The quest for Truth begins here...

[Alphonse [James Applewood]]

[OOC: Open to all chars except Hohenhiem (because I don't think he should meet his dad yet)]

"Brother!!!"

Alphonse shouted, yet still his voice was faint. The desert proved to be a bit more challenging that Al thought. It was hard for Al to traverse the tall shifting dunes in his new body.

His brother, Edward helped dig Alphonse out three times already, but this time Edward was nowhere to be found. Al stretched and reached until his index and middle fingers poked out fo the sand. He wiggled his fingers until his hand was above ground. Then he waved his hand and shouted again:

"Brother!!"

But Edward also had a challenging time traveling through the vast desert to Liore. He was about to faint from thirst last time Al checked. Since Alphonse was burried this time he hadn't heard a peep from his brother. Alphonse began to panic a bit...

Is he alright? Did he faint? Will I find him?
Many questions raced through his mind.

First thing I have to do is get out of this stupid sand!

He stretched his other arm up and reached until his fingers peaked above the sand. He wiggled and flailed his hands until his arms were both out of the sand up to his elbows. He clapped his hands together and a flash of blue energy swirled around. It made a little sand tornado blasting all the sand away from his heavy armored body.

He removed his boot and turned it over, dumping sand back into the ocean of desert . He turned toward the east and could see Liore in the distance. He glanced in all directions looking for his brother. No way did this Desert end Edward ... he was stronger than that. Al had no doubt in his mind that Ed was alive. But what happened to him?

Alphonse clapped his hands together and placed his palms to the ground. He transmuted the sand to harden and form a road all the way to Liore.

"There, now I won't get stuck again!" He said affirmatively and then continued on his way.

Alphonse didn't like being seperated from his brother at all. Ever since that fateful night that they commited the forbidden...

"Brother, I will find you!"


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Alphonse continued on his newly constructed golden sand bricked road. It was stable enough to hold Al's heavy steps, but after an hour or so of being vulnerable to the Desert's harsh winds the alchemy wore off and the bricks eroded back to it's original form: shifting sand.

Alphonse knew Edward was in the nearing town of Liore. Together they were looking for answers to their ultimate question. Could Alchemy bring about them regaining their true bodies? If so, they would exhaust every alchemic option to accomplish their ultimate goal.

Here, in a small, insignificant desert town named Liore, there was a 'priest' who could apparently accomplish acts of true miraculous origin. Maybe this 'priest' knew of some sort of Alchemy that Al and Ed had not researched yet. Or even more interesting, maybe this 'priest' was in possesion of the famed Philosopher's Stone...

Alphonse was deep in thoughts as he walked headstrong into a stranger and trampled over them, eventually crashing into a plume, consisting of sand, dust and the person Al trampled...

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[OOC: modified it so that it was more kosher for anyone to join...]

[Lust [Gluttony]]

((Running an NPC to get Lust into the story))

The man Alphonse crashed into had been carrying two large clay pots as he stumbled to the ground he was just able to catch one but the other crashed into several large pieces. The man clambered to his feet and before taking note of Al he stared blankly at the cracked pieces lying on the ground.
“Oh, no... no my wife's gonna kill me, those were to be for our daughters wedding... Oh, what am I gonna do, WHY ME! You should really watch where you going you big...” At that he turned to see what had knocked into. At seeing the size of the armored man his face went flush. “I.. I mean I am so, sorry sir, I am so clumsy not looking where I am going. HAHA” He brought his hand behind his head looking very unsure of himself mush like a cornered mouse.

[Alphonse [James Applewood]]

Alphonse still felt like he wasn't fully connected with his new body sometimes. It seems he could be very clumsy at times. And this was definitly one of those instance.

Al crashed into this simple man, carrying provisions for his daughters wedding. The man was obviously upset for breaking the clay pot. But when the man got a look at Alphonse's huge metal body his face turned flush. The man seemed rather intimidated by Alphonse.

Someone who knew the man approached as the dust settled. "Hey Lee, what happened to you?"

Someone else in the crowd answered for the man who was still utterly speechless and flushed. "That tall armored guy just knocked Lee down! He broke Lee's clay pot!!"

