In return for his assistance in the Bald incident, Edward asks Colonel Roy Mustang to help him learn more about bio-alchemy in case it holds the secret of restoring his body. Mustang refers Ed to Shou Tucker, a State Alchemist specializing in creation of chimeric alchemy who had earned his certification two years prior after producing a chimera capable of human speech. However, Mustang informs Ed that the creature had only said "I want to die" and did not live very long afterward. Introduced to Tucker, Edward explains his intentions and is granted access to the multitude of bio-alchemical texts in the alchemist's private home library. While Edward delves into the books, however, Alphonse becomes acquainted with Tucker's young daughter Nina and their dog Alexander, eventually dragging Ed in