The Water Alchemist

Faulty Memory

Welcome back to The Water Alchemist. I don't own any of the intellectual property of Fullmetal Alchemist.

Chapter Six

Faulty Memory

*** 

The air in the house was stale and cold. The interior was as lavish as the exterior, but it didn't boast a feeling of home. Cobwebs crowded the corners of the high ceilings, and as Tucker led us to the kitchen table, I couldn't help but notice the pile of dishes that overtook the sink.

"We're in desperate need of a womanly touch around here. It's been like this ever since my wife left. I apologize for the mess," Tucker commented. He looked at me when he said it as if to say he noticed my judgmental stare. I looked to the dusty floor embarrassedly and sat quietly in the chair next to Al. "So, I'm sure you already know, but I am Shou Tucker, the Sewing-Life Alchemist. It's a pleasure to meet you. What brings you all here?" He moved around the table, placing tea he had prepared in front of each of us.

"Edward and Alphonse would like to take a look at your research into bio alchemy, if at all possible," Mustang said.

"Sure, I don't see why not," Tucker said. Ed and Al breathed a sigh of relief, and I smiled. Tucker disrupted the early celebration. "However, I'd like to know something too. If I show you what's up my sleeve, I'd like the same in return. Simple equivalent exchange, the law we alchemists live by. Why are you interested in bio alchemy?" Mustang stammered, trying to keep the boys' secret, but Ed called him off.

"It's alright. I'll tell you," he said, prefacing his tale.

It was painfully obvious how desperate Edward was to find some answers, trusting his darkest secrets to this man. Ed explained down to the very last detail the taboo he and Al committed that fateful night. It was one thing to get it shot into your head after a dream, but it was another to hear the events told straight from the source. There was so much pain and anguish in his voice as if he were reliving it with every word. Al was silent as Ed showed their hand. He showcased his automail to solidify his story, and my breath hitched a little when I saw it. I couldn't help but stare at the shiny metal. It was the first time I had seen the arm in full, in real-time. The depth of detail of the real thing put my dreams imagery to shame. The way the light glinted from it, the deep and jagged scars that tore up the length of Ed's shoulder, the ridges, and divots of the automail; it was a sight I couldn't quite describe. It was apparent that he took care of it – the limb was glossy, polished to perfection – but it was also worn in some places, particularly the joints. There were noticeable nicks in the metal, likely from combat. What a marvel it was to be able to combine flesh and bone with silver and steel. What a gift, a beacon of hope, and a reminder of tragedy. It was hauntingly beautiful.

"Ah, I see. It seems you've had a bitter go of it, " Tucker said as Ed re-clothed himself and sat down. The boys and Mustang were silent. "And where do you fit in?"

Tucker directed his attention to me. The question caught me off guard. I had reserved myself not to get involved. I just wanted to observe and maybe find something on the stone. I didn't know how much they wanted me to disclose, especially to someone who I had a steady and uneasy feeling about from the start. I looked at Ed and Al, asking them what to do with my eyes.

"She's traveling with us," Ed said as if reading my mind.

Short, sweet, and to the point. I relaxed in my chair a bit.

"Any particular reason?" Tucker pressed.

"Well," Al began, but Ed interrupted.

"She has similar interests in bio alchemy. We're helping one another."