Final Moments
Wrath lifted the lance higher, ready to run it through Ed’s heart. It was the moment he had been waiting for, the moment that the hapless fool’s whole body would finally be his and he could be human forever. He licked his lips, almost tasting his triumph, then looked up at Sloth.
She simply nodded in his direction, giving her consent with a look of pride that every mother reserved for a son. Wrath’s fangs glinted in the darkness of the passage as he chuckled cruelly.
“Time to pay up, kid.”
But it was then that his lance reddened as if exposed to scorching heat, blistering Wrath’s hands and making the homunculus cry out in pain. Sloth gasped, watching the lance melt into unrecognisable pulp and dripping on Wrath’s face, the unbearable smell of burning flesh filling the air.
“Wrath!” She quickly embraced him protectively her water-like hands caressing his scarred face to soothe away the pain until it was finally regenerated to its former shape.
Wrath took a deep breath to compose himself once more. He glared at Ed, thinking that the teen alchemist was responsible for it all, but Ed hadn’t move even an inch. He was still on his knees, frozen, eyes wide and locked in the void.
Then who was it?
“Leave. Now.”
So. There was someone else in the passage. Wrath turned around, his jaw clenching as he got ready to attack the idiot who decided to interfere.
His anger was replaced by horror, however, when he saw that it was a tall man whose green-hazel eyes glinted in just fury. A silver sword shone in his hands as he boldly stepped closer to the two monsters, ready to plunge it to any one of them that dared attack first.
“It… it… can’t be…” Wrath whispered. The last time he had seen that face was…
Suddenly, memories from the Gate flooded his mind, reminding him of the darkness where the dead lingered. Where, every single day of his existence in a place that time didn’t matter, he would watch the bright presence of a soul sleeping on peacefully, untouched by the snake-like hands that ruled the Gate as though it was something sacred – even feared.
Sloth, however, wasn’t aware of Wrath’s memories. Her lips simply tugged to a ghost of a smile, and she regarded Beregond with evident contempt.
“You shouldn’t have come here, Sergeant.” As her arms liquefied once more, water surrounded the man from everywhere, ready to enclose him into a watery tomb. But Beregond evaporated the water into thin air with a single wave of his hand.
“You can’t drown me. Not for as long as I can keep vaporising the water,” He held up his sword in a defensive position again, moving even closer. “I suggest you leave.”
Sloth didn’t move, but Wrath staggered backwards, a murmuring mantra on his lips.
“Keep away…”
The sergeant’s eyes now seemed ablaze, very much like a lion’s that was ready to tear its enemy’s throat. “I SAID LEAVE!”
It was all Wrath could take. Before Sloth knew what was going on, the young homunculus ran away, screaming and crying like a terrified child that saw a ghost. She stared at him incredulously, then at Beregond, wishing to understand what had just happened.
He just stared at her coldly. “I’m waiting.”
She finally ran after Wrath.
Even though he could no longer see either of the homunculi, Beregond didn’t lower his sword yet. For all he knew, they could come back when he least expected it, recovered from their initial shock. It was strange that the smaller homunculus got so frightened of him, but Beregond wasn’t about to question matters.
A few more minutes passed in silence. Meanwhile, Ed remained where he was, unmoving, as if he didn’t know that the Gondorian was there. Feeling worried now, Beregond decided to sheath his sword and walk up to the young alchemist.
He sighed when he saw the look of terror on the boy’s features. He didn’t know how or why, but it seemed what Beregond feared the most happened; now Ed was paying the price for not heeding Beregond’s warning. He gently touched Ed’s flesh shoulder, for he didn’t wish to startle the young alchemist in that state.
“Pân mae, Edward. Nuitho i del lín,” (It’s all right, Ed. Still your fear.)
For a moment, Beregond thought that Ed didn’t hear him. But then, slowly, the amber-coloured eyes locked their gaze on Beregond, and a spark of recognition flashed in them. Even so, Ed didn’t speak at once; and when he did, his tone was just a murmur.
“You were right.”
“I wish I weren’t,” Beregond replied truthfully. “What happened, Edward?”
The boy lifted his head weakly and pointed in the direction the homunculi had left.
“She used to be our mother.”
Beregond bit his lower lip. He was surprised to find out that Colonel Douglas was a homunculus, but that she was once Trisha Elric? That was indeed a cruel blow to Edward.
“I’m sorry,” he said.
Ed shook his head and pushed himself wearily back on his feet. Though his shock was slowly ebbing away, Beregond could still see the lines of sadness on the young face. The Gondorian opened his mouth to speak, but Ed beat him to it.
“I know it’s not her,” he said softly. “I just… wasn’t ready to face her yet.”
Beregond nodded his understanding, something that made Ed smile, albeit wanly.
“So… uh…How did you find me?”
Beregond knew that that was an attempt on changing the subject. Even so, he decided to indulge Ed.
“A boy told me about the evacuation,” he explained. “I figured you would help the Liorites.”
“Oh.” Ed tensed, remembering himself. “Right. You better find Scar. I’ll make sure the rest of the Liorites are out and, as soon as I’m done, I’ll find Al so we can destroy the transmutation circle.”
“All right,” Beregond said. “Do you know where Scar is?”
“At the centre of Liore, near an abandoned temple.”
“Temple?” Beregond echoed before he could help it.
“Yeah,” Ed said, his voice much stronger now. “Now go.”
