For the next month's Edward and Alphonse studied diligently occasionally asking Mr. Tucker or Sayla for help but the brother's soon realized that Sayla really didn't know much about alchemy except for its first few basic laws especially equivalent exchange.
"It's pretty easy." Ed said as the pair walked down the street side by side. The summer air had long since given way to the cool crispness of autumn. Sayla had picked up a fallen leave that was colored a brazen orange and now twirled it between her fingers.
"I think it just comes naturally for you guys." She said. Ed shrugged.
"Yeah but if you work hard you could learn too." He said. Sayla shook her head.
"All of the elements, symbols, chemicals; it's just boring." She said. Edward stopped in his tracks and stared at her as if she had spoken blasphemy.
"Boring? Alchemy is anything but!" He stated crossing his arms. Sayla smiled.
"Oh sorry Ed, I forgot that saying bad things about alchemy is something that sets you off." She said.
"It's alright." He replied softly. They began walking again quietly enjoying the day.
"So what's another thing that sets me off?" Ed asked curiously.
"Well whenever Al wants to get on your nerves and call's you Eddie." She said. Edward rolled his eyes and groaned.
"Yeah forgot about that one." He said his voice low. "And?"
"And what?" She asked.
"Another." He said. Sayla hesitated before answering.
"When people pick on you about your height." She said softly almost in a whisper. Ed was silent for a minute before he snickered.
"Ed, can I ask you something?" Sayla questioned.
"Sure."
"Promise you won't get pissy?" She asked.
"Cross my heart." Ed replied.
"Why does it bother you?" She inquired. Ed was quiet stuffing his hands into his pockets roughly his face drawing down in a small frown.
"For as long as I can remember Al was always slightly taller than me; even before everything happened to us. Everyone has always mistaken him for the older one so then when said people are told that I'm the older one they just say what they do." Ed said.
"Okay but you didn't answer the question." She said.
"I'm getting to it." Ed said as Sayla mouthed a sorry and nodded her head. "It bothers me because it's all I've ever heard my entire life it seems." Ed stopped in his tracks and held out his hand as if accepting a hand shake from someone.
"Oh nice to meet you Ed, Al; so Alphonse you looking after your little brother? Oh what's this? Ed you're the older brother? Well sorry I never would have guess, seeing how you're so small." Ed said in a mocking tone. Sayla couldn't help but giggle. Ed let out an exasperated sigh before shoving his hands back in his pockets. They had come to a bridge that stood across a dam. Sayla looked over the side and down into the river shivering. Ed stood next to her as a cold breeze whipped across their faces.
"Hey if you're cold we can head back." Ed said. Sayla nodded her head in agreement.
"Yeah, let's head back." She said almost mechanically. Ed eyed her curiously wondering why she acted strangely sometimes. Sayla held out the leaf in front of her before letting the wind take it spiraling down into the water below.
Ed walked out the door wincing in the sunlight peering into the courtyard. He had been studying in the library when the clock sounded telling him it was nearly dinner time. Ed followed the sound of Alexander's barking in his search for Al. The air was colder than what he remembered from it being the past few days and he simply stared wondering when it had snowed. Alphonse, Sayla and Nina sat in the snow all looking up as he walked out.
"Hey brother." Al called out.
"We made angels brother." Nina called out to him.
:"Come on over and play Edward." Sayla said smiling happily underneath her hooded jacket. Ed stood wide eyed for a second before his face broke out in a smile and he jumped into the snow tumbling into a summersault.
"TA-DA!" He shouted standing up with bits of snow clinging to stray piece's of hair. Nina and Sayla laughed clapping their approval while Al only shook his head.
"Brother you show off." He said.
"Show off huh? I'll show you showing off." Ed said grabbing some snow crushing it into a ball.
"I don't think you want to do that brother." Al suggested.
"Really and why is that?" Ed asked. Before he knew it he was pummeled with snow balls. He fell to the ground staying still holding his breath.
"Little big brother?" Nina asked concerned.
"Don't worry Ed's fine he's just playing possum." Al said.
