Humankind cannot gain anything without first giving something in return. To obtain, something of equal value must be lost. This is Alchemy's first law of equivalent exchange. In those days, we really believed that to be the world's one, and only, truth.

For the Love of Alchemy

Chapter 8:

The Unforgettable Sense of Being

"Can this really help us brother?" Christina peaked around the corner of the house to watch as Alphonse and Edward maneuvered around each other.

"Maybe, the three taboos I've never heard of but one of them is our own. We just have to wait and see where she can take us." Edwards's voice was strong and almost mature to Christina's ears.

She stepped out from her hiding spot and watched as Alphonse grabbed his brother and flung him. Edward landed on all fours and he charged at Al. Ed noticed Christina but kept moving. Christina watched as they matched move for move. Then Al grabbed his brother once again and threw him.

"You guys actually look like you know what you're doing." Christina said as Edward landed and fell back. Slowly he sat up and watched as Christina came closer with Alphonse catching up.

"Izumi made us work hard, you should know that." Ed lay back once again as he spoke and Christina just looked up to the sky. It was a cloudy day and rain was bound to come later.

"I wouldn't, Izumi never trained me. After Roy met me years ago, Izumi happened to be on the train I was on when I was on my way to take the test. She was looking for someone." She looked at Ed and noticed he had gone pale. Christina couldn't help but laugh at the sight. After a bit, Ed's color came back and he smiled at Christina's laughter.

"How about me and you go at it? Yeah? No Alchemy, so take off that pocket watch of yours." Ed took a deep breath and looked over at Alphonse.

"Both of you come at me." Christina shrugged off her jacket and threw it to her left.

"Then take off your watch too none of this cheating crap." Said Edward as he un-clasped his watch.

"Sure, or I would if I had one. My watch is three towns away in Xenotime." Christina watched as Ed stood and threw his watch into a patch of grass. He then dusted off his back and from behind Christina she could hear Alphonse's metal clanking into place. Ed went into a fighting stance and looked beyond her, locking eyes with his brother and charged.

Both Alphonse and Edward brought their right arms back and swung them at Christina. Within the blink of an eye, both fists met but there was no Christina. Ed noticed it first and, two hands on his automail. Laughter was heard and his feet were swept under him. By now Al could see what was happening and tried to run. More laughter came and Edward found himself being thrown at his brother.

As Alphonse turned he could see his brother coming at him but Ed never hit him. Alphonse saw it first this time. Christina had Ed by the ankles; she winked at Al and turned so she could pull Ed over her shoulder. Ed flew towards the back fence and Al moved to catch his brother.

"Sorry," He stopped at her voice and felt the tug; he was being pulled backwards from his head. He landed with a nice crunch and Christina stood laughing.

"Never turn your back!" Ed said as he slid knocking Christina's feet out from under her and had her falling back on him. But before she could get any closer he pushed his feet up to hit her on her lower back so she wouldn't land on him.

"Alphonse don't join, I want to take her out. But get my watch before it rains." Said Ed as he stood up, a few seconds later Christina landed on her feet in a cat like pounce.

The two teens faced each other and both got into there battle stances. Ed was the first to move, his speed was now increased and as he came at her he blinked and she was gone. She had dogged his punch but Ed predicted her move. He turned quick and grabbed Christina's right arm. He pulled hard and brought her closer. She kicked his side feeling the pop in her arm. He let go of her and they both stepped back.

"Shit…." She hissed under her breath. She stood her knees slightly bent and her left hand holding her right shoulder. Ed was back in his fighting stance and slowly his fighting eyes wound down and his hands soon followed.

"Brother….it's…." At the sound of Al's voice he ran forward to see what was wrong. But Christina moved, she jumped to the left and crouched. When she was sure he wasn't coming any closer she turned her eyes to her shoulder.

"Damn…" She sank down to her knees and placed her right hand under one of her knees.

"Wait! Let us help!" Shouted Alphonse.

"No!" She held eye contact with Alphonse; her left hand gripped her some what hanging arm.

"Stop her!" Winry's voice rang, and Christina gunned it. She yanked her body back and popped her shoulder forcibly back in place.

"What the hell is your problem? We could have helped to pop it back in place." Ed yelled at her as she just fell back staring at up at the ready-to-rain sky.

"Is it in place?" Winry's voice entered as the sky rumbled, a wet drop hit Christina's forehead and she smiled.

"Yea it is…." Christina said it low.

"Christina, answer; why you did that? And I might keep you as a client." Pinako came at a slight jog and Christina turned her head to her.

"For that unforgettable sense of being," She smiled as Pinako's eyes lit up.

"Just like your mother."