Beregond didn’t have to be told again. He ran off as fast as his feet would carry him, hoping that he would find Scar before history repeated itself on this side of the Gate too.
Little did he know that a young woman watched him and Ed from the shadows, a curious smile settled on her features and the silver blade of a knife glistening in her hands.
“The resemblance to William Brice is uncanny.”
‘Rose’ snorted, cradling the restless baby in her arms. “I’ll take your word for it. I haven’t met him.” She cursed under her breath as the baby still squirmed as though to get away from her grasp. “I thought you said the runt wouldn’t tell the difference!” she exclaimed, a tint of violet flashing in her brown eyes.
“You’re holding him too tightly,” Lyra stated coldly, discarding the knife beside the lifeless body of the real Rose. The unfortunate girl was tossed in the shadows, her throat slit open and her body covered in her own blood. “I suggest you handle your charge with better care. He’s useful, after all.”
“More useful than the Fullmetal shrimp?” Envy asked, his look all but piercing Lyra. “We had agreed that he’s my kill, not Sloth or Wrath’s!”
“I haven’t forgotten,” Lyra answered, dusting her dress in a casual manner. “I would have stopped them myself if the Gondorian hadn’t intervened.”
Envy shifted his arms, trying to hold the baby more securely. “Then why did you let them go that far?”
Lyra chuckled. “To draw him out, of course.” She placed a hand on the baby’s head, caressing it in a soothing manner. In a few moments, the baby calmed down, something that made the woman smile. “If he loves his sons, this attempt on their life is certain to shake him. And when that happens, he’ll finally decide to face me.”
“And then what?” Envy asked, his tone resembling a low growl.
Lyra’s eyes reflected the woman’s determination.
“I’ll remind him what he foolishly gave up.”
When Colonel Archer heard Bradley announce that he would revoke the order to attack Liore, he walked out the room with the excuse that he wanted to make arrangements so that the Fuhrer’s new orders were carried out. The truth was that he had gone into the basement of the building, where the chimeras that he had authorised to use for military purposes were locked up. The mindless beasts watched the angered man curiously, for he paced up and down the room as though he was caged himself.
“Does it really take that much time to find the Fullmetal Alchemist’s body?!” Archer exclaimed in his frustration. “Are they fighting Liorites, or do they just enjoy destroying the whole place?!”
None of the chimeras answered, of course, while Archer became only angrier. He landed a fist on a wall and cried out, shouting that he couldn’t wait anymore.
It was then that the door to the basement opened again. Archer turned around, only to see Roy Mustang walking in, followed closely behind by Lieutenant Hawkeye, Major Armstrong and Major Moser.
The Flame Alchemist looked at the miserable surroundings with mild curiosity, his left hand in his pocket. “So… is this where you’ve been hiding, Archer? It seems fitting, for some reason.”
If looks could kill, Roy would have been dead on the spot. “What are you doing here, Mustang?” Archer asked, not bothering to hide the venom from his voice.
“To find these,” Moser answered, pointing to a small table behind Archer. Indeed, even under this dim light, one could see the eerie glint of several red stones on the wooden surface, along with a couple of a State Alchemists’ watches. “These are the stones that you’ve told me about, right, Major Armstrong?”
“Indeed,” Armstrong answered, nodding slowly.
“It looks like history is repeating itself,” Riza noted softly.
“I’d say so, Lieutenant Hawkeye,” Roy said. He stepped closer to Archer, his gaze piercing and merciless. “Did Bradley authorise this too, Archer?”
“Why don’t you ask your stool pigeon, Mustang? It looks like he has told you enough already,” Archer answered. He faced the burly man, his hands clenched tight into fists. “What’s the matter, Major? Did you suddenly decide I was too bad of an influence for you?”
“I never followed you in the first place,” Armstrong answered, his expression neutral, even cold. “To find dirt, you sometimes have to crawl in the mud.”
Archer’s upper lip curled in distaste. “Noble to the bone, like always, Major. But, unfortunately for you, this is the army.”
Before Roy or anyone else had the time to react, Archer pulled a switch and the cages sprang open. The chimeras blinked in surprise at the loud banging sound at first, but then, as Archer blew a whistle, they immediately stepped out and rushed to his side.
“What do you think you’re doing?” Roy asked, staring at the scene in disbelief.
Archer chuckled cruelly as he stepped carefully towards the exit. “You were already glorified as hero once, Flame Alchemist. Now it’s my turn to shine.” He paused for a moment by the threshold, then gave his chimeras one order only.
“Kill them.”
Roy tried to lunge at Archer to stop him from leaving, but it was of no use. Just as the chimeras sprang for the kill, Archer rushed outside, locking the door behind him.
Bradley was no longer in his office. In fact, Gluttony was the only one occupying the room, and the homunculus was wringing his hands in a nervous manner.
“Why isn’t Lust here?” he whimpered softly to himself. She wanted the female homunculus because he was afraid he might do something wrong. As long as Lust was with him, telling him what to do, he knew that he was doing okay and then his mistress wouldn’t get angry.
“Lust…” Unsure what to do, he walked up to the window and looked inside. His hands pressed against the glass, and he squinted his beady eyes to watch the military activity down on the ground.
He blinked. The soldiers were restless, crying to one another and grabbing their weapons. A tall man was even barking out orders that they should march to Liore now.
Gluttony bit his lower lip. This wasn’t supposed to happen, was it? Pride ordered that the soldiers shouldn’t attack. With that thought, Gluttony turned around to find Pride and tell him about what’s been going on.
