Mary Nodded Slowly, Bashully Smiling Up At Him. Y-Yes, I Am! Thanks To You! Honestly, I Dont Think I

Mary nodded slowly, bashully smiling up at him. “Y-Yes, I am! Thanks to you! Honestly, I don’t think I needed another blow to the head; my memory’s been effected enough as it is, so thanks for the save,” she spoke, her cheeks red as she rubbed the back of her head. This had actually been the first time Mary had been in a man’s arms at all; she had whacked her head and been knocked unconscious during a battle around the time of the Múspell conflict, but Commander Anna had been the one to carry her back. Ever since then, her memories of people from her world had started to fade; not that she’d really had anyone to begin with, but still...

“Here’s one of the books, by the way,” she added after a moment, holding a worn, leather bound book with a startlingly familiar flame array on the cover. Now, it wasn’t a guarantee that the book was from an alternate, or past Amestris, but the contents would be similar enough. It was likely that these were the remnants of another flame alchemist’s research that was left behind upon death...

A Summoner’s Tale (closed FEH AU with traceofalchemy)

rxinbowtrxveler

“Get my hands on them? They were already here when I arrived, actually. I guess they wanted to be prepared for whatever their summoner turned out to be, so they put a whole lot of different books in here. That and I think the prince mentioned that alchemy isn’t as common here anymore, as their last summoner hundreds of years ago summoned quite a few, but they eventually all passed, including the summoner, and they hadn’t passed the knowledge to use it on, only leaving the books…. so they kind of stored most of them in here to make room for the books they’d need more in the main library. From the looks of it, you’re the only one around now. That honestly might get you a room upgrade…” she prattled on as she spotted a book on the list, struggling to reach it (and being fresh out of ladder, this was going to be a task). Puffing her cheeks out in annoyance, Mary stood on the tips of her toes to grab it.

“I found one! It’s the one on flame alchemy! I’ve almost…got it…!” the girl told him, her balance wobbly as her fingertips just barely brushed the book. “S-So t-tell me, Ed! Is….is alchemy c-common where y-you’re from? I-If I recall, w-where I’m from, alchemy was brushed of as pseudoscience c-centuries ag-OH!” Mary had begun to ask, but as she got the book… she fell off the ladder.

The information she had to share about alchemy dying off was both saddening and a relief at the same time. It was good to know that he wasn’t up against many other alchemists and maybe alchemy would benefit him well. On the other hand, it was sad to hear that it was stowed away in some room away from everything else.

He wasn’t sure what all he would tell her about his alchemy knowledge. Clearly she could tell he had an interest in it from the obvious topic of books, but he thought it’d be best to keep any bragging about his abilities a minimum.

He watched her reach for the book and held onto the ladder when he noticed her instability. Just when he was about to answer some of her questions, he saw her slip on the ladder. With his quick reflexes, he was able to catch her before she could fall into anything, “W-Whoa! That was close, are you alright?”

Answers Fullmetal sought, answers he would get. It seemed that in Zenith in particular, the flow of natural power was stronger than nearly any other world, it’s mana and mater easier to manipulate. Alchemy and magic in general was most effective there; even if someone off world had somehow lost their ability to use it, the powers that be were strong enough to breech the hidden barrier, or force open Ed’s gate once more, as it were. Even those who couldn’t use alchemy or magic before coming to Askr had the potential to learn, if they could learn to harness the flow of energy within the earth. The closer to, and longer you stayed Askr, the more in tune you’d be with that energy source. The stronger your transmutations would become. Some formulas and circle compositions were different, due to some elements of Askr being different, but most of it was just like the alchemy practiced in Amestris. There even seemed to be bits and pieces of alkestry in the mix, funny enough.

At the back of the book Ed was reading sat a reference sheet of different books on the subject of different branches of alchemy and where to find them in the main library, but some were listed as residing in the summoner’s room...

