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WWID Chapter 7

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Chapter Seven
Reconstruction

"I know we won, but why doesn't it feel like winning?"

"I know what you mean. I don’t think that it ever does, not when people have to die in order for us to win."
- Pol, then his father Rohan, from ‘The Star Scroll’ by Melanie Rawn

Winry sighed.

Being practically immobile was difficult. And frustrating. Pulling her lips back in a grimace, she shifted a little on her bed, wincing at the many pains that racked her body. At the other bed next to her, Al glanced over toward her worriedly, Mei chatting beside him. Winry moved her uninjured hand, waving off his concern. He briefly smiled at her, turning his attention back to Mei.

Winry couldn’t help but grin, holding back a giggle as she watched the pair. Al very rarely took his eyes off of the pretty Xingan girl, a faint blush on his face. Mei too, rarely looked away from Alphonse, occasionally breaking their chatter to eye his malnutritioned body in worry, and call for a nurse. She seemed to see a light shine out of his every orifice- but she was not unwilling to take initiative and say ‘no’ to his protests against her help. In some ways, Al was just as stubborn as Ed, and it pleased Winry that Mei had the strength to disagree and look after Al. Both of the brothers needed to be taken care of, just in different ways.

Her smile slipped as she thought of Ed. Winry sighed again, gaze traveling to the door, as though by simply staring at it, Ed would appear there. While at first he had done his best to stay by both her and Al’s sides, the military had called him for duties that he couldn’t ignore. It had been three days since she had seen him, and her heart ached at the space. ‘Soon,’ she told herself. ‘Soon you’ll be able to see him almost all the time. Be patient.’

It was hard to be patient, though. There was so much she wanted to tell him, ask him, question him- and she simply wanted to be with him. Always.

She had received a call from her grandmother, who, thankfully, had not been under the misconception that Winry was dead, like everybody else. Pinako had blistered her ears for being so reckless, and had made her swear to update her on her condition whenever she could.

Riza had come to visit once- and a very short visit at that. She had filled Winry in on what they were doing to rebuild the city- and mostly on what Ed was doing. She had also informed her that Maria Ross’s case had been straightened out, and that Scar’s case was currently being evaluated. Integral to Amestris’ victory or not, he had murdered a lot of people. Winry really wasn’t sure what she felt about that, and tried not to think about it.

She had met Ed and Al’s former teacher. Winry found Izumi to be somewhat alarming at first- but that feeling hadn’t lasted long. Soon, she found herself really warming up to the woman, liking her attitude and intelligence. She couldn’t wait to heal up so that she could learn more about her, and the part she played in Ed and Al’s lives.

Winry held back another sigh. ‘Heal up’- something else she tried not to think about. It would take so much time... That reminded her of something.

“Al?” Winry looked apologetic at interrupting his conversation. Al smiled at her, and Mei smiled as well, waving off her apology.

“Yes, Winry?”

Winry fiddled with the blanket around her hips. “Al, I’m...sorry.  I guess...it’s gonna be a while before I can make you that apple pie...” She blinked rapidly, wiping with her uninjured hand at the tears that collected there.

“Oh, Winry...” Al said. He smiled gently, eyes shining. “Don’t worry about that. I can’t wait for it! I know you’ll make it when you can. And I’ll treasure the experience.”

Winry gave a water smile. Sometimes Al could just be so sweet. “Still, I wish that there was something I could do for you, and Ed...I guess I’ll have to wait a while.” She inwardly cringed. ‘And here I thought I was done waiting. It really is all I can ever do...’

Al’s smile grew, then froze, eyes widening as he was struck with an idea. He turned his attention to Mei, who looked at him questioningly. “I think its time for me to be wheeled around...practice walking....” His look was meaningful.

“All right Al-sama,” Mei said, still eyeing him with a question in her eyes. She grabbed the wheelchair from against the wall, pushing it up against his bed.

“Al...” Winry said slowly. Al grinned toothily at her. “Sorry Winry, I have to go now! I’ll see you later!” He sat up a little shakily, slipping himself down into the chair with Mei’s help. Both smiled at her as they left the room.