He stopped in his tracks at once, because it was then that he remembered Pride’s other order.
You’re to stay here and not to leave under any circumstances.
“Lust…”
Now, more than ever, Gluttony wished she was there with him.
He could no longer feel the pain in his missing arm. His steps grew heavy and weary as his legs weakened, ready to buckle underneath him. Nevertheless, Scar forged on, his eyes locked forward and all kinds of thoughts filling his mind.
He had to put an end to what started more than seven years ago; he knew this. It was the only way he would finally find peace at least.
It didn’t take him long to reach to the centre of Liore, to the centre of his transmutation circle. He was surprised, however, when he saw someone else already standing there, her long black dress swaying at the wind’s whim.
“You came,” she said, her voice so much like hers, yet her eyes violet and cold. “For a moment I believed the alchemists got the better of you.”
Scar grunted, glaring at the form that he had loved so much at another time. “What are you doing here?”
She smiled. “Isn’t it obvious? I’m making sure so one will stop you from creating the philosopher’s stone.” She regarded him thoughtfully. “Isn’t that what you want? To punish the people responsible for the destruction of your race?”
Scar bowed his head. “And yet does it ever end?”
Lust’s eyes widened at this. “What do you mean?” she asked.
Scar fell on his knees, unable to stand any longer. “A boy asked me how many more must die before I decide to stop. There was a time that I thought I could answer that question, but now I realise that no matter how many I kill, it will never be enough.” He heaved a sigh. “So I might as well stop now.”
Lust stiffened, looking at Scar incredulously.
“You won’t do it?!” Her fingers extended, ready to pierce Scar through. “Not if I…!”
“Stay there!”
The homunculus did as she was told, but not on her own accord. Scar was now holding in his remaining hand the locket that contained another woman’s strand of hair; hair very much like Lust’s.
Scar watched the homunculus paralyse, a saddened expression settling on his features. “The Fullmetal Alchemist was right. You really aren’t her.”
Lust trembled in her attempt to move, a film of sweat forming on her brow. “No, I’m not,” she answered, her voice strained. “But… if you created the stone… and I were to become human… wouldn’t it be the same?”
“No. I can’t bring back what’s dead,” Scar said, his tone softening as his life-force ebbed away. “But, there is something I can do.”
“And what is that?” she asked, though she already suspected the answer.
“Meet her… in Ishbala’s bosom.” He closed his eyes, and his fingers loosened their grip on the locket. “A man who inflicts suffering can't rest. His guilty mind won't allow it. But today… I can finally close my eyes to the living nightmare and lie down, knowing that I won't wake up again. Brother...”
With that final word flowing out of his lips, the Ishbalan fell down, covered in his own blood. Lust remained still as though rooted on the spot, unable to walk away; unable to do anything but watch him die.
A set of footsteps echoed in the silence, and Lust turned her gaze to her left.
“How long have you been here?” she asked, recognising the Gondorian.
Beregond walked closer, a hand resting on the hilt of his sword as it stayed buckled on his side. “Long enough.” He knelt beside Scar and opened the fingers to free the locket so he could put it around the dead man’s neck.
“Then tell me why he didn’t do it.”
Beregond smiled, albeit sadly, as he smoothed away the lines of pain that clung on the dark-skinned face. “He knew he was dying.”
“I still don’t understand!” she all but shouted.
Beregond placed the remaining arm across his shoulders, then scooped the body of the Ishbalan in his arms. “In these last moments, he loved life more than he ever had before. Not just his life, but anyone’s life. Even his enemy’s.” He turned on his heel and started walking away.
“What about my life, Gondorian?” Lust asked in exasperation. “All I wanted was to be human!”
He stopped and looked over his shoulder, sparing a brief glance of pity in her direction.
“Then you can start by acting like one.”
He didn’t wait to see the confused expression on her face. He just resumed walking, holding Scar’s body.
Ed guided a mother with her child through the tunnel, relieved to see them go. He turned his gaze to every direction to make sure no one was left behind, but the place was empty. He couldn’t even find any sign of Rose or Lyra anywhere, so the teen alchemist could only suppose that the two girls had already joined the rest of the Liorites.
It was just as well. He had to find Al, and he wanted to do it without distractions. So, he rushed back to the surface, welcoming the sickly light of pre-dawn after spending so many hours in the darkness of the tunnels. Everything was quiet, almost peaceful, and Ed wanted to believe for a moment that he wasn’t caught in the middle of a raging war. But he knew that he was wishing for too much.
“Brother!”
Ed turned around at the sound of that voice. It was indeed Alphonse, and he was now running up to him.
“Al…”
“Where have you been? I’ve been looking all over for you!” the suit of armour chided him, but he didn’t expect an answer. He merely grabbed Ed by the wrist. “Come on, we have to go! Beregond said that the military will attack the city at dawn!”
“I know that,” Ed replied quietly, but he didn’t budge. “That’s why we have to make sure that they don’t get used as ingredients for the philosopher’s stone.”
“But how?!” Al asked. “If Scar uses the transmutation circle…”
A ghost of a smile appeared on the young alchemist’s lips. “He can’t use what has been erased.”
Al stared at Ed incredulously, unsure what to make of that statement. Nevertheless, he followed his brothers through the streets of Liore, until they reached its outskirts. And when they arrived there, Edward locked his gaze on the suit of armour, the fire of determination burning in his eyes.
“Let’s go for it, Al.”
