Eta #09 Mechanical

Still looking; Still Searching

Disclaimer: I don't own Full Metal Alchemist, or any of the chracters in it.

Hey, sorry for the wait! I was never really happy with this one, and kept wanting to tweak it. I'm still not quite happy with it, but I think you guys deserve an update. That and the fact that I have school tomorrow has kind of kicked my ass into gear. (Also, 30 Kisses are doing a big clear up, and I think it's almost been a month since I last posted... eek!)

Ran Fan hated being so useless – Ling was probably in danger, and in need of her help. But no, she was stuck on the very border of Amestris, looking for someone who could give her an automail arm.

She knew why her grandfather had declined Edward Elric's offer to introduce them to a mechanic – there was no reason to bring anyone further into the mess than they already were. She saw his reasoning in that; after all, her grandfather did prefer being independent, not relying on others.

One of the things she found strange about this whole automail business was that almost all of the mechanics (and especially those who were well trained in their craft) were based in the east. Rush Valley, of course, contributed to this, but there was no reason why all the shops had to be in the East.

Up ahead was another Automail shop – Ran Fan reckoned it was the fourth or fifth one she had seen since she had left Rush Valley a week ago. She hesitated outside; she had quickly learned that some of the mechanics were quick to pounce on anyone who was missing a limb of any kind. However, she pushed open the door, and went inside.

The Interior was fairly typical, nothing unexpected, nothing new, nothing different, nothing to distinguish it from the other automail shops of the east. Examples of designs were up on the walls, mechanical parts were displayed, a toolbox lay at one side and there was a curtain across a door at the other end. Closer inspection informed Ran Fan that not even the parts were anything special – she recognised the name and make from her time in Rush Valley.

There was no one in the shop, which came as a surprise and a relief. Most automail shops usually had someone there – seeing as people coming in for emergency repairs were quite common – and then there was the fact that automail was expensive and there had been quite a few people stealing it lately, though Ran Fan couldn't see the point in doing so. After all, Automail had to be specially made for each person – why would anyone want something that didn't fit properly?

"Hello, child," Ran Fan turned around instantly at the sound of the voice, her hand instinctively reaching for the knife which rested at her belt. There was just a woman standing there, looking slightly worn; Ran Fan suspected she was the mechanic who ran the place. "Looking at the automail?"

"Yes," Ran Fan replied. She had learnt that it was good if you told the mechanics that you appreciated their work – they were less likely to try and whack you with one of their wrenches. Ever so slightly, she turned to get a better view of the one cabinet, and in doing so exposed her loose sleeve.

"You're missing an arm? At such a young age too!" the woman exclaimed. It was painstakingly obvious to Ran Fan that the woman didn't receive much in the way of young customers, but that might have been ordinary. Edward Elric was an exceptional case after all. "How did you lose it?"

Ran Fan deliberated over telling the woman the truth – it could put her in danger – but on the other hand it could cause her no harm whatsoever. "I lost it in a battle, protecting someone precious to me,".

"Tough luck," the woman said. Ran Fan was glad that the woman didn't really seem to care about the precisely how she had lost the arm – the vague description seemed good enough for her. "You looking for an Automail replacement?"

Ran Fan wondered about answering the question – would it be safe or not? "Kind of... One of my friends has automail, and seems to use it well,"

"You need to make up your mind. And when you do, this shop'll always be here," the woman replied.

Ran Fan breathed a sigh of relief as she exited the shop. At least the woman hadn't immediately tried to persuade her with promises of all the brilliant designs she had.

She moved on, still roaming the eastern border. Her grandfather was supposed to be meeting her soon, hopefully bringing news of what was going on... and maybe news of what Ling had really gotten himself into.