Winry huffed. Al was keeping something from her! He would have to tell her soon, or else...She stared moodily out the window, trying not to pout. She listened for a moment as the sound of Al and Mei moving down the hall faded, leaving her in a slightly eerie silence. Faintly, if she strained her ears, Winry was sure she could hear the sound of gurneys rolling on the floor below, doctors rushing to respective patients...

Her heart seemed to sink into her toes. More than anything, she wanted to be out there, helping Al and all the people rebuild their lives. She wanted to talk to Ed, smile and laugh and love with him. She knew that perhaps she was being a bit impatient, but all of these feelings sat inside of her chest, threatening to explode. She wanted to cry and laugh, bury her face in a pillow and scream- anything to release it all. She wanted to not think about those whose lives she hadn’t been able to save. She wanted to build automail- and especially fix Ed’s arm.

Ed. She wanted to throw her arms around him tight, and never let go.

Winry bit her lip, a slow throbbing building in her. It was the pain of her heart, and the pain of her wounds, creating a horrible ache inside of her. She closed her eyes, trying to calm it down. Deliberately, she went over the new automail designs she had in her head, filling her mind and heart with the mental diagrams and effectively distracting her mind. Soon, she fell asleep.

A few minutes passed, and then the door opened. “Winry...?” The figure whispered.

Ed stepped into the room, finding his brother’s bed empty and Winry fast asleep. Guessing that Al was out practicing walking with Mei, he crept quietly to Winry’s bedside, staring down at her with a slight smile. His eyes drew to the many scars on her body and that smile quickly vanished. Events of that night surged in his mind.

“...I went to Resembool...”

“She’s dead Edward!”

“She drew her shoulders straight and said: Yes. Edward Elric is the person that I love.”

Ed sank into a chair, hand over his eyes. He couldn’t even begin to wrap his head around the idea...it just wasn’t possible. A heavy blush spread on his face, and Ed found himself sweating. It couldn’t be...could it?

He shook his head, trying to dispel those particular thoughts. They didn’t leave, poking at ever corner of his mind. “Aaarg...” He moaned quietly. He didn’t know what to make of the idea that Winry might...but, no that wasn’t possible...no matter how oddly happy that thought was.

No, it was more that just ‘happy’. It was something all together...more. And though Ed wouldn’t let himself think of it as a possibility...the mere thought... brought more pleasure than Ed thought he was capable of. And then the crushing...disappointment...he felt, knowing that it just wasn’t possible...

A soft murmur brought him out of his thoughts. Winry was mumbling something in her sleep, eyebrows furrowed a little.

“...please, stay...” She whispered.

Ed laughed a little. In the confines of his own mind, he admitted to himself how cute she could be. Cute, and beautiful.

“Ed...” Winry murmured, and Ed froze, eyes going wide. “Ed...please don’t...go...again...” Her voice turned into a sigh, a slight smile on her lips.

Ed sank back in his chair- face heavily flushed, mouth open. It didn’t really mean anything of course...but at the same time...

Unbidden, a tiny, wavering flame of hope flared in Ed’s chest. He didn’t really understand it. Why should her words make him hopeful...? His hands gripped the sides of the chair, until the arms threatened to snap. He stared down at her peaceful face- her golden hair fanning around her, lips parted slightly with her breathing, scars still dotting the surface of her skin...and knew that he couldn’t lie and say that he wanted her to leave his side. The thought made the flame shrink, a cold chill seeming to engulf him.

Slowly, hesitantly, He pulled off his glove, reaching with his flesh hand to brush her cheek. She moved toward his touch, her smile growing. Ed drew his fingers back, heart thudding in his ears, feelings coursing through him that he couldn’t even begin to name.

A smile spread on his face, and he stood, leaning over her. Lightly, so that the touch might as well have been a brush from eyelashes, he pressed his lips to her forehead.

“Ed...” Winry murmured, her smile curling the corners of her lips again.

Against his will, the flame of hope grew.

*(*(*(*)*)*)*

The door opened quietly, the muted sound still making her jump a little. Winry turned her head, seeing the towering form of Hohenheim standing in the doorway. He paused a little at her gaze. Then, he strode forward, until he was standing over her bed, staring down at her. Winry had to bend her head back a little to look at him. She smiled a little. “Hi,” She said.

