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The greatest enemy of knowledge is not ignorance; it is the illusion of knowledge.

-Stephen Hawking

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     Brown eyes were trying to focus on anything but the two brothers. As soon as they got the news that she was awake, they came to her room. She knew their secret and they had every right to take precaution. But that did nothing to make it stop feeling like she was on trial for knowing their darkest secret.

     "Stop looking at me like that." Ash finally made eye contact, "I told Al before and I'll say it again for you, Edward. I won't pry. It's none of my business."

     Alphonse seemed to soften a little, "You're not scared?"

     "Should I be?"

     The two brothers looked at each other before Edward spoke, "You gotta keep quiet about what we've done."

     "Well no duh!" She winced as she tried to adjust herself, "Get me my white deck will you?"

     "Huh?"

     "Just get it, please." While he was rummaging through her coat, she threw off the bed sheet and rolled up the pant leg of her hospital scrubs, "Since I was shown you're secret, I'll show you one of mine."

     When the blonde boy turned around, he nearly dropped the cards. Her right leg, just past where her knee should have been, was automail. She quietly held out her hand for her deck of cards. Still in shock, the older went though with it.

     "This has to do with why I fainted last night." She started searching through her cards, "When I was about seven, I think I was about to turn eight, I was on a train to Dublith with my mother. The train derailed and I lost my leg to the rubble and my mother was crushed." Ash pulled out two cards, "I'm not afraid of trains anymore, but I can't stand the smell of blood. It's...it's a smell that covered me and my mother that day. I hate that scent."

     There was quiet in the room as the girl looked at her cards carefully.

     Alphonse was the first to speak, "You didn't have to tell us that."

     "It's equivalent exchange. I saw one of your darkest secrets and I told you one of mine. Fair is fair." She pointed at the Fullmetal Alchemist, "Ed, come sit here. I'm going to heal your wound."

     He blinked, "Okay?" The boy pulled off the scrub shirt and let her loosen the bandages, "So how do you plan on healing this?"

     "Another reason they call me the Illusion Alchemist."

     She took the card and showed him the transmutation circle on it. Then she placed the circle where the wound should be. The card lit up with an alchemic reaction. The next thing he knew, his arm was feeling just fine. When he took off the bandages, his skin was the same as before!

     "Whoa!"

     The younger brother was looking in awe too, "How did you do that?!"

     "If I told you, that would just ruin the endless surprises I have to offer." Brown eyes hardened, "But I do have a serious question for the both of you."

     The brothers looked at each other and Ed blinked again, "Yeah? What is it?"

     "I want to help you find the Philosopher Stone."

     "WHAT?!"

     "Oh quiet down." She was loosening her own bandages, "I have my reasons. For one thing, I'm interested in accomplishing a mission of my own appointment. The second is that I have nothing better to do in Central besides sit and look pretty. As for a third thing, I can be of help. You'd have a State Alchemist on your side who would keep your secret."

     "I see..." The blonde was rubbing his chin in thought, "So we both have something to gain by working together."

     "The law of equivalent exchange would be between us. Besides, I'm sure your adventures are much more entertaining that just helping with paper work on this end."

     "You could be our wild card."

     The girl smirked, "Exactly."

     He looked to his younger brother, "What do you say, Alphonse?"

     Al nodded, "I think it's a great idea!

     And that was how they found themselves on a train to Liore. The nurses were confused and amazed when the two teenagers demanded to be let out. Alchemy had sealed their wounds closed and they were ready to hop on the next train.

     The brunette was filled in on how they had heard the rumors of a priest who was making miracles. Of course, the classic "slide of hand" was thrown out there, but a Philosopher's stone was also in question. They could not be sure until they saw him do things with his own eyes. And with her hobby of magic tricks, the girl would be able to let them know if it was just deception or the real deal.

     At the moment, they were getting food at a small stand. The radio was playing with some man preaching about prayer and keeping in faith. Something about the god "Leto" was mentioned, but it all passed over their heads.

     Ash was to the right of Alphonse, shuffling a deck of cards and chewing on the remains of a sucker as she usually did. The suit of armor could only sit there. Edward was to his left, drinking a glass of juice or something. She had not payed any mind to what he ordered... Then again, she really needed to drink her water before they left.

     "So what are you guys? Like street performers or something," the owner of the stall asked.

     The blonde spit out his drink, "Seriously? Do we look like street performers to you?"

     The female snorted, "Might as well. Al is in a giant suit of armor and I have my cards out." She gave the owner a smile, "We're not street performers, but if you want a trick, I got a treat."

