A/N: Yeey! Full Metal Alchemist finally ended. Sad though this only means that there will be no more Ling / Greed and Hawkeye. I was supposed to post this before I left for Mexico, but what do you know? I wanted to make this chapter longer. Well here you go! Enjoy!

Disclaimer: I don't own Full Metal Alchemist or Tales of Symphonia.

Chapter VI

Exploring the Outside

Alphonse turn around to notice Colette's movements. He question the sixteen year old as she kept glancing back from the village they had left since the morning. He couldn't help, but to feel sorry for the blond. His attention was now on Kratos, Raine, and Edward. He hesitantly caught up to his brother as he was staring up ahead.

"Brother…" mumble Alphonse trying to catch his attention.

"Hm?" His brother's golden orbs stare at his own brown ones. "What is it Al?"

Alphonse lean his body to the side, getting closer to his brother. "Don't you think … Colette looks well … homesick?"

In unison the two brothers took a glance back at the female blond who kept glancing back at the direction they had left long ago. Her hands were clasp together, and she would occasionally look back. When she was no longer looking back she would only give a sigh, and the process would repeat once again. The two Elric's gave a glance at each other again.

"Probably," said Edward shrugging his shoulders. "She'll get over it later maybe."

"…Maybe," muttered Alphonse pitying the girl behind him.

At that moment Raine turn he head around to face the Chosen of Regeneration. Her ocean blue eyes gave a worried look as the Chosen was constantly looking behind almost wishing for something to occur. A small sigh left the half elf's lips. "Colette," The blond put her attention to her teacher. "It would be better if you stay close to the group. Do remember that the Desians are after you."

"O-Oh yes! I'm sorry," Colette muttered the apology as she quickly caught up to her silver head teacher.

It had been hours since the group had left Iselia. They had left early in the morning only to say their goodbyes to Frank, Phaidra, and Genis. Some of the towns people also gave their farewells and best wishes, but since it was early in the morning it was only those who worked at that time. What surprised the two brothers was that Lloyd Irving had not shown up to say his farewells. Edward had assume that the twin swordsman was in a bad mood because of yesterdays events.

The group had halted once the mercenary had stopped. The half elf had notice the mercenary reach for his sword. Raine had motion for Colette to stay behind her, and had given a glance at the two brothers. Edward and Alphonse were right next to Colette hands already reaching their swords. The chosen herself had taken out her wooden chakrams.

"Kratos…?" questioned Edward glancing at the mercenary.

With his head Kratos motioned towards the right. "A pack of wolves to the right."

Edward made eye contact with his younger brother. "Al, stay with Colette."

"Right," Alphonse had given a nod as he took a step closer to the chosen.

"Edward," began Kratos before taking out his sword. Edward nodded and mimicked Kratos actions. Kratos stabbed his blade to the ground, and he began to make a cutting shockwave. "Demon Fang!"

The group would hear a yelp that came from an animal. Soon three wolves - very angry ones- appeared before the bushes. Alphonse quickly took out his sword and gulped as he stared at the red eyes from the wild animals in front of him. The three of them began to strike as they headed towards Edward and Kratos. Edward shifted his sword, and began to attack the wild animal. He slashes the wolf on it's side by swinging his sword. Edward mentally cursed as he noticed that he did not cut deep enough to even kill the animal. He made a mental not to read the handbook that Kratos had given Lloyd who had given to him.

"Brother! Look out!"

Just as a second wolf was about to give Edward a good bite on his right arm, a disk ring had smashed onto its face. The golden haired boy turned his head to notice the Chosen of Mana panting slightly. He gave her a small smile, and he continue to fight the battle. It wasn't long for the fight to be over, and the group began their journey once again. This time the younger companions began to chat happily.

"So how old are you Alphonse?" Colette asked as she was walking between the two Elric brothers.

"I'm fifteen, but I'm turning sixteen soon!" said the ever so cheery Alphonse as he chatted happily with the blond next to him.

"Oh! So you're one year younger than me!"

"Yes, I'm a little tall for my age though."

"Hehe! How about you Edward?"

The attention now turned to the older brother. Edward blinked his eyes before responding. "Eighteen."