He stared down at her, saying nothing. His glasses glinted in the light, hiding his eyes. Then, he sighed, bending down on his knees. “I am...relieved...that you are alive,” He said, voice very quiet. Winry’s smile grew.

“Have Edward or Alphonse told you anything, about what happened that night?” He asked. “After the battle was over, and before they found you. Have they told you anything?”

Winry frowned, eyebrows creasing a little. “Al told me a few things...” She said. “Like, how he and Ed thought I was dead...he said...that Ed was really...upset.” She looked up at him, as though looking for confirmation to these words.

Hohenheim nodded. “Upset is a slight understatement,” He said. He paused, and then gave her a hard look. “I told him everything, you know. I told Ed all that happened, before informing him of your death.”

Winry winced. “That must not have gone over well...” Then her eyes widened. “Everything?” She squeaked, a heavy blush on her cheeks. Hohenheim nodded. Winry’s uninjured hand came up to cover her eyes, her blush deepening.

“He was shocked,” Hohenheim said. “And he took the thought of your death very, very hard.” Hohenheim paused. “He...screamed, and cried...” He paused again. Winry had frozen, her hand still over her face. Hohenheim leaned close to her, saying in a low voice:

“I think he loves you, too.”

Winry’s head snapped up, eyes wide. She tried to choke out a response, but nothing was coherent.

Hohenheim turned his face skyward, shaking his head. “I made a big mistake. All of my life it seems...that’s what I’ve been doing. I left my family, came back too late, and hurt my children more than I thought possible- even from a monster like me.” He chuckled blackly.

His words brought Winry enough out of her daze to huff and roll her eyes. ‘He’s definitely Ed’s father all right...’

Hohenheim fixed her suddenly with an intent gaze. “I can’t fix my mistakes,” He said. “But I can do something that isn’t a mistake.” He moved closer, voice lowering. “I can heal you, Winry Rockbell.”

Winry stiffened, stifling a gasp. A voice from her memory came to her: ‘...a living philosopher’s stone.’ With difficulty, she found her voice. “Why...?”

“Because it was not fair for you to be hurt this way. Because you wish to be with my son- both of my sons. And so that I can do this one thing for my children.”

Winry bent her head a little, thinking. She bit her lip, frowning a little. She closed her eyes. The idea of human alchemy made her a little nervous...but hadn’t she just been thinking about how much she wished she were healed? How much she wanted to hold Ed tight, and make Al an apple pie? She looked up at Hohenheim, mouth set. Before she could answer, he spoke again.

“But I must tell you something that I don’t think you know. I am a ‘living philosopher’s stone’, and that means that inside of me I have the souls of hundreds of people. That is how a philosopher’s stone is made- by sacrificing human lives.” He looked at her, his face expectant.

Winry stared at him for a moment. “No.” She said finally. “I appreciate the offer, but, the idea of using human lives that way makes me feel sick...” Her hand folded in her lap. She felt horror wash through her that such a man had to exist with so many souls inside of him.

To her surprise, Hohenheim smiled. “My son said the same thing; albeit not as nicely. I’m glad you feel that way. I wish that I could still do something for you though.”

Winry thought of all he had said about wanting to help his sons, and sighed. “Just be here for Ed and Al.” She said simply, looking out at the window. “On some level, I think both of them understand what you did. But in order to make things better, you have to stay. Even if they try to push you away, stay anyway. Always be waiting on the wings. Just...be there. Be here.” She turned and smiled at him, tilting her head a little to one side.

Hohenheim stared at her for a moment; his face akin to astonishment. Then he nodded, his lips pressed together. “I won’t leave,” He vowed.

“Good.” Winry shot back.

The door opened, and Al was pushed in, surprise mirroring on both his and Mei’s face. “Father!” Al cried in delight, a wide smile spitting his face. Mei looked at Hohenheim curiously. “That is your father, Al-sama?” She questioned, looking over the tall man at Winry’s bedside.

Al nodded. “Yes, that’s my father, Hohenheim.”

