Chapter four: The heart of a Forger and mixed feelings

(A.N I'd like to thank NarutoPhantom for the review it gave the right inspiration to write this chapter. Anyway to others who have read enjoy this latest installment of my story.)

After leaving Rosemboo Trubinya, Ed and Al rode by train to Central. On the train Ed, Trubinya and Al were talking about it was the move to leave the way they did. As of the time of departure there was to be no turning back. Trubinya sat by Ed across from Al on the train.

Ed said, "Al, Trubinya, do you regret leaving the way we did?"

Al replied, "Brother you have forgotten. I was the one who decided to go with you. Besides even Trubinya had made of her mind in tagging along to Central. Besides I'll become a alchemist for the state and I'll fix you and Trubinya."

Trubinya smiling said, "Ed, you shouldn't worry about making the right or wrong decisions when it comes to making things right. I chose to come with you and Al on this journey. I want to regain my lost memories of my accident. I can't get my arm back."

Ed said, "Trubinya, you sound wise for someone who still just a girl. I going to go and become an state alchemist and get Al back to normal."

Trubinya hitting, Ed in the arm said, "Well Ed you go and be the state alchemist you want to be, but I chose to help you in your quest in finding what you're looking for."

Ed replied, "Jeez you two why the long faces. You two aren't worried about Pinako and Winry. I mean they will just fine."

Back in Rosemboo Winry and Pinako stood in front what remained of the Elric brothers' house and in Winry's hand was a letter that was written by Trubinya informing them of why they had left:

To Lady Pinako and Winry,

By the time you find this letter Ed, Al and I will have already departed for Central. Ed had made the choice to become an alchemist for the state. Al has the same idea as well. You won't need to worry about the boys for as long as I'm with them everything will be okay. If you must know I have stored something very important in your basement that I may need later on. It's in the back in a locked trunk covered by a tarp. There is no need for alarm its just my elixir. I leave it in your care knowing that I can trust you. Also I would to thank you for your kindness and for making me feel welcome. If you want I'll try and keep you informed on what's going concerning the guys.

Thanks Trubinya

Winry read the letter in sadness as if she was feeling like it was her fault that the trio had left. Pinako took Winry by the hand as they walked back to their home. It was now in the hands of fate for Ed, Al and Trubinya for the quest ahead would have some really tough times and good times.

When Ed, Al and Trubinya arrived at the train station they were informed that the train that would take them to Central wouldn't be due until the next day. So as the three of them were taking it easy from the ride a thief crossed their path. Trubinya being the first to spot the man tapped Ed on the shoulder,

Trubinya said, "Ed look that man stole a lady's purse shouldn't we do something about it?"

Ed moaning said, "Alright if you think that we should. Yo Al you up for a little exercise."

Al looked at Ed said, "I'm already ahead of you brother."

The purse-snatcher thought that he had gotten away scat free when Trubinya whistled at him, which caught him off guard as he was now standing on the transmutation circle that Al had drawn earlier. The thief tried to move but could, Ed and Trubinya placed their hands on the circle and with a blue flash the culprit was caught in bars that surrounded him until the cops were able to put him into custody.

Trubinya pointed to the thief said, "Officer book this jerk for stealing. I spotted him stealing a lady's purse."

The thief said, "I was just borrowing it. "

With the victim by him, Ed said, "Horse crap you stole it. So return it now."

Trubinya took the purse from the thief and handled it back to the lady. The officer took the thief away while the officer on duty was impressed at seeing the trio's alchemy. It was like fate had brought them to deal with a minor problem.

The officer said, "Hm-mm you three can do alchemy at you ages. You youngsters must what they call prodigies. The one known in these parts that can do alchemy is old Majhal."

Trubinya curiously asked, "Majhal. Where does this man live? Ed it might be a good idea to check in on this."

The officer said, "Yeah he lives in a village not far from here. "

Ed said, "Well Al, Trubinya we will just have to go see this Majhal about what kind of alchemy he knows."

Trubinya replied, "I agree maybe this Majhal knew my father. I'm going to try and find him to get some answers on why he left."

Ed replied, "Next stop Majhal's village. Al you up for a little side trip."

Al said, "Sure brother lets go to check it out."

