drunkenpandaren (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
drunkenpandaren) wrote2006-10-23 10:02 pm
drunkenpandaren) wrote2006-10-23 10:02 pm
Twelve Wishes
While I know I'm not going to post anything really new, there are some stuff here that is new. Part the third is being prepped and I'm sure most people haven't seen part the second. For the sake of my sanity, it's now in one big block of fiction which most of my fics will soon become. I'll just post Nina... and Brother...
Twelve Wishes
written by Shaun Garin
Fullmetal Alchemist is owned and copyright SquareEnix and Arakawa Hiromu the original manga-ka. The story of Aladdin and the Lamp is public domain but the character of Genie is copyright Disney somewhere around 1997 or 1995 or so. References to Disney’s movie Hercules and the original legend of Herakles and the Greek Gods are both copyright Disney somewhere in the 1997 to 2000 timeframe and the original legend is public domain. This story takes place in the Manga timeline and as a result, differs from the Anime timeline.
===
Nina…
===
The quiet clink of china on china was the only thing that could be heard in the Tucker residence that quiet evening as Shou Tucker sipped at his tea. A normal occurrence save for the fact that Colonel Mustang was sitting across from him, sharing in the cup of tea. “So, how are they doing?” asked Roy curiously. “I do not have eyes everywhere as most people believe me to have and I’m curious to know how much they have learned.”
Tucker took off his glasses and sighed, polishing one lens on a soft cloth. “Edward and Alphonse Elric are quite the interesting boys. But something is puzzling me, Colonel Mustang.”
“Oh? And what might that be?” asked Mustang.
“Well, it is true that they are learning as much as possible, spending hours on end in the library studying. But it’s strange that they seem to be learning a wide range of material, not just things specific to life transmutation.”
Mustang’s eyebrows narrowed slightly, just enough to belay his concern. “Really. Did they give a reason for this?”
“I didn’t ask to tell the truth,” shrugged Tucker. “I was guessing that this was how Edward and Alphonse worked actually. The state certification said that they were geniuses at such a young age and obviously you do not get that by twiddling your thumbs in the drawing room.”
As Roy brought the cup to his lips, the sound of shuffling at the door alerted him to the presence of Tucker‘s daughter Nina. “Daddy?” called out Nina as she peeked into the drawing room. “Daddy, can you kiss me good night?”
Tucker smiled and set down his teacup and held out his hands. Nina walked over and gave her father a big hug as he spared one arm to rub Alexander across the head. The giant sized dog panted happily and his tail thumped out a funky rhythm as Nina giggled. “Daddy you’re scratchy again.”
“I’m sorry dear,” said Tucker, rubbing his chin. “I should shave, shouldn’t I?”
“Mmm! Daddy is scratchy. But you know daddy, Bigger Brother is funny, you know? Sometimes he can even get smaller than Big Brother!”
Mustang’s eyebrows shot up as Tucker chuckled and rubbed her head. “Anything else about Bigger Brother and Big Brother?” he said.
“Uh huh,” said Nina, eyes shining. “Sometimes Bigger Brother talks to his tummy and his tummy talks back! And Big Brother has such a HUUUUGE appetite! They treated me to ice cream today and even Bigger Brother ate his!”
“Nina-chan,” said Mustang, leaning in. “Where were you at that time in the day?”
Nina put a finger to her lips and hummed. “Um, the park. Bigger Brother made a playhouse for me and the kids. It was cool, Bigger Brother got smaller and then made a house for us! Then he ate his ice cream! Big Brother started yelling at Bigger Brother when Bigger Brother got an ice cream headache. And then he fed the voice in his tummy!”
Tucker laughed. “Okay, that’s enough stories for today Nina. You go to bed now. I’ll be up in a few minutes to read you and Alexander a story, okay?”
“Yay! Come on Alexander!” The dog barking happily, the pair ran out into the hall and Tucker chuckled.
“Aaaah, those two boys,” said Tucker, rubbing his glasses and behind them, the lenses reflected merry twinkles in his eyes. “They’ve been such a good playmate with Nina, although they always have new stories. Last week, she was telling me that they were playing wizards. Look.”
Looking over at the flower pot, Mustang was surprised to see pale blue roses, something usually unheard of because they were so delicate. “Nina brought them home after they returned from playing,” said Tucker, a sad smile on his face. “My wife loved blue roses and Nina said that they were magic roses. I suppose the boys did some long-lasting plant-based transmutation to keep them from rotting. It’s been nearly a week and a half now.”
Roy nodded and finished his tea. “They’re boys of great potential. Excuse me for now, Mr. Tucker. I need to head back to headquarters and finish some reports before turning in.”
“Of course, let me show you to the door,” said Tucker.
===
“Something’s bothering you,” said Jean Havoc as Roy Mustang stared out of the car window moodily. “Something up?”
“I don‘t know but something that Tucker said is bothering me,” said Roy, flipping open his State Alchemist watch and closing it a few times. It was a nervous habit, one that he didn’t employ often since he preferred to scare people by snapping his fingers while wearing his gloves.
“Those two kids are always neck-deep in trouble,” said Jean, laughing. “But if you want, I could accompany them tomorrow when they go to the Tuckers again.”
“Sure,” said Roy and Jean was surprised at the informal tone that Roy sported. “In the meantime, I’m going to get down to the bottom of a mystery. Does it seem odd that Edward Elric eats too much for his own size?”
Jean laughed. “The kid must go to the john too much to compensate. No WONDER he’s so small.”
Jean didn’t notice the expression on Roy’s face. ‘He eats for three people, not just himself anymore,’ thought Roy as East City’s headquarters came into view.
===
"I want a cookie."
Edward gave his brother a death-glare.
"C'mon, give him a cookie, Ed. He looks like he's about to die," added Genie, floating overhead.
Edward sighed and then, a mischievous expression came over his face. Picking up some thread and string, he transmuted a shiny button into a hook. Spearing the cookie on the end, he dangled it over Alphonse's face. The boy tried to bite it and Edward jerked it up in reply.
The Elric brothers plus powerful servant-slash-friend had indulged that afternoon in play and games. Alphonse was laid out with over-eating, although it puzzled Edward that his own appetite had diminished rapidly. Alphonse, mind you hadn't eaten in such a long time and certainly not such a big meal all at once. It was surprising that while being bed-ridden from eating far too much, Alphonse could still ask for a cookie. Edward chuckled as he dangled the cookie and Alphonse deemed too tired to lift his arms to try and eat it; instead straining his neck to try and bite it. The first time Alphonse had ate chocolate since his subsequent transformation back nearly made him pass out from the explosive taste of the sugar and cocoa. It was part of the reason why Edward tried to keep his brother from transforming just for the sole purpose of eating.
“Al, you’re going to get fat,” chided Edward as he scribbled a bit more on his paper and dangled the cookie a bit more. “And it’s close to bedtime too.”
“I can’t help it, brother,” said Alphonse, trying to bite the cookie. “It’s been such a long time since I remember eating chocolate. We never got much in Risembool anyhow since it was so expensive.”
“I know,” said Edward, making a face. “Hey Genie, question.”
“Yeah?” asked Genie, floating up overhead and hanging upside down and vertically. “Something bugging you?”
“I was just wondering, where does that Gate thing lead anyhow?” asked Edward. “I mean, it’s got to be a door to somewhere, right?”