Mei pushed him forward a little more, then stopped, stepping out from behind the wheelchair to make a low bow toward Hohenheim. “I am honored to meet you, Hohenheim-san.” The panda on her shoulder seemed to take in Hohenheim’s powerful looking shoulders with satisfaction, for he too, bowed.

Hohenheim looked slightly bewildered at the small panda on the girl’s shoulder. He managed a smile. “I have heard about you, Mei Chan. I’m honored to meet you as well.”

Mei’s head came up from her bow, and she smiled, dark eyes shining. A silent communication seemed to pass between them, for Hohenheim came forward, wheeling his son to his hospital bed. Mei approached Winry, her hands folded together.

“Winry-san,” She said. “During the time that we traveled together, you most likely heard that I am very proficient with human alchemy- alchemy that heals the human body. It is what the alchemy in Xing is mostly used for.” Mei grinned suddenly, coming closer. “Al-sama has requested that I use my abilities to heal as much of your injuries as I can. You are a kind person, Winry-san, and I really want to be your friend. I want to heal you.”

Winry stared at her, feeling an odd sense of déjà vu. Didn’t she just have this conversation...? But Mei was not a living philosopher’s stone...

Winry gave a crinkly-eyed smile. “We are friends, Mei. And, I would never be able to thank you enough if you healed me...Doctor Marcoh has his hands full with other patients that really need his attention...but I...I want to make apple pie for Al, like I promised. It’s a bit selfish, but...” Winry trailed off, a little embarrassed. Mei placed a hand lightly on her arm, shaking her head.

“Not at all, Winry-san,” She said solemnly.

“No, Winry,” Al said from his bed. “You’re not being selfish. And even if you were, it’s okay to be selfish sometimes.” He smiled at her. “I feel selfish now, wanting that pie so badly...” He winked at her. Winry giggled, wincing as it hurt her ribs.

Mei gave a wide smile. “Wait just a moment then. I need to get the circles ready...”

With that, she busied herself with drawing transmutation circles around the bed in what seemed to be- at least to Winry- random places. Hohenheim watched for a moment, then departed, telling Al that he would see him later. Al leaned forward a little on his bed, watching. Winry was interested too- but unlike Al, she knew little about alchemy. A sudden thought struck her, and she bit her lip, a little hesitant to ask.

“Mei...” She ventured. Mei looked up briefly to acknowledge her. “Yes, Winry-san?”

Winry sucked in a deep breath. “I know that you and Ling are in a contest for your clans...for the throne of your country. Has that been decided...?”

Mei stopped working. Her hands dropped a little. “Ling Yao is now immortal,” she whispered. “The contest has been won.”

“I thought Greed didn’t really exist in him anymore?”

Mei went back to the circles, a little crease between her eyebrows. “The homunculus is still there. The only reason is because Ling was once human. Your former president Furher Bradley used to be human too, and if not for Scar, he would have survived as well. The human ‘shell’ provided them with a shield against what killed the other homunculi when their ‘Father’ was consumed by the gate.” Mei paused. “As far as I know, Greed still exists within Ling Yao. That entity is weak, however. At this moment he merely lengthens Ling’s life. Most likely, he could be killed if he were attacked- but until then, he will live forever. If Greed gets stronger within him, he may once again become the half-homunculus that he was before.”

Winry furrowed her eyebrows. “Mei...I hope this doesn’t offend you, but...” she sighed. “I think Ling will make a good emperor. He isn’t evil, unkind, or dishonorable.”

Mei’s lips tightened a little. Then she sighed, relaxing. “I know that he is not evil, nor is he without honor. And he won the rights for being emperor- he found his path to immortality. He risked everything for it, while I did not. In that sense, he is fit to be emperor.”

“He won, Mei, but in a sense he also lost.” Al’s voice was quiet. Mei looked at him in question. Winry and Al shared a grim look.

“Immortality is not something you really want, Mei.” Winry whispered.

Mei’s eyebrows drew together. “What do you mean? You don’t know about immortality...” Her words trailed off.

“No, Mei, I don’t.” Winry paused. “But I know someone that for all intents and purposes is immortal. And I know...that it is a horrible way to live.”

