Time To Stand Still
The sound of cantering hooves made all small creatures hurry off before being trampled on by the oncoming horse. Moments later, a black mare with a white star on her forehead appeared, carrying her rider willingly on his errand.
Beregond was sitting quite comfortably on the saddle, in spite of the many hours of riding. For one thing, he felt he couldn’t afford to waste too much time anyway. He had arrived the previous night at Mesal, the closest city to Rush Valley, and there he had learned that the Ishbalans were no longer travelling by train. They had decided to continue on foot toward Kishua City.
In a way, Beregond was glad. It meant that the Ishbalans wouldn’t be able to travel fast, so he could catch up with them soon. It was true that he could have caught up with them a lot sooner if he had taken a train, but… he didn’t feel up to travelling alone in one just yet. Childish fear or no, he couldn’t help himself.
And... there was one more reason why he decided to ride out.
He had missed it.
Before he realised it, he patted the mare’s neck with a smile. She was a fine beast; strong, with long legs and intelligent eyes, but above all else with a spirit that reminded him of the horses of his homeland. It wasn’t difficult to pick her from all the others the wrangler had - or rather, she picked him. She was the first to come and greet him when he came to the pen.
He frowned when his hand felt moisture on the black skin. Faenel – as Beregond had affectionately named the horse – was sweating profusely. And when he looked up at the sky, Beregond was surprised to see that he had been riding for a long time, in fact. It was obvious that Faenel kept her pace smooth for her rider’s sake, even though she was tired.
Well, the least Beregond could do was reward her with some rest. Besides, he wanted to check the ground for any tracks of the Ishbalans. That was why he decided to come to a halt when his ears picked up the sound of running water nearby.
“Daro,” (Stop) he commanded close to her ear. “Agorech mae. Si-hodo” (You did well. Now rest.)
She snorted her acknowledgement and complied. Beregond immediately dismounted and took the saddle off her back so that she would be more comfortable, something that was greatly appreciated by the way her whole body shuddered in relief. Smiling, he gave her a powerful pat to show that she could do anything she pleased for the time being. However, she just followed him up to the small river and then nuzzled him out of the way in a gesture of “I’ll go first” before she started drinking water.
Okay… Maybe she was a bit too high-spirited. Beregond shook his head, even though he had to admit he was amused. Once she was done and went to find some grass to eat, Beregond knelt down and drank some water as well.
It was when he stood up and looked at the horizon that he saw it. It was still some distance away from him, but Beregond still recognised it for what it was; a trail of smoke rising up in the air.
He immediately whistled for Faenel to come to him, for their rest was over.
The Ishbalans were finally within sight.
Dublith was a city well known for its very picturesque places, especially a large lake on which everyone could enjoy a ride with a boat - even take a glimpse of the deserted island that was located right in the middle of said lake. There were very few people that actually stepped onto Yok Island itself though, since it was preserved as a haven for the forest animals that lived and thrived there.
Still, it was on that island that Izumi brought Ed and Al early in the morning… but sightseeing was the last thing in her mind.
“You’ve got to be kidding me! ‘Stay here and cool your heads’?” Edward exclaimed with eyes still locked on the retreating boat. “Is this some sort of punishment?”
“Well, she also said ‘No alchemy’,” Al said. He shook his head. “This is all too familiar, Brother.”
“Yeah,” Ed agreed. “It looks like Teacher still thinks we’re kids.”
“I don’t think so,” Al argued. “Maybe she wants us to learn something this time too.”
Ed snorted. “Guess old habits die hard, huh?” He didn’t say anything else for a while, his brows furrowing into a deep frown as though he was trying to think matters through very carefully. “Hey, Al…”
“Yes?” Al asked curiously.
“This is the perfect opportunity to escape!” Ed said with a mischievous grin.
Al’s red flickers of eyes grew large at this. “Are you crazy?! You know I can’t swim!” he exclaimed.
“Oh… right…” Ed scratched his head embarrassedly. “I can’t either.” His gaze drifted on the surface of the water and caught a glimpse of his and Al’s reflection. His heart sank as unwelcome thoughts crossed his mind.
“We aren’t those kids from back then, Al…” he said softly. His flesh hand reached unconsciously for his automail arm and felt its cold surface.
The suit of armour could only place an arm on his brother’s shoulder in a gesture of comfort. They both stayed there, gazing at the surface of the water for a long time. Yet neither of the boys could possibly know that they weren’t alone.
The scrawny, naked child still watched Ed and Al from behind some bushes hiding in some bushes. Though they were a strange sight to his eyes, he couldn’t help but be glad to see others like him.
“You’d better not go too close. You might fall in the water.”
Winry was hardly paying attention to Sig Curtis though. She watched the boat that carried Izumi and Mason finally anchoring back to the small port of Dublith and, as soon as Izumi got out, she went up to her, an angry and confused look in her eyes.
“What are you thinking?” she asked. “How could you abandon them on that deserted island?”
Izumi sighed, a strange smile crossing her features. “How indeed?”
“You know what I mean! What’s the point in all this?!” the girl insisted furiously.
“Winry…” Mason started, but Izumi stopped him in a sign that everything was well.
“There are times that one has to stand still,” she said.
Winry blinked. “What?”
“After moving constantly forward, there might come a time when the goal becomes unclear. And then comes the time for some rest and thought,” Izumi explained. “Now is that time.”
She didn’t say anything else, she just walked back home. As for Winry, she remained by the port, her eyes locked on the island that could be seen clearly even from that distance.
“Ed… Al… ”
“Gramps! Gramps!”
The old Ishbalan rose from the cross-legged position he was in beside the large fire in the centre of the camp and turned around. He was quite surprised to see Rick running toward him in an excited manner.
“What is it, Rick?”
“He’s here! He’s come back!” the boy replied.
The old Ishbalan’s eyes widened at that, staring at Rick incredulously. “Who, little one?”
“Him! The foreigner!” was all that Rick said before hurrying back to meet the newcomer. The old man hobbled close to his heels, hoping that he would be able to get an answer if he just went to see what the commotion was about.
As soon as he approached the large crowd that had gathered in the meantime, he got his answer. Beregond was walking up to the centre of the camp, followed by Faenel. Everyone stared at the man, murmuring their surprise and bemusement at such an unexpected arrival, since they thought that they would never see the Gondorian again.
The old man smiled, however, as though he had been waiting for Beregond to appear all along. And when the Gondorian touched his right hand on his chest in a gesture of greeting, his smile only broadened.
“Well met indeed. I’m glad you’ve kept your promise,” he said. “Did you find the boys you were looking for back in Central?”
“Yes,” Beregond answered with a nod. “This is why I’m here, in part.”
And then another voice filled the air with its exuberant tone.
“This is awesome!”
Beregond and the old man turned around, raising an eyebrow of puzzlement. Rick was looking at the horse with such an awe-struck expression that it seemed he had found a treasure of unbelievable worth.
