After getting off the train when it stopped in Dublith, the trio walked through the town. Al leading the way to his and Ed's Teacher's shop, the older Elric had laced his fingers with Serah's. The Ishvalen blindly followed them, feeling mentally drained from earlier, from helping Satella with giving birth, and from her gut feeling. (Which she had have, since leaving Central.)
"We've finally here…" Serah turned to the Elric brothers, looking a bit concerned when she noticed their nervous and warily expression. Ed tightened his fingers around Serah's, the Ishvalen leaned against Ed's side.
"Yup."
"I hope that Teacher isn't home…"
"Yup!" Ed and Al turned to each other, sweat dripping from their forehead. Serah sighed, shaking her head."Really?"Al walked beside the couple.
"Welcome! Come in please." An older man with black hair and lightly tanned skin was holding a large sack on his shoulder. He turned in surprise when he noticed the Elric brothers and Serah, it has been years since he had last seen the brothers.
"Huh? Wait aren't you that kid Edward, long time no see!"
"Mason right?!" The older Elric asked, still looking a bit nervous. The Ishvalen snorted before she held out her hand towards Mason.
"Please excuse them, I'm Serah." Mason grinned, shaking her hand.
"Nice to meet ya, Serah. I'm Mason."
"It has been a while…"
"Hahaha, you are as short as ever! Hey, who's the guy in the Armor?" The black-haired butcher grinned, while he smacked Ed's back as he and Serah passed the assistant. Mason turned to the younger brother as Serah gave a small smile to the assistant.
"I'm his little brother, Alphonse."
"Are you here to visit Izumi?"
"We are." The Ishvalen nodded, the trio followed Mason as he walked towards the back entrance.
"Wait a minute, I'll just go get her. You are just in time, Miss Izumi just got back from a trip." He turned to the trio with a grin, before disappearing inside. Serah turned to the Elric brothers, placing her hand on her hips. "Ed, Al relax." The Ishvalen sighed, feeling the slight horror and nervousness from the brothers. Their emotions were high, it didn't help ease her exhaustion at all. The older Elric noticed the slight discomfort, by the way, she tensed her shoulders.
"Easy for you to say, you haven't met her." Ed glared at her from the corner of his eyes, Serah's eyes glinted as she turned to the older Eric.
"Agree."
"Morons." The Ishvalen snorted before she reached out to Ed and laced her fingers with his. Al stood next to his brother, he smiled when he noticed that Serah looked a bit better than before, but she still had an exhausted expression.
"Ah! Boss, we've got some guests!" Mason called out to his boss, Sig turned around and looked at his assistant. "Guests?" He mumbled under his breath, a bit confused while he wondered who it could be. He stepped through the door, holding a large butcher's knife in his hand. With a glare, Sig glanced at the trio. Serah dead-palmed, feeling the terror from the Elric brothers.
"How…." The older Elric traded off, looking honorific which caused the Ishvalen to sigh. A half-smile appeared on her face, the Ishvalen held out her hand.
"Hello, we haven't met yet, I'm Serah." Sig looked down at the shade-wearing tanned girl, blinking before he smiled.
"Hello, I am Sig." He shook the Ishvalen's hand before he turned to the older Elric. Sig grabbed Ed's head, patting his head."Mmmm Edward? You have grown. And this is…?"
"I'm Alphonse, it has been a while!" Sig repeated the acting, patting Al's head.
"You have definitely grown taller," Sig told the younger Elric, Serah snickered as she sensed the happiness and joy reeking of him.
"What's the matter?"
"Well, we have some questions for Teacher…" Ed rubbed the back of his head, with closed eyes for a moment.
"Then let's go, Mason, look after the shop." Sig glanced at his assistant, pulling the apron of while handling Mason the knife.
"Sure thing Boss."
"How's Teacher?"
"She's quite healthy but being a bit sick for the moment, hey Izumi, the Elric brothers are here for a short visit." The trio followed after Sig, as he went around the building. The tall man rested his elbow on an open window, looking inside the room.
"Ed and Al?" Serah blinked, hearing the slightly low female voice.
"Can you get up?"
"Relax, husband. I feel fine today." Izumi reassured her husband, Serah turned to the brothers. Ed and Al stood beside each other, the older Elric was near the door. The Ishvalen stood a few feet away from the door, she piled her hair up into a messy bun on top of her head.
The door slammed opened as Izumi placed a strong kick on it, the force from the kick to the door caused Ed to roll forward. Al pressed himself against the wall, trying to hide from Izumi. Serah turned to look at the older Elric for a moment before she turned to Izumi.
"News of you have reached us, foolish students. You actually became a dog of the military, well? You better explain." The black-haired woman snapped, glaring at her students. The Ishvalen stepped over to the young Alchemist, grabbing his forearm. Ed wrapped his fingers around her elbow, allowing her to pull him up from the ground.
"You alright?" Ed nodded, leaning in her touch after she wiped some dirt away from his temple.
"Don't push yourself, Izumi."
"Who is the walking tin can?" She growled at the younger Elric who froze in terror before he slowly turned to his Teacher.
"Huh? Err um it is me Alphonse, Teacher."
"Al! My how you have grown." Izumi started to smile, holding out a hand towards him.
"No Teacher, I haven't changed much, aahh!?" Al slowly relaxed as he took Izumi's hand, she threw him over her shoulder with a scowl.
"Not enough training, and who are you suppose to be?" Izumi huffed while she placed her hands on her hips, before turning her glare to the shade-wearing Ishvalen. Ed tried to pull Serah behind him, the silver-haired teenager frowned slightly at him before she stepped around him. She held out her hand towards Izumi, with a half-smirk.