Al finally understood. After nodding his acknowledgement, both brothers clapped their hands and then placed them firmly on the ground, thus starting another kind of alchemical reaction.
Armstrong grabbed another chimera by its tail and span it around, making sure it hit the wall with a loud thud. Roy, on the other hand, used his flames to incinerate two chimeras that lunged at him and Riza. She hardly remained though. She rapidly fired at one beast that attacked Moser, for he was too busy throwing daggers at two more. The daggers embedded on the chimeras’ skin without killing them, but when Moser activated an array etched on a brace on his left arm, they were both changed to stone.
The growls and yelps died down at last and the place grew quiet once more. Everyone’s gaze drifted to all directions; they didn’t want any more unwelcome surprises. All they could see, however, were the corpses of the chimeras, lying scattered all about.
“I don’t understand,” Moser said, his eyes still locked on the chimeras. “Why would Archer try to kill us? There was no way he could get away with that.”
“That’s why he wasn’t trying to kill us,” Roy said, dusting his gloves. “He only wanted to slow us down long enough till he accomplished what he wanted.”
“Do you think he’s already rallied the troops for the attack?” Armstrong asked.
“We’ll just have to find out,” Roy said. He nodded in Riza’s direction. “Lieutenant.”
Riza didn’t have to be told twice. She fired at the lock and kicked the door open with a loud bang. Everyone rushed outside, dismayed to see that the corridors were empty. It meant Archer had already given the order to the troops to march to Liore.
“Boss!”
Roy turned around at the sound of that voice. The second lieutenant was indeed there, his gun in his hands, and he was followed close behind by Breda, Falman and Fuery.
“It’s a good thing we found you, Sir,” Fuery said, his relief quite audible in his tone. “Colonel Archer ordered all the soldiers to prepare for an assault to the city!”
“Are they gone?” Roy asked, keeping his temper in check.
“They left half an hour ago,” Havoc answered.
Roy clenched his jaw at those words. “Then we’re too late.”
Just then, Breda saw something that made him point to the window behind Roy. “Maybe not, Sir. Look.”
Unsure what to make of those words, Roy stepped close to the window. Everyone else followed him and looked outside as well.
They could hardly believe their eyes at the sight that was unfolded before them. Most of the troops were already at the borders of Liore, but Liore itself could no longer be seen. A cloud of sand had risen up in the air, shielding the city and covering everything that dared come too close. Some of the jeeps were sunk in mounds of sand, unable to move forward or retreat.
“What is this?” Moser asked before he could help it.
“It looks like Edward has intervened here,” Riza noted.
Roy allowed himself the luxury of a smile. “I’d say so. Way to go, Fullmetal.”
None of the soldiers that were close to the sand cloud shared Roy’s opinion. When they saw the great mass moving towards their direction, they ran as quickly as they could amid shouts of panic and fear. And when Archer shouted orders and threats to the soldiers to turn back, he was simply swallowed by the grains of sand.
By the time the first light of day bathed the desolate battlefield, everything was silent.
As he felt silence surrounding him, Ed opened his eyes and saw the sand covering almost all of Liore like a warm cloak. He could no longer see the transmutation circle, for it was wiped out during the sandstorm he had caused.
“It’s over,” the teen alchemist whispered.
“Yeah.”
Ed faced Alphonse. The suit of armour was standing next to him, looking also at the half-buried city. The broad shoulders were slumped forward, an unreadable expression reflected in his eyes.
“You okay, Al?” Ed asked gently.
“More like relieved,” Al admitted before turning to Ed. “And you, Brother?”
Ed allowed himself the luxury of a small smile. “I’m fine. I know we had the philosopher’s stone within our grasp but… I feel we did the right thing.”
Al let out a soft chuckle. “Yeah… Me too.”
Though he was glad at that answer, Ed couldn’t feel happy for long. Dark thoughts entered his mind once more, making his heart sink.
“Al… there’s at least more thing we have to do.”
Al stiffened and regarded his brother apprehensively. “What is it?”
Ed bowed his head, his blond bangs hiding his eyes.
“Correct our mistake.”
A small gasped escaped the suit of armour. “You mean…? Mom…?”
Ed just nodded. It was enough as an answer.
“But that means we’ll have to go to Resembool,” Al pointed out. “What if the Homunculi come after us there?”
“We’ll deal with it then,” Ed replied. He turned on his heel and started walking away. “Come on, let’s go.”
Al stared at the retreating Ed incredulously. “Wait! What about the Colonel?”
“Forget about him, Al,” Ed all but snapped. “We’re though with the military.”
“But he’ll chase us!”
“I’d like to see him try.”
“And Beregond?”
Ed stopped in his tracks, but he didn’t look at his brother.
“He’ll leave the military and find us in Resembool.”
If Al noticed how uncertain Ed sounded when he said that, he certainly didn’t show it. Seeing as his older brother couldn’t be talked out of his decision, the suit of armour simply followed.
The sun was already high up in the sky dome when Roy found Beregond. The Gondorian had his back to him and was kneeling in the centre of an alchemised rock formation, his face and clothes specked with grains of sand. He seemed calm as he kept staring at the small mound before him, but Roy was aware that Beregond was simply paying his respects to the Ishbalan who was reverently buried there in spite of his crimes.
“They’re gone, aren’t they?”
Though Roy was surprised that Beregond noticed him, he didn’t wonder about it for long; there were other, far more important things at present.
“Yes. Both of them.”
Beregond stood up and faced Roy, an unreadable expression reflected in his green-hazel eyes.
