Chapter 4

To Central!

(-Andrea-)

"What's wrong? You seem distracted."

I blinked and looked up, finding Izumi staring at me. I looked down and rubbed my arm, shaking my head and smiling. "It's nothing, Teacher." I assured her. "It's just a nightmare."

Izumi lowered her fork. "Really?" she asked.

I nodded in respone.

"Do you mind telling me what it was about?"

I looked at her, expression slightly shocked. I looked down, my mind reeling for any convincing lies before a plan formed in my brain.

"In my dream… I saw this little boy." I began. "He was about 10 years old. He was carrying a small toy that looked like it was transmuted. He ran down a small tomato farm and showed it to his mom. His mom applauded him for it… then…"

I was taking a big risk, but this would have to do. I assured myself.

"The scene changed. The boy was still there, but there was another boy who looked like his little brother. They were sitting in front of a huge transmutation circle then it started glowing purple. After that… the boy had his leg torn apart and his brother was gone."

I gulped. "Then… I was the young boy. I was struggling on the ground, clutching my leg that had been cut off. Then I found a set of armor lying on the ground, then I had a weird idea to draw a blood rune. After that, I clapped my hands, then…"

Izumi stared at me with narrowed eyes, motioning me to continue. I exhaled before looking up from the table.

"My right arm was taken. That's when I woke up." I finished.

I looked up at Izumi and Sig who stared at me with calculating eyes. Izumi hummed and crossed her arms before sighing and staring at me straight.

"Tell me the truth." She ordered.

I blinked, confused. "H-huh? What do you—"

"No more lies, Andrea." Izumi cut off. "When I found you on that island, I knew you were lying."

I gasped silently, which proved Izumi's suspicions right. "Who are you, really? Tell me." Izumi commanded, her dark eyes observing me carefully.

I was still surprised by the fact that Izumi saw through me so easily. Seeing that the situation was impossible to weasel out from, I sigh and dropped my head low. "You wouldn't believe me even if I told you, Teacher."

"If you insist on calling me that, you must obey me." Izumi said.

I cringed, recalling how she said that to Ed and Al. I exhaled and nodded at Izumi.

Taking in a deep breath, I sat up straighter in my seat and stared at Izumi evenly in the eyes. I gulped and decided to go straight to the point.

"I'm from the other side of the gate."

Izumi stared at me, eyes wide while Sig paused in his eating. Her lips were parted slightly, as if she wanted to say something.

"What?" Izumi asked in disbelief.

I nodded and looked down. "It's true. I'm a human from the other side of the gate. The other side of Amestris." I said, then looking up at Izumi with a serious look.

"The other side of this dimension." I finished.

Izum stared at me in shock. "That's impossible." She said, though I could hear the doubt laced in her voice.

I shook my head. "It is. I know it sounds unbelievable and that I lied to you about who I was before, but what I'm telling you right now is the complete and utter truth. I swear." I said with no hesitation in my voice.

Izumi placed her fingers on her chin. "There were countless theories that Alchemists have discovered a parallel dimension to this one… one that could very well be the total opposite of ours." She murmured and turned to me. "Are you saying…?"

I nodded, confirming Izumi's thoughts. "Yes. There exists another world, the one where I came from." I said before chuckling lowly. "Even I can't believe everything myself."

"But how were you able to cross dimensions? You should've encountered… the Truth." Izumi said slowly.

I bit my lower lip. "Teacher, what I'm about to tell you right now is more confusing, more annoying, and possibly the most mysterious thing than anything you will ever encounter. I… I just hope you'll at least hear me out.

Izumi looked at me before sighing. Her expression softened as she looked at my shadowed face.

"Go shoot." Izumi dared.

I sigh before nodding.

"Alright, there was this book. It was entitled…"

(-Izumi-)

"… and that's pretty much it."

Izumi stared at the brunette sitting across of her. Computers, manga, red coats, and furthermore, cat addicts? If Izumi hadn't known better, she should've send Andrea straight to the loony bin.

Izumi looked straight into the brunette's blue eyes, analyzing for any hint of sarcasm or hesitation. Once Izumi confirmed there were none, the housewife was left no choice to but to surrender to this.

"… From the few weeks you have spent here," Izumi started. "I can already tell what kind of person you are. And from what I see, you're the least most likely to lie about this."

Andrea stared at Izumi in disbelief, her eyes wide and a silent gasp written on her face. Izumi smiled softly towards the young girl.

"I believe you."

Izumi watched as her student's eyes watered and as she quickly wiped them away from her face. A grin curled up the brunette's lips as she looked at her teacher thankfully.

"Thank you Teacher!" Andrea said happily, though tears were still leaking out of her eyes.