"Serah, a companion of those morons. I have heard quite a bit about you." Izumi smiled at the Ishvalen, taking the outstretched hand.
"Well, I hope that they only spoke good things about me."
"Well, they don't have a death wish." A half-smirk tugged on Serah's lips, as she pulled her hand to rest on her hip.
"Serah!?" Ed protested, stumping his feet which caused the Ishvalen to laugh.
"It's nice to finally be able to put a face to the name."
"Nice to meet you as well." Izumi nodded, with a half-smirk while she continued to stare at the Ishvalen in front of her. A second later, the black-haired woman threw a punch at the silver-haired teenager. Serah managed to take a step to the side, her feet moving into a better stance for fighting. Izumi kicked after the Ishvalen's head, Serah ducked, landing in a roll. With no time to space, Izumi kept going at the Ishvalen, Serah narrowed her eyes before she lunched to the side. She quickly got to her feet as she ducked a fist to the stomach, Izumi's eyes narrowed slightly right, noticed the Ishvalen winching as she twisted her torso. She grabbed Serah's wrist, using her free hand on Serah's ribs. Izumi threw the Ishvalen over her shoulder, before turning around to look down at the teenager. The silver-haired teenager blinked as she groaned while looking up at the blue sky.
"Serah!" Ed and Al shouted, looking concerned for the Ishvalen. The silver-haired girl slowly sat up, with a winch. Ed went over to her, taking her outstretched hand pulling her to her feet.
"That's new, been a while since I have been caught off guard like this." Izumi stared at her oldest student and the silver-haired girl, crossing her arms under her chest.
"Mmm, you might be a bit better than those fools." Sig nodded, agreeing with his wife. If it weren't for the winch and the exhaustion, the girl might have kept going in the spar with Izumi.
"Weren't you suppose to be sick?" Al asked his Teacher, still looking concerned for his friend due to the throw, it sounded hard when Serah hit the ground.
"What are you saying!? This is because you guys decided to come to visit for the first time in a while…." Izumi traded off as she coughed up blood, Sig immediately went to her side with a small cloth and her pills in hand.
"Don't push yourself, please take your medicine." He held out the cloth, Izumi wiped the blood away from her chin. Sig gave her the bottle with her pills, Izumi wrapped her arms around her husband.
"Forgive me for worrying you."
"Don't speak, we made a promise."
"Dearest." Serah blinked, able to sense the love and care Izumi and Sig have for each other. Al walked over to stand beside the Ishvalen, Ed had laced his fingers with Serah's. The Ishvalen turned to the youngest Elric, Al could see the slight frown between her brows.
"Hey Al, please tell me that Ed and I aren't like that." Al snorted at the question, as he turned to look at her.
"Not to the level, you aren't that sweet with each other. At least not with words but you use actions and gestures a lot more." Serah hummed, while Ed gently traced the back of her neck with his free hand. The cold from the metal under the glove, caused her to lean into his touch. A glint appeared in Al's eyes, well good to see that he stand corrected in that Serah and his brother are more likely to use gestures instead of words.
"Oh, good to know."
"Long time no see, Teacher."
"Good to see you, boys, again, and you bought a friend this time." Izumi reached over and smacked the back of the older Elric's head, Serah snorted at the sight.
"Aw!" Ed rubbed the back of his head with his hand, not really daring to glare at his Teacher. The woman is terrifying, even after their official training ended years ago.
"The Philosopher's stone?" Izumi asked, holding a trump against her chin. The trio and the Curtis' were sitting around the dinner table, Serah and Ed sat beside each other with Al on Ed's side. Izumi and Sig were sitting on the opposite side of the table, teacups were placing in front of them. The Ishvalen lifted her cup and took a sip of the tea, her legs crossed at the knee. Her shade hidden eyes stayed on Izumi and Sig, Ed stared at his Teacher while resting his elbows on the armrest of the chair.
"I was hoping that you had some information about it, Teacher."
"Well, I'm not interested in some stones. Unless you are only researching this for the legendary item?" Izumi narrowed her eyes, not liking that her student is asking for something she considers a myth. The Philosopher's Stone doesn't exist, but if her student is looking for the Stone then… narrowing her eyes more, something is going on with her students. The black-haired woman turned to the shade-wearing teenager, as she felt the girl's stare. Serah blinked, frowning slightly while rubbing her temple. Ed stole a glance at Serah from the corner of his eye, the Ishvalen sighed when she sensed the concern and worry from him.
"No, no just being a bit curious," Ed spoke, turning his eyes to Izumi who hummed. She had noticed his eyes turned to the silver-haired teenager for only a moment, she reached for her husband's hand. Sig gently held her hand in his larger one, his elbow rested on the armrest.
"The Philosopher's stone…"
"Come to think about it, on our travels to Central City, we did meet an Alchemist who was interested in the stone." Sig turned to his wife, Izumi blinked in realizing.
"Oh, that man, you're right. Mmm, I think that his name was Hohenheim." Serah flinched from the shock and confusion, Ed gritted his teeth in anger while Al leaned a bit forward.
"Ed, Al…" The Ishvalen muttered under her breath while rubbing her temple again, the air was filled with tension, anger, worry, and confusion. Serah closed her eyes for a moment, trying to ignore the high emotions for the moment.
"What did he look like?!"
"He was pretty tall, blond hair, glasses, and a bit modest. While I don't know his age, he was a bit handsome. Ah, relax Husband, you are more handsome than he was." Izumi snorted, nudging her husband in the ribs with her elbow.
