Just a little bit of introspection, from Al's point of view. My first FMA fanfic, I hope I get everything right... ***** Full Metal Alchemist: "Tin Soldier" by Avi I remember when I was little, me and my brother used to play with tin soldiers. We'd line them up in rows, while Brother and I would act as Fuhrers, and order them to attack. After we grew up a bit and learned alchemy (and before we learned about the ravages of war), we started to make our own crude soldiers, out of the scraps of metal we found. However, little did Brother and I realize that those particular skills would become part of our fateful destiny... *** It's ironic, though... Even though I am a 'tin soldier' in truth, Brother feels like one as well; as a state alchemist, he constantly feels like he's under the military's thumb. I know he despises Col. Mustang, whom he is required to report back to periodically; Brother thinks he's a little too smug and all-knowing for his taste. Personally, I don't think Col. Mustang is all that bad; hasn't every place that my brother and I have been sent to, been better off after all our help? Still, Brother doesn't quite see it in that light... But I don't see how the Colonel could manipulate our every move... Even if he does seem to know about everything that we're up to. Yet... Sometimes, I wonder if we're being manipulated as well... Not necessarily by the military (although Brother would say that would go without saying). No, I'm just remembering that one time, when I thought I heard Mother's voice; I could've sworn it was coming from that woman who was the Fuhrer's secretary. Could it be... That military are just pawns as well? Not just for the King, of course, but for some other diabolical scheme... Perhaps I am just imagining things. Still, I can't help but feel that Brother and I are just pieces in some grand game of chess, sometimes, being manipulated by God knows what... Perhaps God himself. Playing with our lives, like a child with his toy soldiers... No, that's not true. Brother and I brought our fate upon ourselves, by violating the laws of nature, if not God, in trying to bring Mom back to life. It was our decision, in the end... I mustn't forget that. God gave us both free will... We all have free will; it's part of what makes us human. Even I have it... Even if I am just empty armour. END ***** Copyright, Aviatrix8, 2005. Full Metal Alchemist and all related characters are property of their original creators, and are used without permission.