Chapter 11

Hohenheim couldn't bring himself to even look at Clara. Through Father's body; Hohenheim was forced to watch everything with a front row view. He knew Clara. He knew Clara's life. He felt so ashamed of himself. Father was going to use her to harm his sons: to possibly kill them. She had grown so close to them, he could tell. She was fighting back hard against whatever he had done to poisen her body and make her come to him in the first place. He had drawn out her hatred against everyone and forced her to be under him. He closed his eyes, trying to escape this horrible scene in front of him.

About fifty years ago...

Hohenheim knocked on the door. Dirt covered his old clothes, his stomach was roaring in hunger. It opened. A young woman of about twenty came out and froze. A delighted smile spread across her face.

"Hohenheim!" She yelled. He smiled. She jumped to hug him. She seemed so happy.

"Yes, it's me, Morticia."

"Oh! I haven't seen you in so long!" She pulled him inside.

"Honey! Get out here! Guess who is here!!" A man came out, his face was worn yet cheery, his frame was thin yet muscular. His brown hair was thrown in a mess. Dirt smudged his face and hands.

"What is it?" He stopped right when he saw Hohenheim.

"Hohenheim!! My dear friend!" He raced over and clasped his hand tightly.

"This is wonderful!!" He motioned for him to sit down.

"Theodore. You seem a bit tired. What have you been doing? More alchemy research?" He asked, laughing. Theodore stood next to his wife.

"You have not noticed?" He smiled. Hohenheim was silent, then his eyes lite in wonder.

"You are married? Oh... Morticia!" Then his face fell.

"But you've let yourself go..." She smacked him across the head.

"I have not!!" She yelled. Theodore held her back.

"Calm, sweety! You know how he is! Hohenheim, she isn't out of shape... she is pregnent!" His face was bright with joy.

"What?! And to think I came here while you were taking care of a child!! I came at the wrong time! How stupid of me! I feel so rude!"

"No! No! It's quite alright! In fact, it is good you're here." Morticia smiled and looked at her husband.

"The doctor in this town has passed away a few weeks ago. We thought that the childbirth would go so roughly. But with you here, it'll be safe!" He exclaimed.

"Safe?? Hold on... how far along are you? I'm not staying here for a year."

"Oh, but that's the good thing. I'm expecting in another half month!" Morticia beamed. Hohenheim smiled.

"Half a month... well... I guess I could stay for a while. Besides, I do need help on my current research. Another skilled alchemist would be most helpful!" He said, smiling. Theodore chuckled.

"More research, eh? What is it on now? That famous philosepher's stone?"

"Oh no... something probably more mysterious than that! It does give life though. I assure you of that. I'm just trying to figure out if it's a bit more pleasent than the philosepher's stone!" He laughed.

"Well, I should get you some food! You must be so hungry." Hohenheim laughed.

"No! I'm not hungry at al-" A loud growl erupted from his stomach, blush ran across his face.

"Oh... uh... I guess my body disargrees with me!" Moticia laughed and disappeared into the kitchen. Theodore settled himself next to Hohenheim.

"Morticia looks pretty small to be so far along. Is she healthy?" Hohenheim asked, worried.

"Oh yes. When the doctor was alive, he said she was as healthy as a child. There were no complications in the progress at all, either. He said that the kid will be one healthy little nut!" He laughed.

"So... why do you seem so worn down? What were you working on back there?" Theodore chuckled.

"Well... I figured, with a child on the way, I needed to touch up on my hands on craftmanship a bit. I mean, just plain alchemy won't do if it means raising a child. I'm building a crib and carrier for him."

"Him?"

"Well, we switch from gender to gender all the time. We don't know if it'll be a she or he."

"Hahaha! Just from curiosity, what will he/she be named?" Morticia came back in with a tray of biscuits and butter along with coffee.

"Thank you," Hohenheim said, taking a biscuit.

"Well... if it's a boy... we'll call him Carter."

"It's a strong name. My grandfathers..." Morticia said.

"And a girl?"

"We agreed on Clara," She said. He smiled softly.

"Clara... such a wonderful name... it almost assures that the girl will be intelligent and quick." Theodore laughed.