Izumi nodded before turning serious. "Then? What will you do? You said that you know the fu— I'm sorry, a future of our lives. If you being here as Truth's pawn affects the timeline, there could be a mishap." She said.

Andrea looked down and hummed. "I know, but what Truth told me was that all I had to do was clear all gaps from this dimension."

"Then wouldn't you have a hard time?" Izumi asked. "You affected the timeline, as you said, by being in this room this very minute."

Andrea turned to her teacher and gave her a mysterious grin. "Yeah, Truth did say that I was supposed to close all gaps." She said. "But it didn't say that I should follow the timeline at all!" she added with a wink.

Izumi raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean?"

Andrea smiled. "It's simple, actually." She said as she held up one of her fingers. "In the ending of the anime, both Edward and Alphonse get their bodies back in exchange for Edward's knowledge of Alchemy. The only thing I have to worry about is what I do in the present that might affect the ending!"

Izumi inwardly smirked. "And what of 'truth'? What are you going to do?"

Andrea raised her right fist in front of her and gave a dark and cocky grin. "Don't worry about that bastard. I'll definitely win this game! No matter what he hurdles at me, I'll take it on bravely! I'll save Edward and Alphonse, and I'll also find a way to heal you!"

Izumi seemed taken aback by what Andrea said at the last part. The blue eyed girl gave her a bright smile and tilted her head to the side. "Okay?" She asked.

A chuckle erupted from Izumi as she shook her head. "Naïve and arrogant. Almost like Edward himself." She said, causing Andrea to pout and make a 3 face. "You can't bring back what has been lost, Andrea. My organs," Izumi stated as she held her stomach. "are the price for committing taboo."

Andrea looked at her teacher with a pained expression. Izumi noticed it right away and watched as her student looked to the side, her expression filled with detest and childish anger. "But it isn't fair…" she murmured.

Izumi smiled at Andrea and walked towards her, rubbing her hair affectionately. She then frowned and lowered her hand, causing the brunette to look at her with a puzzled expression.

"Teacher?" she asked.

Izumi exhaled before slapping one of her sandals straight at Andrea's face.

"Ow! What was that for?!"

"WHY THE HELL DIDN'T YOU TELL ME ABOUT THIS EARLIER?!" Izumi yelled at her student, who looked at her in surprise and fear. Small tears leaked from her eyes as the dark haired woman glared menacingly at Andrea.

The scene suddenly shifted into comical one, with Izumi's figure shadowed and her hair floating around her menacingly, resembling Medusa's hair. Her figure grew a lot taller and her eyes started glowing bright red, which caused much fright to the young girl.

"I'LL SHOW YOU A LESSON FOR LYING TO ME, ANDREA JHONES… YOU'LL PERSONALLY SEE THE FLAMES OF HELL ONCE I'M THROUGH WITH YOU!"

Andrea started running away, her eyes wide with terror as Izumi proceeded to catch up.

"MOMMY!" Andrea cried as she ran around in circles, barely avoiding Izumi's attacks.

(-Andrea-)

"Oww…"

I moaned in pain as Sig wrapped my head with bandages, securing it tightly around my forehead. He patted my head slightly, causing me to wince in pain before he stood up and gave me a nod.

"It's all bandaged up." He said. I smiled at Sig and stood up from my seat and bowed.

"Thank you, Mr. Sig." I said sincerely before walking upstairs and into my room.

I closed the door behind me before planting my back against it. Before I knew it, my knees gave out and I found myself sliding my body against the door and planting my bum on the wooden floor. I looked down at my lap, stray strands of brown hair falling on my face.

I looked up at the ceiling and lazily blew them away from my face. The silence of the room was overwhelming, and I was left to muse over my thoughts.

'I told Izumi the truth…' I thought before smacking my forehead. A jolt of pain coursed through me as I held my forehead again, massaging my temples in an attempt to ease the pain.

'And I earned a big bruise for it.' I deadpanned as comical tears leaked through my eyes.

But… that was huge risk. Telling Izumi the truth… it could cause something in the future, but knowing Teacher she wouldn't tell a soul. Well… maybe she would tell the Elric brothers once they come and visit.

I bit my lower lip. But if that were the case, then they would most likely become suspicious of me. I can't have that. I need both of them to trust me.

The only question that remained in my head was likely the most important one;

How?

(-Andrea-)

"Are you sure about this?"

I nodded at Izumi, clutching my side pack and patting the beige colored bag lightly. "Don't worry Teacher," I assured her. "I'll just do some research on the transmutation of human organisms. I might be able to figure out how to use Medical Alchemy to my advantage."

Izumi looked at me then at my baggage. "… I suppose. But you better come back safely."