A Summoner’s Tale (closed FEH AU with traceofalchemy)

rxinbowtrxveler

And as if the universe had decided to be kind to him during this time of turmoil…it worked. Responding to the Fullmetal Alchemist’s call, blue sparks and a glow lit the desk as Ed acted as the catalyst for his transmutation. By the end of it, a tiny wooden sword sat atop his desk; proof that the Fullmetal Alchemist had rose once again, that he didn’t have to live in this foreign universe without his treasured alchemy, a piece of the home he loved had returned to him once more…

Mary sat in her room, coat and mask removed as she brushed out her hair in front of the vanity mirror that Shareena had kindly added to her room, the only thing Mary considered a kindness in this torment. Her old makeup bag sat atop the table as she sat in front of it, reminding her of a time that she was someoneother than ‘the summoner’. A happy time, where she chased her dreams of bringing joy to others with her gifts. Oh, how she missed dancing, missed her harp and lyre, her piano. The woman longed to sing on stage once more, wondering if she’d ever get to again. Humming a soft song to herself, Mary continued almost mechanically with her long waves…

Not thinking the transmutation would actually work. He was startled by his accomplishment. He had actually done it. In this crazy world a universe or seven universes away… Whatever it might have been, he was able to transmute again.

He was frozen. The sight of athe wooden sword on the desk was so shocking that he could barely do anything for a solid moment. The desk chair was knocked to the floor when he stepped back suddenly, “I-I did it…” he lunged for the wooden sword and waved it around once he had his hands on it, inspecting it carefully, “It’s real! Aha! It actually worked!”

In his moment of celebration, he turned and looked around the room. There was not a single soul he could share this moment with in this world that would understand what it meant… He suddenly felt all of it weighing on his chest. It wasn’t like he could trust anyone there to explain anything. Maybe it was best he kept it to himself until he needed it anyways, “Damn!” he tossed the wooden sword aside with a clatter and rubbed his head hastily, “Damn it! I can’t be stuck here…”

He took a deep breath and tried to shake it off. Without a moments pause, he eyed the alchemy books once more and snatched them up, diving in for any information he could be unaware of in this world.

Mary listened with intrigue and awe at his explanation, enchanted with the thought of this almost magical science existing. She did cringe a little at the idea that alchemy was prominently used in their military, and she could only imagine what kind of damage that could do. After all, she’d read the one on flame alchemy, and she knew there was something about bombs somewhere in the books she hadn’t pulled out for Ed yet... at the mention that the philosopher’s stone was a real thing, and it was the most dangerous form of alchemy they had...then what the hell had Nicholas Flamel made, if he’d even succeeded at all like the legends said.

“That’s...just... so amazing and terrifying at the same time. I mean, I’ve seen magic here, but...nothing like alchemy. It...makes more sense than sorcery, it’s the closest to true science you can get here...and the stone, I can’t believe it’s real for you...but...what’s it made of, if it’s so dangerous? Is it made of poisonous stuff like the ‘alchemists’ from the history of my world thought? Or...is it worse?” Mary asked, not meaning any harm by any of her questions...she just, she wanted to know. Even though it was mostly fantastical in her world, Ed’s world and its alchemy was the closest to her world in its own way, around here at least.

A Summoner’s Tale (closed FEH AU with traceofalchemy)

rxinbowtrxveler

Mary immediately straightened up as Ed put her down, looking at the reference again and nodding. “Yep, all of them. Those titles definitely look familiar; I read a few of them out of curiosity, since alchemy is a historical pseudoscience where I come from, and I got curious. Couldn’t understand all of it, but some. In my world, alchemy is considered the forefather of modern chemistry. Other than that, none of it was proven valid where I come from. Some of it was just plain ridiculous; like people who ingested mercury thinking it was part of the key to longevity, or searching for some mystic amplifier called the ‘philosopher’s stone’,” she explained, pausing for a moment to pull a text on medical alchemy from the shelves, then a few of the advanced tomes on the general practice before continuing.

“They claimed it could turn scrap metal into riches, and extend one’s life by centuries. Some texts even claimed one man managed to make the damn thing; almost overnight, he went from a bookseller to being wealthy enough to open orphanages and give to the poor, some even claimed that he faked his passing. That he used the stone to live on with his wife, saying they spotted him at plays and such long after he passed, and that books were published in his name. Most believe the claims are false, considering the fact that, well, alchemy didn’t really work… but enough about my world and its lack therof, what about yourworld, Ed? If you’re so interested in all these books, clearly alchemy must be real there. What’s it like? Won’t you tell me a little before you go? Please?”

Edward nodded slowly as he listened to the practice and myths of alchemy from her own world, knowing that he’d seen most of it first hand. He looked at the books she pulled down and collected each of them in his arms.