"So he is still alive." Ad let out a breath, falling back in his chair, feeling relieved.
"Someone, you know?"
"He's our father…"
"The one who left home? That's good, right? Maybe he's still at Central.-" Ed slammed his fists on the table. "That bastard!" Serah winched, sensing the high spike in his anger and hurt. She reached out and rested her hand on the hand closest to her, Ed immediately turned his fist, lacing his fingers with hers.
"Calm down, Ed. Please." The Ishvalen let out a sigh of relief, feeling Ed slowly calming down. The young Alchemist gave the silver-haired an apologized look, Serah squeezed his hand for a second.
"Sorry Serah, but I will never ask him for help."
"… What did father say?" Al asked, knowing that his brother would never ask about their father. His brother still doesn't like their father, for abandoning them and their mother when they were young.
"Ah, he said something about nearly fulfilling his long last dream… he looked really happy." Izumi leaned on the table with an elbow, resting her chin in her palm.
"You must have caused a lot of troubles on your travels." Mason took a bite of pasta, looking at the trio. Serah sighed, before taking a sip of the new-made tea. Food filled most of the table, Ed was eating a thin piece of meat.
"I do try to keep this one in line but somehow he somehow manages to make trouble." The Ishvalen broke a piece of a small bread loaf, Al snorted as he turned to her.
"Heh, like you are so innocent yourself, Serah."
"Yeah, you threw a sword at that fake Father in Liore." Ed agreed with his younger brother, stuffing his mouth with more food. The Ishvalen hummed under her breath, before eating a bit more from her plate.
"He got on my nerve. While you caused damages in Rush Valley." Izumi smiled, seeing the trio playfully bickering among themselves. The Housewife sipped at her tea, while her husband tore into a lamb chop.
"She took my watch, and I fixed the damages after. Oh, we witnessed a birth in Rush Valley."
"Yeah and we helped with the delivery as well, Teacher."
"Fool, we didn't help at all, Serah and Winry did!" Ed scowled, Serah snorted under her breath.
"Morons, you helped with getting what we needed for Satella and the child."
"See brother, Serah agrees with me!" Al laughed, happy that the Ishvalen agreed with him.
"So? we waited outside the delivering room while they helped."
"Don't cut yourselves short, the birth went smoothly and the child was born healthy and strong." "Thanks to everyone helping, Satella was saved too." Al's eyes shined a bit brighter as he turned to his Teacher, Izumi hummed softly under her breath, wearing a small smile.
"You guys were born like that as well. That's why you have to treasure your lives."
"Speaking of which, Teacher you haven't had any kids…." Serah's eyes immediately turned to the Curtis' Ed's question, she could sense their pain and sorrow. The Ishvalen's eyes stayed on the married couple, as they forced the feelings to the back of their minds.
"So how did you meet Ed and Al?"
"Well, it was on the day when Ed got his State Alchemist license. My foster father had bought me to Mustang's office."
"Yeah, that's right. I wasn't happy when Colonel moron told me that you were going to be my guard."
"Excuse me, you plain out got angry with me." Serah huffed, taking a sip of the tea.
"And then you got annoyed with me and smacked me." Izumi blinked at the trio, before smiling. She is really happy for her students and that they had someone like the silver-haired girl with them. The girl does seem able to handle the brothers, Izumi rested her chin in her palm.
"And somehow made the Colonel decided that I should be your escort or guard and why he thought that it would be a good idea, I don't know." She sighed, shaking her head.
"Yeah, you fought and argued a lot in the beginning." Al laughed, resting his elbows on the armrest of the chair.
"Don't laugh Al, I remember you trying to be the middle ground between Ed and me." The Ishvalen huffed which caused the younger Elric to laugh more, Ed chuckled under his breath.
"Escort?"
"It's just a formality, Colonel Mustang thought it would do some good for Ed and Al to have someone else with them. It has been three years." Serah assured Izumi who nodded in understanding.
"Time passed fast," Al muttered.
"I meant to tell you earlier, young lady. Here we don't wear hats or sunglasses inside." Izumi told the Ishvalen, Ed immediately stood up."Teacher!" The Curtis' and their assistant looked surprised at the outburst, the Ishvalen sighed.
"Ed, sit down."
"But Serah…!?" Serah stared at him from over the edge of the shades, Ed frowned before he sighed and sat down. The silver-haired teenager removed her shades, staring at the Curtis'. Izumi hummed, now understanding why the girl wears a pair of shades.
"An Ishvalen?"
"Born and raised." Serah nodded to Sig, placing the shades on the table.
"Explain."
"Near the end of the war, I was bought to Central on the Fuhrer's orders. After the war ended and Amestrian soldiers stated in Central returned, someone took me in and raised me along with his wife. They adopted me shortly after, raising me as their own. Before I knew it, I met Ed and then Al, and went with them on their travels."
"Were you a part of it, the war I mean," Mason asked, being curious.
"I witnessed it if that's what you mean. I was two or three when it began and nearly nine when I arrived in Central." The Ishvalen sighed, Al and Ed stayed silent, knowing the story of how Serah got adopted by the Hughes family.
"So how long have you and Sig been married if I may ask." Serah changed the topic, glancing at the married pair.
"It has been around seventeen or eighteen years, I remember our wedding like it was yesterday."
"You in that suit, you were handsome, husband." Izumi turned to her husband, looking at him with a soft expression. Serah smiled, sensing the love and adoration they have for each other.
"And you were beautiful, dearest." They got lost in each other's eyes, Mason ignored his bosses when he turned to the older Elric.
"Hey Edward, how is your alchemy training coming along?"
