Chapter 3:: A Memory Emerges

Sakura flipped absently through the book, not actually reading any of the pages. She was more caught up in the strangely familiar feeling she got when she held it.
She was wearing a new outfit consisting of a blue dress with white sleeves that buttoned all the way down and had a white ribbon around the waist, along with matching blue flats.
"Alright, here are the rules," Edward began just as the train they were on started moving slowly, "We get into some dangerous situations. If I tell you to do something like get away, do it. No questions asked."
Sakura frowned. "Relax, mother. I won't cause any trouble." She sighed. "On one condition: tell me why exactly you're searching for this Philosopher's Stone."
Edward and Alphonse exchanged unsure glances. "It's...a really long story. We'll tell you some other time." Alphonse murmured.
Sakura nodded. Right now, the group was on their way to a town called Martris, where more rumors had appeared on the stone. Sakura sighed and settled into her seat, flipping the book open to the first page and actually reading.
After a few moments of silence, Edward asked, "What are you reading?"
"Just a book I got from that shop." Sakura replied distractedly.
Edward and Alphonse exchanged confused looks. "But I never saw you buy anything." Edward pointed out.
"You didn't...steal it, did you?" Alphonse whispered.
Sakura hesitated. "Not really. Some creepy mystery person gave it to me." She answered.
"What's it about?" Edward pressed.
Sakura was quiet for a moment as she turned the page. "I'm not entirely sure. It's about some weird thing called Ketsu-" She cut off suddenly and her eyes glazed over.

"Ketsutaken, ma'am?"
"That's right. Everyone has the ability to use it. You do, too."
"But I've never heard of it."
"I know! I'll introduce you to the members of the Agency. Maybe one of them can train you."
"But...are you sure, ______-sama?"
"Of course. You know, Sakura...I think you'll turn out to be the most powerful of us all."

"Sakura!"
Sakura blinked and quickly looked up to see the brothers looking at her worriedly. "What's the matter with you? You just zoned out." Edward said.
"I...I think I just remembered something." The girl murmured, holding her head.
"Really? What was it?" Alphonse asked happily.
"It had to do with whatever's in this book." Sakura whispered. "But who was that person who gave it to me? And who was that woman in my memory? And...why can't I remember her name?"
"Maybe you'll remember soon." Alphonse suggested. Sakura smiled at him.
"Yeah. Maybe."

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"Did you give it to her?"
A person sighed as he threw off his cloak. "Yeah, I did. I still don't see why, though."
"Because she's important. Apparently her soul is nothing to underestimate." Another woman purred.
"But...I want to eat her. Can I eat her, please?" A third man groaned.
"No. We need her. However...once her soul is ours, I could care less what happens to the brat." The woman said.
"So now we just wait for her to remember, right?" The first man asked.
"That's right. Keep an eye on her, would you?" The woman instructed.
"Sure. Whatever."

End