“Leo! Check this out!”
But Leo, who was standing a bit further away, didn’t say anything. He cast a brief glance at Rick, then at Beregond, and then turned on his heel. He didn’t bother to look back as he headed back to the tent he and Rick shared.
That hurt Rick; Beregond and the old man could tell only too clearly.
“I guess I wasn’t missed by everyone,” Beregond noted softly.
Rick immediately shook his head. “Don’t think about that,” he said reassuringly. “Brother was already in a bad mood anyway.”
“Why? What happened?” Beregond asked.
Rick merely turned his gaze on Faenel and patted her neck. “Can you show me how to ride?” he asked enthusiastically.
It was obvious that Rick was trying to change the subject, but Beregond decided to indulge him nonetheless. “I can do something better than that,” he said with a grin. “How would you like to take her for a stroll around the camp?”
Rick now looked as though he had been offered the whole world.
“Really?! Can I?!”
“Of course,” Beregond said, laughing. “Just climb up – use your right leg.”
Rick did just as he was told and, soon enough, he was settled comfortably on the saddle. Faenel looked at Beregond in an uncertain manner, but he whispered to her ear encouragingly and gave her the command to take care of the young rider.
Faenel finally trotted away, carrying a very happy-looking Rick. The other Ishbalans followed the horse, quite dumbfounded at the sight, and soon Beregond and the old Ishbalan were alone.
“You never seize to amaze me,” the old man said.
Beregond scratched his head in an embarrassed manner. “People always tell me that whenever I talk to an animal.”
The Ishbalan chuckled. “I was actually talking about your ability to touch a child’s heart like that. It has been a long time since I saw such genuine joy in Rick’s face.”
“Oh…” Now that made Beregond blush. “I see…”
At the next moment, however, a sigh escaped his lips.
“I wish all problems could be solved with just a simple ride.”
“Ah…” the old man said. “I see that there’s trouble in your heart.”
Beregond nodded.
“We’ll talk more of that later,” the old Ishbalan decided. “First you must have some food and rest. It’s the best we can give you as a ‘welcome back’.”
“Fair advice,” Beregond said with a nod. “Thank you.”
And with that, they both stepped onto the tent nearby, unaware that two pairs of violet eyes were watching them.
“Well, well, Gluttony. It looks like we have an uninvited guest.”
It was a strange sight to see Al almost up to his chest in water, standing perfectly still. Nevertheless, there was a good reason behind it.
“Well, did you catch anything?” Ed asked. He was waiting patiently on the shore, using a nearby rock as a make-shift chair.
“Wait a minute,” Al answered. He stepped out of the water, leaking from all kinds of holes within his armour. “I feel something.” Feeling curious, Al opened his chest plate, and revealed three fish inside.
Ed grinned broadly, giving the thumbs up to his brother. “Good job, Al! We’ve got dinner!”
Al couldn’t help it. He chuckled as he picked a fish out from within him. “This is so easy now. Do you remember the hard time we had back then?”
“Yeah,” Ed agreed with a sigh, memories of his childhood in this same island flooding his mind. “And that monster that kept chasing us around didn’t help matters either.”
“By the way, Brother,” Al said, looking to his left and right. “Did you notice? We haven’t seen it yet.”
Ed blinked in realisation. “You’re right.” He frowned in thought. “I wonder if monsters die of old age…”
The words barely escaped Ed’s lips when the sound of leaves rustling made both brothers turn around. But there was no reason for alarm. The culprit stepped out of the bushes and looked at the two humans through intelligent eyes.
“A fox,” Ed said with a small smile.
“Actually… two of them,” Al noted, pointing at another fox that jumped out of the bushes, urging the first one to follow him back into the woods. Al’s eyes flickered as he watched the animals go. “I wonder if they’re related to that one that bit your arm back then, Brother.”
Ed scowled at once.
“I hope they’re not, or we’ll have roast fox along with the fish,” he declared vehemently.
“Brother, you don’t mean that.”
“Watch me!” With that, Ed got ready to march after the foxes.
Al immediately clenched his hands into fists. “Brother!”
But Ed laughed out loud and raised his own hands in a gesture of peace. “Calm down, Al! I was only kidding!”
“You’d better be,” Al said warningly, not really sharing the humour. He picked the other two fish from inside him. “I’m going to cook these. I’ll call you when they’re ready.”
“Okay,” Ed said. “I’m gonna have a look around.”
“Just don’t go too far,” Al said with concern. “You don’t know who you might come across.”
Ed didn’t answer to that. He simply waved his hand dismissively and went into the woods.
The place was more or less the same, and yet Ed couldn’t help feeling that things had changed in the last six years. The island seemed a much more welcome place, for some reason - even peaceful. Perhaps it was because he was no longer ten years old and nothing impressed him as dark or ominous or threatening anymore. Now he could smile at the sight of a rabbit, without scheming ways to trap the animal in order to fill his and Al‘s stomachs. He didn’t regard foxes as pests that tried to steal his food. He wasn’t afraid for night to settle.
Yes… he was different. Ed could only admit that to himself now.
It was then that he saw a very familiar tree in front of him. With memories still vivid in his mind’s eye, Ed walked up to it and looked carefully at its bark until he found what he had been looking for. There were thirty knife-marks engraved there – thirty knife-marks to signify thirty days of isolation and struggle for survival.
But…
That’s weird… he noted with a bit of a surprise.
The knife-marks were up to his chest, whereas he could remember quite clearly that he always made them at eye level.
Could it be that… he had grown that tall since then?!
Looks like it.
At that moment, Ed really wanted to jump in joy. He couldn’t wait to show this to Al! This was proof that he wasn’t as stunted as everybody claimed!
His happy thoughts were rudely interrupted when a metallic gauntlet gripped him from his ear and started dragging him away.
“What the…? Al, what do you think you’re doing?!” Ed cried in protest.
“Don’t play stupid with me, Brother,” Al said in a scolding manner. “Are you trying to tell me that you had nothing to do with this?” He pointed at what used to be a small fire, except there nothing now but scattered embers and half-eaten fish. “You could have waited a little while longer, you know.”
Ed could only stare dumbfounded. “I didn’t do this.”
Al stared back at his brother, just as dumbfounded. “No?”
“No, of course not!”
“Then who? I was only gone for a couple of minutes to fetch some water!” Al wondered. “Unless… ” He tensed at once and started looking nervously around him.
Ed nodded grimly. “Yeah… the monster is still here.” He turned on his heel and headed for the forest again.
“Where are you going?” Al asked.
“To look for it,” Ed replied. “Maybe Teacher left us in the island so we could deal with it.”
Al still had his objections. “Are you sure this is a good idea?”
“Well, we have to go in to find something else to eat anyway,” Ed reasoned. “Now come on!”
Al could say nothing to that. He simply sighed and followed, hoping that his suit of armour would be enough in case they found the monster - and he wished with all his heart that they didn’t.
