Claude happened to be at HQ just at the right time. He'd come to hand in a report on a recent robbery he coincidentally managed to stop. He and his older sister were taking a stroll (or, well, roll in her case, what with being in a wheelchair) just as chaos broke out in a nearby bank and the culprit raced past them with his booty. Claude had easily caught up with him and beaten him in a short hand-to-hand fight; his sister had even helped by throwing her hammer at the guy's temple, knocking him out instantly.
Claude hummed in contentment as he walked through the building. Not only would word of his good deed soon spread across the military, he could also use this event as part of his annual assessment.
And speaking of annual assessments, Claude happened to catch whispers about a fellow alchemist: Shou Tucker, also known by his title: the Sewing-Life Alchemist. Claude had never met him, but he was definitely interested in him - particularly because the conversation he picked up was about who should sacrifice themselves for the greater good and visit "that creep's" house to check up on him. Last year's assessment apparently failed to impress and was only submitted in the nick of time, so people were starting to lose faith in him.
Claude was quick to volunteer. Making house calls wasn't exactly his area of expertise, but he'd do almost anything to escape boredom. Besides, it was the perfect chance for him to ask Tucker if he'd be willing to share his knowledge, from one alchemist to another.
Well, his house definitely looked normal enough. Claude had been wondering if he was supposed to expect a dark, looming mansion, surrounded by a large gate and a forsaken garden, and accompanied by the occasional bolt of lightning in the background.
With a curious smile on his face, Claude rang the doorbell.