For since there wasn't going to be a train heading to Central for a couple of days Ed, Al and Trubinya were headed to where Majhal was living at. The trip there was long and tiring for the trio. Al was looking at the floor; Ed was sitting by his brother while Trubinya tired from the train ride was sleeping peacefully not knowing that her pillow was Ed's shoulder,

Ed looking at the floor said, "Al do you think that this Majhal might have known Dad?"

Al replied, "Well brother when we was going through his study I spotted a letter from Majhal to Dad. So maybe they might have known each other."

Trubinya scooted closer to Ed for warmth. Ed at this point blushed at how Trubinya was positioned on the seat next to him So that when he her head moved his shoulder. Trubinya's head fell right on to his lap, which was making Ed feel even more awkward.

Trubinya sleepily said, "Ed you're very comfortable to sleep on. You're much softer than Al in a can."

Ed at this point wanted to throw Trubinya off his lap, but seeing at how peaceful she looked decided to just let her sleep until they got to their destination. It was very late when Ed, Al and Trubinya arrived at Majhal's village. Ed was bushed from the ride that he didn't want to carry his luggage. Trubinya having gotten a little sleep took the suitcase from Ed and carried it for him,

Trubinya said, "Here Ed you look tired, let me take that heavy bag."

Ed blushing replied, "No I got it. Trubinya you don't have to do this."

Al laughed said, "Brother its no big deal that Trubinya wants to help."

Ed pulling on the handle said, "Trubinya, I'm fine you really don't have to, but since you offered here you go."

Trubinya picked up the suitcase finding that it was a little heavy. So Al being polite took the bag and carried it himself. Trubinya seeing that Ed was aching from the trip, pulled out a mat with a circle on it, a vile of her elixir, put her hands on the mat. In a blue flash Trubinya's stone made some medicine for Ed to take,

Trubinya handing Ed the bottle said, "Here Ed this is for your back, drink it and you'll feel better."

Ed looking at the bottle said, "Are you sure you just transmuted it with Alchemy?"

Trubinya sternly said, "Ed my alchemy skills are able to make medicine, fix things, and bring objects to life."

Al said, "Brother just drink the damn potion."

Ed taking the bottle said, "Oh alright I'll drink it."

The walk was long and tiring for the trio. After about two hours of walking Ed, Al and Trubinya found themselves at a campsite where there were torches and tables just sitting there doing nothing. In a rush fireworks had been set off behind the trio thus catching them off guard. Out of nowhere a group of kids showed up with clubs and torches thinking that Ed, Al and Trubinya were causing trouble, The one dressed like a paper boy began by jumping on Ed's back thinking that he was the one causing all the trouble for the people. The other kids threw Al trying to keep the peace to the ground. Al being a klutz broke off the head of a statue post. When a strange man came and stopped the ruckus,

Majhal said, "Hey what are you kids doing to those strangers. Hurry up and go home."

Ed on the ground said, "Whoa you must be the one they call Majhal.

Majhal replied, "So what if I am. Who are you strangers?"

Trubinya helping Ed off the ground said, "Thank you sir for you help. Please allow me to introduce myself. My name is Trubinya Alia Mavis."

With the statue fixed Majhal invited Ed, Al and Trubinya back to his house for tea and to find what the three of them were doing in the village. Ed took his tea and drank it in almost an instant. Majhal curiously looked at Al knew at that moment what Al was. Trubinya drinking her tea watched Majhal not taking her eyes off him,

Majhal said, "Well that is one fine spiritual attachment you have here."

Al stunned said, "Brother he knows about what I am."

Majhal looking over to Trubinya, said, "Mavis, you must be related to Alec Mavis."

Trubinya replied, "You knew my father. I haven't seen him since I was eight. I've been looking for him."

Majhal said, "Nope I haven't seen Alec since the war. He was a good man."

Ed interrupted said, "Look we heard you were an expert in human transmutation."

Majhal said, "Human transmutation is a taboo that must never be preformed. The laws of the state forbid it. You shouldn't be trying it. The making of life should be left to the almighty. I know what it's like to lose someone. It's better to let them rest in peace."

Getting up from the table to put her plate away, Trubinya said, "Tell that to someone who hasn't seen the gates of beyond and the pits of the abyss."

Interrupting Ed said, "Okay since you said that then why did you have an obsession with it all those years ago."

Stunned at what she had just spoken, Majhal replied, "Gates. Of beyond what do you mean?"

Shaking her head Trubinya stuttered, "Never mind about that just answer Ed's question."

