Heart of a SIN - FMA Envy Fanfic [Edited]

5 - Preparation

Arisa pov:

After getting permission from the men at the entrance gates of the Central Command by showing papers Hughes san had given me this morning, I entered the main courtyard. It was a huge expanse of space to walk through before I was in administration office of the main building.

Two soldiers stopped me and one questioned, "State your business, miss."

Showing him the papers I had with me, I said, "I was supposed to meet with someone called Frank Archer."

He read through the papers then gave me a curt nod. "Follow me."

I took in the majestic feel of the military building as we walked through its corridors. The air was thick, with all the soldiers in blue uniforms and most carrying guns. Anxiousness settled in me for a moment and I wondered if I had done right in coming here. The brigadier general surely wouldn't have let me off if I hadn't come but I still felt uneasy – running away and hiding came as an idea in my mind. Putting my hands into my pockets, I held tightly my cell phone but merely brushed my fingers against my glasses, tracking devices, and ear piece.

We entered an office after walking through quite a distance. There were about ten people inside, all seated at desks and going through documents. The soldier who had escorted me here handed my letter to the man sitting at a big desk at the far end of the room. My posture was tense, the stares of those in the room intense on me.

"So, you're the one Lt. Col. Hughes informed me about," the man said, meeting my eyes with a friendly but authoritative smile. He looked to be in his late thirties, a man of a big ego, using his authority to get his subordinates follow his orders without any objection. How could I tell that? I was good at deciphering people.

He stepped round his desk to stand a few feet in front of me with his arms behind his back and a rather amused smile. He was quite tall, like most military men were expected to be but I didn't feel the slightest intimidated by him.

"I am Major General Haruko. And you are?"

"Arisa Lee. It's a pleasure to meet you, sir," I replied, bowing slightly.

"You don't have to be so stiff," he said with a laugh, holding up one hand. "You are not yet a part of the military so it's fine to treat us as acquaintances."

He then looked to someone behind me and nodded. I heard shuffling and we were soon joined by another man who came to stand next to the major general. This man too was tall but athletically lean. His sharp blue-grey eyes stood out over his pale skin and chiseled cheekbones and jawline. His dark hair was combed back neatly. The vibes he gave off had me thinking of him as someone who liked to be the center of attention and cause trouble. I was almost sure that he was very ambitious too, aiming to rise ranks and become a commander of his own team in the military quickly. He was sure to have a very big ego too.

"This is Lt. Frank Archer, Arisa. He will take you to the Life Binding Alchemist's house and also to the apartment where you will be staying. I've heard that the Fuhrer is expecting you to be a good addition to the military, since you're a recommendation from Brig. Gen. Basque Gran. Here is some money for your expenses while you prepare for the State Alchemist Qualification Exam."

I hesitantly accepted the leather pouch Gen. Haruko held out for me with a word of thanks.

"Lt. Col. Hughes informed us of what happened when you came to Central, as well as the fact that you have a bit of amnesia. We will put our trust in you for now because you look like a trustworthy person but we expect more details about you when your memory returns." His words were not a request. They were an order.