He was waiting for his height to be brought up, but Colette had not brought it up at all. She just stated that he was older than Lloyd, and then she changed the topic to another one. The two brothers then began to question Colette by asking her what she liked and disliked. Soon the topic had changed to family related stuff.

"So your dad is … an angle," said Alphonse trying not to upset the blond next to him.

Colette shook her head in a 'yes' motion. "Yep. I was born with the Cruxis Crystal in my hand, so it's likely for me to -"

"That doesn't really make any sense…" muttered Edward not aware that he had interrupted the girl next to him. He was beginning to come up with theories of his own. He was sure that Colette's father was not an angel. Remiel couldn't possibly be an angel. It just wasn't possible.

"Brother…!" exclaimed Alphonse trying to bring him back from his thoughtful world.

"…Perhaps it really doesn't make any sense," said Colette smiling at the older Elric. "I'm sorry."

"Ah," seeing his mistake Edward mentally cursed himself. "No, sorry that was -"

"We're almost there," announced the mercenary not even taking a look behind him. The three blond haired teenagers behind him merely nodded to his announcement. Edward was actually thankful that Kratos had interrupted their talk. He really didn't like the way the conversation was going.

Minutes passed and finally they stopped on top of a hill and they all look down to see a small building. There were some houses with a horse stable next to them. Edward turned to see his companions. Alphonse and Colette's expression were the same, they had a look as if they were amazed by the small town in front of them. Raine seemed to be satisfied that they had finally found a place to rest for the night. As for Kratos … well he still had the same stoic face.

"This is the first time I've been to another town!" said an excited Colette blue eyes lighting up. The female blond turned to Raine. "Will we be staying here?"

Raine gave a nod to her student. "Yes, just for today."

They continue to walk down the hill. The two brothers were behind the group talking amongst each other. Alphonse began the conversation. "Brother…I was wondering when we were attacked by those wolfs…"

"Yeah?"

"I was wondering … are we able to use alchemy in this world?" Al question as he began to recall some memories. "I'm not sure if we can at …"

"We'll see later when we get to the town first," finished Edward also asking questions among his head. He wanted his questioned to be answered, but first things first. They had to see if alchemy was possible in this world.

Al gave a nod agreeing with his decision. "Right, um brother …?"

"Hmm?"

"I'm worried about your automail…" his younger brother confessed. Edward blinked his golden eyes and lifted his right arm. He stared at the artificial body part that Winry had given him before he left. "What if it gets damaged on the way? I don't even know if there are automail mechanics in the world."

Edward knew that his brother was worried about him, but he had to put him at ease. "Don't worry, I'll be careful. I'm going to start reading that swordsmanship book that Kratos gave Lloyd. Well … more like Lloyd gave to me."

"Right…"

The group finally arrived at the very small village that only really contained seven houses, and a chapel. The group was heading toward the chapel saying that Colette needed to see the priest. While going there people were greeting them warmly and the brothers noticed the whispering that some made among each other. Finally in front of the chapel, Raine had opened one of the big wooden doors.

"Chosen!"

"Father!" said Colette smiling at the elderly man before her. Like a child the blond hugged the priest, who did not hesitate to hug the child back.

"It has been long Chosen," the old priest said patting Colette.

Colette merely nodded, a smile played on her lips. "Yes it has."

A sudden guilt feeling hit the eldest of the Elric brothers. He glance away from the priest and Colette. Somehow it reminded him of how he had met Rose a long time ago. How he had crushed her beliefs and hope that day. He tried his best to push away the memories.

"We'll be staying here for the night," announced Raine to Kratos, Alphonse, and Edward. "Just put your stuff upstairs, there's someone that will show us our rooms. Let us go."

"What about Colette?" asked Alphonse curiously staring at the priest and the young girl talking casually.

"She will be with the priest for the remaining of the day," said Raine already heading towards the stairs. "The priest is going to recap on what she has been learning since she was young. Teach her once again the role of the Chosen."

Just as they were walking up the stairs, Edward gave a last glance at the female blond. Something did not feel right at all. It was the same feeling that something was fishy when Cornello had the whole town of Lior to his feet. He tried to ignore the feeling just as he was walking up stairs.