“Then we’ll find them.”
End of Part Three
To Be Concluded in Shamballa – Full Circle
She simply nodded in his direction, giving her consent with a look of pride that every mother reserved for a son. Wrath’s fangs glinted in the darkness of the passage as he chuckled cruelly.
“Time to pay up, kid.”
But it was then that his lance reddened as if exposed to scorching heat, blistering Wrath’s hands and making the homunculus cry out in pain. Sloth gasped, watching the lance melt into unrecognisable pulp and dripping on Wrath’s face, the unbearable smell of burning flesh filling the air.
“Wrath!” She quickly embraced him protectively her water-like hands caressing his scarred face to soothe away the pain until it was finally regenerated to its former shape.
Wrath took a deep breath to compose himself once more. He glared at Ed, thinking that the teen alchemist was responsible for it all, but Ed hadn’t move even an inch. He was still on his knees, frozen, eyes wide and locked in the void.
Then who was it?
“Leave. Now.”
So. There was someone else in the passage. Wrath turned around, his jaw clenching as he got ready to attack the idiot who decided to interfere.
His anger was replaced by horror, however, when he saw that it was a tall man whose green-hazel eyes glinted in just fury. A silver sword shone in his hands as he boldly stepped closer to the two monsters, ready to plunge it to any one of them that dared attack first.
“It… it… can’t be…” Wrath whispered. The last time he had seen that face was…
Suddenly, memories from the Gate flooded his mind, reminding him of the darkness where the dead lingered. Where, every single day of his existence in a place that time didn’t matter, he would watch the bright presence of a soul sleeping on peacefully, untouched by the snake-like hands that ruled the Gate as though it was something sacred – even feared.
Sloth, however, wasn’t aware of Wrath’s memories. Her lips simply tugged to a ghost of a smile, and she regarded Beregond with evident contempt.
“You shouldn’t have come here, Sergeant.” As her arms liquefied once more, water surrounded the man from everywhere, ready to enclose him into a watery tomb. But Beregond evaporated the water into thin air with a single wave of his hand.
“You can’t drown me. Not for as long as I can keep vaporising the water,” He held up his sword in a defensive position again, moving even closer. “I suggest you leave.”
Sloth didn’t move, but Wrath staggered backwards, a murmuring mantra on his lips.
“Keep away…”
The sergeant’s eyes now seemed ablaze, very much like a lion’s that was ready to tear its enemy’s throat. “I SAID LEAVE!”
It was all Wrath could take. Before Sloth knew what was going on, the young homunculus ran away, screaming and crying like a terrified child that saw a ghost. She stared at him incredulously, then at Beregond, wishing to understand what had just happened.
He just stared at her coldly. “I’m waiting.”
She finally ran after Wrath.
Even though he could no longer see either of the homunculi, Beregond didn’t lower his sword yet. For all he knew, they could come back when he least expected it, recovered from their initial shock. It was strange that the smaller homunculus got so frightened of him, but Beregond wasn’t about to question matters.
A few more minutes passed in silence. Meanwhile, Ed remained where he was, unmoving, as if he didn’t know that the Gondorian was there. Feeling worried now, Beregond decided to sheath his sword and walk up to the young alchemist.
He sighed when he saw the look of terror on the boy’s features. He didn’t know how or why, but it seemed what Beregond feared the most happened; now Ed was paying the price for not heeding Beregond’s warning. He gently touched Ed’s flesh shoulder, for he didn’t wish to startle the young alchemist in that state.
“Pân mae, Edward. Nuitho i del lín,” (It’s all right, Ed. Still your fear.)
For a moment, Beregond thought that Ed didn’t hear him. But then, slowly, the amber-coloured eyes locked their gaze on Beregond, and a spark of recognition flashed in them. Even so, Ed didn’t speak at once; and when he did, his tone was just a murmur.
“You were right.”
“I wish I weren’t,” Beregond replied truthfully. “What happened, Edward?”
The boy lifted his head weakly and pointed in the direction the homunculi had left.
“She used to be our mother.”
Beregond bit his lower lip. He was surprised to find out that Colonel Douglas was a homunculus, but that she was once Trisha Elric? That was indeed a cruel blow to Edward.
“I’m sorry,” he said.
Ed shook his head and pushed himself wearily back on his feet. Though his shock was slowly ebbing away, Beregond could still see the lines of sadness on the young face. The Gondorian opened his mouth to speak, but Ed beat him to it.
“I know it’s not her,” he said softly. “I just… wasn’t ready to face her yet.”
Beregond nodded his understanding, something that made Ed smile, albeit wanly.
“So… uh…How did you find me?”
Beregond knew that that was an attempt on changing the subject. Even so, he decided to indulge Ed.
“A boy told me about the evacuation,” he explained. “I figured you would help the Liorites.”
“Oh.” Ed tensed, remembering himself. “Right. You better find Scar. I’ll make sure the rest of the Liorites are out and, as soon as I’m done, I’ll find Al so we can destroy the transmutation circle.”
“All right,” Beregond said. “Do you know where Scar is?”
“At the centre of Liore, near an abandoned temple.”
“Temple?” Beregond echoed before he could help it.
“Yeah,” Ed said, his voice much stronger now. “Now go.”
Beregond didn’t have to be told again. He ran off as fast as his feet would carry him, hoping that he would find Scar before history repeated itself on this side of the Gate too.
