Progress.... not really

Alchemy.

Alchemy is the ancient metaphysical science or mystical art of manipulating and altering matter by using natural energy.

...that's what was said in the book. It's interesting, really, to be able to manipulate and alter matter using natural energy is certainly a grand idea, though the idea of it being possible is slim at best. 

Nevertheless, it's an intriguing idea.

(Still... I can't help but find what's in this book extremely similar to Fullmetal Alchemist. Heck, the book even mentions 'The Gate' a couple of times, which I presume is the gate of truth that was seen in the show.)

How I don't remember most of my life, and instead remember an anime, I don't know.

Now back to alchemy...or should I say…'Transmutation.'

'Transmutation' has three steps, with the first step being 'Comprehension.'

'Comprehension' is the understanding of the inherent structure and properties of the atomic or molecular makeup of a particular material to be transmuted. That includes the flow and balance of potential and kinetic energy within.

Needless to say, I'm sure I wouldn't be able to even make the first step, seeing how complicated it already is. Understanding the atomic and molecular makeup would seem easy if I had the Internet, but the flow and balance of potential and kinetic energy? That's a no-no for me. I don't even know what that means.

Then there was the second step; 'Deconstruction.'

Using energy to break down the physical structure of the identified material into a more malleable state so as to be easily reshaped into a new form.

Simple enough.

Now, for the last step; 'Reconstruction.

'Reconstruction' is the act of continuing the flow of energy so as to reform the material into a new shape.

That's the summary at least. There are still more procedures and steps that are needed to make sure that the alchemy doesn't accidentally cause a rebound. What's a rebound you ask?

 Well, it says here that a rebound is...and I quote.

...

Ahem.

'Since the alchemical forces being manipulated are not human in origin, but of the world as a whole, the consequences for attempting to bypass the Law of Equivalent Exchange in transmutation are not merely failure and cessation.

When too much is attempted out of too little, what occurs is called a 'rebound,' in which the alchemical forces that are thrown out of balance on either side of the equation fluctuate wildly of their own accord in order to stabilize themselves.

Taking or giving more than what was intended is often unpredictable and catastrophic in ways, and the consequences of such an act are accidental mutations, serious injuries, or possibly death.

That's one of the needed warnings one needs to be taken into account when using alchemy, 

But of course, there's also the transmutation circle. Just merely understanding the sequence of transmutation and the limitations of 'Equivalent Exchange' is not enough. 

To actually start at all, you need a symbol called the transmutation circle. A transmutation circle can either be drawn on the spot when a transmutation is necessary, or permanently etched or inscribed beforehand. Without it, transmutation is generally impossible.'

So that's pretty much alchemy, Course there's more to it than that, but that's enough for now.

(I should probably place this back. I'm afraid Es and her questionable sanity would crumble if I don't.)

Closing the book, I got up from the very comfortable embrace of the couch to place the book back on its original spot.

After doing so, he turned to Es, who was reading a book.

"*Sigh* I'm bored, Es! You got anything I can do?"  (other than you.)

I was about to say something else, but I don't think I should push my luck after my recent stunt.

"Hmmm…"

Es pondered, looking up in response, and then back down. After a moment, she looked back up again.

"I guess we could do another assessment."

(An assessment? Ah, like before. Hmmmm...I don't know how to feel about being dissected emotionally as fun. Guess it's my fault for not clarifying that I want to do something fun.)

Fearing her dwindling sanity I answered.

"Uh...sure?"

"Great."

All of a sudden a glowing blue butterfly blocked my line of sight and made me blink. The next second I found myself looking up at the ceiling while lying down on someone's lap.

"What?"

 A question I keep asking myself lately as I figured out the identity of the lap I'm on. There was of course the inexplicable sensation of feeling out of place, as I instantly moved from one place to another without knowing.

That wasn't important right now though.

"Es? What just happened?"

"How do you like the new view?" 

"I like it but it doesn't answer my question. How? What?"

"This room is my world so it's only natural that I can do this," she said, as if it was the most obvious thing in the world.

Apparently, it wasn't.

"No...no, that's not natural. Not even close," I said, trying to remember that this world isn't also a part of common sense.

"What did you even do?" I asked curiously.

It couldn't be helped that I was just curious. I mean, who wouldn't be?

"Everyone has their secrets," Es simply said, to my sadness.

"...you know what, let's just get on to It," I said as I snuggled further into her lap…

Wait.