"Good, we've been experimenting ever since we got back."
"Just as Teacher said, training our bodies as well. Now we can create larger objects." Al agreed with a nod.
"Yeah! And Serah helped as well." Mason glanced at the Ishvalen. "With Alchemy?"
Serah shook her head, Ed reached out and took her hand from under the table.
"No, not with Alchemy but with martial arts. While Alchemy does hold an interest for me, I never had the desire to learn how to use it."
"You are more than welcome to use the shower while you are here. Fresh towels are in the upper left cabinet, and remember to clear up from yourself." Izumi showed the second bathroom to the young Ishvalen, opening the door, and pointed to the cabinet with towels.
"Thank you, Miss Izumi." Serah stepped past the Teacher, her travel bag in hand.
"Serah, tell me. Have you taken good care of those boys?" The Ishvalen glanced at the housewife over her shoulder, half-turned towards the older woman. Izumi was leaning against the door frame with crossed arms.
"We take care of each other." It was all Serah gave the woman on the matter, Izumi snorted before moving to walk away.
"Good."
"Dearest." Sig pulled the comforter back and sat down on their bed, his wife was already resting against the head frame with a book in her hands.
"That girl, she seems strong both in body and in mind," Izumi murmured, staring at the book that rested in her lap.
"She reminds me of you when we both were younger. She has a fire in her eyes." Sig agreed, reaching out to grab the book that laid on the small bed table.
"Are you looking at other women than I now, Husband?-" Sig huffed in as he leaned against the head frame, glancing at his wife who laughed. "I am only joking. But yes you're right, her eyes are hardened against the world. She is different, but with the way she has lived, it is only understandable."
"Hey Serah, are you done- uh sorry." Serah glanced over to the Alchemist who immediately had turned around, his back facing her. The Ishvalen had a towel on her head, dressed in a black tank-top and beige leggings. Serah smiled, sensing his embarrassment before she turned around to look at him. Taking a good look at him, she noticed that his shoulders are tense and the tips of his ears are red.
"Nearly, it's fine." The Ishvalen started to pat her wet hair with the towel, silence filled the bathroom as Ed tried to gather himself and he started to calm down slowly. The older Elric turned to face Serah who was leaning against the sink, he was still blushing a bit. She was blankly staring at the opposite wall. He stepped over to her, standing in front of the Ishvalen. Serah blinked after a moment, turning to the Alchemist, seeing him staring intensely at her.
"What?" The Ishvalen huffed, Ed traced her cheekbone for a moment before leaning closer. The Ishvalen let her hands fall before reaching out, and pulled him to her as he kissed her.
"Let me." The older Elric reached up and started to dry her hair with the towel, Serah closed her eyes, leaning into his touch.
"Ed…." The Ishvalen hummed, enjoying the attention and sweet gesture from the Alchemist.
"I still need to clean your injure."
"I know, but first let me take care of you." Ed gestured for her to turn around, he started to squeeze the rest of her silver hair with the towel.
"Are you alright, Serah? You seem a bit distanced, you have been since we left Central." The Alchemist placed the towel on the counter before loosely braiding her hair and tied the end with a hairband that rested on the counter. He wrapped his arms around her stomach, Serah placed a hand over his forearm as she leaned into his embrace.
"Just tired, but... I don't know, Ed." Serah turned in his arms, lightly placing a palm on his chest. Her gaze landed on the scarring, she could see as he was wearing a tank-top.
"Come here, you don't have to talk if you don't want." Ed's hands were clasped together at the low of her back, Serah sighed softly before she lifted her gaze to his.
"I just have this thought to call Maes and Gracia."
"Then call them, if it will ease your mind."
"Tomorrow, it's late."
After Serah had cleared and re-wrapped Ed's wound, they crawled into one of the beds in the room. Al and Ed slept in the same room years ago when the Elrics was training with Izumi, there were two beds and a round wooden table. Al had taken a spot against the wall near the other bed, Serah was leaning against the head frame while Ed laid his arm over her lap. Her fingers ran through his free hair, he sighed in relief with closed eyes. Serah looked down at the older Elric, sensing his content and love. Al turned his head towards the Ishvalen when he heard her let out a deep sigh, he has noticed that she has been distanced since they left Central. The younger Elric didn't know why but he hopes that she will return to her normal self soon.
"No!" Serah gasped awake, immediately sitting up. Silver hair flowed over her shoulders, Ed sat up, having woken up by her shout. The older Elric rested a hand on her shoulder, frowning concerned, feeling her tense. Images flashed in her mind of Maes, Gracia, and Erica, something is wrong, she can feel it in her stomach. She can't understand why she is feeling this way, why she is concerned and worried about the Hughes' and have been since they left Central.
"Serah? What is it?" Serah stayed silent for a short moment, lost in her thoughts while clenching her fists. She took a deep breath before answering the blond beside her.
"I'm fine, I just need some air." The Ishvalen got off the bed and left the bedroom without looking back at the Brothers. Ed stared at the door with a frown between his brow, Al blinked as he turned his gaze between the door and his brother.
"Serah?" Al called out concerned before he turned to his brother. The Elrics felt the same concern and worry for the Ishvalen, she has been weird, arriving in Dublith. It has been more noticeable after they left Rush-Valley.
"Brother, what happened?"
"I don't know."
Serah was leaning against the wall in the backyard, her arms wrapped around her stomach. The door opened and Sig walked out, stopping on the stairs as he didn't know if the girl would want him to stay beside her.
"Are you alright?" The Ishvalen glazed at the Shop Owner from the corner of her eye before sighing.