Little did he know that a young woman watched him and Ed from the shadows, a curious smile settled on her features and the silver blade of a knife glistening in her hands.
“The resemblance to William Brice is uncanny.”
‘Rose’ snorted, cradling the restless baby in her arms. “I’ll take your word for it. I haven’t met him.” She cursed under her breath as the baby still squirmed as though to get away from her grasp. “I thought you said the runt wouldn’t tell the difference!” she exclaimed, a tint of violet flashing in her brown eyes.
“You’re holding him too tightly,” Lyra stated coldly, discarding the knife beside the lifeless body of the real Rose. The unfortunate girl was tossed in the shadows, her throat slit open and her body covered in her own blood. “I suggest you handle your charge with better care. He’s useful, after all.”
“More useful than the Fullmetal shrimp?” Envy asked, his look all but piercing Lyra. “We had agreed that he’s my kill, not Sloth or Wrath’s!”
“I haven’t forgotten,” Lyra answered, dusting her dress in a casual manner. “I would have stopped them myself if the Gondorian hadn’t intervened.”
Envy shifted his arms, trying to hold the baby more securely. “Then why did you let them go that far?”
Lyra chuckled. “To draw him out, of course.” She placed a hand on the baby’s head, caressing it in a soothing manner. In a few moments, the baby calmed down, something that made the woman smile. “If he loves his sons, this attempt on their life is certain to shake him. And when that happens, he’ll finally decide to face me.”
“And then what?” Envy asked, his tone resembling a low growl.
Lyra’s eyes reflected the woman’s determination.
“I’ll remind him what he foolishly gave up.”
When Colonel Archer heard Bradley announce that he would revoke the order to attack Liore, he walked out the room with the excuse that he wanted to make arrangements so that the Fuhrer’s new orders were carried out. The truth was that he had gone into the basement of the building, where the chimeras that he had authorised to use for military purposes were locked up. The mindless beasts watched the angered man curiously, for he paced up and down the room as though he was caged himself.
“Does it really take that much time to find the Fullmetal Alchemist’s body?!” Archer exclaimed in his frustration. “Are they fighting Liorites, or do they just enjoy destroying the whole place?!”
None of the chimeras answered, of course, while Archer became only angrier. He landed a fist on a wall and cried out, shouting that he couldn’t wait anymore.
It was then that the door to the basement opened again. Archer turned around, only to see Roy Mustang walking in, followed closely behind by Lieutenant Hawkeye, Major Armstrong and Major Moser.
The Flame Alchemist looked at the miserable surroundings with mild curiosity, his left hand in his pocket. “So… is this where you’ve been hiding, Archer? It seems fitting, for some reason.”
If looks could kill, Roy would have been dead on the spot. “What are you doing here, Mustang?” Archer asked, not bothering to hide the venom from his voice.
“To find these,” Moser answered, pointing to a small table behind Archer. Indeed, even under this dim light, one could see the eerie glint of several red stones on the wooden surface, along with a couple of a State Alchemists’ watches. “These are the stones that you’ve told me about, right, Major Armstrong?”
“Indeed,” Armstrong answered, nodding slowly.
“It looks like history is repeating itself,” Riza noted softly.
“I’d say so, Lieutenant Hawkeye,” Roy said. He stepped closer to Archer, his gaze piercing and merciless. “Did Bradley authorise this too, Archer?”
“Why don’t you ask your stool pigeon, Mustang? It looks like he has told you enough already,” Archer answered. He faced the burly man, his hands clenched tight into fists. “What’s the matter, Major? Did you suddenly decide I was too bad of an influence for you?”
“I never followed you in the first place,” Armstrong answered, his expression neutral, even cold. “To find dirt, you sometimes have to crawl in the mud.”
Archer’s upper lip curled in distaste. “Noble to the bone, like always, Major. But, unfortunately for you, this is the army.”
Before Roy or anyone else had the time to react, Archer pulled a switch and the cages sprang open. The chimeras blinked in surprise at the loud banging sound at first, but then, as Archer blew a whistle, they immediately stepped out and rushed to his side.
“What do you think you’re doing?” Roy asked, staring at the scene in disbelief.
Archer chuckled cruelly as he stepped carefully towards the exit. “You were already glorified as hero once, Flame Alchemist. Now it’s my turn to shine.” He paused for a moment by the threshold, then gave his chimeras one order only.
“Kill them.”
Roy tried to lunge at Archer to stop him from leaving, but it was of no use. Just as the chimeras sprang for the kill, Archer rushed outside, locking the door behind him.
Bradley was no longer in his office. In fact, Gluttony was the only one occupying the room, and the homunculus was wringing his hands in a nervous manner.
“Why isn’t Lust here?” he whimpered softly to himself. She wanted the female homunculus because he was afraid he might do something wrong. As long as Lust was with him, telling him what to do, he knew that he was doing okay and then his mistress wouldn’t get angry.
“Lust…” Unsure what to do, he walked up to the window and looked inside. His hands pressed against the glass, and he squinted his beady eyes to watch the military activity down on the ground.
He blinked. The soldiers were restless, crying to one another and grabbing their weapons. A tall man was even barking out orders that they should march to Liore now.
Gluttony bit his lower lip. This wasn’t supposed to happen, was it? Pride ordered that the soldiers shouldn’t attack. With that thought, Gluttony turned around to find Pride and tell him about what’s been going on.
He stopped in his tracks at once, because it was then that he remembered Pride’s other order.
You’re to stay here and not to leave under any circumstances.
