Day

The next day, Edward Elric with a shovel in hand made his way along a path with Pinako Rockbell, following them and holding shovels as well was Tsukasa, Yuusuke and his brother Alphonse. Ed even though he went to bed last night, he managed to overhear everything that father said that gave him the unhappy idea that he and his brother sacrificed themselves for nothing and whether he liked it or not he was going to find out the truth.

"Stupid brat can't he just do his own digging?" Tsukasa was rubbing his face looking resentfully at Ed. He had tried to refuse helping the young alchemist only to receive a hit in the face.

"Are you sure you're alright Tsukasa-san?" asked Yuusuke, "You didn't have to come if you were too hurt."

"I'm fine," replied Tsukasa pridefully as he rubbed his cheek.

"Well this is the spot," said Pinako Rockbell stopping at their desired location; an area full of charred building remains. The elderly mechanic pointed at a spot with charred blocks of wood and the four began shovelling. As they dug Ed kept gripping his stomach and eventually fell to his knees while Al bowed his head in apparent sadness and was slowly halting his work altogether. Edward Elric felt pain worse than heartache worse than the piercing of bullets and knives as memories of their failed attempt to bring their mother back resurfaced. The image of the deformed creature that they thought was her gave Ed the feeling of pure sickness despite being healthy. It overwhelmed Ed and was paralyzing him, he felt like he could puke!

"Ed, Al why don't you stop if this is causing you pain?" asked Pinako who along with the Riders had halted their work feeling concern for the duo.

"What's the matter can't you two press on?" pestered Tsukasa, "Whatever happed to your shared resolve of not turning back? Are you two running away?"

Upon hearing those words Edward Elric raised head with full determination in his eye and said. "There is no way I'm running!" and resumed digging with his younger sibling. Ed and Al berated themselves mentally for trying to run away from their oath that they would rather die if both of them let each other down and neither one of the siblings was intending to let that happen even if a thousand years pass. Tsukasa smiled at the sight of the two digging again for all his insensitivity and selfishness, he had at least some sense in him to understand the situation.

"Tsukasa-san," spoke up Yuusuke, "you actually care for them don't you?"

Tsukasa taken by surprise tried to answer but, could not muster any words and just quickly went back to digging. They dug for a short while and they found what they were excavating for; the remains of the creature the Elric sibling brought to their world. Pinako examined the remains, as her trained senses worked and worked she slowly felt stunned at her findings.

"Uh Rockbell-san is something wrong?" asked Yuusuke.

"Th-this can't be its impossible!" exclaimed Pinako.

"What, what is it?" spoke an excited Ed.

"This isn't Trisha at all!"

Ed fell to his knees but, suddenly he burst into wild and crazy laughter. His mad laughing was so amazingly loud people for many miles could hear him. To people he may have gone insane however to him he was laughing out of pure happiness. The next step to solving the Elric siblings' problem had been found at last! Ignoring the looks of concern everyone had for him, he continued to laugh. Never before had he felt so happy in his entire lifetime here it was a clue, a huge step to making that their goal of restoring themselves comes true. Absolutely nothing could ruin this happiness. Nothing! Nothing!

Returning to the Rockbell residence Ed was making a call to his teacher Izumi Curtis to tell his findings on how he had managed to deduce that what alchemist summons using human transmutation may be what they think. Earlier they had made a proper grave for the poor soul that the Elrics had summoned and the only one that did not come in was Yuusuke who was sitting on the porch staring at an item in his hands.

"What's that Godai?"

Yuusuke turned around and saw the source of the voice it was Tsukasa apparently he noticed what Yuusuke was doing and avoided coming in. Despite being taken off guard his appearance Yuuske composed himself quickly, "Oh Tsukasa-san?"

Tsukasa proceeded to sit down next to Yuusuke and saw that the item was a bunch of written cards tied to a string. Catching on immediately he quickly knew that Yuusuke was hiding something as well, "Hey… is that important?"

"Yeah it is," admitted Yuusuke feeling that he can no longer hide it. "The children at the kindergarten my sister works at made it for me, I sometimes go there to entertain the children with some of my 2000 skills."

"Hmph with your attitude I can tell those kids must like you if they give something like this to you," said Tsukasa. "I know you're hiding something you can tell me."

With a sigh Yuusuke proceeded to tell the truth, "I was on my way to the kindergarten, when suddenly an earthquake struck and a burst of fire came out. I rode as fast I could to escape and suddenly a white square appeared and the next thing I saw was that city. I was scared that I couldn't see everyone anymore but, when the Unidentified Lifeforms came I knew what I had to do. I swore to ensure that I will continue to fight to protect everyone's smile and somehow come back to everyone."

"Then if want them to smile, try smiling a little more," spoke Tsukasa knowing that Yuusuke was silently hiding his sadness. "If you do that all those kids and all your friends and family have a chance to come back to you. After a smile suits you, doesn't it?"