"I don't know there could be some brain damage." Sayla said standing up to brush herself off. Nina stood as well taking her hand and walking over with her to Edward.
"Big sister, little big brother isn't moving." Nina said on the verge of tears. Sayla gently kicked Edward's side.
"Get up Ed your starting to scare Nina." Sayla said. Ed couldn't help smile a little.
"See Nina he's fine, he's just being silly." Al said walking over to join them. Sayla let go of Nina's hand and knelt down next to Edward.
"Well we should move him out of here before he starts to stink the grounds up." She said. Ed sat up suddenly grabbing Sayla and taking her back to the ground with him. Nina screeched and jumped back a little as Sayla protested.
"Edward! Cut it out!" She half shouted half laughed. After a struggle and protests all four lay on the ground in the snow laughing. The sky was blue and the clouds moved slowly across the sky; it was peaceful. For that brief moment neither had a care in the world.
"I wish you could stay, I mean after you pass your test. It gets lonely with just dad." Nina said. The three sat up looking at the little girl as she sighed sadly. Edward thought for a moment before smiling. He picked up a twig and began drawing a transmutation circle in the fresh snow.
"What are you drawing little big brother?" Nina asked staring down at it curiously.
"A transmutation circle, see if I have a wish it helps it come true." Ed replied. "Okay. Ed said finishing the circle. "Now watch this Nina." Ed said placing his hands down on the circle. A bright blue light emitted from it as flowers sprouted from the snow and formed two wreaths. Nina's eyes widened as she emitted a small squeal.
"You made me and sister magic flowers!" She exclaimed happily and giggled as Edward put one wreath on Sayla's head and the other on Nina's.
"Decent work." A voice said from behind them. The small group turned to see none other than Maes Hughes sitting down beside them.
"Major Hughes." Ed said.
"Hey Sayla, didn't Roy say something about not having too much fun?" Maes asked with a wink. Sayla shrugged her shoulders.
"Yeah well, you know how it is when Roy tells me to do something; I usually just go and do the opposite." She said with a smile.
"Right." Maes said with a smirk.
"So what are you doing here?" Ed asked curiously.
"Well hey I came for you Ed. Can't let you work through your birthday." He said.
"He's right, that's today." Al said. Ed looked at him surprised.
"How did you know that? I haven't told anyone yet." He said.
"I'm in the department of investigations. I wouldn't be much of a major if I couldn't manage that." Nina's face suddenly drew down sadly.
"Don't look sad, you're all coming. I couldn't blow a birthday dinner and not invite his friend's right?" Maes said.
"Where's it going to be?" Al asked.
"My place, come on the cars in the front."
The house was very comfortable to say the least, big compared to most of the other houses in the area but not a mansion. The outside was a cheery yellow that enhanced the comfort of it. Inside was warm and simple a place that in the past had many happy gatherings of relatives and friends. No dark shadows lurked in the corners or closets, it was warm, bright, and brought a smile to all of their faces as they followed Maes inside.
"Welcome kids. I've heard a lot about you." A woman greeted. She was still fairly young, pretty with big eyes that shined as she talked.
"This is my lovely wife Gracia." Maes introduced.
"Your stomach's as big as a melon." Ed exclaimed.
Well yes." Gracia said slightly blushing
"You'll have to excuse Edward he has a tendency to state the obvious." Sayla said glancing at him.
"You're having a baby?" Al asked.
"Any day; there's a big fuss in my belly saying she wants to come out and see the world." She said. The four of them stared intently at her swollen stomach curiously.
"Wanna feel?" She asked catching Edward and Alphonse off guard. They backed away quickly seemingly embarrassed and a little disgusted.
"I do Mrs. Hughes." Nina said.
"Well go ahead Nina. How about you Sayla?" Gracia asked still smiling. Sayla nodded her head once as she placed her hand next to Nina's flat against Gracia's stomach.
"Oh, that's so sweet." Sayla said smiling.
"Sister I felt it move!" Nina exclaimed turning to Sayla.
"Yeah me too." She replied.