"I'm sorry if I woke you and Miss Izumi up."
"It's okay, I told Izumi to go back to sleep." Sig turned to the night sky, the two were silent for a moment. Serah took in the bright stars and the clear sky, Sig turned towards her as he asked."You look like something is troubling you."
"I just feel like I should in Central right now."
"Then why aren't you?" The Ishvalen shallowed a lump in her throat as she tightened her arms around her stomach.
"I don't know… I'm terrified."
"How so?" Serah never thought that an innocent question could get tears to gather in the corner of her eyes since they left Central, she has been off. More quieted and distanced to the Brothers and she even doesn't know why… just that the thought of going back to Central terrifies her. The Ishvalen let out a shaky breath, trying to blink the gathered tears away.
"I don't know, somehow the thought of returning to Central, scares me and I can't understand why."
"It's too early for getting on a train," Sig remarked while he stepped aside as he heard footsteps coming towards the backyard, the older Elric appeared in the doorway and his gaze landed on the silver-haired girl who was trying to make herself as small as possible. Ed sighed as he moved to stand in front of her, he clenched his fists.
"Serah." Sig silently left the couple, knowing that the blond would take care of the Ishvalen. He closed the door behind him before he walked to his and Izumi's bedroom.
"Talk to me." The young Alchemist reached out and took her hands in his own, staring into her eyes.
"How, when I can't even explain it to myself." Ed sighed, squeezing Serah's hands before reaching up with his automail hand. He rested his hand on her cheek, the blond watched as she leaned into the automail hand.
"What do you want to do?"
"I don't know, I hate feeling like this." Serah shallowed, closing her eyes. The fear in her eyes made Ed frown, being concerned and worried.
"Serah-"
"I can't go to Central, not- not without you or Al. I- I'm scared." Ed immediately pulled her into his arms, the Ishvalen gripped the fabric of his shirt tightly in her hands. something is wrong, she has never been this terrified. Ed shallowed as he tightened his arms around her, Serah hid her face in his shirt while wrapping her arms around his waist.
"Hey, I won't force you, Serah."
"I promise you, that we will go back to Central soon."
"Thank you." Serah pulled a bit back, staring into his golden eyes. Ed ran his hand through her long hair before pressing his mouth to hers, the Ishvalen sighed against his lips as she placed her hands on his back.
"Let's go to bed, Serah."
"Okay." The Ishvalen nodded once, the Elric pressed his forehead against Serah's for a moment. She hid her face against the crook of his neck, Ed rested his hands on her hips as he pulled her close. The Ishvalen can't understand why she is feeling this way, why she is terrified to go back to Central. Now when she is thinking about it, since they left Central, she got this bad feeling. And she knows that it worries the Elric brothers, that she had pulled a bit away from them since Central. She does realize that she is getting antsy and restless. Also, she can't explain the need to make sure that the Hughes' is alright. The Ishvalen let out a heavy sigh, hoping that soon they get to return to Central.
"Morning, Miss Izumi, Mr. Sig." Serah appeared in the doorway to the kitchen, the Curtis' was making breakfast. The black-haired housewife blinked as she turned to the Ishvalen who wore a black long-sleeved shirt and beige leggings. Sig reached past his wife and grabbed the egg-milk mixture, while Izumi was cutting slides of bread.
"Good morning, feeling better?"
"A little, I just hope that everything is alright with my family," Izumi recalled the Ishvalen mentioning someone adopting her last night, but the housewife didn't realize that Serah thought of them as family.
"Family?"
"Ah, well foster family. A Lieutenant Colonel Maes Hughes adopted me, he and his family live in Central." Izumi hummed while she placed the slides on a bread basket, Serah turned her head a fraction to the side as she sensed Ed coming running down the stairs. He was anxious and concerned as he appeared at the door with a shout. "Serah!?" The older Elric was worried that she would have left for Central, which is kinda stupid since she won't without talking with him and Al first.
"Calm down, I'm right here." Serah moved to stand in front of the young State Alchemist, gently and quietly taking his hands.
"Sorry." He murmured, squeezing her hands. Al came to stand behind his brother, his eyes bright when he noticed Serah and his brother talking quietly among themselves. The younger Elric turned to his Teacher and Sig, ignoring his brother and the Ishvalen on purpose.
"Morning, Teacher, Sig."
"Morning Al." The Curtis' chorused in union, the large and tall man turned to the Ishvalen who now was cupping Ed's cheek, one of the older Elric's hands rested on the low of her back. Ah, to be young and in love, Sig remembers it well.
"Did you sleep well?" Serah turned her head, looking over her shoulder at the male Curtis.
"Just fine."
"Eh, speak for yourself, you kept turning and waking me up." The young State Alchemist huffed, bringing the Ishvalen's attention back to him.
"Sorry." She murmured, lightly pressing a peck to his cheek. Sig smiled, watching the pair as a deep blush appeared on Ed's cheeks and the tips of his ears. He whispered a 'sorry' in her ear, knowing that she didn't mean to.
"Time to eat!" Izumi declared loudly, placing her hands on her hips as she looked at the Elrics and the Ishvalen.
Al drew a transmutation circle on the ground with a piece of chalk, while the others were standing around, watching the young Elric brother. Energy cracked through the air as Al transmuted a simple-looking horse, Izumi stepped closer to the horse, looking it over with a hand on her chin.
"Oh! It's pretty detailed!" The Housewife hummed, Serah sensed the pride and joy immediately from Al.
"Ok, my turn!" Ed clapped his hands, wearing a smirk. The older Elric pressed his hands to the ground, blue energy moved through the air around Ed.
