Chapter Text
“Appalling traveling conditions,” grumbled Roy Mustang, stepping off the train and squinting in the early afternoon light. He took a moment to dust off his uniform jacket. “The military couldn’t afford first-class tickets? I’m a Colonel for goodness’ sake.”
Inside the train, Kain Fuery chuckled as he allowed a young mother and her toddler to exit first onto the platform. “Ruffled any feathers recently, sir?”
Roy hummed as he offered a hand to the mother to help her step down. “Well, I can hardly control what Brigadier General Dobson’s wife does or says… especially in regard to me,” he remarked. With a heavy sigh, he added, “Traveling by coach is, by far, the most uncomfortable means of transport known to man.”
“Now I wouldn’t go that far, Colonel,” Kain countered, familiar with his commanding officer’s dramatics. “It fulfills its purpose.”
Roy rolled his eyes but acquiesced. He reached forward with both hands, lifting the small toddler, Billy, by the armpits as Kain helped the little boy out of the exit door. Despite his age, Billy felt remarkably light. The toddler laughed as his feet swung in the air, emitting a final giggle as Roy settled him next to his mother, Susan.
Billy and Susan had been seated across the aisle from the two soldiers. And being a curious little boy, Billy had been constantly poking at their blue military uniforms with his sticky little fingers and asking questions with his baby lisp.
While the four were the only riders leaving the train at Bosheit, the rest of the passengers also disembarked to stretch their legs while the train refueled before continuing on to the next stop.
A salesman was the last to get off, double-buckling his case on a seat before he disembarked. Roy shot him a disdainful look. A bothersome man with a pinched face, he’d been hawking his wares during the trip – passing around cheap brass door knobs and knockers in the confined space in hopes of making a sale or two. The Colonel’s steady glare had eventually persuaded the salesman to hastily close his case and leave them alone.
The salesman scuttled passed Roy in an effort to further avoid his ire.
Roy found Bosheit to be a modestly-sized farming town.
Businesses flanked both sides of the main street. Eager townsfolk bustled around the platform, attempting to entice the weary passengers into their establishments during the stop. A particularly boisterous, apple-faced proprietress gestured enthusiastically toward her café, offering coffee and pastries at “200 cens a piece!”
The trip to Bosheit had been a last-minute assignment for Roy. The military has captured a man illegally crossing over the border from Creta. In his possession were several coded missives and notebooks hidden in a false bottom of his suitcase. One particular notebook contained crudely drawn transmutation circles. From what was reported to the Colonel, the circles were described to be similar to his own Fire Alchemy. Brigadier General Dobson had sent him to investigate and arranged the ride, giving him a seat in coach for the six-hour train ride out West.
Bosheit wasn’t his final destination, Roy still had to an hour’s drive to the border outpost, where the local Lieutenant Colonel would read him into the full situation and he could personally take a look at the notebooks.
Kain requested to join when he heard his boss was headed West.
Apparently, Kain had been wanting to visit a radio shop in Bosheit that specialized in dipole antennas. When Roy asked him why he didn’t just place an order and have them shipped to Central, the young Sergeant Major all but scoffed and replied that he didn’t trust anyone to transport the parts. What he needed was delicate and absolutely necessary for his latest – not strictly military-approved – system upgrades.
And so, the two soldiers traveled together by train to Bosheit – this modest, single-car town.
The single car in question: a military transport waiting for Roy. Alongside, a baby-faced Private stood at attention. Saying farewell to Billy and Susan, the two made their way through the crowd toward the waiting vehicle. Upon arrival, the Private snapped into a crisp salute. “Colonel Mustang! I am Private Goss, I will be escorting you today!”
A few curious on-lookers watched the interaction.
“At ease, Private,” Roy casually waved him off. “I’d like to leave immediately if that is amendable.”
“Yes, sir!”
Roy looked to his subordinate. “Fuery?”
Kain offered a small smile. “I suppose I’ll be seeing you back in Central, sir,” he stated. “I'll be on the return train today. Luckily, the timetables align in my favor.”
The Colonel hummed in acknowledgment, before replying, “I'm not sure when I'll be back, but I'll contact the team once I figure out what all the fuss is about.”
Possibly bastardized Fire Alchemy was more than a fuss, but Roy hesitated to elaborate in front of a crowd. Kain easily picked up on his reluctance and gave him a knowing nod. “Certainly, Colonel. I'll look forward to your return.” With that, Kain gave a final salute and dismissed himself.
A smile tugged at Roy’s lips as he watched the Sergeant Major expertly navigate towards one of the quieter alleyways off the town's main drag. Kain was overly kind, perhaps to a fault. Earlier on the train, before Roy had dismissed the brass salesman with a glare, Kain had patiently entertained the man's pitch – inquiring about the differences in his products and coaxing out various items from his sample case. The young soldier’s difficulty in saying ‘no’ was bound to get him into trouble one day.
