Easier said then done (open)

[discorantentity]

If high paying work was hard to come by, then it was even harder to pull off. After the meeting with her employer Rhiane looked at the older picture of her target and sighed, she hated doing this line of work. A whisper in her head chided her and reminded her that they agreed to do this, if she was unable to she could turn control over to her shadow self. Getting smuggled in was the easy part, she just had to slip into a group of new arrivals and then break off. Having obtained the necessary information she waited until nightfall to slip in, things were not going to be easy as this place was dark and rather underkept. After that she managed to get in and start looking around, once she was inside the building. Looking at the photo she started to sneak about, and watched the chimera there intently. If they had become a chimera yet they would be noticable, if not then they would be in the holding cells. She was trying to keep from prying eyes, but all of the sudden she almost slipped on a puddle. Landing with one hand in the floor she stood up, turning her head she saw something moving in the shadows that could be her target.

She was shaking, and she knew that doing this made her no better than the monster her shadow was. Still she had to make a living, and this job was probably more trouble than it was worth. "This one is mine, I will not allow him to leave my sight alive." 'Can't do it, losing your nerve. This man is a thief and liar, he betrayed his own employer... Fine I'll do it, I'll make him suffer...' She spent three tense hours looking for the man who had fled here to hide, and he was probably going to be hard to get close to. Seeing something move again it was clearly not a human, and this place reminded her of the time she spent under her makers control for surroundings. She finally found her target, hiding behind a sturdy door which she opened and startled him. Scrambling back he held up a pistol at her, obviously looking like he was scared. "I can't let you come closer, you might be one of those monsters. Don't!" She ignored him as he fired shakily and the bullet hit the wall, obviously something here terrified him. "So what if I am, your just some two bit thug who stole from your boss. I may not agree with the scum you worked for, but to have no honor makes you even worse." He knew then that she was here to kill her, and hit her in the left shoulder this time. In reaction she fired an acid round that was due to expire soon at him, without aiming it hit him in the neck and the body hit with a sickening thud. She unloaded the last five rounds into him in frustration, and then dropped to her knees. Taking a few large strips of cloth from her coat she created a temporary tourniquet and some padding to absorb any blood, after that she rifled through is pockets to find out what he was carrying, he had to have hidden ot kept what he stole on him.

As she was leaving he noise of the gunfire seemed to attract unwanted attention, a lizard chimera blocked her path and the only way to run was deeper inside. She didn't like these odds, but she had to try. Instead of attacking she ran forward and charged through the chimera, clawing at the back of its knees with her good arm as she did to slow it down. Even for her as she was now; the icy professional who did what it took, she was not stupid. Though she found that the door before her was shut and locked she fumbled with a vial and destroyed the lock, right now she was in control but still trying to think clear due to pain. Things had gone horribly wrong, and she realized that this could very well be a setup that even her employer was merely a pawn in. I told you we should not have done this, now look at us. Trapped like a cat in a cage, happy now... The personality in control of her body scowled, and shook her head at the words of her kinder and gentler side. It was wrong, she wanted to believe that but now she wasn't so sure. "Shut up, your getting in my way. I can't thimk with you babbling your crap, even if you were right it's too damn late. So just shut it." She said out loud to herself, and then kept looking around for some place she could properly administer first aid and then let herself calm down.

Finding the ruined lab she shut the door and then looked for a first aid kit, once she found one she patched herself up as best she could. She would have to get the bullet removed quickly, otherwise she would not even escape this place. Starting to head out she was cautious, but in the end she found herself facing the same chimera whose legs she managed to take out. Killing it off with a knife made from muddy water she had the package, but she found that the wound forced her to stay put once again as she felt herself getting dizzy.

[dante]

"For your sake I hope that everything is running smoothly, doctor. I'm hardly in the mood for any further disappointments."

Dante stood across from an elderly gentleman, her arms folded across her abdomen. Despite her apathetic expression, it was obvious that she was in a rather foul mood, something she made very clear to the scientists upon her arrival. After finally getting her specimens back from their chimera mother, she lost them due to the interference of the very military that she controlled. She, who had managed to infiltrate the government and bend it to her will, had been reduced to fleeing from soldiers like the common criminals she used to create her stones. Needless to say that put her in bad spirits.

The old scientist nodded in response, rather nervous in her presence. "I'm sure you'll find that everything is to your liking, ma'am. We received a batch of specimens from the prison this morning, and soon we will begin transmuting them into red stones."

