"Changing two." Ed said.
"Okay, I'll change two, too." Kuri said. "Say, want to double the bet?"
"Suit yourself." Ed said.
"Sorry, but I have a full house." Kuri said.
"Sorry, but I have a royal straight flush." Ed said.
"No way! I lose again?!" Kuri said. "All right, this time for sure, I'm gonna..."
"I quit, I quit. I'm bored." Ed said.
"What's wrong, Ed? You've done nothing but win for a while. Are you bored from only winning?" Kuri said.
"It has nothing to do with the cards. The problem is..." Ed said.
"Col. Mustang. You don't want to see him." Rei said.
"Of course not! It turns out that the Philosopher's Stone was a fake, and we haven't produced any other results, after all..." Ed said.
"That may be true..." Al said.
"Just watch as I give my report. This is Col. Mustang we're talking about. The kinds of sarcastic things he'll say to me... Just imagining it puts me in a nasty mood." Ed said.
Humankind cannot gain anything without first giving something in return. To obtain, something of equal value must be lost. That is alchemy's first law of Equivalent Exchange. In those days, we really believed that to be the world's one, and only truth.
An' it harm none, do what ye will. That is the Wiccan Rede's Law of Personal Gain. In those days, we really believed that to be the world's one, and only, truth.
"Are you sure this is okay, Brother? Getting off the train along the way?" Al said.
"We're okay. You never know where information leading to the Philosopher's Stone
might be lying around, after all." Ed said.
"Besides, Aquroya is a famous tourist spot. It wouldn't hurt to have a look at it, right?" Kuri said.
"It sort of feels like we're playing hooky from school, huh?" Al said.
"Who's playing hooky-?!" Ed said.
"What's this?! Ed, by any chance...? Wait up, Ed! You cheater! You cheated! Ed, you're a cheater!" Kuri said.
"After her! Don't let her escape!" Man said.
"Today's the day we catch Psiren!" Man said.
"All right, that's far enough." Man said.
"You've got nowhere to run, Psiren!" Man said.
"It's a pretty city, isn't it Brother?" Al said.
"Isn't it?" Ed said.
"The City of Water, Aquroya, is a famous sightseeing area." Rei said.
"This is far better than going to that dusty East City." Kuri said.
"and having to look into that cynical face of the Colonel's." Ed said.
"It is the City of Water, after all." Kuri said.
"What do you want, Pops? Yow!" Ed said.
"You're coming to the station with me." Officer said. "There's something I want to ask you about. So, you're a State Alchemist, then? And the famous Fullmetal one, at that. And she's Miko?"
"How many times are you going to make me say it?" Ed said.
"That should be more proof than anything!" Kuri put out their pocketwatches.
"If it's the real thing, that is. How a pipsqueak like you could be-" Officer said.
"Who are you calling a pee-wee so small that you instinctively want to step on him?!" Ed said.
"Ed, nobody said anything like that." Kuri said.
"Now, now, brother, don't get so worked up." Al said.
"Right now, we have an unidentified phantom thief in the city who goes by the name of Psiren plaguing us." Officer said.
"Psiren?" Ed said.
"We only have one thing that you could call a lead. And that's the fact that Psiren uses alchemy. You're alchemists too, right? That's why I thought I would hear what you have to say." Officer said.
Xxx
"Damn that guy! He kept repeating the same questions for three whole hours. What is he using for brains?" Ed said.
"But Brother, doesn't it bother you?" Al said.
"I mean, an alchemist thief..." Rei said.
"Well, I..." Ed said.
"Brother?" Al said.
"What's wrong?" Kuri ran to him.
"M-My stomach..." Ed said.
Xxx
"It's some mild food poisoning." Doctor said.
"You didn't just eat too much, then." Kuri said.
"Leave me alone." Ed said.
"Better give you a shot. Clara-kun!" Doctor said.
"Yes?" Clara said.
"A shot...?" Ed said.
"Yes, a shot." Doctor said.
"No way! I hate shots!" Ed said.
"Brother! Don't make a scene!" Al said.