Majhal sighed, "Just fateful curiosity or maybe a youths folly I guess."

As the conversation was getting a little more intense Majhal heard a knock at his door getting out of his chair went over and answered to find that his neighbor was at his door with something to give him. The old woman handed him a small jar of what looked like some sort of jam saying, "Here is some jam that I made for you." Trubinya, Ed and Al watched as Majhal talked to her and after accepting the gift waved to her a night evening and closed the door. Majhal took the jar and placed it on the table where he wanted to get back to talking. Majhal being a good host fixed Ed and Trubinya each a plate of food. Being polite Trubinya thank him for the food while Ed dug right in making noises that sounded like a pig eating slop. As Ed and Trubinya ate Al continued the conversation of what was being talked about namely about a festival concerning the dead.

Al asked, "So what is this so called Festival we heard about in town."

Sighing Majhal said, "It's called the Festival of Requiem."

Getting curious Trubinya uttered, "Requiem Festival, what kind of festival is that?"

Majhal answered, "Its where people sent to the spirits of those who died back to heaven by shooting fireworks in the air."

With his mouth full Ed mumbled, "What all the rumors we heard about the dead coming back as zombies wreaking havoc."

Being calm Majhal said, "Those are just rumors of a town full of superstition."

Majhal heard another knock at the door where he got up and answered to find that this time it was someone that Ed, Al and Trubinya had met earlier that evening. Clause and her father were at the door for she had to apologize to Majhal for being disrespectful to his guests. Seeing them inside Clause burst out, "I shouldn't have to say sorry all because they weak boys and the girl isn't."

Bending down Majhal said, "Now Clause you're dead sister would be sadden if she was to see what has become of you."

Tearing up Clause said, "What do you know about her? She didn't of natural causes. She was murdered by that dead girl."

With that said Clause ran away from Majhal's house as Ed, Al and Trubinya rushing out after her to see what they could to help. Running so fast that she could slow down Clause tripped and slid down the hill towards the creek below in a rush of action Ed drew a circle and in a flash turned the water to ice thus saving her. Trubinya rushed down the hill helped Clause back up the hill. Seeing that they all alchemists decided to trust them.

Sitting down on the hill beside Clause, Trubinya asked, "Tell us about your sister's death and how long was it since it happened?"

Clause explained, "It's been six months since her death. When one of the others found her it was like she was sleeping and on the day of her burial I saw a strange woman standing in the graveyard watching us. My father said the name Corrine, I asked him about her he said that she was a girl that lived here years ago and died so I put two and two together that witch killed my sister. Since you three are alchemists you can help me avenge her death."

Getting up Ed said, "There is a reason that Majhal wouldn't help because your story sounds like something out of a horror novel and also that it wouldn't right to get revenge."

Upset Clause replied, "All I see is before me a trio of chickens, a dwarf, his girlfriend, and their walking garage can."

Feeling insulted, Ed said, "Dwarf... no one calls me a dwarf and look at you dressed like a boy"

Feeling even more insulted Clause said, "That is none of your damn business."

Trubinya blushing said, "Girlfriend..."

Al said, "Garbage Can."

Eyes widen Trubinya stopping her, said, "Hold on a minute Lil lady what Ed trying to say is that there is reason to this."

Clause kicked dirt in their faces where she left the trio covered in dirt and pissed off. The next day Ed, Al and Trubinya sat down with Majhal where he told them of the girl's name and origin which was explained to be that she was a florist, and wasn't able to kill in life or death. After the conversation Ed, Al and Trubinya heard a strange sound coming from down the hallway and went to investigate it.

Looking at Trubinya and Al, Ed asked, "Hey did you two hear something?"

Al said, "No brother I'm not sure."

Standing near the door Trubinya said, "Ed, I heard it, so you're not going senile."

Later that evening Ed, Al and Trubinya went to the graveyard to see if they could find the one behind all of the murders. Ed, Al and Trubinya had to take caution in their search. Al a little spooked caught up with Ed and Trubinya. Feeling a little nervous Al ran up to catch up to Ed and Trubinya.

Scared Al said, "Brother you don't think that the dead really do come back to life does you."

Holding the lantern Ed replied, "No Al we both know that the dead don't rise the it could be a human transmutation and the only one able to do it is Majhal."

Trubinya pulling out her stone to see if there is any reaction, she said, "Al I agree with if there was an actual human transmutation my stone here would be glowing as a reaction to their presence. So there is no need for worry okay."

