Human Connection

Dark ebony wood plastered are strained and bent out of shape. Dried with death as blood pastes the confines of the dwelling, strewn bodies lay across as ravings of a mad man were written in blood all across this cursed house of deceiving exteriors. The dwelling within the idyllic neighborhood stinking of the foulest of deeds as evidence was sloppily left behind. A taunt by the killer, or perhaps an indication of their ineptitude towards keeping a secret. The Modus Operandi matches quite well too, betraying that this indeed is the Killer Alchemist who skirts the perverted lines of ethics and morals.

Flashes graced the living room, or what used to be just that, with a Brigadier General, Stuka, rubbing his chin in analysis and thoughts, before the latest victim of the Killer Alchemist alongside his cohorts of detectives taking photos, and samples alike and all the same.

Nikolaus was rather apathetic to the horrid mockery of life that was before him. He could have sworn that great soft jelly thing had moved, an entity laid on a slab of wood of perhaps a successful experiment. Looking at Nikolaus where her eyes should be, smoothly rounded sockets filled with shimmering white fog. Her arms are now rubbery appendages that twitches as a show she is alive. Outwardly, she no longer resembled a human, a shape so alien and horrid, with bulks that flow down to make for slippery surface, the vaguest notion of what should be her legs are there. Diseased grey linger underneath the surface, with grey viscous ooze streamed down her cheeks. She was crying.

Yet a herald would call for the greatest transmutation inspector around from South, Acra of the Schiwatas family. There was a mad killer out there, and this entity had to be caught no matter what. It was deemed important enough to require high ranking individuals to put this crime spree down once and for all, especially since the victims are all high ranking personnel within the military. This incident was in fact the freshest find around, no more than five hours old. A lucky happening to grace Amestris's finest.

Acra stared down at the poor victim. It was no longer human. Not even some forum of chimera looked like this. Well he hoped not. The smell that assaulted his nose made him want to wretch. But for the sake of professionalism he ignored the urge. His grip on his cane tightened as he took in the sight. This....this was the ugly side of alchemy. What happened when the power fell into the wrong hands. But this...was psychotic. His eyes fell back to the creature that could no longer be classed as human. Tear sliding down it's cheeks in a desperate plea it could no longer speak. This proved everything the chimera living in Shula's loft right. But then again...regular crime could be just as morbid.

His aid placed his large forensic box beside him and he set to work. Looking to Nikolaus he pulled out the note book and pen scribbling down what they had been told. " Poor thing....You'd think someone would call a doctor to put it out of its suffering...." The pen swirled over the paper in swift and delicate movements as blue eyes scanned the scene. Noting any minor detail. From the darkly artistic blood splatters across the walls to the slightest of scratches on the wood slab.

Once he was done he called a member of his team to take pictures. Placing markers around circle on the slab to show the size. After the table was photographed he watched as the victim was wheeled out. He had to close his eyes. It now would be poked and prodded for hours on end until it finally passed from the stress and pain. Now he could see the circle. In several loud snaps and flashes the circle was documented forever. Acra frowned as he studied it. He took up the not pad again and drew out the circle. making notes on it in a different coloured pen. Sun....the symbol of the sun was Xingese.....Meaning Defy....and rebirth....He nibbled his lower lip as he took a pot and a small scalpel blade from his box. Looking for a un...bloodied part of the circle he scratched the surface lightly as not to ruin the circle. Taking a sample of what had been use to draw it. Placing it back he stood tall and looked to Niko. "Well...the circle is Xingese designed."

Minute movement reflected in the Brigadier General's eyes, noticing a tenseness in the air especially so portrayed by a grip. Yet tracing back his gaze to the one that was transmuted into what would be an abomination.

"Poor thing.... You'd think someone would call a doctor to put it out of its suffering..." This piqued his interest, giving an almost smile at such a naive statement like that in good dark humor, eyes curling to an ugly gaze to see the great jelly in a lighter shade.

"Oh? This thing isn't going to be taken to a doctor. It'll be taken to a scientist, to be studied, dissected, and experimented." He says bluntly, gesturing for a bottle of whiskey to be passed his way from a nearby subordinate, taking it and swallowing it in a quick chug, clearing his throat from such a dehydrating drink, "Unless of course, this creature dies here and now, from a certain Fahrenheit Alchemist."