More and more people were being attracted by all the commotion until now it seemed like there was a crowd, or mob even. They were all around Alphonse, who was obviously a newcomer.

Alphonse began to get very intimidated himself. Afterall he was only a teenager, despite his outward appearance.

"I am sorry sir."

Alphonse apologized sincerly. Then he pulled a small peice of chalk from his suit and began to draw a transmutation circle on the ground. Then he gathered all the little peices of the pot and placed them within the circle. He got on his knees, clapped his hands, and placed his palms to the ground.

The transmutation circle glowed with bright blue energy. The alchemy transformed the clay pot, fixing it. The pot looked brand new!

Alphonse stood up handing the pot over to Lee.

"Good as new!" Alphonse said with a slight smile on his metal visage.

At first the man was speechless, he just looked on in amazment. Then someone from the crowd shouted: "It's a miracle!"

"No, it's just alchemy!" Alphonse shouted at the crowd.


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[OOC: Love the post ... I laughed out loud when I read it ... BTW your NPC is named LEE ... ]

[Lust [Gluttony]]

Lust watched from the shadows the people clambered around the hulking armored figure as the crowed ooh and awed about the use of alchemy.

Someone in crowd shouted out “He can preform miracles just like Father Cornello! Blessed be Leto in all his glory.” And even more people passing were drawn to the spectacle before them.

Lee scowled and said “Don't be stupid he just said it was Alchemy! He must be one of those Alchemists from Central city. Yeah, a State Alchemist, I'll bet. ”

The crowed seemed to start to grasp the idea that a State Alchemist could do these sorts of things and began to disperse. Save for a few.

“Yeah I heard there was a new State alchemist called Full Metal, that must be you right, I can see why they call you that with that suit you wear.” Lee beamed at Alphonse looking quite proud of himself for putting that all together.

The others seemed very impressed giving their praises to who they thought was the full metal Alchemist.

…..................................................

Lust looked at the hulking suite of armor as the locals swarmed around him, and suddenly her eyes went wide hearing the name “Full Metal Alchemist” she had been told of this one, he was a potential sacrifice, but more so he was a state alchemist. She remembered being told that they were the Elric brothers, so she quickly made check to see if the other was near by but did not see him. She would have to play this carefully if they discover too much it could ruin things with Father Cornello. Still she waited as a fat figure closed in behind her.
…................................................
A high pitch voice like a deranged child whispered to Lust.
“A state alchemist, he doesn't smell human..but I can still eat him...”
Gluttony licked his enormous teeth as he was cut of by Lust who used a matter fact tone.
….........................
“No, he is one of the Elric brothers, remember what father said, he is a potential sacrifice. He is still of use to us.” She lowered a hand to the top of Gluttony's head as the both continued to watch from the alley.”

(( Sorry about no reply yesterday, my Internet was completely down....right when I went to post... My ISP is crap))

[Alphonse [James Applewood]]

[OOC: No rush I dont mind waiting a couple days ... life happens ... you may have to wait on me sometime...]

Alphonse saw the look on everyone's face. They were amazed and shouted praise. Then someone thought he was the 'Fullmetal Alchemist'. It was not the first time Al dealt with this confusion. He tried to butt in and correct the crowd members:

"No I'm not Full-"

"Hey! come check out how wonderful the Fullmetal Alchemist is!"

"Really, I'm not my broth-"

"He helped Lee save his daughter's wedding!"

"Er ... Um"

"He should be rewarded!"

"No, that's not neccesary..."

Alphonse felt the affection of the people of Liore, and he could not help but enjoy it. He felt slightly guilty.

So this is what it feels like to be you, brother...

He thought as he looked at all the smiling faces of the crowd. He knew it was not right to use his brother's identity. But then he asked himself:

What harm could come from me being Fullmetal ... at least until I find brother ...

Maybe this would bring about him finding his brother. Knowing Ed, the way Al did, as soon as Ed hears that someone else is using his identity he would hunt that person down and probably smash him.