Feeling a little relieved Al, Ed and Trubinya continued to walk in the darkness of the graveyard. Trubinya began having a strange as they were walking in quick thinking stopped right into her tracks. Ed and Al still didn't notice the reason why she stopped as they both were caught off guard by gaping huge that they fell into. Over behind some bushes Clause and her friends heard their trap go off and went to see what they had caught, her friend said, "Look we caught her." As Clause looked inside of the hole she didn't a dead girl, but Ed and Al laying on their faces in the hole while Trubinya was behind them tapping her feet in an angry manner.

Looking into the hole Trubinya said, "Well... Well. Looks like your trap worked only instead of catching your zombie you caught my friends instead."

Clause disappointed said, "Come on it was a false alarm."

Just as she said that Clause's other friend had a frightened look as he pointed to a female figure standing by the gravestone. Trubinya looking at her stone as it had changed color to sapphire for it was detection that someone had just been killed. Clause's friends took off before they could get a closer look at the woman.

Standing in front of Clause, Trubinya said, "Clause stand back we'll handle this."

Getting out the of the hole Ed yelled, "Clause, wait you don't what you're dealing with."

As she ran Clause said, "You stole my sister you're mine."

Out of the woods Majhal came out of nowhere in a burst of flames burned the dead girl into ashes. As it was burning Ed and Trubinya heard the same sound that they heard earlier that day that was when Ed figured out the mystery. From the corner of her eye Trubinya spotted a strange woman watching them in the shadows as her stone changed color to turquoise that had never happened before. Trubinya looked at the color of her stone, just watched as the woman left.

The fireworks were beautiful as the people were celebrating to Majhal to them he was like the hero of the day. Trubinya, Al and Ed went back to his house to continue their investigation. Ed knocked on the walls to see if there was anything out of the ordinary.

Al asked, "Brother what are you doing?"

Ed replied, "I'm trying to find the origins of that sound. She was a transmute or a zombie"

Trubinya said, "Well I agree if it was a transmute my stone would have changed color detecting it not being human, but I did notice a slight change which meant that someone was killed recently."

Out of nowhere holding candle a woman said, "Majhal will be mad if her finds you here."

Ed responded, "Then what are you doing here?"

The light from the woman's candle shinned into Ed's eyes as he fell through the wall and into a secret room full of dolls and manikins as if some sort of alchemy was being performed there. Helping Ed off the floor Trubinya stood in the room stunned at what they had found out about Majhal had turned out to be what she had suspected. Outside of the room Majhal used his alchemy in which knocked everyone out. When Ed, Al and Trubinya came to they were tied up with chains.

With a nasty tone Majhal said, "At last you're awake."

Ed tied up said, "You're one behind this madness. All those toys and now your finished."

Majhal reaching down to Trubinya's face said, "Theses aren't dolls they are vessels for spirit attachments and to bring back my beloved Corrine. This girl has the same distinct personally of my lost love and so if my latest attempt fails she'll be next target. In my other attempts the souls would fail to accept the vessel so they would wonder off."

Ed getting pissed said, "You touch Trubinya and I'll kill you."

As Majhal continued, "To where I would need to catch them. So again I try again with any others I would trap. Al here is a special case as well for I have only seen few like him."

Ed snapped, "You selfish son of a bitch have you realized what you have done?"

Majhal replied, "What any one would do for their lost loved one. You would do the same if it were Trubinya that you lost. Corrine was the only one for so I tried to bring her back with the only thing at disposal alchemy. When I failed at human transmutation I tried the second best thing spirit attachments."

Ed said, "You chose the body instead of the soul huh."

Feeling raged Majhal said, "You stupid boy what do you know of love."

Looking at Ed, Trubinya interrupted, "Majhal, Ed may be a child, but in my travels him, I have seen a side of him that says he knows more about than you do. For one if you lose someone you love, you should let their spirit in peace and two you should treasure their memories. I lost my mom when I was little. You should toy with the spirits for it could mean your annihilation."

Majhal said, "Your little boyfriend here is going to help me make a attachment like his brother here and if he won't do then you will with that stone of yours. I saw the power it contains able to call spirits."

Ed said. "Hell no I don't think so."

