Chapter 4: Can We Play Now?

A/N: Oh! Sorry I didn't mention this earlier but Zuko's mother disappeared when he was 5 years old, Ed was born 2 years later and Al 2 years after that, so here are their current ages:

Zuko: 16

Ed: 14

Al: 12

Aang: 12 (112 if you want to get technical...)

Thought it should have been mentioned earlier but, I forgot. Sorry!

Signed,

SHADOW OF EYES

SOKKA'S P.O.V.

"Man, this house is huge!" I said as Ed, Al, Aang, Mustang and I walked in the gates.

Ed nodded and said, "It's belongs to a state alchemist, so what did you expect."

Aang looked at me and said, "You mean all state alchemist can afford a house like this?"

Ed smirked and said, "No...we can afford much bigger, but alchemist tend to be... modest, always trying to keep to our creed, 'Be Thou for the people'."

He looked like he was going to say more when a giant black and white dog pounced on him.

Ed yelled, "Ahhh!"

Al looked at his brother and asked, "You okay, Ed?"

He groaned and yelled, "Someone get this dam dog off me!"

"Daddy! There are people out here, look!"

A little girl came running out with brown braids and bright green eyes.

Behind her was a man with short brown hair, dark grey eyes, and a set of glasses.

He sighed and said, "Nina, this is why I told you to keep the dog tied up."

He looked at us and said, "Oh, sorry to keep you waiting please come in."

"I'm sorry about the mess. Ever since my wife ran out, this place has been a wreck. I'm not much of a housekeeper. Now that we're all settled in, let me say that it's a pleasure to meet you, Edward. As the colonel told you, I'm the Sewing Life Alchemist Shou Tucker. May I ask would your friends are?" Tucker asked as he lead us to a table in the messy house.

Aang smiled and said, "My name is Avatar Aang and this is my friend Sokka from the Southern Water Tribe. We come from The Four Nations."

Tucker smiled and said, "I've heard about the abilities of those countries and how the Avatar could bend all the elements. May I have a demonstration?"

Aang nodded and created a small ball of fire in his right hand and in his left a sphere of air.

Tucker leaned in closer and said, "Amazing! To this a mere boy has so much power!"

Aang stopped bending and said, "We should get back to what we were saying before."

Mustang nodded and said, "Ed is interested in the field of biologic alchemy. He, his brother, and his friends would like to have a look at your research, if that's possible."

Tucker nodded and said, "Oh, yes, certainly, I don't mind. However..."

He pushed his glasses up on the brim of his nose and said, "If you want me to show you the tricks I've got up my sleeve, it's only fair that you show me the tricks you got up yours as well. It's the code we live by- equivalent exchange. Now, why are you interested in bio-alchemy?"

I muttered out, "Oh, um... Ed... Well, you see he's-"

Ed said calmly, "Sokka... It's okay... I'll tell him..."

"You transmuted your mother...as an eleven year old child? I see...so that's what earned you the title "Fullmetal Alchemist". You've had a rough time of it for someone so young. I can't say for sure if it's going to be of any use to you or not, but why don't you go ahead and take a look at my laboratory." Tucker said with a sad smile after hearing Ed and Al's story.

We walked down the stares and I saw cages...

Cages holding things like wolf-bats, moose-bears, turtle-ducks, and rabbit-deer.

Aang looked at the cages and said, "I thought they haven't been to our lands."

Al shook his head and said, "Those aren't animals from your land... They're chimeras... they're created with alchemy."

Tucker sighed and said, "It's kind of embarrassing. I'm fairly widely regarded as an authority on chimeras. But the truth is...it hasn't actually been going that well lately."

Tucker opened up a set of doors and revealed a large library with tons of books.

Ed's eyes lit up like he was in a candy shop and said, "Ohh, amazing!"

Tucker smiled and said, "This is my library. Feel free to look around."

Ed clapped his hands and said, "All right then, let's dive in! I'll start with this shelf!"

Al walked over to the other side of the library and said, "I'll try starting over here."