I gave Izumi a smile and waved my hand up and down in a nonchalant manner. "Come on Teacher! I've trained with your for five months now! Have some faith in me!" I said.

Today I was going to visit Tim Marcoh, a.k.a. the Crystal Alchemist. I remember clearly that he was going on by an alias, Dr. Mauro, as he hid in the countryside and acting as the medical support for that town.

The reason why was because I was really interested in Medical Alchemy. Sure, normal alchemy is awesome too, but Medical Alchemy just like Alkahestry was wicked. I mean, healing wounds and fixing bodies? That would be great! Plus being able to help people was an added bonus too.

Since the weather was pretty warm today, I settled for wearing a red button up shirt with black undershirt, some dark brown shorts, and knee-high boots. I also had a belt around my shorts, carrying a few pieces of chalk and markers, in case I run into some trouble and need to use Alchemy to solve my problem.

Much similar to Ed and Al, I adopted Izumi's flamel tattoo. It expected it to hurt more than it should, but using Alchemy to attach the chemicals to the surface of my skin was pretty easy since I was studying Medical Alchemy. The only trouble I encountered with the tattoo was finding harmless elements to place on my skin so I wouldn't end up with some disease.

Since I would be on the road, I took a few extra pre-cautions along with me in case I wouldn't have time to use Alchemy. Izumi taught me enough combat to defend and attack and how to throw daggers, knives, and how to handle dual swords. I can't do much after that, but given my status with Alchemy, I'd say I was pretty much close to being a damn badass.

I heard a whistle blow and the sound of train wheels near towards us. Izumi looked behind me and I followed, quickly spotting the train arriving.

I smiled and whipped my face to Izumi. "Well, see you in a few days Teacher! Take care." I said with a nod.

Izumi smiled and gave me a nod before reaching out her hand.

I looked at it in slight surprise before realizing what Izumi intended to do. I held her hand and immediately did Izumi twist my arm upwards, bringing my body into the air.

I twisted in the air, landing on my feet and blocking a high kick attack from Izumi. Her eyes were hard and I fought to struggle against the force of her kick. I jumped back, quickly drawing a circle on the ground and activating it.

The ground around Izumi dissolved and quickly formed into a cage. The dark haired woman seemed somewhat impressed but destroyed my cage by clapping her hands and transmuting the minerals back to normal.

Izumi gave me a confirmed nod. "Alright. Stay safe, and don't you dare show your face back here with a single scratch on you." She warned lowly.

I laughed, even though I was shaking with fright inside. I gave her a two finger salute and winked. "Yes ma'am!"

I boarded the train and found a small seat near the window. I looked to the side and found both Izumi and Sig waving farewell at me. I smiled and opened the window, peaking my head outside and waving farewell.

"Bye Teacher!" I called.

Izumi kept waving until she froze and coughed up blood. Sig turned comical, fanning his wife quickly as Izumi's comical form lay in his arms.

I sweat dropped. "Maybe I shouldn't have left…"

(-Andrea-)

I sat on my seat, watching through the window as the scenery slowly changed. It approximately took a few hours to get to the next train station, and I still had to stop by Central and take another train to the Southern Eastern part of Amestris.

It's only been 30 minutes and I had already grown extremely bored. Sighing, I took out a notebook and flipped open a blank page. I then started to write down a few ingredients for my bio-alchemy research and for my theorized Medical Alchemy.

After giving it some time to think about, I think Medical Alchemy is impossibly to do without the Philosopher's Stone. I mean, if a patient is suffering from sufficient blood loss, I can't transmute new blood. I'd need some ingredients, such as the ones located in the bone marrow. If I took ingredients from the bone, it would weaken drastically and leave the patient with a vegetable for a bone.

Thinking about the red stone made me shiver. I wrapped my hands around the jewel around my neck and held it dearly. I managed to create a necklace out of the stone, transmuting a chain and a stone holder on it. I placed the stone inside the holder and transmuted the chain tighter so the stone wouldn't fall off.

I held my stone tightly, my eyes hardening with determination.

"The beginning of the end…" I murmured before staring off into the distance. "It all starts now."

(-Andrea-)

"Aw man, my butt is officially as flat as a board."

I sigh out a poof before stretching my body up. "Darn, I don't understand how Ed can ride trains all the time, especially with auto-mail." I whined to myself before looking for the entrance.

As soon as I walked out of the train station, I sought out to find a nearby inn or hotel. No use staying in the middle of the street, right?

As I walked down Central, I've noticed that there were several soldiers and officers stationed at almost every nook and cranny of the place. It was slightly unnerving to have them watch me with narrowed eyes, but if I survived Izumi's death-glare, I think I can cope.