"Izumi…" Serah murmured, sensing the shock and slight horror reeking of the black-haired Teacher. Ed lifted his hands as a large and more detailed horse was created.
"Could your creation be even more detailed?" Al snorted, looking at his brother.
"What!? Do you have a problem with my work!?" Ed glared at the younger Elric.
"You don't even need a transmutation circle to do that?" Izumi asked the young State Alchemist with narrowing eyes, Serah blinked as she shallowed. The Ishvalen looked down, opening her senses to the emotions and auras in the air around them. Something felt off with Izumi, the black-haired woman gave off a sense of recognition along with fear and horror. Ed felt confused over the question, Izumi asked.
"Huh? No." Ed turned to his Teacher, Izumi rested an arm across her stomach while holding a hand to her chin.
"Ed… did you see that thing?" Serah took a sharp inhale, feeling the intense emotions from Ed. He was feeling confused, shock, and terrified, while Izumi got more furious and guilty. The Ishvalen pressed a hand to her temple, blinking with a frown between her brow. Al noticed her discomfort, he stepped towards her. "Serah?"
"I…"
"You have seen it right?"
"I saw it." Serah closed her eyes as she paled while swaying on her feet, Al reached out as Sig gently laid his hands on her shoulders. The male Curtis helped the Ishvalen to sit on the ground as the Elrics called her name, Ed immediately went to her side. He kneed on the ground beside her, Izumi walked over to the couple.
"Give her some air, you alright?"
"Yeah… it's just… it got too much." Ed reached out and took her hand, lacing his fingers with hers. He let out a sigh as he rested his forehead against Serah's temple.
"Serah…"
"I'm fine, Ed, Al." She squeezed his hand, trying to give a smile but it looked forced and more like a grimace.
"What got too much?"
"I can sense emotions and things around people, from the air. And the tension from you and Ed overwhelmed me."
"How are you able to do that?"
"I don't know, I can't remember how I got the ability." Serah turned her head up towards Izumi, Ed rested a hand on the Ishvalen's shoulder.
"I now know why they called you a genius and received the acceptance of the state at such a young age." Izumi turned to the older Elric, with a neutral expression.
"I'm not a genius, I just saw that thing. Teacher…!?" Ed closed his eyes in despair before turning to his Teacher.
"Teacher, do you think that we could revive a dead person?" Ed stood up, holding out a hand towards Serah. She reached out and grabbed his hand, allowing him to pull her up from her sitting position. Ed moved to stand behind her, wrapping his arms around her waist, keeping her steady on her feet.
"Yes, Ed, do you think being the army's dog is a good idea?"
"Since it began, since I became a State Alchemist when I am called to be a living weapon. I don't know if it means I'll have to take a life, I'm afraid." Ed looked determined, staring at Izumi.
"But you'll do this, even to accomplish your dreams?"
"I have a dream to fulfill no matter what!" Ed tightened his hold on the Ishvalen in his embrace, Serah leaned back as she laid a hand on top of his covered automail.
"And I will right beside you till the end, always." The silver-haired teenager murmured, Al came to stand beside the couple.
"And me as well, Brother."
"Looks like you didn't just break my rules! Al, the armor is empty inside and Ed's right arm is metal!" Izumi snapped, glaring at the Elric brothers.
"How!?" Al got cut off by Izumi who continued to snap at the brothers.
"How did I know? I could tell the moment we sparred yesterday. Your right arm and left leg have a different sound! You thought that I'm stupid!? Don't take me for a fool! What happened, Speak up!"
"Where should I start?"
"From the beginning is a good place to start, Ed," Serah told the older Elric, he sighed, knowing that the Ishvalen is right.
They had returned inside and were sitting around the dinner table, Izumi was glaring at the Elrics with her arms crossed. "On 3rd avenue, there's a coffin store. So I would advise you two to go and get one that fits your sizes, well that's aside. Even after I told you both, repeatedly to not commit human transmutation, you still. Both the Teacher and the students, we are fools…"
"Teacher, You as well…" Ed started to ask the black-haired housewife who pressed a hand to her stomach while closing her eyes.
"My inner organs, many of them were taken… you two are such idiots."
"Sorry." The Brothers yelped, terrified of the teacher.
"Morons!"
"Sorry!"
"Ignorant!"
"Yes!"
"Were they like that, when Izumi trained Ed and Al." Serah turned to Sig, gesturing to the Elrics and Izumi.
"They were, although the two brothers seem more calm these days. Especially Edward, you two look good together." The Ishvalen turned her head, Sig smiled being slightly able to see the bright red blush on her cheeks. Serah reached up and stretched the back of her neck while blushing slightly" We help each other, they both are too good to me in their own way."
"It's good to see that they have someone like you beside them."
"It's must have been painful." Izumi sighed, leaning back in her chair.
"Well, we were kinda asking for it, it wasn't painful but more like um…" Ed lifted his hand, waving the concern off.
"Yeah." Al nodded, Serah could only shake her head at the Brothers.
"You idiots, you don't have to be so hard on yourselves. Come here, you as well, young lady." Izumi had pulled Ed and Al into her embrace, the Teacher looked at the Ishvalen. Gesturing with her head to join the hug.
"We're sorry, sorry, sorry." The Elrics tightened their hold on Izumi while they pulled Serah into the embrace between them.
"Still being able to become a State Alchemist at the age of twelve. Must be what we call a genius."
"That's not true! I'm not a genius at all, it was only because I saw that…." Ed shook his head, turning to stare at Izumi with sorrowful eyes, the silver-haired teenager rested her hand on his shoulder. She silently offered him comfort, the older Elric reached up and laid his hand over hers, grateful for the comfort that she can give him.
