Yaoi!? Finally!!

Xanthus Icarus sighed as he went down the glass elevator with Sashura Kir. Actually, the action was more of a yawn, and he covered his mouth with his hand as he breathed outward, as was considered polite while in public. The Ishvallan was not yawning because he was sleepy. No, he was yawning out of pure boredom. The mercenaries that had been in the room above had been somewhat fun to kill, but their defeat had taken all of three minutes to complete, and Xan preferred his battles to last longer. As for why the Ishvallan was in Drachma with Sashura…He had been chosen to escort the man wherever he wished to go as a part of a secret mission.


Of course, this Sashura had turned out to be an interesting person, possessing a sharp mind, impressive combat skills, and a high amount of influence in Drachma. In fact, as far as Xan could tell at the moment, he and Sashura had quite a few things in common.


As was becoming a good habit for him, the Ishvalan was wearing his matrix style outfit: A long black trench coat covered a black collared button-up shirt, which was tucked into black slacks. Black socks were inside of boots that were polished so thoroughly that they almost literally shined, even though they were jet black. The only thing that Xan was wearing that wasn’t black was his tie, which was white. Even his glasses were jet black, hiding his red eyes that were currently gleaming with their usual cool amusement.


As the two stepped off of the elevator, Xan noticed a group of men that he apparently arrived to meet them. Turning to Sashura, Xan spoke in perfect Drachman.


I take it that this is the man that you wanted to meet up with?

Xan was impressed by Sashura’s technique, though judging by the looks that were on the faces of Matthias and his bodyguards, they were in absolute awe. If Xan hadn’t been trying to stay virtually invisible at the moment, he would have shown them his own alchemy, just to laugh at their expressions, because his alchemy might have involved making a fifty foot tower appear in five seconds flat. However, now was not the best time to be showing off his skills. After all, even though he was in Drachma for a legitimate reason, it would be best if he didn’t test fate, for the NAP between Amestris and Drachma did not seem to be as…stable as it had been in the past, and the Ishvallan did not want to be in the middle of a hostile country…

Turning on his heel, the Ishvallan followed Sashura. Apparently they were going somewhere more ‘private’. A smart move, if Xan were to take a guess.

Xanthus’ eyes rolled slightly behind his black shades and he chuckled a little bit when Sashura made him an offer to join the Drachman military. It wasn’t that the offer was laughable, not by a longshot. However, Xan himself had a plan, and he couldn’t stop it now, not when he was at this point…

Sashura, I appreciate the offer to join your ranks, but I’m afraid that I must decline, at least for the moment. I know full well of the corruption that Amestris must suffer through, and it is a goal of mine to see that corruption wiped out. However, I myself have a plan to end it, and right now, I must remain a full Amestrian. I’m sure that you understand, for you seem to be one who can appreciate tactics, strategy, and planning.

Xan had spoken once again in perfect Drachman, and had kept his voice polite. It would have been in bad taste to have done otherwise in his opinion. Once Xanthus was seated at the restaurant, he did not even bother to look at the menu, for he intended to only order water, and if he became hungry, he’d just order whatever everyone else ordered. In the meantime however, he would sit still and quietly, making sure that this ‘meeting’ went smoothly.

Xanthus listened to Sashura's speech, as perhaps the Drachman would say something that would interest him. The Ishvallan was not disappointed. Apparently, there were two spies within Central that reported to this man, and at least one of them could report to Xan, if he would but say the word...

The Ishvallan knew that the Drachman military was growing in power, as he made it his business to know such things. Information was a weapon, a tool of warfare, and if one expected to have victory in war, one had to have information. It was as simple as that. Having been the Infinity Alchemist, Leviathan, and Famine all in one lifetime, Xan had a considerable store of information and skills that could be useful to the Drachman military, and they would reward him well for these things, if he would but say the word...

The Alchemist knew that that there was power to be gained, and his chief goal was to obtain power...but to what end? Even he had not answered that question. Was it to protect someone? He had no one that he truly needed to protect, for his family was not even in Amestris, and he had no lover at the moment. Was it to defeat someone? The Alchemist hated no one at the moment. At least, he did not want them dead at any rate. Perhaps it was to surpass someone? Even he did not know. However, the simple fact of the matter was that there was power to be obtained here, if he would but say the word...

So, what was keeping him from saying the word? Xanthus hesitated before answering this time, thinking of his words carefully before saying them.

Sashura, I cannot betray my people outright like this. At least, not until I know for certain that your way is the true way to their salvation. You say that more lives will be spared if I join you, but let us face it...lives are always lost in war. And we both know that war between Amestris and Drachma will be unavoidable if one were to judge by your words. Besides, I never was one to quit in the middle of a strategy, as that is not my way. It would take quite an offer indeed to make me change my mind. What say you to these words of mine?

Xanthus closed his eyes and became deep in thought. Sashura's words were not what he was thinking about. He had heard much worse, and from people who had far more power. The act of Sashura kissing Matthias had amused him, but he was not thinking about that. He had seen such things often before.

No, the Ishvallan was musing to himself about what exactly he wanted in this life. Was it power? Yes, but to what end?! That question had been tormenting the young alchemist for quite some time now. He had no one that he wished to protect, destroy, surpass, nor serve.

Or was there someone...?

Xan was shocked out of his thoughts by Matthias asking him if he had met a certain woman before. He looked down at the picture and to his surprise, he saw Ilona's face staring back at him.

I have seen this woman before. You seek Ilona, The Harbinger Alchemst. Is there any particular reason that you want this woman to be spared?

Before Matthias could answer, Xan turned back to Sashura. He wanted to know something.