"Yes! So if it's a girl, Morticia won't have any trouble showing her how to cook and clean! Hahaha!" Hohenheim laughed. Morticia shot a glare at him.

"Oh? That's all she'll do? What if she decides to be an adventurer? Hmmm? Like her father?" She snapped.

"Oh! Theo, she has you there. You may have a dirty little girl on your hands."

"Ahaha! Good point. Hohenheim... I've been wondering ever since you left... where have you been? You're always traveling! Why so much? You should settle down and have a family!" He smiled. He shook his head.

"Oh no... I couldn't. I'm just not a family man. I could never be one. I'm always doing things that horrify women. I just don't want to frigthen them to death. I've been all over, anyways. My traveling needs out just out weigh me settling down and having a family. Hmph... you know... a few times I've met women and thought that they were the one... But... that passes quickly..." He gulped down his coffee.

"Oh dear. This is so depressing..." Morticia said.

"I'll fix you your room! We don't have a guest room anymore, it's our baby room now! I hope you don't mind, some of his little... fixings will be in there with you." Hohenheim laughed.

"Oh no problem! I could help him out with some things while I'm here!" Theodore nodded.

"Oh yes. He does need help..." She muttered, leaving with an empty tray and empty cups.

Hohenheim recieved the letters rapidly. The towns he hand sent them to were eager to join in his research. He felt sadness hang on his heart.

All of these people will die... I can't believe they want to sacrifice themselves... just to please their Lord on being pure and innocent. He sighed and wrote down the names. The numbers were overwelmingly over a thousand; he had more than enough material to create a different stone. Something that was pure and clean compared to the tainted Philosepher's stone. He wanted to make something that would destroy the weapon he created. An antidote to the poisen.

The days had gone by quickly. The town was friendly like he remembered. Theodore still had the books he and Hohenheim shared while learning some new alchemy so many years ago. They worked together to take care of Morticia and create a beautiful baby's room. The day his friends were expecting a new arrival was drawing so much more near. Hohenheim had recieved an important notice, just days before Morticia's long anticipated day.

"What? You have to leave already!" Theodore yelled. Morticia was tearing up.

"Oh, Hohenheim! Why?? It's just a few more days! Can't it wait??"

"I'm sorry. I know, it's come at the worst time, but this is important. I have to leave."

"Hohenheim! Why don't you just forget this one thing!? You and I have been so close for so long! At least stay to see our child be born!" He shook his head.

"I have to go... It's for the best. Theodore... this involves the research I've been going through all this time. Remember? It's essential that I go and complete my search." He tugged his coat over his newer clothes and opened the door.

"I'm sorry. But I've made sure it'll be easier for you two. Some money and medical supplies is on the bed. It will help with the birth." He left, a sad expression on his face. Theodore ran out and stopped him.

"No! I'm not letting my friend get buried in this again! Hohenheim, alchemy has become our life! Please, just take a break from it. I can tell that it's eating you up!"

"Theodore. Don't involve yourself with me. I promise though, I will be back to see your child as a newborn. I will see your precious baby." He smiled and pulled him into a hug. Theodore was lost for words.

"But... Hohenheim... you can't just, just leave!" He walked away from him. The wind picked up.

"Well then you'd better keep your promise! If you don't see our child as a baby, I'll hunt you down!" He yelled. Hohenheim laughed.

"I look forward to it!"

Hohenheim stood before the large crowd. They were all cloaked in white. His eyes were filled with regret. Children, women, young men, and even the elderly were here. All had crosses around their necks. He felt his heart fill with pain. How could he have brought himself to do this? They were all standing in the transmutation circle. The intricat desin was carved in the stone floor. Each point was enhanced with a pillar. A storm was building up over their heads. The crowd was getting agitated with each passing moment. Hohenheim let out a sad sigh.

"Is everybody ready?" He yelled. The crowd quickly quieted. He nodded. He clapped his hands together and slammed his hands down on the ground. Electircity ran around the circle. People screamed. An old man yelled to calm them.