“Oooh, that’s messing with Things You Need Not Know Mortal,” quipped Genie. “After all, the Gods placed it in and boy oh boy, you don’t wanna mess with their handiwork.”
“Gods, feh,” said Edward, waving his hand. “Never mind if you’re not going to tell me.”
“Sorry about brother,” said Alphonse apologetically. “Brother never really believed in God anyhow.”
“It’s okay kiddo, not many people believe in Genies anymore,” said Genie. “I remember that there were a lot of us back in the old days. You couldn’t go a century without running into one or two. There was a nice Genie girl, Genie of the Bottle no less. What a looker she was.” And Genie made a growling sound. “In any case, want a free history lesson?”
“As long as you keep it down,” said Edward. “No sound effects like before.”
“Aw phooey,” said Genie, pouting. “I was about to re-enact the battle of the Argonauts,” and with that, Genie split into three manly looking guys in armour and proceeded to pose.
Alphonse yawned mightily as he finally reached up and grabbed the cookie off the hook, ignoring the explosion of sugar on his tongue and chased it down with a swig of iced water from his cup. “I’m going to bed,” said Alphonse, kicking off his shoes and burying himself beneath his sheets. “Wake me up before we head out.”
“Yeah, I’ll be up for a little while longer then,” said Edward. “Night Al.”
“Good night brother.” Within minutes, Alphonse was fast asleep and Edward smiled as he returned to the books at hand.
===
Jean Havoc paused at the sound of snoring from the other side. One light breathing, one a little deeper and one that sounded like “SNOOORK-Mimimimimimimi…”. Making a face, he tapped the door and checked the handle. Unlocked.
One hand went into his jacket and palmed his gun as he twisted the doorknob open slightly. The room was dark from what he could tell and the sound of three people breathing inside grew louder without the door closed.
Pushing the door open, he looked in and then flicked on the light. “Ed? You awake kid?”
The blonde in the left bed stirred and then without warning, sat up and clapped his hands. Jean stumbled backwards as Edward made to transmute his arm when Jean added, “Whoa there kid!”
“Uh? Oh, it’s you. Sorry Second Lieutenant. I thought it was…” The sleepiness from Edward suddenly lifted and he jumped out of bed. Grabbing Jean by the jacket front, he hauled him inside the room and slammed the door shut, earning a yell and bang from the side of the wall for the noise. “Get inside, quick!”
"Whoa there," said Jean as he looked over at Edward who was still tousled from sleep. "What's the big idea?"
"You can't tell anyone about this, they'll..." Edward was cut off by a sharp but gentle smack on his cheek. "Oh, sorry."
"It's okay," said Jean, looking over at the big blue thing that was sleeping in the air. Without support. And apparently, had no legs. His eyes narrowed, he said, "What IS that?"
"A Genie," said Edward and Jean looked at him funny. "I know it sounds weird but there really ARE Genies!"
"You mean the three-wish making kind?" asked Jean and Edward nodded. "REAALLLY... Well Ed, I think you should tell me everything. And by everything, I also mean the Colonel."
Edward muttered something under his breath. "Hey, Second Lieutenant, can you... keep Genie a secret or something? You know... I don't trust Mustang with this kind of power."
Jean nibbled at his lip as he stuck an unlit cigarette into his lips. "I dunno kid, the Colonel is already worried you haven't learned anything about life alchemy. Tell you what; we'll talk to him after you kids finish up today, okay?"
"Okay, it's a deal," said Edward, hoping there would be some megalithic crisis to suddenly appear. At least I got Al to sleep in his armoured form.
=====
"Mr. Tucker! Nina!" called out Edward. "That's odd, where are they?"
"Maybe they're out?" asked Alphonse. Genie was riding in his stomach once more in order to keep up pretences while Jean sat outside in the car.
"No, Mr. Tucker said he'd be here today," said Edward, shaking his head. "C'mon, maybe they're in the lab."
Moving through large hallways and down staircases, the boys soon came to the door that was Shou Tucker's main lab. Edward rapped at the door and called out, "Mr Tucker?"
"In here, boys," called Tucker through the door and Edward pushed the door open. The man looked tired, like he hadn't gotten any sleep but there was a smile on his face, one of accomplishment that spoke of his miracle working.
It put Edward on edge.
"Come boys, let me show you my newest creation," said Tucker and he stepped aside to kneel down a shaggy yellow furred chimera. "Come along then, these are your friends, Edward and Alphonse."
The chimera lifted very human looking eyes and in a warbling treble, asked "Ed...ward?"
Edward's throat constricted as he realized just what the creature before him was. "Isn't it fabulous?" Tucker was saying to Alphonse. "I tried so long to recreate the chimera from long ago, and now I succeeded! This will get my recertification without any problem!"
Edward knelt beside the animal and it nuzzled his outstretched hand. "Ed...ward..."
"Mr. Tucker..." said Alphonse, "when did your wife leave you?"
Edward's eyes flew wide open in shock. Did Alphonse realize who this was before he did? He must have... put the pieces together.
"About two years ago," said Tucker. "Why?"
"Because... that thing is human," said Alphonse. He turned a furious glare on Tucker and Tucker found the light glinting off the SCOWLING face even more scary. Metal so liquid, it could take on human features? How was this possible?
"How could you!" shouted Edward angrily, getting up again. "You fused Nina and Alexander into this... thing!"
"You had no right to do this to them! They're living people!" added Alphonse, grabbing Tucker by the shirt. "How could you do this to people you LOVE?"
"You boys don't understand. You sacrificed so much to bring your mother back and you condemn me for a similar act!" Tucker's eyes glinted madly as he rasped, "This is your fault, for planting the seed of thought into my mind."
"No... NO! GENIE! MY SECOND WISH! I WISH..." Edward was grabbed from behind as Jean Havok cupped his hands over Edward's mouth. The other boy struggled angrily and elbowed Jean a few times to no avail.
"Stupid kid," grit out Jean. "Don't waste one of those on them!"
"Brother!" exclaimed Alphonse as Edward collapsed silently, sagging to the floor in Jean’s arms. Jean held up a rag and Alphonse realized that Jean had knocked him out. "He'll... be okay, won't he?"
"He'll be fine," said Jean, tucking the rag into a sealed bag. "I just knocked him out." Then, turning to Tucker, he added, "Shou Tucker, you're under arrest for the crime of human transmutation. A patrol wagon will be here shortly. Don't try and escape."
"I... I just wanted what's best for Nina," whimpered Tucker, his resolve broken. He sounded and looked like he had grown several years in age, his life sapped and his emotions withered.
"Then you shouldn't have done this to her," said Alphonse. Heaving a sigh, he pulled his head off and said, "Genie?"
From the depths of Alphonse, Genie rose up. The blue ball of entertainment was solemn, quiet and looked as upset as the rest of people. "This is why we're here, kiddo," he said sadly, patting the boy on the back. "Although, since this was a transmutation problem, the extra ambient energy will need to go somewhere."
"Her structure was fused to the core. There's no way that something like that can be undone," said Tucker, his eyes glinting as he gazed upon Genie. "How are you, a floating chimera able to do something like that?"
"First of all, I am a Genie," said Genie, looking as mad as everyone else in the area. "Second..." suddenly, he grabbed Tucker's nose and honked it good and proclaimed in a loud voice, fireworks going off everywhere. "I'm MAGIC!"
