Arriving in Rush Valley, the trio was staring after Winry who was aweing loudly at the auto-mails and the sight of the village. Serah smiled, feeling the warmth from the high sun. It isn't as warm here as in Ishval, but it still felt nice to the Ishvalen, Ed was groaning beside her, feeling the heat.
"Oh wooow, it's beautiful! This automail, it's a Gotts eleventh year model! I never thought that I would see it here. What?" Winry had turned around and noticed Ed staring at her with a weird out expression.
"Nothing, come on Serah, Al."
"This Rush Valley has aptly named the holy land of automail, here automail technology advances at an aggressive pace."
"Yeah, it's full of unrest within these borders, hopefully, the economy here stays afloat." Ed agreed with Winry even though he is skeptical.
"Incredible! Fifty-one straight wins! No way you can beat this guy!" Someone shouted from the gathered crowd, the noise caused the trio and Winry to look over to the crowd in confusion and wonder.
"Metallic arm-wrestling contest! Limited only to challengers with automail arms, entry fee is ten thousand cents, take home the pot if you beat the champion!" The announcer called out, trying to get new contestants. Ed and Serah gave each other a look before turning to Al who shrugged, Winry had already made her way over to the crowd. Ed groaned before he made his way through the crowd with Serah and Al behind him, the Ishvalen had taken a seat on Al's shoulder.
"Great! Lemme give it a shot! Hehehe I just got a new arm today, let me test out its limits."
"Oh, you seem pretty confident, buddy." The Champion snugly spoke with his arms crossed for a moment as the new contested took the seat opposite of the Champion. Winry and the Trio stood in front of the crowd, Winry clearly in awe and wonder as she stared at the contestants at the table.
"Ready, steady, Go!" The match badly last a second before the Champion destroyed the contestant's automail, Serah frowned for a moment, the energy was high and filled with cheers and catcalls, it felt… nice with the excitement and joy.
"Is this really a new arm?" Someone called out.
"Sorry, bub. Lemme get rid of this scrap for ya." The Champion grinned snugged, staring at the contested.
"How can this be."
"It broke! The arm broke off!? Lemme fix it for ya! No, let me! I'll give you a discount! Hey, I saw him first! I'll let you pay in installments! You can work for me to pay it off if you have no money!" Voices from the crowd shouted at the defeated contested.
"Next up…. How about the big guy standing over there? Wanna give it a shot?" The Announcer turned his glaze to Al who immediately turned the question down.
"Me!? No, I couldn't possibly."
"Now how about you with the right automail arm? Oh sorry, a short-fart like you couldn't possibly win. Now, who else wants to try instead?" The announcer turned away from Ed, looking for other contestants. Ed started fuming before walking over to the table, Serah and Al groaned as Serah hid her eyes behind her palm.
"Oh no, now he has done it."
"It isn't going to be pretty." Al agreed with Serah as they along with Winry stared at the young Alchemist.
"Whoa! Is the shorty really going to go for it!?"
"Interesting!" The champion grinned, showing off his teeth as he and Ed got ready.
"You better win this no matter what!" Winry scowled at the older Elric; Serah crossed her arms while shaking her head at the older Elric.
"There's too much difference in size and strength, looks like another arm is gonna break, mechanics get ready!" Someone from the crowd yet again called out.
"Ready, steady, go!"
"Ten cents on Ed."
"I'm not going to take that bet, Serah."
"Eh, well." The Ishvalen shrugged her shoulders, Al and the silver-haired girl immediately knew that Ed would cheat to win. Badly a second passed before Ed destroyed the Champion's automail, which caused the Champion and the Announcer to look completely shocked.
"Eh?"
"Sorry, looks like a busy day for scrap dealers." The older Elric didn't at all sound apologetic, Ed grinned smugly while leaning back on the chair.
"it broke! What? The arm got busted?! Get a new one from me! no from me! I'll fix it for ya!" The sight of a broken automail fired the crowd right back up as shouts and cheers filled the air.
"What happened?" Winry asked, looking at the Trio.
"Playing unfair was what happened."
"His arm was broken by Brother using Alchemy."
"You couldn't possibly have beaten him." Winry scowled the older Elric.
"Hehehe, I can't hear you!"
"Hey! I haven't seen this kind of automail before." Someone from the crowd called out, pointing at Ed's automail.
"Can I take a closer look?" Another one spoke, the mechanics from the crowd immediately gathered around Ed and Winry. Serah and Al moved a bit away, watching as Ed looked a bit panicked.
"Eh?" The alchemist spoke, sounding rather confused and uncomfortable.
"I made it!"
"You young Missy? That's amazing skilled for someone this young." Winry beamed at the praise.
"Wow, and I thought it has a much simpler mechanism. I see… so it's hollow here. Oh, the left leg is automail too? Lemme see! Raise that leg! Take your pants off, I can't get a clear look." Serah growled as she jumped down and walked over to Ed, this has gone on too long. Al sighed, knowing that it wouldn't be pretty when the Ishvalen gets overprotected of him and his brother.
"How about no!" The mechanics standing around Ed and Serah flinched and moved a few feet away, not liking the silver-haired girl's glare directed at them. Those from the crowd stopped, somehow feeling like they had overstepped a line. Serah turned to the young Alchemist; The crowd watched as the silver-haired girl spoke softly to the blonde boy who was still a bit glaring at the crowd around him and the Ishvalen.
"Everyone is so enthusiastic; this is indeed the holy land of automail. Everyone is so interested in automail here."
"That's not a good reason for making me stand here shirtless!" Ed growled at Winry who ignored him, Serah laced her fingers with Ed's, pulling his attention back to her.
"Haha… a state Alchemist standing shirtless-" Al grinned, Ed while a bit thankful for the distraction, still glared at his younger brother.
"You want a trashing, Al!?"
"That is not what I meant."
"Yeah, sure."
"Here you go." Serah held out his shirt and jacket, the older Elric took the clothing from the Ishvalen. He gave her a small thankful smile, Al and Winry talked a bit with each other.
"Thanks, Serah." Ed pulled the shirt on, pushing the fabric into his pants before he started to pat his pockets down in a slight panic. The panicked expression he wore worried Al, Winry, and Serah as they turned to the Alchemist.
"What is it?" The female Rockbell asked as she and Al stepped closer to Ed and Serah.