"This is the lord accepting us into his hands!! Do not be afraid! He is taking us to his heaven!" Hohenheim closed his eyes. They were so naive. The storm began to shift. Wind blew hard, rain crashed against everyone; blaring out every other sound there was. Thunder rumbled in the air. Lightning crashed down to the ground. Everyone god scared and fell to their knees, praying. The ground rumbled as the transmutation began. A bright white light bursted from the circle, making a pillar in the sky. Hohenheim stared at it. It wasn't red. There was a difference between the stones. A few minutes passed by. He felt his body grow exhausted. The light slowly disappated. A small, white stone was floating in the center of the circle. He stood up, panting from exhaustion and stared at the stone. So many lives were in it. So many innocent people. He shook his head, grief grasped his heart. He walked forward, walking to the stone. He grasped it in his hand. It's glow was soft and so bright.

"Yes... this is... it is the antidote..." He muttered. Hohenheim let out a sigh of relief.

"No more... no more accidents... no more lives taken... Finally, it's done." He walked out of the circle of pillars and stared off to the town just a few miles away from him. The storm was fierce. He sensed something horrible in the air.

"It's just this stone... it has to be..." He muttered, walking down the steep hill, heading back to the town. It had been a few days, Morticia would have given birth by now. He would at least fulfill his promise to his friend and see their newborn. A few hours passed by. The town was just a few tens of yards in front of him. He saw someone racing out of the village. He stopped, squinting to see who it was.

"Theodore...?" His face was filled with pain and fear. He grabbed Hohenheim by the shoulders.

"Please!! Please hurry!"

"Theo! What's going on? What's wrong?"

"The baby! It's the baby, Hohenheim! Please! Hurry!!" He yelled, tears streaming down his face. Hohenheim nodded, racing after his friend, following him to his little home. Lightning crashed down, causing the ground to shake a bit. Theodore pulled him inside and slammed the door shut. He could hear Morticia crying in the other room.

"Theodore, what happened??" He asked again. He ran to Morticia. Hohenheim followed, almost scared to see what happened. Morticia was crouching on the floor, holding something in her arms. Blood was on her clothes; still fresh from the childbirth.

"Morticia... what's wrong?" Theodore was weeping beside his wife. He gently grasped the thing in her arms. She let out a loud sob and fell to the floor, crying and screaming in agony. Theodore held up a limp baby in his hands.

"Hohenheim... please... I'm begging you!" He cried. He only stared at the baby's corpse. It's skin was barely pale.

"Theodore... I... I can't... She is... She..." He trailed off.

"She was crying when she was born!!" Morticia screamed.

"Why isn't she crying?! Why isn't my baby breathing anymore, Hohenheim!?" She screamed. Theodore shoved the baby into his face.

"Look! She still has her warmth! She still has color! Please, Hohenheim, please bring her back!! I want my baby! I want my darling child!" He cried. He was silent, backing away from his friend. His eyes were desperate. He knew he'd do anything.

"Please!" He fell to his knees.

"Please!! I'm begging you! As a friend! Please!! Just bring her back!" He wept. Hohenheim gently touched the corpse. It was still a little warm.

"Theodore... this is... It is forbidden to bring the dead back... I can't-"

"But you can pull her soul back to her body!! She was born alive!! But she...! She!! She died! Just a few minutes ago! Please! Please!!" He screamed. Hohenheim sighed. He didn't want to break the laws of alchemy, but he wanted to help his friend. He bent down to his level and rested a hand on his shoulder.

"Theodore... remember the research I was telling you about? Well... I've completed it... It could give her life, but... It is an experiment. Your daughter; your dead daughter; will be the test subject. Can you let yourself go through it?" Theodore stared into his eyes.

"Yes... yes please...! Please!! Do it, please!" Hohenheim gently took the baby's corpse into his hands. Theodore grasped his wife's shoulders and pulled her to her feet. She watched, her eyes tear filled and as desperate as his. Hohenheim's heart filled with pain.

"Please, I... I don't know what will happen... If it does not work..." He reached into his pocket and took out the bright white stone. Theodore and Morticia stared at it in awe. In their eyes, Hohenheim could see the hope they had in it to bring their daughter back. He pressed the stone against her chest. At first nothing happened, then white traces of electricty ran from the stone and down her torso. It began to bury itself into her chest. Hohenheim withdrew his hand and watched. Once the stone was completely in her chest, blood spilled from her mouth. He quickly patted her back and let her cough up the blood.

