Hi Hi! I hope you all have been enjoying this! Sorry for the tiny break, i had exams and I HATE THIS EPISODE so writing this wa
Let me know who wasn't expecting the relationship reveal later hehehe

Thanks for the Support!

Crystal kept quiet, surprised when it was shrugged off, however she blamed it on shock, and was waiting for one of them to blow up at her for lying all these years, or at least to have an in depth talk about it later. She let out a long sigh again, jumping up onto her feet. "The boy's will be here soon, i'm going to go annoy Havoc!" She called out as she left, grinning as said man looked up the the large assortment of desks, frowning. Riza followed after, sitting at her desk in the middle of the room. It was a spacious large office with an assortment of desks in the middle, with another closed off office for Roy though an adjacent door. Their place in East City was loved by the group.

He stood, still sadly towering over her. "What did I hear you say?" He demanded, a cigarette in his mouth. The two stared at each other for a moment before large smiles broke out on each of their faces, going through. Then, while sneaking up behind her, Havoc swept Crystal off her feet into a large hug, before ruffling her hair. "Where you been little missy, things have been boring without you here" He smiled again, sitting back in his seat as she leant against his desk.

She giggled, also giving a side hug to Fuery beside her. "Ah, just helping out the Elric brothers in Lior, we all just got back." She smiled, receiving more back from Breda and Falman. Being too busy messing around with Havoc, Crystal failed to notice the two brothers enter, till Edward clapped and transmuted Fuery's radio, making it brand new and fixing the receiver.

A cheer went up from the young man, clapping happily. The group then moved towards the two brothers, welcoming them back and patting Edward's back. Hiding her small smile, Riza nodded. "Welcome back, boys. Go on in, the Colonel's expecting you. Oh Crystal join them too please" she called over the other alchemist who was still sitting on Havoc's desk. With a groan and the roll of the eyes she skipped through to join them.

When in the spacious and known office, Roy greeted them both, inviting the two human bodied alchemists to sit, giving a nod to Alphonse as well. "Well done on the Lior case you three" He nodded and clasped his hands together, sitting forward. "Nice work. I appreciate you resolving the matter."

The blonde male laughed, sitting back smugly and just grinning. 'No big deal. It's not like we did it for you." He then mumbled. Crystal rolled her eyes again, sitting back and messing with the strings falling from her uniform.

Small nod from Roy, looking in the folder again. "Ah..Right. The Philosopher's Stone. Another false lead? I see?" he looked to Crystal as if to ask if she'd been updated and after receiving a nod he chuckled, looking back to the brothers.

There was a scoff and a glare from Edward before looking to the floor. "Yeah, after all that the stone was a fake. Even so...the power it gave Cornello was real enough." He looked to Crystal who gave a grin and took over. "He transmuted this huge chimera right in front of us." She mused, giggling. "We had an adventure didn't we boys?"

They all shared a look before chuckling, But Alphonse then spoke up. "I still wonder how he was able to use the stone to do that... I'm not familiar enough with the field of bio-alchemy to really understand it." There was a hum of agreement between the alchemists, Crystal tapping her cheek and looking to Edward.

Said boy nodded. "Yeah, I'm kind of curious about that too. It might be worth looking into. Who knows, maybe we'll find something that could help us restore our bodies." He grinned and looked to his brother.

Crystal then bit her lip, she still needed to sit down and have a proper conversation with the boys about it. As they thought, Roy pulled out a file and placed it on his desk, opening the front."It might help if you consulted a specialist. The Sewing Life Alchemist, Shou Tucker. He's done some heavy research into chimera transmutation. I'll introduce you." He nodded

Al turned. "You would do that for us?" He asked, excited

Edward stood up quickly, pointing to Roy "OK, what's the catch? You want something, don't you!" He accused

Roy leant over, irritated. "Don't doubt my motives! I'm trying to repay you for your work on the Lior case. Doing you a favor is better than being indebted to you." He sat back and looked to Crystal who winked.

"Well Boy's, it seems we have another trip no?" She stood and pulled on her coat again, however there was a pause and Edward was slow to join her. Roy and Crystal shared another look before the man nodded and left his office, leaving the three together alone. "What's up kid."

He huffed. "Don't call me kid!" He turned away and crossed his arms in anger, another moment passed before he turned back. "Fine you can join us but only because you're useful kay! God" he pushed past and out of the office.