"It's gone… my state Alchemist id. My silver pocket watch is gone!" Ed explained, causing Serah and Al to stare at the Alchemist in shock while Winry looked confused. The Mechanic didn't understand the problem, isn't it just a normal pocket watch? And why is it so important? Serah glanced at Winry from the corner of her eye, able to sense the confusion and wonder coming from the Rockbell mechanic. The Ishvalen ignored it for the moment but decided to come back to it later.
"What do you mean, it is gone?" Serah proclaimed, placing her hands on her hips.
"That I don't have it! What else would it mean!?" Ed growled back at Serah who glared in return.
"Do not snap at me, Ed." The Ishvalen's glance turned blank as she stared at him with her hands on her hips. Ed scratched his head, apologizing to her.
"I think you're being played, buddy. Must be the handiwork of Paninya, she is a thief that targets tourists." Some older mechanics were watching the scene, told the Trio and Winry.
"What!?"
"Do you know where I can find this person? Please that item is very important."
"Hmmm, no harm in telling you but let us take a look…. At your automail." The other old mechanic spoke, the two of the mechanics held up their tools.
"How about no." A shape-looking throwing knife was held up, just a few inches away from their faces. Serah glared at the mechanics; she knew that Ed doesn't like strangers to look at his automail limbs.
"The west side main, at a collectors shop called Glatz." Serah turned around as she put the throwing knife back into its holster on her belt. Winry frowned sightly while Serah stepped past her and over to the Elric brothers, to Winry, somehow it felt like Serah was ignoring her. The mechanic couldn't shake the feeling of. The Blonde turned her gaze to the ground. The female Rockbell didn't notice that Serah was looking at her from the corner of her red eye, the brothers have seen the gaze Serah cast Winry, with an inhale, the Ishvalen spoke. "Well, let go find this Paninya."
The group of four made their way towards the shop. Ed slammed the door wide open, pointing and glaring at Paninya standing at the counter with the owner.
"Don't move! And don't even try to open that pocket watch! Bastard!"
"Hey bro catch!" Paninya grinned and threw a jar towards the Alchemist with her foot before trying to run off.
"Noooooo! That's a hundred thousand cent jar!" The Owner shouted; Ed just badly managed to catch the jar in a panic.
"Nice catch. Hehehe." Paninya cast a smug grin before disappearing from Ed's view.
"Hey! Stop right there! Move those legs, Al!" The Elric brothers quickly disappeared from Serah and Winry's view, as the brothers went after Paninya.
"What should we do?" Winry wondered out loud, holding a hand on her cheek.
"Let those two have their fun, I am a bit hungry." Serah turned around and started walking towards the main street, leaving Winry with no choice to follow after the Ishvalen if she didn't want to get lost.
"Oh, well than let us find some food and I would like to know you a little better." The female Rockbell announced, glancing at the silver-haired girl from the corner of her eye. Serah turned around and started walking backward, giving the mechanic a tiny smile, which threw Winry for a loop. The blonde stared at the Ishvalen confused as she frowned right after Serah turned back around. The Ishvalen able to sense the confusion and hesitance from Winry, with a sigh, Serah spoke. She wanted to make an effort to get to know the childhood friend of the Elric brothers.
"I think that I saw a small food stand a bit back, and I would like that too, Winry."
"Well, then we are on the same page, Serah." The sight hesitance in Winry's voice hurt a bit more than Serah was comfortable with, she knows that to those who don't know her, that she could seem cold and uncaring towards them. It got nothing to do with them but everything with the Ishvalen instead, she is uncomfortable and very distrusting of new people or strangers. To them, it sometimes doesn't seem like that but instead like she won't make an effort in getting to know them. It's just… getting to know new people is challenging for the silver-haired girl, while Serah likes the aura she felt from Ed, the first time they met. It actually took her a long time before she was truly and completely comfortable with both of the Elric brothers, she is trying her best with Winry and getting to know the female Mechanic.
"So how are we going to find Ed and Al?" The long-haired blonde asked after she and Serah had brought a few pieces of flesh-made pastries for themselves and Ed. The Ishvalen had gotten a maple apple wrapped in puff pastry with white icing for the Alchemist, which shocked Winry. As the female Rockbell never thought that after all these years, apple pastries are still Ed's favorite. Serah smiled softly at the blonde girl when she pointed that out.
Serah closed her eyes for a moment which made Winry a bit confused as the mechanic stared at the Ishvalen.
"I can sense others, their auras, I mean. Along with their emotions." Winry's eyes widened in shock and feeling a bit embarrassed, hearing that Serah has in fact been able to sense her emotions. So, everything, she has felt ever since she tagged along with the trio. The Ishvalen have been able to feel her emotions, every feeling of hesitance, doubt, frustration, and… anger. The mechanic opened her mouth to apologize, it's just the blonde never thought that Ed and Al, her childhood friends, her brothers would have someone else traveling with them all this time. Someone she didn't know; the mechanic is a bit wary of the silver-haired girl. She has heard all about the Ishvalens and what kind of people they are, her parents left for the civil Ishvalen war, and… they never came back home.
"Found them." Serah turned her head bit to look over her shoulder towards Winry.
"Do not worry about it, Winry. For me at least, I can tell you already that it will take some time before I am comfortable with you. I learned earlier in my life that one needed to wary and distrusting of others, while I am trying to work past that, it will take time." Serah felt the sight understanding from Winry as the mechanic moved over to her, the two girls looked at each other for a short moment before they in unison walked towards where Serah felt the auras of the brothers were.
"Serah, I'm sorry. It's just I never thought-" Winry traded off as she noticed Al was standing in front of Paninya and the younger Elric quickly transmuted a human-sized birdcage around the dark tanned girl.
"She fell for it." Winry stared in awe while Serah crossed her arms under her chest.
"Mmm." The Ishvalen agreed, casting a glance at the blonde standing beside her.
"Played me as the fool, eh?" Ed walked over to the cage, standing beside his younger brother.
"Hey, don't treat me like a bad person. Hmmm, you better step back a little." Paninya knocked on the strong wire that created the cage. Before she took a step back, wearing a grin.
"Eh?" Paninya swung her leg and destroyed part of the cage, before holding her other leg up in a bent position, pointing it at Ed and Al. Serah's eyes widened, she could badly make it. The brothers aren't that far from her.
"It's nothing surprising in this city, and my other leg can shoot projectiles too." Paninya fired a projectile at the brothers, just as Serah threw herself at them from behind. The force behind the Ishvalen's launch caused Ed and Al to fall over, missing the shot. Paninya laughed, casting a gaze at the trio laying on the ground, not seeing Winry.
