Wrote this on notepaper instead of doing it on the computer. Sorry if it's a little more angst then usual, I was watching American Idol.

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Is that what people thought when they would capture a glimpse of the sun streaked hair and eyes of the young Edward Elric?

"Where did it go wrong. When did it collapse?"

Spectators among busy streets, fellow dogs of the military, teachers and acquaintances, Pinako and Al…

… Winry …

He had rebelled against life, death, and fate, the base rules of the universe and alchemy itself.

Rumors had spread until a point where nobody would believe he was risking everything to take it all back.

Whenever they looked at him, did they see pain, regret, ignorance, or just a juvenile kid unable to see past the children's kitty slide?

Did they see the sorrow and determination so deep that it burned the flesh of his soul?

A reflection of light in those steadfast eyes had changed lives. He could not ignore that. He had his brother, colonel, a mechanic, and somewhere, a home to protect.

And he wasn't ready to give up yet.