Lucky for the Elric brothers that they had shared a room together with no one else. Krato's was by himself, while Raine and Colette shared a room. At this time the two blond head brothers began to talk about the wonders of magic and alchemy. They had actually come up with some theories to this 'magic', but they were still unsure about it. Now with the magic discussion over with they moved on to alchemy.

"So back in the world you resided in, you couldn't use alchemy?" questioned his brother curiously.

Ed gave a nod as he rubbed his chin. "Yeah, it was more of a lost science that evolved into chemistry. The history of it is rather interesting, but the big picture is that alchemy didn't work in that world."

Checking his little brother's expression, Ed could tell that his brother was interested by the information he just received. Ed raised his two hands, and both Elric brothers stared at the flesh and metallic hands that were covered by white gloves. "Well, we'll see from now on right?"

Alphonse mutely gave a nod and his body lean in just a bit.

Clap.

Thud.

Nothing.

Edward did not feel the sensation of alchemy doings its miracles. Hands on the ground, the two Elric brothers stared at the gloved hands touching the wooden floor. An eyebrow twitched in annoyance.

"Oh this is bullshit!" cried out Edward standing up and stomping his feet on the ground. Alphonse gave a sigh as his eyes were focus on his older brothers behavior.

"Brother…"

"Bull! Magic works, but alchemy doesn't? What kind of messed up world is this?" said the frustrated Elric brother. Alphonse also stood up from the floor.

"We'll just have to try to understand how magic works then."

Edward began to walk to his bed and sat down. He grabbed a handful of hair. "This world is so confusing! It's so damn frustrating! I mean what the hell is up with this whole chosen journey too!"

Another sigh escaped from Alphonse lips, as he began heading towards the door. "I'm going to get water, do you want any bro…ther…?"

Edward blinked his golden orbs, and immediately turned his head to see his brother with the door open. He stood up and cocked his head to the side to see a blond figure in front of Alphonse. "Al?"

"Colette!" cried out Alphonse giving a quick nervous glance towards his brother. "W-What are you doing here?"

The blond female stood still with a smile on her face. "Professor Raine told me that foods ready, we'll be staying here until tomorrow morning."

Alphonse nodded his head mimicking the same facial expression as Colette. "Um well," he gave a another glance back, " we should go get food right brother?"

Edward gave a nod in response, "Yeah."

The three teenagers began to head downstairs where the kitchen was located. There they met two priest and Raine sitting at the table. A middle aged woman was serving the food that they would be eating.

"Colette," said Raine announcing the Chosen's presence. "Father Nicolas has informed me that you won't be needing to study for the remaining of the day."

"Yep!" said Colette taking a seat next to the silver head woman. The two brothers sat in front of the two companions. Just as the middle aged woman placed a plate of food in front of Edward, the alchemist decided to ask a question. "Hey, where's Kratos?"

Raine responded to his questioned as she gave off an annoyed expression. "He said that he will have lunch after everyone eats."

"He's not a talkative person is he?" asked Al as he got his plate of food. He gave his thanks to the woman.

"Obvious," muttered the Professor as she gave a nod to one of the priests.

"Very well then," said one priest that was in one head of the table. "Let us start with blessing the food that the Goddess Martel has given us."

Both Elric brothers began to fidget, and gave each other nervous glances as the others began to recite some prayer that the two did not know. While the others recited the prayer, the brother's said nothing. The Elrics did copied the motions that the rest were making. Finally the two were less stressed as they began to eat the food that was served to them.

"It is wonderful that the Chosen is being well protected," said the priest that had blessed the food. He looked much older than the other priest from the other end of the table. "I am sure that the Goddess Martel will give her thanks to you all."

Edward nervously smiled. "Y-Yeah…"

"Um," piped up his little brother next to him. "I was wondering…what does the 'Chosen' do in this journey?"

The younger priest responded to Al's question. "The chosen," he gave a soft smile to Colette, "will save this world from many disasters that will come in the future."

"The Journey of Regeneration," said Raine as if she was almost reciting a book. "Is a journey were the chosen must unlock the five seals in order to bring salvation to this world. The Goddess Martel will then descend upon the heavens, and save this world from the Desians and nourish our world. The Chosen then becomes an angel, and leave this world with the Goddess Martel."

