DISCLAIMER: If I owned FMA, I would speak Japanese, and Madison would be a real character

Not surprisingly, only five minutes after we left the train station, a yawn escaped my lips. Quite obnoxiously. Ed snorted in amusement in front of me, and I tried to glare at my mouth. Stupid appendage, always disobeying me.

"Hey, brother, I think we should find a place to rest for the night," Alphonse spoke up after minutes of silence, due to my yawning.

Edward hummed in agreement. "Yeah, sure. We can stay at a house or something." He whirled around, narrowing his eyes at me. "I'm not paying for her though; she wants to stay with us, she'll have to take care of herself." I pouted at him, trying to hide my suddenly pale skin.

I didn't have any money. What the hell would I do? I couldn't just rely on the brothers all the time, considering they probably didn't have much money themselves right now. Crap. Was this what adults have to do on a daily basis? Even more reason to sleep in my parent's basement, as I did not want to have responsibilities like that... if I ever made it back home...

Suddenly somber, I stuffed my hands into the pockets of my jeans. I blinked, eyebrows furrowing as my hand brushed against some sort of pouch. Taking it out, I inspected the inside, nearly letting out a squeal.

I guess Truth wasn't too bad. It (they? She? Who knows anymore) had given me a small amount of cash. It didn't look too different to Earth money, and I bet I could get used to it. Still wasn't colorful, maple smelling, Canadian money, though.

"Don't worry," I spoke, grinning. "I can pay for myself." Edward grumbled, making me snicker. Was probably using this plan to make me leave. Too bad; once you got The Sass Master, she ain't leaving.

We entered a small hotel, only about two stories high. We payed for our room, nearly dead on our feet, (Edward was mocking me when I quietly asked Al how the currency works. I stuck my tongue out childishly at him).

Entering the tiny hotel room with two twin beds, I collapsed onto one of them, letting out a tiny sigh. "The ginger is out of commission for now. Night night," I muttered into my pillow, voice muffled. Al's chuckle rung throughout his armor, making me blink. "Wait- Alphonse. There's only two beds, where are you gunna sleep?" I knew why he didn't need a bed, but I'd rather ask what I already knew than the brothers get suspicious.

The two Elric's froze. "OH! Uh... I-I don't sleep much, alchemy training and all! Besides, there's a couch!" Alphonse stuttered, chuckling nervously. I softly snorted, quietly enough so that they couldn't hear me.

"Mk... night guys."

God, I was tired. Today was... something. I would have snorted again if I had the energy. That was the understatement of the year. Just yesterday I had been studying math and joking with Kate, and today I faced death on a multiple of occasions. I'm surprised how calm I am right now, though I'm pretty sure it's more shock than anything.

There was shuffling as Ed prepared for bed. He quietly conversed with Al before he followed my example and passed out on the other bed.

I tossed and turned, but no matter what song I sung in my head, how many sheep I counted, or trying to imagine this was all a dream, I still couldn't fall asleep. I missed my bed back home, with it's twenty pillows and fluffy blankets. It's smell of chocolate and cat fur.

My head kept playing images of today over and over again. Falling off a train, being shot at, having the point of death stare straight in my face. I wanted to cry. I was so, so scared. Little, anxious Madison who could be frightened by a simple 'boo'. I kept repeating the words, 'Why me?' in my head, over and over like a broken record, trying to convince myself that it meant something.

I choked back my tears, not wishing any of the brothers to see my cry. It would cause unnecessary questions and complications that I honestly didn't want to deal with.

I sighed, running a hand through my long, red hair, grimacing at the grease. I'd have to take a shower tomorrow. And buy new clothes...

I sat up, stretching out my stiff limbs. Rubbing at my eyes, I glanced over to see Al sitting on the honestly very tiny couch. He took up more than half of it. +

Feeling a sudden urge of sympathy, I stood up on my tired legs and made my way to him. It was only a couple of steps, but it seemed more than that. I guess the shock of the day wore off, but it never really sunk in my mind that I had been talking to Edward and Alphonse. Edward and Alphonse Elric, alchemist brothers of one of my favorite pastimes, who suffered more than I could ever imagine.

Shakily, I sat down next to the younger brother. He jumped a little at my presence, and I tried to smile kindly at him, but it probably wasn't all that encouraging. "Hey."

"Madison? What are you doing up?" Alphonse asked quietly, trying not to wake his sleeping older brother.