"Both her legs are automail."
"You gotta be kidding me."
"Well, she is right, we really should not be surprised." The Ishvalen pushed herself up on her hands before standing up, holding out her hands towards Ed and Al. The younger Elric waved the concern off while Ed gladly took her hand, allowing her to pull him to his feet.
"Haha haha, hehe, catch me if you can! Hahaha!" Paninya continued to laugh as she started to run off and away from them. Winry grinned smugly as she grabbed Paninya's wrist and held tight, it caused Paninya to look over her shoulder at the blonde Mechanic in shock and panic.
"Oh no, I'm not letting you escape." The female Rockbell spoke with a glint in her blue eyes, Serah sweat-dropped, sensing the excitement and overjoy coming from the hyped mechanic.
"Good job, Winry!"
"Don't let that thief go!" The Elric brothers called out to their childhood friend.
"Heh, of course, I won't… this automail, you gotta let me take a closer look at it!" Winry while still holding onto Paninya's wrist, started to jump side to side in excitement as she squeaked loudly. Paninya stared at the weird blonde in front of her, wondering just who the hell is this girl. Serah blinked as she felt some small different emotion coming from Paninya as the dark-tanned girl continued to stare at Winry. The Ishvalen folded her arms over each other under her chest, keeping her gaze locked on the two girls with a slight tilt of her head.
"Eh?" The two brothers proclaimed, in shock and confusion. They turned to each other for a moment as the silver-haired girl came to stand in the space between the two brothers.
"You guys should have known that Winry would be like that." Serah's words caused Al and Ed to groan in disbelief. She is of-course right, even though they will never tell the Ishvalen that.
"If you don't hurry, I'm gonna leave you guys out here," Paninya called out to Ed and the others, Paninya was walking in front with Serah and Al. While Ed and Winry walked behind the trio, the Alchemist and Mechanic watched as Paninya turned to talk with Serah as they walked further up the mountain.
"Leave us here? Why do I have to, accompany you guys out here in the middle of nowhere."
Before they left for the Mechanic named Dominic, who created Paninya's automail legs. Winry had taken a look at the automail legs while ranting about the work that went into making the automail under her breath. Serah looked amused she kept staring at Winry, Paninya, and the Elric brothers who were crouching down on the ground and talking to each other. Paninya agreed to take Winry and the trio to Dominic, Ed had protested rather loudly at that, not at all agreeing with that decision. When suddenly a crowd appeared and started to rip into Ed for making damage and vandalism, Serah sighed while shaking her head. The Ishvalen took a seat on Al' shoulder while Ed went with the crowd to reconstruct the damage he made in the chase after Paninya. The trio and Winry along with Paninya went to a hotel, leaving their luggage in the room, they paid for. They felt that it is better since they don't know far in the mountains Dominic lives.
"You sure that the Mechanic lives out here…" The younger Elric asked, glancing at the black-haired girl.
"Uh-huh, the mountains are in ore, which is good for making automail limbs. Dominic is also a loner, that's why he doesn't live in the city."
"Hey! Give me, my pocket watch back!"
"You promised to let me off if I bought you to Dominic's home! We have a deal!" Paninya shot back at Ed who moved up to walk beside the dark-skinned girl, arguing with her while Serah sighed as she stood back and fell in steps with Al and Winry.
"Hey Serah, why does Ed need that watch so much?" The Ishvalen glanced at the Mechanic from the corner of her eye before looking ahead at Ed and Paninya, the older Elric looked frustrated while Paninya glared at him.
"The pocket watch is the proof to show others that Ed is a State Alchemist, we need that watch if we want to investigate something otherwise, we would not be able to."
"So, you need the watch for investigating?"
"Yes, without the pocket watch, military officers or civilians would not let us investigate. Do you think that they would let some kids investigate something without proof that one is a State Alchemist?"
"I didn't realize…" Serah heard a hint of regret in Winry's voice, the Ishvalen let a sigh as she folded her arms behind her head.
"You did not know, Winry. It is something most do not realize or even know."
"But you knew…"
"Well, I have been traveling with Ed and Al for three years by now and before that, I spent a lot of time being around the different headquarters of the Military, I have seen State Alchemists use their pocket watch so many times. Major Armstrong was the one that told me about the importance of the watch." Serah had been looking at Winry as she explained, Al yelped causing the two girls to stare ahead. Serah sighed before quickly running up to Ed and Paninya, Ed had swung out at the girl. And Paninya had moved out of the way from the punch while laughing, which only caused Ed to shout at the dark-tanned girl. Serah pointed at the Alchemist, telling him something which caused him to look at her.
"I see." The mechanic murmured under her breath, wrapping her arms around her torso, and turning her gaze to the ground. Winry didn't notice Serah looking back at her, the Ishvalen let out a sigh, able to feel the frustration, jealousy, and guilt the mechanic is feeling. Al looked at the blonde girl, taking a spot beside her, not saying anything but offering his comfort. Winry turned her gaze to Serah and Ed, watching as the pair talking with each other. The young Rockbell felt conflicted and frustrated if she had known that about the watch. She wouldn't have promised it to Paninya, she isn't blaming Ed or Al for not telling her. She shouldn't have promised something to someone that isn't hers, to begin with, the long-haired blonde just wishes that Ed and Al would have called during the last few years. She had been left by them in Resembool, wondering if they were safe and alive. She hated those days, where she waited for a phone call from them and never got one. It's not because she dislikes Serah, it's because the mechanic never knew about Serah. And when Ed and Al came home for a visit suddenly, they had Serah with them. Aren't they supposed to be a family? The Rockbell felt hurt that they never call and told her and Granny about Serah. She would have liked it a lot more if they had talked about Serah way earlier. And she is… a bit jealous of Serah's relationship with the Elric brothers, the three of them are so in tune and comfortable with each other.
"We're here, Quickly!" Paninya called out, beaming at the sight of the house in the near distance. The dark-tanned girl ran up to the home, Winry followed quickly after while Al, Ed, and Serah kept their walking pace. Paninya opened the door and called happily out to the people inside the living room; "Good afternoon." The man turned to her in a hint of surprise, it has been a while since Paninya had stopped by their home.
