Night had passed and the sun rose over the horizon once again. Thomas had hardly slept at all that night. Too many thoughts raced in his head. Who was he? Was he truly the Fullmetal Alchemist? Why was he here? And most importantly, why couldn't he remember?
Groaning, the man stood and pulled his shirt on over his bare chest. His sighed, looking out the window into the sunlit streets. It wasn't much for a city, let alone a town. Half the buildings were demolished and the new ones that were still in construction would take longer than a few years to finish. The mines didn't seem to have progressed much since he could last recall.
He sighed, rubbing his head. Well, he at least could make his report and send it off to the Lieutenant General. Taking little time to get ready, Thomas was dressed in a loose white shirt and black pants. His boots came to his knees, the legs of his pants tucked inside. Pulling the black gloves Izumi-sensei had given him, he stepped out of his room.
"Good morning, sir." The wife greeted him. "Did you sleep well?"
"As well as I'll ever get." He answered, sitting at the table nearest to the desk. She smiled and got him a cup of coffee. He thanked her and took a sip from the steaming mug.
"Where's Halling this morning?" Thomas asked, looking over his cup.
"Oh, the boys always are working at this time." She sighed. "I just wish more progress could be made."
"I know what you mean." He set the mug down and turned to the woman. "Can you keep a secret?"
"It depends on the secret and whom I'm to keep it from." She replied with a smile.
"Everyone." Thomas leaned forward. "You remember the state alchemist who came here six years ago, right?" She nodded. "I am that alchemist."
000
Crash!
The glass she had just picked up dropped to the floor, shattering. She stumbled back, catching herself on the wall. Thomas went to her aid, helping her into a chair at the table.
She took a deep breath. "You're—" She looked him over. The boy she saw once so many years ago was, indeed, sitting right in front of her. The same golden eyes stared back at her. She let out a chuckle. "It was said that you went missing. We all figured you had died in the battle with the—" She cleared her throat.
"Homunculi...yes, I remember it—very vaguely, of course, but it's there." He finished for her, falling back into his chair. "I can't remember much of my own life since I crossed the Gate. For the past few days, I've been gaining bits of information. Dates, memories, my accomplishments... I never thought I was a great hero." He leaned forward, putting his elbows on his knees. "I need to know more about my past before I reveal to the world I'm alive."
"I'm not sure I can help, Mr. Henker." The woman said, standing. She went back to the counter. "I'll keep your secret, though, don't worry. It's safe with me."
Thomas smiled. "Thank you."
000
Thomas stayed in Youswell for the next night before heading out. He sent the Lt. General his report and made for the hot spot of Aquroya—well, what was still standing anyway.
The city itself had been sinking for a long time, and now, more than half of it was under water. Thomas didn't know why he was heading there, but a feeling told him he should go. He would be surprised to find that who he was looking for was a thief—a master criminal...and a woman one at that.
000
Thomas climbed off the train and right into a puddle of water. 'Damn.' He thought, lifting up his pant legs. A car went by, splashing more water on him.
"This seems oddly familiar..." He whispered between clenched teeth. Holding up a fist after the car, he shouted angrily, "Watch where you're driving, you bastard!"
Clapping his hands together, he cleared the water and mud off his clothes.
"Much better." He sighed, brushing back his hair. He glanced around. People were staring at him, giving him strange looks. He chuckled nervously before picking up his suitcase and heading out of the station and into town.
It really was the city of water. Giant pools occupied half of the city square where shops should have been. A few people sat atop the broken walls, drinking and eating, instead of sitting at the café tables. Thomas took in the sights, as well as trying to find lodgings.
"Is there not a single hotel in this place!" Thomas let out an agitated sigh.
"There's on just around the corner." A woman replied, pointing down the street. "I can show it to you, if you like."
"Uhh...sure." Thomas followed the woman. "Thank you."
"No problem!" She said, leading the way. "We get a lot of tourists these days. They want to see Psiren before the city sinks completely and she vanishes." She glanced over at Thomas. "So what are you here for?"
"Just sight-seeing. I'm also trying to find someone."
"Oh, and who might that be? This isn't a very big city anymore. Maybe I know them." The woman pressed.
"Well, it's more of a 'blind date' thing. I don't know their name. It's just an assignment I'm on." Thomas replied as they reached the hotel.
"Are you with the military or something?" She put her hands on her hips.
"Yeah...you could say that."
She chuckled. "You're a dodgy fellow, aren't you? Well, if you have any questions, it shouldn't be too hard to find me. Just say you're looking for Serra. People'll know who you want." She waved. "See you around!"
Thomas watched as she disappeared back around the corner and out of sight. 'Strange woman.' He thought as he pulled open the door and went inside.
000
SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO sorry for the late (and short) update! I've just been out of sorts with school and homework and the spring musical (We're doing Oliver!). I hope you enjoy the chapter.