Victorian architecture lined every street in the large city. People bustled about shops and restaurants and between their jobs on foot or in early versions of automobiles that spewed exhaust into the air. The residents dressed nicely; there were no loudly talking women in shorts that exposed more than they covered or casually dressed men in tshirts. Even people who were clearly less prosperous managed to wear jackets or overalls. Every once in a while, as we traveled to Central Command, we would pass government looking buildings that sported white columns and decorated arches. The whole look and feel of the city reminded me strongly of pictures I had seen of Washington DC in the 1920's, back in my past life.
Scattered amongst the civilians were many men and women dressed in blue, usually walking with a purpose, going about their business. The closer we got to Central Command, the more blue uniformed soldiers I saw. They really weren't kidding when they called this a military state. I found it odd that no one really reacted to having clearly armed officers around them. If I still lived in my old world, having the military wandering amongst the civilians would have been somewhat of a cause for alarm. It was like walking by a group of marines on your way to lunch. I found the thought slightly oppressive.
Eventually we made it to our destination. Central command was…impressive to say the least. Looming white buildings towered over us in every direction. The area was completely leveled of any vegetation save for rows of trees lining the walkway, the rest of the ground covered in white limestone.
We were directed by the escort accompanying us past bustling hallways and impressive arches, and finally, we found ourselves seated in Mustang's Office, and were made to wait until he returned.
Al and I sat on a red couch, one of two in the large room. I sighed in relief to get off my aching feet. "Come on Ed, take a load off," I said calmly. Ed had taken to pacing back and forth nervously the longer we were made to wait. He grunted at me, but otherwise didn't respond. I glanced over at Al, who sat silently and stared at the floor.
"What's up with you guys?"
Ed growled. I looked to Al for clarification. "Those people had us dancing right in the palms of their hands. I guess no matter what we do, we'll never be the ones in control."
"You mean Mustang making us get on the early train." Al nodded forlornly. "I dunno, Al," I said optimistically, "It still worked out in our favor."
"Yeah, but for how long?" Ed snapped. "This Mustang Character really rubs me the wrong way."
"Gee, Ed, that hurts my feelings." Startled, Ed turned just as Mustang walked in the door. The Colonel shut it and strolled inside, sitting on the couch opposite Al and myself. He flung his arms arrogantly over the back of the couch and gave Ed a smirk. "And here I was, so happy to see you." Ed grunted, crossing his arms and looking away. Mustang chuckled at Ed's antics.
For the first time, I noticed just how good-looking the Colonel was. Amongst the Amestrians I had seen so far, he looked exotic with his black hair and eyes. Broad shoulders offset a wide chest that tapered into a slim waist, defined even underneath the thick wool of his uniform. Man, he filled it out nicely. And that power he had displayed at the station…I realized after a moment that Mustang had noticed my stare, and his eyes lingered on me just as intently, the room becoming uncomfortably silent. I blushed hotly and looked away. Mustang lifted a brow.
"Just what do you think you're looking at, Colonel." Ed came to my rescue. I was really starting to like that kid.
"Ed, you never told me you had an older brother." Ed's teeth ground together in anger.
"Actually," I spoke up, sensing and explosion and swiftly side stepping it, despite my embarrassment, "I'm the second eldest. My name is Alexander Elric."
"Why didn't I see you when I came to Resmebool?"
"I hadn't lived there in a couple years, not since our mother died." I invented swiftly. Al twitched slightly beside me at the mention of Trisha's death. I winced internally. "I only went back when I heard what had happened."
"Hm," Mustang grunted. I couldn't tell if he believed my story or not. His black eyes were inscrutable. He let us sweat for a few more seconds before loudly changing the subject. "So, you boys think you're ready to take on the State Alchemist Exam?"
"You bet we are," Ed said, suddenly perking up. "Just tell me what to wear to graduation."
"Careful Ed," Mustang smirked, "wouldn't want you to get too cocky." He stood and sauntered over to a mahogany desk adjacent to us and lifted up a clipboard. He handed it to Ed. "In order to prepare for the exam, you have to find your own training. I suggest him."
Ed began flipping through the document on the clipboard. "Sewing-Life Alchemist," he read aloud.
"Shou Tucker. He practically wrote the book on bringing things to life."
FMAFMAFMAFMAFMAFMAFMAFMAFMAFMAFMA
"I still don't trust him," Ed grouched a few hours later. We were on our way to the Tucker estate after our conversation with Mustang. It was later in the evening and there were less people wandering the sidewalks.
"Come on, Ed, he got you into the exam and practically handed us our first lead on getting our bodies back!"
"Yeah, Brother. I really think he is trying to help us."
"Don't count on it lasting for long."
"God, Ed, you're so pessimistic." I ribbed him in the arm…then rubbed my elbow when it hit solid steel. Ed snorted.
"Whoa," Al exclaimed when the house we were searching for came in sight.
"Is this it," Ed breathed, eyes wide. The Tucker estate was huge, two stories at least and about the size of a small hotel. The outside was surrounded by a large yard of lush grass and shrubs. We walked into the yard and one of the bushes rustled and a huge white dog jumped out.
"Gah!" Ed screamed as he was promptly sat on by the large canine. I held back a smile and tried to help Ed move the large animal.