Head rested on his palm, Edward rolled his eyes. His brother was being polite by nodding and smiling to Raine's explanation. Deep inside Edward knew that Al did not believe in the Journey of Regeneration just like him. Seriously, angels? A human being turning into an angel? That was bizarre. Even the whole Martel coming down to save the world from these 'Desians' and nourishing the planet. Too bizarre for a certain ex-alchemist.

"Oh, what about the Desians," asked Al wanting to know more information on these Desians that people were talking about. Just what in the world are they?

"What about them?" asked the elder priest in a confused tone.

Now both brothers knew when they were to back off from any question. The suspicious glance that Raine was giving the two brothers meant that the question was a bit unnatural for this world. Edward assumed that the people of this world were supposed to know what Desians are. Asking a question like that seemed stupid.

Thankfully the middle aged woman spoke up. "Those … Desians, are filthy half-elves… that take humans as prisoners for no reason!" Al and Ed noticed the tensed body that the woman was putting up. "They took my father and son to that Iselia ranch! Oh Chosen!"

Colette was soon gripped by the shoulders. The younger priest began to pull the middle aged woman away from the Chosen. She continued to rant, "Please Chosen! Please save this world from those filthy Desians!"

"Sister please!" said the younger priest as he pulled away the female from the Chosen. "Please sister it has been years…I'm sorry Chosen." Giving an apologetic look the younger priest and the woman left the kitchen.

"I-I'm sorry," apologized Al not realizing his mistake on that question. "I shouldn't have asked about the Desians…"

The elder priest gravely nodded. "It is alright child. There are many unfortunate people that are taken to those ranches, but if the Chosen were to save this world then there is a chance of hope that they will be reunited with their families or loved ones."

Raine gave a nod as she rubbed the back of Colette's shoulder. "Edward," said Raine catching the attention the older Elric brother. "Why don't you take Colette outside while Alphonse and I go and wash the dishes."

"Sure," muttered Edward taking a last bite of his bread before standing up. The two blonds began to head out of the kitchen and outside the House of Salvation.

Just outside Edward could hear a small squeal coming from the girl next to him. He noticed her eyes shining brightly, and her posture wanted to run but was being held back for some reason. He quirked an eyebrow, and glanced up ahead.

There was a dark brown dog laying down on the grass. It began to yawn, and then went back to sleep.

Without a second glance, he noticed Colette running towards the dog. The dog immediately stood up and gave a friendly bark. Edward quickly went to catch up to the sixteen year old girl.

"It's so fluffy and cute!" said Colette dazed by the animals cuteness.

He glanced down, and for barely just a second he remembered Winry and Den back in Amestris. He squat down and petted the brown dog with his left hand. "He's pretty tamed."

Colette's smile widen. "He's so cute! I wonder if he has a name…"

"Probably not," said Ed checking for a collar. "He's most likely a …"

"Bob!" exclaimed Colette hugging the dog to no end.

Speechless Edward just stared at the girl next to him. "B-Bob…?"

"Yep! I'll name him Bob!" she said smiling at Edward and the dog. "It's such a cute name for a cute doggie!"

This chosen girl was so childish it made him want to remember the good old days when his mother was still alive. He began to ponder if it was normal for a sixteen year old to act this childish. He decided to let the thought go as a smile spread through his lips.

"Bob is kind of a simple name," he said rubbing the back of the dogs ear.

Colette gave him a small frown. It seemed that she really liked the name. "But…"

"But it kinda suits him right?"

Colette gave a giggle. "Yes!"

"Hey Colette," said Edward trying to get her attention. It was really hard since she was hugging the dog. It was a wonder why the dog wasn't complaining. She finally gave her attention to the alchemist as he said her name twice. "Have you ever gotten a pet or something? You seem kind of obsessed with the dog."

It was rude, but he wasn't the one to make a friendly conversation just to get the information he wanted. That is unless it was really important.

He could see a hue of pink in her cheeks. She let go of the dog, and just petted the head. It was unknown if the dog gave a bark of either satisfaction or dissatisfaction as she let go. "W-Well, I had to travel a lot to the Martel Temple as a child, and received lessons everyday. I didn't really have time to have a pet. I think some of the priests thought it would be a distraction from my lessons too."

"Religious lessons right?" he said a bit arrogantly and rude.

A nod. "Yes, I was taught very young."

