.
>implying

Dude we have a bunch of girls interested in us. We're also going to be drop dead gorgeous.

>>1249454
I'm cool with Ai or Sarada. Or becoming a hermit.

>>1249454
>Dude we have a bunch of girls interested in us.
Sure Takeshi does, now. But that can change pretty quickly. One minute you think you're going to have the deredere, then the QM kills her without a second thought, then anons screw up ever obtaining the girl next door, so you have to settle for sensei, but then some faggots go for the disfigured ojou. Never trust a QM anon, they're bastards. And don't trust anons, they're faggots.

File: saltiest place on earth.jpg (2.55 MB, 2546x1738)

2.55 MB JPG

>>1249468

>>1249385
>>1249389
>>1249393
>>1249407

You start at Scar. You and Leah come up next to the side of his bed, and he sits up to greet you. You relay some questions though Leah to him.

"It seems I'll make a full recovery." Scar answers. "I'm told I could be up and walking good as new by next week. As for what to do from here on... I'm not totally sure. I had made peace with dying, so long as I activated my brother's reverse circle before I went. But here I am, alive and well. My life saved by a man like me, who has committed a terrible sin. I think the only thing left for me is to do as he does, and do what good I can. Most of the people of Ishval still hold a great hatred for alchemy and its practitioners, like I did. I will dedicate my life to changing that. I have to make sure no one repeats my mistakes."

After wishing Scar luck, you then head out to Tucker to inquire about his progress.

"The new Fuhrer was kind enough to pull some strings and get me this machine." he explains. "It'll be a huge help. The more I know about each of their bodies, the easier it will be to change them back. That's why I'm having them all fill out those forms, you see. To make sure I have as much information as possible."

Leaving Tucker to his work, you then hit up the chimera, leisurely filing out their information on the papers. you have Leah ask what they're going to do when they're human again.

"I can finally go back to my family." one of them, Zampano, says. "My mom is probably worried sick. She hasn't seen me in years. I hope she's okay."

"Most of us are going to just go back to leading normal human lives." another, Heinkel answers. "I'm not like most, I'll go back to the military. It has some bad memories, but I still feel like I can do the best I can there. And I can make sure other soldiers aren't taken advantage of."

"The four of us, me, Martel, Bido, and Dolcetta are going back to Dublith and fixing up the old place." Roa tells you. "Make it a bit more respectable this time. Hopefully you two can drop by some time. We'd love to have you."

You chat a bit longer with all the chimera, then head off. You wonder if there's anything left you should do.

>A.Nope, time to get everything settled to go to Xing

>B.There is something (Write-in)

>C.Other

>>1249485
>B.There is something (Write-in)
Can we talk to the Armstrongs? Specifically Alex?

>>1249492
What would you want to talk about? And is this the last thing anyone can think of? Because I'm out of ideas for anyone left to talk to or anything else to do.

>>1249507
I just want to say goodbye, talk to him about the Fuhrer's wife, his plans, that sort of stuff.

>>1249511
Maybe we can do it on our way out of town? I mean we were just with them so it might be weird to go back now unless it was important.

>>1249485
>A
Time we leave.

>>1249526

There might be something left to cover with someone else, but you're sure you'll have time for that before you go. For now, you and Leah make all your preparations to head to Xing. You both submit your formal resignations, then meet up with Ling. You have Leah ask him about tagging along.

"Sure thing." he replies. "The more the merrier. Besides, having more people come with me can only give a better impression. I can set you up wish some alkahestry masters, and you can study to your heart's content."

Yi is also here, though on shaky terms with the others.

"It's been decided that my clan will become the bulwark against the homunculus, should he ever turn hostile." he tells you. "With our alkahestric technique, we could destroy him if need be. So our duty will be to watch over him, ready to defend the world and its people if we have to. Finally, a noble purpose for this technique. While I could be more satisfied, this isn't so bad. My clan will finally prove its worth."

Time passes, until Envy finally returns. He says the surrounding countries shouldn't show any hostility from now on, at least for a good while. It seems to be true from what's been observed, so everyone takes his word. With that, you prepare to head to Xing.

The leaving party is you, Leah, Ling, his two guards, Envy, Yi, May, and Alphonse. It seems he also wants to study in Xing for a while. He's cleaned up pretty well.

Plenty of people are here to see you off. Mustang, Hawkeye, both Armstrongs. Hughes, his men, Edward, Winry, and Hohenheim are all here. Your teacher, Sig, and Nina are here too.