Despite this, Roy remembered how Kain had entertained Billy throughout most of the ride, showing him his mobile radio and telling stories. Before Kain’s intervention, the fussy toddler was incessantly crying, disturbed by the loudness and uncomfortableness of the train car. In fact, Kain’s exuberance and kind nature had kept the boy occupied during the rough and long ride.
Indeed, it made the journey seem much shorter. For that, Roy was grateful.
Turning his attention back towards Goss, Roy passed his bag and briefcase to the Private, who loaded them into the trunk of the car.
-o-o-o-
Kain grinned as he placed a bundle of newly purchased antennae into this small pack.
The owner of the radio shop, Mr. Everly, proved to be every bit the expert he had heard. So much so, that Kain walked away with some much-needed knowledge on top of his purchase. In fact, he splurged a little and also bought a new, twice-folded metal radio case to add to his personal collection.
Due to its larger size, Kain slipped the metal case into the inner pocket of his blue uniform jacket.
With the next train scheduled for early evening, Kain found himself with a few hours to spare. While he considered returning to the radio shop for further conversation with Mr. Everly, he hesitated, afraid he might end up spending even more of his personal funds. Instead, he pondered the idea of heading back to the café, grabbing a coffee, and enjoying some people-watching to pass the time.
Kain smiled at the thought and turned back towards the main sidewalk.
Reaching the corner, Kain observed Susan and Billy riding past in a small farm cart pulled by a sturdy roan horse. He raised his hand in a wave, but they didn't notice him, focused on their journey. A smile played on Kain's lips as he watched them go.
They were a pleasant pair. Billy especially, whose liveliness and inquisitive nature easily helped him pass the time on the long train ride.
Knowing Roy wasn't particularly fond of small children – especially unruly ones – Kain endeavored to keep the toddler occupied and away from the Colonel as much as possible. He believed he succeeded, considering Roy neither glared at the child nor sought refuge in another cabin.
Kain watched them until the mother-son duo turned away from the main street. Deciding to seek out the apple-faced proprietress he had noticed upon disembarking, he made his way through the bustling town.
As he neared the corner of the main street, a growling voice caught his attention.
“I heard the Flame Alchemist just come into town on that train. That man should be dead, considering what he’s done.”
Kain abruptly stopped and peered around the corner of the building, disbelief etching his face. Two men casually leaned against a storefront, chatting as if their conversation carried no consequence, oblivious to the fact that everyone around could hear them.
One made an inquisitive sound, while the first continued, “Yeah, some peddler with a bunch of brass knobs told me. I hear he nearly bit the poor bastard’s head off.” The speaker was a tall man and sported a bushy mustache. “Wish I could find that military dog. Thinks he’s so damn fancy with his Flame Alchemy. I’d show him.”
“We can find him,” the other man eagerly stated. He was smaller than his companion, with blond hair and a scar across his upper lip. “You and me, Blake. We’ll hunt him down and get him.”
“Yeah,” Blake replied, chuckling darkly. “Hunt him like a dog and shoot him cold. We’d be heroes! Everybody would know us – the men who killed Roy Mustang!”
Laughter echoed while Kain listened. The bustling crowd surrounding him on the street showed mixed reactions, with some individuals even pausing to eavesdrop. Kain surveyed the scene, astonished. The fools were talking about homicide in such casual tones, not a care in the world that their murderous intentions were echoing through the public space.
“Think we could really do it? He didn’t get famous for nothing,” the blond sounded uncertain. “I mean, everyone’s heard about ‘the Hero of Ishval’ and his ruthlessness during the war.”
Blake grunted. “Problem with him is, he’s a solider. Following orders and such. Those bastards never think for themselves… Listen, you distract him and I’ll shoot him in the back. He won’t stand a chance. It’d be easy.”
“Distract him?”
“Go up to him and ask for the time or something. I’ll get him from behind.”
“And we’ll be famous, right? Both of us?”
“Sure, Archie. You and me both,” Blake decided.
“Think we’ll get away with it?” Archie asked, excitement coloring his voice. The scar on his top lip jumped as he grinned.
The townsfolks surrounding Kain subtly eavesdropped, feigning interest in street signs or peering into store windows. The fools kept talking, either oblivious or indifferent to their audience. For all Kain knew they were content with the idea that people were hearing their high-flung plans.
“The marshal wouldn’t stop us. Man’s a drunk,” Blake continued. “Everyone would know us. They’d treat us with respect.”
“Respect!” Archie echoed.
They can’t be serious, Kain thought. Forget about the marshal, if they shot Roy they would have to deal with the whole damn military. They wouldn’t get respect, they’d just get dead.
“With that type of respect, maybe Miss Jessaley would give me the time of day,” Archie sighed, clearly lovelorn.
The mustached man snorted, “If you say so, Archie. But I don’t think there’s any way for you to get Miss Jessaley’s attention unless you ran through town butt-naked and on fire. And then, it might not be the type of attention you want.”
“You take that back, Blake!”
Kain exhaled slowly, steadying his heart. They're just braggarts, he concluded. But Kain knew that braggarts sometimes tried their schemes, putting innocent lives at risk. Perhaps he shouldn't take any chances and should find a public telephone to report to Roy.