Hmm, I wonder if Ed and Al are in Central. I'm still confused on what part of the series I'm currently stuck in. I only hope that I'm in the first part, so I can avoid the first and most traumatizing experience the Fullmetal Alchemist could ever experience; Seeing Nina and Alexander as a chimera.

It may be stupid for me to try and change the plot, especially since I won't know what it might affect in the future, but honestly, if Truth gets to screw my life, why can't I mess with its business?

While musing over my thoughts, I didn't notice a man's presence come up behind me. Only in the last minute did I realize his presence and sensed him holding something dangerous.

My instincts kicked in and I swiftly ducked an incoming knife swipe from my attacker. I jumped back and turned, running away with my attacker hot on my heels.

I twitched my eye. "What the hell?!" I cried. "The city with the most capable security system still has robbers lurking around?! Talk about bad guards!"

As if my attacker heard me, he sped up his running, forcing me to speed up my pace as well. I ran down a shadowed alleyway and found myself in a dead end.

Instead of freaking out, I smirked.

My attacker came up from behind, panting slightly. He raised his knife and glared at me, one that I wasn't bothered the slightest by. He gave me a loopy grin and gestured to my pack.

"Alright girlie," he said. "You come with me, and no one gets hurt."

I smirked. "Please! The only getting hurt here is you!" I cried as I stepped back, revealing the transmutation circle I drew on the dead end and placing my left hand over it.

"An alchemist?!" the man gasped before a giant fist erupted from the ground, entrapping him within. I watched with an amused expression as my attacker tried his best to struggle free.

I took the dagger he dropped on the ground and flipped it up in the air before catching it. "Don't bother, mister. If you really wanted to get out of there, you would have to do Alchemy, which I doubt you could." I boasted.

A few minutes later, the alleyway was being filled with all kinds of military officers and police. Civilians were being kept under control and I was just standing there, watching with an innocent expression as my attacker was being thrown inside a black car and drove off into the never seen place behind bars.

I yawned noticeably before placing my hands on my hips. "Geez, can't they be any slower?" I whined out loud.

"Well you did cause quite a mess."

I hummed and turned around, spotting yet another military officer. Only this time, I recognized this guy right away. With black tousled hair, a slight start of a beard, and greenish yellow eyes rimmed with glasses— there's no mistake.

"Yo, I'm Lieutenant Colonel Maes Hughes. I've heard from the passersby that you fought this guy with great skill. Is it true?"

Still slightly shocked, I only managed a nod. "Uh, yeah." I murmured.

Hughes gave a slight smile and gestured to my attacker's car. "That man was a human trafficking suspect. We've been trying to catch him for weeks, but slimy bastard kept on escaping." He said before looking at me.

"So, who are you? I haven't seen a kid like you around in Central." He said.

I shrugged. "Just another average alchemist who's traveling for some research." I replied vaguely.

Hughes let out a laugh. "Oh come now, I know you have a name."

I sigh. "Andrea Jhones." I answered.

Hughes nodded. "So you're an alchemist, huh? I know someone much similar to you. Say, how old are you?"

"14."

"Ah, well, closer to your age." Hughes corrected. "I'm sure you've heard of the Fullmetal Alchemist, yes?"

"You mean that short kid with goldilocks hair and yellow eyes who is always confused with his brother who wears a giant suit of armor and is usually called short which makes him irritated and beats the shit out of people and also has an auto-mail right arm?"

"… Yep, you pretty much summed him up."

I smiled. "Well, I have been hearing a few rumors around here about him. I also heard he was the youngest state alchemist."

Hughes nodded. "He is. Why? Are you planning on joining the military?"

I scoffed and waved my hand. "No way. As tempting as the privileges are, I'd rather freely roam the country than be called 'Dog of the Military' ya know." I said before yawning and stretching.

I gave Hughes a smile. "Well, I better be going. I still have to find a place to rest and some food to eat. It was nice meeting you, Lieutenant Colonel Hughes." I said.

Hughes' eyebrow rose up. "You don't have a place to stay?" he asked, to which I nodded. Then, a literal light bulb appeared on his head. "Then why don't you stay at my place?"

My jaw dropped. What? Is this man serious? Inviting a total stranger in his house?

"Uh… I don't exactly want to intrude, Mr. Hughes." I said.

Ignoring my statement, the said man grabbed my wrist and proceeded to his house, dragging my heel back. "Alright! Then it's settled! Into my house we go!" he sang.

I waved my free arm around. "Hey, hey, wait! What are you saying?! Hey! Lemme go! Lemme go, I tell you!"

"Come on now! If you don't stop, I might have to knock you unconscious."

