"Get a move on!" she barked. "We have things to discuss."
                          
The group headed up to the development sector once again where Falman was waiting for them. Olivier was vague as to where they were going, but as soon as they headed towards the hole that homunculus dug through the previous day, they had somewhat of an idea of what was happening. They had help getting down there by Briggs soldiers, for the drop was actually quite deep. They also supplied horses down to help them trek through the hole of dirt.
                          
Sonia had never felt so privileged as she saddled up on a horse for the very first time. It was always a dream of hers to ride such a majestic creature. In her hometown, her family was too poor to afford any animals, and in the bustling city of Central, cars were too common for horses to roam about.
                          
The horse was white with brown spots here and there. It had long, long legs and a luscious mane. Its eyes were as dark as hers. Falman noticed her childish wonder and gave her a sugar cube then gestured to the animal. Leaning over, Sonia placed the treat in the center of her palm and carefully put it in front of the horse's mouth. It nibbled it gently and the girl laughed at how strange the sensation was, like a tickle.
                          
So caught up in the moment, Sonia didn't at all catch Ed staring wistfully at the connection she had with the horse, a gentle smile gracing his face. When she sneezed from her cold, the scene was less graceful, but still just right, somehow.
                          
This cave-hole place was a bit intimidating. It was dark without the light from the exit, and as they went farther away from it and all their light sources were small lanterns, Sonia got the creeps. She clutched the reins of her placid horse even tighter.
                          
After what seemed a mile in, the General spoke, still riding her horse and staring ahead. Her loud Armstrong voice projected in such a small space as she finally explained.
                          
"It is just us," she stated simply. "There are no prying eyes, no other ears to hear."
                          
The alchemist's first thought was she sent them all down there to kill them. Ed seemed to sense her fear and gave her a look of disbelief then shook his head, as if he knew exactly what she was thinking and wished she knew how ridiculous she sounded. She didn't doubt the way of the north and believed the Ice Queen was given that moniker for a reason.
                          
The group stopped gradually, and they set up camp on the cavern-type floor. Sonia, using a glove from Roy she stole right before being re-adopted, made a small fire for them in the center of their group circle. Immediately as they sat, Olivier Armstrong was firing questions.
                          
"There is now no excuse to tell me absolutely everything I want to know."
                          
She's right, and all three of them know it. The two younger look to Edward. He just sighs, then explains everything.
                          
"We weren't lying when we said we wanted to get our bodies back," the boy started.
                          
"And I wasn't lying when I said I needed to know more about Xing and its culture," Sonia added, biting her lip.
                          
"But that's just not the whole truth," Al confessed.
                          
"First we should start off with the facts," Sonia said, folding her hands. "The Fuhrer. He's a homunculus, like the one we saw yesterday. And, well... he's also now my..." She gulped. "My dad."
                          
Falman looked completely puzzled. "But Colonel Mustang? Isn't he your brother?"
                          
"I got adopted. Again."
                          
"Nevermind that!" Armstrong roared, a furious look etched on her face. "Are you telling me that the leader of this country, my Amestris, is an immortal and evil creature?"