If anyone walked into Colonel Mustang’s office, they would be taken aback by the quiet that reigned therein. It seemed that everyone was preoccupied with his own business, hardly acknowledging the other’s presence as though no one else was there. Falman and Breda were playing Eastern Chess, while Fuery was reading a magazine about radio technology. Havoc was typing some kind of report or other with Hayate dozing off lazily by the lieutenant’s legs. As for Riza, she was standing by Colonel Mustang, who was currently sitting behind his desk and signing the papers that the woman handed him.
In short, it would seem that the officers where just spending a typical uneventful day in their office.
Nothing could be further from the truth.
“Is this the last one?” Roy said quite suddenly as Riza handed him another document.
“Yes, Sir,” she replied with a nod.
“Right.” Roy didn’t bother reading the document this time. He simply signed it in a careless manner and gave it back to Riza. “I think I’m done for today.”
She didn’t say anything. None in the room did, as Roy got up and got his overcoat from the coat rack. But everyone noticed his listless step and faraway look in his eyes.
“Sir, I could drive you, if you want,” Havoc ventured.
“I’d rather walk,” was Roy’s only answer. Moments later, he exited the office and closed the door behind him.
His subordinates could only watch him go with the same look of understanding in their eyes.
Sarah placed the last clean plate back in its place in the cupboard and cast a brief look around. After she deemed that everything was clean and there was no other work left for her there, she stepped out and saw that Gracia was sleeping on a couch in the living room.
Sarah sighed. These last couple of days had proved quite hard for Gracia; her fatigue was bound to catch up with her sooner or later, and Sarah could understand that only too well. She had been through the same ordeal and, though it had almost been eight years since then, she could remember everything; the sorrow, the helplessness… the vulnerability.
Sarah knew that she could put an end to this grief. She could wake up Gracia and tell her that her husband was alive and that would be that. It seemed so unfair that her friend should suffer like this when there wasn’t any real reason. But she also knew she shouldn’t say anything. Not now that danger was lurking.
With that last thought, she went to Gracia’s bedroom to take a blanket, then placed it carefully over Gracia’s form. Gracia stirred a bit in her sleep, murmuring something that Sarah didn’t quite catch; but other than that, she still slept on. Feeling reassured, Sarah walked to the room Elysia and Alice were temporarily sharing.
The two girls were already there. Elysia was sleeping on her bed, while Alice was on the floor, writing on a notebook sprawled in front of her. The seven-year-old snapped her head up and looked with bemusement in her mother’s direction.
“What is it, Mom?” she whispered.
“Nothing,” Sarah said with a shake of her head. “I just wanted to tell you that I’ll go out for a little while. Do you remember what that means?”
The girl nodded. “I won’t open the door to anybody unless I hear their name.”
“And if anybody calls?”
“I’ll ask for their name first before I give the phone to Aunt Gracia. If Aunt Gracia isn’t here, I’ll just tell them she’s busy and that she’ll call them back.”
“Good girl,” Sarah said with a smile. “Tell Gracia that I took the spare keys to the house, all right?”
“Okay, Mom.”
“And keep it as quiet as possible. Gracia is sleeping too.”
“All right.”
And with that, Alice resumed with her homework, whereas Sarah headed out.
Dr. Knox wasn’t surprised at all when he heard the knock on the door of his house, for he had a pretty good idea who it could be. Even so, he still checked out the window to keep things on the safe side.
Yes… It was Roy Mustang – the civilian clothes and the black fedora hat didn’t fool anybody. Dr. Knox opened the door and ushered Roy inside before anyone recognised the colonel.
“You came to check on him, I guess,” he commented knowingly.
Roy nodded.
Dr. Knox sighed and scratched the back of his neck. He beckoned Roy to follow him to the inner room, where Maes still lay pale and unmoving. The IV was attached on his arm and the oxygen mask still clung on his face, giving him precious air.
“He’s still in pretty bad shape. He also had a high fever during the night which, thankfully, didn’t cause him any seizures,” Knox said. “That probably would have killed him.”
“Has he woken up at all?” Roy asked. He couldn’t hide the hopeful tone from his voice.
Knox shook his head. “It’s still too early for that.”
Roy didn’t speak for some time. He just settled on the chair nearby. “Then I’ll have to wait.”
“Mustang…”
The look Roy gave Knox made the doctor stop, because it was then that Knox realised that no words of reason would apply – just as they didn’t apply the day before.
“I’ll let you be,” he said simply.
Sarah walked up to the clerk of the post-office, smiling a bit. “Hello… I believe there’s a small package for me. The name is Sarah Abbot. Here’s my identification card.”
The young girl’s eyes brightened in realisation. “Oh yes. I remember what package you’re talking about. Hold on a second.” She instantly arose, heading for the store-room. She was back a few minutes later, holding the item in her hands. “Can you please sign your name here, please?” she asked, holding up a small form. “It’s policy.”
“Of course,” Sarah answered, taking the pen that the clerk now offered her with a smile. She signed the name clearly; then gave the pen and the form back. “Will that be all?”
“Yes, you’re all set.”
“Thank you.” And with that, Sarah walked out again. When she found a phone-booth, she walked in it and dialled the number that Colonel Mustang gave her.
“Hello?” a woman’s voice echoed from the other end of the line.
“Hi, Riza; it’s me,” Sarah said cordially. “I wanted to tell you that your grandfather sends you his regards.”
“Did he?” Riza said. “Did you get your present?”
“Just now. Tell the others.”
“Of course. I’ll let you know if there’s been a change of plans.”
“Good. Till later.”
“Bye.”
Though Sarah hung up, she didn’t come out of the phone-booth at once. She opened the package to have a look at the papers and identification card inside. She smiled when she saw everything was in order and placed everything in her bag to keep them safe. Because, thanks to those papers that Lieutenant General Grumman approved with his signature, Sarah had unlimited access to all the books and files stored whether in the Central State Library or in the Military Headquarters.
Yes… a very useful present.
Night had settled and everything was growing quiet once more. The fire in the centre of the Ishbalan camp was burning as brightly as always, keeping the surrounding tents warm.
It was from one of those tents that Beregond stepped out, stretching his legs with a sigh. Though he did have a rest, his limbs were now feeling unbelievably stiff to the point that they hurt - the price for all those hours of riding. It would probably have been a good idea if he rested some more, but Beregond knew that he had to find the old Ishbalan and tell him about the reason he came first. It couldn’t be postponed any longer.
He was pleasantly surprised to catch sight of Faenel; she was standing close by, allowing Rick to brush her coat to her heart’s content.
“I see you two hit it off just fine,” Beregond commented with a grin.
“She’s really nice,” Rick replied. “Thank you for letting me ride her.”
“No problem,” Beregond answered. However, his face sobered and he looked at the boy apprehensively. “I hope your brother didn’t get angry about this.”