"This I gotta see," said Jean, sitting back and obviously enjoying the show.
"Genie," said Alphonse, turning to Edward, "can I make a wish for Edward?"
"Doesn't say in the rule book you can't stand in for a wish that you brother wants too, but first let's check our synchronicity." Genie pulled out a huge stopwatch and balanced half of it onto Alphonse's head and the other onto the comatose Edward. There was a quick ticking sound and then a flag popped out of it reading "Good to Go". "Let's do this!"
"Genie, as Edward's second wish, I wish for Nina and Alexander to be restored!"
====
In short order, Jean Havok and Alphonse Elric found themselves sitting in barbers chairs, being fussed over. Well, Alphonse was being buffed and was giggling madly while Jean was getting the haircut of his dreams. Genie was fussing over their hair as they watched the spectacle of Tucker being manhandled by a fashion-trendy Genie with a long thin moustache and dressed in a button up dress shirt and trendy looking pants.
"Let's see, that strung out and drawn look is much too third century," quipped Genie in a faux French drawl as he paraded Tucker about around a curtain, dressed as a trendy fashion consultant. "These shabby clothes, what are we trying to say; beggar? NO. Let's work with me here." Genie took quick measurements and then Tucker found himself with a bow tied with a measuring tape. "AND POOF!"
Tucker suddenly found himself staring at the world upside down. "Tres magnifico!" exulted Genie, holding up a hand mirror. "Couldn't done it better myself babe," quipped another Genie, this one dressed like an old woman on the waiting bench and she licked her thumb to page through her magazine that had the Times emblazoned over it with "Genie of the Year" with Genie splashed across the front.
Tucker took it and then begun to laugh madly. The mirror shattered against the wall and an old Genie who was sitting on a nearby fence, winced as mirror shards went all over the place. "Whoa, that's seven years bad luck. Good thing it was a leap year or he'd be cursed for life."
"Dag gumit, Genie be thar right ya'all," added another Genie, dressed in a hillbilly outfit.
"Honestly hun, I think it's an improvement," drawled the first woman Genie as she looked up from her magazine. "Real natural."
Leaving the madly laughing Tucker to his own devices and being trussed up by Genie's in white coats, Genie snapped his fingers and the Nina-Alexander combo was propped up on a chair. Genie zoomed up, dressed like a woman in a hairstylist design. "Babe, these locks have to go," he quipped, wielding a big pair of scissors and he spun the chimera around in the chair, so fast that she was a blur. Picking up another set of scissors, Genie set to work. There was a loud sound like a chainsaw, much to the concern of the spectators; Alphonse, Jean and a sleeping Edward.
"VOILA!" cried Genie, spinning the chair about and then revealing... the Nina-Alexander thing with its mane tousled and lipstick on its face. Jean and Alphonse fell out of their chairs in shock. Edward fell out on account of the floor shaking from the impact.
"Hmm, doesn't seem right," mused Genie and Alphonse cried, "YOU THINK?!"
"No worries, I CAN FIX IT!" cried Genie, dressed as a man in overalls. He was immediately capped down by another Genie and that Genie remarked, "You should stay down, nimrod."
"Hmm, perhaps this'll do it," said Genie, grasping a suddenly convenient looking zipper and tugging it. There was a loud zipping noise and from the chimera, Nina emerged, looking surprised and Alexander immediately leapt out of the costume-like pelt of the former chimera and landed on Edward happily.
"Bigger Brother!" exclaimed Nina, running over to hug Alphonse who hugged her gently. She felt warm against his metal skin, and Alphonse couldn't have been happier.
"I don't freaking believe this," said Jean, shaking his head as Genie set to stuff the Chimera and then mount it on his wall, making a little window with his index and thumb fingers to level the mounting. He was then handed a mirror and Jean took a moment to admire his new haircut. "Just what kind of madness have you two boys finally dug out?"
"I should do my own introductions actually," said Genie, winding up. "I am the GENIE OF THE LAMP!"
"And you... grant wishes," said Jean. Jean Havok always thought himself to be a practical man and what he saw today defied all walks of life with a raised upright finger. "Prove it."
One tremendous song and dance later, which Genie said was entitled "Friend Like Me", Jean was laughing his ass off as Edward, who was woken up during the manhandling during the song and dance, scowled as he ripped the dress off and grabbed a dish rag to clean the make up off. "It wasn't funny," Edward grumbled.
"So, you are a true Genie," said Tucker, shaking his head. "I am sorry..."
"You should be, but we all make mistakes," said Genie. "Heck, look at that Orpheus guy. Went down into the Underworld, fought his way through and when he was given his wife back, the shlub looked behind him and then immediately got himself speared several weeks later in hostile territory."
"So, I gotta ask," said Jean, finally calming down. "If he can do anything, for the most part anyhow, can he restore your bodies?"
The Elric brothers shared a grin and then, clapped and slammed their fists together. "Revert!"
=====
"Reports said that you spent the day with the Elric brothers, Havok," said Mustang and Jean knew that Mustang had apparently kept tabs on them and anyone around them. "What happened at the estate?"
"Shou Tucker was attempting to make another talking chimera, sir," said Jean, his face schooled into a placid expression as if he was giving a typical report. Only this time, he was lying through his teeth to his superior officer, a man he'd follow into hell. It wasn't that he didn't trust Roy Mustang with any information regarding the Elrics and their servant-slash-best friend Genie, but it was that he didn't trust the LOCATION. East City, despite being a venerable hotbed of information, was also one of the loosest ships in the area when it came to information being passed around like illegal drugs. "In an accident with his experimental project and a problem with the array being damaged when it became violent, Shou Tucker fused himself with the project."
"I see," said Roy, folding his hands before him. Havok noted that he was gloveless, a good thing when dealing with a potential blow up no less, but lying to his commanding officer was, to say the least, harrowing. "Nothing else to report?"
"No sir," said Jean and immediately he felt sick. Keeping his features relaxed but carefully schooled into a placid expression, he continued. "Mr. Tucker was brought to the State Hospital and his daughter Nina has been given in the care of the Elric brothers until Mr. Tucker is fit to resume care of his daughter."
"Curious," said Roy as he leaned back in his chair. "Very curious indeed."
"Sir?" asked Jean curiously.
"Shou Tucker was brilliant, but a madman. It was a surprise that he fell prey to his own experiments, but then again I suppose that's the price for dabbling in human transmutation." Jean swallowed nervously and Roy levelled a look at him. "You're lying, Jean. Something else happened."
Jean knew that Hawkeye probably had her gun on him. Lying to his commanding officer was akin to treason but he also knew that Roy knew better than to shoot first and ask questions later. "Sir, I lie because I have to."
Roy sighed and said, "It's about the Elric brothers, isn't it? You're covering for them."
"Guilty as charged," said Jean, sweating as Hawkeye didn't twitch with the gun trained on him. "Can I say something first?"
Roy nodded and Jean then spilled. To this, Roy's grin grew larger and larger and larger.
People crossing the hallway in front of Colonel Mustang’s office exchanged looks that day as the sound of the Colonel laughing far too hard for his own good was heard through his shut door.
=====
"Edward! Alphonse! Open up!"
"Just a moment!" cried Edward from behind the door. There was a brilliant flash of alchemic-blue light from behind the door and then Alphonse opened the door, admitting Roy, Riza and a very upset looking Jean. "What's going on?" asked Edward curiously.