"Paninya, why are you up here?" Ridel asked, wiping his hands on a small cloth while looking at Paninya. The girl stretched the back of her head, looking a bit sheepishly. Winry walked inside first, a few seconds later Ed, Al and Serah appeared at the door.
"I bought some guests today!"
"Oh, here to buy some automail? Eh! Forgive my rudeness." Ed fumed, turning to Ridel with a glare. Which caused the shade-wearing Ishvalen to sigh, as she stared at the older Elric.
"Ed, calm down."
"This is Winry, an automail mechanic. She is interested in Dominic's work."
"I didn't realize that a young girl like you, could be interested in automail." Ridel had turned to the long-haired blonde, blinking. Winry smiled softly, holding out a hand towards him. A woman walked inside the room, holding a plate of snacks of some sort. She stared at her husband for a moment before she looked at the strangers before her eyes turned to Paninya.
"Oh, hey Paninya, I see that you bought some friends today."
"Satella, afternoon!" Paninya smiled at the heavily pregnant woman, who returned the smile.
"Just in time, I made some tea and snacks."
"Come in and have some." Ridel smiled at the young Rockbell and the dark-tanned girl, Winry turned to Paninya.
"Is that Dominic, he doesn't look like a loner." The blonde mechanic asked, being a bit confused. The question made the black-haired girl laugh, before she answered "Haha, no!"
"I'm Ridel and this is my wife, Satella. The loner is my father, Dominic." Winry nodded, Serah stepped a bit closer to the husband and wife. Ed of course was right beside her and Al on her other side, Ridel looked at the Ishvalen.
"I'm Serah and these are Edward and Alphonse Elric."
"Nice to meet you." Ridel smiled at the trio; Serah returned the smile with a small smile of her own.
"Likewise."
"Good afternoon, Dominic." Paninya turned to the older grumpy-looking man, who was working on a metal piece. Dominic turned to her and growled. "Why are you here again!"
"I am here to pay for the legs of course!"
"Forget it!"
"Still as brusque as ever!" The thief pouted as she crossed her arms over her chest.
"Paninya bought some guests over, come have some tea, it's getting late." Satella laughed at the sight of her father-in-law and the dark-skinned girl, just like always.
"Guests?" The rough-looking mechanic asked.
"Fitting the Carl cannon is a man's idea of being romantic!" Dominic stated as he stared at Winry and Paninya, with his arms crossed over his chest. The older Mechanic and the blonde Rockbell had started talking about Paninya's automail legs, Winry being interested in his work.
"It's not romantic! It's your hobby! A normal person wouldn't place a weapon in the automail legs of a girl!"
"Yes, it is! You have no right to criticize my sense of artistry!" Dominic completely dismissed Paninya's protest.
"Yeah! Yeah! It's art, besides its normal functions. It has a hidden weapon that is not easily detracted! The design is a work of art!" Winry spoke, agreeing with the older Mechanic as she can understand and appreciate the hard work that went into making an auto-email.
"You sure know a lot, little Missy." Winry beamed at the small praise, Paninya just stared at the insane Mechanics wondering how the hell she got herself into. The dark-tanned girl watched as Winry and Dominic continued to talk about their work, which made Paninya feel lost and totally confused.
"I don't get what is going on…" She grumbled, glaring slightly to the side. Somehow feeling a tiny bit jealous, but why Paninya didn't know.
Satella had taken a seat, feeling a bit dizzy and lightheaded from being on her feet. Ed and Al stared at the heavily pregnant woman in awe and enlightenment, the brothers had never really seen a pregnant woman before. Serah was standing behind the two brothers, wearing a small smile on her lips.
"Wow! You're pregnant!" Ed grinned, Al right beside him.
"Wa… that's so touching."
"She's due in a half a month!" Ridel proudly stated, resting a hand on Satella's shoulder. Serah could see and feel his badly contained excitement and joy over becoming a father, it made the Ishvalen smiled.
"It feels like it's getting heavier and heavier." Satella grimaced, shifting a little in her seat.
"Can I touch it?" The older Elric asked, glancing up at the heavily pregnant wife from his kneeling position.
Satella nodded with a smile, rubbing her swollen stomach.
"Sure, go ahead. You as well miss." Ed hesitated a second before resting a hand on her stomach. Serah crouched down beside Ed, she reached out and rested her right hand next to Ed's. Serah inhaled sharply, able to feel the child's aura, it… is so warm and full of life. The Ishvalen reached up and pulled her shades off, closing her eyes as she focused a little more on the child inside Satella's stomach.
"Oh, that's great though I don't get it but it's really great, the first time I have touched a pregnant woman's stomach. Hopefully, it will bring you luck, giving birth to a healthy baby." Ed grinned largely, turning to the Ishvalen beside him.
"It feels...warm…" A small smile tugged on Serah's lips.
"We were just like that in mom's tummy," Al murmured softly, placing his hand right beside Serah's on Satella's stomach.
"Yeah, it's unbelievable."
"Yes, to think that I have a little life inside me, is rather unbelievable."
Serah stood up and stepped back, drawing on her other senses as she pushed her shades back on her nose. The warmth of joy and love coming from the parents to be felt so amazing. A tiny pinch of discomfort caused Serah to turn to the waiting mother, the feeling disappeared fast leaving the Ishvalen frowning sightly, as she tilted her head in confusion.
"Ed, come here quickly," Winry called out, waving at the older Elric who in return felt unease all of a sudden. Which only made the Ishvalen shake her head at the two childhood friends.
"Hmmm, iron 17% steel 1%" Dominic held Ed's automail up, using a small tool as he tapped on the metal. Ed had been forced to strip down to his trousers by Winry, Serah was folding his clothes before letting it rest over her arms.
"I was thinking of increasing hardness and making it lighter." The blonde mechanic stood nearby, resting her hands behind her back.
"Correct, using his body as a comparison, the arm is too heavy. To the carrier, the stress is too much perhaps that is why he is so short for his age." The grumpy Mechanic agreed.
"Short! wait a minute, so if the arm is lighter, I might grow taller!?" Ed asked rather loudly, turning to Dominic who nodded "It's possible."
"Have his height always been a problem?" Satella turned to look at the young silver-haired girl, who was leaning against the nearby table.
"For him, yeah. Though I don't know why if you ask me. He has the perfect height." Al snorted at the Ishvalen.
"Yeah, for you to make fun of Serah." The silver-haired girl grinned "Agree, Al."