As Majhal was talking the door opened and there in the doorway was Clause for she was there at the wrong time and the wrong place. Majhal walked over and knocked her out and left with her. The old woman tried to stop him to be knocked down. Al broke the chains releasing Ed and Trubinya. Ed went over to help the old woman in which he made a discovery about her. Trubinya got up and ran after Majhal for her stone was glowing as detection that he was using alchemy. As Majhal was starting the process to remove the girl's soul, the stone around Trubinya's neck began glowing for she was trying to stop him. Ed crashed through the door where he spotted Trubinya in a trance like state.

Ed explained, "Majhal the thing that you have wanted has been under your nose all this time. Your love lost her way started a life and after twenty years regained her memory and out of love came right back to you, but you were to blinded by your obsession to notice."

Ed pulled off the cloak where it revealed an older Corrine where a blue rose was in her hair she spoke, "Yes Majhal its me."

Majhal stunned said, "This old hag is Corrine it can't be. She was beautiful like a rose."

Ed said, "Perfectly like her roses, they welter, but her feelings for you didn't."

Majhal in rage said, "Shut up boy say one more and your dead."

Majhal picked up a carving tool where he turned it into a sword to strike at Ed, that was when Al blocked him, and as he tried for a second attempt to strike that was Trubinya grabbed his hand where he froze in place Ed taking the rose and in a quick transmutation, made a ribbon that snapped the sword from his hand and instant ran Majhal through. In a brief flash Trubinya's stone turned sapphire blue as it did. Majhal found himself in front some gates and Trubinya stood in front blocking his way.

Trubinya said, "Majhal for your misuse of alchemy I banish you to world of the abyss never to know the joys of heaven be gone."

Majhal's soul slipped through the cracks where it fated out of existence. Meanwhile Majhal's body lay limp on the sword that had killed stabbed him as he was fating into death he looked into Corinne's eyes where instead of telling her good bye he looked at the dolls and in one last breath passed away.

Corrine saddens by her lost yelled at the ceiling while the fireworks shot off in the sky. After that Trubinya snapped out her trance her stone turned sapphire, which meant death, she wondered what had happened to Majhal for she had no memory of what happened earlier.

Looking at Ed, Trubinya said, "What happened to Mr. Majhal Ed he's dead?"

Taking her hand Ed said, "He's was killed by his own hand. He should have not been obsessed with those dolls."

Tighten her grip Trubinya said, "You're right Ed. Love can be a powerful thing, but I have to wonder about something. What would you have done had you been in Majhal's shoes?"

Ed said, "I wouldn't done what he did and besides what made you say that. You not falling me are you?"

Smiling back Trubinya said, "That is a subject left for another time."

Ed, Al and Trubinya went to a nearby inn where they all unpacked their stuff and headed off for bed as the lights were shut off Trubinya looked at her stone as she thought, 'Am I starting to have feelings for Edward Elric and if I am how would he feel about me.' Putting her stone back on her Trubinya turned towards Ed who lay in the bed across as she finally got to sleep.

The next day Ed, Al and Trubinya were waiting for the coach out of the village they were greeted by Clause who was actually dressed like a girl. As the boarded the coach Ed, Trubinya and Al all waved good-bye, but as they were leaving Ed yelled, "You look much better when you're dressed like a boy."

Clause waved good bye Ed, Al and Trubinya continued on their journey to Central where Ed and Al were looking forward to the one they going to do which was take the alchemy exam. Ed sat down in his spot where he spotted Trubinya's stone, as it hadn't changed color since last as he could only wonder kind of stone it was and why it was strange. Trubinya sat down by Ed where she laid her head on his shoulder to pass the time Ed put his hand on her shoulder while Al and him watched the scenery pass by.

Looking at the sleeping Trubinya sitting by his brother Al asked, "Brother, are you starting to have feelings for Trubinya?"

With a slight blush on his face Ed replied, "I don't know Al why do you ask."

Al uttered, "Well when Majhal was going to use Trubinya's soul inside on of his dolls you threaten him."

Looking at Trubinya as she slept Ed sighing said, "Maybe I'm starting to feel something, but I'm not sure we'll just have to wait and see."

As the coach slowly moved Ed, Al and Trubinya rode as they were headed to the train station that was headed to Central.

(A.N. Thanks for reading this chapter was a little longer than last one. Sorry it took so long to update, but sometimes it can be tough to find the inspiration. Next chapter Ed, Al and Trubinya will have their hands full when they get a train that gets taken over by bad guys. Until then chow and have a nice day.)