Chapter 7

Ayana

"Hey, Ayana! Hey, wake up!"

"Uhhhhggggg." She groaned as she sat up and put a hand to her sore neck. "Wha..?"

"Come on, we're getting off the train!" Ed was saying excitedly. "Grab your bag, let's go!" He grabbed her hand and started pulling her towards the end of the car. She had just enough time to reach back and grab her bag before he towed her down the hall and onto the platform.

"Are we there already?" She gazed around, taking in the scenery. It looked like they were in a small village; it was not very big, and it had a unique layout with the buildings being situated in a tiered manner into the side of a cliff. She suddenly realized Ed was still holding her hand.

He must have realized it at the same time because he instantly jerked it away as a small blush blossomed on his cheeks. Ayana laughed to herself. She really hadn't minded, if she was honest with herself. He finally answered her question. "No, we're making a pit stop. Major Armstrong saw an old friend of his on the platform, and we're going to see if we can find him." Armstrong approached the pair, carrying Al's crate on his shoulder. "This doctor might know some useful things about bio-alchemy. Let's go."

They wandered the town for a while, asking people about this man who the Major identified as 'Dr. Marcoh.' No one recognized that name, but after Armstrong drew a picture of his face, many claimed it looked like someone they knew as Dr. Mauro. They were kind enough to give them directions to his house, and it wasn't long before they were climbing the stairs to his front door. Ed knocked on the door, then rudely (in Ayana's humble opinion) opened it without waiting for an answer. He was greeted by a man with a pistol. He was shaking in fear as he aimed at them.

"Who are you? Are you here to take me back to Central?"

"Please, doctor, calm down!" the Major assured him. "We're not here to take you anywhere. We just want to talk."

It took a few more reassurances from the Major before the doctor calmed down enough to lower his gun and let them in. The Major stepped inside with Al, followed closely by Ed. As Ayana approached the door, a strong sense of a massive chi hit her senses. She froze, trying to determine the source. Whatever it was, it was coming from somewhere inside the house. It felt similar to the aura that spirits exuded, but this was multiplied exponentially. Even feeling it as strongly as she did now, it felt muted, somehow. It was hard to describe.

"Ayana?" Ed had turned to see why she'd stopped. He looked concerned as he met her eyes. "Everything alright?"

She didn't bother to answer, she didn't want to lie. Instead, she tried to ignore it as she stepped inside and closed the door behind her, Ed could probably see on her face that something wasn't right because she didn't bother trying to mask her expression. Glancing around the room, she followed suit as everyone else took seats around the dining room table. Ed turned his attention to the doctor, who was speaking about his desertion from the military. He sounded so anguished about his role in the war, claiming the military had ordered him to research "…the Philosopher's Stone."

Everyone gasped except Ayana. She didn't know what that was, but it was obviously important. "You still have it?!" Ed leaned forward excitedly, "You mean it's here?"

Marcoh's eyes held sadness and regret. Slowly, he reached into the inside pocket of his vest and produced a small vial of red liquid.

Ayana's brain reeled. The chi force hit her full blast, no longer muted, like a massive wave of power forcing itself against her soul. She tried hard not to show any kind of reaction; she didn't want to draw attention to herself.

Marcoh had poured the liquid onto the table, where it took a semisolid stone-like appearance. Ed was poking at it in amazement, and Al and the Major were just as captivated as Ed was. After the initial shock of the chi hitting her, Ayana was able to think more clearly. She could sense the swirling spirits inside.

The screaming souls inside.

"Please, Dr. Marcoh, I need access to your research materials!" Ed stood and slammed his palm on the table for emphasis. He had a look of fierce determination on his face.

Marcoh hung his head in despair. "After the war, many State Alchemists turned in their certifications because they refused to serve as human weapons anymore. And now, this child…"

"You think I don't know what I've signed up for?" Ed yelled with anger and passion. "I know what I'm doing, but I don't have a choice! If it's a mistake then it's one that I have to make. There is no other way! Al and I need to get our original bodies back, and a Philosopher's Stone is the only option we have!"

Glancing at Ayana, Ed sat back down and reluctantly told both her and Dr. Marcoh about their attempt at human transmutation. And the steep price it had cost them.

Marcoh sighed. "So, you committed the taboo." He examined Al closely. "The ability to transmute a specific person's soul like this… perhaps someone as talented as you really would be able to create a complete Stone. But I can't show you my research. You must not seek after the Stone!"

"Not even to get our original bodies back?" Ed shot back, anger flashing in his eyes. He clenched his fist in rage.

"Never! This is the devil's research! If you chase the Stone you'll go through hell!"

"I've already been through hell!" Ed roared as he jumped to his feet again. Ayana winced. She knew exactly what Marco was talking about. She could sense it. Sense them.

Marco looked down at the floor. "Please," he begged. "Please just leave."

Shaking with rage, Ed stomped out the door. The Major carefully situated Al's crate on his shoulder and followed Ayana as she trailed behind Edward. She was glad to be out of that house, away from that disturbing chi. As they made their way back to the train station, Ayana caught up to Ed and matched his pace. "Hey... maybe this is for the best..."

He huffed and determinedly gazed away from her. She decided not to push it and fell silent.

By the time they got back to the station, Ed seemed to have calmed down. They found a bench to sit on, and it didn't take long for the next train to slowly pull into the station. It was much emptier than the last one, so there would be room to bring Al's massive crate into the passenger compartment with them. Ayana was sure he was happy about that. As they were getting ready to board, a shout caught their attention. Dr. Marcoh ran up to them and handed Ed a slip of paper. "If you're sure you won't regret learning the truth, here's where my materials are." Ed took the paper and unfolded it. Ayana read over his shoulder; it said 'National Central Library, First Branch.'

"Look closely," Marcoh continued. "Maybe you can find the truth hidden within the truth." And with that, he turned and left, waving as he walked away.

Ed watched Marcoh's retreating form, and a smile crossed his face. "Finally, we've got a clue on the Stone."