"Alexander," my head jerked up at the sound of my adopted name coming from an unfamiliar child's voice. A small girl had popped her head outside and was staring at us. "You know it's not nice to jump on people." I furrowed my brow in confusion, and then with a mental face smack I realized she wasn't talking to me. She was addressing the dog.
"I'm so sorry." A middle-aged man opened the door a little wider and smiled apologetically. "I should have tied him up when I heard we would be having company."
The child clapped and Alexander the dog shifted off of Ed and heeled in front of her. The little brown haired girl giggled in delight and hugged the large canine around the neck.
Tucker invited us inside. "I'm sorry about the mess," he said, hastily picking up a few books off the cluttered floor. "I'm afraid we lack a woman's touch. Oh, that was sexist of me. I've been quite a mess lately. You see, I had a wife, but she left me a couple years ago."
Tucker dithered about a bit more. He was a nervous fellow with sunken cheeks and eyes hidden behind round specacles. Still, he seemed like a nice sort. "So, you're the Elric Brothers," he began. "Mustang told me a lot about you, but I must confess, I was not expecting such a strange collection of fellows." He was gazing at Al when he said this, and the boy laughed nervously.
"Daddy," the little girl from earlier spoke up. "Why is that man dressed in pots and pans? Isn't it heavy?"
"Heh," Al 'smiled', "don't worry, big brother is very strong."
"Hm." She hummed. She pointed at Al. "Big brother," her hand moved to me, "little brother," Edward, "littlest brother." She smiled beatifically.
Ed's jaw dropped, and he hunched over is if he had been hit in the head. "Wha–" Al and I covered our mouths. Oh my, that was a bit insensitive. Ed walked over to the wall and leaned against it with one hand, the other clutched over his heart like he had taken a mortal wound. "Littlest brother, she called me littlest brother, I'm older than them, damnit…" he mumbled to himself. I snorted. He had taken a mortal wound: to his pride. Ed whipped around and gave me a furious glare.
Tucker cleared his throat. "So sorry of me, I have been rude. I believe introductions are in order. My name is Shou Tucker, Sewing-Life Alchemist." He gestured the little five-year-old girl, who clung to his pant leg. "This is Nina, my daughter. Nina?"
"Nice to meet you!" Nina said with a big smile.
"Nice to meet you too, Nina," Al said. I could almost make out little hearts floating above his helmet. "My name is Alphonse Elric."
"I'm Al's older brother, Edward Elric," Ed said a bit forcefully. I jabbed him in the ribs.
"And I'm Alexander Elric. Nice to meet you." Nina stared at me with one finger on her chin, the most adorable expression of concentration on her face.
"Alexander two!" She pointed dramatically at me with a serious expression.
It was my turn to jaw drop. Was she comparing me to her dog? Ed guffawed loudly behind me as I crouched down on the floor, a fog of depression hovering over my head. "Why am I number two to a dog…" I mumbled.
"Nina," Tucker said with the long-suffering tone of a father caring for a five-year-old, "be nice. The Elrics will be staying with us for a while and I want you to be on your best behavior. Why don't you go and play in the courtyard for a little while."
"Yes Daddy." The little girl shuffled out of the room with a pout, reprimanded.
Tucker gave us a rueful smile. "Sorry about that, she can be a handful." He gestured for us to follow him. "Come along, I'm sure you boys want to get started. The Alchemy Exam is very intense, and you are going to need more than a midnight cramming session to pass it."
"Can we look at your research?" Ed asked, suddenly enthused. "We heard you created chimeras?"
"Yeah, and we heard you had a talking one!" Al chirped in. My eyes widened. Had I heard right? This man mixed animals together?
Tucker's expression suddenly got a little dark. "I'm afraid you are too late boys. It died shortly after it was created."
"Oh," Al said, a bit disappointed.
Tucker led us to a large set of double doors. He drew them open to reveal a huge library.
"Whooooah," Edward said, clearly impressed.
"Knowledge is our greatest tool as Alchemists. This is just a small collection compared to the Alchemy floor in Central Library."
With a laugh and an exuberant 'come on, Al' my two adopted brothers dove into the rows of books and began devouring information. I held back with a small smile. Tucker looked down at me, slightly confused. "What about you?"
"Oh no, I'm no Alchemist. It seems that that particular gene passed me by." That was not strictly true, considering I had never tried Alchemy. And I never would. I promised Izumi. "I'm more of a fighter than a scientist. You could say I'm just here for moral support."
"Hm. Well I do have a small collection of tactical combat books. My wife used to enjoy reading about such things." He glanced at me with a somewhat hard to read look.
"No thanks," I said with a self-deprecating smile. "I'm not much for studying. Maybe I could help you out around the house? You know, in payment for letting me and my brothers stay here."
"Alright," he said with a slight smile. "Heaven knows this place needs it."
Oh my philosopher's stone guys, you have no idea how long I've been waiting to write that scene. Ever since I decided to name my character Alex! ...so like, ten days then. Hm. I guess it's not really that long. Anyway! Cute Nina stuff! And we are finally in Central! Hold on to your seats guys, cause shit's about to go down.
Next Chapter: Ed learns he's awesome, we witness a miracle, and Ed and Al come to a startling realization about their companion. Please Review! For some reason, the counter on my traffic graph has stopped somewhere around 510, so reviews are the only way I know you guys are enjoying the story. Even if it is just a smiley face, please send me your love so I know I'm not abandoned!