I didn't hesitate, swimming over to Roy as fast as I could against the waves. He went under before I got there, and I followed, grabbing desperately for his collar. His jacket was so heavy—all those brass pieces were going to kill him.

I pulled the coat off him, already slack with unconsciousness, noting the area in which I thought it would sink to. The jacket would be a nice keepsake later on.

I then dragged him to the surface. For me, this was worse; the waves were growing in intensity and the sky was clouded over, but Roy couldn't breathe under water. That, at least, was certainly one area in which merpeople one-upped humans by a long shot.

I scanned the area, unable to find Alphonse—he had most likely gone back down to the palace, as the raging sea would prove a challenge to his heavier body (plus, he would be the type to go for help). I did, however, spot a large chunk of ship, the carvings making for good handholds.

I managed to push Roy onto it, then pulled myself half-up as well in order to keep him from falling off. I closed my eyes, knowing I could do nothing now but ride the storm out.

There was no other choice if I was to save Roy.

I was exhausted by the time the storm cleared, and worried; Roy had not regained consciousness. I wasn't sure if this was normal for humans or not, but what could I do?

The piece of ship we were on floated in the current, headed for shore. That was good—I could leave Roy there, on land where he would be safe. Now, with the calm sea, I swam, my tail pushing through the waters, headed for the beach.

Once there, I laid Roy out carefully. I wanted to rest myself, but I couldn't just leave him in the hands of fate—they, in my opinion and experience, weren't very reliable. I placed my head on his chest, relieved to find it still moving—he was alive then.

I went over the little I knew about humans from Winry. They had these things called lungs, I think, that helped them breathe…and lungs were in their chests. So…if lungs were used to air, water wouldn't be good for them, so I had to get any water out of his lungs, or so I guessed.

But how was I supposed to do that? I couldn't very well cut Roy open and leave his lungs to dry in the sun. I knew from witnessing Winry's stumbles that humans weren't any more durable than merfolk.

In frustration, I thumped his chest, shocked when the action caused a dribble of water to come out of his lips. Hopeful, I pushed down again, harder, and more came out, along with a cough.

Yes!

Another cough from Roy. I leaned over him, eager to see him wake up…

"Brother!"

I whipped around. "Al!" He was alright; a few bumps in his armor, but otherwise unscathed.

"Brother, we have to go! Father doesn't know yet that we left!"

That was shocking, and a good thing; I didn't need to deal with Hohenheim's lectures anymore. But, then again, I wanted to stay with Roy…dammit. "But…" I looked back to the man lying beside me, who was beginning to open his eyes. I'd just see him wake up, and then I'd leave. I just had to make sure he was okay, see those eyes…

Roy groaned, blinking in the sunlight. Instinctively, I cupped his cheek in my right hand. A giggle escaped me, which was irritating, but I couldn't help but smile. And then, true to my promise, I turned and dove back into the ocean, just as Roy sat up (probably wondering why a strange boy with a tail was hovering over him).

On the way down to the palace, I looked back to the surface. He had to be confused, and I wanted to return to him, but…I couldn't.

I was stuck in the water, tied down by Hohenheim as well as my nature.

"C'mon, Al, there's one thing we need to get before we go home."

"You're looking for a jacket!?"

"Yeah, I told you, Roy's jacket sunk when I saved him and I want it. I'm pretty sure it's over here somewhere…" I pulled up a rock, seeing something shiny underneath, but it was just a crab.

"Where could it…" and then I saw it, blue fabric swaying slightly in the current, stuck on a coral reef. "There!"

Of course, I had horrible timing—just as me and Al swam up, a shape appeared behind the reef, shadowy at first but then sharpening into quite possibly the last thing I wanted to see.

It was one of Dante's homunculi, Envy.

Immediately, I dove to the ocean floor, hurriedly transmuting a fist out of the compacted sand and directing it at him. Unfortunately, the slimy bastard got out of the way.

"Hey, hey, calm down…I'm just curious." Envy grabbed the jacket, making me grind my teeth. He was not getting that.

"Give it here, asshole."

"Look, I know you've got some hard feelings, but can't we just talk?" He swam down to me, making me back up against Alphonse in disgust.

"You're really curious about humans, aren't you? After all, you've been searching for forever for this jacket, right?"

I scowled, shuddering at the thought of being followed by the Sea Witch's homunculi—I had been in that position before, when they tempted me into going to her to bring my mother back. It was never a good situation.

Envy grinned. "I'll take that as a yes. But it's silly, isn't it? Chasing after a coat? Why are you—does it belong to someone special?" Evidently, I did not hide my emotions well enough, because he laughed. "Yep, it does. Edward's in love with a human!"

"I didn't say that!" I retorted angrily. I didn't love Roy, I hardly knew him. I just thought he was gorgeous, and wanted to see him again, and…shit.

Envy snorted. "You didn't have to. But, if you care about this human so much, why go after their jacket? Why not them?"

Alphonse came to my defense…sort of. "He's a merman, Envy."

"So become human."

This suggestion was met with spluttering from Al, and silence from me. Become a human…dare I entertain the thought?

"Anyway, just a suggestion. Here," Envy tossed me the jacket, which I grabbed and held close, watching the homunculus depart as quickly as he had come.

"He's insane, you know that, Brother. Let's go home."

For once, I followed Al, my thoughts distant. I was so drawn to Roy, but how was I to become human…?

As if my life needed to become any more complicated.