The realization of where I am finally dawned on me. A warm feeling started to make itself known as I started blushing from behind the mask.

I hoped Es wouldn't be able to tell what was happening. Unfortunately, Es seemed to have figured something out.

"Oh, your heartbeat is racing. Are you nervous?"

"Uh...n-no, I'm fine..." 

Inside was a different story. I was cursing myself, using as many curse words as I could at my stuttering and embarrassment.

While I was being mentally tortured, I heard Es say something.

"Take deep breaths now…in…and out. Slowly..."

Following Es's advice, I began to do what was instructed.

Breathe in... breathe out…..

Breathe in….. and out. 

After a moment, it seems to have worked since I've calmed down now. Still, it doesn't change the fact that my head is on her lap.

Seeing that I finally calmed down, Es started speaking.

"There you go...well done. Now, for the main event. I want you to close your eyes and say whatever it is you think about no matter how random or boring they may seem."

Close my eyes and say whatever I think about? 

"I have no clue what to do, but I'll try anyway.."

"Good. Now...close your eyes.."

Following her words I closed my eyes. As I was wondering what's going to happen, random words started to go through my mind, and I unconsciously fell into a trance-like state.

After a moment, I began to speak to them out.

"Embrace...self-loathing… lies…childhood…comfort…hopes...out of control…loneliness... doubt...painful...tragedy….daydream...laughter….actuality...floating…dreams...escapism…

way of life… peace….freedom…"

Before I fell too deep into the trance, Es' words brought me back to reality.

"You can open your eyes now."

Opening them, I could see her face looking down back at me with a neutral face.

"It can be difficult to open yourself to associations... But you did well. It seems like you've done this before."

"What happened?" I asked, unsure of what just occurred. I had never done something like that in my entire life. 

At least, that's what I remembered.

"You entered a trance-like state," Es stated the obvious.

"...how?" 

"I made you enter one."

My mind blanked at that. She can what now?

"You can do that?"

"Yes, now let me interpret  what it all means…"

Questions still raced through my mind, many now unanswered, but I decided to hold my tongue. Since she had that kind of power, she could've harmed me a long time ago.

Thinking that, along with what I thought of her sanity...my spine shivered. I could only sigh internally.

(That woman is scary...which is what makes her my type.)

"Your latent conflict is a 'Certain Past.' You seem to be in search of peace and your mental state is comparatively rather calm. At a glance, you don't appear to have many issues.

That said, you may be reluctant to face the future. You seem to be putting off what needs to be done to keep the balance in your heart. Of course, time goes by whether you act or not. It's best to take steps to ensure that your peace lasts."

"..."

As expected of Es, the uncertified psychologist or psychiatrist. Even though we've only met since yesterday, I could already tell she'll be good at what she does.

 Unlike me.

Shaking my head to clear my mind I listened back to Es's monologue.

"What is awareness? It's like an illusion that appears only when you think of It. Both hope and despair are rooted outside of awareness. What is it that your unconscious mind longs for? Maybe If you wander around a bit longer. You might find out. That's all for now."

Hearing those words, I start to get up to let Es free from the couch. Just as she was standing up I remembered I still had some questions for her.

"E...Es."

"Yes?"

"...nothing, nevermind." 

I decided to not question Es's strange abilities, and just go on with life.

"Very well, I shall go back now."

 I saw her go back to her desk and began reading a book she placed down a moment ago.

Sitting down on the couch, I began to review what had happened. 

(So Es dissected my personality again this time I have no idea if It's true or not, Oh, also Es has magical abilities. Great, as if her mentally questionable sanity wasn't enough, why not make her have magical abilities as well?)

This day is just getting better and better! And I mean that sarcastically. Still, at least something good came upon that encounter Es.

The lap pillow. Oh how good it felt... 

In a non-creepy way, of course, Yes of course. That's right. It wasn't creepy at all.

I sighed again internally.

I'm too tired of everything that's happened today...screw this I'm sleeping. 

Completely forgetting that Es could harm me, I decided to take a nap. 

I laid down on the couch, noting that there's been a change of smell near where I got a lap pillow from.

'Sniff' 

(Interesting…)

 Were my last thoughts before I succumbed to sleep.

Chapter End----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

A/N: *sigh* I feel sorry for the editor for this chapter and how bad it is. Well not really but I still should feel sorry If only for appearances, WAIT a minute can't he read this? Oh well, Thats chapter 5 guys sorry if Its quality sucks a bit the material wasn't really that good so sorry not sorry.