“Lust…”
Now, more than ever, Gluttony wished she was there with him.
He could no longer feel the pain in his missing arm. His steps grew heavy and weary as his legs weakened, ready to buckle underneath him. Nevertheless, Scar forged on, his eyes locked forward and all kinds of thoughts filling his mind.
He had to put an end to what started more than seven years ago; he knew this. It was the only way he would finally find peace at least.
It didn’t take him long to reach to the centre of Liore, to the centre of his transmutation circle. He was surprised, however, when he saw someone else already standing there, her long black dress swaying at the wind’s whim.
“You came,” she said, her voice so much like hers, yet her eyes violet and cold. “For a moment I believed the alchemists got the better of you.”
Scar grunted, glaring at the form that he had loved so much at another time. “What are you doing here?”
She smiled. “Isn’t it obvious? I’m making sure so one will stop you from creating the philosopher’s stone.” She regarded him thoughtfully. “Isn’t that what you want? To punish the people responsible for the destruction of your race?”
Scar bowed his head. “And yet does it ever end?”
Lust’s eyes widened at this. “What do you mean?” she asked.
Scar fell on his knees, unable to stand any longer. “A boy asked me how many more must die before I decide to stop. There was a time that I thought I could answer that question, but now I realise that no matter how many I kill, it will never be enough.” He heaved a sigh. “So I might as well stop now.”
Lust stiffened, looking at Scar incredulously.
“You won’t do it?!” Her fingers extended, ready to pierce Scar through. “Not if I…!”
“Stay there!”
The homunculus did as she was told, but not on her own accord. Scar was now holding in his remaining hand the locket that contained another woman’s strand of hair; hair very much like Lust’s.
Scar watched the homunculus paralyse, a saddened expression settling on his features. “The Fullmetal Alchemist was right. You really aren’t her.”
Lust trembled in her attempt to move, a film of sweat forming on her brow. “No, I’m not,” she answered, her voice strained. “But… if you created the stone… and I were to become human… wouldn’t it be the same?”
“No. I can’t bring back what’s dead,” Scar said, his tone softening as his life-force ebbed away. “But, there is something I can do.”
“And what is that?” she asked, though she already suspected the answer.
“Meet her… in Ishbala’s bosom.” He closed his eyes, and his fingers loosened their grip on the locket. “A man who inflicts suffering can't rest. His guilty mind won't allow it. But today… I can finally close my eyes to the living nightmare and lie down, knowing that I won't wake up again. Brother...”
With that final word flowing out of his lips, the Ishbalan fell down, covered in his own blood. Lust remained still as though rooted on the spot, unable to walk away; unable to do anything but watch him die.
A set of footsteps echoed in the silence, and Lust turned her gaze to her left.
“How long have you been here?” she asked, recognising the Gondorian.
Beregond walked closer, a hand resting on the hilt of his sword as it stayed buckled on his side. “Long enough.” He knelt beside Scar and opened the fingers to free the locket so he could put it around the dead man’s neck.
“Then tell me why he didn’t do it.”
Beregond smiled, albeit sadly, as he smoothed away the lines of pain that clung on the dark-skinned face. “He knew he was dying.”
“I still don’t understand!” she all but shouted.
Beregond placed the remaining arm across his shoulders, then scooped the body of the Ishbalan in his arms. “In these last moments, he loved life more than he ever had before. Not just his life, but anyone’s life. Even his enemy’s.” He turned on his heel and started walking away.
“What about my life, Gondorian?” Lust asked in exasperation. “All I wanted was to be human!”
He stopped and looked over his shoulder, sparing a brief glance of pity in her direction.
“Then you can start by acting like one.”
He didn’t wait to see the confused expression on her face. He just resumed walking, holding Scar’s body.
Ed guided a mother with her child through the tunnel, relieved to see them go. He turned his gaze to every direction to make sure no one was left behind, but the place was empty. He couldn’t even find any sign of Rose or Lyra anywhere, so the teen alchemist could only suppose that the two girls had already joined the rest of the Liorites.
It was just as well. He had to find Al, and he wanted to do it without distractions. So, he rushed back to the surface, welcoming the sickly light of pre-dawn after spending so many hours in the darkness of the tunnels. Everything was quiet, almost peaceful, and Ed wanted to believe for a moment that he wasn’t caught in the middle of a raging war. But he knew that he was wishing for too much.
“Brother!”
Ed turned around at the sound of that voice. It was indeed Alphonse, and he was now running up to him.
“Al…”
“Where have you been? I’ve been looking all over for you!” the suit of armour chided him, but he didn’t expect an answer. He merely grabbed Ed by the wrist. “Come on, we have to go! Beregond said that the military will attack the city at dawn!”
“I know that,” Ed replied quietly, but he didn’t budge. “That’s why we have to make sure that they don’t get used as ingredients for the philosopher’s stone.”
“But how?!” Al asked. “If Scar uses the transmutation circle…”
A ghost of a smile appeared on the young alchemist’s lips. “He can’t use what has been erased.”
Al stared at Ed incredulously, unsure what to make of that statement. Nevertheless, he followed his brothers through the streets of Liore, until they reached its outskirts. And when they arrived there, Edward locked his gaze on the suit of armour, the fire of determination burning in his eyes.
“Let’s go for it, Al.”
Al finally understood. After nodding his acknowledgement, both brothers clapped their hands and then placed them firmly on the ground, thus starting another kind of alchemical reaction.