"That felt funny." Nina said giggling. Edward and Alphonse simply stared stoically. After the two girls had gotten their fill of feeling the baby's fluttery kicks the group moved into the dining room where they enjoyed a home cooked meal. Ed blushed slightly as Maes brought out a cake lit with twelve candles and he blew them out.
"Hey Edward." Sayla called from next to him. Ed looked up to see Sayla standing next to him.
"When'd you get there." He asked shoving some cake in his mouth.
"Just now I'm sorry I didn't get you anything but I hope this will do." Sayla said leaning closer to Ed. Ed stared his mouth still full of cake as she placed a light kiss against his cheek. Edward's eyes grew wide as his stomach fluttered uncontrollably. His face turned dark crimson as her lips pressed a little heavier against his cheek.
'If I turn my head a little then….' Ed thought to himself imagining how those lips would feel against his own but sat frozen unable to speak or even blink. Sayla backed away; the kiss had only lasted two seconds but was torturous eternity for Ed, and hugged him tightly.
"Happy birthday Edward." She said. Ed managed to swallow the cake down along with the immense lump in his throat and nod.
"Uh, thanks Sayla." He choked out his mouth dry. Sayla smiled obviously happy with her gift and sat back at the table across from Nina finishing her own cake.
"Who wants refills on their birthday tea?" Gracia asked.
"That sounds wonderful." Maes said. Gracia clutched her stomach and fell to the ground with a yelp. Maes ran over to her swiftly.
"Gracia!"
"Honey, it's here…" She said.
"The tea?" Maes asked confused.
"No the baby!" She quipped annoyed.
"But the doctor said not until next week."
"Well the baby just said now and I'm pretty sure she gets to choose."
"Uh, okay." Maes said reeling from surprise and shock. "Alright I'll get your bags."
"But the snow it's a blizzard outside." Al said pointing out the window. The snow fell fast and heavy outside the warm house, too much too fast.
"Right, you can't leave. I'll bring the doctor here." Maes said jumping up to grab his jacket. "You kids help her!" The four gasped and stared not sure what to say or do.
"How do we do that!" Ed asked frantically but Maes was already gone and out the door.
"I guess this count's as party games." Gracia said. Al helped her lay on the couch in the family room as Sayla brought her a blanket covering her.
"Okay, I've got the hot water bowl." Ed called from the doorway walking in with the steaming liquid.
"Thanks Edward. Set it on the floor next to me." Gracia said.
"Okay so what else?" Al asked.
"Well let's see we'll need plenty of fresh towels." She replied.
"Okay, I'm just glad your pain has passed." Al said more to himself. Gracia let out a moan accompanied by a muted scream as her body trembled. Ed and Al stared at each other as Sayla glanced out the window.
"He's been gone for so long. I wonder what's taking him." Sayla said aloud glancing at Ed from her position next to Gracia. Nina wiped her forehead gently with a towel.
"Yeah, he probably had to walk." Ed said trying to mask the worry on his face.
"I can't do this, I'm dieing!" Gracia suddenly screamed causing the children to scream in return. Sayla and Nina backed away quickly with their eyes wide and mouths hanging open.
"What are we supposed to do? She said she's gonna die!" Al yelled frantically. Ed trembled; his legs threatening to give out on him.
"That's just an expression!" He yelled back at his brother as Gracia's scream crescendo through out the room bouncing off the walls making it louder before her body went limp and she was silent. Nina and Sayla screamed loudly tears already pouring down their faces. Ed and Al yelled softly in panic.
"Listen she's not dead she just fell asleep." Ed said trying to suppress his panic as well as everyone else's.
"I don't know, if you think of it like alchemy making life's expensive; you'd have to give something up." Al shouted.
"Childbirth is not alchemy you dope!" Ed quipped back as Sayla and Nina cried sobbing loudly. Gracia moved suddenly her face twisting in pain again.
"Looks she's alive!" Sayla said tears still streaming down her face.
"Can I do anything for you Mrs. Hughes?" Al asked.
"You...could…all stop…yelling." She replied. Edward clenched his hands together and gritted his teeth.
"Damn it all. Alchemy's the ultimate science. There has to be some way it can help her." He said frustrated.