Suddenly Alphonse heard this echoing sound. He realized that it was coming through the speakers of a nearby radio. The echos could be heard from nearby radios. It played some hymnal music before a deep voice began:

"All of God's children that live in this land, I offer up this prayer. Leto has blessed each of you with great talents and intellect, so that you may serve him better and complete his works. Do not fail your God and fall into the shadows. Instead, may your path be illuminated by Leto's eternal light. I am Leto's representative and your father."

Then the music continued on for a bit. Absolutely everyone stopped what they were doing and listened attently to the words. Who was this man on the radio and why does he have such a grip on .... everyone in town?

Alphonse looked at Lee and asked:

"Who was that?"

[Lust [Gluttony]]

Lee beamed a smile at Alphonse and cleared his throat before he spoke.
“Oh, don't suppose you'd know Father Cornello. He all but saved this town, he is the hand of our god Leto. A great man!” Lee seem to puff up in admiration as he continued on. “Yup we were all but a forgotten little town lost as lambs out here but when he came to us wielding the power of Leto.”

The others all nodded in agreement. When one looked suddenly more pale and began to shake...
“Um... Lee, I think your wife is looking for you, AND SHE LOOKS ANGREY!” The man threw his hands up and ran into through the nearest doorway. Lee looked up toward where the man had gestured before he ran off, and all the color drained from his face.

A thin woman still in curlers with only slight creases in her face that denoted an age matching Lee's marched in a steady pace directly to where he and Alphonse were standing. Lee seemed to move with subconscious though and like a crab slid sideways behind Alphonse's armor.
“Oh dear, I think I'm running la...late.” he stammered.

The woman stopped with a ridged posture and in a voice that seemed louder that a woman of her size could produce.
“LEE, HAVE YOU FORGOTTEN YOUR DAUGHTER IS TO BE MARRIED TODAY!”
The sound of her should buffeted against Lee almost causing him to drop his post again.

“I'm uh, sorry Lin my dear, ...I... you see this State Alchemist was helping...” Lee stumbled over his words. As his wife interrupted.
“I don't care if he's the Fuhrer King Bradly! Now get those pots into the court yard and get your self changed NOW!” She pointed sternly and stood with confidence. The other towns people quickly dispersed leaving Lee and Alphonse alone.
“Yes, dear. Sorry, dear. Thank you again Mr. Full Metal Alchemist.”
Lee said looking up at Alphose defeated as he hurried away.

Lust approached Alphonse once he was alone with her cloak on and spoke in a friendly voice.
“You are a State Alchimest huh? Well, this seems rather far out from central, are you traveling on business?”

[Alphonse [James Applewood]]

Alphonse was somewhat taken by surprise by the vigor of Lee's wife, Lin. By the time the crowd reacted and then Lee was on his way, Alphonse felt a little lost.

He had no idea who this 'priest' was and he was sure that his brother was not close by. It wouldn't have taken Ed this long to reunite with Alphonse. He began to dwell on this topic until he heard a confident, strong female voice call out to him from behind.

"Oh, um ... yeah I am the Fullmetal Alchemist. Who are you?"

He said hesitantly. You see while in under the disguise of Edward, he might run acroos people who may not be the friendliest. This was something he hadn't thought of until now. Maybe acting like the Fullmetal Alchemist would bring about Ed's rivals or even his few enemies.

Al noticed that most everyone had moved on with their business. He seemed alone with this stranger...

[Lust [Gluttony]]

“You can call me Solaris.” Lust smiled with a friendliness the she learned to portray flawlessly
“I’m travelling like so many others that have come to Lior, on matter s regarding Father Cornello.” Lust regarded Alphonse carefully and tilted her head in a concerned gesture. “You look lost… and it seems like you could use a friend. Is there something you are looking for here in Lior? You never know I might be able to help you.”
…………………………………………………..
Gluttony peered at the interaction from the ally briefly before disappearing into the shadows. He knew their job and knew that Lust had things well in hand here. He would go check on the tasty priest and make sure he was staying out of trouble.

[Alphonse [James Applewood]]

"Nice to meet you Solaris."

This woman seemed genuinely concerned and offered to help Alphonse find whatever it is he was looking for. He first thought how nice she was.