“It’s real in my world, that’s for sure.” he said, trying to be cautious with his explanation, “It’s used in many different ways, unfortunately very prominently in the military where I’m from. Other places focus on different aspects of it like medical sides and all that.” He held up the book on medical alchemy to back up his claims, “It can be dangerous, especially if you’re messing with anything associated with a philosopher’s stone.”

“A word of caution, Ed. Many of the ‘heroes’ here are on board with this mess, so be careful who you talk to about not wanting any part of it. Some probably want to go back to their own worlds too, but I’m not sure which ones are which,” Mary explained, starting to lead him inside of the castle.

Usually, the more important you were to the ‘war effort’, the bigger and nicer your rooms. Since Ed was newer, and no one really knew how valuable an asset he was just yet, his room would likely be pretty simple; a bed, a desk, and a bathroom. Mary’s was nicer, and more stocked because of her ‘summoner’ status. Closer to that of what the commander was allowed as the order leader, but not nearly as nice as those belonging to the prince and princess. All the beds were wide enough for two, as it seemed that in this world, marrying someone somehow made you collectively stronger. Thus, the beds were more spacious then one would expect to accommodate for that....

A Summoner’s Tale (closed FEH AU with traceofalchemy)

rxinbowtrxveler

“I’ve tried, they check every morning if I have it,” Mary muttered angrily, recalling every time she’d tried to loose it in a battle, or bury it. Every single time, she was thwarted. She even saw Commander Anna dive for it once, and every time she’d get a lecture about how precious that monstrosity, and ‘she’ was to their cause. Only once did she feel this thing had done something remotely good, and that was when Princess Fjorm of Niflheim used it to perform the Rite of Frost to defeat King Sutur of Múspell to stop him from torching every realm he could get his claws into. However, hearing Ed’s resolve to free them both gave her some measure of hope.

“I’ll try to slow things down at least, but for now, tossing it seems to be out of the question. We might have to take it with us when we escape, so they can’t use it,” she added, knowing everyone was in the banquet hall anyways. The two were completely alone. The kingdom had been preparing for the Spring Festival all week, and tonight, everyone was resting and recouperating for the tourney come morning.

“…so…do you even feel like eating? Or do you just want to show me where you’ll be staying? I could even bring you a plate later, if you don’t feel like looking at them. That’s what I do sometimes…” Mary spoke after a few moments.

Ed was glad to hear that she was on board with the plan. He hoped they’d be successful in slowing them down, but if not there had to be something that would stop bringing these innocent people here and allow everyone to get home.

“I think I’ll wait to eat.” he said and looked toward where the rest of the group had gone, “I’ll go by later and check it out. I’m interested to meet some of these other ‘heroes’ they dragged in and figure this place out.”

“Get my hands on them? They were already here when I arrived, actually. I guess they wanted to be prepared for whatever their summoner turned out to be, so they put a whole lot of different books in here. That and I think the prince mentioned that alchemy isn’t as common here anymore, as their last summoner hundreds of years ago summoned quite a few, but they eventually all passed, including the summoner, and they hadn’t passed the knowledge to use it on, only leaving the books.... so they kind of stored most of them in here to make room for the books they’d need more in the main library. From the looks of it, you’re the only one around now. That honestly might get you a room upgrade...” she prattled on as she spotted a book on the list, struggling to reach it (and being fresh out of ladder, this was going to be a task). Puffing her cheeks out in annoyance, Mary stood on the tips of her toes to grab it.

“I found one! It’s the one on flame alchemy! I’ve almost...got it...!” the girl told him, her balance wobbly as her fingertips just barely brushed the book. “S-So t-tell me, Ed! Is....is alchemy c-common where y-you’re from? I-If I recall, w-where I’m from, alchemy was brushed of as pseudoscience c-centuries ag-OH!” Mary had begun to ask, but as she got the book... she fell off the ladder.

A Summoner’s Tale (closed FEH AU with traceofalchemy)

rxinbowtrxveler

The girl tilted her head in confusion as he stared, not used to anyone paying extra attention to her well, she was fairly underdressed, but that’s beside the point, aside from a glance, or to what she was doing rather than herself. It was only when Ed shoved the book into her hands that she too snapped out of it, looking down at the long list of books that were apparently on her bookshelves.