"You sound like a kidnapper Mr. Hughes! Now let me go! Hey! Wait a minute! Let me go! I SAID WAIT, DAMMIT!"

(-Andrea-)

I stared in front of me, watching as the small 2 year old girl smiled at me innocently.

"Papa's home~" Hughes sang, hugging his young daughter and rubbing his face affectionately against his daughter's cheek.

"Papa! You're beard is tickling me!" Elicia said.

"Really? Rub, rub, rub!" Hughes sang playfully.

I watched with a deadpan face as Elicia and Hughes continued on, playing games. Gracia stood beside them, chuckling at her family's antics when she finally took notice of me.

"Hm? Who's that honey?" Gracia asked, turning to her husband.

Hughes paused in his game with Elicia and stood up. "This is Andrea Jhones. She's visiting Central for a few days so I decided to give her a place to stay."

I sweat dropped. "Uh… you could mention you dragged me here against my will…"

Gracia chuckled and motioned for me to come in. "Then we have a guest. Elicia, treat our new guest nicely, alright?" Gracia asked, turning to her young daughter, who stared at me with wide green eyes.

Suddenly, she smiled. "Pretty!" she cried.

I blinked. "Pretty…?"

Elicia nodded and took my finger in her hand. "Let's play, big sis!" she cried, pulling me inside the room.

"Er… uh… Mrs. Gracia?" I asked uncertainly, a bit hesitant of playing with Elicia. Gracia laughed and nodded her head. "It's fine with me, go on." She said.

"But…!" I protested not before Elicia managed to pull me into her room.

"Let's play! Let's play!" Elicia repeated, motioning for me to sit. Unsure of this situation myself, I decided to comply and reluctantly sat on the floor using my knees as support.

"Dolls!" Elicia cried happily, showing me a small blonde ragged doll. I looked at it before taking it in my hand and smiling.

"Look at this Elicia. I'll make a pretty hat for your dolly!" I said as I took out a chalk piece and started drawing on the door.

Elicia looked at the circle on the floor curiously, her finger in her mouth. "How are you going to do that big sis?" she asked innocently while tilting her head to the side.

I flashed Elicia a small smile before putting a piece of fabric I had in the middle of the circle and placing my hands on it. Small sparks flew out of the circle as it started to glow bright blue. As soon as the light faded away, a small red bonnet was laying on the ground, decorated with bow frills.

"Wow!" Elicia gushed as she picked up the small bonnet and held it up in the air. "It's pretty! Thank you big sis!" Elicia said as she struggled to tie the bonnet around her doll's head.

I laughed a bit before taking both the doll and bonnet in my hands. I tied the bonnet around the doll and held its arms up, pretending that it was alive and winked at Elicia.

"Hi Elicia! I'm Miss Lulu. Nice to meet you!" I said in a higher voice.

Elicia giggled and waved at 'Lulu'. "Hi Miss Lulu!"

This is actually pretty fun, I thought to myself. Since when was the last time I smiled sincerely?

"Would you like tea, Miss Lulu?" Elicia asked, holding out a fake plastic cup.

'Lulu' gasped. "Oh no! Tea is too hot. I think I'll drink milk!"

Elicia tilted her head to the side. "Why?"

'Lulu' smiled. "Because milk makes people grow stronger and bigger! I don't want to stay this small forever, you know!"

Elicia giggled and agreed to give Miss Lulu milk, also asking if she would like some candied apples and biscuits her mother cooked earlier today.

As I played with Elicia, I couldn't help but feel at ease. It's been a while ever since I got to relax like this, I thought, even by the hands of a tiny little girl.

Soon, night came and I found myself sitting in front of a table full of amazingly cooked food. My mouth watered slightly as I eyed the steak and mashed potatoes greedily.

Gracia and Hughes laughed, saying that we were allowed to eat. I gave them a huge grin before attacking the steak and potatoes, eating it as fast as I could.

"Slow down! You might choke yourself." Hughes warned lightly.

I paid them no heed, even when Elicia said something about me being super hungry. I was only focused on munching on the sweet and delicious food in front of me. Specifically the ribs and quiche.

Later that night after helping Gracia with the chores, I found myself lying down on a soft bed that Gracia prepared for me. I was wearing my regular pajamas and my hair was lousily tucked in a low ponytail.

I turned to the left, finding Gracia's window slightly opened. I stared at it for a few moments before sitting up and walking towards it. I opened it fully, feeling the cool night wind brush past my face. I sat on the window sill and let one of my legs hand over the opening while I stared up at the sky.

"No matter how many times I do this," I said with a sigh. "I really can never get tired of it."

I leaned my head against the window, watching clouds pass by, obscuring the moon from my view. The quietness of the city, the peaceful atmosphere, and the small and calming noise of the night soothed my nerves.