"I'm okay! I'm already better!" Ed said.
"You're not a child! Here, take off your coat!" Kuri said.
"Stop, Kuri! Are you trying to sell me out here?!" Ed said.
"You're going to make me mad!" Rei said. "Just be a good boy and take your shot!"
"Aah! I hate shots!" Ed said.
"There! Your shot is all done. That didn't hurt, did it?" Clara said.
"I-I didn't even notice..." Ed said.
"That was incredibly fast work..." Kuri said.
"Say, listen..." Clara said.
"Wh-What?" Ed said.
"You need to grow up soon." Clara said.
"M-Mind your own business." Ed said.
"That was a pretty nurse, huh?" Al said. "I unexpectedly found myself fascinated by her."
"Shut up Al!" Kuri said, looking at Rei's face.
"It doesn't bother me..." Rei said.
"What kind of taste have you got, anyhow? What's so good about a woman like that?" Ed said.
"This won't do, ma'am. You've left so much here." Clara said.
"I'm sorry, but I just can't get them down." Old woman said.
"I can't help you there. Well...how about I peel another piece of fruit for you? Are you all right with that?" Clara said.
Xxx
"This is no problem." Little Ed said.
"That looks dangerous. I'll do it. Let me have it, Brother." Little Al said.
"I'm okay. Back off!" Little Ed said.
"There...You two eat." Trisha said.
Xxx
"What are you thinking about?" Ed said.
"Nothing. Still, Clara-san isn't just pretty, she's kind, too. She kind of resembles Mom a little bit." Al said.
"SHUT UP AL!" Kuri yelled, pissed now, clinging to Rei.
"Don't be ridiculous! They're completely different!" Ed said.
"I-I'm sorry." Old woman said.
"That's okay, ma'am. Don't worry about it." Clara said.
"Here..." Al fixed the apple.
"You two are alchemists?" Clara said.
"Elric! Mister Elric!" Officer said.
"Now what, Pops?! I'm not a thief!" Ed said.
"I know, I know. The truth is, I have a request." Officer said.
Xxx
"We salute the State Alchemists, Edward Elric-sensei, and Kuri Hikawa-sensei" Officers said.
"Yikes. What are you up to, Pops?" Ed said.
"No, no, no, I'm sorry about earlier. As you said, Sensei, I inquired of Commander Mustang, of the Eastern Command Center. When I did, it turned out that you really are a State Alchemist, Sensei! My, my, I truly underestimated you!" Officer said.
"Isn't that what I said?" Kuri said.
"I-indeed." Officer said. "As it happens, I have a favor to ask, Sensei-"
"Another serving." Ed said.
"As many as you like. With the Sensei on our side, we can rest assured. Today is the last day for Psiren." Officer said.
"Well, I'll give it a try. Still, though, that's an awful lot of people." Ed said.
"Yeah. I don't know what Psiren is thinking, sending prior notice to newspapers
throughout the country of upcoming thefts. Newspaper reporters, spectators,
even Psiren groupies show up as a result." Officer said.
"Quite a popular person, huh?" Kuri said.
"Well, that popularity ends tonight." Officer said. "We'll leave it in your hands, Sensei. Now then, I'm going to go check on the security situation."
"You know, Brother, I'm surprised you took on this job." Al said.
"I've taken an interest in this alchemist thief..." Ed said.
"Oh, no!" Kuri said.
"Hold it!" Ed said.
"What?" Psiren said.
"Hold it! There are many ways to use alchemy. But I won't allow you to use it for stealing! Besides, thanks to you, I got treated like a thief, too! Now apologize, for all you're worth! I've caught you! Y-You're a woman?!"
"It's a shame I can't show you my face. I'm terribly good-looking." Psiren said.
"Damn it, what are you doing?!" Officer said.
"Children ought to be in bed by now, pipsqueak-chan." Psiren said.
"Who are you calling an ultra-hyper-pipsqueak?!" Ed said.
"AI... AI!" Rei said. "This way!"