"Boys, you know it's not good to lie to your superior officer," said Roy and Edward gaped at him and then at Jean who shrugged helplessly. "Be as it may, there are some channels if you're going to hide a magical being. Sometimes trusting me is better than letting someone like Jean handle it. No offence Jean."
"None taken," replied Jean and Alphonse palmed his face.
"So what now?" asked Alphonse. "Is Genie going to be taken away?"
"Come now boys, I'm not that heartless," replied Roy. "First off all, I'd like to meet this Genie of yours."
Alphonse nodded and reached into his torso to pull out the weather-beaten lamp. "Genie, come on out."
Genie poked his head out of the lamp spigot and then took in the sight. "Whoo boy, this looks like a ball of laughs," he muttered to himself, emerging fully from it. "Well then, Ed, Al, mind introducing us?"
"Colonel Mustang, Lieutenant Hawkeye, this is Genie," said Edward, introducing the pair. "Sorry Genie."
“Nice to meet you,” the pair chorused.
“So… what about Tucker?” asked Ed
===
“Daddy will be all right, won’t he?” asked Nina as she, Edward and Alphonse watched the broken man sit listlessly in the middle of the room. It was comfortable, by prison standards but he was trussed up in a jacket that prevented him from moving or being able to make an array by any means in the room.
Alchemists, on a whole were hard to imprison. You had to remove anything and everything that would allow them to create an array to escape. Barring that, there was also the heavily used strait-jacket that institutions liked to employ, as many Alchemists who had become criminals were also typically unhinged by some unknown force. Tucker’s sad listless eyes met Nina’s and there was a little tear that ran down his forehead before turning away.
“Time’s up, kids,” said the orderly and the three had left the viewing room that separated them from the strong glass. Tucker was not violent by any means, but it was a matter of security that he was kept in the institute section of the hospital.
“Is daddy broken?” asked Nina, tugging on Edward’s shoulder. “Edward, is he broken?”
“Yeah, daddy’s broken,” said Edward, his voice heavy and choked with emotion. “He’s very broken and very sick, Nina.”
“Will he get better?” asked Nina.
“With time, maybe,” said Alphonse. He knelt down and rubbed his large steel hand over her head gently. “Don’t worry, Nina. Everyone is doing their part to keep your daddy well. But you have to do your part and learn, so that your daddy will be returned to normal. Okay?”
“Okay,” said Nina, nodding.
Once in a small alleyway, Genie popped his head out of Alphonse’s helmet and said solemnly, “You know, it’s hard to redirect any of that matter. It had to go somewhere.”
“But why did you have to turn Tucker into a chimera?” asked Edward in a voice low enough to keep Nina from listening in. Nina was busying herself with a stray kitten and Alphonse’s head was there to keep her company.
“You have to understand what would have happened if I had separated Nina and Alexander the old fashioned way. It’d kill the remains,” said Genie. “And Genie’s can’t kill. It’s been our biggest taboo ever and I’m not about to break it again.”
Genie’s tone was stern, almost strict and Edward felt ashamed for demanding an answer. “I’m sorry, Genie.”
“It’s okay, kid,” said Genie, wrapping an arm around Edward’s shoulders. “There’s some things Genie’s can’t do. It’s what keeps us as real as anything around us.”
===
Brother…
===
“You are…!” Without warning, Scar slammed his hand into the ground and it erupted as Edward ducked out of the way in a panic. The nameless officer who had come to bring him back to East City’s headquarters lay on the ground, dead to the world, eyes staring out in blank shock from behind deadened orbs.
“Hey, what’s the big idea trying to kill me?” screamed Edward, scrambling away in a panic as Scar advanced, his shirt and pants stained with the blood of the officer. “Damnit.” Clapping his hands, he caused the ground to erupt up and around the psychotic man.
There was a flash of reddish light and the wall burst open, revealing the impassionate stare of Scar. “Those who sin against God, will be punished.”
“Oh crap,” swallowed Edward, making a run for it.
===
“You two get into trouble at the drop of a hat,” remarked Falman, shaking his head as he looked at Alphonse and Edward who were sitting in the medical ward of the East City military hospital. At least Edward was, his arm shorn off at the shoulder from Scar’s alchemic reactions. It was pure luck that Edward managed to transform his leg and arm before Scar took a hold of the limb and blasted it into nothing more than spare parts.
Most of Colonel Mustang’s followers were hovering in and around the room where Alphonse sat in a box gloomily. “Genie was right,” intoned Alphonse, “these bodies are good for something. Otherwise we may not be alive right now.”
“Don’t say that Al, I’m sure we could have gotten away from that deranged maniac somehow,” said Edward, his voice light and joking, but everyone could see that Edward was taking the loss hard. Not often was the youngest State Alchemist in a situation that threatened his life and such in an imbalanced manner. Scar hadn’t just beaten them, he would have killed them, quickly and without mercy.
The damages were severe; Alphonse had lost the majority of his right half, both leg and arm with a multitude of pieces hanging about. Edward lost the use of his arm. Without their arms free, they were unable to return to full human form.
“There really is only one thing to do right now; go see our mechanic,” said Edward, swallowing hard. Winry would knock him senseless for getting his arm blown up.
“But you can’t go unescorted,” remarked Riza, folding her arms. She and Mustang stared at the room moodily. “And Edward’s used up all of his wishes, driving away Scar.”
“She’s right kid,” remarked Genie, sitting on his lamp. “Al’s got his full spread. If he wishes it, I can fix you guys right now.”
“Thanks Genie, really. But I think that we should try to stand on our own too feet. There are some things we wish we could change, but really, how much do we have to lose to get it?”
Genie smiled and added, “Equivalent exchange, the basis for all alchemic theories. I see where you’re getting at kid. It’s good to stand on your own too feet.”
“But for now,” said Alphonse, “we should concentrate on getting to Risembool.”
“You need an escort,” said Mustang. “I can’t go because I’m needed here in East City.”
“And I need to keep tabs on him,” added Riza.
“We’ll be easy prey for that nut case, so I’m out,” said Hughes who had arrived earlier before the mess began. “I’m no good against someone using alchemy.”
“Us too!” chorused the rest of Mustang’s group, Broda, Havoc and Fury.
“That just leaves one person…” said Edward, and all eyes looked over to Armstrong who was already shirtless, posing and sparkling. “This is going to suck.”
===
The Pinako household was set in the eastern part of Risembool. While the journey was long and tiresome, Edward suffered in silence while Major Armstrong prattled on about the depths of his sorrow and the vigour of youth. He silently wished there was someone else to take this insanity but Genie decided for the sake of his sanity to keep Alphonse company.
“I remember granting a wish for his family a long time ago,” remarked Genie, gesturing towards Armstrong who was loading Alphonse into the luggage compartment with a whole lot of sheep to keep him company. “something about sparkles.”
Edward merely shuddered and told Genie to keep Alphonse company.
The road into Risembool was filled typically with farmers and country folk, most of which hadn’t seen any military people in ages. Fortunately Armstrong was already dressed in civilian clothing, but there was no hiding his gigantic muscles that bulged out like a very loud warning sign. Everyone recognised Edward however, along with Alphonse who was in the crate Armstrong carried.
Soon, after getting more well wishes from friends from a long time ago, Edward rapped on the door to the Pinako household. “Well this is it Al, we haven’t been home in such a long time, I’m beginning to wonder if we’ll be recognised.”