The circle was very recognizable, at least the two other Xingese symbols. He read them despite being rather brief on the whole Alkahestry and Alchemy angle in knowledge. Reflecting to himself upon his conclusion, as he realized the killer may be a sociopath, which was already established at this point. Not to mention a loon with delusions of grandeur with misanthropic views. Possibly. Didn't help that his views are in bold red written in blood, and rather nicely pasted on the wall behind Acra to be read as, "I AM ALMOST REACHING NIRVANA." Seems like the nice sort of guy to get along with, over a summary execution.

"Well...the circle is Xingese designed."

He peered over to look at the sun symbol with hawkish eyes, recognizing one symbol is in fact Amestrian. "Looks like an Alchemy and Alkahestry array mixed together. Seems like this little killer has dabbled into Xingese Alkahestry, which DOES narrow down our lists." Yes... which means there should be a list of Alchemists in the area, those that recently passed by and identified as such, which prompts Nikolaus to pull a handy souvenir from Drachma, from a miss Marismo. An Banana's iPhone where he opened up the network web page application to cycle through the password encrypted Security database.

"Best look upstairs for any clue in the attic, Lieutenant Colonel, I'll have to look for any Alchemist's that've been to this area with particular fondness towards Alkahestry. It's the only place we haven't touched due to it's... nature."

"Oh? This thing isn't going to be taken to a doctor. It'll be taken to a scientist, to be studied, dissected, and experimented." Acra grip on his tool had tightened as Niko's words echoed in his head. This was a Human....Possible a child...a mother...a daughter....a wife....Someone loved and cared for this person and now it had suffered the ultimate cruelty. Only way to identify them would be teeth...if they were intact. He ground his teeth in anger trying not to voice it. "Unless of course, this creature dies here and now, from a certain Fahrenheit Alchemist."

Was that a hint...a Dare? He knew little of Nikolaus. But what he had heard the man had a unique style....He looked around the room again. Maybe he should of refused this case....It was a lot to soon. Heck he had only gone into South Hq two days ago. He rubbed his temples and ruffled his fringe. The words on the walls made him angry. How could someone this crazy be running loose right under there noses.

"Looks like an Alchemy and Alkahestry array mixed together. Seems like this little killer has dabbled into Xingese Alkahestry, which DOES narrow down our lists." He nodded. "Indeed...a very....interesting style...." The book came out once more as he made more notes. "Maybe that’s why it didn't work....but if...they are attempting human transmutation....Do you think they are even amongst us still....Maybe check all hospital for any interesting cases coming in...."


"Best look upstairs for any clue in the attic, Lieutenant Colonel, I'll have to look for any Alchemist's that've been to this area with particular fondness towards Alkahestry. It's the only place we haven't touched due to it's... nature." He nodded and closed up his case holding onto the cane for support. His eyes flicked back for when Niko and any other in the room was gone. He reached into his pocket for a special marker. It was made with a special transmutation circle ink. Quickly drawing the circle from memory on his hand he looked to the creature. "Che....That coma made me a tad to soft hearted.....I'm sorry...we should of gotten her sooner...." His fingers touched it's chest slowly absorbing the water from its already stressed and weaken body. He didn't take to much. But enough to speed along the shock that would kill it painlessly as possible. "Sleep easy....It will be over soon"

He tucking the pen away and removing a antiseptic wipe he quickly rubbed off the circle and walked up the stairs to the attic. Each step slow and echoed by the walking stick. His breath becoming a little laboured from the excursion. Yeah this was a lot after just recovering from a five month coma. He had cheated most of the pyshio by hiring a Alkatrist. But he still had a few more sessions to complete. When he reached the top he set the box down with a heavy thunk. It disturbed the dust around him causing him to cough heavily. Urgh god damn creepy alchemist who commit murders and evil sick experiments. Could you at least dust and clean your creepy lairs of evil experiments??