She began walking down the dimly lit hallway, keeping her eyes ahead of her. "What of our latest project? That takes priority over your usual duties, doctor. In case you've forgotten, you and your men are responsible for gathering materials for the chimeras and preparing for the arrival of my newest homunculus."

The scientist nodded in response, glancing at his clipboard as he walked alongside her. "The prisoners that weren't used for the stones were harvested as material. We have a room ready for the latest Gluttony, along with a large supply of red water that can be pumped into its bloodstream."

"I'm pleased to hear that," she said, ascending a staircase. Since the children were once again missing, her main focus would be the restoration of her legion of homunculi. She had several that needed to be replaced, and if her new model of Gluttony fared well, preparing the others would be easy. They all ready had enough material to help construct them, and gathering human cores would be a simple task, thanks to their access to the prison next door.

"Now that the chimera children have escaped, that will be your primary focus from now on," she continued as she reached the next floor, leading him down another hallway. "I haven't decided whether or not to continue the search. Their mother is far more resourceful than I imagined, and I'm afraid I simply don't have the manpower to keep her at bay. We may end up putting the project on hiatus."

Looking for those children was proving to be more trouble than it was worth. Once she had her homunculi again, she would be able to make them reproduce, and she could continue the project with those children. Then again, she was not about to let Martel get away with meddling in her affairs. Perhaps she would have her killed, or have her twins killed and leave her to mourn their loss. When she opened a door, she was broken from her thoughts when she discovered a young woman inside, along with a deceased chimera.

"It seems we have a guest," she smiled icily.

[discorantentity]

Hearing the door open Rhiane looked towards it and hauled herself up using the wall and her good arm, she had no idea how much time she had lost. "Now you've done it, looks like we're both dead... I knew I should have done it all myself..." Came the familiar voice in her mind, to which she replied hastily trying to keep it down so nothing was revealed. "Whose idea was it to take this job, play it cool and we'll get out of here alive and then get paid." She then turned to Dante and cracked her neck, making sure her shoulder was still secured. Approaching to get a better look she kicked the dead chimera, and spat on it as if it were beneath her. That is an inferior chimera, it died because it was in my way. If that rat bastard had told me about these things, I'd have taken a different aproach... She gazaed at Dante like someone who could kill without blinking, though for this matter the shadow was the best person to talk.

I apologize for the intrusion, but you see I had some business here. That business has reached it's end though, but I seem to have gotten lost and wounded." She knew that she had not stopped any bleeding, so far and was just soaking it up with the cloth. Stopping to check she then formed a knife from a pool of water and butchered more of her coat, to change the bandages . Still watching Dante she wondered who this person was, and knew only that she was probably someone dangerous just by looking at her. Both a success and a botched job, she was caught by someone and yet she killed her target. Hopefully they would understand the nature of her business, and ignore it. "Umm, could you just show me the way out. I really need to get to someone who can patch me up, I mean a hospital would just call the military and last I saw them they wanted to lock me up... I just want to colllect my pay and disappear, have some parfaits... This time a rather softer and less cold voice came out as if not only were she a chimera in body, she also seemed to carry two distinct personalities that agreed on the same goal but had different views. Looking around nervously she flattened her ears and sighed, thinking right now about how she hated what she had become but knowing it gave her a better chance of survival. "I take it your not moving until you get answers, is that it. We can explain, honestly...

[dante]

(OOC: Again, many apologies about the wait! School is calming down now, so I'll be posting MUCH more frequently, hopefully. ><)

Dante regarded the intruder with her usual apathetic expression, listening as she spoke. Although her presence had not been expected, she was not that surprised to have found her. All too often people found their way into her laboratory and caused all sorts of mayhem, even after she ordered its staff to suspend their operations. Not too long ago she had received a report of two individuals having a little sparring match within its abandoned chambers.

"Leave us," she addressed her elderly attendant, who nodded and departed without a word. Once he left, she turned back to Rhiane and smiled softly, a frightening gleam in her eyes.

"As much as I would love to let you leave, I'm afraid that isn't possible. Surely you know where you are? This is Laboratory Five, one of the most important facilities maintained by the military. Your words leave the impression that you are on bad terms with the military, so it would be foolish of me to simply let you walk out of here after snooping around. The fact that you say you have business in a place like this isn't helping your case either, I'm afraid." ''

She paused and began looking her over. Normally she would have dismissed her as a pathetic human, but several things about her piqued her interest. She was a human chimera, but since she did not seem to be working for Greed, she doubted that she was among those that escaped with him, or that she was created in the laboratory at all, for that matter. Additionally, she seemed to have a rather erratic personality. One moment she spoke with power and ruthlessness, and the next she seemed like a meek doll. The only explanation she could think of was that the process of turning her into a chimera ended up shattering her mind.