It was only now did I notice how tense and rigid I was. I guess I was sort of nervous and scared about what might happen in the future when I meet Edward and Alphonse. I mean, I know both of them are good people, but I also know that both of them might be the end of me.

Strange how I could talk about them as if I know them personally… well, I do. I've been watching their anime for a long time, for pete's sake! Of course I know them.

"Mama… papa… Adrian…" I whispered, feeling tears well up in my eyes.

"I miss you guys…"

(-Andrea-)

"Both of you be careful."

I blushed slightly in embarrassment at Gracia's concern for me. "I'll be fine Mrs. Gracia. Besides, if I ever come back home with an injury…"

Comical tears leaked out from my eyes. "I'll be killed personally by my own teacher…" I moaned helplessly, receiving a giggle from Elicia.

"Come by big sis!" she said, holding Miss Lulu in her arms. "Miss Lulu and I will miss you two!"

I smiled and hugged Elicia tightly. "I'll come by and visit every time I stop by Central! Would that be alright, Elicia?" I asked.

Elicia cheered. "Yay!"

I turned to Gracia for confirmation. The sandy haired woman smiled at me and nodded. "Yes, of course you can visit Andrea. Do be careful though!"

I stood up and held my bag. "Well, I should get going. The next train stop is in a few hours, so I better look for some ingredients for my experiment." I said as I turned around and waved a good-bye at the Hughes family.

"Bye-bye big sis!" Elicia called.

"Take care Andrea!" Gracia reminded.

I paused in the stairs and nodded. "I will! Tell Mr. Hughes that I'm very thankful and that I'm indebted to you guys!"

I walked out the building and walked down the street, this time trying to figure out what I should do to kill some time.

"There's nothing to do…" I complained. "My train is in three hours… I can't get inside the Central Library without a qualification from the military… This sucks!"

Since I had too much spare time in my hands, I decided to go hit a local food restaurant. I sat inside the restaurant in the corners where there were sofas and a small table. I ordered some cheese bread and cocoa and reached into my pocket to reach for my cellphone.

'Ah wait… I don't have my cellphone…' I said, realizing.

A dark and depressing aura coated me. "It's a sad life I live in…" I moaned with comical tears.

After roaming around carelessly around the park, I soon spotted a quaint little restaurant. I glanced over at their blackboard menu favorites and heard my stomach rumble in hunger.

'Ah... a little snack wouldn't hurt!'

With that thought in mind, I entered the restaurant, immediately being greeted by a few waiters and waitresses. I found a small table near the glass window of the shop and took a seat, ordering only a sandwich and their signature chocolate drink.

As I waited for my order, I couldn't help but muse over some elements, recalling blood samples, and anti-poison bacterial acting medicine. It became a bad habit for me to remind myself of Alchemy whenever I grew bored, but I guess it was pretty useful in my own way. I'm not exactly a genius in Alchemy. In fact, it takes me a few seconds to analyze the structure of matter and using the energy of tectonic plates to my whim.

Taking out a piece of paper, I started writing down a few elements and ingredients I would need in case I encounter a wounded civilian on my way. Plasma, white blood cells, red blood cells, bone marrow- you name it. You could say I'm aspiring to be a doctor with all these information in my head, but if I'm going to help people and save their lives, I might as well suck up and learn this shiz.

I heard the restaurant door bell ring and I turned my head to see who came in. Imagine my surprise when a boy with golden hair, golden eyes, who was wearing a red coat came inside alongside with a suit of armor following behind him.

"Damn that stupid Colonel! And just when we found a clue."

"It's too bad, brother. I thought we would be able to go to Lior, too."

I realized that I was staring and quickly snapped my head towards the opposite direction, covering my mouth in case I would scream.

'Ed and Al! They're in Central! And what's more, they're in the same restaurant as I am!' I thought and watched them with my peripheral vision. Ed yawned and sat on the chair, ordering some food while Al scared the waiter away.

I hid a snicker before a waiter who had my food approached me. "Here you go, miss." He said as he placed my food on the table. I gave the waiter a nod, my thanks, and started eating.

Just when I was going to drink my cocoa, the restaurant door slammed open, alerting everyone including me inside. A man who looked like he was in his late forties stepped in. he had a cigarette in his mouth and held a gun in his hand, scaring the customers.

"Sir, you're not allowed to smoke insi—" a waiter piped up but was silenced with a punch in his face.

I narrowed my eyes and sigh inwardly. 'Seriously, does Central have the poorest security?' I asked myself exasperatedly.

"Oy! Is there a woman here named Andrea Jhones?!" the man demanded, pointing the gun upwards. He then pointed at a man in front of him. "You! Do you know where she is?!"

