Linky's Fics

In-between The Dancing Crowd

---

It was rather impressive how the union was able to pull off such an event like this every year. Fanciful decor, reminiscent of the times of old throughout alchemy’s history, all hidden deep within a secret venue. Only known to the most elite and those below who were granted such exclusive access from ones above the ladder.

Glion had seen the depths of the union’s dysfunction in his quest to create El Dorado. He’d successfully gotten his fingers into undoing the tapestry of the higher ups. Not that it was difficult in the first place. It was all too easy to undo the threads of its inside and get a deeper look within.

He’d overhear the mumbling of idiots who were placed in charge of the rules of the alchemic world. How said rules had twisted implications if you looked closely, for just long enough. Not that he personally cared however. If anything, those rules only further advanced his goals in the end.

It was amusing how his activities that were intertwined with the forbidden had gone on this long without being noticed. Goes to prove how incompetent and preoccupied with nonsense they all were. Such as putting so much into these galas every year.

More than anything they were a flex of their power. A way to continue to appease those beneath them to make sure they never questioned the status quo.

Glion turned his attention back to the crowds.

In hushed whispers there were rumors of a dark alchemist indulging in forbidden alchemy one could hear through the ballroom… but there was nothing that could tie back directly to him. He knew there were multiple alchemists out there partaking in such acts anyways. It was easy enough to cover his tracks.

As he sat at a table in the center of the hall, the opposite end was an orchestra that played calming music. Many, if not all of the guests sounded jubilant.

He’d overhear the conversations of those around him. How things were going at different branches, both positive and negative. Talk of advancements in certain studies of alchemy. Some were already talking about the next high-rank event on the horizon. Which wasn’t surprising. One of the perks of being an A-Rank alchemist or being among the higher ranks as a whole were these lavish events.

Then there was a passing mention of Fuga and his latest achievement.

Glion promptly took a sip of his drink upon hearing his name, and blocked out whatever else was being said. He cannot think about that man right now. The last thing he needed was for his mood to become visibly soured and people start pestering him about it.

His eyes glanced over to the council who were all seated at a distant table. They were further away so it was hard to fully make out what they could be saying. Though he doubted there was any sort of productive discussion happening. Those old men could organize an elaborate event such as this, sourcing all of these materials to create a room with a historic atmosphere… but could barely wrangle themselves together to get off their asses and do anything actually meaningful.

And if they really wanted to pull off decor that would showcase the legacy of the craft, this room needed more gold.

But these parties did always prove to be a sufficient time to unwind. Both during the event and afterwards, when he’d tag along with others and come to the quarters and stay the night. Often even in the extravagant homes of his superiors. Spending hours into the night having even more fun. He could never say no to that.

So they had their perks. Even if he wasn’t in the mood to be out conversing right this second. His research at the academy proved to be exhausting, and it was an especially draining day today.

But it all would be beneficial to his goals in the end. Everything would build up to a world of glorious golden eternity that would shine with brilliance for all of time.

Then between the crowds of alchemists Mami appeared as she walked over to his table.

She was an intelligent researcher. Skilled in her profession and eager to learn more and further her own goals. Glion couldn’t help but be a bit interested in her because of that alone. Because of Mami’s boundless tenacity and endless fascination with him, she could prove useful in due time.

“Not going to talk to anyone, Glion?” She sat down next to him. “You’ve been here the whole night.”

“I’m a bit tired after today.” He takes another sip, and he can see a tiny sparkle in her eyes as his gaze becomes focused on her. “Go on, you don’t need to sit around with me and deprive yourself.”

“Sometimes I need a break from the crowd too.” She smiles.

“I see.” He smiles back at her, and he can see how Mami takes in a small breath from that. “How is your research going then?”

That sparkle in her eyes only grew. “It’s been going quite well. I believe we’re on the verge of a breakthrough! But enough about mine, how’s yours?”

Ah yes. Glion took notice of when she first became invested in his own research. It was fun to tell her of his grand plans to advance alchemy—even though she had no idea what was truly to come.

But that was part of the fun of it all.

The music began to swell in the background, and pairs of alchemists began to dance. Gracefully stepping across the ballroom floor. Capes twirled and became a sea of blue, black, and some occasional streaks of gold as the orchestra at the end of the hall played loudly.

Glion stood up and reached out his hand, “Would you like to dance with me?” And he delighted in seeing how her body reacted to that proposal. Taking in another breath as her eyes widened slightly. She did have restraint, but Glion could still read her like an open book.

“It would be an honor.”

El Dorado would come to fruition eventually. But for now, it was time to partake in the festivities. And to continue to don the mask of an upstanding citizen of alchemist society.

---

Back to top!