-Lisa's POV-

While Al and I are talking, Ed's quiet and following behind as we make our way to where Al says Winry works at now. I'm actually kinda excited to see Winry again. It feels way too long ago. "So then she goes FLYING and crashes right into him and then- KA-BOOM!" I throw my arms up to imitate an explosion. "All the stuff he had flew all over the room and we were all just sitting there laughing and-" I sigh and shake my head, a good-natured smile pulling at my cheeks. "Man, that was one crazy day."

Al nods, giggling. "Especially that part about how they had to blow up that robot to escape the… what was it called?" I shrug and wave my hand in a circular motion. "If you're talking about the Egg, yeah. 'Specially since Goku was there." We both laugh as the shop Winry's working for comes into view.

I suddenly hear a worried yelp and Al and I simultaneously glance back at Ed who's started sweating nervously and holding his automail. He's stuttering like a moron and I can't help the strange noise that erupts from my throat. "Pffftttt, cahahaha!" I feel like that one evil Pokemon from Explorers of Time, laughing like this. "You friggin' wuss! You can take on a demon from the very pits of hell, but when it comes to Winry, you're a goddamned baby!" The reddening on his face makes me laugh even more, Al snickering at him as well, though the nervous sweatdrop on his helmet doesn't escape my attention. I flick away a tear and take a deep breath. "Oh man, that is *pfft* perfectly rich shit right there." Ed doesn't even try to retaliate.

"Hey, uhm, Lisa, how about you go and, uh, talk to, uh, Winry for a bit? So she doesn't, you know, try and, uhm… kill me?" I grin and laugh. "You are so hopeless Edward Elric." Al nods. "Actually Lisa, Brother's probably got a point." He shivers. "Winry kinda likes you so she's less likely to kill you." I roll my eyes and huff through my nose. "She can't kill me, you idiots. I'm kinda immortal and stuff, remember?" Ed pouts. "Well, still." I sigh and turn on my heels, waving a hand lazily over my shoulder. "Alright, alright, I'll try and calm her down before she kills you." I hear Ed say something to Al about how he's so effing dead.

Freaking moron.

I then wander into the shop to find Winry working on someone's automail. It's a girl with bright brown-ish eyes, though from this angle, it's hard to tell. She's wearing a gray hoodie and jeans. That's kinda weird 'cause I didn't think Amestris HAD jeans, especially not for girls. Her hair is a bit of a darker shade than mine and a little longer too, past her shoulder blades while mine still hardly passes my shoulders. Her eyes are focused on Winry, who's messing with the girl's automail leg.

"-and remember to oil it regularly. I've got some special oil that might help with this crick in your knee." The girl nods and smiles. "Thanks Winry, you're the best mechanic I've ever met." Winry closes the casing on the leg and grins up at her. "I do what I can." she says, sounding very proud of herself. I sigh. "Yo, Winry!" I call as I finally walk inside from the glaring heat. Both turn to me, Winry's eyes wide with surprise. "Lisa! What're you doing here?" She jumps to her feet and walks over. I shrug, smiling. "Ah, well, Ed's automail got busted up a little and he wanted me to come in and maybe convince you against murdering him."

The girl's eyes widen and I chuckle. "Not literally or anything." I tell her, to which she nods, smiling a little. Winry shakes her head, a vein popping slightly on her forehead. "That damn idiot." she grumbles. I sigh. "C'mon Winry, it's not that bad from what I've seen. The casing popped off and the arm is scuffed up, but it's not that big a fix. To be honest, he probably coulda just used alchemy to fix it. But he didn't 'cause he fears your reaction." I hold back the need to say 'because he likes you.' She sighs, the vein fading away. "I suppose you're right. Alright, I'll go take care of them."

She leaves and I turn my attention to the girl. She studies her leg, hopping up and stomping it to the ground a few times. "She did a good job." I remark awkwardly. She looks up at me and nods. "She's one of the best I've ever met." I smile and offer a handshake. "I'm Lisa." She glances from my outstretched hand to my face before grinning and shaking my hand. "Skye."

"YOU IDIOT!"