Rick shook his head. “I told you, it had nothing to do with you.”
Beregond frowned. He remembered Rick’s words only too clearly, and that was why he decided to finally ask the question that had formed in his mind.
“Does it have to do with Scar then? I see he isn’t with you anymore.”
Rick didn’t answer. Not at once, anyway. “Because he isn’t one of us anymore,” he murmured. “He’s tainted.”
Tainted? As far as Beregond knew, the only thing that Ishbalans considered impure was… alchemy. “I see…” he said softly. “I’m sorry. I know he was your friend.”
Rick shuffled his legs uncomfortably. It was obvious that the subject was unsettling for him, so Beregond changed it at once.
“I almost forgot,” he said, trying to act nonchalant about it. “Could you do me a favour and find your grandfather? I want to speak to him.”
Rick nodded at once, relief evident in his eyes. “Sure. Just wait here.” He placed the brush down and hurried off, swallowed by the darkness of the night.
Beregond sighed and looked in Faenel’s direction. She merely walked up to him and rested her forehead against his chest in a clear sign that she still wanted to be petted, so Beregond obliged her with a small, weak smile. As he became lost in thought, however, he directed his gaze on the star-embroidered sky above.
“Beautiful, aren’t they? Whenever I look at them, I feel that Ishbala is somehow telling us that there’s always light to guide us through darkness,” a voice said then, cutting into Beregond’s thoughts.
Beregond turned around to face the old Ishbalan, a faint chuckle escaping his lips. “In my world, the stars are the creation of the Valar. It’s a promise that they’re always present and watching over things.” He paused momentarily before averting his eyes. “Even over those that seem abandoned.”
The old Ishbalan nodded in understanding. “Rick told me you wanted to see me,” he said.
“Yes,” Beregond said. “It concerns my reason for being here.” He looked at the old Ishbalan, this time his eyes alight with determination. “At our last meeting, you said that your people used alchemy until they denounced it.”
“Indeed, I said that,” the old man replied, his expression unreadable.
“Are there any writings saved from that time?”
“Why do you want to know?”
“For my friends’ sake,” Beregond said, and he explained in a few words everything to the old Ishbalan. About Ed and Al’s predicament, as well as his wish to help them in any way he could; about the Philosopher’s Stone and its price; and, lastly, about the alternative ways all three were willing to try.
The old Ishbalan didn’t say anything for a while, even after Beregond had finished his narrative. And when he spoke, his tone was ominous and sad.
“You realise that you ask of me to show you something that no Ishbalan is allowed to see. Anyone who looks at those papers becomes corrupt and tainted, wishing for power in their fingertips. Even if they believe they want to use that power in a desire to do good.”
Beregond tensed. “Like Scar?”
The old man only nodded, but that was enough as an answer.
Beregond sighed, because it was then that he realised that his worst fears had come true. He had hoped that if he had told Scar about his arm and the suffering it caused, then the man would have put an end to this circle of revenge. Now, however, it seemed that all of Beregond’s hopes were based on mere wishful thinking. And if Scar wanted to learn everything about Alchemy, it meant he wanted to learn everything about his arm.
Maybe even… how to complete the philosopher’s stone.
The thought sickened him.
“All the more reason that I have to look into those writings,” he said. “You clearly disapprove of Scar’s actions – everyone does, by the way Rick spoke of him before. I agree; your god may one day punish Scar because of what he’s done. But that doesn’t mean that more people should suffer because of him in the meantime.”
“Do you plan on stopping him?” the old Ishbalan asked thoughtfully.
“Only as long as he won’t leave me another option,” Beregond answered.
“At what price though? Remember, it was the power that alchemy offered that drove Scar down that impure path, changing him forever.”
Beregond shook his head sadly. “I’m already changed. I didn’t realise it back then, but it happened the moment that I chose to understand this world and became myself involved in it – even if it was with the wish to return to my home one day.” He absentmindedly petted Faenel’s neck and looked up at the sky again. “Now that I know my home is forever left behind, I still have to keep moving forward in this world. If I don’t, the alternative is to look back and I can no longer afford that.”
The old Ishbalan didn’t have anything to say to that. He could only watch the Gondorian with an expression of sympathy in his eyes.
A mouse scampered forward, its nose twitching as it sniffed the air. The place was quiet, so it deemed that it could venture out for a night hunt. But its plans were postponed the moment that the sound of rustling leaves reached its ears. So, it quickly rushed back into its hall in case a fox had also ventured out for food.
But the large suit of armour and the teen alchemist didn’t notice anything of the sort. They were engaged in conversation.
“Well… no luck,” Ed said with a sigh. “At least we got ourselves some grub though,” he added, holding up the mushrooms.
“It still knows how to keep itself hidden,” Al agreed with a small nod. “I just hope it doesn’t decide to attack us.”
“Just cook these and I’ll keep a lookout in case it shows up, okay?” Ed said.
To their good fortune, the monster decided that it should leave the two boys alone for the night. A quarter of an hour later, Ed and Al were sitting cross-legged on the ground with a cosy little fire burning in front them and the mushrooms getting cooked in a pot Al transmuted for that purpose. When the soup was ready, Al gave Ed his share.
Ed didn’t eat at once though. In fact, he hardly acknowledged the tempting aroma of the food as he had become lost in thought.
“What’s in your mind, Brother?” Al asked.
Ed traced his plate absentmindedly. “I was just thinking… Do you remember that riddle Teacher told us back then? All is One, One is All?”
“Yes,” Al answered. “What about it?”
“We had figured it out back then. That’s why we became her students.”
“I remember.”
“And yet it wasn’t enough. We also had to realise that trying to bring mom back was a mistake. That’s what Teacher had been trying to tell us, only we didn’t see it.”
Al nodded in agreement.
“And… you were right, Al. She’s trying to tell us something again. She now wants us to be sure that this journey of ours to restore ourselves isn’t a mistake either.”
Al rested his back against a tree and looked up in the sky, where the stars shone brightly. “We’re responsible for our actions, whether they’re good or bad. We just want to correct our mistakes, if we can.”
“And yet here we are, always on the hunt for something that always slips our fingers,” Ed answered. “What if this is Teacher’s way to show us that what we search for is futile?”
Al’s hands clenched into fists. “Maybe it is a futile chase, maybe it is a mistake,” Al admitted in a soft tone. “But if we don’t move forward… what is left in us?”
Ed said nothing this time. He just followed his brother’s example and also looked up at the sky – unaware that a Gondorian soldier was doing the same thing miles away.
TBC…
Beregond was sitting quite comfortably on the saddle, in spite of the many hours of riding. For one thing, he felt he couldn’t afford to waste too much time anyway. He had arrived the previous night at Mesal, the closest city to Rush Valley, and there he had learned that the Ishbalans were no longer travelling by train. They had decided to continue on foot toward Kishua City.
