Disclaimer: I do not own FMA
Claimer: Felicia, Noelle, and Jacob belong to me
Chapter Three: The Secrets Within
Thundering against the tracks, a lengthy locomotive sped along the endless railway seemingly going nowhere. Facial features turned to the glass window, Edward starred out at what looked to be like endless plains. Alphonse, his right fist placed under his chin was cataleptically listening to the clanking of the iron train. And the major, who was sitting in between them both, glanced down absentmindedly at the silver watch lying on his thigh. The little minute hand slowly inching around the pocket watches face ticking at a rhythmic pace. Looking away from the outside world, the elder Elric turned to his sibling. In a low whisper the two had begun to converse about the orders given to them by Colonel Roy Mustang.
"Al, do you remember when we were younger?" Ed questioned looking up at the armored youth. "That story mom told us about the princess?"
"Of course I do, Big Brother." Alphonse replied nodding his head. "We'd ask to hear that one before we fell asleep."
"Well, I just remembered something about that old story we were told." Ed sighed looking down at his hands.
"Remembered something?" Al asked seemingly cocking an eyebrow he no longer possessed.
"The story talked about a stone…a red stone." Ed whispered clenching his right fist tightly.
"Brother, you're not thinking…" Al inquired a wary tone developing in his usually smooth voice.
"I just don't know. Dr. Marcho is the creator of the world's first and only successful Philosopher's Stone, right Major Armstrong?" asked Ed as the Major closed his watch.
"To my knowledge yes." nodded Armstrong slipping the trinket back into his pants pocket.
"No one else has made another stone in comparison to the Philosopher's Stone. There have been futile attempts…but no one has produced the 'real deal'." Ed murmured rubbing his chin. "If every stone has been a fluke up until now…why would the Colonel send us out of our way to come to Alcestis unless he's actually found something?"
"You're right." Al agreed shaking his head lightly. "Unless there is something important in Alcestis we wouldn't have been sent on this mission."
"And let's not forget to mention that we wouldn't have needed and escort on the train unless he thought that we might run into trouble." Ed exclaimed grinning broadly.
"So this means…." Al trailed off.
"Yes Al, there is a good probability that we might be able to get you your original body back." Ed smiled touching his brother's shoulder lightly.
"Last stop Alcestis!"
Peering out the window the Elric brother's could see the great city coming into view. Tall buildings, coble paved streets, and a giant steeple standing on the top of a rolling green hill; the metropolis screamed rags and riches. Pressing his face against the window Edward waited excitedly for the locomotive to come to stop. Grabbing their baggage at the feel of the brakes, the brothers gave a quick wave to the Major before parting. Standing in the station's holding area, the boys starred back up at the train as shimmering tears traced the Major's cheekbones. Rolling his eyes and waving unenthusiastically, Ed gave the bulging muscled pansy a quick salute.
"Stop crying Major! The next time you see us we'll be back to normal!"
Almost as if there had been no train, Edward and Alphonse were left in the silence the only whisper was that of wind picking up. Lifting their luggage onto his back, Al turned to his brother who gave a light smile. Then turning to the coble road in front of them the two took their first step into the city. Bustling movement around them the streets swamped with people from the town, the brothers searched for a good place to start their quest. Then, almost as if it was some sort of spiritual sign, a low but melodic tune started playing on a not too distant street corner. Pushing through the mass of people the two came to an abrupt halt when they're eyes made contact with a hooded figure, her mouth slightly ajar letting out an ever so radiant note.
You and I
Were fated to die
So that we can save the ones that we love
A sick twist in fate
Destined to hate
The outcomes of this cruel plan
But I promise you
That I'll do as you do
For actions speak louder than words
They may not understand
The motives at hand
I assure you that they soon will know
Listen to me
And I'll give you the key
To a treasure that glows red inside
For now you must sleep
While the city will weep
Till the debt is repaid unto you
And this burden at hand
You'll soon understand
Why it must be mine alone
The truth in the night
Will be revealed by the light
At the end of the mockingbird's song
Mouth closing shut and the hauntingly beautiful melody coming to a close, cheers from the crowd had erupted. Coins of silver and gold scattering around her feet, the mysterious vocalist gathered up her profit placing the coins into a velvet bag. Starring at the pauper dressed in rags, her voice still fresh in his mind, Edward felt something stir inside him. Her words echoing in his skull, the lyrics piecing together what seemed to be a once destroyed puzzle, it hit him. She was the key that he needed to get his brother's body back. Reaching foreword, the alchemist gently grabbed her shoulder.
"Excuse me miss…my name's Edward Elric. I was wondering if I could ask you a couple questions?"
His name, the watch, the strange clothing…he must be a state alchemist. Bolting away as fast as her feet could carry her, the mystifying street performer disappeared into the crowd. Ed giving his sibling a strange glance followed in suit…
Okay so that was chapter three. The lyrics sung by the street performer belongs to me. It's called The Secrets Within. And if you wish to borrow it please let me know. Thanks a ton! And please review!