"Hohenheim, what's happening?" Morticia whispered, fear in her voice.

"It's replacing her organs..." They stared in fear.

"What...?"

"The stone will become her lifesource now... whatever soul is dominant in the stone will become your Clara. She won't need to eat, but if you want to feed her, go ahead. It won't affect her in any way."

"Hohenheim... thank you! Thank you so much!" Theodore said, falling to his knees. Morticia reached her arms out, Hohenheim brough the naked girl to her.

"Careful..." He muttered. She craddled her in her arms.

"Oh... she has color again..." She whispered. Clara let out a cough, then a loud cry. Morticia's face was washed with relief.

"Sh... sh... it's ok, mommy's here. Shh..." Theodore crawled to his feet and hugged Hohenheim.

"Thank you... thank you... thank you!" He whispered. Hohenheim felt a heavy weight on his heart.

"Theodore... she... she won't age like you will..."

"What do you mean?" His eyes were puzzled.

"Well, that stone was put into a body, with barely a soul still attached. She will age... but she will not die from age. Theodore... I hope you and Morticia are happy... When I come back, and I promise I will, I will stay. I'll stay here for the rest of my life." Theodore's face lite up in happiness.

"You will?? But... when?"

"Certainly before Clara is a young woman." He smiled.

"Just call me uncle Hohenheim." He drew Theodore's arms from around him and stepped back.

"I'll send letters. Take care."

"Thank you!" Morticia cried. Hohenheim smiled, but pain was in his eyes. He left.

Five years passed by. Hohenheim was finally coming back to the small town. He was finally able to leave alchemy for the rest of his life and live a life with a family. He could see the small house where his new family was. As soon as he reached the house, a little girl with light brown hair and blue eyes was coming out of the front door. He smiled and waved at her. She paused and waved backed.

"Clara." She flinched. Morticia came out with a basket of laundry and stared at him.

"Hohenheim?" She looked sickly and thin.

"Morticia! It's good to see you! I assume that this is Clara?" He bent down to her level.

"yes! This is little Clara. Clara, this is Uncle Hohenheim." Clara shyed away and stared up at him.

"He's tall..." She whispered. Hohenhiem laughed.

"How cute!"

"Clara, go on and play, be careful." She gently pushed Clara out from behind her and sent her away. Hohenheim watched her run to the village, a group of kids already waiting for her.

"Hohenheim, come in. We... well... we need to talk..." They went inside and sat at the table.

"You seem a bit ill. Is something wrong?" Theodore came in, his face was gaunt and drawn. He sat down next to his wife.

"What happened to you two?"

"We've... we've been struggling to provide for Clara..." Theodore muttered.

"Struggled...? What? You two have been... you mean you're in poverty?" He said. They nodded.

"We thought... we thought that we were just fine with the wages we had before she was born. We thought it would be enough... it was enough for the food. But the clothing and... the shelter... it's too much!" Morticia whispered.

"I can help you now. With my alchemy, the household chores will be a thing in the past and you can concentrate on getting better work while I help with Clara."

"No, Hohenheim..." Theodore said.

"Theordore-"

"The new doctor in town has examined us in our yearly checkups..." Morticia wiped a tear away.

"What's wrong?"

"We... we're going to die soon..."

"Why!? How can he just say that!?" Hohenheim stood up, angry.

"He said that... it was from stress. It had deteriorated our bodies so much over the years that... well... our bodies are just giving up."

"I don't want Clara to know this! Hohenheim... you couldn't have come at a better time... we've been talking over this for a while... we want you to take Clara somewhere safe." He stared at them.

"What...? You... you want me to take Clara away from you!? She's so happy here! I can't just do that to her!" Theodore's eyes were sad when they gazed into his.

"Please, Hohenheim. We're just worried about Clara's future. We just want her to be well. We don't want her to witness her parents dying. We don't want her to witness that." He stood up and put a thin hand on his shoulder.

"Hohenheim... use your alchemy..."

"What!? No! I refuse to do that!"

"Listen... that... stone that's keeping her alive... you made it... you can alter memories can't you?" Hohenheim froze.

