Ultimate Alchemist

Chapter 4: A History of Time

Disclaimer: Fullmetal Alchemist and the Ultimate Marvel Universe belong to some very rich, lucky people. Not me…

A/N: This one's a little shorter than the others, but it really is just setting things up for future chapters. And it came out a lot faster than chapter three! Sorry about that. Speaking of chapter 3, it has now been edited thanks to the help of Cylon One. Thanks so much.

Also I want to give credit to DemonRaily for an idea in this chapter involving pencils. Thank you for the wonderful concept.

Thanks to all the people who have read, reviewed, alerted, and favorited. It means a lot. Thank you, and I hope you enjoy the chapter.

One thing to note about Edward Elric and Peter Parker: They're both pretty short!

Onwards to the story!

The metal bed frame bumped against the walls as the two teenagers lifted it easily up the stairs. "Why won't your aunt accept the payment I've been trying to give her?"

Peter looked at the slightly shorter boy, perplexed. "You somehow turned pencils into diamonds. That's not something we see everyday. Besides, she not the kind of person to take payment for helping people."

Edward Elric scowled. "It's really not that complicated. The pencil contains graphite, an allotropy of carbon. With a clap of my hands and a little molecular manipulation, that carbon is transmuted into a diamond. Simple enough."

"Yeah, I'm a math and science geek and that still seems really complicated. It would take a massive amount of energy and technology for normal humans to pull something like that off. I'm not even sure if it's even been done before. Your powers are truly amazing."

Edward rolled his eyes. Alchemy was so common at home, but here it was seen as a marvel, almost a spectacle. "You could really use your powers to help people. Fight crime by manipulating matter and kicking tuckus like you did with the Punisher. Use your powers for scientific research and discovery."

The two boys set the bed frame down against the wall in Peter's "lab" in the attic. "I'm not interested in running around in tights playing the hero," Edward replied. "I just want to find-," he paused. "I just need to do something very important."

It was Peter's turn to scowl. " It's our duty as people with special abilities to help those weaker than ourselves. With great power comes-"He stared at the golden-eyed boy, who was studying Peter's blackboard intently. He was not even listening to Peter.

"This formula," Ed pointed at the board. "It creates some sort of adhesive. Doesn't it?"

Peter was surprised to say the least. "Yeah. It makes the webs I use to swing around with. How'd you figure that out so quickly?"

Edward looked back at the boy. "I'm an alchemist, remember? It's my job to know everything about molecules and elements and compounds."

Peter's curiosity was piqued. "So in order to, um, transform-"

"Transmute," Ed corrected.

"Okay, so in order to transmute an object into something else, you have to understand the composition of the object you're transmuting?'

Edward smiled. "Exactly. You know, you're not as slow as most people."

"Thank you," Peter replied slowly. He was going to assume that was a compliment from the stubborn alchemist.

Edward picked up one of the many physics books Peter had lying around and began leafing through it. Peter noticed it was A History of Time. " It's really amazing how advanced your technology and science is. In Amestris, it's like we discovered alchemy and then didn't care to advance science any farther. I guess we were just content with what we had." Edward observed. He looked at the other boy in contemplation. "I wonder if you could help me explain a few things…"

"Sure," Peter agreed. "Whatever you need to know."

"I'll do something in return of course. Equivalent Exchange." He looked at Peter seriously. "You can't repeat what I'm about to tell you to anyone."

"Okay. You have my word."

Edward gave him a brief summary of his life and how he had ended up in another world and another time, trying his best to explain the nature of the Gate and alchemy. Peter sat atop his cluttered desk, stunned and at a loss for words. "You're from a different world and 1915?"

Edward nodded slowly, not sure how to gauge the other boy's reaction. "Yeah."

"I've seen a lot of things that defy logic," he shook his head in disbelief, "but this takes the cake."

"Alchemy is scientific. It's all about logic and understanding."

"But this Gate thing. What is it? Some kind of link to God, heaven?"

Edward frowned. "I'm not an expert on the Gate. And I don't believe in any god that I'd want to follow."

Peter really couldn't blame Ed for the way he felt after what happened to him and his brother. "But it is some form of mystical object?"

Edward shrugged. "Pretty much."

Peter's brain was in overdrive trying to analyze and understand the concepts of what he was being told. "How'd you get to be in this time period?"

Edward lifted up the book he had been looking through. "I was hoping you'd be able to help me with that."