In a way, Beregond was glad. It meant that the Ishbalans wouldn’t be able to travel fast, so he could catch up with them soon. It was true that he could have caught up with them a lot sooner if he had taken a train, but… he didn’t feel up to travelling alone in one just yet. Childish fear or no, he couldn’t help himself.
And... there was one more reason why he decided to ride out.
He had missed it.
Before he realised it, he patted the mare’s neck with a smile. She was a fine beast; strong, with long legs and intelligent eyes, but above all else with a spirit that reminded him of the horses of his homeland. It wasn’t difficult to pick her from all the others the wrangler had - or rather, she picked him. She was the first to come and greet him when he came to the pen.
He frowned when his hand felt moisture on the black skin. Faenel – as Beregond had affectionately named the horse – was sweating profusely. And when he looked up at the sky, Beregond was surprised to see that he had been riding for a long time, in fact. It was obvious that Faenel kept her pace smooth for her rider’s sake, even though she was tired.
Well, the least Beregond could do was reward her with some rest. Besides, he wanted to check the ground for any tracks of the Ishbalans. That was why he decided to come to a halt when his ears picked up the sound of running water nearby.
“Daro,” (Stop) he commanded close to her ear. “Agorech mae. Si-hodo” (You did well. Now rest.)
She snorted her acknowledgement and complied. Beregond immediately dismounted and took the saddle off her back so that she would be more comfortable, something that was greatly appreciated by the way her whole body shuddered in relief. Smiling, he gave her a powerful pat to show that she could do anything she pleased for the time being. However, she just followed him up to the small river and then nuzzled him out of the way in a gesture of “I’ll go first” before she started drinking water.
Okay… Maybe she was a bit too high-spirited. Beregond shook his head, even though he had to admit he was amused. Once she was done and went to find some grass to eat, Beregond knelt down and drank some water as well.
It was when he stood up and looked at the horizon that he saw it. It was still some distance away from him, but Beregond still recognised it for what it was; a trail of smoke rising up in the air.
He immediately whistled for Faenel to come to him, for their rest was over.
The Ishbalans were finally within sight.
Dublith was a city well known for its very picturesque places, especially a large lake on which everyone could enjoy a ride with a boat - even take a glimpse of the deserted island that was located right in the middle of said lake. There were very few people that actually stepped onto Yok Island itself though, since it was preserved as a haven for the forest animals that lived and thrived there.
Still, it was on that island that Izumi brought Ed and Al early in the morning… but sightseeing was the last thing in her mind.
“You’ve got to be kidding me! ‘Stay here and cool your heads’?” Edward exclaimed with eyes still locked on the retreating boat. “Is this some sort of punishment?”
“Well, she also said ‘No alchemy’,” Al said. He shook his head. “This is all too familiar, Brother.”
“Yeah,” Ed agreed. “It looks like Teacher still thinks we’re kids.”
“I don’t think so,” Al argued. “Maybe she wants us to learn something this time too.”
Ed snorted. “Guess old habits die hard, huh?” He didn’t say anything else for a while, his brows furrowing into a deep frown as though he was trying to think matters through very carefully. “Hey, Al…”
“Yes?” Al asked curiously.
“This is the perfect opportunity to escape!” Ed said with a mischievous grin.
Al’s red flickers of eyes grew large at this. “Are you crazy?! You know I can’t swim!” he exclaimed.
“Oh… right…” Ed scratched his head embarrassedly. “I can’t either.” His gaze drifted on the surface of the water and caught a glimpse of his and Al’s reflection. His heart sank as unwelcome thoughts crossed his mind.
“We aren’t those kids from back then, Al…” he said softly. His flesh hand reached unconsciously for his automail arm and felt its cold surface.
The suit of armour could only place an arm on his brother’s shoulder in a gesture of comfort. They both stayed there, gazing at the surface of the water for a long time. Yet neither of the boys could possibly know that they weren’t alone.
The scrawny, naked child still watched Ed and Al from behind some bushes hiding in some bushes. Though they were a strange sight to his eyes, he couldn’t help but be glad to see others like him.
“You’d better not go too close. You might fall in the water.”
Winry was hardly paying attention to Sig Curtis though. She watched the boat that carried Izumi and Mason finally anchoring back to the small port of Dublith and, as soon as Izumi got out, she went up to her, an angry and confused look in her eyes.
“What are you thinking?” she asked. “How could you abandon them on that deserted island?”
Izumi sighed, a strange smile crossing her features. “How indeed?”
“You know what I mean! What’s the point in all this?!” the girl insisted furiously.
“Winry…” Mason started, but Izumi stopped him in a sign that everything was well.
“There are times that one has to stand still,” she said.
Winry blinked. “What?”
“After moving constantly forward, there might come a time when the goal becomes unclear. And then comes the time for some rest and thought,” Izumi explained. “Now is that time.”
She didn’t say anything else, she just walked back home. As for Winry, she remained by the port, her eyes locked on the island that could be seen clearly even from that distance.
“Ed… Al… ”
“Gramps! Gramps!”
The old Ishbalan rose from the cross-legged position he was in beside the large fire in the centre of the camp and turned around. He was quite surprised to see Rick running toward him in an excited manner.
“What is it, Rick?”
“He’s here! He’s come back!” the boy replied.
The old Ishbalan’s eyes widened at that, staring at Rick incredulously. “Who, little one?”
“Him! The foreigner!” was all that Rick said before hurrying back to meet the newcomer. The old man hobbled close to his heels, hoping that he would be able to get an answer if he just went to see what the commotion was about.
As soon as he approached the large crowd that had gathered in the meantime, he got his answer. Beregond was walking up to the centre of the camp, followed by Faenel. Everyone stared at the man, murmuring their surprise and bemusement at such an unexpected arrival, since they thought that they would never see the Gondorian again.
The old man smiled, however, as though he had been waiting for Beregond to appear all along. And when the Gondorian touched his right hand on his chest in a gesture of greeting, his smile only broadened.
“Well met indeed. I’m glad you’ve kept your promise,” he said. “Did you find the boys you were looking for back in Central?”
“Yes,” Beregond answered with a nod. “This is why I’m here, in part.”
And then another voice filled the air with its exuberant tone.
“This is awesome!”
Beregond and the old man turned around, raising an eyebrow of puzzlement. Rick was looking at the horse with such an awe-struck expression that it seemed he had found a treasure of unbelievable worth.
“Leo! Check this out!”
But Leo, who was standing a bit further away, didn’t say anything. He cast a brief glance at Rick, then at Beregond, and then turned on his heel. He didn’t bother to look back as he headed back to the tent he and Rick shared.
That hurt Rick; Beregond and the old man could tell only too clearly.
“I guess I wasn’t missed by everyone,” Beregond noted softly.
Rick immediately shook his head. “Don’t think about that,” he said reassuringly. “Brother was already in a bad mood anyway.”
“Why? What happened?” Beregond asked.