"Theodore... you can't be serious..."

"I am... we've already told her that when you came that she'd be going on a trip with you. She's thrilled to spend time with her uncle. She really is. After maybe... a few weeks... just wipe her memory clean... make us disappear. We don't want her to suffer knowing that she'll never see us again anyway..." He muttered. The door opened, Clara was holding a few flowers and had dirt on her hands.

"Mommy!" She cried, a grin on her face.

"What is it Clara?" She held her arms up and waited. Morticia smiled and went to her, picking her up.

"Uncle," She said. Morticia chuckled and walked to Hohenheim. Clara held out the flowers and stared at him with stern eyes.

"Oh? For me?" She nodded. Hohenheim took them.

"Treat them nicely! I took time to pick them!" She said. He laughed.

"Of course I will, Clara..." Clara jumped down from her mothers arms and ran to her room.

"She is spirited..." Morticia hugged him.

"Please... take care of her..." She whispered.

"Yes..." Theodore patted his shoulder. Morticia left, tears falling from her eyes, and went to the kitchen.

"Daddy! Help!" Clara yelled. Theodore smiled.

"I'm coming, Clara." He nodded to Hohenheim and went to his daughter. Hohenheim felt sadness on his heart again. Clara would never know her parents again. He was taking her away to a new life. Theodore came back with a small bag and a backpack. Clara was holding a stuffed rabbit.

"Uncle is going to take you on an adventure, now."

"Ok, daddy." She hugged his leg and stared up at him. Hohenheim smiled softly. Morticia came out with a basket full of food and drink.

"Here... Take care, both of you..." Clara ran outside with her bag and rabbit. Hohenheim took the backpack and basket.

"There's a little wagon and horse outside waiting for you. Clara doesn't like walking a lot like you do!" Theodore forced a laugh. He patted Hohenheim's shoulder and watched him leave.

"Uncle! Hurry up! You're slow!" Hohenheim gently set the basket and backpack in the wagon and climbed onto the seat. Morticia and Theodore came out and waved at Clara.

"Listen to you Uncle!" Morticia said. Clara waved and laguhed.

"Bye! See you when we get back!!" She called, a smile on her face. Hohenheim caught his breath.

When... we get back... god... no!

Hohenheim stood over Clara. She was nineteen. A lot taller and a very scared. Hohenheim couldn't believe how she looked exactly like her mother. She had questioned him on when she was returning to her parents. She had been for years. He couldn't bear it any longer. With quick movements, he had restrained her. She was crying and screaming.

"Let me go! Let me go!! I want my mom! Where's daddy!?" She screamed. He put a hand on his forehead. Sadness overwelmed his heart.

"Clara... I'm so sorry..." She screamed.

"What's going on!?"

"Your parents..." She paused, tears rolling down her cheeks.

"What happened to them!?" She screamed.

"They... they've died... they've been dead for so long. I... I didn't want to let you know..." He said softly. Clara stared at him, her eyes filled with dread.

"Mom... daddy?! No!! They can't be!! No!!!!" She screamed.

"Clara... I'm sorry..." He put his hand on her head. She froze.

"What are you doing?!"

"I'm... I'm erasing it all..." She panicked.

"Let me go!! Let me go!!" She screamed. A jold of electricity ran through his hand. Clara's eyes rolled back into her head. She was still. He retracted his hand. He watched as she slowly began to shrink, her body turning younger and more fragile. A sleeping baby was what was left in the pile of small clothes. Hohenheim gently picked her up and wrapped her in a blanket. He looked behind him. The city that he knew was the home of understanding people. A friend also lived here. He would finally find her a suitable home.

The night air was dry and hot. He left a note on the wrappings and gently put the sleeping girl in the old basket Hohenheim still had. He stared at sleeping Clara with sad and regretful eyes.

"I entrust her to you... old friend..." He muttered. He walked away. The morning sun just beginning to peak over the horizen. A man came out with dark brown hair and stopped, almost stepping on little Clara. He stared down at it. He picked the baby up with careful hands and read the note. A woman came to his side. They carried her inside. Hohenheim smiled a bit. She was in good hands now.