The man gulped and shook his head. "N-no! I haven't heard of her at all!"

Sighing, I stood up from my seat. "I'm Andrea Jhones. Is there any business you need with me?" I asked as I placed a hand on my hip.

The leader looked at me then turned to one of his men behind him. "Are you sure this is the brat who got Terry arrested?" he asked.

"If you mean by the guy who tried to kidnap me, then yes. Is there anything to it?" I asked, raising my voice. I could almost feel both Elric brother's attention focused at me and I had to bite back a smirk.

'Hmm… first impression! Badass.' I thought.

"But if you have any business with me, I suggest you do it quickly." I said in a nonchalant voice, intentionally provoking them. "I've got better places to be, you know?"

The leader, as I expected, was impatient. He twitched and raised his gun at my direction.

"Shitty girl, you're coming with us!" he yelled.

"No one's going with anyone."

I turned to my left only to see Edward standing up from his seat. I raised an eyebrow at him. "This isn't exactly your problem, you know. I can take care of myself." I said as Edward made his way beside me.

He smirked. "You may be right, but I don't exactly appreciate these guys ruining my meal." He said as he flexed his arm.

The leader glared and gave out a yell. Instantly, I sprinted forward, raising my foot and slamming my boot's heel into the leader's face. He fell back and I used the shock of the members to my advantage.

I leaped off the leader and kicked the next one in the air. Since there were two left, I raised both legs and did a high split in the air, knocking both of the members down. Once I landed on the ground, I turned to Edward, who had a slightly shocked expression on his face.

I gave him a wink. "I told you I can handle it."

Edward blinked before giving a small smile but not before his eyes grew wide. "Behind you!" he warned.

I glanced back and found a fifth member with a hammer in his grasp. I raised my right leg behind me, kicking the member upwards by his chin and sent him flying. With my leg still upwards I gave Edward a grin.

"Told you~"

(-Andrea-)

And yet again, the military flooded the restaurant in the matter of seconds.

I pouted and crossed my arms. "So unfair! I couldn't even get to finish my drink!" I complained out loud while stomping my foot on the ground.

"Um, excuse me?"

I turned to the right, spotting a giant suit of armor overwhelming me with its height. I sweat dropped at the sight. "U-uh, yo?" I said hesitantly.

"Sorry if I scared you." Al apologized. "My name is Alphonse Elric."

I smiled. "I'm Andrea Jhones." I replied.

"Um, is it alright if I ask you a question Andrea?"

I raised my eyebrow and faced Al. "What is it then?" I asked, tilting my head to the side.

"Why were those men after you?"

I gave Al a weird look before shrugging. "I was attacked yesterday and managed to suppress the man who tried to kidnap me. I guess they came here since they got mad or something like that." I said.

Al nodded his armor head. "Oh, I see." He said.

A few moments of silence passed between me and Al before I started crying. Al was startled and tried his best to calm me down.

"C-calm down Andrea! It's alright!"

"No it's not! It's not!" I wailed.

Edward walked towards us and saw the scene I was creating. He rushed to me and looked at me with slight concern. "Is something wrong?" he asked

I nodded. "Of course something's wrong! I wasn't able to finish my snack earlier!" I cried.

Ed fell to the ground with his leg twitching before he shook his arm at me and glared. "That isn't something important!" he yelled.

"It is to me!" I cried.

Edward slapped his forehead not before a voice called out behind him. "Fullmetal,"

I looked behind Ed and found another military officer walk towards us. "Yet another officer?" I deadpanned.

The officer, who I immediately recognized with his dark spiky hair and dark eyes stopped in front of me and stared at Ed. "Did you catch them?" he asked.

Ed shook his head and pointed his thumb at me. "It was her, Colonel Bastard." Ed grumbled under his breath.

The Colonel looked at me. "I'm Lieutenant Colonel Roy Mustang. Are you the one who caught the other bandit yesterday?" he asked. I nodded in response.

"The witnesses around said that you used alchemy to trap the man yesterday. Why didn't you use it a while ago?" Colonel Roy asked.

"Um, because if I did, I would most likely destroy the restaurant." I replied in a 'duh' sort of tone. "Alchemy isn't always the answer to everyone's problem you know."

Roy stared at me and looked at Ed. "I have another mission for you later. Drop by the office in a few hours, understand Fullmetal?" Roy asked as he turned around and walked to his car.

Ed grumbled under his breath and I whistled. "Hm, that guy is actually pretty cool." I said in slight awe.

Ed looked at me as if I've grown crazy. "That stupid colonel? Cool?" Ed repeated, as if it was the most ridiculous thing he's ever heard.