“Of course you’ll be recognised you damn fool, now get in here before the sun fries you to a crisp,” snapped Pinako. Edward’s forehead vein bulged and he was off, yelling at Aunt Pinako rapidly.
Twelve Wishes
written by Shaun Garin
Fullmetal Alchemist is owned and copyright SquareEnix and Arakawa Hiromu the original manga-ka. The story of Aladdin and the Lamp is public domain but the character of Genie is copyright Disney somewhere around 1997 or 1995 or so. References to Disney’s movie Hercules and the original legend of Herakles and the Greek Gods are both copyright Disney somewhere in the 1997 to 2000 timeframe and the original legend is public domain. This story takes place in the Manga timeline and as a result, differs from the Anime timeline.
===
Nina…
===
The quiet clink of china on china was the only thing that could be heard in the Tucker residence that quiet evening as Shou Tucker sipped at his tea. A normal occurrence save for the fact that Colonel Mustang was sitting across from him, sharing in the cup of tea. “So, how are they doing?” asked Roy curiously. “I do not have eyes everywhere as most people believe me to have and I’m curious to know how much they have learned.”
Tucker took off his glasses and sighed, polishing one lens on a soft cloth. “Edward and Alphonse Elric are quite the interesting boys. But something is puzzling me, Colonel Mustang.”
“Oh? And what might that be?” asked Mustang.
“Well, it is true that they are learning as much as possible, spending hours on end in the library studying. But it’s strange that they seem to be learning a wide range of material, not just things specific to life transmutation.”
Mustang’s eyebrows narrowed slightly, just enough to belay his concern. “Really. Did they give a reason for this?”
“I didn’t ask to tell the truth,” shrugged Tucker. “I was guessing that this was how Edward and Alphonse worked actually. The state certification said that they were geniuses at such a young age and obviously you do not get that by twiddling your thumbs in the drawing room.”
As Roy brought the cup to his lips, the sound of shuffling at the door alerted him to the presence of Tucker‘s daughter Nina. “Daddy?” called out Nina as she peeked into the drawing room. “Daddy, can you kiss me good night?”
Tucker smiled and set down his teacup and held out his hands. Nina walked over and gave her father a big hug as he spared one arm to rub Alexander across the head. The giant sized dog panted happily and his tail thumped out a funky rhythm as Nina giggled. “Daddy you’re scratchy again.”
“I’m sorry dear,” said Tucker, rubbing his chin. “I should shave, shouldn’t I?”
“Mmm! Daddy is scratchy. But you know daddy, Bigger Brother is funny, you know? Sometimes he can even get smaller than Big Brother!”
Mustang’s eyebrows shot up as Tucker chuckled and rubbed her head. “Anything else about Bigger Brother and Big Brother?” he said.
“Uh huh,” said Nina, eyes shining. “Sometimes Bigger Brother talks to his tummy and his tummy talks back! And Big Brother has such a HUUUUGE appetite! They treated me to ice cream today and even Bigger Brother ate his!”
“Nina-chan,” said Mustang, leaning in. “Where were you at that time in the day?”
Nina put a finger to her lips and hummed. “Um, the park. Bigger Brother made a playhouse for me and the kids. It was cool, Bigger Brother got smaller and then made a house for us! Then he ate his ice cream! Big Brother started yelling at Bigger Brother when Bigger Brother got an ice cream headache. And then he fed the voice in his tummy!”
Tucker laughed. “Okay, that’s enough stories for today Nina. You go to bed now. I’ll be up in a few minutes to read you and Alexander a story, okay?”
“Yay! Come on Alexander!” The dog barking happily, the pair ran out into the hall and Tucker chuckled.
“Aaaah, those two boys,” said Tucker, rubbing his glasses and behind them, the lenses reflected merry twinkles in his eyes. “They’ve been such a good playmate with Nina, although they always have new stories. Last week, she was telling me that they were playing wizards. Look.”
Looking over at the flower pot, Mustang was surprised to see pale blue roses, something usually unheard of because they were so delicate. “Nina brought them home after they returned from playing,” said Tucker, a sad smile on his face. “My wife loved blue roses and Nina said that they were magic roses. I suppose the boys did some long-lasting plant-based transmutation to keep them from rotting. It’s been nearly a week and a half now.”
Roy nodded and finished his tea. “They’re boys of great potential. Excuse me for now, Mr. Tucker. I need to head back to headquarters and finish some reports before turning in.”
“Of course, let me show you to the door,” said Tucker.
===
“Something’s bothering you,” said Jean Havoc as Roy Mustang stared out of the car window moodily. “Something up?”
“I don‘t know but something that Tucker said is bothering me,” said Roy, flipping open his State Alchemist watch and closing it a few times. It was a nervous habit, one that he didn’t employ often since he preferred to scare people by snapping his fingers while wearing his gloves.
“Those two kids are always neck-deep in trouble,” said Jean, laughing. “But if you want, I could accompany them tomorrow when they go to the Tuckers again.”
“Sure,” said Roy and Jean was surprised at the informal tone that Roy sported. “In the meantime, I’m going to get down to the bottom of a mystery. Does it seem odd that Edward Elric eats too much for his own size?”
Jean laughed. “The kid must go to the john too much to compensate. No WONDER he’s so small.”
Jean didn’t notice the expression on Roy’s face. ‘He eats for three people, not just himself anymore,’ thought Roy as East City’s headquarters came into view.
===
"I want a cookie."
Edward gave his brother a death-glare.
"C'mon, give him a cookie, Ed. He looks like he's about to die," added Genie, floating overhead.
Edward sighed and then, a mischievous expression came over his face. Picking up some thread and string, he transmuted a shiny button into a hook. Spearing the cookie on the end, he dangled it over Alphonse's face. The boy tried to bite it and Edward jerked it up in reply.
The Elric brothers plus powerful servant-slash-friend had indulged that afternoon in play and games. Alphonse was laid out with over-eating, although it puzzled Edward that his own appetite had diminished rapidly. Alphonse, mind you hadn't eaten in such a long time and certainly not such a big meal all at once. It was surprising that while being bed-ridden from eating far too much, Alphonse could still ask for a cookie. Edward chuckled as he dangled the cookie and Alphonse deemed too tired to lift his arms to try and eat it; instead straining his neck to try and bite it. The first time Alphonse had ate chocolate since his subsequent transformation back nearly made him pass out from the explosive taste of the sugar and cocoa. It was part of the reason why Edward tried to keep his brother from transforming just for the sole purpose of eating.
“Al, you’re going to get fat,” chided Edward as he scribbled a bit more on his paper and dangled the cookie a bit more. “And it’s close to bedtime too.”
“I can’t help it, brother,” said Alphonse, trying to bite the cookie. “It’s been such a long time since I remember eating chocolate. We never got much in Risembool anyhow since it was so expensive.”
“I know,” said Edward, making a face. “Hey Genie, question.”
“Yeah?” asked Genie, floating up overhead and hanging upside down and vertically. “Something bugging you?”
“I was just wondering, where does that Gate thing lead anyhow?” asked Edward. “I mean, it’s got to be a door to somewhere, right?”
“Oooh, that’s messing with Things You Need Not Know Mortal,” quipped Genie. “After all, the Gods placed it in and boy oh boy, you don’t wanna mess with their handiwork.”
“Gods, feh,” said Edward, waving his hand. “Never mind if you’re not going to tell me.”