Mustang looked at them and said, "I'm going to head back to work now. I'll send somebody by to get you this evening."

The Elrics didn't respond, they only just keep on reading.

I yelled, "Ed! Al! Mustang is talking to you!"

They still didn't react.

Aang gathered up and air ball and was about to throw it when Tucker placed an arm in front of him.

He smiled and said, "Relax, they just shut everyone out so they can read. They've got some ability to focus, I'm not sure they know we're here anymore. Quite a catch these two... A couple of prodigies."

Tucker looked at us and said, "Why don't you two find something to read?"

I nodded and grabbed Aang heading over to a shelf.

Aang looked at me and asked, "Why are you excited Sokka?"

I pulled out an beginners alchemy guide and said, "I'm going to learn how to do alchemy, from this stuff. I'll get to fly around like you guys!"

Aang sighed and said, "Well Sokka I... Sokka?"

I didn't respond, I just kept reading the beginning passage which said;

Alchemy.

The science of understanding, deconstructing and reconstructing matter.

However, it is not an all powerful art. It is impossible to create something out of nothing.

If one wishes to obtain something, something of equal value must be given.

This is the law of equivalent exchange.The basis of all alchemy.

In accordance with this law, there is a taboo among alchemists.

Human transmutation is strictly forbidden.

For what could equal the value of a human soul?

AANG'S P.O.V.

I sat down completely bored out of my mind when I heard a giggle from around a shelf.

I when, "Hmm?"

Nina peaked her head around and was giggling up a storm.

She walked up to me and asked, "Do you want to play?"

I smiled and said, "Sounds like fun to me!"

I began bending an air spheres to wear Nina could sit on them and spin.

She laughed out loud with great big smiles.

Al walked over and saw the fun we were having.

He picked up Nina and put her on his shoulders and pretended to be a horse.

Nina and I laughed as Al said, "Woo-hoo! Way up high!"

Al was laughing too and enjoying himself.

"Al, Aang, what're you two doing?! You're supposed to be reading!"

I looked and saw Ed and Sokka looking at the two of us very seriously.

I rubbed my head and said, "Um... Nina looked like she wanted to play..."

Sokka looked at us and said, "Well, in case you forgot, we didn't come here to play horsie!"

Then Alexander came in and jumped on to Ed once more.

Nina smiled and said, "Alexander says that he wants to play, too!"

Ed yelled to the dog, "Ahhh! That's what you want, is it? You've bested me twice, dog...but playtime is over! I will not lose this time. I, Edward Elric, will use my considerable powers to vanquish you! YOU MANGY MUTT!"

Ed began to chase Nina and Alexander through the library, laughing the entire time.

Then a man with a dirty blonde hair and...

I don't know what it's called but it smells bad and he has it burning between his lips.

He looked at Ed and said, "Hey, chief! Your ride has arrived. What're you doing down there, Ed?"

Ed smiled and said, "Oh hey Havoc, uh... Let's just say I'm taking a break from a long day of research."

Tucker smiled and said, "After all that, you four must be dog-tired. Why don't you come on back tomorrow?"

Nina looked at me and said, "You're really going to come again?"

I nodded and said, "We'll play some more tomorrow, OK Nina?"

She smiled and said, "OK!"

Havoc nodded and said, "Oh, Mr. Tucker, I almost forgot. I've got a message for you. It's from the colonel. He says 'Don't forget, assessment day is coming soon'."

Tucker nodded and said, "Yes... I know."

Havoc nodded and said, "Right. Have a good night."

We all got into the car, Sokka carrying some books on minor alchemy.

I looked at Ed and asked, "What does "assessment day" mean?"

Ed sighed and said, "State alchemists have to report their research once a year in order to keep their certification. Apparently is that time of year again."

I looked at Ed and asked, "So how many have you been thought those?"

Ed smiled and said, "I've been through two, considering I been a state alchemist for only two years."

We pulled up to the hotel and Havoc let me and Sokka out.

Al looked at us and said, "We'll see you guys later, we're going to check on Nii-san."

I nodded and said, "Tell Zuko I said hi."