Alphonse moved forward and put his large metal hand on her shoulder. "Thank you for all your help already, it's nice to have someone else on the team now"

"Oh...team..?" She nodded before going to the door. "Right..yes come on now before Mustang blows a blood vessel.

A car was waiting for the alchemists when they reached the outside of the building. Somehow piling in their journey was a little cramped but Roy was looking at the folder he had shown beforehand. "Two years ago, Tucker transmuted a chimera that could understand human speech. That earned him his certification as a State Alchemist." He explained, reading from the file.

With a surprised look Edward sat forward. "By "understand human speech", you mean... Wait, you mean it talks? A chimera?!" He looked to Alphonse for a moment.

With a nod, Roy continued, sparing a glance to Crystal, they seem to silently communicate quite a bit. "Right...supposedly. It only said one thing. "I want to die." After that, it refused to eat until it got its wish." The mood turns a little sour after that and Crystal rubbed her eyes and tried to fight off the small headache she had.

Soon after they arrived, stepping out there were short gasps of surprise as Roy stepped forward to ring the bell."Man, this house is huge!" Indeed it was, with a large gate and pathway leading up to a mansion esche manor.

In the distraction, the beast rushing up was not seen before a loud howl and a pile was made of Edward on the floor, under a large white dog, sitting on top of him. Edward screamed of course, and the sight made Crystal burst out into laughter. "Oh my- You've become a little dog toy!"

While Alphonse checked on his brother, Roy and Crystal moved to the door to see it open, a young girl barely reaching the handle and slipping her head out to look. With a large grin she turned to look inside. "Daddy! There are people out here, look!" She giggled.

Behind her a man came forward in rather casual clothing."Nina, this is why I told you to keep the dog tied up." He scolded slightly before smiling. "Welcome, i got a call ahead to expect you. Come on in!" He invited and the door was opened fully. The little girl, revealed to be called Nina had long braided hair, looking between them, and the man who was in Fact Shou Tucker, fixed his round glasses back to position before leading them inside.

The state of the house inside was nothing like the majesty of the outside, and Crystal couldn't help but cover her nose for a moment. There was mess and papers everywhere, piling up dishes and rubbish as well as a damp smell, of course this was noticed by Tucker. "I'm sorry about the mess. Ever since my wife ran out, this place has been a wreck. I'm not much of a housekeeper."

There was a small scoff from Crystal. "Doesn't give you the excuse to force you and yourself to live in fifth jeez man.."

A moment passes to let the awkwardness hang before nodding, going to make tea for them all and inviting them to sit on the much cleaner table. "Now that we're all settled in, let me say that it's a pleasure to meet you, Edward. As the colonel told you, I'm the Sewing Life Alchemist Shou Tucker."

There was a nod before Roy turned to Edward slightly. "Ed is interested in the field of biological alchemy. He would like to have a look at your research, if that's possible. And this is Crystal Davis, the Matter Alchemist. A friend and...research partner with the boys."

"Pleasure" She hummed and nodded her head. "It does seem rather interesting and id love to take a look for myself"

Tucker gave her a strange look before nodding in greeting. "Oh, yes, certainly, I don't mind. However... If you want me to show you the tricks I have up my sleeve, it's only fair that you show me the tricks you got up yours as well." There is a glare from Edward who sucks in a breath. "It's the code we live by- equivalent exchange. Now, why are you interested in bio-alchemy?" He finished, letting the light reflect off his glasses.

A moment passes and Roy attempts to stumble an explanation before Edward put up his hand, giving a nod. An explanation was given, the first time Crystal had heard the full story, and she couldn't help but grip Roy's hand under the table, hiding her trembling by squeezing tightly, he did not ask, only allowed it. Inside she felt sick, felt the need to look out for these boys and help them. Pity wasn't something they needed but she couldn't help but feel awful for them.

Tucker however was quiet before finally allowing himself past the shock. "You transmuted your mother...as an eleven year old child? I see...so that's what earned you the title "Fullmetal Alchemist". You've had a rough time of it for someone so young." Silence among the group as edward sits from standing to show his automail arm. "I can't say for sure if it's going to be of any use to you or not, but why don't you go ahead and take a look at my laboratory."

Standing the group move to a much cleaner and obviously more used part of the house. Behind a set of doors is a loud room with animal stretching, Crystal couldn't help but shake her head and step back. "Yeah no i'm not looking inside.." She shuddered. Animals were sacred to her, this made her shudder.