"No, you were already a genius for being able to come back alive after seeing that… it's pretty impressive for my students, but, we still need to settle things. You are expelled as my students, I didn't teach you alchemy just so you could turn your bodies into that. I no longer consider you students."
"Teacher-!" Al protested, taking a step forward. Ed held his other arm out in front of his younger brother, stopping him.
"Al."
"The trains are still running, go home." Izumi turned around and started to walk towards the kitchen, Ed bowed his head. "Thank you for everything."
"Thank you for letting us stay here." Izumi gazed over her shoulder for just a moment, but it was enough for the housewife. Seeing Serah with Ed, looking strong and kind was enough. The sight made Izumi smile, as long the brothers have that girl, they will be alright.
"She got sick while carrying our first child, she lost it during the pregnancy and then became infertile. Izumi apologized for it though the whole night, she didn't do anything wrong. Shortly after she probably started thinking about doing human transmutation, and before I knew it. She ended up like that, I'm a fool for not noticing what she was planning. You should come by, whenever you are in town."
"I'll bring them by, next time, we are in town," Serah mumbled, walking beside Ed with Al behind them. Sig was in front of the Trio, the Alchemist and the Ishvalen were holding their luggage in one hand and their free hands were lacing together.
"Good."
"But, we got expelled…"
"Idiots, don't you got it, you weren't Izumi's students any longer. You can talk to her as equals, now that isn't anything to help you back." Sig turned around, staring at the trio for a moment before looking at Ed and Al as the brothers were his wife's students.
"Aaagh, We still haven't done what we came here for!" Ed turned around to look at his younger brother, as the Alchemist stretched his head with a groan.
"Mr. Sig, we're going back!" The brothers turned around and moved to start running back to the Curtis' shop.
"Don't get killed."
"We'll try not to!" The brothers quickly disappeared from view, as they ran back to the shop
"Well, I better go after them." The Ishvalen sighed as she and Sig started to calmly walk after the brothers.
"Teacher!" Ed slammed the door opened, a knife landed into the wall right beside his head. Izumi has turned to the older Elric, glaring at him. "Why the hell are you back, and calling me Teacher!? you aren't my students! Go home now!"
"Calm- calm down… please. Teacher!" Al kneed down beside his brother, they stared up at the housewife, wearing a look of determination.
"We came here to look for clues on how to get our bodies back!"
"And we aren't leaving." The older Elric agreed with his brother.
"Go home!" Izumi shouted, waving a hand, angrily over the fact that the brother disobeyed her even though they weren't her students anymore.
"We won't!"
"I'll chop you up!"
"We won't leave even if you chop us up."
"Just go home!"
"No way!" The determined expression Ed wore, caused Izumi to pause. God, he hasn't changed from when he was a kid. Serah and Sig appeared in the door to the backyard, the Ishvalen sighed, seeing the brothers sitting on the floor and Izumi somehow looking defeated.
"God, really, a shouting match." The silver-haired teenager muttered under her breath, causing Sig to snort as he was the only one who could hear her.
"Idiots… Al, did you see the Truth?"
"The Truth? I don't know anything about that." Al blinked, looking a bit confused at the question.
"Hmm, it might be because of a memory loss from the shock. We could try to restore Al's memories, considering that he lost his whole body." Izumi crossed her arm over her stomach while resting her chin in her hand, wearing a thoughtful expression.
"I see! If we think about the 'passage feed' that Truth mentioned, Al should have got more knowledge of the 'Truth'" Ed and Al stood up, Serah leaned against the worktable with her hip while keeping her gaze on the brothers.
"So if I can get my memory back then!?"
"But about that memory…" Izumi and Ed started to joke around to freak Al out, Serah sighed, shaking her head at them.
"Really, stop freaking Al out."
"Even so, I don't care as long as there is a possibility for getting my memory back."
"Alright, let's find out a way to get your memory back, I'll try asking the professionals. But, before that, you are probably hungry, so let's eat. Come help me with the cooking, since you aren't going back until you find a solution, right? Well come on, you two idiots, how long are you gonna stand there? Serah is quicker than you two." Serah had piled her hair into a messy bun and was washing her hands a the sink.
"Yeah, Yeah!"
"Hehehe." The Ishvalen snickered at the older Elric who growled as he grabbed out after her. "Come here you!" Serah darted around him, giving a tug on his braid. Izumi placed her hands on her hips with a balk "Stop playing around!"
"Coming, what do you want me to help with?" Serah turned to the housewife, Sig had stepped over to his wife.
"Take care of the vegetables." The Ishvalen nodded at the order, going over to grab the vegetables for the dinner.
"You boys, wash the dishes." The Elrics groaned but got to work, not wanting to anger Izumi.
The days passed fast and before they realized it, a week had gone by. Each day the trio went to the main library in the city, Serah walked beside Ed with Al on his other side. The sky had started to change colors a bit earlier, Ed reached out and laced his fingers with Serah's.
"Man~~ it's so late already."
"Brother always losses track of time when studying~" Al snickered while singing lightly, turning to look at his brother. Ed huffed; "So do you!" he nudged Al with an elbow.
"Come on, we need to get back to Izumi's home."
"Let's take a shortcut, it'll be faster." The trio turned down one alley, talking among themselves.
"Sure, and if we don't hurry, Teacher is going to shout at us again." As they were about to pass a man in rags, the guy called out to them. "Mister, mister, over here. Would you spare some change?"