Tilting her head to the side, she turned her attention back to Rhiane. "Then again, it is possible that you wandered in unknowingly... But even if what you say is true, I'm not about to take my chances. I should have you killed right now, but being the compassionate woman that I am, I will give you an opportunity to convince me to spare your life. Oh, and please be succinct; I'm on a rather tight schedule."

[sweetanimefreak]

( Hey people ^^ ....Can i play here too???.....My Roy isn't playing anywhere......)

[discorantentity]

Rhiane listened to the woman as she closed her eyes, and she knew what this meant. She had to be convincing but at the same time, she could not give up the fact she was once doing intelligence for the military so she knew. Even if I knew I would not have changed my actions, somenody else slipped in here without your knowledge. Somebody who I had been sent to elmiminate. I thought this place was no longer operational, looks like I was mistaken. If you let me go I can make it worth your while, perhaps we can work out some sort of agreement. Though we should discuss anything like that, in much more appropriate settings."" She replied as her professional aspect took over and she looked at Dante, the eyes showing no emotion and what seemed an almost perfect poker face. She was set on getting out alive, even if it meant cutting deals to surivive. Tapping her foot on the ground she smiled mysteriously, almost like she was not planning on giving Dante little in exchange for this favor. She knew that she was trapped here, and one slip she could get killed. So she had to play this one smart, and not let her usual self do any talking here as then she would definitely get herself killed. "So what do you say, can we discuss business elsewhere. After all, your talking to a phantom. Look my name up when you can, Lt. Rhiane Blackthorn. I'm officially dead and buried, but then they left me for dead so you can understand my issues with the military I hope." She then waited for a response as she knew that she was pushing the enevelope, but for Dante to get a good ide of why she was on shaky terms with the military she needed to realize that the military made the first insult.

OOC: Roy Mustang Come on down!!! Your the next contestant in the price is death! Yes you can hop in.

[dante]

((OOC:Sure, feel free to join! The old bat is gonna be pissed, though. XD))

Dante curved her lips into a small frown, thoughts racing through her head. She remembered her unwelcome guest mentioning that she had come to take care of some business, which seemed to be eliminating the other intruder. The woman had the look of a fighter about her, and she was obviously no damsel in distress, considering that she was able to take on that chimera on her own. Still, even if her story checked out, that was not enough to change her mind.

She cocked her head to the side, her thoughts still hidden behind her apathetic expression. "An assassin, I presume? I'm not surprised. Your story is plausible enough, but that is inconsequential. What concerns me is what you might have witnessed in this facility."

When the young woman made her offer, she went silent again, quirking a brow in curiosity. It amused her that she was actually trying to make a deal with her. Considering that she had all of Amestris at her command, there was not much that the girl could offer her that she could not get herself. Of course, she had no way of knowing that, so she could not be blamed for her ignorance. Sometimes she had to remind herself that those foolish humans she manipulated were not as perfect as she.

"Phantoms are more common than you'd think. I take it this isn't the first time you got in over your head, mmm? You should really be more careful," she chuckled sultrily, then turned away from her. "Very well. If you'll accompany me to my study, I'll listen to what you have to say...."

She stopped at the door and glanced back at her, an icy smile on her face. "...But if I find you're wasting my time, you'll wish I killed you here. Do I make myself clear?"

[sweetanimefreak]

Roy went down the stairs during he spoke with himself......" I'am excited if the rumors are right I heard from...." He said with a smile and held his chin with his hand....." Fullmetal talked about that too.....from the Laboratory 5...".......It was getting darker and darker with every step.....Than he arrived the ground.....The Flame Alchemist looked arround him and he heard a few voices in the distant.....he snaped his hand and a little flame appeared.....he walked in the direction of the voices.......

[velinda]

(May Hikari join in?)

[discorantentity]

"I will not disappoint, but excuse me if I get right to business. Wasted words mean wasted time, please lead the way." She replied with an unwavering look, and then perked an ear as she heard footsteps from the direction of the entrance. Tensing up she pulled out a vial of water and formed more bullets, then loaded her gun as if she was now on guard. "Were you followed, there is somebody who is coming our way. If they are not your ally then I will kill them, a note. Refer to me as Nightshade please, that name suits one of my talents far better." She then followed Dante to her office, her eyes darting around the area to try and locate this new person. She was not wasting any space, and scanning over every surface she saw. Though she decided to put up a roadblock and the moment they passed by a large enough puddle she dipped a finger into it, and after a flash of purple light from her shoulder then she created a five foot high wall across the corridor. She was showing her worth before she would say it, at least this could be enough to deter anyone who was possibly after her. She could take no risks that this was a trap, and now she merely followed Dante to her study.