I nodded. "Yeah! I heard that Roy Mustang is the Flame Alchemist. He's pretty badass." I said.

Ed's jaw dropped.

"But then I heard that the Fullmetal Alchemist is even more badass." I added, causing Ed to grow curious. "I heard he has an auto-mail right arm and cool complexion! Rumors has it that he's one of the best and famous State Alchemists around."

I noticed Ed's smug expression. Suddenly, a wicked idea hit me.

"Oh!" I said as I snapped my fingers. "I also heard he was a super midget."

"WHO THE HELL ARE YOU CALLING A MICRO-FLEA WHO WOULD EASILY BE SQUASHED BY AN ANT?!"

I clutched my stomach and laughed as I watched Al struggle to keep his older brother's emotions and rant in line. Ed had steam pouring out of his ears as he glared at me.

"You were doing that on purpose, weren't you?!" he growled.

I gave him an innocent smile. "Maybe~" I sang playfully.

Ed growled and I petted his head. "Oh loosen up, shorty-pants!"

"WHO ARE YOU CALLING SO SHORT HE CAN DROWN IN A PUDDLE?!"

I whistled. "You really like ranting, huh?" I said as Ed gritted his teeth in anger.

Al's armor rattled, which meant that he moved slightly. "Brother, look at Andrea's tattoo on her arm!" he said.

Ed, momentarily forgetting his anger, looked at my arm. I grinned widely when both brothers noticed and recognized the logo.

"T-t-teacher's flamel?!" Ed exclaimed, shocked.

I turned to them. "Teacher? Do you mean Izumi Curtis?" I asked them, feigning slight shock.

Both looked at me incredulously. "Are… are you teacher's current student?" Al asked hesitantly, to which I responded with a nod.

"Yep! I trained with her for five months improve my skills in Alchemy." I said proudly. I watched as their expressions were mixed with shock, fear, and… well it was mostly fear.

I smiled at both. "As much as I would love to speak to you guys about Teacher, I must be going soon. I have to catch a train in a few hours and I don't think I should be late."

Al looked at me. "Where are you going?"

"To the South Eastern countryside." I replied. "The only reason I stopped by Central was because that was the only train closest I can get! I still have two more rides before I could reach my destination."

I then gave the two Elrics a scrutinizing look. "But aren't you guys stationed in East Headquarters? What's your business in Central?" I asked, puzzled.

"None of your business." Ed replied curtly.

"Brother!" Al scolded.

I have a hearty laugh. "It's fine Alphonse! I guess I shouldn't meddle into other's affairs." I said.

"How come you're going to the Countryside, anyway?" Ed asked. "Isn't Teacher enough for an Alchemy teacher?"

"Of course she is!" I agreed. "But I'm sort of looking for specific alchemy. Medical Alchemy, to be precise. As well as the transmutation of living organisms."

Ed seemed to perk up upon hearing this. "Why would you need to research that?" he asked.

I waved my finger and winked. "Sorry Mr. Nosy pants! You didn't tell me what you're doing in Central, so it's fair that I won't tell you why I'm going to the Countryside." I said, causing Ed to twitch his eye.

"I am not nosy!" Ed said in protest.

I tilted my head at him. "But you're short."

"WHO ARE CALLING SHORT?! COME HERE AND I'LL WRING YOUR NECK!"

I laughed again. "You know Ed, I find your rants quite adorable." I admitted.

The blonde boy paused in his rant and slight pink dusted his cheeks. The older Elric turned to the side and started pouting, which I found a cute sight to see.

Al placed his older brother down and sigh. "It was nice meeting you Andrea, but shouldn't you be heading now? You don't want to miss your train." He reminded me.

Suddenly, I became highly aware of the time. I turned to the restaurant's clock and found out that it was already 2:15, only forty five minutes left until my train arrives.

"You're right Alphonse." I agreed before turning around and walking back to the Hughes' residence. Before I fully walked away, a hand grabbed my shoulder and I was face-to-face with someone I didn't expect to see.

A man in his late fifties stood tall in front of me, radiating an aura of authority. He had dark hair, tanned skin, and a dark green eye. A lone eye patch covered his left eye and the other noticeable trait was his moustache.

I stood there, gaping like a fish out of water.

"It's nice to meet you, Andrea Jhones. I'm Fuhrer President King Bradley." He said pleasantly, though I saw the sharpness and suspiciousness inside his lone green eye.

It took me moment for my brain to start working up and I immediately wanted to regret what I asked next.

"Are you… a pirate?"

[A/N:] And there you have it! The fourth chapter of TMA! ^^

I hope you guys didn't wait that long. Please review your comments! I really love hearing them. Especially long, and ranty ones. They remind me of Edward.

Bye-bye!