Rick merely turned his gaze on Faenel and patted her neck. “Can you show me how to ride?” he asked enthusiastically.
It was obvious that Rick was trying to change the subject, but Beregond decided to indulge him nonetheless. “I can do something better than that,” he said with a grin. “How would you like to take her for a stroll around the camp?”
Rick now looked as though he had been offered the whole world.
“Really?! Can I?!”
“Of course,” Beregond said, laughing. “Just climb up – use your right leg.”
Rick did just as he was told and, soon enough, he was settled comfortably on the saddle. Faenel looked at Beregond in an uncertain manner, but he whispered to her ear encouragingly and gave her the command to take care of the young rider.
Faenel finally trotted away, carrying a very happy-looking Rick. The other Ishbalans followed the horse, quite dumbfounded at the sight, and soon Beregond and the old Ishbalan were alone.
“You never seize to amaze me,” the old man said.
Beregond scratched his head in an embarrassed manner. “People always tell me that whenever I talk to an animal.”
The Ishbalan chuckled. “I was actually talking about your ability to touch a child’s heart like that. It has been a long time since I saw such genuine joy in Rick’s face.”
“Oh…” Now that made Beregond blush. “I see…”
At the next moment, however, a sigh escaped his lips.
“I wish all problems could be solved with just a simple ride.”
“Ah…” the old man said. “I see that there’s trouble in your heart.”
Beregond nodded.
“We’ll talk more of that later,” the old Ishbalan decided. “First you must have some food and rest. It’s the best we can give you as a ‘welcome back’.”
“Fair advice,” Beregond said with a nod. “Thank you.”
And with that, they both stepped onto the tent nearby, unaware that two pairs of violet eyes were watching them.
“Well, well, Gluttony. It looks like we have an uninvited guest.”
It was a strange sight to see Al almost up to his chest in water, standing perfectly still. Nevertheless, there was a good reason behind it.
“Well, did you catch anything?” Ed asked. He was waiting patiently on the shore, using a nearby rock as a make-shift chair.
“Wait a minute,” Al answered. He stepped out of the water, leaking from all kinds of holes within his armour. “I feel something.” Feeling curious, Al opened his chest plate, and revealed three fish inside.
Ed grinned broadly, giving the thumbs up to his brother. “Good job, Al! We’ve got dinner!”
Al couldn’t help it. He chuckled as he picked a fish out from within him. “This is so easy now. Do you remember the hard time we had back then?”
“Yeah,” Ed agreed with a sigh, memories of his childhood in this same island flooding his mind. “And that monster that kept chasing us around didn’t help matters either.”
“By the way, Brother,” Al said, looking to his left and right. “Did you notice? We haven’t seen it yet.”
Ed blinked in realisation. “You’re right.” He frowned in thought. “I wonder if monsters die of old age…”
The words barely escaped Ed’s lips when the sound of leaves rustling made both brothers turn around. But there was no reason for alarm. The culprit stepped out of the bushes and looked at the two humans through intelligent eyes.
“A fox,” Ed said with a small smile.
“Actually… two of them,” Al noted, pointing at another fox that jumped out of the bushes, urging the first one to follow him back into the woods. Al’s eyes flickered as he watched the animals go. “I wonder if they’re related to that one that bit your arm back then, Brother.”
Ed scowled at once.
“I hope they’re not, or we’ll have roast fox along with the fish,” he declared vehemently.
“Brother, you don’t mean that.”
“Watch me!” With that, Ed got ready to march after the foxes.
Al immediately clenched his hands into fists. “Brother!”
But Ed laughed out loud and raised his own hands in a gesture of peace. “Calm down, Al! I was only kidding!”
“You’d better be,” Al said warningly, not really sharing the humour. He picked the other two fish from inside him. “I’m going to cook these. I’ll call you when they’re ready.”
“Okay,” Ed said. “I’m gonna have a look around.”
“Just don’t go too far,” Al said with concern. “You don’t know who you might come across.”
Ed didn’t answer to that. He simply waved his hand dismissively and went into the woods.
The place was more or less the same, and yet Ed couldn’t help feeling that things had changed in the last six years. The island seemed a much more welcome place, for some reason - even peaceful. Perhaps it was because he was no longer ten years old and nothing impressed him as dark or ominous or threatening anymore. Now he could smile at the sight of a rabbit, without scheming ways to trap the animal in order to fill his and Al‘s stomachs. He didn’t regard foxes as pests that tried to steal his food. He wasn’t afraid for night to settle.
Yes… he was different. Ed could only admit that to himself now.
It was then that he saw a very familiar tree in front of him. With memories still vivid in his mind’s eye, Ed walked up to it and looked carefully at its bark until he found what he had been looking for. There were thirty knife-marks engraved there – thirty knife-marks to signify thirty days of isolation and struggle for survival.
But…
That’s weird… he noted with a bit of a surprise.
The knife-marks were up to his chest, whereas he could remember quite clearly that he always made them at eye level.
Could it be that… he had grown that tall since then?!
Looks like it.
At that moment, Ed really wanted to jump in joy. He couldn’t wait to show this to Al! This was proof that he wasn’t as stunted as everybody claimed!
His happy thoughts were rudely interrupted when a metallic gauntlet gripped him from his ear and started dragging him away.
“What the…? Al, what do you think you’re doing?!” Ed cried in protest.
“Don’t play stupid with me, Brother,” Al said in a scolding manner. “Are you trying to tell me that you had nothing to do with this?” He pointed at what used to be a small fire, except there nothing now but scattered embers and half-eaten fish. “You could have waited a little while longer, you know.”
Ed could only stare dumbfounded. “I didn’t do this.”
Al stared back at his brother, just as dumbfounded. “No?”
“No, of course not!”
“Then who? I was only gone for a couple of minutes to fetch some water!” Al wondered. “Unless… ” He tensed at once and started looking nervously around him.
Ed nodded grimly. “Yeah… the monster is still here.” He turned on his heel and headed for the forest again.
“Where are you going?” Al asked.
“To look for it,” Ed replied. “Maybe Teacher left us in the island so we could deal with it.”
Al still had his objections. “Are you sure this is a good idea?”
“Well, we have to go in to find something else to eat anyway,” Ed reasoned. “Now come on!”
Al could say nothing to that. He simply sighed and followed, hoping that his suit of armour would be enough in case they found the monster - and he wished with all his heart that they didn’t.
If anyone walked into Colonel Mustang’s office, they would be taken aback by the quiet that reigned therein. It seemed that everyone was preoccupied with his own business, hardly acknowledging the other’s presence as though no one else was there. Falman and Breda were playing Eastern Chess, while Fuery was reading a magazine about radio technology. Havoc was typing some kind of report or other with Hayate dozing off lazily by the lieutenant’s legs. As for Riza, she was standing by Colonel Mustang, who was currently sitting behind his desk and signing the papers that the woman handed him.
In short, it would seem that the officers where just spending a typical uneventful day in their office.