“Sorry about brother,” said Alphonse apologetically. “Brother never really believed in God anyhow.”
“It’s okay kiddo, not many people believe in Genies anymore,” said Genie. “I remember that there were a lot of us back in the old days. You couldn’t go a century without running into one or two. There was a nice Genie girl, Genie of the Bottle no less. What a looker she was.” And Genie made a growling sound. “In any case, want a free history lesson?”
“As long as you keep it down,” said Edward. “No sound effects like before.”
“Aw phooey,” said Genie, pouting. “I was about to re-enact the battle of the Argonauts,” and with that, Genie split into three manly looking guys in armour and proceeded to pose.
Alphonse yawned mightily as he finally reached up and grabbed the cookie off the hook, ignoring the explosion of sugar on his tongue and chased it down with a swig of iced water from his cup. “I’m going to bed,” said Alphonse, kicking off his shoes and burying himself beneath his sheets. “Wake me up before we head out.”
“Yeah, I’ll be up for a little while longer then,” said Edward. “Night Al.”
“Good night brother.” Within minutes, Alphonse was fast asleep and Edward smiled as he returned to the books at hand.
===
Jean Havoc paused at the sound of snoring from the other side. One light breathing, one a little deeper and one that sounded like “SNOOORK-Mimimimimimimi…”. Making a face, he tapped the door and checked the handle. Unlocked.
One hand went into his jacket and palmed his gun as he twisted the doorknob open slightly. The room was dark from what he could tell and the sound of three people breathing inside grew louder without the door closed.
Pushing the door open, he looked in and then flicked on the light. “Ed? You awake kid?”
The blonde in the left bed stirred and then without warning, sat up and clapped his hands. Jean stumbled backwards as Edward made to transmute his arm when Jean added, “Whoa there kid!”
“Uh? Oh, it’s you. Sorry Second Lieutenant. I thought it was…” The sleepiness from Edward suddenly lifted and he jumped out of bed. Grabbing Jean by the jacket front, he hauled him inside the room and slammed the door shut, earning a yell and bang from the side of the wall for the noise. “Get inside, quick!”
"Whoa there," said Jean as he looked over at Edward who was still tousled from sleep. "What's the big idea?"
"You can't tell anyone about this, they'll..." Edward was cut off by a sharp but gentle smack on his cheek. "Oh, sorry."
"It's okay," said Jean, looking over at the big blue thing that was sleeping in the air. Without support. And apparently, had no legs. His eyes narrowed, he said, "What IS that?"
"A Genie," said Edward and Jean looked at him funny. "I know it sounds weird but there really ARE Genies!"
"You mean the three-wish making kind?" asked Jean and Edward nodded. "REAALLLY... Well Ed, I think you should tell me everything. And by everything, I also mean the Colonel."
Edward muttered something under his breath. "Hey, Second Lieutenant, can you... keep Genie a secret or something? You know... I don't trust Mustang with this kind of power."
Jean nibbled at his lip as he stuck an unlit cigarette into his lips. "I dunno kid, the Colonel is already worried you haven't learned anything about life alchemy. Tell you what; we'll talk to him after you kids finish up today, okay?"
"Okay, it's a deal," said Edward, hoping there would be some megalithic crisis to suddenly appear. At least I got Al to sleep in his armoured form.
=====
"Mr. Tucker! Nina!" called out Edward. "That's odd, where are they?"
"Maybe they're out?" asked Alphonse. Genie was riding in his stomach once more in order to keep up pretences while Jean sat outside in the car.
"No, Mr. Tucker said he'd be here today," said Edward, shaking his head. "C'mon, maybe they're in the lab."
Moving through large hallways and down staircases, the boys soon came to the door that was Shou Tucker's main lab. Edward rapped at the door and called out, "Mr Tucker?"
"In here, boys," called Tucker through the door and Edward pushed the door open. The man looked tired, like he hadn't gotten any sleep but there was a smile on his face, one of accomplishment that spoke of his miracle working.
It put Edward on edge.
"Come boys, let me show you my newest creation," said Tucker and he stepped aside to kneel down a shaggy yellow furred chimera. "Come along then, these are your friends, Edward and Alphonse."
The chimera lifted very human looking eyes and in a warbling treble, asked "Ed...ward?"
Edward's throat constricted as he realized just what the creature before him was. "Isn't it fabulous?" Tucker was saying to Alphonse. "I tried so long to recreate the chimera from long ago, and now I succeeded! This will get my recertification without any problem!"
Edward knelt beside the animal and it nuzzled his outstretched hand. "Ed...ward..."
"Mr. Tucker..." said Alphonse, "when did your wife leave you?"
Edward's eyes flew wide open in shock. Did Alphonse realize who this was before he did? He must have... put the pieces together.
"About two years ago," said Tucker. "Why?"
"Because... that thing is human," said Alphonse. He turned a furious glare on Tucker and Tucker found the light glinting off the SCOWLING face even more scary. Metal so liquid, it could take on human features? How was this possible?
"How could you!" shouted Edward angrily, getting up again. "You fused Nina and Alexander into this... thing!"
"You had no right to do this to them! They're living people!" added Alphonse, grabbing Tucker by the shirt. "How could you do this to people you LOVE?"
"You boys don't understand. You sacrificed so much to bring your mother back and you condemn me for a similar act!" Tucker's eyes glinted madly as he rasped, "This is your fault, for planting the seed of thought into my mind."
"No... NO! GENIE! MY SECOND WISH! I WISH..." Edward was grabbed from behind as Jean Havok cupped his hands over Edward's mouth. The other boy struggled angrily and elbowed Jean a few times to no avail.
"Stupid kid," grit out Jean. "Don't waste one of those on them!"
"Brother!" exclaimed Alphonse as Edward collapsed silently, sagging to the floor in Jean’s arms. Jean held up a rag and Alphonse realized that Jean had knocked him out. "He'll... be okay, won't he?"
"He'll be fine," said Jean, tucking the rag into a sealed bag. "I just knocked him out." Then, turning to Tucker, he added, "Shou Tucker, you're under arrest for the crime of human transmutation. A patrol wagon will be here shortly. Don't try and escape."
"I... I just wanted what's best for Nina," whimpered Tucker, his resolve broken. He sounded and looked like he had grown several years in age, his life sapped and his emotions withered.
"Then you shouldn't have done this to her," said Alphonse. Heaving a sigh, he pulled his head off and said, "Genie?"
From the depths of Alphonse, Genie rose up. The blue ball of entertainment was solemn, quiet and looked as upset as the rest of people. "This is why we're here, kiddo," he said sadly, patting the boy on the back. "Although, since this was a transmutation problem, the extra ambient energy will need to go somewhere."
"Her structure was fused to the core. There's no way that something like that can be undone," said Tucker, his eyes glinting as he gazed upon Genie. "How are you, a floating chimera able to do something like that?"
"First of all, I am a Genie," said Genie, looking as mad as everyone else in the area. "Second..." suddenly, he grabbed Tucker's nose and honked it good and proclaimed in a loud voice, fireworks going off everywhere. "I'm MAGIC!"
"This I gotta see," said Jean, sitting back and obviously enjoying the show.
"Genie," said Alphonse, turning to Edward, "can I make a wish for Edward?"