"We don't have any, get lost." Serah didn't spare the guy a glance as they walked past him, Ed followed her lead and huffed "Shut up! And get a job instead!"
"Hey, aren't you a little cold? Hey Armored Mister."
"Sorry I don't have any as well." Al politely told the guy, the ragged guy followed the trio. Serah started to frown slightly, not liking the feeling she got from him.
"Come on! A State Alchemist must be loaded with money!"
"I don't know what you are talking about." Ed snapped, while Serah's frown deepened and her eyes narrowed behind her shades. How does the guy know that Ed's a State Alchemist, most don't recognize him due to him being a teenager.
"Don't try to play dumb, you and your brother are quite famous in the world, you know." Serah pulled Ed to a stop as she turned around, glaring at the guy.
"Hold up, how the hell did you know that?" She snarled, baring her teeth a bit.
"You transmuted your brother's soul, right. Bingo?" Ed looked furious as he turned to stare at the homeless guy.
"You are annoying!"
"That armored fella there doesn't have a body right? Arg!" The Ishvalen had thrown a punch at the guy's nose, breaking his nose. She didn't like how he is talking to the Elrics and being ignored by the buy.
"You should know that I don't like being ignored, come on before Izumi will try to kill you two." Serah immediately turned around, Ed grabbed her hand while looking concerned about her. She has been more likely to act on her anger those past few days, and she has been restless and distanced as well. She has told him and Al about her being worried for the Hughes family, but she didn't want to go to Central just yet.
"Eh?! Just us?"
"Teacher does seem to like Serah better than us, Brother." Al reminded his older brother, Ed huffed, knowing that Al is right. Izumi does seem to like Serah a bit more than him and Al, he guesses.
"I hate to admit it but you are right."
"Guh bitch, you broke my nose! Hey you! You didn't have to act like that just because I ignored you! I wanna see the faces of your parents." The Alchemist turned around and kicked the ragged guy in the stomach, for disrespecting Serah. The Ishvalen huffed, placing her hands on her hips since she wanted to be the one to hit the guy again.
"Hey! I wanted to do that!"
"You got the first hit, this one was mine!" Ed countered as Al facepalmed while staring at his brother and the Ishvalen.
"God! You're so persistent!"
"Heheheheh, getting so worked up must mean that I'm right. And that fella over there isn't human…huh…" Ed gave the homeless guy a death glare, Al sighed while facepalmed his forehead and Serah bared her teeth with a growl.
"Bastard! you just won't stop talking!"
"Serah, calm Brother," Al begged the Ishvalen who dejectedly reached out and grabbed the older Elric, she wanted to let Ed keep going at the ragged guy. The guy rubbed her the wrong way, to put it bluntly, she doesn't like the guy. He feels somehow… not entirely human, she laced her fingers with Ed's, while tugging at his braid. While Ed still glared at the weird homeless guy, he subconsciously leaned into her side while tightening his fingers around hers.
"Mister, please cut it out."
"hehehehe, sorry about that… I was just… Yea haha! There's no mistake! You are the one with the transmuted soul!" A tail forced Al's helmet off, Al stiffened his weight while Serah gritted her teeth in anger.
"You bastard!" Ed shouted, Serah grabbed the helmet out of the air. She gripped it tightly with a low growl.
"I'm done with you! Goodbye!" The ragged guy turned around and was about to walk away, blue energy crackled in the air as Ed transmuted a tall wall in front of the guy with a shout; "I won't let you get away!"
"Ohh amazing! but! Eh! I am amazing as well!" The homeless started to crawl up the wall, two knives flew through the air. The blades impaled on either side of the guy's head, he blinked as it startled him. After a second, he continued to crawl up the wall.
"Damn it!" Serah snarled with a huff.
"What the!?"
"Bye," The guy disappeared from their sight.
"What was that?" Ed looked shocked before he shook his head, Serah moved over to the wall. She glanced up at the knives, she looked over her shoulder at the younger Elric.
"Al, help me get my knives." He stepped over to the Ishvalen, taking his helmet from her. Pulling the helmet in its place, Al smiled at Serah before he laced his fingers together to make a step for her.
"Sure, up you go." It allowed the silver-haired teenager to step onto his shoulders, Serah pulled the knives out and placed them into the pouch resting on her hip. Ed had walked over to his brother and lover, he rested his hands in the pockets of his pants.
"Got it, Thanks." Serah looked down at the younger Elric who grinned with his eyes at her, the Ishvalen sat down on his shoulder, taking care of the spikes. Her hand rested on the helmet, Ed walked beside Al as they went back to Izumi's house.
Some thoughts on the chapter.
They have arrived in Dublith, truth to be told; I have been a bit excited for Serah and Izumi to meet.
Serah has a bad feeling about the Hughes' family, that something might have happened. Over the week, the trio has been in Dublith, which has made Serah restless and a bit jumpy or wary. She wants to go back to Central but not without the Elrics, they have agreed to return to Central after leaving Dublith.
Serah like Izumi, the housewife reminds the Ishvalen a bit about Riza and Armstrong's sister. (Serah met Brigadier General Armstrong once, and that was more than enough for Serah. The Brigadier General is terrifying.)
Ed and Al are worried about Serah, about her being distant and wary but they did it. And they know what she needs (when she's ready) is to visit Central. While they are still quite terrified of Izumi, they are kinda happy that the housewife has taken a liking to the Ishvalen.
Ed will probably never say it but Izumi and Sig are kind of parental figures for him and Al, the Elric was sort of raised by the Curtis' for a few years.
No real thoughts on reviews in this chapter.
Take care and stay safe.