"That should deter them, I could have made the wall into acid though..." She chuckled at the thought of that, because acid walls were always fun when they dispersed. Even if fire was used her most common type of acid had sulphur in it, so it would be lit ablaze. She could have so much fun with them, but for now she had to keep it simple a she was out of vials and had used too much alchemy already so she was not going to put anymore strain on herself.

OOC: I don't see a problem, you guys?

[dante]

((OOC: The more the merrier. ^_^))

Dante began making her way down the hallway, but stopped when she heard footsteps in the distance. She glanced over at the girl, who was busy loading her gun, having heard them as well. It was more than likely one of the alchemists that operated the laboratory, but considering recent events it was wise to take precautions. If worse came to worst she would let her prisoner take care of it, since she seemed quite eager to prove herself useful.

As they began walking again, she gave her a mildly incredulous look when she brought up her alias. Personally she thought it sounded like something her son would have come up with when he used to play pretend with his friends, but then again, she tended to be overly critical of everything."Nightshade? What a strange name. But if you insist..."

When they came to the puddle, she stopped and watched as Nightshade created a wall to stop their pursuer. It was obvious that she was still trying to show her worth, and to some extent she was succeeding. This girl would be of use to her, especially now that her ranks were thinned. Of course, she could not let her know that. "Hmm... Somewhat impressive, but you're only wasting your time. Whoever is following us can easily circumvent that wall of yours. But we needn't worry; if he reaches the inner sanctum, he will meet a grisly end."

Ignoring the intruder for now, she led her down a staircase and eventually reached a door at the end of a long hallway. She opened it and revealed a dimly lit study full of old bookcases. Closing the door behind her, she took a seat at her desk and turned to face Nightshade, clasping her hands. "Let's get to business, shall we? Go ahead and make your case, and be careful not to garner my displeasure."

[discorantentity]

"Once he got his hands on me, the nightshade alchemist ceased to exist. Thus why I use the name, but that is a trivial matter of the past." She replied and then walked quietly, she knew it would be a minor nuisance to whoever it was, but then again she would need more water if she had to handle them. Once there Nightshade cracked her neck and stretched her back, what she was was the product of engineering, as well as failed mind control. Still she was supressing the kinder side quite well, but then that was getting harder. "Very well then, business is business. I understand you are wary of me, but I assure you I saw little in my actions. Just some unused lab I raided for medical supplies, and a few empty cells. I don't even care what this facility is used for... If you ask why you should spare me, loyalty is a very rare commodity in my line of work. I value that quality heavily, my previous master who I killed tried to abuse that connection..." She paused before closing her eyes as she tried to maintain control, but failing the other side showed up and looked around confused and blinking. Not sure where she was but she had picked up bits and pieces of the conversation.

"That bitch, thinking this body is hers alone... Umm, where were we... That's right, why you should spare my life and employ me. I'll be bfrief, so here I go." She cleared her throat and took in a breath, trying not to let the fact of what she was bother her. Though her own discomfort at the matter showed physically. as she shyly tried to hide her tail and flattened her ears. If you convince us to cooperate, I can be a real nightmare to anyone. Look all innocent and cute, then when they least expect it become an ice cold killer. When we freed ourselves we fractured the mind, and thus both personalities were given their own life. Don't you see the advantage there, I may despise my body but I know it's usefulness. As long as I am afforded respect, you will not have any issues with my loyalties." She stated the one fact that could prove to be her selling point right there, and despite the fact that loyalty for her was almost garaunteed she knew that this was going to be a hard sell. That she would actually have to get along with the bitch and learn to synchronize when to use herself or her.

[velinda]

Hikari came in not too far behind the flame alchemist, but for an entirely different reason. Even with her previous experience in Lab 5, she figured she might be safer. She didn't realize that the flame alchemist was there, but when she heard a snap ahead of her, she rushed up, but stayed far enough behind that she could see his back, but if he turned around, she'd be out of range of his fire. She heard something about Fullmetal, the man she wanted to find, and she also had heard him call this place "Lab 5"... So that's what it was called, then?

She decided then to step out of hiding, and say, "Are you a state alchemist?" It was clear by his clothing that he was at least a soldier, but she would be on much better footing should this man prove to be an alchemist. He might wonder why one as young as her was here, but she didn't want to go into that right now- that would mean telling him about Lust... and that would make that female come after her if she ever found out... and that thought made her body tremble slightly. If he could make out anything specific on her hand, he might see that there was an odd design etched there- as if carved into her skin, and it almost seemed to be an array of some sort...