The minute Yuusuke and Tsukasa looked at each other in the eye they had the same thought: both did not know whether or not this statement was true or not. But, both wanted to believe that there was a chance that they could go home but even so they believe there is hope in that. Feeling stronger Yuusuke smiled his broad childish smile extended his hand and Tsukasa took it firmly. Suddenly a vision came into both their minds and they saw themselves standing in Central City where smoke was rising and Central Command troops were armed and ready only for rebel soldiers to strike them down as they watched the battle a voice spoke. "Come to Central Command, Dusk is making his move". Coming back to reality they were sweating with shock.

"Tsukasa-san, did you see that?"

"Yeah what was that?"

Inside Ed was talking not to the butcher shop assistant of Sig Curtis Mason not his terrifyingly fearsome teacher Izumi Curtis who had also violated the taboo of human transmutation in an attempt to bring back her dead child. Her price was the loss of some of her inner organs and was left guilt-ridden like the Elric siblings. Ed asked whether or not she was in only for Mason to reply no. Ed left behind a request to have her call him later and the minute he put down the phone the same vision and voice Tsukasa and Yuusuke had seen and heard came to him.

"Brother I saw the rebellion in Central," spoke Alphonse.

"You too!" exclaimed a bewildered Ed. "Then it's begun!"

Not hesitating for even a second the Elric duo rushed outside with a concerned Winry following them murmuring. "Rebellion?"

"What's a wrong boy?" asked Tsukasa

"We have to get to Central! The rebellion's happening!" exclaimed Al.

"We saw the same thing too so, we're coming too!" spoke Tsukasa with Yuusuke nodding in agreement.

Winry couldn't make sense of all this but, she felt as if Ed was going off on another dangerous adventure. She felt insecure she didn't know what to say but mustered up the courage.

"Ed," said Winry reluctantly.

"What is it Winry?" asked Ed.

"Take care of your automail Ed and," spoke Winry before hesitating for a fraction of a second, "don't let me see in pieces ok?"

Edward was slightly puzzled by this but realizing what was going on he smiled as he put his hand on her shoulder. "Don't worry it'll come back in one piece."

Winry could not help but, feel as if those words weren't true at all. Regaining her senses Winry berated herself for not trusting Edward Elric in that second and immediately composed herself. Smiling slightly Winry (disregarding Tsukasa, Yuusuke and Alphonse's presence) tried to say something, but a flash of light appeared and when it disappeared the four had vanished!

In Central Tsukasa, Yuusuke, Edward, and Alphonse Elric were shocked as they found themselves standing amidst damaged and smoking debris.

"How did we get here and where is that blond girlfriend of yours?" wondered Tsukasa.

"She's not my girlfriend!" shouted Ed with slightly red cheeks.

"Oi, oi let's not fight," said Yuusuke.

"Over there rebels!" shouted a voice. The four spun around and saw a few Central Command soldiers armed and ready kill anyone in sight. Without even stopping, they opened fire on the Riders and Elric siblings! With amazing swiftness, Edward Elric transmutated a brick wall, which shielded them from the shots.

"We can't keep hiding nor can we keep fighting enemy after enemy we have to get to Central Command!" spoke Tsukasa urgently.

"Well what do you suggest we do!" asked the elder Elric angrily.

"Tsukasa-san, look our bikes!" spoke Yuusuke.

Everone turned around and saw the Rider bikes that they were very certain they didn't see a second ago. Not hesitating they mounted the bikes and revved up the engines. Outside the stone wall the Central soldiers were trying to corner them but suddenly the four zoomed out on the motorcycles. The soldiers jumped out of the way of the speeding bikes and were missed by an inch!

The Elric brothers had no idea what they were in for when they rode the motorcycle this time. Tsukasa and Yuusuke pushed their engines to the limit, swerving dangerously while trying to dodge the bullets fired at them, clearing away opposing soldiers, and smashing their way through the road blocks with some help from the Elric's alchemy and Yuuske's Gouram bonded Beat Chaser. But, still advantage or not, the soldiers shooting at them were the most persistent obstacles making difficult to hold on to the bike or stay on the right path they even made citizens scream as they zoomed insanely as they passed them when they were crossing the road or by nearly went off road and narrowly missed incoming civilian vehicles. Arriving at Central but the drawbridge was drawn up and guarded, unhindered they performed wheelies, the soldiers instantly felt terrified and fled, they flew into the air and the Elric's screamed as they smashed into Central Command. When they landed and dismounted they saw a huge hole in the pathway to the door of Central Command.

"What do you think is down there?" asked Alphonse.

"We won't know until we go down there will we?" said Tsukasa returning to his bike.