Finally they moved to another room, and when the doors open and the light switches on there's a gasp and grin from Edward. The room was lined with bookshelves and benches, neatly organised. "This is my library. Feel free to look around." Tucker nodded.

With an enthusiastic nod, the brothers move forward to the closest self "Alright then, let's dive in! I'll start with this shelf!" Edward nodded before turning to his brother who was beside him.

"I'll try starting over here." They both reached and took down books to begin.

Crystal however shivered and looked around more, unsure how much truly she wished to look into this. Herself, Tucker and Roy all stood in the doorway, watching the boys for a moment before the latter spoke up. "I'm going to head back to work now. I'll send somebody by to get you this evening."

There is no response from either boy, and Tucker smiled. "They've got some ability to focus, I'm not sure they know we're here anymore. Quite a catch these two... A couple of prodigies."

Finally Crystal sighed. "I'll stay with the boys to keep them out of trouble, ill likely continue my own research, it's still not fully developed and released yet" She shrugged and aved to Roy as he left.

Tucker hummed. "Join me for some more tea? I'd love to hear about your alchemy." And with a nod, happy to bounce ideas off another alchemist, Crystal accepts.

Hours pass and many teas later, Crystal had explained a good amount to Tucker, of course without revealing full information how he himself could use it. However the questions then turned on her. "So, where are you from?" He mused and looked at a book on the table they had been going through.

"Ah..i don't tend to-" She's cut off by the arrival of the one and only Jean Havoc, cigarette in his mouth and a grin. She gasped and jumped up to hug him. "Aw my favourite is here!" She punched his shoulder then moved back.

Jean grinned and ruffled her hair, "You bet! Now to the Elric brothers, it's time to go"

When they arrived at the library they found Edward on the floor, Alexander the dog on top of him yet again. There is a small laugh and Jean has to pause to assess the situation he was looking at. "What're you doing down there, Ed?"

The boy can barely look up, voice strained. "Oh, uh... Let's just say I'm taking a break from a long day of research." Finally he's able to stand, Alexander getting off the poor crushed boy.

Tucker grinned. "After all that, you must be dog-tired. Why don't you come on back tomorrow?" Gaining a glare from Edward he nodded.

Crystal then looked to the little girl, a feeling of dread rising in her stomach, unsure why she cut it off to the fact that children remind her of home. However she shivered and moved out to wait for the boys.

As they were leaving, Jean turned back to the door. "Oh, Mr. Tucker, I almost forgot. I've got a message for you. It's from the colonel. He says "Don't forget, assessment day is coming soon."" He nodded and with a reply of confirmation he took them to the car.

Crystal hummed and cursed a little. "Aw crap thanks for that you dolt!" She hit his arm, the man hissing and rubbing it.

"OI!" He cried out and kicked her shins, and thus a game started until they got all the way back.

Hours later, there is a knock on Crystals door. The girl was half asleep, book fallen onto her face. Jolting she looks around before sighing, slipping on a cardigan and going to the door. Upon opening it, Havoc was there, though she could tell it was him before she opened the door due to his ashtray like smell. He had a big grin on his face and raised up a bag of what seemed to be takeout from the local restaurant. With a roll of the eyes and invited him in, pouring them both a drink and sitting down beside him on the sofa.

The two conversed and laughed all night, sat together, talking of pranks, of exploration, of boredom and more. They loved to talk, to share. "It feels like you're one of the only ones i can talk to like this" Crystal admitted quietly, turning away. "So open, about myself..I don't have to hide.."

Havoc set down his drink and even his cigarette before taking her chin, making the girl turn to her "Calm Crys, we all accept you either way.." The girl leaned into his hand slightly. "How long do we have to keep this a secret" He whispered, bringing her lips to his. The two shared a short kiss, Crystal breaking away. "It's not safe...you know that"

Havoc sighed and pulled away, grabbing his drunk again and moving Crystal to curl into his side. "Ya ya, no dating to avoid drama and issues and hostage situations I get it..but.." he ran a hand through her hair. "Following the rules is boring" He grinned

He received a grin back, Crystal turning to kiss him once more.

The following day, Crystal was a bit late to join the boys, having needed to do some errands first and make sure she didn't smell of smoke. When she arrived, surprisingly she came across a scene she wouldn't expect. Both boys playing with Nina and Alexander. With a chuckle she stayed under the street in the shade, but soon she was noticed, and dragged in by Nina to play. Pushing down her memories she joined them, picking up Nina and twirling with her, finally smiling when the girl cheered.