“Who do you know that is immortal, Winry-san?”

Winry didn’t answer, looking over at Al, whose hands were folded in his lap. He stared at the interlocked fingers for a moment. “My father,” He said, voice very quiet. “Is a living philosopher’s stone. He is hundreds of years old. He has watched every single person he has ever loved die. He left my brother and I when we were young, so that he wouldn’t have to live without his family. In the time that he was gone, my mother died. He has found no solution, and someday, my brother and I will die too. Equivalent exchange- he has no fear of death, while everyone around him dies.” He looked up at her, his gold eyes burning. “That is the price of immortality, Mei. Living with the knowledge that everyone you know will die before you. Ling will make a good emperor- but I feel sorry for him. He gained one thing, but in the end he will loose everything else.”

Mei’s eyes were wide as she stared at him, lowering them to look at the floor. Apparently that particular thought had never come to her before. She bit her lip, glancing at both Al and Winry, and Winry knew that Mei was imagining living longer than they did- watching them die, when Mei would not. Al’s speech- while she knew that he would say those things and she agreed with them- reminded Winry of something to do with Ling. What of him and Ran Fan? She’d had a feeling that there was something between them...what would they do now, when Ran Fan would eventually get old and die?

Mei licked her lips, and nodded. She didn’t say anything for a moment, and Winry knew that she would probably spend a great deal of time thinking on the subject. Finally, Mei said: “The transmutation circles are ready, Winry-san.”

Winry nodded, closing her eyes, as all around her a blue light began to glow.

*(*(*(*)*)*)*

The crowd moved restlessly.

They stood before a stone platform, on which many military officials sat in high-backed chairs. Olivier Armstrong was prominent among them; along with General Grumman, Major Miles, Buccaneer, Hohenheim (who sat at the far end, looking in the distance), Izumi and Sig Curtis (the latter of which was seeming to be trying very hard to not strangle some of the military people), Falman (who was looking quite relieved to not have to wear a heavy winter coat), Sheska, Fuery, Breda, and Havoc, sitting in his wheelchair, cigarette poised in his mouth. There was also Maria Ross, Alex Armstrong, Ed (Who looked as if he would rather have been anywhere else, one eye trained on his still-frail brother that sat next to him) Darius, Hienckel, Jelso, Zanpano, and Riza Hawkeye, who was smiling encouragingly at Roy Mustang as he stood from his chair and faced the crowd.

He walked slowly up to the podium, arms rising to grip the sides of it. Before him, the people shifted, a few unidentifiable words stringing together and carrying over, like whispers. His eyes were dark as he stared at them, eyeing them as though memorizing every face.

“Ishvalans,” He said, raising one arm and gesturing toward the brown-skinned people sitting apart from the others. Mustang continued; “Xingans,” he said, gesturing toward the smaller group that looked at the surrounding people with no fear or hatred. “Amestrins,” He said, spreading both arms wide as though to encompass them all. He lowered his arms slowly.

“We’re all here today for a few different reasons,” His eyes continued to stare as if he saw every person before him, and was looking them in the eye. “A lot of you are here because you want to know what has happened these past few days- why the former Furher Bradley is dead, along with his son, and why over half of Central has fallen to rubble. Others are here to see me here- to see me make my first mistake, perhaps. Or so that you can see what kind of leader I really am. And others still are here to seek a fight, to render me powerless, and to somehow prove that myself and those that have aided me here are to be feared and hated above all else. And yet still others are here in a hope that from now on, better days will come.” Roy paused for a moment, then continued.

“But there is a much larger reason as to why you are all here- why even I, am here. I am here to accept the position of president, to tell you all what I see fit- but another reason compels me here- and it is a reason that each of us shares.” He waited for a moment, allowing the crowd below him to digest that. They shifted, some throwing doubtful looks, others openly shouting out accusations and denials. Roy waited until they had quieted before going on.

“We are here to honor those that we care about- both dead, and alive. But first, a bit of an explanation, which is far overdue.” A stillness settled over the crowd; and even the bustling of nature seemed to be at a standstill.