Looking around the attic the dust at least aided him with foot prints. Finding one perfectly shaped on he placed a marker and took several photos. The shoe print and size would at least tell them what shoe they wore and what size there feet were. The flash went off and something lit up in the corner. But only for the brief second. Blinking he reached round and found the light cord.

It was like a scene from a horror film. The light flickered on and off a few times. Before finally illuminating the room. But Acra wished that it hadn’t. His stomach dropped and for once he was thankful Wallace hadn’t bugged him to eat that morning. It knotted and the bile churned wanting to come up in a emergency escape. The stench was worse then the one downstairs and he gripped the wall letting his cane drop with a loud silence cracking thunk. The walls were decorated in the writings of a mad man. Raving and ranting about anything his insanity had decided needed to be recorded and documented. Though it wasn’t ink nor paint that he had used.

Littered on the floor amongst files and notes lay bodies. Mutilated and destroyed beyond all identification. Acra took a tentative step foreword as the light flickered to help create the horrid scene. Though blood stained and torn….the uniforms blue and gold showed through during each flicker of the light. Amestrian military uniform. He had remember reading in the paper about militants disappearing. At the time he had shrugged it off without too much of a taught. The names he saw weren’t any he reconized bar one or two. But now he regretted it. Leaning down his vinyl covered hands lifted what he hoped was the lips of one body to see if the teeth where intact. But unfortunately not. They were shattered….

As he had inspected the one the pile shifted and topple. The horrid wet and warm feeling of decaying flesh and organs covered him as he was half buried in it. Even though he considered himself a brave man. He couldn’t stop the blood curling shout that escaped his lips and he flailed and kicked out. Scrabbling from the pile and retching in the corner. The bile burned his throat as it came up splattering on the dust in disgusting chucks. Its putrid smell invading his nostrils. His hand shakily gripped the bed post holding on for support as he coughed and spluttered body heaving. Never again would that feeling escape his mind.

He sat back making a noise as his uniform made a horrid squelch. He desperately wanted a shower and had to get out of here. He went to stand shakily when his hand fell on something rough to the touch. He looked down and gently lifted the scrap of…sandpaper….yes sandpaper? How curious…. Turned it over to the smooth back of it he realised the monster responsible for this had written on her too. So sat there amongst the bloody writings and circles…covered in the juices of decay and his own bile invading his nostrils he tried to understand this man.

NOT ENOUGH LIVES, philosopher stone can't be attained this way. Must get enough, must revive my precious Janessa again, my precious, precious... I NEED MORE CANVAS. MORE TO FUEL TO BRING HER BACK. Somewhere else... somewhere no fool townspeople question my intent, the cattle here are getting smarter...

The rest was pure gibberish. He could only sit there and stare hands shaking barely able to hold the paper still. He slowly stood trying to ignore the horrid noise his clothing was making or how it felt against his skin. He could picture the maggots crawling on his skin and he gave a shudder. Grabbing his box and cane he slowly descended the stairs. It was like he wasn’t even in his body. His skin felt clammy and not his own. Briefly wondering if he was white in the face. Stepping back into the low room his eyes flickered over to the creature. It was breathing no more.

Thoughts spiraled throughout his brain in electrical impulses, swiftly interjecting upon one thought unto another. Lists upon lists swirled in this tempest of mental strain, eyes frantically shaking, looking through the information, absorbing them at an alarming rate. Mechanically looking at the iPhone with great perception of what suspects he narrowed down. Up to seven. Seven people to haul in. Seven Alchemists that passed by Rasembool within this short span of time. The iPhone's shining light brought the faces of each subject, all of them in the State Alchemy program, under funding of the government, and if anything, overlooked by the government.

It was presented thus... Hedgler Yards, Darius Lucker, Helmen Feuyo, Tsjar Berds, Kinko Menta, and Carl Johannson.

He had all of them compiled, looking at the database of their whereabouts, dates, anything to trace them, anything to implicate them, anything to make them even likelier subjects to be pinpoint, no alibis they can use, nothing they can fall back on in the event he hadn't just merely shot them, after all, a court is flawed and tends to be popularist than unbiased dispenser of justice.