"Where the hell did he go, for crying out loud?" Kuri said.
Ed grabbed hold of Psiren and unmasked her. "You."
Xxx
"This is a surprise. Who would have thought that the kindly nurse is actually the phantom thief Psiren?" Ed said.
"Wh-What are you talking about?" Clara said. "I just came here to get some medicine."
"Yeah, medicine that you transmuted through alchemy. You lying bitch!" Ed said.
"I don't see how I'm a liar. I am an incredible beauty, right? Just like I told you." Clara said.
"That's not the issue here!" Ed said.
"Brother! Brother, bad news..." Al said.
"ls something the matter?" Rei said.
"What do you think is the matter?! She's Psiren! Look! The transmutation circle on her
chest is more proof than anything!"
"Why were you looking at her chest you sick pervert!" Kuri yelled.
"What?! I wasn't!" Ed said.
"A lot can happen in one's life. You kids probably wouldn't understand." Psiren said.
"What?!" Ed said.
"I understand. I heard earlier that the hospital is going to be demolished. Clara-san, you had no choice but to become a thief in order to save the hospital, right? That's it, right Clara-san?"
"Th-That's right. I didn't want to become a thief. But in order to save the patients here, I had no choice." Clara said.
"I knew it. Such a kind person...!" Al said.
Xxx
"Sensei! There's another notice from Psiren!" Officer said.
"Is something the matter?" Ed said.
"Sensei?" Officer said.
"It looks like there's less security around this time." Ed said.
"Yeah. The owner of this mansion is a very cautious man, you see... There's a little trap set up inside the mansion." Officer said.
"Trap?" Ed said.
"Just watch, and you'll understand. This time, Psiren has had it for sure! But the unexpected could always happen. If it does, we'll be counting on you." Officer said.
"What do we do, Brother?" Al said.
"Oh, no! A trap?" Psiren said.
Ed released it.
"Kid...Why did you help me out?" Psiren said.
"I didn't particularly help you out. There are times when wrongdoing may be necessary. That's all I thought. If that's what it takes to save the hospital...What's so funny?!" Ed said.
"It's just that you sound like such a grown-up." Psiren said.
"I am a grown-up!" Ed said.
"Right. As a grown woman, I have to repay my debt to you. Is there anything you'd like me to do for you?" Psiren said.
"Just answer me one thing. If you're an alchemist, you must have heard about the Philosopher's Stone. If you have any information about it, tell me. I have to get that stone, no matter what." Ed said.
"Sorry. It doesn't look like I can help you. How about instead, if you ever find out where the stone is, you let me know? I'll steal it for you." Psiren said.
"Hey! I'm glad you're able to save the hospital." Ed said.
"Sure! Thanks to you!" Psiren said.
Xxx
The hospital was demolished.
"What's going on here?" Ed said "Don't tell me she tricked us...!"
"She tricked you, Ed." Rei said.
"You fell for a pretty face." Kuri said angrily.
"That couldn't be! Clara-san would be the last person to do something like that. There has to be some kind of mistake!" Al said.
"The only mistakes going on are inside that head of yours! Clara has robbed your head of clarity!" Ed said.
"That's terrible, Brother, saying it like that!" Al said.
"You mustn't argue. It goes against the will of God." Clara, now a nun said.
"Clara-san..." Al said.
"You...?" Ed said.
"It's too bad about the hospital. I tried to save it, but I wasn't in time. I was so beside myself with grief that I...became a nun!" Clara said.
"Clara-san...!" Al said.
"I'll just bet." Ed said.
"Oh please." Kuri glared at the woman.
"It's true! Those who believe will be saved. And there are still others that I can save. For example, this convent. It will soon be demolished!" Clara said.
"I-I knew it! You're right! This time, you've got to stick with it, please! We'll give you our support, too!" Al said.
Xxx
"Brother! Bad news!" Al said.
"What is it?!" Ed said.
"They're saying that Psiren appeared again! The whole city is in an uproar! She's done it! Now the convent can be saved!" Al said.
Xxx
The convent was destroyed.
