Bluebirds Illusions – Pride, the deadliest sin

Chapter 3 – The Sewing Life Alchemist

The train to Central was awfully crowded. There were mobs upon mobs of people who were taking up almost every seat in sight. They quickly found a spot in the final compartment on the last set of benches. They tried to sit in the most remote location so they could get away from all the annoying and curious, watchful eyes…well, as much as they could anyway. It didn't really work out though. There were still quite a number of passengers in their compartment, probably more than any other as a matter of fact. It seemed as though a number of fanatics had followed them. It was comical really, they were not even trying to hide the fact that they were staring, some with mouth agape, at the group as they made their way down the aisle.

With a sigh of relief Al plopped himself opposite of Maria and Denny. "What's going on with all those people?" asked Al once they had all taken their seats. He turned around and stole a glance from behind the bench at the rest of the compartment. All he saw was about fifty obsessively dazed faces that were turned his way. He made an involuntary sound and jumped back into his seat. "What is with them?" he asked quietly. He was grateful that his back was facing the rest of the train.

"Isn't it obvious?" said Denny lightly. He poked his face out of the bench waving forward at everyone else. "I didn't know that word of my promotion to Master Sergeant reached this far to the East." He pulled back with a cocky smirk implanted on his face.

"Really?" asked Al, his eyes wide in absolute admiration. "You must be pretty famous eh?"

Denny put his hands behind his head and nodded arrogantly.

It was evident that Maria's wasn't as impressed. "Oh please Brosh…' she mumbled rolling her eyes.

That set him off like a firecracker. "What do you mean by that Lieutenant!?" he demanded, his voice echoing throughout the entire compartment. Al was forced to cover his ears at Denny's sudden, unprovoked frenzy. His eyes were darting back and forth between the two of them, wondering what the big deal was as they took turns taking shots at each other. 'These people are kind of weird…and scary…'

"Do you always feel the need to raise your voice?" She shook her head at him and turned her attention to Alphonse. "Now Al there could only be two reasons that they are so curious about us. Both of them have to do with you."

"Me?! What did I do?!"

"Do you have to be loud too?" She asked giving him a sharp, scolding look.

He shook his head vigorously. "No Miss!"

She froze, raising an eyebrow. "Miss?"

'Oh no, that's not right is it?' Al's eyes went wide. "Sorry, I mean umm...I mean Second Lieutenant Ma'am."

'I don't think that I have ever been called Miss for a long time…' She shook her head to rid herself of her thoughts. "Anyway, they both have to do with you. Denny and I came here on a crowed train, just like this one and no one gave us a second look, other than a couple of angry looks from those who still hate the military and will until the day they die."

"But the looks that people were giving us they weren't angry." Al pointed out.

Maria nodded. "Exactly. Which means that they are wondering who you are."

Al looked puzzled. "I don't get it. Why?"

"Do you have any idea what kind of name you and your brother made for yourselves, especially in the East?" she said in a praising voice, her eyes softening in memories. 'I think that I must be turning into a nostalgic sap…'

"But didn't you just say that people didn't like the military so some people gave you dirty looks. Brother was in the military."

Maria nodded again. "That is right. But you and your brother gave the people hope that there was a hero of the people among us military dogs. You and your brother never did much by the books but that is what made you both so famous. You two were the first alchemists in a long time who really upheld the motto 'Alchemist be thou for the people.' "

Al seemed at loss for words. He had heard it all before but he still found it hard to get his head around it all when many people really were staring at him wherever he went. It was even more unnerving when you take into account that he remembered none of what he did to give him such a reputation. He knew that it was somewhat to be expected but still it wasn't normal and it wasn't natural and so it came as a surprise to him nonetheless.

Denny seemed a little put out by the fact that it wasn't him that the passengers were gawking at. 'I want to be famous too…this guy is just a kid and he already has all of East City at his feet.' he thought enviously.

She leaned forward so only Al could hear. "Now there could only be two reasons that they are staring at you. A) – they are wondering how you are related to the famous Edward Elric or B) – they are interested if an Elric is entering the military because that would definitely bring their hopes up."

"Couldn't they think I am Ed too?" he joked lightly. "You did say that I look like him, didn't you?" said Al smiling softly.

"I never thought of that, but I doubt it." said Maria with a smart look.

Al's smile turned to a frown. "What? Why not?"

"Well, the news that Edwards' grave is going to be added into the military cemetery reached this area quicker than anywhere else. Believe me it was a big deal. There were hundreds of people, some of which your brother had never even met who requested an open funeral so that they could attend, and pay their respects to him. But I think that even the craziest people would think that he's still…" She tailed off at seeing Al's mortified expression.

"The-y-y They." he stuttered in a low monotone. "They what?" his voice was strikingly vacant.

Denny finally perked up. "You didn't know? The military had been debating it for ages, ever since he disappeared really. Mustang was dead set against it but General Hakuro overruled him. He said that three years was enough proof that he wasn't coming back-"

"Denny." said Maria sharply.