     "We don't have time, Ash. Come on, Al. Let's go."

     She nearly laughed when he jumped from the stool. Usually, boys his age would be taller, but he was even shorter than she was. Then again, she was an average height of five foot two. The height difference was still amusing nonetheless.

     But because of that, when the younger brother stood to his full height, he hit his head and accidentally broke the radio.

     The owner glared at his broken possession, "Hey! Easy! I didn't mean nothin' by it."

     "Sorry, accident," the older brother apologized. "We'll fix it."

     "How's that? It's smashed to hell."

     Edward smirked, "Watch and learn gramps."

     Alphonse pulled out some chalk and drew the appropriate transmutation circle around the broken radio, making sure all of the pieces were there. While he was at it, a group of people came to watch the show. The armor stood when he finished.

     "Okay," he held out his hands, "Here it goes!"

     In a flash of light, the radio was fixed.

     The oldest of the trio seemed to have sparkles around him, "There, see? How's that?"

     "Amazing! It's a miracle!" The owner looked at them in awe, "You've been touched by the sun god, just like Father Cornello!"

     The girl nearly choked on her sucker, "The what, now?!"

     "It's not a miracle," Al explained, "It's alchemy."

     "Oh, so you three are alchemist," on man said. "Right. I've heard of them."

     Ed crossed his arms with a smug expression, "Then maybe you've heard of us! We're the Elric Brothers."

     Ash waved a hand dismissively, "Name's Fox. I'm an upstart traveling with them. You probably haven't heard of me before."

     "The Elric Brothers you say?"

     Someone hummed in thought, "I do know that name."

     "The Fullmetal Alchemist, Edward Elric! Is that right," someone else asked.

     While the real State Alchemist was chuckling in victory, he failed to notice that everyone was looking at Alphonse. Seeing this, the girl with glasses tapped his shoulder and pointed to the crowd. This caused the boy to groan in defeat.

     "No! It's not me!" The youngest told his sudden fans.

     The whole crowd grew quiet and looked at the pouting blonde.

     "What? You mean it's the little guy?"

     That made Edward furious as he trampled them down. Food was thrown all over the place. People ran out of fear of the temper he was throwing.

     "WHO'S LITTLE?! COME SAY THAT TO MY FACE! I DARE YA!"

     Ash just sighed, "Yo, pipsqueak!"

     "WHO ARE YOU CALLING-"

     She put a finger on his forehead, "Settle down. You're causing a scene."

     Everyone sweat dropped at how easily, and begrudgingly, the Fullmetal Alchemist grew quiet. He sighed and turned his attention to the radio. It was playing the broadcast of whoever was preaching.

     "So what's with the guy on the radio," the blonde asked calmly.

     The owner of the stall and a few others were still on the ground, shaking with fear, "That's our leader, Father Cornello."

     "We were lost until he came to town and began teaching us all the ways of the sun god, Leto," another explained.

     "He grants eternal life to the souls of the faithful."

     "He can ever resurrect the dead! His miracles are proof that what he says is true."

Ed crossed his arms, "So this guy's claiming he can bring the dead back to life? Now that's somethin' I gotta see."

     Ash scowled, "It's a bold claim. But..." she offered the brothers a smile, "you can trust me. I'll see right through it."

     They were in luck. Father Cornello was making an appearance to show off his so called "miracles". The blonde had to stand on his suitcase while the brunette was given a lift onto the armor's shoulders.

     Flowers were falling all around. One landed in the fraud's hand. He cupped it and transmuted it into a large, crystal sculpture of the original item. There was no slide of hand or a distraction to pull the gaze of the audience away. There was no way he could have been able to do that.

     "So that's it, huh?" Ed had to shade his eyes as he looked, "What do you think?"

     Brown eyes narrowed, "That's alchemy. No trap doors. No distractions. Just plain old alchemy."

     Al nodded, "No doubt about it."

     "But somehow he's ignoring the law of equivalent exchange," the older brother continued. "He should have only been able to transmute that flower into an object of equal mass."

     "And he's changing organic matter-"

     "Into inorganic matter," Ash finished thoughtfully.

     "He shouldn't be able to do that, unless..."

     "You have the real deal on your hands." Brown eyes narrowed to look at the priest, "If anything, I would say that ring of his looks real enough."

     Edward smirked, "Bingo. Good eye, Ash."

     "It's about as good as it can get with glasses. I don't know about you, Elric Brothers, but I'd say I have a sudden desire to learn more about this religion."

     "Funny, I had the same thought."

     Alphonse set the brunette down, "We should probably head into that church of theirs."