"Well, this is it." Envy says. "You humans all say your goodbyes. I'll be waiting over here for us to leave."

>A.Say goodbye to everyone

>B.Say something else to somebody (Write-in)

>C.Other

>>1249553
>A. Say goodbye to everyone.
>C. Make sure to manly handshakes from Sig and Alex.

>>1249553
>>A.Say goodbye to everyone

>>1249553
Now would be the time for >>1249492 to propose whatever he was thinking of.

>>1249564
seconding this.

>>1249564
>>1249569
>>1249570

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yQaawkt785o&

You go around saying goodbye to everyone, taking special care to get the manliest handshakes you can out of Sig and Brigadier General Armstrong.

"I'm sure you'll go on to learn some really amazing things, Isk." your teacher tells you. "You always were that kind of kid. I look forward to seeing what you come back with."

"Between you and Al, I wonder who's gonna learn the most?" Ed grins. "I'm gonna have to work hard not to fall too far behind you guys."

"We're all going to be waiting anxiously for your return!" Armstrong tells you, crying his eyes out. "Come back triumphant and with a wealth of new knowledge, ready to apply it in service to the people of this country! I'm sure you'll be able to help an immeasurable amount of our citizens!"

"Goodbye." Hohenheim says. "I don't think I need to wish you much luck, between you and my son, I don't think there's anything the world could throw at you to slow you down. But, I'll do it anyway. Good luck. And make sure everything goes alright with Envy. If he really is on the straight and narrow now, I'd love to hear all about it."

Waving one last time at the group, you all head off across the desert.

"It will be a long trip." Fu warns. "Don't any of you go getting teary eyed now. Need to conserve those fluids."

As you travel, you and Leah go back and forth about all the things you're going to do. What you're going to do while in Xing, and how your lives are going to be when you come back to Amestris. The idea comes up of you teaching alkahestry to other people back home. It might not be a bad idea. The thought of teaching was always in your mind...

"Hey, Silent Alchemist." Envy has come up next to you as you travel. "That thing you do, talking with your hands. Teach me how to do that."

Envy gets some weird looks from May, and Al nearby.

"What? It's something I don't know." Envy replies. "If someone knows something I don't, I'll ask them about it so I can learn. This should not be a foreign concept to you humans, really. It might be kind of hard though, since you can't talk..."

You'd be laughing now if you could make any sound. The situation is just too funny. But you sign a response to Envy's question for Leah to relay. She smiles as she does so.

"Iskander is happy to teach anyone, anytime." she says. "And I'll be right here to help get his message across. Just think of me as his voice, we'll explain it all to you."

"Alright!" Envy grins, excited. It's not an expression you ever expected to see on a homunculus.

His eyes are shining with curiosity, like a child. Like your eyes once were. Or maybe they still are. Even now, your drive to learn is still there. You see a common thread between you and the homunculus right now. Proof that he's at least a little bit human.

You smile yourself as you start your explanation, with Leah's help.

>The End

And that's it, everybody. You guys have any other questions, then hey. Shoot. I'll answer whatever you want

Also, Twitter is still @LazeQM

>>1249698
Thanks for the quest Laze, it was fun.

>>1249691
>>1249698
Thanks Laze, it was blast.

So what now? You got any ideas on what your next great Quest might be?

>>1249698
That's 2/2 Laze. Your a legend. Dedicated Qm and I've loved your narrative improvement. Looking forward to your next endeavour

>>1249716
There's been some clamoring for a sequel to Leaf Ninja Quest, so I decided to do that next. At the very least, I shouldn't have to worry about reader numbers for that one

>>1249732
I kind of trailed off near the end of that one. What happened again?

>>1249740
Just read the archive bud please can we leave it at that.

>>1249740
A good amount of stuff. Honestly, anyone who isn't coming over from the first one will probably be totally lost. So that could impact numbers

>>1249746
I mean I remember getting to the big ass tree thing and then us fucking up with TenTen, who did we end up shagging.

>>1249746
>Impact things
I see what you did there.

>>1249698
Thanks for running was fun to read and participate when I could stay late enough.

Fucking awesome Laze, thanks for the good times.

Now to the rest of you shit heads.
Can't believe you faggots went with first girl again.
Really?
I know it took the last thread to decide but goddamn you simple, corny fucks