I shrugged, pulling up my knees on the couch to hug them to my chest. "Couldn't sleep. You?"

He looked down at the book in his hands. "Just studying on some alchemy... I wanna be prepared for the Alchemy Exam," he replied.

"Alchemy Exam?" I asked, although I already knew. Gosh, this was going to get old real fast. I'm going to go crazy if I'm gonna have to keep playing dumb.

He nodded, closing his book to look at me. "Mhm. It's an exam the State does every year to scout for new state alchemists. Brother and I are joining."

I gave a toothy, closed eyed grin. "Well, good luck to you both. May the best brother pass." He chuckled, giving his thanks.

He passed me another alchemy book, a beginner's one that he kept around for sentimental value or something. It was hard to focus on the words, all of them flying over my head. Scowling, I was suddenly reminded why I hated science. I wouldn't say I was an avid learner... quite the opposite, actually. Kate was always freaking out about grades and making sure she stayed on top of her classes (now not so much), while I would just laugh at her on the sidelines. I was quite the procrastinator, and while I was by no means dumb, I wasn't all that interested in expressing my intellectual genius. Due to my taking french courses and Kate English (that girl couldn't speak french for the life of her), she never really knew what I did in class. So when I showed her my report card, let's say she was surprised. Freaking Commander Duck thought I was stupid.

"Madison?"

I blinked, turning to Alphonse giving me the equivalent of a curious look. "You okay? You've been staring at the same paragraph for five minutes."

I coughed, realizing he was right. "Just... thinking about my best friend." He tilted his head, urging me to continue. I smiled. "Her name is Kate. She's," I let out a soft scoff, "she's something."

"What do you mean?" Alphonse asked.

"Well... Commander Duck was quite the hilarious little emo munchkin." I stared seriously at him. "Don't tell her I said that; she'll punch me."

He laughed. "I won't." He stopped for a second. "Tell me more about her."

So I did. I told him about how she was a clumsy, awkward dork who hated when you mentioned her cursed shortness. How she stumbled over her sentences and repeated things too many times if she were excited about something. How we bonded over our mutual hate over gym, our love for art. How we both would smack each other when one of us would criticize something we would draw or write. How I would tease her about her gigantic crush on one of her favorite characters because, in her words, 'real people suck'. How we met, how we laughed, how close we were. Everything I could remember.

When my voice was hoarse from prolonged use, I looked down at my hands. I smiled faintly, remember times when I would pop out my thumb to freak her out. "I miss her. I wish I could figure out why I lost my memories and find a way home, just so I can see her again."

Alphonse was quiet, before he laid a hand on my head. "I hope you get your memories back."

I sniffed, wiping a few stray tears from my eyes. I hated crying in front of others. "So do I." I clenched the book in my hands tightly, eyebrows furring. "I'm gonna study alchemy, and I'm going to get my memories back."

He patted my head. "You'll do it, I know you will." Even if he didn't know it, I could suspect it wasn't just me he was trying to persuade with those words.

Instead of letting him reflect on the words, I patted his chest-plate, giving him an appreciative smirk. "You're a great comfort buddy, Al." He chuckled, rubbing the back of his helmet bashfully. A yawn escaped my lips, and I rubbed at my tired eyes. "I should probably head to bed now," I said, yawning again, stretching my arms as my joints cracked pleasantly.

Alphonse nodded, but I smiled. "You can take the bed. You're much bigger than me; I don't think this tiny couch is doing any favors."

He argued with me for a bit, but I was pretty stubborn and couldn't be persuaded easily. Eventually he gave in, throwing me a pillow and a blanket. This time, when I closed my eyes, I was lulled into the blissful dreamland of sleep.

The next morning, after a shower, I threw on the clothes I had from yesterday, and we were off. Ed mentioned something about having to meet Mustang, and I was slightly nervous. I'm not too sure how Mustang will react to me. He knew about the brother's and how talented they were, but he knew nothing about me. He may even kick me out and forbid me from researching alchemy with the brothers.

"Stop it," Edward whined in front of me, and I scowled.

"What do you mean?" I growled.

He turned his head back to face me, eyes furrowed. "I can hear you thinking, and it's giving me a headache." I bit my lip, looking away from him.

"I don't know how this Mustang will react to me. What if he won't let me study with you? What if I don't find a way home because of that?" I mumbled softly, worry lacing my voice.

"Don't worry about it."