"Hmm! I have decided, Mr. Dominic please accept me as your apprentice." Winry bowed sightly a bit to the side of the older mechanic, who without a second refused. "'Not a chance, girl!"
"Please reconsider."
"Shut up I don't need an apprentice,"
"In that case, just teach her how to help me grow taller." Ed leaned up against the older man with a smug and begging expression.
"It doesn't work like that…" Serah dead palmed, looking at the older Elric.
"Get lost." Dominic glared to the side, turning away from the young Alchemist.
"Ed, get over here, and put your clothes back on." With a gloomy and defeated expression, he dragged his feet as he went over to the shade wearing Ishvalen. She handed him his clothes; Ed pulled them on before giving her a small smile.
"I'm sorry but my dad's pretty stubborn, you probably should give up." Mr. Ridel looked apologetic as he stared at the blonde Rockbell. Dominic crossed his arms and stared at Winry, after taking a glance at the trio for a short moment.
"Hey! Go home now." The grumpy Mechanic growled; Serah shifted her weight as she turned her gaze to the ceiling. Dominic, his son, and daughter-in-law looked at the shade-wearing Ishvalen, Ed placed a hand on her arm.
"We would not be able to." A loud crack of thunder could be heard and right after, rain hit the roof and windows. Dominic grunted, looking at Serah from the corner of his eye, not knowing how she could know that it would start raining. The older Elric wrapped his arm around her shoulder, pulling her close as he turned to look out one of the windows.
"We can't go back now."
"Wait until the rain stops then go back to the town," Ridel told the guests,
"It does not look like the rain will stop any time soon." The Ishvalen murmured under her breath, Ed was the only one who heard her.
"Yeah, you are right." Al was standing beside Satella, gently asking about her pregnancy, being curious and a bit excited. The mother-to-be was happy to answer his questions with a smile on her lips as she held a hand on her swollen stomach.
Winry had turned to Paninya, still feeling a bit down and defeated from Dominic's refuse. She felt a little better about Serah after their short talk earlier, the young Rockbell know that Serah is really good for the brothers. She saw that when the trio was visiting in Resembool, and she is trying to be more open when it comes to Serah.
"Really? You're right. Living life to the fullest, ok I will stop being a thief. I will go look for a job, that's now my plan. Ah, speaking of stealing, I forgot to return this to that guy." Paninya glanced at the blonde girl, she had told Winry about how she got her automail legs which were made by Dominic. The grumpy Mechanic had found her in an alley one day after a train wrack had killed her parents and caused her to lose her legs. And then she explained that she wanted to pay Dominic back, and being a thief was the way to do that or so Paninya thought. Winry scowled the dark-tanned thief, telling Paninya bluntly that being a thief isn't what Dominic wanted her to do with her automail legs. And if she really wanted to repay him, she should stop stealing. And she realized that Winry is right, Paninya agreed with the Rockbell's logic. The black-haired girl reached into her pocket and pulled out Ed's pocket watch, holding it in her hand for a moment. Winry and Ridel stared down at the watch, the blonde reached out and took the watch. She traced the engraved symbol of the Amestrian Military with a finger.
"Oh, so this is the proof of being a State Alchemist, this is the first time I have seen it."
"Uh, the kid's actually recognized by the State!" Ridel looked surprised and shocked, he never thought that the little guy would be a State Alchemist.
"Looks is really deceiving, I couldn't open it and he said, 'don't open it' there must be something inside," Paninya admitted, gesturing to the watch in Winry's hand.
"'Don't open it?'" The blonde repeated softly, still glazing at the pocket watch.
"There must be an unspeakable secret inside!"
"Time for me to show my skills." Winry grinned a bit sly, which caused Ridel and Paninya to stare at the blonde, both a little uncomfortable. Winry had pulled out some tools and started trying to get the watch opened.
"You like doing this kinda stuff?"
"The idiot used Alchemy to seal the watch shut! Ah! Got it! Ed's secret is… um." Winry's grin disappeared when she read the engraving inside the watch, Paninya stood and went over to the Blonde, reading out loud over Winry's shoulder. "Don't forget October 3 year 11, remember April 18 year 12. what is this? I don't get it." Ridel and the black-haired girl looked at each other for a moment before turning to the female Mechanic, Paninya grew concerned when she saw Winry rubbing her eyes before holding the watch towards the tanned girl.
"Give this back to Ed." Paninya took the item, blinking when the blonde turned around. "Winry?"
"One more time, I'm going to try asking Mr. Dominic to accept me as his apprentice again." The young Rockbell disappeared through the door leading to the workshop, her footsteps fainting before they returned and got louder. Winry threw the door opened and stared at the father-to-be, wearing a panicked expression.
"Mr. Ridel, your wife! She's!"
"Satella! What's wrong! Are you okay?!" Ridel grabbed his wife's hand, Winry and the others stood nearby. Ed held Serah in his embrace, all of them looked concerned and worried. Paninya had gone and gotten Dominic, as the rest went to the parents to be.
"I think, I think it's time now." Satella gasped in slight pain, gripping Ridel's hand tightly.
"It's earlier than expected!"
"I was feeling unwell this evening but I never thought that it would be this." Dominic and Paninya came inside the room, Dominic looked panicked as he went over to his son and daughter-in-law.
"What did you say!" Serah sighed, tensing which caused Ed to rub her back in concern. The Ishvalen can feel the distress and frustration from Satella, the silver-haired girl could see that the freaking out and shouting was getting to the pregnant woman. "Enough! You need to stay calm, all of you freaking out will not help Satella." Ridel, Dominic, Winry, and Paninya stopped and turned to the Ishvalen who gestured to Satella who looked distressed.
"Ah look at this weather, we can't bring her to the hospital. It looks like I have to bring the doctor here instead." Dominic glanced out the window, seeing that it still was raining heavily.
"Dad, be careful." Ridel stared after his father as he went outside, wearing a raincoat.
"Just hang on till the doctor gets here."
"I don't know how long I can hang on!" Satella snapped at her husband as she felt another contraction, Serah flinched. Ed grabbed her hands, pulling her into his embrace. The Alchemist knew that with the tensions and emotions being high, it gets to Serah easier than normal. He lightly traced the backs of her hands with his thumb, feeling the tremble in her hands.
"Re- relax, dad's going to get the doctor here." Ridel traced his wife's cheek, Serah took a deep inhale, taking in the comfort that Ed gives her. Before she pulled away from his embrace and stepped over to Satella.