Peter nodded, went over to his computer, and started typing furiously. Edward walked over beside him, looking curiously at the screen. "You can look up information besides books on this thing?"

Peter looked amused for just a moment. "Yep, you can search just about any topic and come up with something."

Ed was awed by the practicality of the new world's technology. "That's really handy."

"Yeah, but nothing beats a good book."

Edward smiled slightly. "True."

Peter finally found a page he was satisfied with and looked to Ed. "So according to some of these sites and books I've read, there are two general theories about the nature of time." He pointed to the picture of a light beam on the computer screen. "The first theory is that time is linear and every event in time has a specific place."

"That doesn't fit with my problem," Edward observed.
Peter nodded his head in agreement and pulled up another site. "Exactly, but the next theory is that time is, like most natural objects in the world, cyclical. It's a circle, not a straight line."

"So basically with this theory, I could have ended up almost anywhere in time. I just ended up in this era by chance."

"Uh huh. It makes the most sense." Peter had a broad grin on his face. He finally had a scientific conundrum to work on. " So, are you trying to get back to your world?"

Edward nodded, his face reflective. "Yeah, I need to find a way to bypass the equivalent exchange of passing through the Gate without sacrificing human lives, and now I have to figure out how to end up in the right time as well."

The whole human sacrifice in true alchemy unnerved Peter, but he was positive Edward wouldn't resort to such measures. The golden-eyed boy seemed to have almost the same ethical beliefs as Peter. "I'll help you find a way back to your world," he smiled kindly at his new friend. "It should be a fun challenge."

Edward was surprised and touched by Peter's immediate willingness to help him get home, but wasn't so keen about being in anyone's debt. "I appreciate the offer, but I don't let anyone do something for me for free. There always has to be some sort of equivalent exchange."

"People aren't objects in a transmutation. We don't have to go by equivalent exchange. I'm just helping a friend out, and believe me, I really don't have that many friends except for Gwen and MJ… and now you."

Ed was slightly annoyed by the other boy's comment. "Call it a personal philosophy."

Peter nodded in understanding. He had his own beliefs he followed. "I'm sure we can figure something out for payment. I'll think about it, but in the meantime, I'm going to help you find a way home."

Edward was starting to like the boy he called "Spider-Menace." He kind of reminded him of his little brother. He was about to reply when Gwen called the boys from the bottom of the stairs. "Peter! Ed! Aunt May wants to talk with us!"

Peter rushed down the steps with Edward limping slightly behind him.

The three orphans sat around the kitchen table, Peter shuffling his feet uncomfortably underneath the table, Gwen picking at her fingernails in a bored manner, and Edward slouched lazily in his chair. Aunt May stood before them, papers clutched in her hands. " Were you helping Peter carry his bed to the attic? You're not supposed to be doing any strenuous activity. You will pull your stitches."

"Um," Ed looked over at Peter. "No, I wasn't."

She looked incredulous but continued speaking anyway. She discovered the boy's stubbornness very early on after meeting the alchemist. "I just came from talking to Principal Siuntres at Midtown High."

The three teenagers stared at her blankly. "Uh huh…" Gwen trailed off.

"Edward will be joining you both in 10th grade next Monday."

Ed stood abruptly, his chair scrapping against the linoleum floor. "No way in hell am I going to high school! I haven't been to school since I was eight!"

Aunt May crossed her arms. "That is exactly why you need to go to school. You can't get anywhere in this life without an education. And watch your mouth young man."

"I can assure you I already know everything they're going to teach. I'm a genius damn it!"

"I'm aware of your intelligence Edward, but you must have a diploma to show you have received an education. It's for your own good."

Edward shook his head. "No. There's no fucking way you're going to make me go to school."

Gwen and Peter looked between the older woman and the stubborn alchemist nervously, not sure what was going to happen. Aunt May huffed indignantly, a spark of determination and fierceness in her eyes. "I did not want to have to play this card, but going to school and getting a diploma will be apart of your repayment for me taking care of you."

Edward cursed under his breath. She had gone there and won.

"Do we have an understanding young man."

Edward pouted slightly. The woman suddenly reminded him of his teacher, yet not as scary. "Yes ma'am."

"Good." She tossed an envelope across the table at him. "I sold your diamonds at a jewelry shop. The dealer was amazed at the quality and purity of the diamonds."