"I traveled to Liore with my brother. However, along the way we became seperated. I need to find him before he gets into any trouble."

It occured to him that this lady almost knew he was looking for something ... as if she knew before she approached him. This was just a suspicious feeling creeping into his thoughts. He brushed it off and continued...

"Tell me more about this Father Cornello. Everyone in towns seems so taken with him, he must be a nice man."

Together Alphonse and Solaris walked the dusty streets of Liore. Hymnal music played lightly in the background. A distance ahead of them you could see a temple with a large statue of Leto the Sun God.

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[OOC: Sorry so short and so late. I have been trying to reclaim my computer from some nasty viruses.]

[Lust [Gluttony]]

Lust walked with Alphonse and listened with genuine concern, it appeared the other Elric brother was missing and possibly somewhere here in Lior. She thought this must be the one called Alphones, if she remembered what she was told of the two boy he was the younger of the two.

“Hmmm... Father Cornello? Well I'm sure he's like every other holy man. Driven toward a single purpose in his life. Walking the narrow path that leads him there, not unlike a State Alchemist I've been told. Perhaps you are not very much different...”

Lust smirked, this was so very true she knew so many pathetic humans wasted their gift of life in an empty pursuit of power. How many have perished, their lives empty, their goals unrealized, how many died only to realize the emptiness created by their own hands... Many she presumed, for she herself had peered into the eyes of many men, their life extinguishing slowly before her with that look of utter despair.

“If you traveled through the desert with your brother then he must be here in Lior some where, most who travel here are sure to visit the fountain of wine. Perhaps your brother is there.”

She knew that the Elric brother's were potential sacrifices but for them to be here in Lior could mean trouble for Dante's plans for Father Cornello. It was too soon, if they learned too much it could ruin everything.

[Alphonse [James Applewood]]

Alphonse listened to Solaris. She seemed pretty knowledgeable. Alphonse finally got a good look a Solaris and was stunned by her beauty. She had flawless skin and long silky hair.

"Knowing my brother, he will probably be more attracted to this Father Cornello guy than the fountain of wine."

Although the opposite could be said of Alphonse. He longed to taste things again. Wine was one of his recent intrigues. As he grows older, he see's more and more people drinking it and can't help but wonder how it tastes.

I wonder if this Father Cornello guy can help me get my body back...

Al dwelled on his thoughts for a while until he noticed Solaris looking at his quizativly. Maybe he sudden silence took her off gaurd. He crawled out of his despairing thoughts.

"I think I should see Father Cornello. I maybe have a few questions for him. Do you know where he might be? Maybe there?"

Alphonse asked while pointing to the temple in the distance ahead of them.

[Hoenheim Of Light [Zohi]]

ED (((FINALLY!!!!! YEAH!)))


Ed stepped off the train an into the shadow of the station. when he had separated from his brother he had wandered for a couple hours and wound up passing out on the railroad tracks. after a while a train had come by and picked him up, bound for liore. He hoped Al was all right... he always sank into the sand...

just then he heard a radio broadcast coming from a stall selling assorted pots. it was something about the sun-god Leto. after a few minutes the man, calling himself father Cornello, signed off and the radio was quiet. "I guess i should look for Al..." Ed walked over to a man who had an auto mail shop set up and stepped up and cleared his throat. "ehem... have you seen a man walking around in a huge suit of armor? its important that i find him..."

[Alphonse [James Applewood]]

[OOC: Waiting for lust to come back. She hasn't logged on in a week. I will give it one more week then the thread moves on without her...]

Modified:

[OOC: Done waiting.]

Alphonse looked over his shoulder where Solaris had been. She was just behind him a second ago talking to him as if she had known him for years. He looked around to see if he could spot her. There were only a few people around and none of them matched her appearance. Nor had any of them been cloaked or hooded. She simply vanished.

That is so strange. Did I ask her too many questions about that priest Cornello guy?

He thought to himself as he stood there for a while peering down the dusty streets and alleys of Liore.

He continued down the road a bit, still following the path ahead, searching for his brother. The temple lay in the distance ahead of him.

[Continued in the Nothin but trouble thread...]