"You need to take a deep breath and calm down, Mr. Ridel. Satella may I?" Ridel did as the Ishvalen told him to do, Serah lifted her hands. Satella stared at the girl with a tilt of her head, before the silver-haired girl pulled her shades off, showing her red color eyes. Satella smiled before another contraction hit, she grimaced in pain.
"I am able to sense emotions and auras, I might be able to figure out how long it will be before you go into labor."
"Go ahead." Serah kneed down in front of Satella and rested her hands on her stomach, the Ishvalen closed her eyes to focus better. She could feel the small light inside Satella's stomach, seeing her narrow her eyes, which caused Ed to step over and placed his hands on her shoulders. The silver-haired girl let out a breath, she sensed the child's aura getting stronger and another contraction from Satella. Serah pulled her hands to herself, still staring at Satella's stomach. Her eyes were a bit unfocused before she blinked and pushed herself to her feet.
"So, how long-" Satella gasped in pain again, Serah tensed, Ed rubbed her back.
"I do not think that will be very long before.-" Dominic threw the door open, looking defeated.
"The Bridge…" He breathed; the others looked concerned at his words.
Ed pressed his hand to the lightning stuck pillar that held the bridge up, Serah rested a hand on his shoulder. While Dominic, Al, and Winry stood nearby the couple.
"This can't be… lightning strike eh."
"What are we going to do?"
"In that case, time for me to show my skills." Ed clapped his hands together while Serah moved back to Winry and Al.
"Yeah, build a bridge." Al encouraged his older brother, Serah frowned as she watched Ed crouch down and placed his hands on the ground. The Ishvalen murmured "It will not work,-" Winry turned to the Ishvalen for a moment before looking at the kneeling Alchemist. They watched as the transmuted bridge collapsed, Dominic, frowned "What? What happened?"
"Why did he stop?!"
"Because it got too heavy, if we want to build a bridge to the other side, we need a lot of materials. During the construction, it got too heavy and couldn't withstand the stress, and caused it to collapse under the weight. The distance to the other side is too far away to build a bridge." Al explained, Ed growled.
"What are we going to do, think, think!"
"How about supports under the bridge?"
"But the raging waters under would wash them away." Serah turned towards the older Mechanic.
"Mr. Dominic, is there another way to the town?" He blinked, staring at the Ishvalen, noticing her red eyes but he didn't care about that.
"There is but it will take longer."
"Take it."
"Wha- but."
"I understand that it will take longer, but you need to go now."
"There might still be time."
"No, there is not." Dominic glanced into Serah's eyes, seeing the honesty and truth in the red-colored eyes.
"Take care of Satella, young lady." Dominic left on horseback, riding away from his house.
"At this important time, I still can't do anything as a State Alchemist." Serah laid a hand on his shoulder, for comfort.
"We will help Satella to get through this."
They stepped back inside the house, Winry passed out some towels to Serah and Ed. The Mechanic watched as Ed rubbed the dry towel on Serah's hair, his own rested on his head. Paninya rushed into the room, gasping for air, "Winry, Serah! Satella is bleeding a lot of water." Winry and Serah turned immediately to each other.
"Oh, it means her water broke."
"What? Isn't that bad?!"
"Idiot, yeah it is, Satella is close to starting to give birth." Serah's statement made Paninya, Ridel, Ed, and Al freak out while Winry looked deep in thought. The Ishvalen ignored them as she turned to the blonde girl, able to sense her coming to a decision.
"You look like you are deciding something, Winry." The Rockbell stared at the silver-haired girl.
"Can you help me with this, Serah?" Seeing the sheer determination in Winry's sky-blue eyes, the Ishvalen nodded once.
"Yeah, whatever you need."
"Mr. Ridel, come here for a moment," Winry called, gesturing him over.
"Huh?" Ridel gaped at the Rockbell and the Ishvalen, not understanding what they were saying.
"When she makes up her mind, no one can stop her."
"Really? But do either of you have any experience?" Ridel asked, frowning his brow. They are two teenagers; do they even know how to deliver a baby.
"Nope, but we don't have any time to argue about this, I need everyone's help. We are going to deliver the baby."
"No, there was not any time for me to get experience." Serah sighed, glancing at Ridel from the corner of her eye.
"She looks terrified," Ed spoke, looking at his childhood friend.
"She feels terrified as well," Serah murmured from right beside him, Al stood right beside his brother. Ed turned to the Ishvalen, looking a bit concerned, seeing her straight back.
"Are you okay, Serah?"
"Yeah… Ed after this, there is something you and Al need to know." Ed laid his hands on her shoulders, giving her a small smile.
"Just focus on helping Winry now, and don't worry about that, we will deal with it later." She nodded.
"Ed, Al, get hot water as quickly."
"How much?"
"As much as possible, Paninya, find towels, and Mr. Ridel, do you have any disinfectant? And someone gets Satella a pillow. Serah, you are with me." They got to work, going for the things Winry told them to get.
"You sure that letting them do this is okay?"
"We are gonna have to trust them, Winry comes from a long line of doctors. Like us reading Alchemy books, she read medical books while growing up. And Serah was supposed to become a Priestess."
"But either of them has any medical training."
"They are doing it from memory, we have to trust them."
"Winry, if you cannot do this…." Serah stood next to Winry.
"No, no I have to. This is one thing that I can do." Winry murmured under her breath, the Ishvalen looked at the Mechanic. She let out a sigh, turning her head to stare at the door in front of her.
"I am not trying to take Ed and Al from you. They are after all your childhood friends, your brothers. The bond we have with Ed and Al is different from each other, they are your brothers, Al is my best friend, and Ed…"
"That,- I- I know. It's just…. It kinda felt like that and like you were ignoring me."
"I am sorry that felt like that to you but I am not and…"
"Winry, Serah!" Ridel called out to the two girls.
"Coming! What do you want me to do."
"Keep an eye on Satella." Serah nodded while holding her hand on the doorknob.
"Winry, Serah, good luck!" Ed called out to them.
"Paninya, I am going to need your help." Winry looked over her shoulder at Paninya.
"Um… okay." The girls stepped inside the room; Serah closed the door behind her.
Winry took the seat in front of the bed where Satella was laying, Paninya stood beside her. Serah took a place on the side of the bed, resting her hands high over Satella's stomach and Ridel sat on a chair, holding his wife's hand. Hours passed before the door opened and Paninya crawled out of the room. Al immediately stood up, Ed right behind him.
