Stand Up and Walk

All Things Are Possible

The woman looks utterly lost. Her eyes are glazed over and everything.

Ed claps the book shut loudly and bends over, resting his elbows on his knees. "That list represents the total chemical makeup of the human body for the average adult," he tells her. "It's been calculated down to the last microgram, but there's still never been a reported success at creating human life. And you're telling me something that modern science can't do, you can do with prayer?"

"Put thy voice to god!" the woman urges him passionately. "And the prayers of the faithful shall be answered!"

Ed stretches lazily. "Did I mention all those ingredients I read off—well, down at the market, a kid could buy every one of them for the spare change in his pocket!" He aims a mirthful smirk at the ceiling. "As it turns out, humans are pretty cheap."

"No, that's blasphemy," the woman replies shakily. "People, we are all children of god! Created in his image!"

Ed chuckles darkly. "You have to understand: alchemists are master scientists. We don't believe in improvable concepts like creators or gods. We observe the physical laws that govern our world, to try to learn the truth. It's ironic, really! Through the application of science, we have been given the power, in many ways, to play god ourselves!"

"So you're putting yourself on the same level as God?!" the woman says hotly. "That's just—sheer arrogance!!"

"You know, there's an old myth," Ed informs her. "About a hero who flew on wings made of wax. He thought he could touch the sun, but when he got too close, his wings melted and he came crashing back down to Earth. Right Echo? Al?"

"Ed, stop it," you hiss at him. "You're being cruel."

Ed makes a face before springing up to his feet. "I'm sorry, Miss," he apologizes. "This is difficult for me to ask you, but do you think your Father Cornello could even save an arrogant scientist like me?" He gives a mocking bow.

"Of course, that's wonderful!" the woman cheers, clasping her hands together. "If anyone can lead you to the creator's light, he can!"

...

"You should hurry," the man tells you and the brothers, leading you to a large metal door. "Father Cornell is a busy man, as you can imagine. But you're in luck," he says, opening the door and allowing you to step through to the other side. "He's decided to spare a moment to talk with you."

"Yeah, thanks, we understand," Ed babbles upon seeing the massive, eerie, torch-lit room. "We won't take too much of his time."

"Good," the man says ominously. "Then it's agreed. We'll make this quick."

The doors slam shut behind you, and you look over your shoulder worriedly. You hear a click and whirl around so fast you get whiplash. The man who lead you here is pointing a gun at Al. In the same moment, two spears slam down in front of you, crossed over each other, blocking any forward movement. A glance to the side shows Ed in the same position.

"Brother Krei!" the woman—whom you now know as Rose—gasps. "What is this? What are you doing?!"

"Rose, these heathens have come to ensnare and discredit the Father," he tells her. "They're evil; this is God's will."

"Brother Krei..."

"Well, like you said," Ed growls; "Let's make this quick!" He kicks the spears out of his way and flips one of the men over his shoulder. You leap into action, whirling and landing a roundhouse kick at one of your guards' stomach. He doubles over with a wheeze and you grab the back of his head, bringing his face down to meet your knee. He collapses, unconscious. The other guard lunges at you, and you dart to the side at the last moment. As he stumbles past you, you leap into the air and land a drop-kick on his back. He lands hard on the stone floor, groaning in pain.