“Our leader was not human. What he was, I could not hope to explain- except that he called himself a ‘homunculus’. And he wanted to destroy this country, and all the countries of this world- and especially the humans within it. He was commanded by another man, who created him and his six ‘siblings’, for lack of a better term. They were the ‘Seven Deadly Sins’, and together, they secretly ran this country’s military. Selim Bradley was one of them. How they existed, I can’t really explain. But they sought to tear this country apart with warfare, and terrible alchemical power.” Roy paused again.

“And so, a week ago, a great battle took place, to stop these creatures. We were the victors, but as many of you know there was a terrible cost. Not just a week ago, but in all the unnecessary battles under Furher Bradley’s reign. Today, we honor the dead, and the survivors.” He paused again, clearing his throat. Stepping back and holding out his hand, he said: “We would like to honor as many as we can today. So when your name is called, please step forward.”

He waited for a moment, then spoke.

“From the military,” He said. “We honor Major General Olivier Armstrong, and the soldiers under her at Briggs. Among them is Major Miles and Buccaneer.” The three stood up- Oliver Armstrong tall and domineering, who looked to be fighting a twitch in her jaw at having to salute Mustang. Roy’s face was composed, only his eyes snapping with humor. “The Major General has played a very important part in this fight. She was able to pass us information on Furher Bradley’s doings, arming us with the necessary information so that we could defeat him. Her subordinates, Major Miles and Mr. Buccaneer, followed her orders and helped pass along the information. I honor you all.” He raised his hand in a salute to them. Olivier sat down, crossing her arms over her chest. Miles and Buccaneer made to follow.

“Major Miles,” Roy said. They stared at each other for a moment. “Thank you,” Roy finally said. “Both of you.,” He added toward Buccaneer. “I- and this country- owes you our lives.”

Buccaneer gave a curt nod and sat down. Major Miles stared at Mustang for a moment, then slid off his glasses- revealing his red eyes to everyone. A shocked gasp ran through the crowd. Miles saluted. “I thank you, President Mustang,” He said, voice low. With that, he returned to his seat. Roy gave a slight nod before speaking again.

“General Grumman,” He called, and the old man stepped forward. They saluted each other. “You exhibited courage and a great deal of strategic planning in our battle against the Furher and the homunculi. You gave us information. For your deeds, I- and all of Amestris- honors you.” He lowered his hand. General Grumman grasped it in his own, shaking it. In a whisper, he said- “Ah, if I were younger, I’d be standing where you are, sonny boy...” He winked, and Roy smirked a little as the old man returned to his seat.

He opened his mouth, calling out the next name.

*(*(*(*)*)*)*

Ed propped his chin on his auto mail hand, fighting a yawn. Sleep seemed like a foreign word. His stomach growled, and he winced. Apparently, hunger was the same. Al shot him a glance- one both amused and annoyed. Under the pretense of wiping hair from his forehead, Ed stuck his tongue out at Al, his arm covering the gesture. Al gave a very slight rolling of his eyes. A grin took over his face again, and Ed raised an eyebrow. Al was in an especially good mood...and what the hell was with those strange, sly looks Al kept shooting him!

Oh, wait; he didn’t just call my name, did he? Ed snapped up, and then let out a breath of relief when he saw Sheska walk toward Mustang, trembling all over. She looks like she’s gonna faint...

“Miss Sheska, the military honors you for your assistance with information and secrecy.” He saluted her. She saluted him back, her face whiter than the clouds rolling overhead. She stumbled to her seat, leaning her head back, sagging with relief.

Ed counted in his head how many were left to go. He was pretty sure that Lieutenant Hawkeye had been called...all of Mustang’s subordinates were being finished up...and then, of course, Ed himself would be called, along with Al, and then the civilians would be brought to attention...he sighed. It was going to be a while yet. Ed attention was drawn to Roy Mustang, who had paused in his stride of names.

“Before I go on, I would like to take a moment to honor someone else. Someone that isn’t here today.” He took a deep breath. “Some of you may remember the papers some months ago- accusing Maria Ross of murder. Now you know those accusations are false, but...as for who she was accused of killing, his death is very real.” One of Roy’s hands clenched, such a small movement that Ed was certain the crowd couldn’t see it.