And as for you Sashura, I believe that you misunderstand. You have spoken of saving my people from a corrupt government, but how do I know that they would not be delivered into the hands of an even more corrupt government? And for that matter, how do I know that you wouldn't slaughter them all yourself?

Xanthus listened to Sashura’s words, hearing each of the accusations in their turn, hearing the truth ring in his ears. And the part about conspirators did not escape his notice either. So, were his actions known even in Drachma? Or had this man specifically looked into a file on Xanthus’ past? Either way, it did not matter.

It seems that even with Leviathan dead and gone, his legacy doth endure. But enough of my musings. If my words mean anything to you at this point then hear me now. I apologize for my words Sashura. I did not mean to offend you. My only goal was to ascertain whether or not my people, or should I say both of my peoples would be in better hands with Drachma than with Amestris. My time amongst the military has made me very suspicious of offers that seem to be golden, for more often than not they are but gilded lead, if you will forgive the ancient alchemical allusion.

Remembering that Matthias had asked him where his twin sister was, Xanthus looked at his face, then back to Ilona’s. Yes, they were twins. The Ishvallan had not noticed before only because he hadn’t been paying as much attention as he probably should have been.

Matthias, it will please you to know that I do know the whereabouts of Ilona Szilagyi. She is currently stationed at Fort Briggs, which is the wall that separates Amestris and Drachma. I take it that you’ve heard of the place?

"Oh the famous Briggs..I always wanted to go there. But I heard of something that forbids me to go for awhile. But that doesn't stop me from sending my dogs over there to see her."He said, now pleased he had found his sister at last. Soon we will be together...
"Well my side of the matter is sorted and I'm pressed for time gentlmen."Matthias stodd up, long finished the ice cream and started to walk away but not before leaning down towards Sashura and kissing him on the cheek.
"I hope we see eachother again soon in the near future."He said in a low whisper. He then resumed his walk and exited out of the resturant, signalling his men that it is time to go. Matthias could not wait to see his sister..But he heard rumours that Drachma is going to attack Briggs, so it will take awhile to get to her...No matter, Sashura is going to be there isn't he?

[EXIT]

Xanthus hesitated before he spoke again. It was true that Ishvallans and Amestrians both died quite frequently in minor skirmishes, and Xan would do or give very near anything to make that end. Could siding with Drachma help with that? Perhaps, if Xan were to play his cards very carefully. However, it often took more than just one man to change the course of an entire war…

But on that note, here was this man, Sashura Kir, offering peace between the two nations. Of course, Xan thought rather bitterly, peace could only be derived after much bloodshed. But then again…one final war to end war between the two nations forever, or an eternity of skirmishes? Which one would cost the most lives?

Xan reclined in his chair, deeper in thought than he could remember ever being in his entire life. There was much to think about. What bound him to Amestris? His loyalty to the people, and his friends (for Xan still considered them friends) at Briggs. How best could he protect them, and make their lives better? By ending war with Drachma. That was the most pressing issue at the moment. Aerugo and Creta could be dealt with at a later date. How does one end a war? Peace. What was this man, Sashura Kir, offering?

Hmm…Sashura, I’m tempted to take you at your word. However, let me ask you something. How much weight does your voice have in the Drachman royal court?

The Ishvallan had thought of something. An idea was slowly unraveling in his mind. His idea was the kind of idea that, if brought to fruition, could shake the very foundations of the world, and he knew it. That was why he needed to ask the Drachman a few questions. If the Drachman answered them correctly…

Sashura’s answer satisfied Xanthus. It was time for the second question in the chain. This one might prove more difficult for Sashura to answer, as the answer could have serious implications if worded incorrectly.

I see. I like the answer that you have given me, and I can especially appreciate the fact that the populace shall not be destroyed. And now for a different question, one that pertains to you, or rather, to your ambition.

Xan moved in closely to Sashura, so that he could whisper to the man his next question. The Ishvallan knew better than to ask these kinds of questions out loud to the point where anyone could hear him.

Tell me Sashura, do you want to wield the power that your master possesses? If given the opportunity, would you seize that power for yourself? You are a Lt. Colonel at the moment, I believe? Well, are you ambitious enough to want to be the Tzar of Drachma?

This Ishvallan smiled as he asked Sashura that question. He had only assumed that the ‘master’ that Sashura had been speaking of was the Tzar. Really, it didn’t quite matter if he was or was not correct. The point was the same. Did Sashura was to become the equivalent of a King? Or was he content to remain in the employ of another for the rest of his natural life?

Sashura surprised Xan by speaking aloud of such ambitious goals. Perhaps there was more happening in Drachma than the Ishvallan had read about in his files…oh well, that just meant more fun for him in the end. What did not surprise Xan however, was the question that Sashura asked him. Or course the Drachman would inquire about Xanthus’ own ambitions. Seeing that there was no need to whisper at the moment, Xan reclined in his chair and spoke in clear Drachman, at what was considered to be the normal volume for his voice.

It would be unfair for me to answer with a lie a question that you just answered with the truth, as I assumed you have just done. I desire power, it is true. In fact, I desire a great magnitude of power. However, I myself do not find the concept of being a King very interesting at all. I’d be in the limelight too much for my tastes. That and all of the pressures of being the head of a country would drive me insane at some point. No, I don’t seek the throne of any country. I only wish to serve as the right hand of a King whose goal is the well being of his people, not his money or power. It is true however, that if I willed it, the Ishvallan people could in time see me as a Leader. But, I would prefer not to involve them in the affairs of other races until war itself is vanquished, as Ishval was never a nation meant for war, but for peace. Does my answer satisfy you?