He seemed not to notice Maria's warning and continued his ramblings. "Not that I really blame him though. Three years? If someone who could be missing for three years and come back alive that would be awesome, but who are we kidding-"

"Denny!" she exclaimed even louder.

He seemed to just notice Al's absolutely miserable demeanor. He was slouched, his head bowed, his bangs covering hid eyes that were probably clamped shut. His fists were bared angrily.

"Oh Al…you didn't know?" asked Maria softly.

Al just shook his head slightly. She moved up on her seat, her melancholic expression gazed at him though the soft, understanding eyes that Al always found annoying. She reached forward, placing a hesitant hand on Al's shoulder.

"I am so sorry Al. We sent a letter to Resembool about it. I am sure of it."

He didn't make any move that he had heard her. 'I get it… Winry would never be able to tell me something like this…no wonder she was acting so strange. But brother…he is not dead so why are they making a grave for him. It is not right…it is just not right. I know he is out there. I will find him, and prove them all wrong…' There was something about having a grave that made the concept of his brothers' death final, absolute, and it scared him. It couldn't be. That was the reason he joined the military in the first place so he could get Ed back. None of this was making any sense. It just wasn't possible.

"But Al it was inevitable." said Maria softly, squeezing his shoulder lightly before pulling away. "Three years…I mean I guess if anyone could do it, it would be Edward but we all need to move on."

"No." said Al quietly.

"But Al…"

"I know that both of you must think I am crazy but I know exactly where he is. I just need to find a way to bring him back."

Maria's eyes darkened. "That's why you joined the military isn't it?"

Al nodded.

"Hold on a sec." butted in Denny. He was completely lost. "If you know where Ed is then why haven't you brought him back already?"

"Isn't that simple."

Maria's eyes went wide in realization. "You're not going to try human transmutation again are you? That is a taboo!" she professed as quietly as she could.

"What's the problem? It's not as though I even remember doing it in the first place." he said quietly.

"Al!" she exclaimed.

He smiled sadly and raised his head. The effect was unnerving. It didn't reach his now hollow eyes, making him look empty, soulless and…devoured. "Of course not."

Denny seemed relieved but Maria wasn't so easily convinced. "If not human transmutation then what do you plan on doing to bring him back?" she asked attentively.

"You're talking as if he is already dead." Al was speaking as quietly as ever. It was becoming rather worrisome.

"Al please!" Maria was looking at him pleadingly but then an even more terrible idea came to her. "You're not planning on making the philosophers stone again are you?" she asked.

"No, I don't think I could even if I wanted to…I don't know exactly how I am going to get him back. I just thought that being in the military would give me resources that I need to get him back." Al's eyes gained some colour and soul which eased the worry of both of his company. "I have to try…I can't rest not knowing."

Denny still seemed as puzzled as ever. "You keep on saying that you'll bring him back but back from where? You say he is not dead, but we haven't seen him for three years, where has he been?"

"That is something he can tell you for himself."

"Huh??"

Maria rolled her eyes. She had only been with Al for a little over an hour and she was already worrying about him. She decided better than to converse over the sensitive subjects such as Edward, and human transmutation. Al was thankful for that. He had had enough for one day. For the remainder of the ride Maria Ross and Denny Brosh gave Al the information for the State Alchemist Exam. They explained how there was three parts, the written, interview then the practical. It was not rare in the least to have a year where none were accepted. Normally there was anywhere between zero and two people chosen. It was once every dynasty that three or more were accepted. Al was to be staying at an alchemist's house. With who, they didn't know yet. They told him of Roy Mustang and his loyal team of Riza Hawkeye, Jean Havoc, Heymans Breda, Vato Falman and Kain Fuery. Of course they couldn't forget Lieutenant Colonel Armstrong either, along with Private Sciezka. They told him of the K.I.A. Maes Hughes, his wife Gracia and beautiful daughter Alicia. She was six now, almost seven.

The train ride lasted for another couple hours by which time both Denny and Al were asleep.

Maria felt terrible that she had to wake them up from their slumber.

She leaned over so that her mouth was just over Brosh's ear. "Up!" she said softly. Brosh yawned, stretching his arms out before rolling over where he began to snore heavily, burrowing himself into the seat. Maria sighed, hands on hips. She shook her head and grasped his shoulders, shaking him a little bit. "Brosh…Brosh…Broooossssh…" He turned back over, reached up again, swatting her away lethargically, while still snoring soundly and turning over again. She sighed again, rolling her eyes. "Okay, that is it." she mumbled under her breath. She leaned over so that her lips were right over his hear. "Get up!!" she exclaimed. Both Al and Denny were finally woken from their sleep.

They both gasped audibly, sitting bolt upright.

"Hey Maria! What was that for!?" protested Denny.

"I wouldn't have had to do that if you were sleeping like some deaf zombie!"