"Brother!"
"Hey hey!" The Elric brothers went over to the black-haired girl who looked sick and pale, Paninya was kneeling on the floor, not noticing the brothers.
"Blood, so much blood. I can't take more of this." She murmured before kneeling down after she had crawled away from the doorway. Winry had given the newborn baby to Serah, who was holding the child in the crook of one arm while holding her free hand over the baby. Ridel and Satella stared at the Ishvalen, the new father held his wife's hand tightly.
"What happened, Hey!" Ed called out, stepping into the room. His golden eyes locked on the silver-haired girl; he swallowed hard before turning to Winry who was sitting on the ground. The Ishvalen started to smile, before turning to the new parents. They exhaled deeply, being relieved and relaxed when they saw the smile on Serah's lips.
"You got a healthy and strong boy, Mr. Ridel, Satella." Serah stepped over to Ridel and held out the child to his father, the new father gently took his child in his arms.
"Thank you." Ridel breathed, staring down at his son.
"What's the matter, Paninya! Afraid of some little blood?" Ed called out the collapsed dark-skinned girl who kept murmuring "Blood… I can't stand blood."
"Good job Satella, we have to thank Winry and Serah as well." Ridel beamed at his exhausted and tired wife, who returned the smile.
"Time to wash the baby." Winry gently told the middle-aged man who nodded, Serah gave a small and tired smile, able to feel the excitement and joy from the man. The Ishvalen let out a heavy sigh, taking a seat on the chair next to the bed. Satella laughed softly, staring at the girl who placed a hand over her stomach. Serah could feel the ache from the somehow healed wound on her torso, it confuses her, why would someone heal the wound.
"Uh, right!"
"That's awesome, awesome, awesome," Ed repeated, cheering loudly with a beaming grin on his face.
"You are acting and talking like a kid, Ed." Winry snorted, looking up at him from her kneeling position.
"Because this is the birth of a new life, alchemists throughout the centuries were unable to create life. But a woman can create and carry life to terms in just 280 days, it's truly amazing."
"Don't compare the sanctity of life with science!" Ed stared down at his pseudo sister, who had playful snapped at him wearing a soft smile.
"Sorry, professional interest. But it's still wonderful, humans are really amazing. You were amazing as well, Winry."
"Hahaha, praise me some more." Serah smiled at the pseudo siblings as she passed them, the silver-haired girl needed some air and space for a moment. The high emotions and heavy air made her feel drained, and she got a small headache from the tension. Al went after her, hoping that he could be of some help to her.
"You helped deliver a baby without incident, is there anything else?"
"Serah helped too, but since you are asking, there is something you can do… help me up, my legs won't work." Winry reached up and grabbed one corner of his jacket. Ed sweat dropped, staring at her, with a sigh he helped her up on his back.
"It's shameful to be carried by a guy shorter than me."
"In that case, I'll let go of you. You're not in the least attractive." Ed grumbled, taking a glance at Serah and his brother.
"Ed…" The Alchemist hummed, pulling out a chair with one hand while still holding his pseudo sister up with his other hand.
"I opened your pocket watch and saw the engraving." Ed dropped the female Mechanic before turning around with a frustrated and upset expression. Winry rubbed her back as she murmured "That hurt."
"You…. How dare you open it!" The older Elric pinched the bridge of his nose, not able to believe Winry. Why the hell would she-"
"I'm sorry." Winry cut his thoughts off, she looked ashamed as she stared at the floor. Ed sighed before grabbing her hand and helped her up, they took a seat on the chairs. The Alchemist shoveled his hands into his pockets, staring at the tip of his shoes.
"You idiot, not even Al or Serah have seen it."
"Why?"
"October 3 year 11 is a warning and remembrance for myself, this way I will always carry it with me. Why are you crying?" Ed glanced at the Rockbell Mechanic from the corner of his eye, before letting out a sigh when she started to cry silently.
"Since you won't cry, I'm crying for you and Al."
"Not Serah?" He had to ask, he has noticed Winry being distanced and hesitated with the Ishvalen ever since they left Central.
"I don't know her that well and it's like she doesn't want me to." The blonde Rockbell murmured while wiping her eyes.
"Fool, Serah does but she is so easily distrusting and wary of people. She asked a lot about you, but getting used to new people will take time for her." Winry turned to her pseudo-brother, looking surprised and shocked. Before she turned to stare at her hands resting on her knees, not really understanding what he is saying.
"She doesn't have a problem with Paninya, Mr. Ridel, Dominic, or Satella."
"She does, you just can't see her tells when she is tense or uncomfortable. And she is good at hiding that." Ed smiled softly, he turned his eyes to his brother and Serah. Al was standing behind the Ishvalen and was gently massaging her scrap and neck, Winry looked at Ed before following his gaze. She stared at Al and Serah while murmuring "You really do care for her, don't you? The second date engraved in your watch…"
"April 18 year 12…." The Alchemist recalled the second date that he had engraved into the inside of his pocket watch, Ed turned to the blonde.
"Winry, I am sorry." Winry blinked at the change in topic, she cast a gaze at the older Elric for a moment, before turned her glance to the younger brother and the Ishvalen.
"For what?"
"For not calling, I should have…" Ed gave the Mechanic a sheepishly and apologetic look.
"If there weren't anyone to look after you, you would probably forget to eat." Winry snorted.
"Winry, why are you hesitant with Serah."
"I am happy that you and Al have someone like her, But when I had some time to think, I guess I became hesitant and started to doubt my relations with you and Al…" She tried to explain some of her thoughts, Ed let out another sigh. "Sorry."
"What for? You didn't make me feel this way…. or did Serah…."
"I think that it's best if you return to Resembool, now you know how precious having a family is. Besides Granny probably misses you, Winry. Go home."
"No, I can't go home. I want to help you, Serah and Al. Seeing the date of the day when you burned your home down, made me understand. I want to become stronger; I want to learn more about automail. I want to make you a better automail and because of that, I'm going to ask Mr. Dominic again about accepting me as his apprentice." The Mechanic got a determined look in her eyes before she got to her feet. Ed laughed for a short moment before he turned to the still collapsed black-haired girl.
"Is that so, well then good luck. Anyway, hey Paninya." He went over to Paninya and lifted his auto-mail arm, Serah turned to the Alchemist. She pats Al's arm in thanks before going over to Ed.
"Ed, relax." He huffed, crossing his arms over his chest.