“Oh, of course! I’d be glad to! Come, I’ll pull up a chair so you’re not just standing around while I look for them!” Mary chirped happily, stepping away to grab and pull out her desk chair for Ed to sit in, putting the book down for two seconds to put on her dressing gown (since opening the door for Ed let in a bit of a chill), and picked the book back up. “And Ed? Could you close the door behind you when you step in? The castle can get rather nippy at night for me, I don’t retain heat well,” she asked, pulling a ladder to her as she looked down at the list of books. The room was bigger and nicer than Ed’s; almost half the walls were stacked to the brim, ceiling to floor with all sorts of books, her bed was large, covered with many warm blankets (as she’d begged Shareena for more blankets. Mary was a small girl, and the cold seemed to go right through her!) and quilts. Near the bathroom door sat a white vanity table and mirror with a matching stool, a golden hairbrush (also from Shareena) sat atop it with a big, pink bag that didn’t seem to fit the room at all. Not with how modern it looked compared to the medieval decor of the castle. The stone floor had a blue and gold rug atop it, and the desk was cherry wood with a glass inkwell and pen sat atop it with plenty of paper to use.

“Oh goodness, I’d think I had more than half the stock of the alchemy books in this place with how many they’ve got written here! And oh rubbish, they’re all so high up!” She spoke aloud mostly to herself, unused to company as she scurried up the ladder like a mouse, her foot wiggling with concentration as she looked for Ed’a books…

As he entered the room, Ed shut the door behind him. Once he was able to get a better look at her room, he couldn’t help but feel a little jealous -mainly about the amount of space she had for things like books and all. It was definitely felt more comfortable in her room with all of the blankets and personal items. 

After getting a good look around the room, he followed her over to the bookshelf and started looking through the titles with her, “How the hell did you manage to get your hands on all of these alchemy books? Is it a big thing here?”

Thought so, bingo. Mary nodded excitedly, beaming with joy. Ed actually believed she was capable of actually learning to use this wonderful science he could do, he thought she could help.

“Oh yes, absolutely! I will! Whatever it takes..and...if I don’t get something... you’ll help me figure it out?” She asked, nodding again. He could take whatever he needed, it was all fine with her.

“Of course, keep them as long as you need to. Come back tomorrow, everyone’s going to be at the Spring Festival, so we should have plenty of time to study uninterrupted,” she told him, giving him her first real smile in months.

“Gnight, Ed...and...thank you...”

A Summoner’s Tale (closed FEH AU with traceofalchemy)

rxinbowtrxveler

Mary listened with intrigue and awe at his explanation, enchanted with the thought of this almost magical science existing. She did cringe a little at the idea that alchemy was prominently used in their military, and she could only imagine what kind of damage that could do. After all, she’d read the one on flame alchemy, and she knew there was something about bombs somewhere in the books she hadn’t pulled out for Ed yet… at the mention that the philosopher’s stone was a real thing, and it was the most dangerous form of alchemy they had…then what the hell had Nicholas Flamel made, if he’d even succeeded at all like the legends said.

“That’s…just… so amazing and terrifying at the same time. I mean, I’ve seen magic here, but…nothing like alchemy. It…makes more sense than sorcery, it’s the closest to true science you can get here…and the stone, I can’t believe it’s real for you…but…what’s it made of, if it’s so dangerous? Is it made of poisonous stuff like the ‘alchemists’ from the history of my world thought? Or…is it worse?” Mary asked, not meaning any harm by any of her questions…she just, she wanted to know. Even though it was mostly fantastical in her world, Ed’s world and its alchemy was the closest to her world in its own way, around here at least.

Listening to her excited rambling, he couldn’t help but think of a lot of the dark… and not so dark things that alchemy brought him. It had allowed him to fail his family, and bring parts of it back… And although it had destroyed cities overnight, it had also saved cities. It was a strange balance, and he’d learned to use the science in ways that others wouldn’t even think to. It was fascinating, and he would always find a way to study it, but what needed to be changed was the way it was used… and that’s part of what he’d been working on before he was sucked into this world.

“I wouldn’t have guessed you’d be so interested in alchemy.” He commented, “You seem to know quite a bit.” A small sigh escaped his lips as he set the books down on her desk, “Now, the stone…? I’d rather not be spewing secrets on something so powerful, so if one’s not been made here yet… it’s best we keep it that way.”