I looked back up, staring at his back in confusion. He stared ahead, not turning around to face me. "You're with us now, right? He can't complain about it." I blinked, before I looked down with a bashful smile.

"Thanks."

He didn't reply, but I was okay with that. I didn't want him to continue and let me look stupid by saying something as equally stupid. I was surprised I had done as well as I had by now.

Before long, we arrived at Central command. It was quite the impressive, intimidating sight, with it's watch towers and soldiers every few feet. I can't say I've ever been near a military sight, but this one could take the cake. Heh, that rhymed...

Ed led us to the entrance, showing some sort of clearance to see Mustang to the front guards. They let us through, although with major skepticism. I stuck my tongue out at them when they weren't looking.

Another soldier led us through the halls, pointing out where certain rooms were and what their purpose was. I tried to listen, but my mind was just too frenzied to pay attention.

By the time we arrived at Mustang's office, my heart was beating in my chest. I didn't trust to open my mouth and to wheeze instead of talking.

Finally, we were standing in front of Mustang, his intimidating eyes searching over us, his hands clasped near his mouth. I gulped, trying to avoid his gaze by hiding behind a much larger Alphonse.

"So," Mustang began, a smirk tugging at his lips. "You boys believe you're ready for the exam."

"You bet I do," Edward replied, giving a smirk of his own. "You should tell the other contestants they shouldn't even bother showing up."

Mustang chuckled, closing his eyes. "Careful Ed, that arrogance might just came back to bite you one day." Edward didn't reply for once, so Mustang pushed a small document towards us. Alphonse picked it up, beginning to read. "As you should know, contestants have to find their own training; the state doesn't provide that for you. However, I recommend him; The Sewing Life Alchemist, Shou Tucker."

For some reason, the name brought a shiver down my spine. My throat tightened, my heart falling to my stomach.

I shook it off, leaning over Al's shoulder to read the document. "He's quite the researcher, and I'm quite certain his extensive research will help you in the long run." Mustang chuckled, as if thinking about an inside joke. "Practically wrote the book on bringing things to life."

The brothers froze on either side of me, and I scowled at the alchemist in front of me. That was completely uncalled for. "I've already talked to Tucker, and he doesn't mind letting you two study under him." Ed and Al relaxed, happy to know that, but Mustang narrowed his eyes. "However; I'm not too certain if he'll mind your sudden new friend."

I tensed, cursing inwardly. I had hoped that he would just ignore me, but deep inside I knew that wouldn't have been possible. I curled in on myself under his gaze, goosebumps appearing on my skin.

"I-I-I'm M-Madison," I stuttered, looking at my hands as I cracked them nervously. "I-I'm studying alchemy because I wanna find s-something."

Mustang frowned, eyes cold as he stared me down. "Alchemy isn't some magical art that will grant your every wish; it's not meant for kids, and certainly not a nervous wreck such as yourself."

I flinched, hands tightly clenching my jeans. I was in near tears at this point, frustration and anger welling up inside me. But I was too afraid to fight back.

"Madison's with us. Where we go, so does she."

I stared at Ed in shock, his eyes trained on Mustang, eyebrows furrowed in certainty. Why was he being so... kind to me? Last time I checked, he just barely wanted me with them. Why did he want me to stay now? What had changed?

Mustang let out an exhale through his nose. "Very well." He stood up, heading towards the door. "Follow me."

He led us to the entrance where a car was waiting. For once, I was in the front, the two brothers behind me.

"...hy are you helping Madison?"

I perked up, the question Alphonse asked sparing curiosity in myself. I strained my ears, listening for Edward's response.

He stayed quiet for a few seconds, before he replied, "I heard her talking about her home last night." Oh. So he wasn't asleep. Great. "...It reminded me of how determined we were to get Mom back." Sadness ebbed in my chest, and I felt even more sympathy for them.

So, I turned around, pouting. "C'moon, slowpokes! I wanna read as much as I can and we're gunna be 200 years late if you continue being that slow!" They chuckled, before running up to us.

Before long, we were all packed in a tiny car heading towards Tucker's. It was quite the tight fit, especially considering Alphonse's large body. It was quite uncomfortable.

"He what?!"

I flinched, rubbing at my sore ear from Edward's shout. "Jeez, Ed. No need to make me deaf," I muttered.

No one replied to me, but I expected that. Forever alone. "Yes, making a talking chimera was quite the feat. Scientists are still baffled by it. Needless to say, he was appointed state alchemist," Mustang replied to Edward's screech. "I believe it was some sort of anomaly by using different animals with different genes, but people still aren't too sure."