There were was a name that actually took his interest though when his eyes scanned the finer details of the print, seeing more on about each and everyone of these subjects. The only one with the closest date at having at least come across Rasembool was Darius Lucker. Everyone else have at least come across Rasembool much much earlier. Leaving the latest the best suspect. His name was Darius Lucker, and he needed to pay for his crimes against humanity, and his compromise of Amestris's sanctioned laws.

After all, from the details Nikolaus gathered, this man was one sick puppy, to have had interests in Chimerization in humans. It was a technology refined so far to be quite well as to have them become common in all extent. But this guy, this guy really sucked at his job, he probably is a basement type, and is divorced. Wife probably left him because he was too obsessed with the job. Or at least that's what Nikolaus likes to think, but it always NEVER turns out like detective thrillers he reads about. NEVER EVER. Sending over a text message to Inspector Gerard to look up last known location of Lucker's. He received a feedback in that moment, nodding with the contents. WONDERFUL. So the place is nearby.

His attention span that was found lacking on the creature, was soon dispersed. Letting his iPhone meet his pocket, confined into the darker confines of the chasm which his pants brandished. Stepping towards where he last saw the creature as to find it lifeless, devoid of anymore suffering that comes from being a freak of nature. No more sparks of life lingered in those sockets, as it's expression creepily resembles that of peace, if that thing which resembles a face can be called such a thing. A very dry peace that is.

So it was dead. Good... good. Certainly one less nuisance to deal with. The scientists would have greedily wanted to know what could have caused such a thing, but truth be told, Nikolaus could tell this thing was a rebounded creature. There is no Chimeric science which would entirely displace any hard skeletal structure and pervert this creature into something entirely unlike it's original composition. So human transmutation was involved definitely, and the sort of one forbidden, a taboo. Perhaps this creature was made to open a gate? It wasn't exactly unheard of to force another to do such a thing... only a few were foolhardy to attempt such a thing.

Maybe this man already opened the gate, and only wanted to open it more with sacrifice. Make others into human sacrifices. A profane method where five would gather together. But it was stupid. VERY STUPID. There was no solar eclipse coming anytime this soon, AND furthermore, the best he could do was create a very weak Philosopher Stone. Not that it's a common knowledge around given how much secrecy was made to preserve it from ever coming out. On account of all greediness as well not to let others in on it.

...

......

Clat.

Clat.

Clat.

The sound of the cane slamming against the fragile stair's wood like a rather diseased carrion invited the Colonel's attention. The taft of blonde was of Acra's. So good, he was back. And hopefully with some find and a conclusion, a fishy conclusion. Not just a fishy conclusion... but he actually smells fishy. Literally. Offending Nikolaus's nostrils without FAIL.

"Woo-weeh," He waved his hand, swishing away the noxious pungent smell, "I can tell the attic smells of peaches and roses, judging by your lovely fragrance."

He broke out an oxygen mask from behind his belt, pulling it on his face in mighty fast haste, taking deep breathes. Not that he dislikes the smell, after all, what's not to like about dead rotten corpse aroma? It does bring out his inner appetite, literally. Thank GOODNESS he didn't eat dinner. Never had he come across something that smelly as this in all his years, and he was once in Nanchao, Xing too. And that's saying something.

*Kshhh* "I hope your find up there was most... progressive. As I already have our own prime suspect, but I haven't established a motive yet..." *Kshhh* "Our main suspect is Darius Lucker... and he in fact is still in Rasembool, he may be departing to the train station soon..." *Kshhh* "He specializes in gas alchemy, and is reputed to carry around mustard gas... among other nerve agents, you may need an oxygen mask. We'll need to get you on that train in disguise, so not to spook him, and if given a clear shot, subdue that douche covertly. Can you do it given your handicap?"

*Kshhh* "I hope your find up there was most... progressive. As I already have our own prime suspect, but I haven't established a motive yet..." *Kshhh* "Our main suspect is Darius Lucker... and he in fact is still in Rasembool, he may be departing to the train station soon..." *Kshhh* "He specializes in gas alchemy, and is reputed to carry around mustard gas... among other nerve agents, you may need an oxygen mask. We'll need to get you on that train in disguise, so not to spook him, and if given a clear shot, subdue that douche covertly. Can you do it given your handicap?"