Later, they returned inside as the sun was going down, sat around the usual table when the question was raised about his wife by Edward. "Before I earned my State Alchemist certification, our life was terrible. We were so poor in those days. My wife couldn't stand living that kind of life, so she left us. I can't afford to fail this assessment. I don't ever want to go back to those days again. I don't even think I could." His words turned into a small mumble and he looked at the table, and Crystal couldn't help but take his shoulder and squeeze it in support.

Nina looked over, cuddling Alexander. "Don't worry Daddy, it's OK. If those people do tell you no, me an Alexander will growl at them until they say yes!" She did a growl

Alphonse laughed. "You tell them, Nina!"

There is a slight pause before tucker turned. "Hey, Nina...I've got an idea. Do you want to play with Daddy tomorrow?"

His daughter gasped, eyes shining. "Really?!" At a yes from Tucker she cheered and jumped to hug him, "Woo hoo! Alexander, Daddy says he's going to play with us tomorrow!" There is a bark from Alexander, and a smile is shared

The following day yet seemed much more, depressing. The sky was black and grey, clouds hanging over the city, a sombre mood. The trio walked back up the path to the large house, knocking."Hello, Mr. Tucker! Thanks for having us again today!" Alphonse greeted but paused at the lack of light, or any sound in the house. "Huh? Mr. Tucker?"

They moved inside, searching the halls, calling for both Tucker and Nina they searched. Crystal's bad feeling rises again and she touched the gun on her hip. When they reached the lab doors and opened them, just inside they could see the hunched form of Tucker inside. "There you are. So you are home!" Edward greeted.

"Yes…" Was their only reply, Tucker turning to look to them, his glasses glinting from the light. Stepping in, Edward gasped. " I did it boys. I finally did it. A chimera that understands human speech." He grinned and stood, inviting them in. Crystal stayed by the door, eyeing the room, something felt off, but they boys continued in excitedly. "Here, let me show you. Listen to me...that person over there, that's Edward."

The white chimera with long brown fur, like hair in places looked up. "That person... Ed...ward." It's almost demonic voice managed. With congratulations from Tucker, Edward looked on in amazement.

"That's amazing! It can actually talk." He kneeled, looking over the creature

Tucker gave a laugh, but it was filled with a nervous tone, standing. "Now I don't have to worry about losing my certification." He seemed so thankful, so relieved. Crystal frowned, looking around for Nina.

The chimera turned to Edward, starting to mumble. "That person... Ed...ward. That person... Ed...ward. That person... Ed...ward. Big Brother Ed."

Thunder shakes the house as both Edward and Crystal gasped, eyes widening as they look to Tucker, the latter stepping into the room more. " ... When did you first get your state certification...?" Edward asked, voice breathy.

Tucker held his chin in thought. "Let's see... It was two years ago."

"And when did your wife leave you?" Crystal asked, clutching the gun on her hip, a tear falling.

Tucker didn't move. "That was two years ago, too."

Edward finally turned around to look at the man. "I just have one more question for you... Nina and Alexander... Where are they?!"

Alphonse gasps and Tucker turns, giving him a desperate but grazed filled glare. "Damn brat, figuring it out so quickly!"

Things moved quickly. Edward turned to grab tucker, however Crystal moved and kicked the back of his legs, making him fall to his knees and grabbed his arms, pulling them into a hold behind him like handcuffs. There is a shout in worry from Alphonse.

Edward snarled, standing over the restrained man. "Oh yeah, I figured it out. You did it again! Two years ago, it was your wife! This time you used your own daughter and her dog to transmute a talking chimera! You can only do so much with animals, after all. It's much easier when you start with a human, ISN'T THAT RIGHT?!" He snarled and kicked him hard. He was unable to move due to Crystal holding him and she only gripped him tighter, making him gasp in pain.

Her eyes were burning with fire, the want to break his arms strong but she held him. Tucker looked up to Edward. "I don't see what you're so upset about... This is how we progress. Human experimentation is a necessary step. I would think a scientist would understand."

Edward hits him again. "SHUT UP! Do you really think you can get away with this?! Messing around with someone's life like that?! Your own daughter?!" He was crying, trying to hide his angry tears but the emotion was clear in his voice.