"That's amazing," I commented, somehow finding my voice.

Alphonse nodded. "Definitely."

We arrived at Tucker's, and Mustang spoke, "It won't be just you three; he has a four year old, so try to keep the crass comments to yourself, Edward."

I made a face. "Eew, children."

Edward snorted beside me, while Alphonse tilted his head curiously. "You don't like kids?" he asked.

I grimaced. "I wouldn't say that I dislike them, just that I don't... know how to interact with them. And they're too hyper for their own good."

"Rich, coming from you," Edward commented. "You're quite the kid yourself." I gave him a look, and he scowled. "Don't give me that; I saw you stick your tongue out at those soldiers."

I stuck my nose in the air. "And you're quite the hypocrite yourself, Elric."

His eye twitched, and a giggle rose in my throat. His mouth opened to make a snarky retort, but before he could utter it, a white, fluffy mass came outta freaking nowhere and tackled Edward to the ground.

Ed let out an undignified scream, a wheeze following right after. The dog sitting atop of him whined happily, tongue rolled out in pants. I of course, was being an impossibly kind person, and laughing hysterically at Edward's pain.

"Awexander, you know that's bad."

I stopped my laughing immediately, whirling around to face the little girl and an older man standing in the doorway. The little girl in pig-tails was frowning (more of a pout really) at the dog sitting on Ed.

"Oh my, please excuse my dog," the man said, rubbing his neck bashfully. "He's supposed to be chained up right now."

"It-s... okay," Edward puffed out. "Just... don't tell him to roll over." I opened my mouth with a smirk, causing him to glare at me. "Don't even dare."

The man had introduced himself as Shou Tucker, after assisting us to get the dog off of Edward. He led us inside his rather large estate, dusty and messy. I wrinkled my nose, coughing at the dust particles.

"Please forgive the disarray of my home; I'm afraid I'm not quite the housekeeper my wife was, and I haven't had the time since becoming a State Alchemist," Mr. Tucker admitted, preparing us some tea. I didn't mind too much. Lord knows how messy my own bedroom was.

"Papa, big brother's hands are so big! They're like our pots and pans!" little Nina exclaimed in awe, holding Al's large finger in his hands. She tilted her head curiously, before saying, "aren't they heavy?"

Awe... Although I said I wasn't very good with kids, Nina was impossible to hate. Especially when she turned her head and saw me, her grin only got wider as she gasped, "Wow! Big sister has pwetty red hair!" she giggled, skipping over to me. I stumbled, awkwardly crouching down so she wouldn't yank my hair in her prodding.

"Who might this be?" Mr. Tucker asked, blinking at me curiously. I gulped, eyes darting to Nina who was giggling as she put small little braids in my hair. He chuckled. "Nina, why don't you go to the courtyard? I'm sure Alexander wants someone to play with."

"Awe," she pouted sadly, before turning back to me. "Can I braid your hair later? Pretty please?"

I couldn't resist that face, dammit. "Sure," I smiled, ruffling her hair. She giggled happily, skipping into the hallway.

"Are you a friend of the Elric's?" Mr. Tucker asked me. "I wasn't aware you were going to be studying with them."

"Um..." I mumbled, avoiding his gaze. "Yeah, I am. I hope you don't mind me intruding."

Mr. Tucker smiled pleasantly at me. "I don't mind in the least. You may stay as long as you want." I let out a sigh of relief. "Now, if you three are considering to take the alchemy exam, you're going to need more than an overnight cram session. I'd recommend you start studying now." Ha! Reminds me of exams back home. Those were not fun at all.

He led us down a few, dusty, cluttered hallways, stacked with books and papers. My maman would have had an aneurysm if she saw it all.

"Here it is," Mr. Tucker said, opening a large door. I gasped in awe, eyes shining in glee at all the books. My ears caught Mr. Tucker's chuckle. "Feel free to dive in." Edward wasted no time, rushing forward to quickly scan through the books.

Alphonse chuckled. "Looks like he already did." He turned to me. "Let's get started, Madison."

I nodded in response. "Yeah!"

"Argh..." I groaned, eyes stinging and head pounding. I slumped as we walked to the kitchen, my back giving out from sitting in extremely uncomfortable positions all day. "My head feels like it's going to explode."

Edward barked out a laugh in front of me. "A day of studying and you're already exhausted?"