"There's some kind of mistake. Right, Brother?" Al said.
"What are you, an idiot?! Quit being such a nice guy already! She's a con artist!" Kuri said.
"Al...it might be time to let this go..." Rei said.
"She's just been teasing us, and having herself a laugh!" Ed said.
"Don't say it like that, Brother!" Al said.
"You shouldn't fight. Stop it, boys." Clara the schoolteacher said.
"Why, you! What are you this time, in that getup?" Ed said.
"I know! You've become a schoolteacher, right?" Al said. "You're fighting for a school
that's soon to be destroyed! That's it, right? Isn't that right, Clara-san?!"
"Y-Yes, yes. Well done." Clara said.
"Stop jerking us around! What are you? Are you just a thief after all? A common criminal, who uses alchemy for her own selfish interests?!" Ed said.
"Well, that's a good question. You're a grown-up, right? Think about it for yourself." Clara said.
Xxx
"Extra! Extra! Another notice from Psiren!" Paperboy said.
"What are you so pleased about? Psiren is just a common criminal, right?" Ed said.
"What are you talking about? We owe Psiren for saving the city of Aquroya. She's our star of hope, you know!" Paperboy said.
"Star of hope...?" Kuri said skeptically.
"This city, the City of Water, Aquroya, sinks a little bit into the water every year. In another five years, the whole city will be wiped out at the bottom of the lake. Because of that, everyone else fled the city. That made us all so lonesome. At least until Psiren appeared. But thanks to Psiren, life has returned to the city. Reporters from all over the country come here, and there are more tourists, here hoping to see Psiren. Before disappearing under the water, she has made Aquroya bloom one last time." Paperboy said.
"What does it mean, Brother? Could it be that Clara-san became a thief to save the city?" Al said.
"Maybe. The one thing I can say for sure...is that she tricked me-the Fullmetal Alchemist. She's going to pay for that offense, at least." Ed said.
Xxx
"I thought you would come, Kid. Pretty fantastic, isn't it? A date here, on the water." Psiren said.
"Shut up, you crook." Ed said.
"Dear me, the same could be said of you, couldn't it? You want the Philosopher's Stone, right? The desire to have an object...is the same in both of us." Psiren said.
"Maybe so. However...there is something that's different. What we use our alchemy for,
and the burdens we each bear." Ed said.
"Here I go, Kid." Psiren said.
"I did it..." Ed said.
"That was pretty sharp, Kid. I'm sure you'll be a fine man. Once you do, let's fight again.
Next time, as a man and a woman." Psiren said.
Kuri glared at her. "You aren't ever gonna see him again you lousy thief!"
"Aw...can't you forgive me, Kuri? My little rival?" Psiren said.
"OI! If anyone's your rival it's Rei-chan you two-timing thief!" Kuri snapped back "Lemme at her!"
Ed grabbed her, holding her back. "And people say I have an anger problem...come on Kuri the police have her now."
"Clara-san..." Al said.
"Let me tell you one last thing. It's about the Philosopher's Stone." Psiren said.
"What?" Ed said.
"Go to the city of Xenotime and have a look. I've heard that there's somebody
there researching the Philosopher's Stone." Psiren said.
"Xenotime..." Ed said.
Xxx
"What, are you still angry? I had no choice, you know." Ed said to Al. "She was, after all, a common criminal."
"Yeah just a crook." Kuri said. "You're better off Al."
"No she wasn't! She wasn't just a common criminal. Brother, you said yourself that sometimes, wrongdoing was necessary, didn't you? Clara-san was... Clara-san was a kind person. You really think so too, Brother!" Al said.
"Of that...I'm not sure." Ed said.
Rei was looking out the window, hands tense at her sides, tear falling down her cheek.
Kuri leaned in and whispered to Al. "Hey Al...maybe you could move on...focus on a girl who's more...nearby."
xxx
"Say, it's a little bit warm in here. Could I get you to lower the zipper on my chest?" Clara said to her guard in the car.
He did so, there was a boom as she used the transmutation circle and escaped.