Tucker only laughed and tried to move from Crystals hold, also trying to look to her. "Someone's life, you say? Ha ha, you would know all about that, wouldn't you? Look at you, Fullmetal Alchemist... Look at your leg, your arm, at your brother! Those things are also the result of messing around with someone's life, aren't they?! And you! Don't think i can see you...Ishvalan...You're just using them all, aren't you! To then stage a coup! An assination!" He laughed madly, looking at Crystal for the last ramble.

Tucker only laughed loudly when he was creamed at to shut up. "We are the same! We're the same...you're just like me!"

Edward punched him again "We're not!" this time sending him sprawling from crystals hold, the man sat up

"Oh, but yes we are! The opportunity was right in front of us, and we took it! We had to, even though we knew it was against the rules!" He laughed maniacally and Crystal just watched him.

Edward was frantic, punching and hitting the guy in rage. "NO! Not me! Alchemists don't...do that! I'm not... I'm NOT!" He raised another fist but Crystal grabbed his arm, pulling the boy to her chest.

Alphonse had rushed forward too. "Brother! If you keep this up, he'll die!"

Edward kept silent, shaking in anger and didn't move from Crystals embrace, the girl holding him tight and running a hand through his hair. "Shushh...breathe" She whispered, also saying it in her native language.

There was a pause of silence and the chrimarea came forward, standing beside Edward and Crystal. "Ed..ward...no. Daddy...do you hurt? Daddy?"

Edward could barely look at her, turning to hide his face thanks to Crystal. The sound of the rain became obvious as all became silent.

Alphonse kneeled to the creature, petting her head. "I'm sorry... Even with all our power, we can't do anything to change you back. I'm sorry... I'm sorry!" He sobbed, yet no tears were able to fall.

"Can we play...now? Can we play now?" She asked in hope

Tucker, beaten and bloody on the floor was staring at the watch in his hand, the one given when you are made a state alchemist, he made a breathy laugh."I made it just in time... I get to remain a State Alchemist. I passed!"

Edward snarled and moved from Crystal, kicking it out of his hand, watching it break and roll along the floor, tucker crawling to it desperately. "Like hell you're staying a State Alchemist. Like hell."

A final "Can we play now" sent Edward over, he fell to his knees and screamed in pure anguish, but he wasn't alone. Crystal yet again caught the boy and cradled him, whispering in soothing ishvalan to him.

Alphonse called Roy and others over, and when they were able to, they left that room for good.

Not wanting to push the boundaries, Crystal left the boys as they sat on the steps of HQ, joining Riza and Roy as they walked, the rain falling so heavily it was hard to see.

Riza gave a small look to Crystal and squeezed her shoulder before sighing. "If there ever was an example of the Devil's work in this world, this case would definitely be it." She commented as they moved outside.

Roy nodded, following with them as they moved down the steps. "The Devil, huh? A State Alchemist must be willing to act, able to take another's life when ordered to without question. In some ways, Mr. Tucker's actions and our own may not be all that far apart when it comes to interfering with other people's lives. We choose our own path, knowing full well what we're doing." They reached the boys, stopping beside them. "That's the way it is...right, Fullmetal? You will more than likely come across cases like this again in the future, and you may have to get your own hands dirty as well. Are you going to shut down like this every time?"

Crystal stayed quiet, a tear falling yet again staring at the boys who were hunched over. "We may be called dogs of the military... We may even be cursed as devils. It doesn't matter. Al and I are still going to get our bodies back. We know the truth. We know we're not devils. We know we're not gods! We're human." He stood, face still down. Roy and Riza continued on to walk but Edward gripped Crystals coat, stopping her from walking. Finally he spilled again and shouted. "We're only human!" He sobbed and stared down again. "We can't even do anything to save one innocent little girl. So what good are we then?"

She let Edward keep ahold of her, watching the other walk away, however when the one and only Jean Havoc arrived she burst, running and jumping into his arms, hiding her sobs.

With a calming voice he moved them somewhere private to take her cheeks and wipe them. "Come now, you are such an ugly crier Crys" he fixed her hair and kissed her forehead, chuckling at the Ishvalan mutterings. "I can't understand your heretic mutterings speak child" He put on a deep and playful voice, gaining a laugh from the girl. Finally she calmed and curled into his embrace.

"I couldn't do anything...like when..i watched my family die...they were doomed….she is...there's nothing I can do to stop the suffering and i hate it" She sobbed.

Her cheeks were held and a soft kiss planted on her lips. "Hush now...i know..you've got the biggest heart of anyone I know..but what's happened has..you can't control it...that's how life works alright? Trust me"

"..Yeah.."