"Hold it! We're not going to simply doing that again!" protested Ed. The elder Elric placed his hands on the ground instantly created a road to help them enter underneath Central. They all returned to the Rider Machines and in one swift movement sped down the hole.

Arriving at the bottom, they found themselves standing in a room of some kind. But, as they looked around they saw that it was no room it was either a massive hall or temple of some kind. It had pillars lined up in circular fashion and rotating gears attached to the walls machines. On the floor were pipes that were attached to a throne and some bottles on a table, and surrounding the throne injured and panting were Van Hohenheim, Colonel Mustang, Izumi Curtis, Greed, and Ling Yao! While Tsukasa was handled Ling Yao and Yuusuke took care of Curtis, Al went to his father while Ed took Mustang.

"Oi! Colonel pull yourself together!" said Edward shaking him frantically.

Mustang regained consciousness and opened his eyes, "Fullmetal is that you?"

"Colonel it's me! Edward Elric can't you see me?" asked a desperate Ed.

"Oi! You alright over here?" asked Tsukasa as he supported an injured Ling Yao.

"Brother what's wrong?" asked Alphonse coming over as well.

"C-Colonel Mustang are you-," stuttered Ed.

"Blind?" interrupted an evil yet casual voice. "He should be I made him sacrifice his eye sight in exchange for opening the Gate."

The four looked up and saw to their horror, a humanoid creature with multiple red eyes covering its huge black frame, the 'head' had a huge somewhat permanent smile and standing next to him was a hooded figure dressed in red robes holding Greed by his shirt. Seeing them he lifted up his hood and revealed two eyes that shined a sinister red light. Everyone was stunned by this sight but Tsukasa was the first to wake up and step forward, "You who are you?"

"Me? I'm Dusk, I tried to eliminate the Kamen Riders by blowing up their worlds and brought those Unidentified Lifeforms no every monster from those worlds beyond to be my servants," replied the stranger shamelessly.

"You, why did you do that?" shouted Yuusuke.

"Well I needed servants and if I took them a certain friend would bring you all here to meddle with my plans again..."

"And for formalities sake, I welcome you all to the heart of all your matters," spoke Dusk sarcastically.

"Cut the sarcasm and what is that!" demanded Ed pointing at the bulbous humanoid being.

"Haven't you guessed Fullmetal Alchemist? This is Father Leader of the Homunculi, the true founder of Ametris and the instigator of its chaos, the destroyer of Xerxes, and the source of all Amestrian Alchemy."

"The source of Amestrian alchemy and chaos? That's impossible!"

"How close-minded and this close-mindedness led to the Elric siblings being punished for nothing. This man is Father the Homunculi who created the Seven Homunculi to dispel his imperfections, Lust, Envy, Wrath, Gluttony, Sloth, Greed, and finally Pride. Van Hohenheim's blood gave them all life but, yet both Father and Hohenheim had different visions and ways one shameless, selfish and desired perfection and power, the other regretful, selfless and desired flaws and humility. Both Father and Van Hohenheim had been locked in war since the day they separated from each other. Father taught the founders of Ametris alchemy and promised them immortality and for many years they schemed to obtain this false promise. Under Father's instruction, they violated Amestrian law and experimented on humans one of these experiment was to create Philosopher's Stones but it only created imperfect stones that lacked full power but they were given to a select few State Alchemists and relevant fools to augment their alchemy. They even bounded souls to armour just like poor Alphonse Elric, made Chimeras using humans just like Shou Tucker, and created Homunculi soldier dolls, the room I tricked Kadoya and Godai into destroying was the storage room for the dolls. Even the State Alchemist recruitment drive was another part of Father's plans to find people who have violated the resurrection taboo and use them as sacrifices and Mustang is the final sacrifice. Father also pumped Philosophers' Stones into Ametris' soil to shield the energy released by movement underneath the earth the real source that gives Ametris' alchemists their abilities and to control these abilities. He used his spawn in his plans as well he had Lust, Gluttony, Envy, and Greed, instigate the wars all over the country that have been happening for many years particularly the slaughter of the people of Ishval. Fuhrer King Bradley was a human based Homunculus created out of many trained Fuhrer child candidates who were pumped with Philosopher's Stone's into their bodies to become the perfect leader and has made sure that the slaughters continued for Father to succeed. Sloth was assigned to dig under Ametris for years to make the transmutation circle and he was just about finished when he accidentally broke into the Fortress Briggs but I finished the digging in his place. And finally the first ever Homunculus Pride who pretended to be King Bradley's son Selim Bradley watched over his brethren's activities. When I met Father I offered him a present and the greedy fool took it, he became my near mindless puppet, so now I am the real ruler of this country and I will be the one to use the Gates of the Five Sacrifices and open the Gate of Truth the source of alchemical knowledge and swallow the one behind the Gate!