Nothing could be further from the truth.
“Is this the last one?” Roy said quite suddenly as Riza handed him another document.
“Yes, Sir,” she replied with a nod.
“Right.” Roy didn’t bother reading the document this time. He simply signed it in a careless manner and gave it back to Riza. “I think I’m done for today.”
She didn’t say anything. None in the room did, as Roy got up and got his overcoat from the coat rack. But everyone noticed his listless step and faraway look in his eyes.
“Sir, I could drive you, if you want,” Havoc ventured.
“I’d rather walk,” was Roy’s only answer. Moments later, he exited the office and closed the door behind him.
His subordinates could only watch him go with the same look of understanding in their eyes.
Sarah placed the last clean plate back in its place in the cupboard and cast a brief look around. After she deemed that everything was clean and there was no other work left for her there, she stepped out and saw that Gracia was sleeping on a couch in the living room.
Sarah sighed. These last couple of days had proved quite hard for Gracia; her fatigue was bound to catch up with her sooner or later, and Sarah could understand that only too well. She had been through the same ordeal and, though it had almost been eight years since then, she could remember everything; the sorrow, the helplessness… the vulnerability.
Sarah knew that she could put an end to this grief. She could wake up Gracia and tell her that her husband was alive and that would be that. It seemed so unfair that her friend should suffer like this when there wasn’t any real reason. But she also knew she shouldn’t say anything. Not now that danger was lurking.
With that last thought, she went to Gracia’s bedroom to take a blanket, then placed it carefully over Gracia’s form. Gracia stirred a bit in her sleep, murmuring something that Sarah didn’t quite catch; but other than that, she still slept on. Feeling reassured, Sarah walked to the room Elysia and Alice were temporarily sharing.
The two girls were already there. Elysia was sleeping on her bed, while Alice was on the floor, writing on a notebook sprawled in front of her. The seven-year-old snapped her head up and looked with bemusement in her mother’s direction.
“What is it, Mom?” she whispered.
“Nothing,” Sarah said with a shake of her head. “I just wanted to tell you that I’ll go out for a little while. Do you remember what that means?”
The girl nodded. “I won’t open the door to anybody unless I hear their name.”
“And if anybody calls?”
“I’ll ask for their name first before I give the phone to Aunt Gracia. If Aunt Gracia isn’t here, I’ll just tell them she’s busy and that she’ll call them back.”
“Good girl,” Sarah said with a smile. “Tell Gracia that I took the spare keys to the house, all right?”
“Okay, Mom.”
“And keep it as quiet as possible. Gracia is sleeping too.”
“All right.”
And with that, Alice resumed with her homework, whereas Sarah headed out.
Dr. Knox wasn’t surprised at all when he heard the knock on the door of his house, for he had a pretty good idea who it could be. Even so, he still checked out the window to keep things on the safe side.
Yes… It was Roy Mustang – the civilian clothes and the black fedora hat didn’t fool anybody. Dr. Knox opened the door and ushered Roy inside before anyone recognised the colonel.
“You came to check on him, I guess,” he commented knowingly.
Roy nodded.
Dr. Knox sighed and scratched the back of his neck. He beckoned Roy to follow him to the inner room, where Maes still lay pale and unmoving. The IV was attached on his arm and the oxygen mask still clung on his face, giving him precious air.
“He’s still in pretty bad shape. He also had a high fever during the night which, thankfully, didn’t cause him any seizures,” Knox said. “That probably would have killed him.”
“Has he woken up at all?” Roy asked. He couldn’t hide the hopeful tone from his voice.
Knox shook his head. “It’s still too early for that.”
Roy didn’t speak for some time. He just settled on the chair nearby. “Then I’ll have to wait.”
“Mustang…”
The look Roy gave Knox made the doctor stop, because it was then that Knox realised that no words of reason would apply – just as they didn’t apply the day before.
“I’ll let you be,” he said simply.
Sarah walked up to the clerk of the post-office, smiling a bit. “Hello… I believe there’s a small package for me. The name is Sarah Abbot. Here’s my identification card.”
The young girl’s eyes brightened in realisation. “Oh yes. I remember what package you’re talking about. Hold on a second.” She instantly arose, heading for the store-room. She was back a few minutes later, holding the item in her hands. “Can you please sign your name here, please?” she asked, holding up a small form. “It’s policy.”
“Of course,” Sarah answered, taking the pen that the clerk now offered her with a smile. She signed the name clearly; then gave the pen and the form back. “Will that be all?”
“Yes, you’re all set.”
“Thank you.” And with that, Sarah walked out again. When she found a phone-booth, she walked in it and dialled the number that Colonel Mustang gave her.
“Hello?” a woman’s voice echoed from the other end of the line.
“Hi, Riza; it’s me,” Sarah said cordially. “I wanted to tell you that your grandfather sends you his regards.”
“Did he?” Riza said. “Did you get your present?”
“Just now. Tell the others.”
“Of course. I’ll let you know if there’s been a change of plans.”
“Good. Till later.”
“Bye.”
Though Sarah hung up, she didn’t come out of the phone-booth at once. She opened the package to have a look at the papers and identification card inside. She smiled when she saw everything was in order and placed everything in her bag to keep them safe. Because, thanks to those papers that Lieutenant General Grumman approved with his signature, Sarah had unlimited access to all the books and files stored whether in the Central State Library or in the Military Headquarters.
Yes… a very useful present.
Night had settled and everything was growing quiet once more. The fire in the centre of the Ishbalan camp was burning as brightly as always, keeping the surrounding tents warm.
It was from one of those tents that Beregond stepped out, stretching his legs with a sigh. Though he did have a rest, his limbs were now feeling unbelievably stiff to the point that they hurt - the price for all those hours of riding. It would probably have been a good idea if he rested some more, but Beregond knew that he had to find the old Ishbalan and tell him about the reason he came first. It couldn’t be postponed any longer.
He was pleasantly surprised to catch sight of Faenel; she was standing close by, allowing Rick to brush her coat to her heart’s content.
“I see you two hit it off just fine,” Beregond commented with a grin.
“She’s really nice,” Rick replied. “Thank you for letting me ride her.”
“No problem,” Beregond answered. However, his face sobered and he looked at the boy apprehensively. “I hope your brother didn’t get angry about this.”
Rick shook his head. “I told you, it had nothing to do with you.”
Beregond frowned. He remembered Rick’s words only too clearly, and that was why he decided to finally ask the question that had formed in his mind.
“Does it have to do with Scar then? I see he isn’t with you anymore.”
Rick didn’t answer. Not at once, anyway. “Because he isn’t one of us anymore,” he murmured. “He’s tainted.”
Tainted? As far as Beregond knew, the only thing that Ishbalans considered impure was… alchemy. “I see…” he said softly. “I’m sorry. I know he was your friend.”
Rick shuffled his legs uncomfortably. It was obvious that the subject was unsettling for him, so Beregond changed it at once.