"Doesn't say in the rule book you can't stand in for a wish that you brother wants too, but first let's check our synchronicity." Genie pulled out a huge stopwatch and balanced half of it onto Alphonse's head and the other onto the comatose Edward. There was a quick ticking sound and then a flag popped out of it reading "Good to Go". "Let's do this!"
"Genie, as Edward's second wish, I wish for Nina and Alexander to be restored!"
====
In short order, Jean Havok and Alphonse Elric found themselves sitting in barbers chairs, being fussed over. Well, Alphonse was being buffed and was giggling madly while Jean was getting the haircut of his dreams. Genie was fussing over their hair as they watched the spectacle of Tucker being manhandled by a fashion-trendy Genie with a long thin moustache and dressed in a button up dress shirt and trendy looking pants.
"Let's see, that strung out and drawn look is much too third century," quipped Genie in a faux French drawl as he paraded Tucker about around a curtain, dressed as a trendy fashion consultant. "These shabby clothes, what are we trying to say; beggar? NO. Let's work with me here." Genie took quick measurements and then Tucker found himself with a bow tied with a measuring tape. "AND POOF!"
Tucker suddenly found himself staring at the world upside down. "Tres magnifico!" exulted Genie, holding up a hand mirror. "Couldn't done it better myself babe," quipped another Genie, this one dressed like an old woman on the waiting bench and she licked her thumb to page through her magazine that had the Times emblazoned over it with "Genie of the Year" with Genie splashed across the front.
Tucker took it and then begun to laugh madly. The mirror shattered against the wall and an old Genie who was sitting on a nearby fence, winced as mirror shards went all over the place. "Whoa, that's seven years bad luck. Good thing it was a leap year or he'd be cursed for life."
"Dag gumit, Genie be thar right ya'all," added another Genie, dressed in a hillbilly outfit.
"Honestly hun, I think it's an improvement," drawled the first woman Genie as she looked up from her magazine. "Real natural."
Leaving the madly laughing Tucker to his own devices and being trussed up by Genie's in white coats, Genie snapped his fingers and the Nina-Alexander combo was propped up on a chair. Genie zoomed up, dressed like a woman in a hairstylist design. "Babe, these locks have to go," he quipped, wielding a big pair of scissors and he spun the chimera around in the chair, so fast that she was a blur. Picking up another set of scissors, Genie set to work. There was a loud sound like a chainsaw, much to the concern of the spectators; Alphonse, Jean and a sleeping Edward.
"VOILA!" cried Genie, spinning the chair about and then revealing... the Nina-Alexander thing with its mane tousled and lipstick on its face. Jean and Alphonse fell out of their chairs in shock. Edward fell out on account of the floor shaking from the impact.
"Hmm, doesn't seem right," mused Genie and Alphonse cried, "YOU THINK?!"
"No worries, I CAN FIX IT!" cried Genie, dressed as a man in overalls. He was immediately capped down by another Genie and that Genie remarked, "You should stay down, nimrod."
"Hmm, perhaps this'll do it," said Genie, grasping a suddenly convenient looking zipper and tugging it. There was a loud zipping noise and from the chimera, Nina emerged, looking surprised and Alexander immediately leapt out of the costume-like pelt of the former chimera and landed on Edward happily.
"Bigger Brother!" exclaimed Nina, running over to hug Alphonse who hugged her gently. She felt warm against his metal skin, and Alphonse couldn't have been happier.
"I don't freaking believe this," said Jean, shaking his head as Genie set to stuff the Chimera and then mount it on his wall, making a little window with his index and thumb fingers to level the mounting. He was then handed a mirror and Jean took a moment to admire his new haircut. "Just what kind of madness have you two boys finally dug out?"
"I should do my own introductions actually," said Genie, winding up. "I am the GENIE OF THE LAMP!"
"And you... grant wishes," said Jean. Jean Havok always thought himself to be a practical man and what he saw today defied all walks of life with a raised upright finger. "Prove it."
One tremendous song and dance later, which Genie said was entitled "Friend Like Me", Jean was laughing his ass off as Edward, who was woken up during the manhandling during the song and dance, scowled as he ripped the dress off and grabbed a dish rag to clean the make up off. "It wasn't funny," Edward grumbled.
"So, you are a true Genie," said Tucker, shaking his head. "I am sorry..."
"You should be, but we all make mistakes," said Genie. "Heck, look at that Orpheus guy. Went down into the Underworld, fought his way through and when he was given his wife back, the shlub looked behind him and then immediately got himself speared several weeks later in hostile territory."
"So, I gotta ask," said Jean, finally calming down. "If he can do anything, for the most part anyhow, can he restore your bodies?"
The Elric brothers shared a grin and then, clapped and slammed their fists together. "Revert!"
=====
"Reports said that you spent the day with the Elric brothers, Havok," said Mustang and Jean knew that Mustang had apparently kept tabs on them and anyone around them. "What happened at the estate?"
"Shou Tucker was attempting to make another talking chimera, sir," said Jean, his face schooled into a placid expression as if he was giving a typical report. Only this time, he was lying through his teeth to his superior officer, a man he'd follow into hell. It wasn't that he didn't trust Roy Mustang with any information regarding the Elrics and their servant-slash-best friend Genie, but it was that he didn't trust the LOCATION. East City, despite being a venerable hotbed of information, was also one of the loosest ships in the area when it came to information being passed around like illegal drugs. "In an accident with his experimental project and a problem with the array being damaged when it became violent, Shou Tucker fused himself with the project."
"I see," said Roy, folding his hands before him. Havok noted that he was gloveless, a good thing when dealing with a potential blow up no less, but lying to his commanding officer was, to say the least, harrowing. "Nothing else to report?"
"No sir," said Jean and immediately he felt sick. Keeping his features relaxed but carefully schooled into a placid expression, he continued. "Mr. Tucker was brought to the State Hospital and his daughter Nina has been given in the care of the Elric brothers until Mr. Tucker is fit to resume care of his daughter."
"Curious," said Roy as he leaned back in his chair. "Very curious indeed."
"Sir?" asked Jean curiously.
"Shou Tucker was brilliant, but a madman. It was a surprise that he fell prey to his own experiments, but then again I suppose that's the price for dabbling in human transmutation." Jean swallowed nervously and Roy levelled a look at him. "You're lying, Jean. Something else happened."
Jean knew that Hawkeye probably had her gun on him. Lying to his commanding officer was akin to treason but he also knew that Roy knew better than to shoot first and ask questions later. "Sir, I lie because I have to."
Roy sighed and said, "It's about the Elric brothers, isn't it? You're covering for them."
"Guilty as charged," said Jean, sweating as Hawkeye didn't twitch with the gun trained on him. "Can I say something first?"
Roy nodded and Jean then spilled. To this, Roy's grin grew larger and larger and larger.
People crossing the hallway in front of Colonel Mustang’s office exchanged looks that day as the sound of the Colonel laughing far too hard for his own good was heard through his shut door.
=====
"Edward! Alphonse! Open up!"
"Just a moment!" cried Edward from behind the door. There was a brilliant flash of alchemic-blue light from behind the door and then Alphonse opened the door, admitting Roy, Riza and a very upset looking Jean. "What's going on?" asked Edward curiously.
"Boys, you know it's not good to lie to your superior officer," said Roy and Edward gaped at him and then at Jean who shrugged helplessly. "Be as it may, there are some channels if you're going to hide a magical being. Sometimes trusting me is better than letting someone like Jean handle it. No offence Jean."