*BANG*

We both flinch and glance to the door with wide eyes. "That sounded painful." Skye says and I chuckle nervously. "Probably was." I sigh. "I don't really wanna listen to them yell at each other over his arm sooo…" I shoot her a hopeful smile. "This is actually my first time here in Rush Valley. You don't think that maybe…" She blinks a few times before grinning. "Let's take a tour!" She cheers and we both whoop excitedly. We dash outside just as Winry and the guys are heading inside.

"Me and Skye are gonna go on an adventure! We'll be back soon!" I shout at Ed and Winry's surprised faces. Al sighs and waves after us. "Please don't cause any trouble!" he calls and I laugh. "No promises!" Skye shouts and we both burst into fits of giggles.

After running for awhile, dancing around anyone who happened to be in the way, Skye slows down and I follow her lead. We walk around for awhile, Skye telling me about how she ended up in Rush Valley.

"And that's why I came to Rush Valley!" Skye declares, pointing one arm into the air dramatically. I sigh and stretch my arms over my head. "Damn that's a crazy backstory if I ever heard one!" She shrugs. "Eh, well, that's my life*!" She punches my shoulder, grinning. "How about you then? What's your story?" I glance at her out of the corner of my eye and smirk. "You wouldn't believe me if I told you." She smirks. "Really? C'mon! Equivalent Exchange! I tell you about my life and you tell me about yours!" I sigh. "Are all alchemists like this, throwing Equivalent Exchange into things when they want something?" Skye puffs her cheeks up and glares at me. "Oh come on!"

I sigh and shrug. "Alright fine! I'll tell you!" She squeals happily and bounces on her heels. "I can't tell you absolutely everything, it could put you in danger, but I can tell you some stuff." Her eyes widen. "Are you like a secret agent or something? Are you undercover?!" I laugh and shake my head. "Nah bruh, nothing that serious." I glance around and my eyes catch sight of a nearby cafe looking place. I grin and grab her wrist. "First, let's find someplace to blend!" She laughs as I drag her to one of the tables and we both plop down into some seats.

I sit and give her an abridged version of my time here so far.

"So first I literally fell out of the Gate from, like, a THOUSAND feet in the air and, you know that murder, Scar? Well I literally landed right on his FACE and saved this kid from DEATH! But it turned out that that kid was THE FullMetal Alchemist!" I fling my arms about as I tell the story. "And then I was all like, Holy SHI-AT! And jumped up to beat Scar off when this guy, Roy Mustang, just appeared out of thin air and he started yelling at Scar, I wasn't really paying attention. So then all this stuff happened and, next thing I know, we're in Mustang's office and they're all like," I stand up and pull the stupidest impression of Mustang I can, crossing my eyes and putting my fists on my hips and rocking back and forth as I talk. "Who da hell are yoo and how'd yoo do dat?!"

By now, Skye's trying really hard not to laugh and failing miserably and God only knows how many people are wondering if we're both high or something. I grin and bounce on my heels. "And I was all, "Ah dun't know how ah got hur but ah gots super powors and stuffz soz I'z gonna conquors yur wurld!" My own face is probably red as I drop back into my seat, laughing and rubbing a tear from my face. "Ok, that last part didn't actually happen, but you get the point. I'm not from Amestris and junk and I'm actually here to help people, though some people would have you think otherwise."

She giggles and nods. "I w-would think so!" She takes a sip of the water she'd gotten. While we hadn't ordered food, we did get drinks because it is butt-roastingly hot out here! Damn am I glad I didn't tag along when the guys came here the first time around!

I sigh and glare up at the sky, one hand shielding my eyes. "If there is one thing I really hate, it's extreme weather conditions." I growl and think about using water-bending to create a rainfall or something over the town. Skye shrugs. "I guess it is pretty hot out here." I nod and sigh, snapping a tiny umbrella into existence in both our cups. Skye stares at hers in utter shock as I sip my glass of lemonade boredly. "H-how.. did you… ?" I smile lazily and hold up my cup. "Super powers and stuff." I then pull my favorite baseball cap from the hammer space and plop it on my head.

It's a light tan on the bill and front spot while the rest is a light brown instead of tan. The word "Gettysburg" is written in orange on the tan with fabric that was probably just stitched on. I pull my hair through the hole in the back so that the ridiculously thick mop on my head stays off my neck and sigh. "That's better."

Then suddenly:

"DON'T CALL ME SMALL!"