“I almost forgot,” he said, trying to act nonchalant about it. “Could you do me a favour and find your grandfather? I want to speak to him.”
Rick nodded at once, relief evident in his eyes. “Sure. Just wait here.” He placed the brush down and hurried off, swallowed by the darkness of the night.
Beregond sighed and looked in Faenel’s direction. She merely walked up to him and rested her forehead against his chest in a clear sign that she still wanted to be petted, so Beregond obliged her with a small, weak smile. As he became lost in thought, however, he directed his gaze on the star-embroidered sky above.
“Beautiful, aren’t they? Whenever I look at them, I feel that Ishbala is somehow telling us that there’s always light to guide us through darkness,” a voice said then, cutting into Beregond’s thoughts.
Beregond turned around to face the old Ishbalan, a faint chuckle escaping his lips. “In my world, the stars are the creation of the Valar. It’s a promise that they’re always present and watching over things.” He paused momentarily before averting his eyes. “Even over those that seem abandoned.”
The old Ishbalan nodded in understanding. “Rick told me you wanted to see me,” he said.
“Yes,” Beregond said. “It concerns my reason for being here.” He looked at the old Ishbalan, this time his eyes alight with determination. “At our last meeting, you said that your people used alchemy until they denounced it.”
“Indeed, I said that,” the old man replied, his expression unreadable.
“Are there any writings saved from that time?”
“Why do you want to know?”
“For my friends’ sake,” Beregond said, and he explained in a few words everything to the old Ishbalan. About Ed and Al’s predicament, as well as his wish to help them in any way he could; about the Philosopher’s Stone and its price; and, lastly, about the alternative ways all three were willing to try.
The old Ishbalan didn’t say anything for a while, even after Beregond had finished his narrative. And when he spoke, his tone was ominous and sad.
“You realise that you ask of me to show you something that no Ishbalan is allowed to see. Anyone who looks at those papers becomes corrupt and tainted, wishing for power in their fingertips. Even if they believe they want to use that power in a desire to do good.”
Beregond tensed. “Like Scar?”
The old man only nodded, but that was enough as an answer.
Beregond sighed, because it was then that he realised that his worst fears had come true. He had hoped that if he had told Scar about his arm and the suffering it caused, then the man would have put an end to this circle of revenge. Now, however, it seemed that all of Beregond’s hopes were based on mere wishful thinking. And if Scar wanted to learn everything about Alchemy, it meant he wanted to learn everything about his arm.
Maybe even… how to complete the philosopher’s stone.
The thought sickened him.
“All the more reason that I have to look into those writings,” he said. “You clearly disapprove of Scar’s actions – everyone does, by the way Rick spoke of him before. I agree; your god may one day punish Scar because of what he’s done. But that doesn’t mean that more people should suffer because of him in the meantime.”
“Do you plan on stopping him?” the old Ishbalan asked thoughtfully.
“Only as long as he won’t leave me another option,” Beregond answered.
“At what price though? Remember, it was the power that alchemy offered that drove Scar down that impure path, changing him forever.”
Beregond shook his head sadly. “I’m already changed. I didn’t realise it back then, but it happened the moment that I chose to understand this world and became myself involved in it – even if it was with the wish to return to my home one day.” He absentmindedly petted Faenel’s neck and looked up at the sky again. “Now that I know my home is forever left behind, I still have to keep moving forward in this world. If I don’t, the alternative is to look back and I can no longer afford that.”
The old Ishbalan didn’t have anything to say to that. He could only watch the Gondorian with an expression of sympathy in his eyes.
A mouse scampered forward, its nose twitching as it sniffed the air. The place was quiet, so it deemed that it could venture out for a night hunt. But its plans were postponed the moment that the sound of rustling leaves reached its ears. So, it quickly rushed back into its hall in case a fox had also ventured out for food.
But the large suit of armour and the teen alchemist didn’t notice anything of the sort. They were engaged in conversation.
“Well… no luck,” Ed said with a sigh. “At least we got ourselves some grub though,” he added, holding up the mushrooms.
“It still knows how to keep itself hidden,” Al agreed with a small nod. “I just hope it doesn’t decide to attack us.”
“Just cook these and I’ll keep a lookout in case it shows up, okay?” Ed said.
To their good fortune, the monster decided that it should leave the two boys alone for the night. A quarter of an hour later, Ed and Al were sitting cross-legged on the ground with a cosy little fire burning in front them and the mushrooms getting cooked in a pot Al transmuted for that purpose. When the soup was ready, Al gave Ed his share.
Ed didn’t eat at once though. In fact, he hardly acknowledged the tempting aroma of the food as he had become lost in thought.
“What’s in your mind, Brother?” Al asked.
Ed traced his plate absentmindedly. “I was just thinking… Do you remember that riddle Teacher told us back then? All is One, One is All?”
“Yes,” Al answered. “What about it?”
“We had figured it out back then. That’s why we became her students.”
“I remember.”
“And yet it wasn’t enough. We also had to realise that trying to bring mom back was a mistake. That’s what Teacher had been trying to tell us, only we didn’t see it.”
Al nodded in agreement.
“And… you were right, Al. She’s trying to tell us something again. She now wants us to be sure that this journey of ours to restore ourselves isn’t a mistake either.”
Al rested his back against a tree and looked up in the sky, where the stars shone brightly. “We’re responsible for our actions, whether they’re good or bad. We just want to correct our mistakes, if we can.”
“And yet here we are, always on the hunt for something that always slips our fingers,” Ed answered. “What if this is Teacher’s way to show us that what we search for is futile?”
Al’s hands clenched into fists. “Maybe it is a futile chase, maybe it is a mistake,” Al admitted in a soft tone. “But if we don’t move forward… what is left in us?”
Ed said nothing this time. He just followed his brother’s example and also looked up at the sky – unaware that a Gondorian soldier was doing the same thing miles away.
TBC…
Subtitles
- Brother's Debt
- Fullmetal Body, Fullmetal Heart
- A Quiet Day
- In The Night
- Two Men's Faces
- Transfer
- Making Plans
- Shadows Of The Past
- Underworld
- The Price Of Immortality
- Departure
- The Key
- Enemy Revealed
- A Step Back
- A Step Closer To The Truth
- A Race
- Rush Valley
- Responsibility
- Izumi
- Time To Stand Still
- Wild Child
- Encounter
- Riddles In The Dark
- In Search For Answers
- A Teacher's Mistakes
- Complications
- Visits
- The Nature Of A Homunculus
- Dante Of The Deep Forest
- Kidnapped
- Fight At The Devil's Nest
- Innocence Lost
- Blood Spilt
- Recovering
- Bearers Of Ill News
- The Flame Alchemist
- True Colours
- Markings On The Ground
- The Mission
- Heading To Liore
- Change Of Plans
- The Scar
- Holy Mother
- A Mother's Face
- Final Moments