They nodded and drove away.

I looked up at the sky thinking about what tomorrow would bring.

ALPHONSE'S P.O.V.

"Your mother left two years ago?" I asked Nina as we were sitting down in the library.

She nodded and said, "Daddy said she went back to live at her parent's house."

Sokka then said, "It must get kind of lonely with just you and your dad living in this big house, huh?"

She gave a soft smile and said, "Mm-mm. Not really. Daddy's so nice, and plus, I've got Alexander to play with too! But lately Daddy's been studying in his lab all the time... I guess that does make me feel a little bit lonely."

Ed yawned and said, "My shoulders are killing me!"

I replied, "Maybe you should try to move around some, Brother."

Ed smiled and said, "Yeah, not a bad idea Al. Hey, you mangy mutt!"

Alexander looked at Ed and barked.

Ed smiled and said, "Looks like you could use some exercise!"

Ed said as he chased Alexander outside.

Aang looked at the three of us and said, "Let's go too!"

Everyone jumped up and ran outside playing.

Nina used me like a slide while Sokka threw his boomerang to where Alexander brought it back.

Aang used his water bending to make snow from the fountain, which Nina made a snowman.

Ed transmuted his arm into a grabber and chased after Nina as she rode Alexander.

Ed and Nina were laughing the hardest as Ed said, "I'm going to get you! Look out, here I come!"

Tucker came out and smiled. "Hey why don't you come in and take a break."

We all walked in and sat down Nina sat with Alexander and her father.

Tucker looked at her and said, "Before I earned my State Alchemist certification, our life was terrible. We were so poor in those days. My wife couldn't stand living that kind of life, so she left us. I can't afford to fail this assessment. I don't want to ever go back to those days again. I don't even think I could."

Nina looked at her father and said with a great big smile, "Don't worry Daddy, it's OK. If those people do tell you no, me an Alexander will growl at them until they say yes!"

Aang laughed and said, "You tell them, Nina!"

Tucker gave a small chuckle and said, "Hey, Nina...I've got an idea. Do you want to play with Daddy tomorrow?"

Her eyes lit up as she said, "Really?!"

He nodded in conformation and said, "Yeah."

Nina hugged her dog and said, "Woo hoo! Alexander, Daddy says he's going to play with us tomorrow!"

Alexander barked in sheer happiness.

I looked at my brother and he smiled at me.

We both knew tomorrow thing were going to change for Nina and Tucker...

KATARA'S P.O.V.

"So this Nina is pretty special huh?" Toph asked as we got out of the car.

Aang nodded and said, "She really sweet and loves to play! I thought we bring you guys today to surprise her."

Al opened the door and said, "Hello, Mr. Tucker! Thanks for having us again today!"

Sokka looked around and said, "Huh? Mr. Tucker?"

Aang yelled out, "Hey! Nina?"

We walked around until we found him sitting in the floor with a creature.

Al then said, "Mr. Tucker!" Ed looked at him and said, "There you are. So you are home!"

The man had a big smile on and said, "Yes."

Ed and Al looked at the creature and gasped.

Aang looked at it and said, "Mr. Tucker... Did you just make a chimera?"

He nodded and said, "I did it boys. I finally did it. A chimera that understands human speech. Here, let me show you. Listen to me...those people over there, that's Edward, Sokka, and Aang."

The creature whispered out in a cold bone chilling, almost childish voice, "Those people... Ed...ward... So...kka... and... Aang..."

Tucker smiled and pet his creation saying, "Yes, that's very good. Well done!"

Sokka and Ed knelt down to it and Ed said, "That's amazing! It can actually talk."

Tucker sighed and said, "Now I don't have to worry about losing my certification."

The Chimera whispered out, "That person... Ed...ward. That person... So...kka... That person... Aang... Big Brothers..."

The three boys faces froze at what it said.

Toph nudged me and said, "Something doesn't feel right about that thing..."

Ed muttered out, " ... When did you first get your state certification...?"

Tucker looked up and said, "Let's see... It was two years ago."

Then Ed asked, "And when did your wife leave you?"