“Maes Hughes figured it all out. Everything- the truth about the president, and all the secrets surrounding the military. Including the reason for the war in Ishval, and the extermination which then took place on its people. He has already been given a funeral, and an increased rank in his death. But I want to say that this country, and all of us, owes him our lives. And I-” he paused, and if Ed didn’t know any better, he would’ve thought that Mustang was loosing control of himself. “I, will remember and honor him, always.” Another pause. “He left behind a child and a wife. And it is in them, and his descendants, that he will forever be alive.” Roy raised his hand, and saluted toward the sky.

“Maes Hughes,” He said. “I honor you.” He lowered his hand slowly, then half-turned toward Ed and Al, his usual expression back.

“Next, I honor Edward and Alphonse Elric- the FullMetal alchemist and his brother.” Ed stood up, one hand supporting Al, walking him forward until they stood before Mustang. They saluted each other.

“These two have shown great courage, and fought many battles. They lost much, but in the end, they have also gained. All of us, have gained, because of them. We could not have defeated the homunculi without them.” Roy inclined his head a little, eyes completely serious. Then he smirked. “Hard to believe as that may be,” He whispered to them. Ed gave a slight scowl, attempting to lead Al back to their seats. Al waved him oof, and made a few slightly wobbling steps closer to Mustang, whispering in his ear.

Roy’s eyes widened for a moment. “I see,” he said. “Thank you.” He drew back, and- though Ed couldn’t be sure- it looked like he was struggling to not smile. His eyes focused on both of them as Al drew back- the sly look he kept shooting Ed on his face.

“I honor both of you,” Mustang said, his expression solemn once more.

Ed gave the barest of a nod, dragging Al back to their seats.

“Now, these next people are not a part of the military. But all the same, they have put their lives on the line to work with us, and save this country.”

Ed found himself clenching his own fists as his father was called up. Ed’s teeth gritted together. His anger toward his father had only increased as of late. Everything Hohenheim had said that day, when Ed had thought Winry’d...Ed shook his head. He didn’t like to think about that time, that possibility. He’d been ready to kill his father- kill, when killing was one of the things Ed had all but sworn not to do.

And, damn it, he do it again. If Winry really had died...

Ed closed his eyes as his father walked back to his seat. He tried to focus on something else- anything, else. Following a part of his previous thought process, he found his mind trailing off to Winry, sitting in her hospital room, maybe watching from the window.

By the time Izumi and Sig were making their way toward Mustang, Ed’s mind was far away from the crowd and everyone around him.

In his mind, he sat with Winry. He spoke with her, and they laughed. She smiled, and leaned toward him, mouth forming those words- those wonderful, dangerous, needed, words: “Ed, I lo-”

Al nudged him, effectively pushing Ed’s fantasy out of his mind. Ed glared at his brother, both embarrassed and angry. Why did Al have to do that? And why was Ed thinking about that sort of thing in the first place?

But the reason for Al’s nudge became apparent.

“Lastly,” Mustang was saying, “We honor Winry Rockbell, who, at great personal risk, evacuated many people from this city, knowing of the danger they would face otherwise.” He spread his arm toward the left side of the platform, and Ed turned his head, shock at what he saw making his mouth go slack, eyes wide.

Winry strode up the stairs of the platform, walking toward Mustang, her eyes on Ed. “Thank you,” She said, and her voice rang clear throughout all of the crowd, sounding in Ed’s ears like a longed-for sound, a sound he hadn’t heard in far too long.

She turned toward him and Al, her eyes crinkling at the edges as she smiled. Scars still dotted her arms, and a thin one lay on her face- but she was healed. Whole.

Her fingers threaded through his. When had he stood up? Ed wasn’t sure. But he couldn’t stop staring at her, almost unable to believe it. His brain- which had momentarily stopped functioning when she had appeared- said that it was logical; Doctor Marcoh, or Mei could’ve healed her...

Winry pulled him down into his seat, her hand gripped in his automail one as she stood next to him, the seat beside him filled. “Winry...” He whispered, looking up at her. She smiled down at him, her head tilting a little. “It’s fine.”