Edward opened the envelope. Gwen Stacey leaned over to take a look and gasped. "Whoa…"

Edward looked up at Aunt May. "I gave those to you for you to sell and use."

Aunt May shook her head. "No. The money is yours. But don't go around making diamonds and valuables all the time. You should never use your powers for exploitation and financial gain."

"I gave them to you as repayment for taking care of me."

"And I said that going to school was your payment. We'll go shopping tomorrow. You can't wear Peter's clothes forever."

Edward simply pouted and glared at the elderly woman. Gwen grinned widely. "Shopping? Can I come too?"

"Of course." The older woman looked at her watch. "I have a date with Miles tonight. There's plenty of pizza in the fridge for you all to eat, but you boys be sure to share. You both eat like pigs."

Both Peter and Ed grinned mischievously. Aunt May went upstairs to get ready for her date. Gwen leaned back in her chair. "So I guess you'll get to experience the wonders of high school with us. Congratulations."

Peter laughed. "Yeah, you'll just love the bullies. And the wedgies are totally awesome."

Edward looked between the two orphans solemnly. "This fucking sucks."

Peter put a hand on his shoulder. "It'll be fine. I'm sure no one will notice you're like a mutant, and I'm pretty sure I can make a convincing cover for your prosthetic arm with your help."

Gwen stood up suddenly, startling Ed. "I just had a great idea." She looked at Edward with a malicious smile. "I'll be right back." She made a hasty exit from the room.

The two teenaged boys looked at each other nervously. Nothing good could come from a look like that. "You know," Peter observed. "Going to school could be good for you. You'll have free access to a library, and you'll be able to learn about this world's history, culture, and most importantly science. Besides, there's a friend we go to school with that I want you to meet."

Edward sighed in frustration. "This is fucking ridiculous," he growled.

"It'll be nice to have another friend at school."

"You say it that way and you make me feel bad."

Peter smiled. "That's the point."

Edward shook his head. This guy reminded him too much of his brother, and yet he was so different at the same time. "Whatever."

"I thought about the payment for me helping you find a way back home."

Ed looked at him curiously. "Yeah, what's that?"

"Become a superhero like me and help people by using your abilities like I do. My Uncle Ben taught me that 'with great power, comes great responsibility.' That's my personal philosophy."

"That reminds me of what our teacher used to tell Al and me. 'Be thou for the people.'" Edward looked thoughtful and Peter took that as a good sign. The golden-haired boy nodded slowly. "Okay. I can do that. Just no tights or a mask."

Peter smiled triumphantly. "No tights, but you'll have to wear a mask or something. We can't put Aunt May and Gwen at risk. Just about every criminal in New York would love to get revenge against Spider-Man and anyone he loved."

Ed looked reluctant, but finally conceded. "Fine. Equivalent Exchange."

"Exactly."

Gwen ran back into the kitchen, a pair of scissors in her hands. Edward immediately felt his stomach sink in dread. Gwen smiled. "You cannot blend in in high school with long, braided hair."

Ed backed away quickly, trying to avoid the sadistic blonde. "NO FUCKING WAY!"

A/N: Poor Ed. Is he really going to have to get a haircut? Probably not. Maybe. *shrugs* We'll see.

Since many people have made it clear that they aren't really familiar with the Ultimate Universe, I just wanted to explain a few things about Gwen Stacey before next chapter. Gwen Stacey was killed by a vampiric symbiote called Carnage (very similar to Venom) that was created by Dr. Curtis Conners aka Lizard. Everyone was aware that she was dead. Later in the series, Dr. Otto Octavius cloned Gwen in order to obtain the symbiote's power. After events involving clones of Peter Parker, she ended up in S.H.I.E.L.D. custody (super police, Ultimates, Captain America, General Fury) and later was returned to live with Aunt May and Peter and was re-enrolled in high school after a stern talk Aunt May had with the Vice Principal. She is an exact copy of the original Gwen Stacey, with the same personality and memories, but she is a bit more reserved and traumatized. She doesn't have any powers from Carnage anymore.

Anyway, I could really use some help figuring out a costume for Ed as a "hero of the people." His normal outfit is too similar to the Shroud's costume. Just review or PM me any ideas that you may have. I would love to read others' opinions and ideas.

Thanks for reading. Hope you enjoyed it. Please review and tell me what you think. I always reply nicely. I promise.

Next Chapter: High School, Mutants, and Bullies

Thanks for reading,

Gufetto