The was a small silence before Edward spoke. "So you believe in everything they taught you?"

"Yes."

"What if it wasn't the truth?" he muttered darkly, and stopped scratching Bob's ear. "Do you seriously believe in these things like Martel and angels? The whole saving the world thing?"

The blond stood quiet, but Edward knew she was looking at him.

"…"

Edward took note of Colette's figure. Her body was still, and she was rubbing Bob's chin as it whines for more attention. Her eyes were clearly fix on the dog now. Her lips did not give a frown nor a smile. He could probably say that this was Colette's thoughtful expression.

Edward sighed. "You know, I once knew someone like you."

Colette did not respond.

"She was lied to by a priest who worked for," he began to think of how to explain the story. "An 'organization' that only wanted fame in order to control the city for who knows what."

Colette was still silent, which made him think that he could still go on with his story.

"My brother and I are not religious in any point. We don't believe in any deity of any sort. What we do believe is Truth," he began to pet the dog which was beginning to whine quite a lot. " By truth I mean facts and experiments that proves such thing exist. Truthfully I can't believe in this whole journey you're doing. I mean has it even ever happen before? Were the chosen's before you ever succeeded?"

Edward stopped his ranting and carefully glanced at the girl near him. She was still quiet like before.

"I may have been taught by a priest at a very early age," said Colette still petting the animal before her. "But I really think the Goddess Martel exists. There has been other Chosen's, and it's true that some of them have failed this important journey."

Colette stood up and her hands were clutched together. "But I'll try my best!" With a determine look Colette glanced at Edward. "It may be really hard to believe that there is a goddess, but it is my own will that I wish to continue my practices. I believe that's … the truth…! I'm sure what I was taught is the truth!"

Edward did not know if the girl was simply ignorant or perhaps brained washed by the priests. He gave up this conversation though. Who knew how long it would take to get to Palmacosta. Having two people in bad terms while traveling together could get exhausting. "Fine, believe what you want then."

There was a small silence before it was broken by Bob's constant whining for attention.

"Um, Edward…?" asked Colette as she began to pat the brown dog.

"Yeah?" he asked as he stood up from squatting. His right knee began to become numb. "What is it?"

"You said other deity. Are there other gods or goddesses besides Martel in other cities?"

Edward began to hesitate as he was questioned by the girl younger than him. Now how was he going to explain that?

"Um, well…" Edward began to choke. In this world were there other gods besides the one named Martel? He couldn't exactly say the ones from the two worlds he had come from. "You see…"

"Brother…!"

Alphonse had the perfect timing. He had to thank his brother later on. Both blonds turned to see the youngest of the Elrics.

"Brother!" said Alphonse once again finally in front of Edward.

"Al? What's wrong?" asked a worried Edward.

"You…desert…automail…!"

Edward raised an eyebrow questioning what his brother had said. "Wait, Al calm down. What are you talking about?"

Alphonse took deep breaths before talking once again. "Brother we're going through the desert tomorrow!"

Just as Edward was about to exclaim, Colette interrupted him. "Oh yes, didn't you two know?"

"Know?" exclaimed Edward as he began to pale.

Colette was not aware of Edward's automail, and the risks that he would have to take in order to go to Palmacosta. Colette was taken aback from Edward's behavior. She stood silent as the two brothers began to talk amongst each other.

"Brother this isn't good…" muttered Al giving a worried look to his older brother. "You won't be able to stand the heat with your automail…"

Edward ran his left hand through his hair, "Damn it… Isn't there another road to take besides the dessert?"

Al gave his response. "I asked the same question to Miss Raine as well, but she says we have to stop at this town called Triet, which is in the desert!"

"Um…" Colette was watching the two brothers, trying to understand what was going on.

"This isn't good…"

"This is really bad bother…"

"Um, may I ask a questioned?" asked the meek Colette. "But what is an automail?"

The two brothers stared at the blond. Their eyes gave her the feeling that they were unsure how to answer her. Their hesitant posture was noticeable, and that made her worry a bit. Her blue eyes noticed how Edward was clutching his right arm protectively.

"Is something wrong…?"

Alphonse stared at his brother who merely shrugged, and looked away. The younger brother frowned at his brother's actions.

"You see Colette, Edward's right arm … well it isn't … his flesh arm."