Chapter Nine

"A wizard, you say," Marcoh said softly, eyes wide on Edward. The blond nodded, a smirk on his face. "That may aid you in more ways than you know," the doctor continued. "Philosopher's stones require human sacrifice to make. The more souls you have, the stronger the stone. I was forced to make them by the Fuhrer before we attacked Ishval. I was to hand them out to all the state alchemists, to increase their alchemic abilities enough to wipe out the Ishvallans. I refused, and have been on the run since. A philosopher's stone will not help you in your quest to regain your bodies." Ed's face fell at the news, his eyes filling with tears of shame. Marcoh, to delay an emotional storm, quickly continued. "Your brother's magic will be what saves you. The Gate is more than just alchemical knowledge. It is very nearly sentient, with a unique intelligence."

"How will Simon's magic save us?" Al asked curiously.

"I am not sure," Marcoh answered thoughtfully. "I just know that the wizard was sent here for a reason, and that you three will be instrumental in helping him."

"Are you a Seer?" Jack asked, smiling slightly.

"No, but I do have access to some Knowledge, granted to me by the Gate when I destroyed all of my research, to prevent any more philosopher's stones from being created."

"All we have to do is get back to Simon, and figure out how we're going to do this," Al said confidently. "Thank you, Dr. Marcoh, for your help."


Simon was sitting in the Preacher's office, at the back of the Devil's Nest. Envy had tried to take the seat next to the raven, but Mustang got there first. Thorfinn had seen the disillusioned colonel standing behind the boy, and had snapped the spell after they had reached the office. Scowling, Envy took a seat beside the Preacher's desk, glaring venomously at the colonel the entire time. Grinning, Simon looked in the general direction of Rowle. Noticing the vacant look to the emerald eyes, Thorfinn's eyes narrowed slightly.

"I didn't know wizards were here," the teen said, smirking at Rowle. "Who sent you here, and why?"

"I wasn't exactly sent here," the Preacher replied gruffly. "I was spying on Severus Snape. He looked like he was up to something, and I wanted to see if it would earn me grace from the Dark Lord if I found out what he was planning. When I discovered that he was working on a way to send someone away from the wizarding world and into safety, I decided to find out how he was doing it, and perhaps steal it away before he could use it.

"Alas, I was a bit too late, and watched as your mother disappeared with you in her arms. So, being the Slytherin that I am, I entered Severus' quarters at Malfoy Manor and duplicated all of his research. Then, when the time was right, I left the Dark Lord's service, and have not looked back. As for why, I wanted to live without the shadow of death hanging over my head. We were never sure when the Dark Lord would snap and kill us. The smallest of things would set him off, and he would torture us without mercy. That was no way to live, and I saw the opportunity to improve my lot, so I took it."

Envy looked at the raven in confusion. Since the Preacher had come to town, the young thief had found that certain things had gone easier for him. It was almost miraculous how convenient some situations became, and Envy had benefited, and, by extension, the Preacher had benefited as well. When the dark-haired young man had finally confronted Rowle, the older man had explained everything about himself. The entire gang was subsequently informed, and all had kept the man's secret, knowing that if certain parts of Amestris' military became aware of Thorfinn's 'abilities', his life would have been forfeit. Now, the androgynous young man stared at Simon, realization finally lighting his dark eyes.

"You're a wizard, too," the thief accused, pointing a rigid finger at the green-eyed teen. Simon snorted softly in amusement, then smirked at Envy.

"Yes, I am. And, since you know what a wizard is, you know what I'm capable of. So take my warnings for what they are." A quiet chuckle from Mustang had the thief glaring murderously at the pair.

"I don't take kindly to threats, brat. Believe me when I say that I can take you down, and you'll never see it coming. In fact," Envy continued, his nose in the air and arrogance dripping from his voice, "I am perhaps the best silent assassin the Preacher has ever had. I can…"

"Enough, Envy," the Preacher snapped, irritated. "You will heed the young man's warning and keep away from him. Remember, not only does he have the Flame Alchemist to protect him, he also has Fullmetal by his side. You'll likely get seriously injured, if not killed, if you keep this pointless pursuit up." Chastened at the censure in Rowle's voice, the thief hung his head, eyes on the floor. Simon sensed Envy's withdrawal, and felt slightly ashamed for his part in the man's embarrassment.

