Every day was the same here. The sun always shone high above the village of Norshore, gracing our skin with its warmth. A nice breeze was always frequent. The days never got too warm or too chilly. The lake water always seemed to be the perfect temperature also. Every day was a perfect day.

"How boring." I thought aloud, "Doesn't anything ever change here?"

With his fishing stick, Damien whacked me in the head, "Quit complaining. It's a nice day."

I rubbed my head, "When isn't it a nice day?" I sighed, "Catch me a big fish so I can smack you with it."

He gave a big snort, casting his line into the water, and took a seat next to me. Our legs dangled in the water. If we stayed still long enough, we would be able to feel the baby fish nibble on our toes.

There was no doubt that the village was beautiful. We were mostly known for farming and our plentiful fishing ground. There was also a small cliff that over looked the lake that was real pretty during the sunset.

"How's your mom?" he asked, breaking the comfortable silence.

I gently lay down on the ground, and replied; "The Doctor doesn't really understand what's wrong with her. Just that he knows she'll get sicker."

He reeled in his line, but it was empty. Back in it went.

"She'll be fine!" he comforted, "He's a doctor. He'll figure it out."

I didn't feel like talking about it.

"I'm visiting my aunt in Central again!" I piped up.

"Hmhmm." He mumbled.

"You don't like it just because it was a disaster last time." I taunted.

"Well what kind of jerk cons a 14 year old?!" he fumed. It was as if I could see smoke coming out of his ears.

I laughed out loud, "Only a dingus falls for it!"

'I guess I wouldn't mind a boring place like this.' I thought, 'Being here isn't so bad. As long as I have my best friend.'


By the time I made it back home it was before sunset. Once I stepped inside, I kicked my boots off to the side and rushed to the kitchen.

"You're late." My father scolded from his chair, arms folded.

I took my place at the table, and tried to explain, "Sorry, but Damien got lucky and caught three fish! Then he fell in and lost his shoe. We had to fish it out."

I ripped off a piece of bread, stuffing it into my mouth.

My mother sighed, "Honey, you know we need to say grace."

"Right. Sorry." I apologized again, intertwining my fingers.

My parent's believed in some sort of higher power, but I wasn't sure if I did. It was hard to believe that there were so many different beliefs out there. No one was sure what was true. We were always told that if you were a good person, then good things would happen. Well my mother was a good person. She had always given out a helping hand. But here she was, getting weaker and weaker. She didn't even have the strength to stand up anymore. She needed the help of a wheelchair. Why would this higher power allow a sweet woman to cough up blood? Then there was the Ishbalan War that was years ago. Innocent people died. What kind of higher power allowed that?

Then there was alchemy. That was closet thing that I had ever witnessed that could even be proven that there could be a God. Except it was we humans achieving it and it was still to be proven by science. Equivalent Exchange.

I know that as humans we are supposed to figure this out ourselves, but we keep making mistakes. It was all so confusing.

'I'm only 12. Why am I thinking of this?'

My mother's voice brought me out of my thoughts, "Rei, aren't you going to eat?"

I nodded, "Yeah. Just thinking."

I tore into the meat, shoveled down the corn and bread, and gulped down the milk.

'But if the belief in something gives up. And hope is what keeps us going.'


After saying our goodnights, I went into my bedroom and began to pack. I would only be there for a week so I didn't need to pack much. It wasn't that I was a city girl, but I did enjoy exploring around a new place. My parents had noticed that I was becoming restless and unhappy. They decided to set it up with my aunt who lived in Central to let me be able to visit once in a while. The last time I had gone was with Damien, who hated it, while I loved it. It might've been the novelty of the place though.

The one exciting thing I did love was being able to work in my aunt's restaurant. It helped me enhance my cooking and skills and also provided me with some extra cash. The one thing I did not like about a big city was that I was always being mistaken for a boy. In a village like this, we all know each other. Over there hardly anyone does.

I walked over to the mirror to inspect myself. What stared back at me was a girl with black, choppy hair just above the shoulders with green eyes that wore a loose red shirt and beige cargo shorts. Running my fingers through my hair, I struck different casual poses hoping that each one would give off the vibe of a girl. Unfortunately, the only thing I had going for me was that I had a feminine face.

It wasn't that I was a tomboy, but dressing this way was more comfortable. That's one of the problems of having a guy friend 24/7. I had other girl friends I some times talk to, but they don't like venturing out as much as I do. That's why Damien and I got along so well.

'I'll get used to it.'

I decided to leave extra room in my bag just in case I decided to buy some more cookbooks or fictional ones. After that, I changed into my sleepwear and dozed right off.

"Rei, wake up!" Mom called from bellow the stairs, "You'll miss your train!"

My eyes flew wide open. In my haste to jump out of bed, I only managed to tangle myself up and fall straight to the floor. I immediately changed into clean clothes as I brushed my teeth.

'I can't believe I woke up so late! I still need to make breakfast!'

Once finished, I sprinted down the stairs and threw my bag right by the door. I went into the kitchen and began heating up the frying pan. Mom was already in their pouring glasses of milk for the both of us. Dad was always had an early breakfast so lucky for me I didn't have to worry about his food.

"Hun, don't worry about it," she started, "I can make breakfast."

Shaking my head 'no', I replied, "I won't be seeing you for a week. I want to cook. It won't take long."

In 10 minutes I had cooked us a two egg breakfast with bacon and toast. It wasn't my best but it was the only thing I could make in such a short amount of time. She proceeded to cut into her eggs delicately as I began to shovel down my food. When I was done I gave my mom a big hug and a quick kiss.

"I have to go. I love you!"

I sprinted to the door with my bag over my shoulder and hopped onto my bike. It was a good thing I was no stranger to a good work out. Damien and I frequently helped out my dad and his farmhand with work. The train station was about a 5-mile trek and I had about 30 minutes till the train departed.

Even though I started off my morning late, I was able to make it to the station on time. The train had just pulled into the station. There was usually a ten-minute delay before it departed. I decided to take this chance to catch my breath on a nearby breath. I carefully hid my bike in between some bushes behind the station. I sat comfortable for about 30 seconds before I felt a slap on my back.

I quickly stood up to take a swing at the boy who did it but he was one step ahead of me. Damien put me in a headlock and began to give me a noogie.

"You jerk! Let go!" I seethed.

"I almost didn't recognize you. You look just like a boy!" He laughed loudly.

I socked him in the stomach, and pulled away when he released his grip, "A stronger boy than you."

Then I noticed he was looking a little ways behind me. There stood a 6-foot tall man in armor. Next to him was a short blonde boy with a red coat who was on the phone. How odd! For someone to wear armor out and about when there was no danger around? He must've really liked it.

"Definitely not stronger than him," he whispered, "I could probably take the short one though."

I giggled, "You duntz."

The train then gave its final warning. I waved my goodbye to Damien and boarded the train. I watched from the window, as Damien made sure my bike was well hidden, then hop onto his bike and ride off.

'This is going to be a good trip.' I smiled, lying down comfortably on the seat.