"It was amusing to see my plan worked itself out despite interferences from that certain friend of mine, no doubt he was the one who saved the lives of your fellow Riders. It was too soon that the Grongi, Homunculi and the State Military had outlived their usefulness I got rid of Gluttony by making him target Roy Mustang after he was injured during the fight where he defeated Lust. And I disposed of Wrath by interfering with his attempt to escape so he could die by that train bomb Grumman sent. It was amusing to see that something inhuman full of wild rage even bearing the powerful title of Fuhrer, can be so human and even love a wife that was only meant to deceive others. Pride for all his self-proclaimed superiority had human feelings for the Fuhrer's fake family, how disappointing you could imagine the look on his face when I broke him and took his shadow as my weapon. I sent someone to get rid of the traitor Greed but, Go-Zazaru-Ba the hammerhead shark Grongi failed, a dead failure like his subordinates. Ah this is all so poetic!"

Dusk's his careless speech and heartless manners angered Yuusuke. To think he had lost his friends and family and people have suffered because of him his anger had instantly become a raging inferno again. Dusk seeing him clench his fist couldn't be more delighted to see that. Greed felt anger boil in him as well to think he had been promised that the Chimeras he rescued from State Military experimentation and became his subordinates would be kept safe in exchange for working for Dusk would be killed anyway! Greed would claw his eyes out but his strength was being drained by his enemy. Everyone knowing that they have to stop him moved to attack but suddenly, a circle of fire surrounded them and right in front of them was a white humanoid in Grongi tribal clothing with a long, tattered, black cape wearing a crown on its head with its arm stretched out. Dusks had no doubt saved the best Grongi for last.

"With you all here and the delegates from Fortress Briggs and East Command we have a big enough audience to witness my success. Try to interfere all you want, but the Promised Day is upon us and the eclipse is here everything is now inevitable! But I praise all the non-sacrifices for making it to the center of the circle! Father it is time for the grand finale!"

Father seized the five he intended to sacrifice and forcefully activated their Gates which manifested as huge red eyes on their bodies and electricity came out of the sides of their bodies joined together creating a ring of energy. The ring created a black spherical mass that expanded and grew until it everyone outside that ring was engulfed in the growing sphere which stuck itself outside the hole in Central Command. Red electricity surged throughout the country creating a complex, circular array that could be seen from space, people everywhere in Ametris gripped themselves in pain and fainted as their souls were dragged from their bodies. A black, circular shadow covered the country and opened like a door revealing a gigantic muscular ebony coloured Cyclops that could reach the heavens or beyond. Dusk gazed at the beast and knew it was Father, wild happiness swelled in Dusk as it roared, "I will never be bound by higher laws any longer!" and reached out as if to either touch or snatch the sun and moon.

The effects of the circle died down and the country of Ametris was in silence, it looked like either a ghost town or a graveyard everyone was lying down as if they were asleep or worse dead. In Father's lair smoke caused by the circle filled the place it was difficult to see. Recovering from the pain of their Gates being used everyone listened for any sounds outside and found that it was quiet very, very quiet. Dusk's plan has succeeded! And as the smoke cleared they all saw Dusk standing with his hand still gripping onto Greed and sitting on Father's throne was a young man fairly similar in appearance to Edward Elric but with his head being supported by his fist and with a bored expression. Dusk laugh wildly as he announced in a mocking fashion, "All hail the new Ruler of the World!"

"Now that you have fifty million people suppressing the one behind the Gate, everyone here has outlived their usefulness Father you know what you have to do!"

Without hesitation Father moved his index finger, Edward and Alphonse Elric tried to use their alchemy but found that they could create nothing! Keeping his bored expression Father lifted his unoccupied hand and a glowing orb surrounded by crackling electricity appeared on his palm and a blast of lightning came from the heavens! Hohenheim acted swiftly and took the blast managing to hold it back and prevent it from killing them all. Everyone who was shocked by the lost of fifty million people stood in awe as they saw Hohenheim protect them it was truly a testament of the power of the Philosopher's Stone! But Hohenheim, felt the intensity of the lightning increase, he needed more power and spoke to his the souls contained in him, "Everyone, please give me more power!" and every souls spoke with numerous words of encouragement like, "Go for it!" or "Don't give in!"

"Your pathetic weaklings and ability to talk to them won't save you now Hohenheim!" declared Dusk. "You're just a weak man who can't even hold on to your family, I just need to kill you all right here and then I have truly won!"

Without even moving Father made the floor come alive and fall beneath their feet! Yuusuke seized by a sudden urge, he yelled, "Henshin" and golden electricity crackled around him as he changed into a black version of his Mighty Form with two golden ankle pads and golden lines surrounding the edges of his armour. His eyes turned flashed red as he leaped into the air; he took Dusk by surprise as he initiated a flying kick with both legs and his soles burning with fire.