Al just sighed, slumping over in his seat. 'There they go again…'

It took quite a while for Al to break up their quarrel and bring them outside. At first glance Al was taken aback by the size and grandeur of the station. The ceilings were high, echoing the sounds of all the arriving and departing trains throughout the entire building. The walls were all made of up of enormous, clear glace windows panes that were letting the bright afternoon sun shine through, illuminating the station to the point where it was almost glowing. It took a while to get used to from the contrasts of the dimly lit train.

"Like it Al?" asked Denny.

"Un huh…" he was somewhat in awe. He had hardly moved at all since they had gotten off the train.

"Wait Al, you forgot your diary on the train." said Maria. "I'll go get it."

"No!" he exclaimed loudly, his voice echoing slightly. Al went red in the face, embarrassed about why he made such a loud protest. People were starting at him even more than before. "No." he repeated in a quieter voice. "It's fine. I'll go get it." he jumped up the stairs to the train.

"Do you want me to come with you?" asked Maria.

"No I am fine!" he called back. He was already inside the train. Al turned into the last compartment. After a few paces he stopped suddenly. Someone else was there in there with him. He was in the isle beside the far end of the compartment where he, Maria and Denny had sat.

Al could only see his back. He was quite tall, almost 7 '0'. He was very wide as well, maybe not as big as Armstrong but still quite enormous. He was wearing a large grey overcoat that skimmed the floors, and he had large oversized hood that covered his head. "Hey, who are you?" asked Al boldly.

The man turned around with reflexes that someone of his size shouldn't have possessed. Most of his face was covered as well. All Al could see was his eyes, which looked as though they were malformed. Something was seriously off about this man. "Alphonse…it has been a long time." he said. His voice was unexpectedly high and it came smoothly, yet still marred with a slight but definite rasp. It was chilling. Al had never heard anything like it before. "Are you looking for your diary? I must say it is very interesting."

"You read it!?"

Al was sure that this man was smiling beneath the hood. "Oh yes. Oh yes. I almost forgot. You lost your memory of living in that metal body. You don't remember me do you? I guess that is for the best." He began to pace towards Al, diary in hand.

Al took a few steps back. "Who are you?" he demanded again.

He ignored Al. "I do think that you'll have to repay me though. It is the principle of equivalent exchange after all. I will do you a favor. I want the philosopher stone, and now I know that the only way I can is through Edward now that it looks as though you've forsaken it." He rambled, seemingly talking more to himself than Al.

"What do you mean?"

His head jerked towards Al surveying him for a split second before replying. "You'll find out soon enough."

With animal-like speed he sprinted over the seats as though they were hurtles, and disappeared out of the cabin's door before Al could do anything. 'Who was he…I don't remember but I must have know him from while I was in the metal body, that much is clear, but still, how does he recognize me now if he only knew me while I was in the metal body?' He took a deep breath and picked up his diary which the man had left. He headed back out to the platform. 'I don't think that I should tell Maria or Denny about this...it would only worry them. Well, maybe not Denny so much, but Maria for sure.'

He quickly jumped out of compartment onto the stations ground.

"What took you so long?" asked Denny.

"Nothing." replied Al evenly. 'Maybe Granny is right, I can lie. I still don't think I am as good as brother though.'

They both nodded, neither suspecting anything. Al put on his backpack and was led to a car outside the station that was to take him to Central Headquarters where he was to sign up for the exam.

"This is where we leave you Al." said Maria with a soft smile. 'I hope that you find whatever it is that you are looking for.'

"Yea, see ya around Al." said Denny.

Al felt heat rise into his cheeks when they both saluted him.

"Shit."

"Must you always use such coarse language Brigadier?"

"I will use coarse language whenever I see fit Hawkeye." he snapped back at his First Lieutenant. Roy was sitting at his head desk, undoubtedly in a grumpy mood. He had just hung up the phone after being informed of something really disturbing, and obviously problematic.

Riza frowned at him. He rarely spoke to her with such bite. "What is it Roy?" she asked. She would rarely call him by his first name whenever any of Roy's other subordinates were around. She set down her own papers and headed over to his desk stopping right in front of it, respectfully waiting his reply.

Roy's frown was deepening by the second. "It's Tucker, he's missing."

Riza didn't ever try to hide her surprise. "Shou Tucker? The Sewing Life Alchemist?"

He nodded. "I wanted that man executed years ago but the higher-ups would have nothing of it. They wanted him to continue his experiments on Chimeras and other deprived beats. Now look what they've done."

"You don't think him escaping the military's control would have anything to do with Al planning on taking the State Alchemist Exam, do you?" asked Riza. She was growing as edgy as the Brigadier. This was serious news.

"I am not surprised you came to such a conclusion as well. Unfortunately it does. I am almost sure of it." he said quietly.

"How are you so certain?"

"Because Al's old metal body, it is missing from the labs too."

I have a link to a Bluebirds Illusions OVERVIEW on my authors page should anyone be interested!

much love,

temariXshikamaruluva