"Listen, Envy. I don't want us to be enemies. I think we could possibly work together soon to help my mother's people rid themselves of the terror that haunts them. I need all the help I can get; this megalomaniac is extremely dangerous, if your leader's information is to be believed. Besides," a lopsided smile grew on Simon's face as he spoke, "I like you. You make life a little more interesting." Roy glared at Simon as Envy's head rose, a gleam of triumph shining in his dark eyes. Simon shifted a little under the weight of the glare, and hastily clarified himself. "I don't mean it like that. I actually…um…have my sights set on someone else."


"We found Dr. Marcoh," Ed said without preamble. Simon smiled widely at the news, before frowning in concentration. Looking toward Jack Crowley, who had accompanied the Elric brothers to Amestris, Simon lifted one of his hands, pointing a finger at the stranger, magic gleaming from its tip.

"Who is he, and what is he doing here?" the raven barked, emerald eyes sparkling with malice. Ed quickly pushed his brother's arm down, forcing the teen to reabsorb the magic.

"He's a friend," Ed said quickly. "He helped us when we ran into some trouble in Rush Valley." Ed shifted slightly, his face coloring. "He…he knows everything about us." Mustang glared heatedly at the blond and opened his mouth to berate the boy, but Jack stepped forward, halting the colonel's words before they could be spoken.

"I mean no harm to anyone here," the man said softly, hands up and open. "I offered my help to Fullmetal in Rush Valley because I was impressed with his performance at the State Alchemists' exams. He had put many of us to shame with his knowledge and talent, and I wanted to see more of that. Besides, someone has to keep him out of trouble." Chuckles filled the room as the blond blushed scarlet, golden eyes glaring daggers at Crowley. Simon relaxed, smiling at the newcomer, his hand out.

"Welcome to Amestris, and thanks for keeping an eye on this danger magnet." More laughter erupted, and Ed punched Simon lightly in the stomach in retaliation, his own face showing his laughter at his own expense. Sighing, Roy brought everyone's attention back to the matter at hand.

"What did Dr. Marcoh have to say?" he asked as everyone found seats in the colonel's house.

"He told us that a philosopher's stone wouldn't help us with the Gate and getting our bodies back," Al answered. Simon's face fell at the news; Roy took his hand and stroked the knuckles to keep him calm, marveling at how warm the automail felt. "He told us that Simon's magic would be what helps us with the Gate," Al continued cheerfully.

"How is my magic supposed to help us get our bodies back?" the raven asked quietly, eyes alit with curiosity.

"He told us that the Gate was almost sentient," Ed replied. "He said that you were sent here for a reason, and that all of us would help you in some way to save mum's people. I think that, if we are able to defeat the threat to that other world, that somehow the Gate would see that as a selfless act and reward us accordingly."

"That's a nice thought," Mustang murmured, "but is there any way that you can prove it?" Ed scowled at the colonel angrily, irritated that the man would try and throw a damper on things. Simon spoke into the tense silence, his voice quietly considering.

"Ed's right. When I was in the Gate, I saw things that were unbelievable. Things that hint at a higher power. Maybe the Gate is the conduit between us and…something greater; stronger; more powerful. Something that watches us and steps in when necessary." Roy had no words; he had always held the idea that there was nothing out there; that, when you died, that was it. To be faced with the possibility that there would be more after death was a little daunting.

"Okay," Ed barked into the silence. "Let's try and figure out a plan to help that other world so we can finally put an end to all of this, and get Al's body back, if nothing else." Nodding all around, everyone hunkered down, talking deep into the night to try and work out something that would help those people that Simon had been prophesized to assist.


"The fortnight is nearly over," Severus said quietly. Everyone was in the Great Hall, world-weary and looking the worse for wear. "Luna, when will the help arrive? We've got mere hours before the Dark Lord and all of his forces launch their attack on this school. I've done everything I can to ward her against the onslaught, but I don't think it will be enough."

"In two hours, the time will be right to open a portal that will take you to our Savior and his friends," the blonde answered dreamily, her eyes watching things no one else could see. "He will be unrecognizable as the child of James and Lily Potter. Circumstances and fate have changed him drastically, Severus, and you must be prepared for it. He will know you when you arrive, and he will know why you are there. He will not stay here, however, because his life is there, with his family and friends. Will you be able to let him go when the time is right?"