Love this story, and the research you put into it. I don't normally read military/Tom Clancy type stories or novels, but you brought a sense of immediacy to the characters and their situations, and I left wanting to know more.

This was a great read and I can tell you really did your research! Great writing and character dynamics. Keep up the good work and hope to see this continued someday.

Wow, the story is really good and I hope for a sequel despite the longer break. It's definitely one of my favorites. You did a good job of researching things and the emotional base was also nice.

The characters are so friggin perfect. And the plot! I didn't realize I was literally holding my breath until I finished the chapter and was able to breathe! Can't wait for more

Bradley is a wicked son of a bitch

Very good story! Not gonna lie I was confused at parts on what was happening but I think that might of been what you were going for because after that most of the confusion was explained. I'm excited to read the next chapter and see how the military and the Ishvalan's react to Ed's decision.

I wasn't sure about this story but now I'm immensely glad I chose to read it. Holy smokes, this is just...amazing! The detail of war and the characters are all perfectly portrayed. Edward's perspective as a child in a war brings home the horror of it all. The slow realization of how naive and childish he is, was, and the slow loss of his innocence is phenomenal especially as the team sees him starting to step up and act like Mustang and take charge. Breda may have been coaching Edward in protocol, but Mustang has been leading by example and teaching Edward by example and the parental feels make me so happy even as I want to cry.

And then there's Mustang and piece by piece you have revealed the price he has paid and continues to willingly pay to protect those he loves and to fight to get to the top to change everything so that the wars he had to fight through don't happen. Mustang is admittedly my favorite character because the man has so many layers and it has been a joy (and horror because, gah, what he's been through and continues to put himself through...) to see his depths as he is once more sent to war, especially from Ed's perspective as he finally perceives the man Mustang really is. And I adore how you have portrayed him taking care of Edward the best he can, and his team, while still utilizing all their abilities and further how he is working to also protect those back in Central. Kimblee is amazing as well. He is so incredibly dangerous and bloodthirsty and at the same time intelligent with his own goals. I really love how he pointed out that Mustang has been holding back and how that really made Edward start thinking as he gave his blood. And Mustang was on the list of the three people in the world that Edward loves as family/has depended on. *happy sigh* And Ed's thoughts about brotherhood and what it meant and how brotherhood-family-doesn't end with blood...about time he figured that out. Pretty sure that Mustang's default for his team and why he's so damn protective. :)

Now King Bradley...*whistles* Beautiful portrayal! I like how you're delving more into his 'sin' and his retaliation at Mustang. While he seems to have no comprehension of Mustang's true goals, he recognizes Mustang is a real threat. I have a feeling Hawkeye is going to be in real trouble as Kimblee's bodyguard too. Mustang will lose it when he finds out. Like Hawkeye says after he saved her and Al from Lust, he needs to worry about himself a little, but he doesn't. Mustang's heart might not be worn on his sleeve like Edward, but damn if he doesn't love and care with all the fierceness of his fire and more. Flushing out Mustang indeed. Though Bradley isn't taking the Fullmetal Alchemist into account which is curious. Right now Fullmetal is the wild card with Mustang down for the count.

Speaking of, I don't think Edward hallucinated Mustang waking up. I think Mustang did wake up, if for a little while for Edward's sake. The chess insights could only have come from Mustang. As far as I know, Edward doesn't know how to play chess. And Mustang anticipated the response from Central by their absence and demanding they go back because of duty...that and you partially wrote it from Mustang's perspective which suggests he really was awake. :) I'm happy though that Edward realizes Mustang would kill himself trying to save the team, how the silver chain of the title "State Alchemist" is choking the man to death and he'll let it to make sure everyone else comes out alive. And how Mustang recognized a Fullmetal plan vs his own...they really are in tune with one another, battered as they are. And how Mustang reassured Edward...

Honestly, there is so much more to talk about but this review is big enough I think, lol. Really, this is a beautiful story and your research and character development have made it incredibly rich. Please continue! I really want to know what happens next!

This is great!

Wasn't the technique of just puncturing a collapsed lung already known already if not then I guess I was just wrong and if it was and you just wanted to add more tension then I get it kinda

Well, let's just hope Ed is doing the right thing there. Stubborn boy. But I love how you portray his decision making

I love the intense portrayal of their emotions and Ed's way of thought. It's awesomely written.

I'm really loving the character interactions you're writing, especially for this situation. Looking forward to seeing the next chapters!

Things are happening XD
Can't wait for an update XD
Excited for more XD

Oooh - this was great!

They really are stuck between a rock and a hard place. Looking forward to seeing where you take this.

That was gripping. It's good to see that side of Rebecca. Also, it's good to see Ed's respect for Roy continue to grow. I was hoping that Roy's dark lashes might flutter against his pale cheeks, haha. I hope that he does survive.