I roll my eyes as I set my glass down. "Oh God whyyyy." I groan as Skye looks over my shoulder in surprise. "Aren't those…?" I sigh and nod, banging my head against the table. "Yeah~."

In front of a cafe a few buildings away, I can see Al in the middle of a huge mob of people. I really shouldn't have to say anything about Ed.

I stand and pull out some cenz, (I somehow managed to figure out how to make them appear from the Hammer Space.) and drop the coins on the table. "Think that's enough?" Skye nods. "I think that's enough to pay for two drinks." I shrug. "I'm relying on you here, 'cause I STILL don't understand how the money system works here."

Skye shrugs and we both head over to quickly departing crowd.

I shove through the remaining bystanders, Skye holding onto my wrist in an attempt to keep up. As we break into the clearing, my head snaps back a bit, eyes wide in surprise.

Ed and Al are dashing off with what appears to be ninjas in hot pursuit. I blink a few times before sighing. "First, magic talking palm trees, and now, NINJAS. For fuck's sake."

"Oh, do you know those two?"

Skye and I both spin on our heels to see a boy sitting at the table. He has long black hair pulled into a ponytail, and is wearing all white clothes except for the yellow jacket he's draped over his chair.

He smiles at us, arms crossed as he learns back, resting his feet on the table. I can only blink in surprise.

'I'm a fucking idiot! We've returned to Rush Valley and I COMPLETELY forgot that we were gonna run into Ling and his groupies!'

I yelp as Skye grabs my arm and drags me to one of the chairs. "Of COURSE we know those two! That's Ed and his lil' brother Al!" I smack myself out of my stupor and nod. "Yup! Their my two goofyball companions. We travel around bein' heroes and junk! Nothin' much!" I lean back in my chair, smirking proudly. Even if it's the other way around.

Ling leans forward and offers us both a handshake. "Then you must know something about the Philosopher's Stone." I shrug and tilt my head slightly. "Eh, I know a little bit, but not enough to help you any." His eyes open slightly, in a rather creepy manner, and frowns, dropping his hand. "Is that so?" I glance at Skye, lips pressed together, cheeks puffed slightly and head leaning back. This is freaking me out a bit. "...y...yes?" He quickly drops the creeper look and smiles jollily. (yes, I said jollily.) "Well alright then!" He hops to his feet, downing the sweet the waiter brings him in less than two bites. "Whep, I bebbur go check on dem." he says with his mouth full before gulping and then, literally, hopping away like some magic fairy on a sugar high.

I glance at Skye with wide eyes, her look of confusion mirroring my look of surprise.

"What the fuck." I say and she shrugs.

Then, before the shop owners go berserk on the guys, we both hightail it back to the shop Winry works at, only to find Mr. Creeper having tea with Sir I-Am-Flamboyantly-Gay. Mr. Garfield waves to us, sparkling. "Hello girls~! Welcome back!" Ling waves at us, smiling rather loopily. "Hey~! It's you two again~!" We both nearly screech in surprise as a small throwing knife hits the wall in front of our faces. Lan Fan glares at us from the window. "The young Lord has spoken to you."

I feel my eyes ignite as I yell at the ninja girl. "I DON'T GIVE TWO SHITS WHO SAID HELLO! SOME PEOPLE HAVE FEARS OF SHARP OBJECTS BEING THROWN AT THEM, YOU CRAZY WOMAN!" I shake my fist at her as Skye backs away slowly. "So, uhm.. I gotta go….back to my hotel.. so.. yeah.. see you guys tomorrow.." I turn and nod calmly. "Alright, see you later." She turns and dashes away, glancing at Lan Fan fearfully.

I sigh defeatedly. "The first friend I've made in forever that's even remotely normal, and I've already gone and scared her off." I glare at Lan Fan, who matches my fire with her own. "This is your fault." I growl before storming off to the back room where Mr. Garfield has allowed us to stay for the night. I slam the room door shut, probably scaring the shit out of Winry, who was working in the main room.