Armstrong grabbed another chimera by its tail and span it around, making sure it hit the wall with a loud thud. Roy, on the other hand, used his flames to incinerate two chimeras that lunged at him and Riza. She hardly remained though. She rapidly fired at one beast that attacked Moser, for he was too busy throwing daggers at two more. The daggers embedded on the chimeras’ skin without killing them, but when Moser activated an array etched on a brace on his left arm, they were both changed to stone.
The growls and yelps died down at last and the place grew quiet once more. Everyone’s gaze drifted to all directions; they didn’t want any more unwelcome surprises. All they could see, however, were the corpses of the chimeras, lying scattered all about.
“I don’t understand,” Moser said, his eyes still locked on the chimeras. “Why would Archer try to kill us? There was no way he could get away with that.”
“That’s why he wasn’t trying to kill us,” Roy said, dusting his gloves. “He only wanted to slow us down long enough till he accomplished what he wanted.”
“Do you think he’s already rallied the troops for the attack?” Armstrong asked.
“We’ll just have to find out,” Roy said. He nodded in Riza’s direction. “Lieutenant.”
Riza didn’t have to be told twice. She fired at the lock and kicked the door open with a loud bang. Everyone rushed outside, dismayed to see that the corridors were empty. It meant Archer had already given the order to the troops to march to Liore.
“Boss!”
Roy turned around at the sound of that voice. The second lieutenant was indeed there, his gun in his hands, and he was followed close behind by Breda, Falman and Fuery.
“It’s a good thing we found you, Sir,” Fuery said, his relief quite audible in his tone. “Colonel Archer ordered all the soldiers to prepare for an assault to the city!”
“Are they gone?” Roy asked, keeping his temper in check.
“They left half an hour ago,” Havoc answered.
Roy clenched his jaw at those words. “Then we’re too late.”
Just then, Breda saw something that made him point to the window behind Roy. “Maybe not, Sir. Look.”
Unsure what to make of those words, Roy stepped close to the window. Everyone else followed him and looked outside as well.
They could hardly believe their eyes at the sight that was unfolded before them. Most of the troops were already at the borders of Liore, but Liore itself could no longer be seen. A cloud of sand had risen up in the air, shielding the city and covering everything that dared come too close. Some of the jeeps were sunk in mounds of sand, unable to move forward or retreat.
“What is this?” Moser asked before he could help it.
“It looks like Edward has intervened here,” Riza noted.
Roy allowed himself the luxury of a smile. “I’d say so. Way to go, Fullmetal.”
None of the soldiers that were close to the sand cloud shared Roy’s opinion. When they saw the great mass moving towards their direction, they ran as quickly as they could amid shouts of panic and fear. And when Archer shouted orders and threats to the soldiers to turn back, he was simply swallowed by the grains of sand.
By the time the first light of day bathed the desolate battlefield, everything was silent.
As he felt silence surrounding him, Ed opened his eyes and saw the sand covering almost all of Liore like a warm cloak. He could no longer see the transmutation circle, for it was wiped out during the sandstorm he had caused.
“It’s over,” the teen alchemist whispered.
“Yeah.”
Ed faced Alphonse. The suit of armour was standing next to him, looking also at the half-buried city. The broad shoulders were slumped forward, an unreadable expression reflected in his eyes.
“You okay, Al?” Ed asked gently.
“More like relieved,” Al admitted before turning to Ed. “And you, Brother?”
Ed allowed himself the luxury of a small smile. “I’m fine. I know we had the philosopher’s stone within our grasp but… I feel we did the right thing.”
Al let out a soft chuckle. “Yeah… Me too.”
Though he was glad at that answer, Ed couldn’t feel happy for long. Dark thoughts entered his mind once more, making his heart sink.
“Al… there’s at least more thing we have to do.”
Al stiffened and regarded his brother apprehensively. “What is it?”
Ed bowed his head, his blond bangs hiding his eyes.
“Correct our mistake.”
A small gasped escaped the suit of armour. “You mean…? Mom…?”
Ed just nodded. It was enough as an answer.
“But that means we’ll have to go to Resembool,” Al pointed out. “What if the Homunculi come after us there?”
“We’ll deal with it then,” Ed replied. He turned on his heel and started walking away. “Come on, let’s go.”
Al stared at the retreating Ed incredulously. “Wait! What about the Colonel?”
“Forget about him, Al,” Ed all but snapped. “We’re though with the military.”
“But he’ll chase us!”
“I’d like to see him try.”
“And Beregond?”
Ed stopped in his tracks, but he didn’t look at his brother.
“He’ll leave the military and find us in Resembool.”
If Al noticed how uncertain Ed sounded when he said that, he certainly didn’t show it. Seeing as his older brother couldn’t be talked out of his decision, the suit of armour simply followed.
The sun was already high up in the sky dome when Roy found Beregond. The Gondorian had his back to him and was kneeling in the centre of an alchemised rock formation, his face and clothes specked with grains of sand. He seemed calm as he kept staring at the small mound before him, but Roy was aware that Beregond was simply paying his respects to the Ishbalan who was reverently buried there in spite of his crimes.
“They’re gone, aren’t they?”
Though Roy was surprised that Beregond noticed him, he didn’t wonder about it for long; there were other, far more important things at present.
“Yes. Both of them.”
Beregond stood up and faced Roy, an unreadable expression reflected in his green-hazel eyes.
“Then we’ll find them.”
To Be Concluded in Shamballa – Full Circle
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