     The trio waited for the crowd to disperse before making a be line to the biggest building in town. The décor was very nice. The walls were made of white washed rock and possibly some marble. The main sanctuary was lined with wooden pews leading to a fine alter. The alter was placed beneath a giant statue, probably in the image of whoever this Leto was.

     At the alter was a young girl. She was fairly tan with dark brown hair and wearing a white dress. She was kneeling and the newcomers could make out her whispering. Whatever she was saying fell deaf to them.

     "So this is the almighty Leto," Ed asked, having the girl face him out of instinct.

     "Welcome," the girl stood, "Are you interested in Letoism?"

     "Nope can't say I am. Not really the religious type."

     The other bowed her head and smiled thoughtfully, "Wow... Sorry to hear that. To know god is to know hope. If we believe in divine grace, then through him all things are possible. If you believe..." She gained a determined look, "I'm sure Leto would bless you and make you grow taller!"

     Alphonse had to hold his brother back as the other growled through clinched teeth, "What's that supposed to mean?"

     "Easy brother," Al was trying to settle him down, "she's just trying to help."

     The older threw himself into the front pew, "What about bringing the dead back to life? Do you think that's possible, too?"

     The girl nodded, "Yes."

     At this, a little brown journal made its appearance. From it, elements and their amounts were spewed out. Illusion held back a snort. It was clear that the other brunette was entirely lost. Thankfully, the one reading came to a close.

     "...And various other trace elements." The journal was shut, "That list represents the complete chemical make up of the human body for the average adult. It's been calculated to the last microgram. Still, there's never been one reported case of successfully creating a human life." He scowled, "You're telling me something modern science can't do, you can do with prayer."

     "Lift thy voice to god, and the prayers of the faithful shall be answered!"

     He stretched his arms over his head casually, "Did I mention all those ingredients I read off..." His hands were behind his head and he was grinning without humor, "Down at the market, a kid could buy every one of them with the spare change in his pocket. As it turns out, humans are pretty cheap."

     Her heart went out to the Elric Brothers. They only had their mother and wanted her back so badly. In some senses, her story was on par with theirs. The only difference was that while the temptation came, there were plenty of people around to help her recover. She had lost her leg. Her focus went to recovery instead of mourning. She also had someone at home, waiting for her to return...

     The alter girl was getting aggravated, "No, that's blasphemy. The people of- We are all children of god, created in his image."

     Ed chuckled, "You have to understand, alchemist are scientists. We don't believe in improvable concepts like creators or gods." He was smirking at her, "We observe the physical laws that govern this world to try to learn the truth. It's ironic really that through the application of science, we have in many ways been given the power to play gods ourselves."

     "So you're putting yourself on the same level as god?" The naïve girl was glaring, "That's just sheer arrogance!"

     "You know, there's an old myth about a hero who flew on wings made of wax. He thought he could touch the sun, but when he got to close, his wings melted and he came crashing back down to earth." Gold eyes looked to the armor, "Right, Al?"

     Alphonse remained where he was, "Brother..."

     He jumped to his feet, "I'm sorry, miss. This is difficult for me to ask, but do you think your Father Cornello could even save an arrogant scientist like me?" The question was finished with an extravagant bow.

     "Of course," the naïve girl clapped her hands together, "That's wonderful! If any one can lead you to the creator's light, he can!" A funny look crossed her face, "What about you? Are you interested in learning about our creator?"

     It took the other female a moment to realize she was being spoken to.

     Ash huffed as she look looked up at the statue, "As beautiful of a notion as that is... I doubt I could ever believe." Her glasses gleamed, blocking her eyes as she walked up to the alter and placed her hand on the smooth marble, "I've lost enough of the people I loved. It's a child's fantasy to think that..." She remembered the Elric were behind her and lowered her head, "I've found it easier to make peace. The laws of life are equal to the laws of death. Everything from hope to fear and darkness to light revolve around each other. I feel as if things happen to bring a balance in the world. Maybe we can't see it, but nothing happens without reason. It's a cycle in the very world we live in.

     She grinned at the alter girl, seeing a slightly sorrowful/confused expression, not only from her, but the Elrics as well, "But that cycle can't stop anyone from becoming informed. What's a scientist without knowledge? If you think it's okay, I'd like to learn, though you won't get a conversion from me."

"That settles it!" The girl began walking in a different direction, "Just follow me!"

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A/N: What's up?! It's been a loooooooong time. 

I'm on break for Christmas and I decided I'd post something. I'm hoping to get some chapters in on my other stories, not just this one. and yeah.... I'm out of words.

Tootles~

-Muse