"Serah, you did well." Serah sighed softly, the tired and exhausted look in her expression, caused him to frown lightly.
"You, okay?"
"Yeah, just tired."
"Aw, I'm a grandfather! Hey grandson, my grandson! How cute!" Dominic grinned largely, with a goofy look as he stared at his grandson.
"I thought that I wouldn't make it." The grumpy Mechanic turned to his daughter-in-law, wearing a rare expression of concern for only a moment. The male Doctor was sitting by Satella's side, holding her wrist, testing her purse for a minute.
"The mother and child are both fine, the post-birth check is clear." The doctor turned to Winry who was standing in front of Ed, Al, Serah, and Paninya.
"Well done for your first birth." The Doctor praised the female Mechanic, wearing a smile while looking at her.
"I only tried my best!" The young Rockbell waved her hands, blushing madly.
"This child's early birth really cost everything a lot of trouble."
"Must be because Brother touched Satella's stomach." Al joked, casting a glance at his brother from the corner of his eye.
"Because of me!?" Ed's shout caused those in the room to laugh, Serah smiled, feeling the warmth and joy.
"The baby is fine, so don't sweat it." The doctor smiled at the brothers, trying to diffuse an argument between them.
"Really, thank you all, especially you two, young ladies. You have my gratitude for helping my family.
"I really didn't do anything." Dominic bent his head, placing his hands on his knees. The Ishvalen smiled, feeling the gratuity and happiness from the old grumpy Mechanic. Serah reached out and placed a hand on Winry's shoulder, the blonde girl turned to the silver-haired girl, smiling.
"So how about it, boss. Willing to take Winry as your apprentice?" The older Elric asked Dominic with a sly expression in his eye, the rest turned to Ed and Dominic.
"Beat it! I'm grateful for her help, taking an apprentice is a different matter. And besides, she has her own family who must be worried about her."
"Looks like he won't change his mind." Ed sighed, going back to Serah with a shake of his head. Winry looked a bit disappointed, Paninya stepped over to the blonde Mechanic.
"Mr. Dominic is right; Winry shouldn't leave Granny Pinako all alone."
"Pinako Rockbell?" Dominic blinked, before turning to stare at Winry who looked confused as she frowned.
"She is my grandmother." Somehow Dominic fell off the stool and immediately moved away from Winry, just in a split second. The older Mechanic wore an expression of horror and shock, Ridel turned to his wife, they looked at each other confused.
"Pinako Rockbell's granddaughter, I don't want ever to remember that terrifying woman and those painful memories again!"
"Um, what do you mean?" Winry tilted her head, staring at Dominic.
"Don't ask! Forget it! The thing is that I don't need an apprentice and I don't care if you are related to that woman but if you really want. I can introduce you to a good mechanic." He cleared his throat, glancing at Winry.
"Can I come here to learn sometimes?"
"Huh, you're welcome to see my grandson so long you don't disturb me and the other four good for nothing can come too."
"If you go by the old trail and beyond, you will find Southwood. Then you could take a ride by a carriage back to Rush Valley, Paninya, remember to get one from the town to come and fix the bridge."
"Got it."
"You, young lady. Go into town and look for a mechanic named Garfiel, he is a skilled mechanic and last I heard that he was looking for an apprentice." Dominic stood up and walked over to the door while stretching the back of his head.
"Thank you." Winry smiled.
The group of five teenagers stopped by the motel first to get Ed's suitcase before leaving for the train station. When the Trio along with Winry and Paninya arrived at the train station, they saw that their train was starting to leave. Ed started to run, Serah, Al, Winry, and Paninya right behind him.
"Hey, the train is leaving, Al, Serah hurry!" Al ran past his brother and friend, getting on the train first.
"Yeah, yeah." Serah rolled her eyes, catching up to the Alchemist with ease.
"Then, it's goodbye for now. Have a safe trip! you, guys." Ed threw his suitcase at Al who immediately sat it down, Serah managed to grab hold of the railing, Al grabbed the Ishvalen and helped her on. They turned around, Ed looked over his shoulder at his pseudo sister with a grin.
"You too, better train hard!"
"Ed, come on!" The older Elric grabbed the railing and pulled himself onto the train with the help of Serah at the last minute.
"Granny must be worried! Better give her a call."
"Like I need you to remind me!" The blonde Rockbell shouted, waving her arms at them. Paninya glanced at Winry beside her, Serah smiled at the two girls.
"You better learn some techniques from the old man, so next time you can get me a better arm!" Ed lifted his automail arm, pointing at it with his other hand.
"Leave that to me!" Winry beamed, she and Paninya stayed until the train disappeared from view. The tanned girl wrapped her arm over the blonde's shoulder, as they turned around.
"Ed, Al. There is something you need to know." Serah kept her gaze at her feet, Ed and Al turned to the Ishvalen.
"Can't it wait till we get inside?"
"No… I just, I did not know how to tell you… but." She turned around, placing her hands on the railing. The Ishvalen stared at the scenery, the brothers looked at each other concerned. She seems sorrowful, it worries them both.
"During the war, I was hurt by an Amestrian soldier, it was not a life-threatening injure but still… I am alive because two Amestrian Doctors saved me and countless Ishvalens." The Alchemist's eyes widened; he didn't know that! She never told him that.
"I never knew their names; I was not there for long. Ishvalens who were there praised the two Doctors. They were well-liked in Ishval, they stayed no matter what, many Amestrian soldiers of high rank told them to leave the area. They always refused, stating that they swore an oath to save others. Back when we visited Resembool, I saw a photo in the living room. They had bright blue eyes and blonde hair, Winry looks just like the woman did." Serah turned around, leaning against the railing as she crossed her arms under her chest.
"No…" Al breathed; the younger Elric stared at the silver-haired girl in shock. It was like her words fainted before reaching his ears, he shook his head in disbelief.
"Have you told Winry?"
"No, I did not know how." The Ishvalen sighed, closing her eyes.
"Aunt and Uncle saved you, Serah, you could start with that." The Ishvalen let out a shaky breath, before nodding.
"They were brave and stubborn."
"It sounds just like them." Al laughed, causing Serah to look at him, her eyes were soft behind her shades.
"Their names were Sarah and Yuriy Rockbell." Ed spoke, pulling her glance to him. Serah breathed before smiling greatly at the Alchemist, gratitude clear in her eyes.
"Thank you, Ed."
Take care and stay safe, till next time.