Mary Listened With Intrigue And Awe At His Explanation, Enchanted With The Thought Of This Almost Magical

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.”

The nameless girl let out a breath of relief she didn’t know she was holding in, nodding slowly. “I...yes, that hits the nail on the head. I figured that was the case, yeah... I mean, considering how far you got so quickly...” she answered, relieved that he was willing to answer her questions. The girl was so lost, and confused, and scared. Nodding again at the mention that this was not a topic for out in the open that alone seemed clear when other alchemists kept saying it was impossible, she was about to say he didn’t have to offer her food, but her stomach betrayed that statement before it was even made, growling loudly. Cheeks pink, she nodded again, though this time, it was more strained from her shame.

“That...sounds wonderful, thank you. I kind of...had to sell almost everything I had for food while looking for you, even my shoes had to go,” she told him, indicating her feet, which she had torn strips of her now fraying shawl apart to wrap them up after all the walking had injured the soles of her feet. “All I’ve got left is what’s in my suitcase, and it’s not a whole lot. I kept what I found with me when I woke up in Liore, but most of what Cornello gave me had to go...”

‘It’s impossible to transmute something without a circle; it’s the conduit for the energy necessary for a transmutation, it focuses and dictates the flow of energy pulled from the earth and matter itself. Simply understanding the sequence of transmutation and the laws of Equivalent Exchange aren’t enough, circles are integral for a transmutation to work. No circle, no transmutation. It’s impossible to transmute without drawing one,’

That’s what they’d told the unnamed girl in the last town she’d passed through; she knew that this sorcery she could now use was called ‘alchemy’, and that it was no easy feat for any common person to achieve (it requires study, innate talent, and an understanding of chemistry and the world around you), but she didn’t know how other alchemists did it. Cornello had told her that her ability to transmute without a circle, or a stone like he’d used, had meant she was a god. Now, she’d doubted that she was anything but human, no matter what the conman had made the citizens of Liore, and in part, her believe (she had taken his word on being a holy man, but not quite on his claims of her godhood)...but she still didn’t know why all she needed to do was clap to perform a transmutation. According to the few alchemists she’d run into after fleeing the desert, you needed a circle, no ifs ands or buts... unless you were her, and that boy with the red coat who’d gotten rid of the faux priest, apparently. The teen hadn’t been able to catch him, or his massive armored companion before they’d left Liore. Wanting to know more about what was going on in this strange world around her and why she could do these things, she’d decided to track him down for answers. Having sold the golden crown Cornello had made her along the way for food, she’d mostly traveled on foot with naught more than a suitcase to hold what little she had, and the clothes on her back to find him. Traveling for weeks had garnered nothing... until today.

Walking down the streets of East City, the girl sighed to herself. It felt like she’d never find the mysterious alchemist at this rate, but as she was turning a corner... she spotted a silhouette cloaked in red ahead of her, a golden braid down his back. At last, she’d found him! The dark haired girl ran as fast as her legs could carry her to catch up to him.

“Hey, guy in the red coat! Please, Hold up a second!”

@fullmetalhexrt

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 someone other 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...

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

rxinbowtrxveler

Naturally, the room was rather…empty, save the bed, a dresser and the desk. A door to the right lead to a small bathroom, and on the bed sat a change of clothes. White, blue and gold, just as Mary had described. He too had a long, hooded coat, but as she said, he likely wouldn’t be forced to keep it up. A white tunic, and pants were similar to Mary’s sat beside it, but his boots were shorter than hers, and had golden metal bits wound around them. There was also a layer of scalemail like the three warriors Ed had already met wore, same golden color.

The desk already had blank paper, an ink well and an iron dip pen sitting on it. A few books sat there too, one of which, ironically enough, were alchemy books. Not that it was intentional, likely someone forgot them there when setting up a room for the new arrival…

Ed picked up some of the clothes and looked over them. He raised an eyebrow, mumbling something to himself about having to wear an kind of outfit that felt more like a uniform. He was definitely not happy about any of it.

Stepping over to the table, he set his notebook down next to the other books. When his eyes met the words alchemy he froze and stared at the book. He laughed a little to himself after a moment, being teased even here about not being able to use alchemy anymore… Although he didn’t mind not having it… It was still something he couldn’t help but miss, even if it was in the slightest. With a deep breath he decided he’d give it one last try… although he would always tell himself it was the last time. He couldn’t help it, it was too tempting not to clap his hands together and press them against the desk’s wood to give it One. Last. Try. 

“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?”

Honestly, now that Mary was calmer not that anything was calm in this kingdom of crazy, but she digresses, she could notice things about the poor guy she accidentally kidnapped; he did seem strong, and intelligent and too fucking gorgeous to be remotely human, and she hoped to be able to talk to him at some point. Mary hadn’t been able to figure out herself how to get the hell out of Askr, but maybe if she and Ed put their heads together...

Maybe they could escape...

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

rxinbowtrxveler

Shareena paused at that, beads of sweat running down her neck. It had been someone else’s idea, she couldn’t recall with the nerves at the moment, to find the summoners and summon heroes for the war effort. Mary, however, finally spoke up finally, someone who makes sense!.

“That’s exactly what I said! They completely dodge the question every time you ask, though…” the summoner grumbled towards the end. “So I wouldn’t bother…”

The summoner earned a glance from Ed. He was interested to learn more about what all she’d tried, but he’d wait for a chance to speak with her alone, “Of course they do.” He muttered and looked back at Shareena next to him, “I’ll give you some time to think about it.”

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.