[sweetanimefreak]

He heard a unknown voice behind him and he turned......Roy saw a little girl and the first he noted was her white- shining
hair......"Yes....I'am...." he said quickly......
"So what a little girl like you is doing here?" he asked.......Roy hadn't excpected to find a girl in this dark place.....

[velinda]

Hikari watched the man talk, and she smiled. So he WAS, wasn't he? That was great! She found who she was looking for! Maybe she wouldn't need Solaris or Lust, or whoever that woman was. She didn't know if she would come after her, but after what Hikari saw, she wouldnt' put it past that woman.

His next question, him asking what she was doing here, brought her back to earth. What am I doing here? she mimicked. Well... uh... um... that's kinda hard to answer... She couldnt' tell the man about Lust, so how would she explain her to him? I saw you enter here... and decided to follow you... I'm looking for a State Alchemist, after all... she blushed. She didn't know who he was quite yet, but if he introduced himself, she would definitely know the name. My name is Hikari, by the way... What's a soldier doing here, where the chimera are? That last sentnce might pique his curiosity as well- how did she know about what was in here?

[sweetanimefreak]

" Hmh..." was the first he said......Roy listened to to the girl when he noted something at her hand....then he looked again to Hikari.....
" Well my name is Roy Mustang the Flame Alchemist......what are you want from a State Alchemist?..." he didn't answear her last question deliberate.....

( I hope you understand the last sentence...^^"...)

[velinda]

"Nice to meet you, Roy..." At first, the name didn't dawn on her, but then her eyes widened. "The F-flame alchemist?" She wasn't bubbly over him, but then again, who was? "I-i never thought I'd be meeting such a high-ranking Alchemist..." However, her nervousness seemed to end as he asked her what he wanted with a State Alchemist. "I want... no, I need to become a State Alchemist, and I figured the best person to ask was a State Alchemist themself..."

[sweetanimefreak]

" Mhm.... Aren't you to young to become a State Alchemist??" Roy asked her suspicious......

[velinda]

Hikari looked to the male, and nodded sadly. "H-hai... I am... but like I said, I need to become a State Alchemist, and I need to do it because I need... the assets the military can provide; I heard Edward Elric-sama did it at the age of twelve... and I wanted to be another young one. I can't match his feat, but at least I can be close." Her body shook as she remembered the incident with her family. She didn't know if gettting the Stone would help her to bring them back, but she could try... or failing that, she could try to use the stone to help her find hidden aspects of Runology.

"If you're that high of a State Alchemist, and if you were snoopy, you might have found mention of my last name- Hikari, but by way of my parents..." She didn't say anymore, but rubbed the back of her right hand nervously. If he moved closer to get better light on her, he might have noticed her blood-red eyes, or what seemed to be an array of sorts on her right hand, where she was rubbing it...

[dante]

Dante sat across from her with her hands folded, listening with mild interest as she told her story. At first she had some doubts about the young woman, but now it was clear that she was being honest. There were not many people who were aware of the conspiracy she maintained within the government, and those who were would never be foolish enough to combat her by sending in a single person to gather information. She simply made the mistake of being in the wrong place at the wrong time, which was something she could sympathize with.

"Rest assured, I believe your story. It is more likely that you wandered here by chance than because of a hidden agenda. Moreover, I trust that you did not see anything significant. Operations in this facility just restarted after a short hiatus, so needless to say there isn't much going on."

She rose from her chair and smoothed out her dress, then headed over to an antique table at the other end of the room. There was a pot of warm tea that she prepared earlier resting on the end. Reaching for the pot, she began pouring the tea into two ornate cups. "Loyalty is indeed hard to come by these days, is it not? I know that all too well..."

When her other personality assumed control, she glanced back and raised an eyebrow. When Nightshade explained how her mind had been shattered, her confusion faded and she returned to pouring the drinks. After she finished, she walked over to Nightshade and handed her a cup, then resumed her seat. She did not bother to ask if she wanted it because if she was gracious enough to extend her hospitality to someone, they would do well to accept it. Bringing her cup to her lips, she turned back to Nightshade and smiled softly.

"That is all well and good," she began, taking a sip, "but as I always used to tell my students, it is better to show than to tell. I will accept your services, but I would like to gage your abilities first. At first I thought those people we heard were alchemists under my command, but as we were heading toward my office, I overheard them talking and realized they were intruders. Kill them and bring their remains to me."