Acra handed Niko the note. "Motive enough?" He asked. He looked pale and his eyes still in it's horrified wideness. He wanted desperately to shower. Feeling the horrid wetness and the stench that scorched his nostrils. Looking to Niko he frowned slightly. "My Handicap will not impair me....But i do request a shower and change of clothes first." He re-thought over Niko's plan. "Though how much of a disguise...my face is quite recognisable...."

He let Niko sort out the fine details. As he put the box of forensic equipment in the fridge to preserve the samples before heading to the shower. He threw off the uniform and threw it into a biohazard bag. A bowl of boiling water on the side was perfect to place Shula's ring necklace in to clean it before it would get sterilized. Luckily his phone and watch had been in his overcoat that he had left in the car. Not that they would of been hard to replace but it was more a hassle then it was worth.

Switching the water to scolding he practically dived under it. And as the hot steam washed over him. The true horror kicked in. His skin didn't feel his own....it was covered in the remains and parasites that had festered in them. His blunt nails scratched at them leaving red long welts on the skin. Even under the scolding heat that boiled his skin red he felt cold. Shivering under the power wash as he felt the horrible layer leave.

YET IT WAS STILL THERE!!! He could feel it! Smell it! TASTE IT! Wild eyes turned towards his arm where he could still see the maggots crawling. Wanting to get into his own skin. He wanted to scream as the bile burned his throat wanting to escape him. Tears prickling his eyes as he shook. No! they weren’t real! There parasites devouring his flesh was just a figment. Yet why was he scrubbing himself raw? Why was he heaving? His throat tightened as he tried to suppress the screams that wanted to tear his entire apart. His legs shaking from excursion.

A loud knocked echoing in the room caused him to turn to the door in panic. "Lt. Colonel Schiwatas are you alright? We can't be late for the train...." A meek voice called out from the other side of the wooden barrier. Turning off the hot water he stepped out having to grip the side counter due to the weak knees. A haggard looking man stared back at him in the mirror. The long dirty blond hair dripping round his face and wide red rimmed cyan eyes staring back in a hollow manner. Red raw streaks on pale arms shaking as the white knuckle grip on the counter failed to relax. He gulped and quickly dried himself. Pulling on a simple grey tracksuit he had been given to wear until Niko had produced a decent disguise.

He pulled on his alchemy glove and heated the bowl of water to sterilize the ring and necklace. He refused to leave it behind. Not for a second. Pulling it out not caring that the water had scolded his fingers in a painful fashion he dried the ring off in care. Pulling it back on over his neck. "Give me strength..."

Turning to the door he headed out walking towards the General trying to hide how rocked he felt. But the eyes flicked down to his arms repeatedly. He could still feel it. Still smell it. Still taste it....

archiving (Shu NEVER Bump twice in a row...that defeats the purpose XD)

"Motive enough?" Well, now that he thinks about it, there was the rather obvious motive that sick Alchemists tend to partake in, which is transcend humanity, blah blah blah, become superior to everything, blah blah blah, and become super powerful enough to induce evolution, or some kind of scientific mumbo jumbo. For all the Alchemist cases he came across involving criminals, if he had five dollars for every time he went through these cases, Nikolaus would be a rich man. Yep, so at this point, he shrugged at the Acra with the unnatural pallor. Seemed like he didn't take this quite well, but then again, who can blame the chap who just got out the hospital? He pockets his effects at hand over thoughts of these.

"My Handicap will not impair me... But I do request a shower and change of clothes first. Though how much of a disguise...my face is quite recognisable..." Right, now that he thinks about it, Acra looks as recognizable as any Amestrian around. It all depends on the postures really, as Nikolaus thought about it. Many don't recognize Nikolaus anyways, is because there is a disproportionate amount of blonde haired and blue eyed people which share many characteristics... but he does have a fair point.