I awake to the sound of Ed complaining about something. I sigh and flop on my back, tracing the scars again. I can't feel them anymore, but they've almost faded completely now. I narrow my eyes as I hear Ed's voice escalate in pitch as he and Winry shoot into another argument. Grumbling, I fling my legs over the edge of the bed and waddle over to the door. I fling it open and glare at the mob of noise makers standing less than 10 feet away. I glower at them all silently before growling. "SHUT UP!" They all freeze, staring at me with surprised expressions. I snort angrily and narrow my eyes further. "It's noon-thirty and peOPLE ARE TRYIN' TA SLEEP!" I slam the door and turn to go back to bed when I hear Ed say. "Why are you still in bed?! And it's almost two in the afternoon!" I growl and throw the door open again. "IT COULD BE NINE IN THE AFTERNOON FOR ALL I CARE!" As I go to shut the door again, Ed throws another retort. "Who sleeps till noon anyways?!" I glower at him. "You have obviously have no idea what high school is like." I then slam the door shut and saunter sleepily back to bed.

(IF ANYONE CAN NAME THE REFERENCES, I WILL HUG YOU)

Al managed to convince me to get up, heaven knows how, and now, Ed, Al, Winry, Ling and I are sitting on the train to Central. I sigh. Since Al can take up an entire seat on his own, Ed and Winry are sharing a seat across from Al and Ling and I are sitting on the seats across the walkway, so they're all talking while I just stare out the window. I frown at my reflection, watching the scenery roll by. I've tuned out the others to the point they're conversation has become a dull roar in one ear, my other ear ringing with the clack-a-clack of the train. I have something I need to tell them about, but I'd rather wait till I can get at least Ed or Winry alone to talk to them about it. To talk about it with Ling or even just in public could give info to the wrong person and I can't do that, not after everything I've done. I narrow my eyes.

I won't put them in danger like that. Not Maes, not Gracia… definitely not Elysia. I won't put her in trouble. The poor sweet girl doesn't deserve more pain. And I'll be the one to protect her from it. At any cost.

"YOU HAVE A FREAKISH ADULT FACE!" I roll my eyes and sigh as Ed continues acting like an idiot. As the others freak out about Lan Fan and Foo being on the roof, I attempt to figure out how I'm going to break it to them about Maes. It's not like I can say, 'Hey guys! So the whole country thinks Maes is dead but I faked his death and sent him and his family out somewhere they'll be safe, but you can't tell anyone about this!'

…. Wait a minute.. I totally could say that, right?

…

…

I think I could.

Dammit this so going to be complicated.

"Lisa?!" I glance up, blinking in surprise. Skye pushes her way past one of the conductors, grinning. "Skye?" I stand up as she slips into the seat with me, as Ling as gone over to argue with Ed. She grins and nods. "That's my name, don't wear it out!" We both sit down. "What're you doing here?" I ask. She sighs and leans back. "Well, I'm actually on my way to take the State Alchemist exam!" "You're gonna do WHAT?!" We both wince at Ed's yell. I glare up at him, which is humiliating all on it's own, and stand up. "None of your god damned business Ed." Skye winces. "Lisa, c'mon it's-" "How old are you you? 14? 15?" Ed demands. "Do yourself a favor and keep out of the military." He drops back into his seat, head down, bangs shading his eyes.

Everyone exchanges a mix of glances over his head. Everything from confusion to worry. "But… aren't YOU in the military?" Skye asks. Ed sighs and nods. "We don't have any other choice if we want to accomplish our goal." he says quietly. I frown and drop back into the seat beside Skye. "Just because you don't like being in the military, doesn't mean everyone else does."

A silence settles over our group, tension and confusion being the main vibe as people talk around us, avoiding eye contact with any of us rowdy teenagers. Al turns to Winry and they, along with Ling, try to lighten the mood. Deciding to ignore Ed, I turn to Skye, grumbling angrily. "He thinks he knows everything, just 'cause he's a "scientist"." I use air quotations on the word scientist. Skye shrugs. "Well, regardless I'm still going." she says. I nod. "I hope you do well, God only knows those tests are weird." She raises an eyebrow at me. "How would you know?" I chuckle. "Ah, well, there's him." I point at Ed. "And then there's the fact that I learned a bit from reading up on the tests." While this was partially true, I feel kinda bad for lying. Skye sighs and glances out the window, smiling softly. "Oh well." I sigh and settle into my seat, pulling out my earbuds and phone. "Wanna listen to some music?" I ask, offering her an earbud. She looks at it confused before smiling and nodding. It takes a minute for me to explain how to use it, but then we're both settled in and listening to Let It Go.

We both hum along, smiling.