But a hand nudged her, and she looked over to see Riza Hawkeye, her crimson eyes alight, standing up and offering Winry her seat.

“There are so many people that have suffered because of what this military did under Furher Bradley’s command...” Mustang’s voice seemed to float over to them.

“Take it, Winry,” Riza said, her voice soft. “You must be tired. You haven’t been healed long.”

“But, with allies in Xing, led by emperor Ling Yao- who, along with his bodyguards was an important part of our victory- and Mei Chan, an Alchemist with amazing abilities, we can begin to change all that.”

Winry stared at Riza for a moment, then smiled, sitting down. “Thank you,” she said.

“We also need another ally- that of the Ishvalans. We have wronged you- all of you. I murdered people in Ishval under Furher Bradley’s command, but that does not excuse what we have done. People of Ishval, Amestris needs you. All countries need you. We must all work together, or nothing will ever change.”

Riza stood beside them now, staring at Roy with a small smile on her face. Ed stared at Winry, and her hand in his.

“All of us here have lost much. We’ve lost homes, dreams, and families. My best friend was murdered. People in Ishval were slaughtered. People of Xing were thrown into disarray. People died, for no reason. I can’t promise that people won’t die in the future, or that we won’t have to enter a war, but...”

She was really here. Ed somehow couldn’t believe it. Winry and Al sat beside him- alive.

“...I can promise that things will change for the better. We need to remember what we have lost- hold it in our hearts, so we don’t ever forget. Not so that we’re dragged down by them, but so that we can remember why we must live, and why things must change. We need to walk forward, though the road ahead is hard. We must stand up and start out today.”

Ed couldn’t believe that the two people he cared about most in the world were beside him, and would stay beside him. Ed turned his head, looking at Al, and then Winry.

“I say ‘we’ because all of us have to be a part of this change. Whether you are Amestrian, Ishvalan, or Xingese- we must all work together, to change.”

Winry turned to look at him, her wide, beautiful eyes sparkling. She tilted her head to one side, smiling.

“...and with everyone’s help, we will pull through.”

It started slow at first- the last echoes of Mustang’s speech fading before it really started. But once it started, it couldn’t seem to stop. It grew, louder and louder until the whole world seemed to be screaming it’s approval. Riza walked forward, and in front of everyone, Roy clasped her hand.

Mei came over from where the Xingian people had been sitting, taking Al’s hand. “We’ll do it together, won’t we, Al-sama?” Al smiled at her, giving her a hug. “We will,” He vowed. “Absolutely.”

Ed smiled at Winry, and she threw her arms around his neck. “I missed you,” She whispered, her breath tickling his neck. Ed swallowed deeply, blushing madly as he knew she would be too. Slowly, he wrapped his arms around her.

“Yeah,” He said, pressing his face gently into her hair. “I’ve missed you too.”

Neither said the words that really came to their minds. But that was alright. The words could be said another day- for now, they had another day. Ed and Winry and Al and Mei and Roy and Riza and everyone-

Together.

*(*(*(*)*)*)*

In the shadows, he sat, his grin stretching wide. He cracked his knuckles together, biding his time.

He turned, walking away from the cheering scene, laughing to himself, imagining when the cheering and screaming of joy would turn to that of horror.

“Oh, what a lovely sound that will be...” He murmured.

Soon, he would strike.
Chapter Seven of When Waiting is Done. As always, the one on ff.net is better formatted.

*Spoilers for the chapter*

In regards to Winry not accepting Hohenheim's help, well, I suppose it's fairly self-explanitory. In the original version of this, I actually DID have him heal her, and then tell her afterward. Then there was a lot of angsting on Winry's part. I changed it to this because I don't think Hohenheim would not tell Winry something like that. Oh, and Roy's speech, part of it is based off of a speech given in Final Fantasy X. Only two lines, and even then I changed them up a bit.

It's weird, reading over these again. Looking back, there's so much I would have added/changed...ah well. I still like it. :D

Enjoy, and please comment!

FMA belongs to Hiromu Arakawa.
© 2009 - 2024 flower-in-the-light
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AlexisAthene's avatar
Ehh.. it's VERY long.. Sorry but I don't know that I can read it.