Why the unrelated questions?

Tucker replied, "That was two years ago, too."

Okay... Maybe not unrelated as I thought but still...

Ed looked at him and said, "I just have one more question for you... Nina and Alexander... Where are they?!"

A gasp rolled throughout the room.

Tucker hissed out. "Damn brat, figuring it out so quickly!"

Ed grabbed Tucker and shoved him against the wall.

I yelled, "Ed! What the hell are you doing?!"

I ran up to stop him when Sokka held me back.

I looked at him and said, "Let me go! Ed hurting an innocent man..."

Aang cried out, "He a monster Katara... A monster..."

I looked at Ed as he yelled out, "Oh yeah, I figured it out. You did it again! Two years ago, it was your wife! This time you used your own daughter and her dog to transmute a talking chimera! You can only do so much with animals, after all. It's much easier when you start with a human, ISN'T THAT RIGHT?!"

I whispered out, "He did what?! His daughter..."

I looked at the chimera as it said, "I'm... Nina... What's... your... name...?"

Oh dear God...

Tucker laughed and said, "I don't see what you're so upset about... This is how we progress. Human experimentation is a necessary step. I would think a scientist would understand."

Ed yelled, "SHUT UP! Do you really think you can get away with this?! Messing around with someone's life like that?! Your own daughter?!"

Tucker replied, "Someone's life, you say? Ha ha, you would know all about that, wouldn't you? Look at you, Fullmetal Alchemist... Look at your leg, your arm, at your brother! Those things are also the result of messing around with someone's life, aren't they?!"

Ed punches Tucker in the face once again, causing his glasses to fall and break.

Tucker chuckles and said, "We are the same! We're the same! You're just like me!"

Ed yells, "We're not!"

Tucker laughs and said, "Oh, but yes we are! The opportunity was right in front of us and we took it. We had to, even though we knew it was against the rules!"

Ed yelled out in fury, "No!"

Ed punches Tucker in the face again. "Not me!"

And again... "Alchemists don't..."

And again... "Do that!..."

And again... "I'm not... I'm not!"

Ed goes to punch Tucker again, but Al stops him, by grabbing his arm.

Al said, "Brother! If you keep this up, he'll die."

Tucker's face was bruised and bloody, from the automail hitting his skin.

Nina rubbed against Ed's leg and said, "Ed..ward. No. Daddy...Do you..hurt Daddy..."

Al knelt down and said, "I'm sorry. Even with all our power, we can't do anything to change you back. I'm sorry. I'm sorry..."

Nina said, "Can we play now... can we play now?"

Tucker held up his pocket watch and said in a weak voice, "I made it just in time... I get to remain a State Alchemist... I passed!"

Ed kicked way his watch with Tucker scrambling to get it and said, "Like hell you're staying a State Alchemist. Like hell."

Nina looked at Aang and asked, "Can we...play now?"

Sokka released me and Aang came crying into my shoulder.

Ed looked at her and screamed out in pure torment.

The man is a monster...

"If ever there was an example of the Devil's work in this world, this case would definitely be it." Hawkeye said as she and Mustang walked down the steps of the command center.

It was pouring down rain and they both carried umbrella's.

Mustang said, "The Devil, huh? A State Alchemist must be willing to act, able to take another's life when ordered to without question. In some ways, Mr. Tucker's actions and our own may not be all that far apart, when it comes to interfering with other people's lives. We choose our own path, knowing full well what we're doing. That's the way it is. Right, Fullmetal?"

He looked at Ed who had his head buried in his arms on the steps outside the Hotel, all of us sat out there with him.

Mustang looked at him and said, "You will more than likely come across cases like this again in the future, and you may have to get your own hands dirty as well. Are you going to shut down like this every time?"

Ed replied coldly, "We may be called dogs of the military... We may even be cursed as devils. It doesn't matter. Al and I are still going to get our bodies back. We know the truth. We know we're not devils. We know we're not gods! We're human."

He screamed out, "We're only human! We can't even do anything to save one innocent little girl. So what good are we then?"