"None taken," replied Jean and Alphonse palmed his face.
"So what now?" asked Alphonse. "Is Genie going to be taken away?"
"Come now boys, I'm not that heartless," replied Roy. "First off all, I'd like to meet this Genie of yours."
Alphonse nodded and reached into his torso to pull out the weather-beaten lamp. "Genie, come on out."
Genie poked his head out of the lamp spigot and then took in the sight. "Whoo boy, this looks like a ball of laughs," he muttered to himself, emerging fully from it. "Well then, Ed, Al, mind introducing us?"
"Colonel Mustang, Lieutenant Hawkeye, this is Genie," said Edward, introducing the pair. "Sorry Genie."
“Nice to meet you,” the pair chorused.
“So… what about Tucker?” asked Ed
===
“Daddy will be all right, won’t he?” asked Nina as she, Edward and Alphonse watched the broken man sit listlessly in the middle of the room. It was comfortable, by prison standards but he was trussed up in a jacket that prevented him from moving or being able to make an array by any means in the room.
Alchemists, on a whole were hard to imprison. You had to remove anything and everything that would allow them to create an array to escape. Barring that, there was also the heavily used strait-jacket that institutions liked to employ, as many Alchemists who had become criminals were also typically unhinged by some unknown force. Tucker’s sad listless eyes met Nina’s and there was a little tear that ran down his forehead before turning away.
“Time’s up, kids,” said the orderly and the three had left the viewing room that separated them from the strong glass. Tucker was not violent by any means, but it was a matter of security that he was kept in the institute section of the hospital.
“Is daddy broken?” asked Nina, tugging on Edward’s shoulder. “Edward, is he broken?”
“Yeah, daddy’s broken,” said Edward, his voice heavy and choked with emotion. “He’s very broken and very sick, Nina.”
“Will he get better?” asked Nina.
“With time, maybe,” said Alphonse. He knelt down and rubbed his large steel hand over her head gently. “Don’t worry, Nina. Everyone is doing their part to keep your daddy well. But you have to do your part and learn, so that your daddy will be returned to normal. Okay?”
“Okay,” said Nina, nodding.
Once in a small alleyway, Genie popped his head out of Alphonse’s helmet and said solemnly, “You know, it’s hard to redirect any of that matter. It had to go somewhere.”
“But why did you have to turn Tucker into a chimera?” asked Edward in a voice low enough to keep Nina from listening in. Nina was busying herself with a stray kitten and Alphonse’s head was there to keep her company.
“You have to understand what would have happened if I had separated Nina and Alexander the old fashioned way. It’d kill the remains,” said Genie. “And Genie’s can’t kill. It’s been our biggest taboo ever and I’m not about to break it again.”
Genie’s tone was stern, almost strict and Edward felt ashamed for demanding an answer. “I’m sorry, Genie.”
“It’s okay, kid,” said Genie, wrapping an arm around Edward’s shoulders. “There’s some things Genie’s can’t do. It’s what keeps us as real as anything around us.”
===
Brother…
===
“You are…!” Without warning, Scar slammed his hand into the ground and it erupted as Edward ducked out of the way in a panic. The nameless officer who had come to bring him back to East City’s headquarters lay on the ground, dead to the world, eyes staring out in blank shock from behind deadened orbs.
“Hey, what’s the big idea trying to kill me?” screamed Edward, scrambling away in a panic as Scar advanced, his shirt and pants stained with the blood of the officer. “Damnit.” Clapping his hands, he caused the ground to erupt up and around the psychotic man.
There was a flash of reddish light and the wall burst open, revealing the impassionate stare of Scar. “Those who sin against God, will be punished.”
“Oh crap,” swallowed Edward, making a run for it.
===
“You two get into trouble at the drop of a hat,” remarked Falman, shaking his head as he looked at Alphonse and Edward who were sitting in the medical ward of the East City military hospital. At least Edward was, his arm shorn off at the shoulder from Scar’s alchemic reactions. It was pure luck that Edward managed to transform his leg and arm before Scar took a hold of the limb and blasted it into nothing more than spare parts.
Most of Colonel Mustang’s followers were hovering in and around the room where Alphonse sat in a box gloomily. “Genie was right,” intoned Alphonse, “these bodies are good for something. Otherwise we may not be alive right now.”
“Don’t say that Al, I’m sure we could have gotten away from that deranged maniac somehow,” said Edward, his voice light and joking, but everyone could see that Edward was taking the loss hard. Not often was the youngest State Alchemist in a situation that threatened his life and such in an imbalanced manner. Scar hadn’t just beaten them, he would have killed them, quickly and without mercy.
The damages were severe; Alphonse had lost the majority of his right half, both leg and arm with a multitude of pieces hanging about. Edward lost the use of his arm. Without their arms free, they were unable to return to full human form.
“There really is only one thing to do right now; go see our mechanic,” said Edward, swallowing hard. Winry would knock him senseless for getting his arm blown up.
“But you can’t go unescorted,” remarked Riza, folding her arms. She and Mustang stared at the room moodily. “And Edward’s used up all of his wishes, driving away Scar.”
“She’s right kid,” remarked Genie, sitting on his lamp. “Al’s got his full spread. If he wishes it, I can fix you guys right now.”
“Thanks Genie, really. But I think that we should try to stand on our own too feet. There are some things we wish we could change, but really, how much do we have to lose to get it?”
Genie smiled and added, “Equivalent exchange, the basis for all alchemic theories. I see where you’re getting at kid. It’s good to stand on your own too feet.”
“But for now,” said Alphonse, “we should concentrate on getting to Risembool.”
“You need an escort,” said Mustang. “I can’t go because I’m needed here in East City.”
“And I need to keep tabs on him,” added Riza.
“We’ll be easy prey for that nut case, so I’m out,” said Hughes who had arrived earlier before the mess began. “I’m no good against someone using alchemy.”
“Us too!” chorused the rest of Mustang’s group, Broda, Havoc and Fury.
“That just leaves one person…” said Edward, and all eyes looked over to Armstrong who was already shirtless, posing and sparkling. “This is going to suck.”
===
The Pinako household was set in the eastern part of Risembool. While the journey was long and tiresome, Edward suffered in silence while Major Armstrong prattled on about the depths of his sorrow and the vigour of youth. He silently wished there was someone else to take this insanity but Genie decided for the sake of his sanity to keep Alphonse company.
“I remember granting a wish for his family a long time ago,” remarked Genie, gesturing towards Armstrong who was loading Alphonse into the luggage compartment with a whole lot of sheep to keep him company. “something about sparkles.”
Edward merely shuddered and told Genie to keep Alphonse company.
The road into Risembool was filled typically with farmers and country folk, most of which hadn’t seen any military people in ages. Fortunately Armstrong was already dressed in civilian clothing, but there was no hiding his gigantic muscles that bulged out like a very loud warning sign. Everyone recognised Edward however, along with Alphonse who was in the crate Armstrong carried.
Soon, after getting more well wishes from friends from a long time ago, Edward rapped on the door to the Pinako household. “Well this is it Al, we haven’t been home in such a long time, I’m beginning to wonder if we’ll be recognised.”
“Of course you’ll be recognised you damn fool, now get in here before the sun fries you to a crisp,” snapped Pinako. Edward’s forehead vein bulged and he was off, yelling at Aunt Pinako rapidly.