I scowled. "Hey, I just started learning alchemy, cut me some slack." He mocked me by repeated my words in a hushed voice.

Mr. Tucker had prepared a nice meal of potatoes and steak, and I devoured it in my hunger. I hadn't ate much throughout the day... or yesterday... God was I famished.

"How did your studying go?" Mr. Tucker asked politely, gently helping Nina with her food.

"I read so much," Edward replied, swallowing his food. "But there's still so much I don't know. I want to read as much as I can before the exam."

"You're determination is very admirable," Mr. Tucker said, smiling at the blond. "But you needn't worry yourself so much; you're still so young. You can take the exam another year."

Edward frowned. "No. I don't care how hard it'll be, I'm going to take this test, and I'm going to pass. I don't give excuses." I could see the conflict in his face, so I nudged his arm with my elbow, making him face me as I smiled at him. He tried to give one back.

"Oh no!" Nina suddenly exclaimed in worry. "Big brother isn't eating his dinner! That won't do, you have to eat to grow strong and big!" It was a rather cute sight, if the implications behind it weren't so sad.

"Oh, um! I think I'm plenty grown-"

"No, you have to eat! No excuse!" Nina apparently wasn't having any of it, pushing a slice of bread in Alphonse's direction with a tiny determined pout.

Alphonse let out a sigh, before grabbing the piece of bread and pausing. He lifted his helmet, tossing the food into his armor. "Mmh! Sure tastes good!" he exclaimed in false happiness.

Nina giggled. "Good! Now eat the steak!"

Once again, Ed was looking down. That wouldn't do.

Hmm... Therapist Mads to the rescue!

I placed a bit of potato on my fork, and aiming carefully, tongue out in concentration, I flicked back the utensil.

Miraculously, it made it's mark. Right in the middle of Ed's forehead.

He blinked, before slowly turning to me in confusion. I froze, cold sweat on the back of my neck. "Uh..." Crap. Why had I done that. Kill me now

Then he laughed.

"Um..." I muttered, flushing as the others began to laugh with him.

"What was that about?" Edward was able to ask, giving me a confused glance, still letting out a few chuckles.

"I-I dunno... it just got awkward, so I went to change the subject," I answered, glancing at my lap. "Sorry."

"Nah, it's fine." I was thankful for that, even if it was still embarrassing.

After dinner, Mr. Tucker lead us down some more hallways, stopping in front of a door. "This is your room," he said, directing it to Ed and Al, "and right down the hall is yours, Madison."

I smiled. "Thanks for all your hospitality."

He smiled back. "It's no problem, honestly. I don't mind a bit. Besides, Nina seems quite taken with you." My smile turned bashful. "Anyway, I won't keep you any longer. Goodnight."

"Goodnight Mr. Tucker," all three of us replied as he walked off.

I sighed, letting out a tired yawn. "I'm gunna hit the hay. Night."

"Goodnight Madison."

I entered my room, closing the door behind me. It wasn't too big, but it was much larger than my own bedroom. It was barren and only had a small bed and a desk. It felt cold and empty. I didn't like the feeling.

I didn't bother to change. It wasn't like I had any clothes to begin with. Instead, I tumbled into the tiny bed, letting out an exhausted sigh. Today was long and tiring, filled with equations and numbers that I didn't understand. I didn't get any progress.

Maybe I wouldn't ever find a way home...

A few, stray tears entered my eyes, but I furiously wiped them away. I would not cry, dammit. I was stronger than that. I would keep studying, until Ed became a state alchemist, and then I would find a way back. I wouldn't let anything get in the way.

With that in mind, I was quickly pulled into sleep.

AN: Hey guys! Surprised I updated so quickly? Me too!

I gotta say, I'm really surprised at the feedback I got for last chapter. It makes me so happy to see people enjoying Spirited Away, and some still sticking around with it after such a long hiatus (Eedakon). I hope this chapter will do as well!

And so, Madison has decided what she is going to do. She has met Tucker and Nina, and because of what Truth did to her, she can't remember what Nina's fate is. What will Madison do? Will she remember? (Ooh, spoopy)

I hope I kept the characters in character. Edward is surprisingly hard to write. And despite Madison being my best friend, it'a hard to write for her as well xD

Oh! And in case you couldn't tell, Kate is le moi.

Anyhow, that's enough for now. Until next time, in "The Night of the Chimera's cry". Will Madison's involvement change the events? Who knows? :D

-Adios!