As the conversation dissolved, some of the townsfolk wandered off. Others stayed. A man with long black hair casually propped his boot on a nearby barrel, pretending to buff the leather. Despite his attempt to appear nonchalant, his interest in the conversation was evident.
“I hear Mustang was talking to that pretty lady that rode by a few minutes ago,” Archie declared.
Damn, Kain thought.
“Really? She might know where he was headed,” Blake returned, failing to contain his enthusiasm. “Hell, I say we follow her now! She couldn’t have gotten far with that old nag.”
“Let’s get going.” Archie declared eagerly, his scarred lip stretching with his smile.
The mustached man continued, “If she doesn’t tell us, we can threaten the brat.”
Double damn, Kain internally swore.
“It’ll be perfect.”
“Hold on…” Blake started thoughtfully. “If we don’t shoot Mustang in town, then how will people know it was us?” Then he snapped his fingers. “I know! We drag Mustang’s body down the main street for everyone to see.”
“Yeah,” Archie breathed out, sounding a bit too thrilled by the idea. “Dragging Mustang through the streets. No one will dare stop us.”
The horrifying scenarios played out in Kain’s mind – the potential aftermath of these two braggarts ambushing and gunning down Roy. He grimaced at the mental image, his gaze tracing along the imaginary scene of a lifeless body being dragged through the street. A chill ran down his spine, accompanied by a sickening feeling.
Kain bit his lip, thinking, Roy is capable of handling himself, right? But what if they catch him off guard? What if he doesn’t get a chance to defend himself?
Then, Kain thought of Susan and Billy. What fate awaits them if these bastards targeted the Flame Alchemist? What if the woman and child get caught in the crossfire? Susan and Billy would fight back, undoubtedly. Then what?
And even if Roy survived the gunmen – would Susan and Billy be so fortunate?
Triple damn, Kain thought.
In a reckless and split-second decision, Kain removed his glasses, tucking them into his uniform pants. Drawing a deep breath to steel his nerves, he stepped forward to face the two men.
Lifting his chin and puffing out his chest, Kain tried to project an imposing figure in his military blues. The braggarts turned their attention to him, their expressions unconcerned. Lowering his voice and flattening out his accent to something that might mimic the Colonel’s cold speech, he stated, “You’re looking for Roy Mustang?” He narrowed his eyes, squinting to see the men better, and pulled back his military jacket to access his sidearm. With a tone dripping with malice, he growled, “I’m Roy Mustang.”
Their bravado instantly evaporated. Blake and Archie raised their hands in the universal sign of surrender.
“Hey!” Blake exclaimed. “Me and Archie didn’t mean any harm.”
“Yeah,” Archie added, nodding frantically. “It was just a joke, that’s all.” They both laughed dryly.
Kain scowled, keeping his accent flat, he spoke slow and low, “Bad joke.”
The crowd hovered, watching the tense exchange.
“Yeah, well…” Blake tried, dropping his smile and nervous laughter. “No harm done, right?”
Kain kept his expression hard and uncompromising. “You’d best be moving on,” he growled.
Blake and Archie seized the opportunity to escape. Kain stepped back, giving them leave. The bastards scuttled along, eager to distance themselves from the glaring solider. Around him, townsfolk resumed their activities, carrying on with their day.
“I thought he’d be taller,” Kain heard Archie whisper to his companion.
“Yeah,” Blake returned as they moved off. “I always pictured the Flame Alchemist as a big man.”
Kain scowled, muttering to himself, “I’m not short!”
He tried to track them with his blurry vision but lost the frightened braggarts when they disappeared into a building.
Phew, Kain thought, that went well.
He definitely had been spending too much time with the Colonel – bluffs and intimidation were more his thing.
Kain wasn’t sure how he managed such an obvious act. If those men knew even a little bit more about Roy’s appearance or could identify the insignias on his jacket, they would never have fallen for his bluff.
Now, instead of spending a few leisurely hours in town, Kain knew he had better report what he overheard to the Colonel. He supposed the local marshal might have the number of the military outpost where Roy was headed. He didn't want to tempt those fools to try their plan if they ever figured out that he wasn't the Flame Alchemist.
He sighed out some of his adrenaline, buttoning up his military jacket with jittery hands. He wouldn’t call himself a brave man, but even he was surprised by his performance. Maybe I can omit that part from my report to the Colonel, he thought to himself.
He was just turning to make his way to the marshal’s office – which he hoped would have a phone for him to use – when Kain was suddenly struck, the impact knocking the air from his lungs.
Pain exploded through his stomach, the force of it sending him spinning. The sound of the gunshot reverberated through him.
Staggering, he reached out a hand toward the cowering townsfolk, their expressions a mix of shock and fear. Amidst the chaos of noise and movement, a man with long black hair stood apart, wielding a smoking pistol and wearing an utterly satisfied expression.
The ground shifted beneath Kain. Pain and darkness welcomed him as he faded before the fall.