So Nikolaus exited the house. He can no longer stomach standing here, it was a bit too unethical and ungracious of him. Flawed too. But nonetheless, he hailed a few subordinates along, taking large strolls to the outside. Hailing one of them to strip, he was about Acra's size anyways, and was a plain cloth detective anyways. Those that are in their casual Friday's often. He wore one of those worker's hats, a nice looking khaki jacket, a dress shirt underneath, pair of Oxford's, and slacks. Nikolaus also took about some make up from the more... fashion aware lady that just won't stop puffering her face and making duckface lips at the camera for the investigation team.

He took off his gasmask, cold air rushed in, beads of sweat rolled as his hair hugged his skull closer than usual. Feathery and moist with wetness. He stowed the apparatus away towards his belt, and wiped this discomfort with one swipe of his sleeves. Placing all those on top of the Security Cruiser, all that clothing, make up and whatnot. Turning to face that attendant of his that happens to be by.

"You there," He points his finger at the younger gentleman, "Get Schiwatas, tell him the operation will be starting now. No more time we can spare."

=A few minutes later=

Acra came out, quite worse for wear too. Clean, but he had streaks of tenderized steak. He was the steak. It wasn't something that made Nikolaus hungry, as opposed to quite curious. Shrugging those thoughts, he can't waste another moment. He gestured for Acra to hop over to the police Cruiser, his subordinates already saw fit to shove the clothing inside at the backseat, with the make up.

"So Leftenant Colonel, to make this quick, put on the clothing, and make up to... emphasize a stubble. And also..." He pulled out a side-arm from an associate's holster, a small pistol, easily concealable, gripping it from the slide, he gravitates the firearm and presents the grip over to Acra, "Keep this on your person. Shoot to kill, don't even hesitate for a minute, if that wastrel made this mess, I wouldn't doubt he'd repeat it again. Defend yourself, and more importantly, make sure to be in position. No heroics, just do it all by the book."

With that, Nikolaus steps into the shotgun passenger seat, sitting down, the car's engines roar with life. The driver waited for Acra's presence, that as soon as he would step in on the chance he does, the vehicle would drive in a hasty swiftness over the grass and unto the dirt path. Eventually intersecting with the road, and unto the train station it stopped. A man in black uniform approaches the car, with an already produced ticket.

"Before you go..." Nikolaus cracks open the passenger compartment storage, pulling out a set of wires and some clip ons with holes, presenting that too to Acra, "Put this in your pocket, it's a listening device. The phrase for our immediate mobilization is 'Amestris has a lovely bunch of coconuts'... don't ask about the phrase. Just run off fast! You have a train to catch!"

He sat in the car a feeling of exhaustion like never before. Part of him wanted to curl up in the plush leather and sleep much like he use to as a child coming home from late parties in the family car. His mother petting his hair as he dreamed. But no there would be no sleeping in the car trip.
"So Leftenant Colonel, to make this quick, put on the clothing, and make up to... emphasize a stubble. And also...Keep this on your person. Shoot to kill, don't even hesitate for a minute, if that wastrel made this mess, I wouldn't doubt he'd repeat it again. Defend yourself, and more importantly, make sure to be in position. No heroics, just do it all by the book." He nodded as he scruffed up his fringe with a touch of gel and applied the make up before changing. Hiding the firearm under the jacket.

He slid his kevlar gloves into the pocket just in case he needed his alchemy even it's most basic forum. Dear god he just wanted to go home. Stepping out he took the ticket offered to him and looked to Niko as the window rolled down."Before you go...Put this in your pocket, it's a listening device. The phrase for our immediate mobilization is 'Amestris has a lovely bunch of coconuts'... don't ask about the phrase. Just run off fast! You have a train to catch!" He quirked an eyebrow at the phrase before heading to the train casually stepping on just before the alarm to signal the doors closing shrilly cried out.

He jammed the device in his pocket and strolled down the isle looking for a seat. Listening out for anything in particular but got nothing more then childish whines, teen age gossip and adult groaning over work. Finding a seat he slowly sat in it with a sigh. He slipped out his phone and sent a quick text to Shula three small words before placing it away. What had he gotten himself into....I miss you

His skin crawled once more and he tried to resist the urge to itch at it. What if some of those maggot's had gotten into his skin and where eating away at him? He tugged at his hair and gave a groan.