"Little big brother, the water's very cold." Nina said her eyes puffy and her face still drawn down. Ed crouched down touching the sides of the large bowl. Static seemingly erupted from his hands as the bowl became hot to the touch and the water steamed close to boiling. Ed let out a small surprised yelp.
"Ed what did you do?" Sayla asked her eyes wide.
"Uhhh, I have no clue!" He nearly yelled back.
"You used alchemy! How did you use alchemy without a transmutation circle?" She said louder than she had intended to be.
"I don't know I just used my head." He replied. Gracia screamed again.
"I can feel its head now!" She yelled. The four kids backed up against the wall screaming again in complete panic.
"You can feel its head; what is that supposed to mean?" Ed screamed.
"Deliver it!" Al said gently shoving Sayla towards the couch.
"I'm not touching baby stuff!" Sayla screamed grabbing onto Edwards arm tightly for leverage. "Why me!"
"Because you're a girl!" Al yelled back.
"So! That doesn't mean I can do something like that."
"Al's right Sayla, I nominate you!" Ed said shaking her off of his arm and shoving her closer as well.
"But…! I don't know what to do!" She yelled her heart pounding loudly in her chest as her blood slammed into her face.
"Just….catch!" Gracia shouted. Sayla sucked in her breath and walked briskly to the couch lifting the blanket slightly to lie on top of Gracia's knees. Her face twisted in disgust.
"Ewwww! Sick, weak!" She exclaimed seeing the head already fully out. She placed a hand underneath the baby's neck as more of her began to emerge. "I didn't know this could do THAT!" Sayla said her disgust wearing off to show slight interest.
"It doesn't but…it is!" Gracia yelled as Sayla gently pulled grabbing underneath a shoulder pulling the rest of the baby girl out. Sayla held the messy baby in her hands staring her eyes wide.
"Clear out her mouth." Gracia managed to say.
"Uh, yeah." Sayla said placing a finger in the baby's mouth grabbing at the gooey blood rubbing it off against a towel. The little girl let out a wail as the door opened and Maes walked in with the doctor.
"I can take it from here." The doctor said taking the baby from Sayla.
"Uh, yeah." She said again backing away slowly until her back hit the wall even then her legs still moving as if trying to slink away. The umbilical cord was cut and the baby cleaned up before being handed to Gracia.
"I can't believe it she's so beautiful Gracia." Maes cried as tears streamed down his face.
"It's all thanks to you kids. I couldn't have done it without the birthday boy and his friends." She said smiling brightly.
"We didn't do anything." Ed said modestly smiling slightly. Gracia shook her head slightly.
"You were right by my side." She replied cuddling the screaming red infant. Ed stared intently amazed his eyes wide.
"Wake up sweetheart. Come on, snap out it." The doctor said suddenly.
He was standing next to Sayla whom had still said nothing. All eyes turned to look at her and gasped to see the look on her face. Tears streamed down her face as her body trembled, her eyes held almost no light in them as they remained wide. She was in shock. Al had seen her like that once before and had figured out the only way to bring her back from whatever daydream she was having. He rushed to her side and kneeled next to her grabbing her holding her too him in his strong arms.
"Sayla, it's okay. Come back to me Sayla, you're safe; I'm here, I'll protect you." He whispered softly. Sure enough Sayla's hands twitched and were soon brought around Alphonse as best she could.
"Post traumatic stress, huh?" Maes asked the doctor ignoring the biting wind as they stood out on his front stoop. The doctor nodded.
"Yes Mr. Hughes. I happened to notice a silver chain dangling from the girl's pocket. She's a state alchemist?" He asked. Maes was hesitant but nodded. "Does she participate in active cases?"
"Naturally." Maes replied.
"That explains it. Are you her legal guardian?" He asked. Maes shook his head.
"She doesn't have one. In the states eyes the day Sayla passed the exam she as an adult." Maes said.
"Yes of course. I suggest that if you care for the welfare of that girl you have her mental wellness evaluated. Good night Mr. Hughes." The doctor said walking down the stairs and out into the street. Maes stood stunned unable to utter a response.